Luxury Pet Carriers and Transport Dog Crates

– Stylish Pet Carriers as a Dog Transport Means when Traveling With Your Dog Most luxury pet carriers are, in effect, soft sided dog crates.  These stylish pet carriers come in both soft sided types and hard sided types.  Pet carriers are often referred to as dog crates, and if we’re talking about portable dog crates, the term dog crate and pet carriers are often used interchangeably. Many luxury pet carriers fold up like a small suitcase when not in use, so if you’re only going to be using it as a dog transport medium, the fact that it won’t take up a lot of storage space is probably a pretty important factor you’ll want to consider. So what distinguishes luxury pet carriers from other types of stylish pet carriers?  Well, you can expect that the luxury pet carriers will have a padded floor, and will generally look like a pretty comfortable piece of dog transport equipment. Most pet travel carriers will have mesh panels on at least the sides and probably the front and back as well, to ensure adequate ventilation for your pet whilst in transit.  The opening, or door, to soft sided pet carriers are typically closed by a zipper. Luxury pet carriers are perfect for travel by car, or for travel by train or airplane IF your dog is traveling with you.  If you’re traveling by airplane, in particular, stylish pet carriers are perfect pet carriers for small pets, because they can probably be tucked under your seat.  If you have a bigger dog, though, you’ll need to consider a different genre of transport dog crates. Transport dog crates to go in the cargo section of the airplane will need to be sturdy and have solid sides.  In fact, they’ll need to be USDA approved.  Travel pet carriers with soft sides are certainly not appropriate for travel in the cargo section of the airplane, as transport dog crates are not always handled with the care that we might want for our pets, and obviously only solid sided transport dog crates can adequately protect your dog from injury if the crate is thrown around. Whether you’re looking for soft sided luxury pet carriers or hard sided transport dog crates for your dog transportation needs, the pet travel carriers you look at must be of an appropriate size for your dog.  Your dog must be able to stand up and raise his head without any prospect of his head touching the top of the carrier or crate, and he must have sufficient room to turn around, stretch, and lie down.  If your dog is one who likes to stretch his legs out behind him when he lies down (yes, quite a number of dogs do this!), then make sure there is sufficient room for him to lie in this position inside the crate. (c) 2008, Brigitte Smith, Healthy Happy Dogs Helpful Links: Luxury pet carriers and other types of Stylish pet carriers Transport dog crates Transport dog crates for smaller dogs   If you haven’t already done so, subscribe here for your Free Special Report: “How To Improve the Health of Your Dog – Maybe Even Lengthen Your Dog’s Life!“, and your Healthy Happy Dogs ezine (newsletter via email): Your Name: Your E-Mail: Please don’t worry, we’ll never use your details for any purpose other than to send you your free report and newsletter….

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Lyme Disease in Dogs

  TF-Defense is a 100% natural, safe effective herbal and homeopathic remedy that assists in the effective treatment of Lyme Disease and other tick borne illnesses in pets. It will also help to strengthen immune system functioning to help your pet fight against the infection. – click here for more info.     Lyme Disease in Dogs Lyme Disease in dogs can be a nasty, quite debilitating condition.  For this reason, it is important to recognize Lyme Disease symptoms so you can act quickly if your dog shows symptoms of Lyme Disease. Symptoms of Lyme disease in both humans and dogs resemble those of Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Indeed, Lyme Disease as a condition has only identified in the past thirty or so years, as formerly it was probably misdiagnosed as Rheumatoid Arthritis.  In 1975, when there were an unusually high number of cases of Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosed in children in Lyme, Connecticut, further research was carried out, and a discrete condition was identified, and named “Lyme Disease”. Lyme Disease in dogs is transmitted as it is in humans, through the bite from a tick that carries certain bacteria.  It is the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease.  Tick bites from ticks not carrying these bacteria cannot transmit Lyme Disease to the dog or person being bitten.  At least three known types of ticks can carry the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease in dogs, but by far the majority of ticks that carry the bacteria are the Deer Tick, also called the Black-Legged Tick.  A Deer Tick bite, therefore, has a relatively high likelihood of transmitting the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease. This tick is known as the Deer Tick, because Deer are it’s primary host (ticks being a parasite).  But these ticks will also feed on other types of animals, including both people and dogs. Canine Lyme Disease is prevalent in the Northeastern states from Maine to Maryland, as well as Minnesota, Wisconsin, Oregon and Northern California.  It is also found in most parts of Australia, particularly bush and country areas, as well as in parts of Europe, China and Japan. This is because in these areas, ticks more commonly carry the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease. Another tick bite from a tick known as the Paralysis Tick – common in Australia – causes paralysing toxicity and other allergic reactions. Early symptoms of Lyme Disease in your dog are likely to include what might appear to be a sore foot or leg.  Certainly one of the first symptoms of Lyme Disease will be limping.  Further investigation will then be likely to reveal lymph node swelling in your dog’s affected leg, and your dog is very likely to have an elevated temperature. If you fail to seek treatment for Lyme Disease very promptly, your dog may suffer paralysis  Even if treated at this stage, your dog may well suffer recurrent, or chronic Lyme Disease.  This may also include permanent joint or nerve damage and damage to the heart muscle. Treatment for Lyme Disease in dogs, so that the condition does not progress to chronic Lyme Disease and/or permanent joint or nerve damage, will consist of antibiotics. There are natural remedies for treating and helping prevent Lyme Disease in dogs, although if your dog has contracted Lyme Disease, it is essential that you see your veterinarian immediately.  Do not delay for a single second.  The natural remedy can be used as an adjunct to the antibiotics, but I would personally never rely solely on a natural remedy in this particular case, because of the very aggressive manner in which Lymes Disease can take…

