Happy Labor Day!

This weekend marks the unofficial end of summer. Do your plans involve your dog? While having fun is your goal, don't forget to keep your dog safe. Here are some some basic safety tips for you to brush up on:

• Poisonous People Foods: Labor Day usually means grilling out. As much as your dog wants to be a part of the fun, remember that not all food is safe. There are many types of people foods that can poison your dog. Learn what foods to avoid.
• Summer Safety for Dogs: Although the end of summer is near, it's still pretty darn hot in many parts of the country. Don't forget to keep your dog cool this weekend.
• Keep Your Dog from Becoming Lost: It's easy to get caught up in the festivities, but don't let your dog fall through the cracks. Keep track of your dog, and remind guests to keep doors and gates closed.

Hopefully, you are one of the lucky people who have Labor Day off. If so, enjoy your long weekend!

Photo © Alexandra Krumm

Happy Labor Day! originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Thursday, September 2nd, 2010 at 00:33:08.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Dog Breed of the Week: Brussels Griffon

The Brussels Griffon is a toy breed that, like many small dog breeds, has a big personality. At a glance, the smooth coat version closely resembles a Pug, while the rough coat looks more like an Affenpinscher or a type of spaniel. Your eyes do not deceive you - the breeds are actually related!

Many dog lovers enjoy this breed for its high-spirited attitude and adorable looks. If you like little dogs that can sit in your lap, but also want and active, playful dog, the Brussels might be for you. Check out the photo gallery for some great pictures. Are you a fan of this breed? Tell us about your Brussels Griffon!

Photo © Gloria W. Smith

<sup>About the Photo: This is Annabelle or Annie. She is a Brussels Griffon about 21/2 yrs old. She has a great temperament and I am happy she picked me as 'her people'. She goes to work and softball tournaments with me where she starred in her own "dug out dog calendar".
- Gloria</sup>

Dog Breed of the Week: Brussels Griffon originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Wednesday, September 1st, 2010 at 23:27:03.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Aversives in Dog Training

In dog training, an aversive is something used to discourage specific unwanted behaviors in dogs. It is something the dog finds unpleasant, usually involving a dog's senses. Some examples include shock collars, bitter apple spray and penny cans. The use of aversives with dogs is controversial topic. A lot of dog lovers consider some or all aversives inhumane (or unkind at the very least). Many others feel that the use of aversives can be highly affective in dog training.

Before you decide to use them, learn more about the use of aversives from dog trainer Amy Bender. How do you feel about it? Do you think aversives should be used in dog training? Are some better or worse than others? Or, does it just depend on the situation? Share your opinion.

Photo courtesy of PriceGrabber

Aversives in Dog Training originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Wednesday, September 1st, 2010 at 22:59:21.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Dog Breed of the Week: Bull Terrier

If you were born before 1980, chances are the Bull Terrier will bring back memories of Spuds Mackenzie, the dog featured in the Budweiser commercials. Now, the breed is featured as Bullseye, the mascot for Target Stores.

Bull Terriers, sometimes called Bullies, are muscular and fearless dogs. Yet despite its tough appearance, the Bull Terrier is a playful, friendly and highly affectionate dog breed. In fact, Bullies often get along remarkably well with children. All too often, this breed (along with other "bully breeds") gets a bad rap as an aggressive dog. Actually, the Bull Terrier is typically quite friendly with people and can make a wonderful family pet. In fact, its nickname is the "kid in a dog suit."

Interested in sharing your life with one of these wonderful dogs? Learn more about the Bull Terrier to consider whether or not this is the right dog breed for you. Already devoted to this lovable dog breed? Talk about your Bull Terrier so that others may benefit from your knowledge and advice.

Photo © Gina Paris

^{About the Photo: Harley is a 5 year old female English Bull Terrier. She lives to play frisbee on the golf course everyday. Afterwards she sits and the pool with her frisbee to cool off...sometimes she is very muddy! She is a rough and tumble dog but she is also sweet and loving. She also has a great sense of humor and makes us laugh!}

Dog Breed of the Week: Bull Terrier originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Wednesday, August 25th, 2010 at 20:52:03.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Does Your Dog Have the Back to School Blues?

