Most all dogs have mastered the famous “Doggie Paddle” but it’s always important to stay as safe as possible. Your dog should always wear a life jacket when both in and near the water. That holds true even for breeds of dogs that traditionally love the water and take to swimming quite easily. Such breeds include the following: American Water Spaniel, Barbet, Boykin Spaniel, Bedlington Terrier, Cantabrian Water Dog, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Curly Coated Retriever, Epagneul Pont-Audemer, Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Lagotto Romagnolo (a.k.a Italian Water Dog), Münsterländer (large and small), Nova Scotia Duck Toller, Otterhound, Portuguese Water Dog, Spanish Water Dog, Standard Poodle, Newfoundland , Puli, Wetterhound

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When taking your dog on water related outings it’s important to keep the following five items in mind.

• A towel just for your dog

• A shirt or sweater made out of water-resistant material

• A non – spill water bowl and lots of fresh bottled to put in it

• A pooper-scooper and a trash bag or two

• A life jacket for your dog

Another tip to consider is shade for your friend. Even though your dog may have many opportunities to jump into the water, it’s important he/she has a cool relaxing place for resting. Boat surfaces, such as fiberglass, can get extremely hot in the sun. Dogs absorb heat through the pads on their feet so be sure to protect them. Your dog will surely be enjoying himself/herself so much that excitement could hide the fact he/she is overheated.

Now that you have most everything covered pick the perfect day to go have that amazing adventure with your whole family! Always keeping safety first, your dog is bound to have the time of his/her life. Enjoy your trip!

Dog supplements are generally extra vitamins added to any dog food. Therefore, it is possible to help your dog grow strong and healthy and by improving his immune system. If you care enough for your best friend, you’ll offer the best food nutrition. Minerals and vitamins are usually basic additives and together with regular food will make you’re your pet live a healthy, long life.

Dog supplements come in various sorts available in any pet store. You’ll probably decide powder, to mix it with regular food, or liquid to mix it with your dogs water.

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Choose the best treatment for your pet and give him the right attention. Hence, you will keep him energetic and healthy. His hair will certainly glow with his fantastic bone structure will stay strong if you buy the right dog supplements.

Think about his best interest by simply taking care of your pet dog. Select the right diet and keep him energetic and lively.

Due to the fact that normal dog food doesn’t have the right quantity of vitamins and minerals you must find the perfect solution to maintain your dog healthy. Therefore, dog supplements will be the right decision. Now you are able to pay attention to your pet and give him the right treatment. You can make his life much better and longer where he can be happy and stay healthy.

Extend your canines life and keep him energetic. Pay for the sufficient dog supplements and create a safer environment for your pet. The Right vitamins can create balance for his immune system which will definitely make him stronger.

Why disregard your pets wellness when he is part of your family? Now you are able to help him and treat him like your own. Supply him the right dog supplements; improve the quality of his life and he will continue to make you happy.

One day, my car was rear ended at a very busy intersection near my home. The other driver was a very young man, only sixteen years old. He was very sweet, and had genuine tears for fear he had hurt me. As a matter of fact, he had reason to cry because he had knocked me a full two car lengths ahead, and his 1971 VW Classic Rabbit, well, it would have to be picked up in paper sacks! The back end of my nearly new Honda laid in the middle of the street, also in pitiful pieces. He had no insurance.

I was shaking and crying when I called 911. I’m ashamed to say that when they answered, I could only tell them where I was, but I had difficulty telling them my name. They asked me to spell it, and I couldn’t even say my difficult name, let alone spell it. I think that’s why they sent an ambulance. I then handed my cell to my new friend so he could call his mother.

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The ambulance got there first. They were giving me oxygen and doing the usual agenda when the law arrived. I was all right, and I knew it by this time, but the medics were making sure and they asked me to stay where I was and let the law “do their job”. So I stayed where I was.

The policeman was a tall, big man, with a ‘no nonsense’ kind of a face; all business. He was the kind that you would hoped to heaven would be on your side. He asked me for my driver’s license and proof of insurance. I started stammering, again, but managed to tell him that they were in my purse in the front seat of my car. Then I managed to tell him that I had two dogs in there, and when I left them they were fairly calm, but I didn’t know how they were now. I couldn’t guarantee it.

“How big are they?”

“Well, the fat one is 23 pounds, and will possible lick your hand, if he is not too upset. The other dog weighs 10 pounds, and is not friendly.”

He snickered. I could hear him snicker!

As he turned away, he said, “No problem”.

I then went back to the business at hand, letting the law “do their job”.

Soon after, the ambulance driver tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Look over there!”

He was pointing in the direction of my car.

The officer had a very, very long stick in his hand and was trying to get my purse out of the front seat. My little dog, Toby, was up on the back of the seat, just waiting for him to make his fatal move. Her little ears were laid back, her hackles were raised and she was crouched ready to spring. Her teeth were bared and she was growling so loud I could hear her as far away as I was sitting.

