Posts Tagged ‘dogs’

A Guide to Designer Dog Collars For Your Beloved Pet

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

Designer dog collars and leashes come in a variety of sizes, shapes and price ranges. Many times these types of pet accessories are based on a certain theme. The basis of the theme can be on a number of different things, but most of the time, it is related to the breed of dog or the country from which your breed of dog originated. Sometimes it may be a combination of the two. For instance, a sheep dog would look grand in a collar specific to its country of origin; Ireland. Something like a collar made of green leather or nylon emblazoned with a shamrock-shaped design. A Scottish terrier may wear a pet collar with a plaid design that matches his plaid coat and hat. One of the most popular ways to outfit your pet is by designing a collar to match the origin of the breed.

Needless to say, many times owners tend to be more occupied with making an individual statement about themselves and their dog by matching them with their own preferences. Although these tastes may not appeal to everybody, for the owner of the pampered pet, it is a perfect path to reflect who they are and the way they feel about their dog. As an example, let's have a look at poodles. When the female owner of a poodle loves the color pink, she could seek out a custom dog collar in a glorious shade of pink.

The pet collar might also have adornment that complements the owner's own collection of jewelry. In addition there are the hardcore biker types who like to outfit their dogs with matching black leather and spiked dog collars; things that complement their particular biker wardrobe. Don't you realize there will be a designer collar on the market for pretty much anyone with any type of dog, from a mutt to a purebred? Some of these dog owners are inclined to dress their pooches on a daily basis and treat them as a member of the family. It seems that dressing and coordinating their dog takes almost as much effort as it does to get themselves dressed.

Designer dog collars are all the rage among pet owners who want to show off their unique sense of style through their dog. If you can imagine it, then there is a collar on the market for your pooch. There are dog collars that feature tattoo motifs, camouflage, animal prints, natural fibers and spikes. The collar market features something for everyone and every pet on your buying list.

To give your dog a sense of style and unique sophistication, there are a number of boutique websites that cater to your and your pet's desires. You can find designer dog collars at www.trendypuppy.com or even www.gucci.com. They offer a wide selection of creative, funky, unusual and unique styles of pet collars in a stunning array of colors and sizes.

Dog collars can be made from a wide variety of materials. The cheapest collars are generally made from synthetic fibers. Leather dog collars are more expensive but are designed to last longer. Click here to learn which is the best dog collar for your needs.

Bichon Frise: A Big-Hearted Lap Dog

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

A curly-haired lap dog is the direct translation of Bichon Frise in English, a translation that justifies this lovable, curly-haired dog that is smart, full of life and easygoing. It's a bundle of joy and energy that every owner will surely be pleased to have as a companion at home.

Compatibility and Usage: Due to his happy disposition, he makes for a complete family dog. The Bichon Frise is not a guard dog nor is it a popular show dog. He loves being indoors but at the same time will love to take a walk outdoors or at a dog park where he will happily make many friends.

Physical Appearance: The Bichon Frise sports a loose, curly double coat. The outer coat is textured while the undercoat is 3 to 4 inches long and is soft, fine and silky undercoat. The usual color is all white but some members of the breed may have cream, gray or orange colored coats. It has round, black intelligent eyes, drooping ears and a tail curved over its back.

Temperament: its overfriendliness with humans including strangers makes the Bichon Frise a poor choice for a guard dog. Nonetheless, its cheerfulness, warm and loving attitude make it very popular as a family dog especially those with small children. Its temperament makes it easy for the Brison Frise to ingratiate itself with humans and even other dogs.

At times, dogs of this breed may display a streak of doggedness and tenacity but only during their playing times which is quite acceptable and makes them a good choice of a companion for toddlers and the elderly.

Caring & health: A Bichon Frise has a life span of around 12 years and a male dog will have a height of up to 12 inches while a female or a bitch can have a height varying from 9 to 11 inches. They have a non shedding coat and hence need regular grooming. Bichons are also susceptible to different types of skin allergies and other skin problems, which makes grooming necessary.

Regular brushing is necessary to remove the hair tangles of the Bichon's coat; tedious as this may be, it contributes to making the dog's coat puffier, more beautiful and highly attractive. Do not feed your dog with high fat content foods to avoid their common affliction, pancreatitis. To ensure your dog's health, it is necessary to walk him regularly on a daily basis.

The breed is also susceptible to skin irritations and allergy if hygienic practice is not done regularly. In their old age, they may also contract eye cataract and senility. Ear infections are also common but a regular bath and cleaning of the ear area is enough preventive measure. The Bichon would certainly make any member of the family happy and contented with its cute and cuddly appearance and playful attitude.

Author Info: Mike Mathews is a writer and editor of the popular Dog-Breed-Facts.com website. His new ebook titled "Choosing a Dog For Your Lifestyle" is a fantastic resource for the prospective dog owner.

Train Your Dog At Home

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

Last time before obedience classes were popular, nearly every dog owner relied on home dog training to get their dog to perform tricks and obey.

If you desired to have a well behaved dog, you have really had no choice but have the patience, willpower, and desire to do spend time teaching Fido at home. Many people learned how to train their dogs from their parents who had owned dogs. Others refers to books to train their dogs.

You can either train your dog through dog obedience classes or conduct home dog training just as your ancestors did. If you are low in budget, conducting home training is a better choice.

Fortunately, dogs are simple creatures, and can be trained pretty easily with a mixture of consistency, praise, and treats. Give them enough of those, and they'll be doing whatever you want in no time. You can teach them not only to obey, but also to perform some cute tricks that your friends will find amusing.

The easiest way to conduct dog training is to model the behavior you desire your dog to do. Let's say you want him to sit on command, then gently place him in a sitting position and say "sit" very firmly. Look into your dog eyes while doing it.

Continue to do it for many times and eventually your dog will be able to sit upon your command. When your dog does correctly, remember to give him a treat and praise him. If he still cannot do it properly, continue to do the training and your dog will one day able to obey your command.

Different dogs pick up the skills differently. Some require a longer time but some can pick up quite quickly. But sooner or later he will get it.

One very important thing about training your dog. Be sure to keep praising and giving treats for the first several times your dog does the right thing on command. After a while,just praise your dog. Your dog wants to know you are happy with him.

Who else wants their dog to be well behaved around people and other dogs? AND have them obey all of your house rules even when you're not around! Click here to discover powerful insider information at Secrets to Dog Training.