The Role of Glucosamine and Its Effectiveness

As a pet owner it is your responsibility to ensure that your dog is well looked after. Because of its communication difficulties and the high pain threshold of animals in general, it is possible that you will not get any warning signs that there are problems until very late in the development of the condition. The pet will begin to fall backwards when it walks and will generally be uncomfortable with petting. Glucosamine is the supplement which many pet owners rely on to reduce the level of discomfort for the animal. It can be consumed as either a tablet or in liquid form depending on the most convenient method.

1. Watch out for the older steps: Like human beings, older pets tend to have problems with their bones. Arthritis can be a debilitating condition which makes it very difficult for the animal to climb stairs or travel long distances. You have to prepare a program through which you will be able to deal with the underlying condition and also reduce the escalation of existing symptoms. For example some form of occupational therapy might be combined with the controlled use of glucosamine in order to give the pet a chance.

2. Where does this medication work? In fact the animal's body will already contain high levels of the glucosamine compound within the synovial fluid and ligaments. You are merely topping up when you start the treatment program. In some estimates the supplement can only give you 1/1000th of what is in the body. Therefore you need to get the dosage absolutely right. Cold nights will be particularly uncomfortable and you might need to increase the level of medication. You have to monitor the progress of the animal even as you administer the treatment program.

3. Expanding the options for your dog: The branding process has meant that there is plenty for you to get your teeth into. Do not just walk into the shop and get the nearest item. Instead you should consult with the family vet in order to ensure that you are getting the right product for the right condition. Word of mouth is not really an ideal way to handle this issue. Of course you also need to watch out for adverse reactions since the pet may well be allergic to the treatment program which you are proposing. These are simple measures that you can work with in order to avoid the serious problems that are associated with a sick pet. As for the issue of effectiveness, this supplement has been deemed to be effective (albeit on anecdotal evidence).

Tips for Teaching Your Dog to Skate

Teaching your dog to ride a skateboard can be an enjoyable experience for both parties. Try to keep things as simple as possible. If the dog is energetic then the task will be made easier as long as it is able to concentrate on a few basic steps for a period of time. The trainer needs to know what they are doing. You cannot teach tricks which you do not understand. First practice the moves before attempting to get your dog to repeat them.

1. The behavioral dynamics of the relationship: By teaching your dog to skate you will be reinforcing the type of behavior that you expect from it. According to Pavlov's experiment, this is the only way to get our canine friends to mimic human behavior. The dog will benefit from the process of learning about the environment and solving problems. This is a uniquely human trait but the pets have a capability of attempting similar achievements. You may have the added advantage of releasing tension and relieving the stress that the pet may be suffering from. Physical exertion can help with mental relaxation.

2. Have some simple goals: Before you start confusing the pet with constantly changing routines make sure that you have an objective list. You may want him to use his foot or paws. Ascertain whether he is capable of back flips. When you have the head objective you can break it down into smaller tasks. Some people have found that starting backwards is helpful. For example they might make the dog dismount the board in order to teach them how to mount. During the early stages you will notice whether there are mental or physical bottlenecks that affect its learning process.

3. If the dog is not interested then you are wasting time: It is important that you get your dog interested in the activity. Allow the pet to climb onto the equipment and sniff it. Playing with the skateboard will ensure that the dog is familiar with certain routines prior to moving on to the real stuff. Praise him when he achieves even the smallest feats. Once you add an element of fun to the learning process then the pet will be eager to start the activity even when you are getting lazy about it.

4. Find ways of approximating behavior: At the heart of this exercise is an animal with all its limitations. Therefore you will need to give them an equivalent task. This is all about communicating your needs. For example you can step on the skateboard and push on one foot. The dog will try to mimic you if you repeat the activity. Praise and attention will be the reward. Do not feed them too much or they may become physically incapable of doing the work.

Try to attend dog fares so that you get hints from your fellow pet lovers. They might give you the breakthrough that you need in order to get your dog to skate.

Solvit Pet Vehicle Safety Harness - Safety And Buying Tips To Keep In Mind

The Solvit Pet Vehicle Safety Harness is a simple solution to help keep your dog safe whilst travelling.

So if you decide that you would like to try to keep your pet safe when travelling, why not consider the Solvit Pet Vehicle Safety Harness?

Did you know also that you can buy it online and get it for a really great price? This article will advise you on the harness features and how to get it for a great price.

Sadly dog safety in cars is not always a priority with some people, and therefore not all dog owners are responsible when transporting their dogs. Some dogs are just kept loose in the moving vehicle, but it has to be said often these dogs go through life without a problem.

