You are looking for the perfect dog. A Chihuahua is too small and a Great Dane is far too big. Something in between a chipmunk and a polar bear would be fine. What are the best medium sized dog breeds? It is a good idea to research the different dog breeds before you make this important investment. After all, if your new pet is going to be part of the family, he or she will have to pass all of your tests.

Springer Spaniel- I am biased toward these breeds; both the English Springer Spaniel and the Welsh Springer Spaniel. Growing up, our family dog was a ‘brown’ and white Springer Spaniel. This breed is energetic and cheerful, but also well mannered. These dogs are very good with children and make excellent family pets. Very athletic, it would help to have a backyard when buying this breed. They require regular grooming.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier- The secret is out. This breed is becoming a popular house dog and family pet. With bangs that cover their eyes, this dog resembles a small golden sheepdog. They are energetic, yet well mannered; more like the Springer Spaniel and less like a terrier. They are not always good with very small children and small pets. However, they are good for families with bigger children and they can do well indoors if well trained. They require regular grooming, but they do not shed making them good for people with allergies.

Beagle- When I think of the beagle, I think of the famous Red Baron himself: Snoopy, of course. This smallish scent hound makes a great energetic and playful family pet. They do well with children and other pets. They require regular grooming and exercise. The beagle would prefer having a yard.

Border Collie- These good looking dogs are thought to be the most intelligent breed of dog. They are also one of the most high energy. Border collies were bred to herd livestock. They require a lot of exercise and attention. These dogs are not great around small children and small pets. These athletic dogs do well in agility competitions. They are not apartment dogs and require regular grooming.

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English Bulldog- The bulldog is often confused with pit bulls. This flat faced and stout breed, however, is a much more gentle dog. English bulldogs do well with children and can do well with other pets. They like human attention and can make good guard dogs. They require regular grooming.

Cocker Spaniel- These handsome and smart dogs can make excellent house pets. They are not great for small children, but can get along with other pets. They are a somewhat temperamental breed. Their long hair requires regular grooming. These dogs are energetic and playful and require regular exercise. With the right training and care, they are sure to be cheerful and loyal pets.

Chinese Shar-Pei- These distinctive dogs have wrinkled faces and black tongues. They are adorable, but were actually bred as guard dogs. They are loyal family dogs, but are not good around small children and other dogs. Shar-Pei’s make excellent watchdogs and good family dogs. Their grooming and exercise requirements are minimal.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier- The ‘Staffie’ is a stout and athletic dog. Their fighting days are long behind them, and today they make loyal house and family pets. They are good with children, but, generally, not with other pets. They are good watchdogs and can do well in an apartment if they get enough exercise. Regular exercise is a must, but grooming requirements are minimal.

Jack Russell Terrier- These adorable dogs have distinctive white and dark (often tan) coats. Unaware of their small stature, they are bold and fearless. A very active breed, they require a lot of exercise and attention. These dogs are not good around small children and other pets. Not a lot of grooming is required. They make loyal watchdogs.

Dalmatian- The black spots on their white coats make these dogs recognizable. This is a versatile breed with many talents. They make excellent watchdogs and good family pets. They are not recommended around small children, but they can do well with other pets with the right training. They like human companionship and require regular exercise. They are not apartment dogs and require regular grooming.

Chow Chow- It would be fair to name this dog ‘fluffy.’ The Chow is a dignified and thoughtful breed having an independent streak. They are good family dogs, but are wary of strangers. These dogs are not good around small children and generally, don’t get along with other pets. Chow Chow require regular grooming. They require minimal exercise and can be apartment dogs if they are taken on short walks regularly.

Basset Hound- The long, floppy ears of the Basset Hound don’t like to be pulled on. Other than that these dogs are excellent around children and good around other pets. They are gentle and lazy dogs who make wonderful family pets. Basset Hounds shed a lot and require some grooming. Regular exercise will keep these dogs from becoming overweight. They are prone to howling now and then and can be watchdogs.

Australian Shepherd- The ‘Aussie’ actually originated in the Western U.S. as a stock dog. They are versatile and high energy dogs. The Aussie also excels in agility competitions. They are intelligent and loyal dogs that like being given things to do. These dogs are not apartment dogs and need at least a backyard. Grooming requirements are minimal. They are known for their multi-colored eyes.