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Dog Health Books and more

Here are some fabulous dog health books, dog training books, and dog ebooks that I personally recommend:         Dog Health Books:    Caring for your older dog: Click Here for “A Dog for Life” Search Dogwise.com EverythingBooksVideos and & AudioTraining Tools & ToysDog Show & CareFood & TreatsCalendarsBookmarksAuthorsItem IDISBN   Dog ebooks: THE best dog training ebook on the planet (in my opinion!): click on eBook This dog training ebook covers everything you could ever think of associated with training your dog. Obedience training is covered, as are numerous dog behavioral problems, dog aggression, dog separation anxiety, dog jumping, barking, feeding, housetraining your dog, dog grooming, and so much more. Sit, Stay Fetch! – click here to learn more.   This next ebook “Hip Ideas for Hyper Dogs” is close to my heart, having had a hyper Staffordshire Bull Terrier for many years – my Jet is an older dog now, so a little more sedate, but for years she was a bundle of ceaseless dog energy that never let up! click on eBook  Hyperactive dogs are often overly energetic, wickedly smart, and incredibly stubborn. How do you turn your furry flurry of activity into a sane, mild mannered companion? This book gives you fun, hip techniques especially for hyper dogs and harried pet parents who want quick results. Hip Ideas for Hyper Dogs Dog Grooming – Dummies series – you know it’s packed full of great tips! click on eBook This user friendly guide shows you how to develop a grooming routine that will keep your dog clean and happy, and strengthen the bond between you.  Dog Grooming For Dummies click on eBook    Healthy Homemade Dog Treats that will delight your dog! The Ultimate Dog Treat Cookbook click on eBook A comprehensive guide to health for dogs – dogs health questions will be answered – and most importantly, you’ll find out how to prevent dog health conditions before they start! The Angell Memorial Animal Hospital Book of Wellness and Preventive Care for Dogs click on eBook Of course, you’ve heard of Cesar Millan – the Dog Whisperer.  Need I say more? Cesar’s Way Search Dogwise.com EverythingBooksVideos and & AudioTraining Tools & ToysDog Show & CareFood & TreatsCalendarsBookmarksAuthorsItem…

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Healthy Dog Beds !

  Healthy Dog Beds !   Yes, there certainly is such a thing as a healthy dog bed.  (And an unhealthy one). Many people purchase cheap items for their dog’s bedding, and it’s not always the best thing to do.  Sure, it may feel thick and comfortable, but have you ever stopped to think about what the bedding is made from?  And whether that’s something suitable for your dog to be lying on and breathing in for many hours every day? Some synthetic materials give off fumes which can be very harmful to your dog.  The solution? – an organic bed for your dog!   Organic Pet Bed Treat your best friend right with a 100% certified organic pet bed, a much healthier alternative to synthetic covered, cedar-filled beds.– Small – $129.99, Large – $179.99, Round with rim – $129.99   and a cool bed for your dog – for ultimate comfort and the coolest, softest spot in the house!   Canine CoolerGive your dog a cushy, cool and dry feeling – and just wipe clean!– Small – $ 59.99,  Medium – $ 79.99, Large – $ 119.99     and here’s another organic bed that’s so comfortable, it’s ideal for older dogs and dogs suffering from arthritis – I call it them the arthritis dog beds!  They come in four sizes and are filled, believe it or not, with 100% recycled plastic soda bottles – all ground up.  It may not sound like the ultimate in comfort, but it really is!  (Hint – read the reviews when you click through to the sales page).   Bumper Bed Filled with 100% recycled material scraps, these beds provide instant comfort and style. Machine washable too!– XS – $ 49.99,  M – $ 79.99,  L – $ 99.99,  XS – $ 129.99       Subscribe here for your Free Special Report: “How To Improve the Health of Your Dog – Maybe Even Lengthen Your Dog’s Life!” , and your Healthy Happy Dogs ezine: Your Name: Your E-Mail: Please don’t worry, we’ll never use your details for any purpose other than to send you your free report and newsletter….