My little spotted heathen had waited her whole life long for an opportunity like this!

But that wasn’t the only reason the policeman’s face was red. He was embarrassed. As people will do, a crowd gathered to watch this show, and they were enjoying it immensely!! They were stopping to watch. Several were telling Toby, “Stick to your guns, little dog!” Some were asking the law if he was going to arrest her, and one man driving by, hung out his car window and shouted, “CALL FOR A BACK UP!”

Soon after, the policeman walked over to me and asked, “Lady, how much did you say that dog weighs?”

“She weighs 10 pounds. Did she bite you?”

“Yes she did, in two places!” He showed me his hand and forearm. It looked ugly! It really did. Of course, I told him how sorry I was, in all sincerity.

“Has she had her shots?”

I felt PANIC, but I told him the name of our veterinarian, and that she had just received all of her shots. Fortunately, that was the truth, and she also had her two year license. Thank the Lord, we were legal.

On our way home, I bought Toby a pork chop.

A few days later, I received a letter in the mail from the County Health Department, informing me that they had checked Toby for a previous record and had found her ‘clean’. At the bottom of the page, someone had drawn a smiley face and had written, “Have a nice day”. I was so relieved. I bought Toby another pork chop.

I’m getting old, and Toby is getting old too. I have visions in my mind of Toby and me growing old together, with me going on welfare trying to keep Toby in pork chops. I see her growling at every squad car she sees. I know she will never forget THAT policeman.

But she and I will be very happy together, I don’t have a doubt.

Every year around 100,000 dogs are abandoned in the UK. Contrary to popular belief, very few of these dogs are ‘problem dogs’. Most have been abandoned due to their families moving, new babys, death of an owner and other domestic problems- none of which are the dogs fault.

There are many benefits to rescue dogs. Most are older than six months old so they have been house trained and no longer chew everything in sight and some have even been trained. Many rescue centres also insist that their dogs are neutered and vaccinated before they leave the home so this is another worry taken off your mind.

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Things you should consider:

Most rescue homes will want to do a home check before they let you take a dog. Gone are the days when they would let you take a dog as long as you could prove that you had a dog bed and a can of dog food. You must be able to prove that you are able to exercise your dog regularly, have an adequate home and garden and will want to see if you have any other pets. They will also take into consideration the character of the dog and whether it fits in with your lifestyle- there is no point in adopting a dog that hates children if you have three kids for example.

Some dogs may well have been abused or mistreated. As such they may have abandonment issues, may be nervous, aggressive or have medical issues. As a potential owner you must be willing and able to deal with these problems and be prepared to give your dog a lot of love and patience.

The reward for dealing with this initial bureaucracy is often the most fun, beautiful, happy, healthy dog that you could ever wish for, plus the warm glow of knowing that you have given an unwanted dog a new home.

For more information about rescue centres either ask your local pet supplies store or contact one of the main rescue centres such as The Dogs Trust, The RSPCA or the Blue Cross.

Finally, if you are stuck on having a particular breed of dog, why not consider looking at pedigree rescue sites. Most breeds have them (a list of some of them can be seen on ‘The dog rescue pages’) and they can provide you with a wealth of breed specific information as well as a gorgeous new pet.

Generally, the main lyme’s disease symptoms in dogs are fever, loss of their appetite, dehydration, fatigue, and, possibly, swollen lymph nodes. Should you see any of the signs in your dog, you should immediately check their body for any ticks, as these symptoms can start within forty-eight hours after being bitten by a tick. If one is discovered, you will need to take your dog to the veterinarian immediately.

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Should your dog’s symptoms go ignored, your dog could become very ill. In many cases, left untreated, it could lead to kidney failure and death. In other cases, a serious infection could set in. The fact is that lyme’s disease is just as serious for a dog as it is for a human.

The best way to prevent this from happening is to try and prevent ticks from getting on your dog. Keeping your grass cut short is good, but it will not stop your dog from wandering to other areas. Therefore, they need to be on tick prevention medications.

Every pet owner should be aware of the lyme’s disease symptoms in dogs. Should you find a tick on your dog, remove it and save it in a small container. If your dog starts to show signs of the disease, you can then bring the tick to the vet, as well. They will be able to tell whether it is a tick that could be a carrier or not and will be able to get your dog the treatment it needs quickly.

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You can also get free advice about your pet’s needs. At a pet shop you will get the chance to see a particular type of animal or bird in action and decide if it’s really suitable.

You can also find pets for sale at a breeder’s stud or farm. You might have decided that you want something more important than a little moggy or mutt. Maybe your pet needs to be registered so you can take it to shows and even win a prize for the best pet of its breed. But be prepared to pay top dollar for one of these pets.

But if the kids want a really rare pet, you’ll probably have to look further afield. You may need to go online to find rare pets for sale. Just make sure it is legal to own one before you part with your money.

