Proper skin care
Dogs can get a variety of skin problems, such as hot spots, scabs, dry skin, pus and inflammation. This makes dog skin care important for every pet owner. Sometimes a simple change in diet can make a world of difference. Learn other ways to keep your dog’s skin problems, including dog dander, which can have serious consequences for those with allergies, under control.

Coughing in dogs
Dogs can cough for a variety of reasons. Dog coughs can be caused by allergies or irritants, while others are more serious and point to a collapsed trachea, pneumonia or heart disease. Find out what type of cough your dog has and whether it can be easily treated at home.

Dog drooling
All canines drool to some degree. However, excessive dog drooling can be a sign of trouble. Although it is often an emotional response (such as fear or excitement), it can also be caused by rabies, distemper, gum disease and other medical conditions. There are many causes, so it helps to thoroughly examine the dog’s mouth before calling the vet.

Fever in dogs
A fever is usually a sign that a dog’s body is fighting an infection. A fever in a dog can often go undetected, causing serious harm. Learn how to take your dog’s temperature properly and be aware of the many symptoms of fever besides a high temperature.

Upset stomach
Dogs are scavengers that will eat just about anything, so it’s no wonder that they can suffer from an upset stomach from time to time. In most cases, it can be successfully treated at home. Find out what to do and when to call the vet.

Dog diarrhea
Diarrhea in dogs is a common occurrence. Almost all dogs will experience it at some point in their lives. Although most bouts are caused by a change in diet or by eating garbage, some can be caused by diarrhea. Diarrhea is often easily treated at home.

Ear problems
Besides ear infections, dog ear problems include parasites, debris, allergies, hormones and trauma. Learn how these common problems are diagnosed and treated.

Dog parasites
The most common dog parasites include fleas, ticks, mites, heartworms and tapeworms. Tapeworms are parasites that live in a dog’s small intestine. Diagnosing tapeworm can be tricky, as the symptoms are varied and there is not one single symptom that specifically points to tapeworm.

Among worming problems, heartworms, caused by mosquitos, are the worst. They can reach the point where the dog is carrying hundreds of worms that can harm the heart and lungs and eventually cause death. Deworming is a process that rids the dog of these parasites. Find out when to deworm your dog and what to use.

Holistic dog care
Many dog owners turn to alternative treatments to care for their dogs. These include canine massage, acupuncture, aromatherapy and herbs. Most of these treatments have little or no scientific basis, but many dog owners swear by them.

First aid for dogs
You never know when tragedy might strike your dog. An accident can bring on heavy bleeding that requires urgent medical care. Learning basic dog first aid procedures can keep your dog alive until he reaches the vet.
In addition, basic wound care techniques can help prevent infection when your dog is injured from jumping over a barbed wire fence or getting into a fight with another dog. Learn the steps to proper wound care so you can be prepared.

Medication use
There are of course illnesses were medications are required. Administering medications, especially antibiotics, to a dog must be done according to the dosage instructions. Too little of a dose will not cure the infection, while too large of a dose can cause serious health problems and even death.

Arthritis
Arthritis cannot be cured, but there are many ways to manage it. If your dog has trouble moving about, canine arthritis treatment has advice and treatments to make him more comfortable.

Tumors & Cancer
Dog tumors are not always fatal. They are classified as either benign or malignant. Go to types of dog tumors to find out what you should look for as well as available treatments.

There are many types of cancer your dog can develop. For example, skin cancer, while many dog owners never consider it, is one of the most common forms of cancer in dogs. Going deeper, bone cancer occurs when a tumor is found on or near a bone. There are tens of thousands of new cases in dogs every year, but bone cancer in dogs has the information needed to prevent your dog from becoming a statistic.

Diabetes
Diabetes is another common disease in dogs. If not treated properly, it will only get worse and can lead to different conditions to include cataracts. Although it cannot be cured, treatments are available to include those through insulin therapy and proper diet and exercise.

Cataracts & blindness
Cataracts in dogs occur when the eye’s lens becomes cloudy. Cataracts can be genetic or caused by trauma, but most of the time, they are caused by diabetes and other chronic conditions. Although not painful, large ones may require surgery to prevent blindness.

