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Dog Years Human Years

May 24, 2011 By jdalldog Leave a Comment

The life expectancy of any dog is commonly expressed in terms of dog years by us and it depends entirely on the dog’s breed, size as well as the dog’s surroundings. Various other factors affect the life expectancy of a dog. A dog’s life span changes according to the diet provided to him and also by the number of medical problems the dog tends to face over the years.

The average life span of the small dog like Chihuahua is about 15 to 16 years, while medium sized the dogs like Border Collies have a life span of 10 to 13 years. It can be noticed big dogs like Great Dean live up to only 7 to 8 years. The calculation of the life expectancy of particular dog can be accurately done with the help of “size or the specific breed calculator”, which is said to be one of the most accurate age measurement schemes available. The size or specific breed calculator gives approximate results about the dog’s predictable lifespan based on the size as well as the breed of the dog.

It is generally assumed that, on an average, “one human year equals to seven dog years”. This statement may not be appropriate, since the first two years are jointly represented by 18-25 years in such schemes and because the entire ratio cannot be generalized for all the dogs though, they belong to different sizes and breeds. An exact ratio of dog years vs. human year cannot be formulated. However, some obvious features remain similar between both aging humans and dogs.

It is generally assumed that the human equivalent of a one-year dog is supposedly fully grown by both mental and physical aspects. Dogs like humans tend to develop advance muscular features as they grow along with a similar mental development. Through a major dog study, it has been estimated for dogs of all breeds and sizes that, nearly “64 percent of dogs” were euthanized because they were affected with some kind of diseases. Only 8 percent of the total dogs live beyond 15 years and nearly 16 percent of them die yearly due heart diseases and cancer. Human lives are not terminated even if they suffer from rare and incurable diseases; and this is the main reason why the lifespan of an average human being is reasonably long.

The effects of aging in dogs is said to be dormant for several years. But like humans, dogs to undergo physical changes as well. The first sign of aging in dogs is said to be the decrease in its activity levels. The sleeping period in these dogs also becomes longer. The canines experience a drastic change in their skin condition, limb usage, appetite and they experience tooth loss as well. Their sense of hearing and vision also diminishes gradually. Older dogs tend to experience stiffness in their body. All these obvious signs of aging can even be found in humans. The human years are extended only because of advance modern medicine and various other drugs that are designed to deal with symptoms of old age.

Dogs and humans may not have the same physiology, yet some obvious similarities can be noticed when both species age. Dog years and Human years may not be directly related by some advance equation, but to the naked eye the equivalence of corresponding features of Dog years and Human years are quite visible.

Now that you know dogs grow old faster than we do, learn how to care for your dogs the best you can and give them a good life. They deserve it. Learn more at: http://www.2knowabout.com/dog/how_to_care_for_a_dog_with_a_broken_leg.php


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Dog Illnesses

May 24, 2011 By jdalldog Leave a Comment

All pet dogs should be treated as members of our family and adequate attention must be paid to the canine’s health. Sometimes dogs become sick but may not look so. It is very important to recognize and understand dog illnesses symptoms.

Since prevention is a better cure, we must learn something about dog illnesses and symptoms so we can better understand their conditions. This will help us recognize some common dog illnesses. If appropriate and adequate vaccinations are administered to the puppies, most of the common dog illnesses can be easily prevented.

Some elementary observations are useful to recognize certain common dog illnesses. Dogs take a lot of sleep but their sleep is marked by alertness. If a dog is sluggish then there may be various causes contributing to it, right from anemia to old age. If the dog is limping then you should check for prospective painful areas using a firm and yet gentile hand. Check out for any signs indicating lameness from time to time.

The appetite of the dog is bound to be affected by ill health. Look for any signs of loss of appetite. An important sign of dog health problems is excessive thirst. A pronounced weight loss is also an indicator of ill health. Check the eyes for any ulcers, discharges, veins or sores.

