Dog House Building And Buying Guide

Dog owners have to consider several factors when buying or building a house for their pets. As a true member of your own family, providing your pet with the best home possible is of the utmost importance.

i. Size

A German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Rottweiler and other large dogs should have large houses, while the Chihuahua and smaller breeds will need smaller houses. The door of the house does not need to be based on the height of the dog from the ground to the top of its head, or even taller, as it will lower its head to be able to enter the house. The width of the door should be just enough to accommodate the dog. These height and width measurements can be adjusted if there is a physical requirement to do so. The house should also be large enough for the dog to stand at full height inside, move around and lie down. Owners should remember that a larger-than-needed home will compromise the dog’s retention of body heat during the winter or colder months.

ii. Weather Conditions

Some dog houses are made with hinged roofs, a feature that allows owners to raise the roof during hot and humid weather. This flexibility provides adequate air flow to flush out warm air and allow fresh or cool air to enter. In some cases, these roofs can also be lowered, creating a smaller space for the dog and enhancing its ability to retain heat during rainy or cold weather. Asphalt shingles should be used only if there is an adequate insulation barrier separating the roof from the main area of the house. Many house models also come with slanted roofs, ensuring that water drains away during rainy days. Owners should avoid building or buying houses with barn-type or peak-style roofs, as these would attract hornets, wasps and other insects and prevent heat retention. Another option is wind walls, which can be inserted into the dog house to break the wind and keep the house warmer. The house should also be a reasonable distance off the ground to keep it dry. For owners with bigger budgets, some house manufacturers offer provisions for heaters and air-conditioners. These climate control systems help ensure comfort for the dog regardless of weather conditions.

iii. Doors

The front door of the dog house should be located to one side instead of in the middle. This will prevent the dog from being directly exposed to extreme weather conditions and other harsh environmental elements. Some models are designed with removable doors, or with no doors at all. Using a door will help keep the dog house warmer during cold months. An awning type cover can also be used over the opening for added shade and protection.

iv. Easy To Clean And Maintain

– Removable or adjustable roofs

– Doors, partitions

– Wind walls

– Flexibility in cleaning

– Restrict use of paint, stains, or water sealers for the outside of the house

v. Use Wood

Plastic and metal houses are not a good idea, as they are either too hot during summertime or too cold during the winter. Some market experts say that houses made from natural western red cedar wood offer the best insulation for dogs during winter while making them cooler during summer. Red cedar wood oils are also natural repellants of ticks, fleas and termites. Houses made from this material are also maintenance-free on the outside, although owners have a choice of finishing it to complement their property. Sprinkling red cedar wood chips or shavings in the bedding also helps prevent infestation. Owners should also remember that wooden roofs help cut down heat build-up from the sun while helping to maintain reasonable heat retention levels.

vi. Keep The Dog House Elevated

For legless houses, the owner must remember that having it directly on the ground increases the likelihood that the pet would be exposed to cold and wet weather. This also raises the possibility of infestation from flea eggs that hatch in the soil. The owner can use bricks, rocks or stones arranged in a level and stable manner to elevate the house. The elevation will allow air to flow beneath the house and prevent moisture from forming at the bottom.

Interpreting Your Dog’s Body Language

Author: Daphne Reid

All breeds of dogs share the common language which is Doggy Speak. They communicate in far more ways than some might give them credit for: They do not just wag their tail – their posture, ears, teeth and eyes all communicate certain feelings as well.

The most important part of your dog’s body language to understand is whether it is acting submissively or dominantly to you and your family. Of course, it should act submissively – it should know that you are the leader and that is it simply a pack member – and dogs acting dominantly could be uncontrollable or even dangerous.

When Your Dog is Happy: We all identify with a wagging tail. However, there are other ways to know that your dog is content. Bright eyes are a sign of contentment, as are relaxed lips.

