4 Reasons That Dogs Walk In Circles Before They Poop

By Wayne Booth

This is one of those, I wonder why questions, that many of us have asked over the years. Just as you may have imagined there just is not a simple answer to this age old question. However let me give you some possibilities that may help answer the question for you.

1. The dog is tamping down the grass and chasing away any bugs or other creatures to give it a nice clean place to do its business. The circles allow the dog to get a good view of the surrounding area to make sure there are no threats or predators near by.

2. The dog is looking for scents from other creatures to see who else has been in the area. Dogs just like humans want a nice clean and hygienic place to do their business.

3. Some people say that the dog is going in circles to help stimulate the intestines to help bring on a bowel movement. Yes there is a theory that the dog with its circle dancing action is actually helping to stimulate the need to go to the bathroom.

4. Now don't laugh about this one but there is also a theory brought on by researchers at a university in Prague that says dogs do this and then line their bodies up with the earth's magnetic axis. Sounds crazy you say. Well like all kinds of other wacky research they actually spent 2 years and probably millions of dollars conducting this research.

Now keep in mind that not all dogs do the circle ritual and it appears that not all dogs do it every time they need to go. If you have a dog that circles it is just part of the norm for dogs.

So why does your particular dog do the circle dance before doing its business is probably still up in the air. However it is not a behavior that you should be worried about. I think probably the biggest issue is for you to help your dog find the exact right location by simply keeping moving until that perfect spot is located. The worst part is getting him or her to hurry so we can get in out of the rain or snow or cold or heat. You get the idea!

Wayne Booth is owner of Canine Behavior Specialists, http://www.CanineBehaviorSpecialists.com in Nashville, TN where he helps people train their dogs and solve behavior problems. Wayne has been teaching people how to become Professional Dog Trainers since 1990 and he is the Training Director of the Canine Behavior Specialists Network, http://www.K9-University.com.

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

5 Things To Consider Before Getting A Dog

By Wayne Booth

Before getting a dog there are several things that you should consider. Not everybody should have a dog at this point in their life depending on several situations. I hope these items will get you thinking.

1. Lifestyle. Yes your lifestyle is something to consider. Do you work 12 hours a day and don't have much free time or do you have plenty of time to spend with a dog? Are you and / or your family active? Do you go for walks or daily jogs? Do you enjoy hiking or spending time at a local park? If you have time to spend with your dog and have an active lifestyle you will probably enjoy having a larger more active dog like a lab or a border collie.

However if your life is more sedentary then a small dog may be more in line with your needs because they just don't seem to need the same level of exercise.

2. Financial Commitment. Dog are not cheap. I'm not even talking about the initial cost I'm talking about the maintenance. Dog food, heartworm medication, and vet bills can get expensive and this is something to consider if you are on a tight budget.

Also keep in mind the possibility of a serious illness or accident that can cause a very large vet bill. Can you handle that?

3. Big or Small Dog. This is an important question and as I mentioned your lifestyle has a lot to do with making this decision. Is the dog for and adult that likes large dogs or maybe for a small child where a small dog will be more appropriate.

4. Puppy or Adult Dog. This is really an important question. Are you and your family willing and prepared for all the work that a puppy will bring? Don't forget there is house training, socialization and all the visits to the vet for puppy shots.

Maybe you don't want to go through all of that and want to start with a dog that is a little older and hopefully is already a little better behaved. Then getting an adult dog may be the best for you.

5. Adopt or Purchase. So now the last thing to think about is are we going to buy a puppy from a breeder or adopt a puppy or older dog from a shelter or rescue? There really isn't a right or a wrong answer here it is simply which one is best for you and your family.

So before you get that new dog or puppy take a few minutes to consider these 5 pointers. Good luck!

Wayne Booth is owner of Canine Behavior Specialists, http://www.CanineBehaviorSpecialists.com in Nashville, TN where he helps people train their dogs and solve behavior problems. Wayne has been teaching people how to become Professional Dog Trainers since 1990 and he is the Training Director of the Canine Behavior Specialists Network, http://www.K9-University.com.

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

8 Good Reasons To Train Your Dog

By Wayne Booth

There are a lot of benefits to training. Some reasons benefit your dog, some help you. And some reasons help both of you.