The mouth of a healthy dog is pink. There should not be any discoloring or cavities in the teeth. Look for signs of discharge from ears. It is advisable to clean the ears from time to time. The dog’s head should be regularly checked for sore patches, hair loss, or deep wounds.

Investigate the limbs and trunk for the same signs. If the dog is vomiting, there may be various underlying problems. If the body temperature of your dog is not between the range 38 to 39 Celsius it is an indication of some kind of illness. Check the female dogs for any kind of foul smelling vaginal discharge, which needs attention of a vet.

The symptoms of pain and discomfort experienced by a dog can give us many clues about the possible underlying illness. If the dog is suffering any abdominal pain, it may be due to canine hepatitis, enteritis or it can be a simple case of constipation. The abdominal swelling dogs indicate canine bloat and roundworms in puppies. Aggression of the dog may be caused by rabies. Roundworms, tapeworms, and whipworms my cause anemia in dogs. Any behavioral changes in dog can be an indicator of hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms, canine arthritis, heart disease, canine, or parvovirus.

Kidney diseases sometimes cause blood in urine. Eye infections and entropion cause bloodshot eyes in dogs. A ruptured diaphragm, obstructed airway, lungworm, bronchitis, pneumonia, food poisoning, heatstroke, allergies can cause respiratory problems in dogs.

There are various reasons of sudden change in weight of dogs like heart disease to heartworms. Hernia might be caused due to long term constipation in dogs. Allergies, parvovirus, hepatitis, lungworm, TB, pneumonia or distemper may be one of the reasons of coughing in dogs. Cannine parvovirus can also cause dehydration in dogs. Any pancreatic disorder, food poisoning can give rise to diarrhea in dogs. The dog may suffer from hair loss due to mange, red mange demodectic, scabies, cheyletiella mange, or cushings syndrome.

If dog indicates any signs of failing genital bleeding, persistent constipation, projectile vomiting, fainting, hair loss, seizure, stumbling, trauma, trembling, mouth bleeding, rectal bleeding, lethargy, shaking, urinating problems contact a dog care specialist.

If you love your dog, you’ve got to know “What to do if Your Dog is Poisoned” just in case. Hope you’d never have to use it. http://www.2knowabout.com/dog/what_to_do_if_your_dog_is_poisoned.php


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Dog Separation Anxiety Cures…What You Can Do Right Now To Help Your Dog With Separation Anxiety

May 24, 2011 By jdalldog Leave a Comment

Dog separation anxiety is so common among dogs that a lot of dog owners dismiss the behavior.  Thinking it’s just their dogs personality and will grow out of it.

Unfortunately, unless you work with your dog to help him/her with this panic disorder your dog will not just “grow out of it.”

Your dog will get progressively worse. Some cases when left unchecked can require medication or the expense of a dog behaviorist.

When you suspect your dog is suffering from dog separation anxiety…here is a simple technique you can use to help your dog deal with his/her anxiety issues.

Exercise!

A dog that is completely run down won’t have time to deal with his/her own anxiety issue. Your dog will be to tired to even think about it.

Dogs need a lot of exercise. Most dog owners think the few times they take their dog out for that 15-20 minutes bathroom walk is exercise enough.  

Dogs have a lot of energy.  If they do not get enough daily exercise…that energy builds up. If they don’t get the opportunity to burn off that energy they will get frustrated and engage in destructive behavior. Chewing up your favorite shoes, digging holes where there should not be even ignoring you when called.

Not getting enough exercise can make their separation anxiety even more stressful.

If you’re going to be away from your dog for an extended period of time you will need to schedule exercise before you leave for the day. Plan on getting up early enough to give your dog exercise for at least an hour. If time is an issue a minium of  15-20 minutes. If you run for exercise in the mornings…try allowing your dog to run with you.  It’s great exercise for him/her and it’s great bonding time for the both of you.

The point is the more you can tire your dog out…the better behaved your dog will be.  

Here are some other ways for your dog to get his daily exercise.

