e shtunë, 1 shtator 2007

The Benefits of Dog Kennel Training

Dog kennel training is controversial in some circles. There are some people who believe that putting a dog in a

kennel is type of punishment that no dog should have to endure. What many of these people may not realize is that

most dogs need a safe a secure place to call there own. So instead of the closet corner, the bottom dresser drawer

or a laundry basket full of clean clothes why not give them a place that is specifically theirs. As long as a dog

kennel is used properly your dog will suffer little harm.

The first thing to understand is that when dog kennel training is to never use the kennel as a place you put your

dog as a punishment if he has done something wrong. It may be tempting to do but you do not want your dog to become

afraid of their kennel. It is also important not to leave your dog in a kennel for more then four hours at a time.

Dogs, much like humans who work in a cube farm, need to get out in the fresh air, run around and take a potty break.

Dogs will also begin to get anxious after about four hours cooped up in a kennel which will have the opposite affect

of what you want to accomplish. The key to successfully kennel training your dog is doing it correctly.

There are many reasons to kennel train a dog. It is important to identify which behavior you are going to be kennel

training your dog for. Does he need to be potty trained or is he chewing up things he shouldn't be? Once you the

problem is known you can tailor the kennel training to fit your needs.

The idea is to make the kennel as homey as possible for your four legged friend. Make sure there is a warm

comfortable pad or blanket to lay on and keep food and most importantly water available. You dogs kennel should be a

place that he can go and feel safe and comfortable, this will make the training go much easier.

Let's look at two areas where dog kennel training works well; chewing and house-breaking.

You should keep chew toys available in your dogs kennel and no where else. If you catch him chewing something he

shouldn't reprimand him firmly but do not yell at him. Show him his chew toy and put him in his kennel.

House-breaking can take a little more work, but using a kennel is a good way to break your dog of his house messing

habits. If he claims his kennel as his refuge he will be like most all other dogs in that he won't go to the

bathroom where he sleeps. When he is in his kennel keep an eye on him and when he starts to get restless let him out

and take him outside to do his business. Praise him once he is done and repeat this process. He will soon learn that

going to the bathroom is an outside activity.

Dog kennel training works well for stubborn or hard to train dogs. If used in the correct way it is a good way to

train you dog to be a well behaved family friend.

e premte, 31 gusht 2007

Wooden Dog Kennel Flooring

It is a delight having a pet dog. It is fun chasing him around and teaching him tricks. But there is a price to pay.

Your backyard is full of holes he has dug up. Plus, he brings the mud inside your home. If you want to have a

permanent padding for your kennel, then you can opt for concrete kennel flooring.

This is one of the best decisions you will be making when it comes to caring for your dog. Instant Kennel flooring

is quite easy to install. They are also portable and resilient. Plus they have an anti-bacterial feature. Your pets

will be clean and happy with the concrete flooring that you provide in their kennel. Your dog will instantly love

it.

Concrete kennel flooring is usually made from 100% of synthetic fiber. It is interwoven and customized so that it

would look rugged. It also has long durability, making it perfect for outdoor kennels. Choose kennel flooring that

will protect your dog from bacteria, germs and too much sunlight. These factors can be very harmful to your beloved

pet.

Some kennel flooring is like a sponge. They are able to seep into the surface and soak real deep within the pores.

These pores, when damp, are responsible to serve as the breeding ground for bacteria and germs. That is why other

dog-owners go for kennel flooring that has dog-resistant characteristics.

The dog-owner also has to choose whether he would go for the concrete kennel flooring or not. The concern of

concrete kennel flooring is that it cannot be moved. So wherever you position it the first time, it will stay there

for eternity. But there are instant kennel flooring that will allow dog-owners to move it easily and to transfer it

from one place to another in span of minutes.

Other advantages of going for instant kennel flooring is that these are: - easy to install - protects against

bacteria - self-draining - weather proof - dig-resistant - durable - affordable

When choosing the flooring for your dog kennels, go for one that has no exposed wire ends. These exposed wire ends

can injure your pet and you wouldn't want that. Choose kennel flooring that has a bracket system that are assembled

systematically. Most of the time, kennels used for camping trips and dog shows are the ideal for every dog-owner. It

is because these kennels are strong enough to be set outdoors permanently.