Sussex Spaniel- These dogs are low built and sturdy spaniels. They are brown, reddish, or grey in color with some curly hair on their floppy ears. Usually they are calm and gentle and can be good family dogs. With training, they can be good around children and other pets. They require regular grooming. They can be apartment dogs, but require regular exercise.

Corgi- The corgi is a very distinctive long and low dog with big, upright ears. They are intelligent, energetic and vocal. They do well in apartments and indoors if they get enough exercise. They are protective dogs and do well with older children and other pets. Grooming requirements are minimal.

Laurence Burrows is a golden retriever lover and trainer. For golden retriever pictures, Click Here. For more info and resources about golden retrievers visit the Loyal Golden Retriever.
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The following is a dog chaining Q&A adapted from a fact sheet compiled by the Humane Society of the United States.

1. What does “chaining”  or “tethering” mean?

Both terms refer to the practice of tying a dog to a stake or stationary object, often in the owner’s backyard, as a way of keeping the animal under control. These terms do not refer to the times when a dog is being walked on a leash.

2. Does continuous chaining or tethering present any problems?

Yes. Aside from being inhumane, the practice is also a threat to the safety of the chained dog, other animals, and humans.

3. How is tethering inhumane?

Dogs are naturally social creatures that love to interact with humans and other animals. In the wild, dogs and wolves live with other canines. They’re genetically wired to live in a group, so a dog that’s isolated in one area for hours, days, months, or even years suffers massive psychological damage.

If kept continuously chained, a normally friendly dog will become unhappy, anxious, neurotic, and oftentimes aggressive. In many cases, the necks of chained dogs become raw and covered with sores as a result of attempts to escape confinement, as well as improperly fitted collars. Some chained dogs have collars embedded in their necks. They also frequently get tangled in their chains and become unable to access food, water, and shelter.

4. Who says tethering is inhumane?

The Humane Society of the United States, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and several animal experts. The US Department of Agriculture also issued a statement against tethering in the July 2, 1996 Federal Register. In addition, according to the Centers for Disease Control, the dogs most likely to attack are male, unneutered, and chained.

5. How is the practice dangerous to humans?

Dogs tethered for a long time can become very aggressive. Canines are inherently protective of their territory, and when they feel threatened, they respond according to their fight-or-flight instinct. Since chained dogs are unable to flee, they often feel forced to fight and attack any unfamiliar person or animal that unknowingly wanders into their territory. Furthermore, a tethered dog that has broken free from his chains may remain aggressive and is likely to chase and attack passersby and pets.

6. Are chained dogs good guard dogs?

No. Chaining promotes aggression, not protectiveness. A protective dog learns to defend his human family by spending plenty of time with people. A chained dog that is confined and ignored becomes aggressive. Because they’re not used to people, aggressive dogs are unable to differentiate between a threat and a family friend and will therefore attack anyone. According to statistics, one of the best deterrents to intruders is a dog inside the home.

7. Why is tethering unsafe for dogs?

Aside from psychological damage, chained dogs are easy targets for humans, biting insects, and other animals. They may suffer harassment from passersby, bites from insects, and attacks by other animals.

Moreover, tethers can become intertwined with other objects, which can lead to choking or strangling the dog to death. Chained dogs are also easy targets for people looking to steal animals to be used as training fodder for organized animal fights or for sale to research institutions.

8. Are chained dogs dangerous to other animals?

Yes, sometimes. Smaller dogs, cats, rabbits, and others may enter the area of confinement when the tethered dog is asleep and then get attacked when he wakes up.

9. Are tethered dogs treated well otherwise?

Chained dogs rarely receive adequate care. They suffer from irregular feedings, overturned water bowls, insufficient veterinary care, and extreme temperatures. They often have no access to shelter that will protect them from the sun or snow storms, and rarely do they get enough water. And because their often neurotic behavior makes them unapproachable, they are seldom given even minimal affection and can be easily ignored by their owners.

10. Are the areas in which tethered dogs stay comfortable?

No, because they have to eat, sleep, urinate, and defecate all in one place. Owners who chain their dogs are also less likely to clean the area. While there may have once been grass in an area of confinement, it is usually very beaten down due to the dog’s pacing. As a result, there is nothing on the ground except mud or dirt.

