Pet Insurance...Is It Really Necessary?

Once upon a time pet dogs tended to look after their own health, aided by an occasional trip to the vet when really necessary. However, today it is a rare thing for a dog owner to not be involved in all areas of their dog's health and well being. As such, we have seen a huge increase in the number of pet dog health insurance plans become available.

Your dog is an important part of your family, who needs to be protected and taken care of as much as anyone. Getting dog health insurance not only ensures that your pet will get the best care, but it will also create a way for you to have enough money to cover your dog's medical expenses when you need it most.

With veterinarian fees increasing all the time, getting a reliable health insurance plan for your dog is a wise move. Your dog will always be guaranteed of receiving medical attention when necessary, and you will always have enough money put aside for any emergencies.

Pet dog health insurance plans are similar to our own. They have premiums, exemptions and plans for different levels of health coverage. These can be based upon a dog's size and breed, as well as any medical conditions that may already exist, so carefully check the details of each plan before you buy.

A good place to ask about health insurance for your dog is at your local vet. They may already be a provider of dog health insurance or perhaps they can assist you with any decisions you need to make. The internet is another great way of finding the information you want. Whatever method you use, remember to ask the important questions about coverage, exclusions and maximum payouts.

It is essential to find the right pet dog health insurance scheme for your particular pet and to make sure you get the maximum illness and incident coverage available. Because, as a member of the family, your dog deserves the best.

Have some questions about dog health care? Check out this great resource I found on the net: Click Here!

Maureen Hope

How To Train Your Dog - The Basics

Do you ever find you are asking people these sort of questions? “How do you get your dog to sit when you tell him?", or "My dog won't walk to heel like yours, how on earth do you manage that level of obedience from your dog?", or do you find yourself noticing that other dogs go to their owners when they are called, but yours just stays where it is? Does this all sound familiar? If it does, you and your dog need to invest some time into a little bit of basic dog training.

Starting to train your dog from a young age is crucial, as the first few months of his life is when you will have the greatest influence on him - this is where he is shaped into the dog he is going to be when he is all grown up. Although it is possible to train an older dog, perhaps one that you have acquired from an animal shelter, it does require a lot more patience and is handled slightly differently.

The first basic dog training that your dog absolutely must have, is to be taught how to sit and to come to you when you call him. It is essential that your dog learns these dog training basics. You will use these two commands for many different reasons - if your dog jumps up at you, or at someone else an obeyed command to sit will soon get him off. Knowing that your pet dog will come to you when called is the most important basic training that your dog needs to learn. If you take your dog for a walk, and let him off the leash, you will expect him to come back to you, not run around the park with you chasing after him shouting at him like a banshee. That would just be highly embarrassing, not to mention dangerous.

To teach your dog how to come to you when called, requires only the most basic of techniques but like most of the basic dog training, it does involve lots of repetition. The easiest way to get your dog to come to you, is to have a favourite toy in one hand and a dog treat in the other. When you are in the house simply walk away from your dog, hold out the toy and call him to you in an excited voice, your dog with naturally want to know what all the fuss is about, and then when he comes over to investigate, give him a treat. You must always ensure that you using exactly the same command each time you call your dog to come to you, otherwise he will just not learn. If you are able to use this technique several times a day, you will find that your dog will learn the basic command to come to you when called quite quickly, and is a great way to teach your dog. Do remember to have lots of long breaks so he doesn’t get bored and stop enjoying it, and don’t forget the treats!

The next basic command in Dog Training, is to get him to sit, and this generally proves to be slightly more difficult, but again, as with the command to come to you, it only requires basic dog training. So once you have both mastered him coming back to you when called, you are ready to proceed to the next stage in basic dog training. Also, for a great training manual, click here!

To start your dog being trained to sit on command, call him to you (remembering to use the command he has learnt) and place your hand on the end of his back and say "sit" in a very matter of fact voice, at the same time you should gently push down on his backside. When he sits on his bottom you give him a treat and just as importantly, also give him a lot of praise. If you want him to sit for a longer period, just delay giving him the treat and the praise, so get him to sit but take your time bending down to him and feeding him his treat. As with the training to come to you, this will need lots of repetition and praise, but your dog will learn with enough practise.

