Types of Dog Toys Available

For a dog, a toy is a substitute prey item, an important thing like food. Even though it looks funny when your dog plays, to your dog it isn't meant to be funny but the expression of some extremely serious and survival linked behavior. So, get the best toys for your puppy/dog.
There are as many different dog toys as a person or dog could imagine. You will find a very large selection of toys if you go to your local pet store or look at a printed or online catalog. Generally, dog toys are classified into three different ways: chew toys, play toys and food dispensing toys. Let's see each type individually.
Chew Toys
Toys in this category are the first and foremost designed to be eventually edible. They also fulfill a secondary purpose of dental care, cleaning teeth or massaging gums and teeth. This secondary purpose makes them especially useful with a teething puppy. They usually come in a selection based upon the dog's age and size. For instance: a chew toy for Bernard puppy would be different size than a chew toy for Dachshund puppy. It is imperative that you find the correct size of chew toy for your dog because a Bernard puppy could easily choke on a chew toy designed for a Dachshund. These types of toys would include rawhides, Nylabones and Greenies.
Play Toys
The primary purpose of toys in this category would be for play and to be thrown and retrieved by the dog or the owner. Examples would be squeaky toys, tennis balls, flying discs and dumbbells for water retrieval. Usually these toys are durable and designed for different size mouths. However, they're not made to be chew toys, and, thus, should not be left alone with a dog. Because the skins of a tennis ball can be torn off easily, chewed and swallowed, and a squeaky toy can be de-squeaked by the dog pulling out the plug at the bottom of the toy or by chewing through the fabric of the toy itself to remove the plastic squeaker. Both these examples can be deadly to a dog if swallowed.
Food Dispensing Toys
This is a newest category of toys that has been developed within the last five to ten years. Without the food in them, they can also fall in both chew and play toy's category. With food stuffed or frozen inside, they fulfill a type of babysitter and entertainer role that goes beyond the chew or play toy, in short, it also acts as dog treats. Examples of these types of toys would be Kongs, sterilized bones and Buster Cubes. These toys are great for dogs with separation anxiety and can be given to the dog when the owner leaves, thus changing the dog's focus from, "why are you leaving me alone again?" to "Hurry up and leave so I can have my Buster Cubes."
And before ending the article, here is a small suggestion, be sure to supervise your dog when it is with the toy and play along when possible to make it a prefect bonding time as well.

How Intelligent is Your Dog????????

It is entirely normal to look for signs of intelligence in your dog. Even puppies that are not especially smart nonetheless display flashes of brilliance in their behavior.
And it is also very normal to look for the same things in our pets that we look for in our children, like a keen mind, a sense of humor and loyalty. But the trait that we tend to brag about the most is actually our dog's intelligence.
There is not really a single type of canine intelligence. According to Stanley Coren, writer of 'The Intelligence of Dogs', there are several types of dog intelligence that can be measured by canine IQ tests...
The first one is named Adaptive Intelligence. This relates to learning and problem solving capability, the knowledge and skills a dog can acquire. It also pertains to how much time it takes for your dog to learn new a relationship.
As an example, if your dog recognizes people after just one or two visits, this indicates a good adaptive intelligence capability. You might also look at how well your dog comprehends the laws of cause and effect by observation.
The next type is Instinctive Intelligence, which simply deals with behaviors and skills programmed into the animal's genetic code. For example, Sheep dogs and Border Collies are superb herding dogs. This is an innate ability that these breeds of dogs have and has little to do with training.
The third type is Working/Obedience Intelligence, which involves the ability of an animal to follow commands. This type of intelligence is primarily dependent on the actual breed of the dog. Two examples are the dogs used for guiding the blind and for K9 police work.
Another type is Adaptive Intelligence. At a time of the day that you do not usually walk your dog, pick up your keys and his leash when you know he's watching. If he starts wagging his tail and gets excited, 3 points. If you have to walk to the door before he knows what's going on, two points. If he sits there with a dumbfounded look, give him one point.
Now if your dog lets YOU know it is time to go to the bathroom by bringing you his own leash (without being trained to) or has mastered the toilet, your dog is truly a genius!
One way to test your dog's problem solving ability is to take a sizeable towel (or a blanket will do fine as well) and toss it over your dog's head. If he frees himself from the covering in less than fifteen seconds, give him three points. If it takes fifteen to thirty seconds, two points. If it takes him longer than thirty seconds, give him or her a single point.
To check your dog's memory, Place some sort of treat under one of three buckets that are lined up in a row. And be sure that your dog sees which bucket the treat is under. Turn the dog away for about ten seconds or so and then let him go. If he or she goes straight to the bucket with the treat under it, three points. If it takes two tries to find the treat, two points. If he/she checks the wrong two first before finding the right one, one point.
Now if your dog scores six points or more, you have a canine genious; four to five points is average; three points or less, well...who said that intelligence was a prerequisite for love?

