How to Get a Stubborn Dog to Leave the Car

A: Stories of dogs refusing to get out of the car have been common among my clients this past year. There are a variety of reasons dogs opt to stay in the car, but each one has a simple training solution.

Keep in mind that any time your dog rides in the car, she should be secured in a crate, for her safety and yours.

So why is your dog resisting getting out of the car? Here are five common reasons, plus strategies for dealing with them.

Your dog doesn’t want to miss out on any fun. Car trips often take canines to a favorite place such as the beach, dog park or doggy day care. After a round of errands, your dog may not want to get out of the car since that might mean she will miss out on another fun outing.

Solution: Train your dog to get out of the car on cue. Start by teaching her to hand target. Practice in a situation where your dog is relaxed, such as getting on and off a deck or lawn furniture. Have your dog follow your hand as she gets on and off the deck. Follow with a reward she enjoys, such as a treat or a game of fetch. Once your dog is reliably following your hand and climbing on and off the deck or lawn chair, move the training to the car. When your dog gets out of the car, reward her with a fun activity, such as a food puzzle or a game of tug.

The car is her safe den area. Maybe your dog was taken on frequent car rides during her socialization period as a puppy, maybe she likes the cushy seats, or maybe she just enjoys the gentle warmth when it’s cold outside. Dogs like to have comfortable and safe places to rest, and for your canine, the car may be her chosen place, especially since it offers a high vantage point from which to view her surroundings.

Solution: To keep your dog from treating the car as her favorite safe place, create a denlike area in your home for her. Make a crate or doggy-proofed area inviting with soft bedding, chews and toys. 

Being pulled out of the car is stressful. Your dog may not want to jump out of the car because you are pulling on her collar; instead, she will pull back in opposition to the pressure, a normal response for dogs. She may also feel trapped by having people enclosing her on both sides, and she tries to fight to stay in her safety zone inside the car rather than be pulled or pushed out.

Solution: Train your dog to move with pressure when her collar is pulled. Although hand targeting and luring are preferred, your dog should still be taught how to respond when her collar is pulled.

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Canine Circovirus: Should You Worry?

Signs of illness thought to be caused by canine circovirus are lethargy, severe vomiting and diarrhea.

Some angst is brewing among dog lovers because of a newly discovered infectious agent called canine circovirus. This angst is justified as circovirus is suspected to be the cause of recent severe illness and even death in some dogs. Just this week, two dogs in Michigan tested positive for the microorganism.

Circoviruses have been around for a long time, but documentation of this microorganism in dogs is new. Pig farmers are all too familiar with circovirus, which causes poor growth, a “wasting away” syndrome and death in piglets. Circovirus can also cause disease in a variety of bird species.

While the circovirus found in dogs resembles pig circovirus, the two are not identical. This canine version was first discovered in June 2012. At that time it was not determined to be a cause of disease, simply an incidental finding in healthy dogs.

Circovirus was first reported as a possible cause of illness in dogs by researchers in California, and it was found in the feces of a number of sick dogs in Ohio. These dogs had severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea and lethargy. Some of these dogs passed away in spite of aggressive therapy.

Although circovirus has been isolated from apparently healthy dogs, the consensus now is that this virus is very likely a “player” in the severe gastrointestinal illnesses reported in California and Ohio. Whether the signs these dogs exhibited were due solely to the circovirus or the virus acting in conjunction with another microorganism is unknown.

The route of canine infection isn’t known with certainty, but it is suspected that circovirus is spread directly between dogs via feces or vomited material. Circovirus in pigs can be spread through respiratory secretions. This route of contagion has not been ruled out in dogs. Some of the Ohio dogs who tested positive for circovirus were recently boarded or spent time at doggie day care.

Signs of illness thought to be caused by canine circovirus are lethargy and severe vomiting and diarrhea. These are nonspecific signs, meaning they can occur with a wide assortment of medical issues. If your dog has severe vomiting and diarrhea, it is important to get your veterinarian involved. Prompt treatment can help prevent dehydration and increase the likelihood of recovery. 

If your dog is a frequent flier at a boarding kennel, doggie day care facility or dog park, I encourage you to be just as “heads up” as you normally would be in order to protect your dog’s health. Inspect the facility for evidence of cleanliness, proper sanitation measures and the presence of healthy-appearing animals.

A new canine virus has been discovered, and our current understanding of its behavior and significance is very limited. More studies of canine circovirus are in progress, and I am confident we will have much more certain information in the near future. For now, there is no need to do anything more than take good care of your dogs — something I am sure you are already doing! We will keep you apprised of any new developments.

Prior to this, what have you heard about canine circovirus?

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5 Surprising Ways You're Sabotaging Your Dog's Training

Leaving your dog home alone for many hours gives him plenty of time to develop unwanted behaviors.

Your actions greatly impact your dog’s behavior — for better or worse. In fact, it’s possible that you are unknowingly acting in a manner that is hindering your dog’s training success. While you are probably familiar with the more common training mistakes, such as petting your dog when he jumps up while greeting, there are some less obvious mistakes that you might be making. I’ve rounded up five of the most common errors I see pet owners make; be sure to avoid these with your own dog.

1. Failing to deal with your dog's fear of the veterinary office. A study funded by Bayer found that more than 26 percent of dog owners said just thinking about a visit to the vet is stressful, while 37 percent said their dog hates going to the vet. When your dog is stressed or frightened during a vet visit, it can be difficult for the doctor to thoroughly evaluate your dog. Luckily, fear-free veterinary visits are becoming more common as the push for gentler methods has increased. Find a veterinarian who implements fear-free practices into office visits, including force-free nail trims. Frequent friendly vet visits are essential for your pet’s health.

2. Leaving your dog unattended for long periods. Dogs left alone in the backyard for long periods of time have ample opportunity to develop unwanted behaviors, such as barking at passing people and dogs. This can lead to barrier frustration, which can intensify over time and result in territorial behavior and reactively aggressive behavior. Barking is also a self-rewarding behavior, which means that the more your dog is allowed to bark, the more he will bark. Instead of leaving your dog outside alone, supervise him when he’s in your yard. If you need to leave him outside by himself, keep the interval short and provide him with ample activities to keep him busy, such as searching for scattered kibble.

