There are many reasons why people drop or abandon their puppies and dogs at animal shelters. Sometimes its because they didn’t do their research on the breed and the dog was too much for them. Too many times, puppies are given as gifts such as at Christmas and as soon as the new wears out and the kids tire of taking care of the puppy, off to the shelter the little guy goes!

Other reasons include trouble with house training, messy grooming needs, noisiness, not getting along with other pets or children, hyperactivity, biting, or destructiveness. Should any of these behaviors befall your newly adopted friend, please do find a professional trainer that specializes in shelter dogs to help you to stop these behaviors and don’t take them back to the shelter! They can be helped! It just takes patience and time and love! You will also need to pick up some dog accessories such as some bulk dog treats for your new doggy so he can have plenty of treats.

Do Not Be One of These Owners

After the choice has been made and you and your new forever friend have already started the bonding process,and you’ve filled out the paperwork for the adoption, you should have already had tons of questions answered by yourself how you will care for your new beloved 4 legged canine friend! Will he be an indoor dog or an outdoor dog? Do you have the necessary sleeping equipment for the outside? Do you intend on tying him down or putting up a fence in the yard? Is he fixed already? If not, then do you plan on having him taken care of? Will he be living with other children? How about other animals? Also if you have an older or injured dog you may want to pick up a dog bed orthopedic, its great for your new dog.

You definitely do not want to be one of these owners that are ill equipped and are ill equipped for a dog. Knowing these things and having the right equipment from the start are the best and only way to insure that you are a responsible pet owner! I cannot stress how important it is to have your dog or cat spay/neutered! There are literally millions of dogs and cats that are homeless and are having unwanted litters. To help end the plight of homeless animals in shelters, make sure you have your cat or dog spayed or neutered!

Why should you look more towards animal shelters with strict policies? There are a few good reasons for seeking these places out such as: animal shelters can be extremely selective about the homes in which the dogs will be going to, animal shelters make occasional visits to the homes in which dogs were brought to after being adopted. Some organizations require certificates from a veterinarian that validate vaccinations administered and proof that neutering surgery was performed, and any dog or other pet that is adopted under these agreements are generally sent to good homes. These shelters want the very best home possible for the animals in their care and while one particular dog may not be a good fit for you, they will work to find you one that is!

It’s summer and it seems like fleas are everywhere. Luckily, today’s pet owner has an arsenal of flea treatments at their disposal. Pyrethrin is a safe and widely used insecticide. Methoprene and Fenoxycarb are insect growth regulators (IGR) which prevent eggs and larvae from developing into pupae. Always treat bird dogs and their environment at the same time.

A flea’s life span can range from 2 weeks to 8 months. Because the pupa is wrapped within the protection of a cocoon, insecticides will not affect them one bit. This is why they are extremely difficult to kill, and also the reason why pet owners experience another flea outbreak just 2 weeks for the first treattment. As the pupa stage ends and the adult flea develops, you are left in the same position you began.

Flea Baths
Using a regular flea prevention shampoo can help with flea control. One thing to be careful about though is flea dips – especially if you have children in the house. Flea dips are very harsh and most leave a residue on your dog – they’re only recommended in cases of very extreme infestation and should be discussed with your veterinarian before use.

Spot On Medications
This type of flea treatment is administered between the shoulder blades of the pet. It’s a monthly treatment that will kill adult fleas for sure, and some brands will even prevent larvae and egg growth. These medications can only be used on dogs older than eight weeks. Water activities, like swimming or baths can make spot on medications less effective.

Pill Flea Treatment
Known for its effect as a “flea birth control”, this is also a monthly treatment. When the flea bites your dog, they become sterile and die without every laying eggs. When this happens, the fleas will die out completely, leaving you flea-free. Since this type of treatment can’t be washed off in water, it is great for pets that live indoors.

Natural Methods
Not everyone likes to use chemicals for flea control purposes. If this is the case, you should vacuum thoroughly as often as possible. In addition to carpets, vacuum furniture, pillows, and bedding. Properly discard the bag, or burn it, right away. Secondly, you should wash everything in the hot water cycle. Lastly, use dried pennyroyal, diactomaceous earth, or pyretthrum powder. Apply it on pet bedding and underneath cushions and mattresses. However, don’t use pennyroyal if your dog is pregnant. Repeat this process every few days.

