Male Cat Behavior Problems - How to Stop Your Tom Cat's Bad Behavior

Owners of male cats face extra challenges as their tomcats often have additional behavior problems compared to female cats. The first of these is that they are more active and need to find the companionship of female cats. As a side-effect of this need, male cats frequently try to leave home. It is not quite running away, as they are quite willing to come home after doing the deed. The problem is that they face a lot of danger outside the house. They will get into fights with other male cats. They may also get run down by traffic. These additional worries of owning tomcats can certainly give their owners premature grey hair.

For these reasons, vets and many animal rights groups strongly recommend that owners neuter their tomcats. Neutered male cats lose that urge to wander, making it easier to keep them close to home. They will stop chasing after the female cats in heat, and stop aggressively fighting with rival tomcats. No more wandering and less fighting - all these mean they are less likely to get badly hurt outside the home. One more side benefit is that they will not produce stray kittens from their unauthorized rendezvous with female cats.

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Many vets prefer to err on the side of caution and will not neuter male cats until they are one year old. Others are willing to do it as early as four months old, as some newer studies indicate that younger neutered tomcats do not show adverse reactions. The earlier you get your tomcat neutered, the better. They are less likely to develop the habits of fighting, wandering and chasing after female cats. Despite this, neutering them late is better than not neutering them at all. As long as the habit is no longer being driven by natural instinct, it can be broken and replaced with something else.

Still, neutered or not, tomcats do tend to be more aggressive. While you can never get rid of this aggression completely, you can reduce it over time. One simple way is to put a collar with a bell on your male cat. What does this do? Often, your male cat likes to attack other animals. It will stalk them, and ambush them. It is obvious that the attacker often has the initiative in a fight. If your tomcat can surprise the other cat and pounce first, it is more likely to win the fight. While winning is generally a good thing, in this case it only encourages your cat to get into more fights. Once you bell your tomcat, it will have more difficulty stalking and successfully attacking other cats and animals. Slowly, it will lose the urge to get into fights.

Another problem more common to male cats is spraying. Spraying is different from urination. For one thing, it usually affects vertical surfaces like walls. Your cat does it to mark its territory. Common litter training techniques will not help. Neither will punishment. One thing you can do is to learn where your tomcat's favorite spraying locations are, and clean it with some form of enzymatic solution. Normal cleaners will not work - they do not remove the underlying odors of male cat urine. Your vet or local pet shop will probably have something suitable for you. After cleaning, you can spray one of those "pet behave sprays" to keep kitty away.

Male Cat Behavior Problems - How to Stop Your Tom Cat's Bad Behavior

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Common Collie Health Problems

As with any breed of dog there is always the risk of health problems. With the Collie there are different health concerns, such as Collie nose, CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia), CEA (Collie eye abnormalities), Epilepsy, Bloat and Kennel Cough.

Collie nose is a condition that causes lesions to the nose, lips and eyelids. This condition is caused by a lack of skin pigment and is aggravated by sunlight. Treatment can include applications of sunscreen, limited exposure to direct sunlight and permanent tattooing of the skin to make the pigment darker.

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Due to the Collie being a large breed of dog they have a higher risk for certain health problems, one of which is Canine Hip Dysplasia, where there is an abnormal formation of the hip joint. This will commonly develop after eight months of age when the Collie reaches skeletal maturity.

Possible causes could be genetics, lack of activity, poor diet or obesity. Dogs that are given little exercise and fed a low protein dog food have both a lack of activity and a poor diet and will have a higher chance of developing Canine Hip Dysplasia then that of an active dog who is fed a healthy diet. Canine Hip Dysplasia can either have a gradual or sudden onset and can sometimes cause severe pain. This can be diagnosed with an x-ray of the hips.

Untreated, it can lead to crippling lameness and arthritis, which can both be very painful. A preventive treatment for CHD includes keeping your dog active, on a healthy diet and weight management. Treatments can include medication or surgical intervention.

CEA (Collie eye abnormalities) is an inherited disease caused by a genetic defect, and is where the eyes do not develop normally. It involves the cornea, sclera and retina. Collie eye abnormality can have mild effects or total blindness; unfortunately there is no treatment for this disease. There are tests that can be done on the parents to assess the risks of the offspring developing this condition before breeding the animal.

Collie health problems can also include epilepsy, which is a neurological condition that causes the development of seizures. Epilepsy can be either a congenital (inherited) or acquired disease. The seizures can be controlled with medication.

Bloat can be a serious condition which involves gastric dilation, where the stomach fills with air and puts pressure on the other organs. When this happens the stomach can twist and pinch off the blood supply to the stomach. When this happens the health of the animal will deteriorate rapidly. This condition requires immediate assistance of a veterinarian and is very painful to the animal, not to mention costly.

Kennel Cough is a dry cough accompanied by thick nasal drainage, fever and lethargy. This can be caused by one of many factors, including overcrowded kennels and a stressful environment. Luckily, this condition can easily be treated with a course of antibiotics.

As you can see there are many health concerns for the Collie, as there are with any animal. Keeping Collie health problems from affecting your Collie can be as simple as following a good exercise and diet plan. Keep kennels clean and spacious, and pay attention to your Collie so that you will be quick to recognize unusual behavior. These simple steps can help to assure that you and your Collie will have many wonderful years together.

Common Collie Health Problems

Looking for information on Collie health problems? Be sure to visit my site to learn more about issues related to Collies, including Collie grooming.

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Cat Behaviour Problems - Could It Be A Communication Problem?

If you have a bad cat, which has behaviour problems; such as biting, spraying, not eating, scratching etc. It is likely that there is a communication problem between you and your cat.

Some cat behaviour problems are inherent to cats, it is what they do naturally and only through training your cat will you be able to stop the bad behaviour. However, sometimes your cat will be trying to tell you something.

