“Old Man” Jake’s Stock Tip
Jake has mixed feelings today. One one hand, he is thrilled that he may have finally found a stock he wants to buy. But on…
Day: December 2, 2009
Is Obedience Training School Right for My Dog?
Most dogs can benefit tremendously from a well-taught obedience training class.
“Most dogs” and “well taught” are the operative phrases. Is dog obedience training school for your dog? How do you evaluate basic dog obedience instructors? Even…
The Five Most Common Dog Physical Problems
What are the most common dog diseases and health problems? In 2008, a popular pet health insurance provider (VPI) evaluated this issue and released the following results, listed in order of frequency:
The most common health problems in dogs…
The Steps and Costs for Adopting a Dog
Though you may occasionally see a pet owner offering a dog “free to a good home,” in general you can expect to pay an adoption fee when you adopt or rescue a dog.
So, how much does it cost to adopt a dog? The fee can vary with the type of…
Winter Paw Care Tips
Winter can be a tough time for your dog’s paw pads. Prevent winter weather-related paw pad injuries by following some basic dog paw care tips and the use of products designed for paw protection.
How To Prevent Paw Pad Injuries
One of the biggest…
Puppy Mills and Backyard Breeders
Part of being a responsible dog owner is being a responsible dog buyer or adopter. If you decide to purchase a pooch, it should be from a reputable breeder – not a backyard breeder or puppy mill. Reputable breeders produce a few, stable and healthy…
Puppy Health Guide
“Buy a pup and your money will buy love unflinching.” –Rudyard Kipling
A new puppy means changes in your life and puppy care can seem overwhelming. As a responsible owner, you are, of course, concerned about your puppy’s health care. A healthy…
Tips for Traveling with Your Dog
Dogs love to travel. They are natural nomads, used to moving around in a pack and love meeting new friends. Learning how to travel with your dog requires some knowledge and adjustments, but after a trip with your pet, you will most likely agree…
Buying the Right Dog Carrier
Getting the right dog crate while perusing the many styles of dog carriers can be daunting. As you plan for travel with your dog, two ideas should influence your choices: first, sturdy construction is critical and second, comfort inside will make…
Dog Collars: Which is Best for Your Dog?
Choosing the right dog collar is one of the most important decisions you will make for your dog. This dog collar buying guide should help you make the right choice.
No collar or harness can function as a panacea for behavior problems (there are no…
Crate Training Dogs
Sometimes life, both in and outside of the home, gets overwhelming. There are times when each of us wishes to find a place of solitude where we can relax away from the stresses of the world.
In this respect, we are very much like dogs. Even the…
Trimming Dog Nails
Trimming a dog’s nails can be dangerous for both dog and human if the dog is afraid. Dogs who fear nail trims can thrash around wildly, increasing the risk of cutting the quick if they are not effectively restrained. Cutting into the quick (the…
The Best Types of Toys for Your Dog
Are you trying to find great gifts for your dog amongst the millions of dog products on the market? Perhaps you’re having difficulty selecting toys your dog will love? A brief introduction to some favorite dog toys and dog supplies will help you…
Which Kind of Dog Bed is Right for Your Dog?
Like humans, all dogs desire a comfortable place to relax. Choosing the right type of bed for your dog may be a bit overwhelming – with beds in every size, shape and color available, how does one go about selecting the perfect dog bed?
How To…
Cleaning Dog Ears
In a 2008 pet health study conducted by the VPI pet insurance company, ear infections were the number one reason dog owners sought veterinary care. Thorough and regular ear cleaning and maintenance can help your dog avoid ear problems and…
Dog Clicker Training Basics
Dog clicker training employs a toy noisemaker (clicker) to mark wanted behaviors.
The clicker becomes a “conditioned reinforcer” by being paired repeatedly with things the dog wants to work for (often, but not always food) which we then use to…
How to Stop Dog Barking
Humans are tremendously vocal creatures. Despite our own talkative tendencies, we tend not to appreciate “excessive” vocalizations from our dogs.
Rest assured, your dog does not feel her barking is excessive. When she barks, she is trying to…
Is Dog Fostering Right for Me?
For dog lovers, hearing about the six to eight million pets who enter shelters each year (according to the Humane Society of the U.S.) leads to a sharp pain in the heart. Adoption may be out – perhaps you already have a dog or two or can’t commit…
Traveling Across International Borders with Your Dog
Every national border crossing is governed by its own set of requirements when you take your dog on holiday. Most countries make such transitions very easy. DO plan for international travel with your dog, but DO gather all the information you need to…
Tips for Being a Good Doggie Foster Parent
Fostering a dog is one of many ways you can help improve the lives of homeless pets. Most Dogster members are well aware of the pet overpopulation problem both nationally and internationally – there are millions of dogs that wait and sadly die in…
Top Dogs Good with Children
Adding a new human or canine family member to the home is a momentous decision that is sure to change your life significantly. Selecting the right dog for your family is vital to both the safety and happiness of your dog and children.
What kind of…
Should I Adopt a Dog?
The decision to adopt a pet dog should not be taken lightly. A dog will affect your life in a multitude of ways, and will become a long-term commitment, as dogs live between seven and 15 years – possibly longer. Instead of rushing into it, it’s…
Dog Grooming Basics – Tools and Techniques
A dog of any breed will need grooming to look and feel her best. Grooming your dog appropriately may take a few minutes to quite a few hours each week, depending on breed and coat type.
Not all pet owners may have the time, skill, desire, or…
Finding a Tasty, Healthy Treat for Your Dog
There’s a great old commercial for a dog treat where all you see is the dog’s nose moving rapidly toward the kitchen. “It’s bacon!” he cries when he reaches the treat but, of course, it isn’t really – it’s some artificial form of it. We feed our dogs…
Poisonous Plants and Foods for Dogs
The prospective dog owner plans ahead for their new dog. The seasoned dog owner knows that not everything can be planned for. But it is possible to plan ahead for a very serious and common emergency – poisonous hazards for dogs.
There are many…
How Can I Tell Whether a Lump on my Dog is Dangerous?
My eight-year-old black Lab has a small lump about the size of a golf ball on his chest. It’s not under his arm but closer…
Michael Vick Wants Dogs Again — Should He Have Them?
Michael Vick wants to be a dog daddy again. Only this time, he promises not to hang, electrocute or beat his dogs to death. And…
FDA Recall Alert for Certain Diamond Pet Foods Cat Food
Diamond Pet Foods has issued a voluntary recall for Premium Edge Finicky Adult Cat and Premium Edge Hairball Cat because they have the potential to…