Having a dog is one of life’s greatest pleasures and for those of us that have had a dog for quite some time, we realized that the love that we received from them is unconditional. There may be times, however, whenever we have an animal that tends to act up in some way or another. Perhaps it has developed aggressive tendencies or maybe it just has a habit or two that we would like to change. Regardless of what kind of problems your dog is experiencing, there is some form of dog behavior training that can help.

The first step in any type of dog behavior training is taking them in for some basic obedience training. If your dog does not yet know the basic commands, such as sit, stay, come and down, you should enroll them in a basic obedience class. Of course, if your dog is displaying aggressive tendencies, you should discuss this with a teacher before the class begins. More than likely, they will allow the dog to take part in the classroom environment but they may have you muzzle it if it may be a hazard to other dogs that are also taking the class. Taking part in the basic obedience class may be all that is necessary to break your dog out of some of its misbehaving. The reason why this is the case is because behavior problems and dogs often come about as a result of boredom. If you take away the boredom, you take away the problem.

If, after going to the basic obedience classes, you still need to pursue additional dog behavior training, your trainer may be able to help. Most of those that take care of a basic obedience classes are not only good at helping your dog to understand the basic commands, they may also be able to give you specific help with your problems. The fact that you have already taken classes with this particular trainer will help your dog to react better to the dog behavior training, simply because it is comfortable with the trainer.

Finally, you should not overlook the possibility of their behavior being a result of a physical problem. Dogs are unable to tell you what is going wrong with them and they may display a variety of behavioral problems as a result of their illness. If the misbehaving happened suddenly, check with your veterinarian to see if a health problem might not be at the root of it.

So are you looking for help with your dental care questions? I was once was in your position, until I learned about dental plans and how good they are. Dental plans provide full dental coverage for all procedures and are extremely convenient and cheap.

Home dental care is given more emphasis nowadays because of the fact that the dental diseases are emerging in pet animals like dogs to a greater extent than before. Though you are providing home dental care, if you suspect any dental diseases, then immediately approach the veterinarian for intervention. This is always the safest option.

Try to provide bone materials without very sharp points to the dogs. They love to chew them and then swallow the bitten products. Such activities help them to develop strong teeth structures in a natural manner.

Know that certain breeds of dogs like Pekingese, etc. are more prone to develop some types of tooth diseases because the teeth are closely crowned in the oral cavity and can be small in size and hard to get to. It is more critical to check for excessive plaque buildup in these types of dogs more often in the convenience of home.

While dentures can replace teeth lost due to periodontal disease, decay or injury, they cannot be as good as your natural teeth. While dentures may be valuable to keep your facial muscles from sagging and for other health reasons, they can also cause a good amount of pain and discomfort. Among the times when dentures can cause enough discomfort are during the adjustment phase

Many people feel they can’t afford to go to the dentist without insurance. They also feel they can’t afford the insurance. The result is millions of Americans putting off dental visits. Now people are living in pain or are embarrassed about their smile.

The number one health problem in children is tooth decay. Many kids live with chronic pain & 51 million school days are lost each year due to tooth pain. There are programs to help those who need dental care but can’t afford it but they are to small & to few to even put a dent in the problem.

Harvard did a study and asked Americans “What would be the first thing you would see the doctor for if we had universal health care?” The number one answer was teeth.

Your dentist should invite you back for regular check-ups. This will ensure that no problem will be left unchecked. The dental hygienist should perform oral prophylaxis or dental cleaning after every 6 months.

Your dentist should take x-rays more responsibly. Full series of X-rays should be taken no more than once every five years or so. Not taking any X-ray’s on the other hand is as bad as taking X-rays too often.

Your dentist and dental hygienist should practice proper care against infection. They should wear rubber gloves and a mask when treating their patients. Your dentist should be keen in explaining to you any sanitary procedures his clinic is implementing and or using to protect his patients and himself against unwanted infections.

So, you’re welcoming a yelping, slobbering, panting and messy new member into the family? Congratulations! The next few months will be hard, but you’re all set to ride on the ride of a lifetime.

Just like babies, dogs come with a sense of anticipation. No two dogs are ever alike even within the same breed or same family. This is why it’s impossible to gauge what type of dog you’ll have when he first comes home. No matter what the breed of dog you’ve decided on, all dogs need almost the same basic gear with a few differences in size and shape.

