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Our furry pal is an excellent communicator. Although most of the communication is soundless this does not mean that it's not occurring. There are many ways that can be classed as communicating which could be any of the following:

Smell - Sniffing: Unlike humans, dogs do not sweat through their skin but they can and do sweat through their paws. This is helpful to other dogs that follow as it leaves messages behind every time the paw touches the ground.

Marking with urine is another way in which dogs communicate. There are owners of male dogs who are amazed at how many times that their dog can lift its leg and place but a few drops of urine for others to trace but what they are really doing when they lift their leg is a way of raising the scent.

Female dogs are known to mark in the same way as a way of marking territory. There is little wonder why we are unaware of the scents that we omit when we are scared or excited. We really should not be surprised when our dogs react to these types of emotions.

The importance of sniffing: Sniffing is a real must for any dog as it provides them with much-needed information that we cannot comprehend. When taking your animal for a walk it is constantly taking in scents and learning what is going on around him. It is really unfair to deny your dog of these fact-finding opportunities.

It is not really necessary for a dog to stop to sniff at every tree or post but there should be times factored into your walk that would allow him to take as much time as necessary. In a dog world, sniffing can be likened to watching the news and discussing it with friends or reading the morning papers.

Noises Dogs Can Make include:

The most obvious is barking and this can mean different things for instance, for attention, aggression towards a threat or another dog or just to raise an alarm. After a period of time, an owner will get to interpret the different barks. Barking can mean anything from hello to go away.

Whining: Frequently a young puppy will let out this noise to let you know that something is making it unhappy, it's a cry for help, which usually gets the attention that they are after.

Yelping: If you hear a dog yelp it is normally associated with a cry of pain rather than classed as communication.


Low Growling: This usually means that the animal is unhappy and is a warning about the situation.

Howling: This is a primal sound that some dogs will make and it is a purely social activity. There are dogs that will howl in response to certain sounds they hear on TV or musical instrument.




How Do Dogs Communicate?


Choosing the right dog food which is healthy for your dog health can be a bit difficult. Dog is a man best friend however no matter how close the dog can be with humans, the fact that it is still a dog with special needs and different tastes in food remain. This is why as pet owners we shall give our beloved pet dogs the right types of dog foods that will give more nutrients and energy for the dog. If you are still new with these things, here are some examples of best dog foods that you can give to your beloved pets:

Original Ultra Premium Dry Dog Food:  this Original Ultra Premium Dry Dog Food went through different studies to make sure that the formula used in this recipe will all be about a product that promotes good health of the dogs, something to satisfy their palates, and even for the good of their coat. No marketing tactics and magic were used to hype up this product because it is really the quality of the ingredients based on scientific formula that will give best results for the dog. It is in fact made with ingredients like fresh chicken, brown rice, fresh carrots, sweet potatoes, Taurine fortified and it has no artificial preservatives. The greatest news for all is that it is perfect for all types of dog breeds.

High Prairie Canine Formula Roasted Bison & Venison Dry Dog Food: this product is made from without grain content which is perfect for the diet of your dogs. It has ingredients like raspberries, tomatoes and roasted bison which are great to provide energy for active dogs. The best thing about this food recipe is that it tastes like no other and it is made from real roasted meats. This is also supplemented with fruits and vegetables that are good antioxidants for your pet. Natural antioxidants help the dog to be more healthy and safe from any illness so with this you no longer have to worry about your dog's health. Providing them with this food product is also like securing their precious health.

All Natural Recipe Dry Dog Food for All Life Stage:  the dogs will surely love the four key ingredients flavour this formula recipe is made of. Best of all, this dog food product is also made with brown rice which made healthier since it is whole grain plus just fair amount of carbohydrates which are perfect to provide high nutrition and energy for the dog. Dogs are very active so they definitely need something to boost their energy to keep them strong all day and this food recipe is certainly perfect.

After learning about these different types and classifications of dog foods, you should start to determine what the right product for your pets is and make sure to serve the dog foods to them right away. Seeing your pets looking healthy and lively all the time is definitely a rewarding feeling so do your best to provide them with the things and products that are best for them most especially the foods that they eat.


The Best Foods to Feed Your Dogs


If you are planning to move to a new house and you know it is going to be stressful for everyone involved including your dog. There will be so much disruption, imagine what it is like for your family dog, their normal routine has gone as everyone is busy doing different things. The whole world your dog has become familiar with, such as smells and household objects has changed dramatically and you should be aware that your dog could become stressed.