Dog Day Care
If you can afford the expense…dog day care provide lots of exercise and socialization for dogs. Running jumping and playing all day takes care of all of that pent up energy. It can be  very expensive so be sure it is something you can afford.

Dog Parks
I am not a big fan of dog parks but they exist and a lot of people take their dogs. If you decide to do so be aware that most are not staffed. You will have to rely on other dog owners to manage their own dogs. Sadly many do not. Proceed with caution.

Backyard Fun
If you have large backyard try setting up regular vigorous play time. A game of fetch can blow off some energy. Many pet stores sell agility sets. Use them teach your dog jumping and running tricks. (Make sure your dog is old enough for agility training first …check with your vet to be sure your dog is physically developed enough to participate)

If you’re going to be away from your dog for more than 4 hours at a time…consider hiring a professional dog walker to give your dog a walk in your absence.

If you think your dog may be suffering from anxiety…read my interview with a noted expert on dog separation anxiety. Author Chad Thompson.


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Productive Puppy House Training

May 24, 2011 By jdalldog Leave a Comment

Article by Joseph Mosley

If you want to keep your house clean after deciding to adopt a new puppy, you need to insist on puppy house training rules. House training must be worked through by every new puppy and its owners. Some puppies require more time and patience to catch on, while other puppies learn the process rather quickly. Try not to get flustered when you are going through the first trials of puppy training. Keep being consistent, loving, and patient and your puppy will learn what you want.Looking Into the Mind of Your PuppyKnowing how your puppy’s mind works can help a lot in effective puppy house training. Cleanliness has very different definitions when it comes to you versus your new puppy. You think it is important for your puppy to go to a chosen spot in the garden and “go”, but to your pup, what’s important is to relieve himself where the notion takes him. Using the bathroom away from their food and bed, the basic health and safety rule of nature, is your puppy’s only concern. From your puppy’s point of view, a place away from his food and bed could be anywhere from behind the sofa up to the bedroom floor. Places like this are perfectly fine for him, although definitely not for you; what you must do is instruct him and show him a better spot — one that you choose for him!Reading the SignsThe early warning system of a puppy is not very reliable during his first few weeks, so make sure to work it out as early as possible for both your benefits. Choose a location soon that is close to the puppy’s food, bed, or play area. It will be rewarding to anticipate when your puppy needs to be taken out. In general, puppies have to “go” after waking up, eating, drinking, getting excited, or playing as well as every hour in between!As you get to know your puppy, you will get to learn the various signs that he needs to go out to the bathroom. Common signals that your puppy needs to go are circling a single spot, smelling the ground persistently and holding their tail up high. All you should do if this happens is get your dog and go to the area that you have designated as their toilet area. Taking these steps will ensure that puppy house training is successful.Seeing family members and visitors, or being excited in general, can still make dogs, even those that have had dog training, have small accidents. This is an instinctive reaction known as submissive urination and shouldn’t be handled apart from house training. Although there may be additional accidents, your dog must not be chastised. Punishments will only confuse them and make them secretive about going to the toilet.Do not shout at your dog when he has an accident due to excitement, instead take a patient approach and work things out with him until the habit is broken. It is best to try to greet new people while you are both still outside and the setting is low key. Greet your dog gently and build up his or her confidence. If your puppy has an accident, it’s best to just clean it up without making a big deal of it. Your dog will soon stop having accidents, and you can congratulate yourself on successfully concluding another round of puppy house training.Related Articles:Puppy Crate Training – Effective Housebreaking for PuppiesPowerful Means of Puppy House Training

About the Author

Joseph Mosley writes regularly about home related topics. I hope you enjoy this article.

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Puppies: They Need Your Love And Care!

May 24, 2011 By jdalldog Leave a Comment

Anyone can tame a puppy but not everyone knows how to correctly treat a pet. Every puppy has a different nature and mind. Some learn too early while some take too much of training and still remain untrained. Some puppies are extremely friendly, active and extrovert where as some are too aggressive, lethargic and introvert.

