The Portuguese Water Dog - is it the right breed for you?

So, the Obamas have finally added that new puppy to their family, and his cute little face is staring at you from every newspaper/magazine/website you come across and suddenly you find yourself thinking "Aawww... he's so sweet. I want one of those"

But wait.... just because the 'First Family' has one, it doesn't mean YOU should! Every dog breed is different, with different needs, behavior, and requirements - and every home is different too.
Portuguese Water Dog puppies are adorable teddy bear 'look-alikes', and their lively and affectionate personalities makes them very endearing. But before all those cute photos in the media have you searching for a breeder with a puppy to sell, it's a good idea to take a few minutes to learn more about the breed, and figure out whether it's the right 'fit' for you.
The Portuguese Water Dog is an old breed, know in it's native land as Cao de Agua (literally meaning 'dog of the water'). The ancestors of todays' PWDs played an important role in their country's' fishing industry, and were used to herd fish, retrieve lines/tackle, carry messages from boat to boat or to shore, and act as guardians when protection was needed.

A medium to large sized dog, an adult will measure anywhere between 17 and 23 inches in height, and weigh between 35 and 60lbs. A female will usually be smaller/lighter than a male, but both sexes should be solidly built and muscular.

This courageous, hardy and spirited dog still carries the attributes of a working breed, and in spite of it's cuddly looks, it is most definitely not a lap-dog. Portuguese Water Dogs need lots of vigorous exercise and an active lifestyle, but can be happy in an average-sized home/yard if given plenty of opportunity to run and play on a daily basis.

They bond closely with their owners and always want to be by your side. This isn't an independent breed who can be happy left alone for long periods inside or out, and your Portuguese Water Dog pup will want (and need) to be an integral part of your family's' life.
Outgoing, intelligent and eager to learn, Portuguese Water Dogs make great obedience or agility dogs, and although often considered too small to fill the 'service dog' role, they can be great therapy dogs. Regular socialization and obedience training are very important if you want your PWD to grow up to be all that it can be.

Portuguese Water Dogs can make excellent family pets, and their exuberance and energy levels make them a lot of fun but they can sometimes 'play rough'. They're also known to be a 'mouthy' breed, and may nip/bite more than usual.

Although consistent correction will eliminate the mouthing and rough-housing, if you have very young children you may want to take this into account. Generally this breed is fine with other dogs, and can live alongside cats if introduced to them early on.
Their tendency towards 'mouthiness' can also show up as excessive chewing, and you'll need to make sure you have a lot of very sturdy chew toys handy for your Portuguese Water Dog puppy (or your home and belongings will suffer!).

The long wavy or curly hair that makes them so adorably 'shaggy', needs regular grooming and a daily brush or comb is the best way to keep matts and tangles at bay. Regular clipping or trimming is also recommended.

Portuguese Water Dogs have a single layer coat which is very low-shedding and this means they are considered to be a hypoallergenic breed. If you or your children have dog hair allergies, this breed is less likely to trigger symptoms. However, it's important to remember that allergies vary greatly from person to person, and there's no such thing as an 'allergy-free' dog breed.
It's best to spend some time around any breed you are considering BEFORE buying a puppy, that way you can find out exactly how you're affected by them.

If this breed sees a sudden growth in popularity, finding a healthy puppy from a reputable breeder may become a bit more difficult. Poor breeding practices fueled by the prospect of a quick financial profit, have been responsible for a decrease in the overall health and looks of many breeds in the past.

If you decide that a Portuguese Water Dog is the one for you, take the time to find a responsible breeder with dogs who have been screened for potential genetic/hereditary conditions, and who offers a health contract.

Some conditions that may be found in this breed, and for which screening is available for breeding stock, include Hip Dysplasia, GM1 Storage Disease, PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), and Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy. If the breeder you're talking to asks you a lot of questions, that's a good sign... it means that she really cares about the homes her puppies go to.
When it comes to the adoption v purchase issue, there are some very strong feelings on both sides! There are thousands of dogs in shelters and pounds all around the country who are in desperate need of loving homes, and they're almost always there through no fault of their own.
Adoption should always be considered when you're adding a new puppy/dog to the family, even if you have your heart set on a purebreed, because there are many purebred rescue organizations.

