Choosing a Successful Working Dog: The Akita

The Akita originated in Japan and is highly prized within their culture. You will find that Akita is a medium sized dog with the males gaining a height of 25 to 28 inches and the females 23 to 26 inches. They normally weigh between 65 to 130 pounds depending on sex and of course their care. Generally these dogs are white, pinto, or brindle in color. While they live in a moderate to hot climate in Japan you will find they have a double coat that is quite waterproof. The Akita has a harsh, straight topcoat, with an under coat that is dense and soft. This dog breed typically sheds their coat twice a year.

The character of the dog is alert, powerful, responsive, and courageous. In other words they love to have some sort of activity where they get to work as well as be very close to people. They are often great companions, therapy dogs, or guard dogs depending on your needs. They are usually not the greatest dog for small children as they are not as affectionate as other breeds, but they do take care of the ones they love.

The best characteristic of the Akita is the companionship they provide. They are extremely loyal to family members and tend to be restrained with strangers. You will find they are a one pet family. Other pets where they would have to share their food, territory, and family are considered a threat. They will have a more aggressive side with other pets or dogs. They tend to tolerate children and once they are used to the children will protect them. However they are not comfortable around other people's children. They do not excessively bark either.

If you are considering this dog breed you will want to make sure you and the dog are going to be a good fit. They are not happy with career families, novice dog owners, or owners who are submissive. They deal well when commanded, working, or when you can shower them with a lot of attention.

Akita dogs are going to require a certain amount of grooming. They need to be brushed daily with a firm bristle. You will want to avoid bathing the dog as much as possible. They tend to have sensitive skin and it can become irritated when you bath them and use shampoo. You also don't want to strip the coat of its natural oils during the bathing process as that can cause damage. This dog breed has webbed feet and need to have the hair trimmed away from their paws to make them more comfortable.

A caution for the Akita dogs is their medical problems. They are prone to hip dysphasia, hypothyroid, eye problems, and lupus. You have to be very attentive with the Akita breed when dealing with health care. You will want to make sure they have regular trips to the veterinarian and that they are given proper nutrition.

Lastly when you are considering owning an Akita you will need to spend a little time with intensive and extensive training. They need to have proper socialization and obedience training to make them a great pet. They need to understand whom the master is or they will take charge. The Akita also needs to have socialization training in order to help them deal with their surrounding environment. They are less likely to have issues with other people and pets when they are exposed as puppies to training. These dogs are extremely loyal and wish for patience, fairness, and consistency during training. You will find these dogs make wonderful working dogs.

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Source: http://www.honestinformation.com/content/Article/Choosing-a-Successful-Working-Dog--The-Akita/4127
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Looking After Your Pet - Doggie Doors

A pet door is a small swinging door that, once installed in a wall, will let your pet access to the outside of the house. This allows you to enjoy your meal, or your favorite show, without being interrupted because your pet is adamant on having a stroll in the backyard. With a dog door, your dog has the liberty to move in an out of the house without someones aid.

There are many different types of dog doors, from the basic models that make use of a mechanical flap to the luxury ones that are radio wave operatedThe most common type consists of a single flap or door with a hinge at the top. The flap swings freely when pushed and falls back into place once the dog has passed through. Pet doors also have a lock mechanism, which comes handy when you want to restrict your dog outdoors.

Though quite useful, conventional dog doors can be a nuisance at times, since stray dogs, raccoons and other small animals might enter your house. Radio wave operated luxury dog doors can successfully counter this situation. A small battery-operated transmitter on your dogs collar disables the lock when your dog nears the door. The dog door otherwise remains locked at all times, thereby warding off other animals.

Dog doors come in multiples to accommodate different size pets. Having chosen the style, you must ensure that the dog door is big enough to allow an easy passage for your dog. Certainly, you would not want your pet to get stuck in the door while going outside. Your pet should be able to tread through easily by just lowering its head to force the door open.

Most dog doors are rather cheap. However, the electronic ones and those that are fitted in sliding glass doors may have a higher cost. But cost should not be a major determining factor while choosing a dog door. A durable and automated dog door, though expensive, will take care of the need for constant monitoring of your pet.

Source: http://www.honestinformation.com/content/Article/Looking-After-Your-Pet---Doggie-Doors/4153
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Comparing Dog Food

As you may imagine part of dog care is the basics of dog food. Most dogs have different stages of growth like humans, so they need different foods at those different stages. Some does have trouble with their digestive tracts and need to have specialized dog food. To compare dog food you need to know what most are made of, the cost, and why they are considered best for your dog. Keep in mind that puppy food is going to be softer and have a higher nutritional value for the growing dog than some of the other foods. Larger dogs will need an increase in certain ingredients, which accounts for the adult dog food.

