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 …

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.…

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 …

Caring for Dogs that are Hypoallergenic for Humans

Hypoallergenic dog breeds have special needs because they are usually smaller in size and have temperaments that may be difficult to handle sometimes. When you first bring your new dog home, you should allow it to roam around to get an idea of its surroundings.

Hypoallergenic dog breeds have special needs because they are usually smaller in size and have temperaments that may be difficult to handle sometimes. When you first bring your new dog home, you should allow it to roam around to get an idea of its surroundings. If you have other pets, you should put them in another room while the dog is investigating the area. Depending on the breed of dog, they may be very scared at first. They may not want much human contact, so you should be careful about handling them too much during the first few days they are in your home.

 

Once you new dog becomes comfortable, you should develop a feeding and hair brushing routine that you and your dog will follow. If you have allergies, brushing your dog every day will reduce the amount of allergens in the air. This will reduce the allergens on your carpets, furniture, clothing, and walls. Buy a steel comb with wide teeth that will help trap hair and get out any knots that may be in the dog’s fur. If you purchased a Mexican hairless or other breed that does not have hair, you should make sure that its skin is not dry. If you notice flaking, you should visit your vet who will prescribe medication or lotion that you can use.

 

Making sure your hypoallergenic dog gets plenty of exercise is important for their health and also for controlling allergens in your home. Walking your dog at least once a day and making sure it sleeps through the night will keep the dog on a routine. Dogs that are awake at night time may want to be with you. Allowing your dog to sleep on your bed could increase your risk of an allergy attack.

 

Your dog should have a designated place to sleep during the night and during the day. Buying a soft bed or giving the dog an old blanket will help keep them warm and safe when they are sleeping. You should wash their pet bed often to prevent allergens from being transferred to carpeting or clothing. …

How Can I Stop My Dog from Chewing Things?

You love your pet pupper. He’s friendly, lovable and oh-so-adorably cute. But every once in a while, you notice those big white teeth coming out of the sides of his mouth. What gives? Why does your pup bite down on anything that moves? And why do you get so mad when he chomps on a pair of your favorite shoes?

 

First off, let’s talk about what dogs actually chew. They’re omnivores like wolves, which means they eat meat as well as plants. Dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years, and their natural instincts include eating meat and other animal products.

 

However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t mean your pooch should go around biting people with no provocation. All animals need to feel safe and secure, including your canine buddy. If you don’t take care of these needs, you could end up with an angry dog who has nothing left to lose.

 

Dogs will also chew because they’ve got something else going on inside that causes them to want to gnaw away at whatever happens to cross their path. For instance, some dogs are simply moody individuals. When they aren’t feeling happy or content, they tend to look for outlets for their anger by chewing on stuff. Other dogs may be bored, lonely or anxious.

 

They’ll turn to the nearest available object for comfort if they’re having trouble coping with life. In short, there’s really no reason to punish your dog for chewing. It’s normal behavior. That said, if you’d rather your furry friend didn’t gnaw on your favorite dresser drawer, then here are some tips to help you control his bad habits.

 

Why Your Dog Chews

 

There are lots of reasons that dogs chew. Some dogs are born with behavioral problems that cause them to bite objects. Others pick up on bad habits from other dogs or even humans. Still others are just plain old grumpy. Whatever the case, most dogs eventually learn to associate certain behaviors with reward.

 

For example, let’s say you train your puppy to sit using food treats. Every time he sits, you feed him a treat. Now imagine that you start giving your puppy a bone instead of a treat. Eventually, he’s going to figure out that sitting gets him the best rewards (treats). This is called operant conditioning. Operant conditioning refers to any type …

What Should You Do When a Dog Aggressively Advances Towards You?

If you’ve ever been in a situation with an animal whether it was a cat stalking you or a dog barking at you aggressively then you know that animals can sometimes come across as very threatening.

Whether it’s a small pet like a puppy or a larger one like a large breed dog, pets can have big personalities and strong feelings about people. They’re also typically more protective than most of us give them credit for. And just because we don’t understand why dogs act the way they do doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be prepared to deal with it. The following tips will help keep you safe and won’t escalate the situation into something worse.

1. Stay calm

It’s important to remain calm during any interaction between yourself and another person (or animal). You never want to provoke an angry response from either party. It can lead to other problems later down the road.
When dealing with an aggressive dog, it’s especially crucial to stay calm. Dogs pick up on subtle cues from humans and respond accordingly. If you start to get nervous, this could cause the dog to become even angrier.

2. Keep your distance.

This goes without saying, but it’s still worth mentioning. The closer you stand to the aggressor, the further he’ll need to move back in order to avoid contact with you. Remember, dogs have natural territorial instincts. They aren’t always going to react well when someone encroaches upon their space.

3. Don’t make eye contact.

Avoid making direct eye contact with the aggressor. This sends a message that you’re challenging him, and it gives him the upper hand. Your best bet is to maintain eye contact with the ground so that he has no idea who you are looking at.

4. Stay away from weapons

You probably already know not to touch anything sharp or pointy, but don’t assume that means you’re free to use firearms or other objects that might harm the animal. We live in a time where many homeowners carry guns around with them for self-defense purposes, but it’s dangerous to assume that others will do the same.

In the case of an aggressive dog, you have to remember that the animal isn’t necessarily trying to physically attack you. He may simply be trying to intimidate you in order to scare you off. In this instance, a firearm could easily be used …

What Are the Things You Need to Know Before Getting a Dog?

­If you’ve ever had a dog, then you probably already know that they’re great companions. And most people who haven’t had pets would agree that it’s nice to have one around even though there are some very good reasons why you might not want one. Dogs are messy, smelly and expensive. They eat lots of food and destroy furniture. They chew on electrical cords and run away from fences. And sometimes they bite people (like assholes).

But those aren’t the only reasons to avoid owning them. There are also health issues associated with having dogs as pets, including but not limited to canine hepatitis, distemper, rabies and parvo. If you have allergies, or asthma, you should think twice before getting a pooch. It may seem like an easy way out, but you could end up living with a cat instead. Or maybe just take care of a ferret.

Why Get a Dog?

As we mentioned earlier, dogs are really cool. You can play with them, teach them tricks, give them baths, feed them and cuddle them. Plus, they lick themselves clean after accidents. That’s pretty sweet. The downside is that dogs eat and defecate often, making their presence around the house annoying.

Most people don’t start looking into getting a dog because they love dogs so much. Instead, they’re attracted by the idea of being able to walk Fido outside whenever he wants. For many, this is really all they need. Others are more concerned with the fact that dogs require more maintenance than cats do, which include cleaning litter boxes, feeding, bathing and grooming.

There are also safety concerns with dogs. Many experts point out that kids shouldn’t have dogs because they’re too unpredictable. Their owners say that the same thing goes for teenagers. Some schools ban them altogether. When kids have dogs at home, they can become aggressive with each other and with strangers. This isn’t necessarily true, however, since dogs in shelters tend to be more aggressive toward humans than those owned by their owners.

On top of these issues, dogs are generally more expensive than cats to own. This doesn’t mean that you should never get a dog, but it does make you think harder about whether you really want one. Here are some other questions you should ask yourself: Do I have enough room in my apartment/house to accommodate a dog? Can I afford to …