Puppy training can be a trying time. The key to this time is to really remember that all puppy behavior is normal. They like to mouth, jump, bark, dig and piddle wherever they are. They aren’t doing it to annoy you, they are just doing what they have learned so far. It is our job to train them not to do these things.

Think of it as teaching your child to read. You wouldn’t punish your child for not knowing the alphabet if they have never seen it before right? So we don’t need to punish our puppies for things we haven’t taught them. Here, we will talk about normal puppy behavior and ways to encourage them to try something new. Remember - Behavior that is followed by something the dog likes will increase! puppy training should be a lot of fun!

Puppy behavior
Jumping: There are two ways to solve this - first, stand on their leash. Second, teach them to sit. By teaching sit we are removing the desire to jump.

Mouthing: See this full article on puppy mouthing.

Pulling: This one is easy. Just stop walking! If you never go anywhere when the dog pulls, he will quickly learn. Offer a small treat when he is by your side and talk in a happy voice to encourage him.

The key to training any behavior is to be 100% consistent in your efforts. Often times it will get worse before it gets better but it will go away if you are consistent.

Puppy dog training
Try enrolling in a puppy kindergarten near you. This will really help with socialization and early puppy dog training. Find a dog trainer near you.

Housebreaking puppies

Puppies need to go to the bathroom after they play, chew, drink, eat or sleep. Start by putting them on a leash and tethering them to you. That way you can be aware of them when they start sniffing the ground (usually a cue the puppy needs to go potty). Pick them up and carry them outside. When they go potty, tell them “good potty” and give a cookie as a reward. Do not let your puppy off leash until they have finished going so they get into the habit of going potty, then playing. Many puppies will want to go outside just to play if you let them off leash first.

What if my puppy has an accident?
He will. Do not punish your puppy though. If you catch your puppy in the act then clap your hands or pick them up - this will make your puppy stop going. Get him outside FAST and let him finish up out there. Reward him for going outside. Clean up the mess with natures miracle which will remove the odor completely.

Do NOT rub their nose in it, swat them with a newspaper, or isolate your puppy. It will only teach them to not go in front of you.

If your puppy is going frequently in the house you are probably not supervising them enough. Watch and learn their cues. If you feel you are watching and your puppy isn’t getting it you can always have them checked for a Urinary tract infection.

If your puppy piddles when you greet them, this could be submissive urination. This would be a problem that is usually cured by ignoring the behavior and letting your puppy calm down before touching them when you first see them.

This article not only applies to puppies, but it is how you should train a dog of any age. If you can’t supervise your dog, please put them in a crate to help curb accidents. Remember, dogs go where they go most!

This can be a trying time, so have patience and you will get through it.

About the Author

Amy Dunphy is the owner of The Dog Trainer Search. Amy is a professional dog trainer and offers articles, tips and advice through her website.

Potty Training Your Puppy:
Make sure you feed your dog at regular times every day as this makes bathroom breaks regular as well. Feed your puppy 2-3 times a day.

As soon as he is finished eating, take him to a grassy “potty area”. Speak the words “go potty” or “go in the grass” before and while he is eliminating. Be sure to praise him when he is done.

What you are doing is building word associations with the dog that will allow you to encourage his potty activity on command.

This comes in handy when you and your dog are at unusual locations and at pit stops during long haul travel. It also saves you from cleaning unwanted fecal material off the carpet at home.

It is a good idea to train your puppy to use a place where you can easily clean up and dispose of the droppings into the sewer. This is because worms that infect dogs and make them sick get spread around through the eggs or larvae found in the feces. Some, like the roundworm, can also infect children.

Reprimanding Your Puppy:
Talk to puppies like you would to children when they do something wrong.

Tell them “no” and show them immediately what the correct behavior should be and reward them for doing it right. After a few times they’ll know how to do it right.

For example, tell him “NO” when you catch him chewing the shoes. Then immediately give him his own toys to chew and cheer him on to chew on the toys. Praise him for doing so.