The very first thing you’ll have to do after you’ve informed your family about the date the dog is going to arrive is to draw up a list of things you need for him, and then go shopping!

Shopping for a dog these days can be on the same scale as shopping for a baby. There’s just such an incredible variety of products on offer, you won’t know where to begin. In fact it’s perfectly natural to be overwhelmed by the extravagance of it all.

If you’re on a limited budget, you might not want to go splurging on things without gauging whether you really need it. This is why a proper list is of such importance. A dog feeder and water bowl, dog bed, tins of dog food, dog collar and leash are just some of the basics that your dog absolutely must have. Among these, there are type, size and price variations, and you’re better off buying something that’s sturdy and long lasting over something that looks hip and trendy like what the celebs are kitting out their dogs in, but which you don’t really need. Get an elevated dog feeder if your pet is going to be on the taller side – small bowls pose an immense strain on your dog’s neck and shoulder muscles as he stoops to eat from his bowl.

A dog bed can be a regular comfy bed that’s just the rights size for your dog. If you’re getting an older dog, get an orthopedic dog bed, to soothe those tired muscles and joints.

Don’t spend too much on toys. Dogs don’t really care how much you spend on their toys. A few simple and inexpensive pieces will do fine. No matter how many toys you buy him, you can rest assured he’ll still chew on your slippers.

Go slow on the cutesy clothes. Your first few days with the dog should be a time for bonding and for him to become comfortable in your home. If you go trying to kit her out in dresses and sweaters, you risk confusing her even more. Give it a few days and once she’s more comfortable around the house, you can begin to indulge her in style!

Puppies are such cute furry bundles of joy it is little wonder that most of us find them irresistible. The thing to remember though is that that cute furry bundle comes with a whole bag of responsibility and moreover some day that little furry bundle of fun will transform into a big furry bundle. The point to note here is that it isn’t enough to see a puppy and exclaim “ahhhh” and feel that covers all your future obligations and requisite requirements to becoming a dog owner. Nothing could be further from the truth!

Before you go puppy scouting you first need to do some research on the type of dog breed that best compliments your personality. Another point to consider is that if you are getting the puppy for a child most of the responsibility of taking care of that puppy is going to fall on your shoulders, your child’s promises and good intentions notwithstanding.



Choosing Your Puppy

Choosing the right puppy for you and for your home requires a certain degree of insight to yourself. If you intend to have a long and happy relationship with your dog then you need to get a dog breed that will fit into your lifestyle and match your character. Thus you need to ask yourself a number of questions and be prepared to answer them with nothing less than stark naked honesty. Such questions include:

•    Are you an energetic/active person

•    Are you a couch potato

•    Is the dog going to primarily be a companion or pet

•    Do you live in an apartment

•    Do you have a backyard

•    Is the dog going to be a playmate for kids

•    Is the dog primarily for protection

•    Do you intend to exhibit your dog at dog shows

•    How does having a dog fit into your work schedule

•    How much time are you prepared to spend on grooming

•    Do you want a super affectionate dog

The above list is by no means all encompassing but certainly tackles some of the questions you should ask yourself before you eventually get your puppy. Think of these questions as primers to your quest for the perfect puppy dog!

Get A Dog Breed That Compliments You And Your Needs

The great thing about getting a dog is that there are well over 200 different breeds to choose from; and it gets better. Over a span of many hundreds of years (in some instances thousands) man has bred every and any type of dog to cater to practically any need he so desired. That means that somewhere out there is the perfect dog breed for you. Hence if you are little inclined to indulging in long arduous walks or are loathe to bouts of daily exercise, it makes no sense at all to get a dog that belongs to the sporting group of dogs, because such dogs invariably need a lot of exercise.

In other words if your nature leans towards couch-potato hedonism then get a puppy that compliments your couch-potato lifestyle. Fortunately there is no shortage of dog breeds that possess such qualities. In a somewhat similar vein if your intended dog is for protection, guarding or some other form of service, it makes sense for you to choose a dog from the working dog breed group.