However, Portuguese Water Dogs are not in the same position as, say, Labrador Retrievers. There simply isn't the same number (or even close to it!) of puppies or dogs looking for new homes as there is with the more popular and well known breeds. Finding a Portuguese Water Dog breeder in your area is going to be a challenge, and the chances of finding a purebred PWD being in a local rescue center or pound are very slim.

There may be mixed-breed pups who have Portuguese Water Dog ancestry, and these will make just as wonderful a pet as any purebred puppy - but, if you want a purebred pup who can be registered, buying from a reputable breeder is probably going to be your best option.
So, IS the Portuguese Water Dog right for your family and lifestyle?

.... If you've read this whole article and can honestly say that you can provide a Portuguese Water Dog with a home environment where it can thrive, the time and attention it needs, AND you're still in love with that adorable teddy-bear look, I wish you and your new best friend a long and happy life together.

Learn more about the Portuguese Water Dog at http://www.the-puppy-dog-place.com/portuguese-water-dogs.htmlAuthor is a life-long dog lover, and owner and webmaster of http://www.the-puppy-dog-place.com , a website dedicated to helping new puppy owners raise happy, healthy puppies.

Breeding Labrador Retrievers

Are you wandering if breeding Labrador retrievers is really for you? Most Labrador dog owners will, at some point, consider breeding their dogs but there are a number of things to consider before reaching a decision. Generally speaking, there are two main reasons why any owners would want to breed their dogs; either because they want some more lab puppies for themselves or because they want to make breeding a part time, or even full time, business.

Whatever your motivation it should be remembered that not all pregnancies result in a happy, healthy litter. be warned. If you are the owner of a female dog than breeding a litter at home for the first time can be a very steep learning curve. The most fundamental thing to get right when breeding dogs is to find the best possible match between the breeding pair of animals. It is important that both dogs have a suitable temperament, are in good shape and do not have any medical problems. Each animals lineage should be checked to ensure there are no inherited problems such as hip dysplasia.

The character of the two dogs is equally as important as their state of health. Labradors inevitably end up in a family home so it is essential that they are temperamentally suited to sharing a home with children as well as adults.

Another essential point to consider when breeding Labrador Retrievers is to check the pedigrees of each of the breeding pair to ensure the dogs are not too closely related. Breeding a pair of dogs that are closely related can lead to serious health problems in the puppies and will of course seriously dilute the dogs bloodline.

Ideally each dog should be over the age of two and they should not be strangers to each other. Try and give them time to get to know each other. By this time any temperamental or health issues should be apparent. Breeding Labrador Retrievers is not a decision to rush into but it should be remembered that finding the right pair of dogs is only the beginning of the process. Once the mating has taken place and pregnancy is confirmed the real work begins.

Caring for a female dog during her pregnancy will call for an awful lot of hard work and the whelping process will be just as difficult. After the mum has produced her litter taking care of the puppies, and finding good homes for the puppies is a time-consuming and potentially expensive undertaking.

The last point is the most relevant. It isn't always easy to find suitable new owners for tour puppies. Rest assured there is no way you will let the puppies go to just anyone. Don't be afraid to say 'no' to customers or potential owners if you are not 100% convinced that they will be able to offer the puppy a suitable environment in which to live and grow.

The Labrador Retriever Guide http://www.labrador-retriever-guide.com/ is the ultimate online resource for Lab owners. The site has a monthly newsletter to stay in touch with the Labrador Retriever Guide is just the place for Lab owners to hang out together http://www.labrador-retriever-guide.com/labradorreview.html

Your New Puppy - prevention and treatment for a constipated puppy

Is your puppy having difficulty pooping? Are his stools hard or dry? Does he strain or cry when having a bowel movement?

If you answered "yes" to one or more of these questions, you may have a constipated puppy on your hands.

Although true constipation in puppies isn't very common, tiny and toy breeds seem to experience more than their fair share of discomfort in this area.

As with many health issues, it's easier and better to prevent constipation from happening, than it is to treat it. However, as many people reading this are looking for help with a puppy who is already constipated, I'll start with the remedies!

Remedies for a constipated puppy

The first thing to do when your puppy is having difficulty with constipation is to increase his fluid intake and his exercise level. Both of these help to keep his digestive system moving along.

If he's already straining unsuccessfully or is passing dry, hard stools, you may well need to try some other options as well. There are several different things you can add to his diet (don't add them all at once though, pick one and try that first!), that will help clear the 'log jam' inside him. These include:

CANNED PUMPKIN - this should be plain pumpkin, not the pie-filling variety. Add 1 tsp to 1 tbsp, depending on the size of your puppy.