Use sparingly those reprimanding words like “No,” “Stop that,” “get off” and “bad dog!” Instead use more praises to reward good behavior in your dogs, this way the reprimands will take on stronger meaning.

A correct reprimand is short, sharp and immediate.

Only reprimand when you catch your dog doing something wrong, and punish only with your voice.

Hitting, kicking, slapping or spanking your dog can create more problems and usually makes existing problems worse. You may just end up with a barking and chewing dog, one that is leery, hand-shy, fearful or aggressive.

If you really have to spank one with your hand, just slap him across the behind.

Repetition and Rewards:
Repetitions are a crucial aspect of any dog’s training. You should always reward them for doing something right while training. The more often he is rewarded, the better and quicker he will learn. Create situations where your dog can get plenty of practice at doing the right things.

Be sure to praise and love on him when he does a good job. This is simple but not always easy to do. Bad behaviors like biting, constant yelping and barking and tearing the house apart get our immediate notice. What we easily forget to acknowledge are the good parts - when the dog is lying down quietly, chewing on his own toys, leaving the carpet unsoiled.

Praise and reward are the most important part of maintaining your dog’s good behavior and preventing him from getting into trouble.

Dog Toys, Games and Treats:
Foods, treats or praise will bring out the best responses from your dogs during training.

Treats can come in the form of their favorite food, toy or something they really love to do.

Some favorite treats are ice cream, cheese, ham and chicken. One Boxer dog even fancies a handful of ice cubes to crunch on though he’s not thirsty. Test human food treats a little at a time though, because some dogs can be sensitive to certain things. Milk products for instance, can give a puppy diarrhea.

The all time dog favorites of fetching, tug-of-war, and hide and seek games can be made more treasured using your dog’s favorite ball or toy, and giving him plenty of stroking in between throws.

Daniel Lesser
 http://www.thingsfordogs.com/puppy-basics.php

About the Author

Dog and Puppy Articles,
Pictures and Resources
http://www.thingsfordogs.com

I came accross this interesting article at the “Times On Line” of the UK, written by Ben Hoyle.

It describes A VIRTUAL puppy that leaps for Frisbees and fouls the pavement.

The game, for Nintendo’s hand-held DS console, updates the Tamagotchi craze of 1997 with electronic pets that demanded constant attention from their owners. The Nintendog has a choice of 15 animated breeds including Labradors, corgis, Chihuahuas and King Charles spaniels. They can be fed, bathed and trained. Over time, the attentive owner will amass enough credit to acquire a wardrobe for their pet, teach it to perform tricks and enter Frisbee-catching contests.But if the puppies are not played with every day, they become lazy and unresponsive.

The dogs, which never grow old or die, can interact with other puppies through wireless technology. They will bark if another console with Nintendogs loaded on it is nearby. Using a microphone attached to the console you can teach your dog to sit, stand, roll over, play dead, jump or even do back flips.

You can check the full artile here:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1643839,00.html

or if you prefere you can read a review of Nintendog here:
http://games.channel.aol.com/previews.adp?articleID=288542&gameID=27195

also you can check screenshots of the game here:
http://www.cube-europe.com/news.php?nid=6902

Protective Dog Clothing For Your Active Dog
Author: Teresa James
You’ll want to use protective dog clothing to keep your active dog safe and warm when adventuring in the great outdoors. The right dog clothing will go a long way in protecting your dog from cuts, scratches and severe weather conditions.

Protective dog clothing like dog coats, vests, and dog booties are important for more than one reason. The main function of dog clothing, like our own clothing, is to keep your dog dry and warm when the weather turns stormy and cold.

But many people take advantage of the newer styles of dog clothing that incorporate safety features like reflective materials stitched into the outfits. They help to make your dog much more visible when the weather darkens the sky. This is an important safety consideration for the dog that is active outdoors.

