Choosing Your Dog's Name - What Should I Name My Dog?

Because dog confusion is a major obstacle to training success, what you name your dog and how you use that name can determine your success in his training and behavior.

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Dogs are vocal, not verbal. How words sound is important to them, so consider that then choosing names and commands. To your dog, the words "No," "Know," "Beau" and "Joe" are the same sound; the dog will have trouble knowing which you mean. If you name him "Beau" and use "No!" as a reprimand, saying, "Beau, you know what I want!" reprimands him twice although you didn't intend a single one!

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You always want your dog to come to you when you call him, so how much sense does it make to name your dog "Beau" and use "NO!" as your reprimand? He'll have trouble knowing whether you called him or yelled at him.

I like to have a dog choose his name. There are two ways to do this. First, spend enough time with the dog to really get to know his personality and select a suitable name. For example, when new to us my Husky-mix not only jumped on me, he pinned me to the wall and took stuff out of my shirt pocket! I said to my wife: "Look at this! I'm getting mugged!" Naturally, he became Mugger! A client had a very rambunctious Great Dane pup and I love the name she chose: Chaos! Let the dog earn his name!

Another way is to make a list of your favorite names and--in a playful and animated voice--try them on the dog. The one to which the dog reacts best is IT! And he WILL react differently to different names! Try it!

Contrary to popular belief, a dog's name should change with every new owner. The old thought was that once a dog recognized hits name, you couldn't or shouldn't change it. Wrong! Since many owners make the mistake of using the name with a reprimand, or even AS the reprimand, if you keep the old name you tell the dog you're one of THEM--the former crew.

If the dog is now yours, you can't presume former owners did everything right. If they did, you probably wouldn't have him. And you're trying to tell the dog this is a new start in a new home, right? Then why use the old name--especially when it was likely used negatively in the past?

Be sure to teach the dog his new name by using it only with things the dog likes such as treats, praise, meals and love and affection. And don't choose a new name that sounds a lot like the old one, like "Bo" and "Noah".

Use the new name consistently and positively ONLY with things the dog likes and within a week or two he should respond nicely. We changed the names of two of our dogs and now they ignore the old names.

Choosing Your Dog's Name - What Should I Name My Dog?

The author, Dennis Fetko, Ph.D., "Dr. Dog", is a world-reknowned animal behaviorist whose accomplishments range from appearing on the 20/20 television show and managing the reintroduction of captive-bred Arabian Oryx into the Saudi Arabian National Wildlife Research Center to making a presentation at the South American Veterinary Congress. Dr. Fetko's audios and ebooks detail his fast, easy--and even fun--methods to eliminate your dog's behavior problems. Learn more at http://drdogsbehaviorsolutions.com

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Choosing A Male Or Female Yorkshire Terrier

As a potential Yorkshire Terrier buyer, one of the first decisions you have is determining if a male or female dog is the best match for you.

There are certain characteristics that most male and female Yorkies will have, and knowing these characteristics will help you make the best choice.

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Even if you plan to spay or neuter your Yorkshire Terrier, it is still important to consider the characteristics of male and female dogs, as they will still be present even after the procedure, although the characteristics will not be as pronounced.

Avoid the temptation to just pick the "cutest" puppy or older Yorkie when choosing from Yorkshire Terrier breeders, and try to determine which gender will be the best possible match for you and your family.

Males

One of the most obvious physical characteristics of the male dog is that it is generally larger than females of the same breed, and eats more. Males are heavier, taller and stronger than female dogs, although this may be particularly of concern more in the larger breed dogs. Usually the size difference will only be a few inches in height, but it may be more substantial in weight. Male dogs tend to eat significantly more food than non-pregnant females.

Teacup Yorkies, being so small, tend to eat less but bear in mind Teacup Yorkies are not a recognized breed.

Male Yorkshire Terriers may be more aggressive and independent than female dogs. Again, this is a more important consideration in larger breeds than smaller breeds. Some male Yorkies tend to be more difficult to manage in small, confined areas and often do not socialize well with other males. This will be particularly true if there are female dogs in the area that are in heat.

A male Yorkshire Terrier often will form a closer bond with one person, whereas a female dog tends to bond equally with many people.