BRAN - you can use regular bran, or Metamucil, oat bran, Grape Nuts and so on. Add 1/2 tsp to 1 tsp (depending on size of pup) to his food.

OIL - extra oil in his food can help to soften your pups' stools. 1/2 tsp of Olive Oil added to his meals is simple and safe. You can try 1 - 2 tsp of Mineral Oil for more stubborn constipation, but you need to be very careful about his. Never use Mineral Oil for more than a day or two as it can be harmful if used to excess.

MILK - dogs don't digest cows milk properly, and it would normally cause diarrhea or loose stools in a puppy. However, if your pup is constipated, a little cows milk (1/4 to 1/2 cup depending on the size of your pup) added to his food or water, may help get his bowels moving again.

OTC REMEDIES - never use a human constipation remedy for your dog! There are some specific products available to treat constipated dogs such as Laxatone to help with constipation due to hairballs. There are also natural, herbal remedies that keep bowel and digestive functions healthy.

Common causes of dog constipation

There may be one, or several reasons, why your puppy is constipated. Something simple like not drinking enough, or being a 'couch potato' can make your pups' bowels 'sluggish'. Other possible causes for constipation in dogs include :

Hairballs - these are more often seen in dogs with long hair. Or in dogs who have allergies or skin conditions and are constantly licking themselves.

Medicines - some medications can cause constipation in dogs, anti-histamines are common culprits.

Medical Conditions - this isn't very common in puppies, although a hernia or infection can sometimes be the culprit. However in older dogs, conditions such kidney disease or prostate problems can cause constipation.

Long Hair Around The Rectum - this is also sometimes called 'mechanical constipation', and it's basically an external physical obstruction that causes your pup to be unable to eliminate. If your puppy has long/thick hair, keep it trimmed short around the anus so that this doesn't happen.

Sometimes a more serious cause of constipation can arise, and this requires immediate veterinary attention.....

Ingesting Inappropriate Items - every puppy owner knows that a pup will try to eat just about anything! And often they succeed in swallowing something that is definitely not meant to be eaten. In many cases, these 'foreign object' pass through your pups' digestive tract fairly easily, and come right out the other end. However, occasionally something will get 'stuck' and can cause serious problems. If your dog seems to be in pain when he strains to poop, if he's vomiting or retching, his tummy is distended, or he seems distressed (panting, pacing, whining, drooling etc.) you need to seek veterinary help immediately. This sort of blockage can be life-threatening. Don't try constipation remedies if this happens, take your puppy straight to the vet.

Once you've treated the constipation in your puppy, it's important to take steps to make sure that this doesn't become a regular condition.

Plenty of water and exercise are an important part of keeping his digestive system healthy. You can add a herbal supplement or pro-biotic to his food on a daily basis to keep his bowels 'regular'.

For pups or dogs who seem to have regular problems with constipation, there are some special dog foods that are formulated to help with this. These contain more fiber than the average food, and Hills Dog Food has two different formulas available from most veterinary offices.

The author is a life long dog-lover and has many years of experience in breeding, raising and training puppies.Read the full article 'A Constipated Puppy', and find all the tips and advice you need to raise a happy, healthy puppy at http://www.the-puppy-dog-place.com

Dog Skin Problems: How to Treat Dog Skin Rashes

Say you have an itch that just won't stop. What you will most likely do (after almost scratching your skin off!) is go directly to the nearest pharmacy and ask the pharmacist for the most potent cortisone or antihistamine that their store has. Then you lather or drink that drug up like there is no tomorrow.

Having an excruciating back ache or a smashing headache is a nuisance but if you have a skin rash you feel very, very itchy and it's like you're in living hell and your nails aren't doing justice to what you feel.

Now imagine the same unbearable skin rash, only this time, you cannot go to your favorite pharmacy and you cannot just tell a doctor to treat you up because you cannot speak. Sounds like a real dreadful situation? Well, this is how your four-legged bundle of joy actually feels when he or she has a dog skin rash!