If a dog suffers from incurable blindness from another eye condition, remember that blindness in dogs is not as serious as it is in people. http://dogcratesizes.com/blindness-in-dogs/ Dogs tend to rely more on scent and hearing, so adjusting to blindness is rather easy for dogs, although there are things owners need to know.

Ear infections
Ear infections in dogs are quite common and occur in almost every dog. Bacteria and yeast are the most frequent causes, although tumors and ear mites may be to blame as well. Because ear infections are very painful, they should be treated promptly.

Various dog conditions and diseases
Canine anemia is a condition that affects red blood cells and leads to a lack of oxygen to muscles and organs. There are four major types of canine anemia. Symptoms to be aware of the so that it can be properly diagnoses include lack of energy and appetite.

Canine distemper attacks puppies that have not been vaccinated. This serious disease occurs in three stages and requires prompt treatment with antibiotics. Without treatment, distemper can be fatal.

Canine epilepsy is a seizure disorder that affects dogs more often than other animals. Epilepsy is usually genetic and cannot be cured. However, there are now medications that can treat it. Phenobarbital is a drug commonly used to treat seizures in dogs. As it is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration, it is extra important to learn about the side effects and other information about this drug.

Canine hip dysplasia is common in large breeds dogs. It is a degenerative disease that affects the ball and socket of the hip. It is also genetic, but breeders can test for these diseases before breeding.

Canine lupus is an autoimmune disease. A dog’s antibodies attack organs and other tissues. There are two types of lupus, each with its own set of symptoms and treatment. It can hard to diagnose, as symptoms are not always visible.

Cushing’s disease in dogs affects the adrenal gland, which is located near the kidneys. Cortisol, which affects virtually the entire body, is overproduced. Tumors are the main cause of this disease. Diagnosis is difficult, as the symptoms often mimic those of old age.

Lyme disease in dogs is primarily caused by ticks, especially deer ticks. Dogs that spend most of their time outdoors are at risk, particularly in the spring and early fall. Noticing the signs quickly on can prevent serious damage to internal organs.

Liver disease in dogs is likely to be fatal as the liver is one of the most important organs in a dog’s body. Therefore, early detection is critical. Learn about the symptoms of liver disease to include nausea, weight loss and bloating as well as the modes of treatment available.

Puppy care
Proper puppy care requires time, money and energy. Although small, puppies require lots of food and supplies. In addition, vet visits can put a dent in your wallet. Learn about all the things your new addition will need in order to grow up into a happy and healthy dog.

Anyone with a dog will quickly find out there is a need to budget pet care. However, there are ways to cut costs and still have a happy pet. There are ways to save money on everything from dog food to training to toys to vet bills.

One important aspect of dog care is keeping your dog safe from dangerous foods. From certain plants to chocolate, there are many things to be aware of that can cause serious health problems and even death.

Dog nutrition
Should your dog eat canned food or dry food? Is organic food really better than regular dog food? Does my dog need supplements? Find out the answers to these questions and gain a solid knowledge at nutrition in dogs.

One important part of nutrition is portion control. Some dogs will eat constantly. However, too much food and not enough exercise is a deadly combination as obesity in dogs puts added pressure on joints and leads to arthritis as well as other problems. Some dogs are more prone to obesity than others. There are several effective ways to keep your dog fit and trim.

Dental care for dogs
Do you ever brush your dog’s teeth? Although many dog owners would laugh at that fact, regular brushing  is actually necessary for dogs. In fact, poor dog dental care can lead to gum disease. Find out how to choose a toothbrush and toothpaste that is right for your dog.

Dog grooming
All dogs need to be groomed to some degree. Most are fine with regular brushings and a bath every few months or so, while others have an extensive regimen that involves monthly haircuts. This will depend on your dog’s coat and fur consistency.

Why give your dog a regular old haircut when you can do something more creative? Creative dog grooming has been growing in popularity in recent years. Groomers have been going a step beyond the normal haircut and turning their dogs into works of art. Chalk and colored hairspray can be used to turn dogs into cartoon animals, lions, birds and even dinosaurs.

Those who groom their dogs regularly may need a grooming table. Finding the right one can be difficult, as there are many sizes to choose from as well as various price points. Learn how to find the right one for your dog and your budget.

