Training your dog can be time consuming and frustrating at times, but it’s well worth it. Here are several tips that should help things go much smoother and faster… plus reduce the frustration both you and your dog feel!

Conduct play training where by the training tasks are made into fun games and your dog’s play drive is used as motivation. There are a lot of really good books available on this type of training.

Intelligent dogs can also be stubborn, so you may have to outwit them!

While training your dog, you have to make him want to do what you want him to. You can’t make him do stuff unless it is fun. Otherwise you are wasting both your time and his.

Try to make your dog’s training so fun that it becomes his or her favorite activity. This will make learning much easier and more enjoyable.

Most dogs love to play! You can make your dog the happiest just by spending some time with them, giving your undivided attention each day. Without this, your dog will feel ignored, bored, or think they’re in trouble. When this happens they’re more likely to chew, tear things up, and not listen to you.

Daniel Lesser
Dog and Puppy Articles, Pictures and Resources http://www.thingsfordogs.com/dog-obedience-tips.php

Finding a Dog 101 – Dogs are fantastic companions, and love you no matter what, but remember:

? Dogs DO take time! Remember, just like us, they are social animals who do not like being left alone. You can’t just stick them out in the yard or leave them in the house alone all the time and expect everything to be all right. Many types of behavioral problems occur just as a result of this one thing. Do you honestly have ample time every day to spend walking, feeding, cleaning up after, grooming, exercising and playing with your dog? And dogs often live for ten to fifteen years, so enter into this as a seriously long-term commitment.

? Dogs DO cost money. There are food requirements which vary from dog to dog. They will need regular health care as well including: shots, wormings, check ups, etc. Some dog breeds will additionally need regular grooming. Puppies will damage things in your house from time to time – it’s a fact. Finding a dog may lead to things being replaced more often. You will have to do more cleaning from time to time – shedding fur, etc.

? Dogs DO require ample space which can vary from breed to breed. Take the time to research ALL the requirements needed for all breeds you may be interested in. Do you live in an apartment? A duplex/townhouse or condo? A single family home? Do you have a securely fenced yard or access to a securely fenced in area for your dog to play in? If not, can you seriously make some other kind of suitable and realistic arrangements for your dog to get adequate DAILY exercise? Finding a dog requires a lot of forethought and planning.

1) Be Honest. Finding a dog can take some time. First of all, do you really want a dog? Is a purebred dog perfect for you? Or would you be just as happy adopting a dog from the local animal shelter or rescue organization in your area?

2) So you still really want a dog even will all the needs listed above in mind

If you can honestly answer all these needs mentioned above with a positive response then you’re ready for step 2.

So now, you must now ask yourself:

Finding a Dog 101 – What breed of purebred dog do you want?

Research, research, research! Before selecting a purebred puppy breed you must first carefully consider many things about yourself and your family, such as: your exercise schedule, your own personality, your family and home situation, what you expect of your dog (watchdog, companion for your children, hunting, etc.), whether you live in a house with a fenced yard or in an apartment/duplex/condo, etc. You want to honestly match the dog’s needs to yours as closely as possible for the best match possible. Finding a dog takes plenty of forethought and research.

For example, if you’re athletically inclined, you don’t want a doggie couch potato – a dog that has low exercise needs. If you’re a couch potato yourself, you don’t want a purebred puppy that needs a lot of exercise.

? First, DO NOT decide on any dog breed based on looks alone. When finding a dog take your time and do lots of research BEFORE making any new kind of new doggie addition to your family. The eight major purebred dog groups found in the AKC in particular (Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, Herding and Miscellaneous) is a great place to start. Feel free to use the dog breed resources on our site as a good place to start as well. We offer many individual dog breed profiles including lots of indepth information on many kinds of purebred dog..

Finding a Dog 101 – Next: Selecting Your Dog. Do you want an adult or puppy?

