The 10 Commandments From a Dog's Perspective

1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years; any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that before you adopt me.

2. Give me time to understand what you want from me; don't be impatient, short-tempered, or irritable.

3. Place your trust in me and I will always trust you back. Respect is earned not given as an inalienable right.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment; I am not capable of understanding why. I only know I have been rejected. You have your work, entertainment, and friends, but I only have you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice and your tone. You only have to look at my tail.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget it, and if it's cruel, it may affect me forever.

7. Please don't hit me. I can't hit back, but I can bite and scratch, and I really don't ever want to do that

8. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right foods or I've been out in the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak. It may be I am just dog-tired.

9. Take care of me when I get old. You too will grow old and may also need love, care, comfort, and attention.

10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch" or "Let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, regardless of what you do, I will always love you.

Source: Internet

A dog’s seeing eye dog

Lily is a Great Dane that has been blind since a bizarre medical condition required that she have both eyes removed. For the last 5 years, Maddison, another Great Dane, has been her sight. The two are, of course, inseparable. 

Source: Internet

Dogs with Heart Markings

Heart-kun has a baby brother Love-kun with a similar heart shaped pattern

Love-kun with cousin Kokoro-chan also displaying a heart:

The Amazing World Of Dogs In Photography

Source: Internet

Could you get mad at these faces?

Just images of some precious, adorable little bastards with which to warm your very heart and soul today. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go punch several surrounding walls just to feel manly again.

Source: Internet

Cute Little Companions

Though some small dog breeds may have reputations as “accessories” for grown women, they can make great companions for kids as well. What these petite pets lack in size, they more than make up for in personality and playfulness. And they’re extremely loyal, to boot. In fact, your main concern when adopting a small dog may simply involve whether you and your family have the energy to keep up with him.Knowing which small dog is right for your family depends on many factors, such your lifestyle, the size of your family, the age of your children, and your willingness to train and groom the dog. There are also a number of small breeds to choose from, each with a mix of potential pros and cons. These photographs show right breed without any cons, see how the baby is enjoying with these puppies

How to Clean Your Dog's Ears

They can be floppy, soft, large, or small. Dog ears come in all shapes and sizes. And while they may all look a little different, they all have one common purpose: to equip your dog to hear. The only problem: they often become dirty and infected, making hearing a difficult issue. This makes it vital that you clean your dog's ears to protect against a list of potential infections. Here are the steps along with necessary supplies to help you do just that.

Supplies:

• Ear cleaning solution
• Cotton balls
• Tweezers
• Towel
• Dog Treats
• Gloves (if applicable)

Step 1: Wash your hands or wear gloves.

To ensure that cleaning your dog's ears doesn't cause any further issues, it is important that your hands are clean or that you wear gloves. This will protect your dog against any further infections.

Step 2: Examine your dog's ears.

Examine your pooch's ears for potential infections or problems. Some symptoms to look for include the following: discharge, bad odors, hair loss, dry skin, redness. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your local veterinarian for proper diagnosis. These symptoms are likely the result of an infection.

Step 3: Trim ear hair.

If your dog's ear hair is beginning to get too long, you will want to carefully trim the hair. This will prevent the hair from matting and, ultimately, attracting further dirt particles.

Step 4: Add drops to ears.

Add appropriate ear cleaning solution to your dog's ears. Simply drop 1-2 drops of the solution in your pup's ears and begin massaging the base of the ears to help mix the drops.

Step 5: Add ear cleaning solution into ear by using a cotton ball.

Use an appropriate ear cleaning solution to clean your dog's ears. Some of the possible options include: vet-recommended ear cleaning solution, mineral oil, or a homemade mixture (1 part table vinegar, 2 parts water). Ultimately, you will want to make sure that your preferred solution is approved by your veterinarian. This will ensure that the solution is safe for your pet.

To clean the ear, simply add a couple of drops of the solution onto a cotton ball. Then, use the cotton ball to rub the solution into the ear and clean the ear. Start at the top of the ear and slowly move lower in the inner ear. When the ear begins giving you even slight resistance, do not go any lower in the ear to protect your dog's ear drum from any potential damage. Do not insert Q-tips into your pooch's ears as they can cause damage to the ear drum.

Step 6: Reward your dog.

