5 Key Training Tips for First Time Dog Parents, By Nicole M. Ramirez

1. Be the alpha.

Dogs are wired to follow a leader, so it is important to establish your role as leader right away. Tone and body language are perceivable by dogs, so they may test certain behaviors such as barking or chewing if they observe your demeanor as weak and persuadable.

Take initiative in showing confidence from the early stages of your relationship. It may seem natural to constantly shower your pet with affection, but remember to remain stern on house rules and assertive in your training approach.

2. Consistency is key.

One of the most influential principles in learning how to train your dog is consistency with rules and commands. Stay firm on what is allowed and not allowed by deciding on "house rules" as soon as your new dog arrives. If your pet sees inconsistencies or receives rewards for unwanted behavior, it may confuse him and result in picking up bad habits.

Your dog will notice who allows him to get away with different behaviors. Make sure to alert all household members and house guests of the rules to create a support system for your furry loved one.

3. Make a dog nest.

Pets, like humans, need a space of their own. Set up a place where your dog can sleep and rest undisturbed by other pets or other family members. This is their comfort zone, so try adding blankets or her favorite chew toys for that extra coziness. If you're training your dog to stay off the bed, keep her spot close by so she knows where to go during bedtime while still feeling the security of being close to you.

4. Be mindful of your dog's name.

Picking a name for your new puppy or dog is something you may love to do, but make sure to look for names with a strong consonant ending for easier training. Though Trixie may sound cute as a pet name, dogs respond better to names such as Amber, Morgan or Peanut.

If your pet previously came from a shelter, chances are he has a temporary name that he may be used to. Thankfully your dog is an adaptable creature and will likely respond to his new name over time.

5. Have fun!

Learning how to train your dog may seem daunting, but think of it as precious bonding moments you will never forget. Make it enjoyable by holding training sessions outdoors or in your favorite spot of the house. Your dog will associate happy times with training times and a more pleasant experience for you both. To end sessions on a positive note, add some loving praise on a job well done so your pet comes back excited, ready for more.
 

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Pet Friendly Hotels: A New Trend in Hospitality, By Anders Abadie

If you and your family have pets, leaving them at home during a vacation can be difficult. Putting your animals in a kennel can be expensive, but it can be difficult to find someone to pet sit from your home. Fortunately, there is a solution. Pet friendly hotels are becoming more and more popular in many cities.

Pet friendly hotels allow travelers to bring their animal friends with them instead of boarding them in a kennel or hiring a caretaker to stay with them during the trip. These places are dedicated to making animals feel comfortable while also giving owners the peace of mind knowing that their animals are safe and well nourished.

Some luxury establishments even treat animals as miniature VIPs, catering to their every whim and pampering them. For example, they may have a special room service menu for animals, leave toys in all the rooms, and provide special doggy and kitty beds that will give animals a good night's sleep. A hotel in Seattle even has animal psychiatrists, acupuncturists, and massage therapists on staff to truly pamper the pets that come to stay there.

An establishment in California has a "Yappy Hour" where dog owners can bring their dogs to a special area for a play session. These events are a great way for dogs to run around and tire themselves out while their owners socialize. Some places have even hired "Directors of Animal Relations" that plan special events and figure out new services and offerings that will make animals feel at home.

Some pet friendly hotels have also started to provide replacement animals for those travelers who were forced to leave their four-legged friends at home. For example, the Burnham in Chicago has started providing goldfish for guests, as does the SoHo Grand in New York. Some establishments have even started to provide cats or dogs to guests who would like the company of an animal during their stay. The goal is to make guests feel more at home and work towards alleviating the pain that comes with leaving a beloved animal friend at home.

These pet friendly hotels are able to accommodate devoted animal lovers by asking for a nonrefundable deposit from any guests that are bringing animals with them. This allows them to provide extra services and also repair any damage that animals may cause, such as chewing on furniture, scratching the carpets, or urinating inside the room.
 

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What Causes Constipation In Dogs? By Benjamin R. Ehinger

Dog owners may not realize that their dog can suffer from constipation. Surprisingly dogs suffer from many of the same ailments humans do like an upset stomach, headaches, and serious illnesses like cancer. Dogs can be treated for ailments just like a human would, but pet owners need to understand the best course of action. While many have experienced doggy diarrhea, you should be aware of symptoms of constipation. How can you tell if your dog is suffering from constipation and what should you do about it? Understanding the cause of constipation is the best place to start.

