Over the past few years, there has been a lot of information in the news about dog flu or as it is otherwise known, canine flu. More recently, a new bird flu or avian flu has emerged that has been spreading to humans too. With all this going on, it?s enough to make you want to lock the doors, keep your dog safely hidden away and wait for it all to pass!

The good news is, you and your dog don?t have to go into hiding to avoid catching anything. A few simple precautions will keep you safe and allow you and your dog to enjoy the outdoors to the full.

Let?s start out by outlining some hard facts about dog flu or canine flu. The highly contagious virus which is responsible for canine flu was originally spotted in around 2004 in the greyhound racing population. Many dogs died as a result and many more taken ill. That said, the virus is shown to be deadly in only 10% of the most susceptible dogs. I.e. Young puppies or older dogs whose immune systems are weakened.

More recently, canine flu has entered the domestic dog population. Although this may be the case, there are steps you can take to protect your dog.

Firstly, be aware that the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) has recommendations for good infection control practices. Wherever you take your dog be it a groomer, pet store, boarding kennel, animal shelter or dog show, always ensure that they meet the AVMA standards. Any place that your dog is likely to be closely contained with other dogs in greater numbers than usual, always check those guidelines are being met.

You need to enquire as to how they cope with suspected dog flu cases. How do they isolate dogs that develop symptoms? Do they have a vet on call? When/how do they notify owners that their dog is showing symptoms. Asking all these questions will help you assess whether your dog will be o.k. there.

Additionally, if you think that you may have come into contact with a dog carrying the canine flu virus, wash your hands and clothes and anything you may have touched. Do this before coming into contact with other animals.

At the time of writing this article, there is no available vaccination for the canine flu. If you feel your dog may have canine flu or been exposed to canine flu, do not take them anywhere where other dogs will be congregating. Seek veterinary advice immediately.

If your dog does have dog flu the good news is that most dogs will recover in anything from 10 to 30 days. Most dogs will suffer with a persistent cough and a runny nose.

More severe cases will involve a fever and possibly pneumonia. The use of an intravenous may be needed with a course of antibiotics. Most dogs will recover from canine flu if cared for properly by a veterinarian.

Luckily, there is no evidence at the moment to suggest that people are at risk from catching dog flu. If you are worried about this then you can breathe easy.

Originally, the canine flu stemmed from the equine influenza virus which has been around for over 40 years. In this time, there has been no evidence to suggest anybody has caught the flu virus from a horse that had contracted it.

If you have concerns about dog flu, don?t fear taking your dog for walks or meeting other dogs. Your dog needs to exercise and socialize as much as ever. The best course of action would be to take the above precautions mentioned in this article. Find out as much additional information as you can and just be aware. That way your dog gets to enjoy life, and stay safe at the same time.

Article By Andrew Strachan. Find lots more information about dog flu and different types of dogs at http://www.types-of-dogs.com Lots of help and advice too.

Now that you have decided that a dog should definitely occupy space in your future, there is some preparation that needs to be done. Too often dog owners don’t check out the details, and make irresponsible choices by selecting a dog that is totally wrong for them. Consequently a time that should be happy and joyful ends up being a sad and stressful experience for the owner, as well as the dog. As a result of these incorrect choices man of these dogs often end up in a shelter for simply doing what he or she was bred to do.

There is a large selection of dogs to choose from, and not only do they vary in color as well as in size, there are a multitude of temperaments as well. Fortunately because dog ownership is on the rise, the available resources to enable you to make a responsible decision are abundantly available. Bookstores have several dog breed books that offer a wealth of information . There is usually a picture of each breed and a short description as well. The description will often list any negative qualities as well as the positive. For instance, some terriers, not all of course, are prone to digging. They were bred to hunt vermin which entails digging. If you are someone who is adamant on having an impeccable lawn and garden, perhaps some of these terriers would not be right for you.

