The Tale of Mutt Tails - What Your Dog's Tail Tells About Their Roots

Even though everyone says "Oh, they're just a mutt." you know you have the best dog in the world. Let's face it; you are a tad curious about just what breeds co-mingled, to come up with your unique canine companion. A good place to start is at the end... the tail end.

Most, not all dogs have tails. Some breeds such as Australian Shepherds and Pembroke Welsh Corgis are born with nubby, little flaps of fatty tissue, where their tail should be happily waving.

Most experienced dog owners know their tail tell you a lot about your dog's mood. Tails held high are usually a sign of an aware, alert dog. Tails tucked low and between their legs, usually indicates a frightened, nervous dog. Bristled tails are normally a sign a dog is on the defense.

Some behaviorists even believe how a dog wags their tail from left to right or vice-verse indicates their familiarity to what they are meeting or greeting. Left to right, means a stranger. Right to left, means they recognize you.

The setting, shape and size of your dog's tail are markers of your mutt's rather intriguing gene pool. Combinations make it even more fascinating. On position is known as high set, where the tail appears to be a natural extension of the dog's back or topline. The other, is low set, where the tail appears to begin below the topline. Terriers, Beagles or Foxhounds, like many dogs that hunt in packs, have a high set tail. Sight hounds, such as Greyhounds, Whippets, and Afghan Hounds have low set tails, which start lower than the topline.

The length and shape of your dog's tail will give you a hint of their ancestry. Tails come long, medium, short and bobbed. They are categorized as straight, screw/curled, gay, saber, taper, whip, plum, otter, brush, sickle, snap, carrot, and tuft.
Here are a few interesting clues which you may find helpful, when doing detective work on your mutt's diverse pedigrees.

Northern cold weather breeds such as the Akita, Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Spitz, Shiba Inu, Keeshond, American Eskimo Dog, Swedish and Finish Lapphunds, and Chow-Chow to name a few, have tails that normally are brushed, sickle shaped and curl forward. This is helpful, in keeping their face, especially their nose warm, as they curl up into a big C, to retain as much body heat as possible when sleeping. Oddly enough, Chihuahuas also have a sickle shaped tail.

Otter tails work like rudders for water dogs such as Labrador Retrievers and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and other Sport class dogs. Their tails are as a rule thick, medium to short in relation to body size, heavily furred and taper to a blunt tip. This style of tail is very helpful for these swimmers.

Does your mutt have a carrot tail? That would be identified as fairly short, thicker at the base and tapering to a stumpy tip? If so, odds are that tail was designed to be grabbed by a farmer, to pull the dog out of vermin holes. If your dog's tail is carrot shaped, chances are somewhere in their gene pool is a West Highland Terrier or two.

If your mutt has a tufted tail, there is a likelihood it's got some Poodle in it! Poodle tails are set high on their back, straight and well furred... with a tuft on the end!

Snap tails are also common with Northern breeds and colder climates. You'll find mutts with Alaskan Malamute, American Eskimo Dog and even little Pomeranian ancestors commonly share this shaped tail.

The regal sword tail is generally associated to Great Danes, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, American Staffordshire Terriers, and many types of Pointers.

That little nub of fatty tissue on your favorite mutt is also known as a bob tail. It is naturally found on Old English Sheepdogs, Pembroke Welsh Corgis and some Australian Shepherds.

The gay tail is one held horizontally, thick, with a slight curve and has a small, usually white tuft at the tip. It is found on Beagles, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Border Collies and Wire Fox Terriers.

Certain Herding breeds, such as German Shepherds, Collies, Belgian Malinois, Belgian Tervurens carry obvious saber shaped tails. They are long and held low. Those impish Cardigan Welsh Corgis also wear their tails low.

Your mutt may carry a gene or two of some kind of Terrier, such as Manchester, Border or Airedale if their tail is tapered. They are normally thicker at the base, set high on the back and are held straight up or out. Dachshunds also fit in this tail category, as well as Dalmatians and English Setters.

Corkscrew or curled tails are found on Bulldogs and Pugs.

Is your mutt's tail low set, whip shaped with a slight curve? They could be Whippet, Wolfhound or Ibizan Hound.

A high set tail, sort of a natural extension of your mutt's body, could be a hint to a Scent Hound ancestry. Perhaps your dog has a touch of Beagle, Fox Hound or even Airedale.

Special Report: Puppy Buying Dilemma, Pet Shop Or Breeder?

Experienced dog owners know that buying a puppy from a breeder has its advantages over buying a puppy from a pet store. Though there may be advantages to buying from breeders, some prospective buyers are turned off by the many choices and variables involved in selecting a good breeder, so they end up turning to pet stores and buying their new dog at retail.

We put together a concise article on the advantages and potential hurdles you might face when determining if you will buy your puppy from a pet store or breeder.

