We’re all guilty of it – giving in to those big begging eyes pleading at us for a scrap from the table during dinner. Fido knows just how to get you to concede, and most of us justify that a little won’t hurt, or we don’t even think of the potential danger at all. But the truth is that human food can be harmful to your pet, and in some cases, can be fatal. It’s important to know how certain foods can be unsafe so that you can avoid them for the sake of your animal.

Here is how a few of some of the most common “human foods” become harmful for pets:

Chocolate and other foods containing caffeine

Caffeine is one of the greatest culprits because it contains an alkaloid called theobromine. Theobromine acts as a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic, which in turn can cause a heart attack or other heart and nervous system problems in animals.

Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic are potentially harmful due to the fact that both contain thiosulphate, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia in cats and dogs. Of the two, onions are the most toxic, as consumption of simply one serving by your pet could result in anemia.

Milk

Milk can harm your pet due to the fact that many dogs and cats tend to be lactose intolerant. The consumption of milk and milk products by a lactose intolerant pet creates a breeding ground for bacteria, causing vomiting and diarrhea.

Bones

Bones, although commonly known as a great treat for your dog, are potentially very dangerous for pets. Once eaten, bones can splinter and get stuck in the intestines, causing damage or fatality. In most splinter cases, the bones must be removed surgically.

Other Foods

Other human foods to avoid when feeding your pet are: macadamia nuts, potato peelings and green-looking potatoes, rhubarb leaves, moldy/spoiled foods, alcohol, yeast dough, tomato leaves and stems, broccoli, and raisins or grapes.

Some human foods potentially cause only mild digestive upsets, while others can be fatal. Regardless of the level of danger, the best choice for your pet is to keep him from any potentially harmful foods in order to ensure his health and safety.

During the holiday season, veterinary clinics have noticed a rising in the number of pets that they treat for food-related illnesses. The increase in pet illness is due to the fact that animals are partaking in human foods during mealtime. Although not well known by the public, the consumption of human food to pets is potentially harmful to animals, and in some instances, can be fatal.

The rise in food-related illnesses by pets is a clear indication that the dangers of human food consumption by animals are not understood by the masses.

So, the next time your pet looks up at you with those pleading eyes, show him you care by doing what is truly best for him and feeding him only products meant for pet consumption. In the end, both you and your pet will be glad that you did.

About The Author

Paul Counts and Tyler Clinton are the owners of http://Petronic.com and the editors of http://www.leadingedgepetcare.com. They are both passionate pet owners and entrepreneurs, and they provide a variety of high end pet supplies at http://www.petronic.com.

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If a person is considering buying a new dog they should consider what type of dog they are buying carefully. There is nothing worse than having an adorable puppy grow into a dog that is inappropriate for the family, especially when a little research would have let them know that before they bought it. Havanese dogs are a great small dog breed for any person seeking a new pet. In fact, Havanese are a great all around type of dog, no matter the size they are compared to. They have a good temperament, are hypoallergenic, and are a very healthy breed. When buying dogs like the Havanese (or any other breed really) a person should make sure that the breed is right for him or her and the person’s family. Adopting or buying dog is a long commitment that should not be taken lightly. Remember, when a person is getting a dog, they are getting a new family member. If a person is thinking about getting a new dog for his or her family, that person may wish to consider the small dog breed called the Havanese dog. This is a dog that originates from breeding in Cuba, and has been made somewhat more famous due to celebrities such as Barbara Walters owning them. This is a very varied type of dog. Havanese dogs may come in many different fur types and colors. In fact, very few colors and fur types and combinations will exclude them from being shown.

The Havanese dog breed is considered a very intelligent and a highly-trainable one. Dog lovers will find many reasons to buy this particular breed. First of all, this dog does not shed so it is considered hypoallergenic, which is great for anyone who is allergic to dogs. Second of all, Havanese dogs have a great temperament and even enjoys playing with children. Third of all, Havanese dogs are considered to be very healthy and most are healthier than the average small breed dog according to reliable Havanese information.

