Posts Tagged ‘dogs’
Owners of pets who want to go on a vacation have a some options for caring for their pets while they are traveling. Two of the common options are bringing the pet along on the trip and using pet friendly hotels or boarding their pet, either somewhere near their home or somewhere near the motel where they are staying. The type and size of dog that you have could make one of these options more applicable.
Dogs that do not travel well might be best left in a boarding arrangement or with a dog sitter. Larger dogs may not be welcome even in many pet friendly hotels, since they sometimes have weight limits for the pets that are allowed to stay with them. Consequently, if you make the decision to travel with these pets, you will have to do a bit more searching to find an appropriate hotel. However, a few of the online pet sites that list hotels that are willing to allow pets allow you to filter just those locations which will take large animals. Finding pet boarding close to your motel is another option, as you would still be able to spend time with your pet even if it can’t stay with you.
The following is a list of some major hotel chains which claim to be pet friendly:
America’s Best Value Inn
Comfort Inn & Suites
Country Inn
EconoLodge
Kimpton
Mainstay Suites
Quality Inn
Red Roof Inn
Rodeway Inn
Sleep Inn
Suburban Extended Stay Hotels
In case you’ve had no luck finding pet friendly accommodations for you and your pet, but feel bad about boarding your dog, there are now a lot of locations with special pet hotels that go to great lengths to pamper your dogs while they are there. This might be a good “in between” option that you could use. Your pet would likely enjoy all the services they offer, and you won’t have to feel as guilty that you couldn’t have your dog with you during your travels.
If you can’t make a decision on what to do with your pet, there are a lot of different resources online you can use in order to look into your options for dog friendly lodging, pet hotels, and places to board your pet. Occasionally, even when there is a place that will take your pet, it is better to leave them behind with a blanket and some organic pet treats due to travel stresses. An international trip could be really hard on your pet, for instance, and there are a lot of immigration rules to consider. PetTravel.com is a one place to find answers to questions on these issues. It is sometimes required that pets be quarantined for a while, so a short trip overseas might be best left for the people in the family.
Like any breed, Dachshunds are at risk for an abundance of conditions and diseases.Because of their short legs and long bodies they are most at risk for spinal problems.One of the most common forms is a condition labeled IVDD (Intervertebral Disk Disease), actually an umbrella term for a number of problems.
Vertebrae are the hard bones that make up the spinal column support.They encircle the spinal cord and are separated by soft tissue called intervertebral discs, which provide a cushion between the bones.IVDD threatens their health in many different ways.
Excessive leaping and other forms of back stress can cause a rupture of one or more discs, usually close to the rear. IVDD and other back problems occur most frequently by age four but can happen earlier, sometimes as young as two.Simple age can cause the disc to reduce its fluid level, making it less supple.That furthermore increases the chances of rupture or herniation.Frequently the spinal column becomes more fragile.
A collection of serious possibilities exist if that happens.
The spinal cord can be put at risk as a section of the spine loses vital support.In the event compression happens, paralysis is not far behind.Constriction of spinal fluid can have similar result.Loss of circulation leads to nerve death, since the nerves are cut off from necessary nutrition.
Look for any instance of inability to lift the rear end off the ground or lowering near the tail.Some other signs include loss of bladder control or weakness in the rear legs.
In these extreme incidents, treatment – usually surgery – within 24 hours is critical.The consequence is frequently permanent disability if left untreated.
Even in less severe cases back pain is present.It can be difficult to identify when a dog is in pain but symptoms include lethargy, difficulty walking up stairs and similar signs in an otherwise active dog.
Treatment with Prednisone (or corticosteroids) is sometimes recommended but entails risks. Apart from the usual risks of long-term steriod use, it is possible to overdo care. Lessening pain is desirable, but if it is eliminated the dog can become too active again, leading to more injury.Injections of Adequan can help assist in disc healing.
Whether treated with steroids or just Rimadyl, it is advantageous to cage your Doxie or otherwise keep him calm, reducing physical activity.Given the Dachshund’s assertive and energetic nature that is difficult, but it is essential.