How to Build a Dog House for Your Puppy

So you'd like to know how to build a dog house? Well, that means we're talking to less than 50% of all dog owners. Why? Because current survey information at OpinionTrone says most dog owners (over 50%) allow their pets on the family couch. Furthermore, if you allow your pet on the couch, chances are that you do not HAVE a dog house!
But for those of you who do, there are really good things to remember about how to build a dog house:
1. Any good how to build a dog house plan should begin by making sure the house is big enough to accommodate your dog's ultimate grown-up size. You would not like to live in a house whose ceiling was below your head height--neither would your dog. Most humans like about 2 feet of air above themselves in a room in order to live without feelings of claustrophobia! That comfort zone is about 1/3 of their standing height. Allow your pet the same airiness. Figure out how tall it will stand as a mature pet and make sure the ceiling of the dog house is 1/3 again taller!
2. Raise the house a few inches off the ground to allow air and water to flow beneath. Ventilation is important for the health of your dog and to dissuade pests from invading its home. A few nickel-sized holes in the walls under the eaves should be sufficient. Install a wind block inside the house so the dog can use the heat of its own body to warm up the area if it is really cold and windy outside. Any good plan for how to build a dog house will have a house big enough so that a partial wall will allow the dog to escape the elements. The dog can choose whether to just sleep in the entry room or go around the inner archway maze wall into the inner sanctum. Both areas could have bedding or a pillow, such as one filled with cedar chips to discourage fleas.
3. Make the floor just the littlest bit slanted toward the doorway. Any good "how to build a dog house" plan will make certain that any rain that does enter via the ventilation holes or doorway automatically drains out. Make sure that the roof is built at a slant, as well, for obvious run-off reasons. Do not paint the inside of the house, but do make sure that the house is well insulated.
4. Make sure the dog house faces away from the major storm direction. In the U.S., most storms come from the south and west. Not all, mind you, but most! So most how to build a dog house plans will suggest that the ideal placement of a dog house door is to the east. That way, even in the wintertime, the cold north wind will not whip inclement weather into the dog's entryway.
5. Finally, almost all how to build a dog house plans will have you put hinges on the roof of the house for easy cleaning. When you clean the dog, you should clean its house and bedding--just as faithfully as you would wish your pet to be to you!

Playing Games With Your Dog

Playing games with your dog can provide great benefits for both you and your dogs. Unfortunately, many people don't spend nearly enough time playing with their pets each day. They miss out on the fun of playing games with their dog and don't realize how relaxing and enjoyable it can be.
Playing games with your dog is also great for your dog if he has any problems with boredom or anxiety. Dogs are different from people. It's not hard to keep a dog active and busy. If you give a pet something to do and keep them busy, your dog will be happy. Ideally, if your dog spends time playing then it will help him use up some of his extra energy.