Most dog food is plant or animal material that has been ground up for the dog to eat. Depending on the type of dog and their system you may even find food from the grocery store or health food stores is better for them than the actual dog food you can purchase. Speaking with a vet about the dog food brands is a great way to learn what they consider to be the best for your dog breed.

You will also find a choice between dry and wet dog food. Each will have its own benefit and you may find combining them is the best way to feed your dog the appropriate nutrition. Purina, Pedigree, and Pet Pride are just three of the top dog foods you will find in the stores. The contents of these three dog foods involve meat by products, meat and bone meals, grain, and horse meat. The less expensive brands are going to have fake substitutes for the dog food with a lot of grain fillers. This means your dog is not going to have the proper amount of nutrition in their meals.

Before you purchase any dog food you need to read the ingredients of the package to find out what they have used and how much nutrition is actually to be found in the dog food. Purina and Pedigree have several different options when you consider dog food. You will find healthy dog food, their regular brands, and different levels of dog food. These two are the best brands on the market for considering nutrition.

Dog food ingredients you will find in Purina or Pedigree include chicken, wheat, corn, lamb, beef, whitefish, venison, duck, rice, barley, potato, quinoa, buffalo, fruits such as apples and berries, salmon, carrots, green beans, and sweet potatoes. Depending on your dogs need you will find that some of these ingredients are found only in the allergenic specialty foods. Specialty foods for weight management, arthritis, breeding, dental conditions, diabetes, nursing females, and senior needs are also available.

All dog food is inspected by the food and drug administration to help make sure the meat and other ingredients are good. They also make sure that drugs are not involved in the process and that the food stays healthy and clean. If you are going to raw feed your dog you need to make sure you are buying healthy food that is stamped by the Paw Naturaw symbol as they inspect the meat to make sure it is not contaminated. It is not always a large deal, but sometimes brands have been recalled due to bad batches. You will find that recently there was a recall due to wheat gluten from a Chinese company.

Dog care is extremely important and feeding your dog properly is going to determine whether they live a healthy full life or become sick. Monitoring what your pet eats and making sure to keep human food off the menu is important. There are certain products dogs can eat and others they should not touch. Dogs often suffer from cholesterol issues because of human food full of fat and grease.

Source: http://www.honestinformation.com/content/Article/Comparing-Dog-Food/4223

Cold Weather Care for Dogs

We may think our dogs are tough and they shouldn't be in the house alone, especially when they are considered a large dog breed. Your pet does need regular exercise and plenty of room to grow, but you should also consider the type of weather you will be leaving them in. Cold weather is one of the most dangerous times of the year for your dog. Even when you have a Huskie or Akita they need to have protection from the harsh cold weather. As an owner you are going to be responsible for their care.

If you must leave your dog outside during cold weather check the weather forecast. You will need to know what temperature it will reach and whether it will be snowing or raining. Shelter will only help your dog so much when left outside in the cold. There are also many different types of doghouses you can have to help keep your dog safe.

First the doghouse should be insulated and large enough for them to fit their entire body into as well as have plenty of blankets and covering to avoid the cold earth or snow. If it is not going to snow several feet then you may be able to let them stay outside depending on the provisions you are providing them and the temperature. Any temperature that is near freezing or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit is going to be too cold to leave your dog outside. Water will freeze if it gets too cold and then they want have part of the basic care a dog needs.

When the cold weather rolls in you are better off keeping the dog inside, no matter what it will be doing. It is rather cruel to withhold proper care just because the dog is a little too big or can get into trouble while inside. Your best option for cold weather care is coming home at least once during the day and letting them out for exercise and bathroom breaks.

We all like to turn down the temperature when we aren't home, but consider what temperature the dog will need to be comfortable. If it is too cold inside you are doing no better by having them inside. So keep the thermostat up at a decent temperature while you are away for the day.

You may need to spend a little more playtime and exercise time with your dog once you get home, but it is important to see they are safe, warm, and happy during the day when you are at work. You can even leave them extra blankets around their bed during the night and when you are away just in case the house isn't warm enough. Most dogs love to cuddle when it gets cold. You will find them in front of fireplaces and heaters warming themselves.

If you do have a fire going make sure you have the doors on the fireplace closed or that the screens are in place. You don't want the dog to get too close just because of curiosity.

Cold weather can be just as harsh on your dogs or dog as it is on you. Keep in mind that extra care needs to be taken even if you are just going for a little exercise out of doors. There are many things you can do such as dog sweaters, little booties, or just keeping up the pace to make sure your dog will not suffer in the cold.

