I have a 1 year old maltese/poodle and he is a good dog, most of the time. He is my first dog. He doesn't listen to me at all and he is constantly growling, nipping, and biting. Is there something I can do? Do you know of any really good websites that can give good advice? Should I do something to show him I'm the alpha? What are some good things to do to show I'm the alpha?

Anything is appreciated. Thanks!

Get yourself and your dog to training classes so that the trainer that is teaching the course can show you how to establish yourself as the alfa. That would probably be the best way to become the leader with him. Also start watching Animal Planets "it's me or the dog" and the trainer on it can become the alfa with any dog within a matter of minutes.

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At various times of the year, Mother Nature casts her wrath and fury upon us in the form of tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, fires, earthquakes, snowstorms, and even volcanoes.

Add to the mix man-made emergencies such as chemical spills, explosions, or nuclear power disasters and the potential for wreaking havoc on our lives escalates.

In most cases, disaster shelters don’t allow pets to wait out the problem with their owners. Often, the family dog is forgotten under such circumstances and left behind to fend for himself until his human family returns. Unfortunately, many dogs don’t survive the disaster, or they become stranded, only to be rescued by strangers and never reunited with those they love.

Some disasters, such as floods, may last for several weeks, while others, such as snowstorms, may keep us from getting to the grocery store for a few days. Whatever the potential for disaster in your geographic locale, knowing what to do with your dog will help him survive the situation.

1. Always take your dog with you or board him at a safe location outside the disaster area. Never leave your dog alone in the home with food and water. Animals can become disoriented and panicked in times of crises. They can upset their water or food bowls. If a door collapses or a window blows in, your dog can easily escape. If a wall or roof caves in, your dog could be crushed and die. In a flood, your dog could drown.

2. If you travel frequently and might be away when disaster strikes, having a buddy in the neighborhood who will look after your dog may be his only chance for survival. Being a buddy to a neighbor’s dog will help ensure that others’ animals are protected in times of distress.

3. Put a collar and identification tag on your dog that includes your name and phone number in case he becomes lost or stranded.

4. Keep your dog’s vaccinations current.

5. Know the locations of animal shelters in your area in case you have to visit them if your dog gets lost.

6. Contact friends or relatives outside the disaster area for temporary placement of your dog.

7. Prepare a list of veterinarians and boarding facilities that might be able to board your dog.

8. Contact pet-friendly hotels and motels outside the disaster area that might be able to house you and your dog.

9. Keep the results of your research, such as relevant phone numbers and contacts, handy.

10. Keep a disaster kit on hand or purchase one. Check your pet stores or mail-order catalogs for ready-made kits or make your own.

Daniel Millions
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/top-10-dog-saftey-tips-127305.html

I would love to attend a boarding school the last two years of high school, but i have a dog. are there any schools that would let me keep my dog on or around campus. And are they any good? if not, do you have any solutions to my problems?

Who's being boarded–you or your dog?

Ok. I see it's for you. I suggest that you get therapy for your extreme attachment to your dog.

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I am having to travel to New Zealand for 17 days in January. We were looking at having someone house sit but that fell through. From what I have seen most boarding kennels are quite pricey, $17 to $18 a day.

Does anyone know of a cheaper alternative?

Thats good!

I live in Margaret River and they are $20-25 per day here.

Pampered Pooches in perth is $20 per day and that is 5 star luxury.

Would you really want cheaper accommodation for your dog? Would that include a walk each day?

You may need to phone your vet or look in your local phone book, they may know of one, but I couldnt imagine them being any cheaper that that.

Maybe you could advertise for someone to look after your dog in THEIR home. You could probably pay them around $10 per day and at least your dog will have a yard and more company.

Heck, I’d do it if I were in Perth, Lol!

Good Luck.

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Canine influenza is a fairly recent addition to the list of things we have to worry about when it comes to our dogs. Although the widespread epidemic of suggested by the media does not exist, it is certainly a disease that is spreading and that we should be aware of if we live or work with dogs.

