I was adopted by Mum and Dad from an animal charity, and we still support other good causes. I guess they are grateful that they found me, so we help others now. Mum was really pleased to hear about Aidmaker at www.agoodcause.co.uk, the recent collaboration between some of the most important charities and NGOs, it involves a bit of software that records your purchases at 5000 of the biggest online stores and donates a share to the selected charities. So it is now really easy to give while you spend!

Always Stay Patient And Gentle

What is the most important aspect of all in dog training? Patience, patience, patience. Dogs are often naturally social and affectionate animals. Once your pet realizes you are its owner, friend, provider of food, and caretaker, you will gain a loyal and devoted fan. But this is a simultaneously strong and fragile relationship.

You must always treat your dog with respect and kindness. Never, ever hit, kick, or otherwise antagonize or attack your dog. (There are the extreme circumstances when one might need to do so for personal protection, but instances of pet dogs attacking their kind, thoughtful owners are very few and far between.) Read more »

My fame has spread across the pond at last! Now The Kevin the Collie is a household name in the US too, as I announce my candidacy for President. I was persuaded to stop hiding from the limelight after my friends said that I could make a much better job of running the country than that other chap. The first thing I will do is to offer free veterinary care for all dogs – I think that will be very popular, and Mum said it will save us a fortune. Then of course I will make sure that every dog gets a good home where he is loved and cared for. Sound good to you? And once all that is in place, dealing with the banking crisis will be a piece of cake! Watch my video and see how a dog really can rule the world. It is quite a long way for me to travel but Dad says we can rely on the GPS to get us there.

Dog Training Using The Praise and Reward System

The Praise and Reward System is without any doubt the most animal friendly approach to train your dog. This method, often referred to as positive reinforcement training, is considered by experts to be the correct method of dog training.

In the same fashion as parent reward and praise a child for good behavior so it is with training your dog. The difference in dog training is, you praise your dog when the dog does something you approve and ignore your dog’s behavior when you disapprove.

Some shocking methods for training dogs were once used. Unacceptable and cruel methods such as beatings, electric shocks were once common practice in dog training. Luckily these methods are no longer used as more and more people educated themselves about animals in general and more specifically about humane training methods.

The Praise and Reward System takes your dog temperament into consideration. This method is such that the dog has a chance to absorb the commands you are asking him to do. The praises and rewards make the dog understand that certain behaviors please you and dogs thrive on pleasing their master.

The training thus becomes more meaningful for the animal and soon you will see the dog behaving in a way you want him to. With time, the behaviors become more natural for the dog as the dog has a chance, in fact the opportunity, to use his own brain in deciding how to act.

The following are tips and tricks to increase the chance of success with the Praise and Reward System.

The use of food treats and showing affection to the animal work much better then simple verbal praise followed by a pat on the head. Read more »

A Healthy Pet Keeps The Fleas Away

A healthy pet which is well-groomed and always clean is a no-no for fleas and ticks. They like to live and feed on dirty pets. Maybe this is because dirty begets dirty. Meanwhile, always clean your house. Vacuum those crevices and cracks on furniture and floors. A vacuum cleaner equipped with a ‘beater bar’ is powerful enough to suck up those fleas, larvae and eggs. Proper disposal of the bag is recommended. Run a flea comb dipped in a bowl of hot soapy water or diluted alcohol through your pet at least twice a week Toss his beddings and other paraphernalia in the washer filled with hot water. Begin screening for fleas or ticks at your pet’s belly and onwards to other parts of the body. A single flea found means there are more looming nearby and on your pet. Get rid of them as fast as you can. Hit them everywhere they live. Read more »

Your dog at home alone

At HOME ALONE

Life for us all seems to be getting busier and busier and all of us are trying to pack more into each day. Despite our hectic schedules we still find time to be dog owners and with the way things are now I would say that adaptability is key!

If your dog has to spend time at home alone then its important to ensure he is happy and contented and will stay that way until you get home. Read more »