Not all commercial dog foods are alike. In fact they can be quite different in their contents. There is such a huge selection of brands and types, how do we know what is best for our dogs? Forget about advertising hype or price. Just because they say it is good for you dog, doesn’t mean it is so. Also, just because the food is expensive, doesn’t make it a good choice either. So how is one supposed to know? To start with, here are a few quick ways to check if the dog food you are using may not be right for your dog .

All of these conditions can occur in all dogs from time to time and would be considered normal. However, if several of them occur on a regular basis, it could be time to take a look at his diet.

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* The dog is often ill

* The dog gets worms frequently

* The dog has severe flea problems

* He seems to have no energy

* He seems to be restless

* His coat is dull and not soft

* His shedding is excessive

* The dog burps a lot

* The dog has bad breath

* He has gas problems

* His stools are large and/or loose

* He doesn’t seem to like his food

* His teeth are dirty and brown

Dogs are Carnivores!

Dogs are meat eaters and not vegetarians. Dogs need meat! One only needs to look at a dog’s teeth to know they are born meat eaters. Their teeth are not like ours. They are designed only for tearing meat apart. They don’t have the flat, grinding teeth we do which are made for grains. No digestion takes place in the mouth like ours does, and all the enzymes in his digestive system primarily have the ability to break down and digest meat and raw foods. Yes, your dog is a carnivore!

Protein

Protein is the dogs most needed nutrient! Dog food packaging shows the amount of protein in the food. Not only is the percentage of protein in the food important, but the source of the protein is important. Unfortunately, the protein found in dog food can come from any source. Protein from plants can be included in the protein content.

Labeling laws require that the most common ingredients be listed first. So if the first few ingredients are plant in nature, you can be sure that is where much of the protein is coming from. Much of the protein in dog food may be coming from wheat, rice, soy, and corn. Dog food manufactures use these plant sources for protein because they are cheaper. But your dog is a carnivore who NEEDS protein from animal sources!

Protein Deficiencies in Dogs

If your dogs are deficient in proper proteins, he or she may show the following symptoms:

* Aggression

* The development of epilepsy

* The development of cancer

* Bladder, liver, heart, or thyroid problems

* Tail Chasing

* Being timid

* Excessive shedding

* Bent or crooked whiskers

* Vomiting or diarrhea

* Lack of appetite

* Slow healing wounds

Dogs that are extremely active need more protein from animal sources than do dogs that are inactive. House dogs that spend most of their time inside can get by with more grain based protein in their diet than active dogs.

It is the amino acids of proteins which your dog actually needs. Unfortunately heating food destroys some of these amino acids. All dry and canned foods have been heated during manufacturing. Dogs should be giving an amino acid supplement to make up for this loss of quality in the amino acids. Ask your vet for advice on this.

Puppies and Protein

In a dog’s first year of growth, he needs almost twice as much protein than an adult dog. This is because muscles and other tissue are primarily built with amino acids. Even a short period of time in a dog’s first year without proper levels of protein can result in problems later in the dog’s life. The correct food is absolutely important during the puppy’s growth year.

When buying puppy food, it is very important that two of the first three ingredients be animal proteins and not plant proteins. It is even better if the first two are both animal proteins. Foods with two or more plant proteins in the first three should not be fed to the puppy.

Carbohydrates

Dogs also need carbohydrates. But not many are needed to stay healthy! Carbohydrates are used by the dog for proper stool consistency, some energy requirements, and proper thyroid function. Too many carbohydrates in a dog’s diet result in large, smelly stools, bad breath, sore gum’s and tartar on the teeth. Rice, oats, and barley are the best choices for carbohydrates. Foods with soy are not advised because of how it slows absorption of other nutrients. You may ask yourself how wolves, dogs’ direct ancestors, and/or wild dogs would get their carbohydrates.

Dogs need so little carbohydrates that in the wild they would get them from the digestive tracts of the animals they would catch and eat. Mice and rabbits will almost always have partially digested carbohydrates in their system. And yes, when our dogs catch a rabbit, NOTHING is left. They eat the whole thing…fur, bones, insides…everything! We are always glad to see when they have caught one because we know they are getting some good nutrients in the most natural way.

Fats

Dogs also need fat in their diets. Fats are either polyunsaturated or saturated. When dry dog foods are made, fat is sprayed on them. Fat not only makes the food taste better (just like it does with our food). Saturated fat comes from animal sources and unsaturated fat is plant based. Too much saturated fat can lead to loss of energy, dry skin, and heart problems. Too much animal fat may cause the dog to become fat, increase the likelihood of mammary gland tumors and can lead to cancer in the digestive system.

Polyunsaturated fats in dog food come from flax seed oil, safflower oil, wheat germ, and olive oil. This fat is needed for the dog’s skin and coat health. Also, too little plant fat can lead to belly or thigh lesions, itching, poor blood clotting, skin ulcers, and improper growth.