One consideration is to place your dog in a boarding kennel for the whole period of the move. If you decide to do this you will need to ensure the dog is up to date with vaccinations and worming. Placing your dog in boarding kennels ensures your pet is kept safe and has a minimal affect on their stress levels whilst you and the rest of the family deal with the move. After the move to your new home and everything is unpacked and a semblance of normality has been restored you can collect your dog. It is important that you then give the dog the required time and attention needed for it to settle into the new environment.
However, for whatever reason boarding kennels may not be an option and you will want to keep your dog with you. If this is the case then the following tips will help make the move as smooth as possible.

1. As early as possible on the day of the move empty one room as quickly as possible and then that room can be used to keep the dog in. Make sure that all the doors and windows are closed, that way you know the dog is safe and where to find it when it is time to go. Let the removals people know where the dog is so that they do not let it out by mistake or scare the dog or get themselves frightened.

2. If you can, feed your dog as you normally would but try not to feed it too close to the actual moving time. If you do, your dog may become ill during traveling especially on a long distance journey.

3. Everyone will be excited on your arrival at your new home and that includes your dog. You should do exactly what you did when leaving your old house, find a room to keep the dog in and leave some familiar belongings in the room with the dog and don't forget to provide the dog with a bowl of water. Once again make sure the doors and windows are closed and if you can, lock the door to that room and even put a warning on the door informing all who is inside, this should stop everyone from opening the door accidentally.

4. Once you have your dog safely in a room you and your family can get on with moving everything into the house. As you work through the day please think about your dog and remember to feed them. You can as well provide your furry pal with a blanket which smells of your old house, this will make your dog feel more secure and keep them warm if it gets a little cold.

5. Don't forget your dog will need exercise at some point during the day. Whilst you have been looking around your new surroundings you should find an area around your home where you can exercise your dog. The opportunity to have some free exercise will be greatly appreciated by your dog especially after being cooped up in one room for a large part of the day.

6. Walk your dog around the house and garden with your dog at your side. It will help your  dog explore the new environments without your dog becoming too overwhelmed. Make sure your garden is secure before you do this. Take this time to explore and get to know your new home together.If you follow these tips your move to your new home should be less stressful for both you and your dog.

How to Help Your Dog Feel Less Stressful When Moving to a New House


Rawhide is the most welcome treat for any dog . It has been acclaimed as the number one choice for varied reasons. No one can deny the importance of rawhide for dogs. Introduced in the 50's, rawhide were immediately acknowledged as a natural chew treat for your beloved canines. It has been proven to benefit both their dental health and satisfy their need to chew.

Rawhide is taken from the inner hide layer of large cleft-hoofed bovine livestock. Its quality depends upon the animal source and the country of origin. Animal hides are made up of two layers; the outer layer is tough which are manufactured into leather shoes, garments and upholstery and the inner layer is soft which are cut into different shapes and sizes for dog chews.

Animal hides become flexible because of collagen which is the protein contained in the cartilage, bones and teeth. This collagen in animal hide becomes stiff when it dried, it. American rawhide is oven-dried to a consistency that softens when chewed.

Rawhide is not food for it contains very low fat and few calories and it is not intended to replace the dog's daily intake. Let your dog chew the rawhide bone for as long as it is hard enough but when it becomes soft, take it away and return to your dog when it hardens again. When the bone is chewed into small pieces, throw it away; dogs might choke on the small parts or endanger their digestive tract.

Benefits of rawhide for dogs:

1. Rawhide improves dental health by helping scrape away plaque, controlling tartar build up and maintaining healthy gums. It controls bad breathe, keeps teeth white and reduces the risk of potential gum problems.

2. Dog chew provides stimulating activities by entertaining your dog for hours and keeping its mind stimulated; especially helpful for old inactive dogs.

3. Rawhide bones satisfies dog's inborn desire to chew, helping you overcome destructive chewing behavior of both puppies and adult dogs.

4. Rawhide bone minimizes your puppies teething pain and stimulates growth of adult teeth.

You should know how to choose the proper kind of rawhide bones. It is safest to buy one made in the Unites States or overseas which is in accordance with the highest USDA specification. Select one that matches your dog's chewing rate and habit. Take into consideration, its size, shape, hardness and flavor. Some dogs prefer small bones and others like big ones. Aggressive dogs choose pressed rawhide bones which are compressed, harder and last longer. Try various flavors and give your dog the flavor of its choice.

Remember that almost all dog chews are enjoyed by our furry friends. Find the best type of rawhide bones that they prefer. You just keep your dog chewing which is great for removing plaque and relieving boredom. These are the reasons for the importance of rawhide bones for dogs.


