Although the president’s choice of a new family pet, and whether it will be a labradoodle or a Portuguese water hound has been all over the media, more importantly is the unstable future of our natin’s pets in a time when there are those who can not pay for their bills.In our nation’s hayday, it was common to see stories that made us laugh and shake our heads about how people would spend exorbitant amounts of money on their dogs. They thought that their dogs actually appreciated the posh bottled water that was served to them in a crystal doggie glass. Stories of million dollar doggie trust funds, thousand dollar doggie hotels, pearl necklaces, and other instances of doggie decadence covered the news stands daily.

Ever since economy has spiraled down,, stories of pets have evolved and are now much more daunting and saddening. The media all across our country have been reporting about local animal shelters becoming filled far beyond their capacity, often times being forced to euthanize a greater number of otherwise healthy pets simply because of space constraints. Still others have abandoned their pets in foreclosed homes or chained up in back yards of abandoned properties, left to die of starvation, often times un able to reach food and water slowly starving to death at the end of a chain. The LA times even made pets and the economy their features story of the New Year. Pets are quickly turning into the luxury that can no longer be afforded.

The current downslide follows a previous upswing seen in adoption rates of the recient past. For nearly a decade shelters and rescues have been seeing a consistant rise in the rate of pet adoptions a starke difference from the overwhelming intake and decline in new adoption applications. There is no real way of knowing if we have seen the bottom of this staggering trend or if there is more despair to come. One thing is for certain, it is not getting any better.

Any progress made in the past of educating the public on the need to adopt from rescue groups instead of purchasing from a puppy store means nothing if our hurting economy causes people to not be able to afford to own a pet or take care of the pets that they already have in their home. Vet costs alone have been a major factor in family’s decisions to give up their beloved dogs. With the average vet visit costing in the range of $200 a visit, people often have to decide whether they can spend this month’s credit card payment and unless they find a way to reduce their credit card debt, they often have no choice but to give up their pet.

Another sign of the rapid decline of the luxury pet market was the cancelation New York’s Pet Fashion Week. With all this negative news on the pet industry it is noteworthy to mention that pets have all kind of benefits. Vets across the nation have said that pets are an excellent way to lower blood pressure which helps justify spending the money spent on them.

For many of us the only solution to avoid having to make the choice of paying bills of feeding the family pet, is to get themselves in a position to weather the economic storm. For many people this could mean entering into a credit card debt settlement program or other ways of lowering their household expenses. Filing for bankruptcy is often not the best choice for these embattled pet owners who do not want to deal with the court system, paying attorney fees nor having the black mark on their credit report for up to ten years. Often times credit card counseling, which is run by the creditors, is not a realistic option since in most cases the payments are no less and sometimes more then what they are paying at the moment. Again this makes the owner struggle with pet food not to mention vet bills as mentioned earlier.

Whatever program you may decide,  should you need credit card debt relief, ensure that you educate yourself on the differences between the programs and fully aware of the pitfalls. In most cases speaking to someone who can assist you in settling your debt can be helpful and is suggested over going it alone.

This discussion over pets and how they affect our economy will probably go on as long as people are struggling in this economic crunch our nation is experiencing. The underlying issue is that we either need to deal with the debt we have and survive this recession, or resort to what many have and abandon the family pet. Where will this trend stop? Will the next crisis force us to decide whether to take care of our kids and pay for medical insurance or leave them on the side of the street to survive on their own.

Two traits that an individual must have when they potty train a dog are patience and consistency.  If you are inconsistant with your approach, it will take a while for your dog to learn the preferred behavior.  If you have the proper mindset and dedication, training a dog can be very enjoyable.  The first choice you must make in regards to training a dog is if it will use the bathroom indoors (pee pad/litter box) or your backyard.

If you decide that you would like to train your dog to use a pee pad, you will need to find a consistent location for the pad.  If the dog is unable to find the pad, they will become unsure of what to do.  You must create an environment where the dog knows exactly what is expecting of them.  When the dog knows what the expected behavior is, there will be fewer accidents.  If your dog has chosen another location for its restroom, you will have more work to train the dog.  You must be willing to work with your dogs current behavior to properly train them.