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If your cat has stopped using the litter box and is instead urinating around your house, this could be a sign that something is wrong. Often however this is a way of territorial marking for male cats, and neutering the cat will stop this particular behaviour problem. However it could be something a little more serious. For example if your cat has already been neutered and starts to spray around the house it could be a sign that your cat is ill, or your cat may be unhappy about a change in the house. Try and get to the bottom of the problem and see if your cat returns to normal. If your cat continues then you should seek the advice of your vet as this may not be a cat behaviour problem it may actually be a sign of diminishing health with old age and your vet can aid your cat as much as possible.

Other cat behaviour problems that owners face, may be a simple thing such as the cat swiping at the owners legs. This could be down to an annoyance. If the owner has gone on holiday and left the cat in the care of others, often cats can get upset and they will remember this and retaliate when the owner returns. A cat swiping at the owners legs could also be a warning, if you or someone else has over stepped the cats boundaries, it will find a solution to keep you away, if swiping at your legs works then the cat will continue doing it.

Even scratching the furniture is seen as a cat behaviour problem, where as this is actually a very natural thing for cats to do. In the wild they will scratch against wood to shed the outer layers of their claws, where as a domestic cat doesn't usually have this luxury. As this is a natural thing to do you will need to train your cat to use a scratching post instead of your antique furniture!

As you can see often cat behaviour problems as not problems at all, they might be a natural behaviour or a way of trying to communicate a problem with the owner. Often these problems can be solved very easily by learning to understand your cat.

Cat Behaviour Problems - Could It Be A Communication Problem?

Written by Laura Marsh. Did you find this information on cat behaviour problems useful? You can get more information on cat behaviour problems here.

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Catch Dog Joint and Muscle Problems Before They Get Out of Control

We love our dogs and try to take care of them as best as possible. But problems occur despite our best intentions and precautions. Common ailments include arthritis, muscle strains and pulls and hip dysplasia. However, your beloved pooch need not be in constant pain and discomfort. The first step is to identify whether there is a joint or muscle problem. Even if in doubt, a visit to the vet is never unwarranted, especially if you are able to catch a problem before it gets too serious.

Different factors can affect the health of your dog's joints. Infection, degenerative disease and physical trauma are all known factors that cause joint problems. Joints work improperly due to bone, muscle, ligament, tendon or nerve damage. Physical signs of joint problems include obvious pain, swelling, rigidity and an increase of body temperature. However, these symptoms are not necessarily due to joint problems. Understanding common joint and muscle problems that dogs have will help you to see the warning signs and help you to understand when your pet starts acting out of the ordinary.

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Arthritis: Arthritis is caused by muscle strain near the connection with a tendon. Symptoms of arthritis in dogs include limping or stiffness, having a difficult time rising, reluctant to jump when it was previously not a problem and even obvious pain. Now, noticing these symptoms after a weekend hiking or camping can be quite normal, but any prolonged symptoms are best checked out by your veterinary.

Muscle Sprain or Strain: Muscle injuries are not only one of the most common injuries in dogs, but the most difficult to diagnose. Most often, muscle sprains or strains go undetected simply because dogs do not show pain the same way that humans do. If you are noticing obvious pain, most definitely take your pet to the vet. Dogs mostly show signs of "slowing" or "favoring" rather than yelps or cries in pain. Favoring a leg for more than a few days or acting lethargic are reasons to be concerned.

Hip dysplasia: The basic definition of hip dysplasia is any abnormal formation of the hip joint. This abnormal formation causes looseness to the joint, which results in physical symptoms. Some breeds are more prone to dysplasia than others, but it is beneficial for all dog owners to know what to look for. After regular exercise the puppy may refuse to walk any farther and sit back on its legs. Another warning sign in puppies is that their back legs may look a bit underdeveloped.

Even if your dog appears normal, it does not mean that he or she has escaped hip dysplasia. Some dogs simply accept the pain and you won't notice any sort of complaining until the hip has degenerated into joint disease. The only way to know for sure your dog doesn't have hip dysplasia is through a pelvic x-ray.

When it is Time to go to the Vet:
Any sort of obvious pain is cause to make an appointment with your veterinarian. Even if you're fairly confident that it is simply arthritis, you will not know for sure until your dog is examined.

What to Expect at the Veterinarian:
At the visit, the vet will want to do an overall physical, especially if your dog is a new patient or it has been awhile since the last visit. The physical will include a dental check, physical palpitation for any bumps or lumps and confirmation of spaying or neutering. A dental check-up is more important than some owners realize. Bacteria can lead to infection, which then can spread throughout the entire body if left untreated. When the visit is for possible joint or muscle problems, the vet will most likely want an x-ray to rule-out hip dysplasia and verify any other theories.

Hopefully, all checks out well with your pet and there are no problem other than the need for a little extra rest! We all love our pets and sometimes all does not turn out well after a vet visit. But, there are many ways to treat joint and muscle problems while alleviating discomfort. Ignoring a problem is never the solution and when in doubt, make an appointment and have the vet check it out!

Catch Dog Joint and Muscle Problems Before They Get Out of Control

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The Problems That May Arise When Breeding Your Dog

If you have made the decision to breed your dog, you may now be wondering exactly how to go about it. However, before you do anything, you really need to know the problems that could arise with breeding, just so you can be fully prepared.

The Most Common Problems That May Arise

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There are various problems that you could encounter when breeding your dog and you really should be aware of each and every one of them. Here, you will see some of the most common problems that could arise and, hopefully, that will help you to become better prepared for them if they do pop up.

Some of the most common problems are:

Problems During Birth

Many dogs encounter problems while giving birth and that can leave all kinds of problems. Some dogs even die while giving birth, so you really need to decide if that is a risk that you are willing to take. Other problems include that the puppies could be deformed or that the mother could not take to raising puppies. It is very rarely straight forward and, unfortunately, many dogs do not just mate, give birth to healthy puppies and make their owners money. There are plenty of things that get in the way and cause problems, so you really do need to be aware of that fact.

The Two Dogs May Not Be Compatible

Generally, when breeding a dog, you need to be sure that your dog is compatible with the mate you are supplying. This means that they really should be the same breed unless, of course, you are breeding a Labradoodle or another cross-breed pedigree. If you do decide to breed two different breeds, you really need to check that there will be no problems for the dog near the time of birth.

