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How To Stop Your Dog From Barking Excessively

Understand that barking is the normal way that your dog communicates. But if it barks excessively, that needs to be controled. Discover how to stop over-the-top barking from your dog. Click “Next” to continue..

1. Condition Your Dog With Rewards

If your dog is feeling restless and no observable stimuli is causing it to bark, don’t react to it. Do not give it a treat or reward to in an attempt to quiet it down. This makes the barking problem worse since your dog will think that barking is the solution to getting what it wants.
When the dog quiets down, only then give it a reward. Stop rewarding it when it barks again. Through this process, your dog will learn through conditioning that it should not bark excessively.

2. Get Your Dog Tired

Take note of the amount of exercise that your dog is getting. Some dogs have a high requirement for activity and exercise. They get restless and moody if they don’t get enough movement during the day. Besides, when you burn off some energy from your dog, it is less likely to bark. This is because a tired dog is less likely to be a noisy dog.
Sometimes, one walk a day may not be enough for energetic dogs. Some dogs require at least 2 walks a day. This is time consuming and you may need to hire a professional dog walker if you don’t have the time to spare. Consider letting your dog run around freely in a yard if you have one. That will let your dog burn off energy by itself.

3. Feed Your Dog Regularly

Do remember to keep your dog well-fed as well. Dogs become restless when they are hungry. And a restless dog may bark excessively to get foods and attention. It is definitely advisable to have a set meal time routine for your dog. That way, your dog will have an expectation on when it will get fed and that may reduce its barking. On the other hand, its water bowl should be topped up throughout the day. Your dog should never be left thirsty.
Also, keep your dog warm. If it is feeling cold because of climate changes, it may bark incessantly as well. Keep a warm, well-insulated corner in the house for your dog. If it stays in a kennel outside, make sure that the kennel is well-insulated from the cold weather.

4. Bring It To A Vet

If your dog is still barking after it is well-fed, warm, and not disturbed by external stimuli, something else may be causing it discomfort. Bring your dog to a vet to get it checked.
Sometimes, when a dog yelps or barks, it may be having internal pains that are due to health issues. This pain or anxiety that cannot be treated through training. Thus, a professional diagnosis from a vet may be helpful in this case.

How To Chose The Dog That Best Stuits You

So you’ve decided to welcome a new dog into your life. The type of dog you choose is a personal decision and will likely stick with you for over a decade. To make your decision easier, focus on certain aspects of your life that your dog needs to be compatible with. Click “Next” to find out what you need to consider before choosing a new dog…

Activity

Most dogs like activity and enjoy being ourdoors. Certain dog breeds have more need for activity then others. Jack Russell terriers, Dalmations and Cockapoos are physically agile dogs that get bored and moody when they are not given enough outdoor acitivity. They are built to be physically agile and need to constantly flex their musles. On the other hand, the Pug and Chihuahua are fine without much physical activity.
So know the amount of time per day that you can devote to walking and playing with your dog. If you tend to stay indoors and don’t go out very much, choose a more inactive dog.

Living Conditions

 

The space in your home is another consideration when choosing your new dog. A larger dog breed will need much more space to rest and move around. Therefore, dog breeds such as the Golden Retriever and Saint Bernard are more suitable for you if you have a house that has a backyard where your dog can play and exercise. On the other hand, smaller breeds like the Chihuahua and Poodle are suitable for apartments and urban living areas.
You should also consider the cilmate in your home. If it is too hot, a Pug may not be feel comfortable because its short nasal cavity. Pugs are in danger of heatstrokes and respitory issues because of this.

Care And Attention Required

 

Some dog breeds will need more grooming and care compared to others. Certain dogs like the Shih Tsu and Poodle have long, delicate fur which need to be groomed a few times a week. Each grooming session can take an hour at a time. You have two options for these dogs: either groom them yourself or bring them to a professional pet groomer. The latter option is of course the best if you are busy, but could cost a bomb over the dog’s entire lifespan. Neglecting the need for grooming is not an option as rashes and tick bites may emerge if they are not properly cared for.
So carefully assess the amount of care and attention you are willing to devote to your dog per week. If you are short on time choose a dog that requires low maintenance.

Budget

The ultimate price you pay for a dog is way more than the initial purchase price that you paid for it. Evaluate how much you are willing to spend on your dog each month. Large dog breeds are generally more costly because they need more food to sustain themselves. Their vet bills may also add up over the year because of health issues. Smaller dog breeds generally require a smaller budget because they eat less and need less real estate to stay in.
The same consideration is relevant for purebreds versus mixed breeds. Mixed breeds tend to have less health problems because they inherit the better genes from both parents. Calculate and set aside the monthly amount that you have to spend on food, vets, and grooming.