However, not everything is within our control, and accidents do happen.

If your dog is loose in the car, and should you have an accident, the dog then turns into an unrestrained object, whereby it can fly forward hitting anyone or anything ahead of them. Your pet will then be travelling through the air at the speed the vehicle was doing on impact.

So if the dog hits the front window of the vehicle or passengers ahead of him, there will most likely be injuries, or even fatalities.

Therefore if your pet is secured, it is generally safer for the pet and all those in the vehicle with him.

Solvit Pet Vehicle Safety Harness - Features:

• Made from special strength-rated material
• Fully padded and fleece-lined safety vest
• Installs easily in all vehicles
• Attaches with heavy-duty straps and full metal connectors
• It doesn't require too much space, and it can be easily installed in any vehicle, so can be very convenient if you have a small car or travel in more than one car

Buying Tips To Keep In Mind:

You may already know of a local store where you can purchase your Solvit Pet Vehicle Safety Harness. However, it is worth remembering than you can buy the harness online and get a really good deal.

Buying online is quick and easy. Simply search for the product you require using a search engine such as Google, and within seconds you should have the results on your computer screen of which stores sell the item you searched for.

So this is much quicker and easier than travelling to the shops. You may also find that the online stores will have a much larger selection as compared to a local pet store.

But, you can also find some fantastic deals online too, so it is definitely worth looking online for your Solvit Pet Vehicle Safety Harness, and get yourself a really great deal on it, but just remember to buy safely from a reputable store!

Teacup Australian Shepherds - Is This the Dog For You?

The American Stock Dog Association recognizes three sizes of Australian Shepherd: standard, miniature and toy. The very smallest of the toy variety are known as "teacup". The breed standard requires that all three sizes of the Aussie live up to the typical Australian Shepherd character traits of being a herding dog of high intelligence, versatility and trainability.

Size Matters

Miniature Australian Shepherds should be a maximum of 18 inches tall measured at the withers. They can weigh up to 40 pounds but smaller Miniature Aussies can weigh around 25 to 30 pounds. The Toy Australian Shepherd on the other hand, should be a maximum of 12 inches high at the withers and should weigh a maximum of 13 pounds. Ideally, breeders should be producing dogs that have all the typical characteristics and traits of the Australian Shepherd: stamina, intelligence, agility and drive.

Are Teacup Australian Shepherds poorly bred dogs?

The American Stock Dog Association recognizes three sizes of Australian Shepherd: standard, miniature and toy. The very smallest of the toy variety are known as "teacup". The breed standard requires that all three sizes of the Aussie live up to the typical breed character traits of being a herding dog of high intelligence, versatility and trainability.

Size Matters

Miniature Aussies should be a maximum of 18 inches tall measured at the withers. They can weigh up to 40 pounds but smaller Miniature Aussies can weigh around 25 to 30 pounds. The Toy Aussie on the other hand, should be a maximum of 12 inches high at the withers and should weigh a maximum of 13 pounds. Ideally, breeders should be producing dogs that have all the typical characteristics and traits of the Australian Shepherd: stamina, intelligence, agility and drive.

Are Teacup Australian Shepherds poorly bred dogs?

There is some controversy around the miniature and toy variations of the breed. The American Kennel Club does not recognize the two smaller sizes as Australian Shepherds and some breeders argue that the miniature and toy sizes are substandard dogs with poor genetics. However, it is well known that even in the standard Australian Shepherd bloodlines smaller sized puppies are often born. This is probably due to the fact that the origin of the breed is a melting pot of a number of dog breeds, including some very small collies.

In addition, it must be remember that all breeds of dogs have evolved from breeding particular sizes or types and an exact breed "standard" can sometimes lead to diminishing intelligence and other qualities because the focus is on the look or size of the breed. However, there are unscrupulous breeders who won't look for quality dogs to breed with and rather just aim to create "stunted" pups and sell them as teacups or toys. Such breeders are to be avoided and you should also avoid buying toy dogs from petshops as they often come from "puppy mills" where little attention is paid to the health of the breeding dogs.

Good breeders of Toy and Mini Aussies will continue to use the pure standard Australian Shepherd bloodlines in order to ensure that the character of the Aussie stays true to the breed. There are several Miniature Australian Shepherd and Toy Australian Shepherd Associations in the United States which help to maintain the integrity of the breed. It's good to ensure that your breeder belongs to one of these.
What Are the Characteristics of Teacup Australian Shepherds?

