TOP 5 DOG'S TO GET FOR KIDS

WHICH DOG'S DO KIDS LIKE?

If you are looking for the best breed of dog to get for kids, then read on! In this article, we look at breeds of all sizes, shapes and from all corners of the world, that all have one thing in common: they're great with kids! So read on, and find the perfect dog to get for your kids today!

Labradors

There's a reason that labradors are so popular around the world - they're a great family dog! In fact, labbies have the perfect mix of a gentle nature, and energy, that makes them a great companion for children of all ages.

Your labrador will probably have a lifespan in excess of twelve years, which means that he or she will be able to grow up with your kids, and they're also easy to keep in good health (although they are prone to gaining weight, so watch the portions and treats!) All round, if you're looking for a great dog to get for kids, and you don't mind a medium to large breed, this is a great choice.

Pugs

If you're looking for a smaller breed to get for your kids, then pugs are a perfect choice. They may have a face that some would say only a mother can love, but pugs are living proof of the old saying 'dynamite comes in small packages!'

Pugs are friendly, energetic and tough little dogs, all of which makes them a great choice of dog to have when you're looking for a pet for your kids, and they're also intelligent and easy to train.

Beagles

Another great choice of a breed of dog for kids, the Beagle is a medium sized, short coated dog that again combines a gentle, friendly nature with energy and an outgoing personality.

Beagles are also easy to train, respond well to training, and will get along well with other dogs and pets in your family too.

Rough Collie

There's a reason Lassie made it into the movies! Rough collies are another great breed to consider if you are looking for a great dog to get for your kids. They're friendly, generally gentle and good natured, intelligent, and when they're younger, energetic too.

The only drawback to getting a rough collie is that their long, silky hair needs a lot more maintenance than their short coated peers, so you will need to make sure you have the time to devote to grooming and keeping your collie in tip top condition.

Jack Russel Terrier

Another great choice of breed, when you're looking for the perfect dog to get for kids, is the Jack Russel Terrier. Another small breed that proves that dynamite comes in small packages, these little terriers have big personalities, and they're usually able to keep up with (and outrun!) even the most adventurous kids.

If you choose a Jack Russel, be warned that they can be a handful, and don't be surprised to be the only family on the block with a dog that routinely climbs trees!

Of course, another great option, if you're looking for a dog for your kids, and to do a little good, is to consider adopting from a shelter. Even a mixed breed dog, or a slightly older dog, can be a great companion to your kids, and if it's not important to you to have a pedigree as long as your arm, many rescue dogs make great companion animals.

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Ingredients For DOG FOOD

WHAT DO DOG'S LIKE TO EAT?

     

What are the ingredients in dog food? If you look at the pictures on the packages of dog food, you will see healthy chickens, good-looking pieces of beef, fresh grains. Just looking at the packages will make your mouth water and stomach rumble.

That is exactly the reaction the manufacturers want you to have. They spend large amounts of money to advertise their products, making them look decent so that you will buy them. The question is, Are They Healthy? Of course, the manufacturers will say that they are. They will also point out that they pass all of the governmental requirements for nutritional value for your dog.

What most consumers do not know is that the pet food industry uses a large portion of by-products from the Human Food Industry. The by-products are deemed "unfit for human consumption" but are allowed for animal consumption. By using these by-products in pet food, these companies are turning waste into profits. The by-products include but are not limited to: intestines, udders, heads, hooves, and possibly diseased and cancerous animal parts. All of these ingredients are items that would be thrown away. You would not eat them, why would you serve them to your dog?

If you read the label of dog food, you would think that you are serving something healthy to your dog. What the government allows dog food manufacturers to print on labels is misleading. The labeling requirements are governed by AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials). AAFCO provides standards that are followed by the Pet Food Industry.

The ingredients printed on the label in descending order. To use the term "all" or 100% means that the product has to contain only one ingredient, not including water. The 95% Rule is used when the ingredients derived from animals, poultry or fish constitutes at least 95% or more of the total weight of the product. The ingredients names are legally defined. Meat only applies to cows, pigs, goats and sheep and can contain only specified muscles. All items regarding dog food ingredient definitions are published in AAFCO's Official Publication.