Basic dog training is really quite simple and it is very effective. It should also be fun for you and your dog - you don't have to spend hours and hours each day on this, just 5 - 10 minutes or so, and you will be surprised at how much, and how quickly your dog will learn.

By Cat Archer

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That Dog Barking Again?

Are you like one of the millions that has tried yelling at a dog to get him to stop barking? Probably didn't work out too well, did it? Oh, he may have quieted down for a little bit, but soon enough, he was right back it... driving you crazy with his non-stop barking.

Well, if yelling doesn't work, what will make a dog stop barking? I'm glad you asked. If you want to learn how to stop a dog from barking, first, you'll need to discover why he is barking in the first place. Secondly, you'll need a couple of proven methods of altering your dog's barking problem. This article will explore why dogs bark and reveal a couple of the best methods for controlling a dog barking problem.

Dogs bark for a variety of reasons. The important barks you need to pay close attention to are barks of warning or barking when your dog needs something, such as, food or water or perhaps even, shade or shelter. If your dog is a problem barker, the barking probably stems from his boredom or his need to receive attention from you. If your dog is barking because he is bored you can help the problem by paying more attention to him. You can do this by exercising him regularly. Start exercising him by taking him for walks or working with him on some simple obedience exercises. But, you don't want reward his barking. Make sure you attend to his needs before the noise starts. I have found a great internet resource for training your dog to stop barking! To see it, click here!

If your dog continues to have a barking problem, then you will need to become more proactive in your efforts to stop the barking. If he barks constantly in the backyard, spray him with a water hose or water pistol.

If he barks when left alone, pretend to leave by having a friend drive your car away. Hide well away from your house where he can't smell you and approach from a downwind direction. When he starts his barking, rush in furiously shaking a coffee can filled with stones accompanied with a loud No! Quiet! No Barking! Shake his collar sternly and repeat your firm reprimands.

The key to successfully training a dog is consistency. Be consistent in your training efforts and soon you will have a dog that only barks when there is an urgent need to be heard and you will finally be able to sleep in peace. Want more help? Try Here.

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Using Cat Litter for Dogs:

I used this method for potty training my dog, it works great for small dogs.
If you live in an apartment, and have a small dog, a cat litter box may be your solution.
When you notice your dog looking like he needs to use the bathroom, just plop 'im in the litter box.
Or, put him in at regular time intervals, like for a puppy, every half hour to a hour. They like the way the litter feels, a good place to go potty. Now for some verbal training while you are at it. Whenever your dog starts to "go", give your command such as "go potty" or something like that. This will train your dog to go whenever you give the command! Want some more help? Check This Out!

Clumping litter is cool because well, it clumps, making it easier to clean out and makes less waste of good litter, plus you can scoop it out right after he/ she goes so that you can have a fresher-smelling litter box. The disadvantage, however, is that if you have a long-haired dog, it makes really bad mats; if your dog's paws or legs have the slightest bit of moister on them the litter will stick to the hair and will probably mat it. When the litter gets wet, it gets really sticky, that forms the clumping action. I found the mats impossible to comb out so you'll have to cut them.

Pay Attention to What Your Dog Is Saying!

Many people find it difficult to train their puppies because they cannot comprehend dogs' behavior. Well, that should not be so difficult if only we'd stop being so busy training and start showing our pets a little respect. Respecting our dogs doesn't mean allowing them to do whatever they want, but understanding that they are pack animals that need authority in order to feel secure and understanding these creatures as intelligent, individual beings, able of emotional reactions very similar to human reactions.