Almost everyone wants a puppy. Puppies are lots of fun and can be easy to train and socialize, but they require a lot of time and care. Adult dogs often require less care overall than puppies but may have developed some types of behavioral or socialization problems during their life. If you are more inclined to get an adult dog, one good choice to start with is a rescue dog, possibly from a local shelter or rescue organization. There are many shelters and breed rescue groups available which can be visited on the internet, via the phone or in person depending on your area and finding a dog in one of these places can potentially mean saving it’s life. Sometimes these organizations may have puppies for adoption as well.

Finding a Dog 101 – Where is the best place to find a dog or puppy? ? First, consider adopting a dog from a shelter or purebred dog rescue organization. Way too many dogs are euthanized each year, and you might just find a dog – the perfect companion for you, at the local pound or through a rescue group for your favorite breed. And you saved a life in the process!

? Second, find a real breeder. A real breeder of purebred dogs usually belongs to a breed club for their specific dog breed as well as belonging to several other dog related organizations. Additionally, many purebred dog breeders may be involved in showing their own dogs or participating in other dog related activities as agility, lure coursing or herding events. Finding purebred dogs or purebred puppies here means you have a much better chance at learning abuot the dogs ancestors, breed health problems, littermates, seeing the actual living conditions the puppy was raised in, and have a resource for future questions and a new irend for the life of your new dog.

Other very important things to look for in a purebred dog breeder – do they: provide references; have a clean kennel with healthy, well-socialized animals; provide a pedigree and registration application form; give you written instructions on feeding, training and care; provide a written contract with conditions of sale and warranty; give you a record of vaccinations and wormings?

Are the breeders: interested in your qualifications to be an owner of one of their precious puppies (your home and family situation, etc); insistent that you take the purebred puppy to a vet for a check-up immediately after purchase; insistent that you continue with vaccinations and wormings on a regular basis; encouraging the relationship between you and the breeder as a continuing one; there for you on an on-call basis with ANY future questions or problems that you may have about you new puppy or dog?

Places to avoid when finding a dog:

? pet shop. These poor puppies are often poorly bred and raised in the most terrible living conditions. You’ll never get a chance to see the parents, littermates or the actual original home they were bred in and you will never know what kind of inherited health problems they have until way too late. Finding a dog here means a potential lifetime of health problems as well as the potential to carry on this awful practice of puppy milling by supporting the sellers of their animals.

? backyard breeders. Typically these are people who own a dog but are not knowledgeable at all in the details about the breed, inherent health problems and risks, history of their dogs (other than their papers), etc. and think it will be fun or maybe even profitable to have a litter of puppies. Any dog breeders who lets you handle a very young puppy, shows signs of neglect (such as lack of water, and dirty conditions) in their kennel, are willing to sell a puppy under seven weeks of age are not looking out for the puppies best interest. Leave and find a reputable breeder asap! Finding a dog here also means many potential problems and no real support for your new puppy in the future.

You can find conveniently located breeders in our breeders directory. Remember, it is up to you to check them out thoroughly BEFORE buying / adopting.

We suggest you take your time when searching for your new canine companion. Call breeders, visit their websites if possible, contact parent clubs for references for reputable breeders in your area. The more research you do BEFORE you bring your new companion home, the better off everyone, including the doggie new addition, will be.

Debbie Ray, owner of http://www.pedigreedpups.com, is a lifelong animal lover and dog enthusiast. Interested in more dog information? Training and health tips? Thinking about getting a purebred dog? Check out http://www.pedigreedpups.com or http://www.total-german-shepherd.com for more information.

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.

More articles at articles host

Anyone who owns a shih tzu dog or shih tzu puppy will eventually run into the need to eliminate unwanted habits. While most shih tzu dogs are eager to please their owners and smart enough to do what is asked of them, it is important for the owner to properly communicate just what constitutes acceptable and unacceptable behaviors.

Each type of unacceptable behavior requires its own specific cures, and in most cases the cures will need to be tailored to fit the specific personality of the shih tzu dog. Every breed of dog has its own unique personality characteristics, and every individual within that breed has his or her own unique personality.

