It is said that the Boston Terrier originated in Boston, Massachusetts around 1865. It is thought that Bostons were bred from the English Bulldog and the White Terrier, with possibly some Boxer, French Bulldog and Bull Terrier thrown in. Apparently they were trying to create a new fighting dog. Back then, Bostons were more like a Bull Terrier. The aspect of becoming a fighting dog never caught on and instead they became popular as a companion dog.

This lively, highly intelligent, smooth coated, short-headed, compactly built, short-tailed, well balanced dog, brindle, seal or black in color and evenly marked with white called Boston Terrier and some called Boston Bull has an excellent disposition and a high degree of intellegence, which makes them an incomparable companion. This breed likes to learn and therefore is not difficult to train. Their intelligence ensures they pick things up quickly. At times they can be somewhat willful. There are some owners who have reported that their dogs are good watchdogs - barking only when necessary, while other owners reported that their female Boston Terriers do not bark at the door at all.

Not much grooming is required for Boston Terriers. The boston terrier is an average shedder and is one of those breed that are easy to groom. A pair of comb and brush with a firm bristle brush is needed when grooming this breed. The face needs to be wiped with a damp cloth too everyday as well as the prominent eyes carefully. And like other breeds, their nails needs to be clipped from time to time. Owners should check both the ears and eyes too for possible grass seeds. And because boston terriers are short-faced dogs, they have tendency to snore and drool. The Boston Terrier originally weighed up to 44 pounds (20 kg.). They are also good for apartment as well as country living, but owners should keep in mind that this breed is sensitive to weather extremes. They can live for about 15 or more years.

They are good with children, most especially with elderly people. They are normally sociable pet dogs; they are amiable, playful, very easy to get along with and very friendly with strangers. They are also very affectionate and likes to be part of the family. This breed not only get along with their masters and the people around them; they also can be harmoniously side by side with other canine pets and non-canine pets. But still, they much prefer human companionship and seemingly require lots of attention from their owners. This breed became very popular in the United States, because of its excellent character. Indeed, boston terriers are very loving dogs and will always want to be on their masters’ side, following them around.

There will be many times when you will need for your dog to wait for you but not to be still. If you want your dog to be still, the “Stay” command may not be the best command to use. When your dog is anxious to do something “Wait” is the right command to tell him -he can have what he desires, but not at the moment.

Being that dogs live in the present moment, teaching them to “Wait” will not only add a useful word to their vocabulary, it will add a concept that is hard for them to comprehend. Your dog will understand the meaning of the term “Wait” on a temporary basis. The best way to train your dog to “Wait” is by the tone of your voice. Be aware that the voice tone of is one of the most valuable tools in dog training. Your dog has to be capable of understanding your voice tone in order to respond to it.

In order to comprehend how this kind of training works, make sure your dog is a pack animal. And make sure that you are his pack leader since he looks to you for direction and approval. So, when your pet is doing something and you talk in a mildly disapproving tone, he will immediately stop whatever he is doing because of your disapproval. For instance, when you want him to wait at the at the end of the side walk leading out of your driveway and you say “Wait” in a serious tone, a well trained dog stop what he’s doing and turn to look at you. Then say “Good dog” in a nice tone while he waits. If he disobeys and continues up the sidewalk, simply say “NO, WAIT!” in a more stern tone.

Now, the difference between the dog training command “Enough” and “Wait” is simply “Enough” means ending the activity. “Wait” means a temporarily pause. So, in my example of the dog waiting to walk up the driveway, the command “Wai” will actually give him the pleasure of anticipation. It’s basically letting your dog know that if he waits momentarily, then he may continue walking up the sidewalk and that he has gained your approval.

When it is meal time for your dog, don’t forget to use the command “Wait”. Let him wait for a few seconds …at least long enough for you to move out of the way before he begins to eat. Since he can wait at the edge of the sidewalk, he can wait for you to go walk through the doorways first and even up and down a flight of stairs. Remember, “Wait” should always be followed by the word “Okay”. This will let him know it is okay for him to proceed with the activity he is engaged in.

Article by Kim Irvin of Oh My Dog Supplies, check for current specials on upscale dog beds online.