Life Behind Bars, The Pet Shop Way

What picture comes into your mind when you think of a pet store? Often, it is the vision of puppies for sale in tiny cages stacked on top of each other on display for a slow flow of customers browsing at animals that are often unhealthy and sold at premium prices.

These puppies often come home full of worms, sick, sniggling and most likely haven't received any vaccinations yet. Typically pets are purchases AS IS, meaning if that puppy is genetically diseased, you will not only be footing a large medical bill, you will also have no recourse if the poor thing meets an untimely premature end. All this at a price that could purchase a breeding quality or potentially a champion bloodline animal from a breeder.

Couple this with the AS IS mentality that, once you leave the pet store, you are on your own taking care of your new pet. There is often no one to call in case you have concerns about the care of feeding of your new puppy. Pet shop employees are rarely experts on a specific breed, let alone the amount of breeds carried throughout the year.

There is a positive side to pet shops. They do have a large variety of available puppies for sale and allow you to take the puppy home the day you visit. They also carry an excellent array of pet accessories that a new pet owner must hoard to pamper their precious new pet. You'll also receive pedigree paperwork on site without a long waiting period, but let's weigh the differences with a breeder to see if the risk is worth it.

Differences in Breeders

Now that we have gone over the positives and negatives of Pet Stores, let's review some of the positive and negatives of breeders. After all, not all breeders are created equally. We must make a distinction between professional breeders, both large and small, and 'backyard' breeders of 'puppy mills.

Professional breeders know their breeds. They look for complimentary animals to breed and understand the genetics of the breed or breeds that they focus on. These breeders are often either involved in the show circuit or knowledgeable about it, spending time and money to make certain that dogs they breed are an excellent representation of conformity.

On the other hand, a backyard breeder does not maintain these strict standards of breed improvement responsibility. Rather, they will breed any purebred dog for the simple thought of making a dollar. Though these puppies are often cheaper than a professional breeders, they often end up with the same genetic and health concerns that we mentioned regarding pet store animals. These puppies can also grow up with temperaments that are not common within their breed due to inept breeding standards.

If your breeder is selling puppies that do not appear healthy, do not come with their shots, are being sold before 8 weeks of age or are not sold with papers, you would be better off continuing your search elsewhere as the long term cost associated with caring for a sick animal or one with hip dysplasia can be much higher both financially and emotionally than the up front cost of a quality pet.

Though not all dogs sold by professional breeders will be champions, they will be generally healthier, have good temperaments and will conform to standards set by the AKC. The cost of puppies are associated with the quality of the puppy. This is typically classified as pet quality, breeding or show quality. Be wary however when buying show quality as it is difficult to predict the adult show potential as a puppy.

Professional breeders will always hold the puppy until after 8 weeks of age. They typically give recommended scheduled vaccinations. A quality and reputable breeder will also send their puppy for a health check as well as having the veterinarian check for certain genetic faults that are common in certain breeds.

Difficulties of Buying From a Professional Breeder

Though buying from a professional breeder typically ends in a happier pet experience, there are often other problems associated with the buying experience. The breeders often live outside of the local area, so it may be too far to visit the puppy in person. In many cases, the puppy is shipped sight unseen.

If you are looking for a puppy right away, buying from a breeder may be a frustrating experience. Many breeders pre-sell their puppies prior to birth, causing a long delay before the puppy arrives. It's also often hard to get in contact with these breeders as their contact information is sometimes hard to find.

The breeder also has to have what you're looking for. If you have a certain color, sex, and quality in mind and the breeder does not have an available puppy, you may be put on a list to wait for a potential puppy meeting your standards from a future litter. Also, when buying from a breeder, be prepared to keep in touch and receive calls and letters from a breeder who wants to get updates on the puppy as he or she grows.

Breeder or Pet Store, It's Your Choice

Whether you shop at a pet store or from a purebred breeder is your choice. We hope that this article helps you keep in mind the things that you should look out for when buying a purebred puppy from either.

Dog Behavior Problems - Have You Ever Considered This Simple Fact?

Your dog's behavior shows you what you think about yourself!

This may sound far fetched but it is a simple fact that the thoughts we hold true about ourselves show up in the behavior of those surrounding us as well as in the conditions we find ourselves in.

Our thoughts and emotions cause our actions as well as our expectations. Not only that, our thoughts and expectations also shape our perception.

The thoughts which influence the behavior of our dogs are usually subconscious. We are not aware of them most of the time and if we are we don't connect them to our dogs behavior.

Here is what I mean:

Not long ago I met a woman who was dragged along by a very naughty German Shepherd male. As soon as she saw me and my Golden Retriever she walked off the path to make sure her dog would not attack my dog.

When I asked her about it she told me that her dog always tried to bite other males which caused her to feel helpless and ashamed. She had been told by others that her own fear was causing her dog to behave like this but made it quite clear that the behavior had been there before she had developed the fear of meeting other dogs. Now of course she was frightened of any encounter because she knew there was trouble in store!