For example, if you breed a male Saint Bernard with a female Bulldog, you are going to have serious trouble! The puppies will more than likely not fit when it comes for the mother to push them out and that could result in the death of the puppies and/or of the mother. So, if you do want to breed two different breeds always ensure that they are compatible.

It Can Be Expensive

Many dog breeders, when they first start out, think purely about the money. What they do not realize is that breeding any dog is expensive as you first need to mate the dog and pay for stud fees and you have to pay for vet bills, both before the puppies are born and afterwards. So, it is not always quite the money venture that people think it is.

There are many things to take into account when breeding a dog and the above mentioned are just the most common. Always do the right amount of research and make sure that you have the right amount of funds in order to afford breeding your dog before you even consider it. That way, you will be the most prepared and the problems will not be completely unexpected.

The Problems That May Arise When Breeding Your Dog

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Common Jack Russell Behavior Problems and What to Do About Them

Excessive barking. Barking is a completely natural habit for a dog, and Jack Russells tend to be a bit noisier than most breeds. But there are time when barking just isn't appropriate, so for your own sake and the sake of your neighbours, you need to get this under control.

The first thing you need to do is determine why the dog is barking in the first place. There could be many reasons for this, but the biggest ones for Jack Russells are boredom and anxiety. Boredom can be easily fixed by giving your dog a variety of chews to entertain herself with. Try buying hollow nylon chews which you can fill up with peanut butter - this works a treat.

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Anxiety is a little harder to deal with. If there is something in the environment which is intimidating your dog - a neighbor's dog, for example - block it from view with curtains or fencing. If the anxiety is the result of being separated from you, the proper treatment is to gradually get your dog used to being alone. Leave it for very short periods at first, then come back with a reward. Slowly increase the time the dog is left alone for.

Jumping up. This can actually be quite scary for many people, even with a small dog like a Jack Russell - and it's just plain annoying too. This is usually caused by overexcitement. The solution is to make sure the dog gets its fair share of excitement throughout the day through games and exercise, so it doesn't end up releasing all its pent-up energy on unsuspecting guests. Start going for more walks, play games that exhaust your dog like Fetch, and teach the dog to Sit on command.

Destructive behavior. This habit, like barking, is usually the result of boredom or separation anxiety. If you leave a puppy alone in your bedroom all day, you shouldn't be surprised when you come home to a pair of chewed-up shoes. For a young dog, keep it in a puppy pen when you have to leave it alone. For older dogs, this is usually a bad habit formed in puppyhood that never got trained out. Starting a formal training regime with a disobedient dog will help to set some boundaries. Also, deal with your dogs boredom - up the games and physical activity, and provide some new treats and toys. Variation of toys and mental stimulation is important for an intelligent breed like the Jack Russell.

Aggression. This can be a real problem with Jack Russells, whether it's aggression towards certain people, strangers, other dogs, or over food and toys. Often it's a sign of a lack of socialization and it's common among some rescue dogs. But a sudden change in behavior towards aggression in a usually friendly dog can also be a sign of injury or illness. If the aggression has come on suddenly, contact your vet. If it is an ongoing problem, try slowly introducing the dog to environments and situations where it may act aggressively, providing treats and rewards to build up a positive association.

Biting. This is particularly a problem in puppies, but can be an issue with older dogs too. To stop play-biting, all you need to do is hold the puppy's mouth shut for a few seconds, say "No" firmly and then stick a chewy treat or toy in its mouth. This lets it know what it should be chewing on rather than human skin. If you have an adult dog with biting problems, this is a serious matter that will probably require the skills of a professional trainer.

Running away. Jack Russells are born hunters, and they were made to dig - so dig they shall, even if it means digging under your fence. The tendency of dogs to go roaming is generally inspired by natural urges to go and find a mate. The tendency can be reduced a great deal by neutering and spaying. There are many other health benefits to neutering your dog too. On top of that, you should escape-proof your house and back yard, using chicken wire where necessary to block your dog from digging under fences.

Hyperactivity. Jack Russells are pretty hyper by nature, but many are excessively hyper because their owners don't help them to release their energy. If your dog is excessively hyper it very likely needs more exercise. Add an extra walk to your exercise regime, make walks longer and more challenging, teach your dog to swim, and start playing lots of games. Perhaps invest in a tennis ball launcher to help you throw a ball further in a game of Fetch. This is about the only way your Jack Russell will get tired before you do.

Common Jack Russell Behavior Problems and What to Do About Them

This article is written by Tom McSherry, owner of the Jack Russell Lover website -- the one-stop info center for Jack Russell owners. This advice is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to training and raising Jack Russells. Visit Jack-Russell-Lover.com today for lots more FREE information on Jack Russell training as well as info on raising puppies, grooming, the history of the Jack Russell, health care, Jack Russell rescue organizations, plenty of Jack Russell photos and lots more.

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How To Eliminate Pitbull Behavior Problems

Pitbull behavior problems could be due to several factors, the trigger could be something from way back in your Pitbulls years as a pup which was never ever extinguished. In most cases, the issue is usually a matter of dominance involving the owner and or the dog. The one thing about aggression in the Pitbull, is it should be tackled at some point. Dogs whose masters allow them to act in a hostile manner spanning a lengthy time period may very well become dangerous.

Pitbull behavior problems could be shown as early as six weeks old. Young puppies of this age group are at a crucial development stage, one that demands socializing and instruction to prevent unacceptable behaviors, for example, biting people. This coaching period ought to carry on for no less than 2 months. The bottom line is to prevent long term hostile behavior, make sure that your pup is properly socialized with other pet dogs as well as people, at the very least by the time he or she is 14 weeks old.

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As we determine that this info is accurate, this points to some essential things. Firstly, a pup should not be segregated from the litter before 2 months old. The next thing to bear in mind, is the fact that tough discipline needs to be shunned for the duration of 8-10 weeks of the pups life.