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Source: http://www.honestinformation.com/content/Article/Cold-Weather-Care-for-Dogs/4186

The Chow Chow Dog Breed

You will find the Chow Chow originated in China over 200o years ago. They were once used for hunting, herding, pulling, and protection, and are now one of dog lover's favorite companions. They are a medium sized dog of about 45 to 70 pounds. They are short in only gaining 17- 20 inches compared to other dog breeds. You will find solid red, black, blue, cinnamon, or cream are the most common colors of this dog breed. Like most thickly furred dogs they do have two coats, a smooth or rough coat with thick fur along the neck. Unless the dog is a mixed breed you will never find a multi colored coat. With all that luxurious hair it is no surprise that they tend to shed a lot, but luckily they are seasonal in their shedding routines.

As a companion you will find they are full of obedience, dignified, and beautiful. They seem quite cuddly when you look at them, but strangers should be cautious. They tend to be cautious of new people and don't always like everyone. To approach this dog you will want to hold out your hand and ask permission. If they decide to investigate let them get a good sniff in before trying to pet them. You should always ask the owner if it is okay to approach their dog.

They have myriad of temperaments depending on training. You will usually find them to be polite and patient with you, however they can be a little difficult when they want something. This is definitely not a comical, playful dog, but a dog that appreciates and shows loyalty. With dignity comes the desire for respect. If you are looking to add a Chow Chow to your family you will want to start off with a puppy to make sure the training is complete and the way you want it.

They need extensive and intensive work to be trained for both obedience and socialization of other humans. House training is usually easy to do, but they do have to understand the task you are asking. You do have to show them who is the master, but be firm rather than harsh as well as consistent. They are best as some form of guard dog and can become aggressive with the wrong type of training.

When you are looking for a family pet for your children you may want to look elsewhere. While they are loyal and want respect they have difficulty with little children. They don't like to be pulled on, picked on, or abused so they can become aggressive. It is best to have older children that understand what a dog is and how to treat a dog, if you still choose this breed.

You will find that they don't really like exercise, and prefer the indoor area. You should never leave them outside for long, especially in the heat. Their thick coat provides plenty of protection, but again they do like the indoors to the outside. They are a bit lazy in reality so if you are looking for a jogging companion you will find a better bread. The Chow Chow do need to have some exercise, but it should not be intensive. They can also survive in smaller areas such as apartments despite their size. They will want to have their own bedding, a place to eat, and have an owner on hand for attention. The Chow Chow dogs have an extremely picky demeanor that demands respect. You will find they tend to go their own way rather than be obedient without training.

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Source: http://www.honestinformation.com/content/Article/The-Chow-Chow-Dog-Breed/4185

Importance of Dog Containment Devices

Dog containment may sounds like bad idea for dog lovers, but actually it depends on the situation. Even though pets should be free to play and explore their environment, they should be taught to avoid places where they might get an accident.

You need a dog containment system that will limit your pet's curiosity to areas that might be dangerous to them.

To train your pet properly you need a indoor dog fence that is right for your pet's weight and also to the kind of place you are living in. In the early years wooden fences were used for dog containment, which is not as effective especially for large stubborn dogs that usually jump across the fence or even drill underneath the containment. To solve this problem several innovations were developed to create the safest and the most effective indoor dog fence device both for indoor usage. The following are very common and very effective pet containment in the market today: Underground/Wireless Dog Fence

In all of modern pet containment devices the Underground Pet Fence is the most effective when it comes keeping your pet from venturing in the off-limit areas of your house. What makes underground pet fence effective is the light receiver worn on the pet's collar that sends signal to the dog through a low electric charge or a high frequency noise and sometimes by a harmless chemical spray; every time your pet goes near the underground wiring which you set as the boundary for your dog. For dog lovers and also gardening enthusiast underground/wireless pet fence is very important.

After all it is solely the master's responsibility to maintain the wellness and safety of their pets. Dogs are born curious, especially when it comes to anything that they are not familiar with. This includes new devices and furniture that most dogs like to play nearby that will definitely end up filled with scratches, bite marks, drool stain, and often times damaged.

Source: http://www.honestinformation.com/content/Article/Importance-of-Dog-Containment-Devices/4161

Where to Find Your Next Dog

Where are you going to find your dog? Well that will all depend on what you are looking for from a pet. There are many reasons to do a lot of research before purchasing your dog. You need to know about the care, training, and breed of the dog. The question is where will you find all of that information and then find the right dog for you. The Internet, newspaper, breeders, shelters, pound, and veterinarian offices are the typical places for finding your dog. The trouble is you have to know about the dog before you can actually purchase one.