Clean from inside out
Pet bedding, furniture, cushions, and thick carpets are fleas’ havens. Before treatment, always vacuum everything and everywhere in your home. Then, burn or properly discard vacuum bags immediately. Fleas love dust and hair, so this is important. It’s also important to wash all pet clothing and bedding in hot water. Insecticides are most effective on young, immature fleas.

Outside, fleas love wet, shady areas like dog houses, flower beds, and under decks or porches. Treat any location where your pet spends a lot of time. Fully mow and rake your yard. Get rid of leaves in flower beds and under bushes to increase the areas exposed to insecticides. The garage, basement and other places with non-carpeted floors should be thoroughly mopped to get rid of flea larvae hiding in crevices. Wash pet carriers and vacuum the car!

You can also choose a fogger or spray for your home, yard, and other areas, as they are very effective. You may need to repeat treatment in areas of severe infestation, usually every 2 or 3 weeks.

Flea bites cause all kinds of problems for pets and people. Intense itching can lead to skin problems, hair loss and infections. A bad infestation can lead to anemia and tapeworms. Allergies to flea saliva can cause flea dermatitis. Getting rid of a flea infestation is imperative for the health of your pet. Following these steps will help your pet and your home stay flea free.

There are lots of hunting dog supplies out there on the market, they range from dog crates, to dog collars, to electronic hearing protection. Make sure you do your research before you buy something to make sure it offers exactly what you want.

If you are looking for some dog pajamas or dog supplies be sure to view the resources provided to you right away.

One of the first responsibilities as a pet owner is to make sure your puppy or dog has identification tags or even a id microchip. Having identifying tags or chips provide you with assurance that should your dog wander away from home, get lost, or stolen that they can be identified and gotten back to you!

There are two basic types of identifying products you can try! First is the basic license or id tag with collar. Usually these can be custom made tags in an assortment of colors and styles and types of plastic and metals that have a dog’s name, owners name, address, and perhaps your vet’s name. The downside to the tags is that they can be easily removed by dog thieves and you have a slim chance of being reunited with your beloved canine family member.

The other type of id you can get for your dog is the microchip. Microchips have been around a long time and have come a long way. The microchips are today function with a 134.2kHz in order to conform to internationally used microchip systems. Microchips are surgically implanted under your dog’s skin between their shoulder blades. It’s typically painless. The microchip itself is programmed with all the identifying information that you as the owner supply. It is then uploaded and stored in a national database. It takes a special scanner to read the microchip’s information, but this type of identity marker is better than the tags because it can’t be just ripped off and discarded. Be sure to pick up some cheap dog clothes for you doggie today.

Another form of identification that is typically low cost is tattooing. This is where your veterinarian would tattoo the inside of the ear or on the stomach with puppy’s name and your phone number. The only cons are that tattoos can be altered or fade and you don’t want to have to re-tattoo every time you change your phone number.

It’s important for owners of gun dogs to know that the tools and supplies required for hunting dogs is quite different from those required for family pets. At any given time, our pets may be kept outdoors during inclement weather, but for the most part, pets are kept indoor when bad weather presents itself. But for hunting dogs, the story changes; when they join you for hunting, they will be outdoors in all types of weather conditions. As a hunting dog owner, you will need to ensure his comfort as best as possible.

Dog vests

One item that may be invaluable is a dog vest which will help protect your dog. It’s not unusual for us to see small dogs wearing sweaters or vests to protect themselves from the weather, but for hunting dogs they may be necessary. Just as you protect yourself from the cold you want to make sure that you’re hunting dog is comfortable regardless of the weather. A well insulated vest can help ensure that you’re hunting dog stays comfortable and warm while you’re hunting. In order to find a properly insulated vest you may need to go to a store that sells hunting dogs supplies.

