Just uploaded a Blog theme for you to use on your Dog or Puppy blog for free. If you want to see what it looks like then take a look at Puppy Training and then download it below. It’s a zip file and to save it to your own computer you should right click and then choose “Save Target as”

Rights Statement

You may use this theme on your own blog as long as the theme remains intact and you do not make any alterations other than by adding text to the header.

It is a stipulation that the link in the footer must remain in place and live if you use the theme on any of your blogs.

dogswordpresstheme.zip

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I have a free Dog Training Report for all my visitors here at Ask About Dogs. You can download it by right clicking on the link below which is a .pdf and selecting “save target as” to save it to your own computer.

Dog Training Basics.

Enjoy!

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The growing popularity of larger breeds of dogs has brought with it a threat of a crippling disease of the hip joints known as hip dysplasia.

This disease was first described in the United States back in the 1930s. Research has produced abundant information on hip dysplasia, but many questions still remain unanswered. It is one of the most popular topics discussed among owners, breeders, and veterinarians.

Hip dysplasia is uncommon in small dogs (toys and miniatures), as well as Greyhounds, but it has been found in almost every breed. The disease is an improper development of the hip joint (properly called the coxofemoral joint) which leads to looseness of the joint, partial dislocation (subluxation), and finally, arthritis.

Basically, the hip is a ball-and-socket type of joint. If the socket is too shallow, or the ball to flattened, the result is an unstable joint which tends to come out of place.

The most commonly affected breeds are: German Shepherd, St. Bernard, Labrador Retriever, Boxer, Springer Spaniel, Great Dane, and the Bull Mastiff. This is by no means a complete or accurate list, since incidence depends a lot on breed popularity.

That is to say, it is possible that the Komondor or Great Pyrenees breeds have a high incidence of dysplasia, but, when the average veterinary clinic sees one of either breed every two to three years, how can an accurate breed incidence be determined?

Dysplasia is the most common disorder of the hips that a veterinarian will encounter in practice. Because it is considered to involve several genes, more work is necessary to establish the exact means of inheritance. Other factors, such as rapid growth, management, nutrition, hormones, and anatomic variations have been put forth as construing causes, but thus far selective breeding has given the best results in controlling hip dysplasia.

Clinical Signs Of Hip Dysplasia

The clinical signs range from a normal dog to one that cannot walk more than a few steps without collapsing. The usual course is that of lameness following strenuous exercise or difficulty arising after prolonged rest.

The gait is often diagnostic and is characterized by waddling, slinking, or “cow hocks” (toes pointed out, hocks pointed toward each other). Any larger breed of dog with a history of hind leg lameness should have hip dysplasia eliminated as the cause before extensive investigation of other diseases is undertaken.

A radiograph of the pelvis is necessary for accurate diagnosis of the disease. This is best performed under anesthesia to ensure proper positioning of the dog. Unless the animal is motionless and symmetrically placed on the x-ray table, a good evaluation of the hip joints cannot be made, especially in mild cases.

Situations like this are one of the reasons it is critical as a Dog Owner that you have Dog Health Insurance such as those provided at Dog Health Insurance

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Can Your Dog And Cat Ever Become Friends?

Cats and dogs are notoriously famous for being thought of as arch enemies. From cartoons to movies, they are always being depicted as two animals that are always at each other’s throats. This makes it easy to assume that they are not meant to get along. However, there is a way for these two seemingly opposite pets to be friends and live under the same roof in peace.

The key to success when building a relationship between a cat and a dog has a lot to do with the individual traits possessed by each animal. It is generally easier to build this relationship by starting off by introducing a young kitten to a dog that is a bit older. Kittens are still a little bit more easy to mold than adult cats and while most cats will not eagerly run up to a dog to make friends, with a little bit of time an adjustment, it can be done

Expect some hissing and spitting from your kitten

When you bring home a new kitten and you begin initiating contact between your feline friend and your adult dog, you must be present at all times and expect the cat to display some fear by hissing and possibly spitting. This is just the way that cats express their fear as well as make an attempt to scare off a potential enemy. In order to prevent your dog from reacting back towards this behavior, just grab your kitten when you see the hissing reaction taking place and then place her back down again to associate with the dog. It just takes time.

