Before you dismiss your dog as dumb, think about the last time he pawed your leg under the table and gave you those big sad eyes. He was letting you know what he wanted, and this is far from dumb!

The relationship between dogs and humans goes back thousands of years, and one reason that it has been so successful is because we communicate in a way that they understand. Consider your dog bringing a tennis ball to lay at your feet. Without any words being said, you know that it is time to play fetch!

The two above examples tell us that our dogs can learn very complex behavior and that we can teach them even more.

Just like humans do, dogs relate to each other and to us through body language and posture, but the way that we process it and the way that we do is very different.

Remember that your dog’s eyes will respond very differently to color, and they can see very well in low light. They can turn their ears around very quickly and accurately, which lets them figure out where sounds come from, and don’t forget that famous sense of smell.

These differences will equal difference in the way that their minds work. Their ability to understand cause and effect relationships is quite different from ours.

First, look at classical conditioning, where a stimulus is associated with a response. We can get over stimulus like going to the doctor or getting in a wreck, but associations like this are much more powerful for a dog and can take a while to train out.

Operant conditioning is where we learn about cause and effect through positive and negative reinforcement and is something that is even more different between humans and dogs.

For example, consider my Golden Retrievers. Whenever we go to play fetch, we go out the back door. Whenever I am just going to let them out for half an hour without joining them, I send them out the side door. Because of this, they know that the back door is for games of fetch and that this is where they should go when I have the ball.

When I train my dogs, I always use a certain tone and a unique hand gesture with every command, and this lets them learn a wide range of behaviors. They will lie down, roll over, release their jaws, come, sit, fetch, drop it and even eliminate on command.

However, consider the fact that telling them not to eat something off the floor that will give them a bellyache is not going to work, no matter how many times they suffer through it. There is just too much of a time lapse that is in place there for them to really figure out what they need to do to stop it from happening.

What you need learn from this is that your pet dog, whether he is a Husky, a Retriever, a Shepherd, a Chihuahua, or a Beagle, is still a dog. He can learn all sorts of things as long as you are patient, but don’t ever expect him to understand things the way that you do.

For instance, look at dogs that can dance on command on the show circuit, or search and rescue dogs that can locate small children and pull them from swollen rivers and bad avalanches. Service dogs can do everything from opening a door to pulling a wheelchair to guiding a blind person.

Just keep in mind, though that they are not people, and that there are some doggy activities that you cannot train out of them!

Many pet owners deliberate the question of whether or not to have a dog house. Regardless of the type or size of your dog or if it is an outside or inside pet there are practical reasons for providing your pet with a dog house.

Obviously, an outside dog needs a warm, dry shelter. Roof Height should be 25% to 50% taller than your dog. Door height should be the shoulder height of your dog. The overall inside dimensions should not be more than 25% longer than your dog in either direction. If your dog will be outside all year round it is best to use an insulated dog house.

You can purchase warming mats to help fight the cold. It is essential to insure that the water supply is clean and that it does not freeze. There are many watering devices available to insure a continuous clean water supply. You will also need a non-freeze water container. These stainless steel water containers assure a fresh water supply even in the coldest weather. Hot weather should also be a concern and there are cooling mats available that you should consider.

If your dog is outside occasionally it is also wise to have a safe secure place for it to go. A dog house provides for a place to keep water clean. It is also a place of security for your pet. It will provide a dry place out of the rain. A dog house also alerts strangers that there is a dog present on your property.

Inside dogs like the same security that outside pets require. Pets need a place of their own that is their own private location, inside the larger domain of your home. Many pet owners are providing a light, sometimes collapsible, inside dog house for their pet.

The light weight and collapsible dog house can be taken on trips as well. Some pet owners will use a travel carrier in place of an inside dog house. That option is alright as long as you provide a comfortable mat and it of a size that is comfortable for your pet.

Whether you dog are an inside or outside animal, you should consider providing a dog house for your pet. Be sure to take advantage of the many valuable sites available that discuss the safety and security of your pet and the need for a secure dog house.

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Modern studies show that 15% to 20% of the population is allergies to either their dog or cat. But for 25% of those people they selected continue to keep pets and suffer through the allergies. When surveyed a lot of of those suffering from a dog allergy felt that the companionship their pet provided far outweighed the allergy itself. For those that select this route, learning to manage their allergy is very important.

Most people will choose to go on suffering with the allergy rather that to get rid of their pet. Finding ways to alleviate the symptoms of dog allergies and to decrease the effects of the allergies will make living with dog allergies easier.

On Your Dog Give your dog a bath one time or two times weekly. To get rid of allergens from your dog’s coat, clean her with plain water or wipe her down with a damp cloth everyday. Brush your dog’s coat outside the house daily. An allergy-reducing spray applied to your dog after brushing will also assist. Keep your dog’s skin well by providing her with the necessary multivitamins and fatty acids.