This phase must be seen as a delicate time for treatment, and whenever you raise your voice, or use other excessive actions towards young puppies, you're encouraging aggressive behavior.
Pitbull behavior problems might also result from a variety of factors, definitely genetics and heredity are key essential elements, and we all know that specific dog breeds are inclined to become more aggressive than other dog breeds. Nonetheless, you will find exceptions to most of these, aggressive behavior also has a tendency to occur together with neutering and spaying.

Natural environment represents the only most dominating element in aggressive dog behavior, tough owners and greatly restricted socializing, in addition to very poor living conditions all bring about aggression. If your dog happens to go through some kind of trauma as a result of another dog, his chance for developing aggressive behavior rises significantly.

Frequently, aggression is really a product of the group dynamics that exist in a pack of dogs, hostile behavior could be entirely committed to initiate a pecking order, posturing, in addition to biting, are generally behaviors most dogs use to ascertain dominance. If you want to control your Pitbull's behavior early on, then create dominance early on and remain consistent.

How To Eliminate Pitbull Behavior Problems

This is my latest article on the subject of PitBull Training, and to find out more why not visit me at http://pitbull-training-secrets.com/articals/your-secret-guide-to-training-a-pitbull-terrier/ I hope to provide useful and valuable information to all readers with any future articles.
Feedback and comments are welcome, on any of my articles.
However if you use my article on your website, please don't take the credit for it!

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Problems That Can Be Prevented With Jack Russell Training

Achieving successful jack russell training is indeed a pride of every dog owner, more particularly jack russell terrier owners. Seeing these little terriers perform tricks at your command will certainly fill your heart not only with pride but with happiness and self-fulfillment as well. But what if the pet you have been bragging about did something totally embarrassing like peeing at your friend's living room when you went there for a brief visit? Perhaps it'll make you wish that the ground would swallow you, right?

These behaviors, while totally embarrassing, can be prevented with appropriate jack russell training.

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Urine marking.

This behavior is not uncommon among dogs. Most dogs, especially those that are not neutered or spayed have tendencies to mark places or things new to them. It's their way of saying, "Back off! This new couch is mine". Additionally, they mark to convey information like the dog's order in the pack or mating availability. Neutering or spaying your beloved pooch can help lessen the marking tendencies. Constant supervision will also prevent your pet from developing such habit. If you see your dog lifting his legs to mark, do something to distract him; clapping your hands or shaking a can or bottle with coins inside. Then give the command "No pee!" or "Stop it!" in a firm tone. During jack russell training to get rid of urine marking, be consistent in using this technique until the problem is totally solved.

Excessive Barking.

Just like urine marking, excessive barking is also one of the most common problems faced by many dog owners. It can be annoying to you and those near you especially if everyone should be sleeping yet your beloved terrier chose to let his voice heard literally. To address the problem, find out what makes your dog bark. Is he afraid to be alone? Or perhaps he is sees squirrels or other animals he thinks he is supposed to chase? To stop the barking, it is important that you provide everything he needs - protection against harsh weather elements, toys to prevent boredom and the likes. Additionally, remove the things that are making him bark - small animals he considered his quarry, boisterous kids running around, etc.

These two behaviors are not the only problems that can be prevented with jack russell training. If your dog problem is neither of the two, be rest assured that there will always be solution to it - and it often involves training.

Problems That Can Be Prevented With Jack Russell Training

Richard Cussons loves to write articles about dogs. Check out more of his articles regarding jack russell training at http://www.jackrussellsavvy.com

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What to Do About Your Dog's Weak Bladder Problems

When a perfectly housetrained dog begins to show clear signs of incontinence and lack of bladder control, it can be cause for worry for a pet owner. Dog's weak bladder problems can arise from a number of problems related to the bladder and urinary tract. A dog with weak bladder might just be showing natural signs of aging or suffering from urinary tract infections, they could also be suffering from some other disorder like diabetes or loss of sphincter muscle control.

The likelihood of the occurrence of dog's weak bladder control issues is usually slightly higher in female dogs than in male ones, and unless handled at an early stage, such problems need veterinary intervention. As a supplement to drugs, or as an alternative course of treatment, natural treatment options might be sought. However, if the problem is acute, it is best to visit a vet, and sometimes surgical intervention might be called for as well.

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Even if the dog with weak bladder is an outdoor dog, and messy indoors are not a problem as a result, it is still essential to notice and treat these dog weak bladder issues. In the long run, if untreated, this condition can lead to a number of complications like long term damage to the bladder or an inflammation of the kidneys.

As a general rule, dog's weak bladder problems are more common in females, especially spayed females, than in males. The condition usually begins within a year from spaying, when the dog loses control of the muscles surrounding the urethra and is unable to cut off the flow of urine. Statistically, older dogs are more likely than younger ones to develop this condition and medium to large breeds are more at risk than smaller ones.

The symptoms associated with dog's weak bladder problems can include accidental urination indoors, dribbling, or urination at night. When the symptoms set in, the dog should be taken to see the vet as soon as possible. Remember that the loss of control over bladder function might be the tip of the iceberg, an indication of other serious health problems such as diabetes or kidney failure.

Veterinary treatment of dog's weak bladder problems includes a number of medications, such as estrogen for female dogs and testosterone for males, along with agonists like sympathicomimetics or estriol. However, the medications would have to be administered often for the entire life of the dog. One of the other options is to consider a natural or homeopathic remedy. These remedies are formulated not just to provide temporary pain relief to your pet, but also to support more conventional treatments, and strengthen your pet.

What to Do About Your Dog's Weak Bladder Problems

Puneet Aggarwal has been researching pet health for many years now, looking for healthy, natural alternatives to conventional medications. To find out more about safe treatments for urinary tract infection in pets, visit his site: pet-urinary-health.com

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Solving Behavior Problems in Your English Mastiff Dog

Mastiff dogs are not mean dogs; however, they are huge and imposing. If they are not properly trained at an early age they will quickly figure out that their size gives them control. This can lead to some behavior problems in your English Mastiff dog. The following are suggestions to solving some behavioral problems in Mastiffs.

Aggression

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Aggression can be a problem with Mastiffs. Since they often outweigh their owners they can be found pushing ahead of people, shoving people out of their way, refusing to get off furniture, or guarding food and toys.