There are several websites that also offer information pertaining to the individual breeds. Some sites even have a questionnaire for you to complete to help narrow your search for a dog that would fit your lifestyle. The usual questions such as size and color are simple to answer, but there are more detailed areas that specifically ask such things as how much time do you want to spend on grooming? or how much time do you have for exercise? or is shedding a concern?. These are important issues that need to be honestly addressed. Are you looking for a dog that you can fuss with indefinitely for ongoing grooming, or are you someone that barely has enough time to comb your own hair? Are you a person that walks two or three miles daily and would lika a companion for these walks, or are you someone that may or may not walk once a week, and would like a more sedate dog. Are you an immaculate housekeeper who is bothered by the least bit of dust or are you someone that’s not opposed to sweeping up dog hair when necessary? If you take the time to answer questions such as these, a good match between you and your dog is more likely to happen. People will spend days, and sometimes weeks researching and shopping before making a disposable purchase. Yet these same people will impulsively purchase a puppy because he’s cute, totally unaware of a single fact regarding his heritage. This puppy is apt to be around for many years, and still the purchase is often made without checking on any of the details.

Once you do decide what type of dog is right for you, you will need to find a responsible breeder. Don’t hesitate to ask that breeder questions regarding any concerns that you may have. Discuss the normal traits of that breed, ask for references, and get the details regarding any guarantee. A responsible breeder is more that happy to discuss any of your concerns because they want to be sure that one of their dogs is the right dog for you.

Perhaps your lifestyle is more conducive to an adult dog rather that a puppy. This is something that only you can decide. There are many nice dogs, and sometimes puppies too at the different rescue groups. You should check these places out. These organizations are usually overflowing with some very nice animals, and your adoption could spare another life. Many of these dogs are there through no fault of their own. Their owners just realized all too late that this was not a good match, simply because they didn’t take the time to Detail the Dog.

Canine Diabetes: A Serious Dog Disease That is Completely Manageable

Canine diabetes is a serious disease that causes there to be too much glucose in the blood. If your pet has any of the signs, a dog health exam will help you find out with certainty. Canine diabetes symptoms usually include the following:

- drinking excessive amounts of water
– frequent urination
– weight gain (or weight loss in some cases)
– increased lethargy during the day

A simple blood test can tell the vet if the glucose counts look suspicious. You should have a full physical exam done on your dog annually, even if he seems perfectly healthy. Be sure to ask your vet to include a full blood work-up, to rule out diabetes (as well as many other diseases). It?s well worth the added cost!

If your pet has been diagnosed with canine diabetes, don?t panic. While it is a ?special needs? issue that will influence many daily decisions, it is a manageable disease in dogs. You just have to learn some simple steps and stick to a schedule.

The first goal after a canine diabetes diagnosis is to get the glucose levels down to a normal (or only slightly elevated) level. This will not require thorough dog health exams like the original blood test. The vet can draw some blood and test the levels fairly quickly, with minimal cost to you.

Canine diabetes means someone must administer insulin injections (in most cases). They are easy to do and will quickly become routine. One person in the family should be responsible for the shots, but everyone should know how to give them (age teen and up) in case of a dog health emergency. I highly recommend posting a printout of how to give the injection to your pet in every room in your house, just in case.

In our house, where we have a diabetic dog, we made a canine diabetes ?Dog Health Cheat Sheet? for potential problems, like these:

- too much insulin is accidentally injected
– the needle breaks off while in the dog
– there?s a seizure (not common, but can happen occasionally)

The cheat sheet includes the vet?s emergency number and some basic actions to take in each scenario. We made several copies to be posted all over the house, but especially by the phone, the fridge (where the insulin is kept), and the bed (where our dog hangs out a lot).

The other goal with canine diabetes is to maintain the glucose level (with your vet?s help). It is crucial to take your pet periodically to the vet for a whole day (8-hour period at least) so they can check blood sugar levels throughout the day. Just as in humans, blood sugar levels fluctuate in your pet throughout the day. Having your vet monitor and take several blood readings during a longer stretch of time helps ensure that your diabetes treatments are actually working as intended.

It?s a little more work to care for diabetic dogs, no doubt about it. But our pets are family members and we love them dearly. Right? They give us their devotion, protection, and love, so the least we can do in return is give them proper health care, especially if they have problems like canine diabetes. Going the extra mile for them will help them live happier lives with less pain and more enjoyment. Can there be a nobler goal?

John Schwartz is a freelance writer, webmaster, and dog lover. He has written many published articles on subjects that include shopping for dog supplies, improving pet health, and good dog training practices. Please visit my dog supplies website at http://www.puppies-dogs-supplies.com for more dog and puppy tips.