Finding a lost dog
Having a lost dog can be a scary situation for any dog owner. Cars and other animals can hurt or even kill a loose dog. Time is of the essence. Finding a lost dog covers what needs to be done to bring your dog home safely.

Causes
Diabetes has several main causes. The most common one is heredity. If a dog’s parents have the disease, then it is likely that dog will develop it as well. Certain health conditions can also trigger diabetes. Cushing’s disease is an example of this. Other pancreatic diseases can also affect insulin production.

The use of certain medications, such as steroids, can affect organs such as the pancreas. This can affect insulin production. Obesity can also cause diabetes. Poor diet can cause high levels of glucose in the dog’s blood as well as weight gain. The body’s ability to respond to insulin is also affected.

Certain breeds are more prone to developing diabetes. These breeds include golden retrievers, German Shepherds, terriers, beagles, poodles and dachshunds. The average age of onset is between 7 and 9 years old, so it primarily affects older dogs, although a dog at any age can acquire the disease. In addition, due to hormones, female dogs are more likely than males to develop diabetes, especially if they are not spayed.

Symptoms
The symptoms of diabetes in dogs are essentially the same as the ones found in humans. Increase in appetite and thirst are the most common signs. Weight loss is also present. As diabetes advances, the appetite will decrease dramatically. The dog may also show signs of lethargy and weakness. Vomiting and dehydration are common. Because diabetes affects the entire body, the dog may develop cataracts and frequent infections, particularly in the liver.

When glucose levels reach dangerously high levels, the dog may experience rapid breathing and with the breath smelling similar to nail polish. This is a medical emergency that must be treated promptly; if left untreated, the dog can go into a coma or even die.

Treatment
Diabetes cannot be cured, but with proper treatment, a dog can live a fairly normal life, and the symptoms can be effectively managed. Most dogs will need to receive daily injections of insulin. The amount of insulin required depends on the dog’s weight as well as daily caloric needs and the severity of the diabetes. In addition, your vet will determine the best type of insulin for your dog. There are three types: short-acting, medium-range and long-range.

The insulin must be taken at the same time every day in order for it to be the most effective. The insulin therapy is started at home, and the dog may come to the vet for weekly visits to refine the insulin dosage and check glucose levels.

Change in diet and exercise routines may also be needed, especially if your dog is overweight. An ideal diet should be high in fiber and complex carbohydrates and low in sugar and fat. A diet incorporating these elements will help regulate blood sugar levels so they do not get too low or high, as both can cause dangerous health situations. In addition, food should be portioned and given several times throughout the day instead of one big meal.

A diabetic dog will require regular vet visits to ensure the diabetes is effectively managed. The vet will perform blood glucose testing to ensure the levels are within range. The vet may require that glucose be tested at home as well.

Many dog owners try to manage diabetes through herbs and other dietary changes. For example, some swear to adding a few drops of apple cider vinegar to their dog’s water, as this helps to regulate insulin production. Natural herbs such as gurmar, turmeric and melon can also be added to the water to regulate blood sugar. Cinnamon can be sprinkled on dog food as a way to replace insulin in the blood. However, before trying these alternative treatments, it is advised to get approval from the vet.

Prevention
Most of the time, diabetes cannot be prevented because it usually caused by heredity. However, there are a few things dog owners can do to reduce their dogs’ risk of acquiring the disease.

The most important thing is proper diet. Dogs should be eating a high-quality diet. Human food should be limited, and portions should be properly rationed so the dog is not overeating and gaining weight.

Exercise is also essential. Exercise helps stabilize glucose levels as well as maintain a healthy weight.

Canned or dry food?
Overall, canned food tends to be healthier. It contains more protein and fewer carbohydrates and calories. However, dry dog food is less expensive, easier to store and better for removing tartar from teeth. Dry dog food also allows dogs to satisfy their natural instinct to chew, but chewing can be problematic for older dogs or those with missing teeth or gum problems. It can be hard to decide which is best, but the decision needs to be based on your dog’s needs and your budget.

Some dog owners prefer to make their own dog food so they can monitor the ingredients used. They can avoid preservatives and fillers and tailor it based on their dogs’ food preferences and needs. This is a good idea for those who have the time to make their own special blend of dog food.