After I had explained to her that often seemingly unrelated beliefs we hold true about ourselves cause our dog to answer in a certain way I asked her this very important question:

Could it be that you believe that nobody does what you want and that your wishes don't come true? And do you also see yourself in a position where others are running your life?

She immediately agreed!

So now she could understand how her dog's bad behavior fitted in with her thoughts about herself. Since she was expecting things to go wrong in her life she had allowed her dogs behavior to "go wrong" too. The way her dog behaved was running part of her life since it meant that she could not chat with other dog owners or even make friends with them and go for walks together.

In the end it was not her fear that caused her dog to be vicious but her conviction that she herself was helpless and unable to make her life the way she wanted it.

To find the real cause for dog behavior problems takes some detective work since dogs express themselves in many different ways and the connection between our thoughts and the problematic canine behavior is seldom seen at first glance as this case illustrates.

Here is the tip:

If and when your dog develops bad dog behavior, don't blame it on him but ask yourself which of your favourite negative thoughts about yourself are being supported by him behaving like this. This gives you a chance to treat the cause instead of the symptoms.

Diarrhea in Dogs - Consider These Three Reasons

Every dog experiences the occasional diarrhea when he or she has eaten something he shouldn't have done. Getting rid of something bad fast is one of the bodies safety mechanisms.

Not all diarrhea is a sign of something seriously wrong but when it becomes chronic you do need to take it seriously and find the cause fast. For one thing diarrhea drains your dog's body of the water and minerals it needs as well as causing undernourishment in the long run.

Over the years I have had three cases of chronic diarrhea with my Golden Retrievers which I would like to share with you here.

Case One: Henry

Henry had the runs almost right from scratch. What ever we fed him - it was bound to come back out fast. There was no regularity found in this. A few hours after his meal the poor chap would have to run.

We tried him on all sorts of homeopathic treatments as well as medications we got from his vet - no improvement.

We tried different kinds of food - no improvement.

Finally one of the vets we consulted did a test for pancreatic insufficiency and found the answer to our problem.

With his pancreas insufficiency treated Henry's motions became the way they should have been all along.

Needless to say that we were very happy about this. Over the years he somehow managed to outgrow his problem so that we could feed him on a steady diet of tripe, raw meat and the occasional biscuit. He didn't need his tablets any more to be sound and fit.

Case Two: Sebastian.

As a youngster Sebastian was healthy and fit, no problems with his digestion other than the occasional runs after eating something bad.

Then, well into his third year, he started the need to go out at night. Assuming this had something to do with his food I changed his diet which seemed to work.

Not long after the same thing happened again Additionally he had developed an eye infection. Not knowing how the two could be related I treated both with different homeopathic potions which seemed to improve matters.

But the diarrhea came back - more aggressive than ever.

No change of diet, no antibiotics, nothing helped my poor dog.

Then one day my mothers partner took Sebastian along to his own vet who tested him for Canine Anaplasmosis - a tic borne disease hard to suspect and even harder to treat. The bug killed many dogs and it would have killed my Sebastian as well - had it not been for the vet who had just developed an interest in strange and then uncommon diseases.

This killer bug was responsible for his diarrhea. He had to take a long course of special antibiotics - but since then, the runs are few and far between.

Case three: Sunshine

This young fellow showed signs of diarrhea plus vomiting from a very early age. As the runs became more frequent I had him checked for the mentioned problems but luckily he was free from both of them.

Left with the question what to do next my vet insisted that I should give him a trial of one kind of meat and one carbohydrate source for eight weeks. Since this didn't sound good to me I asked for a complete allergy check to be done by a lab. Three days later we knew what was wrong:

Sunshine is allergic to beef and all cow products as well as each and every single carbohydrate source - including rice and potatoes!

He may eat venison, poultry, fish as well as lamb and mutton.

Now that I keep him on a strict diet of meat plus bananas, eggs, apples and vegetables he is doing well. Sunshine has put on weight, looking better than ever before.

Three dogs - three completely different reasons for the runs. Sometimes you need to be a bit like Sherlock Holmes to find the right cause but with the help of a good vet and some common sense you should be able to finally solve the mystery.

Canine Glaucoma - Causes and Natural Solutions

Canine glaucoma is a slowly progressive problem. It can lead to blindness.

In glaucoma the retina of the eye is affected. It is also affected in a similar condition known as retinal atrophy.

The symptoms of retinal atrophy is reduced night vision, followed by the same during daylight. The pupils are dilated. Cataracts may develop. Close vision may be more difficult than distant vision.

Retinal atrophy is more prevalent in some breeds.

Canine glaucoma is when the retina and optic nerve are damaged by an increase in the intraocular (within the eye) pressure. This pressure increases because the vitreous humour (the fluid in the eyeball) builds up.

