The most essential fact about puppies and dogs that owners must realize is that dogs are pack animals and the human being must establish domination. You, the owner, are the “pack leader” and you must behave the part.

Puppies will expend a major quantity of time trying to figure out where they fit into the hierarchy. They usually do this by trying to set up their own domination. Some breeds are more forceful than others, for case, the terrier breeds. Some of the other breeds tend to be more dutiful naturally.

As soon as your puppy comes home he needs to have his place in the pecking order recognized. He needs to know that he must be passive to you and that you and the other human family members are the prevailing members of the pack. All of the humans inside the home must be greater than him in the pecking order. This is not a matter of reprimand but rather the way it must be in order for him to be contented and to become a responsible doggy citizen.

A few easy rules will help both of you establish this pecking order. If you don’t follow these rules your puppy will be receiving mixed signals and your training will be much more grueling as he will be confused and will not really know what you want and who the dominant party is.

The leader of the pack always eats first. Never let your puppy eat before you eat or at least don’t ever let him see you eat after he does. Make him wait until after you and your family eat if you were planning on eating about the same time or just eat at entirely different times. At first you may want to call your puppy to the food and make him wait for you to put it down. You can teach him to sit and then put the bowl down.

Everyday grooming of your puppy sends him clear signals about who is authoritarian. Your puppy may whimper or even act like you have hurt him at the beginning when you hold him for fundamental grooming. You must just ignore him and follow through with what you are doing. Always follow through with whatever you begin with a puppy because they rapidly learn when if you really mean something or not and if you are not following through your training will be difficult.

Most puppies will nip and bite at things when they are very young. You must prohibit this behavior instantaneously and let your puppy know that it is not acceptable with a clear-cut reaction of a “No” and a tap if needed. Remember that you are the pack leader and the pack leader does not ever get nipped.

The most imperative thing with a puppy is to show him that you are the authoritarian leader of the pack so be careful of games such as “tug’o'war’ where he could show some dominance. You must praise his good behavior with words and treats and disregard his poor behavior as you start on obedience training. If you follow these simple tips you will have a well-behaved doggie resident.

Popularity: 10% [?]

Technorati Tags: animals, blogging, blogs, breeding dogs, Dog Training, Dogs, family, home, pets

Choosing a dog to become your household’s pet may seem like an uncomplicated assignment. There are so many dogs that you can select from whether you go to the shelter to adopt or you contact a breeder. The fact is that unless you adopt a adult dog you will need to do some study because every single puppy in the world is certainly cute and it is too simple to fall in love with a puppy.

However, the puppy you decide on will not be the pet you end up with. Puppies grow up to be full-grown adult dogs and you need to make sure that the dog breed you decide on is one that will fit your families requirements and needs for many years to come.

Think about your household and any restrictions you may have. A smaller house of an apartment may be better for a smaller dog while a home with a large fenced backyard will do better for a bigger dog. Also think about time constraints, if you are not home for hours at a time because of work and school you almost certainly do not want a dog that needs a great deal of companionship. Ideally the best resolution is when you, your family and the dog are all happy and content.

Inform yourself about the diverse breeds of dogs. The breed will many times determine the character and nature of your pet. Some breeds are one-owner animals and they pick their favorite human being in the family unit, other breeds are doting|affectionate|/spin] to each person in the family. Things like that are things you must bear in mind when you are choosing a pet for your family.

You will also want to mull over if you want a purebred or a mixed breed or “mutt”. Mutts tend to have solid healthiness and often they make wonderful and loving pets but a purebred can also be a terrific pet and you will basically know what traits he will have and his probable health concerns beforehand.

You may also want to think about a “designer hybrid”. There are numerous great designer hybrids like the Puggle, which is a cross between a pug and a poodle or a Cogol, which is cross between a cocker spaniel and a golden retriever and of course, there are numerous others and they all have witty names. The designer dogs are bred between a purebred of one breed and another purebred from a separate breed.