Havanese dogs are considered (like Bichons and poodles) to be a shed-free dog. This means that they shed very little, although they must be brushed. This type of dog is considered to be hypoallergenic because although they have dander, they do not shed it off easily. This adds one bit of work for a pet owner, because that means they must be brushed frequently to avoid damage to their skin and fur.

The temperament of Havanese dogs is another great reason to have this type of dog. Unlike most small dogs, Havanese dogs do not get nervous around people and children. Most children (even fairly young ones) are able to play with this dog easily.

A huge concern among pet owners, particularly among purebred dog owners, is the general health of the dog and the dog breed. Unlike many dog breeds, particularly smaller dog breeds, the Havanese is relatively hardy. The breed overall, is a very healthy one.

Choosing a dog for one’s family can be a very difficult choice. There are many factors a person should consider, many of which they do not even think about until they adopted a dog they are not ready for. One type of dog that is generally a safe choice for most families is the Havanese dog breed. Havanese Dogs are a beautiful small dog breed that fit well into most households and bring joy along with them.

Havanese Dogs fit in with most families so well because of the fact that they do not shed, which makes them hypoallergenic, they are a very good temperament, and even get along with small children. They are a very healthy breed, especially compared to other small dog breeds. In addition to these factors, Havanese Dogs are very trainable smart dogs. Overall, they will fit into almost every household and are an excellent breed of dog.

About The Author

A particular lover of small breeds, Fiona Kelly has extensive experience raising, breeding and caring for many types of dogs. http://www.havanese-puppy-guide.com/ Havanese are a wonderful small dog breed characterized by its lack of shedding, good temperament, and good general health. Information about http://www.havanese-puppy-guide.com/Havanese.html what to expect with the Havanese can be found in this article.

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The Best Toys for Your Dogs
 by: Michael Fortomas

Dogs is a major status symbol in American pet-keeping. Every year, over 12 billion dollars have been spent on dog food and veterinary care alone. According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association’s 2003-2004 Pet Owners’ Survey, more than half of dog owners purchase toys for their dogs.

Playing with toys is not the monopoly of little kids but also pets of different kind. Dogs have their own sets of toys to enjoy during their playing time.

Dogs benefit from these toys, health and training wise. There are dog toys that can strengthen their teeth or build their intelligence especially if they also attend a series of training classes with the experts. Like man, dogs are very sociable. Interaction with their companion or a sibling dog is very important in avoiding behavioral problems in the future.

When buying toys for your dog, you may want to match them with your dog’s needs, demands and even personality. Is your dog the type that enjoys chasing and retrieving games, or chewing, sitting and sprawling? You may want to try experimenting first to find out which toys make your dogs the happiest.

Before going on a toy hunt, take a look at this list of toys that may help you identify the right kind of toy for your dog.

* CHEW TOYS. These are perfect for the dog that likes to chew a lot. Instead of your dog chewing your furniture, why not buy these TOUGH little babies for them. These types of dog toy are usually made of nylon or latex rubber. The “King Kong Toys” are among the popular brands of chew toys. You can experiment by stuffing these toys with peanut butter or cheese spread, freeze them and give them to your dog for hours of licking and chewing fun.

Doggie “potato chips” is also a favorite. These “edible chips” can last to a minimum of an hour to a couple of days. They are available in different shapes like pig ears, snouts, cow knuckles, femurs, hooves and bully sticks. Others are bone-shaped made from a variety of vegetables such as carrots.

Another good toy for your dog’s chewing pleasure is the rawhide. These are non- consumable, mummified skin-like toy that you have to throw away when they get soggy, and give your dog a new one. Some rawhides are basted with a variety of flavorings. Be sure to get the “USA rawhide” with a little flag sticker on the label because these do not contain preservative flavorings that are harmful for your dogs.

SQUEAKY TOYS. For these toys, choose the rubber over the stuffed toys for durability and to avoid synthetic materials. These little noisemakers are good for training your dog’s hunting skills.

