Dog Collars and Leashes

Posted February 6th, 2010 by David Webb

Rhinestone studded, reflective, leather and patterned are just some styles of dog collars and leashes available in today’s huge pet supply market. Dogs of every breed and size have a variety of options when it comes to collars and leashes.

Our beloved dogs are special to us so giving them the best collar and leash, at the most affordable price, is a way to show them we care. There are so many options in so many price ranges today. Stylish collars and leashes feature a variety of colours as well as can be personalized with your dog’s name, if we want. There are different widths and fasteners to choose from as well. However, no matter if the collar and leash are plain or fancy dog owners need them. So go ahead and look into getting something stylish for your furry friend.

When choosing a collar and leash think about everything available and what’s best for your dog. While we choose from a variety of clothes and jewelry dogs have different items available to them as well, such as a studded leather collar and leash. Nevertheless, using a wide collar isn’t a good idea because it irritates a dog’s throat. Another thing to keep in mind is the strength of the collar and leash. Will the product be strong enough for you to keep control if your pet wants to run off? Will it stay together?

The perfect fit for your dog is also very important when shopping for your dog’s collar and the leash. Your pet needs to be comfortable and safe in whatever new collar and leash you choose. Measure your pet by putting a tape measure around the neck, place two fingers under the tape and add a few inches to the measurement. This is because dog collars are sold by even number sizes. Go up to the next size if the measurement is an odd number.

A new fashionable collar and leash also needs to be practical. The ability to display your pet’s identification (ID) tags is very important in case your dog is lost. These tags provide your pet’s name, home address, your name, telephone number, veterinarian’s name and phone number. Furthermore, be sure the collar can also accommodate your dog’s rabies tags and a medical condition tag, if needed.

Other styles of collars and leashes available today are:

Breakaway - are designed to prevent choking a dog because it releases when tugged hard. This feature saves dogs’ lives, but remains intact when used with the leash.

Buckle - are made of leather, nylon or cotton and flat or rolled and adjusts to fit your dog’s neck.

Greyhound limited slip or limited slip - are adjusted to tighten without choking a dog when it tries to pull out of a collar.

Round - are made to not harm or break the dog’s hair.

Remember, safety first when choosing a collar and leash no matter the cost or style. Your beloved companion’s safety and comfort comes first.


Toys for Dogs

Posted February 4th, 2010 by David Webb

Toys can vary from plush dog toys to dog balls to chew toys. While it somewhat depends on a dog’s personal preference as to what pet toys are most interesting there are some general things to try. For those with several dogs each should have their own toys. Fights can break out when one dog gets possessive about dogs toy and sharing.

Toys for dogs can be as simple as a soda bottle with a handful of kibble in it on up to the indestructible dog toys for those who really like to tear things up. There are interactive dog toys and eco-friendly dog toys that can keep the dog mentally challenged as well as being easier on the environment.

Tough dog toys might be rope or tug toys. Rope dog toys are sometimes just a section of cotton rope and other times might have other toys attached to it. A dog toy should be selected based on the size and temperament of the dog.

Large dog toys typically are designed to take some abuse. Larger dogs have more power for chewing. An extra large Kong toy with peanut butter, cheese or other treats stuck in it keeps a dog busy for hours when you must put him in his crate or leave for a few hours.

Active dogs may prefer dog balls as toys and playing with this can help create a bond as well as give the dog an outlet for exercise. Interactive dog toys are perfect for keeping dog busy so they do not get in trouble!

On the other hand small dog toys should be chosen carefully too. Small dog toys can also be of many types but should be small enough that the little mouth can get around them. A toy that is six inches long for example isn’t large but for a tiny 2 pound Yorkie puppy, for example, it’s just too large to get their mouth on.

If you have multiple dogs another reason for keeping the dogs toy boxes separate is a large dog can choke on the small dog toys.

Use caution and select toys for dogs that fit the size of the dog as well as their individual interests!

Poochieheaven is the place to go for durable dog toys and interactive dog toys. We also have dog carriers and small dog clothing.


Treating a Poisoned Dog in an Emergency

Posted February 2nd, 2010 by David Webb

Like children, dogs may accidentally eat, inhale or absorb toxic substances. There is seldom anything scarier than this but there is no need to panic. You will be able to find most things you need around the house although it is important to have some specific items available for emergency home treatment. Below there are some tips and emergency treatments that you can carry out if you think your dog has been poisoned.

Ingested Toxins

If you suspect your dog has eaten something toxic, try to establish what it was and then call your veterinarian or the nearest emergency treatment center where there is usually information available about different types of poisons. Caustic poisoning causes burning, and in some cases tissue damage, so if you think the dog has swallowed something caustic don’t give him anything to eat, as you may cause further injury. Take the dog to the veterinarian as quickly as possible in this circumstance, do not attempt to make the dog vomit and don’t allow the dog to eat or drink without seeking advice from your veterinarian.

It is more than likely that your veterinarian will suggest administering a mixture of water and vinegar or diluted lemon which will help to counteract the chemical before you are able to take the dog to the veterinarians clinic or hospital. Do not administer any human drugs or treatments to your dog as these can cause serious adverse reactions. If you know what your dog has ingested remember to take the label of the product, if possible, to the veterinarian with your dog.

A non-caustic toxin is best treated by giving the dog an oral dose of hydrogen peroxide which will make him vomit and help to clear the poison from his body. 1 teaspoon (5mls) of 3% hydrogen peroxide per 10 pounds body weight is the correct dosage. Do not exceed the recommended strength or the dose because hydrogen peroxide can cause other problems. If you have a syringe, administer the dose far back in the mouth and over the tongue. Â A turkey baste can be used as an alternative if you haven’t got a syringe. Normally, within a few minutes your dog will vomit. If your dog is having respiration problems, difficulty with swallowing, not able to stand or comatose forget the hydrogen peroxide treatment unless your vet advises you otherwise. When the dog has vomited take him to the vet as quickly as possible.

