Dog Tip of the Day Blog - By Dogster.com http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day Just another Dogster Site News and Updates weblog Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:00:02 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 During the holidays, mind the door http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/20/during-the-holidays-mind-the-door/ http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/20/during-the-holidays-mind-the-door/#comments Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:00:02 +0000 Helen Fazio http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/20/during-the-holidays-mind-the-door/
  When the family comes over for big holidays where multiple generations create chaos coming and going, beware the open front door.

Extended family members may not know your policy about letting pets in and out and they may be too busy to notice a pet slipping out.

If you have pets that tend to wander outside, warn family members in advance that they must be careful that nobody with four feet escapes. Holidays are notorious times for pets to go on unplanned walkabouts.

Helen Fazio and her dog Raja are world travelers. Click here to visit their blog, and click here to follow them on Twitter. ]]> http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/20/during-the-holidays-mind-the-door/feed/ 0 Dog circles: Why dogs circle and scratch before lying down http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/19/dog-circles-why-dogs-circle-and-scratch-before-lying-down-2/ http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/19/dog-circles-why-dogs-circle-and-scratch-before-lying-down-2/#comments Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:00:02 +0000 Tracie Hotchner http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/19/dog-circles-why-dogs-circle-and-scratch-before-lying-down-2/

  Wolves are known to flatten down grass to make a comfortable bed, which may explain why some dogs will scratch and circle and scratch again at a bed to make it comfortable.

Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter. ]]> http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/19/dog-circles-why-dogs-circle-and-scratch-before-lying-down-2/feed/ 0 Cuteness should not hurt: Discourage your puppy from biting http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/18/cuteness-should-not-hurt-discourage-your-puppy-from-biting-2/ http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/18/cuteness-should-not-hurt-discourage-your-puppy-from-biting-2/#comments Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:00:02 +0000 Tracie Hotchner http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/18/cuteness-should-not-hurt-discourage-your-puppy-from-biting-2/

  Do not let a puppy bite you anywhere, ever. Puppy teeth can really hurt and the only way to teach a puppy to keep them off of you is being consistent in saying “Nooo” in a commanding voice and substituting a favorite toy. This will help the little pooch understand that biting is not a habit that is worth taking up.

Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter. ]]> http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/18/cuteness-should-not-hurt-discourage-your-puppy-from-biting-2/feed/ 0 Know the cause: A dog may become aggressive when in pain http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/17/know-the-cause-a-dog-may-become-aggressive-when-in-pain-2/ http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/17/know-the-cause-a-dog-may-become-aggressive-when-in-pain-2/#comments Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:00:03 +0000 Tracie Hotchner http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/17/know-the-cause-a-dog-may-become-aggressive-when-in-pain-2/

  If a dog that is not normally aggressive suddenly begins showing signs of aggression, you must get to the vet right away so that physical pain can be ruled out. Dental problems are high on the list of triggers for aggression in dogs.

Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter.

]]> http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/17/know-the-cause-a-dog-may-become-aggressive-when-in-pain-2/feed/ 0 No crowding: Avoid large groups of people when walking your dog http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/16/no-crowding-avoid-large-groups-of-people-when-walking-your-dog-2/ http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/16/no-crowding-avoid-large-groups-of-people-when-walking-your-dog-2/#comments Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:00:02 +0000 Tracie Hotchner http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/16/no-crowding-avoid-large-groups-of-people-when-walking-your-dog-2/
  Avoid crowds when walking a dog that is fearful or can be aggressive. If your dog gets stressed when walking in crowded areas, then avoid putting him or her in those situations. Choose quieter environments to enjoy the outside world for dogs whose “buttons” get pushed by too much sensory input.

Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter. ]]> http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/16/no-crowding-avoid-large-groups-of-people-when-walking-your-dog-2/feed/ 0 Burying treasure: Why do some dogs bury bones? http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/13/burying-treasure-why-do-some-dogs-bury-bones-2/ http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/13/burying-treasure-why-do-some-dogs-bury-bones-2/#comments Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:54:35 +0000 Tracie Hotchner http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/13/burying-treasure-why-do-some-dogs-bury-bones-2/

  Dogs all over the world are known for burying things, from bones to chew toys, from food to (yikes!) your shoes.

Why they do this is another mystery of dog behavior called “caching,” which wolves also do, although no one is certain of the reason for this instinctual drive. It is quite curious that some dogs do it with whatever treat they get while others never bury anything.

Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter. ]]> http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/13/burying-treasure-why-do-some-dogs-bury-bones-2/feed/ 0 Unleashed: Do not be physically rough with the leash when training your dog http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/12/unleashed-do-not-be-physically-rough-with-the-leash-when-training-your-dog/ http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/12/unleashed-do-not-be-physically-rough-with-the-leash-when-training-your-dog/#comments Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:00:02 +0000 Tracie Hotchner http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/12/unleashed-do-not-be-physically-rough-with-the-leash-when-training-your-dog/

  Training can get frustrating or intense and you need to keep in mind that your physical strength should never come into play.

The leash and collar are not a grab bar or weapon for you to jerk, grab or to pull on. They are there for guidance, as gentle reminders to the dog of what you are asking him to do. Do NOT be influenced by trainers you see on television who use the leash in a punishing manner: this is frowned upon by the best trainers and can damage a dog neck.

Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter. ]]> http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/12/unleashed-do-not-be-physically-rough-with-the-leash-when-training-your-dog/feed/ 0 Give your dog’s immune system a boost http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/11/give-your-dogs-immune-system-a-boost/ http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/11/give-your-dogs-immune-system-a-boost/#comments Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:00:01 +0000 Adam, Wendy & Lola http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/11/give-your-dogs-immune-system-a-boost/

  Adding a daily supplement can help jump-start your dog’s immune system and promote health and wellness. Vitamins will help pets fight foreign invasions caused by toxins and pollutants that can wreak havoc on their bodies.

When hunting for a supplement, closely inspect the label to determine what it contains to ensure that you are getting something appropriate for your pet. Vitamins A, C, E and the mineral Selenium are the ones to keep in mind when doing this. Proper supplements that meet your dog’s needs will ensure a strong immune system.

PawLux.com is a leading provider of all natural and eco-friendly products for dogs. Feel free to read our blog at http://www.pawluxury.blogspot.com or follow our popular Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/pawluxury. ]]> http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/11/give-your-dogs-immune-system-a-boost/feed/ 0 How to screen a potential pet sitter http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/10/how-to-screen-a-potential-pet-sitter/ http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/10/how-to-screen-a-potential-pet-sitter/#comments Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:00:02 +0000 Adam, Wendy & Lola http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/10/how-to-screen-a-potential-pet-sitter/

  Last-minute travel plans are stressful enough, but finding someone to tend to your pet can add another level of anxiety.

Start with a recommendation from a friend, neighbor, veterinarian, humane society or dog trainer. Make sure your chosen pet sitter is affiliated with a professional pet sitting organization or has solid references. Once you have made a list of trustworthy and reliable sitters in your area, the next step is to call and interview candidates over the phone.

Ask what they charge, how long the visits are, if they are bonded and insured, and if they have any special skills, such as caring for birds or reptiles or veterinary experience. When calling an agency, find out how many pet sitters they employ and their days of operation. Inquire whether they charge extra during the holidays. And make sure you ask them to bring references if you decide you want to meet them in person.

PawLux.com is a leading provider of all natural and eco-friendly products for dogs. Feel free to read our blog at http://www.pawluxury.blogspot.com or follow our popular Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/pawluxury. ]]> http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/10/how-to-screen-a-potential-pet-sitter/feed/ 0 Make your dog’s bark-day party a smashing success http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/09/make-your-dogs-bark-day-party-a-smashing-success/ http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/09/make-your-dogs-bark-day-party-a-smashing-success/#comments Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:00:02 +0000 Adam, Wendy & Lola http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/09/make-your-dogs-bark-day-party-a-smashing-success/

  When deciding on a location for your dog’s bark-day party, it’s important that the space is accommodating. Dogs love room to play, but will also appreciate a time-out from their party pals.

So choose a place that allows you and your dog’s paw pals to run and roughhouse, has ample space for participants to take a party break and relax from the pack, and room to chase balls and play fetch.

But most importantly, choose an area that is safe for pets to explore without fear of a dog escaping and leaving the festivities too early without a guardian. If you are having the party in your backyard, make sure the area is fenced-in and away from traffic.

PawLux.com is a leading provider of all natural and eco-friendly products for dogs. Feel free to read our blog at http://www.pawluxury.blogspot.com or follow our popular Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/pawluxury. ]]> http://blogs.dogster.com/dog_tip_of_the_day/2009/11/09/make-your-dogs-bark-day-party-a-smashing-success/feed/ 0