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How Do I Introduce My Dog to My Fear of Other Dogs?

You’ve been waiting patiently for a little bundle of joy. Now that it has arrived, you’re so excited to show it off to everyone especially those people who haven’t yet met its newest member. But when it comes time to take your baby home from the breeder, you get nervous. What if your new puppy gets scared by another animal? Or maybe the other animals in the shelter are bigger than yours!

 

Will they hurt him? How will you know how to protect him? These questions and others often plague first-time parents. And if you’re not careful, some fears can become ingrained into your psyche. They may even turn into an anxiety disorder like separation anxiety or social phobia.

 

Why You Might Fear Other Dogs

Fear isn’t always bad, though. In fact, it’s a natural reaction to danger. Some fears are rooted in reality, such as spiders or snakes. Others could stem from an experience with a specific individual, like someone who bullied you at school. It doesn’t matter where these fears come from whether real or imagined the key is to find out more information on them.

 

If you think your fear stems from a negative experience with a particular breed of dog, talk to the owner of the one you encountered. Perhaps that bully was a German shepherd rather than a human being. Ask if there are any incidents of aggression between members of the same pack (or litter).

 

If you were previously attacked by a pit bull, consider taking your pet to a trainer who specializes in working with this type of dog. Even if your fear is unfounded, talking to experts about your concern can provide relief.

 

The next step is to figure out what kind of dog you really want. For example, if you love huskies, then you probably won’t be too upset if your new puppy becomes friends with one. On the other hand, if you’re allergic to cats, you may want to avoid breeds like pugs, which are known to attack small pets like hamsters and gerbils.

 

Once you’ve decided what type of dog you’d prefer, here are a few tips to keep in mind during your puppy’s initial introduction to the rest of your family. Never punish your dog for something it didn’t do. Don’t yell at your pup because it got into the trash or …

Road Time

 

Have you ever been driving down the road or walking through the mall when you suddenly feel like someone is following you — even though no one else is around at all? Or have you ever had this strange feeling that someone just walked over your grave? If so, then you’ve been stalked by your own mind!

 

You may be having déjà vu or thinking about past events that happened long ago but seem fresh today. This phenomenon can happen because our brains tend to filter out information from our conscious minds and store it away for later processing, especially when we think we’re dealing with new situations. We usually aren’t consciously aware that we’ve done this until something triggers those old memories and emotions.

 

The same thing happens with pets and their owners. Our animals’ behavior can trigger certain thoughts, emotions and sensations in us without our being aware of it. It’s called transference, and it’s not uncommon among people who work closely with animals. In fact, many veterinarians rely heavily on this phenomenon as part of their diagnostic process when treating patients.

 

For example, if a cat seems skittish or aggressive toward one person, it could very well be due to the patient’s reaction to his or her previous experiences with cats. Many animals exhibit behavioral patterns that reflect their owners’ personalities, attitudes and psychological states. When these patterns become prominent, we call this “parallel expression.”

 

In addition to parallel expressions, dogs also use body language and other cues to communicate with their owners. They do this by using such signals as tail wagging, vocalization, facial expressions and gestures. But have you ever noticed that your dog doesn’t use words when he wants to convey a message? Some experts believe that this kind of communication is unique to humans, although others disagree.

There are still plenty of unanswered questions regarding animal intelligence and communication, including whether or not dogs actually have self-awareness (the ability to understand oneself) and self-concept (a sense of identity). However, most scientists agree that dogs are capable of showing signs of emotion, which includes both positive and negative emotions. Just look at your pooch during a happy moment and an unhappy one. Its eyes will reveal what it’s feeling.

 

Dogs express themselves in various ways, but some forms of expression are more typical than others. Dogs show overt …

Great Tips For Getting Your Dog Toilet Trained

It is a sad thing about the world today; people don’t understand the commitment that a dog demands. Both from an e

It is possible to find and use diapers for house training a dog but that is merely an indication that you have not thought through the commitment that a dog demands and deserves. Giving your dog its due time and care is the first step in teaching the person how to teach the dog.

 

 

Being ready for the commitment

 

Picking out a dog is something that you need to put some time into. Dogs, and cats for that matter, are terrible Christmas gifts because they are generally given with that “oh… he’s so cute” spur of the moment purchase mentality. Most people wouldn’t run out and buy a car on the spur of the moment or even give a fish tank with several bags of fish as a gift because it takes time and costs a lot of money. Dogs are no different and even require more thought if the person-dog relationship is going to work out for the next 10-15 years. Take your time before settling for the dog that is right for you and your family. It will be the best decision, both for you and your family but most importantly for your dog.