3. Exaggerating greetings and departures. Too often pet owners turn every goodbye into an emotional scene, complete with lingering petting and attention. Dogs are smart; your dog will pick up on your heightened emotion, and this can make your absence more distressing for him. When you return home, you are understandably excited to see your dog again and may greet him with affection, hugs, petting and treats. This process of an emotional goodbye and an intense greeting can exacerbate separation anxiety and increase your dog’s distress at being left alone. To avoid this, keep departures and arrivals low-key. The more relaxed and nonchalant you are when you come and go, the less anxious your dog will be.

4. Letting your dog mouth your hands. I almost never recommend hand wrestling with your dog; the one exception is if you are teaching bite inhibition to a puppy. Playing with your dog in this manner teaches him that it is acceptable to mouth people’s hands. He may also have a hard time distinguishing when it’s playtime and when it’s not or deciphering whom it is OK to play with in this manner. Your dog may also use the mouthing as his default behavior when excited, such as when out on walks. Instead, direct chewing-related play toward a toy by playing fetch or structured tug with your dog.

5. Limiting your dog's social interaction. Your dog’s social skills need continual practice in order for him to learn to communicate well with other dogs. Limited opportunity to greet other friendly dogs on walks and lack of playtime with a variety of friendly dogs can cause unruly on-leash behavior, such as barking and lunging. If your dog is friendly with other canines, allowing him to greet and sniff other friendly dogs on walks and providing social outlets, such as an afternoon at the dog park or a day at doggy day care, encourage continued calm interaction with other dogs.

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'Hero Dogs of 9/11' Honors Dedicated Canines

Lots of difficult memories come flooding back with each anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks — and stories of the amazing dogs who helped are always an inspiration.

This year, Animal Planet will air a new documentary on the canines who didn’t hesitate when they were called on to help with search and rescue, sniff for explosives, or comfort the first responders or victims’ families.

Hero Dogs of 9/11, an hour-long special by Dog Files founder Kenn Bell, premieres on tonight at 8 p.m ET on Animal Planet, the day before the 12th anniversary of the coordinated attacks that killed close to 3,000 people. The film chronicles the four-legged heroes’ lives and actions.

More than 300 dogs took part in the rescue and recovery mission at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Bell’s special focuses on the stories of three survivors at Ground Zero — and how they were helped by dogs.

“The firemen and the police officers were completely stone-faced,” says one of the interviewees in the special. “When they’d see one of the dogs, their eyes [would] light up a little bit.”

One of the survivors who’s profiled in the documentary is blind, and was led out of the World Trade Center to safety by his guide dog. The second was pulled from the rubble by a rescue dog while he was working at the scene with his bomb sniffing dog. And the third was the last survivor to be discovered in the wreckage, after being located by a dog, more than 24 hours after the towers collapsed.

We’ll be watching, with our tissues in hand and our own best friends.

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Do Dogs Like Women Best? Understanding Canine Preferences

Many dogs express a clear preference about which people they like — and which they don’t. While there are no hard and fast rules about who a dog might like best, it’s easy to generalize: Dogs prefer adults over children, particularly women. Dogs also generally prefer people with soft voices and calm mannerisms over those who are loud and boisterous.

While these sweeping assumptions are not valid for every dog all of the time, many of them do have some truth to them, for some very simple reasons.

A dog's preference for one person — or type of person — over another has a great deal to do with socialization. Dogs don't, as a rule, dislike men, but most dogs are cared for by women, and are thus more comfortable around them. A single woman is more likely to have a dog than a single man; in a couple, the woman is more likely to handle the dog’s care. In addition, most animal care workers and veterinarians are female. Some dogs may also be intimidated by a man’s physical appearance, as men are often taller and more sturdily built, with deeper voices and strange features, like facial hair and hats.

Dogs who lack contact with children during their prime socialization period are prone to prefer adults, for some very specific reasons. The way children act — moving with erratic and fast movements, invading the dog’s space — can be threatening to a dog, particularly one who has little experience with children.

Children may behave in ways that are scary to a dog, such as running up and hugging or kissing him, pushing or climbing on him, or putting things in his face. Children often fail to understand how to approach a dog safely and will reach out to pet him when he’s eating or sleeping, or pull a toy out of his mouth. Small children can be prone to accidentally dropping a dog they’re holding, which can be terrifying for the pet.

A person with a loud, booming voice is more likely to startle a dog than one who is soft spoken. A quieter voice with a light, joyous inflection is soothing to most dogs. When pet parents alternate between a stern voice with a hint of anger and a friendly and inviting voice when asking for a behavior, the dog almost always responds with greater eagerness to the happier voice.

People with peaceful body language who allow a dog to approach on his own typically get a warm welcome from the dog as well. A person who has turned her body just slightly to the side is more inviting for a canine to approach than someone facing him head on.

Kneeling slightly rather than bending over the top of the dog is also more approachable. Looking away every so often from the dog or avoiding eye contact with shy dogs also poses less of a threat than direct eye contact and helps the dog stay calm.

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Dogs Head to School — to Use iPads

Cats have been iPad experts for years. Now, it’s time for dogs to get in the game.

Fortunately, at Anna Jane Grossman’s School for the Dogs in New York, your tech-savvy pup can learn how to use your iPad, reported Today.

Don’t worry — Fido isn't going to scratch up your screen. Most of the apps involve your dog’s nose, and the devices are protected in cases or plastic wrap.

Your pup won’t exactly be learning to go after those devilish pigs in Angry Birds, as much as he might enjoy that. Instead, the dogs who take the school’s private lessons learn to “paint” on the screen by touching it with their snouts or select from a big Yes or No button (one of which will result in real-life treats). A third app makes the iPad one big camera, with which your adorable pal can take selfies. (And then he'll want his own Instagram account. Of course.)

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If you’re thinking there’s not much your dog will get out of this $50 lesson, think again. “If you teach the fun silly stuff, you're developing the skills to teach the harder stuff," said Grossman.

And, she notes, it’s a great way to play with your pup, especially in the city.

“We’re giving people a way to interact with their animals and to help enrich that relationship,” said Grossman. “We’re giving them a game, really, that they can play with their dogs.”

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How a Breed Becomes a Breed

Courtesy of Cheryl Brown | Barbara O'Brien, Animal Photography | Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography

In 2013, three new lovable breeds (Chinook, Rat Terrier and Portuguese Podengo Pequeno) became eligible to compete at the upcoming National Dog Show and next February's renowned Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. This is not unusual. Each year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) determines the eligibility of newcomers who hope to contend for the blue ribbon.