Dog doors

Wouldn’t it be nice if the next time your dog wanted to go out that he could let himself out without disturbing you? Provided that your dog will be safe in a fenced yard or other containment area a doggie door may be the solution. Whether your dog is a pet or a hunting dog, a doggie door is easy to install, and ideal for allowing your dog to go in and out of the house unsupervised. Not only do doggie doors allow your dog freedom they are perfectly safe as these doors are not large enough for a person to get through. Any good doggie door is insulated and easy to install. Nearly any store that sells regular pet supplies or hunting dog supplies will have a variety of doggie doors.

Dog Collars

Regardless of the type of dog you have you are going to need specific supplies. For those with hunting dogs, a dog training collar may make the difference between a well trained hunting dog and one who goes off on his own. These correction collars can be purchased nearly any place that sells dog supplies. For owners of hunting dogs and a tracking collar may be a necessity. Tracking collars will typically only be sold at a store that specializes in hunting dog supplies.

Making sure that your dog regardless of whether he is a pet or hunting companion is well behaved, safe, warm, and comfortable is your responsibility. Finding your hunting dog supplies can be done in stores or can be done online.

If you are one of the many allergy sufferers you know who miserable it can make you.

Now imagine your dog suffering from allergies and how miserable she must be. She cannot complain and she cannot ask for help. So as responsible dog owners it is up to us to figure out when she is having an allergy outbreak and to provide her with medicine as soon as possible.

Similar to humans, dog allergies are usually passed through genetics from parents to puppies.

There are various things that can cause a dog to have an allergic reaction. The more common dog allergies include dog food allergies, protein allergies, allergies to pollen, and dog skin allergies. Thankfully they are all treatable with proper treatment and monitoring. Change her dog food until you find one that does not trigger a dog food allergy. You should be able to find other treatments for other types of allergies.

If you believe your dog has allergies then schedule a vet appointment. You vet can examine her and then recommend the best course of treatment.

The easiest way to identify dog allergies is to know your dog. Know what “normal” looks like for her. So, when you see something that seems to be out of the ordinary you can take a closer look. This can be helpful not only in identifying potential allergies, but it can help to identify the start of other illnesses as well.

Several symptoms can indicate that your dog may be allergic to something. You may notice that she is always scratching, or she may be gnawing at her skin. There is no sure set of symptoms that you can use to identify your dog’s allergies since there is no telling how a dog will exactly react to something.

So any changes in behavior that you see is grounds for further investigation. Try to find out what is causing the change in your dog’s behavior.

Dog allergies should be identified and treated as soon as you can. This can help you poor little dog to avoid additional pain and discomfort and bring her some relief to her allergy suffering.

If you got your dog from a breeder then it is quite likely that they can tell you if her parents had dog allergies too. That may make it a bit easier to pinpoint what she may be allergic to.

Read the rest of the articles in the dog allergy series.

Stop by our online pet store for all your dog supplies.

Some believe that an electronic collar is not safe for their dogs and in fact, believe they are inhumane. Before you make that decision you should do your homework and you’ll quickly discover that they are not only effective, but they are safe and a perfectly humane tool for training your dog. One of the most important considerations is choosing the electronic collar that works best for you and for your dog. We are putting together some brief reviews that we hope will help you make a decision on which of these popular models is the best choice for you and for your dog.

Containment Systems (“Invisible Fence”)
There are two types of these perimeter-sensing collars for teaching your dog the boundaries of your yard: electric and wireless. Electric systems work with a buried line that you install to establish the perimeter of your yard. PetSafe is a good model for this application with an easy-to-use setup for both the fence and the collar receiver. PetSafe comes just about right to fit any standard-sized yard. To fit a larger area than PetSafe can handle, we recommend Innotek’s containment system.

With the Innotek system, you can experience a few extra benefits. You can expand its use to as many as 25 acres and use multiple collars in conjunction with one fence, making it ideal for owners or multtiple dogs. Both brands are recognized and are great options for hidden wire fencing.

PetSafe also makes a wireless fence that works almost like the wired system, but without the wire, and is much more advanced. It works along with a transmitter around the middle of the area you want to confine. Signals are sent to the transmitter within a radius that you can set. It’s easy to set up and is extremely versatile and portable.