Choosing the right puppy is very essential since a wrong decision could turn out to be very costly. An aggressive, inactive, introvert or infectious puppy can become a very bad headache. Therefore while making the right decision about the puppy; one must give utmost care to the pet as well.

As we all know that dogs or puppies are social animals by nature and this is the reason why they fit into the human society so quickly. But, the greatest psychological need for them is to be part of a group or we can say a family. They always love to stay in a place where they are secure and comfortable.

One can buy a cute puppy from an appropriate place for them like Florida. Here, one could find an extensive variety of puppies from poodle puppy florida to designer puppies and so on.

To make the pets feel secure and comfortable, there should always be one master of the animal. Friendly training helps the puppy in growing well, learning different jobs and staying happily in the family. Everything eventually works out, but they all need love in the initial stages so that they can adjust in any new environment.
A little effort is required in order to make the puppy get ready for any training. Until he is happy, he will not move from his place and will not support his master in learning new skills. One can start giving training anytime to the puppy after he crosses five weeks of age.
1. One should always feed his puppy at least three times in a day. Check what one’s puppy loves to eat and then serve him at different intervals. As the puppy finds that he is getting the food that he likes and a place where he is comfortable, his real nature starts coming out and he begins to get open and friendly with the other members of the family as well.
2. Furthermore, one must take care and see how often the pet goes to the toilet. After checking this, one can make his schedule, like the puppy can be taken for a walk or bathroom accordingly.
3. One must praise and motivate the small pet between his training period as well as generally, so that he develops a confident attitude and reciprocates the same love to his master and family members.
4. One must not keep him away from the place where the family usually gathers, as this is all what a pet needs. He loves to remain in the crowd and enjoy.

Above are the basic points that one must keep in mind and follow as these are of great help in having a wonderful life with one’s pet.

 

 

This article is written by an expert working for Palmbeachpuppies.com, an online store engaged in offering Florida puppies.


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Puppy House Training

May 24, 2011 By jdalldog Leave a Comment

Article by Cayla Young

Puppy training is, as much as anything else, the formation of good habits. Puppy training in many ways is easier than training an adult dog, in that puppies have just not yet had a chance to learn how to respond to their environments. During puppy training you need to remember, puppies don’t have the endurance of an adolescent or adult dog. The whole puppy training experience should be pleasant for both you and your puppy. Did you know that the early stages of puppy training are the most critical to your puppy’s temperament and development? (Many times behavior problems in adult dogs can be traced back directly to puppy training mistakes that seemed totally unrelated to the problem, but were actually the hidden source.

Puppy

Puppy training in many ways is easier than training an adult dog, in that puppies have just not yet had a chance to learn how to respond to their environments. Puppy training usually means teaching your puppy new tricks and some basic toilet training. People are often under the impression that a young puppy cannot be trained. The first few days in a new home are extremely important for your puppy and the precedents you set now will usually last a lifetime. The most important thing you can do to make house training happen as quickly as possible is to reward and praise your puppy every time he goes in the right place. The more times your puppy is rewarded, the quicker he will learn. It’s important that you spend as much time as possible with your puppy and give him regular and frequent access to his toilet area. If your puppy is to be a well adjusted adult dog, she needs to learn how to act properly around people, including children and other animals. A puppy that is not socialized frequently grows up to be aggressive and fearful.

Puppy

Crate training is probably one of the most important things you train your dog or puppy to enjoy and look forward to. Submissive urination is a normal way for your puppy to demonstrate submissive behavior. Excitement urination with a puppy is usually caused by lack of bladder control. The puppy is not aware that he isurinating and any punishment will only confuse him. As your puppy matures and develops bladder control, the problem will usually disappear. In the mean time, it is a good idea to implement the following training steps to help keep your puppy dry. Introducing your puppy to his collar, leash and the stairs can be a challenge. If your puppy is trained properly, it will be simple, satisfying and successful. Don’t rush your puppy into doing more than she can, take things “one step at a time”. Find out if your puppy or dog has an attitude or just needs better interaction with you. And don’t believe the myth that you can’t train a puppy.