Numerous recipes abound on the internet, but it is important to be aware of a dog’s nutritional needs – specific amounts of vitamins and protein are needed to keep your dog at his optimal health. Allrecipes.com has a nutritious dog food recipe that is ready to eat in 30 minutes. ThriftyFun also has videos and recipes to create a dog food that is best for your dog’s nutritional needs.

Portion control
Obesity is not a problem solely plaguing humans. Most dogs have hearty appetites and can eat all day long if allowed to do so. It is never a good idea to keep food out for your dog all day. It is important to closely follow serving sizes listed on the dog food bag with a measuring cup. Simply estimating it can result in larger serving sizes than required. However, it is important to monitor your dog to assess if he is eating too much or too little. If he seems hungry later in the day, you may want to feed him twice a day. Conversely, if he seems to be gaining weight rapidly, he should eat less than the recommended amount. Obese dog care covers weight control in dogs in more detail.

Vitamins and supplements
Most dogs do not require vitamins and supplements as long as they are eating a healthy dog food and seem fairly active. Those eating a special vegetarian or raw meat diet may need supplements, but this should be discussed with your vet first. Too much of a good thing can cause serious health problems for your dog. For example, an overabundance of calcium can cause bone and cartilage damage in puppies, and excess vitamin A can cause damage to blood vessels.

Lear more at dog supplements.

Organic foods
Going organic can result in excellent health for your dog. Organic foods often have high levels of protein and no preservatives, filler, food coloring and pesticides. Most organic foods also contain whole grains, which aid in your dog’s digestion. Overall nutrition in organic food can make your dog’s coat shinier and cure any instances of itching or skin allergies.

So what’s not to love? Well, the price can be significantly higher than for non-organic dog food, so it may not fit into most dog owners’ budgets. In addition, careful scrutiny is needed when buying organic dog foods, since the standards are for human foods. There are no standards developed yet for organic pet foods, so dog owners need to ensure that their dogs are getting enough nutrients.

Vegetarian diet
Many vegetarian dog owners tend to influence their pets to become vegetarians as well. With dogs, though, it can be difficult because they are omnivores that receive nutrients from a variety of food sources. For example, dogs get amino acids and protein from meat. Eggs can help boost protein levels in dogs, and brown rice and legumes are also healthy alternatives. Nutritional deficiencies are likely to occur in dogs on vegetarian diets, so it is important to keep your vet informed of any changes in your dog’s diet. He or she may want to put your dog on supplements or test him for common ailments.

Raw meat
Many dog owners swear by a raw meat diet. That’s all wild dogs ate thousands of years ago, right? True, but dogs didn’t live very long back then, either. Parasites and other ailments killed them off early on. This is why the raw meat diet has caused controversy among veterinarians who claim that raw meat contains harmful bacteria. The risk is not only for dogs, but for owners who handle and prepare the meat.

Raw meat enthusiasts are growing in popularity despite the risks. Some dog owners pay a premium price for chicken and beef, claiming that it has made their dogs happier and healthier. In addition, many dog owners have been scared away by the numerous dry dog food recalls in recent years.

Those who choose this route should ensure that their dogs are eating the freshest and highest-quality meat available. In addition, it is important to watch out for bones, particularly in chicken.

Foods to avoid
A dog may eat everything in sight, but that doesn’t mean he should. Many foods that are good for humans can be poisonous in dogs. Chocolate and coffee can cause hyperactivity and heart problems, which can lead to death. Macadamia nuts can cause vomiting and tremors. Raisins and grapes can cause kidney problems, although the exact cause is unknown.

Many people feed their dogs raw eggs because they believe they will give their dog a shiny coat. On the contrary, raw eggs decrease the absorption of vitamin B. which can actually lead to coat problems. Many owners feed their dogs milk as well, but since dogs are lactose intolerant, milk can cause diarrhea and stomach upset.

Dangerous foods for dogs covers what foods should be avoided in more detail.

The act of eating feces, or coprophagia, occurs in 10 percent of dogs. Although it is considered normal behavior, it is not a desirable behavior for many dog owners. If your dog has coprophagia, find out the underlying cause and ways you can limit his feces consumption.