1. Training a dog can help him keep his home. It's a fact that many dogs are turned into animal shelters each year because they are considered by their owners to be out of control. They may be exhibiting "behavior problems" such as soiling the house, jumping on people or barking too much. Training a dog can help solve these problems. If a puppy continues to soil the house or jump on people or otherwise cause problems at home, chances are that many times his owner will end up turning him in to an animal shelter. It just takes a little training to solve these behavior problems and help a dog keep his home.

2. Training helps a dog be more responsive. Dogs that are trained are used to watching their owner and listening for commands. They are more attuned to their owners and focused on them instead of distracted. This makes a dog a pleasure to be with. You can teach these dogs more and more.

3. Training can be fun for dogs. If you train your dog with positive reinforcement then you and your dog can have fun while you train. Your dog is rewarded with something pleasant for doing each small thing right and you, the trainer, get positive feedback from your dog. What's not to like?

4. Training is a great way to spend time with your dog. The two of you are working on something together. You have a project that you both understand. You're comrades or, if you like, teacher and pupil. It's one of the best ways there is to get close to your dog and really understand how he thinks and his true personality.

5. Training actually improves your relationship with your dog. As your dog learns more he becomes more educated and more intelligent. That means he's more capable of understanding you, just as you're more capable of understanding him. The bond between the two of you grows as you spend time together.

6. Training your dog can lead to other activities, such as agility, rally, flyball, canine freestyle and other things that you can enjoy doing with your dog. All of these activities depend upon you and your dog first establishing a relationship through training together.

7. A well-trained dog is welcomed nearly everywhere. Vets, groomers, and other businesses that work with animals will be able to tell that your dog has received the kind of training that sets him apart from other dogs.

8. Good training can save your dog's life. A dog who responds to you when you call him -- who immediately returns to you when you see a car heading toward him -- there are situations where training can literally save your dog from disaster.

Wayne Booth is owner of Canine Behavior Specialists, http://www.CanineBehaviorSpecialists.com in Nashville, TN where he helps people train their dogs and solve behavior problems. Wayne has been teaching people how to become Professional Dog Trainers since 1990 and he is the Training Director of the Canine Behavior Specialists Network, http://www.K9-University.com.

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

Plants That Act As Natural Tick Repellents

By Sneha Ku Mehta

Fleas and ticks are troublesome organisms, especially if children or pets are there at your home. Most people apply synthetic pesticides and tick repellents to get rid of these bugs. However, such synthetic products can have several harmful effects on pets. Most people do not know that they can keep away these pests from their pets and yards with the help of some plants. Certain plants are capable of repelling ticks. You can grow such plants in your garden to keep away the bugs in a natural way, which does not affect your pet at all.

Some plants that repel ticks, fleas and other insects are:

Garlic:

Plant a few garlic plants in your garden to prevent ticks from entering the garden. Having garlic plants in your garden will not only keep away the pests, but will also help you use some garlic from your garden itself, for cooking. You may crush some garlic cloves and spread them over the plant beds on the edges and other places of your lawn. However, do not spread garlic cloves around your lawn or garden if you have a cat as they are poisonous to cats.

Mint:

Mint is a common ingredient you use in cooking recipes and teas. However, mint is an effective repellent of fleas, ticks and other insects. Keep some mint inside breathable bags and place the bags near your patio for protecting yourselves and your guests from mosquitoes, ants, ticks and fleas. To prevent the entry of bugs in your yard, grow mint plants between other plants. Your garden will have a good scent because of the mint herbs.

Rosemary:

Rosemary is not only one of the most effective natural tick repellents, but it also gives a pleasant smell and color to your garden. As rosemary is an evergreen herb, it would give your pets protection from the pests throughout the year. You can also dry the leaves of the rosemary plant and sprinkle them over the grass of your yard for extra protection.

Fleabane Daisy:

Fleabane daisy is a beautiful tall flower that you can use for landscaping. However, the most significant feature of this plant is repelling fleas. The extra advantages of planting Fleabane Daisy in your garden are protection from mosquitoes, flies, gnats and ticks. Rub the flower's leaves on your pet's skin or your skin to get protection from bugs.

Chrysanthemums:

Chrysanthemums prevent the entry of both ticks and fleas, and add beautiful flowers to your garden. Put the flowers along the yard edges, randomly around the other plants, for keeping away pests. Furthermore, Chrysanthemums also keeps out lice, silverfish, bedbugs and roaches. The flower is one of the most popular natural tick repellents.