Playful Behavior: A dog who wants to play will often adopt submissive behavior to act like a puppy. The paws will be stretched out on front with the bottom held high. This posture will be well known to dog owners and is often termed the ‘play bow’.

Frightened or Highly Submissive Behavior: The frightened dog will appear to make itself as small as possible. This is so that the aggressor will think the dog is already beaten and does not offer a threat. Frightened dogs may seem to act like a puppy by crouching and cowering, and this is because instinctively dogs do not like to attack young dogs.

Frightened dogs may also flatten its ears away from danger and put its tail between its legs. This also covers the scent glands, masking its identity. The dog may also roll onto its back to demonstrate that it is not capable of threatening behavior. The eyes of a frightened dog will be wide enough to show the white and will have dilated pupils. Submissive behavior includes actions that a young dog may use to seek attention from its mother, such as licking your face and jumping or reaching up to you.

Dominant or Confident Behavior: If a fight resulted from every meeting of two confident dogs, then many pack members would risk injury, therefore risking the health of the entire family. Instead, dogs will try to demonstrate their superiority by other means. Aggressive dogs will approach confidently with the head held high and the hair on the spine erect so as to make him appear larger.

His ears will point forward and the tail will be pointing up. This is the opposite of the submissive dog in that the confident dog is not concerned about being injured in a fight and not afraid to let its identity known. If the other dog does not act submissively, then the approaching dog will now attempt to scare the other dog into submission. Snarling, wrinkling of the nose and teeth-baring display to the other dog what harm could be done if provoked. If the dog does launch into a fight, its ears will be drawn in at the last minute to prevent injury.

Confusing Body Language: When dogs misunderstand each other, trouble can occur. The breeds who most distinctly look like wolves are those with the clearest body language (such German Shepherd Dogs). Those with peculiar anatomical features are most far-removed from the wolverine shape and so may be misunderstood. For example, spaniels have floppy ears which don’t erect when acting confidently.

Other dogs can’t display their teeth because of the hair on their face. Dogs with very long hair can not raise their hackles and dogs like the pug can not raise, wag or lower their tails. Black dogs may appear featureless to the eyes of other dogs and so subtle facial expressions are not understood.

How To Choose Guard Dogs For Home Security

There are various burglary alarms and home surveillance systems available, designed to help you protect your home. Although they are good in their own rights, nothing compares to an old fashioned guard dog. Guard dogs have been used for generations – to help people protect their homes and their belongings.

For many years, guard dogs have helped to scare off burglars and thieves. Although most have gotten used to dogs now days, nothing fends off a thief more than a vicious dog grabbing his ankle and clamping down. Almost all guard dogs have serious bites and can seriously injure a burglar. Guard dogs are trained to protect one’s home – and they will do so no matter what.

When you get a guard dog, you should always make sure that you let him know who is safe to be around your home. You don’t want the dog to be vicious towards everyone, as friends and family are certainly allowed to be around your home. Most guard dogs are left outside of the home, with some deciding to keep them indoors. Indoor dogs are great, as they will instantly catch a burglar the second he decides to break into your home.

If you plan to keep your guard dog indoors, you should always have a supply of food and water available, as he will be there when you aren’t. You will also need to give him access to an outdoor area as well, so he can use the bathroom. A fenced in yard is an ideal place for a guard dog to go outside, as he can come and go as he pleases. Sometimes, a burglar will try and sneak around the back entrance – which is where giving a guard dog outside access can really come in handyBefore buying the dog, you should always carefully research the species and where you plan to get your dog from. Police dogs or dogs that have been trained for protection are ideal, as they already know how to defend things. Dobermans and Pit Bulls are great for protection as well, simply because they are well known for being very vicious.

If you carefully research your options and get your guard dog from a reliable source, you shouldn’t have much of anything to worry about. You should never get your dog from a lesser known or poor source, as the dog may be poorly trained or not in good health. A guard dog can be a great addition to any home – providing you get a dog in good health and more than capable to fend of burglars.

