kennel bedding?

Q. What can I put down in my dog's kennel?I have tried hay and gravel both did not do.I need a bedding that will keep them warm if they lay on it cause it is winter(they have dog houses but prefer to lay on the ground),something that can make it easier for me to clean their "messes",and something that is safe for dogs.My dogs are 70-90lbs. so with them play fighting all the time they have wore down the grass and everytime it rains the grass gets wet so it turns to mud so then they get dirty in return.

Answer
My Labs use an Igloo dog house and Stall Bedding.

It's easy at clean up, it's for horses to bed in, just big dogs. Smells fresh, brushes off at cleaning.

Best thing I find, it turns to dirt...poo plus wood = dirt. Well, and with weather, rain, sun and furious '...play fighting..' mixing.

Lay the bedding under their house 4"-6" deep, as well as inside for warmth. It's great, real cozy.

Right now it's much cheaper than straw, 1 yard of bedding is only $6 to 7.50 (here).

It's available at Petsmart, (but shop around $) comes in plastic...vacuumed packed, throw a few more bags in the trunk and, and add more all through the yucky season. Then in the next year or two... till it under, plant corn.

Green renewed soil.

Grins n' giggles, j.

Kennel or bed??

me an i

When i first got my puppy (last week) i felt so bad too put him in his kennel to sleep so i put him to sleep with me and he is so good about it. He doesnt cry or nothing. He doesnt even go potty. I dont want him to get used to it so i started to put him in his kennel and he wakes up at least 2 times to go restroom and to play and when he gets tires he doesnt mind going back into the kennel, but when he slept with me he slept the whole night through. Sometimes when he crys in the middle of the night i dont want to let him out because i dont want him to think that eveytime he cries it means ill let him out but then i feel bad and i take him out. What can i do to make him sleep the whole night like before? Is it ok if i just let him cry until he goes back to sleep since in know he just wants to play or sleep with me?
I have thought about leaving the kennel open but i cant because he is not fully potty trained. He doesnt potty inside the kennel or in my bed.

My problem is that when he sleps with me he sleeps the whole night but when he sleeps in the kennel he wakes up like 2-3 times a night, but he doesnt really mind being in there.

Answer
When I got my dog, she slept on the couch with me for two weeks. Until I knew that she was fully potty trained. I never made her sleep in the kennel because I figured that she spent enough time in there when I was gone at work. So it was, we slept on the couch together for a couple weeks. There's more to it than that, I was on night shift and had a cold when I first got her. But she had no problem with going right to sleep and when she had to go out to potty, I knew when she was awake. After a couple weeks when I was back on dayshift and tired of sleeping on the couch, she started sleeping on her bed, right next to my bed. She did wake up a couple times to go out each night. Keep in mind that their bladders are tiny and they are only doing what you trained them to do, letting you know that they have to go. So let her out and make sure she goes and then go right back to sleep. Make sure that there are no toys in your room so that she doesn't think that it's play time. This has worked well for my dog. It took about 4 months or so I think before she was able to start sleeping the whole night through. Just remember that he's a puppy and this is a puppy thing. It will pass and things will get better, I promise!

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I'm planning a road trip to Seattle. Got 2 dogs traveling with me, are they allowed on ferries to Vancouver

Wippie

Answer
I'm assuming you mean Vancouver ISLAND as there's no ferry from Seattle to Vancouver. The Clipper leaves Seattle but is passenger only and allows crated animals. There's also ferries from Port Angeles and Anacortes to Victoria on Vancouver Island and from Tsawwssen in BC to both Victoria and Nanaimo. And from Victoria you can also take a ferry to Horseshoe Bay in North Vancouver.

Dogs are allowed on the ferries but only on the car deck levels. Some of the BC ferries also have dog areas - a little room where can let the dog run around in while you relax in there reading a book or whatever. You can also just put a leash on your dog and wander up and down the lanes of cars and up and down to the other car decks.

Just moved my 4 month old Dog outside, will he be okay?

Sunny G

He is a Black Labrador and since I got him he has slept in his crate, I decided since the weather is more clear (Vancouver, BC) , we should move him to a dog house outdoors. Just wondering will he be fine?

Answer
Move him outside, as in permanently? Night & day?

Since he has slept in his crate in your home all this time, why keep him outside? If it's in a fenced enclosure several hours a day to get fresh air, fine.

But don't make him an "outside " dog. You'll be undoing the bond you created since you got him, and he won't understand why all of a sudden he has to be kept separate from he rest of you.

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housebreaking former outside kennel dog?

Lisa

I am getting a 6 mo.old collie who has been in an outside kennel. He will be living inside with me and my 4 little dogs.Any hints on housebreaking??? I have never purchased a dog who lived in a kennel before.

Answer
What a nice tale :) i am sure he will be overjoyed to be in the house with you from now on rather than a kennel. Don't worry he is still young and you can use all the puppy tricks.

For a full yet easy plan check out http://www.teachingpuppies.com/8-easy-steps-to-housetrain-your-puppy

This can be used in conjunction with crate training see http://www.teachingpuppies.com/crate-training-my-puppy
Good luck :D

Outside Kennel?

trish

I need an outside kennel for my 14 week old boxer so he can run and play until we get our yard completely fenced, any suggestions on what type to get?

Answer
Get a chain link kennel (about 10' wide and as long as you might want it to be) and be sure it's covered. Boxers are pretty smart dogs, and when he gets a little older, he'll learn how to climb it. Most such kennels are 10' x 10' or 12' x 12', but you can have one built that will give him plenty of running room as well as space for a dog house and a bowl of water.

But remember - if you keep your dog in an outside kennel for much of the day, he'll grow to be anti-social - aggressive towards other humans and other dogs. He needs at least two long walks every day (a dog can walk for 5 minutes for each month of its life up to about 24 months; after that you can walk him for as long as you like) and he needs plenty of time inside with you and your family. Dogs are pack creatures and they need to be with their packs. Keeping him outside in a kennel is downright cruel, even though lots of people do it. They just don't know how bad it is for the dog. Consider how you would feel if you were locked away from every other human in the world and couldn't do anything at all about it. That's about what a dog feels. So please, be kind of stingy about the amount of time he spends in the kennel.

Good luck!

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Can german shepard dogs be left alone for long durations or not?

andrewslim

If you are at work all day, would this be a problem for the dog?

Answer
Of course they can be left alone. Just as you CAN leave a 3 weeks old baby home all day while you're at work. Just as you CAN drive on the wrong side of the road. Just as you CAN leap off the top of a high building.
But don't expect any of those actions to produce desirable results.

In your case there is an additional problem - german shepard dogs don't exist.
And if you'd looked at the screen before submitting your question you would have seen wriggly red lines where the spell-checker was trying to tell you that there is no word "german", no word "shepard".
My breed was developed to HERD sheep in the German boundary-patrolling way, and so its real name translates as German Shepherd Dog - punctuation matters, as does spelling.

Anyone wanting a GSD from me has to have:
⢠A door opening straight onto a yard fenced to not just keep their pet home but to also keep stray dogs and stray brats OUT!
⢠A plan for where the pooch will sleep that DOESN'T involve spending hours locked in a crate. Pups NEED to exercise their fast-growing bones & muscles every minute they're awake. And (if well-bred & well-reared) they have a natural instinct to get away from their nest before piddle-pooing. Catch 22: An enclosure small enough to make that instinct kick in is too small to exercise in; an enclosure large enough to exercise in leaves room to piddle-poo in; a pup left too long in a crate is FORCED to break the instinct that successful toilet training relies on.
⢠Ability to stay home 24/7 for at least the first week, preferably fortnight. It's partly to help the pup adjust to its new "pack" and come to regard the world as a safe, interesting place with you as the centre of everything good in it. But largely so that YOU can observe it 100% and learn its timing & signals for such as "Wanna go toilet" and "Wanna BITE something", so that you can take instant appropriate action.
⢠Ability to provide 3 meals a day, close to evenly spaced, plus constant water.
⢠Ability & willingness to attend weekly training-club classes starting when Pup is 18-22 weeks old.

Assuming that you work the minimal 8 hour day and travel for an hour before & after work, that means that you are away from home for at least 10 hours a day. Do you fit ANY of the rest of the requirements?
Although I am a GSD addict, the requirements apply to pups of ANY breed or cross-breed-muddle.

You must not ignore a pet's real needs.