And if you take your dog hunting or hiking through the woods, she’ll really appreciate the protective features of dog clothing designed specifically for active dogs. Even the most user-friendly trails through the park are usually somewhat overgrown at the edges with sharp sticker bushes and splintering bramble.

When planning our outdoor activities we put a good deal of thought into packing all sorts of protective clothing that we’ll need to keep ourselves dry, warm and comfortable throughout our trip.

But are we leaving our canine friends out in the cold? Since many of our dogs look so well protected in their natural fur coats, most people never consider that they too could benefit from protective dog clothing. There are times when the cold weather or sharp thorns penetrate even the thickest of coats.

Just like us, if our dogs are left unprotected for extended periods of time they can suffer the chilling effects of the elements . . . losing their body heat at an accelerated rate.

So before your next outing, consider packing some protective clothing for your canine pal too!

Tips For Selecting Dog Coats, Vests, & Dog Booties

A good fit is essential. Dog clothing like a dog coat, vest or dog boots must fit well so that it will remain securely in place throughout an active day of hunting or hiking.

You’ll want a dog coat that will protect your dog from the elements and rough brush found on hunting and hiking trails.

How sensitive to the elements your dog is will depend a great deal on the weather conditions, how much time he spends outside and the type of coat he has.

Shorthaired breeds tend to be more sensitive to direct rain and cold. Whereas the fur of thick-coated breeds are more prone to absorb lots of water.

The coat that you choose must be designed to keep your dog warm while providing protection from wind and rain. When it’s windy and cold outside, fleece dog clothing will definitely help keep your pooch toasty warm.

But remember fleece alone is not the best choice for trail conditions. It won’t provide much protection from the rain and it won’t stand up very well against the rough brush on the trails.

A dog coat with a combination of a warm fleece lining and a durable nylon shell will provide maximum protection and will help maintain your dog’s core body heat.

If there’s a chance that you’ll be taking your dog into a cold and rainy environment it’s probably a good idea to pack a raincoat, too.

And if you choose a dog coat that covers the underside of your dog, make sure that it’s designed to give your dog enough room to do his business.

Your dog’s jacket will also provide some protection from thorns and burrs. Dog owners with thick-coated or longhaired breeds will find this a very nice bonus. Removing burdocks from fur is no picnic!

Dog clothing designed for the active hound should allow your dog to enjoy a full range of motion. So make sure the leg openings will not restrict your dog’s movement.

Also, look for garments designed with clean lines that are less likely to get caught on things. A well-fitting garment designed for the shape of your particular breed is best.

Copyright 2005 Dog-Supplies Advisor.com, all rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.

Publication is permitted so long as the resource information at the end of the article remains intact, and links are live.

About the Author

Courtesy of http://www.dog-supplies-advisor.com a site dedicated to providing dog care advice on a broad range of dog-related topics. Includes articles, frequently asked questions, recommendations, and tips for dog owners.

Read more about selecting great dog clothes at http://www.dog-supplies-advisor.com/dog-clothes.html & http://www.dog-supplies-advisor.com/small-dog-clothes.html

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Protecting the smallest member of your family: A step-by-step guide to pet insurance
Author: Burke Jones
Let’s face it – Fido and Fluffy are an important part of your family. Do you want to have to assign a dollar value to them if they become sick or injured?

That may well be the case if you don’t have pet health insurance. Rising veterinary costs mean that pet owners can pay hundreds – and even thousands – of dollars for their pets’ health problems. As the bills stack up, uninsured pet owners must determine how much they are willing to spend on their animal friend. It can be a heartbreaking decision to make.

Much like insurance for health, cars and homes, pet insurance helps people put a little money away now to avoid a major payout later. Coverage and cost vary, so it’s important to thoroughly research the options if you decide to insure your pet.