Vitamins

Dogs, just like humans, need vitamins too. Vitamins B and C are water soluble and A, D K, and E are fat soluble. The water soluble vitamins are the most fragile and are often destroyed in the heating process of foods. There is some debate about a dog’s need for vitamin C. Dog’s, unlike humans, produce vitamin C (just like we produce vitamin D). But there is some research suggesting that what a dog produces is not enough. This is especially true for puppies. You should talk to your vet about your dog’s vitamin needs. He may suggest a vitamin supplement. Along with the vitamin supplement, a mineral supplement may also be advised.

Water

A dog should have access to fresh water at all times. The only time this rule should be modified is when house breaking a puppy. Then you can limit the dog’s water intake in the evening so he can make it through the night.

Commercial Dog Food versus Natural Foods

A dog’s most natural food is raw meat. They can digest raw meat in about 5 hours. But it can take over 15 hours for a dog to digest a meal of dried dog food. This is because they have the correct and needed enzymes to digest raw foods.

They do not have enough enzymes to rapidly digest dried foods. So the dry food sits in their stomachs until enough enzymes can be sent to the stomach for digestion. Many experienced dog owners wholeheartedly embrace the idea of giving their dogs all natural foods. The draw back to this is that it can be expensive and requires considerable time. If one is interested, there are many books available on the topic of cooking for your dog.

We like to offer our dogs a compromise. We give them plenty of people food during the week, and we hope this helps better balance their diets. We give them a lot of eggs (including the shells), milk and cheese, chicken parts, meat, and other meat and dairy products they seem to like. You will find that there are some things your dog won’t digest well.

If a dog will eat them, it is fine to give your dog any and all kinds of salad ingredients such as carrots, radishes, cucumbers, and lettuce …all in small quantities. Again, just experiment in small amounts to see what your dog likes and can digest well. But don’t overdo it on the pure people food. Just a little bit will go a long way for them. But give them as much meat as you can. Buy an extra t-bone next time for your canine! And remember, there is no need to cook it for him!

Bones

One of Storm’s greatest joys is chewing on a giant ham bone! He can spend hours and hours on one. And he will not stop until the whole thing is gone. Yes, he will keep chewing until the entire bone is gone! The nutrients in the bone are great for him, and chewing on one keeps his teeth clean! When it comes to chicken bones, we have mixed emotions. For the past ten years we always gave our dogs chicken bones. They love them!

At Thanksgiving time, the dogs would get the “remains” of the boned turkey. We never had one single problem. After all, when one of our dogs catches a rabbit, they eat the whole thing. There is nothing left of the rabbit. However, in the past few months we have been reading more and more about the dangers of cooked chicken bones. They have been known to puncture the digestive tracts of some dogs. So we have stopped giving them the chicken bones just to be safe. Some vets say that uncooked chicken bones are fine since they won’t splinter.

You should also consider a professional quality dryer such as the Double K Airmax when you need to blow-dry your pet. Dogs with a double coat, such as Bernese Mountain Dogs can take up to six hours to be dried using a human blow dryer that can also cause problems with burning the dog, if not used carefully. The use of a professional quality dryer will cut down on a great deal of drying time.

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If you find that a human dryer is able to blow dry your pet in a reasonable amount of time, you may want to consider the purchase of a dog dryer which is hand held, such as the Crazy Dog dryer, which offers the ability to minimize or even eliminate the risk of burns to your dog.

You might want to consider the use of a self-serve dog wash, if you determine that it is not possible or infeasible to purchase expensive dog grooming supplies such as raised tubs and professional dog dryers for the use in grooming your own dog. Since you may have a lack of available space, or your dogs personal needs call for infrequent bathing of the animal. A self-serve dog wash normally offers the use of such tools and at a much lower price that paying a professional dog groomer to groom your dog. Although, one of the best features of a self-serve dog wash is that you do not have to clean up the mess.

On occasion, you may have to pluck ear hairs from your pet; you should consult with a professional groomer or your veterinarian for the instructions of doing this properly and safely. Keep in mind that the use of ear powder will aid you in making the process quick and easy by giving you the added gripping power while working on the slipperier hair of a dog’s ears.

You may also want to consider having a professional dog groomer to clean your dog for you if you are not able to find the time to bathe the dog yourself, since to be tolerable, a dog must be clean and healthy.

You can safely add a couple of drops of pine oil or a little Dawn dish soap to your dog’s shampoo to kill adult fleas, however you should take care not to get the solution in the dog’s nose or eyes.

You should take the time to research your dog’s breed and coat type when finding a routine of coat care for your pet, as there may be the need for specific provisions for your particular breed of dog. These requirements will give you the knowledge and ability to care for your pet’s coat while keeping it clean and in its best healthy condition. For instance, to give the proper care to a Komondor, they require an attention especially for separating forming cords on the coat. While grooming the GSD, one favorite tool for frequent use is the shedding rake.