A simple game of fetch or time spent searching for hidden treats can keep your pet busy and use up lots of energy. Games such as these also require a lot of your dog's mental energy. That means that these games will keep your dog's attention and keep them entertained for quite a while.
Choosing the Right Games
No matter what kind of dog you have, there are lots of games you can play together to keep them happy and entertained. Games will also help the two of you bond and enjoy each other's company. Here are some of the most popular doggy games, and some of the best for keeping your dog happy and having a good time:
* Fetch: Fetch is a wonderful game to play with your dog. Some dogs, especially retrievers, will make you play this game non-stop. If you're playing fetch with your pet you should try to control the session and control when your dog stops. Hide the toy (perhaps on a shelf) or give a command so your dog knows when it's time to stop the game. You may be able to distract your dog with a treat or switch to another game.
* Hide and Seek: Hide and seek is an easy game to play and it's fun for dogs. All you have to do is hide from your dog and call your dog to find you. When your dog finds you, you should become very excited to let you dog know he's done a great job. Then you can make the game harder by hiding in spots that are harder to find.
* Treasure Hunt: Treasure hunt is a fun game that makes a dog use his brain. You can even use toys as part of the game. To play the game you should hide treats in different places around your house, or even in toys. Then send your dog to go find the treats.
* Trick Response: You can play this game by having your dog working to do the tricks he already knows. Use whatever tricks you have taught him in the past. Make sure you teach your dog the exact phrases or commands that you're going to use in the game. Always praise and reward your dog for completing each trick. Dogs love this game, especially the praise and rewards.
* Tug of War: You can play tug of war with your dog by using a toy that is ONLY for tug of war. You also need to teach your dog the "drop it" command. You have to control the game so your dog knows to stop when you say the game is over. You can stop the game at any time by simply no longer tugging on the toy.
Dogs naturally play tug of war when they're puppies and in the wild. Even if your dog doesn't play right away, he will probably eventually catch on.
* Wrestling: Wrestling with your dog is lots of fun, especially for larger dogs. Dogs do need to wrestle gently. You will need to set boundaries for your dog. If he nips or gets too worked up you should stop playing in order to stop any unwanted behavior.
Ideally, you should make playing with your dog part of every day. It's great exercise for your dog and a great way for the two of you to bond. Taking a walk or getting other exercise is also important, but nothing takes the place of play. Playing games together can also help you teach your dog some important lessons.
Remember to have fun when the two of you play. Don't encourage any bad behaviors. And do be consistent with your dog. If you have other family members, be sure that everyone in the family knows the rules for play so your dog isn't confused.
You and your dog can have a wonderful time together. Your dog can be happy and he can have the kind of exercise that makes him tired in a good way. And you can have a good time, too.

Two Fun and Easy Tricks to Train Your Puppy

Training your dog to shake your hand on cue is a very impressive looking and fun trick. On the other hand, it is also a very easy trick to teach. Your dog will need to be able to sit on command and treats are necessary.
First command your dog into a sitting position
Take a treat in your right hand and hold it within range of your puppy's paws.
At first your puppy will just sniff at your hands but eventually he will paw at them. When this occurs, switch the treat to your other hand and then shake his paw with the hand the treat started in. Once his paw is in your hand, say shake. (Always reward the puppy with your left hand.)
After step three is consistently working, hold out your shaking hand without a treat. If your puppy still reaches out, then shake his hand, and reward afterwards.
If your dog is too well mannered to paw at your hand, than there is another way. In this method you have to reach for your dogs hand on your own and shake. After every time you shake his hand give him a treat. After a while your puppy will be more than happy to lift his paw on his own. Note: This method is not quite as effective and should only be used if necessary.
Roll over is a fun and cool trick that could be used to impress a guest. Besides that, it is easy to learn and can be taught to any puppy. The only requirements are that the puppy will already have to know the sit and down command. If you have some treats that your puppy loves, than you can get started.
First, command your puppy into the down position.
Let your puppy know you have treats by waving it around his face. Do this until his snout follows your hand.
Now guide the treat around the back of the puppy's head and to his other shoulder until he lays on his side.
(You may need to give the puppy a gentle shove down to his side if he is not doing it on his own.)
Soon after your puppy is on his side, continue the rolling motion with the treat in your hand and help your puppy roll with your other hand by pushing on his side.
After your puppy has completed the rolling motion guide him back to his feet by raising the treat up to standing level.
As soon as he stands, say roll over and give him the treat.
Do this whole process over and over. Eventually your puppy will understand the process and you won't have to pause in between when he is on his side and when he rolls. By the end you should be able to say rollover and give your puppy a light rolling motion with you hand to make him do it. (All starting from the down position of course.)