Temperament

A dog’s temperament is another important thing that you should consider when choosing a dog. Certain dogs like the Chihuahua can get provoked easily and may bite they are provoked. You may think that your child will be well-behaved around pets most of the time, but it just takes one small event for a nasty accident to happen. Therefore, be especially prudent when you choose a dog that you will have close to children most of the time.
If you have children around the house, a better dog to have would be one from a more loving and outgoing breed. Examples of this breeds are the Beagles and Golden Retrievers.

How To Stop Your Dog From jumping on You

At times, you may find your dog jumping on you. It can be embarrasing if your dog does this to your guests. Thankfully, you can correct this behavior with a bit of effort. Click “Next” to find out how…

Demonstrate Authority

If a dog senses that there is no pack leader around, it may try to fill that role by increasing its aggression on jumping on people. Before your dog starts to do that, its up to you to take the role of pack leader yourself. Assert authority on your dog by enforcing the law in a calm way. This means everything you do, from the way you pet your dog to the way you issue commands it has to be done firmly.
You do not want to project any nervous energy onto your dog. Your dog can sense this easily and will not take you as seriously as it should.

Know When To Reserve Your Emotions And Affections

As you don’t want to project any nervous energy onto your dog, you need to know when to reserve your emotions and affects for it. If you are too gentle with a hyperactive dog and give it too much attention, it may start to climb all over you. Again, give you dog firm love. This applies to all communications that you have with your dog. Your dog will then love and respect you in return.
However, be cautioned not to be too aggressive with your dog, as that may be counter-productive. Your dog may start being aggressive with you in return. Remember firm, but not aggressive.

Ask Your Dog To Sit Obediently When Your Guests Are Present

In the presence of a group, whether it be dogs or humans, you will need to assert your authority. This is an opportunity to reinforce your dogs understanding of who’s boss. When your guests are around, ask your dog to sit obediently. You may be required to do so multiple times as your dog gets restless from sitting in one spot. However, it is important that you continually do so until your dog gets the message.
This may be a bit harder to do when other dogs are around. Your dog would tend to want to play and disturb the other dogs. In this situation, just be firm and you pull your dog away from the other dogs. Ask it to sit patiently as much as you can.

Always Be The Leader That Your Dog Can Look Up To

Pack leaders never give up their alpha role willingly, and neither should you. Inconsistency from you would confuse your dog and cause hyperactivity. Your dog needs to know whether it’s behavior is out of line. The way to do this is in a calm-assertive way as a mother dog would. If a mother dog she’s something that she thinks is beyond the boundaries of acceptable behavior, she will by firm with the little puppy.
Through continuous feedback, the puppy will get a good idea on what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior. This puts the puppy in its place.

Top 10 Most Popular Mixed Dog Breeds


Dogs are a one of the most diverse specifies out there. But what’s even more interesting is when you cross breed them and combine their distinct properties. Discover the top 10 most popular mixed dog breeds. Click “NEXT” to continue reading…


1. Cockapoo

A Cockapoo is a mix between the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle. It is said to be the first ever mixed breed dog.
This dogs combines the beautiful, natural hair of the poddle together with the jovial, energetic characteristics of the Cocker Spaniel.

2. Maltipoo

The Maltipoo is a cross between the Maltese and the Poodle. This interesting combination gives a cute and loving dog.
There are 3 different fur characteristics, based on their parents genetics. There’s thick and curly, wiry and wavy, as well as soft and silky.

3. Labradoodle

A very savvy and amicable dog. The Labradoodle is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle.
It was once bred with the goal of making it a guide for blind people who are allergic to fur.

4. Goldendoodle

The Goldendoodle is a cross between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever. Because both its parent breeds are intellient, the Goldendoodle inherits a superior brain.
Only being bred from the 90s, it is one of the more modern mixed breeds.

5. Maltese Shih Tzu aka Malshi

The mixed breeds so far have included Poodles. The Maltese Shih Tzu is one of the few mixed breed dogs that does not include the Poodle. It is a cross between the Maltese and the Shih Tzu.
It was intended to be bred as a hypoallergenic dog (to help deal with owner allergies) and was bred from the 90s onwards.

6. Puggle

A cute dog indeed, the Puggle is a cross between the Beagle and the Pug. It has the facial features of a Pug but the body characteristics of a Beagle.
Puggles love to eat most things, which includes any form of snacks.

7. Schoodle

The Snoodle is a cross between the Schnauzer and the Poodle. It comes in many different sizes depending on how big its parents were.
The range of sizes start from small and huggable and goes to big and strong. It will be large if it is bred from a large Schnauzer.

8. Yorkipoo

This cute little fella is a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a small Poodle. He’s small enough to be kept in the smallest apartment spaces.
Both parent breeds are susceptible to genetic disorders. The Yorkipoo is bred to keep the positive features of its parent breeds whilst avoiding their genetic disorders.