The Teacup is a very compact and athletic dog suitable for city living. However, this doesn't mean it can be left alone and unexercised. They are highly intelligent and easily trained, so they need to be occupied. They suit families or individuals with an active lifestyle.

In all cases, don't simply get a dog for its 'Cute" factor, but ensure that you can offer it a loving home and are prepared to accept responsibility for exercising and training it. In the end you'll be rewarded with a wonderful pet.

Dog Bathing As an Indoor Sport

If you've just finished bathing your dog, you may feel like you've earned a gold medal. Successfully bathing and grooming your pooch without inflicting water damage to carpets, floors or furnishings can make you feel like you're the winner for the latest indoor sports event. Three cheers for you! You won!

If you're a bit timid about getting into the water, here's a bit of coaching that will help you train for your next Olympic trial:

1. How often? This depends on your dog. A mischievous Westie that's attracted to the latest disgusting smelly substance may need baths more often than a couch potato sort of Greyhound. For the sake of your dog's skin, baths shouldn't be more frequent than once a week. (In the case of disgusting smelly exposure, you may need to improvise a bit.) A more fastidious dog could go three months between baths.

2. How big did you say? Where you bathe your dog depends on the size of your dog. A terrier breed fits nicely in the kitchen sink. A Golden Retriever belongs in the bathtub, or on warmer days, a kiddie pool or large plastic tub in the back yard.

3. Timing's everything. If you have the luxury of time, introduce your dog to the bath gradually. Put her in the tub or sink when there's no water. Give her a treat. She's so smart! Then get her out (or give her the command to jump out) before she can think about jumping out herself. On another day, add a wee bit of water to the sink or tub and repeat the exercise. Finally on the last day, you can bathe your dog. Slow and steady is a great approach.

4. Preparing your tools. Having everything you need within reach is crucial. A stack of towels, a small bath cloth, specialty pet shampoo, pet brush and cotton balls are all practical. A non-slip mat helps Scoundrel keep his footing secure. If that's not available, a towel in the tub or dishtowel in the sink can also suffice.

5. Can't I just use baby shampoo? Please don't! The pH of your skin is very different from the pH your pet's skin. Even baby shampoo can dry out your dog's skin which can lead to other problems.

6. Just before the immersion. Brush your pet before he's wet. The knots are much easier to handle dry rather than wet. You'll also manage to get a good bit of loose hairs out before they end up in your kitchen or bathroom plumbing pipes.

7. Where are my ear plugs?? Actually, cotton balls are all you need to protect your dog's ears. Put them in her ears to keep them dry. Wet ears can lead to all sorts of problems.

8. Just right water is perfect. Warm water - not cold or hot - is best, and smaller dogs can become chilled easily.

9. Shake your booty. With apologies to K.C. and the Sunshine Band, it's a given that your dog is going to shake, but you want to have a little say about "when." A hand on your dog's back as you're getting him out can prevent him from shaking himself and showering everyone (and everything) in close proximity. Towel him off as best as you can and lead him to a safer place to shake off the excess water.

10. Location, location. Remember how you thought long and hard about where your dog is best allowed to shake? If you made it to the back yard, monitor her closely to keep her from wallowing in your flower bed. Some clean dogs are simply drawn to dirt.

Dog Training: Basics of Being in Control of Your Dog

You may think that by speaking to your dog the way you would speak to a person or a child you could command obedience and control. Not always. Specifically, not if you have a problem dog. Some dog behavior and psychology experts even tell us, it starts with being in control of yourself.

When I first saw on TV Cesar Millan of The Dog Whisperer being interviewed on the O'Reilly Factor, the dog-scared in me thought he was some super human who whispered to dogs into obeying him. Not quite. Watching this TV show on dog rehabilitation and training the humans -- free with our Comcast On Demand subscription -- I came to the conclusion that his power over dogs seemed to come from a clear understanding of dog psychology that he could work even the most reticent one into submission. He was fearless in the face of fierce and problematic dogs even as he meets them for the first time. It also made sense to me how owners can cause their own dog problems, as Millan pointed out, by treating them as if they were humans and expecting them to behave like humans.

There is the frustrated owner who cannot stop his dog from getting out of control as soon as it gets out the door. The dog bolts and each time, he has to run after it. No amount of talking or stern warning, even pulling, worked. Or the little terror pooch who barks and snarls and looks every inch like it is ready to nip at anyone who comes within a few feet of it - even at the owner herself. To talk or communicate with these pets is indeed a big challenge.

On the other hand, I have actually seen dogs immediately sit and look adoringly at their master when told. Or run to their master by a simple call, no matter how busy it was with something else. Others could be made to do some cute little tricks, like roll, play dead, give me five, or what-have-you. Something connects and works.