Bark Collars
If you own a dog who barks frequently this might be the right tool for you to help with that urge. The Innotek collar is not only reasonably priced, but it’s probably one of the top brands in term of being popular and being respected in the marketplace. This unit has sensors that easily identify the barking location (i.e. is it your dog or someone else’s dog?) meaning no unnecessary correction for your dog. If your dog is a constant barker, the intensity of the charge gradually increases to prevent barking and when the dog stops, then it will reset to the original setting. These collars are suitable for most dogs and offer the added benefits of being both lightweight and waterproof.

Beeper Collars
Known as more of a safety collar than a training collar, the beeping collar is controlled by the pet owner. The owner can send a beep to the collar so that the dog can be located. A brand called Dogtra is very well designed, with its ability to beep steadily or at intervals, allowing the owner to easily find his dog. The beeping collar works to about a mile away, and there are types available to owners of multiple pets or dogs. More advanced ones have a lot more features, like trackers that tell you when your dog is pointing, which means stopped, and flushing, which means moving quickly.

Electronic Collars
If your dog goes with you out onto the field, goes hunting, or enjoys large areas, the electronic training collar can help you train your dog within the area. TriTronics offer the greatest system, with options for providing optimum training for dogs who spend time outdoors. There is about a one mile range in most models, and up to twenty settings within stimulation levels. They are versatile, offering waterproof protection and lightweight feel, as well as long-life batteries which maximizes each use. Accessories available include transmitter holsters, field chargers for collars, battery packs, and “dummy” collars so that your dog learns to respond without the actual collar. If you’re looking to save a little money, try the SportDog collar, which is comparable and still gets you long ranges of use.

If you are hunting for a good electronic training collar for your dog, this guide has hopefully helped you understand the options and manufacturers you should be considering. Whatever you do, be sure your veterinarian and trainer are aware of your options and choices so that you can receive advice tailored to your particular dogs’ needs.

You could have a small yard or a huge yard; it makes no difference to a dog, especially a curious puppy. They are all escape artists! Investing in a dog fence doesn’t only keep your dog safetly in your own yard and keeps them from running stray, but they also protect your pooch from other dogs that might be aggressive, sickly, or in heat. Keeping your dog inside a fence is just another responsibility as a pet owner. This is just one of the many dog accessories that you will need to purchase for your dog.

There are two types of fencing, and depending on your needs the decision is up to you! First off, you will want to assess what your budget for a fence is. Second, what size is your dog and what is their degree of strength? If your dog is a pup, then you will want to think about how large he or she will be at adult hood, and remember puppies grow pretty fast.

Some communities have regulations and restrictions on fences. So you will want to know those and last but not least, what are your expectations? If you have a pretty big budget and style is first on your mind, then you may want to go with the most decorative in fencing such as wrought iron, wood stockade, or masonry. These fences are sure to not only keep your beloved pet enclosed and protected but also will add to the beauty of your home. However, if budget is more important that style, then you might want to choose more practical choices such as chain link fence or standard farm type chain link. You can help your budget out if you purchase bulk dog treats, because you always save when you buy larger quantities.

Another type of fencing that is affordable is electronic fencing. Electronic fencing are special because they use a buried or hidden wire system. These fences use electric shocks to deter animals or people from crossing a boundary. The shocks can be set at a voltage that emits a shock that can be as low as causing mild to moderate discomfort or a higher shock that would be more of a painful stimulii. The most preferred that is both economical and stylish is a simple wooden constructed fence.

However if you live in a housing edition or community where they will only allow a non-visible style fencing, then go with the electronic fencing, and if you have a short haired dog you will want to pick up some puppy sweaters to keep your dog warm while outside. Electronic Fence Warning: There are many cases when a dog that has a strong innate desire to chase an animal or a car will prod right through the invisible barrier while seemingly ignoring the warning beeps of the structure and ultimately absorbing the electronic shock that is initiated. Your dog may then be uninterested in reentering the yard after the chase is over. Another downside to electronic fencing is that they do not provide your dog with any protection from strangers or other animals from entering their area.

When you get to the construction phase, keep in mind a few tips : Consider the size of the spacing that runs between the bars or wires of a farm-type fence or iron fence. No owner wants to get their fence up and find that their puppy or dog has played Houdini and escaped because the spacing was too wide.Consider also the design in connection with your dog’s climbing abilities.