Simon Oldmann is an avid dog lover, now living in the countryside he setup a dog kennel for his dogs, Simon

currently writes tips and advice on Dog Kennel planning, designing setup and buying.

e enjte, 30 gusht 2007

Building Outdoor Dog Kennel

If you want things done, do it yourself. This cliché can go out to dog lovers. They love their canines so much that

dog kennels sold in pet stores are not good enough. Some dog-lovers opt to build their pets kennels themselves.

Maintaining a dog can be very expensive especially in your wallet. As a dog-owner, dog food cost is not the only

concern. You need to have money allotted for vet bills, salon and shelter.

An outdoor dog kennel can keep your canine healthy and happy. You do not have to share your living space with your

dog 24 hours a day and seven days a week. If you do, this will only mean cleaning up after your pet's muddy

footprints.

You will also have to constantly monitor your flooring and your carpets. Check whether they have already been chewed

on. If you and your dog keep on arguing because he keeps on messing up furniture that cost your fortune to get, just

go for the dog kennel.

Buying an outdoor dog kennel is expensive. Building your own is only half of getting one at the pet store.

But ask yourself this: do you have previous carpentry work? It may let you save but ask yourself whether what you

are building can benefit your dog in the first place. Will it be durable for him? Will he enjoy staying inside it?

Research on the building supplies you will need. Ask around for referrals. Go to people you trust the most. A

majority of the expenses from building an outdoor dog kennel yourself is the materials. You have to calculate - get

materials that are cheaper than what the over-all total would have been if you have purchased an outdoor dog kennel

instead.

Most of the kennels that are sold in the market are of standard size. If you have a smaller or larger dog (the

average dog being the basis), the size of your dog kennel can be a problem.

If you are building an outdoor dog kennel yourself, you have to make it large enough so your dog can comfortably lie

or turn around. However, make sure that it is not too large. Make the size enough for the dog to retain his body

heat and for self-insulation to take place.

Building your own outdoor dog kennel is relatively easy work, as long as you can say you are an experienced

carpenter. Most dog-owners who held hammers and nails before prefer to customize their outdoor dog kennel.

The kennel must be raised a couple of inches above the ground. This will stop the moisture from seeping through the

wood flooring. When you're shopping for plywood that you will be using, make sure that it is exterior grade and not

pressure treated,

Before you lock your dog up in an outdoor dog kennel, make sure that your pet does not have the habit of chewing -

especially wood. You're not sure what chemicals were used in order to treat the exterior grade that you bought. This

could cause harm to your canine.

Building outdoor dog kennels involve being concerned to the doghouse's size, the type of wood you would be using,

and the height that the kennel is lifted above the ground. When it comes to the basics of the building, you can do

whatever you prefer. You may even be inspired by your canine's personality, therefore giving him the best outdoor

dog kennel.

Find usefully information about Outdoor Dog Kennel and learn how build your own dog kennel at

http://www.dogkennel.zupatips.com

e mërkurë, 29 gusht 2007

All About Dog Kennels

A dog kennel is a great way for your dog or dogs to spend time outside without chains or tied but still secure and

safe. This allows your beloved pets to see what is going on around them while still giving them plenty of room to

run about and move around freely. A kennel keeps your pet safe and out of danger as well as keeping them from

endangering others even if they are aggressive. This gives the owner peace of mind. Dogs are great escape artists

and even with a completely fenced yard, they sometimes find ways to escape. Tying a dog up is a worry because

everyone has read of incidents where they accidentally become tangled up or hang themselves, which is a frightening

thought. Dog kennels also reduce your dog's change of getting into a fight with another dog, contacting diseases or

being poisoned. Unlike a cage, where the dog has very little room, dog kennels provide your pet with enough space to

exercise, see the sights and enjoy some fresh air safely.

Here are some important precautions and guidelines to follow when building a dog kennel that helps keep your pet

safe, healthy and happy:

· A dog kennel needs to provide shelter for your pet from the outside elements, such as extreme heat, rain or snow.

If the dog will be outside for more than twenty minutes, provide shelter such as a doghouse or even indoor access.

· There should always be fresh water available, even if they are only outside for five minutes.

· Provide your dog with a comfortable place to lay or sit, such as a blanket, dog bed or even a piece of carpet.