Causes of Constipation in Dogs

Many times the root cause of constipation in dogs is a lack of fiber in their diet. The other root cause is inadequate water consumption. These are less serious reasons and are easy to fix.
There are three categories that will case constipation including:
· Intrinsic causes due to diseases such as hypothyroidism, hypercalcemia, pelvic injury, or lumbar nerve injury
· Extraluminal causes including tumors in the pelvic cavity or a narrowed pelvis from a fracture
· Intermluminal causes by consuming an item that can't be digested or obstruction inside the colon

Along with being dehydrated and lacking fiber, dogs can get constipation from a lack of exercise and swallowing a toy, rock, or piece of cloth. Sometimes it's simply caused by a tumor, a neuromuscular disorder, the effects of a surgery, or by medicine like iron supplements. Sometimes it can be environmentally caused by stress when changing routine or surroundings.

How to Know if your Dog is Constipated?

Your dog can be constipated whether he is having a hard time pooping or he isn't going at all. Sometimes, the feces can stay in the colon too long, and the moisture is absorbed making the stool dry. This makes it more difficult to pass due to its hard, dryness.

Although it may seem gross, it's important to watch your dog's elimination habits. You should be aware of:
· Smell
· Color
· Quantity
· Texture
· Presence of blood or mucus
· Quantity of urine

This is the first sign of a health problem in your dog so it's important to be aware of their bathroom breaks. For those that let their dog out into their backyard should at least keep an eye on the area regularly to see if anything unusual took place.

Red flags that your dog may be suffering constipation include:
· Lack of passage of stool
· Insufficient stool movement
· Bloating
· Pain while trying to go
· The stool is a darker color
· Vomiting
· Loss of appetite
· Weight loss
· Lethargy

If your dog is trying to pass stool and is struggling after several minutes of straining, this is a sign of constipation. If the only thing they produce is a small, hard amount of stool, that is another sign. If this all takes place over a couple of days, then there could definitely be a problem.

Another sign is if your dog appears bloated or acts like they are in pain while trying to poop. If your dog is able to get anything out and it's a darker color than normal, that is another sign. Finally, as time passes, you may notice that your dog begins vomiting, losing its appetite, losing weight, or becoming lethargic. This means the situation is getting more serious.

What can Happen to my Dog if not Treated?

The dog's large intestine may stretch out so much that it can no longer properly do its job. This is called "megacolon" and it's typically seen in cats more than in dogs. This will happen if left untreated. Bowel issues like these can be prevented. If left untreated, constipation could require surgery or could be fatal.

What Should Owners Do?

To prevent constipation, it's important to monitor water intake. If you feed your dog a dry food, be sure to increase their water bowl amount to keep them well-hydrated. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise and plenty of water from being active.

If your dog has trouble passing stool, it's possible the dog swallowed a toy or rock. Contact your vet right away for advice. If you know for sure your dog swallowed something large and obstructive, take your dog to the vet right away to avoid a bigger issue.

Along with monitoring your dog's bowel movements, be sure to provide your dog plenty of water and exercise, and if you notice anything unusual contact your vet right away to take the proper steps in treatment.

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3 Tips for Flying With Your Pet on an Airplane, By Steven S. Perissinotto

For many folks, going on trips without their pet is simply out of the question. A vacation away from Woofy, Mr. Pickles or Noodle is simply not a vacation. Rather, for many people, this could feel like a separation from companions you love,which is simply excruciating.

The good news is that for these people, modern travel via air has expanded to make inclusions of four-legged passengers. Pet travel is something that most airlines now offer, either in the cargo hold of the plane or in the cabin. Depending on what airline you select the costs of travel with your pet can vary. There are requirements and restrictions you will simply need to consider. Before your flight, make sure you find out all the information you will need. Here are a few tips you might want to consider when flying with your furry four-legged pal.