As you are looking at breeds take into thought the personality of that breed. Will it suit with your family? If your family is more laid back a hyper dog may not fit very well and on the other hand, if your family is young and rambunctious you may not want a dog that is laid back and won’t play. Get a dog whose personality is like your family’s character.

Whether you go to the shelter and adopt or make contact with a breeder you want to get a dog that will fit your family’s personality and life. Getting a dog is a commitment and you want to give it enough contemplation so that both you and your dog are happy for many years to come.

Popularity: 9% [?]

Technorati Tags: advice, animals, blogging, breeding dogs, dog, Dog Training, Dogs, family, pets, puppies, puppy

It may seem like it will be an simple duty to decide on a dog to become your family’s pet because there are so many to choose from. You can go to the shelter or you can contact a breeder but unless you adopt a full-grown dog you should make sure that you do some investigation first. Puppies are very adorable and they are so easy to fall in love with.

But puppies grow up and they might not always be that adorable. The grown-up adult dog will be the one who is your family’s pet for years to come and you need to make sure that the dog breed that you decide on is the one that will fit your family’s personality and way of life.

Ponder any restrictions that you may have. If you live in a smaller dwelling or an apartment a large dog will probably not be content at your house. Another thing to consider about is how much time you spend away from home at work or school or whatever. Some dogs need a great deal of company and if you are gone much of the time your dog will not be content either.

Study about the different breeds of dogs. The breed of the dog often determines his nature and personality. Some breeds are doting and playful and worship everybody in the household in the same way. Other breeds are one-owner type dogs and they will select their beloved from the people in the house. If you have a family that is without doubt something you will want to take into consideration.

You will also want to consider if you desire a purebred or a mixed breed or “mutt”. Mutts tend to have solid health and often they make great and loving pets but a purebred can also be a good pet and you will essentially know what qualities he will have and his possible health concerns beforehand.

There are also the “designer hybrids” which are usually a cross between two purebreds of different breeds. They commonly have funny names like the Poogle, which is a cross between a poodle and a beagle or a Pugalier, which is a cross between a pug and a Cavalier spaniel. Of course there are also countless others.

As you are looking at breeds take into thought the personality of that breed. Will it fit with your family? If your family is more laid back a hyper dog may not fit very well and conversely, if your family is youthful and rambunctious you may not want a dog that is laid back and won’t have fun. Get a dog whose character is like your family’s character.

If you contact a breeder to get a dog or go to the shelter to adopt a pet, either way you need to get a dog that will fit into your family’s routine and character. Getting a pet is a lasting commitment and you want to make sure that both the dog and your family are contented for years to come.

Popularity: 10% [?]

Technorati Tags: advice, animals, blogging, breeding dogs, dog, Dog Training, Dogs, family, pets, puppies, puppy

A Shih Tzu dog is probably one of the proudest and most intelligent dogs that there is in any breed. As intelligent as the Shih Tzu is, even a Shih Tzu gets traumatized by having to be rescued from an abusive owner or being abandoned by someone who doesn’t care about them.

The problem is that a Shih Tzu never forgets and it can hold a grudge against humans for a long time and justifiably, but there is always a chance to show a Shih Tzu rescue dog that not all humans are bad and that the little dog does have a chance at being loved.

As able as they are to hold a grudge a Shih Tzu rescue dog is also capable of sensing when it is truly loved and can return that love once it feels comfortable. Unfortunately not all of the anguish the dog has been through will be forgotten and some may have physical scars for the rest of their lives, but if you give them a chance they may just reward you with love.

When you start out your new life with your Shih Tzu rescue dog you are going to need good advice from experienced and professional people on how to communicate and care for your recovering pet.

One great source of advice is your vet because your vet has seen all manner of abuse and they are trained on how to reach abused animals and gain their trust. Your vet can be a valuable resource here.