Causes

Dog skin rashes are very difficult to treat because you never know what causes them. So, really the best thing you can do for your beloved dog is to prevent the skin rashes from occurring. Here are some ways on how you can avoid this from happening:

1. The number one cause of dog skin rashes are external dog parasites such as ticks, fleas, lice and mites. To avoid these external parasites, do not let your dog play with strangers' pets unless you are sure they are not infected. Always keep your furry friend's house parasite free by cleaning it well and in case that parasites do attack, treat your dog with a tick and flea shampoo or cream.

2. Internal parasites can also cause dog skin rashes so to avoid intestinal parasites, make sure that both the water and food that your loyal dog takes in are clean.

3. Comb or brush the coat of your dog regularly especially if your pup has thick and long hair. Tangled hair can cause the skin to become irritated which can lead to scratching.

4. Find a shampoo that does not dry out your dog's skin if you like to bathe your doggie regularly.

5. Make sure you buy good quality dog chow to boost your dog's immune system. Commercial grade dog food is usually just filled with extenders that have no additional nutritional value unlike good dog food.

Solution

But a dog cannot avoid skin rashes forever. Even if you are the most attentive, cleanest and most caring dog parent, he or she will still get skin rashes at one point in his or her doggie life. So what do you do in times when your furry friend is scratching and gnawing at his or her skin like crazy?

1. First of all, give your dog a bath. Find a shampoo that is both medicinal and at the same time, anti tick and fleas.

2. Check the food that your dog eats. If you've just changed your dog's food brand, and he or she seems to have acquired the habit of scratching, then you may need to buy your old brand back because the new one is making your poor pooch itch. Better yet, consider some of the natural diets. Type in "BARF diet" on the Internet and you'll find a lot of great resources. Keep in mind that certain breeds are pre-disposed to certain allergies (I.e. Shih Tzus tend to be allergic to chicken). If, in any doubt, talk to a holistic minded veterinarian or nutritionist who can show you the proper meal plan.

3. Some dogs are itching because they are restless. Giving your dog enough exercise might just do the trick.

4. You may also consider purchasing products that specialize in treating dog skin rashes. There are a variety out there but one of the most effective ones I've ever seen contains the Mayan traditional herb Tepezcohuite. (In fact, I was so impressed with its natural abilities that I created an all-natural dog balm called K9 KlearUp around this compound - www.k9klearup.com. It's guaranteed to help clear up the 17 most common canine skin and coat problems).
So there you have it, some simple solutions to help get rid of a severe dog skin problem: skin rashes. Your dog should be wagging his tail again in no time!

Brandon Roe is the author of "The Official Dog Coat and Skin Care Guide", a comprehensive guide to help your dog maintain a beautiful and healthy coat and clear skin. Get your FREE copy today at http://www.k9klearup.com/guide .He is also the developer of K9 KlearUp, the worlds only pet balm that helps clear up the 17 most common canine skin and coat problems... Guaranteed or your money back.

Tips For Training A Rescued Dog

Training a dog takes patience and dedication. To achieve the desired results in rescued dog will take double the dedication and patience. However, the rewards will be worth the effort.

The practice of neutering and spaying of dogs has been around for many years but unplanned births continues to be a reality. As a result of this there are just not enough homes for all of the puppies that are born. When we add the number of dogs that get lost or wander away, rescue missions and shelters everywhere are filled to capacity. For many of these dogs being euthanized will be the sad reality.

For a some lucky dogs, there is a second chance. They could be adopted from shelters or missions or taken in off of the street and into the care of a willing family. The new owners, however, are often not quite sure how best to deal with the rescued dog.

Dogs that are brought to shelters are generally not in the best condition. It is not uncommon for them to be victims of neglect, abuse of even terrible living conditions. And in some circumstances dogs are released into the wild to take care of themselves.

In nature a dog is a pack animal. Even wild dogs don't do well on their own. Released domesticated dogs do very poorly in the wild, without any animal or human interaction. Dogs such as these can still learn to be less fearful with proper training.

As the first step in rescuing a dog you should take it to your veterinarian for a full exam. You will not be able to start training your new dog if he is sick or in pain. Take the time to restore the dog's health and bring it back to a healthy weight.

It may be a tall order, but whenever possible try to get the dog's history. Your training efforts will be helped if you have information on the dog's past abuse or medical history.

Slow and steady is the order of the day when establishing trust with the dog. Try to avoid imposing yourself on the dog. The animal will begin to seek you out once they have learned to trust you. A suggestion would be to work on trust with a treat. Try stepping back a bit after putting a treat on the floor. Staring directly at the dog should be avoided at this point. Once the dog takes the food make sure they get enthusiastic praise.