Whining, howling and excessive barking: Let?s start with one of the most frequently encountered problem behaviors in both dogs and puppies. While some barking and other vocalizing is perfectly normal, in many cases barking, howling and whining can become problematic. This is particularly important for those living in apartment buildings, or in closely spaced homes. Fielding complaints about barking is not the best way for you and your dog to meet the neighbors.

Some tips of dealing with excessive whining, barking and howling include:

If your shih tzu puppy or shih tzu dog is howling or whining while confined to its crate, immediately take it to its toilet area. Most shih tzu puppies and shih tzu dogs will whine when they need to do their business.

It is important to teach a shih tzu dog or a shih tzu puppy to accept being alone. Many dogs suffer from separation anxiety, and these stressed dogs can exhibit all sorts of destructive and annoying behaviors. It is important to accustom the shih tzu puppy to being left on its own, even when the owner is at home.

Always strive to make the shih tzu puppy or shih tzu dog as comfortable as possible. Always attend to the physical and psychological needs of the dog by providing food, water and toys.

If the shih tzu dog is whining, check for obvious reasons first. Is the water dish empty? Is the shih tzu dog showing signs of illness? Has his or her favorite toy rolled under the furniture? Is the temperature of the room too hot or too cold?

Do not reward the shih tzu puppy or shih tzu dog for whining. If the shih tzu dog whines when left alone, for instance, it would be a mistake to go to the shih tzu dog every time it whines.

After you have ensured that the shih tzu?s physical needs are being met, and that discomfort is not responsible for the whining, do not hesitate to reprimand the shih tzu dog for inappropriate behavior.

Problem Chewing: Puppies naturally chew, and they tend to explore their world using their mouths and teeth. While chewing may be normal, however, it is not acceptable, and it is important to nip any chewing problems in the bud to prevent the chewing shih tzu puppy from growing into a chewing shih tzu dog.

Providing a variety of chew toys is important when teaching a shih tzu puppy what is appropriate to chew and what is not. Providing a variety of attractive chew toys is a good way to keep the shih tzu puppy entertained and to keep his teeth and gums exercised. Scented or flavored toys are great choices for most puppies.

The shih tzu puppy should be encouraged to play with these chosen toys, and the shih tzu puppy should be effusively praised every time he or she plays with or chews these toys.

Another great strategy is to encourage the shih tzu puppy to get a toy every time he or she greets you. Every time the shih tzu puppy greets you or a member of your family, teach him to get one of his toys.

It is also important to exercise good housekeeping techniques when training a shih tzu puppy not to chew on inappropriate items. Keeping the area to which the shih tzu puppy has access free and clean is important. Keeping items out of reach of the shih tzu puppy will go a long way toward discouraging inappropriate chewing. Try to keep the shih tzu puppy?s area free of shoes, trash, and other items, and always make sure that the area has been properly puppy proofed.

If the shih tzu puppy does pick up an inappropriate item like a shoe, distract the shih tzu puppy and quickly replace the item with one of its toys. After the shih tzu puppy has taken the toy, praise it for playing with and chewing that toy.

Try booby trapping items the shih tzu dog should avoid by spraying them with bitter apple, Tabasco sauce or other nasty but non-toxic items.

Connie Limon publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. A professional newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Discounts are offered to subscribers. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com

Dogs are believed to be descendants of wild wolves. They were the first wild animal to be tamed. Ancient man probably brought home cub wolves to raise as pets. The pet wolves were also useful in driving away bears and other wild animals. One of the oldest known breed of dogs is the Salukis, which were bred by Egyptians thousands of years ago as hunting dogs. Greyhounds and Dalmatians are also among the oldest breeds documented.