I would not go into the tricks part yet. That is another level, another discussion. Rather, I will go into the basic obedience part where one should be able to control his dog, big or small. I am not an expert in dog training but from watching all those dog shows on TV, I have come up with four major bullet points that were shown to have worked:

• You have to be calm when you try to control your dog. Being upset, agitated or scared are signs of negative high energy that your dog picks up on and translates into more negative energy. So before heading out the door, calm it down first by a click of your fingers so you have its attention, then speak the command word. Make it sit or stay, or whatever word you would prefer. When the dog has calmed down, make sure you head out the door first, then the dog behind you. Make that the drill: you first, the dog next.


• Have no fear when you are out there with your dog and you see another dog or person coming. Just hold it on short leash such that its head is just high enough as to walk straight. Let your mind focus on other things, not the walk, to help you walk calmly and normally. After a few situations like this, it may be ready to sniff at other dogs and talk in their own language.


• Dogs express their reaction to situations differently than humans. When it barks agitatedly at somebody at your door, it is simply protecting its territory. The guest at the door is not part of its familiar territory. The guest has to become familiar -- and slow, calm introductions have to be made. With the dog on leash but not doing anything else to excite it, have the guest come in slowly and let the dog get familiar with the new scent. It will connect that new scent to a harmless situation and the guest then becomes part of its familiar territory.


• Dogs need exercise not just for physical health but behavioral health. Unexercised dogs have a lot of unspent energy which translate into aggression, barking, and thus, difficulty for the owner to control. Exercise your dog by walking, running, playing, even swimming for breeds that love the water.

I took seriously each lesson learned from watching how the challenges were overcome and the happy outcome of each dog show episode. Challenged dog owners learned to change their own behavior and with that they gained confidence in controlling their dogs and in making them happy companions in or out of the house. Seriously, I wanted the actual experience and test the theories myself.

So maybe I could have a dog. I remember the first time the thought crossed my mind. It was after watching with my husband three episodes of Dog Whisperer -- in one sitting. The next time again, I thought aloud and asked him if could have a dog. Husband: No, dear. That was it. And then I started looking at the Pets for Adoption section of the morning paper. I was closely looking at the dog faces and their descriptions. Something I never did before. And I thought they were really creatures I could love. I just wanted one.

I was fast learning the language of dog training. But I still had to use the power of human language to persuade my husband to let me have a dog.

It Is Possible to Give Glucosamine to Dogs Without An Incident?

Dogs are "man's best friend" but it is not always easy to find out whether something is wrong with them. They do not speak and therefore you have to monitor their behavior in order to make an accurate diagnosis. Where the animal is beginning to slow down then you need to consider the possibility that it may be suffering from dysplasia or osteoarthritis. Statistics indicate that up to a third of dogs and cats have some form of osteoarthritis. Therefore it is important to understand the function and limitations of glucosamine.

1. Try to identify the symptoms before they escalate: You will know that there is a problem if the dog has difficulty walking or playing. Stairs are particularly problematic for arthritic pets. If the pet is falling behind when walking then other structural damage might be created. General lethargy should be investigated. A limp might be a bit more than the dog playing up. The dog affected will display signs of pain when touched. With the correct use of glucosamine you can reduce some of these symptoms.

2. Remember that animals have a higher pain threshold than human beings: By the time your pet shows sign of pain, the condition will have progressed very far. Therefore you need to take corrective action fairly quickly. It is also important to note that dogs do not experience placebo effects. If you see a change in the animal after taking glucosamine then you know that things are working well. Most pets respond well to this type of treatment as long as it is applied correctly.

3. What are the proven effects of glucosamine on dogs? This medication is a dietary supplement which rehabilitates the animal's joints. It is also a preventative measure in as much as it can tackle problems before they escalate. Within two weeks of administering the medication there will be a marked improvement in the health of the animal in question. The body already has reserves of the element in the synovial fluids and cartilage. Therefore you will be merely topping up. There are anti inflammatory benefits that are associated with the medication.

4. The correct administration of the medication: You have to find the right type including HCL, sulfate and 2KCL. Make sure that the product is GMP certified. Take note of the daily dosage and the administration method. There may be additional ingredients which might affect the dog. Calculate the costs and see whether there are savings to be made.

The level of glucosamine which you use for your pet will depend on the conditions that are prevalent. You will have the twin objectives of reducing discomfort and preventing further escalation. Monitor the progress of the animal that you are looking after.