Using only proven methods that are psychologically sound for dogs during housetraining is vitally important because it makes the process natural, with quick results and eliminates subtle puppy training mistakes that very often sabotage all your efforts. Remember, it’s the subtle puppy training mistakes which humans tend to make based on “human” logic, that are the most dangerous ones. This is why it is imperative to use only safe and proven puppy training methods

About the Author

Cayla Young is a successful Webmaster and publisher of www.WeKnowDogTraining.com. She provides more information about dogs and dog training issues that you can research in your pajamas on her website.

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How to Choose A Good Family Dog

May 24, 2011 By jdalldog Leave a Comment

Article by John Snair

Choosing to get a dog for you or your family can be one of the best decisions you ever made or one of the worst. Having a dog in the home that is ready can lead to years of added happiness. Having a dog in home that is not ready can bring years of unhappiness. If you’ve made up your mind to get one, then you need to consider the biggest factor in adding a family pet – are you ready for one? If you have weighed all of the pros and cons and realize that a dog is a full time commitment; that it requires food, exercise, and attention, and it can cost a fair amount of money per year to maintain a healthy dog, then all that is left is to decide what type or breed of dog is best for you.

Since you have decided that your lifestyle is suitable for a dog, you need to choose a dog that will match your lifestyle. Do you live an active lifestyle when not at work? Do you spend most of your time in the house or other places indoors? If you have children, are they small or older? There are a lot of things to consider when getting a dog, but it is necessary to have a complete understanding of the situation you are getting into and the situation you are bringing a dog into. A good match between owner(s) and dog(s) is essential to both parties.

Family Dogs – Of all dog breeds today, probably the two most popular for families are Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers. They tend to have the best disposition for family life and generally get along with people young and old alike. Young dogs of these breeds tend to have quite a lot of energy, but they will mellow out after three or so years. They get along well young children and don’t require much specific training. They do handle a quiet life fairly well, but enjoy walking, playing fetch, swimming and many other outdoor activities. These activities also help to promote a healthy and fit dog.

The Border Collie, the Australian Cattle Dog and the Australian Shepherd also are good family dogs and are very intelligent. They are high energy dogs so they require more physical and mental stimulation than Retrievers or Labs. They will be much happier if they are given lots of exercise and training. Because these are dogs that are very high energy and driven, they may not be best suited for homes with young children. Border collies will instinctively try to herd small children by nipping at them so that is another consideration if you have children generally under the age of eight years old.

Another factor to consider when obtaining a family dog is whether or not allergies to dogs exist in the family. There are some dogs that shed very little, such as the Poodle family and Lhasa Apsos and also short haired dogs such as Great Danes. The Poodles do however require a fair amount of grooming. They require frequent baths and regular clips every six to eight weeks.

Probably the last important factor to consider when choosing a dog is the sex of the dog. Male dogs of most breeds tend to be more sociable in that they like to be in the same place as the people of the family. If everyone is watching TV in one room, it is more than likely that the male dog will want to be there as well. Females, on the other hand, generally tend to be more independent. That is to say that they might go off to another room and lay down by themselves.

Overall dogs are like people. They can have general traits, but personalities can vary from dog to dog. Even though there are general behaviors for a particular breed, a dog of that breed may not necessarily exhibit all of the same traits as another dog of the same breed.