RETRIEVING TOYS. These are perfect for the chase-and-retrieve types of dogs. Dogs enjoy these toys because they get to play with you. Frisbees and balls made specifically for this activity, are the best to be used. Your dog will get a good workout and so is your arm.

TUG TOYS. These toys are best for dogs that like to grab hold and never let go. Available in rope-like designs.

BRAIN TEASERS. Best for dogs that is left alone a lot. “Biscuit balls” and “food cubes” are great examples. These toys require the dog to solve types of puzzle in order to get a treat.

Various toys of these forms are available in the market.

1. For Chewers of all Sizes

SQUIRREL DUDE – tough, durable and fun too; this hollow rubber chew toy takes on a new level in innovation; this helps to exercise your dog’s jaw a little more with the four little rubber prongs blocking the hole slightly that the dog has to work a little harder to get the goodies out.

2. Ball Launchers and Throwers (Retrieve Toys)

FRISBEES – is an all-time favorite dog toy especially the soft version; fold to fit in a pocket; comes in blue and orange colors, size six to nine inches, prices at eleven to sixteen dollars.

THE ROUND ORBEE – a tough ball hallowed with ½ inch thick membraney surface and it’s softish; it is flexible, durable, grippy, bouncy, and buoyant and has a peppermint scent; good for sniffing-and-getting-the- ball game; prices at five to twelve dollars depending on the size and form you choose

3. Squeaky Toys

SQUEAKERS – available in packages of ten each; dogs that love to silence squeakers are the best for this toy; excellent as attention and pocket squeaker as well; prices go lower if you buy in packages, from five to three dollars each box/package.

4. Tug Toys

LEATHER TUGS – great for tug-of-war games with your dog; made of high grade leather, 3/8 inches thick, tanned and not-treated; dogs like them a lot especially those with active lifestyle.

THE MONGO FETCH TOY – a chew and tug toy combined in one; the natural rubber bar is vanilla scented; rope running through the center gives you a grip for tug games and the soft tasseled ends are made for exciting action with your dogs; medium to large in size, from five to seven dollars each.

5. Brain Teasers

I CUBE – this is a toy that challenges and develops your dog’s intelligence and puzzle solving skills; be sure you are there for supervision; available in junior and jumbo sizes, six to eleven dollars.

DUCK EGG BABY – egg Babies are a plush toy with three squeaker eggs inside; there is an opening on the bottom of the toy so your dog can get the hidden treasures inside; this is a toy that challenges and develops your dog’s intelligence and puzzle solving skills too.

Toys are a fun way to enjoy with your dog in a sunny day at the park. But be sure to apply proper safety measures especially when playing with balls, sticks and stones. You do not want to harm them in any way. Remember, this is a dog-eat-dog world! Even as harmless as playing can cause indestructible damage to your dog.

Mihail Fortomas is a teacher of Biology in a High School of Athens Greece. For the dog owner who wants dog health care information – everything for Dog Diseases and Treats, Foods and Diet, visit:
http://1source-body-health.com/dog-health-care.html

About The Author

Michael Fortomas is a teacher of Biology. His site http://1source-body-health.com has free health ecourses,free health articles,free health ebooks for the Latest Health, Fitness and Weight Loss Tips and Secrets!

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Leptospirosis In Dogs
 by: Kirsten Hawkins

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can affect a dog’s blood, liver, and kidneys. The bacteria that cause the illness are carried primarily by rats and other rodents, but dogs that are infected with the disease can infect other dogs as well. Ingestion of the urine of an infected animal is the most common means of transmission, but the bacteria can be contracted through damaged or thin skin as well.

Leptospirosis is an odd disease that can often show no signs or symptoms at all. In these cases the bacteria are eventually defeated by the dog’s natural defenses. Other times, and more often, however, the disease can be life threatening to the infected dog. The three main forms of the disease are hemorrhagic (infection in the blood, causing bleeding), renal (infecting the kidneys), and icteric (infecting the liver).

