This is really an impossible thing to answer as to just indoor/outdoor as there is much more to consider! Because of that whichever ‘side’ is chosen is not 100%. To say they’re unsocialized and uncared for if outside is not always true – many working dogs get plenty of attention and care but do not live in the house. Equally there are those who are in the house that – really – don’t get the time and attention solely from being inside.

Additionally the climate and breed factor in. Is the dog a working dog? If so then it make sense to have him where the job is! A seizure alert dog isn’t going to do any good if he’s not where the owner is! Equally, a livestock guardian dog cannot protect the herd if he’s inside sprawled on the floor and the goats or sheep are outside being stalked by predators.

Dogs can do a great many things for us and with us. I’ve had dogs that given a chance with an open back door into a fenced yard will be outside on their own. In weather extremes it depends even larger on the breed. While an Australian Shepherd might lounge in the shade on a hot day, a pug or bulldog can have respiratory issues in the heat. Equally, cold weather affects a Chihuahua much differently than a Pyrenees that were DEVELOPED for the cold weather and can stand cold much more than heat.

Some years ago due to roaming dogs killing livestock I put an Anatolian Shepherd in the pen with the milking does. She had a 4X8 shed to go into, she had water and was fed regularly (free choice was not an option due to her job). It was a snowy northern Arizona day and she curled up in the hay and let it snow. She did not want in the shed as the guarding instinct is to protect the flock.

Temperature, breed and the job are major factors. There are other reasons. For example one of the “indoor/outdoor” dogs has a double coat and sheds profusely twice per year. Grooming does not get it all off as it’s not all released at the same time. Clipping would only leave smaller hairs all over. During those times he’s outside most of the time…with access to a covered back porch as well as a dome home. He’s happy either way, with daily attention and is secure enough to know that we’re inside and he’s ‘in charge’ of the back yard.

The part of the country factors in the weather too. With consideration to these things there really is not a hard line way to answer. Should a ShihTzu be outside in Minnesota in the winter time all day or a Husky outside during a summer day in southern Arizona? These weather extremes combined with their breed could be cruel decisions depending on provisions. On the other hand, a Kuvasz working in Kansas or a Chihuahua service dog generates much different answers!

Many dogs do not get enough exercise also. Training and having the ability to move can be a positive thing provided that they are safe there. Each individual must decide for themselves, based on location, breed and use of the dog what the answer is. It’s part of being a responsible owner and not up for others to dictate because of disagreeing.

Related posts:

1. Are small dogs safer pets around children? I have been a dog groomer for 11 years and...
2. Are small dogs safer pets around children? – Part 2 ... six pounds but doesn't know how to sit...
3. Are small dogs safer pets around children? – Part 1 ... dogs are fashion. 14. Big dogs are low-maintenance....

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

The Hypo-Allergenic Dog Myth!

If you are looking to buy or adopt a dog but have a dog allergy, please be aware despite popular uneducated belief, there is no such thing as a hypoallergnic dog.

The dog allergy is triggered by dander. Dander is made up of dead skin, saliva, and urine. Guess what – all dogs have all 3 of those things. Hence, no hypo-allergenic dog.

Fortunately, some dogs have dander that isn’t strewn around as easily as others. For example, a poodle doesn’t shed it’s hair like the majority of dogs. Poodles have fur like human hair – it grows. Yes, it falls out, as does mine, but the poodle doesn’t shed it’s coat yearly or biyearly (or constantly like one of my pups!). Plus, poodles are often groomed. All of this grooming plus not shedding gives their dander little opportunity to get all over your house and trigger your allergy. If this dog wasn’t groomed properly or if you had very severe allergies, you would definitely have an allergic reaction to this supposedly “hypoallergenic” dog.

Even hairless dogs have hair, skin, saliva, and urine. These dogs can trigger even more allergies because the hair is too fine to trap any of the dander.

I have a very mild allergy to dogs and I also have 6 dogs. Some of them do aggravate my allergies more than the others – especially as puppies. I was moderately allergic to one of my dogs when he was a puppy – I would even break out into hives where my more sensitive skin (inner arm, neck, face, etc) touched his fur. Now that he’s an adult dog, he doesn’t trigger my allergies at all.

My point, basically, is that if you are severly allergic to dogs, you may need to consider another pet. You won’t be happy when you are constantly having a severe allergy attack and you’ll be even more upset when you have to find your beloved pet a new home. Please don’t adopt or buy a dog unless you know it won’t trigger your allergies (some people may be able to find a breed or particular dog that doesn’t trigger so many allergies) or unless you know you can live the next 10-20 years suffering with your allergic reaction to the dog, even if it worsens.

There are millions of dogs that need great homes, yes. But, adopting a dog and later needing to find it another home because it’s triggering your allergies is contributing to the problem of homeless pets. Please do your research before adopting or buying any dog. If you have allergies, you may need to find another pet that will better suit your needs. Getting a dog just because you want one is not only selfish but it’s also very unfair to the dog.