For all of your dog product needs including training resources, collars and leashes, visit: Dog-e-Direct

The original version of this article can found at http://dog-e-direct.com/articles.aspx

About the Author

We have over 30 years of experience with dogs of different breeds. Choosing the right types has made our lives as dog owners much more enjoyable. Dog-e-Direct

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Preventing Family Dogs From Biting Family Members

May 24, 2011 By jdalldog Leave a Comment

Dogs communicate their frustrations, dislikes or fears in many subtle ways, these subtle ways are often missed by humans so the dog’s communication progresses through a hierarchy of events until eventually the dog bites if it isn’t understood. In most of the cases we experience, where a dog has bitten a family member, we are informed “the bite came from nowhere”. We then discover, during our assessment, that the dog had been giving a variety of signals for months if not years.  These signals can be things such as freezing, snarling or snapping. A dog considers these signals requests to “increase the distance” between them and you.  If we ignore them they intensify their signal, like when we shout at a child who is ignoring us.

 

Dogs bite under an array of circumstances. Resource guarding is one example such as when the dog has not been trained to relinquish something they value (toy, food bowl, treats etc.) and a child or adult attempts to take the valued item away, the dog may bite. Another example is when the family pet is fearful and is placed in a situation where it bites to escape or avoid something. Dogs may also bite when displaying predatory behaviors such as chasing small quick animals (like children) which can result in bites. A dog can also display aggression if they are in pain and are approached or touched in a sensitive area. The median age of dog bite patients is 15 years old and boys aged from 5 to 9 have the most incident rates. It is not a surprise to learn that 77% of dog bites on children are in the facial area, whereas with adults and postal carriers it is the lower extremities.

  

When dogs bite it is not an accident.  Dogs have huge control over the speed and effectiveness of their mouths. Teaching puppies bite inhibition is the most important thing we can do and they can learn. Bite inhibition teaches dogs the power of their jaws. The only difference between a bite that does significant damage and a bite that just bruises is whether or not the dog has “acquired bite inhibition”. Dogs cannot write to their congressman, or email their family members, they communicate in dog language. When pushed they will bite. It is our responsibility to ensure we understand our dogs, know when they are in pain, showing fear or in need of training to relinquish objects and to prevent and manage resource guarding. This is one of our key roles as dog owners, we must raise socially savvy dogs who are polite family members and we must do this by exhibiting benevolent leadership so they can live safely in our world.

  

To prevent aggression when you bring a dog into the home enroll it into a good obedience class. This not only gives you verbal control of the dog but also builds trusting relationships. Have children involved in the training. The training methods used now are so dog friendly that small children can quickly gain control of a 100 or more pound dog. Make sure your dog is well socialized, desensitized to having its collar grabbed or having food taken from its mouth and having people pick up its toys and anything else the dog considers valuable. Teach the dog bite inhibition. The mother does not have time to fully do this because we take puppies from their “bite school” before they have learned this crucial skill from mum and their litter puppies. Teach children to respect animals and treat them kindly. Do not allow children to grab at the dog, pull tails, ears etc. Crate train the dog so it has somewhere quiet to go if it needs to and have children respect that the crate is the dog’s private space. Ensure the dog gets adequate exercise and mental stimulation; do not tether dogs for too long.  Always ensure your dog is part of the family. Dogs that are tethered, not sufficiently exercised or isolated are more likely to be involved in a bite incident.

  

Dog aggression can be based on either their genetic responses to the outside world, such as predatory drive, or the aggression can be a learned behavior.  In both cases the aggression can be resolved, prevented or managed with the correct tools and guidance.  Call a professional; do not wait until you are dealing with an actual bite, if your dog snarls, growls, or lunges towards a person call in help.  A small financial investment in training a dog can ensure a healthy and happy “bite free” union between dog and human. Download a FREE Dog Bite Education Flyer from www.888DogSmith.com

 

 

 

Niki Tudge is the owner and founder of The DogSmith, America’s Dog Training, Dog Walking and Pet Care Franchise. To learn more about joining the DogSmith visit http://www.888dogsmith.com/franchise.html

Niki achieved her Canine Behaviorist Diploma in England and Dog Obedience Training Diploma in the US. Niki is an Endorsed member of the National Association of Dog Obedience Trainers and a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and The Association of Animal Behavior Professionals. Niki is also certified by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. You can reach Niki via email at NTudge@888dogsmith.com or www.888DogSmith.com


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Getting the Perfect Family Dog

May 24, 2011 By jdalldog Leave a Comment

There are many factors you should consider when choosing a family dog. Brining a dog into your household is one of the most exciting things and an experience your whole family should enjoy and this is why it is very important that you do your research properly in order to be able to choose the right dog for your family environment. Properly educating yourself to make the right choice can make the difference between a successful and enjoyable experience and a disappointing experience that may leave your family fearful of dogs for life.