Indeed, dogs can be stubborn, rude, nasty, charming and aggressive. They can be happy or sad. They can love or hate. They can "miss you". And hey, they can even talk! Let's see: was your dog ever barking back at you when you told him to do something? Well, that's his or her way of saying: no, I will not do it! Insist telling your dog the same thing and you've got an aggressive behavior building up. You wouldn't want that, would you? However, this is a disrespectful behavior and you should correct it: in time, not at once and certainly not through aggressive measures. You don't want to have a frustrated, fearful companion.

To help understand your dog better and to get more training advice, Check This Out!

Dogs also grumble. That's a way of warning you. It doesn't mean, "don't bother me". It means: "Watch it, pal! You're over the line!" Dogs usually grumble when you reach towards their food when they are eating or when you wake them up. That's also bad. They should not be allowed to grumble. They should not be allowed to do anything rude or disrespectful. Dogs are pack animals and it's in their nature to aspire for a higher hierarchy in the pack. However, the leading position should be yours. So pay attention to your dog, listen to him and understand him. Any improper behavior you allow brings your dog a step higher on this pack hierarchy. Too many and your dog will forget who's the master, or the "alpha dog". So yes, you are human, but your dog has no definition of "human". He will cease to obey you if you lack superiority. He will become the leader. It is a normal process. It doesn't mean your dog is disrespectful, it only means he is simply carrying out his role as a pack leader. After all, why not? If you don't understand your responsibilities, someone should!

Yes, you want your dog to be your friend and not to control him. Sadly, although a dog is often called "man's best friend" such a relationship is impossible. Friends are equals. Your dog just depends on you. He is, at most, your companion, but not your friend. You need to control his behavior and you need to control what he eats. He should always come when you call, sit when you say, roll over when you command. These are things you just don't do with your friends.

So understand your companion and also understand that taking the leading role will not make him love you less. On the contrary, dogs love authority.

Potty Training Your Dog

Puppies are cute and cuddly, but when it comes to bathroom breaks they can be more than a small challenge at times.

*A few things to note about smaller dogs before we delve deeper into this topic - small dogs are almost always harder to train than a bigger dog due to their bladder and bowel sizes. As well, owners of smaller dogs tend to let them get away with behaviour they would never tolerate in a bigger dog. When training your small dog in the colder months of the year, it's recommended to get them a coat to provide warmth. Owners have been known to have success with litter training or using pee pads during these times as well.*

Most puppies have to go out about every half hour to an hour. It is very important in the first week or two of bringing your puppy home that you have the time to do this.

Consistency is the most important part of potty training. You must take him or her out to the same spot every time and praise your dog when he/she does his business. A few good times to remember to take your dog out are:

• 15 to 45 minutes after your dog eats
• After a nap
• After play time

It is also not recommended to free feed your puppy. The best way to help your puppy train is to have a set feeding schedule, that way you can regulate their potty patterns.

Do you want to have the perfectly potty trained dog? Then Click Here!

Puppies should never have the run of the house unsupervised until they are well trained at going out. They should have a set area where they are allowed to be and if they have an accident it is easy to clean up the mess(carpeted flooring - not so good an idea). If you are there to monitor your puppy, it is fine to let them run around the house of course, just make sure to watch their actions for any signs that they may need to go to the bathroom.

If you're going to work or going out for any set period of time, it is best to have a "den" for them to stay in till you arrive back home. This could be a sectioned off small part of the house, or a dog crate/pen made for this purpose. Dogs are actually den animals, and love to have their own place for sleeping, resting and eating.

Most dogs do not want to mess where they sleep or eat. Make the area only big enough for them to turn around and stand up comfortably. If you give them too much room they will just do their business in the room they don't need for sleeping. Realize this is not cruel, and you will be letting them out when you get home. This will teach them to respect their den and your home. Perhaps give them a few of their toys to play with and keep themselves occupied.

Need a good resorce for potty training your dog? Here It Is!

Remember, it is very important to let your puppy out as much as possible. When an accident happens, only scold by saying no if you catch them in the act and take him/her directly outside. Make sure you always clean accidents up right away and not in front of the puppy. For cleaning, use an enzyme cleaner which can be found at any pet store(vinegar and water on the area works as well). You want to remove the scent completely from that area so your puppy will not re-visit it and smell the accident.