Ticks and fleas can cause many skin problems in cats and dogs. Instead of using chemical tick repellents, insecticides and pesticides, go for using natural products to keep away the bugs from your pet. These plants can serve as powerful repellents of ticks, fleas and other pests. Apart from these, you can buy various natural products to protect your pet from the bugs.

Sneha Ku Mehta is a well-known author who writes articles on pet health. He suggests people to use natural tick repellents to protect their pets from fleas and ticks

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

First Aid Tips for Dog Owners By David Coax

First Aid Tips for Dog Owners

By David Coax

Your dog deserves the best care from you as an owner. However many owners are confused when it comes to emergencies that concerns their pets. Having first aid knowledge for your dog could be useful at the right time. It is important to know what to do. If the situation arises where your dog needs medical help or some sort of first aid assistance, then it will be up to you to provide the care that your dog needs. The first aid below is only a small sample and does not cover every situation.

Constipation: A dog, which is constipated, fails to empty its bowels and the waste matter is absorbed back into the blood stream. Constipation should be treated with Agaroll or a similar purgative. If this treatment does not cure the condition, veterinary advice will be necessary.

Coughs: Coughing in dogs may be caused by an obstruction of the throat in which case removal of the obstruction will prevent further coughing. Dogs with heart or lung disorders may cough as a result of these disorders.

Diarrhea: Frequent passage of abnormally soft feces is known as diarrhea. While the most common cause is incorrect feeding, it can also be a symptom of distemper, gastroenteritis or worms. Dogs with diarrhea should be placed on a diet of carbohydrates and dosed with Kao Magna. If symptoms persist, veterinary advice should be sought.

Dermatitis: Dermatitis can be caused by allergies to plants, pollens, soaps and external parasites. It can also be a result of incorrect diet, lack of exercise or infection of minor skin irritations. The initial symptoms are small patches of red skin, which are extremely itchy. These progresses to become small blisters. At this stage they may dry up and disappear, but in most untreated cases they burst, the fluid spreads and this causes fresh sores. These sores become filled with pus, which spreads even further. As some types of dermatitis are contagious, dogs showing symptoms should be isolated. The area surrounding the infection should be shaved and the sores gently washed with an antibacterial skin cleanser. An antibiotic spray or lotion should be applied three times daily. As the skin heals, an ointment such as Propamadine should be applied daily in severe cases; veterinary treatment may be necessary.

Heat Exhaustion:

•The main causes of heat exhaustion in dogs are:

•Excessive work in high temperature.

•Exposure to hot sun without cover being available

•Hot, poorly ventilated kennel conditions.

The symptoms of heat exhaustion are:

•Excessive panting and salivating.

•Loss of energy,

•Staggering gait,

•Rapid pulse, and

•Very high temperature

Treatment - for the condition consists of:

•Removal of the dog to a cool, airy position,

•Application of cold water to the entire body and ice to the head and neck

•Supply of drinking water to which honey or glucose has been added.

All cases of heat exhaustion must be reported to the veterinary surgeon as soon as possible. It's also important that you must have some sort of first aid kit or medical equipment with you so that you're prepared in the event that something does happen to your dog.

Going away for a While? Choose the right dog boarding service for your dog will help you relax on your travels.

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

Canine Obesity: The Signs, Risks, and Causes By B. R. Stewart

Canine Obesity: The Signs, Risks, and Causes

By B. R. Stewart

Nearly 50% of dogs in the US are overweight or obese.

Of these dog's owners, 30% consider their pet's weight to be normal.

Canine obesity is one of the fastest growing pet health concerns in the US and is also one of the most preventable pet diseases. The first step to remedying obesity is, of course, recognizing there is a problem.

How to Tell If Your Dog Is Overweight

Does your dog's tummy sag? Is his back broad and flat? Is it hard to judge if he even has a waist? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should be concerned.

When your dog is at his ideal weight:

• You should be able to feel his ribs without pressing your fingers into tissue.
• He should have an indentation at his waist when viewed from above.
• His belly should be tucked up.

If you're not comfortable making this assessment, talk to your veterinarian. They can determine if your dog is overweight and also provide a goal weight.

What Are the Risks?

Experts have shown that being even moderately overweight can reduce your dog's life expectancy by nearly two years. As few as five pounds over your dog's ideal weight can aggravate existing health issues and put him at risk for developing these serious medical conditions:

• High blood pressure
• Osteoarthritis
• Heart, kidney, and respiratory disease
• Decreased liver function
• Diabetes
• Increased risk of cancer
• Skin and coat problems
• Difficulty breathing, decreased stamina, less endurance, heat intolerance
• Overall decreased life expectancy and quality of life

The Causes of Pet Obesity

There are many factors which contribute to canine obesity, but the majority of cases can be boiled down to overfeeding.