In addition to the physical needs, herding breeds and bird-dog breeds were developed to be very sensitive to their humans - they NEED to be with their human and assured that they are pleasing their human. Herding breeds in particular were also developed to have incredible initiative - they need it, to work out how to keep the flock safe plus under control while the farmer is absent doing other tasks. That makes Belgian Shepherd Dogs, Border Collies & their derivatives (Eye Dogs, Heading Dogs, Huntaways, Kelpies, etc etc), German Shepherd Dogs and working-line Shetland Sheepdogs GREAT for people who want an intelligent, active dog and have things for their dog to do with/for them - but it makes life hell for people who effectively abandon their dog to its own devices most of the day. (It also often makes life hell for the neighbours...)

Adult GSDs that I have raised can safely be left for up to 40 hours while I attend a family funeral - I have a roofed security run & raised sleeping box per pooch, and ask a neighbour to check that the water dishes aren't empty. For an adult (canine or human), food isn't as urgent as water. And my dogs are used to swapping between my house and their run.
But a newly acquired adult dog suddenly left alone in a run is likely to feel abandoned and express its anguish for the "benefit" of the whole neighbourhood.

If you are determined to go ahead despite our advice:
⢠Add http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/The_GSD_Source to your browser's Bookmarks or Favorites so that you can easily look up such as feeding, vaccinations, clubs, weights, teething, neutering, disorders, genetics.
⢠Join some of the 400+ YahooGroups dedicated to various aspects of living with GSDs. Each group's Home page tells you which aspects they like to discuss, and how active they are. Unlike YA, they are set up so that you can have an ongoing discussion with follow-up questions for clarification. Most allow you to include photos.
Les P, owner of GSD_Friendly: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/GSD_Friendly
"In GSDs" as of 1967

what is the proper way to cage train a large dog?

Lucky

i keep asking questions on how to train my dog and all the answers have been very helpful!! thanks!!

i have only had my dog for a week now. she is a 6 month old german shepard. i work first shift and my boyfriend goes from days and nights. atleast 3 days out of the week we need for her to be in her cage while were at work for 8 hours.
i have a spare bedroom i could put her in.. is that a good idea instead of a cage? she is is that chewing stage. im always giving her toys and large bones.

Answer
if the dog has to stay in it all day you need to get some of the portabe fence they have them at pet food express you can order them online too. @ www.petfodexpress.com or www.petco.com or some pet store and put the crate in it so the dog and get into it and lay down. get a crate that you can make it the size of your dog with plenty of room to move around not to much out it in a quite place.no food or water in it. then as the dog gets bigger make the crate bigger don't make the crate a bad place it's like a safe place for them and it keeps the confined when you can not keep a close eye on them make them sleep in the crate always when they are a puppy then when they get older and feel safe in the crate they will go in the crate all by there self's they will love to go there its their bed make sure you have a clean blanket in it or something that smells like you and they will feel safe always keep it clean you can never keep the dog in the crate longer then few hours when they are older and completely potty trained or they will think it's a bad place keeping them in the crate for a long time is only a last resort thing you have to keep taking them outside and telling them to go potty or play when their little so you get them used to it and you have to be strong and when the cry you can't let in to them or it will not work when they are little they need to go out side everytime they eat or drink so they know to go potty outside and not inside.they will do anything the can to not have to go potty in the same place they sleep or eat

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how big a crate does a 55 lbs dog need?

UNCCHgirl

I have a 2.5 month old puppy who is predicted to be 55 lbs... I am looking to buy her a crate she can use when shes full grown too. How big a crate would she need? (i know its suppose to be only big enough for her to stand up, turn around, etc. The crates come with a divider)

thanks for all the help
Shes a jack russell terrier/pit bull mix
how big is a large crate, inch wise?

Answer
If she is a going to be a 55 pound Bulldog, you won't need a very large one, if it is a 55 pound Whippet, you will need a good size crate. The height matter, weight does not. On average, a 36 inch crate is good, but you might be able to use a 30 inch crate. Use the divider so she doesn't have too much room.

I have heard that you should not get a crate that is too big for your dog. Is this true?

Sherlock

What would be considered too big? my 6 month old german shep/lab puppy weighs 50-55 pounds but he is supposed to get bigger so we got him a crate meant for 60-90 pounds. Is this fine? He only sleeps in it at night he is not in it during the day.
He is already completely potty trained, I got him from a rescue and they potty trained him so I do not have to worry about him going to the bathroom in it. It is not significantly bigger than him. Do I still need to block of one end?
He is already crate trained so he likes his crate and we put him in right when we go to bed at around 10-11 and take him out first thing when we get up. We put a large sheet over the top.

Answer
1 - The crate should never be used for punishment. That is the fastest way to guarantee your pup will hate the crate. Remember that fact when you are tempted to force the pup in the crate when you are upset with him/her for making a pile, puddle or tearing up something. Remember when the pup does behavior like that, you failed to keep close enough watch on the pup. 2 - The crate should be large enough that when your dog is grown there will be room to sit, stand, turn around and stretch out fully.You may want to get a smaller crate for when she is a pup or get a crate that comes with a partition to block off a small area for the pup. Don't allow him room enough to turn a corner of the crate into a toilet. 3 - The crate should be an inviting place. Dogs are den animals, they like a den to call their own. It is their safe place, where they go to chill out, to take a nap. Or to get away from something that may be scares them a little, like the vacuum, thunder or arguing humans. Some dogs like a blanket or large towel draped over their crate to give it that cave effect. Keep the crate with the family,not stuck in the basement or garage. Dogs are pack animals and her family is now her pack. While the pup is being house trained do not use a thick absorbent pad for the bottom of the crate. You don't want something that will easily soak up all the pee. Maybe just use a towel at first. When the pup is no longer eliminating in his crate then you can put in more comfortable bedding. Most dogs like a blanket as they can bumble it up, do their nesting. Put a good chew toy in the crate. One they can not get chunks off. Put a couple of treats in the crate, make it inviting. Praise the pup for going in. 4 - Lure your pup into his crate, do not push him in. Forcing her in could cause a dislike of the crate as it will be a negative experience. After the pup has went in and out of the crate a few times and seems okay with it, not apprehensive, you can close the door when she goes in. Leave it closed, with you in the room, for about 10 minutes. Open the door when the pup is not whining. If he starts whining, wait for the whining to stop before you open the door. If you let her out while protesting you will quickly teach "whine and you come out". Not the message you want to send. As the pup gets used to the 10 minutes add another 10, and so on. When the pup is comfortable with short stays in the crate start leaving the room for short intervals 5 - While being house trained your pup should not have the run of the house. The pup should either be right with you so you can see what he is doing or crated. Some people leash the pup to them.If you are in the kitchen and the pup is in the front room, don't blame the pup for that pile or puddle you find. You were not watching close enough. Put the pup where she can not see you and clean up the mess with an enzyme cleaner. If the pup sees you cleaning the mess it will give the idea that is your job. It's okay if they see you pick up outside, but not inside. The enzyme cleaners eliminate the odor, not cover it up. You want to eliminate the smell. You can't cover it to where the dog can't smell it. Just because you can't smell it doesn't mean the dog can't. 6 - As you, and the pup, progresses make sure you use the crate some when you are home, not just when leaving the house. When you do have to leave give the pup a good long walk so she can do the deeds then have him go in the crate about 10 minutes before you go. Do not do long good-byes, reassuring the pup she will be okay. It will have the reverse effect telling the pup something is wrong. When you come home, no big immediate greeting. Ignore the pup for 10 minutes before letting him out. You don't want the pup thinking your coming and going is a big deal. 7 - To help reinforce that the crate is a good experience feed the pup her meals in the crate. Be sensitive to the pups needs, don't leave him in the crate longer than that little bladder can be controlled. At night you will have to get up and take the pup out. They can only hold their bladder for roughly 1 hour for each month of age. A 3 month old pup can hold herself roughly 3 hours. Rule of thumb, some maybe a little longer, some maybe a little less. The smaller the breed, the smaller the bladder. Do not leave the pup longer than he can wait, then be upset because there is a mess. Your fault, not the pups. 8 - Teach your pup a verbal command for getting in the crate. You pick how involved you want the command to be. Remember to when
giving a command, any command, preface it with the pups name. Do not repeat commands. That gives your dog the choice of when to respond. When she goes in give a treat and praise. 9 - Do not leave toys in the crate they can chunk pieces off and choke on. Remember rawhides are choke hazards, if you allow them do not leave the pup unattended with them. Remove your dogs collar while crated.