Step one: Determine if Pet Insurance is Right for You

When people decide to get a pet, they often don’t consider how they will deal with the inevitable unexpected illnesses or accidents. Keeping a pet indoors by no means eliminates all the hazards. They can still swallow foreign objects, ingest a poison or injure themselves. As well, living indoors does not make a pet immune to disease and infection – particularly those that are common to their breed. Pets with access to the outdoors have even more opportunities to pick up a disease or get hurt.

Don’t have a dog or cat? Insurance companies are starting to offer plans that meet the needs of a variety of pet owners. Some now offer coverage for birds and exotic animals.

Not all owners are good candidates for pet insurance, however. Pet insurance is ideal for owners who deeply love their pets and are willing to spend a significant amount of money to keep them healthy and extend their life. They buy their cherished companions the best food and care they can afford, sometimes even putting their pets’ needs before their own. For this type of owner, pet insurance can be a smart investment that can prevent considerable costs and bring peace of mind.

Pet insurance is not a good investment for owners who don’t have a strong emotional tie to their pet. Owners who would rather have their pets euthanized than spend money on vet bills are not good candidates for pet insurance.

Step two: Decide What Type of Coverage You Want

Most pet owners will weigh two main considerations when shopping for pet insurance: budget and coverage. Peace of mind can also be an important factor, but far more difficult to quantify.

Pet health insurance is still relatively new in the United States and Canada, so the options available are fewer than for other forms of insurance. That said, North American pet owners can choose from a variety of coverage choices, ranging from injury/accident-only to all-inclusive.

As with all insurance products, the cost of pet insurance increases as the coverage improves. As a pet owner, you must decide what is the right balance between affordability and the care you want for your pet.

- Coverage
When choosing pet insurance coverage, first consider what kind of insurance customer you are. Do you prefer all-inclusive coverage that pays for everything from routine checkups and vaccinations to accidents and chronic illnesses, or are you comfortable with a lesser degree of coverage that just kicks in during emergencies? Perhaps you prefer a flexible plan that offers discounts on a wide range of services, from veterinary care to training. This decision will lay the groundwork for your final choice.

Some issues to consider:

* Make sure to check for coverage of pre-existing conditions as well as breed-specific genetic ailments, such as hip dysplasia for large dogs. Some plans refuse to cover these conditions.

* Some plans place limits on annual, per-incident, per-illness or lifetime costs.

* How old is your pet? Coverage usually starts at eight weeks, but some plans won’t cover pets over a certain age (usually between six and 10 years old, depending on the breed, type of animal and other factors).

- Cost
Payment options for pet insurance include flat fees or deductibles and/or co-payments. Not surprisingly, plans with lower monthly premiums come with higher deductibles and/or larger co-payments.

Some issues to consider:

* Insurance premiums are affected by the age, health and breed of your pet, as well as the type of animal.

* Some plans offers discounts for multiple pets.

* Plans generally require customers to pay the vet bill first and then submit receipts for reimbursement.

* Find out if the insurance premiums will increase as your pet ages.

* Depending on the plan you choose, the monthly premiums can range from less than $10 to about $40.

Step three: Choose an Insurer

You’ve determined what you can afford to spend and the amount of pet insurance coverage you want.

Before selecting an insurer, here are some final considerations:

* Make a list of your questions and priorities in advance. Make sure to answer or check off each item when reviewing plan options.

* Research the insurer thoroughly. Review its website and sales materials, read its testimonials, talk to other pet owners and look for on-line reviews. How long has the company been in business? Are its customers satisfied? Make sure you feel comfortable about everything you hear or read.

* Compare the plan’s benefit schedule with your vet’s fees to determine to what degree the plan will cover the actual treatment costs.

* Find out how quickly the insurance company reimburses customers’ claim payments and if it has claim deadlines.

* Read the fine print. Make sure you completely understand the plan’s benefits and, more importantly, the limitations. If something isn’t clear, ask – and get the answer in writing. Otherwise, you might find you don’t have the coverage you need if an accident occurs.

* Start a file for your pet. Use it for all receipts and insurance paperwork so you can keep on top of your claims and make sure you are maximizing your insurance investment.