Why Rawhide Dog Chew is Good for Your Dog


This is a rare breed of dog with robust and strong build. More than a medium-sized breed, they are powerful, alert, and stable, weighing between 80-145 pounds and are 25-30 inches tall. Bred solely as police and guard dogs, this dog initially served the Russian military. Some of the dogs used for the breeding of the Black Russian Terrier included the Giant Schnauzer, Rottweiler, Airedale breeds and the Russian Water Dog. These dogs were bred to withstand extreme weather conditions, and to work alone. The Russian Army needed a dog that could be used for very specific tasks such as the guarding of military installations, border troops, prison camps and police forces. The background of these dogs adds to their distrustful and dominant nature. This also makes the Black Russian Terrier very protective of their owners, and makes them brilliant watchdogs.

Temperament: This is a breed that is very courageous and alert. They are wary of strangers, and they have a very strong defensive nature which will show up at about two and a half years of age. Puppies should be handled in a firm manner to direct them in the right direction. Puppies are responsive, good-matured and very quick to learn. They are curious and will get involved in all sorts of things. When they reach adulthood, they are still very excited about children and love to play with them. The males are very fond of children, but the females are more likely to play with them. This is a dog that will seek strong contact with humans and animals. These little dogs have a strong and fair temperament. They stay away from aggressiveness with other dogs, but the males cannot live with other dominant dogs. They can however live with non-dominant or smaller dogs. The Black Russian Terrier is very easy to housebreak, and will accept the leash without training. These dogs are always ready to protect their families, and are quick to react.

Training: Black Russian Terriers enjoy their training seeing that they love to please their master. This dog will only bark when it is really necessary. Black Russian Terriers take a long time to mature, but when trained in the correct way they will not struggle with dominance. It is easy to have these dogs in the house, and they take little care. It is not ideal to have them in a kennel outside of the house as they will get too little attention and stimulation. The best virtues of this dog will be put on display if they stay in close contact with the family.



Grooming: The Black Russian Terrier has a coat that is weatherproof, that has hard, wavy and wiry hair. These dogs also have eyebrows and a beards, and they undercoats are well developed and tight. They should be trimmed on a regular basis 2-3 times during the year, and professional grooming is essential for this breed. If the coat is soft, it should be stripped - but only then. The Black Russian Terrier should only be brushed once during the week, and excessive hair should also be removed from their ears and paws. These dogs shed very little hair, especially if brushed regularly.

Health problems: This dog tends to have health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, inflammation of the outer ear canal and also the deterioration of the retina which can lead to progressive vision loss.


All You Need to Know About Black Russian Terrier


Winter Tips For Your Dog: Dog's coat is good defense against the cold climate. Don't shave your dog during the winter period. Keep it thick and long. If you bathe him/her, it's better to dry him/her properly before going outside.

In cold, snowy weather ensure that if your dog is outside, he has guard to protect him from cold wind. Small dogs should not be left outside. Keep your puppy safe and cozy inside a heated house. If it is extremely cold for you to stand at the door without your woolens, it is probably extremely cold for your dog to be out without a coat. Some dog breeds have dense undercoats. Coats are not just about style, there are many functional, non-couture coats available.

Keep your dog away from heating sources: Dogs will often seek heat during the cold conditions by cuddling too close to heating sources. Don't use space heaters and open lamps, place baseboard radiator covers to prevent burns.

Regular Exercise: Unless your dog lives outdoors during the cold climate, he or she often needs no additional calories during winter. Adjust his/her calories according to his/her workout. Always give your dog the best quality natural dog food to insure a healthy coat and good energy for the cold winter months.

Ensure that your dog drinks enough fresh water: Dogs can dehydrate very quickly in the winter as summer. Although many dogs eat snow, it is not a satisfactory substitute for fresh water. If your dog has a bowl of water outdoors, check it often and break ice that will form on the top.

Keep their paws clean: Dogs walk on the snow, slush, salt and chemicals and are very likely to sustain an injury to their paws unless protected. Although dogie booties may sound a little corny, they can prevent severe injuries. The major problem with canine footwear is keeping them in place! Many booties are presently available with Velcro but a child's mitten keeper also works to keep booties or socks on. If booties absolutely don't work for your dog, clean your dog's feet every time he enters the house. Use warm water and clean between the toes really well to remove debris and salt. Apply a little amount of herbal healing salve daily to keep the pads from cracking. Don't use any chemical ice-melting compounds or rock salt on your sidewalks that your dog may contact.