11. But how else can people confine their dogs?

Dogs prefer to live inside with their human family, with frequent walks and exercise time outside. Apartment-dwelling canines are fine living indoors with regular walks. If a dog needs to be housed outside at certain times, he should be placed in a fenced area with enough room and shelter from the elements.

12. Should tethering or chaining ever be allowed?

Just as it is an owner’s responsibility to provide adequate socialization and attention, it is also their responsibility to restrain their dog properly. Placing an animal on a restraint to get some fresh air can be acceptable if done for a short period. Keeping a dog tethered for extended periods, however, is never acceptable.

13. If a dog had to be tethered or chained for a while, can it be done humanely?

Animals that must be kept on a tether should be secured in such a way that the tether will not get tangled with other objects. Collars must be comfortable and fitted properly. Never use choke chains. Restraints should allow the dog to move about and lie down comfortably. Dogs should never be tethered during natural disasters.

14. What about securing a dog’s leash to a “pulley run”?

Attaching a leash to a long line, e.g. a clothesline or a manufactured device called a pulley run, gives the dog a larger area to roam and is more preferable than tethering the animal to a stationary object. However, most of the issues associated with tethering are still present, including lack of socialization and attacks on or by other animals.

15. What can be done to correct the chaining problem?

An increasing number of communities are passing laws to regulate the tethering of animals. Tucson, AZ; New Orleans, LA; Carthage, MO; Okaloosa, FL; and Lawton, OK are among the cities that ban chaining, while Denver, CO; Wichita, KS; Austin, TX; West Palm Beach, FL; Norfolk, VA; and the state of Connecticut only allow dogs to be chained for a limited number of hours each day. Little Rock, AR permits pulley runs but bans fixed-point chaining.

16. Why should continuous chaining or tethering be outlawed?

Every day, animal control and humane agencies receive calls from people who are concerned about dogs in these cruel situations. Animal control officers, who are funded by taxpayers, spend several hours trying to educate pet owners on the cruelty and dangers of this practice. Regulations against chaining also give officers a means to crack down on illegal dog fighting as many fighting dogs are kept on chains.

A chained dog is trapped in a vicious cycle. Long periods of boredom and social isolation turn him into a neurotic shell of his former self, which further dissuades human contact. An inherently social creature, the helpless animal can only suffer from the frustration of watching the world go by. Any community that prohibits the chaining or tethering of dogs is a safer, more humane one.

Porch Potty – A Dog Owner’s Dream Come Truehttp://porchpotty.com
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The term ‘heart attack’ only applies to humans, right?

Wrong. Dogs suffer from heart attacks too. This is why it is important for the pet’s owner to understand just what causes this condition, how to recognize the signs, and ways that they can help prevent this illness from occurring. This way, they can possibly prevent their pet from experiencing this life threatening illness during their lifetime and increase their dog’s lifespan.

About the Dog’s Heart

The dog’s heart is similar to the human heart in that it has four chambers and is made of muscle which pumps blood around the dog. This pumping action allows blood to circulate throughout the dog and keeps the dog’s vital organs and body functioning at an optimum level. Without a heart that functions well the dog’s circulation is compromised. This may have an adverse effect on the animal’s health and in some instances can cause the dog to have a heart attack.

Heart Conditions in Dogs

Most heart attacks in dogs are caused by heart disease, a condition that affects the strength of the heart muscle and impairs the quality of the heart valves.

Heart disease in dogs typically comes in two forms:

Mitral Valve Disease – Also known as a heart murmur, this illness affects the valves of the dog’s heart and changes their consistency so that once smooth valves become lumpy and thickened. This change then reduces the performance of the valves causing them to leak, which in turn lessens the blood flow that circulates throughout the dog. In fact, in some instances the value flow is reduced so much that blood which has been pushed from the atrium of the heart flows back into the chamber that it has come from and this affects the dog’s circulation significantly.