Related posts:

1. The best dog breeds for lazy people ... Choosing a short haired dog cuts down the...
2. How to Help Dogs That are Hypoallergenic ... groomed. These dogs do not shed and have...
3. The best dog breeds for lazy people – Part 1 ... other. By the time they notice you they...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Bathing your dog helps to keep it healthy as well as clean. Bathing helps reduce the amount of flea repellents you need to use as well as prevents hotspots, a potentially serious problem for your best friend.

Bathing too frequently can dry out the skin and coat so only one bath a month is recommended by experts.

Brush the dog before giving it a bath. Be sure to get all tangles and matts out because the water will make it worse. If a comb or brush cannot remove all the matts use a conditioner or detangler if necessary.

Gather up what items you need before you start the bath: A brush, comb, collar and leash, shampoo, face cloth, and several towels.

If bathing the dog in the bathtub, use a safety mat. A hand held shower or pail for applying water and rinsing. Use a dog shampoo which is formulated for the pH of a dogs skin. Human shampoos can strip a dog’s coat of essential oils.

Use warm, but not hot, water.

Avoid getting water and shampoo in the eyes and ears. Use a washcloth to wash the dogs face. Do not get water or soap in the eyes or ears!!

Be sure to rinse all the shampoo and conditioner off the dog. If you leave any of this on the dog, it will get itchy skin.

If using a tub, open the drain and let the water drain. To dry, put a towel over the head. Use another towel to dry off its back and legs. Then gently rub or pat with the towel. If your dog is long-haired don’t rub vigorously because you can put mats back in the coat.

To finish use a blow dryer on the lowest setting and hold at a distance so the dog receives only warm air. Use a dryer only if your dog isn’t afraid of the noise. To some dogs, the dryer is much worse than the bath.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Once you have made up your mind to get a puppy, the next important decision is choosing the right name for your pet. Dogs have distinct personalities, much like their human counterparts, and an appropriate name reflecting that individuality will enhance your interaction with the canine member of your family.

Since you will be repeating the dog’s name over and over throughout the years, you will want to ensure the name chosen is one the puppy will respond to and also one that is pleasing to your own ear.

Here are some practical tips for choosing puppy names:

* Make a list of possible choices. Try a name for a couple of days to measure the dog’s response. If the first choice does not go over well, try the next favored name on your list.

* Keep the name simple. One or two syllables is appropriate, for dogs understand brief verbal sounds.

* Do not choose a name that will confuse the dog. Names that rhyme with or are similar to commands will not be effective. For example, stay away from names that are close to the sounds of “stay,” or “down.”

* Do not choose names that are embarrassing or inappropriate. You will not want to be yelling an expletive across a crowded park.

* It is not a good idea to name a pet after a relative or acquaintance. You cannot know another individual’s sensitivity level and your choice might cause offense.

* If your dog is adopted and already has an established name to which he is accustomed, either keep that name or choose one resembling it.

Choosing popular dog names.

Sometimes physical appearance dictates an obvious choice. Names like Pepper, Cocoa, Rusty, Tiny or Bear match color or stature. If a dog is multi-colored, names like Oreo, Spot or Tiger might be come into play.

Perhaps a royal name like Queenie, Princess, King or Duke will fit a regal dog.

Often a name will align with the dog’s personality, as in Happy, Lucky, Shadow, or Amigo.

- A list of currently popular girl dog names -

Abby

Brandy

Daisy

Lady

Missy

- A list of currently popular boy dog names -

Benji

Barney

Jack

Max

Rocky

There are many other resources to assist you in selecting puppy names. You can check out a canine book from the library, peruse pet magazines, ask your vet or dog grooming for input from their client records, or go on-line to the numerous web sites advertising the best or most popular female dog names and male dog names.

Generating your own unique dog names:

Consider perusing choices from historical characters, celebrities, sports figures, names configured from your own hobbies and interests, or the dog’s place of origin. Choosing a fitting name for your new best friend is only limited by your imagination.

Whatever you ultimately decide upon, in the words of Charles Schultz, “Happiness is a warm puppy.” A warm puppy with a thoughtfully chosen name will bring much happiness and unconditional love into your life.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

When it comes to trimming dog nails, many dog owners are intimidated up to a point of bringing their dogs to their veterinarian or dog groomer just to avoid this annoying procedure. Most owners seem to be concerned about hurting their dog or not being able to do a good job. They also fear that their dogs will not be able to sit nicely for the procedure or worse struggle, causing the procedure to become unsafe.

Not to mention, the risk of over trimming the nails causing extensive bleeding and the use of special products to stop the bleeding quickly. Dogs as a matter of fact, have an area in their nails called a “quick”. This is a point over which you do not want to cut. Quicks may not be clearlyvisible in dogs with dark nails or if you are in a dark room.