Upon completion of cleaning your pup's ears, be sure to reward your dog with a treat and ample praise for his good behavior. This positive reinforcement will help make the dog comfortable each time you clean his ears.

So, that's how you can effectively clean your dog's ears. You should clean your pooch's ears either weekly or bi-weekly depending on the breed of your dog. Consult with your veterinarian, for applicable ear cleaning information for your pouch.

How To Successfully Train Your Dog

Puppies are often very ornery and sometimes even destructive.The article below will provide you some advice about training your pet.

You should develop a feeding routine with any dog. Your dog will eat quickly.

Make sure your dog stays awake and active often. Dogs are easily get bored. A dog is very difficult to train.Your dog is going to be a lot more relaxed and willing to listen if he is exercised frequently. Go on extended walks and runs with your dog.

The rule to remember when you begin to house train your puppy is that what is eaten will eventually come out the other end. Feed your pooch several times regularly each day.This will get your dog into a trip outside.

As training progresses, you won’t need to exert so much control. The balance between freedom and obedience will give your dog the happy life he deserves. Just be careful not to overdo it on the freedom initially as it can set your dog is properly trained before giving him so much slack.

Make sure a reward ready whenever your dog does what you want. You want to make sure that your pooch that good behavior is beneficial.This is a good way to make your dog know the difference between a good and expected.

Always make use positive reinforcement to train your dog. Don’t shout at or hit your dog. This teaches your dog nothing and will just show him that you are imbalanced.

You must be firm during dog in order to train it effectively. This ensures you have a great relationship with your pup.

A squirt of water in your dog is misbehaving.This lets your dog know that specific actions are doing is wrong.

Training should be fun for the dog. Keep the sessions limited to 15 minutes so your dog becoming disinterested and distracted. Make sure you shower praise your dog when they do well. When you take a more positive approach to discipline, it will make listening in general fun for the dog too!

It might be tough, but you must be patient around your dog. Your dog doesn’t understand English and he is not a human being. Your dog only picks up on gestures and tones while not understand why you fly off the handle. Remain calm and take a break when you become too frustrated during the training session.

Do you notice your dog pulling on his or her leash? This annoying behavior is extremely common complaint that owners have with their dogs and it’s simple to rectify.

Do not punish your dog when you are in the process of training. Try to make every attempt to prevent any bad behavior before it happens, but if he does, then show him what you wanted him to do.

These treats need to not be similar to daily treats, because you want the dog to look forward to getting a special reward when it obeys your command.

A well-fed dog who has access to enough food and toys for entertainment is much less likely to dig through your trashcans. Empty out your trash frequently, and don’t put irresistible things like bones in it.

Make sure your dog is up-to-date on all check-ups. If you see your dog struggling or regressing with his training, take him for a checkup. Dogs have been known to hide discomfort and pain for a long time. Behavioral changes may be the only cue you will know if there is a deeper issue. For example, aggression can be caused by pain, and sudden regression in-house training can signal a urinary tract infection.

Some dogs are so scared of thunderstorms can cause them harm. Talk to your veterinarian if your dog has. Your vet might be able to prescribe a sedative for your dog in these situations. This might be your only chance to train your dog whose behavior can’t be modified through training to handle the situation.

Every dog is receptive to different types of training techniques. If your dog doesn’t respond well to treats, you need to find another kind of reward that he is going to be willing to work hard for. If treats do work, that can be an effective reward in many different situations.

Make sure that your pets are prepared early for trips to the veterinarian.Gently run your hands across his whole body, praising him when he responds well. Help him become adjusted to having his paws and mouth.

If you’re going to allow your dog to go to the bathroom indoors, you must establish a specific spot inside for them to use. Put down diaper pads in this area and make it so they have just one pad to go on.

Mentally stimulating your dog if you want it to be healthy and happiness. If your dog does not get enough stimulation, he will get bored and find other ways to occupy his time, like chewing up clothes, clothing or drywall!

If you are more irritable than normal, don’t do it.

You can have both a clean, orderly house and a few dogs at the same time. If you have a difficult dog, it can be hard to keep your house in order, but luckily, dog training is here to save the day. Make use of this article’s advice if you want to forge a rewarding, enjoyable bond with your dog.