During the first week, let your dog sit at your left side. Then kneel down next to him with both of you facing in the same direction. Next, drape your left arm across his shoulder and hold your hand with your palm up, behind his left foreleg, slightly below the elbow. Then place your right hand behind his right foreleg. Make sure that you support your dog’s forelegs on your palms - lift him into what is known as the begging position and then lower him onto the floor with a “Down” command.

While you lift your dog into the begging position, make sure that you position your thumbs in either up or folded in your palms …this is so that you cannot accidentally apply too much pressure on his forelegs. Make sure that you take your hands off him and don’t budge - keep still. When ever your dog gets up, just put him back. Wait around thirty minutes or so and give the release word “Ok.” Use this even if he has fallen asleep. This will let him know that the exercise is over. It is recommended that dog owners practice this exercise at least three times during the week of training (on alternate days).

After a few attempts of getting up, many dogs, resign themselves to staying in the same position for the thirty minutes. Some dogs will actually kick and scream the entire time. It is

Remember, you will have to remain calm and patient because it’s the latter who need this exercise the most

Make sure that you increase the frequency of this exercise every day. If your dog is overly energetic, then teach this exercise to him on a leash. You can sit in a chair next to the dog and sit on the leash so your hands are available to put him in position.

This exercise is important in order to teach your dog who is in charge and to learn how to accept you as his pack leader. Being able to physically place and keep your dog in the “Down” position is essential. When your dog recognizes you as his leader, all further training will go smoothly.

During the second week, sit in a chair next to your and practice the thirty-minute “Down” procedure. For the ten-minute “Sit,” simply place him into a “Sit” with him standing at your left side - both of you facing in the same direction; place your right hand against his chest and your left hand on his shoulders. Then with your left hand, rub down the length of the dog’s back, included the tail, all the way to his knees. Add the same amount of pressure to the right hand and the left, fold him into a sit and use the command “Sit.” Now, you can take your hands off the dog and don’t move.

At this point, when ever your dog’s moves put him back. Wait for about ten minutes; proceed with using the release word “Ok.” This command will let him know the exercise has ended. Remember to practice the thirty-minute “Down” and the ten-minute “Sit” at least three times each, on rotating days through out the course of the training week.

During week three, when you practice the thirty-minute “Down” and the ten-minute “Sit”, make sure that you sit across the room from your dog. Don’t put him back if he should move.

Finally, during week four, walk around the room while your dog remains in position, but do not leave the room. When you have successfully completed this four-week exercise routine, your dog will understand that you are the boss.

Article by Kim Irvin of Oh My Dog Supplies, your top spot to purchase dog beds online.

While it’s certainly true there are hazards to dogs’ health and safety at home 365 days a year, a few days are a little more hair-raising than others. Some of the biggest trouble days out of the year for the family dog include:

July 4, New Year’s

It is highly unlikely fireworks will directly hurt a dog, but they can scare them greatly. If this happens, a dog might become distressed, anxious and a bit of a problem. The best thing to do is to keep the family pet in on nights when there is a lot of noise and action expected in the sky. Take care to ensure they are safely enclosed to avoid a dog getting loose and into trouble on a road or with a neighbor. If a party is being held to coincide with the holidays, watch out for stray drinks as alcohol can cause problems for pets, too. Do take the time to reassure them if they become anxious because of the hubbub.

Easter, Halloween, others

Any holiday that might include a lot of sweets or chocolates can present problems for the family dog. While not all dogs have reactions to chocolate, to some the substance is toxic. Take care to keep sweets and other foods they shouldn’t eat out of reach of the family dog. If chocolate is ingested, check with the family vet just to be safe.

Christmas

This might be the single biggest threat to a family dog as far as holidays are concerned. From the plants of the season to the decorations and beyond, there are all kinds of potential problems that arise. In regard to wrappings and trimmings, try to keep them away from the family pet if at all possible. Plants associated with the holidays, such as poinsettias and holly, can be very toxic, so do keep them up and away from dogs and small children. The lights and tree itself can also cause some problems. If a dog has a tendency to jump at them, consider securing the tree or securing the dog away form it. Also, watch out for tinsel and other unusual things a dog might try to ingest. Not everything associated with the holidays is toxic to a dog, but it’s best to take extreme care to ensure the family dog is probably cared for during the season. Keep things such as candy, chocolate and other food items a dog shouldn’t eat far away from them, too.