Warnings

Although there are exceptions to be made for differences between many individuals, it is a myth that the pH difference between human skin and the skin of a dog are such a consideration. The pet shampoo industry thrives on this myth. However, you can safely use human shampoo on your dog, although it is imperative to remember that anything you put on your dog’s coat he is likely to ingest, even in small quantities. In addition, it is wise to acknowledge that any product, which is too harsh for your hair, is more than likely to harsh for your pet’s hair as well. Bear in mind that like humans, a dog is just as likely to develop an allergy to shampoo ingredients, so you should keep a good eye on your pet so you may be able to recognize any showing of negative or allergic reactions of either pet or human shampoo.

While bathing your pet, you should do your best not to get shampoo in your dog’s eyes or nose, as this can seriously irritate them. You may also choose to use a baby shampoo while washing your dog’s face and head. The proper way to apply shampoo, is to pour it into your hand, then rub your hands together, then apply to your pets wet hair, rather than pouring straight from the shampoo bottle. Doing so will aid you in the control of shampooing the areas that receive shampoo and the areas that do not. Be especially careful while rinsing your dog, so that soap and suds do not enter your dogs eyes or nose, you can also gently squeeze the dogs ears shut so that water does not enter its ears while you work around those areas. You may want to consider the use of a good quality baby shampoo that is diluted 4 to 1 with warm water, remembering to add water first and the shampoo, as this solution can be used all over your pet while it will rinse away much cleaner than other types of human shampoo. Doing so will bypass the problem of burning your dogs eyes and nose.

When you shampoo your pet, you are cleaning the whole dog and not just parts of it, so if you have a problem with touching certain areas of your dog, you will have to just get over it, as you are doing your pet a great injustice by not washing the dog thoroughly. On the other hand, since the genital area of a dog is more sensitive than that of a human, you should be especially careful not to use medicated shampoos or hot water while cleaning your pet’s genital area.

Do not overdo your pets bathing ritual as bathing to often can cause problems of drying out the skin while eliminating its natural oils. Remember that for some dogs, a weekly bath is fine, but for other dogs, this is not acceptable. However if you do live in a city where there are filthy streets it may be in your pets best interest to be bathed weekly, with a solution of one part shampoo and ten parts water. You may also want to consider the use of waterless shampoos, as they are the ideal for the quick and easy clean up of butt and foot areas. While using a waterless shampoo, you will directly spot spray and then use a damp sponge to sponge off the waterless shampoo. There is also available soap free shampoos that are diluted and therefore less irritating the use of regular shampoos, these come in quite handy when you are concerned for maintaining a healthy coat and skin while bathing your pet frequently. You may find these types of products by doing an online search as well as in many pet supply stores.

You should also bear in mind that it is a natural instinct for many dogs to automatically, pull away their back leg when it is lifted. The animal is not being disobedient, they are following their instincts and no opposing you when they do this, therefore you should not become irritated with your dog while bathing him, and never punish it while bathing. Instead, it is best for you to struggle through this phase of bathing as best you can and then praise your pet when it is being still while having a bath. In addition, if you own a large or medium size dog, you may be able to clip the nails of their hind feet without having to lift their foot.

Since water can easily cause serious problems for your dog’s ears, it is best to avoid getting water in them. However, if water does get into their ears, you can safely use a cotton ball or cotton pad to gently pat the inside of your dogs ears, however under no circumstance should you ever attempt to use Q-tips in your dog’s ears as they can possibly cause damage as well. If you do observe that your pet begins to scratch their ears soon after being bathed, you may want to consider a visit to the vet so they can remove any irritating water.

Moreover, remember, even if it may seem convenient, never, ever use human toothpaste to brush dog’s teeth as the animal may swallow the toothpaste and then get sick. Ask your veterinarian about the use of veterinary toothpaste for the best possible results.

Dogs are definitely social beings, but behave like wild animals when not provided the proper training. This means your dog will bite you, fight with other dogs, dig in the yard, bark too much, damage your property and dirty your home.

These canine behavioral issues are actually normal dog activities, but the timing and the subject of focus is all wrong. To illustrate this, a dog must do its business outside, but does not wait and goes on the rug instead. Perhaps the dog does not just bark at a suspicious prowler, but barks the entire night instead. Or, the dog prefers to gnaw on your shoes instead of the toys you’ve provided. The critical message you must impart to your dog is that these behaviors need to be redirected to the proper time and place.

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Training establishes the “pecking order” too. Your dog shows respect to you just through simple compliance for commands like “sit” and “come.” However, you and your dog should derive rewards and fun times from training. Proper training makes living together a pleasurable and rewarding experience. The well-trained canine actually can be given more freedom and is a much more confident pet as compared to a dog with no boundaries on behavior.

Your home is the venue where you should do the training. Don’t pick an area with a lot of distractions for your dog; it should be an area your dog is used to. Once you are confident that your dog has mastered a few compliance commands, you can then move on to different locations. Remember that you want people who visit to see your dog comply with all your commands. What’s the point if your dog sits on command in the backyard, but does not do so when visitors are at your home? The big test of dog training success is to see your dog respond to commands in public places.