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This illness typically affects smaller to medium sized dog breeds, such as Fox Terriers, Poodles, Chihuahuas, and Cocker Spaniels. Some dog breeds are more susceptible to heart disease and heart attacks than other breeds and this is why it is important to have regular vet checks over the course of the dog’s life.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) – This form of heart disease affects the muscle of the heart and compromises the heart’s contractions which then reduce the dog’s circulation. This illness progressively gets worse as the dog ages and often affects medium to large dog breeds, such as Boxers, Great Danes, and German Shepherds.

Both forms of heart disease can cause heart attacks in dogs and heart failure if left untreated. In fact, statistically speaking, some 11% of dogs have heart disease. In the U.S this amounts to approximately 3.2 million beloved pets which have the illness. The incidence of valve disease is said to increase as the dog gets older with some 30-35% of dogs acquiring the illness once they are aged 13-years and over.

Signs of Dog Heart Attack

The signs of a heart attack in a dog are not easy to recognize, as the dog’s body often will make adjustments so that the dog can cope with the changes in its heart’s condition. This is what is referred to as the dog’s survival mechanism. The body, which is a survival fanatic, will instinctively alter behavior so that the dog conserves energy and reduces the impact on its heart.

Typical signs that can be noticed may include the following:

1. Coughing

2. Craning of the Neck

3. Breathing Difficulties

4. Depression

5. Excessive Panting

6. Lack of Energy

7. Loss of Consciousness

8. Poor Appetite

9. Swelling of Limbs

10. Weakness

A dog showing these signs should be taken to a vet clinic immediately for diagnoses and treatment.

Heart Attack Prevention

Many dog health professionals believe that heart disease and dog heart attack prevention is better than treatment, as once a dog has heart disease it cannot be cured. This is why it is recommended that the dog’s owner use natural products that increase blood flow and ensure that the dog’s heart and valves remain strong over the duration of its life (dog health professionals often recommend Petsprin). These products contain dog specific ingredients that are made from fermented soy – Natto – and are a safe alternative to aspirin. The Japanese have been using Natto for thousands of years as a wellbeing and longevity food for stronger health and vitality.
For additional information on dog heart disease and protecting a dog’s heart as well as dog health information and tips visit www.petsprin.com. John Dugan writes about dog’s health issues and is an ongoing contributing writer at petsprin.com.
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Dog Training Secret Tips

Whether you be inflicted with a extra puppy or an grown-up dog here are a hardly any essential ingredients with the intention of ensure a lucky long stretch link. The initially ingredient is shape. A healthy dog is a ration easier to live with. Secondly, you aspire to get on to guaranteed you invest in approximately type of dog training curriculum. Dog training is a lifetime stanchness. It could commence with steps like housebreaking, however as your dog grows your training will too. The third ingredient to a lucky link with your dog is the equipment. Dogs be inflicted with special needs and are significantly better behaved as persons needs are met. When you be inflicted with a stanchness to building a bond with your dog and are willing to provide these three answer ingredients, you and your dog are guaranteed a time of love, respect, and happiness.

Your Dog’s Health Matters

The initially step to a long and lucky life with your dog is to get on to guaranteed your dog or puppy is healthy. This begins initially and foremost by choosing the aptly breed pro your family tree. Some dog breeds suffer from knee and hip problems while others can be aggressive if they’re not qualified by the book. Some dogs require noteworthy day after day implementation while others are content couch potatoes. A visit to your veterinarian pro a medical is de rigueur as soon as you bring your extra dog family. Inside addition to read-through made known your dog’s shape, updating vaccinations and having your pet spayed or neutered, you could need to be inflicted with your veterinarian investigate dog skin problems and check their teeth. Dog dental trouble is part of raising a lucky, healthy and well adjusted dog.

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You can discover breed and trouble in rank online, in your library’s dog trouble section or in your community pet supply store’s tome section. If you’re bringing family an grown-up dog, be guaranteed you’re prepared to accommodate your extra dog’s trouble supplies. Older dogs can be inflicted with a host of bad lifestyle. Don’t consent to with the intention of deter you from adopting an grown-up dog. With trouble, patience and special dog training you can be converted into a lucky dog owning family tree. To produce your dog the preeminent start in life, get on to guaranteed you and your family tree are equipped pro dog ownership. With the proper attention to trouble and the shape of your dog you can raise a well behaved and respected canine and limb of your family tree.