Caring for the family dog shouldn’t stop during the holidays. While it is very smart to take precautions to protect them, this doesn’t mean that holiday fun has to stop. When a dog is well training and its owner is, too, the holidays can be a great time for the entire family, the dog included.

By Kelly Perry of Oh My Dog Supplies - http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/

While you see the new arrival as a bundle of joy, your dog might view the baby as competition for affection, a distraction and perhaps even an annoyance. There are things expectant parents can do, however, to help ease the transition and ensure the first baby, the furry one, is ready for some company at home. They include:

Before the baby is even born, try to get your dog used to the sounds of crying, the loud screams that might result and so on. Tapes can be made or even purchased to achieve this. The more used to the sounds a dog is, the less likely it is they will become annoyed, agitated or even scared.
Bring your dog around kids. If your dog has never been around children before, remedy that. It doesn’t hurt to invite friends with children over to see how the animal will react.
Consider obedience training if the first baby happens to be a little exuberant with jumping, pawing or other behaviors that will be undesirable once the baby arrives. Jumping behavior might be cute now, but it won’t be with a newborn in your arms.
Try to set a schedule for you dog that can be kept once the baby arrives. Even though your attention will be pulled in a new, and very important direction, it’s important to make sure there’s still a little time left for the dog. Take a walk every day with him or her, sit out on the back porch and throw a ball or just enjoy a little scratching behind the ear each time every night. Continue this routine once the baby arrives.

After the baby arrives, things will be even more hectic. It is now even more important that you take steps to make sure baby and the family dog get along well. When you bring the newborn home:

Don’t force the dog “meet” the baby unless he or she is ready. When it’s time, your dog will let you know by wanting to sniff the little one and see what she’s all about. Most dogs are very gentle about this. If yours isn’t, consider more training.
Keep that routine going. This is one of the best ways to make sure a dog still feels secure and at home. Try to keep feedings, play time and other normal activities on schedule when at all possible.
Keep the baby’s door closed. Even if you have the best dog in the world, it’s never a good idea to leave a newborn and dog in the same room alone. To avoid this, don’t forget to close the nursery door at naptime and bedtime.

Most family dogs respond very well to the introduction of a new baby into a home. With time, patience and perhaps a little training, a smooth transition can take place.

By Kelly Perry of Oh My Dog Supplies - The top source for orthopedic dog beds and treat jars

The unfortunate truth is that a lot of unwanted pets result from the fact that people misjudged the eventual size of the breed they picked out. Whether this is from a misunderstanding of how big a purebred can get or the result of an unknown factor with a mixed breed, the result can be the same. A dog that becomes far bigger than its owner anticipated can run the risk of becoming unwanted.

With this in mind, it is very important for people to properly research breeds before they bring home a puppy. An eight-pound cutie today could very well grow up to be a 100-pound beauty down the road.

There are four basic sizes of dogs: toy, small, medium and large. Let’s examine some of the common breeds found in each category.

Toy
These are the smallest of breeds. Generally only growing to be a few pounds at full adulthood, these dogs are ideal for those who don’t want a dog that can become too large. Some of the more common breeds found in this class include the Chihuahua, toy poodle and the Yorkshire terrier.

Small
Small breed dogs are known for their light weights, but they can grow to more than 25 pounds or so. Some of the examples of these dogs include beagles, daschund and Llaso Apso. There are some variations on the sizes of dogs in this class, but the generalization is they are fairly compact.

Medium
Many people mistake the medium breed dogs for “large.” Dogs in this class can range from about 30 or so pounds up to about 120 pounds. This class includes retrievers, greyhounds, huskies, shelties and even Weimaraners. Some of the most common working dogs fall into this category.

Large
When the true large breeds are looked at the differences between them and the medium breeds becomes evident. True large breed dogs can grow well beyond the 100 pound mark. They include such dogs as the Great Dane, Saint Bernard, Irish wolfhound and even English sheepdogs.