Probably the single most common mistake that would-be dog owners tend to make is to base the appearance of a dog as the ultimate criterion for their selection. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with initially basing your choice of dog on the breed’s appearance but remember that looks tell you little if anything about any dog breed’s inherent character and nature.

Take the Poodle for example; most people think that the Poodle is nothing but a show dog. However what they don’t know is that the Standard Poodle (this is the big variant which attains a weight of 65lbs plus and grows to a height of 21 inches and more) actually makes a very capable watchdog with a pretty convincing bite to remind you and anyone else inclined to forget that it is more than just a pretty face in a doggy world!

Where To Get Puppies From

There are a variety of places that you could get your puppy from, some highly recommended while others you should avoid at all costs for a number of reasons that will be explained shortly.

1. Puppies From Reputable Breeders

These are people who raise dogs because they actually love dogs and are not in it for the money. Such a dog breeder:

•    Raises their puppies in close proximity to people and in a warm, safe comfortable and protected environment. The reason why it is essential that puppies be raised in close contact with people is so that they get accustomed and socialized to humans from an early onset which makes for a better pet.

•    Never breeds more than a couple of litters each year and restricts any one female dog to a single litter per year.

•    Screens their puppies and dogs for genetic or hereditary disease and other ailments and will supply you (the end-owner) with the relevant registration papers and certificates proving so

•    Would as a matter of course inquire about your lifestyle, where you live and what kind of experience if any that you have with dogs. They’ll ask you such questions not because they are nosey but rather to ensure that you are truly compatible and well matched with the dog that you are about to introduce as the newest member of your family. Remember, as stated before, reputable breeders are concerned about the welfare and well being of their dogs and want to ensure that their puppies don’t end up being abandoned by a negligent owner.

Getting your purebred puppy from a reputable breeder will initially cost you more money upfront but will pay off in the backend because in effect what you are paying for is a guarantee of a puppy that:

•    Is well socialized

•    Has been screened for health defects and possible genetic disease

•    As an adult dog will exhibit the positive attributes and characteristics typical of the breed and not the unwanted traits that appear in poorly developed purebreds as a result of over breeding along the same generational lines

2. Dog Rescue Shelters

Every year millions of dogs are euthanized in the United States alone, many of them being abandoned pets that cannot be housed in foster homes in a timely fashion before funds for their upkeep run out. A lot of those dogs in rescue shelters are purebred dogs that have been abandoned for some reason or other by their previous owners.

Good Reasons To Get A Dog From A Shelter

There are actually a number of advantages in getting your dog from a rescue shelter and such reasons include:

•    You will pay much less for your new pet even if it is a purebred dog (typically you’d just pay the adoption fee which helps to keep the shelter open and is about $50. Getting your purebred dog from a reputable breeder would set you back anywhere from $500-$1500.

•    Most dog shelters have some degree of veterinary facility on their premises ensuring that dogs are neutered/spayed (commonly but not always) as well as treated for any ailments/diseases and screened for problems. All this is done at no extra cost to you, having been incorporated in the miniscule adoption fee.

•    The average dog from a shelter has undergone some level of housetraining which is a huge weight off the shoulders for any new prospective dog owner.

Where Not To Get Puppies From

There are two places you should avoid getting your puppy from at all costs and those places are:



A. Puppy Mills: as the name suggest such places are devoted to churning out puppies in volume without due consideration to their welfare and well being. Puppies from puppy mills are raised in horrendous conditions, rarely if ever in contact with people and are removed from their mothers prematurely at the tender age of 5 weeks (which is much too soon).

A consequence of such horribly conditions and a deprived puppyhood is that these dogs make for very poor pets. Moreover such puppies are far more likely to suffer from undiagnosed genetic disease as well as other ailments because it is a good bet that the puppy mills are certainly not bothered with such trivialities as the good health of their wards!   

B. Pet Stores: Next time you see that cute but sad-eyed puppy in a pet store brace yourself and walk on by. Why? Because pet stores are actually the sole reason that puppy mills still exist. Pet stores get their puppies from puppy mills or from for-profit backyard breeders, two types of establishment that aren’t concerned with:  the pedigree purity, genetic disease, or emotionally and mental well being of the dog.