In the United States, the AKC is responsible for acknowledging and substantiating the existence of breeds in general, usually making two to six official each year. Currently, they recognize 175 breeds. “The AKC has been recognizing breeds since it was founded in 1884,” says AKC spokeswoman Lisa Peterson. “The process has evolved with us.”

Though the organization’s verification system is clearly delineated, it differs in certain ways from the dictated tenets of parallel entities in countries like Canada and the United Kingdom. As it turns out, what renders a breed official in the U.S. may not necessarily hold in the land of royals or maple leaves, and vice versa.

In the U.S., the first step in submitting a breed for recognition is to join the AKC’s Foundation Stock Service (FSS), a recordkeeping program for purebred breeders that aims to help support pedigree claims down the line. (This requires filling out a questionnaire, documenting the history of the breed and laying out standards for that breed that conform to specific guidelines, among other things — "rare" breeds from the combination of two AKC-recognized breeds are not considered.) Often these breeds are imported from other countries and must have proof of an acceptable registry.

Breeds are broken down into categories by group: Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, Herding and Miscellaneous Class. The next step in having a breed recognized is to have it admitted into that last category.

The AKC recommends various strategies for shepherding a breed into contention: You can form a national club — which can qualify once it includes roughly 100 active households — or a rescue or health committee that puts out a quarterly newsletter and maybe even its own shows. You should encourage fellow lovers of the breed to record their dogs with the FSS, as there must be 150 to 200 dogs registered with complete three-generation pedigrees to be approved.

Dogs generally remain in the Miscellaneous category for one to three years. Full registration depends on consistent enrollment of more dogs of that breed in FSS, unless there are already 1,000 or more dogs enrolled. In that case, the situation is reviewed within six months by the AKC board of directors.

It might sound like a lot, but it’s worth the work. “Once a breed is fully recognized, they’re eligible to earn AKC conformation championship titles, as well as being able to compete in group competition,” Peterson says.

While the uninitiated might associate Canada primarily with only Newfoundlands and sleigh dogs, the country has much going on in the canine realm. Like the American Kennel Club, the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) — founded in 1888 thanks to the proliferation of Canadian purebred dog shows previously overseen by the AKC — currently recognizes 175 breeds, just like the AKC. Despite the obvious similarities, they go about that recognition slightly differently.

The first step is still to apply for a spot on their Miscellaneous List, which allows event participation and eventual recognition as a breed. That’s accomplished via a written application, a certificate of registration from another Animal Pedigree Act-approved kennel club, breed standards from the country of origin (in writing, with illustrations) and three-generation pedigree documentation, plus a fee. Once all that information is confirmed with the head office, the breed is presented to the board of directors for approval and for membership polling.

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Tips for Training Scent and Sight Hounds

Even slight changes in the environment are perceived by sight hounds, and anything moving away from them is likely to be seen as potential prey.

Hounds are notoriously independent and will look for any opportunity to pursue an interesting scent or moving animal. Because of this, hounds are often perceived as stubborn and impossible to train. The truth is that hounds just have different motivations than their nonhound peers. When you’re working with a hound, it’s important to understand his innate desires and to incorporate those into his training.

There are two distinct subgroups within the hound group: the scent hound and the sight hound (although some dogs exhibit both tendencies). As a group, hounds have an elevated desire to pursue prey, but scent hounds and sight hounds vary in significant ways and each presents distinct training challenges. 

A scent hound primarily tracks prey by using his nose. The scent hound is built for endurance rather than for short bursts of speed; he can track using scent even when his prey is out of sight. Certain scent hounds will exhibit deep, booming vocalizations. Scent hounds will often tree or corner prey, and use their big voices to alert a handler to the animal’s whereabouts. Many scent hounds have independent personalities, the result of an inborn tendency to be self-sufficient when working at a distance from their handler.

Scent hounds present some common training challenges. The scent hound is easily distracted, especially by smells, which can make outdoor training difficult. A scent hound will often pull on the leash, often because he is on the trail of a particular smell. Some scent hounds are very vocal and may bark and bay for long periods of time, which can cause problems with the neighbors. Scent hounds are also notorious for running after scents and covering great distances without stopping, which makes it almost impossible to let them off leash without extensive training.

Sight hounds, on the other hand, chase prey primarily using vision rather than scent. Even slight changes in the environment are perceived by sight hounds, and anything moving away from them is likely to be seen as potential prey. Sight hounds are built for short-distance, high-speed chases. They work independently and can strike down and kill prey on their own. Some sight hound breeds are considered aloof, catlike and wary of strangers.

Sight hounds are often guilty of running away, chasing after animals and not coming when called (although these are also common scent hound complaints). Sight hounds are extremely quick; the Whippet is the fastest moving domesticated animal of its size, reaching speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. Sight hounds present a high risk of predatory behavior toward small animals, which makes them a potential risk to pets such as rabbits and cats, as well as to any wildlife living near the dog’s home.

Although it can be helpful to know the traits common to the hound group, a variety of factors can affect an individual dog’s character, including specific breed, socialization history and training experience. For instance, since both categories of hounds are likely to pursue scents and sights, freedom is best given only in a fenced area, on a long line or after extensive training. Within the hound group, however, each individual breed has unique characteristics that play a part in shaping personality. Dachshunds are likely to dig, because they were bred to hunt badgers, while Coonhounds, who were bred to tree raccoons, are more likely to chase small animals up trees. Understanding your particular hound and his particular personality will make management and training easier to implement.

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How to Reward Your Dog Without Using Treats

A. No. In most situations, once your dog understands a behavior, you will not need to carry treats on you 24 hours a day to get him to respond. While the rewards associated with a behavior should be continued in order for the behavior to remain consistent, the rewards themselves can be varied. In fact, it’s important not to create a reliance on treats when training a new behavior.

Animals form associations between actions and consequences; this influences the frequency of certain behaviors. For instance, a friendly puppy may sit calmly at his owner’s side when a visitor approaches. If the visitor reaches down and pets the puppy while he’s sitting, calm behavior has been rewarded and is likely to recur. On the other hand, if the visitor approaches and the puppy sits calmly at his owner’s side and is ignored, the puppy may get antsy when he doesn’t get attention. In frustration, the puppy may bark. When he barks, the visitor — or the owner — may reach down and pet the puppy. This teaches the puppy that sitting quietly doesn’t work to get attention, but barking does, and he may sit less and bark more in the future.