Why dogs eat feces
This behavior may sound disgusting to us humans, but dogs were actually born to eat poop. Before they became pets thousands of years ago, they lived in the wild as scavengers. They lived off the land, meaning they ate whatever they could find. This included their own feces as well as the feces they found from other animals.

Today, female dogs eat the poop of their puppies. This is part of their instinct to keep their den clean so that they do not attract predators. In addition, in households with multiple dogs, the submissive dog will often eat the poop of the dominant dog.

Dogs are very intelligent creatures. In some cases, they may eat poop in order to please their owners. For example, a dog that accidentally poops in the house may get punished by his owner by having his nose rubbed in the poop. The next time it happens, the dog may eat the poop to dispose of the evidence.

Dogs often mimic the behavior of other dogs or their owners. A dog may see his owner clean up his poop and may “help” by eating it. If a dog sees other dogs eating poop, he may do the same.

Neglect may also lead a dog to engage in coprophagia. In order to get any type of attention from their owner – even negative attention – neglected dogs will eat their poop. If they are left alone for long periods of time and become bored and hungry, they will eat their poop to clean their home and pass the time.

If there is no apparent reason for a dog’s poop-eating habit, it may due to a medical condition. Pancreas problems, parasites or a lack of nutrients may be the cause. Therefore, a dog exhibiting signs of coprophagia should be checked out by a veterinarian.

Preventing coprophagia
Sniffing feces and other interesting objects is just a dog’s nature. Therefore, getting him to stop the behavior can be challenging. The best way to stop a dog from eating feces is to remove them regularly from the dog’s area. However, this can be a challenge to a dog owner who simply does not have the time to supervise his or her dog all day.

Other ways to prevent coprophagia include:

• Giving the feces a bad taste – If the feces don’t taste so good, the dog will be less likely to eat them. There are products such as For-bid and Dis-taste that are put in the dog’s food (or the food of the animal whose feces the dog is eating). The product gives the feces a bad taste. Some dog owners put Tabasco or chili powder on the feces to deter their dogs. Although this may work at first, some dogs quickly become immune to the spicy flavor.
• Keep control of the dog – When walking or out in public, keep your dog on a leash. A leash allows you to quickly pull your dog away should he encounter a pile of feces along the way. Some owners use a muzzle because a dog cannot eat with a muzzle on. Dogs with muzzles should always be supervised.
• Feeding high-quality food – The type of food you feed your dog should be fully digestible. Dogs are often attracted to bits of dog food found in their feces. If you notice them in your dog’s feces, switch to food of a higher quality. Specialty pet stores offer better food than grocery stores.
• Use supplements – It is believed that some cases of coprophagia are caused by a lack of enzymes in the dog’s body. Prozyme is a supplement that is known to help lessen the urge to eat feces. It aids in digestion and helps absorb various minerals.
• Designate a potty area – Teach your dog to go potty in one area of the yard. By keeping his feces out of his play area, you decrease the chances that he will resort to eating them.
• Teach commands – If you catch your dog checking out feces, you can use a command that will tell him to leave them alone. Something simple such as “Leave it!” works well.
• Startle him – The next time you catch your dog in the act, startle him with a loud noise such as an air horn. Your dog will associate eating feces with an unpleasant noise and eventually stop the habit. You need to be consistent, though. Expect to repeat this tactic each time for at least two weeks.

What is considered hyperactive?
First, it is important to understand what exactly it means to be hyperactive. According to the true medical definition of hyperactivity, hyperactivity is characterized by the following behaviors:

• Frantic activity
• Restlessness
• Inability to stop moving
• Excessive panting
• Unfocused eyes
• Strange pattern of movements (such as spinning in circles or chasing tail)

Why are some dogs hyperactive?
Veterinarians are seeing more and more cases of hyperactivity in dogs. Although some medical conditions, such as parasites, diabetes and tumors, can lead to hyperactivity, it is often the result of one of the following:

• Lack of exercise – Dogs need an outlet to release pent-up energy. Inadequate exercise can make a dog overstimulated.
• Poor diet – Dog foods high in sugar will make a dog hyperactive.
• Age/breed of dog – Border collies, Huskies, German Shepherds and other sport and working breeds of dogs naturally have more energy than other breeds. In addition, puppies are known to be more energetic than adults.
• Lack of training – A dog that has never had any rules will do whatever he wants, and this includes jumping and running around the house. Early obedience training can prevent hyperactivity and other behavioral issues.
• Lack of routine – Dogs thrive on routine. Chaos can increase stress levels in a dog and lead to excess energy.