It is not uncommon for some rescue animals to initially seek out physical contact . Some can take weeks or more. But once you have established it, try to roll the dog over onto his back and place your hand on their chest. You can expect that the dog will either resist if they tend to be aggressive or a fearful dog will accept. Neither behavior is good. In normal training, you would force the aggressive dog to take on a passive role. This technique typically does not work for rescued dogs. Establishing trust will take time. By speaking in a soft and calm tone of voice and gently rubbing the belly a fearful dog will know that being on its back is a positive experience and not a punishment.

Be patient as it is often difficult and slow to train a rescued dog. They are often older dogs, mixed, and with difficult temperaments which makes training more challenging. Don't give up. You will be rewarded in the end.

Don't feel sorry for the dog. This is counter-productive and will only hinder the training. Be patient, loving and understanding but don't let the dog have the run of the house. By letting the dog know that you are in charge you are establishing yourself as the pack leader.
It's a lot of sweet and hard work but you will have a companion for life.

Stefan Hyross writes and provides information about dogs and puppies. Correct common dog behavior problems and other issues. Visit the site to discover proven puppy potty training methods and other tips and trick for you and your pooch.http://www.allaboutdogsnpuppies.com/

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Separation Anxiety For Your Dog

Lots of people feel anxious when they re alone for long periods of time. But you may not realize that dogs feel the same way sometimes, too!

If you come home from being away to find your dog has torn up furniture, soiled the floor, or you get a report from neighbors that your dog barked and howled the whole time you were gone, your dog probably has separation anxiety problems. Unfortunately, many dog owners think their dogs are acting out of anger at being left alone or because they are bad dogs. This leads to you handling the problem as bad behavior, which won t solve it. One of the keys to dealing with separation anxiety in dogs is understanding what it is, and why some dogs don t deal with being alone as well as others.

First, you should know that dogs are social animals. Their mentality is based on living in a pack (much like our family structure), so when they re left alone, they don t handle it well. Their instinct is to find the rest of their pack, and when they can t do that, they become agitated. This leads to the behavior that frustrates owners when they get home.

If you suspect that your dog has separation anxiety, there are some signs and symptoms you can look for that can help. When you re home, does your dog cling to you and demand constant attention? Does your dog start to get upset when you re getting ready to go out? When you re away, does your dog whine, bark, or howl the whole time you re gone? Is your dog restless while you re away? Is your dog destructive, or does your dog soil the carpets or floor in several areas while you re gone? If so, your dog most likely isn t simply bored, but is having anxiety at being separated from you.

It takes a lot of patience and love to deal with your dog s separation anxiety. Essentially, you have to train your dog to know that it s safe when home alone, and help your dog to know that you ll always come home, no matter how long it thinks you ve been gone.

If your dog has mild separation anxiety, one way you can help is to make sure your dog has a variety of dog toys to play with while you re gone. A good selection of dog toys will help keep your pet occupied while you re away, distracting it from looking for you.

Getting dog toys may sound too easy, but with mild separation anxiety, it could be that all your dog needs is something to occupy its time until you get home. Making sure there are lots of toy options available could save a lot of anxiety for your dog, as well as frustration for you!

In addition to helping to keep your dog occupied while you re gone, dog toys can also help keep your dog from chewing on objects and furniture in your home. If there s a dog toy to chew on, you may save yourself from having to replace things at home.

Separation anxiety can be a serious issue for dogs, but with patience, love, and some great dog toys, you shouldn t have any problem helping your dog feel safer alone, and keeping your home from being destroyed. And that will mean a happier home for everyone!

Author Resource:- Article by Kelly Marshall of http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com, your top spot to buy dog clothes online.