Before deciding on the perfect family dog for your household you should decide who the primary care giver will be. The primary care giver should be someone who is at home a lot of the time and who has the time to care for the dog. Caring for a dog doesn’t only mean feeding him; dogs are social animals and require a lot of attention as well. If you travel a lot you should reconsider getting a dog unless someone can take care of him while you’re away. Are you an active person or a couch potato? All these things will influence the type of dog you ultimately choose.

If the primary caregiver is a child you will have to have a serious conversation with them about responsibility and what taking care of a dog entails. Make sure the child understands that this is a lifetime commitment and that he or she will be responsible for the dog’s needs for the rest of its life. The child should understand that even when the novelty of owning a puppy wears off, the dog will still need to be given a lot of attention and care.

If the caregiver is a senior you should decide if they are physically able to take care of a dog, and if so then you may consider a smaller breed dog or a breed that is easy to handle. Take some time to visit nearby shelters to get an idea about the different sized dogs available for adoption. Talk to the shelter staff and try to learn about different breeds of dogs and their different traits. Just because a dog belongs to a breed known for its manageability doesn’t necessarily mean even dog in that breed is manageable – dogs are individuals with individual personalities. Don’t take home the first dog that manages to tug at your heartstrings, keep in mind that the dog you choose to take home will rely on you for the rest of its life, so make your choice wisely.

If your family is the outgoing type and you enjoy participating in outdoor activities such as hiking and camping, you should look for a dog that you can include in your hobbies. Labradors, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds make great companions for active dog owners. These dogs make great pets for households with athletic, young adults as they love to play and exercise vigorously. Some of these dogs also enjoy swimming, so if you like swimming these are good dogs to own. Spaniels are very active dogs as well but require regular grooming as they have long haired coats.

If your family is active but you’d prefer a smaller sized dog, terriers are very active little dogs. Jack Russell terriers are known for being hyperactive and as is the case with most dogs in the terrier group, they need a lot of exercise to remain healthy and happy. Chihuahuas make great pets for senior citizens because of their tiny sizes. They enjoy sitting on their owner’s laps while they watch TV or knit and they are of a very easy to handle size. Chihuahuas also make great little watchdogs as they will alert if a stranger approaches the door.

If you’re a fan of big dogs, there are quite a few you can consider such as the Pyrenees or Akita. These are impressive dogs but are high maintenance due to their long haired coats. If these dogs aren’t groomed on a regular basis they are prone to developing skin conditions. Bernese Mountain dogs and Saint Bernards are massive dogs that enjoy light exercise and love to lounge about. Due to their slow, laid back natures, they may not make the ideal pet for households with teenagers or very active children.

Poodles make great family dogs and come in all shapes and sizes. They are a highly intelligent and easily trained breed and you can find the perfect poodle for almost any type of lifestyle. There are even tempered individuals as well as hyperactive poodles so you’ll need to spend some time with a poodle to determine if its personality will suit your household. Poodles require professional grooming however, and you should keep this in mind before getting one.

The more you educate yourself about the different dog breed available and their traits, the better you’ll be when choosing your new dog. Read about breeds you like and try to learn about their particular traits as well as any health issues they are predisposed to. The last thing you want to do is bring a dog into your home only to discover he may develop a genetic condition that will end up breaking your heart. Try to visit breeder’s kennels to learn more about a breed you like. Reputable breeders have no problem educating prospective customers about their dogs.