• Disease - Certain diseases such as hypothyroidism, hypoadrenocorticism, and insulinoma can all lead to obesity. A veterinarian can rule these out for you.


• Breed - Certain breeds are genetically predisposed to obesity: Cairn Terriers, Scottish Terriers, Beagles, Dachshunds, Shetland Sheepdogs, Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, etc.


• Age - As your dog ages, his metabolic rate begins to decrease. If his food intake remains the same, weight gain is inevitable.


• Neutering - The loss of circulating sex hormones can also slow your dog's metabolism.


• Lack of Exercise - If your dog isn't burning calories, he's storing calories. Daily exercise is necessary for maintaining his well-being.


• Nutrition - Poor quality dog food, table scraps, and excessive treats can all lead to obesity.

In Summary...

Canine obesity is both common and, in most cases, completely avoidable. You can add up to two years to your dog's life expectancy by carefully managing his food intake and encouraging proper exercise.

Remember: Treats are not the best way to show your dog how much you appreciate his devotion. Taking walks around the neighborhood and playing fetch are much healthier rewards for him!

B. R. Stewart writes for http://www.knowltonsdogobedience.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=B._R._Stewart

My Favorite Dog Toy By Wayne Booth

My Favorite Dog Toy

By Wayne Booth

I think most dog owners have a favorite toy they like to use with their dog. I know as a professional dog trainer I do. In fact for me it's the one that serves many purposes not only for puppies, pets, but even detection dog training as well.

My favorite toy is a Kong and let me tell you why. The original Kong toy comes in various hardness and sizes to accommodate everything from a young puppy to the hardest chewing adult dog.

A puppy Kong is the first toy I ever give my puppy. The rubber on this Kong is much softer and suits the needs for a puppy. However I do watch for nicks in the rubber and when I see that the puppy is able to break off small pieces that Kong goes into the trash and we move up to the next size and hardness.

For adult dogs the Kong comes in multiple different colors, hardness and sizes. I always pick a size that is appropriate for my dog. If my dog has a fairly soft mouth I will usually use the red colored Kong. However if my dog has a hard mouth or has been doing bite work the black Kong is always my number one choice.

In fact the black Kong is so durable that the Kong company guarantees your dog cannot break it. It is the only toy that I would ever leave in my dog's crate when it is unattended. Because of the fact that is so durable I feel safe knowing that my dog won't be able to break a piece off and consume it or choke on it.

So why do the dogs like the Kong toy so much? Because when you throw this crazy shaped toy it bounces wildly all over the place and the dogs love it. I never use a tennis ball it's always a Kong toy. When training drug detection dogs a Kong is usually our number one choice for a reward toy for the dog. Dogs just seem to love the texture.

I always suggest the Kong to my clients and in fact I teach them how to make it into a puppy or dog sitter. Simply get a jar of peanut butter take your finger grab some peanut butter put inside the Kong and then add some of your dog's favorite kibble. Add more peanut butter more kibble until it's full. Then place the Kong in the freezer. Next morning you will have what dogs consider to be a delicious peanut butter popsicle. Your dog will spend hours trying to get all the goodies out from inside their Kong toy.

Kongs are available at every pet store I have ever seen so they are easy to find. Get your dog a Kong and it will love you for it.

Wayne Booth is owner of Canine Behavior Specialists, http://www.CanineBehaviorSpecialists.com in Nashville, TN where he helps people train their dogs and solve behavior problems. Wayne has been teaching people how to become Professional Dog Trainers since 1990 and he is the Training Director of the Canine Behavior Specialists Network, http://www.K9-University.com.

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

5 Common Dog Behavior Problems By Wayne Booth

5 Common Dog Behavior Problems

By Wayne Booth

If you are a dog owner then at sometime or another you've experienced some type of behavior problems with your dogs. In this article we will talk about 5 of the most common dog behavior problems.

1. Okay let's start with jumping. You may have a dog that's jumping on you, on the kids, or maybe visitors that come to your home. No matter what, jumping can be very annoying and actually dangerous when it comes to small children or senior citizens.