Do not let the dog to stand on its hind legs, which compresses the spine.Don’t let the dog to leap down stairs.Yard games should be restricted until the dog has fully healed.Also, always support the complete length of the spine when picking up your Doxie.
With proper care many Dachshunds recover completely to lead normal, active, healthy lives.But proper diagnosis as soon as possible is essential to improve the odds.
More tips, information and dog supplies can be found at LuvUrDog.com, just for Dog Lover’s
Doxies are a naturally feisty breed. Bred to hunt badgers, they had to be tough and resourceful.That assertive nature should not be allowed to turn against you.You need to be the top dog.
Each dog will vary in degree, of course.There are submissive Dachshunds though fewer than other breeds, on average.Some will try to persist on having their own way at all times, much like nearly all terriers.But training can reform their behavior, especially if you start when they are young and stay consistent.
Zero tolerance should be the rule for all aggressive behavior, whether toward you, a family member, or strange people and animals.Biting the lead during training is one mild manifestation.
Discourage it by stepping on the leash close to the dog’s head. Then with the other foot, slowly pull the leash down to the ground closer and closer to the collar.Take care not to stress their neck, as they are inclined to spinal problems.When they have let go of the lead, praise them abundantly.
To discourage snapping or excess barking or biting a squirt bottle comes in handy.Give your dog a little squirt against the muzzle when he shows this behavior.Stay away from the eyes.That startles your Doxie and it is unpleasant besides. Repeat, if necessary, but avoid making it a contest of wills.That only tends to make it appear to the dog that you are a opponent.Firm consistency is favored to counter-aggression.
If your Dachshund persists, isolate your dog and be prepared for some barking.Like spoiled young children, a dog will at times try to whine or shout its way out of punishment.Present your dog with rugged chew toys and allow him to work out the aggression on those while he’s in the “time out” box.
Follow the negative reinforcement with some positive reinforcement.Look for illustrations of good behavior and praise it lavishly.Use a moderate number of treats if necessary. The point is to help the dog see for itself the different consequences of its own behavior in terms of your response.They are resourceful. With persistence, they will catch on.
For example, one may become assertive in the middle of fetch by refusing to give up the ball.Try to distinguish between genuine willfulness and a mere desire to play a different game, tug. Make the difference clear by using a rope for tug, which they love.
It is necessary to tread a fine line, though, because tug can lead to encouraging aggression.Exercising them a little harder than you would a more playful or quiet dog will help.Aggression is partially caused by the frustration of repressed energy with no positive outlet.
An aide can be a big help here. Toss the ball to a partner several feet away, along the ground.Make sure the partner gets the ball first when the Dachshund gives chase.Repeat the exercise a few times, then permit your Dachshund to win.
With calmness and a little inventiveness, you can direct your Dachshund’s aggression into more positive directions.
All dogs need regular grooming to keep their nails in trim and their coats healthy. Exactly which technique to use for your Doxie depends on which of the three main types you have.
Smooth-Coat
A Smooth-Coat Dachshund is the classic, short-haired type you have seen in a hundred films and ads. Requiring little more than a regular brushing and bath, their coats are easy to care for. “Regular” can vary with the dog’s environment and age.
Grooming Supplies for dogs can be found at LuvUrDog.com
Younger dogs may require baths as often as once per week, though once a month is fine when they stay out of dirt and bushes.If they live in rougher circumstances, be sure to keep their coats brushed and clean regurlarly. “Regularly” means at least twice per week, and as necessary. Remove any plant material as soon as they are done playing.
A wire slicker is fine for grooming, but be careful. All dogs are durable, but it’s important not to scrape the skin. That leads to hot spots that the dog will make worse by chewing and licking. Since Dachshunds are a high-energy, assertive breed, extra caution is needed.
Wire-Hair
The wirey hair on the muzzle, chest and legs of this variety gives them the name. It also gives them a need for extra grooming.In their case, more frequent baths along with more regular brushing will be called for.Brushing will take longer as well.