The pet food industry loves to say that it is more highly regulated than human food, but that is not true. Pet food manufacturing regulation exists in a vacuum, rules and definitions are on the books, enforcement is another issue. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has limited authority regarding Pet Food manufacturing. The real enforcers are the feed control officials. Applying of rules varies from state to state. Texas and Kentucky enforce the standards heavily. California does not enforce the standards at all.

The three main types of dog food manufactured are: Dry (Kibble), Moist and Canned. For more information on each type see my article on Introduction to Dog Food.

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Dress Your Dog

                CLOTHES FOR DOGS

There are many different types of small dog apparel available for your pup to sport around. Dressing your pet in clothing is a great way to let her personality shine. You can dress her up to match your own clothing or let her sport around something totally unique that suits her own personal style, it's up to you.

If you haven't looked at some of the clothing accessible today, you may be a little surprised at how many different styles and outfits there are available. These will surely keep your pet in fashion for any special occasion or event.

Here are some of the different types of small dog apparel that you can buy for you pup:

· Formal Wear- There's many occasions in which you can dress your pup in formal wear from weddings to parties. You can buy suits, tuxedos, bridal gowns, shirts, party dresses and more. All of which will ensure your pet is properly dressed for the occasion.

· Sports Apparel- These are a fantastic way to show off your team spirit. A cute dog jersey with your favorite player's number or the team logo is sure to be a hit at your next sports get-together.

· Pajamas- Keep your small dog warm and comfortable during the chilly nights with a cute pair of doggie pajamas.

· College Apparel- From sweaters to cheerleader outfits there are many wonderful designs to choose from that will let your small dog join in and help you support your team. You can also find tees and jerseys to show your support in a more casual way.

· Casual Wear- This describes the apparel used to help keep your pup warn and comfortable. A bright yellow raincoat and hat combined with a matching pair of booties is a necessity when you live in areas where it tends to rain often. A sweater can help keep your pup warm on those cold winter days and t-shirts are available as well. There are many cute, comfortable and outlandish designs in all types of colors and patterns available. This makes it easy to find something to suit your pet's style perfectly.

After choosing the small dog apparel that suits your pup, you can add a few accessories that will give it that special touch. These include hair bows, studded collars or harnesses, bowties and jewelry. Dog apparel is fun, exciting and functional all at the same time. After you begin collecting a few items for your pet, you may find yourself buying small dog apparel for every occasion.

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Dogs and Cats Living together

   CATS AND DOGS BEING FRIEND'S

It's been a long held myth that cats and dogs can't live together. It's been said that to have a cat and a dog living together is like mixing oil and water. But many pet owners have dispelled this myth. The fact is that when a dog and a cat have been socialized to live together, not only can they get along, but they can even become dear friends, in as much as pets befriend each other.

There are some things to keep in mind when you want to keep a dog and a cat in the same household. First, you need to take the energy of the household into account. What type of environment is your home? Is it full of children and rambunctious activity? Is it a very quiet environment? Are there any senior citizens in the home? These will all determine what types of pets that a person would want in the home. Just like with humans, pets have personalities. Having said that, cats tend to be very independent; they just don't require that much attention. Some breeds of cats flat out don't want your attention. If someone tries to pet a cat, some of them are okay with it for a little while, and some of them will hiss and snap at the person touching them. Cats in general want to be social on their terms, and on their time table.

Dogs on the other hand need lots of attention. They crave lot of love. They are very active, and they want to be touched. As such, they will assume that the cat in the home wants to play with them, just like the humans do. Here lies the problem between cats and dogs. They are both loveable, but for different reasons. They naturally have different temperaments. So the human pet owner has to decide what breeds of cats and dogs would fit into their household and with each other.

It would make the most sense to pick out cat and dog breeds that complement each other. For example, you wouldn't want to get a rambunctious dog to live with a very independent and scary type cat. The dog will want to play, and the cat will scratch and hiss at it. On the other hand, kittens can be an issue with a huge, older dog. Older dogs are slow and impatient. Kittens are frisky and all over the place. Plus, the large dog might crush the kittens. So be mindful of size and personalities.