Puppies from pet stores typically get there at about five weeks of age and are finally placed with an owner around 12 weeks of age. Conditions in the pet store may be better than those of the puppy mill but only marginally so. Much of the time the puppy is in isolation and has little if any human contact, which means that if you do break down and get that sad-eyed puppy in the window you are getting a dog that has next to no socialization skills and is almost invariably emotionally and mentally scarred! Besides by getting your puppy from a pet store you are in effect perpetuating this horrible cycle of canine misery.

More about the dog

The Dorgi is a crossbreed variety of dog. This unique hybrid is the result of crossing a Welsh Corgi and a Dachshund, classified as an F1. Since the Dorgi is a crossbreed, the appearance can vary. The ears will resemble those of the Corgi parent. And, like the Dachshund and Corgi, the Dorgi has a low maintenance coat.

Both the Welsh Corgi and the Dachshund are fun-loving, good natured and love the company of humans. Affectionate and intelligent, both breeds and take well to training, though the Dachshund can be somewhat stubborn.

Subsequent breedings to the F2 or F3 level can dramatically alter the temperament and appearance from the original F1. Given the diversity of these traits, it is hard to predict at this time which characteristics will dominate.

Approximate Adult Size

As with many hybrid breeds, size and weight will vary. The approximate adult size, two years old or older, of either the male or female Dorgi is 10 to 15 inches at the withers. The withers are measured at the highest point of the shoulder. Adult dogs can weigh between 18 and 25 pounds.

Special Health Considerations

Most dog breeds have certain health conditions problems associated with that specific breed. Dachshunds are prone to weight-related problems such as diabetes so be mindful of the Dorgis diet. Welsh Corgis have a lower incidence of health problems than most breeds. As with most hybrids, a full understanding of potential health issues is difficult to ascertain at this time.

This disease list is provided only as an informative guideline and your Dorgi may not experience these conditions. Consult a veterinary professional for more comprehensive information.

As with any dog, the puppy stage, 0 to 12 months of age, is the time for shots, boosters and check up. As an adult, the dog should have an annual veterinary checkup that includes a dental exam and cleaning. Avoid feeding your dog sweets and other human foods.

Grooming

If the Dachshund is the short hair variety, the coat of Dorgi will be generally smooth and short with little shedding. If the Dachshund is a long hair, regular brushing will help maintain a clean and healthy coat. The Welsh Corgi does shed but regular brushing will take care of that. The process of grooming provides an opportunity to examine the dog for skin problems and the presence of insects like fleas and ticks. Regular grooming helps to strengthen the emotional bond between you and your dog.

Dental health is important and the teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities and periodontal disease. Poor canine dental hygiene can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and serious health conditions resulting from uncontrolled infections.

The claws should be trimmed regularly and the paws examined for signs of injury.

Dorgi Life Span

With proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions, a Dorgi should be able to live a long and healthy life. Given the hybrid nature of these dogs, an accurate prediction of life expectancy is not possible at this time.

Dorgi Registries

American Canine Hybrid Club

As a hybrid breed, the Dorgi is not recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club, Continental Kennel Club, the Canadian Kennel Club or their affiliated organizations.

Dorgi Litter Size

Litter size is said to average between 6 and 7 puppies.

Category

Hybrid

Every dog is an individual so not everything in this article may be correct for your dog. This information is intended only as a good faith guideline.

As with any young being, a puppy needs to learn, run, and grow in order to be able to be smart enough to take care of himself. When you have a puppy in your life and in your family, there are some things that you should be doing to make sure that you are preparing him for the world without allowing him to be hurt by accident.

Preventing Injuries

It is very important for you to prevent puppy injuries whenever you can. Your puppy is a natural explorer - he is going to want to run around, to learn, and to play as much as possible. All of these are learning experiences that he is going to like to have, and they are all going to be good for him - except for the fact that he won’t know the difference between things that are safe for him to explore and things that are dangerous for him. This is where you come in.