The stiff coat is actually in two layers, like the terriers they resemble.Get the undercoat with a slicker brush and use a regular brush for the topcoat. Remember that they will shed more. That may call for a shed control shampoo in some cases. In every case, be prepared for seasonal changes as they naturally adjust to the change in weather by shedding more.
Cut any excess hair off the muzzle to avoid it dragging on the ground. A trim behind the rear legs will be needed once it reaches a length that leads to matting.Otherwise, regular brushing of once or twice a week will suffice.
Long-Hair
As the name suggests, this type has long, wavy hair. Since Doxies are low to the ground, more regular trimming will be needed, along with more frequent bathing.Matting is common in this variety, but can be avoided with brushing every other day, especially behind the ears.When mats form, trim them gradually until you have removed enought to work out the mat with a brush and fingers.
A shampoo that contains conditioner works well with these Dachshunds.Dried, scaly skin can be caused by over-bathing. Regular, gentle brushing will help, since it smooths natural oils under the coat and over the skin.
Nail Trimming
All types need to have their nails trimmed often, usually weekly. The usual technique is fine. Get a good pair of guillotine scissors and hold each foot firmly, searching for the quick. Cut well away from the quick to avoid accidents, which are more likely in the Doxie’s case because they have a feisty nature.
Only-Dachshunds has gifts and more for the Doxie Lover
Dog Training
Though dogs and human interactions stretch over centuries, communication between the two sometimes is still out of sync. The human half of the pair is usually the smarter party, but watching the usual training sessions one can have legitimate reason to wonder.
Dogs understand and respond at roughly the mental level of a human two-year-old, but there the similarity ends. Their senses operate differently – their color vision has a different response pattern to reds and greens, for example, and obviously their noses are infinitely more sensitive – and their minds process information differently as well. Anyone training dogs has to take this into account in order to avoid human frustration and canine misbehavior.
Dogs are pack animals by nature. Descendant from wolves – where even the ‘lone wolf’ is an anomaly – they’re social and function best with active interplay and within a strict hierarchy.
So, set aside half-an-hour per day, an hour would be better, for at least the first few months of training. Start your training as young as possible. Puppy training sometimes can be started as early as four weeks old.
Elimination (‘potty’) training details we leave for elsewhere, but all training follows similar guidelines.
Establish dominance early on. Dog pack hierachy – alpha dogs, beta dogs, and all the way down to the omega dogs. For a sane household, and a well-adjusted dog, the human (whether male or female) must always be the alpha male of the pack.
Depending on the breed, this will be either more difficult or easier. Like humans, some are simply more assertive than others. Leashes, collars, commands and other training aids are all highly useful but most important is attitude. Remember, you are the boss, not the dog.
Physical force is not necessary to enforce your dominance. Sometimes, used appropriately, that will be necessary. Usually, simply being firm and willing to wait for compliance will be enough.
For many, placing them on their backs when young and placing a firm hand in the middle of the chest until they lower their paws – a sign of submission – will be enough. With some, reinforcing this by putting your face close to theirs, emulating dominant dog behavior, can help.
Start on a short leash to restrain the dog’s natural tendency to run and scamper. Allow plenty of time for free running behavior, essential to dog health, but that’s before or after training, not during. At least, not at first.
Start simply by choosing short, clear commands that sound distinctly different: sit, stay, down, come. Use a firm voice when addressing your dog. You’re in charge, but not angry. Avoid double-word commands like ‘sit down’ or ‘stay down’. These sound too much alike and may confuse your dog.
Each verbal command should utilize the same look, tone and gesture. Eventually these can separate, but at first it’s essential to provide the simplest, most consistent form of communication.
Just like two-year old humans, dogs have limited capacity for grasping the subtleties of language. Assist their understanding by rigid consistency. Don’t use a single command word to mean more than one thing. The command ‘Down’ can mean ‘don’t jump on me’, or it can mean ‘lay on your stomach’, but it has to mean one thng only.