While most purebreds tend to follow the growth distinction of their breeds, it is possible for there to be some variation in the mix. When looking at mixed breeds, however, it can be very difficult to tell what their eventual size might be. Consider the dominant traits to help get a rough estimate. Veterinarians can sometimes help determine breed possibilities and even potential growth outcome.

It is very important for people to consider eventual size in picking out a puppy. To ensure the “little” puppy of today will grow into a size that’s manageable, research background and potential maximum adult size before taking a new dog home. Doing otherwise could result in a choice that won’t make the owner happy down the road, with the dog paying the biggest price.

Article by Kelly Perry of Oh My Dog Supplies - The place to go for quality dog beds and feeders

This concept may seem a little too simple or obvious, but the truth is that many dog owners-to-be and even longtime dog owners aren’t necessarily prepared for the work involved in properly caring for a pet. If you already have a dog, and have noticed lethargy, fatigue, a negative change in behavior, or overall poor health in your pooch, it’s time to take matters into your own hands and learn how to turn your dog’s health around. If you have yet to buy a dog, make sure that you understand what’s involved in the proper care of a dog and that you’re prepared to do so before you make that very important purchase. Don’t just go and buy the first puppy you see because he’s “cute.”

Here are the top five tips for keeping your dog healthy and happy and living with you as long as possible (or at least as long as you want him around!):

First, give him fresh water daily. While most dog owners aren’t ignorant to the point where they forget to “water” their dogs, many don’t bother giving them fresh water on a daily basis. Your dog should have access to plenty of fresh water every single day. This means that you’ll need to change his water bowl every evening (or morning), empty the water that wasn’t consumed, and refill with clean water. You’ll also need to clean out his water bowl regularly to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

Second, feed him. It’s a mistake to actually think you can just buy any kind of dog food (particularly for the singular reason that it’s “cheap”) for your dog. There are many different types of dog food out there, based on weight, size, nutritional requirements, and special health concerns. Read the labels carefully before buying dog food for your dog. If you’re not sure, talk to his veterinarian to find out which type of food is the best for your pet. Keep in mind that puppies have different nutritional requirements than adult dogs, regardless of their respective sizes. For example, don’t assume that you can feed puppies of larger breeds the same food you would feed smaller adult breeds. Further, don’t forget to follow the package’s instructions as far as how much food and how often you should feed your dog. Consult your veterinarian for further guidance or clarification.

Next, play with him and take him for walks. Just because you’re feeding and watering your dog doesn’t mean that he’s healthy. Dogs of all breeds and sizes require daily outdoor activity, exercise, and fresh air, or their quality of life essentially suffers, contributing to lethargy, poor health, poor appetite, weight gain, lean muscle loss, or even disease. Even “indoor” dogs aren’t meant to be cooped up indoors all day long. Smart and health-conscious dog owners take their dogs for walks every day, even in the cold; this is also a great way for you to get some fresh air and exercise, too. You can also let your dog run free (without a leash) in your yard for a time, supervised or unsupervised. Do whatever you can to ensure your beloved pet receives the exercise and fresh air he needs every day.

Don’t forget to give your dog his needed shots. Dogs, just like cats, other pets, and humans, require certain shots in order to stay healthy and prevent harmful diseases and viruses from entering their systems, affecting their overall health. You’ll need your veterinarian to give your dog the necessary shots (it’s certainly not something you can attempt yourself, even if you theoretically could get your hands on the right drugs and dosages) at the right times and in the right amounts.

Finally, ensure your dog has regular checkups with his veterinarian. If you don’t have a vet for your dog, find a qualified and recommended one, and get your precious pet checked out as soon as possible. In addition to receiving his shots, your dog also requires regular checkups to make sure he is healthy and in good shape. A professional veterinarian will also check the health of your dog’s teeth, eyes, coat, and paws, and be able to detect any sicknesses present and give you the correct medication for your dog.

If you love your pet dog, you should be willing to do whatever it takes to ensure his life with you is a long, happy, and healthy one; this involves following these top five tips. There are, of course, other things you can do to improve your dog’s health and keep him content, but following this list of essentials is a great start to becoming a great dog owner.