As a puppy owner, it is your job to make sure that your puppy is as safe as possible. You need to be sure that you are puppy proofing your home before you even allow a dog to be a part of your family. You need to act as if you are baby-proofing a home. First, remove anything that might be in the dog’s reach that might be dangerous to him. Electrical cords, poisons, and any small objects he might eat should be moved so that they aren’t going to be a problem for him. Remember that when he does get a hold of something that he shouldn’t’ have, you should remove it from him, tell him “no” firmly, and then replace it with something that he can have, like a toy or a treat. Be sure that you give him plenty of things to chew on and play with, because when a puppy is bored they are going to be more likely to be a problem. Therefore, keep him occupied.

You also want to keep your puppy in a safe place when you aren’t around to keep an eye on him yourself. You should be sure that he is going to be somewhere that is safe for him to be, and that you aren’t allowing him to be anywhere that might be dangerous. Keep him in a kennel when you aren’t home, until he is older and you know what he can be trusted to do. If you have him wear dog clothes, insure that they fit him right and that he won’t be able to choke on them.

When you are away from your home with your puppy, always keep him on a leash. Remember that puppies will run away if they have a chance, and it is all too easy for them to be hit by cars, stolen, or to fall into something that they shouldn’t. You want to be sure that you are doing your part to keep your puppy safe at all times, so that he can grow up to be that perfect dog.

Paris Hilton’s Chihuahua ‘Tinkerbell’ may be solely responsible for bringing the term ‘toy dog’ to the attention of the world and the fascination with using one’s dog as an accessory to its owner’s outfit. Designers like Gucci and Burberry who have created haute couture fashion for dogs and high price tags for consumers exemplify the obsession with how a dog’s breed and style reflects upon an owner. The trend with designer dogs does not end there. In some of the latest breeding technology, dogs have been genetically created and crossbred for optimal behavior and looks. The Labradoodle, Yorkipoo, cockapoo and Schnoodle are the hottest dog breeds to walk the streets of 5th avenue, with or without high heels and sitting in designer handbags.

The Labradoodle, a cross between a Labrador retriever and a poodle, was created to combine the intelligence, dainty bone structure, formal nature and allergy-and asthma-friendly, non-shedding aspects of the poodle with the favorable, fun-loving, fidelity of a lab. This mix has taken the dog world by storm with dog owners willing to shell out $2,500 USD for one of these animals. In the 1970’s, the Labradoodle was originally crossbred in Australia after requests for a low-allergy guide dog was needed for individuals with special needs, while providing a low-key and amiable companion. The popularity of Labradoodles has taken off wildly and has become the must-have dog in certain social circles.

Editor-in-Chief Allan Reznik of Dog Fancy and Dog World fame notes, “It’s indicative of a society that loves labels. Having a dog that is part spaniel and part poodle isn’t enough-it has to be a cockapoo.”

Many of these newly created hybrid dogs include the genes of a poodle to make new inventive breeds that don’t shed their fur. Yorkipoos, cockapoos and schnoodles are poodles mixed with Yorkshire terriers, cocker spaniels and Schnauzers, respectively. These hybrids do not always create a healthier dog than purebreds, which are notorious for their health problems due to inbreeding. This current craze of designer dog breeding has the possibility of going too far, bringing up issues of genetic selection and the natural order of things. But if there is demand, then supply will be provided and many amateur breeders are taking a crack at homegrown hybrids with some detrimental results. If a breeder were to match a Pug with a Pekingese the resulting breed could create a dog with eyes falling out of its head, as both breeds have exaggerated eyes and eye sockets as distinguishing traits in each breed. Smart genetic engineering on the part of breeders is imperative to creating a healthy, happy and hybrid dog of the future.

Toy dogs, like Tinkerbell of Paris Hilton fame, are also genetically created dogs and were developed specifically to be cute and charismatic companions. In our image-conscious and name brand consumer world, this writer harkens to say ‘what will they think of next?’ cross breeding elephants and monkeys, or chipmunks with snakes to create the perfect, over-the-top must-have animal of tomorrow? I’d say, they are barking up the wrong tree. Until genetic scientists create a dog that can toilet-train itself and use a human bathroom, it’s still a dog’s life for owners and mutts alike.

So you’re either in the unfortunate situation where you, some one you know, or a family member has received a dog bite or maybe you’re just curious of what steps to take in the case of this kind of situation. Well there are different types of dog bites, some are really bad, some are just minor injuries, and then there’s everything in-between.