Be clear, be patient and be committed and the result will be a dog who trusts and listens to you. And that makes it worth the effort. Find more on dog training at Luvurdog.com/dogtraining
That is a little misleading since no disease is truly common in Dachshunds Most Dachshunds are born healthy and live long, relatively disease-free lives.Almost every dog can develop minor health issues even if they receive vaccinations and excellent life-long care. Even dogs that receive their vaccinations and excellent life-long care can develop some minor health issues in their lifetime.
However, there are some conditions that occur more frequently in Dachshunds than other breeds.
Adrenal Gland Malfunction
Hyperadrenocorticism, or Cushing’s Disease, is one common disease of the adrenal gland. In Cushing’s Disease, too much of the hormone cortisol is produced, either by the adrenal gland or by a primary tumor, or a malfunction of the pituitary gland, which is the master gland that tells the adrenal gland how much cortisol to produce. The elevated cortisol level results in excessive drinking and urination, skin conditions, a pot-bellied appearance, hair loss and sometimes diabetes. Specific laboratory tests can be used to diagnose Cushing’s disease and treatment depends on the results. There are several different drugs that can be used to decrease the level of cortisol. If adrenal cancer is present, surgical excision of the gland may be needed. Cushing’s disease is also found in other breeds of dogs.
The opposite condition is called low cortisol (hypoadrenocorticism) or Addison’s disease. Cushing’s takes some time to present itself, but Addison’s disease is a sudden episode of collapse due to too low of blood sugar (glucose) and an imbalance of the electrolytes. The sudden illness results in an emergency visit to the veterinarian for fluid therapy and cortisone injections to correct the imbalances. Addison’s disease is the most difficult to diagnose because the sudden collapse resembles many disorders. Specialized blood tests are necessary to identify both Cushing’s and Addison’s Disease. Treatment of Addison’s disease is life-long treatment with prednisone (cortisone) and electrolytes.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Several eye diseases can affect Dachshunds, such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. PRA is a gradual degeneration of the retina, the lining of the back of the eye. The degeneration results with gradual vision loss and blindness. PRA is a genetic trait, and since it is a slow, progressive disease, these dogs are sometimes bred before the disease is diagnosed, thus perpetuating the disease. Regretfully, there is no cure or treatment for PRA. Other eye diseases that can affect Doxies are cataracts, glaucoma, optic nerve hypoplasia, abnormal eyelashes (distichiasis) as well as other conditions. Regular eye exams can help early identification of these eye-disorders.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
By far the most common disease of Dachshunds is related to the discs between the vertebrae (the bones of the spine). The disc provides a cushion between the bones of the back (spine) and is normally gelatinous. In Dachshunds, this material sometimes ruptures and sometimes calcifies, or hardens. The protruding disc material causes inflammation, swelling and pressure on the nerves coming from the spinal cord and sometimes presses on the spinal cord itself. A herniated disc starts with back pain or a reluctance to jump, and can progress to partial or even total paralysis of the back legs. Most of them with disc disease can be managed medically with pain medication and anti-inflammatory medications. Acupuncture and Chiropractic manipulation is sometimes used to help relieve the pain with varying success. With a complete rupture resulting in total paralysis, immediate surgery to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord may help restore full function in the legs. The sooner the surgery is preformed, the greater the chances of full recovery.
Experimental treatment is being tested that uses laser heat to fuse the disc material in the spine to prevent the rupture. Being as this is such a common problem in the Dachshund, I do recommend purchasing health insurance for your pet. Unfortunately, some owners cannot afford the surgery and pets suffering with total paralysis or extreme pain are euthanized. Over time, a few of my patients there were partially paralyzed did recover some function of their legs. Some dogs may recover without surgery, but it is impossible to predict.