Puppy may not go every time you take him/her out. This is not a problem, just remember to try again in a short period of time(20-45mins).

Always make sure you praise your dog for good behaviour, they love to be praised and will be more inclined to want to go outside to do their business.

When returning home, make sure you remember to take your pup out as soon as you possibly can.

Things To Never Do When Potty Training Your Puppy

• Never hit your dog. The only thing this accomplishes is to make him/her afraid of you and in some cases create aggressive behaviour
• Never rub their nose in their own poo. It does not work, and in fact some dogs actually eat their own business. Doing this can cause mixed signals
• Don't get discouraged. Remember your dog will learn how to do this right, it just takes time and patience.

In closing, remember to keep consistent and make sure you setup a den for your puppy. This will allow a lot higher success rate and shorten the time that it takes to teach your dog potty training.

Still need help? TRY HERE!

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Crate Training Your Dog

All training starts with taking advantage of your dog’s natural inclinations to reinforce the behavior you want. The only place your dog will not, by nature, mess, is its sleeping place. Crate training works with your dog’s instinct - he never has the opportunity to be “bad.”

Crate training is fairly intense for you. The rule is: if you are not actively paying attention to your dog, your dog is in the crate. Period. Even if you’re in the same room. If you’re not watching your puppy, it’s in the crate. If you think “caging” your dog is cruel, get over it. It’s worse for your dog not to know the rules of the house.

Crate training is not an excuse to ignore your dog for hours at a time. A puppy cannot go more than a couple of hours during the day without a “bathroom break.” If your dog learns to mess in its crate the behavior is very difficult to correct. It’s one of the biggest challenges when adopting strays or rescues from shelters. It can be done, but requires patience and dedication.

If you want a 100% perfectly potty trained dog, CLICK HERE NOW!!!!

Dogs should be taken out at regular intervals; after meals, after naps and after play sessions. And “business” walks are not playtime. Put the collar and leash on, take the dog to a specific spot you want it to use for its toilet area, give your dog a command “go potty.” If it does, reward it with praise and cookies, say “good go potty.” Forget about public embarrassment. If you’re easily embarrassed, don’t get a dog. Of course you can use any words you want - a friend of ours used “hit it” with her dogs. She just had to be careful not to use the phrase under other circumstances.

Your puppy should also sleep in the crate, ideally in your bedroom. Dogs are social animals, they need to know their “pack” or family, is close by. If the dog wakes you in the night, take it out on leash. Give it 10 minutes to “do its business,” go back in, pop him in his crate, say goodnight and go back to bed. Don’t let the dog out by itself, even in a fenced yard. Again, this isn’t playtime.

As your dog learns what’s expected of him, the next phase is to keep the dog on leash, out of the cage. Tie the leash around a belt loop so that you can go about your daily routine with both hands free. Keep one eye on the dog. When you see his “gotta go” signals, drop what you’re doing and go. Some people are successful in hanging a bell on the doorknob. They ring the bell whenever they take the dog out. The dog learns, over time, to ring the bell when it has to go. Others teach their dogs to “speak” as a signal to go out.

Our dogs are always crated when we leave the house. At this point, they see us reaching for their crate toys (which we stuff with a little peanut butter or kibble) and run for their crates. We don’t necessarily even lock the crates, but they are available to the dogs at all times. It’s their “room,” a safe place they can always go to.

Just a note of caution and safety: never leave a collar or harness on your dog in the crate. It can get caught and cause problems.

Hope Saidel is the co-owner of GollyGear, a bricks-and-mortar and online small dog shop featuring fun, affordable and practical products for small dogs. She has trained and competed in Obedience with small dogs for over a decade and is on the Board of Directors of the North Shore Dog Training Club. Check out her blog: GollyLog.

CLICK HERE If You Want The Fully Housetrained Dog of Your Dreams!!

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