Over the centuries, people have found many ways for dogs to be useful. Dogs helped to pull loads, herd cattle and sheep, and guard their master and the master?s property. The Ancient Greeks developed tiny lap dogs, which were meant to be held in a lady?s lap to help keep her stomach warm. Bulldogs with huge jaws and short noses were developed so they could hang onto the throat of a bull and still be able to breathe. In more recent years, dogs have been trained as seeing eye dogs for the blind. Dogs have also been recruited to work with law enforcement to detect drugs and explosives.

Today many dogs, such as the Poodle or Chihuahua, no longer resemble the wolf. Other dogs, such as the Siberian Husky and the German Shepherd still show a strong resemblance to the wolf. There are many different breeds in existence today, from the short haired Beagle and Boston Terrier to the long haired Cockers and Scotties. The Beagle may be better suited to live in the city, while Setters or Collies may be more comfortable in the country. The tallest dogs are Great Danes and the Irish Wolfhound. They would probably be more comfortable in a place where they had a lot of room to run and play.

In the United States, one out of three families owns one or more dogs. Most dogs live anywhere from eight to fifteen years. When dogs are one year old, they are as physically mature as a 15 year old human. Dogs can see some color but not as vividly as humans, thus they are considered color blind. Yet, dogs can see much better in dim light than us. Dogs have us beat in the category of smell, also. Their sense of smell is up to one million times greater than humans!

Regardless of which kind of dog you choose- big, little, smooth haired, shaggy, fast, slow, playful or dignified, dogs make wonderful companions. Enjoy their companionship and remember they need plenty of love, attention, and petting to be happy!

About The Author

Wendy Yeager – http://www.wenmarcorp.com/dogs-go2

mjy222@hotmail.com

Americans are more concerned about health than ever before, so we should also have an equal amount of concern for our pets … particularly with regard to the ingredients in their food. We would want the ingredients in our pets’ food to be acceptable for human consumption.

After all, If byproducts are not tolerated in our food, why should they be tolerated in our pets’ food? We’re also starting to realize that our dogs and cats need daily supplements the same way that we do, in order to take care of their bodies for the inevitable ravages of aging. In the span of an animal’s life, an early start at good health ensures less vulnerability to degenerative diseases, joints that are less likely to creak with pain and a healthier heart. Naturally we want our dogs and cats to live with us for as long as possible.

Renowned holistic veternarian Dr. Jane Bicks says that when looking at dog food, one should be be weary of dyes, chemicals and artificial preservatives as much as possible. For example, BHA … one of the most common synthetic antioxidant preservatives mainly used to prevent food discoloration and rancidity … has been found in scientific studies to cause stomach cancer in lab rats at certain doses. In lesser doses, the preservative doesn’t have a cancerous effect but there is no telling what BHA can do to the body in small doses over a long period of time.

Dr. Jane states that the maximum life span of dogs is estimated to be between 25 to 30 years, but the average dog often lives no longer than 13 to 14 years.

And she says that this difference is caused primarily by inadequate nourishment.

She also states that protein is a critical part of a dog’s natural development so pet owners should look for foods which have whole ingredients like meat, eggs, fish and dairy as opposed to byproducts.

Harder working or more energetic dogs require more protein and fat in their diet to maintain stamina and good body form. A dog food that is complete and balanced and includes at least 26 percent protein and 1650 kilocalories of metabolizable energy per pound is ideal. During the seasons when dogs are not working, their energy requirements decrease. Feed less of the high calorie food or change to a less nutrient-dense dog food.

Unbleached rice is one of the more digestible carbohydrates and supplies a wide array of energy for your dog. Corn and wheat, meanwhile, are considerably more difficult to digest. It is also a great idea to look for antioxidants. In recent years, we have become much more conscious of our antioxidant intake, so why shouldn’t we have that same attitude towards our pets?