Hemorrhagic Leptospirosis tends to start with a high fever, loss of appetite, and general lethargy. Small hemorrhages start to occur in the mouth and eyes and the dog may develop extreme bloody vomiting and diarrhea. This form of the disease is often fatal.

Icteric Leptospirosis will often start the same way as the hemorrhagic form; with fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. The mouth and whites of the eyes will take on a yellow appearance, similar to victims of jaundice. In some cases the dog’s skin may also appear yellow and jaundiced.

Renal Leptospirosis also starts with fever, appetite loss, and lethargic depression, but eventually leads to kidney failure.

All three forms of the disease are treatable and curable and all three forms can be potentially fatal. Often dogs that survive renal Leptospirosis will have chronic kidney disease for the rest of their lives.

Treatment is accomplished with the use of antibiotics and, if the disease is caught early enough, is generally successful. Cases of Leptospirosis in North America are fairly rare, thanks to the development of a vaccine. Puppies are inoculated for the disease as early as six weeks of age and receive annual renewal shots to maintain their immunity.

Vaccination and clean, hygienic conditions are the best way to avoid Leptospirosis in dogs. If the animal is not able to come into contact with disease carrying rats and their urine, the dog is unlikely to become infected, even if unvaccinated. The leptospirosis vaccine is the most likely of all dog vaccinations to cause an adverse reaction in the dog. This reaction is generally mild and most often includes lethargy, loss of appetite, and depression. These effects last only a few days and afterward the dog is fine and, more importantly, protected from the disease.

Leptospirosis is one of the nastier diseases a dog can get and no one wants to see his or her pet suffer with this illness. Fortunately, thanks to the existence of a good vaccine, few dogs have to endure this life threatening illness in today’s day and age.

About The Author

Kirsten Hawkins is a dog lover and animal expert from Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.doghealth411.com/ for more information on dog health, the care of dogs, and dog travel.

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Boxer Dogs: Clowns Not Guard Dogs
 by: Dana Goldberg

Boxers have been traced to exist for over a hundred years now. They are said to have originated from Germany as the crossbreed between the Brabanter Bullenbesser (from Belgium) and the English Bulldog. Boxer dogs are known for their intelligence, hardiness, loyalty and its being family-oriented which makes it a great family pet. It is often commented that a family with a boxer is one that is filled with laughter and joy.

Boxer dogs have the natural tendency for learning new things and mental stimulation. It is widely recognized that bored boxer dogs make bad dogs. They need to be constantly trained, just like with other dogs.

Contrary to popular beliefs, boxer dogs are not guard dogs, they can be excellent watchdogs though as they will bark at any strangers if need be. However, they don’t like isolation and are not naturally aggressive or viscous. Actually, the majority of boxers are known to not stand a time separated from their owners. They need continuous interaction with the family and are very affectionate to their owners. In fact, one of the most difficult training exercise for this breed is not to attack their own owners.

Because of their sturdiness and other “strong” physical features, they are mostly trained to become guard dogs. Sadly, many are left into abandonment due to their owner’s dissatisfactions. In actuality, they cannot be easily trained for attack and they are abused for such.

Boxer dogs are overwhelmingly playful. On a poll survey conducted, dog owners described boxers as clowns, contradicting the aggressive portrayal widely accepted today. They are exuberant from day one to their senior years. Boxer dogs is an entertaining breed and always have the knack for making unique tricks like the “kidney beaning” and the “woo-woo”. These two are often manifested when they are excited or overly happy (which is true in most cases).

Kidney beaning is a dance, which is characterized with a semi-circle turn then a turn for a full circle. On the other hand, “woo-woo” is a distinct sound they made which appeals like a bark but is actually not.

Boxer dogs have the personality that is unique in their breed, but this does not apply with all dog owners. They need to be constantly fed with physical and mental exercises to spend their high resource of body energies and add to it the attention they require. Boxer dogs are not known of sleeping the whole day away or go off 0on their own. If they are not sufficiently exercised, they may be very destructive, this they do to amuse themselves. For at least twice a day, they must be exercised or jogged.