Often glaucoma is secondary to other eye problems, such as uveitis. Uveitis is the inflammation of the uvea, which consists of the iris, the ciliary body and the choroid. Uveitis can be a sequel to a wound to the eye, an extension of a corneal ulcer or is a genetic propensity.

Acute uveitis does not lead to glaucoma, but the chronic form can, because there is a disturbance in the circulation.

It is always helpful to known how a health issue develops, what the main causes are and what the best treatment is. But what can be far more helpful is to look at the problem at an energetic level. You can do this simply by asking yourself what the outcome of the untreated problem would be.

Glaucoma can lead to blindness. Energetically this means your dog is much more vulnerable and can't see forward in life. Other senses develop more sensitivity, such as hearing and awareness.

In the wild, a blind dog would not survive. This means, that by natural selection, any susceptibility would have been bred out long, long ago. The logical conclusion seems to point to what mankind has done to the domestic dog's health.

Unhealthy breeding must be one of the top causes of any natural disturbance to canine health. You can work out if the breed is a healthy one by whether they would be able to survive, as a new breed, in the wild.

A pug may not be able to, because the very short nose would make it difficult to grasp and eat prey. The short legs may hamper the speed necessary to track down prey. The dachshund is very vulnerable with their long, weak back. And so on.

Aside from the breeding, humanity has contributed significantly to the deterioration of canine health. Vaccination generation after generation has had a significant impact on the health of dogs. One of the more serious side effects of vaccination is the disturbance to the nervous system. The eye is rich in nerves.

Poor nutrition affects every part of a body, whether it is from too much of the wrong kind of food or not enough of the right kind.

Whilst you can't do anything about the breed of your dog, you can do something about the health care and the diet. It's never too late to start to improve things, whatever the age of your dog, whatever your age is. By making some simple changes, you may prevent canine glaucoma from happening in your dog.

If your dog already suffers with canine glaucoma, you may be able to prevent it worsening. And reduce any veterinary medication.

The healthiest diet is a quality, natural one. The healthiest form of health care is a natural one, which supports the action of the body's best efforts. Homeopathy probably offers the deepest action and the widest scope and ability in treating every condition, every disease.

Click on the link below for more on the natural health care of dogs.

French Bulldogs - The Smallness of This Breeds Underplays It's Largess

French Bulldogs happen to be a family favorite in our home. Granted, before the kids, we had larger a larger bully, an American Bulldog, but now that we have children, we wanted a dog that didn't need as much room and couldn't trample our two young boys. One night we came home a little late and found our neighbors Frenchie, Peugeot, running around by our yard, so we took him in for the night. Needless to say, our boys fell in love with the little black dog with 'Batman' ears and we knew we this would be our next dog.

The French Bulldog is a small dog that has an average weight of about 19 to up to 28 pounds and about 12 inches long. Their coat is typically brindle, fawn and white or sometimes black with a smooth short hair.

Frenchies, as they are often referred to, are an affectionate and loving breed with infectious high spirits. This compact little dog is makes a wonderful family pet. Always ready for a game and never does anything half-heartedly, though not as 'wired' as some other smaller breeds. Frenchies loves human company and must be included as part of the family if they are to thrive and his sparkling personality is to develop. The French Bulldog is generally a very quiet dog rarely barking without good cause, instead watching, studying and waiting for a chance to make a connection.

French Bulldogs have a courageous nature and may attempt to defend his territory if provoked, though this can all depend on how socialized they are in their youth. Intelligent, brave, devoted dog that has short bursts of high energy activity with longer periods of relaxation on your lap or the sofa.

French Bulldogs require regular coat brushing and you should be careful to clean their facial wrinkles of debris from food or the yard as this can sometimes cause discomfort. French Bulldogs don't tend to fair well in hot, humid weather, and overheating should be avoided in order to prevent heat stroke, though 'Peugeot' mentioned above was outside often in the Florida sun and was the friendliest and happiest looking dog you could ever imagine. Frenchies do not require a great amount of exercise, however many do have quite high energy levels and require long runs and playtime.

To sum it up, if you are looking for a small breed of dog that has a great family attitude, quirky personality and an ever so cute face, a French Bulldog is a great way to go and my personally recommendation, though I may be slightly partial.

Winter Care Priorities That Will Keep Your Dog Safe

Winter will be upon us shortly and preparing your pooch for the colder months should be a top priority. Winter comes with its own set of specific challenges for your canine and we will need to do a bit more in preparation to guarantee your pets safety. The list below is the most common problems relating to health that can happen during the colder months and what dog owners can do to minimize potential dangers.

1. Pay close attention the paws of your dog. During the peak of winter, your canine's paws can become very sensitive and can require attention. The dryer air and cold temperatures can wreak havoc on this area of your dog. Consider investing in dog boots or attempt to apply lotion to keep the paws moisturized. An additional area of concern can be rock salt and chemicals used in ice melting products on roads and sidewalks. Make sure to wipe off and clean your dog's paws after a walk outdoors to make sure your pet does not ingest any chemicals or ice melting material.

