2009-06-05

8 Signs of a Healthy Puppy

Are you looking for a happy and healthy puppy? Make sure you find what you're looking for by following these simple guidelines to determine whether or not the puppy you're looking at is healthy.

8 Signs of a Healthy Puppy

Author: Michael Schwartz

Thousands of people across the world acquire a new puppy every single day! Unfortunately for those who are paying for one of these puppies, not all of them are completely healthy. We hope the list below will help you in determining whether or not the little puppy you are looking at is in good health. Of course, this list is not all-inclusive and is not meant to replace the advice of your Veterinarian.



We are simply providing this information as a starting point when you are actively searching for a new and healthy puppy. Spend a few moments with the puppy and look for the signs below.



1 EYES: A puppies eyes should look clear and shiny. There should be no signs of cloudiness or discharge from the eyes.



2. EARS: Do the pup's ears look and smell clean? The inside of the ear should not look red or inflamed. Any odor or brown discharge could signal an infection.



3. NOSE: It should be slightly moist to the touch, but there should not be excessive discharge. The puppy should not be sneezing or sniffling persistently.



4. SKIN AND COAT: The puppy's coat should be soft and shiny, without flakes or excessive shedding. Watch out for patches or missing hair, redness, bumps or sores. The pup should have a pleasant smell. Check for parasites, such as fleas or ticks.



5. REAR END: It should be free from debris and fecal matter.



6. ABDOMEN: You should be able to feel the puppy's ribs, but the ribs shouldn't poke out. The tummy can be round, but not swollen or potbellied.



7. KENNEL AND BEDDING AREA : This should be a relatively tidy area. Watch out for signs of diarrhea or vomiting.



8. BEHAVIOR: A healthy puppy may be sleepy, but not lethargic. A healthy puppy will be playful at times, not isolated in a corner. You should see occasional bursts of energy and interaction with littermates. When it's mealtime, a healthy puppy will take an interest in its chow.



Healthy puppies have clear, bright eyes that are free from discharge Again, this is just a short list of things to watch out for when you are searching for your new puppy. You should always have your new pet checked out (as soon as possible) by a Veterinarian and proceed as per their recommendations.



One more thing, all reputable breeders should offer to take back a pet that is deemed unhealthy by a professional Veterinarian.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/8-signs-of-a-healthy-puppy-338140.html

About the Author:
If you are looking for a happy and healthy miniature schnauzer puppy , make sure to visit Lonestar Farms Miniature Schnauzers. Their well-socialized and beautiful puppies are always healthy and adorable. They are all sold with a full 2 year health guarantee. They always have Top Quality Miniature Schnauzers for sale .

2009-06-01

Good Dog Training Collars Can Make Difference

Good Dog Training Collars Can Make Difference

Dog training collars are obviously necessary and very effective tools in dog training. The dog's collar is the point of physical control that the trainer uses to make contact with the dog. There are many different training methods and styles used by professional trainers and as a result there are many different types of training collars. A quick check of on line pet supply retailers will find even more collars available in the market. You will find that each one has its own unique set of features that makes them ideal for specific types of training.

The standard variety, like leather or strong nylon is most advisable when simply training a dog to do basic stuff such as sit, jump, or stay. This is dependent of course on the size of the dog. Nylon collars are ideal for smaller dogs. Leather collars are ideal for bigger dog breeds. Nowadays, those who want to train their pet dogs for simple everyday commands even have the option to choose embellished collars. But for dog training, high quality collars should be given more preference.

Basic choke collars are one of the best dog training collars around. Choke collars give the trainer instant correction and control by tightening the collar around the dog's neck. During the training session when the dog is behaving in the proper manner, or obedient in following commands, the collar stays loose and comfortable around the dog's neck. In the event however that the dog starts misbehaving or commits a training mistake, the trainer can easily tighten the collar as a way of correction. This technique communicates to the dog the proper response to a command.

Prong collars, or pinch collars are another widely used dog training collars by professional trainers. This kind of collar has dulled tips on the collar surface touching the dog's neck. Like the choke collar, the trainer can control the tightening and loosening of the collar. As a way of correction, the trainer will pull the collar and the blunted tips will tighten around the dog's neck, without piercing his skin. It is important however to maintain caution in using these collars. There is a thin line between constructive correction and animal abuse. This type of collar should really be left to the professional trainer or handler.

Electronic and citronella training collars are very popular with many dog trainers. They are especially useful in correcting dog behavior when the dog is not on a lead. It is also very effective in aversion training like that used to train hunting dogs to avoid rattlesnakes and porcupines. The remote controls on this type of collar has the ability to make corrections from as far away as one mile. Correction is accomplished through either electronic stimulation or a spray of citronella once the command is given via the remote control. These collars also have a tone feature where the handler can communicate with the dog by sending a set of tone commands to either approve of a behavior or to warn the dog to correct its behavior prior to receiving stimulation.

No matter what training methods are employed by the trainer a quality dog training collar will be required to achieve the training goals. Wisdom and discernment should always be used when using any training collar. Failure to do so may result in unwanted behaviors or even physical damage to the dog's health.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/good-dog-training-collars-can-make-difference-335789.html

About the Author:
James Kesel, MS is the publisher of Career in Dog Training website. Providing information on dog training, dog training career opportunities and training accessories such as dog training collars .