 

 

A brave new world

 

Walking down the street of a big city and taking a look up at all the skyscrapers is an example of just how small you are and just how big the rest of the world is. This is one of the concepts that you need to understand as you begin getting your dog introduced into his new home. Even after you bring your new dog home you’ll need to continually understand that you are that skyscraper to your new dog. Even after he has grown to full size you are still just that big thing that gives scratches and food. Never hesitate to get down on the ground and roll around at his eye level for a bit. If you don’t you may find that your dog won’t really recognize you on the ground past your smell. Keeping your dog comfortable with all the new things that appear big in his new home will go along way toward making him feel relaxed and more willing to follow your and his new routine.…

Male Dogs Vs. Female Dogs: Which One Is Right for You?

 

When you think of owning a pet, what kind of animal comes to mind? Do you picture an adorable puppy or a loyal adult dog? Or maybe one that has unique features like long hair, broad shoulders, large size, or even horns? Many people, they’re able to relate to both types of pets. But there is still one major difference when comparing them to determine which type of pet would be right for you.

 

While we may all have similar backgrounds when it comes to our relationship with animals, the way we see ourselves as well as how we view others can make all the difference in the world. And this includes if you should get a male or female dog.

In order to help you decide which type of dog might suit your lifestyle better, here are some key points to consider when deciding whether to own males or females.

 

What Are the Pros to Owning Male Dogs?

 

There are several advantages associated with having male dogs over those who opt to own females. First off, let’s talk about what makes male dogs so popular among those looking to adopt a new pet.

 

One reason why men might prefer males is simply because of their appearance. In general, most women tend to find males more attractive than females. This is due largely to their larger stature, muscular build, shaggy coats, and other characteristics that increase physical appeal. Men who choose to own male dogs often enjoy these traits, making them more appealing to look at than their counterparts who chose to go after females.

 

Another advantage to owning male dogs is that they typically don’t require much training. Compared to females, male dogs are easier to manage and take care of. They don’t need any special attention, such as brushing, grooming, or bathing, since they naturally shed fur. However, they do require basic obedience training on top of feeding and water access.

Lastly, male dogs are known for being protective and attentive parents. In addition to taking good care of themselves, they will typically watch out for their pups. As such, they offer a great companion and protector while keeping you safe around the house.

 

What Are Some Cons When It Comes to Owning Male Dogs?

 

Although there are plenty of benefits to owning male dogs, there are certain disadvantages too. …

What Do Dogs Like to Eat the Most?

If you’ve ever been given the opportunity to witness one of your pets devouring its favorite treat with reckless abandon, then you know how much they enjoy eating. In fact, if your pet is an adult male, chances are he or she has a preferred type of food that they prefer over others. Dogs aren’t picky when it comes to food preferences, but there are certain things they definitely prefer to eat more than others.

 

All animals have different nutritional needs based on life stage and activity level, so while there are general guidelines for what dogs should be getting, every animal also requires specific nutrients that can only be found in certain foods.

 

For example, carnivores (like cats) require protein, which means they must consume meat, whereas herbivores (which includes cows, goats and horses) need lots of fresh vegetation because they don’t process cellulose as well as other plant matter. Omnivores, such as humans, fall somewhere between these two categories.

 

We primarily get our protein from vegetables, but we also need fats and carbs from meats and grains. However, not all animals use all parts of plants to obtain nutrition. Dogs tend to eat more meat than any other animal species, but they still rely heavily on vegetable sources for carbohydrates and essential fatty acids.

 

Meat

 

It may sound sacrilegious for us to suggest that dogs eat meat, since they’re supposed to be vegetarian creatures that subsist mainly off fruits and veggies. Yet, many experts say that dogs actually need meat to stay healthy. The reason is simple: It provides essential amino acids that dogs cannot produce themselves.

 

Without this nutrient, our canine friends would become weak and sickly. Meat is also necessary for proper development and maintenance of strong bones, teeth and muscles, plus it helps regulate body temperature by providing energy needed for physical activity.

 

However, not all “meats” are created equal. It’s important to understand that not all meats are suitable for dogs. If you notice your dog seems lethargic after eating red meat, then it might be time to switch his or her diet altogether.

 

Red meat contains high levels of iron, and excess amounts can cause severe health problems for your dog. Dog owners are often advised to avoid raw beef, lamb and pork products, as well as organically raised poultry and eggs.