Decide where you want your puppy potty train indoors.  Put the pee pad down and show him where it is.  Most dogs will try to please you by using the pad.  If they decide that there is somewhere else in the house, like under the table, then you have found your training start place.  Put the pad down, show him where it is, and then gradually move it to where you want him to use it on a regular basis.

Learn more about how to Potty Train Dog here.

Training your dog to do its business outdoors is a different story altogether.  No matter whether you train it to go indoors or out, you must be sure to restrict water and food to the dog’s meal times only.  This helps to prevent any extra accidents.  Roughly 15-20 minutes after a dog eats or drinks, you must put it on the leash and take it out into a yard.  Don’t let the dog go just anywhere, though; you ought to lead it to the place in the yard that you have approved for this procedure.  Once the dog has gone, praise it and then give it a nice treat.

Unlike the dogs being trained for the pee pads, your dog will not have a means to properly relieve itself. How to potty train a dog for going to the bathroom outside also means teaching it how to hold its bladder.

Learn more about how to Potty Train Dog here.

For many years, guard dogs have helped to scare off burglars and thieves.  Although most have gotten used to dogs now days, nothing fends off a thief more than a vicious dog grabbing his ankle and clamping down.  Almost all guard dogs have serious bites and can seriously injure a burglar.  Guard dogs are trained to protect one’s home ?and they will do so no matter what.

When you get a guard dog, you should always make sure that you let him know who is safe to be around your home.You don't want the dog sto be vicious towards everyone, as friends and family are certainly allowed to be around your home.Most guard dogs are left outside of the home, with some deciding to keep them indoors.Indoor dogs are good, as they will instantly catch a burglar the second he decides to break into your home.

If you plan to keep your guard dog indoors, you should always have a supply of food and water available, as he will be there when you aren’t.  You will also need to give him access to an outdoor area as well, so he can use the bathroom.  A fenced in yard is an ideal place for a guard dog to go outside, as he can come and go as he pleases.  Sometimes, a burglar will try and sneak around the back entrance ?which is where giving a guard dog outside access can really come in handy.

Before buying the dog, you should always carefully research the species and where you plan to get your dog from.  Police dogs or dogs that have been trained for protection are ideal, as they already know how to defend things.Dobermans and Pit Bulls are great for protection too, simply because they are well known for being very vicious. 

If you carefully research your options and get your guard dog from a reliable source, you shouldn's have much of anything to worry about. You should never get your dog from a lesser known or poor source, as the dog may be poorly trained or not in good health.  A guard dog can be a great addition to any home ?providing you get a dog in good health and more than capable to fend of burglars.

If you ask 5 people how to go about training your dog you will probably get 5 very different replys. For whatever task it is that you are attempting to train, it is best to begin with methods that are the most commonly used to insure best success. Typically these are effective methods. Chances are that you will nor encounter any problems, but you can always try something different if you do. Training a dog can be time consuming so make sure that you are ready to give your undivided attention or this will not work out for either one of you.

If your dog needs to be potty trained outside, you can use crate training techniques. There is nothing harmful about this method of training as long as you are getting a crate of the right size, cleaning it, and making sure it is safe. There are some people out there opposed to crate training a dog. That type of people typically do not understand that dogs like to be in small enclosures.

A few guidelines can help you train your dog to avoid biting. you are never scolding your dog with violence.
You aren’t permitted to spank or strike since these techniques don’t apply to the way to house train a dog. Violence will always breed violence so be careful. Also, make sure that you are refraining from playing rough tug of war games where you are encouraging the dog to bite and growl.

Learn more about how to House Train Dog here.

You will soon learn that punishment when training a dog is easier then thought. Your pet is always trying to make you happy and will typically do anything to make it happen. Your voice and tone can make any dog knows that they are doing wrong. Your dog will figure it out. There is never a need to hit or restrict a dog from getting its requirements for a healthy life such as food, water, and sleep.

Books have been written on house training your pet, and useful advice is everywhere — but you now have a leg up, so to speak, on the process and have made a great beginning. right away because there is never time to wast Dogs are a lot like children with their own learning curve. So be kind, be patient, and always remember to love your pet and you will find that training a dog is easier then you think. Soon you will have enough knowledge to be able to assist others in house breaking their dogs.

Learn more about how to House Train Dog here.