9. Siberpoo

This mixed breed come from the parent breeds Siberian husky and Poodle. You may have heard of the others names that it’s known by: huskydoodle, poosky, or huskapoo.
These dogs are not only good looking, they are also cheerful and fun-loving.

10. Chiweenie

The Chiweenie is a cross between the Chihuahua and the dachshund. These dogs have the long bodies of the dachshund but the small ears from the Chihuahua.

7 Things You Should NEVER Do To Your Dog


Some things you should never do to your dog because they might anger it or because it’s downright dangerous. Show your love to your dog by avoiding these 7 things. Click ‘Next’ to continue reading…

Never Leave Your Dog Alone In The Car

High heat is unpleasant for human beings. It is just a unpleasant for dogs. When the temperature goes overboard, your dog could start feeling lethargic. Or worse, it could die of a heatstroke.
Conversely, during the cold winter months, your car could become a freezer and turn your dog into an ice sculpture. Always take your dog with you when you exit your car.

Never Neglect Your Dog’s Teeth

Just as for us humans, brushing your dog’s teeth is highly recommended. Also pay attention to the gum area. 65% of all early stage gum diseases are neglected. Schedule a yearly checkup with your vet to make sure that your dogs teeth are in good shape. Otherwise it could affect your dogs eating patterns which bring on another set of problems.
Set a daily time to brush your dog’s teeth. Keep to this timing to avoid forgetting on any one day. You can use a child’s toothbrush and special toothpaste made for dogs. The chemicals in some human toothpaste can make dogs sick.

Never Hit Your Dog

Refrain from spanking your dog or whacking it with an object. your dog my develop an unhealthy fear for you and this may ruin the bond between you and it. Just think about how humans despise and hate a dictator who takes extreme measures to cause pain. A dog who is constant hit will feel the same way.
When you hit a dog, you damage its trust for you and weaken its confidence. Instead learn positive reinforcement techniques to teach your dog what is desirable and undesirable behavior.

Never Skip Necessary Vet Visits

Some of us like to think that we can self-diagnose any problems that our dogs are facing and skip vet visits to save money.
Though it is good to be well informed, when your dog does things like vomit, have diarrhea, or is constantly lethargic, it’s best to get your dog to a vet quickly. During these extreme situations, professional attention could mean life and death for your dog. It is also good to schedule a yearly regular checkup with a vet even though nothing is visibly wrong with your dog.

Never Use A Dog Cage Wrongly

 be depressed and sad when it’s put in the cage.
This will show when you have to keep your dog in the cage when there’s no reason for punishment. Your dog will automatically associate the cage with punishment and it will think that it did something wrong. This will confuse it over the long term.

Never Bother Your Dog When It’s Eating

 

Many dogs can display food aggression. This means your dog becomes defensive when it is eating it’s food and growls or snaps when you move near it. It’s a natural instinct for the dog to gobble down food quickly just as it’s served.
When it’s eating, your dog may try to bite you as you move closer to touch it. If you find that happening, be sure not to disturb it during meal time.

Never Let Your Dog ‘s Head Stick Out Of A Moving Car Window

When sticking its head out, there could be dirt or insects that fly into your dog’s eyes. It could also get excited and try to reach out for something, causing it to fall out of the car.
Needless to say, your dog can get seriously injured if its head is sticking out when there’s a pole nearby or oncoming car.

5 Ways To Let Your Dog Live Longer


Sadly, many of the dogs today die earlier than they should. It is mostly because we don’t give the right kind of care. Just like a family member, you would want your dog to be around for as long as possible. Discover the 5 ways to extend your dog’s life. Click “Next” to continue…

1. Look After Your Dog’s Teeth

Just like humans, tooth decay is a serious problem for dogs. It is a real problem because rotting teeth not only gives them dental issues, it is the root of general health issues as well. Any infections in the mouth can easily spread to the rest of the body. Many heart and kidney problems have their start as dental problems.
We are not talking about getting a minty, fresh breath for your dog. However, the teeth and gum of your dog should be clean. This means you will have to brush its teeth regularly. There are toothbrush kits specially designed for dogs. Brush your dogs teeth at least every other day to keep it clean. Avoid saving money by using the same toothpaste that you use, as human toothpaste may be dangerous for dogs.

2. Watch Your Dog’s Diet

Just like us humans, dogs can become overweight too. And just like humans, being overweight can be the start of a ton of health problems. Be aware of the food that you are giving your dog. Make sure that it is well-balanced and has all the nutritional needs that your dog requires. It is hard to know if your dog is gaining weight too rapidly just by observation. So weigh it objectively with a scale on a regular basis.