Since your dog is constantly learning, it’s important to reward desired behavior when it occurs. It’s also important to be aware of whether the behavior you desire in your dog is rewarding enough in itself. If you teach a sit using treats, the treats can be faded once your dog understands the behavior. Yet for the behavior to remain consistent, positive results must follow the sit frequently enough to make it worth the dog’s effort. For instance, if your dog gets excited when you come in the house and you ask him to sit, you should follow through with something the dog desires, such as petting or tossing a toy. You can also offer the occasional treat, but you shouldn’t feel like that is your only option.

I train dog owners not to bribe a dog to do a behavior, like a sit or come when called, by showing the dog they have a treat in their hand. When dogs are trained like this, they learn to respond only when they see a treat. Instead, the dog should be trained to do the behavior first and then get a treat hidden in a treat jar or treat bag. The dog should also regularly be rewarded with a nonfood option, like a game of tug or fetch.

Once your dog learns a behavior, he can be put on a variable reinforcement schedule to get him to respond reliably. I also use rewards other than treats; a dog can be rewarded for heeling by being released to walk on a loose leash, for example, rather than with a dog biscuit. Other reward options are petting, games, going outside, walks, doggy play and food puzzles.

In situations where your dog’s emotions are intense — such as when he is experiencing fear or excitement — the use of food rewards can be useful to help him calm down. Once he is calm, though, you can phase out the food reward and offer another alternative for good behavior.

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Shelter Dogs Show Off Their True "Selfies"

The dogs at the U.K.’s Battersea Dogs & Cats Home are taking the search for a new home into their own paws.

The pups are taking advantage of the Internet trend of taking “selfies” to draw attention to their unique personalities and catch the eye of potential owners online.

Selfies are pictures people (or cats) usually take of themselves, often with a smartphone, and uploaded to Facebook or other social media sites. The dogs are using an iPhone for theirs!

“Sharing selfies online is all the rage and our dogs are tapping into this trend,” says Rob Young, the shelter’s dog adoption manager. “Their photos are very cute and it’s a great way to promote our dogs and help them find a second chance.”

Justine, pictured above, is one of 400 dogs at Battersea who are looking for a home. The 2-year-old pooch is “hoping her perfectly posed picture will be a big hit on social media,” according to her description.

We’re sure it will be!

Check out more of the dogs’ adorable photos on Battersea’s site.

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Are You Loving Your Pet to Death?

In the winter of 2010, I was living in Leesburg, Va., with my wife and our 2-year-old daughter. When a snowstorm blanketed the area, my wife and I decided it was time for our daughter’s first snow experience.

First time parents that we were, we bundled her up like a little Michelin man, wrapped in layer upon layer of padded clothing to ensure absolutely no harm — or cold – would come to her. Did our efforts keep her warm? Oh, yes. Did they keep her safe? Well, not exactly. When she fell down, as toddlers eventually do when set free outdoors, she rolled around helplessly in the snow. She was so heavily insulated that she couldn’t use her arms or legs to get up. Whoops. We had acted very deliberately to do what we thought was best and had created an entirely new problem.

Still, aside from her face, I’m certain she was never cold.

As a veterinarian, I am always delighted to see pets who are loved by their owners. Sometimes, however, when an adoring owner places the immediate comfort or wishes of a pet above the pet’s enduring wellness, it can lead to problems later.

Here are 5 common ways I see pet owners protecting and caring for their pets in the short term, but potentially harming them in the long term:

1. Never Letting Their Feet Touch the Ground

It’s wonderful to see pets have a close bond with their owners. I start to worry, however, when the pet’s body shape appears to have molded over time to fit precisely in the crook of the owner’s elbow. It’s not that pets shouldn’t be carried. It’s that they shouldn’t be carried to the exclusion of interactions with other people and pets. This is especially true for puppies under about 3 months of age. If dogs aren’t allowed to socialize, they don’t learn how to interact well with others. That can lead to lifelong fear and behavioral problems. It can also deprive them of lots of beneficial walking and exercise.

2. Avoiding Anesthesia

Some pet owners decline any recommended procedure that requires their pet being “put under.” While it’s wise not to take the risks of anesthesia lightly, I have seen pets incur greater health risks from progressive dental disease, cancerous growths that could have been removed, and orthopedic injuries that could have been repaired — all because their owners flatly refused anesthesia.

While anesthesia in healthy animals is generally very safe, there is always at least some risk. If you have concerns, discuss them with your doctor. Be honest about any apprehensions; talk about the risks for your pet; and discuss the steps your veterinarian takes to minimize the risks of anesthesia in patients. Also discuss what might happen in the long term if you opt not to do a procedure. That way, you have all the information you need to make an educated decision.

3. Showing Love With Food

I understand why some people overnourish their pets. For some pets, food is what they want more than anything in the world. Giving it to them seems like a clear sign of our affection. Unfortunately, many of these pets end up severely overweight, and their bodies pay a hefty toll in the form of joint problems, diabetes, heart disease, or other conditions.

So stick to giving treats as a reward, and avoid giving table scraps. Focus on healthy treats like carrots and green beans, and use small pieces. It may be hard to resist those big, longing eyes while you’re making a sandwich, but our loved ones will be around longer and live happier lives if we don’t try to prove our love with food.

4. Not Taking the Cat to the Vet

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard the phrase, “I have a cat you’ve never seen.” When I inquire as to why I have not made this acquaintance, I am usually told that the cat does not like to travel.

Getting cats to the veterinarian’s office can be difficult. However, regular examinations are extremely important. Ask your veterinarian for any advice he or she may have on making trips to the clinic easier, and feel free to check out this fun video on improving the voyage. 

5. Dreading the Crate

Probably the most common house-training problem I see in young dogs stems from wanting to crate-train them but not wanting to see them in a crate. I completely understand that. Who wants their new best friend in confinement?

However, the desire to get them out of the crate and free in the house is exactly why I encourage people to embrace crate training. Quite often, a reluctance to put puppies into the crate allows them to slip away from watchful eyes and into situations that set back housetraining efforts, enable the formation of bad habits, and allow the pup to get into danger.

I recommend committing to using the crate whenever the puppy is inside and can’t be supervised by an adult. In my experience, by combining crate training with basic dog training, we can teach pups to be trustworthy family members in the shortest period of time possible while keeping them safe. And won’t that make them happier for the long term?