Male Yorkshire Terrier puppies to develop quicker sexually than female dogs, and will display sexual tendencies at a younger age. This is a concern if there are other dogs in the house or in the neighborhood that may come into heat. The male dogs will tend to roam, as they can smell female dogs in heat for many miles and if allowed, may even be gone for several days in a row in pursuit of females. Neutering your male Yorkshire Terrier help will minimize this problem.

You may find that the male becomes very possessive of the female - even towards humans. This may be a concern if you have small children in house, or do not have the dogs kenneled. In addition, the male may become aggressive towards the female if she is not receptive to his advances. Any breeding pair of dogs needs to be carefully monitored.

Male Yorkshire Terrier puppies tend to be more difficult to train than female Yorkshire Terrier puppies, and are more independent in nature. They also tend to be friskier and require more exercise. Males may be more difficult to socialize with other animals and other dogs, and need to begin socialization training at a young age.

Females

Female Yorkshire Terriers tend to be smaller than male dogs of the same breed and are often less aggressive. However, a female dog protecting a litter of puppies can be just as aggressive as a male. A female Yorkshire Terrier with her first litter should be carefully monitored for the first few weeks, to see how protective she becomes of the puppies.

Females will come into heat at least twice a year for approximately three weeks. During this time there will be a noticeable discharge of fluid from the female, that is designed to attract the male dog. Spaying the female Yorkshire Terrier will prevent this from occurring. If the female is to be used for breeding purposes, there are products on the market designed to address this problem.

Female Yorkies tend to be less excitable and easier to train. They can, however, become easily cowed or shy if treated harshly, or scolded in a rough or angry tone of voice. Female dogs tend to bond with many people. They may be less protective in general than male dogs, however are also easier to socialize with other animals.

Female dogs will fight with other females, but tend to get along generally well with male dogs. Usually a group of female dogs will establish a hierarchy, and will bond with each other after the initial pecking order is established.

Similarities

With both male and female dogs, it is important to consider the amount of time, attention and effort that will be spent in training the dogs and socializing with them afterwards. Both male and females require the same amount of exercise, training, feeding, general care, and love. In addition, regular veterinary checkups and yearly vaccinations will be required for both genders.

Deciding on a male or female Yorkshire Terrier is largely a personal decision. Unless the dog is being used for breeding purposes, consideration should be given to spaying or neutering the animal as soon as recommended by your veterinarian, to prevent unwanted pregnancies and puppies.

Remember professional Yorkshire Terrier breeders are also a great source of knowledge.

Choosing A Male Or Female Yorkshire Terrier

Sharda Baker is an industry established dog writer. She has successfully published several dog books including The Insiders Guide To A Happy, Healthy & Well Behaved Yorkshire Terrier.

Get your complimentary Yorkshire Terrier Report, and numerous articles, by visiting Sharda's website today.

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Choosing the Right Dog!

A good relationship between you and your dog can be a rewarding experience. This positive relationship begins with choosing the right pet. You need to consider your home environment, life style and your family needs.

Often dogs are chosen with little thought or consideration resulting in disappointment and heartbreaking consequences. The key to a happy, fulfilling relationship between you and your pet is to make the right choice in the first place.

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Before taking on the responsibility, make sure that everyone in the family is willing to help take care of the dog. Feeding, playing, exercise, training and grooming are essential to canine care. If after careful consideration you find that you will not be able to attend to all these tasks properly, perhaps a more low maintenance pet should be considered for now.

Other important determining factors:

o Family dog allergies
o Financial burden - feeding, training, grooming, spaying, veterinary care, leashes toys etc

The right dog for you

Learn as much as possible about the characteristics of the breed of dog you are interested in buying. Although each dog has it's own individual personality, breeds tend to have distinct appearances and behave in certain ways. A large fenced yard would be suitable for an active dog such as a retriever whereas an apartment may be suitable for a less active dog.

Coat length should also be taken into account. Long, thick-haired coats require a great deal of grooming. Some short-coat dogs require little grooming but tend to shed their hair all year round. Breeds such as poodles that don't shed need to be clipped regularly.