2. Grooming is a must. Regardless of hair length, short or long, your dog's coat is for protection from the elements. So keeping diligent in the care of your canines coat should is important. Regular brushing should be a commitment and removing any mats or tangles that cause poor insulation will go a long way. Though it may seem silly, investing in a doggy sweater can also help provide warmth while you on a walk or playing in the yard.

3. Keep tabs on vet appointments. The same way humans can be exposed to common colds and illness during the colder months, your dog can also come down with one as well. Making regular vet visits, even during the dead of winter, should be a priority. This will provide better insight into your dog's current health and you can learn how to help improve on areas you may not have thought about.

The final area of concern is protecting your dog once he comes inside from an outdoor activity. If he or she has been playing in snow or rain, make sure to blow-dry or towel them upon their return indoors. This can be very important to preventing colds and will ensure your dog remains healthy throughout the winter. By keeping the above in mind, and a few other's from your vet, your dog should remain happy and healthy.

How To Feed Your Pitbull Dog Properly

The Pitbull dogs, like other dogs of a large breed, have to be fed very properly. If you do not feed the dog properly, it will grow out to be weak and scrawny and a very balanced diet, with all the nutrition in place, is needed for a Pitbull dog to grow and develop muscle in its body. As this breed of dogs is large and bulky, it needs more nutrition to thrive, compared to other breeds. Also, these dogs, right from the time they are puppies, are much more active than other dogs and need to be fed in a systematic manner. Also, if you over-feed the puppy, it might grow quickly and in an unbalanced manner and might face acute health problems later. This is the reason why a Pitbull puppy needs to be fed a well-planned and a balanced diet. Here are a few tips that you must follow when making the diet plan for your Pitbull dog.

The first thing you need to do, to get the feeding system right, is to stop free feeding. Feeding them at any time of the day causes problems as the puppy can show growth spurts and later face health problems. Also, if you stop free feeding, there is no chance of the puppy eating after the exercise as it is harmful. When you start taking out the puppy for exercise, make sure that the food intake remains the same and the exercise is gradually increased. Remember, starting exercise doesn't mean you reduce or increase the usual intake of the dog. However, increasing exercise gradually is a good idea.

Stock up on food that will be good for your puppy. The food packets or products that have a high protein value and meat as its highest content is the best option. Avoid buying cheap brands as they might save you some money but can be bad for the health of your dog. This is because the nutrients present in these economy brands are inadequate for your puppy's growth. Choose a brand that is of a 'premium' quality rather than the substandard ones.

Make sure you feed the puppy at the same time each day so that a good routine is built up. Feeding it at different times every other day will cause irregularities in the digestion process and might lead to health problems like constipation and diarrhea. Also, divide the food you give to the puppy into two meals and make sure it includes dry as well as wet food. The quantity of the dry food should be around 6 cups in a day and wet food should be 1.5 cups a day and the wet food should be mixed with some dry food.

Make sure your puppy drinks a lot of water to prevent dehydration. Pit bulls are relatively more active than other smaller breeds of dogs and because of this, they need higher levels of energy. To ensure this, high quantities of water must be given to the puppy. Also, giving the puppy filtered water that is free from chlorine and other impurities, is an even better option as it will ensure that none of the contaminants reach the system of the puppy and disrupts it. This way you will be able to make sure that your puppy has a well-balanced growth and a nutritious diet.

How To Stop Your Dog From Chasing

Dogs can chase things for many reasons but at the heart of most chasing behavior is the prey drive. Whether your dog is chasing a rabbit, a jogger, a car, or a tennis ball, it's usually because the object has triggered your dog's prey drive. All dogs and wolves have this drive, which is instinctive and helps dogs hunt and find food, but some dogs have a stronger prey drive than others due to millennia of selective breeding. Many hunting dogs, for example, have a strong prey drive so they can find rabbits or other prey for the hunter. Dogs who have a strong prey drive have a great sense of pleasure and fulfillment when they can exercise this drive. Herding dogs also have a strong impulse to chase things that move.

If your dog is chasing things then he's probably seizing the opportunity to try to satisfy this drive any way he can. It can be hard to break this habit in some dogs, especially if they have a strong prey drive, because they are getting a physical rush when they chase things.

Ordinary training does not usually work for teaching a dog not to chase things. If you offer your dog a cookie, he will ignore you because it is so much more fun to chase something. If you command your dog to Come, he will likely ignore you because he is caught up in the excitement and pleasure of doing something that gives him a rush.

The first thing you have to do is try to eliminate the dog's exposure to the things that he chases, whether it is joggers, cats, rabbits, or cars. If he continues to have opportunities to chase these things, the habit will only become more ingrained as he continues to be internally rewarded when he chases. So, take temptation out of his path.