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Dog Crates???

SamiiLynn

My very active/hyper 5 month old Beagle border collie puppy has out grown her wire crate. She is crate trained and doesn't go to the bathroom in the house/crate anymore. We are going to get her a bigger crate but would a carrier crate calm her down alittle? Her crate would be under a window so she would get light in to it. If we put a blanket over her wire crate, she just pulls it through the bars and chews on it. She gets pleanty of exercise and is only in the crate when we cannot watch her and when we are out.
Which type is better?

And yes i have asked this question before becasue different people are on at different times and i would like to hear their imput too.

Answer
The plastic ones are good because they provide a cavelike feeling for the dogs. However the wire ones are easier to clean. The final decision lies with you. Whatever works best for you. If you decide on the wire crate, they do sell covers to fit snuggly on your crate so that your dog will not chew and pull on it. If you are looking for a reasonable price on crates, try ebay. I bought a brand new 42" wire crate for less than $50 including shipping. It would have costed me $130 at Petco.

Where can I buy cheap xxl dog crates ?

Q. I'm looking for a cheap large dog crate like for a Great Dane , to be able to keep my dog inside when the weather is bad , she uncontrollable in the house , only goes in when the weather is bad , anyone know ?

Answer
Tractor Supply here has dog crates of all sizes for great prices.
Petco has dog crates on sale right now online 20% or more off. And free shipping for sales over $49.

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How long do you leave your dog crated? I leave at 8:30 and my daughter gets home at 4:00, but I just read?

diques1018

that you should not crate a dog for more than 4 hours. I would bet most people who crate, do so for at least 8 hours.
So then, according to some of you, I should have just not "adopted" my dogs at all, and they would be better off in the animal rescue league shelter (where they would certainly not get as much attention and would be kenneled nearly 24 hours a day)? I am kind of not buying that. They seem fine and have free range when I am home. It works for us.

Answer
We just got our second dog, and he is a joy. We crate trained both of our dogs, but always tried to never leave them for more then a few hours.

I work mostly out of town, but took about 6 weeks off so I could be at home with my wife, and pups over the holidays. Now I'm back at work and out of town at least 3 days a week and my wife works 45 min away. We used to daycare our dog on the days I was gone which was great but a little pricey. We felt it was worth it because he got to play with other dogs all day in a safe enviroment. Put the second dog in the equation and you could spend a small fortune daycaring them.
The best option I can find is paying someone to comeby and let them out for a little while to stretch their legs and pee. You could hire a walker, but they usually take too many dogs at once and you never know how long they are getting.

I think it is fine to leave your dog for the day as long as they have plenty of exercise (30-45min walk before you leave, and when you get home), and a chance for a mid day potty break. I don't buy this whole, "dogs are bored" angle. As long as your pet gets lots of attention and love when you are home, and enough exercise they will be fine. I've spent many days at home, and after the morning walk the dogs conk out for most of the day, so I can't imagine what they would need run of the house for when I'm out. It's not like they need the space to do make a mid-day sandwich or do some painting. We project these human charicteristics onto our pooches, but they are DOGS. Not people. They don't need full run of your home, they just need enough space to turn sit up, turn around, get their scratch on, and sleep. If they aren't potty trained fully then crate them, and if they are and you don't want to use a crate or a large cage, then put them give them a small area where they can't get into trouble. Don't get mad at your dog if he chewed up something you didn't want chewed because you let him have full reign over the house because you felt guilty about putting him in a crate. If he gets enough exercise and love when you are home then he will be a happy dog, capable of spending the day in his room when you are working.

Dog crating/separation anxiety issue! Help!?

Q. I have been hired to walk a Chihuaha, Jack Russell mix and have only been doing this for a week now. This dog definitely has separation anxiety and the owners told me she actually got her teeth hooked on the cage in an attempt to get out which caused her gums to bleed pretty bad. In other words, crate training is NOT appropriate for this dog. Unfortunately, I am unsure of what the next step should be. The dog poops in a part of the house when the owners leave and chews on things so she can't be left to wander the house.

Right now the dog is sleeping in the crate, the owners get up at 8am and let her out to pee, then I come at 12:15 and take her on an hour long walk, the owners get back in the evening (around 6pm) and I'm assuming they have her go potty again. I'm not sure whether she is allowed to wander the house when they come home though.

What should I suggest?? Information from dog trainers is especially appreciated
An ex pen is a good idea but the owners are worried that it can jump over it

Answer
They should be really doing this research themselves. The dog needs training, and MUCH more exercise than she's getting. Since you don't know what goes on when you're not there, it's hard to ask questions to get more info on this dogs situation.

There are other crates the owners can use, and they can get an ex pen, or use baby gates to confine the dog to an appropriate area with toys to keep the dog occupied.

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Looking for a wire dog kennel with 2 doors that open and lie flat against the kennel?

audreywill

I am looking for a wire dog kennel with:

1. These dimensions: 30W x 21D x 24H
2. At least 2 doors.
3. Doors that open and lie flat on top of the kennel to conserve space.

The standard kennels with a swing open door are very inconvenient. I found a kennel like I wanted at one place, but I can't remember where, and I'm sure I could buy it much cheaper online. I've tried several different search terms; however, I'm not having much luck finding it. Please help! :)

Thanks!
Except, if you read the whole post, you'd know that I've already found one like it, I just can't seem to find another. :) They do make them. The one I found did not "swing" open, it slid upward and latched on top.
Similar to this: http://www.1800petmeds.com/Travel+Lite+Wire+Dog+Crate-prod60822.html only this is a little pricier.
It lies flat. That's the description.
Hence the use of "similar" not "exactly".

Answer
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doghealth-super-strong-door-cage/dp/B003AOFQJ8

Not sure where you are but this proves theyo make them in that size. but ican't see how thy can have more than one "up and over door". The one above has one up and over and two conventional doors

General cost of keeping a dog (UK)?

Snub_16

Im going to get a staffordshire bull terrier puppy soon. I'll be buying it when its around 6-8 weeks old. I know the actual dog is going to cost around £400. But what about other costs? Shots and jabs? and anyone who has a staff, how much do you spend on food a week? Thanks in advance.

Answer
I have 3 dogs and for my big husky lab his puppy shots were 79.00 each session there 3 session's..Year shots are 80.00.His food is 15.00 every 3-4 weeks..His collars and leash's were 40-45.00.His treats are 5-10.00 every 2 weeks..Also if you put him into training classes they ran us 140.00 for 5 weeks His kennel for a big dog is 60.00-70.00 for a good one.. They are just like children..U also have to make sure you have the money to take to vet when sick or hurt..Depends on what is wrong it can run from 50.00-300-400.00

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Best place to find japanese chin puppies near austin?

kidswag

Answer
OMG, do NOT use Pet Finder! or Puppy Find or any of those! I was just on them this week and found stolen pictures of dogs of mine that people were using to advertise puppies for sale! I was horrified!
If you are near Austin, call the contact person for the Travis County Kennel Club or the Austin Kennel Club and ask for their breeder referral chairperson. Have them recommend someone for you.
OR to to www.akc.org and search their breeder data base.

I want to purchase a dog..?

blahblah

I live close to San Antonio, and could even drive to Austin to find a shelter for a small dog.


I would like to purchase a small adult dog under 25 pounds, I want all the shots and microchip etc..
and I want maybe a Chihuahua something like that.
Questions I have are:

How much money should I expect to pay for the dog and everything that comes with it (shots,chip etc..)
How much monthly for food, if its for a 10-20 pound dog?


Personal experience please, and any other information I should know for being an owner of a small dog.

Answer
I just googled San Antonio animal shelters (and I live in Canada...) and foudn this immediately:
http://www.sahumane.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=220&Itemid=83
I'm sure if you check on the internet for other options, such as Austin, you could find other shelters.
Otherwise, just start researching reputable breeders if you're going that route.

That humane society had the adoptable dogs and pups listed for $60-$80 that included spay/neuter, vaccinated, microchipped, wellness exam, heartworm meds, etc...

Depending on what type of food you'll be buying, you can always stop in at a vet (it might be a good idea to get to know your vet before getting your new pup too, so you can stop in and chat with him/her), you can spend $25 - $80 for a bag of food. A small dog like that wouldn't go through a whole lot though (speaking from someone who owns an OEBulldogge and Bullmastiff where it's $150 per month for food alone).