Sensitive people are in fact more likely to have a cat allergy than a dog allergy. When a person is allergic to animals they can even suffer when the animal is not there. For pet lovers who discover suddenly they have developed a dog allergy it can be shocking and giving up a dearly loved pet is simply not an option.

These units will need a small financial investment but will make a big difference. The systems come in a variety of sizes for the treatment of a single room or for numerous rooms.

One last step worth mentioning in treating dog allergies is for the person to visit an allergist. There are a lot of medications and allergy shots which can assist most people’s allergies to be manageable. The allergist will be able to advise the best actions to be taken by the patient. If a person follows the advice of his allergist and follows the steps mentioned above then living with a dog and dog allergies should be bearable.

Electric dog fencing has long been the subject of a great deal of misleading information. Contrary to the beliefs of some, electric containment systems are not cruel nor are they are inhumane. In fact, there are major humane organizations and thousands of veterinarians who actually use and recommend various products.

When an electric pet containment system is used in a proper manner and the pet is properly trained, it is one of the safest methods of keeping your pet dog or cat confined in your own yard.

Do electric fences shock pets? In truth, yes they do. However, when using the best electric dog fences, the level of shock intensity can be dialed down to where you can’t even feel it, allowing an incrementally increasing approach to training.

These electric fences allow the intensity to be adjusted because good training requires far less pressure. Some dogs can be controlled by a very low level - a strange sensation that they feel when they cross their boundaries. Other dogs have higher drive levels and will need a stronger charge to train them.

Manufacturers of electric dog fences don’t want nor do they expect any animal to be harmed in any way with their products. Of course, in the hands of a neglectful or careless pet owner, most pet training tools or containment products can harm animals. Even a simple collar and leash can be deadly if misused. When used responsibly, an electric dog fence gives your pet the freedom to roam in the yard without endangering itself or others.

Contrary to popular belief, your pet won’t be needlessly jolted when you use the garage door opener or the remote to change a channel. Nor will pet fencing systems interfere with your TV set, telephone or pacemaker.

Quality pet containment systems can also help keep prowling tom cats home at night. While it’s generally believed that electric fences are for dogs only, many cat owners have success with them.

Whether you have cats or dogs, an electric pet containment system will allow your furry friends to run and romp in your yard while keeping them confined within safe boundaries. This safe environment will help promote the mental and physical development of your pets and give you the joy of knowing that you’ve done something wonderful for them.

Are you losing your pets to accidents? Do they wander and never return? Show them that you care. Keep your pets safe from harm with the wireless electronic fence.

Virtually every dog owner seeks a pet that obediently follows all your commands and instructions. Finding a great dog training school where he will be trained to be obedient by a pro dog trainer is one way of reaching that extraordinarily elusive goal.

Although with some coaching and patience you might train your pet yourself, for many pet owners, just sending your pet to a dog training school can be a terrific solution.

By sending your dog to a pro, you can free yourself from the time of learning how to train and then spending the hours, days and months critical to see great results.

Pet training exists to assist dog owners with uncontrollable pets who may think they run the household rather than you. Though this training can be expensive on occasion, having a well-behaved pet is all a pissed off owner wants to hear to gladly open up their wallet.

One of the great ways to pick a good training facility is to get suggestions from others who have used various schools|a training school|training facility with successful results.

By finding a co-worker at work, a neighbor or a friend who’s had a good experience will undoubtedly make your decision a lot easier to make.

It would be a brilliant idea to try the facilities and talk to the trainer to better grasp their training philosophy. You should always ask the trainer about their experience and how long they have been successful at training dogs.

If you’re going to pay good money for getting your pet trained, you must make sure your money is going to the most experienced and successful trainer possible. Look to see that the trainer uses a training style and philosophy that coincides with your own ideology and expectancies. Be clear as to specifically what behaviors you need your dog to learn.

Don’t forget that younger dogs usually are more adaptable to train, so the younger you get them trained the better. You should take your time to get a dog training school. Find a place where your dog will be handled with care and gentleness and where behavior correction is done appropriately with lots of patience. By finding the best trainer, you will ensure that your dog will return from training well-behaved and responsive to your commands.

Stray dogs are a problem in every community. Surprisingly, some pet owners even let their dogs out at night to roam free which can be a problem to other people.

The number of accidents your pet can figure in is limitless. Dogs can be hit by cars, get lost or become involved in a dogfight. So it’s a good idea to keep your dog inside at night.

If you don’t have a fence to keep your dog in, look at alternative ways of containing your dog on your property. You can use a running line or an invisible electric fence.

Kenneling the dog is another cheap alternative. Just make sure your dog gets enough exercise and shelter.

Aside from getting in trouble with other dogs, stray dogs can kill other animals like sheep and livestock. They also add to the growing population of dogs.