A Shih Tzu breeder can also be a great help. Breeders are not only concerned with their own dogs, but a good breeder is concerned with helping any dog. If you need advice on how to raise your Shih Tzu rescue dog then talk to a breeder because breeders not only deal with pups but they too deal with abused and abandoned dogs as well and can help in that area from the unfortunate benefit of experience.

You are going to need a tremendous amount of patience with your Shih Tzu rescue dog if you ever hope to get through to them and help them adapt to a life where they are loved. A Shih Tzu by nature takes a long time to train and a long time to adapt to what you want it to do. And the trauma of its previous existence is another hurdle you will have to jump in your quest to get your Shih Tzu rescue dog to be a loving pet.

Congratulations on your Shih Tzu rescue dog and you should be thanked by all animal lovers for what you are doing. Your Shih Tzu wants to thank you too but you have to remember that it is adjusting to something new from a life where all it knew was abuse so they will make mistakes. Never punish the Shih Tzu rescue dog, as they don’t understand punishment and punishment may push them even further from you. Be patient.

Popularity: 13% [?]

Technorati Tags: animal, animals, breeding dogs, dog, Dogs, family, home, pedigree dogs, pet, pets, shih tzu

Toy Pomeranians are easy to identify and hard to forget. They look like the world’s cutest, tiniest foxes with coats twice as big as their bodies. They have a high forehead, pointed ears, huge eyes and a button nose at the end of a slightly pointed snout. Some snouts will be blunter than others. The breeding trend seems to be for a profile like that of a Chihuahua rather than that of a miniature Spitz.

The average toy Pomeranian will be about six to seven ponds and look like a cross between a fox cub and a cheerleader’s pom-pom. They have naturally pointed ears, huge eyes and a pointed nose (although they can be blunted like a Chihuahua’s in some individuals). They are covered in long, puffy hair in the recognized colors of red, sable, orange, cream and sable, black, white, chocolate and a mixture of brown and blue tones. Their coats are double layered and need daily grooming.

Toy Pomeranians look like sturdy little sled dogs with a proud head, high curling tail, profuse coat to keep out the bad weather and a blockish body. However, they are far more fragile than their looks suggest. Cats and even Chihuahuas are far more robust than toy Pomeranians. Reliable Pomeranian information books and websites are filled with instances of Pomeranians dying from falling off of a couch or being rolled on by a sleeping owner.

Toy Pomeranians are vain, highly intelligent and protective of whatever they like. If they bark and snap at strangers coming up to your door, take this as a compliment (in a way), as you are liked enough by your Pomeranian to be worthy of protection.

Toy Pomeranians will give warnings first before they bite, but as they are so small, you might not be able to see these warnings. But, Pomeranians are trainable given enough time and patience.

Because of the tiny size of the toy Pomeranian, they are difficult to housebreak completely. Males will always lift their legs to mark territory unless you get them neutered. Many toy Pomeranians have been successfully litter trained, more so females than males. Pomeranians know very well to go outside, but their tiny bladders often cannot hold onto the urine long enough for you to let them out. Pomeranians are very intelligent and very trainable.

Toy Pomeranians have excellent senses of humor, although the level of this humor will vary from dog to dog. One Pomeranian has become a small Internet sensation on the YouTube show “Cute With Chris” by pooping her pile of poo in the shape of a smiley face.

Since most Pomeranians have health problems with their eyes, skin, heart and skeletons, only the healthiest should ever breed no matter how cute they look. They are better off with quiet adults rather than a family with young children.

Popularity: 18% [?]

Technorati Tags: animal, animals, breeding dogs, dog, Dogs, family, home, pedigree dogs, pet, pets, pomeranian

Most mastiff dog owners adore their animals but do not bother organizing dog insurance for them , though these same people would argue that they are part of the family. The average American will have health insurance , so it makes sense that we should consider insurance to protect our dogs.

This is an often overlooked area and thought to be superfluous by some , mastiff dog owners soon learn how costly it is when they require treatment. Like many other areas, the cost of vet fees has increased as well , for those people with dog insurance, they have witnessed this rise in the form of premium increases.