One good way of providing worthwhile activities for boxer dogs is the obedience training. In fact, it is a must for all owners of this breed but to be sure, obedience training is both a win-win situation for both the owner and the dogs.

During training, it is not unusual to see stubborn boxers. Due to their intelligence, they tend not to listen to commands given to them. But above this, they are quick to learn and are eager for further learning.

A Boxer dog is an outdoor pet, nor can it tolerate extreme weather conditions. They have short coat and a short nasal cavity; both are not apt for cold weather and hot weather respectively. Additionally, these are lap dogs however large they get.

About The Author

Dana Goldberg is the owner of Dog Plaza. Her website offers a vast selection of dog resource. Including dog information, dog training ideas, and dog care. http://www.dogplaza.co.uk.

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In general, you need to decide what kind of house you want to live in and what doggy rules are the most important ones. For example, if your dog seems temperamental around young children, you will want to focus on this first before worrying about the furniture. It’s often a good idea to have “no go” zones for your dog too. This not only gives you a place where you can put your valuable or vulnerable stuff, but also reminds the dog that this is your territory, first and foremost.

You also have to realize that the second you walk out that door, they may go over to your leather couch, lie on it all day, and hop off just as you get home. Smart ones will even vacuum the dog hair off. You’ll never know they were there. Unless these areas are restricted, your dog will naturally want to recline in luxury. You would too, which is why you bought the leather couch. If it’s not convenient to block access to an entire room, it might be possible to obstruct the item of furniture itself. You might put a few folding chairs on top of it when you’re gone, anything that makes the item undesirable (tacks are not an option).

Of course, there are simple ways to train your dog to jump up on furniture, jump off of furniture, or avoid your furniture altogether. They will obviously want to hop up on the soft, warm spot, so if they’re allowed to, make them Wait, Sit, and then “Up” while patting the cushion will do the trick of letting them know they need to wait for an invitation. “Off” with a quick snap of the fingers or a clap will do the opposite, but you may need to physically encourage this response at first. If you do, taking them by the collar and pulling is the common way but it’s not the best, and they can easily resist.

Instead, try sliding your hand behind them, at their lower back or rear end, so in effect you create a wedge that lifts them slightly off their seat and gradually pushes them toward the floor. All the while, repeat the “Off” or “Down” command. This not only sends the message but makes their soft and comfortable seat uncomfortable, and they’ll want to bail out.

The same will do the trick for a dog who is not allowed on furniture. Remember not to yell or severely push or pull your dog for sitting in a comfortable place. They will be much more willing to respect your wishes if you don’t. As always, the key is in repetition. It won’t take too long before they realize it’s not worth the effort.

Finally, make sure they have a decent option (which a hardwood floor in winter is not). No shame having a day bed for your dog out in the lounge. Even though they no longer have to sleep all day to save up enough energy for the big hunt, as their ancestors did, most are still quite happy to keep doing just that.

About The Author

Martin Olliver is a proud member of the Kingdom of Pets team (http://www.kingdomofpets.com). For more great articles about dogs on furniture, visit: http://kingdomofpets.com/dogobediencetraining/articles/dog_jumping_up.php

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Canine parvovirus, sometimes known simply as ‘parvo,’ is a serious contagious disease caused by a virus. This illness is spread when dogs come into contact with the feces of infected animals. Dog parks, highway rest stops and popular walking trails in cities are areas where dog feces are often found, and where an unvaccinated dog may pick up the virus. Humans may also unknowingly bring the virus home on the bottom of their shoes or on their car tires, so dogs who never go outside the yard can still be infected with this disease. The virus can live in the soil or other contaminated surfaces for as long as six months.

Most animal shelters and kennels make every effort to avoid the spread of contagious diseases by cleaning the kennels with bleach, but any time that large numbers of animals are kept in close quarters, there is a possibility of infection, so keeping up on your dog’s vaccinations is always a good idea.