Read all you can about the breed of dog you’re considering to decide if it will be happy in your household and if your family can provide it with the care it needs. Some dogs have different requirements than others and you should pick a dog that will fit into your particular lifestyle. If you’re a laid back person who spends more time indoors than out you shouldn’t choose an active breed to bring into your household. Spend time with a dog you’re interested in to learn more about its personality, you wouldn’t buy a car without inspecting it, would you? The same applies to pets. Remember that owning a dog is a lifetime commitment and one you shouldn’t take lightly.

 

Amber Contant is a featured adviser and author discussing the issues that all pet owning families will experience. Amber works with Pet-Super-Store. Visit her site for a great selection of electric dog fences and dog training collars.


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Cardiovascular Exercise ? The Benefits And Types Of Training

May 24, 2011 By jdalldog Leave a Comment

The foundation to getting and staying in shape is a good Cardiovascular workout.  As well as its many health benefits, it is proven to help burn body fat to get that lean body most people desire.  Cardiovascular training can be any activity that keeps your heart rate elevated for a sustained period of time.  During this period your body will burn vast amounts of calories, especially fat, and so it is essential to do Cardiovascular training in order to reduce you body fat %.

Some of the Health benefits include;

Weight loss
Stronger heart and lungs
Increased bone density
Reduced stress
Temporary relief from depression and anxiety
More confidence about how you feel and how you look
Better sleep
More energy

In addition to these benefits, regular cardio training helps prevent a variety of diseases including heart attack, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity.

Types of Cardiovascular training

Continuous Aerobic Training (CAT)

This type of Cardiovascular training is what you would commonly see people doing in the gym.  It consists of exercise at moderate intensity, for usually long periods of time.  An example of this would be to run on a treadmill at 75% of your max heart rate for 30 – 45 minutes.  This training is good for beginners as it slowly introduces exercise to the body in order for it to make adaptations.

Random (Also known as Fartlek)

This type of Cardiovascular training involves random speed play.  There are no set times, speeds, or intensity levels preset for this workout.  The idea of this type of training is that you will be pushing your body through the different energy systems it uses during exercise in order to cope with the energy demands.  For example, a 100 meter sprinter may use the phospho-creatine, and a marathon runner would use the aerobic energy system.  Random training will take you into both of these energy systems as well as the lactic energy system which is anaerobic (Does not use oxygen)

Intervals

Interval training is carried out at a much higher intensity, pushing your body to the limit.  During interval training you should be aiming for about 80-95% of your max heart rate.  Some advance interval training (Expletives and cruise training) may even go as high as 100%, so you are working as hard as you possibly can.  The principle of this training is to have a work and rest phase.  The work phase is where your body is pushed all out, and the resting phase is where the body has chance to recuperate for the next interval.  It has been proven to burn more calories than continuous aerobic training due to the body’s metabolism constantly spiking.  Also, because of the high intensities reached during this training, the body becomes fatigued at a much faster pace, so interval training can only be sustained for usually 20-30 minutes.  Overall, Interval training is one of the most effective fat burning workouts, due to the high intensities reached in such small times.

How it can be done

Cardiovascular training can be done many ways.  Outside of the gym it can be done by running, walking, cycling, swimming, etc.  In the gym it can be done on a treadmill, rowing machine, bicycle, cross trainer, stepper, etc.  Choose a machine suitable for the type of cardiovascular training.  For example don’t choose a treadmill if you plan to do high intensity intervals, as there is a risk involved when changing between the work/rest phases at high speeds.   Choose a machine that is right for your fitness level.  If you prefer a low impact machine, something that will be light stress on the joints, then choose a Cross trainer rather than a treadmill.  Introduce some interval training in your next workout and see how many more calories you burn.

Trev Flowers

Sprint Personal Training


Article from articlesbase.com

Arnold…pumping iron Music: 1. Dimmu Borgir – Master of Disharmony (YES, it really is!!! From split CD with Old Man´s Child) 2. The Wicked – Ordo Malleus 3. Tidfall – Soil of Tomorrow
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