You can also consider pet insurance, that link I posted gives you a free 30-day trail I believe. It's quite affordable for some smaller breeds (read the fine print though). Registration for the dog, leash, collar, kennel. You can probably spend around the $150 mark initially (plus adoption fees, and way more if you're buying from a breeder) on all the small things like toys, treats, food, bowls, collar, bed, etc. It all adds up pretty quick. You should also think about savings on the side in case of emergencies. Read through some of this dog section and see how many people are freaking out about their dog being sick and them not being able to afford medical care for their dog.

Good luck and happy dog hunting!

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Is my dog crate properly sized?

J

My puppy is a 9 month old Puggle, about 21 lbs. He won't get much bigger than that (maybe 3 lbs more). His current crate is 24" long. While he can lay somewhat comfortably and just about stand, he cannot stretch out completely and his head hits the top a little when he stands. He seems to be OK in this size crate, but he stays home for about 4-5 hours during the day. I feel he should be able to stretch out and be fully comfortable if he's going to be crated that long. He is well potty-trained, as he never goes in his crate or in the house. I was thinking of upgrading to a 30" or 36" crate. What do you think???

Answer
I have a 30 pound Cairn Terrier Mix. When she was 9 months old, she weighed about 25 pounds and had the same size crate. It is too small. Since he is potty trained, too big of a crate really isn't an issue anymore. I would recommend upgrading to the 36" over the 30." That would give him plenty of room to spread out and be comfortable while you are away. 30" really isn't that much bigger.

How do I set up the dog crate when crate training?

mkt

I read I should put the bed & food/water at one end, toys in the middle, at the other end & use a puppy pad/newspaper for going potty.

HOW would all of that fit in a 36 in crate??

Do I get a dog bed for the one end or would ittake up too much room?

Answer
Courtney is right in that the crate should be just big enough for your dog to stand up and turn around (I do give mine a little extra room because he sleeps fully stretched out, and he's a dachshund so he is extra long) But as far as putting a puppy pad down, be careful. If I understand what you (and Courtney) meant by 'puppy pad" then do not use one!

If this is the type of product you are referring to, do NOT use it in the crate.

http://petco.com/product/13120/Nature-s-Miracle-Quick-Results-Training-Pads.aspx?Nav=189&cm_re=product-_-naturesmiracle-_-072508

These kinds (not this exact kind, but these basic type) of puppy pads are designed to make the dog want to urinate on them (they are lined with pheromones and often are slightly scented like grass (so the dog can smell it, not us) and it attracts them to use it as a toilet. If you use these kinds of pads in the crate, the dog will never understand going potty outside. (well, never say never) but it will make your potty training 10X harder. Imagine if you were potty trained to go in the toilet sometimes, but then sometimes you were supposed to go when you were in your bed. Confusing! (And you would have understood the words your mom/dad were using.) If you think that the dog will have accidents, then you should line the bottom of the crate with newspaper or what I do is I use an old bed sheet that I no longer wanted that I just leave in these for my dog and if he does have an accident (which hasn't happened for about 3 months now. Knock Wood) I just take it out and wash it. It is a lot easier/ more cost efficient than puppy pads.
Oh, and food should been taken away after eating the last meal (don't let your pup graze all day) and water needs to be taken away at least 1-2 hours before bedtime (unless it is unbearably hot) to make it easier for you to learn your dogs 'elimination' times so you can take him outside for easy of potty training. If your dog has a constant supply of food and water, then you dog will have a constant supply of pee and poop.

Good luck training! and Enjoy your new puppy!

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Receiving a dog overseas - is this suspicious?

Cate

My gut is telling me this is odd. A woman answered my craigslist ad for a GSD saying she has a four month old with all papers, AKC certified, that she can't keep because the country she is in will not allow the dog. She said she has two weeks to send her back. She wants me to send the airport $125 for a new travel crate and asked basic questions, if I'm a breeder, have kids. She then asked for my name, number, address, and my nearest airport.

I'm not sure what to do. She doesn't want any direct money for the actual dog, but it seems odd. Thoughts?

Answer
Definitely a scam. One of those ancient copy-and-paste ones that are almost identical every time they're sent out. I've personally received three - one for a siberian husky, one for a german shepherd, and one for a shih-tzu. (Keeping in mind that I've only ever posted on Kijiji looking for a GSD)

It's a really pathetic ruse that gets really old really fast. What I noticed in all three of the e-mails I received was that the text was colored, and the woman kept using "dear" in almost every sentence. Example being;

"so you really want this puppy, ok dear?"

If you think it might be a scam, just walk away. Have you ever heard of an entire country banning a single breed of dog?

I am thinking about another a dog, from an online source...?

Animal Obs

I am thinking about getting another pug. An adult from an online source like Kijiji.
What kind of questions would I ask?
I have:
â¢What food does he currently eat?
â¢Does he have a medical history or a present problem?
â¢Is he okay with being groomed? Including nails, baths, teeth, ears, wrinkles?
â¢How long do you usually walk now?
â¢Is he 100% potty trained?
â¢How long do you usually leave him home alone?
â¢Is he good with cats?
â¢What commands does he know?
â¢If we let him off-leash, would he come back if we called him?
â¢What is his favourite toy?
â¢What is his favourite treat/flavour?
â¢What is his favourite game?
â¢Is he good with small children?
â¢Is he good with big dogs?
â¢Is he good with small dogs?
â¢Do you have air conditioning?
â¢Is your yard fenced?
â¢Can he swim? Does he like water?
â¢Do you or have you ever used a crate?
â¢What previous training has the dog had? At home, training centre (which?)
â¢Any behaviour problems?
â¢Does he sleep in your bed?


Any help is greatly appreciated. Also, if you have tips from your experience that I may not know, same with others..... Thanks in advance!
This would be an adult dog who I'd vet check and get a health guarantee.
It will be another pug

Answer
Don't understand the "health guarantee" - if you have health scores for the parents then that's all the guarantee you're going to get; if you're insistent on an adult dog, then get his hips and elbows PennHip'd or OFA'd, and get his eyes done by CERF or Optigen.

It's hard to say what you're getting with a "used" dog - you don't know his genetic history, generally, and you don't know how he was raised. People tend to not be transparent with stuff like that. You may find that the dog acts completely different in your environment. I wouldn't pay more than the going rate of your local shelter/rescue for an adult dog, by the way.

Tips? Take it slow, see if he has any off points or triggers, don't treat him like a human, enrich your understanding of canine behavior, and enjoy him/her.

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What size dog crate would i need if i have a dog whos 16 inches tall and 30 inches long?

Joe

Also where would I be able to get one for the best value

Answer
I would suggest a wire crate if you are doing crate training. You'll need a 700 or 800 series size crate. A 700 series crate should give your dog enough room to be able to turn around, and lay down. A 800 series crate will give your dog more room to stretch out. Petsmart and Petco often have crates on sale. I would choose one that has 2 doors, so you can clean it out easier. Hope this helps :)

Where to get a GIANT Air Approved Plastic Travel Crate?

Mooms K

We've been looking everywhere online for a GIANT Air Approved Plastic Travel Crate. It needs to be at least 42" HIGH. Also referred to as 700 Series. We can find Wire Crates, but we can't use those, it needs to be plastic. I don't need answers like " Check Google " Because we have. Has anyone ever found one, or do they know a site to get one at?

Answer
http://www.doggydogsupplies.com/petmate-varikennel-traditional-pet-crate-giant.html 48" high


http://www.doggydogsupplies.com/petmate-sky-kennel-dog-crate.html

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Wired Crate vs. Plastic Kennel:::::dog questions (pics included)?

Luke K

the crate/kennel comes in the right size


im getting a weimaraner, as a puppy and im wondering what kind of crate i should get:

Wired Crate:
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2753745

+has a divider
-i heard a dog can get hurt on it

Plastic Crate:
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2751213

+i guess safer cuss he cant hurt himself
-more expensive
-does not have a divider

------------------------------------------------------
Which is better for crate/kennel training?? which do dogs like better? which is safer? which is overall better??

ty for all searius answers

Answer
Plastic is always better. #1 A LOT of smart dogs have discovered how to make their wire kennels collapse thus escape at will, lol. Secondly a plastic crate is more confined and makes a dog feel more comfortable, like they're in a den. And lastly, plastic kennels are MUCH easier to clean and disinfect. With wire kennels you need a BBQ grill cleaning brush and a gallon of bleach to disinfect and clean it! With plastic a little bleach, a hose, and an old rag will do the trick. Also wire kennels can rust and leave rust stains on your carpet after a few months/years of cleaning/use so make sure to put something under wire kennels if you decide to use one (a rubber mat would be perfect).