Use the method of �exposed isolation� to help them get to know each other

Exposed isolation means just what it says: you want to isolate the cat in one area and the dog in another, yet have them both exposed so that they can see and stiff at each other. A great way to do this is to get a baby gate and separate the two animals on either side in a room. Your cat now enough area to roam free, as well as your dog. And when they get curious they will simply come closer to the gate and sniff each other out, slowly making friends.

Do not get your hopes up

You have to realize that not all cats and dogs will get along no matter how much conditioning and training you involve them in. Some dogs have an increasingly high amount of predatory drive, depending on their breed.

You have to remember that dogs are hunters and have a natural instinct to chase. Before you consider purchasing a kitten it would be wise to do some research and ask specific questions about the type of breed of dog you have. An obvious example would be trying to bring a kitten into the house where an adult pitbull is living. It doesn’t take much common sense to know that this would be a mistake.

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5 Nasty Internal Parasites Your Dog May Have

When you hear about the subject of internal parasites, the most common worm that comes to mind are heartworms. Heartworms are nasty little creatures that can prove to be fatal if left unchecked. However, there are other parasites to look out for which are equally dangerous to your dog or puppy.

Roundworms: Roundworms spend their time floating inside the liver, heart, and the lungs of your dog’s body. When they mature, they make their home inside the small intestines where they continually feed on the food that your dog eats. Signs that your dog may be infested with roundworms include gas, enormous surges in appetite, diarrhea, and bloating.

Whipworms: Whipworms can be found living inside the large intestine of your dog, which is where they also reproduce. Dogs can become infected with whipworms by eating the stools of other dogs that contain the parasite. Sometimes a dog can easily become infested with whipworms after stepping in dog feces when walking outside and then lick their paws. These little creatures can cause your dog to have diarrhea, bloody stools, dry fur, and an increase in appetite.

Tapeworms: Like other internal parasites, tapeworms can cause your dog to have increased appetite levels, weight loss, rectal inflammation/itching, and visible signs of the worms from the orifices of your dog’s body. Tapeworms look like little pieces of white rice which can easily be seen on his stools and even sometimes coming out of areas like the ears.

Hookworms: Your dog or puppy can pick up this parasite from eating the stools of other animals that have been infected. Hookworms can cause symptoms in your dog such as gas, loose stools, increased appetite, and dry brittle fur. These parasites spend most of their time feeding off of the food your dog eats, as well as sucking the blood from your pet.

Giardia: These internal parasites, called Giardia, are typically picked up from areas of water such as a small pond or lake. Your adult dog or puppy can accidentally pick up this creature from swimming, and once they are ingested, they live and eat at the inner lining of your dog’s small intestine. This causes inflammation, mucus covered stools, weight loss, and bloating.

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3 Ways To Feed Your Puppy

To meet the continual nutritional demand of your puppy’s growing body, he must have food available to him all day long. There are 3 common techniques to feed your new puppy. These are: Meal feeding, portion-control feeding, and free feeding.

Meal Feeding: This method of feeding is usually done with mixing solid food and canned food and is ideal for puppies that are being trained to housebreak. With this technique, your puppy gets his meals at different times during the day. Many owners prefer the three meal a day program while others are more comfortable with giving their puppies four meals a day.

Whether you’re feeding your puppy three or four meals per day, the important thing to remember is to divide the meals equally within a 24-hour period and without having to get up at night.

With three meals a day, you have to feed your puppy every eight hours. Four meals a day, food is given to your puppy every six hours. Keep in mind, however, that you shouldn’t give your puppy two meals a day until he is at least five or six months old.