The second thing you can do is set up a training session indoors in your home. You need to use a confined space for the training. With your dog on leash, use a hallway or other small area so you can roll a tennis ball for your dog. Your dog will probably start to chase after the ball. When he does, you should tug on the leash and say, "OFF!" Do not release your dog. You are trying to teach him not to chase after moving objects. Repeat this exercise several times per day. Remember to praise and reward your dog for relaxing and not chasing the ball.

When your dog understands this lesson, start practicing it in other places in your home, and then in a fenced yard. You can gradually start trying it with your dog wearing his leash but with you not holding onto it. Be ready to step on the leash to stop your dog from chasing. Keep using the "OFF!" command to tell your dog not to chase the ball you are rolling.

Keep practicing the Off command every day with your dog. You can eventually work up to having someone pose as a jogger, or a cyclist, or whatever your dog has been chasing. Start by having your dog on leash and giving the Off command. Later you can try it with your dog off leash. Remember that these are practice sessions so have your friend go very slowly and try to control all aspects of the situation so you can keep your dog and your friend safe. Keep practicing with your dog so you can go back and correct anything that needs to be changed in your dog's training.

If you continue to work on the Off command, you can get your dog's chasing under control but remember that this is a very hard behavior to curb. It will take a lot of practice, praise, and reward. Be patient with your dog and work on this problem before your dog is excited by chasing.

Article by Nancy Cope a proud owner of 4 rescue dogs and owner of Pampered Dog Gifts an online dog boutique that specializes in special gifts for pampered pooches. Please visit Pampered-Dog-Gifts.com to shop for custom leather dog collars, gourmet treats, dog Christmas gifts and more for your spoiled pooch.

6 Ways To Help Extend Your Dog's Lifespan

In the United States, the average dog lifespan is 12 years but they can live longer than that and be healthier too. Smaller breeds tend to have a longer lifespan than shorter breeds. The longest lived dog in the Guinness Book of Records is an Australian Cattle Dog named Bluey. He lived until he was 29 years old and was still working cattle at the ripe old age of 20.

How can you give your much loved canine family member the best chance of living a long life? Here are some suggestions that will help. All of them rely on you being an informed dog owner and catching problems before they become severe.

1. Neuter your dog. Female dogs won't get breast cancer and uterine infections if they are spayed. Male dogs are less enthusiastic about escaping their yard to meet a bitch in season, and get hit by a car or in a tussle with another dog.

2. When it comes to diseases, prevention is certainly better than cure. Vaccinate your dog against dangerous diseases, and keep up to date with his heartworm prevention and intestinal worming treatments. It's much cheaper to prevent these diseases in your dog than it is to treat them. Your veterinarian will be able to help you choose a regime that is best suited to your dog's circumstances.

3. Nutrition is very important. A good quality balanced diet will provide your dog with all the nutrients he needs to stay fit and well. This is particularly the case if your dog has a medical condition; a prescription diet, such as a renal diet for kidney disease, can help to reduce or slow the onset of symptoms and give him a better quality of life for longer.

4. Obesity can reduce your dog's lifespan by up to 2 years. Keep him lean and not only will he live longer, but the onset of age related diseases such as arthritis will be delayed. You should be able to feel his ribs when you run your hands over his body. Also, look for a tucked up tummy when you view him from the side.

5. A dog that runs free is a dog that is at risk of injury. A good fence will confine your dog to his own backyard. This will reduce the chances of him being hit by a car or fighting with a neighboring dog. When you are walking your dog, keep him on a leash so he doesn't run off and get injured.

6. Annual health checks, even if your dog isn't due for vaccination, can help keep him healthy for longer. A quick blood test will pick up any hint of illness that may not be obvious from the outside, so you can take steps to treat it straight away. Early treatment of illnesses often has a better outcome.

These suggestions aren't difficult, labor intensive or expensive. By spending a little time following these guidelines, you may be able to spend a lot more time sharing your life with your much loved dog.

8 Common Questions About Feeding Your Dog

It's not easy to work out how to best feed your dog. Everyone from the pet store owner to the dog club trainer has their own opinion, and that's without searching online. It can be hard to find good advice that you feel you can trust.

Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions about how to feed your canine best friend.

1. Are all dog foods the same?

No. When it comes to buying dog food, you really do get what you pay for. The less expensive foods have more of the cheaper ingredients, such as cereals, whereas the pricier bags are likely to have better quality meat proteins and fewer types of filler.

Buying cheap food can be false economy because you need to feed your dog more of it, to give him enough of the nutrients he needs to stay well. The other disadvantage is when there's more food going in, there's more coming out the other end so you'll have a bigger clean up job.

2. How do I work out how much to feed?

Have a look on the bag of kibble and you'll see a feeding guide. Remember that this really is just a guide and it's important that you feed your dog to condition. This means that if he is looking too thin, feed him a little more and if he's getting a bit round in the middle, cut back on how much food you put in his bowl. Lean dogs are healthier and live longer so it's better to keep him slightly lean.