How to calm a hyperactive dog
Depending on the source of your dog’s excess energy levels, there are various ways to calm him down and regain tranquility in the household. The main thing an owner must do is ignore the behavior. Dogs jump on people to seek attention. The next time your dog does this, simply ignore. Do not yell at him or punish him. Do not even look at him. Simply go about your business and see how long the jumping continues. Most dogs will quickly learn that jumping does not produce the desired results.

An even better idea is to teach your dog commands. When he starts getting restless, teach him to “Sit!” in a form voice. Do not yell at him, as may make your dog even more excited. When he does sit, offer a reward. The dog will quickly learn that obedience leads to positive attention.

If you think lack of exercise may be to blame, ramp up his activity. Be sure to allow time for walks during the day. A vigorous game of fetch or Frisbee can work wonders.  A visit to the dog park will not only release pent-up energy, but improve socialization skills. Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity daily. If you are away from the home over long periods, it may be a good idea to have someone walk your dog during the day.

If hyperactivity is caused by your dog’s diet, switch dog foods. A high-quality dog food should have meat as the first ingredient. If the first ingredient listed is sugar or corn, your dog is not getting enough nutrition, which could be causing the hyperactivity.

As a dog owner, you can help your dog by assessing your own stress level. Dogs sense the energy of their owners, the pack leaders. If you are constantly stressed, raising your voice at others or running around the house frantically, your dog will sense chaos and respond by releasing energy through the fight-or-flight response that comes naturally to humans and animals. In this situation, you must help yourself handle stress better before you can calm your dog.

You can also give your dog a backpack to wear. Sometimes hyperactivity stems from psychological needs and having your dog wear a backpack can make him feel important. The backpack can boost his self-esteem, as it gives him a job to do. Backpacks allow your dog to carry items for a walk or hike and can also hinder the desire to chase cats, squirrels, cars and other objects.

If none of these tips work, you may want to try alternative treatments. Aromatherapy is effective for many dogs because they explore their world through scent. Lavender is a very relaxing scent, but there are many others that may work well for your dog. Contact your vet or a professional who is experienced in holistic canine treatments.

It may seem silly to massage your dog, but it works well for humans. A relaxing massage can not only relieve stress, but increase a dog’s circulation throughout her body. Canine massage covers what you need to know about this topic.

Why dogs run away
For the most part, running away is a natural behavior in dogs. It satisfies their curiosity and rewards them. While roaming the streets, they can eat garbage, chase cats and play with other dogs – much to your neighbors’ dismay.

Other reasons why dogs run away include:

• Boredom
• Loud noises
• Looking for a mate
• Abuse
• Lack of proper training
• Sights/smells

Prevent the opportunity to run away
Once dogs start escaping and roaming regularly, the habit can be very hard to break. Therefore, the best way to keep your dog home is to provide him with a safe and comfortable environment. Your dog should have a warm bed in a private area, as well as toys to play with and regular feedings. He should receive adequate human interaction without being neglected or spoiled. If a dog feels happy and secure, he is less likely to run away.

Exercise is an important factor in behavioral issues such as running away. Activity tires dogs and makes them want to stay home. Daily walks help burn off excess energy, as does playing ball or Frisbee. Take him to the local dog park to play with other dogs. This will help his socialization skills as well.

Dogs may run away because they are bored, so finds ways to keep them entertained. Treats and toys are fun ways to relieve boredom. Many dog owners swear by Kong toys stuffed with a dog’s favorite food. These sturdy toys can keep your dog entertained for hours while you are away.

Train your dog to determine what is right and what is wrong. Obedience is important for a dog; otherwise, he will become the pack leader and do whatever he wants. No dog owner wants this situation, so it is vital to teach your dog early on.

How to break the habit
It is important to find the cause of your dog’s running away in order to effectively break the habit. Evaluate your dog’s environment. Are there holes around the fence line? This means that your dog is likely digging under the fence to escape. Take steps to make the yard secure for your dog. If your dog can jump high, a higher fence may be needed. Chicken wire under a fence will prevent escapes. If fence boards are broken or missing, replace them. If the fence has a gate, make sure it is always closed. A self-closing gate can help with this problem.