It was discovered in Florida during research into the causes of kennel cough amongst greyhounds, and is thought to be a variation of horse influenza. It is an airborne disease and is most likely to be found where many dogs are housed in close proximity to each other. Roughly 16% of dogs who are exposed to the disease develop symptoms, and of these cases, about 6% prove fatal.

The symptoms of canine influenza are a high fever, coughing and sneezing, a runny nose, excessive lethargy or depression and a lack of appetite. Of course, many other illnesses are characterised by coughing and sneezing so you shouldn’t immediately assume your dog has influenza, but if you are concerned you should consult your veterinarian, particularly of your dog’s temperature reaches 106 degrees.

Canine influenza is a virus and therefore does not respond to antibiotics. In severe cases, the damage to the respiratory system leads to a secondary pneumonia infection, and it is this that usually causes deaths. Pneumonia is treatable with antibiotics and a high fluid intake, so the number of fatal cases of influenza can be reduced. Research into a vaccine for canine influenza is currently in progress, but it may not be available for another couple of years.

If you are planning on leaving your dog in kennels you should check their policy on respiratory infections. Ask whether they isolate any dog that develops an infection, whether it is influenza or something less harmful such as kennel cough. Also make sure that they will inform you if your dog has come into contact with another dog with a respiratory infection.

A recent case in Pittsburgh saw the high quality boarding facility, Misty Pines, temporarily closed because thirty of their dogs developed canine influenza. None of the dogs died and the facility was reopened once the infection had run its course. Canine influenza is only infectious for ten days and has an incubation period of two to five days so it is perfectly safe for dogs to board there again now the infection has gone.

Although the infection is more common in places where dogs are grouped together, you shouldn’t let this put you off buying a dog from a shelter. You will, however, want to check the shelter’s policy on new arrivals. Do they isolate them for the first few days to ensure they don’t have the infection? If you already have a dog at home, you may want to keep your new pet separate from them for a few days just to be on the safe side.

Canine influenza does not pose any risk to humans as they cannot become infected. However it is believed that humans can carry the virus on their hands, clothes and shoes so you should be aware of this. In some cases it is believed that employees of dog shelters or kennels have transmitted the virus to their own dogs in this way.

Although canine influenza is clearly an issue that you should be aware of, and take precautions against, you should not let it stop your dog from living life as usual. And you should not stop using your usual pet facilities. If you want to find out about any outbreaks of the virus in your area contact your local veterinarian or the state veterinary medical association, who will be able to give you local information and some peace of mind.

Rebecca Prescott
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/is-your-dog-at-risk-of-canine-influenza-124408.html

We have 2 middle size dogs (cattle dog and kelpie cross) who like activity and are inclined to bark a bit. We've never left them at kennels before but have heard horror stories of some so would prefer some personal recommendations. Anywhere close to Brisbane but preferably west or south would be fine.

I can't recommend anyone being that I don't live there, but I do have some advice. Call some local veterinarians in the area and see who they might recommend. I have also heard some horror stories about kennels, and I don't blame you for wanting some input. Good luck.

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Rule 1: A dog should be fed by the same person at every feeding. This rule is not nearly as important where a couple of house pets are being fed by several members of the same family, as it is where large numbers of dogs are being fed by numerous different kennel personnel. It is particularly applicable where dogs are in strange environments such as boarding kennels, veterinary hospitals, or show arenas. Dogs that have become accustomed to one feeder may exhibit all sorts of erratic eating behavior if that person is changed.

Rule 2: Every dog should have its own food and water container. This precaution is not only sound behavioral psychology, it also is just plain good hygiene. It is especially wise to assign food bowls on an individual basis when your feeding containers are noticeably different from one another. Besides improved feeding technique, certain practical benefits are to be gained from following this rule. In racing stables, for example, where maintenance of body weight is so important, feeding instructions can be written on the bottom or the side of each dog’s feeding container, right next to its name or number.