Think about the climate your dog will be living in. Dogs with thick coats will be extremely uncomfortable in hot humid temperatures. If you live in conditions with extreme climates, consider a dog whose coat type permits easy adaptation.

Then there is the gender of the dog that needs to be considered. In general males have more behaviour problems and are more aggressive than females. While both male and females make excellent companions, first-time owners or families with children might want to look at choosing a female. Males and females make equally good watchdogs.

Mixed breed dogs often make the best pets. Adopting a mix breed dog is one of the best ways of avoiding inherited diseases.

Playful family breeds: Border Collie, Golden Retriever, Labrador, Yorkshire Terrier, Shetland Sheepdog

Choosing the Right Dog!

Feel free to visit my blog for further discussions or comments on the above topic. http://dog-dilemmas.blogspot.com

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Choosing the Right Veterinarian For Your Pug

Pugs are a special breed of dog. They are cute, adorable, lovable and make one of the greatest companions you can find. But they also require special care and it's best to keep a few very important points in mind when you look for a veterinarian to take care of your special little friend. The breed goes back hundreds of years and they are unique not only in appearance and disposition but in their physical characteristics as well. When searching for a doctor for yourself or a family member you wouldn't think twice about taking the extra time to find the right professional so it's entirely logical to do the same thing for your Pug. As cute as they are, this breed has special care requirements that you want to make sure your veterinarian knows about.

We have the greatest respect for veterinarians but, just as there are areas of specialization in medicine, there are some vets who have more experience with Pugs than others. That special knowledge and experience can be very important and make a big difference in the care of your Pug. For example, Pugs are a brachycephalic breed. This means they have short muzzles or flat faces. Although it's one of the things that make them absolutely adorable, it also poses a higher risk for certain problems and conditions. Pugs are more prone to breathing problems than other dogs. Not only should they never become overheated (which could result in respiratory distress) but they should also always be watched for constricted nostrils and other blockages of their respiratory system. It will take a veterinarian with some Pug experience to know what to look for. This is especially critical if your dog is undergoing anesthesia for spaying or neutering or other surgery.

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The wrinkles in a Pug's face and their prominent eyes make them almost irresistible but these charming characteristics can also make them candidates for other problems. Because of their eye structure, Pugs are more prone to eye injuries and other disorders. And because of the wrinkles in their skin, extra care needs to be taken to clean these areas carefully to avoid skin conditions that can develop into serious problems. Again, a knowledgeable and Pug experienced veterinarian can be a great source of expert advice not only for treatment but also prevention of these potential problems.

The bone structure of the Pug can also be a problem for certain knee and hip conditions that are more common in this breed. If you notice a change in their walk or a difficulty in jumping or going up or down stairs, it's worth calling this to the attention of your veterinarian as quickly as possible. Your vet is the best source of advice for maintaining the health of your little friend.

So, where do you find a Pug friendly vet? The best place to start is with the breeder where you got your Pug. Reputable breeders take great care in knowing where to go for expert medical advice. Another place is from any other Pug owners that you know. Word travels quickly in that network about top veterinary care. If you do not have access to either of those sources of information, don't be shy about calling the veterinarians in your area and asking about their experience with this adorable little breed. This is especially true in rural and farm areas where a veterinarian may do ninety percent of their business with horses, livestock and other farm animals.

As a final note, it is also worth taking the time to investigate what emergency facilities are available in your area before you actually need them. When humans get hurt the automatic response is to bring them to a hospital emergency room. They are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and are usually equipped to handle major injuries. Your veterinarian may not able to supply the same around the clock service to your Pug. The good news is they will usually be part of a network of veterinarians who work together to care for your Pug no matter what time of day it is. In choosing a veterinarian make this emergency care assessment part of your analysis in getting the best medical care possible for your Pug.

Please don't get the impression that Pugs are, by nature, sickly or unhealthy. Do not think for a moment that you have chosen a problem breed. All pure dog breeds are prone to certain conditions. The intent here is only to make you aware of certain health conditions that are more prevalent in Pugs than in other breeds. Most Pugs are healthy and do not have the conditions mentioned here. Most Pugs live healthy lives for twelve to fifteen years or more. They are loving, lovable and will never tire of being your best friend!