3. Can I give my dog bones?

Veterinary dentists recommend that you don't give your dog bones at all. Cooked bones have always been a no-no, but they have extended their warning to also include raw bones. Your dog can fracture a tooth as he chews on a bone, and chunks can get stuck in his intestines. If you're concerned about your dog's dental health, then brush his teeth with a soft toothbrush daily to keep his smile sparkling.

4. There are foods on the supermarket shelf for puppies and some for senior dogs. Are there any differences between them?

Yes. Puppy foods have lots of calories per pound of food because puppies only have small stomachs but their energy needs are high. Some puppy foods cater specifically to large breeds to control their growth rate. This is aimed at reducing the risk of orthopaedic problems such as hip dysplasia and osteochondrosis dissecans. At the other end of the spectrum, senior dog food has fewer calories because elderly dogs tend not to be too active. Added fiber keeps a sluggish gastrointestinal tract moving along.

5. Some dog foods are labelled "grain-free". Are these better than the regular kibble?

For most dogs, no. Grain can still provide a source of protein for dogs. Some individual animals can be allergic to an ingredient and if they do react to corn or wheat, for example, a grain-free food can help. Given that the most common food allergen in dogs is chicken, grain-free kibble may not make any difference to your dog's health at all.

6. How often should I feed my dog?

That's entirely up to you. Dogs do just fine on one meal or two meals a day, so do what fits best with your lifestyle. If you can fit either into your day, then twice daily feeding is likely to be more satisfying for your dog.

7. I don't trust what's in dog food so I'd like to cook my dog's meals myself. Is this okay?

You need to be careful when cooking home-made meals for your dog. It can be hard to make them balanced and your dog may end up with nutritional deficiencies or excesses. If you do want to do this, then have a chat to a veterinary nutritionist who will help you come up with a menu that meets all of your dog's nutritional needs.

8. What about raw diets? They're very popular right now.

Again, raw foods may not be balanced. Many raw diets recommend feeding bones and this can lead to the problems we've already discussed. Lastly, raw food can cause salmonella poisoning which can make children and adults with a reduced immune system very ill.

Feeding your dog can be straight-forward. Choose a good quality kibble as the basis of his diet, and you'll know he's getting all the nutrients he needs for good health.

4 Reasons to Be Thankful for Your Dog

It's easy to take our dog for granted. After all, he's always there in the background, and there are many times when life gets busy that we really don't appreciate what he does for us. As Thanksgiving approaches, here are four reasons why we really should be thankful for the dogs in our lives.

    Dogs keep us healthy. A hospital in Finland conducted a study that showed that if you grow up with a dog in your life, you'll have a better immune system than if you never shared your life with a canine friend. There were fewer respiratory illnesses and better health amongst dog owners, when compared to those with no pets.

    Dogs encourage us to exercise. If you have a dog, you're more likely to go out for a walk, which helps keep your heart healthy and your waistline trim. Children particularly benefit; if they can run and play with a canine best friend, they are less likely to become overweight. You can't sit and play with a computer game when there is a pair of big brown eyes pleading with you for a game.

    Dogs provide stress relief. Studies have shown that dog owners are less depressed and have better self-esteem than non-dog owners. Cuddling your dog lowers your blood pressure and reduces the amount of stress hormone circulating in your blood stream. Many veterans are finding that a companion dog helps them to cope when they return to their friends and families after a tour of duty.

    Dogs teach us important life lessons. If you watch your dog, you'll learn a number of ways that help you to live a more meaningful and enjoyable life. Dogs don't bear grudges; when something is over, it is over for good. They live in the moment. They're not worried about what happened in the past or what may happen in the future. This is a great way of getting the most out of every day.

After all, you can't change the past and you can't predict the future. Lastly, dogs appreciate the simpler things in life. They don't need a perfectly cooked steak to enjoy their meal, or a penthouse suite to keep them comfortable while they sleep. If they have a full belly and somewhere comfortable to rest their weary head, life is good.

When you come home from a long day at work where it seems the whole world has been down on you, it's a real pleasure to see your dog. He loves you unconditionally, is always glad to see you and listens to your complaints without judgement. These are by far the biggest reasons to be grateful for the dog in your life.

Dog Training by Using Your Dog Leash

One of the most popular methods of dog training is the leash/collar style of training. This type of training has proven it's effectiveness over many years. It is always used when a dog must have a high level of reliability, such as that of rescue dogs, police dogs, guard dogs and dogs for the disabled. But it will also keep you and your dog safe when out on your walks, by preventing the pulling and tugging that invariably occurs with a dog who is not trained properly to walk with a leash.

Positive reinforcement is the best tool to use to train your dog. This is superior to punishment in establishing the behavior of your dog on a leash. Positive reinforcement results in lasting behavioral modification. Punishment changes behavior only temporarily with the result that it will reappear later, bringing along with it more problem behavior. By using positive reinforcement, you will build a bond of trust and cooperation between your pet and yourself.

