As we all know, dogs are descendants of wolves, even the most unlikely of pooches – the little curly white miniature poodle, for example. Wolves are pack animals, meaning that in order for them to feel whole, or complete, they must be a part of a tribe, not unlike humans.

But dogs still have their pack habits, despite several thousand years of trying to domesticate it out of them. And since dogs no longer have their wolf buddies to hang with, they need and expect that from other dogs, or absent that, their human counterparts.
Continue reading "How To Make Your Dog A Part Of The Family"

Ear cleaning is one of the most overlooked aspects of dog grooming, therefore its no surprise that many dogs will develop ear infections over the course of their lives. Some breeds are particularly prone to this, such as the cocker spaniel or any of the breeds that have long hanging ears. One of the main reasons for this is that there is poor air flow under the ear flap, causing moisture and bacteria to cultivate. Conversely, dogs with small ears can be prone to swimmer's ear, when water all to easily flows into the ear canal. It is very important to pay attention to the ears as part of the regular grooming process.

In order to clean the ears, have the following items on hand.

1. A sturdy table with a bathmat or other rubber matting placed on top.
2. Cotton balls- Q-tips or cotton swabs will NOT do.
3. Ear cleaning solution from a pet store or groomers.
4. A soft cloth such as a microfibre cloth
5. Some organic dog treats.
Continue reading "How To Clean A Dog’s Ears"

Most pups have worms, and there are a number of ways they get them. They can get them from the mother, from eating rodents, from fleas, from mosquitos (heartworm) and from other animals. Some worms cause pups (and other animals with worms)to have a "pot belly" appearance, however some worms, like tapeworm, causes them to appear skinny. Pups may cough up worms and you may see them in their poop.

A few other indicators of worms may be pale mucus membranes like the soft moist normally pink skin around the eye and the gums may look very pale pink or even white in severe cases. Eyes may appear droopy too. In some cases your pup may act tired. This is because when there are so many worms they cause the pup to become anemic meaning there isn't enough blood because some worms feed on blood. Continue reading "How To Tell If Your Puppy Has Worms"

One thing that training puppies and raising kids have in common is that if you have their full attention, they will learn the lesson faster and better. Puppies make it easy on you because there is nothing they want more than your happy face pointed in their direction. Here are 5 ways to accomplish this, therefore learning the lesson in half the time:

1.) Use potty time. Puppies love to go outside. Since you are already rewarding him for fast response outside, with loving praise and a happy face, use the excitement to work on another lesson at the same time.
For example, work on his leash breaking. Even if you have a fenced in yard he should be getting at least some of his housebreaking time on a lead. A dog who is always loose in his yard when he goes will not go on-lead in a strange place. He will hold it so long you think he surely will burst. Of course this is not healthy for him, and you never know when you will need to take him out on lead.
Continue reading "The Importance Of Praise For Your Dog"

Grooming your dog is absolutely essential.

About 40 000 years ago, canines and our primitive ancestors suddenly found relevance in grouping together. Why? We had very similar needs. Both species relied on each other for protection, health, shelter and companionship. Little in that regard has changed much. In hygiene however, we've come along way and we brought man's best friend along for the ride.

Ask any vet, they will tell you that basic grooming is fundamental for Fido's general health. But have you ever asked why?
Continue reading "Why Grooming Your Dog Is Important"