We all want to do what’s best for our loved ones. Whether they’re little girls going into the snow for the first time or puppies and kittens exploring their new home, it’s important to balance our impulse to provide immediate comfort with our knowledge of what’s best for long-term health and happiness.

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10 Things Dogs Can Teach Us About Relationships

I was already married to my wife when I became a veterinarian. We quickly discovered that a career as a vet can put some stress on a marriage. I can’t tell you how many dinners I have missed because a patient needed me, how many social occasions I've attended at which I’ve arrived covered in cat hair, or how many times I have lobbied to bring home an animal that “just needs a place to stay for a while.”

However, I also have to say that I think I became a much better husband and partner after becoming a veterinarian. While I’d like to claim that any improvement has come from experience, maturity or wisdom, I think I have to credit the countless individuals I’ve met who have this whole lifelong-love thing down pat. They’re my canine patients, and I try to take pointers from them whenever I can.

Here are 10 lessons dogs have taught me about making marriage—or any kind of committed relationship—work.

1. Forgive mistakes. No matter what we humans do—scoot our dogs from comfortable seats in front of the television or go on walks or jogs without them when the weather is too hot or cold—dogs never hold a grudge. They forgive us our failings and don't dwell on our wrongs.

2.  Celebrate time together. How wonderful is it to come home to someone who’s always thrilled to see you? Whether we left the house five hours ago or five minutes ago, canine companions are over-the-moon thrilled to be reunited with us. In today's world of constant “busy-ness,” pausing to celebrate the entrance of a loved one doesn’t always happen. That common complacency makes the act even more powerful.

3.  Prioritize exercise. We live in a stressful world. Exercise is a great way to fight back against tension in our lives and also to have meaningful time with loved ones away from computers, phones and other distractions. I think most dogs would agree that we would all be better off if we spent more time together on walks.

4. Embrace the power of silence. Listening is hard work. Many of us (myself included) spend more time waiting for a turn to speak than paying attention to what our partners are telling us. Our dogs are never waiting to talk. They simply cock their heads and try their best to understand our message.

5. Show love in big and small ways. From laying their heads on our laps while we watch a movie to barking wildly and running in circles when we take them to the park, dogs let us know we are loved every single day.

6. Be yourself. In the words of the great sage RuPaul, “If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?” Dogs have no interest in being anyone but themselves. I think this is why they can show affection so easily. They don’t want to impress. They just want to love.

7. Don’t forget to have fun. I have never met a dog who was too busy to have fun, but I have met plenty of people who are. (And at times, I’ve been one.) Life is too short not to play and feel good with those we care about.

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Pup Direction Will Get You Dancing (and Maybe Adopting, Too)

If you're a tween, or the parent of a tween, or, really, just existing in a world inhabited by tweens, then you know about British boy band One Direction. You probably also know that One Direction has a new single out, Best Song Ever. And you may also know that when the video premiered on YouTube, it grabbed nearly 11 million views in the first 24 hours, setting a new one-day record.

Crazy!

So what does that have to do with animals? Well, nothing, except for this: Pet Collective's Pup Direction (an all-dog band, of course) has released their own take on the 1D's Best Day Ever, titled Best Dog Ever. (Get it???) The video promotes shelter adoptions and features appearances by some adorable pups looking for forever homes — and while it may not get milions of views, we're sure that it will inspire at least a few people to start looking for their own Best Dog Ever. (Be sure to watch the behind-the-scenes footage, too, to get the scoop on the shelter dogs who appear in the video.)

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Make Back-to-School Time Easier for Your Dog

Make Back-to-School Time Easier for Your DogBy Jennifer DiSanto | Thu Aug 15 07:57:00 EDT 2013

Chances are you've spent a good part of your summer prepping your children to go back to school, but what about your dog? After a few months of having the kids in the house with him, readjusting to an empty house during the day can be tough for your dog. Check out our photo gallery for five tips to help ease the transition.

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Five Pet Behavior Myths That Drive Vets Crazy

One common behavior myth is that aggressive dogs are trying to dominate their owners.

Veterinarians are a lot like pediatricians. Not only do our patients struggle, scream, cry, and otherwise communicate in ways that often leave much to be desired, but like "baby doctors," we also have parents to contend with. And parents come with their own set of challenges.

Perhaps nowhere is the fact of parental influence more stressful than when it comes to talking about their pets’ behavior. The preponderance of animal behavior misinformation delivered by everyone from Dr. Google and Dr. Breeder to Dr. Mother-in-Law to Dr. TV Pet Personality means that simple misconceptions can easily turn into culturally intractable myths.

Sadly, veterinarians are too often relegated to the final stop on the fix-this-problem bus tour of any given pet’s by-now-too-serious-to-live-with behavior disorder. Which is probably why pet behavior myths drive us crazy. After all, we know too well what happens when behavior problems get out of control: Problem pets are unwanted pets. And unwanted pets end up in shelters.

Which is why veterinarians are always busy trying to debunk myths like these five zingers:

Myth 1: Aggressive pets are trying to dominate us. This is not always true. Indeed, it’s usually not. Aggression is much more likely the result of fear or anxiety than the desire to dominate anyone. Nonetheless, people seem to prefer to believe that aggressive or difficult pets are attempting to control their environments than reacting to its stresses. The observation of wolf hierarchies —which has been shown to be an inapt model — largely informs this canine worldview.

Sadly, this misconception about dogs — widely disseminated by certain popular media personalities — has led to the more widespread use of punitive training techniques that can lead to even more serious behavior problems than they purport to address.

Myth 2: Abuse is the root cause of fear and aggression in pets. If we had a dime for every time we were informed of our patients’ past history of abuse, every veterinarian I know would have a stack a mile high. Sure, it’s possible. But if every owner who believed their pet was formerly physically abused was spot-on in their suspicions, we’d have to assume pet abuse is far more prevalent than we currently believe it to be.

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Why Does My Dog... Automatically Like Some Dogs and Hate Others?

Let's face it: No matter how social you are, sometimes you need a break from people. And no matter how many friends you have, there will always be people who rub you the wrong way. No one likes everyone else. It's a fact of life.

It's the same for canines: Not all dogs like all other dogs. “We have a whole spectrum of dogs,” says Dr. Sharon Crowell-Davis, DVM, DACVB, professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Georgia. “We have dogs who if they see another dog in the distance, they’ll react aggressively and other dogs who if they see just about any dog up close, they react friendly.” And in between, there is a middle ground — dogs who like some dogs while disliking others. While you might get that your dog, like you, prefers some of his canine peers over others, it can be difficult to make sense of how those choices are made.