Pay the Vet a Visit

Around the globe, almost every airline will be needing veterinarian documentation that states your pet is fit enough to travel. Some hotels and resorts also require this type of document before letting your pet stay. This is not really a bad idea considering no one really wants a cat with feline distemper or a dog with rabies on their vacay. Since you are already at the vet, you might also want to get treatment for heartworm and flea shots if you haven't already.

Go to a Pet-Friendly Destination

If you don't make sure the resort or hotel you are staying in is pet-friendly your pet may not be welcome. Don't assume that every destination offering lodging welcomes pets. Rather, find ones that do as you make your travel plans. This way, you won't encounter an unpleasant surprise upon arrival.

Food and Water Before Flying

Check-in delays are not uncommon these days. For this reason, you might want to arrive not less than 2 hours before flying. While a lot of time is spent waiting around in the airport, it is a good idea to prepare your pet for flying. Some mandates require that pets flying on a plane with you need to be watered and fed within 4 hours of departing. When you check in for your flight, you will be asked to sign a waiver to certify that your pet has eaten and drank water. On the other hand, don't overdo this. A pet with a belly that is too full might be prone to travel sickness, so moderation is important.
 

Steven Perissinotto is a passionate pet lover and a pet health professional. Since establishing Vet Shop Online with his veterinary surgeon brother in 1999, Steven has helped establish the business in to one of the world's leading online retailer of frontline plus cats.
 

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Teaching Your Puppy To Control The Force of Their Bite, By Karen Soukiasian

You don't need to strong-arm, pin, or even reprimand your puppy in order to teach them to play gently. All it really takes is for you to behave like another puppy! What you are doing is reinforcing a behavior they are already familiar with, because their littermates did the same thing when their playtime got too rough. Your goal is to help them to make the association the force of their bite, determines the length of human playtime too.

Even though this method works at any age, it is most effective when the puppy is under 12 weeks old. The reasons being, they can more easily associate it to their playtime with their littermates, and their jaws have not developed to where the pressure of a bite is actually painful!

The first thing you must do, is to let your puppy know they are hurting you, in a way they can relate to from those past experience. Rather than reprimanding, removing, or restraining your pup, it is usually more effective to let them immediately know they have hurt you by giving a voluble yelp or cry "OUCH." Normally, they will back off.

Next, give your pup a minute or two to process what has just happened. Then call them back to you. They must earn your pardon by following a simple command such as "sit." When they try to "make-up" with you, by licking, acting submissive or trying to reinitiate playing, allow them to show they are sorry. Then resume playing.

If your puppy does not back off when you yelp, or cry "OUCH," or returns to playing too hard, stand up, firmly say "ENOUGH," leave the room, and close the door behind you.

If you are outside, firmly say "ENOUGH," and walk away. If possible, go inside, leave your pup outside for a minute or two, so they can make the association when they hurt you, they have no one to play with. Return outside. Call them to you. Again, they must earn your pardon by following a simple command such as "sit." When they try to "make-up" with you, by licking, acting submissive or trying to reinitiate playing, allow them to show they are sorry; then resume playing.

Bottom line: Be fair, firm, and consistent. Eventually, your puppy will associate the force of their bite, determines a number of unpleasant interruptions in the length of your playtime together.
 

Karen A. Soukiasian, GOOD DOG! - DOG TRAINING and BED-n-BISCUITS dog boarding and training - Owner/Trainer, St. Augustine, Florida - AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN and S.T.A.R. PUPPY Evaluator http://www.freewebs.com/gooddogsite, http://www.Facebook.com/pages/GOOD-DOG-DOG-TRAINING/95917282486
 

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What Is Kennel Cough in Puppies - Simple Answer, By Leon L. James

The answer to the common question "What is kennel cough in puppies", is quite simple and I am sharing it with you in this article.

So first of all, this condition can be caught by all dogs, with no dependence on the age or the bread of the dog. According to the latest studies, Kennel cough is actually caused by a virus, not a bacteria or disease as originally was perceived. It is very similar to the human flu virus and while the symptoms of it indeed may sound terrible, luckily, most cases of kennel cough do not require any medical attention.

The primal effect Kennel cough has is on the trachea. It creates a minor irritation in that area which leads to that loud and many times scary-to-hear cough. This is actually the primal symptom of this condition.