Dog Kennel? or Crate?

~chalbri~

I adopted an older AmStaff a few months back. We never got her a crate or kennel because she does not chew anything, she's potty trained, and is a perfect house dog when we're not home! BUT, we just got a new puppy AmStaff, who needs a crate. Otherwise, she chews everything, and pees everywhere. Right now, we have our shih tzu's old kennel that fits her for now, but it will only work for a short while longer.

Should we get a crate or kennel for each dog? Even though our older one doesn't need one? Or should we not get one at all for the little pup as she gets bigger, and try to train her to not destroy everything while we're gone? (Someone's usually home most of the time....) They both love being outside, What about a kennel or doghouse for outside while we're gone? (We have plenty of shade/shelter)

Answer
I woudl be crate them both while you are away. I undestand that your older dog is well behaved. I have four amstaffs myself and none of them run free during the day. you definenently need to crate trainthe younger one. I mostly have objections to having two dogs running loose during the day. What if they get agitated enough with each other to fight and you aren't there to stop it. It could easily happen especially if the older dog gets annoyed by the younger. if you leave the older out i woudl put the puppy in room where she can be away fromt he loose dog so they don't interact as it will only make her time in the kennel longer. I would also recommend against keeping your dog outside even on nice day. Amstaffs are good climber when motivated and squirrels and rabbits can be moitvation enough for most dogs. two nice comfy crates for your puppies is what i woudl recommend.

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Crate size for Miniture Australian Shepherd?

Ariel

I need to know what kind of crate to get for my to be new aussie.
The breeder recommends Petco's Model 400 Series(24" L X 18" W X 19" H)
The new puppy will be a boy, and is the biggest of all his siblings in the litter.
The sire is 15" high and weighs 18 pounds, the dam is 16" high and weighs 22 pounds.
The sire may be bigger and weigh more or less for his info is adult estimates.

Answer
A dog crate should be big enough for the dog to stand up in. So I think your breeder is right. If you want a crate that is a little more roomy, that is okay too.

Crate size for a Samoyed?

Katie S.

Hi everyone, my family and I are getting a female Samoyed in a few weeks and I was just wondering what crate size would be good for her? I think they normally range from 19-22 inches at the shoulders.
Thanks!

Answer
I've been breeding/showing Sams for over 20 years. What size crate I use depends on how long the dog will be in it... I like a crate that is a bit bigger if the dog will be spending very much time in it.

For travel a 400 size vari-kennel - 28Lx20.5Wx21.5H
For use for a longer period a 500 size - 35Lx25Wx27H
Or a wire crate of comparable size. Please be aware that MANY Sams are escape artists and can dismantle crates.

FWIW - the 500 size vari- kennel is suitable to groom on top of... I did this for the first 17 years I showed dogs!

And the notion of an unattended Sam NOT being in a crate is a recipe for either a dead dog or a very very torn up home. My daughter was just flown to San Fran to pick up a 13 mos old b*tch who ATE (did 30K worth of damage) to the interior of an Escalade (gotta wonder about the intelligence level of someone who would leave a Sam loose in a car with a leather interior!!!)

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Advice on dog peeing in the house?

Slinky

If you can't answer all of my questions, could you please direct me to a site that could? Thanks.

I have a miniature poodle and he won't stop peeing in the house. I also have a standard poodle and he's a little better housetrained but sometimes I guess he just wants to join the little one.
Everytime we see poop or pee on the floor, we grab the little one, stick his nose in it, spank him, and yell "NO!". Then, we put him in a crate in the garage with a mzzle on, since he whines and barks.
However, as much as it seems to shake him, he just won't stop. We even installed a doggy door into our fenced in backyard so that he could pee out there. He knows that he can pee there since we used to walk them around back there, but he'll go outside and come back in and pee.
I always wipe the messes with Kids&Pets, a cleaner that specializes in removing stains. It works really well and has a strong scent of cherries, but the dog always comes back and pees.
Can you give me any solutions?

Answer
First off, the way you are dealing with reprimanding him is not going to get you anywhere you want to be with this problem. I don't mean this in a finger pointing way, I just mean to let you know so that you don't continue to exhaust yourself without getting any results.

If you are not able to use a firm voice and say "NO" when the dog is actually PEEING (not later on after he finishes or when you come home to find peeps or poops on the floor), the dog does not have the ability to smell his pee on the carpet later on after it happened, realize what he did an hour ago, and then understand why he is being punished. Dogs have a short memory span. Unless you can catch him in the act, any punishment like this will only disrupt the trust your dog has in you. He does not have the mental ability to connect the cause and effect.

If you can catch him in the act, say NO firmly, and IMMEDIATELY put a leash on him and take him outside yourself. Walk him around until he peeps again, and give lots and lots of praise and encouragement.

Try taking him out every hour on the hour for an entire day (a weekend would be great for this--set aside a few days when you can be home, and you'll be able to nip this problem in the bud). The next day space out your potty breaks to every 2 - 2 1/2 hours. The third day, as long as all is going well and you are having minimal accidents, if any at all, space it out to 3-4 hours between trips outside.

During this training time, do not rely on the doggie door and sending him out on his own--you need to be right there with him to give lots of praise when he goes outside on his own and using a leash puts you in control and tells your dog that you are in charge.

Because you other dog is exhibiting the same, however less often, behavior, treat this dog the same way with the same routine. However, be sure to take each of them outside on their own for each break. It will be a lot of work, but after about 3 days time, most dogs will be on a regular routine and will have very, very few mistakes, if any at all, from there on out.

I rescue dogs, and many come in with major potty issues. It takes a few days, but it can be easily fixed with some diligent work by you. Its not hard, but it does take a time commitment. I rescue bulldogs (and saint bernards), in particular, who are notoriously hard to train (it takes, on average, about 3 times as long to train a bulldog as it does to train any other breed).

During this training period, I would suggest switching cleaners for any mistakes in the house, because your dogs already associate the cherry scented cleaner to one they can pee on freely (even though that is not the intention). Try a brand called FOLEX. It is available at Wal-mart, Lowes, Home Depot, Kmart, etc. It is a white spray bottle with purple writing. Safe to use with children and pets, and it takes stains out like a champ! This will keep your dogs from associating any carpet smells with doing their previous bad pee pee behavior in the house. You can always go back to the Kids&Pets stuff later on (say, after 2 weeks of perfect potty behavior) when the dogs are trained.

There is no doubt that this will take a lot of time. Set aside a weekend that you have off and can do things around the house. Don't go out to dinner, don't have friends over, just plan to read magazines, clean bathrooms, organize closets, or whatever you can do that you can pick and put down easily so that you are always ready to take your dogs out at the right time. Use the kitchen timer to remind you when to take them out, as it is very important to be on a regular schedule. When you take them out, they may not go every time (since you'll be taking them out at least every hour for the first day), but walk them in the same pattern each time, so they know that when they go out and they pee and you praise them, the routine will always be the same. They will come to understand this routine as "potty time" and will get better at doing it as soon as they go out, and will wait until the next time they go out before they use the bathroom and not do it in the house between outdoor breaks.

If you have any other questions or need clarification, just let me know. I've done this so many times, its become a completely auto-pilot routine, so I may have missed something or made this more confusing than it needs to be. I'll be happy to clarify anything you might be tripped up about. Good luck and I hope it all works out for you soon!

(PS--Be sure to rule out any possible infections that may be causing this issue. Sometimes when dogs have a UTI, they aren't able to calculate bathroom breaks very well, and end up going in the house because all of their signals are a bit crossed with the infection wreaking havoc on their system. A quick check with the vet can rule this out.)

Please help me with training my dog!!?

Emmy

I reward her every time she goes on the puppy pad and she loves her treats, but she thinks every time she goes potty, even if it isn't on the pad she should get a treat...I need help!! Any tips to potty training?
I do praise her too....
We had to puppy pad train her because she didn't have all her shots and couldn't go outside since there are a lot of strays around us, so chill guys...I also don't give her a treat when she does elsewhere, I ignore her....and by a treat I mean she thinks she should be praised...thats a treat!