2. Barking is another problem that you may have experienced. It seems that most people don't mind their dog barking to let them know that somebody is at the door or even somebody is outside that shouldn't be. However none of us want that nonstop barking that annoys the neighbors and keeps you from being able to enjoy the peace and quiet of home. Teaching your dog to stop barking on command is the answer.

3. House training is another huge issue for some people. If your dog has not been properly house trained then your dog is probably soiling in your home. Let's face it that just isn't acceptable. In fact the lack of house training is the number one reason dogs end up in shelters.

4. Chewing is one of those habits that we want to eliminate quickly. If you have a puppy that's chewing on things you'll have an adult that does the same thing unless you break that habit early.

5. Digging can be very annoying and dangerous for your dog. Dogs dig for different reasons sometimes just out of boredom, other times to find cool ground, and other times to escape under the fence. Digging holes in your backyard can be very unsightly but digging holes under the fence can be dangerous because your dog can escape and possibly get run over.

I'm sure you're asking now that we've identified some of the common behavior issues how do we solve them. The answer is actually very simple, training and behavior modification. It's amazing but behavior problems all seem to disappear if your dog is obedience trained.

Other problems will require some behavior modification. What is behavior modification? Simply changing the way you do some things at home with your dog so that it is able to learn better habits.

If your dog is suffering from these common behavior problems simply find a good trainer in your area that can guide you through the steps to eliminate the issues.

Wayne Booth is owner of Canine Behavior Specialists, http://www.CanineBehaviorSpecialists.com in Nashville, TN where he helps people train their dogs and solve behavior problems. Wayne has been teaching people how to become Professional Dog Trainers since 1990 and he is the Training Director of the Canine Behavior Specialists Network, http://www.K9-University.com.

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

First Aid Tips for Dog Owners By David Coax

First Aid Tips for Dog Owners

By David Coax

Your dog deserves the best care from you as an owner. However many owners are confused when it comes to emergencies that concerns their pets. Having first aid knowledge for your dog could be useful at the right time. It is important to know what to do. If the situation arises where your dog needs medical help or some sort of first aid assistance, then it will be up to you to provide the care that your dog needs. The first aid below is only a small sample and does not cover every situation.

Constipation: A dog, which is constipated, fails to empty its bowels and the waste matter is absorbed back into the blood stream. Constipation should be treated with Agaroll or a similar purgative. If this treatment does not cure the condition, veterinary advice will be necessary.

Coughs: Coughing in dogs may be caused by an obstruction of the throat in which case removal of the obstruction will prevent further coughing. Dogs with heart or lung disorders may cough as a result of these disorders.

Diarrhea: Frequent passage of abnormally soft feces is known as diarrhea. While the most common cause is incorrect feeding, it can also be a symptom of distemper, gastroenteritis or worms. Dogs with diarrhea should be placed on a diet of carbohydrates and dosed with Kao Magna. If symptoms persist, veterinary advice should be sought.

Dermatitis: Dermatitis can be caused by allergies to plants, pollens, soaps and external parasites. It can also be a result of incorrect diet, lack of exercise or infection of minor skin irritations. The initial symptoms are small patches of red skin, which are extremely itchy. These progresses to become small blisters. At this stage they may dry up and disappear, but in most untreated cases they burst, the fluid spreads and this causes fresh sores. These sores become filled with pus, which spreads even further. As some types of dermatitis are contagious, dogs showing symptoms should be isolated. The area surrounding the infection should be shaved and the sores gently washed with an antibacterial skin cleanser. An antibiotic spray or lotion should be applied three times daily. As the skin heals, an ointment such as Propamadine should be applied daily in severe cases; veterinary treatment may be necessary.

Heat Exhaustion:

•The main causes of heat exhaustion in dogs are:

•Excessive work in high temperature.

•Exposure to hot sun without cover being available

•Hot, poorly ventilated kennel conditions.

The symptoms of heat exhaustion are:

•Excessive panting and salivating.

•Loss of energy,

•Staggering gait,

•Rapid pulse, and

•Very high temperature

Treatment - for the condition consists of:

•Removal of the dog to a cool, airy position,

•Application of cold water to the entire body and ice to the head and neck

•Supply of drinking water to which honey or glucose has been added.

All cases of heat exhaustion must be reported to the veterinary surgeon as soon as possible. It's also important that you must have some sort of first aid kit or medical equipment with you so that you're prepared in the event that something does happen to your dog.

Going away for a While? Choose the right dog boarding service for your dog will help you relax on your travels.

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