How to Choose the Best Dog Bowl

You may think a dog bowl is a dog bowl, but all are not equal. Different dog bowls offer different features, and some are better than others. Here's the lowdown on the main types of dog bowls available.

1. Plastic Dog Bowls

Plastic dog food bowls come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. However, these bowls may not be optimum for many dogs. Bowls made of softer plastic can be easily chewed or scratched by your dog, leaving places for bacteria to build up. Additionally, some dogs may develop an allergy to the plastic, resulting in a mild skin reaction on the chin or face. On a positive note, plastic dog bowls are relatively inexpensive, typically dishwasher-safe, and unlikely to break if dropped.

2. Ceramic Dog Bowls

Ceramic dog bowls are a great way to express your style. They are often decorated with fun designs and may be handmade by artists. Their protective glaze makes them easy to keep clean, especially if dishwasher-safe. However, ceramic dog bowls can crack and become unsafe for your dog. Smaller, less visible cracks can harbor bacteria. Be sure to inspect these bowls regularly for damage.

3. Stainless Steel Dog Bowls

Stainless steel dog bowls are by far the most durable and are also dishwasher-safe. These bowls are sometimes made with a non-skid rim on the bottom to prevent spilling. Unfortunately, stainless steel bowls do not often come in colors or designs. However, they are practical, inexpensive supplies for your dog that stand the test of time.

4. Elevated Dog Bowls

Elevated dog bowls typically consist of two plastic, ceramic or stainless steel bowls in a stand. The stand is typically made of metal, wood or plastic. Experts believe that elevated feedings are healthier for dogs, possibly preventing gastrointestinal problems. Also, this type of bowl may be more comfortable for some dogs. If your dog tends to paw at his bowl, the stand should ideally be placed near a wall to prevent tipping. Elevated dog bowls tend to be pretty expensive, but are often considered worth the price. Some even include a compartment to store food, which can be a good or bad feature depending on your dog's ability to cause some destruction!

5. Automatic Dog Bowls

Automatic dog bowls are standard dog bowls (usually plastic) attached to a container or reservoir. They are designed to keep your dog's bowl full as long as there is food or water in the storage compartment. While these bowls are a good idea in order to keep water available to your dog, they are not often recommended for use with dog food. Free-feeding is not ideal for most dogs, as it does not allow you to monitor your dog's food intake accurately and can lead to weight problems. Some automatic feeders are programmable, only giving your dog food access at the times you set. However, there is always the chance that your dog can break in! It's just better to just feed your dog in person.

6. Travel Dog Bowls

By Jenna Stregowski, About.com

6 Natural Ways To Prevent and Get Rid Of Fleas On Dogs

By Claire Goodall

I share my life with many four-legged friends, owning 2 dogs and fostering at least 2 others at any given time. My canine companions make up a huge part of my life so, naturally, I want to care for them…naturally. Like human medications popular dog medications, such as flea and tick preventatives, are full of strange chemicals that could have potentially harmful side effects. If you have little ones running around the house, you don’t want them getting into the medication or touching the dog after it’s applied. Since I foster and have rescues coming in from all kinds of places, I have to be up on the flea care year round. Instead of constantly applying synthetic repellents, there are natural substitutes I can turn to that can help keep the little beasties at bay.

Why the ingredients: The essential oils/ingredients used here are all natural insecticide/pesticides, shown to either kill or deter the pests due to their various compounds/naturally occurring chemicals. Indeed, many of them are found in commercial flea/tick preventative.

1. Flea collar

A flea collar is a great way to ward off fleas without always having to reapply something topically, and it keeps the flea control constant and steady.

You will need:

• 3-5 drops of cedar oil or lavender oil
• 1-3 tablespoons of water
• Bandana OR your dog’s collar
• An eyedropper (optional)

Directions

Dilute 2-3 drops of your chosen oil in 1-3 tablespoons of water. Some people use the oil undiluted, but I personally feel it should always be diluted, even if it’s only by a little. Next, pick out a bandana to be the flea collar-I think a bandana is preferable because you can take it on and off and your dog’s collar won’t smell. It’s always fun to get creative with patterns and colors here. If you go up to ½ teaspoon you can use up to 5 drops of the liquid. Using an eyedropper or other similar means, apply 5-10 drops of the mixture to the bandana and rub the sides of the fabric together, and then tie it about your dog’s neck in a snazzy way. Reapply oil mixture to the collar once a week. In conjunction with this, 1 or 2 drops of oil diluted with at least 1 tablespoon of olive oil can be placed at the base of your dog’s tail.