Your responsibility as a pet owner doesn’t end with food, shelter and affection. Pet health insurance can give the smallest member of your family a longer and healthier life – and provide you with more time to enjoy the unconditional love it so willingly offers to you.

About the Author

Burke Jones is a frequent contributor to Pet Health Depot writing about Dog Insurance and Cat Medicine.

Pros and Cons when Choosing a Specific Breed of Dog
Author: Jon Dunkerley

Ok so you have made the big decision to purchase a dog. Whether the decision was yours alone, or that of your kid’s, you being the voice of reason must determine the appropriate breed of dog that will be part of your family for the years to follow. Think of it as a trip to the grocery store. You have your absolute necessities, your health food, and your junk food.

Necessities

So you are at your wits end! Your kids are driving you crazy, “we wanna dog, we wanna dog, we wanna dog!” You dream of puppies in your sleep, your kids demand animal crackers in their school lunches; they draw pictures of puppies and stick them to the refrigerator door. Just last night, you thought you heard your wife bark in her sleep You decide that living in this state of craziness is no longer acceptable! Your options are; get the hell out, invite your family to lobotomy class, or submit.
Junk Food
So you walk into the grocery store and immediately see this huge box of chocolate chip cookies. You know in your heart that you shouldn’t buy the damn box, but no matter how hard you try, your mind will not waver from imagining big fat chunks of chocolate mixed with icing sugar as it dribbles down your chin and stains your nice new shirt!
We can and will use this same analogy when discussing the new addition to the family:
Every year, thousands of dogs are purchased, adopted, or taken in by individuals acting on pure impulse. These people just want a dog, its cool to have a dog, oh wait till the girls see me now, nobody’s gonna mess with me now…
These people have no time to think about the implications to owning a pet nevermind which specific breed would best suit their living situation. They do not fathom the living cycle:
Mrs. Johnson walks into a pet store with her 5-year-old daughter. By the way, Mrs. Johnson is a single mother living in a 2 bedroom dump up town, and holds two jobs just to make ends meat. Upon entering the store, Jenny, Mrs. Johnson’s daughter sees a little Husky pup and remarks emphatically that she wants this dog! Wanting to please her daughter, Mrs. Johnson works out a payment plan with the store, and the mother and child exit the store with the pup. Do you remember the big chocolate chips with icing sugar…
So the pup is now at home and growing rapidly! The child is in school all day, the mother is at one of her two jobs leaving the pup alone. All of us know what happens when young pups are left unavaded to their own device? Now the icing sugar is really beginning to drip…
Three months have passed and the mother is at her wits end! The daughter is no longer interested in the pup, the mother would rather mop the floor with it than take care of it leading to the pup being dumped at the nearest animal shelter! Stain…
The lesson here is simple. When planning on adding a dog to the family, research the different breeds that exist, to try to best suit the breed characteristics of the dog to your own living arrangements.

Health Food

The health food isle of one’s grocery store should be frequented quite often throughout one’s weekly visit to the supermarket. Being knowledgeable on what you put into your body can make a world of difference in ones productivity, emotional state, and overall well being.
When selecting a breed of dog to add to the family, refrain from giving in and choosing the cutest pup you can find, do your research, and be fair to the dog! Let’s practice empathy for a minute:
You have just graduated from College and are looking for work. While you are looking for employment, you rent this 375 Sq. bachelor pad above Maria’s Pizzeria. The place is a dive and you know it! You are afraid to tell your parents where you are living, you refuse to invite your friends over, half of your stuff is in storage due to lack of space! Now imagine yourself as a rapidly growing Husky pup. You want to see the world, wanna run, be free, chase rabbits, chase a ball, dig in snow… Instead you are confined to a small living space, ly in a corner, overheat in the heated apartment, are subject to abuse from your owners when it is their falt for not watching you when you mess up, unable to fulfill your own instincts!
I hope by this stage of the game, you are grasping the point that I am trying to make. There are thousands of dogs on the streets today due to lack of research, commitment, love, and basic understanding. These dogs did not ask for the life that they have, it was placed on them by stupid humans who think of nothing else but how to improve their own self image.
The situation is however improving. Now, good breeders will not just sell pups to anyone. They require a wealth of information relating to living conditions before parting with a puppy. I can only hope that more people will follow suit and start paying attention to where their dogs go, and who they go with.