If your dog is not neutered, neuter him, unless you plan to breed him professionally. A common reason why male dogs escape is because they are looking for female dogs. A female in heat has a powerful scent that can attract dogs from miles away.

If your dog escapes to find more exciting stimuli – such as food, mail carriers or other dogs – try to block these from his sight. Cover up any holes in the fence or place black sheets up over the fence so that your dog is unable to see anything that catches his eye. If stray animals are a problem in your area, contact the local animal control office.

If loud noises cause your dog to run away, find the offending noise – this could be a loud car, fireworks or a power tool – and record it. Then play it back to your dog at low volume while increasing it slowly. If your dog shows signs of fear, lower the noise and start over. Continue this trick until the noise is played at the highest volume. After a while, your dog will get used to the noise and will no longer run from it.

Tips to get your dog back home
If your dog does happen to run away, he might not come right back home. He could end up lost or take up residence elsewhere. In order for him to get back home safely, it is important to have him properly identified. A collar with a name tag and your contact information will ensure that anyone who finds your dog can call you and reunite you. Having your dog microchipped is also an option. The microchip, implanted under your dog’s skin, allows veterinarians to scan your dog and immediately bring up your contact information.

Signs of Dog-to-Dog Aggression
Sometimes owners are oblivious to their dog’s aggressive tendencies. Here are some signs of aggression owners should look for in their dogs:

• Lunges at other dogs – Aggressive dogs will block out everything – including commands from their owners – and focus on solely the other dog. They may snap and growl, even when on a leash. In fact, some dogs are actually more aggressive when on a leash.
• Attacks other dogs when around his belongings – Some dogs can be very territorial, and it is never a good idea to bother a dog that is eating or playing with a toy. However, when another dog gets near his toy or food, and the dog responds by attacking, this is a serious problem.
• Barks, snaps and growls excessively
• Exhibits fear around strangers and in new environments
• Frequently chases moving objects, such as small animals, cars and people
• Often escapes from the yard or kennel to roam free in the neighborhood

Why dogs become aggressive
Genes and hereditary are the most common factors in determining aggression in dogs. Breeds such as pitbulls, mastiffs and greyhounds are naturally more aggressive than other breeds. However, this gives them no excuse to attack other dogs. Other factors that play a role include:

• Hormones – Male dogs that have not been neutered tend to be more aggressive than those who have been neutered. In addition, females who are in heat, pregnant and nursing tend to be more aggressive than spayed females.
• Living conditions – Being neglected and forced to live a life without much human contact can lead to aggression. However, surprisingly, dogs that are overly spoiled can also become aggressive. They eventually start to believe that they are human and fight with the other humans in the family over pack order.
• Teasing – Being teased by children or even adults who pass by the home can make a dog angry.
• Too much punishment – It’s acceptable to reprimand a dog when he misbehaves, but when the punishment is unwarranted or too extreme, the dog fights back through aggression.

Preventing aggression
Ways that owners can prevent aggression include:

• Proper socialization – Puppies should be socialized early on so they learn to behave properly around other dogs. They should learn how to play with other dogs. Keeping a dog isolated is doing it no favors.
• Consistent training – When a dog engages in undesirable behaviors but the owner does nothing to remedy it, the dog is being rewarded. It is important to identify such behaviors and teach your dog that they are unacceptable through the use of commands and punishment. An example of this type of training can be found here.
• Controlling the dog – Some owners let the dog control them rather than the other way around. Although dogs are considered family members by many dog lovers, they are not humans. It is the duty of the owner to keep the dog in line and let them know the house rules, to include where to sleep and when to eat.
• Secrets to Dog Training – For good and inexpensive training on how to handle and train an aggressive dog, Secrets to Dog Training is a great course, including videos and free consultations, on how to have a very well-behaved dog.

What to do about an aggressive dog
The best thing a dog owner can do is monitor the dog’s behavior and nip any type of aggression in the bud. Letting aggression to continue will allow it to get worse. In some cases, aggressive dogs end up being euthanized.