To prevent aggressive behavior you must take control and not allow it. For instance, if your Mastiff pushes ahead of you through doorways, teach him to sit at the doorway until you give the signal to come. Instead of retreating when your dog shoves you, push him back, invading his space. Your actions will teach your dog that you are in control. Never be cruel to your pet. You can use a distraction such as a toy or treat to lure him when he is misbehaving- such as refusing to get off the sofa. Always reward good behavior. Spaying or neutering can also reduce aggressive behavior.

Excessive Barking

If your English Mastiff dog has a problem with excessive barking you need to determine why because this is not a common problem in Mastiff dogs. It could be that your dog is bored or lonely. Be sure that you spend plenty of time with your with your dog and that he has toys and play time.

To deter your dog from barking you can wrap you hand around his muzzle and say "Quiet" or "No Barking." Be sure to praise him when he quiets down. You can use what is called a "shake can" to discourage barking. When your dog barks, take a soda can with a few pennies or pebbles in it (taped shut), and throw it in the direction of your pet. Don't hit him with it. The idea is that the noise with startle your dog and so he stops barking. Then, again, praise him for being quiet.

Chewing

Like many other breeds, Mastiffs love to chew on anything and everything. This habit needs to be controlled from the beginning. Providing appropriate chew toys while he young is very helpful. Keep valuable items out of reach of your Mastiff and be sure to rotate the chew toys so your dog won't get bored.

If you see your English Mastiff chewing on something he shouldn't, take the object away and replace it with an acceptable toy to chew on. Praise him for chewing on the appropriate item. Be diligent and observant.

Jumping Up

Most people view their pet jumping up as a welcome. However, this thinking is incorrect. Jumping up is a sign of dominant behavior and should be discouraged, especially in giant breeds such as Mastiffs. Teach your puppy that sitting will be rewarded with attention, but jumping up will be ignored. If your Mastiff tries to jump up on you, step back or turn aside so that no contact is made. Then tell him to sit and praise him when he obeys the command.

Shyness

A common problem among Mastiffs is shyness. Shyness can be an inborn condition or it can develop due to lack of socialization. Socialization is one of the most critical aspects of owning a Mastiff. It can be quite difficult to take your dog to the vet, or go on a trip with him if prefers to stay at home and only wants to interact with the family. Take your puppy out as often as possible. Allow your dog to meet people in different places. You can help him get used to other dogs and pets by regularly walking him at a dog park.

These are a few solutions to some of the behavioral problems you can encounter with your English Mastiff dog. Training should start at an early age and this will help to eliminate future problems. If you have severe behavior problems with your dog you might want to get the advice of his veterinarian or see a specialist.

Solving Behavior Problems in Your English Mastiff Dog

Sam Daniels is a dog trainer and enthusiast. Learn more through his extensive Mastiff Care Secrets course free of charge. It is jam-packed full of must-have information for Mastiff owners and those looking for English Mastiffs - http://www.yourmastiffandyou.com/the-english-mastiff-breed.html

Sam Daniels is a dog trainer and enthusiast with an extensive Mastiff Care Secrets course jam-packed full of must-have information for Mastiff owners and those looking for English Mastiff.

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Why Is My Dog Not Eating? Common Causes of Dog Eating Problems

It's not unusual for dogs not to eat their meal and leave the food untouched in their bowl. Although this is concerning for their owners, it's not necessarily a sign of ill health, particularly if they are still bright and alert.

dog life jacket

The weather can affect your dog's appetite. If it is too hot, he might not feel like eating. He also may not need to eat as much because he doesn't need to put energy into keeping warm.

Dog

Your dog may not like what you are giving him. The food may be a bit stale and not very appetising, or he may just have more gourmet tastes. You can certainly try offering him fresh food to see if it's more appealing. If he is just fussy, then it will take some discipline on your part to teach him that you're not going feed him chicken breast or lean steak, and he will need to get used to eating kibble!

Before you try the tough love approach, make sure there is no medical reason for your dog's loss of appetite.

Look in his mouth and check that there there isn't any dental disease that may be making it painful for him to eat. Look along his gum line for any reddening or swelling, particularly in the area of those large upper molars. A sore mouth can make dinnertime miserable, because in most cases, your dog will want to eat but it just hurts too much. The same can occur with ulcers or abrasions inside the mouth, so while you're looking at his teeth, check the roof of his mouth, inside his cheeks and as far back in his throat as you can. Loss of appetite can also be associated with an upset digestive system. Your dog may have eaten something a bit rotten, or be suffering from a more serious condition such as a stomach ulcer, intestinal obstruction or viral infection. Problems with internal organs, such as liver or kidney disease, can make your dog feel nauseous and therefore not interested in food. It's likely that he will also show other symptoms such as excessive thirst, depression and possibly vomiting. Stress can put your dog off his food. Have there been any changes in his life recently? Perhaps you've moved house, or perhaps you have just had a baby. It can take some dogs a little while to adapt to such things, and they can stop eating, just as a person would if they felt unhappy. If you can't find anything wrong with your dog's mouth, and he is bright and happy, it's safe to wait a little while to see if he improves, before contacting your vet. Don't offer him any food for 24 hours, and then start offering him small frequent meals of a bland food. Chicken and rice is ideal for this. If his appetite returns, that's great; you can then gradually change back to his regular diet over a day or two.

If he is lethargic and appears obviously unwell, or if he shows other symptoms of illness, take him along to your vet for a check-up.

Our dogs are like family to us and so naturally it's very upsetting when they become sick. Wouldn't it be wonderful if you knew how to give your dog a check-up, so you could spot a problem early? Before it became truly serious or even life threatening?

Why Is My Dog Not Eating? Common Causes of Dog Eating Problems

Now you can learn how to give your dog a check-up just like your veterinarian does and keep your dog healthy.
Visit -> http://giveyourdogacheckup.org/ to learn how to examine your dog, step-by-step, exactly like your veterinarian does!