About the Author

For more great articles from Jon, check out www.web-rover.com

Positive Dog Training Methods
Author: Rosana Hart

Dog training can provide a tremendous amount of satisfaction. Every dog should know at least the basics for living with people: come, sit, stay, don’t jump up on people, and so on. Beyond the basics, there is an endless variety of things you and your dog can enjoy doing together. Dogs who are a joy to be with have much more flexibility in what they can do with humans, and so they have more fun. Positive dog training methods are often easier to use, as well.

So what are positive dog training methods? Different people will define them differently, but as a rule of thumb they are techniques that allow you to train your dog without causing it physical pain. So these methods enhance your dogs’ natural trust and willingness. Dr. Ian Dunbar, Karen Pryor, Silvia Kent, Linda Tellington-Jones, and others have greatly expanded the popularity of this field in recent years. Training dogs can be a win-win for both humans and dogs!

The principles that are behind these methods are derived from sound scientific research: positive reinforcement is a central part of this approach. Clicker training dogs is perhaps the best known example, but there are other methods too. In clicker training, a small noisemaker is clicked at the very moment that the dog does exactly what you want it to. It’s more precise than saying “Good!” or anything else. Then a treat is given, at least part of the time.

There are thoughtful people who advocate the careful use of devices that do cause pain in training dogs, especially when the problem seems intractable. I believe that in training dogs, many methods will work. But it is heartening that many dog owners and trainers have crossed over to using only pain-free, positive methods of dog training.

Rosana Hart is a dog owner who has trained all her own dogs and has helped her friends as well. She now uses positive dog training methods exclusively, and is very happy with the results. “Dog training sessions are way more fun now!” she comments. Whether you are starting from scratch or already experienced, Rosana Hart’s website http://www.training-dogs.com offers you useful tips, tools, and tactics that have been proven by the dog training experiences of many people.

Pet Predicaments
Author: dan the roommate man
When you’re choosing a pet, you never consider the mark that your new dog or cat is going to make on your home … literally. Even if you manage to housebreak your pet with complete success, you’ll find evidence of your furry friend throughout the house — from hair on your bedspread to snags in your sofa to the slight stench that’s been hanging in the dining room ever since Fido shook himself dry after a romp in the rain.

If your furniture is dark and your pet has white, orange or another light-color fur, you’ve got your work cut out for you. There’s nothing worse than approaching a sofa covered in hair, which then transfers to your own clothing. To pick up what your pets leave behind, dampen a cloth (don’t saturate it), and run it over the surface of your sofa, bedspread or chair cushion. This is the easiest way to pick up the majority of that fur and restore your furniture to top condition. You can also use a piece of masking tape. To avoid using multiple strips and experiencing the frustration of having the tape tangle up, try wrapping a piece around your hand, sticky side out. Of course, you can always use a brush or tool on your vacuum cleaner to remove pet hair from your furniture, but that takes more time and often isn’t as effective.

Pet stains are a tricky area. Due to the combination of a high protein diet and their hormones, male cats are considered the worst offenders, followed by female cats and then dogs (dogs tend to have diets higher in carbohydrates, which means less offensive odors). If your dog or cat had an accident on a washable surface — a cushion with a removable slipcover, an item of clothing, a pillowcase or bedspread, for example — you may continue to smell what your pet left behind even after you’ve run the item through the cycle of your washing machine. Try adding some white vinegar in your next cycle along with your laundry detergent. The vinegar should cut any residual odors.