Answer
You must never leave her free in the house unattended until she is potty trained. Let me guess... You have a toy dog of some sort....I don't know what it is about toy dogs but they seem to require more persistence when potty training. Keep her in a crate when unattended. Most dogs do not like to go where they lay down. Everytime you take her out of the crate (and this should be many times a day to both potty and play), take her to the pee pad or consider this. Litter training a dog: Get a plastic cement mixer box from Lowe's or Home Depot. Put newspapers in the cement mixer box and surround the box with an exercise pen. In she goes everytime she comes out of the crate and once again if u have had a long play session. Give treats when she goes in the box and immediately remove her from the exercise pen. Keep the box clean as many dogs unlike cats... don't want to go there if it is dirty. If she goes in the crate.. put her somewhere else while u clean it. She should not see u clean it.. It is her job to keep it clean. If she gets away and goes in the house, be sure to clean the spot with an enzymatic cleaner you can buy at a pet store. That way she will not be attracted to the same spot. Remember persistence... I have 5 dogs that are litter box trained.

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cheap dog classes in dallas?

Grace/oliv

i just bought a german shepherd puppy and want to take her to classes for training,i already taught her to sit,stay,go outside,and now she's learning to walk on a leash. also crate train.but she is still nibbling and biting my other dog.sometimes she'll jump, or at night cry a little in her crate.but i don't want to spend a thousand dollars on training.

Answer
Man's Best Friend
2641 West grove
Dallas, TX 75201
972-407-1704
this is the cheap one i found




g
Overnight Pricing
Pricing varies based on location and dog weight.

Carroll ton
0-20 lbs.
$19.25
21-50 lbs.
$21.25
51-75 lbs.
$22.25
76 lbs. +
$23.25


Grand Prairie
0-10 lbs.
$16.00
11-20 lbs.
$17.00
21-50 lbs.
$18.00
51-75 lbs.
$19.00
76 lbs. +
$20.00
Houston/Spring
0-10 lbs.
$17.00
11-25 lbs.
$18.00
26-50 lbs.
$19.00
51-80 lbs.
$20.00
81 lbs. +
$21.00

N. Rich land Hills
0-10 lbs.
$16.00
11-20 lbs.
$17.00
21-50 lbs.
$18.00
51-75 lbs.
$19.00
76 lbs. +
$20.00
Norcross
0-20 lbs.
$19.50
21-60 lbs.
$21.50
61-80 lbs.
$22.50
81 lbs. +
$24.50


Woodstock
0-20 lbs.
$18.50
21-60 lbs.
$20.50
61-80 lbs.
$21.50
81 lbs. +
$23.50

traveling with my dog?

Spicatt

i am taking my dog with me to Bahrain from denver and we going to have to take 2 different airlines ,, is there different fees for both of them or i have to pay it once only ? how long before i leave i should reserve ticket for him and do i reserve the ticket " way back " at the same time too ?

Answer
Hello,

Yes you should definatly book your Dog's flight along with yours, especially if you are planning on taking him/her on board with you. There is a weight limit if you are doing this usually between 15-20 lbs per dog with soft crate. The airlines only allow a certain amount of dogs on board so it is better to get the ticket earlier and it should only be about $50 per trip, not both transfers. Call ASAP and book to make sure you get the tickets.

Another note, if you are putting your dog in cargo please I cannot emphasis this enough, make sure your dog has plenty of water and before the plane leaves ask the airline what other materials the plane is traveling with in cargo. This could be very dangerous for dogs and only in an emergency should you travel with a larger dog that you have to place in cargo. If you have to wait as long as you can to give them your dog so that he/she is in cargo for the least amount of time and make that your first priority once you get off. Since you are taking a transfer also make sure that your dog will be transferred with you.

Its not easy traveling with a dog as I have done it in the past but once you get to your destination what better to have with you than your trusty companion.

Enjoy your trip and please read up more about pet travel on the web and with your individual carrier.

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Large Dog Crate?

Ok, I want a large dog crate for my 50 pound Pointer, it can be wire or plastic. I am on a budget and I can't spend a lot of money, no more than $30. I am located in Dallas, TX, but I can mail money if you can mail the cage to me. My e-mail is baby_7991@yahoo.com please e-mail me if you have an offer.

Answer
Go to www.craigslist.com they have everything under the sun.

Have you taken your dog on a flight with you in the cabin?

Smokie Bea

How was it?
Did you take your dog out at all?
What airline? Where they nice people?
Were you aloud to have the dog on your lap at all?

- Im 17 and taking my dog ( 5 pound long haired chihuahua- And she was abused) So I am wanting to know if i can hold her at all or do i have to leave her in the carrier. How does security go? Who do i give my vet papers to?
The flight is only about 2 hours and 15 mins.
** Really, dont attack me!, Foxy was abused and clings to me, touching me and seeing me is a must for her!! **
I just asked a few questions.. jesus !!

Answer
I have flown many times with my dog (16 pounds) on many different airlines (United, AirTran, JetBlue, and I think Delta).

1. Every airline has a different policy (some don't allow dogs in the cabin, others do, the fees they charge are different). Some will ask to see shot records, others won't. Practically none of them will allow you to buy your ticket online or over the phone--you'll almost always have to go to the counter to get your dog's ticket. So check ahead of time, allow extra time--do not assume you can show up the day of the flight and you're covered. As for vet papers, twice I've had someone at the counter ask to see them and no other time has anyone even asked if I had them.

2. All airlines require that your dog stay in her carrier. However, I have often pulled the carrier out from under the seat and put it on my lap (then unzipped it enough to slide my arm in).

3. My dog is an incredibly good traveler. I've had two flites where my seatmates never knew I had a dog with me. I never drug my dog. I do make sure he gets to walk outside the airport and pee/poop before he goes in his bag. Also, some airports require that your dog be in her crate as soon as you enter the airport. At Dulles, National, Orlando, Atlanta and Dallas/Ft. Worth I put him on his lead and walk him around the airport with me.

4. For security, notify TSA when you get near the front of the line "I have a dog." They'll ask you to take the collar/harness off and put it on the xray scanner belt. Then you hold your dog and walk through the metal detector. The TSA folks have always been charming with my dog. Hint: you may need some help after you go through--you'll be putting on shoes, belts, jackets and still holding your dog.

5. You will need to put your dog in her carrier before you board the aircraft. So practice this, make sure your dog loves her carrier before you ever even start packing to head to the airport. If you've ever done crate training than you'll know how to do this. If not, put something that smells good (an old T-shirt of your's) in there, feed her dinners in the crate (so she gets used to going in and associates it with good things). Keep at it until she will go in on command and without forcing.

You may already have a carrier. I got a "Sturdi Bag" (www.cleanrun.com). It folks completely flat when not in use, can be carried over your shoulder or by hand, holds up well, is roomy for a dog your size, is guaranteed to fit under an airline seat, and can either be unzipped to provide a lot of light thorough mesh walls or zipped up to make it darker and shut out sound. Very versatile and tough yet light.

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How does your dog stay cool in the summer?

IM BACK ON

I have heard of a lot of dogs dieing these days from heat stroke and just wondered how your dog says cool. I keep a kiddie pool in his outdoor kennel and change the outdoor water 3-4 times with 2 slivers of ice. Inside i just keep his water cool.

Answer
Here's some things i do to keep my dog cool!
Fresh Water and Shade
These are the two most important things a dog who spents any amount of time outside needs. Dogs dehydrate very quickly in the summer sun, so be sure to refill a large water dish often throughout the day. Even if your yard is well-shaded naturally, you will still need to erect some sort of shelter from the heat. Choose a spot that in the shade, or in an area that isn't under direct sunlight. Make sure it is large enough for air to pass freely through it.
Molded Plastic Pools and Sprinklers
These are great for cooling hot dogs off in the heat. Fill the pool up in a shaded area to keep the water from heating. Be sure and change the water often as well, to prevent mosquito larvae from taking up residence. The best size for a plastic pool is about eight to twelve inches (for larger dogs), less for short dogs. Make sure your dog is supervised at all times, and that a smaller dog can easily get in and out of the pool.
Sunscreen for pets
Dogs and cats can get sunburned, especially on the ears and nose, and they can get skin cancer just like people. Sport-type sunscreens should do because theyâre more waterproof. Apply sunscreen to the ears and nose, the tender belly if your pet likes to lie on its back, and to the entire body if you have a short-haired, light-colored dog such as a white boxer or bull terrier. You can use spray-on sunscreen for the body, but remember to use plenty of it for thorough coverage.
Offer a lot of water
Be sure your pet always has access to fresh water, especially if youâre spending the day hiking or at the beach. You can consider adding ice cubes to water so that it stays cold longer, but don't flip your pooch a piece of ice to chew as a treat since it can break teeth.
Consider shaving
Should you shave your dog to help it keep cool? Golden-retriever owner and former professional dog groomer Virginia Parker Guidry of Spring Valley, Calif., says there are pros and cons.