Dog obedience training lessons should be short on time, but long on results. Scheduling long and meticulous dog training sessions will only become tedious and unproductive in the end. The best way to schedule dog training is to integrate it within day-to-day activities. Your dog training sessions should be structured so that both you and your pet derive benefit from it. Integrate dog training sessions during activities your dog loves, and your dog will associate those favorite activities with the training. From your dog’s perspective, it should see that everything is training and training is everything.

You will find that the most profound theme in that dog training should be rewarding to your dog for the appropriate responses. The speed at which the dog learns is directly associated with the frequency of rewards. This means that practice will involve rewarding good behaviors in quick succession. Never take your dog’s good behavior lightly and make sure that praise is given quickly. If a dog barks too much, it always gets attention, but we fail to notice our dog acting properly at times. It is human nature to focus on the bad behaviors and ignore the good. But with dogs, a system of proper actions and quick rewards are vital for the prevention of future problems.

Dogs get exasperated too when all they hear is, “No, get down, bad dog!” The constant nagging also has a tendency to make a dog apathetic to your commands. If there is a consistent system of rewards for appropriate behavior, then when your dog behaves badly and gets scolded, it has a greater impact. Remember to not just scold your dog, but show what you desire from it and immediately reward the behavior when done right. For example, you can show your dog its own toys right after scolding it for chewing on some household item. You can get excited about the dog’s toys and give a reward when the dogs play with them.

The tone of your voice, if used properly, is all that is needed for correcting bad behavior. Stick to reprimands that are concise, short and quick, and avoid nagging. Do not scold your dog if you have not caught the wrong behavior right away, as it will have little meaning after some time has passed. Late reprimands do little good and can even worsen the wrong behavior in your dog. Inappropriate reprimanding can make your dog aggressive, timid, afraid of the raised hand, apt to chew and bark excessively.

Let’s start with examining the natural instincts of canines. Unlike humans, who drool over soaring, vaulted ceilings and thousands of square footage, canines prefer their homes to be small, cozy dens.

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It provides protection from predators and warmth in winter months. In fact, a den is crucial for a dog’s survival in the wild. A dog that sleeps out in the open becomes easy prey and all dog’s know this–that’s why they instinctually long for a den. When inside the crate, dogs spend most of the time sleeping. This isn’t because they are bored, but because dogs need about 13 hours of sleep per day to function properly. They will be content to get most of that sleep done in their kennel, looking forward to play time when the family returns home. So remember: even though humans deplore the idea of being kept in a cage-like enclosure, dogs will always prefer them.

In every class I teach, most people go home fully intent on crate training but usually give up within the first two or three days. Why? Because their puppy is whining and crying and scratching at the kennel door all night long and they desperately want some sleep. As a result, they toss this wonderful training tool out the window. I find it fascinating that the same people who have the endurance to get through months and months with a newborn baby cannot get through one week of crate training. And that’s really all it takes. Within one week, your puppy should be completely acclimated to its kennel. Even though the puppy’s instincts long for a den, we still have to understand that this particular den is foreign to them. When the puppy was born, it was born inside its mother’s den. That is the den they have come to know and love. So when we take a dog from its mother’s den and introduce it to a new one, there has to be a transition period. There are several ways to make this transition period as quick and painless as possible:

1) When you purchase your puppy, bring him home in the morning and plan to spend all day with him. This will give him the most amount of time to get used to his surroundings before going into his kennel at night. Never bring a new puppy home in the evening. He won’t have time to get to know you and will be extremely lonely, scared, and will cry for his mother (quite possibly all night long).

2) Some puppies will act depressed on the first day away from their mother and siblings, while others seem to fit in with their new family immediately. Either way, you must begin crate training on the day you bring your puppy home. Start by giving him his meals inside the kennel. Place his bowl of food on the far side, opposite of the door. You may have to coax him into the kennel, but once he’s inside, praise him and love on him. Repeat the coaxing and praising until he feels comfortable going inside the kennel. When coaxing him, give the kennel command of your choice, “Go kennel,” or “Go to your room,” or “Kennel up.” Once he is kennel trained, all you’ll have to do is point to the kennel and give the command and he should go right in, eliminating the need to chase him down when you’re already late for work.

3) When you have a play session, try tossing the puppy’s toy into the kennel a few, random times to get him used to the kennel as a fun place to be. Also, if you’ve started obedience training, toss the puppy’s reward treat into his kennel when he does something good. He’ll begin to attach praise and good behavior with his kennel.

4) Never use the kennel as punishment. The kennel should always be a place of comfort and safety. If you need to remove your dog from the rest of the pack (your family), pick a small room like the laundry room or a spare bathroom. It’s okay for the dog to associate discipline with one of these rooms, but never his kennel.