 

When choosing …

Health Problems That Haunt Small Dogs

Teeth and Gum Problems

 

Many small dogs have a tendency to develop teeth and gum problems which lead to tooth loss, because they are often fed canned food as an alternative to larger kibble. Although tooth loss in itself is vexing, oral disease can lead to even more serious heart disease, compromised immune systems and other com…

 

While none of the following problems are by any means exclusive to small dogs, they do present extra challenges for small dogs and their owners.

 

Teeth and Gum Problems

 

Many small dogs have a tendency to develop teeth and gum problems which lead to tooth loss, because they are often fed canned food as an alternative to larger kibble. Although tooth loss in itself is vexing, oral disease can lead to even more serious heart disease, compromised immune systems and other complications.

 

Bi-weekly tooth brushing will help prevent this typical small dog health problem. An attractive supply of crunchy treats and chews (high-quality natural ingredients and not too large, please) will also help your pup keep his sparkling smile. Keep your pups paws clean with a Portable Dog Paw Cleaner

 

“Small Dog Syndrome”

 

Even the smallest toy dogs are infamous for their willingness to take on dogs the size of a full-grown man. Your dog may be that brave, but he’s almost sure not to be that lucky. Protect your small dog from his oversized ambitions by picking him up when a larger dog approaches.

 

Injuries

 

Injuries make up more than their share of small dog health problems. Their tiny bones are more easily broken – sometimes, even when a small dog jumps off of the furniture onto a hard surface. As much as possible, try to cushion the normal launch spots by placing carpet and rugs underneath.

 

Small dogs tend to get underfoot more, and unlike the case with a larger animal, those tiny bones can easily be injured if the dog is accidentally stepped on. Many owners find the best solution is learning to “shuffle” around their dog and not lift their feet too high.

 

Illness

 

Although small dogs are typically long-lived, illness has even greater ramifications when it comes to small dog health problems. Many opportunistic illnesses like viruses and bacterial infections can take over a small dog’s system much more quickly, causing them to go downhill rapidly.…

Hidden Cameras For Pets

Why hidden cameras for pets? The fun of watching where the dog wanders might be enough reason, but here are a few more.

You can find hidden cameras for all sorts of purposes now. They come in all sorts of things too. You can get teddy bears with a camera in the nose, to watch the babysitter. A pack of cigarettes that is actually a camera can record your conversations. However, there is one camera invention that I haven’t yet seen marketed: hidden pet cameras.

I imagine it has been done a number of times by those who play with – I mean work with – surveillance equipment. It seems a natural thing to look at the dog one day and say, “Hey, let’s put a camera on Fido.” Now we just need someone to make it into a workable product. A fun soft ball toy will keep your dog busy while you watch.

Hidden Cameras On Collars

Most likely, the cameras would have to be attached at the collar of either dogs and/or cats. The weight isn’t an issue now, since there are cameras that weigh an ounce out there. Hiding the camera might be the real challenge. Perhaps a flower or bow on the dogs collar might do the trick, with the lens in the center.

Of course, the camera would have to transmit the image to a remote monitor or recording device. The range on these types of cameras is enough now to get a clear image from around the neighborhood.

Why Hidden Cameras For Pets?

Novelty value is a start. Just strap the camera on Spot, and let him go wander the neighborhood while you watch the show. Just don’t tell the neighbors you saw what happened in their backyard. Naturally, all the surveillance enthusiasts out there would have to add this invention to their collections.

With a trained dog, you could use this system for more specific spying. It has probably been done before, whether or not such a camera has been marketed yet. The first such use might be for a reporter’s expose of the conditions in dog kennels.

Now the people at PETA might not like this next idea for these hidden cameras, but it is a natural. In a war zone, dogs could go into areas that are too dangerous for soldiers, and provide a view of what’s going on. There might …

Hollywood – Gone To The Dogs?

There is no question that people in America love dogs. One look at popular culture in our country will prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that Americans have a love affair with dogs. Movies and TV shows about dogs go in and out of popularity and stories like Old Yeller and Where the Red Fern Grows are considered timeless classics. Only in America, however, do dogs manage to achieve celebrity status.

 

Rin Tin Tin

 

Rin Tin Tin was Hollywood’s first recognizable canine star. T…

There is no question that people in America love dogs. One look at popular culture in our country will prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that Americans have a love affair with dogs. Movies and TV shows about dogs go in and out of popularity and stories like Old Yeller and Where the Red Fern Grows are considered timeless classics. Only in America, however, do dogs manage to achieve celebrity status.

 

Rin Tin Tin

 

Rin Tin Tin was Hollywood’s first recognizable canine star. The German Shepherd was featured in 26 films for Warner Brothers Pictures and is generally credited with having saved the studio from bankruptcy during the silent film era. The original Rin Tin Tin died in 1932 at the age of 13, but his bloodline and his fan club exist to this day.