3. Watch How Often Your Dog Exercises

Just like huamns, dogs need exercise too, and it is not just to maintain its weight. The mental well-being of your dog depends a lot on its exercise level as well. Many dog breeds become moody and depressed if they don’t get constant exercise. The ideal amount of exercise for your dog is about an hour a day. Allow it to go outdoors regularly or take it for walks at least four times a week.
Note: Dogs from certain breeds don’t require as much exercise as other dogs. For instance, the pug, bulldog, and other short-nose dogs may have breathing difficulties when overtaxed. On the other hand, a Jack Russell terrier thrives on exercise. Get to know how much exercise your dog requires.

4. Watch Your Dogs Checkup Schedule

Vet visits are something that many dog owners tend to skimp on. Many think that vet visits are something that can be replaced with personal care, when the opposite is true. Prevention is better than cure. Diseases and health issues when diagnosed early can be treated and catastrophes can be avoided. You may even end up saving money too. For example, late cancer treatments can cost upwards of $2,700. And your dogs survival is still not guaranteed. Better to detect any issues earlier.
Vaccinations may also help extend your dogs life. Consult a vet on whether your dog should go for them. It is best to take your dog to a vet at least 3 times a year when it is a puppy and at least once a year when it is an adult.

5. Watch Your Dogs Rest and Relaxation

While it is important that your dog gets enough exercise, it is also important that your dog gets enough rest. Just like humans, it is desirable to put your dog through rhythms of exercise and rest. A constant state of activity and wear your dog out and get it feeling tired and lethargic. This is especially true if you have children in the house. When playing with your dog throughout the day, energetic children may wear it out.
Keep a corner in your house for your dog. Let a mat there and keep it clean so that your dog knows that it can go there when it needs to rest and recover.

TOP 5 Longest Living Dog Breeds

How well you care for your dog does affect how long it will live. But another factor that affects your dog’s lifespan is its breed. Discover the top 5 longest living dog breeds. Click “Next” to continue…

1. Cockapoo

The Cockapoo is a mix between the Cocker Spaniel and Poodle breeds. Both breeds if well looked after have long lives. This active dog is happiest when it is brought outdoors for routine exercise sessions .They can be very agile with precise body coordination. Perhaps its regular needs for movement keeps it health and lets it live a relatively long life.
One of the best things about the cockapoo is that it is a very loving dog. It becomes attached to you easily, and appreciates attention. It can be a great companion to grow old with, since it can live as long as 15 years and beyond. Average lifespan: 15 years.

2. Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russeel terrier has its roots as a fox hunting dog. It is very active and is known for its almost endless energy levels. Back in the days, the size of their breed fluctuated according to the amount of hunting activity around.
Just like the Cockapoo, the Jack Russell terrier thrives on a lot of exercise and movement. In fact, they get bored, moody and depressed if they are not given enough stimulation through exercise. This is what gives its health and vitality, as rarely are they inflicted with serious health problems. Strong and tough, the Jack Russell will live on as a lovable dog. Average lifespan: 16 years.

3. Toy Poodle

This breed may look soft and fluffy, but don’t let that fool you into thinking that it will have a short, fragile life. Poodles in general have a longer than average lifespan. It’s said that the Poodle’s small body frame put its heart under less strain and hence lets it live longer. That theory is still under debate.
The Toy Poodle is a dedicated dog that sticks close to your family. It is rather shy around people that it is not familiar with. It is also very intelligent, which makes it a breeze to train. It would be best to keep it indoors as it needs a lot of attention in the grooming department. Average lifespan – 16 years.

4. Chihuahua

The Chihuahua was first discovered in a Mexican city. Named after that city itself, the Chihuahua is one of the common dog breeds out there that’s blessed with the best genes. It is the smallest dog breed out there, which supports the “small dogs live longer” theory.
They can sometimes be a challenging dog to deal with, as they are well-known to have frequent bad tempers and don’t get along well with other dog breeds. Because they can switch to attack mode easily, it’s best to keep them away from younger children who may be unaware of this fact. When well looked after, they can stay with you for a good number of years. Average lifespan: 17 years.

5. New Guinea singing dog

The New Guinea Singing Dog is one of the rarest dogs in the world. It is a wild dog that has its roots in New Guinea, a large island located to the north of Australia.In fact, this rare bleed is said to be relatived to the Dingo dog breed in Australia. Don’t even think about raring one as the this is a protected wild dog that’s not meant for domestication. One a few hundred of them exist today.
The Singing Dog inherited its name from its ability to vocalize its howls. It does not bark like a normal dog does. Rather, its complex vocal behavior allows it to have long howls and whines of varying pitches. When multiple New Guinea Singing Dogs howl together, it can sound like they are singing in a choir. Average lifespan: 18 years.