5) When first starting out, always keep the kennel in the same room as you. If you’re in the kitchen most of the day, bring the kennel in there. If your whole family is in the living room enjoying a movie, bring the kennel in there. Soon, your dog will begin to prefer hanging out in his kennel rather than the floor or the couch. My dog spends most of his nap time in his kennel. When he’s ready to sleep, he trots back to his kennel, opens the door himself, climbs inside and snoozes until I call him. Everyone thinks he’s strange for doing so, but really, he’s just doing what his instincts tell him.

6) Always implement tough love. If your dog whines, cries, or scratches, it’s not because he is deathly afraid or will die if you leave him in his kennel over night. He whines because he knows you will come to his rescue and let him out. Never release your dog from his kennel unless he is perfectly quiet. This will teach him that whining and crying get him nowhere, resulting in quiet nights for you and your family. If you succumb to the whining and let your dog out, this only shows him that he is actually the teacher–and he’s just taught you to open the crate when he whines! Remember, the alpha dog (that would be you) never takes orders from the other pack members. By following your dog’s orders, you will ultimately have a confused and unruly dog on your hands–he’ll be the boss of some things, but not of others, and this confusion will last his entire life as he struggles to find a balance. It’s crucial that you remain the alpha for the duration of your dog’s life. Then he will know his place and feel comfortable and happy to romp around within his understood boundaries.

7) With puppies, try putting a hot water bottle under the blankets inside the kennel. This helps to mimic the warmth of the litter that your puppy is used to. A cold puppy is a lonely puppy. Warmth helps him fall asleep feeling safe. Try adding a few stuffed animals around him too. This will also help mimic the litter. You need not do this if you are adopting an older dog, as they should be used to sleeping away from the litter. Also, for the first few nights, keep the kennel right next to your bed so the puppy doesn’t feel completely isolated. I usually set the kennel on a table so it is the same level as my bed–this way, the dog can see me and feel as though he is sleeping with his pack. After the first week, I move the kennel to the floor beside the bed. Then, gradually, I begin to move the kennel away from the bed until it is in the spot where it will remain most nights.

One of the most important rules of crate training is to never give up! Even if you’ve tried everything and your dog is still scared of the kennel or still whines, keep trying. If you do, here are some of the benefits you’ll receive:

Peace of mind. You’ll always know your dog is safe when he is in his kennel. A dog that is free to roam about the house will ultimately get into something at some point. Our homes are not akin to the wild; they are, at times, more dangerous and provide a myriad of ways your dog can harm himself. He could turn over a trash can and scarf down chicken bones or greasy paper towels, resulting in more trips to the vet (and a huge mess to clean when you get home). He may find your shoes irresistible and end up ruining several pairs or swallowing shoe laces. He may even urinate or throw up on one of your favorite rugs. I’ve known dogs to rip up throw pillows and even scratch holes in doors and window screens. But when confined to a kennel, a dog will spend most of his time sleeping soundly in a perfectly safe environment.

Structure. Crate training provides structured sleep patterns. For those of you who have children, you know the benefits of scheduled sleep. Your dog needs at least 13 hours of sleep every day to function the way nature intended. Structured sleep may result in fewer trips to the vet and a longer life for your pet.

Balance. If you provide safety and structure for your pet, you are demonstrating good alpha leadership. Your dog will never need to wonder who his master is and he will have a balanced conscience. Think of the most well-behaved dog you know. He didn’t become that way on his own, no matter what breed he is. Now think of his owner. When the dog is with his owner, have you ever noticed a kind of “harmony” between them? If so, this is because the owner simply demonstrates proper alpha leadership by providing balance. The dog always knows his place and never has to try his owner’s patience or test him. He simply knows he can’t get away with bad behavior so he just doesn’t attempt it. For example: I bring my dog to work with me. He has a kennel at the office and I will make sure that he gets several hours of nap time in his kennel each day, even though I’m right beside him. I notice huge changes in his behavior if I forget and leave him out in the office all day without nap time inside the kennel. He becomes testy and disobedient! Yet when I make sure to keep his daily routine of kennel time, he is the most obedient and satisfied pooch around. It’s such a small act, but it goes a long way.

Savings. A healthy dog is an inexpensive dog. Yes, some dogs are born with conditions that require more vet bills than others, but keeping your dog away from household dangers will keep money in the bank.

Faster house-breaking. Dogs that are crate trained are generally house-broken faster than those that are not. This is because the crate mimics den life. In the mother’s den, as she is potty-training her pups, she never allows them to soil their living quarters. She nudges them outside the den several times per day so they can urinate. Dogs only soil their crates when they are very young and do not yet have proper control, if they are ill, or if they are kept in the crate far too long. Other than that, they always prefer to urinate outside. If you get into the routine of taking your pet outside right before and directly after they are in their kennel, you’ll have fewer accidents, fewer messes to clean, and a faster house-breaking. Fact: dogs that are left outside the crate have eliminated somewhere in the house. And because his owners weren’t there to supervise, that spot will ultimately go unnoticed. The problem is, the dog will continue to soil in the same spot year after year because they will keep trying to cover the scent resulting in a house that reeks of ammonia. Do yourself a favor and crate train. You will be able to supervise your dog’s elimination. And if your dog soils his crate, it’s very simple to clean. Simply wash the bedding and wipe out the removable tray in the kennel. You might have to give your puppy a bath afterwards as well.