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.

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.

Dogs have a natural liking for enclosed sleeping places – think of how often your dog chooses to sleep under the table, against a wall or behind the settee! In the wild your dog would seek out a cosy safe den to sleep and rest up, that is all a crate is. Although their resemblance to cages or prison puts many people off. If they are properly used and introduced, they can be a helpful aid to training and toileting and a comfort and a bolthole when the dog is feeling stressed.

Once your dog is happy in the crate he can be left there to prevent soiling and chewing when you are out for a short time, he can be restrained when the kids play noisy, energetic games which are not improved by his joining in, and he has a secure familiar bed which can be taken in the car and on holiday if needed.

A dog which is thrust unprepared into a crate and left is going to associate the crate with a most unpleasant experience and be very unhappy. A dog which is carefully introduced to a crate usually finds it a pleasant and secure place to be, so it is worth spending some time over the introduction process.

HOW TO CRATE TRAIN YOUR DOG

?The crate should be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn round and stretch out when lying down. If he is a puppy, allow for growth. Cover the crate with a blanket or sheet so it is dark, den like and cosy.

?To begin with you will need to leave the crate set up all the time. Later you may prefer not to, and some crates fold flat for easy storage when not in use.

?When left in the crate your dog should have a toy or chew bone to keep him occupied when awake, soft bedding to sleep on, I prefer Vet Bed or the equivalent and a drink of water. Get a coop cup it clips or screws on the inside of the crate then you don?t get spills.

?Initially feed the dog in the crate every day, with the door open. This is an easy way to get him to like it!

?Set the crate up in a quiet corner, and put the dog’s bed into it. At this stage, leave the door pinned open so that the dog is never fastened in by mistake and never gets stressed.

?Soon the dog should happily use the crate voluntarily. When you reach this stage, (NOT BEFORE) wait until he goes in for a sleep, then close the door. Stay in the room, and let him out as he starts to wake up.

?When your dog is used to this routine, leave him for a minute after he wakes up, with you still in the room. Gradually (over about a week) increase the time you can do this. If your dog gets distressed, reassure him briefly but firmly and shorten the time on the next attempt. Don’t make a big fuss – sweet nothings and lots of attention can make him think you’re praising him for being distressed, and he’ll do it all the more. Aim for the nursing sister approach when she comes to give you a big injection, sympathetic but business like!

?When you can leave the dog like this, leave the room for a few minutes but stay in the house. Again, gradually increase the time you are out of sight till you can put the dog into his crate when you go shopping.

?Your dog should never be left in a crate for more than 3 or 4 of hours. Except overnight

About the Author

Stan Rawlinson
Dog Behaviourist & Trainer
H 0208 979 2019
M 07976 153161
enquiries@doglistener.co.uk
www.doglistener.co.uk
www.paact.co.uk

Stan Rawlinson is a Dog Behaviourist and Obedience Trainer, who has owned and worked dogs for over 25 years, starting with gundogs then moving to the behavioural and obedience side of training companion dogs. He now has a successful practice covering Greater London, Surrey, and Middlesex.

Stan is recommended by numerous Vets, Rescue Centres, and Charities. He writes articles and comments on behavioural issues and techniques for dog magazines including Our Dogs, Dogs Monthly, and K9 Magazine and Shooting Times. He is the founder member and chairman of PAACT; The Professional Association of Applied Canine Trainers. He is also the behavioural expert and spokesperson for Disney.

A common problem that occurs between dogs and owners comes from how the pet reacts to being left alone. In this type of situation, we have to keep in mind that our puppy is a pack animal. He was not built to be on his own. The whole point of living in pack is to be able to live as a group and work together, play together, hunt together, and raise puppies together. Every puppy was made from this same mold. Being alone does not come naturally to him.

With proper care and training, we can help him adjust and accept staying alone. You need to be sympathetic and determined when training your dog to accept your necessary absences. You must show him over and over again that you will come back and give him love, take care of him, and fulfill his needs.