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Dog Skin Problems And Allergies

Take Notice Of Your Dog's Skin Problems

dog harness

It is beneath their beautiful fur coats that a world of uncomfortable and even painful skin conditions are often lurking. Dogs skin problems can be an indication of a more serious and even life threatening condition.

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Some of the most common dog skin problems are dry skin, usually indicated by the appearance of "dandruff" or excessive shedding, various fungus infections, mite irritations, mange, and rashes that may be the result of seasonal, environmental or food allergies. Other dog skin problems include tumors, seborrhea skin diseases, melanomas and infected sores.

The fact is that many of these conditions are completely treatable and often preventable. Identifying the cause and preventing unnecessary dog skin problems is a responsibility that comes with the role of owning a dog. However, as a loving pet guardian, adequate care and treatment of an animal is a legal requirement.

Food And Seasonal Dog Allergies

Some of the most preventable dog skin problems are caused by dog allergies. Dog allergies may be the result of seasonal conditions, environmental factors or symptoms of food allergies. Many dog owners are
surprised to learn that food allergies are not always related to a new food or diet. A dog may develop intolerance to foods that they have been eating for years.

It is not an unusual occurrence for a dog to develop a food allergy when their immunity system may be compromised. Adding a digestive enzyme to a dog's daily diet of a premium all natural food is many times all that is needed to heal the skin. Dog food allergies are often an intolerance to unnatural additives and preservatives.

Seasonal dog allergies can include parasite allergies. Fleas for example are uncomfortable enough for a dog, but some dogs are particularly sensitive to flea bites. Although, fleas may be present at any time of
year, it's the hot dry conditions of summer when they are the worst. Other possible seasonal allergy irritants are spring pollens and dust mites. Rural dogs are at risk of developing further seasonal allergies where crop dusting occurs, or when other such chemicals are used around the farm or surrounding properties.

If your dog is uncomfortable and excessively chewing and biting his legs or rear end, scratching himself sore, or shows any signs or symptoms at all of a bothersome skin condition, please seek the advice of a
veterinarian right away.

Prevention is better than cure; the best premium all natural diet is the first weapon against dog skin problems and dog allergies. Dog owners should routinely check their dog's skin and feel for any lumps, bumps or other skin conditions.

Dog Skin Problems And Allergies

A Pittsburgh area resident with over 25 years of dog care experience. Janie is an avid dog lover and has written numerous articles on dog skin, nutrition and care.

Visit http://www.old-dog-treats-and-rawhide.com

Find more information on dog skin conditions and care, visit http://www.old-dog-treats-and-rawhide.com

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

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Dog Training - Bite Problems - Stop Your Dog From Biting!

A dog that bites is one of the dog owners worst nightmare. When it comes to dog training bite problems are among the most serious. Not only can a dog possibly injure its owner or a family member, but if a dog bites a neighbor or stranger, there can be serious legal and financial problems. A dog that bites is simply no fun to have as a pet. Before you think of getting rid of your dog, however, you should know that most behavior problems, including biting, can be successfully resolved.

stop your dog from barking

Puppies That Bite

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A puppy who bites is not as serious a problem as a full grown dog. Many puppies who bite were taken from their mother too soon. The mother dog actually teaches her pups not to bite too hard. If this lesson was not learned, you are going to have to do the teaching. Buy chew toys for the puppy. This will give them something to chew on besides family members. When the puppy bites a person, give a yell, almost as an angry dog would. Don't strike the puppy, just yell. If this does not stop it, leave the room. Puppies don't like to be left alone, and will learn what kind of behavior creates this situation.

Young Dogs That Bite

If you acquired your puppy at a later age, or simply did not resolve the biting issue early, you have to start thinking a little differently. As a dog gets older, it seeks its natural place in the pack. A dog approaching maturity will bite others in the pack (and this may include you!) who it sees as subordinate. In other words, you have not established yourself as the alpha dog. One thing to pay attention to is how you feed your dog. If you always feed him first, this will contribute to his sense of dominance. So let the dog wait until you finish eating before feeding him. As with the younger puppy, make sure you show the dog that biting is not tolerating --yell a firm "no" and leave the dog alone when he bites.

Mature Dogs That Bite

A mature dog who bites presents the most challenging problem of all. There are some steps you can take that may resolve the problem. You can still keep the above suggestions in mind, as well as these:

For one thing, pay attention to when the dog bites. Owners sometimes provoke a fear reaction in dogs without knowing it. Standing over a dog when you greet him, then waiting for him to roll over, and then scratching his belly, for example, may seem like bonding behavior, but it's also creating a very submissive dog. This can also be a fearful dog, who snaps when frightened. Tying a dog with a chain or rope all day can also encourage aggressive behavior. If possible, change the place you keep the dog to a fenced in area.

Dog Training - Bite Problems - Stop Your Dog From Biting!

I know that I was worried about my dog biting and decided to do something to stop it right away. It is up to you whether you want to let it go or finally stop the dog training bite right now!

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Dog Rivalry Problems - What to Do When Your Dogs Don't Get Along

Rivalry is Normal

If you live in a multi-dog household then you probably already know that dogs don't always get along. Even the best of friends sometimes have squabbles. Very often dogs may fight about who is boss, who gets to eat first, who gets to sit next to you and so on. In other words, status and rivalry can be big issues when you have more than one canine companion.

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Here are some ways to deal with rivalry among pack members:

Always Be the Pack Leader

1. There will always be a dog in charge. When dogs live in a pack situation they take on a hierarchical command structure, with one always in charge. Unfortunately, it may or may not be the dog you choose. Your favorite may not be the one that is naturally disposed to leadership. If your favorite is 12 years old and a little frail, it's likely that a younger pack member has already assumed the leadership position in the household. If you are still treating the older dog like the pack leader - giving her special treats and preferential treatment - this is likely causing confusion and problems with your other dogs. They are looking to the younger dog for leadership and you are indicating that the older dog is the leader. There may be fights between the older and younger dog which the older dog really can't win.

You can help smooth the situation if you start showing the younger dog some of the same special treatment that you show the older dog. You don't have to stop giving your older dog special treatment but it will help ease the transition if you indicate that you are starting to accept the younger dog's new position.