To understand how doggie socializing works, Dr. Crowell-Davis explains that we need to go back to the basics of canine communication. “Dogs communicate with each other in ways that we don’t get, that we are just totally blind about,” she says.  A dog will see something in another dog’s body language or pick up olfactory clues that signal something the first dog either likes or doesn’t like.

And, Dr. Crowell-Davis notes, those subtle body cues and smells can be sensed from a significant distance away. “[Dogs] live in a world of scent information, are surrounded by it. The way we scan a room and see all kinds of details — the bookcase and the book and the chair — they scan the world around them with their nose, and unless the wind is blowing in the totally wrong direction, they pick up a huge amount of olfactory information.”

Another possible reason that a dog may take an immediate dislike to another is that dog’s historical experience. If, for example, your dog was attacked by a large white dog, he may exhibit timidity and intense fear aggression toward big white dogs. Unless we are aware of a dog's history, Dr. Crowell-Davis says, this type of response can seem like a total mystery to us. It works with both bad experiences and good experiences as well. “Other dogs that either look similar or move in a similar fashion or smell similar" to a much-liked canine friend, says Dr. Crowell-Davis, "can affect one dog’s response to another."

Your dog's behavior may also be about you, Dr. Crowell-Davis explains. “It could be that actually your dog is being protective of you in an almost possessive way and the other dog’s just minding his own business,” she says, and that your dog doesn’t want to be near that dog — or doesn't want you to be near him.

If your dog’s dislike of certain dogs is intense or problematic — for example, he is aggressive with or fearful of a dog he comes into contact with on a regular basis — you need to take your dog to a veterinary behaviorist. But if it’s something milder, like an occasional avoidance of another canine at the dog park, Dr. Crowell-Davis suggests a lot of positive reinforcement obedience training done in a gradual fashion. “Have the dog sit for a treat, watch you for a treat and then go out on walks. As you’re getting near to another dog, really go in the mode of lots of treats. He will start associating the presence of other dogs with two things: first, with the dog controlling itself so it gets the treats, and second, with getting the treats!”

The best way to prevent this kind of dislike from becoming an issue, according to Dr. Crowell-Davis, is to take your new puppy to a good puppy socialization class. She also suggests frequently taking your young and growing dog into situations where he can have pleasant interactions with other dogs. “When you encounter other people with dogs,” Dr. Crowell-Davis says, “ask if their dog is friendly and is it OK if the dogs say hello to each other.” Over time, your puppy can learn to be more of a dog's dog — or the canine equivalent of a people person.

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What Do You Know About Dog Dementia?

The simple mention of dementia normally causes a negative reaction in everyone who hears it, typically fear. Why? Because we know it is something we cannot "cure" and that is a trigger for elevated stress in those around the person or dog suffering it. Did I say dogs with dementia?

It is important to establish a difference here between the natural results of aging in dogs and what constitutes dementia.

Every living form of life gets old, even if we hate the idea. Old age is the synonym of losing abilities, like physical energy, endurance,strength, resistance, flexibility, etc. and also mental capacities, like memory, focus, speed at solving problems and many others. One of the nowadays given more attention to is the loss of memory, identified in humans as Alzheimer's disease.

All the above mentioned symptoms occur the same in dogs as in humans. Your favorite pet has slowly shown signs of not being able to walk as fast with you or last as long while playing. Perhaps its hearing, smelling or seeing capacities have been diminished considerably. Maybe you notice a graying muzzle or less bright coat. It may have even lost some of its teeth. All of these are simple signs of the aging process and should never take us by surprise.

There is, on the other hand, something else called Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, or CCD, which has a completely set of symptoms the dog owner should be able to recognize for her to know what to expect and also what to do about it.

Some of the most common behaviors in dog dementia or CCD are:

The dog becomes lost in even very familiar settings.It becomes hard for the dog to learn anything new.There is no response to its name or other commands.The dog does no longer recognize family members or other frequent friends, toys or even other pets in the house.It may seem either lost or trapped in corners.It is common for the dog to pace around the house continuously without any specific purpose. This can be done for hours.Loss of appetite.Changes in sleep patterns.The dog loses interest in otherwise enjoyable activities and doesn't even want to go out many times.There may be frequent tremors or shakes, both in standing or lying down positions.Even if house trained, the dog may begin to eliminate inside the house again.The dog may sit and stare at a point on the wall for hours, as if not knowing what else to do.It may show hesitancy to accept treats, to drink water or even eat its food.You may notice it bumps against doors or walls as if not knowing its way around anymore.

The first and most important thing the dog owner should do is keep some sort of record of the behaviors she observes in her dog and take these to its veterinary for the correct diagnosis. Some of the above mentioned conducts may have physiological origins and it is for the expert to do the ruling out and not the dog owner.

Although, as we said at the beginning, dog dementia or CCD has no cure, a new medication has come out called Anipryl which, even if it expensive, has shown to improve the dog's life and enjoyment.

The veterinarian can also recommend certain adjustments be made so the dog's needs can be satisfied better when at home. Sometimes, just moving furniture so the dog will not bump into it can simplify things considerably. Besides this, it is recommended for the dog owner to increase the dog's brain activity using interactive toys, as an example. A change to a diet rich in antioxidants seems to help also in maintaining that mental health we all want so much in our dog.

Losing patience is never the solution to anything. In this case, if dog dementia unfortunately makes your beloved pet its victim, the best thing you can do is return all the loyalty, company and love your dog has given you throughout the years and help it live to the fullest all the moments it has left with you.

The author runs a blog and a website dedicated to dog training, dog care, dog health and dog grooming. For more information about how to have the best dog, visit them at: dog training and dog care

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What Are The Benefits Of Chicken Jerky Treats For Dogs?

Dogs tend to just love chicken jerky treats, but the news on these treats causing sicknesses and even death among hundreds of dogs has caused an alarm among dog parents. However, the reported contaminated treats are made in China, so there is no need to avoid feeding dogs with chicken treats all together. The ones made in the U.S. are generally safe because of the strict manufacturing standards in the country. These treats benefit dogs in several ways. Dog parents just need to make sure to thoroughly check the label before buying a chicken jerky product.