So other than rising costs, what are the main reasons you should consider cover for your mastiff dog. The problem is that domestic animals are often more liable to be involved in an accident or become sick; this can happen at any time and usually when you can least afford it!

If you are in this unenviable position then a choice may have to be made , you know that treating your animal will place financial strain on you.

I had doubts about treating our dog some time ago when he was involved in an accident. I have to admit to asking myself at the time if we could justify the expense. Especially when you know that even with the surgery and treatments, your mastiff could still die. There are no guarantees as complications are not uncommon.

The average person does not always consider the costs involved with owning a dog , this is even more relevant if you are experiencing financial difficulties. Raising (sometimes) large sums of money can be prove to be financially embarrassing especially when you are have money problems , which could mean contacting a relative or friend for the money.

If you are experiencing a cash flow situation, you probably won’t spend as much on your mastiff dog’s treatment as you would like. Arranging a mastiff dog insurance policy saves this type of predicament from happening in the future. The choice is yours, large vet bills or pet healthcare insurance policy for around 40 dollars (or Less) per month , cost of medical care is assured.

Various dog healthcare insurance options are available possibly to meet certain financial requirements. Hopefully this article will make mastiff dog owners think again about their responsibility , perhaps the information supplied here has made things are a little clearer now and you won’t delay further.

Popularity: 11% [?]

Technorati Tags: animal, animals, breeding dogs, dog, Dog Breeders, Dog Health, Dogs, family, home, Life, pedigree dogs, pet, pets

The Toy Poodle is very similar to the Standard, the Miniature and the Teacup poodle. The Toy Poodle ranks third in size with these varieties of poodles. The Toy Poodle will weigh in at ten pounds at full maturity. Toy Poodles get their names because the human likes to play with these dogs as if they were toys. These dogs are intelligent, obedient and elegant dogs. They are non-shedding and this makes them very popular. They are very perceptive dogs and love companionship.

Toy Poodles are usually very good, but are very spoiled dogs. They tolerate being dressed up and having bows put into their fur because it pleases their owner. Celebrities love Toy Poodles and carry them everywhere. These dogs are easy to train and are always willing to please their owners. These dogs are very loyal and fun loving dogs. They make great companions to families with only one child.

A Toy poodle does not shed. Most dog lovers will tell you that a non-shedding dog is a very pleasant dog to have around. However, all Poodles need a lot of grooming in order to keep them free of tangles. The Toy Poodle will make a great family pet because it is great with children.

If you wanted to purchase a Toy Poodle it would cost you between eight hundred and one thousand dollars. These dogs are considered designer dogs. Their country of origin is France and they come in many colors. Centuries ago they began working in circuses entertaining people and, therefore, their personalities as performers have evolved into what they are today.

Their origins go back centuries when poodles were used in traveling circuses in Europe. They were used as performers for entertainment purposes. The early years of royalty caught on to the craze of the performing poodles and most had poodles with them courtside.

They soon became very pampered pets, a trait which has carried on today. Considering a Toy Poodle for a family pet is an excellent idea. They are fun dogs and make great companions for kids. They are non-threatening and are very loyal to their owners. They are also very protective of children in their home.

oy Poodle is a small, but very healthy dog. They will remain healthy as long as they get the proper nutrition in their diets. Sometimes they can get a low sugar hit and a little karo syrup on your finger will take care of this problem. But if food is left out for your Toy Poodle during the day there should not be any problem of low sugar.

There are many breeders of Toy Poodles and, therefore, it is not difficult to find a Toy Poodle to purchase. It is a wise idea to read as much as you can on Poodles and Toy Poodles, in particular, before you purchase one. It is good to speak the same language as your breeder or he may not sell you a dog if he does not thinks you are ignorant about Toy Poodles. Toy Poodles are small dogs and, therefore, they will need small meals all day long to keep up their energy.

Popularity: 31% [?]