The Different Phases of Dog Training

It is a common scenario - someone, maybe a single person or maybe a family, walks into a pet store or animal shelter. They hem and haw, pet and cuddle, and make all sorts of exclamations. A few moments later, they walk out with the "perfect" dog or puppy in tow, ready to start out on their new life together. It may be a big dog or a small dog, an older dog or a younger puppy - everyone's idea of the "perfect" dog is a little bit different. However, all dogs, big and small, young and old, can benefit from dog training. Puppy potty training can take your puppy from a cute little mess to an ideal housemate and beyond.
The start: Puppy Training
The majority of training for puppies is designed to make them better household companions. For the average family pet, training will often not extend beyond this phase. Trainng your puppy to use a potty pee pad is one of the most daunting challenges for most new pet owners. For working and competitive dogs, this aspect of training is only the beginning. The most popular type of training for dogs(so popular, in fact, that many people do not even realize that it is training) includes things like training your dog to walk on the leash, house and potty training your dog, and simple commands like "sit" and "drop it," as well as basic social behaviors. It is easiest to begin puppy training at an early age, though if you acquire an older dog, you can train with him or her as well. Dogs are happiest when they know what is expected of them, and training helps to make those expectations clear. Training your dog is also a great way to strengthen the bond between dog and owner.
Competitive Dogs
The next step in training would be for competition. Some owners use dog training to teach their dogs tricks, like catching Frisbees on command, fetching items, or helping them with a freestyle routine. Other dog owners will use training to teach them to run agility courses, pull sleds, or do other activities. This level of training requires a strong bond between dog and owner, as well as a willing subject. Puppy training at this level is not something that you can do once and then go on with your life - it requires daily practice and commitment. Many of the professionals you see competing in agility trials or other competitions have been working with their dogs for years to conduct the training required.
Working Dogs
An even more stringent dog training method is required for working dogs. Working dogs assist people in a variety of fashions - they can be trained to sniff out drugs or contraband in airports, trained to assist the handicapped or disabled, or even trained as members of the police force or military. The dog training required for these dogs often takes months, if not years. Specific dogs are chosen from a young age to participate in this type of dog training, and often specific breeds are preferred due to breed characteristics. Only a few of the dogs that start on this dog training program end up being successful enough to have a career as a working dog. Training can come in a variety of styles for a variety of purposes. Even so, nearly any dog and owner can benefit from dog training.

http://www.cheappuppypads.comOur pee pads are designed with a super absorbent polymer and eco-friendly material to assist in making your potty training task a success. Please visit our section on training tips for more information on how to potty train your puppy.

Puppy Training Tips. Basic Puppy Obedience.

Training your puppy may be time consuming, but the rewards will be felt for a lifetime. Any doubters should catch the "Marley and Me" movie for reinforcement of this statement. Your cute little squirming bundle of joy will not be so lovable as an out of control grown and rambunctious dog. Puppy training is a great way to nip behavior problems in the bud as well as developing bonds of respect and love.
We are just going to cover a few simple but effective aspects for training puppies here.
Who am I?
Once you have decided on a great and unique moniker for your new best friend, you need to teach it to your puppy. There is no point giving your pup a great name if your dog never realizes it is his name. After selecting the world's best name you will need to start calling your new puppy by this. If your dog looks totally clueless start by calling "Puppy" as well as the new label. Most pups will happily respond to the word puppy. When you get your puppy's attention with the new name it is important to praise, reward, treat or cuddle. This way your dog understands that when you call his name it is worthwhile for him to pay attention.
If you are going to rouse on your dog just say "No", do not add their name as well. Most puppies should pick up on their new name within a few days to a week. Be sure to use the name frequently when talking to your puppy.
Coming on command.
It is vital that your dog will eventually come every time you call him. Once your dog recognizes his name it is time to start teaching him to come . Call your dog's name in a friendly voice. For example "Rover come here". When your dog comes over reward with praise, food or a cuddle. Your dog needs to associate "Come" with pleasant things. If you call your dog over for a beating or a rousing he may never come again when you call him.
Sit.
Another extremely important concept for your dog to understand is "Sit". This can be a lifesaver later on when your overgrown pup is jumping on everyone in sight. It will also be easier for you to leash train when your dog understands the meaning of the word "sit". Luckily, teaching "sit" is relatively simple.
Start off by saying "Sit" and pushing gently on your dog's butt. Your pup will naturally be forced to sit. At this moment reward your pup. Try this technique a few times at a go. It will not be long before your puppy totally understands the meaning of the word "sit". Once your puppy has learned this trick be sure to keep practicing a few times a day.
Training a puppy need not be frustrating. Use puppy training time as an opportunity to build love and respect between you and your puppy. Dogs need boundaries to keep them as man's best friend. Puppy obedience is as important to your dog's well-being as food and shelter.