If your pet had an accident on the carpet, you’re facing a challenge. Generally speaking, if you find the accident and clean the affected area immediately, you can restore your carpet to its previous condition. If you do notice the spot soon after the crime has been committed, blot the stain using a white paper towel (colored paper towels might bleed into your carpet, making the spot even more noticeable). After you’ve blotted the area as much as you can (you may even consider placing something heavy on top of the paper towel to help speed up the absorption process), rise the area using a household cleaning solution containing ammonia. Blot the area again with another white paper towel, and then rise again using a solution of diluted white vinegar. Blot the area again. Then, tear off a few fresh paper towels, and place them over the spot with something heavy on top (a stack of books, a wine bottle, etc.). Leave them there for several hours to ensure that the spot is dried thoroughly.

If your pet is clever and chooses a low-traffic spot that you don’t find until several hours later or even the next day, you might experience faded carpet (your pet’s mess actually bleaches the carpet) or a stubborn odor. Depending on the dye used in your carpet, you might see a fading or other type of color change in your carpet. This is particularly true if the spot has time to sit, and your pet’s “accident” has had considerable time to seep through to the bottom lining of your carpet. If the stain sits for several days or even weeks, not only will the dye discoloration become permanent; the fibers of your carpet will begin to weaken and deteriorate. The area around the spot — and even the room itself on a hot summer afternoon — will take on a strong, acidic odor, reminiscent of ammonia. The bad news is that there’s not much you can do about that smell. Adding to the problem is that the presence of urine in the fibers of your carpet attracts bacteria in the carpet and its padding. Unfortunately, attempting to wet the area with various household cleaners will probably intensify, not diminish, the odor.

Some finicky pets are so problematic when it comes to housebreaking that they constantly find new, out-of-the-way places to leave accidents. Their owners find them weeks later when it’s too late. Other pets routinely leave their messes in the same spot, regardless of how much scolding their owners give them. If you’re facing either one of these scenarios, it’s probably time to call a professional. If you’re lucky, a carpet cleaning company may be able to restore the color to your faded patches of carpeting, and disinfect the affected areas.

If you’re not so lucky, even the pros won’t be able to restore your carpet to its pre-pet condition, and you’ll be facing the expensive proposition of replacing your carpet. The fact is that once those “accidents” make their way down to the padding of your carpeting, there’s not much you can do. And when the summer months arrive, you’ll constantly be reminded of their presence. Of course, it goes without saying that it’s also time to consider sending your pet to a housetraining school (if your cat is a perpetrator, you might be out of luck, short of an unconventional kitty training video or book) or even finding him or her a new place to live. You may want to contact your vet, as well, to see if something in your pet’s diet is causing a proliferation of accidents. If your lifestyle has experienced any upheaval lately — for example, the departure of a child to college, a move, the arrival a new baby or a spouse — that could be the problem. Animals are extraordinarily sensitive creatures. Even the most housebroken, model pets can fall into regression if they’re facing a stressful event.

If you do, indeed, replace your carpet, it’s time to regroup. Do you want to shell out thousands of dollars for brand-new carpeting, only to have it destroyed again by your pet? Many training centers have excellent success rates with their four-legged students. Although pets are considered family members, the expense of replacing your carpeting isn’t something you want to experience twice. Your best bet is to meet with your vet before you empty your wallet for new carpeting or place an ad in the newspaper to give away your pet. Your vet is your best resource for making sure you’ve tried everything possible to correct the problem. Only then is it time to take drastic measures. In more than a few cases, pet owners have pinpointed the problems leading to their pets’ accidents, and they’ve had to replace their carpeting only once — and without saying goodbye to their four-legged family members.