Chicken jerky treats are not just appetizing for dogs, but they are also high in protein. These treats are usually made of chicken breast. And, the fact that chicken breast contains high levels of protein and low levels of fat makes these treats ideal in supplementing dogs' daily protein requirement. High-protein and low-fat diet is important in keeping dogs' weight in check. Overweight dogs are more likely to develop hip and joint conditions such as hip dysplasia.

Another benefit of chicken jerky treats is that they are gluten-free. Gluten is a protein that comes from certain grains, and they may be added to certain dog treats. However, dogs can be allergic to gluten, causing them to develop skin and digestive diseases. Since chicken treats for dogs are naturally high in protein, there is no need to add gluten to them.

It helps that chicken jerky treats for dogs are not only healthy but also tasty. Dogs get to enjoy their meals and stay healthy at the same time. Parents are responsible for double checking whatever it is they are feeding their dogs, though.

Get more tips on how to improve your pet's health and quality of life at Choice Nutrition Supplements.

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Dog Training: The Benefits

Raising a dog right is almost like bringing up a child. You have the power of molding it into a monster or a really well behaved angel. For getting this basic fact right, you might want to use the assistance of a professional pup trainer. Professional dog training courses can teach your puppy discipline, obedience and also help you in bonding with your pet on a better level. Teaching them simple commands, teaching them to listen to and respond correctly to the commands are part of what the course is about. Mutts are impressionable starting from an early age and this is why puppy training courses are recommended. Your pup is shown the path to obedience right from a tender age. Responding to commands is more of a safety measure than a way of asserting your control over the pet. If your mutt is trained well and you command it to stop when you know there is danger ahead, you are saving it from a potentially harmful situation. An untrained puppy might not understand your orders and commands and may end up feeling more frightened and confused. This is not what any pet owner will want.

Dog training lessons include a number of modules like dog obedience training. Here your dog is taught how to behave around other humans, how to behave in public and how to listen to the voice of the master. When commands are given, he must be alert to respond accordingly. Toilet training a pup is also important as littering around the house is not acceptable. Teaching your dog about the right and wrong things he does is part of the training too. Many dogs are naturally aggressive and do not accept and listen to commands easily. Such dogs may bite or hurt other people or you without provocation. Training a dog will reduce the tendency of the mutt to attacking and harming you or other people.

Puppy training will not stifle the spirit and natural tendencies of the pup in a bad way. He will be less frustrated and consequently healthier and he will also be adaptive to any new environment you introduce him to. Training will open up new faculties in your dog's neural pathways to make him happier, more well-adjusted and adaptable and secure in the new home. You will also be pleased to have a loving and playful pet that will not only be part of your family, but will soon take over a major part of your love. Spending time with your pet during training will not only improve your bond but will also help your pet to feel secure about the attention he is receiving during a particularly unappealing task. Use this period to your advantage and make it a happy occasion for you and your pet.

ProTrain dog training focuses on keeping your little tail-wagger happy, content and well-adjusted to live in human society. Your pet is the source of your pride and joy and a healthy and a happy dog, ultimately results in happiness and joy all around.

Lauren Barry is the author of this article on ProTrain Dog Training. Find more information about ProTrain here.

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Dog Training And Teaching Commands

For a successful owner of a dog it is very important to understand that the dog training methods used in training a dog can vary due to many factors. It is important to adapt and achieve a positive outcome.

Commands

Total control is the groundwork on which all succeeding training is based. The successful teaching of obedience is brought about by a series of repetitive forming exercises taught on command and put into practice under guidance, with the later being discontinued at the earliest possible moment. It is not to be expected that in teaching a dog a new exercise. He will be immediately aware of what is to be done or how to associate a command with the required action. Before he does so, the same command, tone of voice and guided action will have to be carried out on repetitive occasions. Care should be taken to avoid boredom to both dog and owner.

The various exercises which constitute general obedience are introduced in a certain progressive sequence which ultimately pieces together. The dog must thoroughly grasp each exercise before progressing to another. It must be borne in mind that dogs, just as human beings, are diverse in character. Some are quicker in response to training, others are more sensitive and all have their off moments.

As training progresses, the dog will learn to associate certain happenings with localities, sounds or people, and react accordingly. Whilst this type of association must be avoided at all costs in criminal work training, it is conversely, the basis upon which rests the eventual standard of the obedience training. In this training, the dog is expected to react in a set manner each time he hears or sees a specific command. To obtain this behaviour in a dog, the commands, temperament and actions of the handler must remain the same. Variations will only puzzle the dog and make training more difficult.

Words of command should be clear, concise and therefore preferably confined to single syllables. It is the sound and tone of the voice, not the volume which controls the dog. Commands must not be repeated as a bad association will be created in the dogs mind which will lead to faulty training. The dog, from the first day of training must never be allowed to ignore a command or fail to complete a given one. The dog must never be allowed to suspect that there is a possibility of being able to avoid a command. To allow one to be ignored for any reason whatsoever can give a dog a false impression, which, if allowed to develop, will make many problems in the ensuing training. It is for this reason that training in all exercises must be commenced on the leash and, therefore, can be instantly guided into the action required. At the commencement of training the word of command may be accompanied by physical influence and, in the intermediate stages, if necessary, by visual aids, such as hand signals.

Infinite patience is needed in showing the dog what he is required to do. Faults must be corrected at the time they occur.

Disobedience must be met with firmness once it is ascertained that the dog has clearly understood the meaning of the command and has learnt the exercise correctly. The dog does not understand our standards of right or wrong and it is important from the training point of view, that we do not credit him with these powers when considering the right application of correction. The use of physical punishment should only be resorted to in cases of emergency, and under no circumstances should it be considered a training measure. Proper use of the choker chain, the verbal command or admonition and the withholding of praise are usually sufficient corrective. Care must be taken that the habit of flicking the dog with the hands or leash is not allowed to develop. As shown above dogs are diverse in character and it is important that correction fits the temperament of the dog as well as the misdeed.

Nagging must be avoided at all times as must also boring or over-tiring the dog by continuing the exercise too long.

Working happiness should prevail throughout the training by giving plenty of praise. This praise must be given even if the dog has had difficulty in doing the exercise, but has completed it in the end. The manner and extent of the praise must of course varies with each dog, but having been suitably praised, the dog will know that it has done the right thing and the subsequent repeated commands will be made much easier to enforce. A period of training should always finish on both a happy and successful note, even if this involves reverting to a well known and liked exercise.