Choosing the Right Veterinarian For Your Pug

J M Conner
http://www.i-love-pugs.com

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Choosing Raised Dog Bowls For Your Dog!

Whenever you are choosing your dog's food dish, there are many things that you need to consider. First is obviously going to be the size of your dogs. Now-a-day, with the most popular dog being the Labrador, raised dog bowls are becoming increasingly popular. There are many different benefits to these types of dog dishes and in this article, we will outline them all!

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One of the first reasons for choosing an elevated dog bowl is going to be that it promotes a lot better posture whenever your dog is eating. Because you have a bigger dog, you want to make sure that your dog's spine stays in line and when they are constantly having to bend down to reach their food, it can be extremely difficult to keep that spine in line.

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Whenever you get yourself an elevated dog bowl, you can also rest assured that your dog's digestive track will be in better condition. The reason for this is because when your dog is eating at an elevated level, the food gets into their stomach quickly; therefore it is easier to digest. This is a great incentive to get your dog a higher dog food bowl.

If you ever notice that when you have a food bowl for a larger dog, they have to strain whenever they are bending down to get food; this puts a lot of stress on their forearms and waist area. There is a way to eliminate that and it is via getting a raised up dog food bowl.

Do you ever hear your vet talk about the way that shoulders and hips on a dog are generally the first things to go? You can help your dog out in these areas by getting them an elevated dog bowl, that way their shoulders and hips do not have to be stressed. Whenever your dog eats out of these dishes, you will begin to see an improvement in their playing, the way they move and just their overall health.

Now that we have outlined the benefits, there are a few things that you need to take into consideration whenever you are purchasing these types of dog bowls. The first is going to be how big is your dog? You do not want to get an elevated dog bowl for a breed such as a hot dog, dog, but dogs like Labs and Great Danes these types of dishes are absolutely needed.

Next, you need to consider exactly what the dog dish is made of. If you get metal dog dishes, you need to beware of rust. This can happen to the water dish most likely but the food dish is prone to rust as well. You also want to consider the capacity of the dish as well, you do not want to get a dog dish that is too big or too small, and you need to find one that is just right.

Choosing Raised Dog Bowls For Your Dog!

As you can see, there are a lot of things to consider whenever you are getting a Raised Dog Feeders. You should absolutely take all of these tips and tricks into consideration whenever you are thinking about your Dogs dining.

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Choosing Between Different Cat Breeds

There are so many different cat breeds that it can be quite daunting choosing the right cat for you as a pet. Before choosing a cat, you have to take several things into consideration:

Why do you want a cat? Are you looking for a companion or the status that goes with owning a specific cat breed? Can you afford a cat? You have to consider not just the initial cost but yearly vaccinations as well as neutering or spaying. Grooming - are you willing to spend the time needed to groom a long hair breed? Other pets - you have to take your other pets into consideration. Will your dog tolerate a kitten?

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There are a few options as well on where you can find a cat or a kitten. You can go to rescue shelters and adopt a cat or kitten in need of a home or you can find a breeder once you have decided on the breed that you like.

You have to do your homework when selecting a breeder:

does the breeder allow you to visit the queen and kittens? do the kittens grow up in the breeder's household so that they can get socialized and used to everyday household activities? does the breeder have a full history of the queen and the tom used for breeding?

Now that you have decided that you want a cat, let's take a look at some of the most popular cat breeds.

Number one since 1871 has been the Persian. Due to its temperament and appearance, this long hair cat has been a favorite for many years.

Second on the list is the Maine Coon - a big, fluffy teddy bear of a cat. Due to its gentle nature it is popular with people who have children.

The third most popular cat is the Exotic Shorthair. With the same temperament as the Persian but with short hair, it is a favorite amongst those who like a cat that does not require much grooming.

It does not matter what type or breed of cat you end up taking home, it is a commitment that you are making to that animal. Being well informed is the key to ensuring a happy life for you and your new furry companion.

Choosing Between Different Cat Breeds

People who love cats come in all shapes and sizes, as do cat breeds. Being informed about the different cat breeds and their needs will ensure that you and your cat have a mutually beneficial relationship.

If you would like to learn more about cat breeds and how to take care of your cat, visit http://www.cat-breed-info.com

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