âA lot of people have their dogs shaved in the summer, but Iâm not entirely convinced it keeps the dog cooler,â she says. âThe coat does insulate and it protects against sunburn, though I imagine it must be somewhat cooler when itâs shaved. It certainly makes the owners feel better, and itâs easier to care for, especially if the dog is in and out of the swimming pool, going to the beach or going camping.â

Because shaving the coat makes the dog more vulnerable to sunburn, Guidry recommends limiting the amount of time the dog spends in direct sun and applying sunscreen.

Nelson says shaving a pet's coat can help prevent mats, make them more comfortable in the heat and makes it easier to spot pesky fleas and ticks.

how many dogs can you have in virginia without a waver?

Q. I already have two dogs and i'm wanting a third. My brother said you could only have two dogs without signing some kind of a waver. But, how does he know?
i live in the suburbs

Answer
In rural areas, how many dogs you keep is pretty much your own business, as long as the dogs aren't a nuisance. But many cities restrict residents to two or three dogs per household, not counting puppies less than a certain age, usually eight weeks to four months or so.

The goal is to cut down on the problems that dogs cause in urban areas. As one court upholding such an ordinance put it, âtoo many dogs in too small a space may produce noise, odor and other conditions adverse to the best interests of the community as a whole.â3 Court challenges to such ordinances almost always fail, but there are exceptions: A county judge in Minnesota ruled that a Sauk Rapids ordinance limiting dog ownership was invalid because it wasn't based on any supporting facts.4 And the Georgia Supreme Court found a county ordinance unconstitutional because it didn't include the criteria that a dog owner had to satisfy in order to get a permit for keeping more than four dogs.5

Violating the law will probably earn you a fine and possibly even a jail sentence. A judge in Holland, Michigan - which has a two-dog-per-household maximum - sentenced a man to 90 days in jail for refusing to give up any of his three dogs. The dog owner spent a few days in jail before agreeing to part with one of his animals.

Flat limits on the number of dogs per household are increasingly popular but are by no means universal. In Oakland, California, dog owners banded together to defeat a proposed ordinance that would have required people with more than three pets to get a city permit. The pet owners were joined by the Oakland Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and a local American Civil Liberties Union chapter.

There are variations on this kind of straightforward limit. You may, for example, have to get a special kennel license if you have more than three or four dogs. That means extra fees, rules and, often, inspections by city officials.

You may wonder how these rules are enforced. After all, animal control officials don't (at least not yet) go door to door taking a dog census. They rely, for the most part, on complaints or chance observation. So as a practical matter, someone who has more dogs than is allowed under the law is likely to get in trouble only if the dogs cause problems and a neighbor complains. The moral: no matter how many dogs you have, don't let them be a neighborhood nuisance. And if there are problems, work them out before the neighbors go to the authorities.

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Dog Kennel? or Crate?

~chalbri~

I adopted an older AmStaff a few months back. We never got her a crate or kennel because she does not chew anything, she's potty trained, and is a perfect house dog when we're not home! BUT, we just got a new puppy AmStaff, who needs a crate. Otherwise, she chews everything, and pees everywhere. Right now, we have our shih tzu's old kennel that fits her for now, but it will only work for a short while longer.

Should we get a crate or kennel for each dog? Even though our older one doesn't need one? Or should we not get one at all for the little pup as she gets bigger, and try to train her to not destroy everything while we're gone? (Someone's usually home most of the time....) They both love being outside, What about a kennel or doghouse for outside while we're gone? (We have plenty of shade/shelter)

Answer
I woudl be crate them both while you are away. I undestand that your older dog is well behaved. I have four amstaffs myself and none of them run free during the day. you definenently need to crate trainthe younger one. I mostly have objections to having two dogs running loose during the day. What if they get agitated enough with each other to fight and you aren't there to stop it. It could easily happen especially if the older dog gets annoyed by the younger. if you leave the older out i woudl put the puppy in room where she can be away fromt he loose dog so they don't interact as it will only make her time in the kennel longer. I would also recommend against keeping your dog outside even on nice day. Amstaffs are good climber when motivated and squirrels and rabbits can be moitvation enough for most dogs. two nice comfy crates for your puppies is what i woudl recommend.

Dog kennel/crate?

texas_ange

I am asking this question about those metal dog kennel/crates you use indoors to crate train a dog. I need to know how to get rid of the "dog" smell. I have cleaned it with a lemon scented cleaner, and rinsed it well w water. It still smells of dog..Do not tell me to use bleach or any other harsh chemical as I have exotic birds in my home and am unable to do so. I also can not take it outside to clean it so it must be done in the shower/bathtub as I live in the North and it is still very cold
First off Aussie birds have NO odor. Secondly the crate was in the basement my SO had left the bedding in it. I have taken out all bedding and it is the metal that smells I dont know why
The bedding had been in the crate in the basement for atleast a yr I went to get it out today and it smells of dog. The bedding has been thrown away the tray has been cleaned the tray does not smell the actual metal cage does

Answer
HUH?? my kennels never stink.... just wipe down the tray when you wash their bedding with soapy water and rag.. you do not have to put the crate in the shower,,, just leave it where it is and wipe it down when you think you need to... and always remember to dust underneath and around it to get the hair off the floor...

i have had a metal crate for 20 years and it still does not stink..
IMO,,, BIrds are quite stinky..

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What size dog crate would i need if i have a dog whos 16 inches tall and 30 inches long?

Joe

Also where would I be able to get one for the best value

Answer
I would suggest a wire crate if you are doing crate training. You'll need a 700 or 800 series size crate. A 700 series crate should give your dog enough room to be able to turn around, and lay down. A 800 series crate will give your dog more room to stretch out. Petsmart and Petco often have crates on sale. I would choose one that has 2 doors, so you can clean it out easier. Hope this helps :)

Best way to get a pet shipped from another state?

Saphire

My friend is selling a puppy but she lives in MO and i live in CA. Is there anyway for her to ship it to me at low cost (under $100). I looked up some info online, but all I could find were pet relocators. If you have had any experience with this, how did you handle it?

Answer
The easiest is by air. Unfortunately, all the airlines have gone up this year. I ship everything in a 500 series crate (extra large). Continental $299 (plus taxes, fuel surcharges, etc) if crate + dog are 99 lbs or less. $369 (plus fees) for 100 to 149 lbs. Right now, they are the cheapest. United is the most expensive at around $800. Delta $577 + tax & fees....Northwest is just slightly less.
Again, this is with 500 crates, and always slightly over 100 pounds. Either way, other than Continental, all the airlines have gone up drastically this year.
There are places that do it by truck. They do a few trips a month coast to coast at substantially less money. I've never used them and would not recommend them.

Often times it's cheaper to fly there yourself and carry the dog on (if small enough) or check them as baggage. There's still a fee to check as baggage ( with United, Delta, & Northwest & American), but it's not as high as shipping via "cargo". Contitnental only does "cargo", they don't allow you to check the dog as baggage.

PS Delta and Northwest no longer require health certificates for the US and Canada when travelling with the dog as checked baggage. Each state requires a rabies vaccine...but nobody has ever check mine.

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Are Champion dog crates any good?

Wesley

I'm looking to buy a dog crate for my Golden Retriever. I've looked almost everywhere and this is the cheapest one i can find. i'm worried that it will not hold up. Does anyone have any experince with them?
Also are there any other 42" dog crates for around 60 bucks?

Below is the link to the crate i'm referring to.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/180868541007?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Answer
I think that there is no reason why you should crate a dog as it can create psychological and behavioural problems here is some info on why they are bad for dogs www.peta.org/about/why-peta/crating-dogs.aspx/ but that's just my opinion.

to torie
I do not believe that crates are bad just because PETA said they are there website is just an easier way to express my opinion I feel that they are bad because the dog is forced to sit in a cage that has no room for them to move about and many people abuse the use of crates as a way too keep their dogs out of their way. How would you feel if you were forced to sit in one place all the time and have to go to the toilet in the small amount of space you had, it is cruel. I do understand that some people use crates at night to keep their dog quiet and in one place at night or to prevent chewing but there is better options and solutions

How to train a 4 year old dog?