Breeds such as Pit-Bulls, Huskies, and other dogs similar will need fences that cannot be climbed over or easily knocked down, chewed or clawed. In this circumstance, here is a good rule to follow: 5

If you are thinking about buying a small dog as a pet, remember that for the most part, they aren’t much different to a larger version. Having said that, there are certain points they need to be made aware of when looking after a small dog. Illustrated below are some points you will need to consider for the daily requirements for a tiny breed of dog.

Picking a Dog

Feeding:

Naturally you’re going to feed your dog daily, but the standard-size kibble at the grocery store may be too large for your dog to eat comfortably. Make sure that your dog gets a kibble which suits his tiny mouth and you could get these along with the premium brand of dog foods. Although if you feed you dog with canned food this should not present a problem.

Dog Care

Methods of containing them:

Every dog needs the following: regular exercise, an outdoor place for his potty needs, and an enclosed area which provides the animal with security. You need to be careful here as the large fencing used to protect a larger dog may just be too big for a small dog, since there are convenient gaps below and in between making it easy for the smaller dog to kneel down and escape through it. It may seem bizarre but it has been know for very large birds to actually take tiny dogs from their gardens. A simple answer to this problem is to construct an enclosed play area which should stop this from happening.

Dog Care

How to train the dog:

While tiny dogs aren’t any harder to train than large dogs, the consensus of many pet experts is that many of them end up spoiled. Be it a pocket or purse-fitting dog, remember that the small dog still belong to that species of animals which follow pack behavior, and incidentally the dog and not the owner leads the pack. It’s a wise idea to make sure your pet is thoroughly house trained, no matter how small and inconsequential the mess might seem when he misses. Dog experts also suggest you make your dog work for you, to keep him responsive to your rules. Never reward a dog with goodies or a meal till he has perfected your command for doing tricks or even simple jobs like sitting or fetching.

Grooming:

Keep in mind that grooming a small dog is slightly different to larger ones and cater for this. Firstly, as they do not get the same type of outdoor exercise that a larger dog does whereby their nails are trimmed automatically, tiny dogs require their nails trimmed on a more regular basTiny canines do not get the same sort of regular outdoor exercise on rough surfaces that controls their nail growth like a larger dog so they will need to be trimmed more often. As they are eating more canned food, their teeth will need to be brushed more regularly (at least twice per week) to eliminate unwanted and harmful deposits. The above makes it clear that it does not matter whether you are taking care of a small dog or a large dog the methods are pretty much the same. These may seem like inconsequential points but they can and will make a big difference to your pets health and happiness.

It’s not uncommon for bird dogs to get an ear infection in fact it’s a result of the size and depth of their ears. Because hunting dogs (gun dogs) spend so much time outdoors and have large, floppy ears, they are actually more prone to getting an ear infection. Infections in the ear are a result of yeast or bacteria which can grow in your dogs’ ear and eventually may wind up in the ear canal.

Symptoms of Otitis
Not only are ear infections painful, in extreme cases they may actually lead to your dog becoming deaf. There are some symptoms that you can be on the lookout for – some are basic behaviors of dogs that have ear infections while others are clinical symptoms. You should be aware if:

Your dog has any discharge from their ears which is heavily colored
Your dogs; ears begin to emit a strong, foul odor
Your dog begins to scratch his ears or shake his head excessively

These early signs can get worse and becoming a serious infection. Once the infection begins to creep deeper into your dog’s ear, it will get into the inner ear and begin affecting your dog’s ability to keep his balance and to hear:

Disorientation
Falling down or an awkward “drunken” gate
Loss of hearing
Unusual eye movements or “crazy eye”

As soon as you’ve noticed something wrong, take your dog to a veterinarian. The faster you treat the infection, the easier it will be to care for it and the less it will cost you in money and your dog in pain.

Your veterinarian can find the problem by utilizing a special scope to observe the infection, and sometimes, a cotton swab may be use to get a sample. Ear mites and other diseases can have the same symptoms of otitis, so they must be ruled out before treatment can begin.

