Some General Tips for Boarding your Dog

  • Make sure Kennel's outside runs are secure.
  • Ask how frequently areas are cleaned.
  • Make sure it is well ventilated.
  • Temperature controlled- A/C in summer and Heating in the winter.
  • Outdoor running area should be cleaned.
  • Make sure all other animals have been asked to show proof of vaccinations. Responsible Kennel owners always ask for vaccination paperwork.
  • If you have small breed does Kennel offer a special area for them.
  • Can Kennel take care of any special needs your dog may have.
  • Is Kennel monitored 24 hours?
  • Always get references.
  • Does staff spend enough time with their guests?

Keep these ideas in mind when you are looking for a place to board your pet.

 

Why does my dog jump on guests to my home?

 

 Simple. He/She is showing guest that he/she is the pack leader. Your pet is letting your guests know that he/she is in charge.

 

How can this action be stopped. You basically need to make it known to your pet that you are the pack leader. This can be accomplished easily. When guests arrive make your dog sit, after your guests have been seated than allow your pet to greet them on your terms. By doing this you are telling your pet that you are in charge.

 

Brushing your Dog's Teeth

 

Just like us, dental care is an important aspect of your dog's grooming routine. Here are some general guidelines to brush your dog's teeth.

 

First off just do not grab a toothbrush and start brushing. Allow your pet to get use to the idea of brushing his/her teeth. Use a quality dog toothpaste and apply a small amount to your finger and let your pet taste it. Use this technique until your pet becomes use to you being around teeth and mouth.

 

Gradually introduce toothbrush, start by just brushing one or two teeth. This will allow your pet to become accustomed to the brush and the routine of brushing teeth.

 

Over time increase number of teeth being brushed. Working this way you will eventually be able to brush all the teeth in one sitting. Keep in mind to always stop before your pet starts to fuss. You want to make it enjoyable for your pet, soon your pet will be looking forward to getting his/her teeth brushed.

 

Choosing Proper Dog Collar

 

Basically there is a simple way to assure you are choosing the proper size collar. Place two fingers between dog's neck and collar, the same space should be no longer than the width of those two fingers, if the size is greater you run the risk of the collar slipping over the dog's ears.

 

Always remeber to check collar frequently for any wear, also check your pet for any hairless or redness, any of these two signs could mean an improper fit.

 

Collar Types:

 

Buckle Collars: Buckle collars are generally best choice and come in many styles and colors. Puppies should only use buckle collars.

 

Nylon Collars: Work well for dogs that are in the water alot. Nylon Collars are usually washable and come in many styles and usually ofer matching leads.

 

Leather Collars: Rolled leather collars work well with long haired breeds and keep hair from lying flat on collar.

 

Harnesses: Work well for dogs that tend to pull alot while walking. Will eliminate choking when pet pulls. Collar is placed around pet's chest and rib cage.

 

Cold Weather tips for Dogs

 

Keep hair around your pets paw pads trimmed. This will help keep paws free of ice and snow, which can ball up around footpads. Many types of footwear are available for dogs at this time.

 

Remeber to clean paws after walks. This is espcially important if your dog has walked where any type of ice melt has been applied.

 

Dogs that exercise alot in the winter may need extra food and dogs that are less active may need less food.

 

Invest in a sweater or jacket for short haired breeds. Pets will shiver if they are cold.

 

Provide a warm sleeping are free of drafts.

 

Remeber indoor dogs may require more water to help with dry winter air. Also if you keep water outside invest in a heated bowl.

 

It is very important to keep your pet well groomed during winter.

GPS for Dogs

 

A Kansas company has created a GPS System for dogs. Garmin International Inc palns to unveil its Astro GPS Dog Tracking System during the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show.

 

The Astro System has two componets, the dog's transmitter and the users handheld receiver. The actual receiver is mounted onto a lightweight neoprene harness that is placed on the dog's collar, around chest and behind front legs, or it can be strapped directly onto a standard 1" collar so that unit will sit on back of dog's neck.

 

Unit transfers exact position of your dog, direction, and distance to dog. It even can tell you if your dog is running, sitting, on point, or treeing quarry.

 

The unit can track up to 10 dogs and can update every 5 seconds. It has an effective range of up to 5 miles. The collar is rechargeable (17 hour battery life) and the receiver has 20 hours on two AA batteries.

 

The unit is expected to be available in June of 2007.

 

Is the Dachshund the Right Dog for You

 

It takes a certain type of person to own a Dachshund. They have a very unique personalty. Keep the following information in mind before deciding to bring a Dachshund into your household.

 

They are very energetic. Be prepared for alot of playtime and a good walk every day. Although dogs younger than 6 months should keep exercise to 20 minutes a day.

 

If your Dachshund becomes bored they can become destructive. This can be avoided by spending quality time with your Dachshund. Such as walks and playtime.

 

Dachshund do not require a large environment to be happy. They are a good breed for apartment living. Keep in mind that long walks up stairs would not be good for your Dachshund. So if you do live in a apartment building a elevator ride would be best.

 

Dachshund love to dig. So keep this in  mind. If you have a fenced in yard, they can dig their way under, not to mention the digging they can do in your garden.

 

Keep the dogs size in mind. Do not allow to jump of high places, climb stairs, this can lead to back injury. When picking up always remember to support back.

 

As always if you train your dog well and treat with kindness they will be absolutely devoted to you and your family.

 

Barking for Attention

 

Many dog's learn at an early age that if they bark their owners will respond to them quickly. For example your dog hears a noise outside and proceeds to bark, you reach down and pet your dog and explain that it was only the wind and everything is okay, at this point your dog perceives this petting and soothing talk as a reward for barking.

 

How can this attention barking be corrected you ask. First off it can be corrected. Basically it is very simple to correct. Your dog must learn that barking will not lead to petting, soothing talk, etc.

 

When your dog  begins to bark for attention do not immediately smoother with attention. Try having your dog sit before you pet him/her. This way your dog will learn that just barking will not get him attention. Basically you ignore giving him attention for unwanted behavior and give attention for correct behavior. Following this training your dog will soon learn that barking does not equal more attention.