Fortunately should that instance occur, the bleeding can be stopped effectively by packing the affected nail with some flour. The flour will stop the bleeding and allow the blood to clot.

Luckily, now there is a new revolutionary product that should be able to help owners regain control of their dogs and successfully trim their dog’s nails by their own. This will also help owners save a significant amount of money since most dogs may require frequent nail trimmings especially those not exercised enough or senior.

Dogs with long nails may get injured easily and their paws may become slightly deformed as their toes become splayed. Some may also develop balance problems and even begin to limp.

This new revolutionary product is called Pedipaws, and it just recently was put on the market. Pedipaws works by gently filing the nail quickly and safely. Dogs will not feel pain, as this filer does not cut but rather, it rounds the nail so that it will no longer cause scratches or get tangled in carpets or upholstery.

Requiring only 2 “CC” alkaline batteries, Pedipaws can be taken anywhere: on vacation, on a walk or at the beach. Its size fits all, from Chihuahuas to Saint Bernards. Pedipaws is practical and economical in the long run. The product will cost you just about the same price it costs to take your dog for one nail trim appointment.

The old days of floors and furniture scratches are over. Dogs and owners now can enjoy each other without the frustration of having couches shredded or frequent vet visits to keep the nails short. Fortunately, this small tool has revolutionized the dog/owner bond allowing pets and owners to come to a compromise: less damaged homes and happier pets!

Related posts:

1. Product reviews: Pedipaws Dog Nail Trimmer – Part 2 ... that you insert your dog's nail in to...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

You spoil your pooch as close to rotten as you can get, don’t you? Hey, who doesn’t? It’s almost impossible not to, with those adorable, big, beautiful eyes, the little lashes, and the soft fur just behind the ears they almost beg to be spoiled. But what can you really do? There are all of those new doggie day spas, doggie day cares, and other doggie luxury services, but how often can you really afford things like that? I mean, most people rarely have enough cash in the bank to get themselves a surprise manicure and pedicure, much less spring for their pups to get a quadripedicure. You give her a few scratches behind the ears, rub her belly, and maybe give her a massage and splurge on some gourmet treats, but you have to pay rent and eat each month. Your budget just doesn’t allow for constant spoiling of your dog… Or does it?

You can make the shampoos, fragrances, and skin conditioners the doggie day spas use whenever you want for a lot less money than you think. Wouldn’t your pup love to have an at-home spa treatment? Give these recipes a shot the next time you want to pamper that pup:

1. Aromatic Dry Shampoo

250 ml (1 cup) cornmeal
250 ml (1 cup) baby/talcum powder
5 ml (1 tsp) rosemary
5 ml (1 tsp) lavender

Combine all of the ingredients in a large, airtight container and let them sit overnight. This will allow the rosemary and lavender to scent the other two ingredients lightly. When ready, sprinkle generously over your dog and brush it into her fur by working your fingers against the lay of her coat. Once it’s worked in thoroughly, use your fingers or a hard rubber brush to massage her coat in the direction of the fur but working in circles. Brush until the mixture is completely out of the coat. Your baby will smell great, the powder and cornmeal help absorb excess oil and dirt to clean her, and she won’t have had to go through the trauma of having a full bath! How great is that?

2. Herbal Shampoo

470 ml (2 cups) purified water
10 ml (1 tbsp) rosemary
10 ml (1 tbsp) orange zest
30 ml (2 tbsp) chamomile
10 ml (1 tbsp) lavender oil
120 ml (1/2 cup) baby shampoo

Bring water to a boil, and then remove from heat. Add all of the herbs, cover the dish, and allow it to steep overnight. Strain the mixture and stir in the oils, then gently add the shampoo until well mixed. This shampoo should be kept refrigerated for freshness when not in use, but use about 2 tablespoons every time you wash your dog for a sweet-smelling, great treat for both of you. Don’t forget to give her a little massage while you’re rubbing it in!

3. Lemon Flea Dip

3 lemons
940 ml (1 quart) water
60 ml (1/4 cup) baking soda
5 ml (1 tsp) herbal shampoo

Cut the lemons into eighths while bringing the water to a rolling boil. Add the lemons, boil for one hour, then cover and let the mixture steep overnight. Strain the solution then add the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Warm to a tepid temperature before applying. To spoil your pup with the application, dip a sponge into the water and drizzle it slowly over her coat, then use your fingers to work it in using slow, deliberate circles focusing on points like the hips and shoulders. Give her a good massage – she deserves it! This shampoo uses citrus oil to help repel fleas, but the warm water and baking soda also help to soothe any existing irritations she may have.