Mans Best Friend Separation Anxiety

Our homes are almost never complete if we do not have something to cheer us up. Aside from our children and our personal hobbies, the one thing that gives us great pleasure whenever we are at home is our pet — which is usually a dog.

The dog is considered man’s best friend and ranks first place as the most beloved animal on the face of the planet. No other animal has received as much love and care from humans. The dog is also one of the most exposed animals on t.v. and in the movie screen. Who could forget the animal adventure classics like Rin Tin Tin and Lassie?

Dogs are domesticated, carnivorous mammals related to foxes and wolves. Some of the most common breeds of dogs today are the following: Doberman, German Shepherd, Bulldog, Poodle, Chihuahua, among others.

Dogs are very loyal pets. Books, poems, and songs have been written to immortalize the unique relationship between dogs and humans. To this day, no other animal can match the qualities of the dog as a devoted companion and friend.

No wonder, thousands if not millions of people can be considered as true-blue dog lovers. Aside from having a loyal “sidekick,” many people keep dogs as pets because they see the hairy, cuddly animal as a “walking, breathing stress relief system.” Dogs help cheer us up especially when we get home from work. Dog owners usually find their pet happily wagging its tail, ready with a loud bark to greet the master.

Dog Separation Anxiety

By nature, dogs are social animals. They enjoy the interaction with their human masters. Because of this deep attachment, dog owners sometimes have problems with their dogs. One of the most common dog-related problems is called Dog Separation Anxiety.

Dogs are a pack animals. They don’t want to be left alone. Some dogs will simply can’t wait for you to come back home. Most dogs desperately try to get your attention by barking incessantly. Typically, your dog would pace, whine, chew, and even scratch the door whenever you fail to go home at the time it was used to seeing you enter the gate. Whenever you leave your dog for long periods of time, it may be possible that it would suffer from separation anxiety.

What to do when your dog has separation anxiety?

If you suspect that your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, it might be wise to consider the following tips and suggestions:

l Don’t be so melodramatic when you are leaving the house. Make any departures and arrivals low-key.

l Show him whose the “master” of the house. You put every action you make in your own terms such as playing with him.

l Discourage your dog from being so attached to you. Be aloof when greeted upon arriving home.

l Maintain your distance. Do not allow the dog to settle down in close proximity. Give you and your dog some space. Do not call him and leave him here he is. It might be hard for you but it must be done.

l Train him as much as possible.

l Give your dog a special treat or a reward when he shows good behavior while you are gone.

l Another alternative: Leave the radio or TV on while you make an errand. This will make your dog think that it is not home alone.

l Do not punish your dog. Dog have fears and can also experience anxiety. The thought of being abandoned really scares them.

l Invest in dog toys. It will keep your dog preoccupied or busy while you are away.

Indeed, dogs have become part of our family and indispensable to having a fun and enjoyable home life.

Training An Aggressive Dog

Dogs are a man’s best friend. That has always been the belief ever since. Why not? Because of their care, loyalty and sweetness to their owners, people will have a hard time not loving them.

Unfortunately for some dog owners and some people, the dog becomes their worst enemy. Just imagine the life of the mail man. The mail man has been always portrayed in movies or cartoons as a biting post of dogs. This is not a stupid joke. I have a n uncle who worked as a mail man and got bitten by a dog.

In fact, there are more people aside from mailmen that get victimized by dog bites. Every year there are 4.7 million people that get bitten by dogs. Among the 4.7 million people that get bitten, 17% needs medical attention. Also, 10-20% of tragic bite victims are killed by dog bites.

Since this has been a growing problem, certain breeds have been banned in some U.S. states. Here are the top 10 breeds that cause dog bites in no particular order. Rottweilers, pit bulls, huskies, German shepherds, Dobermans, malamutes, St. Bernards, chow chows, Akitas and Great Danes.