First you must slowly introduce the leash to your dog and also the collar if he has not been wearing one. A regular, flat buckle collar is all that you need. A choke collar is not necessary. Let your pet sniff them as you gently place them before him. Reward him with praise for his interest. Give a treat, if you plan to use treats with your training. Slowly place the collar around his neck and once he becomes comfortable with that, attach the leash and let him drag it around the house. Praise him for his interest in using the leash and collar.

Keep your training sessions short. You can train several times during the day, but remember this is supposed to be fun for your dog. You don't want to push him past his limit. Puppies generally have an attention span of about 5 minutes, so do not insist on training beyond this or you may teach your pup to actually dread training. Multiple training sessions will help your dog learn quickly.

Since these short sessions to not provide adequate exercise for your pet, you must find other ways of exercise to help tire your dog before beginning your training. Dogs generally pull on the leash because they are full of excess energy. Tire your canine friend before training by playing fetch in the hallway or the backyard. Or maybe drive your dog to the dog park to run with his friends.

Begin your training indoors, where there are fewer distractions for your pet. The initial goal here is not to teach your dog to "heel" right by your side. You want to leave room for your pet to sniff and explore as long as he always leaves some slack in the leash. He must always follow your lead in order to be allowed his freedom. Simply pick up the end of the leash and walk around your home with your dog trotting beside you. As he walks along on a loose leash, give him plenty of praise, petting and some treats. When he decides to strain on the leash, (which he will), simply stop immediately. Don't yank him back over to you with the leash. Call him back to you and praise him when he comes. NEVER ever keep walking when your pet is pulling on the leash. This will reward his behavior and reinforce his bad habit. Your dog learns that the only way he will go move forward is by always leaving some slack in the leash. He will learn that when he pulls on the leash, he will get nowhere. Once your pet is back by your side, begin walking again. And repeat, repeat and repeat some more. It will take patience and persistence, but armed with these qualities and practice, you will be successful.

When you are ready to step outside, you will have a lot of competition for your dog's attention. Simply continue the above steps, working even harder of course. You may need to use a lot of treats in the beginning stages, but as your pet gets the idea of what you expect from him, you can slowly phase out the treats by waiting longer intervals before handing them out.

Training your dog will reinforce the relationship between yourselves and gain the respect of your canine friend. Dogs are wired by nature to seek out leaders and to follow directions from those leaders, so your pet will discover that leader in you. This will help your friend become a more calm, faithful and happier dog and a better family companion to others in your family.

Benefits of Liver For Dogs

When it comes to our pets, proper feeding is critical for their health. In turn, improper feeding leads to various diseases, such as ones of the digestive system, and related metabolic disorders, intoxication, etc. Often these diseases develop very slowly (sometimes for years), due to compensatory mechanisms of the body. As a result, clear clinical signs sometimes appear only after significant damage has been done to the body. Unfortunately, by this time, it may be too late to react. So, a responsible dog owner should always be sure that his or her pet receives every chance to be healthy.

Dogs are known to be carnivorous animals that feed on other animals. Yet, no predator, even in the wild, eats only meat. In order for the dog to be healthy, it should receive all vital substances in its daily diet necessary for long term health. These are not just proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, but also minerals and vitamins. Therefore the composition of a healthy canine diet includes not just muscle meat, but also fruits, vegetables, and organ meat (liver, kidney, heart, offal, etc.).

And whereas it cannot provide itself with food, the mission of every owner is to make sure that its feed contains all the necessary nutrients for continued health.

Liver is a nutrient- rich in organ. In addition to being considered tasty (the consensus of many dogs), liver can provide them with fat, protein, and vitamin A. All these can help your pet to stay healthy if given in moderation. Liver also contains a great deal of copper, niacin, iron, and phosphorus, along with B vitamins, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as basic amino acids (such as DHA and arachidonic acid) which every dog needs to obtain in its diet to keep healthy.

Nevertheless, in addition to a large number of microelements and other nutrients, liver can also cause damage to the pet, if fed in excess. Too much liver can lead to an overdose of vitamin A (or hypervitaminosis A), which can lead to bone deformity, digestive upset, weight loss, and muscle weakness. So, a responsible owner should only give liver to his or her pet once or twice a week when fed as a treat.

Pet owners who feed complete and balanced diet can rest assured that their pet is getting the proper amounts of liver necessary for long term health. So when you feed them any extra liver on the side just keep in mind that feeding these once or twice a week is OK.

So whenever you are feeding your dog any diet, make sure it contains the right amount of liver as well as other important vitamins and minerals so that you pet is on the road to good health. Diets that are labeled complete and balanced, use no artificial ingredients, and are made from real fresh whole foods are the safest and quickest way to good health.