Love is a Battlefield

2. Sexual issues. If you have dogs that are not spayed and neutered then, when your girls are in season, it's very likely that your boys will hate each other. They will probably fight. At other times everyone may get along just fine. So, unless you can completely separate your girls and boys when your girls come in season, you will need to resign yourself to this competition. Or, you can have your girls and/or boys altered. Unless you plan to breed your dogs it's often a good idea to talk to your veterinarian about having your dogs altered. Spaying and neutering are not slam dunk decisions. They are veterinary medical decisions with health consequences, so do get advice before making a choice.

What's Yours is Mine

3. Status. At any given time your dogs may be jockeying for position. There is probably a dog at the top who tries to keep the other dogs in line. There may also be a second-in-command who assists the top dog. If you have other dogs, these others may occasionally have squabbles over toys or food. They are actually fighting about who is more important and who has the right to take things.

You can prevent many of these problems by providing your dogs with plenty of toys, things to chew on, and places to sleep. As long as there is no shortage of things, your dogs will have less to argue about.

However, if there is one particular toy or thing that frequently causes a problem, you're often better off simply getting rid of it. For instance, if every dog wants the stuffed green froggy toy and it often causes fights, better to remove it than to let it keep causing trouble.

Food Matters

4. Many dogs will fight over food even if there is plenty and they aren't hungry. You can solve this problem by feeding your dogs separately - in different rooms or in separate crates. If you feed everyone together, at the same time, you are more likely to have fights.

These are some of the ways you can solve rivalry issues in a home with a pack of dogs. Remember that you set the tone for the entire group of dogs. You are the one who indicates who is in charge and how the dogs should behave. When all else fails, try separating the dogs until they are calmer.

Dog Rivalry Problems - What to Do When Your Dogs Don't Get Along

Mia Montagliani is the owner of two Manchester Terriers, Frodo and Ziggy. Mia is passionate about the welfare of animals and dogs. Mia is also committed to improving the relationship between owners and their dogs and helping dog owners train their dogs humanely, effectively and stress free. For more information, please visit http://www.YourDogNeedsYou.com. For regular updates, hints and tips become a fan of the "Your Dog Needs You" page in Facebook.

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Dog Bladder Problems - Information You Can Use to Help Your Dog

Dog bladder problems can obviously be painful to the dog in question, but they can also be disturbing to dog owners. Dog bladder control issues often involve things like inappropriate urination or incontinence, and as an owner, you can quickly become frustrated. You should know, though, that any change in your dog's urination habits can signal a medical problem that needs addressing. Before getting mad at your dog, consider a visit to the vet, since the problem can have multiple causes, most of which are not the fault of your dog.

Symptoms of Dog Bladder Problems and Poor Dog Bladder Control

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Symptoms of dog bladder problems include increased frequency of urination, inappropriate urination (your housebroken dog may suddenly begin having "accidents" in the house), blood in the urine, painful urination, and leaking or dribbling urine, either constantly or intermittently. Dog bladder control may seem poor.  You may notice a bad odor that is due to urine getting into your dog's coat.

If your dog seems unable to urinate at all, this is a sign of a very serious problem and you need to take him to the vet immediately to avoid severe illness.

There may be other signs that your dog is unwell, such as loss of appetite, sleeping more than usual, and depression.

Diagnosing Dog Bladder Problems

To diagnose dog bladder problems, you vet will need to perform a thorough physical examination of your dog. He or she will look for other symptoms in addition to problems with urination that can give a clue as to the root cause of the problem.

Your vet will also take a thorough history from you. The vet will want to know how much water your dog is drinking, how frequently your dog is urinating, and about any other signs of illness you may have noticed. Tests needed include a urinalysis to check for infection, x-rays to look for bladder stones or other problems in the urinary system, and maybe some blood tests.

Treating Dog Bladder Problems

Bladder infections are common problems in dogs, especially in females (that's because the urethra - the tube that leads from the bladder to the outside - is shorter in females than in males). Bladder infections can cause increased frequency of urination and sudden, strong urges to urinate, which may cause housebroken dogs to have "accidents" in the house. Infection causes the urinary system to become inflamed, narrowing the urinary passages.  This constricts or makes it difficult for the urine to flow correctly.  These infections are easily treated with antibiotics and prevented with a natural supplement.

Female dogs also suffer from USMI, where the muscle that shuts off the flow of urine through the urethra cannot completely close.  It happens after spaying and is believed to be a function of reduced estrogen production.  Medications can be given to your dog to compensate and correct the condition.

Bladder stones are another common problem causing dog bladder control issues. The can also result from infection, since stones can accumulate when the urine isn't flowing normally.  Stones can cause bladder infections, and they can also block the opening to the urethra. If the opening to the urethra is partially blocked, some urine may leak around the blockage and the dog may dribble urine. If the opening is totally blocked, the dog is unable to urinate at all, and this is a very dangerous condition. Bladder stones can sometimes be treated with medication, but most often surgery is needed to remove the stones.  Some stones (struvite) can be dissolved by changing to a Prescription Diet.  This type of diet may also prevent the future formation of stones.

Dog bladder control often diminishes with age, so older dogs are more likely to have problems like incontinence. This is because the muscles of the urinary sphincter may weaken. This condition can often, but not always, be treated with medication. If medication is not successful at treating the condition, "doggy diapers" may be an option to avoid messes around the house.

Dog Bladder Problems - Information You Can Use to Help Your Dog

Jeff Grill is an editor of the Dog Health Guide and has written on many canine health problems. See this site for more information on treatment options for dog bladder problems.

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Ferret Eye Problems That You Need to Know About

If you own a ferret you will be quite aware of the ferret eye problems that cause you to be concerned about. The unlucky ferret is not blessed with good eyesight which is why its smelling senses are so developed. Also, due to poor sight they are often prone to many kinds of complications and problems of the eyes.

Ferrets are curious and playful naturally and their active nature is prone to accidents to their eyes, the most sensitive of all their organs. Fighting with cats or a hard hit can cause damage to their eyes. Even a rush of excitement can cause bulging of their eyes and make them blind.