It might take some work to get your dog and cat to live together, but don't believe the myths. Dogs and cats can live together, and they can both be valuable parts of the family.

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Understanding your dog

TIPS ON HOW TO UNDERSTAND YOUR                   DOG

Dogs won't ask to borrow the car, it costs very little to send them to school and you don't have to constantly tell them to clean their room, but they do have a few basic needs. Try these ten tips to forming a closer bond with your four-legged friend.

1. Dogs thrive on routine. It makes them feel safe when they can count on the same thing happening at the same time everyday. They have no problem fitting into your schedule as long as it's predictable. Please make time just for them. It makes them feel special and they always give back unconditionally in return.

2. Dogs need clean food and clean water. Try to keep a regular feeding schedule. Some dogs are fine with eating once a day but, it helps with digestion if they are fed two nutritious home-cooked meals a day. Older dogs especially do better eating smaller more frequent meals. Your dog's bowl should be washed every time you feed them. Healthy treats are always welcomed, but don't over do it. Your pet needs plenty of clean, fresh water for drinking. Standing water gathers bacteria, so I recommend refilling the water bowl every time you feed them.

3. Most dogs need at least forty-five minutes of exercise every day. It can be broken up into two twenty-five minute sessions, but be sure to make it their time. Don't pull on the lead or make them heel. Let your dog lead the walk. They are not only exercising physically, but mentally. Sniffing to a dog is like reading the paper. They catch up on who has been around and what condition the neighborhood is in. There are times for making your pet obey, but their daily walk is not one of them. Of course keep them under control for their safety, but let them explore. If you can do leash free all-the better.

4. Play games like hide-and-seek, retrieving, or build an obstacle course for both of you to run through. Games are not only fun, they are a great training tool as well. For instance, hide and seek teaches recall. Find a tree to get behind. Give your pal a few seconds then call their name so they know they need to look for you. Don't hide away for more than a few seconds. Dogs panic easily if they think they've been left.

5. Training is important. Dogs want to be a part of the family. Give them a chance to learn and understand house rules. Interacting with the family helps them to know where they fit in. Dogs love to learn, but teach with patience and kindness. I always tell my clients to teach with their brain not their ego. Dogs don't learn well in stressful situations. You will have much better results with positive reinforcement.

6. Dogs need a job to do. They need an activity that connects them to the family. It could be that they wake everyone up in the morning. It could be they walk with you while you take the garbage to the curb, or they can be responsible for killing bugs that enter the house. What ever it is let your whole family know, so they can reinforce the chore with your furry four-legged family member. And remember your dog will take his job seriously, so you should too.

7. All dogs with very few exceptions are indoor dogs. It is important to the dog's psychological make up for them to be in the house with you, as part of the family. Nothing hurts a dog more than being thrown out in the back yard away from their people. It breaks their socialization skills and it's cruel. If you don't want a dog inside your house then maybe you are more suited to have fish.

8. Dogs don't like being left alone for long periods of time, especially with nothing to do. Most of us work outside the home, but all your dog does is sit home and wait for you. They need things to do while you are away. So, start your pup's day with a good twenty-five minute walk. It will get rid of some of the pent up energy and walking is good for you too. There are toys made to stimulate your dog's brain. One great boredom buster is a kong. Fill it with peanut butter and freeze it. Give it to your dog just as you are leaving the house. It takes them hours to lick all the peanut butter out and they have a fun time working at it. Two dogs are better than one at alleviating loneliness. If you can afford to fit one into your home there are plenty that need to be adopted and watching them together provides hours of comic relief. Hire a dog walker to break up their day. It gives your pet a chance to relieve them self and they get human interaction while you are away.

9. Your dog needs your attention. Not as much as a child would, but they do require some one on one. This is not so easy after you've had a long day at work, but remember dogs are social animals and they need interaction. Your dog has been alone all day, to him it's playtime. Spend a few minutes with him, playing or walking. You may be surprised to find yourself catching some of their happy energy.

10. Your dog needs veterinarian care. Yearly check ups are important to catch situations before they get out of hand. Have their teeth checked, as good dental care can prevent a myriad of illnesses. If your pet is sick or injured don't wait, get them help and don't ever let them suffer in pain. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Responsible dog ownership means doing the things required to keep your pet healthy and happy. Take care of them like you do the other members of your family. They don't ask for much and they give back unconditionally.