Relaxing travel. A dog that is crate trained is a lovely traveling companion. Inside his crate, he will feel safe and will sometimes even sleep during the entire journey. This way, you won’t have a dog climbing onto your lap while you’re driving and he won’t be tempted to chew on the upholstery. Also, most hotels will welcome dogs if they are crate trained, saving you high-priced boarding costs.

Lastly, here are some guidelines to follow when crate training:

- Crates come in all different shapes and sizes. Ask your breeder, vet, or someone at your local pet store what size is appropriate for your breed. A good rule of thumb is that the crate should be big enough that your dog (when fully grown) can stand up and turn around. It shouldn’t be so big that your dog can romp or play inside. Crates usually cost anywhere from 30 to 150 dollars. But this one-time cost is nothing compared to what you might spend on damage caused by a dog that is not crate trained.

- Always keep fresh water in the crate. A hamster or rabbit bottle works much better than an open bowl that can be turned over.

- Only keep safe toys inside the crate. If your dog likes to tear apart stuffed animals, do not leave a stuffed animal inside the crate. This may be a choking hazard. Most dogs simply sleep inside their kennels and they do not play, so toys are not necessary.

- Keep the bottom of the crate lined with a towel, pad, or thin blanket. This will help cushion their elbows, keep them warm, and help to soak up accidents, making it easier to clean.

- Always take your dog outside and make sure he urinates before going into the kennel. Then, when it is time to release the dog, take him directly outside again. Never dawdle once the dog has been released, as this could result in an accident on the floor while you’re searching for your shoes.

- Never feed your dog right before he goes into the kennel. A good rule to follow is that your dog’s feeding time should be right after your family finishes supper. This way, the dog mimics the pack and eats right after they do and then has the rest of the evening to digest. He should be able to eliminate that same evening right before he goes into the kennel for the night.

- A dog should never spend more than 6 hours a day in his crate, except overnight. I believe that if a family must spend over 8 hours a day away from home, only to see their dog for a few hours every evening, they should not be dog owners. Dogs are pack animals and no matter what we do, they will always be pack animals, craving constant companionship. To separate them from pack life and expect them to thrive happily alone for so many hours a day is far more cruel than the method of crate training. If you must own a dog, regardless of this fact, consider owning two or three. At least the dogs will not be alone for most of their lives. A dog left isolated from its pack will demonstrate some or all of the following behaviors: nervousness, shaking, cowardice, loss of hair, chewing on its paws until they are raw, anxiety, disobedience, loss of bladder and bowel control, dehydration, exhaustion from barking all day long, and vomiting. If you have two or three dogs, you may see the same benefits of crate training by simply confining your pets to their own room during the day. A laundry room or spare bathroom works great. Provide food and water, comfy dog beds, and some newspaper on the floor incase of accidents. Make sure there are no hazards in the room like trash cans, and keep items like laundry detergent, dryer sheets, and cleaning products somewhere safe.

- After a few years, your dog should be able to “graduate” from over night crate training. Mine is two and a half years old, and he is just now able to sleep outside of the crate in our bedroom. You will know your dog is ready when he is successfully house-broken and shows independence in his sleeping locations. As dogs get older, they are more sensitive to temperature and may switch from sleeping on a warm fleece to sleeping on a cool, wooden floor several times during the night. Maintaining a satisfying temperature for your dog is difficult inside the crate. When this is apparent, allow your dog to sleep outside of the kennel, but close the door to your bedroom so he cannot roam about the entire house. Give him a special bed to lay on beside your bed and remember to take him outside the first thing in the morning. Continue to crate train when you leave the house.

- I have known a few dogs to “graduate” from daytime crate training as well. These are usually guard dogs, or ward dogs. There is a difference between a guard dog and what I call a “ward” dog. A guard dog is specifically trained to guard the house from intruders whereas a “ward” dog will ward off strangers by means of its large size and intimidating bark. Just because you have a German Shepherd doesn’t mean he is a trained guard dog. I owned a German Shepherd that was afraid of squeaky toys–she would not have stopped a determined intruder. But she did have a very intimidating bark and may have warded off some skulking teenagers if necessary. A guard or ward dog in a crate does not do much good, so if you purposefully bought a guard or ward dog, he should graduate within two years. When your dog graduates from day time crate training, particular steps should be taken to make sure your home is free of dangerous objects. Just like you would “baby-proof” your house, you must “dog-proof” it too. But, this is only recommended for guard or ward dogs–not for common pets. I would still recommend encouraging your dog to nap in his kennel. Simply remove the kennel door. He can resort to his kennel for nap times whether you’re home or away and still have the ability to leave the kennel if he hears a suspicious noise.