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I would well advise to keep your ferret safely in a place where there are lesser possibilities of injuries to the head and accidents. However, eye complications in ferrets can well be inherent where if the mother had cataract or glaucoma you will find its presence in the ferret pup. Then, it may be a case of diabetes causing the disabilities. Where diagnosis is quite impossible, the ferret may lose its eyesight or even die within a short time.

Another disease that attacks most ferrets is retinal atrophy which is a progressive complication of ferret eye type. The eyes lose moisture and become hard and dilated with age. This is a slow killer since the eyes lose sight or visibility over a period of time. It is caused when the pet has a deficiency of an amino acid substance called Taurine.

When there is an injury or trauma to your ferret, Uveitis is yet another infection which the pet is susceptible to. It is however curable and treatment requires application of an anti-inflammatory ointment like cortisone. If left untreated, it may cause painful destruction of the retina and subsequent blindness

Sometimes a tumor behind the eyeballs can cause Lymphoma (where the eyes bulge out) or Lymphosarcoma. If diagnosed with it, the ferret needs to be treated with chemotherapy. Such lymphoma is then treated with surgery and is known as retro bulbar lymphoma.

It is important to have regular checkups for your pet to avoid progression of any of these diseases. It is advisable to take the pet to an experienced and established vet for periodical examination to avoid afflictions to the ferret with minor or major eye ailments.

Ferret Eye Problems That You Need to Know About

Clint is a ferret enthusiast who enjoys giving information about Ferret Eye. You can learn more about taking care of ferrets the correct way at FerretCareHelp.com.

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Incontinence Dog Problems - Common Causes and Solutions

An incontinence dog problem occurs when your dog involuntary urinates. In most dogs this happens at night or suffers from minor leaking during the day.

There are a number of things that can cause incontinence in a dog. The cause is usually based on your dog's age and sex.

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Female Spayed Dogs: An incontinence dog problem in a female dog that has been spayed is usually due to a weak sphincter muscle (called USMI). Spaying appears to negatively effect estrogen levels in the body which causes this muscle to atrophy (weaken). If USMI is the problem, then there are medications that can be prescribed to help strengthen the muscle.

Medications can be prescribed for this condition which strengthens the muscle and could potentially result in a cure. This includes estrogen hormone therapy or use of a drug called phenylpropanolamine.

Younger Dogs: When incontinence is seen in younger dogs it can be due to a behavioral problem or structural deformity in the way the ureters (tube from the kidney to the bladder) connect to the bladder. If it isn't formed correctly it blocks the flow of urine and requires surgical correction.

Older Dogs: In older dogs where muscle weakness is a natural part of aging there isn't much you can do beyond keeping your dog clean. You can also consider buying diapers for your dog that will pull moisture away from the body.

All Dogs: Bladder stones and infection could cause an incontinence dog problem. Stones can partially block the flow of urine. Infection such as bacterial infection causes the route the urine follows to narrow. The combination of the two create real incontinence problems for your dog. Treatment involves either medications to dissolve the stones. If this doesn't work, or can't work for the type of stones (there are multiple types) your dogs is suffering from (usually oxalate), then surgery will be needed. The infection can be treated with common antibiotics.

Homeopathic Alternatives for an Incontinence Dog Problem

There are some natural approaches available to help strengthen the bladder, support the urinary system and help to prevent or assist conventional medicine with the treatment of infection. One type of product focuses on infection. These herbal ingredients help to restore the PH of the urine, an important step in helping the urine to its job, killing bacteria that is colonizing in the urinary tract and flushing crystals, the building blocks of stones, from the body.

The second type of homeopathic remedy may help to strengthen the bladder and help if urination is behavioral, such as urination by a nervous or stressed dog. Ingredients for incontinence dog such as Cantharis (for shy dogs that can't control the urge to urinate when stressed), Causticum (for accidents when your dog sneezes), Equisetum (bladder ache and helps with frequent urination) and Ferrum phos (for bladder support).

An incontinence dog problem requires a visit to a veterinarian. Ask your vet about conventional, surgical and natural homeopathic treatment options.

Incontinence Dog Problems - Common Causes and Solutions

Jeff Grill is an editor of the Dog Health Handbook and has written on many canine health problems. See this site for more information on incontinence dog treatment options.

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Barking Dog Problems

Barking dog problems can be neighbor dogs or your own dog. In either case, dog barking is one of the most frequent complaints of dog owners. Responsible dog owners will train their pets to control excess barking. And it is excessive barking that is the problem. Dogs bark, that's just what dogs do. But the constant yapping frays nerves and strains relationships between people.

Neighbor Dog

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Is your neighbor dog barking? Many areas have ordinances against dog barking, but law enforcement people will seldom become involved in dog barking problems. Neighbors must work it out some way. Your neighbor with the barking dog may not know how to train the dog to stop barking. You could suggest some training material. You could suggest some ideas yourself too. Maybe the dog owner doesn't care. This may require more drastic action.

One possible solution is the ultrasonic noise generator. Dog barking triggers a blast of ultrasonic noise irritating to the dog but not to people. This works for many dogs but not for all. It's worth a try on the neighbor dog.

Your Dog

Maybe the problem is with your dog! Do not despair. It is very possible to train your dog to control barking.

The first step to control your barking dog problem is to observe. Just watch your dog for patterns to the barking. Can you see a cause for the noise. Often barking is from boredom or loneliness. Your dog may simply need more attention. But make sure your dog is not training you. Link some rewards for the behavior you want and some negative happenings with undesired conduct. Also lack of exercise causes some dogs to bark just from excess energy. Can you make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise?

Sometimes a training collar may help. But make sure you don't jump straight to what you think will be the instant solution. Deal with the real cause and your dog will be better adjusted in the long run. The cause of the excess barking is where you must spend your effort.

Barking Dog Problems

Believe me I know how stressful dog barking can get! Visit our site to get help with barking dog problems.

Go to http://www.dogbarkinghelp.com and stop the dog barking fast.

Al Bullington's nerves cannot handle constant dog barking in the daytime or at night.

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