So here are a few tips for where to find your dog and what questions you should be asking. Most offices are not going to be a fountain of information, while the dog breeders are going to have the most helpful information. A dog breeder is going to know how to breed them, take care of them, and the typical characteristics that dog will show. They will most often interview you to make sure you are the right candidate. Dog breeders tend to be very cautious in letting just anyone who wants a dog have a dog. They want to know about your home, your life, and where the dog will fit in. They also require the highest fees next to pet shops for a specific breed.

You also want to make sure you are speaking with a valid person. The Internet can give rise to many scams and some of those are dog scams. They will have a picture of a pure breed online and give you plenty of information, but then the dog you actually get is a mixed breed. So be wary when trying the Internet. You will want to visit any place you are looking to purchase a dog to make sure they have had the best care and that you and the dog get along. Care should include a place that is large enough for the breeders setup, making sure it is clean, and that they are producing healthy dogs. If you are not looking for a puppy you will also want the dog to have training prior to your purchasing it. Training should be started when the dog is a puppy in order to have the best results. An older dog that has not been trained may not be the best fit for you and your family.

You need to know if the dog you want is going to do well if you have small children. Some breeds of dog are not good with small children and they can be a bit aggressive. For a family with smaller children you need a gentle, caring dog that is aware of its size. You should stay away from the Akita, Lhasa Apso, and Doberman Pinscher breeds. You will find most hounds, Saint Bernard, and German Shepherds are better for families. Keep in mind the more you know about your choice in dog the better you and your family will be.

You also need to know the medical history and medical care the dog may require. The medical history will tell you if they have suffered from injuries, accidents, or abuse prior to your ownership. You also need to know if they are prone to certain diseases, hip problems, or allergies to make caring for them a little easier. If you are aware of the issue you can have the proper vet treatments and nutrition supplied to avoid most problems. You will also find that medical care is needed at least once a year with different types of vaccinations.

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Source: http://www.honestinformation.com/content/Article/Where-to-Find-Your-Next-Dog/4228

The Dalmatian Dog Breed

What's white with several black spots and considered to be a fireman's best friend? You got it- the Dalmatian dog is one of the most popular dogs with firehouses in the United States. They are also very popular with children after the release of 101 Dalmatians from Disney, but do they make a great pet?

The Dalmatian weighs from 40 to 60 pounds depending on sex and will be 19 to 23 inches tall. They are thin dogs with inquisitive noses. They are usually only white with black or liver spots on their coat. Most puppies are born without their spots and only gain them with age. The best Dalmatian breed should have distinct spots rather than large patches. The Dalmatian dog breed is a very short- haired dog with hard, coarse hair. They do have a thick coat or skin, but they are not the cuddliest dogs around.

It is not really surprising to learn the Dalmatian dog originated in Yugoslavia and later became a transplant to America with the role of protecting U.S. soldiers during the world wars. You will also find that they are full of energy, stamina, and intelligence. Most often the Dalmatian is considered a guard dog rather than a playmate. They are medium sized dog when you consider the entire dog species. Among other roles are hunting small rodents, circus performers, hounds, and companions.

They are extremely social dogs that need human companionship, as well attention. It is best that you don't leave them alone for long and take them for long walks and have lots of playtime. Destruction is the name of the game, if they are left alone for too long as they become bored and need to have some sort of entertainment as well as human companionship. The Dalmatian is also a very quite dog they only bark when they are warning you of something and are aloof with strangers. Training must be extensive and early in order to gain the proper obedience and socialization that they need. You will find they are either timid or a hand full making harsh or firm training something that should not be done. You can be consistent, firm, patient, and reward them to get them trained properly.

As with most dogs you will find the Dalmatian does suffer from some medical problems, which need to be addresses as puppies. They can have deafness, bladder and kidney stones, skin and food allergies, and hip dysplasia. As long as you take care of them and have the proper vet visits you shouldn't have too many issues. Remember a proper diet is going to make the difference in dietary issues. Grooming is also important you need to brush them daily to remove excess hair. With their skin problems you don't want to bath them a lot or use just any type of shampoo. You need to make sure you have a sensitive skin shampoo. You will find that extreme weather, moist grass, and soil are best kept away from. They can have fungi grow due to the moist grass and soil. They also have a propensity for picking up ticks and fleas.

With the sensitive properties of the Dalmatian dog breed you need to fully understand the dog before you purchase one. You will want to speak with a breeder about the different characteristics and what you might expect from the breed. You will also want to learn about their care as in depth as possible. It is best to purchase a puppy rather than an adult to make sure they are trained properly and their health remains in good standing.

Source: http://www.honestinformation.com/content/Article/The-Dalmatian-Dog-Breed/4224