So, if you're a worried puppy owner, you can sigh now in relief because this condition is not that serious and surely not deadly. However, it's worth mentioning two things regarding Kennel cough:

1. Kennel cough is pretty contagious, and can be easily spread among other pets that are in close proximity with the sick puppy. Moreover, there is research that indicates that the possibility of an infection traveling between animals and humans back and forth, indeed exists. In spite of this research, this is not a fact that was proven and firmly established, but I would still take this idea into consideration. Nowadays you can never know, there are tons of articles that are being published almost on a daily basis revealing new facts. Facts that up-untill recently were percieved as something impossible.

2. In case your puppy was untreated for too long, even with successful home-based treatments it's worth taking your pet to the vet (wow, what a rhyme). And that's because the infection in your pet at this point, might need to be addressed by some sort of medications, or other various treatments to relive any pain or symptoms until the infection itself completely disappears.

The conclusion is that the only sure way to ensure the safety of your pet, family and anyone else, who comes in contact with your puppy, is making sure that this condition is completely dealt with as soon as possible.

I know that you might be terribly afraid, especially if it's the first time you even heard about this condition. But, it's really not that serious.
 

In case you've found this information valuable for yourself and of course for your little fellow, I invite you to CLICK HERE and visit my blog. I am sharing there for free, a few Home-Based QUICK-FIX Treatments for pets that experience Kennel Cough.

Additionally, I provide a link to a website of a professional doctor. On his website he gives away a Free EBook called: "Healing your pets At Home" and shares the 3 MAJOR MISTAKES he has done with his first dog, which led to an early death.
 

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6 Things You Should Not Do When You Have A New Puppy In The Home, by Dr. Mayra Alfonso

Everyone agrees that training a puppy is imperative for him to learn how to behave and to teach him his boundaries, but there are some basic tips you need to know before starting your dog training. Magazines, books and online articles addressing the basics of acquiring a new puppy abound. They may all sound repetitive, and a lot of the tips and advice are actually simple and requires common sense, but they are vital nonetheless.

When you bring home a new puppy, keep in mind these 6 things you should avoid doing:

1. Never hit your puppy, whether with your hand or with a rolled up newspaper or any other object, regardless of what he does. Keep in mind that your puppy is like a baby -- it is very delicate and is easily injured. Hitting your puppy will only frighten him and be a traumatic experience for him that can possibly lead to behavioral issues when he is fully grown. Remember that being taken away from his mother and litter mates is a traumatic and scary enough experience for him so be a little patient with this new addition to your family. Your puppy will probably whine for a few days, but he will soon get used to his new family, and will give you all his love and loyalty.

2. If you have objects in your house that you cherish or have sentimental value, keep them out of your puppy's reach. Your puppy, and all puppies for that matter, will eat everything it can get its mouth on. If you want to keep your socks free from holes, don't leave them laying on the floor or in places where your puppy can easily reach them. If you smoke, don't throw the cigarette butts on the floor; your puppy won't think twice about chewing on those. The same goes for any gadgets you have that can be easily scratched and damaged.

3. Don't let other people, family members included, handle your new puppy -- at least for the first couple of weeks or so. It is better that you and another family member handle the new puppy first. If too many people are handling the puppy, he may become nervous and have problems socializing.

4. Avoid picking up the new puppy by his forelegs. Children tend to pick puppies up this way so if you have kids in your house, tell them they should not pick up the new puppy this way. Your puppy's legs are not strong yet and if he can get injured if he is picked up by the forelegs.

5. Don't leave holes inside your house uncovered. Puppies are incredibly curious and they will literally try to get into everything. It can be fatal if your puppy gets stuck in a hole.

6. Don't leave electrical wires uncovered or accessible to your puppy. Cover any exposed wires in your house because your puppy won't spare those. Many puppies have died from electrocution because the house they were living in were not puppy-proof.

About The Author Dr. Mayra Alfonso Increase the happy years of your dog by checking out my free e-book. In it I reveal all the secrets I've used to develop a happy, healthier dog. Visit Dr. Alfonso's dog training blog at http://www.CoolDogHallofFame.com right now before I decide to no longer give this valuable e-book for free!