A house is not a home without a dog.

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IT'S ALL ABOUT DOGS!!!

                    HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DOG:-

                                   TAKE CONTROL OVER YOUR DOG-

You may think that by speaking to your dog the way you would speak to a person or a child you could command obedience and control. Not always. Specifically, not if you have a problem dog. Some dog behavior and psychology experts even tell us, it starts with being in control of yourself.

When I first saw on TV Cesar Millan of The Dog Whisperer being interviewed on the O'Reilly Factor, the dog-scared in me thought he was some super human who whispered to dogs into obeying him. Not quite. Watching this TV show on dog rehabilitation and training the humans -- free with our Comcast On Demand subscription -- I came to the conclusion that his power over dogs seemed to come from a clear understanding of dog psychology that he could work even the most reticent one into submission. He was fearless in the face of fierce and problematic dogs even as he meets them for the first time. It also made sense to me how owners can cause their own dog problems, as Millan pointed out, by treating them as if they were humans and expecting them to behave like humans.

There is the frustrated owner who cannot stop his dog from getting out of control as soon as it gets out the door. The dog bolts and each time, he has to run after it. No amount of talking or stern warning, even pulling, worked. Or the little terror pooch who barks and snarls and looks every inch like it is ready to nip at anyone who comes within a few feet of it - even at the owner herself. To talk or communicate with these pets is indeed a big challenge.

On the other hand, I have actually seen dogs immediately sit and look adoringly at their master when told. Or run to their master by a simple call, no matter how busy it was with something else. Others could be made to do some cute little tricks, like roll, play dead, give me five, or what-have-you. Something connects and works.

I would not go into the tricks part yet. That is another level, another discussion. Rather, I will go into the basic obedience part where one should be able to control his dog, big or small. I am not an expert in dog training but from watching all those dog shows on TV, I have come up with four major bullet points that were shown to have worked:

• You have to be calm when you try to control your dog. Being upset, agitated or scared are signs of negative high energy that your dog picks up on and translates into more negative energy. So before heading out the door, calm it down first by a click of your fingers so you have its attention, then speak the command word. Make it sit or stay, or whatever word you would prefer. When the dog has calmed down, make sure you head out the door first, then the dog behind you. Make that the drill: you first, the dog next.
• Have no fear when you are out there with your dog and you see another dog or person coming. Just hold it on short leash such that its head is just high enough as to walk straight. Let your mind focus on other things, not the walk, to help you walk calmly and normally. After a few situations like this, it may be ready to sniff at other dogs and talk in their own language.
• Dogs express their reaction to situations differently than humans. When it barks agitatedly at somebody at your door, it is simply protecting its territory. The guest at the door is not part of its familiar territory. The guest has to become familiar -- and slow, calm introductions have to be made. With the dog on leash but not doing anything else to excite it, have the guest come in slowly and let the dog get familiar with the new scent. It will connect that new scent to a harmless situation and the guest then becomes part of its familiar territory.
• Dogs need exercise not just for physical health but behavioral health. Unexercised dogs have a lot of unspent energy which translate into aggression, barking, and thus, difficulty for the owner to control. Exercise your dog by walking, running, playing, even swimming for breeds that love the water.

I took seriously each lesson learned from watching how the challenges were overcome and the happy outcome of each dog show episode. Challenged dog owners learned to change their own behavior and with that they gained confidence in controlling their dogs and in making them happy companions in or out of the house. Seriously, I wanted the actual experience and test the theories myself.

So maybe I could have a dog. I remember the first time the thought crossed my mind. It was after watching with my husband three episodes of Dog Whisperer -- in one sitting. The next time again, I thought aloud and asked him if could have a dog. Husband: No, dear. That was it. And then I started looking at the Pets for Adoption section of the morning paper. I was closely looking at the dog faces and their descriptions. Something I never did before. And I thought they were really creatures I could love. 

I was fast learning the language of dog training. But I still had to use the power of human language to persuade my husband to let me have a dog.

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