Technorati Tags: animal, animals, breeding dogs, dog, Dogs, family, home, pedigree dogs, pet, pets, poodle

With all of the celebrities wanting that cute and adorable dog by their side being carried in a purse, it is no wonder that many people are looking to bring smaller and more of a compact type of dog into their homes and hearts. There is no doubt that the teacup Pomeranian is one of the cutest dogs available but what is it exactly that makes them so darn adorable?

Knowing what to expect your teacup Pomeranian to look like once full-grown is needed so that you are not let down in the future. As it is, Pomeranians are already small breeds to begin with so you at least don’t have to worry about the teacup Pomeranian to grow too big for you or your house to handle. And don’t let looks deceive you, as the teacup Pomeranian is one little dog that needs a lot of love, attention, and personal hygiene care.

The teacup Pomeranian comes in brown, black or white colors and even sometimes a mix of colors. You can expect the puppies to grow to no more then eleven inches in height and their weight probably will not exceed seven pounds. And those would be the measurements of the biggest of the breed, as not all teacups will grow to that size. This dog is much more intelligent then a lot of people tend to think and they are a very active dog considering their size.

Their tail is something that can not be mistaken as anything other then adorable as its fluffy fur curls back and rests every so softly of the short back of the teacup. Their under coat is dense yet soft while the outer coat is more of a rough texture. It is essential that a monthly bath is given in order to keep them looking their best and you really do need to brush the teacup Pomeranian on a regular basis.

This type of dog is perfect for the elderly or someone who has a lot of time that they can offer them. They thrive on a lot of attention and do well in busy homes but not so well around small children. Being around small children tends to make the teacup Pomeranian very nervous and this can lead to small bites or attacks if they feel too scared or threatened.

This breed does not need to have a lot of room so it is okay to be in a house or in an apartment. They thrive on attention and need that love often in order to maintain total happiness.

They also can live well in apartments and houses or in the city or country. These animals are pretty easy going and can get along with almost anyone anywhere. Since these puppies are so small, they are prone to loosing teeth if they are not well cared for and prone to cesarean sections in giving birth.

These little dogs are never mistaken for anything else so you will know a teacup Pomeranian when you see one.

Popularity: 32% [?]

Technorati Tags: animal, animals, breeding dogs, dog, Dogs, family, home, pedigree dogs, pet, pets, pomeranian

Consider the many aspects of breeding before you choose to do Yorkshire Terrier breeding for yourself. Before you choose this option you want to carefully consider what can happen since there are many things that can and do go wrong with breeding dogs. The most important step is to carefully consider your Yorkshire Terrier. Do you know what the specific breed standards are, do you know if your dog has any specific faults and do you know exactly how these faults can be transmitted through genes to the offspring?

Before breeding you need to make sure both the male and female have bacteria cultures and brucellosis tests done in order to reduce infections transferred during breeding. Before breeding the female dog should be thoroughly checked by a veterinarian for luxating patellas, cardiomyopathy or hypothyroidism, which are all conditions that can be passed on to the litter.

Even if both the female and male are healthy and good options for breeding you still want to educate yourself about all possible hereditary faults that can result in the line you’re breeding. Take the time to research the family lineage on both sides and know what you can do to reduce hereditary conditions.

Next is it important that you carefully consider everything that can go wrong during the gestation period. There is always the chance that the mother dog can die before, during and after whelping. Some of the most common complications include uterine inertia, prolapsed uterus, eclampsia, metritis or mastitis. Also consider whether or not you have the time and ability to take on Yorkshire Terrier breeding.

Make sure you have the time and ability in advance to take on Yorkshire Terrier breeding. As whelping draws near the female Yorkie should never be left alone and often assistance is necessary during whelping. You may need to stay home for several days before and after the whelping. The cost of breeding should also be taken into account. Make sure you have enough money saved up just in case a C-section is required, as it may be necessary for smaller breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers. Make sure you thoroughly know what the signs of trouble are and what steps you can do in order to resolve the problem.