Rule 3: A dog should be fed in the same place every time it is fed. Whether it be the corner of the kitchen, beside the back-door steps, at the rear of a kennel run, or along the left-side wall of a cage, the site where the food container is placed should remain the same every day. In fact, everything that’s done with the food container should be identical at each feeding. lf you use a push cart or wagon to carry the tub of food to the dogs, always use the same cart and tub. lf you pre-fill food bowls in the diet kitchen and carry them on the cart, don’t decide one day to carry the tub of food on the cart and fill each bowl as you reach the dog. It may have become boring to you, but to your dog it has become the way of life. A change only serves to disrupt his way of life and to create cause for insecurity.

Rule 4: No dog should ever have its food changed without a good reason. Contrary to popular opinion, dogs do not need a change in food from time to time to keep them from growing tired of the same food all the time. Many dogs have lived normal, healthy lives by eating the same food throughout their entire lifetimes. In many instances where a dog owner thinks a dog has gotten sick and tired of a food, the dog has just gotten sick from the dog food. Not so sick, perhaps, that it really showed, but sick enough to stop eating. When a dog food is deficient, it is not uncommon for a dog eating that food to lose its appetite. Of course, dog nutrition deficiencies are not the only thing that will cause a dog to lose its appetite.

John Mailer
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/4-important-tips-when-feeding-your-dog-99153.html

City dog — an oxymoron? I used to think so. Then I moved to a city with a dog.

I was surprised to learn that city dogs live very comfortably in small apartments (and so do their owners). City dogs introduce you to your neighbors and force you to get out and explore your neighborhood.

After living with dogs in apartments and talking to dozens of owners in my urban dog parks, I have come up with the following 5 reality checks.

(1) Size of the dog vs. size of your apartment

Size is not important (unless your landlord or condo board has rules).

How big is too big? I have met 70-pound couch potatoes and 9-pound balls of energy. Small dogs can be noisier and can shed more than big dogs — sometimes!

Of course, in a 500-square-foot apartment, you may feel crowded if you invite a Great Dane to share your space. But some people who do.

(2) Exercise Needs

How much exercise will Fido need? Even in a big house, your dog would need to leave for exercise.

Dog trainers warn us: running around a house or yard is not enough. Dogs need to walk to bond with their owners.

Ironically, city dogs often get more exercise than their country cousins. Last week at the dog park, an owner said, When we lived in a big house with a yard, Rover would just hang out, doing nothing. Now we walk 4 or 5 times a day. We visit the dog park 3 times a week. He is much happier, stimulated and even thinner!”

Of course, some dogs tend to be couch potatoes. Others need two or three hours a day — running at full speed. Investigate before adopting. And decide where you will take the dog for exercise.

(3) Socialization

City dogs cannot afford to be wimps, wusses and shrinking violets. City dogs encounter neighbors, both canine and human, in elevators and on sidewalks. You don’t want to referee fights on a regular basis, let alone pay huge fees for doggie damage.

Okay, I am biased. I recommend getting a shelter dog from a rescue group, preferably a dog that has spent time in a foster home rather than just a cage. It is easier to work with a dog’s existing temperament than to start over.

Some owners choose a puppy so they can create a city dog. Frankly, this option does not always work. I met a dedicated owner who adopted a beautiful pure-bred puppy several years ago. The owner chose a breed known for its calm temperament.

That dog is terrified of traffic, noise and new experiences.

My little rescue mutt, Gracie, was born and bred in the country. She took to urban living with gusto, rides buses as if she were born on one and doesn’t raise an ear at a fire siren. She’s become a certified city dog.

(4) Learned behaviors.

Let’s face it: a trainer tends to be a crucial part of an city dog’s entourage.

Are you willing to sign up for obedience training? Many behaviors (such as nuisance barking) can usually be ended with training But some behaviors are tougher to change than others.