About Author

Craig Elliott is a writer for VetRx Direct. VetRx Direct is a leading supplier of Pet Medicine

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If you have just acquired your first cat or are thinking about buying or adopting one-or even if you’ve been a cat owner for awhile now-you’ll need to become aware of proper cat-care techniques and tips and acquire a general understanding of how to best look after your kitty in order for him to live a happier, healthier, and longer life. Each individual cat does not come with its own instruction manual; however, there are a few basics of proper cat care that are generally inclusive of all cats, regardless of sex, age, breed, and temperament.

Here are the top five tips for properly and thoroughly caring for your cat on a regular and everyday basis in order to maintain his health and keep him happy in your home:

1. Cat essentials

After you’ve decided to give your new feline friend a permanent home in your abode, you’ll quickly discover that cats can become quite expensive, particularly, at first, with the sheer amount of “stuff” they require. While you don’t have to buy your kitty everything, and while you certainly don’t need to buy the most expensive products around, you will want to make sure your cat has the essentials. These include a food dish, water dish, cat food, water (which you don’t need to pay for), a litter box, litter, a litter scoop, a cat bed, a few basic toys (need not be expensive and you won’t need a lot of them), a scratching post if your cat has his nails and you want to protect your upholstery, and perhaps an ID collar and a cat carrier.

2. Feeding and watering

Feeding your cat is a major component of proper and complete cat care. Don’t look for the cheapest option-look for good-quality cat food that offers the nutritional and health benefits your cat needs, and purchase the appropriate cat food based on your cat’s age and weight. For example, buy kitten food for kittens, adult cat food for adults, hairball control food for a cat prone to hairballs, picky-eater cat food for finicky cats, weight-control cat food for indoor, overweight cats, and so on. Ask your cat’s veterinarian if you’re not sure, as well as for information on how much and how often to feed your cat. Generally speaking, adult cats of normal size and activity level require two small feedings or one large feeding per day.

It’s also better to stick with dry cat food rather than wet (canned food). Dry food offers dental benefits not found in canned food, is cheaper, and lasts longer.

Don’t forget to provide plenty of fresh water to your cat on a daily basis. It’s not enough to simply wait until his water dish is empty to refill it; you’ll want to empty it and refill it daily so he has continual access to fresh water.

3. Litter box duty

Easily the least enjoyable aspect of proper cat care, litter box duty is nonetheless an essential part of it, and is simply one of those got-to-dos if you want to own a cat and keep him clean and healthy-as well as your home! Keep your cat’s litter box area away from the kitchen and bedrooms but make it accessible for your cat. If you can, try to clean out your cat’s waste every day or every other day. On a weekly or biweekly basis, clean the actual litter box itself (empty and toss its contents, and then wash it). To simplify things for you, consider buying litter box liners as well as litter that “clumps”-making it easier to identify waste and scoop it out.

4. Proper grooming

One great thing about cats is that while some pet owners claim cats are very high-maintenance, they are really quite clean animals and are fairly adept at grooming themselves on a regular basis. This is one reason why many cats make great indoor pet choices. However, cats can’t do everything on their own, and it is very important for their owners to step up and do the rest of the grooming for them.

First, while cats don’t require daily, weekly, or even monthly baths, they will require a bath at least every once in awhile. Use warm water and a mild cat or baby shampoo so as not to irritate his eyes or coat. It’s more important, though, to brush your cat’s fur on a regular basis. Depending on your cat’s coat, he might require this every day, every other day, or once a week. Brushing your cat will keep his coat clean and also prevent hairballs-a big problem for many cats.

5. Veterinarian checkups and shots

In order to keep your cat healthy, you will need to find a good veterinarian for him. Your cat will require regular checkups, shots, vaccinations, and to be either neutered or spayed. Although this can get quite pricey (unless you have pet insurance, which may be worthwhile pursuing or at the very least investigating), it’s all a part of the owning-a-cat complete package.

About Author

Craig Elliott is a writer for VetRx Direct. VetRx Direct is a leading supplier of Pet Medicine

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Identifying the Allergens

The first thing you need to do before you can start any dog allergy treatment is to discover what the allergen is. You can do this by keeping track of the symptoms that your dog is having and when he or she is having them. Try to remember what they were playing with, where they were, and what changes you had made recently in your home, their diet, etc. This will give you an excellent record to show the vet when you bring the dog in for an appointment.

What Kinds of Symptoms Might I See?