The dog’s behavior of being aggressive or non-aggressive greatly depends on the owner’s responsibility and training of the dog. Here are several steps that the owners can take to make their dog safe around other people.

Is a Doberman Pinscher The Perfect Dog For You?

Needing protection while performing his job as the tax collector of Apolda, Germany, Louis Dobermann, a resourceful man, took advantage of the opportunity his second job offered; managing the town’s animal pound.

With an unlimited source of a variety of dogs at his disposal, Dobermann began to experiment by crossing various breeds. What he really used is a bit of a mystery. What he created was a rather rough, but very effective version of what has evolved to the Doberman Pinscher we know and love today. Old German Shepherd, Weinmaraner, Great Dane, Rottweiler and possibly Greyhound may be part of that early equation.

Today’s Dobe, as their owners affectionately call them, is a far cry in appearance and demeanor from Dobermann’s dogs. Given the fact in the past hundred years they have retained the agile, astute, perceptive, protective and loyal character of their ancestors; they have been a favorite for the military, police, and customs. Recognizing and appreciating their gentle nature, they have also been caring therapy dogs. Their stamina makes them perfect for search and rescue.

This medium size dog, weighing between 60-100 pounds, hardly ever looks approachable. However, that image is part of their appeal so some owners.

They come in four colors: black, red, fawn and blue. Albino Dobermans are rare, but it does happen.

Alert, agile, energetic, and with incredible stamina, the Doberman is an extremely intelligent and loyal breed. They are not recommended for an inexperienced dog owner. Intuitively, Dobermans trust and respect authority. They can sense who has it, and who doesn’t. Without clear boundaries, they can develop serious and possibly dangerous behavior problems.

However, if socialized and obedience trained at an early age, the Dobe makes an unbelievable family pet. Their obedience, loyalty and attachment to their family are without reservation. They thrive on interactions with their humans. An amazingly perceptive animal, they instinctively provide their family with not only a good watchdog, but also an extraordinary guard dog. They can be wary of strangers.

They need regular training and plenty of socialization even as adults. By not challenging them mentally, you are doing them a great disservice. A sensitive dog, with astounding intelligence, they do not need to be strong-armed or hollered at. A firm tone of voice, and positive reinforcement, punishment-free methods of socialization and obedience training are effective.

This is a dog that needs plenty of exercise! They have remarkable stamina, so be prepared to spend time briskly walking and physically interacting with them. If not adequately exercised physically and challenged mentally, they will develop unacceptable behaviors, which may become very difficult to modify. This is not a dog that will tend to stray. Their attachment to their owner far outweighs their need to explore. They are leaners! They have to be touching their people. Many an owner will tell you, they feel their dog is more an accessory than a pet.

A shorthaired dog, they don’t require much grooming. A bath and good brushing now and then will help get rid of loose hairs. They are sensitive to the cold and should not be kenneled outside.

Doberman’s have their fair share of health problems, the most common being Dilated Cardiomyopathy (weakened and enlarged heart). Neutering reduces many of the risks intact males have to Canine Prostatic Diseases. Other health issues include: Von Willebrand’s Disease, obesity, Wobbler Syndrome (compression of the spinal cord), hypothyroidism, Gastric Dilation and Volvus (GDV-bloat), hip dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRT) and Congenital Heart Disease (CHD).

Their average lifespan is 10-14 years.

Bottom line: Do your homework. As they are so popular, avoid flea markets, backyard breeders and pet shops. They only perpetuate dreadful puppy mills that are grinding out inferior quality dogs. Find a responsible, trustworthy breeder. Shelters and rescues often have Doberman Pinschers. They are more often surrendered because of economic circumstances than behavior problems. Who knows, perhaps your new best friend may be patiently waiting for you there.

Karen A. Soukiasian, GOOD DOG! – DOG TRAINING and BED-n-BISCUITS dog boarding and training – Owner/Trainer, St. Augustine, Florida – AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN and S.T.A.R. PUPPY Evaluator

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