Is a Dog Adoption on Your Agenda? How to Find the Perfect Woofer!

By Eli Rutledge

So you'd like to add a canine member to your household. When you plan a dog adoption, you're far more likely to find the best dog for your situation. Let's say you're older and live in a small apartment?you probably want to adopt a smaller, less active breed who will not require the amount of exercise, such as a more rambunctious Irish Setter will. On the other hand, if you've got a fenced backyard, lead an active lifestyle, and your household includes 3 kids, the Setter might be a great choice. So, your first step in pursuing a dog adoption should be to choose a breed or mixed-breed dog of a size and temperament that matches your needs, as well as those of your new pet.

Once you've decided on the size and type of dog, start looking through the classifieds, visit the Humane Society and other dog adoption organizations to take a look at some of these cuties. It's true that a younger dog (12-16 weeks) is usually a better bet in avoiding potential behavioral problems, with respect to socialization and learned bad habits, just as with people, each dog has a unique personality and natural tendencies towards mellowness, aggressiveness and everything in between. Become familiar with a number of dogs in order to gain a sense of a dog most likely to fit in to your home environment.

Why Dogs Fear Noises

By Debbie Franklin

We've all seen dogs whimper, tremble, or dive under the bed or hide in the closet when the fireworks go off on the 4th of July, or when there is a thunderstorm. You might never know why he or she has become afraid of such loud noises. Dogs have very sensitive ears and they might hurt. It could be separation anxiety along with the noise. You can do something to lessen his fear. If you don't step in and make things better, they might become even worse.

There are two - shall we say "normal" - behaviors for when a dog becomes frightened because of a loud noise: trying to escape and run away, or, doing something destructive. Both behaviors are you dog's effort to reduce his fear.

A side effect of your dog's escape or destroy reaction to loud noises is that he might begin to associate other things in his environment with the loud noise and makes a link in his mind that the loud noise and the "thing" are somehow related, so he then becomes afraid of that "thing." For example, if your dog is afraid of firecrackers, and your husband is the one in the back yard who is creating this loud sound, your dog might begin to fear your husband or the yard itself.

Should You Buy A Chihuahua ?

If you watch televesion, you've probably seen celebrities like Paris Hilton toting around tiny dogs whit big poppy brown eyes.These Dogs, called Chihuahuas, are one of the smallest dogs breeds in the world. the Chihuahua first appeared in mexico and does well in warmer climates. Of course, a doggy sweater can make one of these little dogs fell warm and cozy during winter months

The Chihuahua weights in as a lightweight at one to six pounds and stands only about five inches high. These small dogs come in a wide range of colors, although tan or black and tan dogs are most common. They have prick ears, an alert expression, and big, slightly poppy eyes. This breed has both short haired and long haired  varieties.

How to Train Your Dog to Be Good and Follow Orders

By Rudy Silva

The dog training professionals agree that the best way (and certainly the most humane) to do dog obedience training is through the use of positive reinforcement training. This phrase refers to the use of positive reinforcement - rewarding good behavior and ignoring unwanted behavior.

This method stands in stark contrast to outmoded dog training methods which included inhumane measures. Trying to force your dog to change behavior under intimidation or pain is not longer a method to train your dog.

Dog obedience training with positive reinforcement works very well with dogs. Remember that your dog has a natural inclination to try to please you - which makes positive reinforcement effective.

How Do You Know What Your Dogs Saying?

By G Rogers

Dogs are certainly one of the most popular pets in the planet. Who wouldn't fall in love with a dog? They are known for their loyalty and their ability to have fun. Whereas cats will lie down by your feet and have themselves scratched to the point of sleeping, dogs will engage you with their different antics and games. However, in order to have a good and meaningful relationship with your pet doggy, it is important that you are able to communicate with him and understand much of his behavior. After all, dogs, just like humans, have their own individual personalities.

Know His Bark

Just as we humans use different tones when speaking to other people, so do dogs have different barks. That is why it is important for you, as a dog owner, to be familiar with your dog's different barks.

How To Keep Your Dog Healthy And Happy

By David P. Lee

Our dogs have been the source of many great times, much love, protection, and companionship. It is our job and they look to us to make sure that they are cared for, fed, and kept as healthy as we possibly can. The health and happiness of your dog is very important to you, therefore, we have provided you with the following information to help you understand different aspects of a dogs health and you can keep them protected from accidents and health related issues.

Fleas & Ticks

We've all had contact with them. Fleas and ticks. What you may not know is that they can pose a serious health risk to your dog and to you. Fleas have been known to carry a wide variety of other parasitic organisms, for example, tapeworms. They can also cause a host of other problems including anemia, hair loss, infections and allergic reactions.

Bring Home a New Puppy

By Malinda Marcum

So you got a new puppy? Oh how exciting! Purchasing a new puppy can be a great experience for you or your whole family.

I have been a breeder for the last 15 yrs so I have a little experience when it comes to owning a dog/puppy.

The first and most important thing is be prepared for your puppies homecoming. Knowing what to purchase, could be a little overwhelming. Here is a list of items that are essential:

Food. Talk with your breeder and find out what your puppy has been eating. It is very important not to make any changes to your puppies diet, this could cause bowel issues. And the last thing you want is a puppy with soft stool.