· Kennel floors made of cement hold both heat and cold. Provide your pet with a place to stand that protect your

dog's paws from this.

Portable dog kennels are great for people that travel or visit a lot and love taking their dog along. Pet stores and

large department stores usually carry a wide selection of dog kennels, normally in standard sizes. If you have a

very large dog, you may have to ask them to special order one for you, that is big and secure enough. Portable

kennels are quick and easy to set up and take down. Some come with a screen, to block the sun.

Permanent dog kennels are usually constructed of metal or aluminum screens and steel posts set into the ground.

Often the floor is cement but some people prefer earth floors. For a dog or dogs that spend a fair amount of time

outdoors in their dog kennel, some owners add a dog run to give their pets more room to play and exercise. Permanent

dog kennels are sturdy enough to withstand a dogs jumping and pushing, without collapsing.

Custom made dog kennels are fabulous as you decide what shape, size or special items you want. Designed to your

specification, some cost a bit more but are certainly worth the money. Many people have and enclosed area added to

allow their dog to get out of the elements. Usually the company or people working with you on designing your pet's

kennel, install them also.

e martë, 28 gusht 2007

Introducing a Crate to a Dog

Dogs have a natural liking for enclosed sleeping places - think of how often your dog chooses to sleep under the

table, against a wall or behind the settee! In the wild your dog would seek out a cosy safe den to sleep and rest

up, that is all a crate is. Although their resemblance to cages or prison puts many people off. If they are properly

used and introduced, they can be a helpful aid to training and toileting and a comfort and a bolthole when the dog

is feeling stressed.

Once your dog is happy in the crate he can be left there to prevent soiling and chewing when you are out for a short

time, he can be restrained when the kids play noisy, energetic games which are not improved by his joining in, and

he has a secure familiar bed which can be taken in the car and on holiday if needed.

A dog which is thrust unprepared into a crate and left is going to associate the crate with a most unpleasant

experience and be very unhappy. A dog which is carefully introduced to a crate usually finds it a pleasant and

secure place to be, so it is worth spending some time over the introduction process.

HOW TO CRATE TRAIN YOUR DOG

• The crate should be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn round and stretch out when lying down. If he is a

puppy, allow for growth. Cover the crate with a blanket or sheet so it is dark, den like and cosy.

• To begin with you will need to leave the crate set up all the time. Later you may prefer not to, and some crates

fold flat for easy storage when not in use.

• When left in the crate your dog should have a toy or chew bone to keep him occupied when awake, soft bedding to

sleep on, I prefer Vet Bed or the equivalent and a drink of water. Get a coop cup it clips or screws on the inside

of the crate then you don't get spills.

• Initially feed the dog in the crate every day, with the door open. This is an easy way to get him to like it!

• Set the crate up in a quiet corner, and put the dog's bed into it. At this stage, leave the door pinned open so

that the dog is never fastened in by mistake and never gets stressed.

• Soon the dog should happily use the crate voluntarily. When you reach this stage, (NOT BEFORE) wait until he goes

in for a sleep, then close the door. Stay in the room, and let him out as he starts to wake up.

• When your dog is used to this routine, leave him for a minute after he wakes up, with you still in the room.

Gradually (over about a week) increase the time you can do this. If your dog gets distressed, reassure him briefly

but firmly and shorten the time on the next attempt. Don't make a big fuss - sweet nothings and lots of attention

can make him think you're praising him for being distressed, and he'll do it all the more. Aim for the "nursing

sister" approach when she comes to give you a big injection, sympathetic but business like!

• When you can leave the dog like this, leave the room for a few minutes but stay in the house. Again, gradually

increase the time you are out of sight till you can put the dog into his crate when you go shopping.

• Your dog should never be left in a crate for more than 3 or 4 of hours. Except overnight

e hënë, 27 gusht 2007

Save Space with a Portable Dog Kennel

If you like to travel with your dog or kennel train him then you know what a pain it is to have them as a permanent

part of your car or house. They are big and bulky and moving them is not a lot of fun, not to mention the amount of

space they take up in you car or house. And storing a kennel is almost more trouble then it's worth, but where do

you put the monstrosity. Well there is an answer to this problem, a portable dog kennel.