Contact Toxins

If your dog has brushed against, trodden on or touched something poisonous you should wash the area thoroughly with warm water and a dog or baby shampoo. If he gets varnish, tar or paint on his coat spread lots of Vaseline over the affected area to eliminate as much of the product as you can. Cutting or shaving the fur may be necessary to entirely remove stubborn substances if the Vaseline doesn’t work.

However, if you feel that your pet is still having a side effect or problems due to the poisonous substance, it is bets to take your pet to your vet for a complete check up.


Welsh Springer Spaniel

Posted January 30th, 2010 by David Webb

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is an all purpose hunting dog bred for endurance on the field. The breed has a weatherproof coat that makes ideal for hunting, flushing and retrieving small upland game. Welsh Springer Spaniels are affectionate dogs that will bond strongly with their family. Their coat requires minimum maintenance with a stiff bristle brush.

The Appearance

Height: 16-9 inches

Weight: 35-45 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years.

Welsh Springer Spaniels used for hunting tend to be smaller than the show variety and their ears are not as long.

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a compact, medium-sized dog who’s length should be slightly greater than its height. The head is somewhat rounded, the eyes are either hazel or dark-colored and the muzzle is square. The long pendant ears are fringed with hair. The tail is customarily docked and the dew claws are removed.

The white and reddish brown coat is straight or slightly wavy, medium-length with feathering on the chest, undersides, legs, and tail. Any color pattern is acceptable and white areas may be flecked with red. The Welsh Springer Spaniel’s coat is weatherproof and gives protection thick brush and cold temperatures.

Using in the Field

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a compact dog ideal for tracking small game and flushing out upland birds. In addition, this all around hunting dog can be taught to retrieve on land and in the water. The Welsh Springer Spaniel has great stamina for working in all kinds of weather and on difficult terrain. These dogs are excellent at tracking, hunting and retrieving but will not point.

The breed is intelligent but has an independent streak that can be interpreted as being “deaf to commands,” and the dog has a tendency to wander particularly while in an environment full of distractions. Constant training will be needed to maintain discipline with these lively dogs.

At Home

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is independent and less outgoing than other Springer Spaniels. They tend to bond intensely with their human families and get along fine with other pets and children. They can be sensitive somewhat reserved with strangers so early socialization is needed to prevent these dogs from becoming timid. They can be protective and make fine watchdogs.

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a very lively dog and will need plenty of exercise and chances to run off leash. Without proper exercise they can become bored and overweight. Be mindful that these are dogs bred for hunting and they must be trained to recall and not to wander. Welsh Springer Spaniels have a weather proof coat that needs little maintenance and will be comfortable in hot or cold weather.

The History

The Welsh Springer Spaniel has previously been known as the Welsh Spaniel, and then Welsh Cocker Spaniel. Some dog breed experts claim that the Welsh Springer Spaniel shares the same ancestry as the Brittany Spaniel. Until 1902, the Welsh Springer Spaniel and the English Springer Spaniel were considered to be the same breed. Since it was declared a separate breed, the Welsh Springer Spaniel has been popular as a hunting dog and show dog.


Teaching Your Dog How to Sit Down

Posted January 28th, 2010 by David Webb

You have a pet dog and would love it to be disciplined, obedient and well-behaved. It may not be easy but with patience, and understanding, it can be. Just remember to treat your dog as a member of your family and it shall learn its lessons well. Dogs are a lot like humans in behavior through their growing years. Hence, train them when puppies. If it is a young one, be patient for they shall tend to ignore you like teenagers do. You need to handle them like your kids.

Whenever we wish to tell someone something, we generally call out his/her name. Same thing goes for the dogs who love to have their own names. They obey commands if said along with their names as: Danny, Sit! Among the common commands taught to pet dogs is Sit; a tricky one to teach wherein you can either motivate the dog sit on its own (motivational dog training) or you can gently teach it how to sit.

The first method needs practice and can take time but is a well tested and reliable one wherein the dog willingly sits due to your action. Here, you need to attract the dogs attention with something (treat/toy) it likes. Take the object and dangle it right above its nose, such that the dog is forced to look up. With the dog attention firmly on the object, move your hand slowly and gradually backwards over its head. Don’t be too fast or slow or else the dog shall lose interest in the object. Now, the dog will have to sit to see the object; while it is lowering its back to sit, speak out Sit and encourage it to sit. After the dog sits, reward it with praises, or a treat. Once the dog learns to sit quickly, a simple hand movement over its head is enough to make it sit.

The second method is to make the dog sit by your side (say left) and use your hand (right) to dangle something in front of the dog to hold its attention. At the same time, with your other hand (left), gently press down its back so that it moves into a sitting position. Keep saying Sit, till it finally sits. For large dogs, you need to wrap your arm around its back and gently force their back legs to sit, thus making them sit.

Command the dog to sit, gently and warmly such that it feels good, like Sit, good boy, Danny! or Sit down, well done! If the dog is already sitting, make it feel good by patting it or with praise.

Dog training techniques are varied. You have the choice and can seek the help of CDs, DVDs, videos, cassettes, books or consult the pet store or society. Internet (via google.com) is another place with tons of information; through search phrases such as dog training techniques or dog training aids or how to make pet dog sit etc. Check out the techniques and try out whichever you like.