Although puppies are more commonly affected by this illness than adult dogs, both my brother and I once owned adult dogs who became seriously ill from canine parvovirus. Both animals had been vaccinated while in our care, but they were acquired after the dogs had reached adulthood, so they may not have received proper vaccination as puppies. Both dogs recovered, but only after several weeks of intensive in-hospital care.

Since this virus attacks the lining of the dog or puppy’s digestive system, the symptoms of the disease are diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, lack of appetite, and bloody, foul-smelling stools. In addition to severe abdominal discomfort, bloody diarrhea and vomiting, the dog may also have a high fever, and congestive heart failure is possible. Severe symptoms may follow several days of gradually decreasing appetite. Illness usually becomes apparent from three to 12 days after the dog was exposed to the virus.

Obviously, this is a very serious disease, and immediate medical care is required to reduce the risk of death. The veterinarian will make sure to keep the dog from becoming dangerously dehydrated, which can keep the dog or puppy alive long enough for its own immune system to fight the disease. Antibiotics are not effective against this virus, but they are usually given to an infected animal to help prevent the occurrence of secondary bacterial infections, which can cause shock or septicemia. Secondary infections can occur without antibiotics because parvovirus suppresses the dog’s ability to make white blood cells. A blood test showing a low white blood cell count is one of the ways a veterinarian can make a diagnosis of canine parvovirus.

Because the illness causes severe dehydration, the dog will also be put on intravenous fluids, and the animal will probably need to stay under the doctor’s care a week or more. Because the gastrointestinal tract has been affected, the veterinarian may withhold food and water from the dog until the virus has come under control.

Unfortunately, some dogs and puppies who survive a bout of parvovirus can be affected by symptoms six months or more after the original symptoms, particularly if the virus has infected the heart.

To prevent infection, puppies must be vaccinated under the proper schedule, and they should not be taken outside the yard or introduced to any other dogs until at least two weeks after the last puppy shots are administered. Some veterinarians and dog breeders suggest that you avoid dog parks entirely, even after your puppy has been vaccinated, because of the possibility of picking up this or other contagious canine illnesses. If you adopt an older dog from the local shelter, you should take him to your veterinarian for a checkup and ask that he be vaccinated, unless the shelter administered routine vaccinations while the dog was in their care.

About The Author

Jonni Good writes about dog health and older dogs on her website at http://www.older-dog.com

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In recent years, PWD enthusiasts have been able to come up with many versatile looks for their portuguese water dogs. Sometimes, it’s even hard to imagine that it is essentially the same dog. In the show ring, not a few observers have mistaken a Portie for a poodle!

When it comes to coat type, there are two acceptable kinds. The wavy coat is said to be more in keeping with tradition, but this does not make any less acceptable the second type, which is the curly coat. Curly coats are maintained to be shorter than the wavy type. But fussing over a PWD coat for show will lead nowhere since its coat importance is rated at 5%, while that of the poodle is 60%. True appreciation of the Portie begins by acknowledging it as of the working breed, and not for glamor.

More interaction with portuguese water dogs will lead to the observation of coat variations, like very tight curls to nearly straight. Blow-dried hair that is straight looks artificial, so the coat needs to be presented in a natural wave.

Let’s have one interesting trivia before we turn to coat color. Imagine meeting a Portie with a curly head but a wavy front (sometimes it takes a few years for the definitive coat type to show). So, will it turn out completely wavy, or curly (never both)? The key to deciding which coat type the dog is, is to look at the lustre of the coat. Curly coats will not shine, while wavy coats do.

The only allowable PWD colours of the coat are: all-black, black and white, brown, brown and white, and all-white. The dogs with white markings are consistent with the “Irish Markings” concept, which is the same genetic pattern with which boxers, for example, are colored. Thus the Portie can also be capable of dramatic looks, despite having working (and not show) roots.

Variations from the preceding guidelines are found in the US, with ticking being seen in a small number of dogs. Even “parti-colours” make it to shows, too. While this scheme is a no-no in most parts of the world for the show ring, there is no way to stop dog owners from wanting a harlequin-like PWD the moment they see one.