Vaccination Reactions
Allergic reactions to vaccinations does seem to occur in the Dachshund more often than any other breed. Usually, the reaction is minor, resulting in swelling of the muzzle and face and occasional hives. Occasional vaccine reactions can occur with any dog so it is always a good idea to observe your pet for a few hours after their shots. Vaccines have improved over the past few years so reactions are fewer and the benefits of protecting your pet against the diseases outweighs the risks.
With good health care, Dachshunds can lead a long and healthy life. Preventive health checks, proper diets, vaccinations, heartworm and parasite prevention, and good dental care can help your Doxie live longer. You can find more information concerning your dogs health at LuvUrDog.com as well Dachshund breed gifts.
No training is more basic for pet owners than that first important lesson: Do it outside!
Training your new puppy to potty outside the home, not in it, usually starts between six and eight weeks of age. Dogs as young as four weeks have been started on housebreaking, but at that age few have the muscular control to succeed.
Like any dog training plan, trainer patience is as important as the dog’s temperament. ‘Sit’, ‘stay’ and other behaviors can often be learned in a few days. ‘Potty’ training typically takes weeks – maybe as short as two, often a month or more.
As with other learned behaviors, it helps to watch for signs of the desired elimination and enforce and direct them with a voice command followed by praise. In this case that technique works even more to the trainer’s advantage, since all dogs will naturally eliminate. You want to train them to do it when and where you want!
Watch for circling or squatting, then pick up the pup, say ‘outside’ and dash outside. The puppy may circle some more, but will often squat immediately. Once it starts, say ‘Go potty’ ( or some other unique phrase) in a clear, firm (but not angry) voice. Wait until she is finished and then her praise lavishly.
You won’t always be able to catch the puppy about to begin, but don’t become angry or impatient when the dog eliminates indoors. It takes some time for the dog to learn to tell you it’s time to ‘go outside’. It also takes time for the muscles needed to control bladder and bowels to develop control.
Usually, puppies will need to eliminate every 2-3 hours. If you haven’t spotted pre-elimination behavior within that time, take the dog outside anyway. Issue the command ‘Go potty’ and wait. At first, usually, the dog will have no clue what you want.
Again, even when outside, it helps to wait and observe for the desired behavior then issue the proper command. That helps the dog associate the command with the behavior. Wait a few minutes and give the ‘Go Potty’ command a few times before taking the puppy in and then try agin in an hour. Of course, if you spot the pre-elimination behavior sooner, go outside again immediately.
Dogs have an innate ability to quickly learn what their ‘alpha’ (the leader of the pack) wants. This is almost always accomplished by associating a verbal command with behavior, followed by praise. Punishment is usually counter-productive, and nowhere more so than in waste elimination training. Never rub your puppy’s nose in the mess.
Paper and/or crate training is preferred by some. A pup can be trained to potty on a newspaper, or on one of the chemically treated housetraining pads designed for the purpose. Some small breeds that live all day in apartments may not need to go outside at all.
The technique has a couple of downsides however. Unlike cats, dogs prefer not to go in a scented litter box. Newspapers (even with the top layer removed after the dog goes) will eventually create an unpleasant smell in the house.
Also, long before the odor becomes unattractive to humans, dogs can smell their own distinctive scent. Puppies don’t find the smell unattractive – quite the opposite. And that is where the problem lays.
Dogs that are paper trained will often prefer to eliminate indoors. Sometimes your puppy may miss the paper by only an inch, creating a mess to clean up.
Once the odor is in the carpet, the dog will often seek that area out as its proper ‘place to go’. This makes training the dog to eliminate outside even more difficult. Best to suffer a few accidents than to create a hard-to-overcome habit.
Key factors to any dog training programs are patience, praise and consistency. Elimination training is the first test to be tackled for you and your dog.
Get more tips and advice on housetraining or dog training at Luvurdog.com/dogtraining
Rufus and Mermaid are two Doberman Pinschers that have matured in a nice suburban home together. The owner, Ms. Vicky, has no objection about the behaviors of the two dogs, with the exception of the fact that they whine incessantly. Seeing as her prince and princess do not have any aggressive tendencies, are not territorial, and do not have any other bad habits, she has overlooked this problem with whining for years. But, years have passed and the whining progressed into impatiently annoying and Ms. Vicky started to think why the two frequently whine.