Most kids have already gone back to school, and the remainder will soon. After an exciting summer of playing and vacationing, you and your kids are easing back into the school routine. Have you considered how this time of year affects your dog? The change in schedule and absence of the children may be stressful for your dog. Before you know it, your dog might begin to develop health or behavior problems.

The first thing you can do for your dog is to learn how to spot the back to school blues. This time of year is hectic, and it's easy for your dog to get lost in the chaos. Boredom, loneliness and confusion can lead to depression, illness or behavioral isues. Fortunately, Amy Bender has some excellent training tips for back-to school that can help you help your dog. If you have school-age children, tell us how this time of year affects your dog. How do you handle the back to school blues?

Photo © iStockphoto.com/carebott

Does Your Dog Have the Back to School Blues? originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Wednesday, August 25th, 2010 at 18:21:11.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

The Best Dog Training Books

Have you ever searched for a book about dog training, only to find the vast amount of choices overwhelming? Whether you have a new dog, plan to get a new dog, or just want to work on training with your current dog, a good dog training book is a great place to start. However, there are so many dog training books out there that it can be nearly impossible to decide which ones are the best for you and your dog. Some dog training books are better than others, and choosing the right ones can make all the difference.

Fortunately, dog trainer Amy Bender has compiled a list of her top five dog training books. Topping the list is one of my personal favorites: The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson. Each of Amy's book selections focus upon positive reinforcement. Best of all, these books can help us better understand the way our dogs think and why they do the things they do. I definitely believe that each of these excellent books will make a perfect addition to the library of every dog owner. What's your favorite dog training book?

The Best Dog Training Books originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Monday, August 23rd, 2010 at 20:58:55.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Dog Breed of the Week: Pekingese

The Pekingese is a bold and hardy toy dog with an independent spirit. With a long history as the pampered companions of nobles, it's no surprise that they act a bit on the regal side. Nicknamed the "Lion Dog," the Peke can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty of China sometime during the 8th century. For many centuries, they were highly regarded by the Chinese as divine canines.

The Pekingese may be small, but the breed is not at all fragile. Lift one up and you'll notice a muscular frame and sturdy build. Those who do not know Pekes well may find them a bit aloof and distant. Indeed, some of these dogs take a little time to warm up to new people. However, once you bond with a Peke, you'll see a loyal and affectionate lap dog.

What do you have to say about this dog breed? Talk about your Pekingese!

Photo © iStockphoto.com/Irina Igumnova

Dog Breed of the Week: Pekingese originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Wednesday, August 18th, 2010 at 22:37:32.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Dog Training on a Budget

You probably hear someone talking about the economy at least once a day (if not more). Times are tough, and dog care can be expensive. Properly caring for a dog doesn't have to break the bank. Chances are, dog expenses can fit into your tight budget if you learn how to save money on dogs without compromising the quality of care.

Training is one of the most important parts of raising a dog, yet it is often overlooked. Cost may be part of the reason for this - dog trainers and obedience classes can get pretty expensive. However, you do not need to spend a lot of money to have a well-behaved dog. These tips from dog trainer Amy Bender can help you get started.

Dog Training on a Budget originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Wednesday, August 18th, 2010 at 22:36:19.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Dog Breed of the Week: Siberian Husky

I chose the Siberian Husky as the breed of the week in honor of Bear-Bear, the Husky fatally shot in a Maryland dog park last week. My heart goes out to all of those who knew and loved Bear-Bear.

Huskies are often thought of as sled dogs, and this is actually how they originated. But today's Husky is so much more than this. Overall, this breed absolutely loves to work, can sustain colder temperatures, and is quite skilled at companionship. Read more...

Dog Breed of the Week: Siberian Husky originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Wednesday, August 11th, 2010 at 18:47:22.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Grief After Pet Death

None of us wants to imagine the death of a beloved pet. Of course, when we decided to become pet owners, we knew we would most likely outlive our pets. But that doesn't make it any easier when they die. To make matters worse, some people cannot understand your grief - usually these people are not pet owners. When a relative or close friend dies, people understand that you might want to be alone or need time off from work. When a pet dies, this is not always the case. Sometimes, a grieving pet owner must find other ways to mourn. Read more...

Grief After Pet Death originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Wednesday, August 11th, 2010 at 17:23:49.

Permalink | Comment | Email this