Dr. Jane Bicks has been honored on many occasions by the veternary profession and is the author of several books inlcluding ‘Thirty days to a healthier, happier dog’ and ‘Dr. Jane’s Natural guide to a healthier, happier dog’. She has been involved in many advisory boards including Canine Companions for independence and has served as the President of the Veterinary Medical association of New York City. She formulates Life’s Abundance premium dog food as well several types of dog supplements. For more information about Life’s Abundance dog food and dog supplements go to http://www.dog-food-nutrition.info/

About The Author

A.M. Wilmot is an author and researcher in the fields of human and pet health. For more info. go to http://www.dog-food-nutrition.com/ or http://www.dog-food-nutrition.info/

Many years ago I read a book about selecting the perfect canine companion. The concepts in that book altered my life forever, because it changed the way I made pet choices.

Instead of selecting a puppy simply because it was cute, I ?tested? each puppy considered for adoption. I was able to choose just the right puppy, one compatible with my family and home needs.

The tests helped to reveal certain aspects of the puppy?s temperament and personality. Selecting a new puppy based upon test results instead of how adorable it was helped ensure that the adoption would be a happy and successful experience, both for me and the puppy. We would fit together like a glove!

The first things to consider before choosing a new family dog are the basics: where they will live, home and yard size, ages and temperament of family members, family lifestyle, and characteristics common in certain breeds of dogs.

For instance, a Great Dane might not make the best companion for someone on the go, living in a one room kitchenette on the fifth floor of a high-rise apartment building.

A family with small, active children might not provide the best environment in which to introduce a new pit bull. Larger, active dogs like Labrador Retrievers appreciate lots of yard space to exercise, while small breeds such as toy poodles and Yorkies would make pathetic guard dogs, restricted to a dog house in the back yard.

In addition to family, home, and location considerations some breeds of dogs, such as Irish Setters and Shelties, are generally speaking ?higher strung? than a Golden Retriever or Basset Hound ? both breeds renowned for their ?low key? easy going temperament. And, breeds such as German Shepherds and Malamutes usually have a natural protective instinct that makes them more suspicious of strangers.

Another thing to consider before acquiring a new dog is ?why? one is being sought. As companionship for adults, or as a playmate for children that will help teach responsibility? Will the new family pet be trained as a hunting dog, or to provide protection as a guard dog?

Once these questions have been considered, and certain sizes or breeds that do not fit the criteria omitted as possibilities, you are ready to start looking for your new dog.

When it comes to selecting an adult canine, making the right choice is much simpler than it is for a puppy. What you see is basically what you get; size, appearance, temperament and personality. By spending a little time together, you get a general idea as to whether or not that particular dog would fit into your family, or adequately meet your needs.

Puppies are an entirely different matter. A puppy changes as it grows. But whether you purchase a puppy from a pet store, adopt one from an animal shelter, or respond to an ad in the newspaper, you can still pretty much determine which pup is best suited for your home by implementing one or more of the following tests:

1.) Kneel down in front of the puppy. Calmly and gently stroke his chest with one hand while lifting his head to make eye contact. Once the puppy has relaxed, stand and walk away. Does the puppy lunge after you, jumping up on your leg and nipping at you, demanding more attention? This type response suggests a dominant personality. Or does he merely sit and watch you walk away? This usually indicates a more passive personality. A puppy that happily prances along side of you might be middle of the road, neither too dominant nor too passive.

2.) Kneel down in front of the puppy. Pet and play with the puppy until he responds, then turn him over on his back. With one hand on his tummy, hold him down. What does he do? Does he frantically thrash about, resisting and nipping at you? Again, this would suggest an aggressive personality. Does he fail to resist at all? He most probably is very passive. Or does he struggle somewhat, then lay still once he realizes he can not free himself? This type puppy will probably grow to be ?middle of the road;? neither too aggressive nor too passive, but submissive to his care giver.

3.) Kneel down facing the puppy. Calmly stroke the puppy?s head and chest while lifting his head to make eye contact. Talk to him in low, friendly tones. While he is in the sitting position, have someone hold him in place while you walk 8-10 feet away from him. Turn to face him and kneel down again. Repeatedly call to the puppy at the same time the other person releases their grip on him. What does he do? Does he immediately lung toward you, jumping and nipping? Does he playfully run to you, without jumping? Does he approach slowly or hesitantly, with his head down and his tail between his legs? Or, does he fail to come to you at all? Each response reveals something about the puppy?s degree of aggression or submission.