Nobody likes to have other dogs urinating or defecating on their lawn so keeping your dog on your property is good for the whole community.

Your dog shouldn’t be free to run after cars. Doing so puts the dog in danger and is threat to drivers who may injure or kill themselves trying to avoid an accident.

Therefore, don’t allow your dog to get out. If your dog keeps escaping, install a fence or fix the one you have. If you have no fence, find a means to restrain your dog.

But don’t overdo it. Keeping your dog on a leash all day so it won’t run away isn’t good either. It can lead to behavioral problems and your pet needs to exercise.

Don’t blame your dog either. It only does what it thinks is natural which means it’s up to the owner to take responsibility for the dog. By law, the owner is responsible for the dog’s actions no matter who’s with the dog.

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The Catahoula Leopard or Catahoula Cur does not only possess an obvious colorful coat but an interesting and colorful history as well. Being a native of Catahoula county in Louisiana, this dog is not only trusted among farms and ranches in the state but of the whole North America as well. This dog is well-known and well-loved for its ability to hunt and track games outstandingly, and stir and guide any herd of animals commandingly.

For this breed, their history started in 1536 upon the arrival of Hernando De Soto and his massive war dogs, the Mastiff and Greyhound breeds. These vicious breeds were used to extort information from Indians regarding treasures and gold in the area. When the Spaniards left unsuccessful with their quest, they left some of the wounded war dogs and the Indians were soft-hearted enough to take them in and allow inter-breeding with the Red fox, the Indians’ hunting companion at the time, and the new breed of Indian fox dog began.

When the French settlers came to Louisiana in 1700, they noticed this new breed of dog and were mystified by their mottled coats and strange glass eyes. These so called Indian fox dogs were rampant and popular all over Louisiana and they were known to have great agility and skills in hunting big and small animals. With the French’s own breed called Beauceron, they managed to inter-breed these two kinds of dogs and the outcome is the present day Catahoula Cur.

The Catahoula Cur gained more recognition through the famous people that owned them like the Renzie brothers who were known to allow their Catahoula dogs to sleep on their beds. There was also Teddy Roosevelt who favored the Catahoula as hunting companion and the late La. Gov. Earl K. Long, a well-known Catahoula breeder and collector. This breed is also associated with many historical events in Louisiana and so in 1979, a bill was passed and approved proclaiming the Catahoula as the official state dog of La.

Some breeds are measured for their coats, height or weight but not the Catahoula. This dog is given importance according to its characteristics and abilities while its coat, although beautiful all its own, is accepted no matter what color or texture. The Catahoulas coat can come in different varieties and colors such as black with mottles of blue and gray, red or brown with a light touch of red or liver, and any other colors with a touch of blue or gray merle.

In texture, the coat of this breed also varies such as slick, coarse, shaggy or wooly. The course coat, when wet, dries out longer but maintenance of it is quite easy while the wooly or shaggy coats shed incessantly but grows back as course coat or double coat. The slick coat dries out in minutes when wet and is referred to as the wash n’ wear coat, obviously referring to its manageability and low-maintenance requirement.

As quoted by breeder Don Abney, “You must be ready to teach and exercise a Catahoula. If not, he will eat your house. The Catahoula will not let you forget that you own a dog.” This breed is impressively intelligent, strongly energetic, makes an outstanding ranch or farm dog, and makes a very dear and excellent family companion and playmate to children. They can become insistent and demanding but they are not aggressive by nature.

To keep them in shape mentally and physically, they must be busied with at least an hour of exercise everyday, household or farm chores that will keep them occupied, and playtime with its masters or other people that they know. This breed, however, becomes aggressive and intolerant as they grow older and will tend to be very protective of their property. If they see other animals or dogs wandering in their space, they will drive them away or worst kill them.

There are so many kinds of dog supplies available that can leave us wondering what is really necessary and what is extravagant. Realistically, there are multiple factors that contribute to a happy, healthy life for your dog. Start by meeting your dog’s basic needs and practicing responsible dog ownership. Then move on to the details like choosing dog supplies.

To avoid going over the top, determine what kind of dog supplies you really need to complete your dog’s life. For your consideration, here’s a rundown of dog supplies available today.

Every dog should have a collar or harness, period. This collar or harness should always be equipped with your dog’s current identification tags. Microchips are a great way to supplement identification tags but they are not acceptable replacements.

Beyond identification, collars or harnesses are used with leashes in order to walk and restrain your dog. Plus they are a great way to show off your dog’s personal style

Every dog needs a leash and they should be trained to walk on it. Chances are your dog will be subject to leash laws at one time or another even if there are no leash laws in your area. You may even want to keep multiple types of leashes around the house for multiple uses. For fun, you can coordinate your dog’s leash and collar to maximize style.