Supply Proper Dog Gear and Equipment

To be a skilled dog title-holder you be inflicted with to understand could you repeat that? Your dog needs and wants. Dogs are natural chewers. They dig, bark, and can be destructive. You can solve all of these conundrum behaviors with the aptly attention and training. For model, unwarranted barking could be a upshot of boredom or anxiety. Eliminate the cause of the behavior and you eliminate the behavior. Chewing and destruction could be caused by boredom or puppy teeth. Provide your dog with the aptly toys and clear reinforcement as they chew on ‘good things’ and you can correct this behavior.

Finding the cause of the behavior is the initially step to proper training and better behavior. Dog trick training could be the ideal solution since your dog could be looking pro interaction and organize. And with the intention of old adage, you can’t teach an old dog extra tricks isn’t real. You can. Female puppies, male puppies and grown-up dogs in any case of the dog breed can gather respect, tricks, and special behaviors you solely need the aptly curriculum and dog training practice.

Your extra four legged family tree limb will require a ration of trouble. If you’ve purchased a extra puppy at that time with the intention of trouble begins with puppy proofing your family. You’ll need to hold a pen, a dog bed, dog collars, healthy dog food dog treats and of way you’ll need to educate physically on dog grooming and perhaps approve of dog grooming equipment. All of these can be found by online dog equipment supplies.

To Your Success,

Mark Imris

Imris Mark is an Internet Preneurer. With vast experience in Internet Marketing and Business Start-Ups working from Home
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Obedience training of a dog takes a primary role in the future of your dog and your relationship with your dog. It is what molds a character and personality of your dog ,and it depends on how you train your dog.

There are many advantages as to how dog obedience training can lead to a healthy relationship with you and your dog. For one thing dogs form a bond of trust and loyalty in your. They also will not indulge in any improper behavior like unwanted barking, chewing, etc. A clear communication can be formed with your furry friend through this training.
Note: Please note that puppies are relatively easier to train than mature dogs as they don’t know anything other than what we tell them. Whereas older dogs already would have already formed a set of rules on their own based on where they lived previously and so it would be a little more time consuming to instill what you want them to do in their mind.
Dog obedience training benefits not only the dog but also you, its owner. By doing the training with your dog it not only make your dog happy and confident but also gives you a sense of accomplishment to see your dog happy. A trained dog will be well behaved in front of your family and friends with a little supervision.

A well trained dog is liked by all. On the other hand if you did not give your dog any obedience training , then it will most lead to a rift formed from the dog and your family. The dog will tend to be alone and be antisocial. Further more it your dog would become unsafe for you and also others (neighbors, other animals etc.) Also a untrained dog is the major reason as to which many dogs tend to be left at animal shelters.

So now let us discuss as to how do we start our dog obedience training:

1. Start with something simple at first like “sit” and as you start feeling more confident start training in more complex commands.

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2. Allot a specific time of a day to train your dog and never deviate from the time set.
3. Your sessions have to be short, but also make it such that you make it fun for the dog by interacting with the dog.
4. Repeat the commands as often as you can , so that your dog becomes used to it.
5. Never correct your dog if the dog does not follow the commands correctly for which he has been not properly taught. Everything is new to the dog, so you cant expect the dog to know exactly what you want at the first time. Teach the dog patiently and give some time till they are used to it.
6. Never use punishment as part of your dogs obedience training to correct the dog. Punishing the dog usually confuses them and makes them feel insecure and afraid of you. It usually has a negative effect than what you expect and make the dog antisocial.
7. Praise and Presents or treats works wonders on your dogs training. Be sure to praise your dog if he does what you asked from him. Also correct him appropriately if he did some mistake. 
8. Make sure that you are the person who does the training with your dog and not some other family member. You need to show the dog that you are his master so that  a bond of trust and loyalty can be formed.
9. Dogs tend to usually please the ones they consider to be their master. So all you have to do is spend as much time as you can with your dog till it accepts you as his master.
10. All dogs are motivated by something, be it treats, a walk, fetching, etc. Find out what motivates your dog and use it as a tool to train your dog .  

You want to know how to effectively train your dog? Then go and check out “Secrets to dog Training“. A complete review of the product can be found here.

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