In an attempt to curb this behavior, she devoted her time to get to the root of the problem. Dogs whine for a lot of reasons, including pain, fear, or boredom. In this phase , she thought that the cause of the whining was probably boredom, but she also felt that the other reasons should not be completely ruled out and so she decided to seek for the expert’s opinion. Toby and Josie’s owner brought the pair to the vet’s office to get more information about the situation. The veterinarian believed that the dog whining behavior stemmed from Toby and Josie being left alone for a large portion of the day while Ms. Vicky was at work. Although Toby and Josie were placed outdoors, so they can play, do their business, and exercise at will, the pair was still lonely. Given that this behavior has never been checked, the dogs have acquired the habit as a sympathy ploy to get what they want. Ms. Vicky confirmed this idea and the next step of breaking the habit started.
First of all , Toby and Josie were noticeably not okay with their current condition of being left alone during the morning. To make her dearly loved prince and princess happier, Vicky hired a pet sitter who comes in twice a day to walk, pet, and play with Toby and Josie. Although that the whining was still present, they’ve observed that the two dogs seem to be much happier when their owner returns from work. If only Ms. Vicky did not let this whining to continue for such a long period of time and corrected the problem sooner, this new setup would have likely stopped the whining altogether.
In the mean time, the owner began to put into practice the new training method for the two dogs. Each time either dog whines, she firmly states “no whine”. She gives this command with a quick squirt of water from a spray bottle to get the dog’s attention. Once the dog stops whining, the Miss lavishes it with praises and treats. Once the dog stops whining, the Miss lavishes it with praises and treats. Certainly, activities like going outside cannot be disciplined , since many dogs whine when they need to take a poo.
This training method coupled with the hiring of a pet sitter has drastically changed the whining condition with Toby and Josie. Now, neither dog whines to get what they want! Furthermore, Miss Vicky finds the situation a great deal less stressful on both her and the dogs. If you too are experiencing a similar situation, consider following this case study to help break your dogs from whining. Keep in mind that pain or uneasiness is a viable motive for whining, so visit your veterinarian to guarantee your dog is in top health. Best of Luck! Cheers!
Educating yourself about dog training is the first step you take prior to actually training your dog. There are plenty of sources one can access, but at times it just results in information overload.
Canine training is not really all that difficult. One thing to remember is that almost all dogs simply want to please their masters. The issue is communication. Obviously there is a language barrier, and you need to get your dog to understand what you want.
Canine training can be summed up with just a few tips. Lets take a look at some of the things that I have used in order to train my dog, making both he and I happier.
Try to avoid the negatives that often come with training. Hitting or striking your dog, either by hand or with an object will only teach the dog to fear you. A stern verbal NO, is OK, but do not go any further physically, or you risk alienating your dog. Focusing on praise and rewards when your dog acts as he should is the better way to go.
Praising your dog reinforces correct behaviors. Loving or petting your dog for acting positive behaviors is of course nice, but experience has shown even better results occur when food treats are given out at the time the behaviors observed. Think about it, food motivates almost every animal, so to it works with our four legged companions.
Body language can also influence your pet’s reactions. Many canines can actually can actually sense and read your body language before any verbal communication is given. A technique that works well in doing this is to match a verbal instruction with the specific movement of either the hand, arm, or even leg.
Refusing to give up is the final key to successful dog training. Sure at times it is frustrating. It would certainly be easier to give up, go sit on the couch and watch your DirecTV, but you need to be consistent in your training. Your dog is not going to train himself, and training always takes longer than you would like. It is so important to keep this in mind when things are difficult with your dog. Things will not always fall into place, so do not give up at the first sign of trouble.
Training your dog can be both a challenging and rewarding experience. Keeping these brief tips in mind will help you keep on track in your natural dog training efforts.