For several days before and after the whelping it may be necessary for you to stay home. You also need to take into account the cost of breeding. For small breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers, C-sections may need to be done and you should make sure you have enough money saved up for this just in case. You should also make sure you have researched all the signs of trouble that can occur during breeding and what steps you can take in order to resolve the problem.

Raising the Yorkie puppies is the final aspect of Yorkshire Terrier breeding that you should consider. Fading puppies, toxic milk, septicemia, primary atelectasis, herpes virus, cleft palates and hypoglycemia are just a few of the conditions that you need to educate yourself about before raising puppies.

When a puppy is born there is always the chance that a birth defect may be present and if it is serious enough the puppy may have to be put down. If necessary would you be able to do this? While you may be able to do this you should also be prepared for the complications it will cause the mother. Can you take several days off work on short notice in case your are required to raise the litter for a while should something happen to the mother? If necessary would you be comfortable with tube feeding or bottle-feeding? Again you need to carefully consider all the costs involved. Just a few of the things you may have to pay for include vaccinations, looking for a home for the puppies, paying vet bills and raising the puppies for several years or their entire life if you are unable to find a home for them.

Popularity: 27% [?]

Technorati Tags: animal, animals, breeding dogs, dog, Dogs, family, home, pedigree dogs, pet, pets, yorkie, yorkshire terrier

The Shih Tzu dog breed survived a tragic history to become one of the most popular toy breeds around today. Shih Tzu historical information reveals that the breed has roots in royalty.

The Empress bred her dogs for traits like loyalty, good disposition, and perfect facial features. She gave Shih Tzu puppies as gifts to Chinese nobility and foreign diplomats. Tragically, when the Empress died, her successor resented the dogs and the era they represented, and many dogs were killed.

Information about the Shih Tzu breed is scarce until the late 1920s and early 1930s, when Shih Tzus were imported to England and Scandinavia, with later generations reaching the United States and Canada. During World War II, Shih Tzus were popular with American soldiers, many of whom refused to leave their pets in Europe and instead brought them back to the States.

Perhaps because of careful breeding to make them suitable as royal pampered pets, the Shih Tzu has a happy disposition and a strong desire to be the center of attention. The Shih Tzu is a lap dog who is content to spend hour after hour relaxing in the company of humans. Because of their small size-nine to sixteen pounds-and easygoing personality, these sturdy dogs are especially popular with apartment dwellers.

Sometimes called “Tibetan lion dog,” Shih Tzus were bred to resemble lions, with a flat face, prominent eyes, bowed front legs, and a fearsome facial expression. The breed is also known as the “chrysanthemum dog,” because their wrinkled fa?ade looks a bit like the chrysanthemum flower.

The Shih Tzu coat ranges in colors from solid black or gold to several multi-color combinations. The breed’s elegant appearance comes from its long, slightly wavy coat, which requires daily attention.

Although the history of the breed is ancient, the Shih Tzu breed is a relative newcomer to the world of dog shows, particularly in North America. The British Kennel Club first recognized the breed in 1935, but the American Kennel Club waited until 1969 to officially acknowledge the dogs, placing them in the toy group with other diminutive long-haired dogs like the Maltese, the Pomeranian, and the Pekinese.

The Shih Tzu breed makes an excellent pet for singles, couples, and families alike. However, because being the center of attention is so important to this dog, families with infants may want to wait until the children are a little older before purchasing a Shih Tzu to avoid any problems with jealousy that may develop. In general, the dog was bred to be a good-natured, friendly companion, and will gladly befriend the children in any family that offers it a home. The breed is extremely popular, placing ninth on the American Kennel Club’s 2006 rankings of breed popularity. With its regal history, its pleasant disposition and its convenient small size, the popularity of the Shih Tzu is certain to increase in the twenty-first century.

Popularity: 33% [?]

Technorati Tags: animal, animals, breeding dogs, dog, Dogs, family, home, pedigree dogs, pet, pets, shih tzu