The first thing you need to do is assess the situation and see what step needs to be taken next, you will most probably be able to assess whether the dog wound is serious enough for hospital straight away, or if you are the stubborn sort then if bleeding doesn’t stop within 15 minutes or so then you will need the hospitals help.

Other situations when you may need to see a doctor or go to hospital are if you think the bone may be broken, if the dogs bite is deep or gaping, if signs of infection are starting to appear like fever or wound puss, or if you have not received your tetanus injection in the last 5 years.

All the cases above could lead to much more serious problems than you might think and are all seriously recommended procedures for dog bites.

If your dog bite is serious enough to warrant hospital, then on your way to the hospital or until you get to see a trained professional about your wound you should keep firm pressure on the wound to stop any bleeding, and trying to clean out the wound of any dirt may be a good idea.

When you get to the hospital or medical department, they will need to know current medication and must know of any allergies that may affect the patient’s condition. Along with this they may need or you may want to tell a figure of authority where this attack happened, if the dog was provoked and if anyone else may be in danger so local authorities and laws may be contacted.

Exercise is one of the main way in which dogs keep their muscle tone, bones, joints, and mind healthy, there are plenty of ways in which to exercise your dog. Some exercises are good for keeping you healthy as well, and others are more relaxed and effort free for those times when you get back from work and your dog is staring at you all excited and ready to play.

Some breeds of dogs are more active and need more exercise than others, and sometimes more than a lot of owners think they can give them due to other commitments like work and there not being enough hours in the day. But this doesn’t have to be the case as many professional dog trainers will tell you, and keeping your dog in shape can be fun and rewarding for both parties.

Here are some of the exercises that are popular in the dog community and reasons why –

Fetch

Starting off with the most well known of exercises, the fetch game involves you throwing a ball and your dog running after it and returning it to you. This can be little exercise for you and a lot for your dog if you use any throwing enhancing products that are on the market today.

Tug

The tug game involves both you and your dog pulling on either end of a tugging toy, requires little effort on your behalf and can be played while you sit and watch telly or between breaks of other activities.

Jogging

Jogging is a highly active sport and helps keep your health up as well as your dogs, your dog will love to pay this game with you and it will ensure a healthy and happy dog.

Cycling

Although cycling may seem like a difficult exercise for your dog to follow and keep an interest in, there are special leashes for you to use on your dog to maintain hands free control over your dog giving you a more subtle form of exercise. Care may be needed and basic dog training should be given to make sure your dog will be in no harm during the task.

One of the first things you do with a brand new puppy is getting your new puppy potty trained. Luckily, puppy potty training doesn’t have to be a huge pain. This piece will cover a few tips on potty training your new puppy.

At first, you need to know that puppies are similar to kids and they will create messes because they don’t know any better and Aren’t familiar with their bodily urges. Your puppy isn’t trying to soil on your living room couch; he just doesn’t know that he has to go potty.

A puppy’s ability to notice their need to go to potty as they get older, much like kids. potty train your puppy faster by making up a schedule for your puppy to adhere to. Take the puppy out at consistent times every day so that the puppy becomes familiar with a regular schedule.

If you work outside of the home, you can expect there to be accidents while you puppy is potty training. You can aleviate this some by putting down newspapers for your puppy to relieve themselves on, but it will take training for the puppy to understand this is only for emergencies. When mistakes happen (and they will), don’t get upset - just tidy up and disinfect the area.

You can notice ahead of time some of the signs that your puppy needs to be let outside. When you notice your puppy acting a certain way, it should be time to take them out.

Here are signs that your puppy needs to go potty:

* Your puppy is restless

* Puppy is sniffing a place they had previously gone potty

* Your puppy is fussing

* Distracted at play

Puppies are unique, you will soon learn to spot the signs in your puppy. When your puppy begins to exhibit this potty sign it is time to take them out for a walk and direct them to go in the place you want them to use.

If your puppy does good, remember to praise him. Positive reactions reinforces to the puppy that they have done the right thing and will make them eager to do it again to get more praise.

Although housebreaking your puppy can be hard, it is just a matter of being dilligent and patient with your new puppy long enough for their minds and bodies to grow up and adhere to your training. With patience and enough time, your puppy will become housebroken and accidents will be a a thing of the past.