She loved her Crab Rubber Chew Toy that she got after the movie was done.

Lassie

 

Ask someone to name a famous dog and you will probably get the name Lassie every time. The star of several television series, many movies, and the subject of countless books, Lassie is probably the most recognizable canine star in American TV and movie history. Interestingly, all of the dogs to portray Lassie over the years have been male. The original collie to portray Lassie was actually named Lad and was the star of the memorable original television series as well as several movies, most memorably the original version of Lassie Come Home.

 

Benji

 

In the 1970’s a would-be filmmaker named Joe Camp started pitching a “dog movie” around Hollywood. He was told repeatedly that the film would never work, so he decided to produce the film independently. Once the film wrapped Camp had new troubles because no distribution company would release the film. Again, Camp relied upon himself to distribute his family movie worldwide. Camp’s …

Having Fun With Online Pets

The popular phrase “it takes all kinds” is usually applied when a person is distinctly odd, a bit strange or just downright wierd but can easily be applied to other aspects of life, such as pets.

The popular phrase “it takes all kinds” is usually applied when a person is distinctly odd, a bit strange or just downright wierd but can easily be applied to other aspects of life, such as pets. Your dog will have a blast with Wobble Wag Giggle Ball Toy

 

Pets are generally concieved to be adorable, loveable creatures that offer warmth, companionship and unconditional love. They are generally concieved to be living creatures. But in recent years all that seems to have changed. Pets can now be intangible. You no longer need to buy one of those bags to carry your dog or cat in, you can just hang it from your keychain or let it sleep on your hard-drive in your computer.

 

Tamagotchi is the name (or race?) of a new breed of pets. It lives in a small plastic receptacle that can be the color of your choice. It is battery operated and can be with you at all time to keep you company since it can simply be added to your keychain and put in your purse or pocket. The animal that lives within, the Tamagotchi, does require some attention on the owner´s part: it must be fed, of course, it must be given an education and it must be given love. These obligations are remarkably like those a parent must see to with a child and any of these obligations is overlooked by the owner, the pet suffers and could possibly die. So even though its natural habitat is a small squarish plastic thing and it can only be seen on a tiny screen, it is considered a living thing that must be taken care of and looked after.

 

The same idea prevails on computer pets. A person can register online on especially designed websites, select the pet that most catches their fancy and then proceed to care for it, all through the computer of course, some on websites, others on your desktop. As with physical pets, these virtual ones must be looked after, fed, played with, nurtured in order to grow and lead a happy existence. A wide variety of possible computer pets can be found on …

How Can I Stop My Dog’s Incessant Barking?

This article describes two ways by which you can end your dog’s incessant barking. First, you can use an electronic bark collar. And second, you can opt for a surgical procedure called “De-barking.”. Here, you will find a detailed summary of the features you should look for in an electronic bark collar and the consequences of the “De-barking” procedure. When properly applied, either technique can be a humane alternative to giving your dog away.

Is your dog’s barking getting out of control? Does the barking get worse when you leave your home? Are your neighbors at their wit’s end? Are you contemplating getting rid of your dog? Bark collars can stop barking dogs quickly, easily, and humanely. When used properly, the electronic bark collar can stop your dog’s barking completely within a matter of few days. If all else fails, however, surgery might be a reasonable alternative.

Most electronic bark control collars employ sound as the basic stimulus because it is well established that animals learn more quickly and retain a better memory when the desired behavior is associated with a sound. The more advanced models progressively increase the sonic stimulus as barking persists. Some models employ gradually increasing electric shock stimulus along with the sound to stop even the most stubborn barkers in a humane manner.

 

The more sophisticated electronic bark collars sense the vibrations in a dog’s throat that happen only during barking. By doing so, they prevent false corrections from other loud noises and from other dogs barking.

 

The drawback with some “barking dog collars” is that they may detect barking with a microphone and activate on sound; these can be set off by other noises or by another dog’s bark. Some Barking Dog Collars use only vibration; these can be set off by motion or jostling.

 

Stay away from the following types of bark collars:

 

1) Bark Dog Collars the project a spray mist which startles and confuses the dog’s olfactory senses, causing him to stop barking. These mists may cause allergic reactions and hypersensitivity in your dog.

 

2) Independent devices that have a built-in microphone tuned to the sound of your dog’s bark. They emit a loud correction to startle the dog so he stops barking. They automatically stop and reset themselves after each auditory correction. The dog feels no correction with this type of bark stopper and can simply …