The fading gene has been observed as prevalent among brown portuguese water dogs. The puppies most of the time come out bearing a rich brown color, only to fade out to being an ordinary light brown, or mixed brown color as they approach their second year.

One downside to browns with this tendency is that when they are bred to blacks, the fading gene surfaces among the black offspring. Some breeders try to maximize the opportunity by claiming a “silver” color, when the fact is that the dog is a faded black. Brown dogs also tend to carry a lighter eye, which can then replicate itself when bred to black dogs providing puppies with a yellowish eye tinge.

About The Author

Richard Cussons loves the different looks of portuguese water dogs. Know more about this breed and portuguese water dog puppy training tips at portuguesewaterdogsavvy.com.

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Have you ever been riding your bicycle around the block when a dog comes running out of it’s yard and starts chasing you down the street? Maybe you’re walking down the street when you spot a rather large dog a few houses away. The dog appears to be unattended and you don’t know if it’s friendly. Has this ever happened to you? Your walking your small dog (on a leash) down the street when suddenly your confronted by a strange, free roaming dog and it’s growling and in the attack position.

What do you do? What can you do?

In the first scenario, described above, where the bicyclist is being chased by a dog, you would probably start peddling faster while simultaneously kicking out at the dog in an attempt to both outrun the dog and prevent it from biting you. The second scenario has you walking down the street when you spot a large, unattended dog a few houses away. Lot’s of people go for walks carrying a base- ball bat or large stick to protect themselves just in case the dog turns out to be, shall we say, unfriendly. First, carrying a baseball bat or a large stick can be cumbersome and get heavy after awhile. Second, you have to be prepared to beat the dog (not an easy thing to do). Imagine how you will feel afterwards. So, instead, you’ll probably just turn around and walk back rather than take a chance. The last scenerio as described above, has you walking your small dog on a leash, when your confronted by a larger, strange dog. Most likely, you will pick up your beloved pet, hold it close to you and then just hope for the best. Trying to run away almost never works.

Let’s look at some other options. One is to keep the dog from coming near you in the first place. You can accomplish this with an electronic animal repellant. Using ultrasonic technology, the devise produces a discomforting but not harmful high frequency sound, audible to dogs but not to humans. One such device is the Ultrasonic Dog Chaser. It’s small and lightweight. It measures 3 & 3/4 inches by 2 & 3/16 inches by 7/8 inches. That’s roughly the size of a deck of cards. Weighing in at just 3.5 ounces with the 9-volt battery, it’s quite compact. It has a frequency range between 20,000Hz – 25,000Hz. At 135dbs, it has an effective range up to 20 feet. The device is easy to use, too. Point the animal repeller at the dog and press the button. That’s all there is to it. It’s also safe and humane. The electronic animal repeller is not the repeller of choice however, if your walking your dog.

A second option is to whip out your trusty dog repellent spray. Mace makes a safe, humane and effective dog repellent spray that’s EPA approved. It sprays 8-10 feet, but don’t spray it into the wind as the results could prove to be dis- astrous. Here’s how it works. When sprayed with a pepper spray dog repellent spray, most dogs throw themselves on the ground rubbing their eyes. The painful burning effects of the spray typically wear off within a few minutes, leaving the dog healthy and unharmed. Choose dog repellent sprays with pepper spray, also known as OC (oleoresin capsicum) spray, as it’s ingredient. Other sprays may not work on dogs that don’t respond to pain. It’s totally non-toxic.