For those who dont know me, my name is Sue Walton, and I am a professionaly accredited Dog trainer and coach. This article shares with you some of my top dog housing tips, but for my best secrets and heaps more info, you need to visit my site on dog training tips, which has a huge section on choosing and siting a great kennel/dog house. 

We should start by assessing what breed you have. Housing your dog largely depends on its requirements to stay safe warm and dry.

Toy varities, by the virtue of their petite size, make brilliant house pets. Many owners of small dogs such as terriers, shitzu or bichon are happy all the time, provided they are trained well!

These small breeds respond well to the house environment, providing they know their place in the home! You’ll probly find that a matt or a doggy bed aroun the size of a cat bed will suffice for these small breeds.

Keeping them in garage or washhouse could be ideal, given that the dog feels safe and it has a little area of its own. Dogs after all are known to be territorial.

As for larger dogs, such as medum sized spaniels, boxers/terriers, you will find that having them inside becomes tedious and irritating. Not only for you as owner, but for your dog too.

They need spacious areas that the outdoors gives them.

In addition, you need to think about the size and space you have for housing your dog.

If your garage is well ventilated, cosy and there is not to much clutter, it might be a great area for your dog to live, if however its full of clutter and your dog has to live in a small area where it cannot make its own space, it will quickly become fustrated.

For those of us that live in areas like apartments and duplex houses (or attatched units) you have to be very cautious of how your dog will be exposed to the neighours. For many breeds, being housed where people can fustrate them and irritate them.

Youve also got to consider what sort of breed requires what sort of housing to live in.

The breeder will have sussed you out before selling a dog, to see if your home suits that breed, however some people often come across dogs in other circumstances. Always do lots of research into your breeds living habits. A lazy bulldog will surely be happy with a corner of the yard and not much space, but you try and keep a livly breed like a pointer in a small yard, and you’ll drive the poor dog insane. Working breeds are active and require room to run and spacious kennels.

If your in this situation, and have a yard space for your dog to be housed and run around in, at all costs ensure that the fence you put up or have, is in good order and is very secure. Consider that your dog should not get out, but also think if anything else can get into the area. Cats, other dogs & children are known for getting into places where they shouldnt be, and this can lead to trouble!

Housing a your dog also has situational requirements. Think about your climate and where you are going to site the kennel. will your pet be cold? Windy? Directly sunny? Consider all these reasons when pacing a dog house in your chosen space. Kennel insulation will be required if the area is prone to frosts or snowfall.

Obviously, in this circumstance a saint bernard will be happier than a greyhound, so exercise common thought about the breed your dealing with. Pay attention to areas that get very hot, as this can affect the dog quickly.

Black paint on that kennel might suit your house, but will it cook your dog….? As far as getting a kennel goes, now days there are great off the shelf items that suit many lifestyles and designs. Moulded ones are popular but watch out if your pet is a chewer!

Avoid fibreglass kennels at all costs, as the glass can mean pain and discomfort for your pet. Wood is ever popular, and looks good and is very dog friendly. If your budget allows, go for a wood kennel!
My best dog housing tips, and some great examples of kennels and enclosure designs can be found at my dog resource page on housing your dog. Check it out, and the rest of my site www.dog-hobbyist.com

Even when you are training the dog, you will need the training for yourself as wel. Even though it is human to know when someone is upset, dog have a hard time understanding what they are doing wrong.

Dogs of all ages, always like to please their owners. If they don’t have a clear understanding of how to make you happy, then of course they can’t do the things you want them to do.

This means you as the master must learn a little about effective rewards for when your dog does something you like and effective punishment for when your dog isn’t behaving well.

Training a Dog with Rewards

Even at a very early age, puppies are able to understand praise and reward. If you find the puppy going to the bathroom in the yard by himself, and give the action a name, the puppy will learn to associate the action with the name. When the puppy has done his business where you like it to be done, offer him a treat, a cuddle and plenty of praise.

Soon your puppy will like to do it’s business in the same place evey day and it will find that he/she goes their by instinct every time.

The same principles of acclamation and reward applies for each action you want your dog to learn.

Dogs will attempt to get praise and affection from you by performing each of the behaviors it remembers eliciting a good response from you.  When a dos always here NO when they are wrong, they will learn this ability and think that this is a good thing.