See? Spoiling your dog is much easier and less expensive than you think, and I’ve compiled “101 Ways to Spoil Your Dog for Under $10″ ebook for just that reason. Any dog owner knows how hard it is to resist spoiling their pup, and now there’s no reason to resist! Spoiling her can be as easy as talking to her… you just might not realize the impact simple things have on her. Give the book a read, then try some of the ideas you’ll find. You’ll be amazed at how much closer and more

About the Author

Gerald Njuguna is the owner of a dog lovers’ site – DogPerfection.com – http://www.dogperfection.com. If you a looking for information dealing with everything to do with dog health, dog recipes and ways to spoil your dogs for under $10 then visit us today at http://doglover.dogperfection.com to claim your free gifts.

Related posts:

1. Dog Health: The Best Ways To Put An End To Your Dog Disease Problems Once And For All ... dog looking all polished and spiffy. It also...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Grooming your dog is very important to his hygiene. Grooming your dog involves bathing, combing, drying, and cutting the coat. Proper drying is an important to make sure the coat looks its best. Even with a good haircut, the coat can still look messy if not properly dried.

There are a couple different ways that are used to dry the dogs coat. The most popular way for at home grooming is the towel dry. The towel dry is very easy to achieve. This is also the most practical way to dry at home. To towel dry just use a towel to briskly dry the dogs coat. This method is used with short haired dogs.

If you have a long haired dog, or show dog other methods should be considered. The next method used is the cage dry. This takes slightly more time, and equipment. To cage dry the dog is place in a cage with a cage fan. This fan or drier is clipped onto the cage, and blows into the cage to dry the coat. When doing this a towel needs to be placed in the bottom of the cage. If your dog is too big for a cage a table can be used instead. The only problem may be keeping the dog on the table. A leash to keep the dog on the table may be needed. Keeping an eye on the dog to make sure they still dont try to get off the table and get hurt is also a good idea.

Another method that is most often used at a grooming center is the fluff dry method. This method is used for long haired dogs. This method takes time and patience. Show dogs are very popular breeds to have this drying method used. Most often the hair is not only dried, but straightened as well.

To fluff dry a high speed floor dryer is used. The dryer is pointed at small sections at a time. The purpose of the small sections is so that each area can be thoroughly dried and straightened. The warm air dries the hair as the groomer, whoever it may be, uses a brush to brush the hair upward. This upward stroke with the brush will fluff and straighten the coat. Once one section is completely dried and straightened the dryer is moved to the next section, and the same process is repeated. This method takes time to learn the special technique.

The breed of dog you have will have a big effect on which dry method you can use. If you have a dog that needs the fluff dry method a dog groomer is usually the best bet, as not all these methods can be used at home and still have a good looking coat.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

The Irish Water Spaniel is classified as a retriever by the American Kennel Club. He dates back many, many years. Similar type dogs appear on Roman artefacts. Ancestors may include Portuguese water dogs and other breeds from the Iberian region. Two strains developed in Ireland: the Southern County and Northern County Water Spaniel. While these two types each had their own distinct characteristics, today’s Irish Water Spaniel most closely resembles the Southern type. He has a very soft mouth and a keen nose. Although he was popular in the USA in the 1800s for duck hunting, he has lost favour to the short-coated Labrador Retriever which is much easier to care for. The Irish Water Spaniel is now considered a rare breed.

Some sources believe that the Irish Water Spaniel may have Poodle or Irish Setter in his background. He certainly looks a lot like a brown standard Poodle. Irish Water Spaniels were exhibited at the first Westminster Kennel Club Show in America in 1877 and were first introduced to Australia in 1891.

His most impressive feature is his distinctive curly coat. The crisp textured curled coat, plus the dense, thick undercoat which acts as insulation, is vital to protect the working dog from a harsh environment and elemental extremes. The curls are a rich, dark liver colour. Both sexes sport a goatee beard and the males’ coat is slightly heavier. A topknot of long, loose ringlets hangs down over the face providing protection to the eyes. A striking contrast to the curly body hair is a face, tail and V-shaped patch on the throat which have very smooth, short hair. The hair below the hocks is also smooth and short. The feet and toes are well covered in hair both over the feet and between the toes.

This type of coat requires regular time-consuming combing with a wide-toothed comb. Oil in the coat which helps repel water also attracts dust and the result can be a matted coat. Clipping will make the job of grooming your dog a lot easier and much simpler. The hair around the ears, eyes and toenails should be checked and trimmed as needed. Irish Water Spaniels tend to be good choices for those who suffer from allergies as they shed very little.

Irish Water Spaniels are one of the largest spaniels, standing between 21 and 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing from 45 to 65 pounds depending on age and sex. The general impression is one of an upstanding sporting dog of singular intelligence and robust stamina, conveying

Related posts:

1. Dog breed: Cocker spaniel ... big spot - Cockers love to lick their...
2. Dog breed: Standard poodle ... century paintings all depict poodles. Toy and miniature...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.