I recommend meeting with a trainer before you formally adopt the dog. If your dog displays destructive or hostile behavior, decide if you have the patience and lifestyle to work with the dog for change.

Frankly, it’s not easy. Dogs change personality once they join a new home. My dog Gracie developed chewing issues she had never displayed in her foster home. On the other hand, a foster mom told me, “I am caring for Spot because he was considered aggressive. But in my home, he is sweet, gentle and loving.”

(5) Time out for the Owner.

City dogs can drain the energy of the most dedicated owner. You need escape outlets.

Luckily, most cities have a wide choice of dog parks. You’ll also find overnight boarding and doggie day care options. Get to know them. Every so often you can turn Prince over to run around while you shop, relax or get some work done –a real treat, especially in the rain.

Cathy Goodwin
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/living-with-a-dog-in-the-city-5-reality-checks-136994.html

We are looking to board our dog in the Myrtle Beach/Surfside, SC area. Can anyone with a personal experience or a recommendation suggest a place? Thanks.

This is a nice place! http://www.adogswayinn.com/contactadwi.html

A few others http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=dog+boarding+Myrtle+beach&fr=yfp-t-501&toggle=1&cop=mss&ei=UTF-8

Have fun while you are in the area, and if you want some tips on fun things to do drop me an email, I live near there and can give you some information.

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Selecting your new pet dog can be quite a task, especially since there are so many types to choose from.

Some people want a dog with a disposition that will be a perfect fit for them, their family and their lifestyles. When looking for a dog, the humane society is filled with many possible choices that will yield an ideal companion. But, if you want a more reliable indicator of temperament, health and other factors, then a dog breeder can usually fulfill your needs. Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind when choosing a dog breeder is to take your time. It shouldn’t be a rushed decision, and you should make sure you are dealing with a reputable and established professional.

In your search for a dog breeder, you can seek the guidance of veterinarians, other pet owners, local kennel clubs and boarding kennels. They know many breeders and can help refer you to some of the better ones. Once you have established a list of possible choices, the interview process can start. It is a good idea to contact and see as many breeders as you can. In doing so, make sure you tour their facility and talk with them in person.

When you go to the breeder’s home, there are many things to look for that will indicate their qualifications. Initially, observe the place where the dog is being raised. Take notice if the dog is kept in the home, around family, or in a caged area. A good breeder will raise the dog in a healthy, clean, roomy environment, where it can interact with people, and not in a confined space. Examine the dog’s appearance and its personality. Is the dog friendly and happy to be around new people? There may be a problem with the way it was raised if it shies away from you. Does the dog look healthy? Ask to see the litter it came from and one, or both, of its parents. A good breeder will want you to spend time with the puppy’s parents. Also, the dog should not be afraid of the breeder. It is wise to avoid a breeder who has a large number of dogs; this might indicate he is operating a puppy mill and not a dog breeding service. A good breeder will only breed one or two types of breeds. They will usually not have any ready and will, instead, have to place you on a list for the next litter.

Next is the questioning period. Ask the breeder questions, and expect him to ask as many in return. A good breeder is concerned with the welfare of the dog and will want to be sure it is getting placed in a good home. He will ask questions about your lifestyle and will want to meet the whole family. The breeder is very knowledgeable about breeds, their temperament and feeding, as well as, possible genetic problems. Take advantage of this knowledge to become more informed about your future pet.

A good breeder will also offer advice and guidance on raising your dog, and provide assistance to you even after you have taken it home. They will also offer a contract and a health guarantee, since testing on the dog will have taken place. They will present medical records from veterinarian visits. They will also supply you with references from other families who have obtained pets from their service.

Looking for a good dog breeder takes time and investigative work. By observing the breeder’s living environment, and asking questions, you will be able to pick a reputable breeder who can pair you up with a pet that will fit your lifestyle perfectly.

Matthew Hick
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-breeders-how-to-choose-the-right-one-119102.html