2. Flea deterring drink- can be used alongside any of these remedies.

You will need:

• 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar

Directions

For every 40 pound dog add 1 teaspoon of white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar to 1 quart of their drinking water. We highly recommend using Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar. Not only does it deter fleas, it improves a pups skin and coat condition from the inside-out.

3. Flea comb

This contains lemon and lemon contains something called limonene, which is a chemical that kills and repels fleas but is harmless to us or our pets.

You will need:

• 1 freshly sliced up lemon
• 1 pot of fresh water
• A comb, sponge, or brush

Directions

Boil a pot of water and add the slices of a freshly cut lemon to it. Turn off the heat after the lemons has been added and cover the pot, letting the mixture steep overnight. The next day dip a comb or your pets brush in the liquid (make sure it’s sufficiently cool) and run it through their hair. A sponge works as well, especially if you have a very short haired breed. A quick version is to bring water to a vigorous boil and then pour over a freshly sliced lemon. Then just dip the comb, let it cool, and use as above.

4. Flea spray

As a bonus, your pup will get a nice gleaming finish to their coat after using this flea spray.

You will need:

• 1 cup white distilled vinegar OR 1 cup apple cider vinegar OR a 50/50 blend of both
• 1 quart fresh water
• 2-3 drops of lavender or cedar oil
• A decent sized spray bottle

Directions

The essential oil isn’t vital, but it certainly gives the spray an extra edge (and a nice smell.) If you’re using it, add 2-3 drops as you add 1 cup of white distilled vinegar/apple cider vinegar/both to 1 quart of fresh water. Fill your spray bottle, and mist your dog, being careful not to get it in their eyes, nose, or ears-aka avoid spraying near the face. To get up around the neck and behind the ears/their chin area, dampen a soft cloth with the mixture and wipe it on. Spray your pets bedding and around it with this mixture lightly as well.

5. Flea (be-gone) bag

This little sachet contains things that smell pleasant to us, but that drive pests away from your pet.

You will need:

• Two 6 inch squares of breathable fabric (such as muslin)
• A rough handful of cedar chips
• 1-2 teaspoons of dried lavender buds
• The peel of 1 lemon

Directions

Follow the instructions on how to make a sachet here if you need more detail. Cut 2 6 inch squares of fabric and place them together inside out. Sew all but 1 side and turn inside out. Fill with a rough handful of fragrant cedar chips, 1-2 teaspoons of lavender, and 1 lemon peel. Leave enough room at the top so you can tie it off with a ribbon or sew it shut (tying allows you to reuse it when the contents lose their potency.) Place under your pets bed/bedding or near it to ward off fleas. Change the mixture every month or so.

6. Flea bath- wash your pup with this weekly to deter fleas.

You will need:

• A half a cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice*
• 1 ½ – 2 cups of fresh water
• 1/4 –1/2 cup of mild pet-friendly soap or shampoo

Directions

Stir together a half a cup of lemon juice, 1 ½ cups of water, and ¼ cup of mild pet-friendly shampoo or soap. Bottle and label and bathe weekly to keep fleas away.

*amounts will vary depending on the size of your dog. As a general rule of thumb, use 2 parts water to every ½ cup of soap and lemon juice.

NOTE: You must always dilute essential oil before using them. Pay attention to and read and respect your dog’s body language. It may sound odd, but let them sniff the different scents and see how they react. Whichever one you think they “like” the most, or will tolerate should be the one you use. It is estimated that dogs can identify scents 1,000-10,000 times better than humans. Imagine something you hate the smell of, and then imagine it being rubbed all over your body and smelling it 1,000 times stronger!

I cannot begin to say how engrained into my life dogs are. Their wellbeing is of the utmost importance to me, and if I can avoid strange chemicals, I will do so in the same way I avoid them myself. Dogs are natural beings, just as we are, and should rightly be treated as such.

About Claire Goodall

Claire is lover of life, the natural world, and wild blueberries. On the weekend you can find her fiddling in the garden, romping with her dogs, and enjoying the great outdoors with her horse

Source: everydayroots.com