If you seek a well rounded family pet, one that will be both a good companion for adults and a playmate for children, as well as provide protection around the home, a ?middle of the road? response is what you should be looking for.

An all adult household looking for a canine family member for the main purpose of providing protection might want a puppy that responds somewhat more aggressive.

While more passive responses might be good in a puppy obtained solely as a playmate for small children, totally passive, hesitant responses usually indicates that the pup won?t train as easily as one with more confidence. He will also be more easily intimidated by people and other dogs.

Taking the time to consider ?why? you want a new dog, your house and yard size, family lifestyle, and canine breed temperament will keep you from barking up the wrong tree when selecting a new family dog. And performing these simple tests will help you select the puppy with the best qualities and temperament for your home and family.

By choosing wisely you are sure to enjoy your new canine family member for many years to come.

Copyright ? 2005, Ian White

Author Ian White is founder of Dog-Breeders.biz. This extensive online directory includes listings by private breeders, kennel clubs, and occasional hobby or family breeders. Those seeking dogs can locate and match with appropriate breeders. Dog-Breeders.biz automates the matching of dogs for sale with puppy wanted entries, with daily email notifications to all parties.

For more information about matching dog lovers with breeders visit http://www.dog-breeders.biz

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.

More articles at articles host

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.

More articles at articles host

Whether you are buying an expensive purebred puppy, bringing a homeless puppy home from the shelter, or picking up an abandoned stray, one thing is for sure ? your life will never be the same. And the best way to have a successful life with the new family member is to know what to do by the time you bring it home. Most puppies end up in shelter or on streets due to very little training or improper techniques by their new owners, so by knowing what to expect will save you both a lot of heartache.

Breed characteristics

Each breed is their ?own dog?, if you know what I mean. A breed of a dog has certain things they like to do more than other breeds. An owner can carry a little Pomeranian puppy around for days on end with them being totally 100% content, while a Dachshund has things and places to go, most of the time ? and usually in a speed-demon hurry. So before you rush out and buy any ol? puppy, think seriously about what kind you will want and the life you lead. What are your limitations and what do you have in mind as a pet? By rushing in heedlessly on a whim, you are harming the puppy as it will be corrected unnecessarily for doing what is natural for them, and emotionally abused due to ignorance about the breed characteristics and their needs. The only loser here will be the small puppy that grows up in less than a quality home, ending up in a shelter or passed from home to home until eventually they will be euthanized or worse. That is a far cry from the cute little puppy the original owner brought home.

The Trip Home

Whether the trip home is from the kennel that raised the puppy or the airline that brought the puppy to you ? the empty nest syndrome is reversed here, as the puppy has left it?s mother and siblings, entering a strange and foreign home that is new to it. This can be traumatic if the puppy has left too early. Puppies should never leave before eight weeks of age, as they require that full time for socialization and to become aware of its surroundings. A puppy that is ready to leave should not be afraid of new things, or new surroundings. They should be ready to embrace their new world with happiness and glee, and most are. But some are not – if you are untrained to handle that shy little puppy who is afraid of this new world, while lacking in the ?kind n? gentle? human elements – there will be problems here. Make sure you talk to the breeder beforehand and find out about the puppy?s characteristics before it comes home with you, so there will not be a big surprise.

If you pick up the puppy from the airport, make sure you find out whether you are going to cargo or to the desk from the breeder who has arranged the shipping. Also, you need to get there about 20 to 30 minutes early, so they know you are there. Bring ID with you, and an airbill number with the flight information. The puppy will arrive in a crate that is usually for you to keep, usually filled with shredded paper to absorb urine and feces on the flight. They will be air anywhere from four to fourteen hours, depending on the locations shipping from and to.