Turn your back to the dog and cross your arms if you want him to learn that his behavior is unacceptable. The best way to deal with your dog’s bad behavior is to ignore them; this is the most significant form of punishment you can give them.

How to train agility to a dog.

Praise and rewards are always essential whether you are training your dog or not. Canines enjoy being active. Curiosity come naturally to them and they are playful by nature.

If you show your dog that an agility course is fun and an easy way to get rewards and praise, your dog will love leaping over the obstacles on all agility courses.

You need to have patience when doing agility training. Initially, attempt to bring your dog to a nearby dog instruction course that provides a class in agility. It is best to verify that your dog has gone beyond the growing stage, around a year old, before starting agility training which could cause a pup injury.

Learn more about Training Dog for Agility here.

Use the agility course like a game and run around with your dog. If you have the choice, you may want to lower the bar on the jumps so they do not appear to be threatening. The way to get your dog doing what you want is by praise and food rewards.

Instructing your dog to do agility isn’t hard work for both owner and pet if they perceive it as enjoyable. He’ll soon be racing around the course like a pro waiting for his reward.

Learn more about Training Dog for Agility here.

The German translation “badger dog” shows just one of those ways.  Bred in the early 1600s to hunt those ferocious little animals, the Dachshund became ferocious himself.That fearless and assertive attitude remains today.

That feisty nature can be a negative or positive.

Dogs that are independent can make great companions, since that also makes them exploratory and playful.  It provides the dog with lots of energy and a willingness to try new things.It also means that training them requires skill and extra patience.Dachshunds are more inclined than many other breeds to strive for alpha status in the household.  Reminding them that the human is boss may require a long struggle.

But that training has to be appropriate to the breed’s mental and physical attributes.

Dachshunds weigh between 10-30 pounds and are 9 inches high at the shoulder.Toy varieties are quite a bit smaller, often under 8 pounds and only 5 inches high.Their average lifespan is between 14-17 years.

Doxies are much more prone to spinal problems than other breeds due to their long bodies and short legs.  Rough handling can cause serious problems.

At the same time simply screaming won’t work because they are assertive.At best that produces a fearful dog, at worst, they can become aggressive and hostile in response.  They may look at their trainer as an enemy badger.Owners should be prepared due to barking being more common in Dachshunds, too.

They make for excellent pets and companions with the right approach.

There are three basic varieties – Wire-Coats, Smooth-Coats, and Long-Hairs.The difference goes beyond the type of fur they have.  The personalities of the three types tend to follow a pattern, as well.

Smooth-haired Dachshunds more often attach themselves to a single family member.  While they will tolerate other humans, they tend to be stand-offish and wary of other animals.  The Wire-haired is usually more playful and outgoing.  Long-haired Doxies tend to be a little more placid.Though, like any Doxie, they are up for a game of fetch whenever the opportunity exists.

Apart from spinal problems, Dachshunds less often suffer from diseases that are more prevalent in other breeds.Diabetes, abdominal cancers and other diseases are possible but much less common in this breed.Stones or urinary tract problems can occur, but they are more likely in special varieties such as Double Dapples and those with blue eyes.This variety tends to have more eye and hearing problems, too.

Raising a healthy and happy dog is a challenge.But Doxie owners commonly report that the rewards in their case are especially large.They are highly affectionate and very loyal.People who live with them tend to return the favor.

Dachshund supplies and gifts can be found at Ony-Dachshunds.com

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 bathing and brushing, their coats are easy to care for. “Regular” varies with the dog’s environment and age.

Grooming Supplies for dogs can be found at LuvUrDog.com

Younger dogs may need 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 clean and brushed regurlarly. “Regularly” means a minimum of 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 is important not to scrape the skin. That can lead to hot spots that the dog will make worse by chewing and licking. Since Doxies 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 care.More frequent baths and more regular brushing will be called for in their case.Brushing will take longer as well.

Like the terriers they resemble, the stiff coat is actually in two layers.Get the undercoat with a slicker and use a regular brush for the top layer. Remember, too, that they will shed more.A shampoo to help control shedding may be necessary in some cases. In most cases, 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. Cutting behind the rear legs will also be necessary once it reaches a length that leads to mats.Regular brushing up to twice a week is good enough.