ForTheLove

i need a lot of help on training my dog. we are moving soon into an apartment and my mom has threatened to take away the dog because it is too loud and it pees every where. i need help a lot of it. if you can recommend a book or an online recource that would be great. my deadline is the end of april to show her that i am making progress. plz help me i adore my dog and i cant see it go away.

Answer
Most dogs which have been introduced to the kennel crate while still young grow up to prefer their crate to rest in or "hang-out" in.
Therefore a crate (or any other area of confinement) should NEVER be used for the purpose of punishment.
Some crates allow for the removal of the door once it is no longer necessary for the purpose of training.
Water:

A small hamster-type water dispenser with ice water should be attached to the crate if your puppy is to be confined for more than two hours in the crate.

Bedding:

Place a towel or blanket inside the crate to create a soft, comfortable bed for the puppy. If the puppy chews the towel, remove it to prevent the pup from swallowing or choking on the pieces. Although most puppies prefer lying on soft bedding, some may prefer to rest on a hard, flat surface, and may push the towel to one end of the crate to avoid it. If the puppy urinates on the towel, remove bedding until the pup no longer eliminates in the crate.
Tips:

In the beginning, praise and pet your pup when he enters. Do not try to push, pull or force the puppy into the crate. At this early stage of introduction only inducive methods are suggested. Overnight exception: You may need to place your pup in his crate and shut the door upon retiring. (In most cases, the crate should be placed next to your bed overnight. If this is not possible, the crate can be placed in the kitchen, bathroom or living room.)
You may also play this enjoyable and educational game with your pup or dog: without alerting your puppy, drop a small dog biscuit into the crate. Then call your puppy and say to him, "Where's the biscuit? It's in your room." Using only a friendly, encouraging voice, direct your pup toward his crate. When the puppy discovers the treat, give enthusiastic praise. The biscuit will automatically serve as a primary reward. Your pup should be free to leave its crate at all times during this game. Later on, your puppy's toy or ball can be substituted for the treat.
Crate your pup for short periods of time while you are home with him. In fact, crate training is best accomplished while you are in the room with your dog. This prevents an association being made with the crate and your leaving him/her alone.
Feeding your puppy or dog is a very important tool in crate training; Feedings should only be 2-3 times a day and should only stay out 30-40 mins (Note:) If your dog does not eat the proper amount of food within the time period the food should be out try using wet food, (Example: (if your dog gets 1 cup of food 2-3 times daily give it 1/2 cup of wet food and 1/2 cup of dry food))-as the pup gets used to the time period concept you have created slowly give less wet food and more dry food. KEEP MEALS ON A SCHEDULE
Water should be given one of two ways; 1. Leave water out all day and remove 3 1/2 hours before crating. 2.Two-Three times daily (give with means)
(A Note About Crating Puppies )

Puppies 5 months of age and under have little bladder or sphincter control. Puppies under 3 months have even less. Very young puppies under 9 weeks should not be crated, as they need to eliminate very frequently (usually 8-12 times or more daily).



Crating Duration Guidelines


9-10 Weeks
Approx. 30-60 minutes

11-14 Weeks
Approx. 1-3 hours

15-16 Weeks
Approx. 3-4 hours

17 + Weeks
Approx. 4+ (6 hours maximum)



*NOTE: Except for overnight, neither puppies nor dogs should be crated for more than 5 hours at a time. (6 hours maximum!)


Important Reminders



Warm Weather: Do not crate a puppy or dog when temperatures reach an uncomfortable level. This is especially true for the short-muzzled (Pugs, Pekes, Bulldogs, etc.) and the Arctic or thick- coated breeds (Malamutes, Huskies, Akitas, Newfoundlands, etc.). Cold water should always be available to puppies, especially during warm weather. [Never leave an unsupervised dog on a terrace, roof or inside a car during warm weather. Also, keep outdoor exercise periods brief until the hot weather subsides.]

Be certain that your puppy has fully eliminated shortly before being crated. If your pup/dog continues to eliminate in the crate, the following may be the causes:

The pup is too young to have much control.

The pup has a poor or rich diet, or very large meals.

The pup did not eliminate prior to being confined.

The pup has worms.

The pup has gaseous or loose stools.

The pup drank large amounts of water prior to being crated.

The pup has been forced to eliminate in small confined areas prior to crate training..

The pup/dog is suffering from a health condition or illness (i.e., bladder infection, diabetes, prostate problem, etc.)

The puppy or dog is experiencing severe separation anxiety when left alone.



(Note:)

Puppies purchased in pet stores, or puppies which were kept solely in small cages or other similar enclosures at a young age (between approxim

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what dog would fit my lifestyle?

Daniella M

i want a dog that is...

1. intelligent
2. doesnt shed too much
3. a small dog
4. a dog that can stay outdoors
5. a dog that doesnt bark too much (or at least not too loud cuz my neighbors)
6. a dog with not too much maintenance(like a bulldog)
7. lovable
8. easy to tame
im thinking of getting a pomerian or a chinese crested but im not sure yet...
i dont really mind the shedding if i keep it outside
ya i most likely would get a short hair small dog and keep it inside or get like a medium size dog and keep it outside. its just my dad is soooo strict about keeping dogs inside
look people im just writting out what my dad wants me too
I KNOW BULLDOGS REQUIRE LOTS OF CARE I WAS GIVING AN EXAMPLE OF A DOG THAT HAS A LOT OF MAINTENANCE!!

you yahoo answers people are sooo predictable " get a stuffed animal" gosh i cant ask a simple question

Answer
You pretty much described an Italian Greyhound! They are such cute little ...... but very sensitive to cold climates, so would not make a good outdoor dog. A Pomeranian would but they bark and shed alot. Dogs are best when kept inside BUT fine outside...if you could maybe make a deal with your dad to keep it in your room in a crate at night time?? That would be good.

Here are some ideas:

West Highland White Terrier
Norfolk Terrier or Norwhich Terrier
Corgi
Basenji
Dachshund





oh, and for sure not a Chinese Crested ----very sensitve dogs to weather. They need sunscreen in the sun and also hate cold.

Whats a good schedule for a new dog, first time owner...?

NJnetsfan3

I would like to get a dog, im thinking of a norfolk terrier or pembroke welsh corgi..... i would like to see a schedule of what i would have to do... I am at school from 6:45-3:00 so i cant do anything then but i could get my parents to maybe do something....

**When to feed and how many times
when to take it outside
when to put it in cage
and any other cares

Answer
5:00 am - Wake up, take puppy out of crate and straight outside to go to the washroom.
5:15 am - Feed puppy.
5:30 am - Put puppy back in crate while you get ready for school.
5:50 am - Let puppy outside to go to the washroom
6:00 am - Playtime with puppy/Walk with puppy.
6:40 am - Let puppy outside to go to the washroom.
6:45 am - Crate puppy and leave for school.

11:00 am - Parents take puppy outside to go to the washroom and have a 15-20 minute playtime.
11:30 am - Put puppy back in crate.

3:00 pm - Get home and take puppy outside to go to the washroom.
3:10 pm - Walk puppy.
3:30 pm - Put puppy in crate for a nap while you do homework or whatever you need to do for yourself.
4:30 pm - Play with puppy.
5:15 pm - Let puppy outside to go to the washroom.
5:30 pm - Feed puppy.
5:45 pm - Put puppy in crate while you eat your dinner.
6:00 pm - Let puppy outside to go to the washroom.
6:15 pm - Play with puppy/walk puppy/train puppy.
7:00 pm - Let puppy outside to go to the washroom.
7:15 pm - Walk puppy to tire puppy out before bedtime.
8:00 pm - Let puppy chew on a Kong or play with his toys while you relax and watch tv, read a book, or do homework.
8:50 pm - Let puppy outside to go to the washroom.
9:00 pm - Put puppy in crate for the night and you can now get yourself ready for bed and go to sleep so that you are ready for the next 5 am morning tomorrow.

That would be a typical day with a puppy. The basic idea is that after your dog eats, drinks, plays, or wakes up, it should be going outside to the washroom. The rest of the time it is awake you need to be supervising it and playing with it, or it should be in a crate. Crate training is the best thing you can do because it is a safe place to put your dog when you can't be watching it.

Both of those breeds are good dogs, just make sure that you are ready to take on the amount of time you need to entertain your dog. Also, make sure to look into going to puppy classes with your dog so that you can properly socialize it with other dogs and people.

Good luck and enjoy your dog!

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