Another option is the stun baton. A favorite among security guards, it is very effective on dogs. Just touch the dog on it’s face. It will drop to it’s knees, turn and run. Normally, however, the clicking sounds the baton makes when turned on is enough to deter the dog. Stun batons come in different lengths ranging from 300,000 volts to 500,000 volts. A stun baton is a stun gun placed into a baton. Stun guns use high voltage and low amperage to temporarily disable an attacker. It does not rely on pain for results. The energy stored in the gun is dumped into the attackers blood sugar by converting it to lactic acid. Unable to produce energy for the muscles, the body is unable to function properly. The stun gun also interrupts the tiny neurological impulses that control muscle move- ment, causing the attacker to lose their balance. All this happens very rapidly. Should the attacker be touching you, the current will not pass to your body. Of course, as a last resort, you can use the baton as a stick or baseball ball to hit the dog with.

So go ahead and take that walk down the street, or pull out your bike and ride around the block again. There’s no need to be afraid of those stray dogs any more. Have FUN!

You can find these devices in some stores and on most internet sites selling self protection products.

About The Author

Janice Strickland is the Director of Marketing for PROTECH #1. PROTECH #1 carries a complete line of personal protection products. For more information and products, please visit http://www.protechtasers.com.

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There are many forms of dog aggression. The distinguished police dog trainer Ed Frawley of Leerburg Kennels names 16 forms in his training guides, accounting for everything from the dog’s gender, to their possessiveness, territoriality, dominance, or fear. The residential dog owner doesn’t necessarily need to be so academic, but they should always be able to recognize aggression and deal with it appropriately. Aggression is always one step away from a dog bite, which is itself one step away from a vet bill and a lawsuit.

The common signs of aggression are growling, snarling, barking, curled lips, lunging and an overall menacing posture, where the dog is tensed and ready to snap. (Note: there is also something known as a “submissive smile” exhibited by some dogs, whereby the animal actually shows its teeth as it approaches. I’ve seen this behavior confuse many owners, but it can be dismissed as such by the dog’s lowering its head as it “smiles,” and often wag its tail too). There are other indications, such as jumping or mounting, or even standing in your way that are much less of a problem and often go ignored when not accompanied by the other more severe signs.

One of the most often misunderstood forms of aggression is that which arises in older dogs all of a sudden, especially when those dogs have been docile, even submissive, for most of their lives. This can be upsetting, as it seems like your dog is turning all Jekyll and Hyde on you.

First of all, don’t worry or think that you need to be afraid of your friend. You should be able to narrow down the cause when you think about the situation you were in when the aggression manifested itself. If the dog reacted badly to a younger dog or even a puppy, chances are your dog is acting out of new sense of a challenge to their pack status. Even if you never had problems of this kind before, a young and over-energetic dog can pose a challenge to an older dog that can no longer keep up, even if the only thing on the young dog’s agenda is play.

Older dogs in particular may enjoy puppies, but because of their increased age and decreased endurance, they will only tolerate them for a time. After a self-determined “grace period,” they will let the puppy know they’ve had enough in a firm and forceful way. In most cases, this message is sent with a snap that is “all bark and no bite.”

In addition, one of the most common “hidden” causes of aggression in older dogs is the onset of arthritis, which makes them not only less able to engage with other dogs, but also potentially vulnerable and defensive as a result. Stiffness in the morning, a reluctance to jump up into cars or their favorite chair, and general lethargy are all early signs of joint pain. Arthritis in dogs is unfortunately very common, a result of genetic factors, diet, or even over-exercise. If arthritis is causing a dog pain, then they can lash out not only at other dogs, but also at you.

See your vet if arthritis is a possibility, as there are plenty of steps you can take to address the problem, from dietary supplements to massage and acupuncture, and a revamped exercise regimen. Anti-inflammatory drugs are effective but best left as a last option (they cost a good bit and they can be rough on the dog’s stomach).

Other medical reasons can cause aggression in older dogs, such as thyroid gland problems and possible brain tumors. These are rare cases, but they do happen. Dogs live and learn by routine and tend to act “in character.” Therefore, in general any sudden and sustained behavioral change to your dog should be investigated.

About The Author

Martin Olliver is a proud member of the Kingdom of Pets team (http://www.kingdomofpets.com). For more great articles on dog aggression, visit: http://www.kingdomofpets.com/dogobediencetraining/articles/dog_aggression.php

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