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 especially 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 this type.Be sure not to over-bathe them, though, which can lead to scaly, dried skin. Regular, gentle brushing will help, since it smooths natural oils over the skin and under the coat.

Nail Trimming

All types need to have their nails trimmed often, usually weekly. The normal technique is okay. Get a good pair of guillotine scissors and hold each foot firmly, looking for the quick. Cut away from the quick to avoid accidents, which are more likely in the Doxie’s case because of their feisty nature.

Only-Dachshunds has gifts and more for the Doxie Lover

Each dog will deviate in degree, of course.There are submissive ones though fewer than other breeds, on average.  Some will try to insist on having their own way at all times, much like most terriers.But training can adjust their behavior, especially if you start when they are young and stay consistent.

Zero tolerance should be the rule for all aggressive conduct, whether toward a family member, you, or strange people and animals.Gnawing the leash 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 Doxies are inclined to spinal problems.When they have released the lead, praise them lavishly.

To discourage excess barking or biting or snapping a squirt bottle comes in handy.Give your dog a little squirt against the muzzle when he shows this behavior.  Avoid the eyes.That startles your dog and it is unpleasing besides.  Repeat, if necessary, but avoid making it a contest of wills.That only tends to make it seem to the dog that you are a competitor.  Firm consistency is preferred to counter-aggression.

If your Doxie continues, isolate your dog and be prepared for some barking.Like spoiled young children, a dog will sometimes try to whine or bark its way out of punishment.Offer your dog rugged chew toys and allow him to work out the aggression on those while he’s in the “time out” box.

Follow this negative reinforcement with some positive reinforcement.Look for illustrations of good behavior and praise it profusely.Use a modest number of treats if necessary.The point is to help the dog see for itself the different end result of its own conduct in terms of your response.Dachshunds are smart.With persistence, they will learn.

For instance, one may become assertive during fetch by refusing to give up the ball.Try to discern between genuine willfulness and a simple 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 tranquil dog will help.Aggression is partly caused by the frustration of repressed energy with no positive outlet.

A friend can be a big help here.Heave the ball to a partner several feet away, along the ground.When the Doxie gives chase, make sure the partner is the first to get the ball.Repeat the exercise a few times, then allow your Dachshund to win.

With patience and a little creativity, you can direct your Dachshund’s aggression into more positive directions.

LuvUrDog.com

No training is more basic for pet owners than that first important lesson: Do it outside!

Teaching your puppy to eliminate outside the home, not in it, often 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 lessons, trainer patience is as important as the dog’s temperament. ‘Sit’, ‘stay’ and other behaviors can often be learned in a few days. House training usually takes weeks – sometimes as short as two, often a month or more.

As with other learned behaviors, it helps to observant for signs of the desired actions 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. The trick is to get them to do it when and where you want!

Watch for circling or squatting, then pick up the pup, say ‘outside’ and sprint outside. The puppy may circle some more, but will often squat soon after. When your puppy eliiminates, say ‘Go potty’ ( or some other unique phrase) in a clear, firm (but not angry) voice. Wait until he has finished and then praise him lavishly.

You won’t always be able to catch the puppy about to begin, but don’t become angry or impatient when the dog potties indoors. It takes quite a lot of time for your puppy to learn to tell you it’s time to ‘go outside’. The puppy needs time for the muscles that control the bladder and bowels to develop.

Most young dogs need to eliminate every 2-3 hours, on average. 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 watch for the desired behavior then issue the proper command. That helps the dog associate the command with the behavior. If the dog hasn’t eliminated after a few minutes and a few ‘Go potty’ commands, take it back inside for an hour. Of course, if you see the pre-elimination behavior sooner, go outside again immediately.

Dogs have an astounding 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 a dog’s nose in the accident.

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 the home 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 leave an unpleasant odor in the house.

Also, long before the odor becomes perceptible to humans, dogs can smell their own distinctive odor. Dogs don’t find it unattractive – quite the opposite. And that is where the problem lays.

Dogs that are paper trained will often prefer to eliminate indoors. Occasionally they’ll miss the paper by only an inch, creating a smelly mess to clean up.

Once the scent 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. House breaking is the first test for you and your dog.

Get more tips and advice on housetraining or dog training at Luvurdog.com/dogtraining