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Positive Reinforcement Dog Training

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training Systems   There is considerable confusion in relation to positive reinforcement dog training – how it works, whether it works successfully as a stand alone system, and so on.   I recently came across a summary of the 4 critical elements of a positive reinforcement training system which really does work: 1: A positive reinforcement dog training course must deal with positive reinforcement only. And it must state it on its cover.  One positive reinforcement dog training expert, maintains that “many books will try to hide the fact that you have to hit, drag, even throw chains at your animal to get it to perform”.   He could be exaggerating a little here – I’m aware of a training method which does advocate throwing a small piece of chain on the floor near the dog to get the dog’s immediate attention.  I was taught this method myself when my dogs were puppies.  I wasn’t terribly keen on the method, but it certainly doesn’t involve cruelty.  Nevertheless, he has a point. And yes, these other dog training methods will work, but your dog could end up being a lit tle wary of you.  Positive reinforcement dog training, on the other hand, teaches you how to fix behavior problems without even touching your dog. 2: Any positive reinforcement dog training system needs to have very specific instructions on how to deal with each behavior that may arise. It needs to cover at least the basics of how to get started, including the following behaviors which you’ll be wanting to encourage, or discourage as the case may be: Sit Stay Lie Down Come Crate Training Barking Biting Jumping Potty Training Aggression Fears (ie. Vacuum Cleaners) Leash Control 3: It is also preferable to have a dog training method which results in your being dog trained to perform all of those behaviors with hand cues. Hand cues allow you to take training to the next level. A well trained dog needs to learn how to master all of the basic behaviors with visual hand cues and audio cues. Your dog won’t always be able to hear you. He might be in a noisy park, or lose his hearing with old age, and will need to rely on your signals to still obey, even when he can’t hear you. 4: A positive reinforcement dog training manual should also cover more difficult behaviors, and not only focus on training your dog to a just tolerable level. Any training method should engender trust.  If your dog doesn’t trust you, or, heaven forbid, is afraid of you to any degree, you won’t get the best out of your dog.  It is this extra trust that will take your relationship with your dog to the next level.  And you can use positive reinforcement dog training to achieve some quite spectacular results.  And it can give you the benefit of a very deep bond with your dog. For information on a positive reinforcement dog training system that I highly recommend, check out the positive reinforcement training method – click here….

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Children and Dogs – How to Choose the Best Dog for Your Children

How to Select the Best Dog for Children by Shannon Emmanuel Are you preparing to bring a dog home to your children? Did your neighbor tell you they have free puppies, all you have to do is come over and choose one? Or did your children see an adorable puppy in the pet store and are now begging you to let them bring it home? How do you select the best dog breed for children? Does it matter? Since having a dog is such a common thing, do you really need to know anything more than how much it costs? Well, how did you choose your car, or your home? Did you consider the cost, safety and suitability for your family? Of course you did. If you heard stories of a particular car that was susceptible to causing accidents or that a neighborhood was known for its rough occupants you would find something that was safer. If the car or home was too expensive to maintain, it would impact your decision, as would the size of the vehicle or how many bedrooms the house had. However, many people bring home a dog that they have spent no more time in choosing than selecting oranges at the grocery store. Although we hear stories of dogs attacking children and perhaps know of people who got rid of dogs after they grew too large for the apartment or destroyed property, as a group, parents still choose to bring dogs into their families with little instruction or research. The truth is, most families with a dog will never deal with the terrible situations we hear about on the news. Dogs love people. Most dogs love children. Children and adults love dogs and it is very doubtful that after thousands of years the connection between canine and humankind will be broken. What does need to be considered is how to make the best possible environment for your children and dog so that you don’t need to worry about unexpected tragedy or the sad disappointment of giving your children’s pet away. There are many experts with various views, but several points can be generally agreed upon when choosing a dog for your family. Find a dog that is good with children. Don’t all dogs love children? The answer is simple – NO. Some breeds, and even individuals within a breed, are more or less tolerant of children and the rough handling that usually ensues. Selecting a breed that enjoys the rambunctious atmosphere of a family home will go far in ensuring that the children have a willing playmate and the dog is happy. Choose a dog that is the right size or energy level. Do you live in an apartment? Do you have a large, fenced yard? Considering the size of home or yard you have should influence your choice of dog. Some breeds are naturally larger than others. Some smaller breeds (like Jack Russell Terriers) are small but have an enormous amount of energy that can be difficult to control in a small home. Decide on a trained or untrained dog. Perhaps you plan to train the dog yourself. You may choose a puppy so the children participate in the training process. But how much do you know about training dogs? Are you ready for the hassles of housebreaking and obedience training? Perhaps selecting an older, trained dog might suit your family better. The decisions you make before bringing your dog home and selecting the best dog breed for children will help your family enjoy their new pet for a very long time. Shannon Emmanuel…

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