Treating Ostitis
Usually the infection is treated with a medication. Sometimes it’s as simple as hydrogen peroxide poured into the ear regularly or it will involve a prescription medication for more serious infections. Sometimes antibiotics are also prescribed to lessen the other affects of the infection. A thorough ear cleaning will be done at the vet’s office and then your regular treatments with medication will be done at home.

The treatment for most ear infections will mean that you’ll have to place the medication in your dogs’ ear and that is most likely going to mean that you’re going to need a second set of hands. The dog isn’t going to be particularly happy with any treatment, but it’s critical that the treatment be completed per your veterinarians’ instructions. Don’t forget to talk soothingly to your dog during treatments, it will help him relax.

Watch your dog carefully. Even after the infection is “cured,” it can come back again and dogs never become immune to it. Remember: the earlier you catch it, the easier it will be to take care of it.

Keep in mind that not only is health issues important with your hunting dog, but the type of hunting dog supplies you get from your dogs are just as important. Make sure to do your research and take your time when you decide to purchase something such as a dog training collar.

We all understand the importance of carrying a first aid kit when we’re hunting to protect ourselves from possible injury. But, don’t overlook a first aid kit for your hunting dog while you’re preparing your own! It’s better to be prepared for a possible problem and be able to deal with a minor injury than wait until you get back home and discover you have a real problem.

Your dog is depending on you to care for him at home and out on the field. After all, this is your responsibility. In the event that your dog becomes hurt, will you be prepared to treat his wound with sanitary medical dressing? That’s the difference between being prepared and using an old shirt or rag, which can actually lead to deadly infections and make the injuries worse. It’s worth the couple extra dollars to have a first aid kit for dogs on hand.

Here is what to look for in a good bird dogs first aid kit:

A First Aid Guide
This guide should cover the basics of first aid for dogs. It should show how to bandage wounds, do mouth-to-snout resuscitation, and use the other items contained in the first aid kit to help your dog. This is for emergencies and doesn’t replace normal veterinary care, of course. Read the guide before you go out so you are familiar with the information in it and will either know it or be better able to find it quickly.

Don’t Forget The Tweezers
Small and often forgotten, these little pincers are a Godsend when you have slivers to remove. Just like in humans, a splinter that enters a dog’s foot pad or another part of the body can bury itself in the skin and work its way deeper, eventually becoming an abscess. This abscess will become infected and could spread its infection throughout the body.

Hydrogen Peroxide
Easy and cheap, this liquid is a must-have in any decent first pad kit. Because they are good for sterilizing, it’s a good idea to use them on your dog as a prep. It won’t cause any discomfort or pain. If it comes as liquid versus a sterile pad, make sure to use a sterile gauze pad to properly clean the affected area, before and after treatment.

Iodine
A small bottle of iodine is the next step up from peroxide and can be used to more thoroughly clean a wound or cut before bandaging. Even better is to use the peroxide and then the iodine on the wound before bandaging. Iodine can make a wound heal much faster.

Antibiotic Ointment
These are off-the-shelf ointments that can be used to help with bee or wasp stings, abrasions, or other small injuries.

Eyewash
Like their adult companions, dogs often get things in their eyes that no amount of trying will dislodge. You can find a simple saline solution that can be safely used to wash out your dogs’ eyes and in some cases, even prevent issues with their vision. Just spray some into the dogs’ eye and as a rule of thumb the rest will take care of itself.

Trauma Pad
A trauma pad is crucial if your dog is seriously injured; it will help minimize bleeding and help keep the wound bound as well as providing assistance in transporting your dog to emergency help. When shopping for a trauma pad watch out that the sizing is correct for your dogs needs.

Gauze, Tape, and Scissors
Simple, basic, and self-explanatory, these tools are indispensable for your dog’s injuries. It’s useful for cuts and scratches. To properly treat these minor injuries, bandage and gauze the area, then tape it to protect the area from further damage.

A dog first aid kit can really make your hunting trip a good time. Lack of one can make it traumatic. Be sure you have a good kit with lots of hunting dog supplies and that you carry it with you at all times while in the field. It’s not a bad idea to have it easily accessible at home too.