Author Billy Baker has supplied more detail on puppy training including eleven tips here -http://www.easy-puppy-training-tips.com/Eleven-Helpful-Puppy-Training-Tips.html

The language your dog speaks

RECOGNIZE WHAT YOUR DOG IS TELLING YOU WHEN HE IS BARKING, WHINING, WHISTLING OR WHIMPERING.
If you've seen some of my previous articles you know we have littermate Miniature Schnauzers. A sister, Steffi who started out black but is now morphing into black and silver and her brother, Stanley who is a breed definitive Salt & Pepper.
She is the Alpha Dog.
Stanley was originally Alpha up till they were about eight months old. Then Steffi grew tired of his hassling and beat up on him. The second time she beat him he got the message. He's a surfer dude who cares nothing for the state of the nation so she didn't have much trouble establishing the new hierarchy.
We've gone through it all between the two pups and they each sent a different message. Even brothers and sisters speak a different language.
When he was a pup he whined, whimpered and whistled. When he wanted something for himself he whined. When he thought the world was dumping on him he whimpered and made us feel sorry for him. Although we caught onto that very shortly and let them both know the guilt trip wouldn't fly.
Whistling was Stanley's most interesting phenomenon. It became a mark of fear mixed with what I call 'first call'. As a puppy when he was really confused and frightened he would whistle in panic and console himself and notify us at the same time.
As an adult he does not whistle, rarely whines and doesn't whimper. Occasionally he barks, but he is Omega Dog so he generally concedes that noise is Steffi's prerogative.
Girl dogs evidently do not whistle; at least Steffi hasn't. She made little noise until she read Stanley's beads. Now she does the barking, and when she thinks they need a change of scenery, she whines...which is a mixture of a screech and a whine.
Within the time frame of her epiphany over Stanley she introduced a low, guttural, angry growl. When they are wrestling and she hits those notes Stanley retires immediately to a corner of the couch until her voice comes back to normal.
When Steffi is at our front louvers which open up onto the front communal space she is protecting us from the squirrels. I have verbally chastised her about her frenetic barking, so she has authored this special (for better word) 'utterance'. She sounds a little like a small raptor with a bone caught in her throat; or maybe a rooster who is trying to crow and swallow water at the same time.
We have never allowed uncontrolled barking but it is a continual battle to curb it. The presence of two squirrels on the front lawn is overpowering and so both have to be cautioned in that event.
Steffi, being Alpha always sounds the signal requesting reentry into the house when they have been outside in the patio. Stanley, as befits his status in the hierarchy sits patiently in waiting.
I am still trying to figure out if he has us all fooled and is just letting her do all the doggy work or if he really is subject to her. He grooms her; she rarely him. He drops whatever he has in his mouth when she approaches; never her...so we'll just have to wait...and watch.

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Top 10 most popular Dog Breeds as family pets

I know we all love to Dogs because they are like our family members and well known companion but their are some breeds which are most popular they are following.

1- Golden Retrievers :- This breed is most popular in the world. That breed has a status of "true American family dogs". Golden Retrievers are very intelligent and loveable. They are very devoted companions. Golden Retrievers are easy to train.

2- Labrador Retrievers :- This Breed is from Newfoundland. Having very well balanced athletic body. Labrador Retrievers are highly intelligent, loyal, and deeply devoted.

3- German Shepherds :- German Shepherds are also very popular Dogs. they are multipurpose dogs used in Police works, Protection works, Drug or Bomb Detection, Military works and many others. They are also a very good Family pets.

4- Beagles :- Beagles are "Big Dogs" in small size but very loving, kind & gentle dogs. They are also very popular in America. Beagles are not only good Family pets but also Good hunters.

5- Yorkshire Terriers :- Yorkshire Terriers, also called Yorkies. This is smallest in all Terriers. Very intelligent Breed and very quick to learn.

6- Boxers :- This Breed is from Germany. They are very Strong, loyal and used in police work, and military work. They having very low maintenance.

7- Shih Tzu :- Shih Tzu is a Toy Breed. It is very popular in Hollywood celebrities. It is also known as "small lion".

8- Dachshunds :- This breed having Small size. They are also called as "Dachs". They have long body shape but small legs. They love to run & play with their family.

9- Pomeranian :- They are also very popular as Family dogs. They learn very fast. having good loving nature. but needs obersvation with small childrens.

10- Poodles :- They having 3 breed standards one standard & second is miniature & also in toy. They are beautiful, loyal and extremely intelligent dogs.