Portion Control Feeding: This method of feeding is probably the most common way that puppies are fed today, especially for owners who work during the day and have to leave their puppies alone. It is done by measuring the exact amount of food that he requires (depending on his age and type of breed). This amount of food should be modified as a puppy gets older. The portion is then placed in his food bowl once a day, preferably the same time everyday. This way your puppy will be able to nibble on his food throughout the day.

Most puppies ration out their meals throughout the day and eat only a small portion at a time, while some puppies will empty their bowl in one sitting. Studies have shown that puppies that are brought up with this feeding method will not over eat when they turn into adult dogs. However, if you are having a difficult time housebreaking your puppy, then this method of feeding will probably not work for you.

Free Feeding: With this feeding technique, you have to make sure that there is food in his bowl and let him nibble on it throughout the day. Although this is the simplest way to feed your puppy, this method is also the least recommended by most vets and breeders. Feeding your puppy will make it more difficult to house train him because you do not know exactly when he eats. In addition, it is also difficult to know how much he eats on a daily basis.

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Matching Your Dog’s Diet With His Lifestyle

What you put in your dog’s food bowl has a direct correlation to his health and happiness. There are several similarities between humans and dogs concerning nutrients and proper feeding. Dogs, like humans, are omnivores. This means that we need both meat and vegetables in order to be healthy. Our diet should include the right amount of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals that is necessary to acquire optimum health. We also need an unlimited supply of water to keep our body functioning and alive.

Similar to humans, dogs need to be fed according to their age, size, shape, and lifestyle. For example, a sheep dog that is working in a field will have a different diet then a spoiled Chihuahua that is living in a small house. Similarly, a pregnant female dog will have a different diet than that of an average male dog, and her puppies will require a higher amount of nutrients in order for them to grow healthy and strong. The aging dog will require different levels of nutrition than that of a growing puppy.

Therefore, it is crucial to know what type of food to give your pet, as well as the type of food to avoid. It is also important that you do not overfeed your dog. Although you may think that you are being a good owner by giving him big meals and lots of tasty snacks, what you are actually doing is harming the animal. By giving your dog more food than what his body requires, you are encouraging obesity and paving the way for illnesses such as diabetes.

There are many different kinds of dog food on the market today. The majority of these foods contain the right amount of nutrients that your dog needs for a well-balanced diet. The three types of food that you can choose for your dog are canned foods, semi-moist foods, and dry foods. In addition to his regular meals, there are also a wide selection of snacks and treats that you can give him for those times that he is well-behaved and during training sessions.

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More Moving Tips To Keep Your Dog Happy

Many dog owners fail to understand that moving to a new house and uprooting all of your belongings can be extremely stressful on their pets. It doesn’t matter if you’re just moving across town, or across the entire nation, it is important to make sure that your dog’s well-being and his safety are part of your moving plans. Below are a few tips to assist you in cushioning your canine companion’s anxiety during the move:

1. If your dog is the type that gets overly anxious and sick during car trips, check into holistic therapies. For example, there is a product called �Bach’s Rescue Remedy� that helps calm your pet down during times of stress. All you do is rub it on his ears and feet.

2. Just like it is wise to keep your dog in a quiet, closed off room in the old house on moving day, the same rule should apply in the new house when you and the rest of your family arrive. Pick one room and provide enough food and water so that your dog can sit quietly without noticing all of the confusion around the new house.

3. When you arrive at the new home, unpack your dog’s belongings as soon as you get there. Be sure to keep the boxes that contain his stuff close by. These items would include hi bedding, his food and water bowls, and dog toys. This will help your dog adjust as quickly as possible by having familiar items around him while adjusting to the strange house.

4. Moving creates many security issues for dogs and other pets alike. With unpacking all of the boxes and miscellaneous furniture items, there are dangers all around when the household items have not been set up yet. Electrical cords, small objects, pantyhose, plants, etc. all have a possibility of being left out when unpacked and into your dog’s mouth.

5. Check the new house for possible places that your dog may escape from. Loose screens, holes in fences, and half shut doors will enable your dog to roam free and risk getting injured or lost in the new territory.