About the Author

Since 1989 dan the roommate man has helped 1000’s of people find roommates. Need help? Contact him at 800-487-8050 or www.roommateexpress.com

Pet Peeve: Dogs Doing Business Where Not Wanted
Author: Alyice Edrich

We’ve recently moved into a new apartment complex that really is much like a resort. We don’t have to maintain the lawn, handle any maintenance problems, or deal with unruly neighbors. We can use the pool without having to clean and maintain it, we can work out in a gym without the added monthly expense, we can play pool without going to a bar, and we can enjoy many sports such as racquetball, tennis, volleyball, and basketball.

So why with all this “luxury” surrounding us would I already be in a tiff? Dogs! That’s why. Many of the renters own dogs and instead of taking them for a walk on the “pet walks” which were meant for their feces. These pet owners think its okay to walk their pets around the apartment complex, let them do their “business,” and then walk away without cleaning it up!

I’ve learned that not cleaning up after their dogs is a HUGE pet peeve of mine. First, I consider it rude to let your dog use the bathroom on someone else’s property. Okay, so we don’t own the lawn in front of our apartment, but we sure do pay a lease for it as well as the public areas! Second, I think it is inconsiderate and shows a lack of respect for others. Third, I think it makes the property look bad.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wanted to go up to a dog owner as the dog is doing his/her business and give the owner a piece of my mind. But instead, I bite my tongue and say to myself, “As long as they aren’t doing it on my property I have no right to say anything. I just hope if they do it on my property I find the right words to say without letting all my frustration out on one person.”

I’ve even considered going up to management and making a fuss, but what can they do? They can’t “police” every pet owner as they leave the house. There are signs posted through out the complex, they’ve mentioned this area of concern in the monthly newsletter, and it’s in the apartment rental contract.

If you’re a pet owner who lets your pet “do business” on someone else’s property, think about this:

How would you feel if you woke up one morning and stepped on something squishy as you walked to your car? Doesn’t sound bad? What if you looked down to find that squishy mess was actually a pile of dog poop? Would you be angry, irritated, or disgusted? Or would you think it was okay and just walk back in the hose to change your shoes?

Now take that stop a step further, what if your little one was playing outside on his/her front lawn and thought that pile of dog poop was mud and put it in his/her mouth? Would you still be okay with someone else letting their pet “do business” on your property?

Final Thought

Take the time to respect your neighbor today. You just never know when that respect will come back to you ten-fold.

About The Author

Alyice Edrich is a freelance writer specializing in helping small businesses succeed—on the web. Visit her at http://thedabblingmum.com for free business-related articles and information on how she can help you succeed, today. Don’t forget to join her free e-zine!

Publishing Guidelines: You may freely reprint this article in a print or online magazine, e-zine, or newsletter provided you leave the byline intact, don’t change the content, and make The Dabbling Mum web address clickable. Please consider sending a courtesy copy for my records. Send an email to dabblingmum@yahoo.com.

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Online guide for training a dog
Author: Rolf Rasmusson

So you can use a guide for training a dog. At one time or another we all did. There’s no more joy and a certain amount of fun especially when it comes to helping our new best pet friend. That little guy wants desperately wants to please you so we need to find ways to break the communication gap. You can rely on a guide for training a dog as those writers have been there and done that.

So what may we expect? We can speed up our results with much success and even without the ole treat routine. It’s so simple you won’t believe it. Using a resource will prevent you from wasting your time and even more importantly not frustrating your new friend and causing a lot of undo stress. You’ll also avoid contributing to its low self esteem as well. Your doggie has feelings too.

You’ll learn how to properly use your voice with the proper equipment. You won’t need a magic wand to have that perfect well behaved dog. Proper training techniques will work on all sizes and breeds. The even so called difficult breeds respond to techniques you’ll find in these resources.

Training takes place in minutes per day eliminating those pet stains, damaged furniture, un-welcomed jumping on your guests and chasing him out the front dog. You’ll eliminate those annoying traits all together. Whether young or old these training techniques will work for all. So relax while you and your best pet friend build a great relation when using your guide for training a dog.

More doggie information at http://www.dog-stuff4u.com