You will need to set up a crate or den area for your puppy and establish a permanent location for his water bowl and food dish. He will also need a blanket or towel to sleep on and papers or potty pads to relieve himself. Give him safe toys to chew. Chewing will help him relieve his anxiety. Keep this in mind if he chews on your shoe one day in an attempt to make himself feel better. It is anxiety, not spite that makes him do bad things when you are out. However, you must still correct him. But you also have to understand that while your pet can adjust to being left alone, it is not a natural state for him and he is never going to like it.

Your comings and goings during the first few days of acquiring your puppy will help to communicate to him that you will come and go. Some puppies adjust easily while some will find this area very difficult. Naturally, if you have a breed that was originally developed to herd and protect a flock, he will tend to get upset when his flock disappears. Understanding the qualities bred into your dog for generations will help you predict his behavior and how he will react to certain situations such as training, how he responds to children, and being left alone.

Giving your puppy something to do to keep him busy will help when he is left alone. He should have safe things to chew. Another pet, such as another dog or a cat, will also help ward off lonely feeling. In addition, you can help him feel better by giving him a good exercise right before you leave. This will tire him and relax him. Furthermore, you can train him before you leave for the day. This reminds him that you are the leader of the pack and also reminds him of his security as well as his limitations. He will therefore feel less anxious knowing that he has a loving, firm, and fair master. You can even leave the radio on while you are gone. Music and voices are a great comfort to a puppy who has to spend the day alone.

By Melanie Bosano

Melanie Bosano has had years of hands on experience caring for and training dogs. This dog lover also writes for http://www.all-about-yorkshire-terriers.com

If I was asked to pick the cutest puppy breed on earth one of the first ones that I would have to choose would be golden retriever puppies. First of all the retrievers are possibly the most useful of all breeds of dog and the golden retriever puppies just seem to have all that the rest of the retrievers have and much more. When you look at a golden retriever puppy there is such a feeling of happiness and warmth that does not come with all breeds of dog. If you were to get a single or pair of golden retriever puppies you could expect some wonderful things as they grow up. A golden retriever puppy will grow to be a medium sized dog which will weigh between sixty and seventy pounds, not a small dog but surely not a monster. The golden retriever puppies have become one of the most popular types of dog for families because of their very good natured personality. The golden retriever is a smart and very easy going dog so it is no wonder that they are at the top of the list for both a family dog and a service animal.

Golden retriever puppies will start off with a large appetite that will not go away. They are good eaters but they need a lot of exercise as a puppy and full grown dog so they will work off the food they eat. These dogs also have quite a beautiful coat. This can be the only negative thing about golden retriever dogs and puppies because their flowing and shiny coat does demand a steady attention to grooming.

The good natured personality of the Golden Retriever has made it a popular choice for both family pet and service animal. Golden Retrievers have a large appetite and so frequent exercise is necessary to avoid the dog becoming overweight.

If you are looking for a sweet, mild tempered and very smart dog or puppy I would recommend that you give golden retriever puppies their due time and see if they will fit into your family as well as they fit into millions of others.

For more information about golden retriever puppies or to speak to fellow golden retriever lovers on our dog forum, come on by http://www.spectacularpets.com.

I know what you must be thinking. A dog poster? A work of art?

When we think of the word, ‘poster,’ most of us imagine a garish, wrinkled picture with tattered corners and torn edges, scotch-taped to the back of teen-ager’s bedroom door or a college student’s dormitory wall. Certainly, not a Van Gogh by any definition!

However, with all the great framing and laminating options available today, it is possible to turn your favorite dog or puppy print into a masterpiece that any dog lover would be proud to display!

A great option for protecting and displaying your dog prints is wood-mounting. Laminated, wood-mounted posters or prints are chic, appealing and appropriate in any surroundings!

When you choose to have your dog poster wood-mounted, it is fastened to a 3/8 inch wood fiber board and then laminated with an ultraviolet filtering film. This film insulates your dog poster or print from dirt, moisture, fingerprints and other potentially damaging elements.

Your wood-mounted dog poster is then trimmed, beveled and finished in black to create a beautiful, elegant piece of art!

Wood-mounting is available for most posters up to a certain size. If wood-mounting is not available for your preferred size dog poster, you can choose to have it laminated which will extend the life of the print.

The next time you’re shopping online for a new dog or puppy poster to adorn your wall, take the time to consider your framing options. It might cost a little more to have your poster framed, mounted or matted, but the final result will be worth it. You’ll have a stylish, attractive, well-preserved work of art that you’ll be proud to display on any wall in your home!