6. Now that you have arrived in a new town, your first order of business as it pertains to your dog and other animals is to find a veterinarian. Finding a groomer is also a good idea. And should you have to leave your dog alone during trips or when at work, look into a pet sitter service that can help your dog adjust in the new home until he is ready to be alone.

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Moving - Understanding Your Dog’s Stress When Moving Into A New House (Part 2)

When moving into a new house you are completely changing everything about life that your dog has grown to know. Because he is such a routine-oriented pet, your dog will need some extra understanding and a little bit of patience in order to make him feel safe and confident while undergoing such a radical change, even if it only lasts for a few days.

Adult dogs may handle the confusing experience of moving a little better than a puppy will, but either way, you should put into practice the following tips that will help your dog cope with the anxiety of moving:

1. Try playing some soothing music. When you are packing up your household items, shipping boxes, coming and going at all times during the day, handling phone calls and delegating family members to help, all of these things create an extremely confusing atmosphere for your dog. He may resort to urinating on the carpet or practice other bad behavioral problems.

One way to alleviate this high energy anxiety is to play some soft music, such as classical. Music like this has a calming effect not only on you and your family members, but on your pet is well. Anything that can help lower the stress vibes of the rest of the family, in which your dog can sense, will go a long way in making him feel safer.

2. Do not isolate your dog. Many people make the mistake of isolating their dog in the backyard or in a crate while they are busy moving and packing boxes. This only adds to your dog’s stress. Instead of treating him as a separate entity and confusing him more, try including him in all the fun and let him run around a little bit to check out what’s going on. Of course he may still display some bad behavior, but it’s better than keeping him locked up while everyone else is so busy.

3. Take your dog with you and the rest of the family when you are moving boxes to and from the new house. If you thought that your dog will get stressed out from all of the changes at the old house with packing and moving, imagine what it’s going to be like when he is faced with a strange and foreign area in the new home.

To alleviate this stress, help him become used to the new house by letting him inside for short intervals when you’re bringing over boxes. Doing so will help your puppy become more comfortable with the changes taking place and slowly adjust to making the new house his home.

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Understanding Your Dog’s Stress When Moving Into A New House

Are you planning to move to a new house soon or actually in the middle of a move right now? Uprooting your entire life and planting it somewhere else can be one of the most stressful times a person can go through. And if you think it’s tough for you, consider how tense and confusing this can be for your dog or puppy.

Dogs are creatures that thrive on routine living. They become extremely comfortable and self confident once they get used to the same day to day activities that repeat themselves. This includes waking up at the same time each morning, the same feeding times, knowing when you’re coming home from work, and above all, dogs become accustomed to expecting the same atmosphere in their home.

Moving can completely eradicate your dog’s entire routine expectations. Between you and the rest of the family packing up everything in the home, shipping items, coming and going, constantly traveling back and forth in and out of the house, all of this is enough to drive a dog crazy, especially when you have a young puppy.

When Good Dogs Go Bad Due To Stress

Even the best trained dogs can become so stressed and anxious from a moving experience that they may revert back to their old puppy behavior in order to cope with the stress that they are going through. This behavior may include hyperactivity, urinating inside the house, unexpected jumping and barking, and even some nipping and biting has occurred on rare occasions.

It Is Perfectly Normal Behavior

There is good reason for this bad behavior from a puppy who does not realize what is going on around them during a busy move. You have basically taken everything that they know and learned and turned everything upside down.

Think about the last time you were upset and nervous, what were your vices? What did you do that helped you cope with the situation which might not have been the best of your character? Now consider the fact that this is a dog we are talking about and so his bad behavior is understandable. He is stressed and confused.

Avoid Scolding Or Punishing Your Dog

I completely understand it if your first response to your pet’s behavior is to yell and punish him. You are also probably stressed with financial matters, having your old home cleaned, ensuring that all of your stuff gets to the new home okay, etc. but when it comes to your dog and dealing with his �vices� towards the situation, be patient and understanding so that your dog will feel safer during the busy transition during the move.

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