Control in training does not only mean control over the dog. It is essential that the handler has control over himself. Any loss of temper, with the subsequent aftermath of faulty training will completely confuse the dog and make difficult the mutual understanding which is so essential between owner and dog.

K9 DOG OBEDIENCE TRAINING, Australia providing Dog Training located on the Central Coast, 35 Minutes from Sydney and 45 Minutes from Newcastle.For more details about dog training methods Click here

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Cushing's Canine Syndrome: Something to Be Careful About

When my beautiful Siberian Husky was diagnosed with Cushing's Syndrome, I never thought it would be the cause of my losing her, in spite of all the attention and care I provided. I had taken her to the clinic I normally went to because of a very unexpected convulsion and the veterinarian who saw her that day told me she had a tumor in the adrenal glands and should be kept under observation, but nothing else. That was the beginning of the end.

Some dog owners are careful enough to pay attention to different behaviors shown by their dogs and take action immediately, but others just think "it will probably pass", "maybe it is nothing to worry about" or "we'll see what happens in a few days." I am not of the second type and kept observing some very unusual conducts I did not like, so I decided to have a second opinion immediately. Thank God for that, because the disease was properly diagnosed and explained to me in detail and the suggestion to operate was immediate. When the surgeon saw her, she confirmed the operation should take place right away because of what I told her my dog had done as part of the typical symptoms of the disease. Even though we did everything fast, Luna did not survive.

I will try to give some idea of what this syndrome is all about and which of the behaviors it produces have to be very carefully observed and controlled, hopefully for dog owners not to go through what I did and suffer what I suffered.

Cushing's is a disease of the endocrine system in dogs. That system includes the glands that produce hormones, just like in human beings. In this particular case, the adrenal glands, which physiologically are placed near the kidneys, secrete cortisol in excessive levels. Cortisol is as a steroid hormone.

Cushing's is usually caused by a long time exposure of the dog to high levels of what are called glucocorticosteroids. These can be produced by the animal's body itself or if the dog has been medicated for a long time with prednisone or other corticosteroids.

To give you an oversimplified idea of the whole process, the route of the problem is: tumors appear in the pituitary gland which is the one secreting the ACTH. These tumors stimulate the adrenal glands to produce large amounts of their hormones and it is this excessive production the responsible one for up to 85% of the observed cases of Cushing's occurring spontaneously.

There are the other tumors of the adrenal glands themselves which produce corticosteroids and thus contribute to the other 15% of cases of the disease.

The most important thing for a dog owner to do, as I said before, is really observe changes in the dog's typical behavior and be on the lookout for any of the following symptoms:

Hair lossIf skin can be observed, you will notice some bruising of dark spots which are caused by the blood vessels becoming fragileThe abdomen may become pot-belliedLethargyInfertility in femalesExcessive drinking and urination (these were some of the symptoms I observed in Luna)Weakness of the musclesPantingConvulsionsExcessive appetite (the dog will not only eat its food, but anything else it has never eaten, such as paper, carton, rags, etc. My Luna ate a kitchen towel when I was not present that located itself between her stomach and the intestine and was the cause of her having such difficulties during the operation that she did not survive it even for one day)InsomniaObesityLack of menstrual period in femalesShrinking of the testicles in males

If the tumor is operable, this is usually what is recommended, although there are certain drug treatments also available. In the latter case, it should be noted that these drugs can have side effects that can be of serious nature; therefore, dogs under these have to be closely monitored. Radiation has also been known to be administered with success in some cases.

Cushing's is more commonly observed in middle-aged to older dogs and more frequently in females than males, and the following breeds seem to be more susceptible to it:

TerriersLabrador RetrieversBoxersDachshundsPoodlesGerman Shepherds

Good dog owners are supposed to be affected if their dogs are victims of Canine Cushing's Syndrome mainly because there is no cure for the disease, but if the dogs are promptly and effectively treated, they can still have good quality of life and so can their owners.

Always be observant of your dog's changes in general and do not suppose you know the causes unless you are a veterinarian yourself. Also, if you are not satisfied with one veterinarian's diagnosis or suggestions as I was, make sure you look for a second opinion as you would try with yourself or a member of your human family, of which your dog is also part.

The author runs a blog and a website dedicated to dog training, dog care, dog health and dog grooming. For more information about how to have the best dog, visit them at: dog training and dog care

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Buying Maltese for Sale: A Great Choice in the Long Run

Maltese puppies actually come from the 'toy' dog family. They grow up to a length of 20-25 cm. This length is quite modest if compared to the other puppy breeds. A dog has three puppies at a time. Although these Maltese pups are mostly used for dog shows they also make a great family dog mainly because of their friendly nature.

If you wish to buy a dog, it is always good to bring them home when it is young. If you buy a young pooch, you can train and nurture it without much difficulty. Moreover, it will also give the dog more time to adjust with you and your family.

Before opting for any pet, you should have a proper planning about its care and maintenance. Even though Maltese are cute little pups, bringing them home is certainly a huge responsibility. So, if you are not ready to carry the burden, do not buy them. Different breeds of puppies have different care and maintenance needs. Once you understand their demands, taking care of the pets will get much easier.

Many dog lovers are prone to allergies. Maltese is a great choice for them as these do not shed their hairs. Although they come with beautiful white furs, they do not have any undercoat. So, they need plenty of grooming each day. You must comb their hairs regularly with a metal comb. It is important to remove the hairs growing around their eyes. Otherwise, these unwanted hairs may cause irritation in its eyes.

Maltese puppies are quite friendly and sensitive. So, they always seek for human attention. They will get quite tentative, if you keep them in solitude. This breed is extremely lively but you should take great care if you have a child at home. Maltese are quite lively. So, taking them out for a walk everyday is certainly not a mandatory requirement.

Even if you have other dogs or pets at home, you will have no worries after buying these special breed of pups. These always love to mix with people. Normally, these dogs have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. But, some of these may live a bit longer. As an owner, you must keep certain things in mind before buying a Maltese pup. They may have periodic loss of teeth (due to dental problems), heart diseases or eye problems. Moreover, they are prone to sunburns and are not comfortable during summer.However,buying a Maltese pup is simple, but you must find a quality breeder before you actually do so.

Ravi Shanker writes for Minipups, a premier outlet offering cute healthy puppies for sale. No matter you want to buy cute Morkies or Maltese for sale, the outlet will certainly help you find the right puppy for your home.

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