If your dog is aggressive and nothing seems to remedy the situation, a visit to the veterinarian is in order. Sometimes aggression is caused by a medical condition. The vet can check your dog and rule out any ailments.

If no medical issue can be found, you will need to re-train your dog so he lives on your terms, not his. Make some changes to his environment and current rules as sort of a “boot camp.” This is not to punish him, but to teach him who is in charge. Using a crate is also a good idea when you are home with him, but cannot supervise him. A crate gives dogs their own space without being harassed by kids and other dogs.

It is also important to find out what type of affection your dog prefers. Although many enjoy petting and playing games with their owner, many aggressive dogs prefer walks. Walking is a good activity because it empowers the owner.

If you are having difficulties training your dog on your own, it may be time to see an animal behaviorist. These people are specially trained in dealing with behavioral problems in dogs. They use a variety of techniques to reduce your dog’s aggression and turn him back into a loving member of the family.

Why dogs chew
Human babies enjoy sucking on objects when they have new teeth coming in. Puppies are the same way. They chew on things as a way to make sore gums feel better. However, if they are properly taught to chew on the right objects, they will eventually grow out of this behavior.

Chewing becomes a bigger problem with adult dogs. Improper training as a puppy can be a reason for chewing to continue into adulthood. In addition, dogs also chew when they are bored, fearful, anxious or eager for attention. If excessive fear or anxiety is the cause, an animal behaviorist may be needed.

How to curb your dog’s chewing behavior
It is important to teach your dog early on what is acceptable to chew. Try these tips:

• Keep personal belongings away from your dog – This sometimes boils down to proper housekeeping. Dog-proof the house by keeping movable items off the floor and away from your dog’s reach. Use power cord covers if your dog wants to chew on cords.
• Eliminate confusion – Give your dog items that are meant to be used as dog toys. This means avoid giving him an old sock to chew on. If he finds your favorite pair of socks, he may be inclined to chew on them. How is he to know the difference?
• Provide constant supervision – During your new dog’s first few weeks in his new home, he should be supervised until he learns how to properly behave. While you are supervising him, you can see what objects, if any, he attempts to chew on. While you are in his presence, you can catch him in the act and immediately reprimand him. When supervision is not possible, try restricting him to a certain area of the house.
• Focus on long-lasting toys – KONGs, Greenies and natural bones are great chews for dogs. They entertain dogs for hours, making them less likely to find something unacceptable to chew on. Avoid cooked bones, particularly human leftovers, as these bones can splinter and cause internal damage to a dog.
• Give your dog edible chews – Sometimes dogs want something they can not only chew, but swallow as well. Mix it up by offering your dog chews such as pig ears and rawhide bones.
• Use a chewing deterrent – Sprays such as Bitter Apple and No Chew Spray can be applied to objects that you don’t want your dog to chew. The sprays have bitter or spicy flavors that will make the dog spit out whatever he attempts to chew. The sprays must be re-applied daily for several weeks. Note that this will only temporarily curb your dog’s chewing. A puppy still needs to be properly taught what is acceptable to chew.
• Use a frozen wet washcloth – During the teething stage, your puppy’s mouth will likely be sore. A frozen wet washcloth will feel so good on his teeth and gums. He should be supervised, however, so he does not accidentally tear up the washcloth and swallow it.
• Provide plenty of exercise – If a dog is stimulated and exercised, he will be less likely to turn to chewing out of boredom. Make sure he gets adequate play time and time spent with you and other members of the family.
• Exchange the item for a treat – If you catch your dog chewing on something that he shouldn’t be chewing, offer him a treat instead. This is the perfect opportunity to teach him a new command. You can use something simple such as “Give!” or “Release!”

What to avoid
For dogs that chew too much, here are some things to avoid doing so that the problem does not become worse. These include:

• Chasing him – If your dog has a hold of one of your personal belongings, resist the urge to chase him. Instead, teach him to come to you and release the object from his mouth. By chasing him, the dog will think you are playing with and rewarding him.
• Punishing him after the fact – Dogs learn from their wrongdoings when they are scolded right away. Waiting hours or even just a few minutes will do nothing to teach your dog right from wrong. Dogs do not have the ability to associate punishment with unacceptable behavior if the punishment is not done right away.