Most airlines require food and water to be given to the puppy after so many hours, depending on the age of the puppy and how big it is. But the best thing is to offer water if you can right away. Hopefully, the puppy will be fairly clean when they arrive, but many are covered with feces and urine that require an instant bath upon arriving. This crate has been their home for several hours, and they may not want to leave it when they arrive ? or they will rush out in a 100-yard dash the minute the door is open. Some puppies will cover you with kisses while others may be slightly traumatized by the flight, being timid for several days until they adjust to their new surroundings. It all depends on the breed, their personal handling by the breeder, and its temperament.

The Food Change Diet

Probably the hardest thing on a puppy entering a new home is the change in diet. At about four to six weeks of age, the puppy has gone from mother?s milk to a diet of dry puppy food. There is a lot of difference with the nutrients of puppy food and adult food, as the protein and fat is quite a bit higher in the puppy for newly forming bones. Most breeders recommend that puppies stay on a puppy food diet until they are about one year of age, unless your vet says otherwise for health issues.

Before the puppy arrives, find out from the breeder with brand and type of dog food the puppy is eating. See if you can find that same type of food for it at least two weeks after arriving. If you do not like this type of dog food, at that time you can begin mixing your choice of dog food 50% original food with 50% of the new one for about one week, then take that mix and remix it again with 50% of the new food. Keep going about a month, and there will not be any gastrointestinal issues, such as uncontrollable loose stools or diarrhea that will develop by rushing them into a new food. Puppies are small, and their stomachs and intestines are very sensitive. Lamb and rice is the easiest on any puppies digestive system, with chicken and rice next ? and it won?t matter whether it is canned or dry at the beginning of their arrival, but canned is 90% water so the dry will be more nutritious.

Their Own Toys And Blankets

Some breeders send toys and a blanket that smells of their previous home and siblings, to make the transition easy on the puppy. It keeps their homesickness down to a minimum, and if not ? add a stuffed toy to the collection that will mimic their siblings or mother.

Lots of people let the puppy sleep with them when they first arrive, and if this is what you are going to do for its whole life ? then this is fine. But if is only a temporary thing to console it, letting it sleep in its cleaned out crate or a small kennel during the night is the best thing to do. It will need to recognize its ?space? as this will be its home when you are gone, during naptime, or sleeping at night for its remaining life with you. It will not be abusive or mean to do this, but teaching correct behavior at a perfect age. Original canines were born and grew up in a small den underground or in the side of a hill, and have kept this basic instinct to this day for a small and secure nesting area. This is why you will find them asleep under the couch or chair, in corners, and when they get ready to pass over they usually crawl off in a hidden small-secluded area to do so.

Greetings Of The Family

Everyone wants to see the new puppy ? they want to hold it and love it the minute they arrive. Little do they know that with leaving their family, the airline flight or a vehicle trip, new surroundings, they can get easily stressed without a rush of people coming at them. Introduce them slowly and easily to people and pets, gently handling them and talking until the are running around their new home ? turning corners on two feet. Use a lot of eye contact with gentle voices, offering as much water and feed as they can consume. Usually they don?t want it while in flight or in route via vehicle, so when they begin to calm down, it may occur to them they are thirsty or hungry. If they refuse to eat by the second day, mix some of the dry with canned to entice them. If still not working, boiled chicken and some fresh broth poured on the dry always works. Animals go by smell to eat, and fresh boiled chicken has a smell they usually cannot refuse.

Last Minute Situations

If you have any problems that develop as time goes on, you should have the type of breeder you can contact freely for help. Make sure you have their email or phone number, and ask them for any type of support before you take the puppy home. If you need other support, your local vet or hundreds of online support is available. The Pet Professor is excellent, or you can go to the specific breed searches for support. It takes about two weeks for a new puppy to become fully adjusted to the home. Loose stools due to some stress, urinating in different areas as they don?t know where to go, or becoming too tired will all be handled over time with lots of love and patience.