You can find a wonderful assortment of pictures of dogs and pictures of puppies that you can wood mount, frame and laminate at: http://www.bestdogpictures.com

Are you ready for a new puppy? When deciding on a new puppy, there are more factors than how much is that doggie in the window. Puppies require commitment, patience, time and money. Each Christmas, doggie sales and adoptions soar! Even though your intentions are good, never surprise someone with a new puppy or dog unless you are positive they want one. Your gift not only brings cute unconditional love, but a commitment including training time and a good amount of money! Fido for Christmas sounds great, but after the holiday, far too many unwanted pets are returned or dumped. So, it’s always a good idea to go over Santa’s head and allow your loved one in on the ownership decision.

There are many other factors to getting a new puppy. How will your new dog affect your existing pets? It’s important to know if your pets have been socialized with other dogs. When choosing a puppy consider your job and other commitments. Dogs are pack animals and need attention as much as food and water. The easiest way to upset your dog and cause permanent damage is to habitually ignore it. The most important time in a puppy’s life is between 3 and 12 weeks. During this time a new puppy learns about you, the house rules and their surroundings. A new puppy that is neglected can become aggressive, so make sure you’re ready to fit them into your life. Make sure you factor in how much time you need to train your new puppy. This is crucial to your future relationship with the dog. Remember, owners that have an unruly pet have no one else to blame but themselves, and most behavior problems are caused by neglect. New Moms and Dads should also consider the cost of a new puppy. As mentioned before, the cost of owning a dog is nothing to ignore. Pet supplies, puppy toys, training, and veterinary care can cost hundreds of dollars each year.

The decision to get a new puppy needs to be well thought out, weighing both the pros and cons. If you choose to accept this mission you will be rewarded more than words could say. Finding the perfect companion is fun and exciting for the whole family. Your furry family member will surely bring you joy, unconditional love and companionship for many years to come.

Grant Carroll proud father of three dogs and co-owner of http://www.littlepamperedpets.com with Dog Clothes and Small Dog Sweaters. Also visit Little Pampered Babies where you can find Baby Clothes and Baby T-Shirts

Why use a crate:

When used properly and not abused, crates are the fastest and most humane method of housebreaking dogs. Dogs are den animals that will instinctively seek out a small, cozy place to rest for shelter and security. Crates act on a dog’s instinct to keep its den clean and unsoiled. Keeping your dog in a crate teaches him to hold it until he can go in an appropriate place, which helps your puppy develop his bladder control. For older dogs, crates act as a bedroom where they can relax and escape the hustle and bustle of kids, other pets, and everyday family life. Also, it’s never too late to crate train! A crate can help break bad habits that improperly trained dogs may have developed over the years.

Plastic or metal?

Plastic kennels are good for travel, and are generally the only method of containment permitted by airlines. Metal wire dog crates are ideal for home use, however. They are generally roomier and more open. They’re also sturdier, so they will stand up to your pet’s movement/ activity and be able to last as your dog’s permanent bedroom.

What size?

A crate should only be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lay down. If the crate is too big, your puppy will have enough room to soil one side and sleep in the other, which defeats the purpose of the crate. Buy a crate large enough to accommodate your dog’s full-grown size and get a divider panel. This way, you can keep the one crate and have it grow along with your dog.

Accessories:

Always be sure to include appropriate toys and treats in the crate. This will keep your dog occupied and prevent your teething puppy from chewing on the crate’s metal bars. It is also important to purchase crate bedding. A crate cover is great for lowering the number of outside distractions your dog sees, which can reduce barking and stress in the crate. A crate pad will be more comfortable than the crate’s plastic pan. Finally, a bumper like the one included in Pet Dreams Cratewear will help protect your puppy from injuries caused by chewing or leaning against the crate’s metal bars.

For more information:

In addition to Cratewear, Pet Dreams provides a wealth of Crate Training Tips, articles, and FAQs to help you crate train your dog. Weve also recently launched Forums where you can discuss all aspects of training with others and get advice from the experts!

Visit http://www.petdreams.com for Dog crates, Cratewear bedding and Sleep-ezz dog beds.

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