First Aid Pet Supplies to Have at Home

Caring for a pet is much like having another child. We should know not only how to feed it, but also how to administer first aid in the event that the animal requires urgent medical attention, especially if your vet's clinic is a long drive from your house. It's crucial that, as a pet owner, you know exactly what to do and how to do it when it comes to providing care if your pet is sick or gets injured.
Of course, you won't be able to do much in providing first aid to your pet if you don't have the appropriate supplies to help deal with the animal's affliction. Following is a checklist of the basic first aid supplies you need to have at home:
Gauze - This has to be one of the most basic things you can have in your medicine cabinet. It is commonly used for dressing wounds. Gauze can be used not only to wrap wounds, but also for muzzling your injured pet.
Bandages and towels - Aside from controlling bleeding, bandages can also protect wounds from the onset of infection. When choosing bandages, go for the non-stick types as wounds can be more painful when those used for wrapping wounds stick to a cut, an abrasion, or other forms of superficial injuries.
Thermometer - If we need a thermometer to determine the temperature of our child when he or she has fever, we also need it to check our pet's temperature. However, unlike with people, don't insert the thermometer in your pet's mouth. Get its temperature rectally instead. You should also get a 'fever' thermometer, as the regular kinds don't go high enough for pets.
Hydrogen peroxide - This compound is used for various applications, and one of them is helping to induce vomiting from your pet in case it is poisoned. However, you should still err on the side of safety by consulting your vet before attempting to induce vomiting.
Muzzle - You can actually make use of several items as a muzzle, from ropes to neckties to soft cloths, especially during emergency situations where a muzzle is not available. Muzzling an animal is important during situations where it needs to be restrained to prevent it from biting or barking. It is important to keep in mind, however, that you must not muzzle the animal if it's vomiting.
These are just some of the supplies you need to have at home that will come in handy during pet emergencies. It is very important that you immediately get the help of a professional in case you have no knowledge of how to administer proper first aid.

Things You Should Never Feed Your Dog

Sadly, there are several household items which we tend to
take for granted that are potentially very hazardous to your
dog's health. It is especially important to be aware of this because as
you know, dogs are very much scavengers and will often eat whatever
they can sink their fangs into. I would say that may own dog is more
like a mobile garbage disposal. It is also very important to be aware of
these items
since their sense of smell is so well developed that your pooch will be
able to find what you may think is well hidden.
One of these dangerous household items, it turns out, is simple
chocolate. While chocolate has been reported recently to be high in
human-friendly antioxidants,
it appears to be potentially lethal for our pets, and particularly for
our dogs. Cats are mostly unaffected since they do not care for the
taste of chocolate, but dogs tend to
be crazy about it. Certain breeds of dogs react indifferently to
chocolate. The root of the problem is that chocolate contains various
chemicals which are called methylxanthine alkaloids(some types have more of
these chemicals than others)
Sadly, relatively minuscule amounts of these chemicals are capable of
causing such serious problems as constriction of the arteries and an
increased heart rate. Large amounts may cause even more dire symptoms and
a pound of milk chocolate could possibly kill a sixteen pound dog.
If you find that your dog has eaten chocolate then by all means take
note of the it's type and try to estimate the amount eaten. Then get on
the phone with a veternarian or an emergency facility. Be sure that your
children know how important it is to keep chocolate out of your dog's
reach.
If you are not aware that your dog has consumed chocolate, the
consequences could be severe. If consumption is not found within 4 to 6 hours
without the right treatment, cardiac failure, seizures, coma and death
could result, according to veternarian Dr. Jane Bicks.
In addition to seemingly innocent chocolate, there are a number of
other common household items that may seem safe for our dogs but that can
be downright dangerous.
Some mushrooms, for example, can produce abdominal pain, liver andd
kidney damage and amenia. So be aware of wild mushrooms when you are out
walking your dog in wooded areas. Garlic may seem benign but can cause
vomiting, liver damage, anemia and diarrhea so do not give your pet baby
food since it can contain garlic.
Anti-freeze can shut down your dog's kidney and they tend to love the
taste. Miscletoe can cause vomiting, abdominal pain and depression.
Onions can causeliver damage, anemia and diarrhea. Onion can also sometimes
be found in baby food. Cats are actually somewhat more sensitive to
this one so keep out of the reach of both.
Coffee, like cocoa, is especially dangerous, and may cause heart rate
increase, diarrhea, seizures, coma, death. Caffeine just does not have
the same effect in dogs.
When outside be careful around apple and cherry trees. While the fruit
is safe, the leaves and roots are not.
And be very careful about Moth Balls. it's primary chemical naphthalene
is extremely toxic to dogs and can result in tremors and seizures.
Concerning dog food, you should be looking for dyes
and other chemicals, according to Dr. Jane
BHA, for instance, which is one of the main synthetic
antioxidant preservatives used to prevent food
discoloration, has been observed to cause cancer in laboratory
rats at certain doses. Small doses are as yet unclear but since dog
food is eaten every day caution is advised.
Many conventional dog food brands have large quantities of sodium to
make them palatable, and this can be quite harmful to a dog.
Other ingredients to wary of are dairy, by-products, chemical
preservatives and artificial colors.