Chemical hazards: With winter comes antifreeze from automobiles. Antifreeze is sweet in taste and dogs will readily lick or eat it. Antifreeze is extremely poisonous and just a little amount can be dangerous for dogs. Keep your dog out of the garage and off the driveway where they may encounter antifreeze or other harmful chemicals.

How to Help Your Dog Survive Winter Season


If you do not mind bringing a large dog into your home, the German shorthaired pointer could be the perfect fit. These pups are known for their rapid movements. In fact, they love running around and playing outdoors. If you would prefer to have an active dog that you can have fun with at the park or even in the backyard, this breed is a great choice.

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a versatile hunter and gun dog. This medium-sized breed has an aristocratic stature and is a cross between Spanish hounds and Hanover Hound. The average male weighs between 55-70 pounds, stands 23-25 inches, while the typical female weighs 45-60 pounds, and 21-23 inches tall.

German shorthaired pointers are known for their intelligence. They catch on quickly and may be easy for you to train. Although they are extremely intelligent, they do not have a problem cooperating. They listen to commands and follow directions a lot better than some other breeds.

They has a short, flat, hard, dense, and coarse double coat. They have dense undercoat that is confined with a strong body hair that makes this breed weather resistant and highly adaptable to cold climates.

Even though the German shorthaired pointers are large animals, they are still quite affectionate. They love jumping up and down on their owners and cuddling with them on the couch. Once they trust their owner, they will be loyal and loving on a daily basis. If you love the idea of having an affectionate dog, this is the kind of breed you would want to bring into your home with the rest of the family.

These dogs absolutely love spending time with children. They would make the perfect family pet because they are protective of the little ones and enjoy playing different games with them, such as fetch. Not only are they good with children, but they tend to get along well with other animals in the home too.

While taking one of these pups out for a walk, they may be a bit suspicious of other animals that they are not familiar with, which is in their nature. However, they are easy to control and will often behave just fine if they do not feel threatened by the other animal on the street. Male German shorthaired pointers tend to get along a lot better with females instead of other males, so it is something to consider if you plan on getting more than one of them.

Overall, these dogs make great pets because they tend to get along with most people and other animals. They have a calm temperament, but they are also quite active and love running their paws through the grass. When they are properly cared for in a living home, these pups tend to live for up to 14 years. If you are thinking about getting a new pet, you might want to get a German shorthaired pointer.

All You Need to Know Before Adopting a German Shorthaired Pointer


Knowing if your your dog is pregnant can be difficult because they don't show for an extended period of time and there is no at home pregnancy test for pets. However, there are a number of signs and symptoms to look for that can help you determine whether your pooch as a bun in the oven.

First, it is important to know whether or not your dog has reached the age of sexual maturity. All breeds are different so do some research to find out whether your dog is old enough to be pregnant. There are a few behavioral changes you can look for as well to determine if your dog is pregnant. Usually during pregnancy dogs become very loving and will want to spend a lot of time with you, snuggling, relaxing or even sitting on your lap. They might also be very protective of their toys - even to the point that they may become upset if you try to take their toys away. These sign might be as clues, but to be sure your dog is pregnant you'll need to take her to the vet.

The earliest method of pregnancy detection is ultrasound. This is preferable for many pet owners because it is easy, noninvasive and very reliable. Fetal heartbeats can be detected before the first full month of pregnancy. However, this method is not a reliable way to determine how many babies the mother is carrying.

Another method of detecting pregnancy in your dog is via a blood test performed at your veterinarian's office. The canine reproductive cycle causes dogs to go through roughly the same hormonal changes regardless of whether or not she is pregnant. This is why tradition progesterone blood and urine tests can not be used in diagnosing pregnancy in dogs. However, your vet can perform a blood test that will detect relaxin, a hormone that is produced only in dogs that are pregnant. This test can be accurately performed roughly one month after gestation, or at about the same time an heartbeat can be detected via ultrasound.

Most veterinarians can verify that a dog is pregnant by simply feeling the dog's abdomen during a ten day time span at the beginning of your dog's pregnancy. Around 20 to 30 days after conception a pregnant dog's uterus will swell around the placental sites. The swelling feels like firm, discrete lumps that your vet should be able to detect just by feeling your dog's abdomen. However, after the 30 day mark, the uterine swelling is not as easy to detect and it is difficult to distinguish between the feel of the uterus and the feel of the intestinal tract. Also, obese dogs may be difficult to examine in any stage because the extra layers of fat over their abdomen prevents the vet from being able to get a good feel of the dog's internal organs.