Your dog should have a special place to go and snuggle up, whether it is an old pillow that is just right or a specific style of dog bed. Dog beds come in many designs to fit the needs of all kinds of dogs. Try to get a bed for each dog in the house plus one extra. Or you could get a larger bed for dogs who like to share.

Dog kennels or crates can be a wonderful thing for most dogs. Similar to a dog bed, having a kennel can give your dog a place to retreat and feel secure. Kennels are an integral part of housebreaking and can also play a role in other types of training. Additionally, kennels can really come in handy for travel.

There are very few dogs that don’t enjoy their toys. Some prefer a nice loud squeaky toy while others want to play fetch or tug-of-war. Toys are an important part of your dog’s development - they often mimic activities dogs would perform in the wild such as chewing or retrieving. Plus they help keep your dog active and stimulated.

All dogs need some degree of grooming, a task that requires some equipment. Find grooming tools that suit your dog’s overall grooming requirements. Choose brushes, combs and shampoos based on your dog’s coat type.

For some types, you will need hair clippers and scissors. All dogs need nail trims but the size of your dog will determine the type of nail trimmers needed. Other miscellaneous grooming tools may be helpful depending on your dog’s individual needs.

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A pet is a cute addition to a family and brings a new zeal to life. Playing with a pet is one of the biggest stress busters and alleviates worries like nothing else. Your pet also makes a good and faithful companion aside from doubling as a playmate for kids.

Indeed, a pet brings joy and happiness to our lives but we must also ensure that it is taken care of. Keeping a pet is not all fun and might prove to be quite troublesome. It entails a lot of work since the pet has to be cared for on a day-to-day basis. The pet care regime involves feeding, cleaning and exercise.

While feeding can be easily achieved indoors, it’s the hygiene and exercise that take the pet outdoors. Going on long walks while keeping your pet on a leash is one way of exercising. However, at a time when busy schedules keep us on our toes all the time, finding time to take the pet out for walks can be difficult.

At such times, it might be a good idea to let the pet play in your own backyard. But keeping an eye on the pet as it plays in the backyard can be cumbersome too. Leaving the pet alone, on the other hand, can be dangerous. The dog might stray and invite trouble. These problems now have a solution in the form of a pet containment system.

The pet containment system is the result of advanced research in the scientific and psychological aspects of pets. Based on various experiments and pet studies, experts found that animals learn on a trial and error basis.

For example, every time a dog is given food and a bell is rung, the former eventually connects that sound with food and salivates each time the bell is rung. This and other tests led to the development of the pet containment system that helps owners train their pets to stay within the given boundaries and convey danger on further movement.

This system involves installing hidden underground fences. The pet is fitted with a transmitter on its collar that receives signals from the fence when the pet approaches it. This teaches the pet to associate that particular area with danger and the pet avoids lingering anywhere near it.

Are you losing your pets to accidents? Do they wander and never return? Show them that you care. Keep your pets safe from harm with the wireless electronic dog fence.

Many Labrador owners will at some time or another considered breeding their Lab Retrievers, but there are many things to consider before taking the plunge into canine breeding. There are various reason why owners would want to breed their Labs. One of the main reasons is to produce a litter for themselves or their family, the second is to be able to sell the pups commercially.

No matter what the reasons are for wanting to breed Lab Retrievers, you must understand that not all the litters likely to be produced will be healthy and happy. If you are a first time breeder who owns a female dog, the pregnancy will be a time of joy, or dreadful disaster. To ensure a successful experience for you and your Lab, it is vital you bring together the best pairing of dogs possible. The pair need to have a good temperament, be in top physical shape as well as disease free. It is also vital you check each dog’s lineage to eradicate the prospect of inherited problems and disease such as hip dysplasia.

Labradors usually end up living with a family so it is crucial they have the temperament to live in the family with both children and adults. So the breeding pair must be of the right temperament. It is as important as their health.

Inbreeding must be avoided, so it is essential that the pedigrees of each breeding pair is checked to avoid the danger they are too closely related. If the pair are closely related it can be detrimental to the health of the puppies, poor temperament and weaken the bloodline.

The breeding pair should be given time to become accustomed to each other before being allowed to breed. This will give time for any health and temperament concerns to become apparent. It is also advisable that the breeding pair are over two years-of-age. The breeding of Lab retrievers should not be taken lightly. Bringing the breeding pair together is only the first step. The hard work really begins when the bitch is confirmed as pregnant.

The care of a Labrador retriever during pregnancy and also the whelping process can prove to be hard work. Once the pups are born that hard work will most certainly continue. The puppies have to be cared for and finding new homes for them can be time-consuming and expensive.

On a final point, you should not underestimate the importance of finding good owners for the pups. You will not let them go to just anyone So if you are unsure that potential owners can offer the pups a caring and loving environment, be prepared to turn them down.