JAck Russell Terrier

If you live near open fields and the countryside or have lots of private ground for your pet to run around in you won’t need to travel to give your dog opportunity to get plenty of excerise out in the open air. Of course if you are in walking distance of a dog friendly park you can simply pop on a lead and go, but for many dog owners living in a busy town centre or city, a daily car journey is a necessity.

It is important your dog feels comfortable and safe for necessary car journeys of any length. This is a list of car accessories for dogs

Dog Safety

Dog car crates or cages specially adapted for cars not only makes your car journey safer for you but also for your dog, it also helps the dog feel more secure. Think how frightened your dog might be looking through the window of a moving car with everything whizzing past!

It could be there isn’t room for a travel cage or maybe your dog is taken out in more than one car in which case a dog harness with seat belt adaptor is a good alternative. This is a great multi purpose travel accessory for your dog!

Word of warning: For those who think these are extreme, imagine what would happen if you were to have a car accident. Your frightened dog if unsecured will instinctively want to get out of the car and possibly run right onto a busy road.

Dog Comfort

A car boot isn’t designed to be comfortable so if your dog has to travel in the car a dog bed is much nicer to lie down on.

If you are planning a long journey in the colder months a dog blanket would be a good idea too. (remember to also keep a blanket for yourself in case of break downs!)

Food and Water

Your dog will get hungry and thirsty during a long car journey and will certainly need to quench his or her thirst after a long run. Keeping water and a bowl is a must but instead of the bulky hard bowls consider investing in those special dog travel bowls made of material that fold up when not in use, you can also get disposable travel bowls.

Handy hint: The car engine might need water too! Re-use any empty plastic milk or juice bottles and keep a supply of water in your boot for your dog and car engine. Especially vital during the hot months. If you are out in the country you can re-fill at a fresh water river or stream.

Shade from the sun

Drivers and human passengers have visors to protect them from the glare of the sun so don’t forget your dog and fit a car window shade where appropriate.

Top Tip: The car window shades you use for babies and children are ideal for pets too!

Dog Ramps

A dog car ramp can be a godsend! Smaller dogs can easily be lifted into bigger cars but what if you have an older heavier dog that can’t jump up or have been on a particularly muddy trip out? There are several dog ramps that you can buy which fold away neatly when not in use.

Pet First Aid

As exciting as running in the countryside can be for your dog, there can also hazards including barbed wire, broken glass and sharp sticks. The first aid you apply to your dog if it gets a nasty cut will be vital in its recovery and if you are out in the middle of nowhere it could be a while before you can get your dog to a vet. Dog first aid kits often come complete with gauzes, wipes and bandages and fit in most glove compartments.

Swellpets.co.uk has many more great products for dogs. Give it a whirl.co.uk

Dogs require regular grooming to keep their nails in trim and their coats healthy. Which technique you 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 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

They are a naturally feisty breed.Bred to hunt badgers, they had to be tough and inventive.  But that assertive nature should not be allowed to turn against you.You must be the alpha dog.

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

Dachshunds are an independent breed. Dachshunds are loving. Doxies are playful. Dachshunds can be aggressive.

How can this be true of one breed of dog? Well, it is. Doxies are among the most interesting and complex breeds precisely because they encompass all these attributes and many more besides.

Bred in Germany to chase vermin in the 1600s, bold and fearless characteristics were selected first and foremost. At the same time, they had to be strong-willed, persistent and resourceful. It does little good to have legs and feet that are excellent for digging if the dog does not have the spirit of pursuit.

Those attributes have been handed down through the centuries. Most Dachshunds today are pets, not hunters, once attributes are bred in their nature does not change much. What can be considered aggression in one circumstance can be simple courage in another. What can be considered valuable persistence in one situation can be seen as willfulness in another.

Above all, Doxies are intelligent dogs. Doxies individualist character makes them more difficult to take an interest in training. If handled correctly, their smarts allow them to excel in whatever they do.

Keeping in mind that independence does not necessarily mean they are uninterested in others. Dachshunds are filled with curiosity and want to take part in any adventure going on around them. Some breeds are happy to sit by quietly and observe. A Dachshund wants to be participating along with everyone else and in the middle of things.

There are variations within these broad outlines.

The Smooth-Coat Dachshund exhibits all the classic behaviors – barking at the least invasion to its territory, leading the pack whenever possible and more. They will struggle during nail clipping time and be reluctant more often to take a bath.

The Wire-Hair type looks and acts like a combination of Doxie and terrier. Terriers are high strung also. But they love to play and their behavior is not aggressive so much as just forthright.

The Long-Hair Doxie is more like a miniature Irish Setter, though not to that extreme. They are a little more inclined to watch and wait their turn, but do enjoy a good romp. Though they take a bit more grooming care, they are among the easier varieties to train.

All Dachshund variations are natural diggers. Bred to chase small game, such as badgers, into a den, they like getting into things. Their powerful front legs and muscular chest make it pretty easy for them to do just that. Thanks to the streamlined body and smooth, narrow head, getting out isn’t too much more difficult. As a result, if you want to keep the garden or lawn intact, don’t allow the dog to roam freely without supervision.

Having natural energy, Dachshunds do need at least moderate exercise in activities. A good idea for these “gophers” is an obstacle course with tunnels.

Doxies are also loving and loyal. The bond between a Dachshund and the person or family it adopts is unusually strong. Doxies want to be near people and enjoy interaction. As any Doxie owner will be happy to tell you……..

Visit LuvUrDog.com for Tips, Supplies and more, Just for Dog Lover’s

Going away on holiday can often be a bit of a nightmare for families who have a dog. You’ve booked the perfect holiday at the perfect destination but before you can go anywhere you have to work out who will be looking after your pet while you’re away, and how you are going to know he is ok without you around. You could try and get a friend to care for him, but it’s a big ask, especially if you’re going away for longer than a few days. The alternative is to find a pet-sitter or boarding facility but it’s difficult to know which ones are trustworthy and you know you’ll probably end up spending your holiday worrying about whether he is happy and being properly cared for.

There has to be a better alternative. Pets are family after all, and it hardly seems fair that they should be left behind while everyone else is off having fun on holiday. Luckily, more and more holiday companies are realising this is an issue and are offering pet friendly accommodation at only a small extra cost. OK, so you can’t take them on a plane to the other side of the world, but if you’re planning your holiday a bit closer to home it’s worth considering taking them with you – you wouldn’t have to worry about them being left behind and it’s normally cheaper than paying a pet-sitter or kennel to care for them.

Wales is a great place to choose for a family holiday with a dog. Not only is there a huge range of different types of self catering accommodation, from flats and houses in the town to rural holiday cottages, Wales also boasts some of the most stunning scenery in the UK. And honestly, what dog wouldn’t love the opportunity to run around in the famous Welsh hills and valleys, or along one of the beautiful coastlines with their long sandy beaches and striking cliff faces.

It’s not just your dog who will love Wales, there is wealth of attractions and activity holidays for the rest of the family, not to mention the chance to explore a country that is not only beautiful but rich in history, culture and entertainment. So if you’re looking for the perfect destination to take the whole family – including the dog – for a short break, Wales could be the answer you’ve been looking for.