The most accurate way to detect pregnancy in a dog is by performing an x-ray. The skeleton of a fetus can be detected by using an x-ray machine about 45 days after conception. Although this test cannot be done until late in gestation, it allows the vet to accurately determine how many fetuses your dog is carrying. Most vets will charge their patients about $25-$35 for the x-ray in addition to the office visit charge.

How to Know if Your Dog is Pregnant


There's a popular belief that all dogs reach sexual maturity by the time they're six months old but this is not accurate. Depending on your dog's breed and size, your dog may reach sexual maturity much later.

Most young puppies will display some sexual behavior in the whelping box. This is simply play behavior and it's quite normal. Puppies will mount each other, regardless of sex. This behavior can continue, off and on, as the puppies get older. It's one way of establishing a hierarchy within the puppy pack.

Male puppies don't start producing sperm until they are around five or six months old. At this age they become capable of siring a litter. They are technically "sexually mature" but they are not mature in any other way.

Some female puppies have their first season around six or seven months of age. This is more likely to occur in Toy and small breeds. In general, the larger the dog, the longer it takes the breed to mature. Many female dogs from large breeds may not have their first season until they are a year old or closer to 18-24 months of age.

As you can guess, female puppies are not mature enough in other ways to have puppies when they're six months old. They don't have the mental or emotional maturity to raise puppies of their own even though they can physically produce puppies. A six-month-old bitch with a litter of puppies may not be a very good mother.

Nearly all breeders recommend waiting until dogs are closer to two years old before breeding. This allows time for the dogs' bodies to fully mature and for them to be mentally and emotionally mature enough to raise puppies. It also makes them old enough to be x-rayed for hip and elbow dysplasia and other genetic health problems catalogued by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Dogs need to be two-years-old in order to have OFA results submitted. Having a litter produced from two parents who have good OFA scores helps reduce possible health problems in a litter.

Some people advocate spaying and neutering all puppies by the time they are four to six months old to prevent reproduction. However, puppies who are spayed or neutered at this age will lack estrogen and testosterone in their bodies which are needed as growth hormones. If at all possible it's always best to wait to spay and neuter your pet until your puppy has reached his full growth and the growth plates have closed. This usually occurs between 14 and 18 months of age. Waiting to spay and neuter at this age will reduce the odds that your puppy will develop hip dysplasia later in life as well as some cancers.

Your puppy may display various sexual behaviors in your home, such as mounting or territorial marking, but these behaviors usually disappear after spaying and neutering. If you are keeping your dog intact there are ways to train your dog to stop these behaviors.


How to Know When Your Dog Reach Sexual Maturity


Dogs, like people, are now living longer than ever before. That means that as they age, we need to make them as comfortable as possible, and a large part of that responsibility is in choosing the right dog beds for man's best friend. In choosing the right one, you have many factors to take into consideration. Your dog's size and build is a significant factor in selecting the right bed for your dog.

You also need to think about any conditions they may have like osteoarthritis, which means you need to find a bed which relieve some of the stress on your pet's joints and supports them adequately. Also, if your dog does suffer from such a condition, you may even have to think of the height of the bed that you choose for your pet, because, like with humans, getting up and down may be one of the most difficult maneuvers, meaning that they could struggle on low dog beds.

You might even want to look into memory foam beds, to get really hi-tech but not necessarily high price. These kinds of dog beds react to the dog's body temperature to soften up the foam and allow it to mold to their body, cradling every joint effectively. This also helps to distribute a dog's weight evenly. A lot of people are realizing just how comfortable memory foam beds are so why wouldn't you give your pet the same comfort by checking out memory foam dog beds?

To add to your dog's comfort, you need to check out beds which are anti-bacterial and hypo-allergenic, in order to safeguard your pet's health. Be careful of less expensive dog beds that will be made using materials containing harmful chemicals. They aren't good for your dog or you.

The shape of your dog's bed is important too. You can find flat dog beds, donut ones and even ones shaped like armchairs. To choose the right one, observe how your dog sleeps. The position they choose will help you to decide on the right shape of dog bed.

Of course, you may well want your dog's bed to be fashionable too, or to fit in with the decor of the room in which it's kept. The good news is that dog beds can now be found in a whole host of other patterns and colors. They are available in various fabrics too, from sheepskin to denim and many fabrics in between, so you can find exactly what you're looking for. A good tip for hygiene and health is to find dog beds that have removable, washable covers, so keeping the area clean is an easy job.

With all these dogs beds on offer, you are sure to be able to find one to suit you and your dog, so long as you remember to take a few things into consideration: size, shape, fabric, pattern and color, just like you would when buying a piece of furniture for yourself.


How to Choose the Right Dog Bed

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