When you are dealing with a dog with allergies, you might see symptoms like:

• Sneezing
• Itching
• Wet nose
• Rashes
• Breathing issues

Removing the Allergen

One of the best ways to prevent dog allergies in the first place is to remove the allergen from the dog before it can cause a reaction. And the best way to do this is to make sure you are bathing your dog regularly, especially after they have been outside. If you don’t have a lot of time to bathe your dog, you can always simply wipe them down with a wet washcloth or a specially designed pet wipe. This will help to remove pollen and any other irritants that might be hurting your dog.

Other Treatment Options

There are a number of different treatment options for dogs that are allergic to various irritants:

• Fatty acid supplements/additives - Some current research is indicating that a diet high in fatty acids can help reduce the symptoms of allergies in your dog. Try to find a pet food that you and your vet can agree on that has a high level of these nutrients.
• Topical treatments - If your dog is suffering from a skin reaction allergy, you may want to talk to your vet about topical treatments. These are often only available with a prescription, but they are highly effective if used as directed. The main concern with these treatments is that your dog will lick it off itself or wipe it off before it’s had an effect.
• Oral treatments - Just as humans have allergy pills, dogs can also take antihistamines if they have been diagnosed by a vet. These pills can be mixed into the dog’s food or given by hand. They will need to be taken as directed, especially in high allergen months.
• Immunotherapy - There are some studies indicating that when all else fails, your dog might want to undergo immunotherapy, or hypo sensitization. This involves exposing the dog to small amounts of the allergen until they build up a resistance.
• Steroids - If the dog is having a really hard time with breathing symptoms, steroids may be indicated in the treatment.

There are also some natural therapies like biotin, homeopathy, and vitamin treatments that might also help.

Talking with your vet about the possibilities is a great place to start when you fear your dog has allergies. For some dogs, these are only seasonal and will hardly disrupt their playtime. Still, other dogs will simply grow out of the allergies. However, for some dogs, these symptoms can and will interfere with their lives. As a responsible dog owner, get involved and do what you can to help them feel happy.

About Author

Craig Elliott is a writer for VetRx Direct. VetRx Direct is a leading supplier of Pet Medicine

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Apart from giving them the essential balance diet and obedience training, dog owners should also know how to take care of their dogs’ health. Because dogs don’t know how to communicate directly to their owners when they are not feeling well, it is by and large the responsibilities of the owners to spot their dog illness if any.

Taking care of your dog’s health will largely depend on the owners vigilant to spot any illness and of course a good veterinary to give the proper and correct treatment to relieve your dog of any illness. Choosing a good veterinary to work closely with should therefore be on every dog owner’s priority list when one brings home a dog.

When choosing a veterinary, dog owners should do some research and consider the following points listed below:

1. Location and Accessibility – Opening hours of the veterinary clinic should be noted especially if the clinic location is far or when transportation within the family is limited. The clinics should preferably be available when one knocks off after office hours or during weekends. It is also important to have a list of clinics that offer 24 hours services so that you would know how to react when there is an emergency.

2. Professionalism – The veterinary team should not only be qualified in term of veterinary practices but also be able to perform services with dedication, love and care for your dog. A good veterinary team should be able to offer excellent veterinary care and keep the dog and its owner at ease and confident at the same time.

3. Type of Veterinary Services – Not all veterinary offer the same services, some might be specialized in certain dog conditions like skeletal and muscular disorders or circulatory problems in dogs. If your dog has certain health problems, it would be highly recommended to find the veterinary that offer the specific expertise in that field. It would be easier to manage your dog’s health in that manner.

With all said, the best research resources to find the best veterinary in your area is to ask experience dog owners living in your area. Do not be afraid to open your mouth and ask fellow dog owners when you come across one on the streets or in the dog park. Most would be more than willing to share their experiences with fellow dog owners.

It is a shame but true fact that a good veterinary can make a different to keeping your dog alive and living healthier. Do your due diligent and research before you commit yourself to any veterinary. It can be a decision to allow your dog to live a happier and longer life.

About Author

Moses Wright is the founder of Pet Veterinary Medicine. He provides more useful information on Veterinary Science and Veterinary Career on his website. Webmasters are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.

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