You can get a portable dog kennel is any number of shapes, sizes, and price ranges. For the most part they do not

cost to much. And the best part is that most portable kennels are collapsible meaning that when you are not using it

you just fold it up and store it in an out of the way place. It usually just takes a few quick turns of the wrist to

put up or take down a portable kennel. This comes in handy when kennel training a dog when you don't need the kennel

set up all the time.

A portable dog kennel may sound like it's kind of flimsy and won't hold a dog very well. Some people even worry that

their dog may chew through it or tear down around themselves but most portable dog kennels have been designed with

this in mind. They are well built for the purpose they serve.

These portable kennels are made out of different materials depending on the manufacturer. Some are collapsible wire

cages while others are more nylon mesh type construction. The size and breed of dog you have will determine which

type will work best for you. They all collapse or fold up and can be easily stored in a closet, under a bed or in a

shed. You can also buy a kennel pad to place in the bottom of your portable dog kennel. This will give your dog a

nice cushion to lie on while in the kennel.

You can find a portable dog kennel either at your local pet shop or do a search online. If you find one online it

will be shipped right to your front door and all you'll have to do is set it up.

To get more information about a portable dog kennel for you four legged friend visit the website Dog Kennels.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Bicknell

e diel, 26 gusht 2007

Senior Dogs Benefit from In-Home Pet Sitters

Do you have to rely on friends or family when you travel or work long hours? Senior dogs often need special

attention. Routines are very important as your dog gets older. If you are working late, your dog won't understand

why they weren't let out or fed. If your schedule is less than routine, your older dog could become stressed and

confused.

Likewise, your travel can upset your senior canine. Putting an older dog in a kennel is stressful because it is not

their routine. Leaving at a family members home will work but ask the caregiver how well the dog really adjust to

your absence and their new surroundings. We did and found that our dog did not eat at all during the weekend we were

gone. Bringing a favorite blanket or toy when boarding might have worked well in the past but it does little to

relieve the stress of your older friend. It may be time to consider all the benefits that a professional pet sitter

with at home care can provide you and your dog.

Benefits for your dog

Reduced Stress - Keeping the daily routine as consistent as possible will help reduce the stress dogs normally

experiences when they know you are leaving. With a pet sitter your dog can eat, sleep, and exercise in the areas

that are the most familiar to him.

Prevent Illness - Health concerns are always a worry when you have to leave your dog with someone else. At home with

a pet sitter your pet is not exposed to other animals that may be ill or carriers of parasites.

Tender Loving Care - All dogs love individual attention. A pet sitter will provide this and more. Dogs can become

spoiled with all the personal attention and will attempt to keep this going when the owner's return.

Transportation - For senior dogs being crated up and moved to the relatives or a kennel can be traumatic. Since a

pet sitter either stays at your home or visits your dog periodically, this stress can be eliminated.

Benefits to your family

Security - A pet sitter can provide many benefits as a house sitter such as picking up the mail, watering the

plants, and turning lights on and off at various times.

Peace of Mind - A professional pet sitter cares about your senior dog when you can't. Your pet receives individual

attention, with walks and playtime so you can travel without worries.

Not just for vacations

A pet sitting service can be invaluable for the busy family with a senior dog even when you are not traveling.

Scheduled Walks - During the day senior dogs need a break. Many people can't get free from work so a pet sitter can

be arranged to get your dog out for his afternoon walk.

Appointments - Some pet sitters may provide a "doggie taxi" service to help keep your dog's appointment with the

groomer or Vet without you losing a day's pay.

Unexpected Events - What if you're injured or sick? A pet sitter can check on your dog or provide a daily walk until

you are back on your feet.

Check our nationwide directory at www.olddogpaws.com for a pet sitter in your area!

Copyright 2006 Dave Eckholm

Dave Eckholm is the owner and creator of http://www.olddogpaws.com, a site dedicated to the care and comfort of our

old friends. As our dog Tikki began to lose his eyesight and became grey around his muzzle, we were concerned for

his quality of life. As a senior dog, he started to have special needs. We searched for new ideas, resources and

products to enhance his life. Old Dog Paws shares this information, including a national pet sitter directory, with

all dog lovers so your friend can enjoy wonderful senior years too!