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><channel><title>dogsuniverse.co.nzArticles | dogsuniverse.co.nz</title> <atom:link href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /><link>http://dogsuniverse.co.nz</link> <description>Just another WP Sites site</description> <lastBuildDate>Mon, 07 Jul 2014 03:25:55 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en</language> <sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency> <generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3</generator> <item><title>Dog crates and boxes</title><link>http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/dog-crates-and-boxes-2/</link> <comments>http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/dog-crates-and-boxes-2/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Thu, 22 Nov 2012 09:57:03 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category><guid
isPermaLink="false"></guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>There are many different kinds of boxes for transporting dogs. Some can be installed permanently into a car and others can easily be removed again after use. The extent to which you may need to transport your dog varies greatly among different dog owners. If for example you often go hunting with your dog you [...]</p><p>The post <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/dog-crates-and-boxes-2/">Dog crates and boxes</a> appeared first on <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz">dogsuniverse.co.nz</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There are many different kinds of boxes for transporting dogs. Some can be installed permanently into a car and others can easily be removed again after use. The extent to which you may need to transport your dog varies greatly among different dog owners. If for example you often go hunting with your dog you might prefer a permanently installed half closed dog box, so the entire car is not impacted if the semi-wet dog shakes in the car.</p><p><strong>A rule of thumb concerning the size of the dog box</strong><br
/> No matter what kind of dog box you choose it is a good rule of thumb that your dog should just be able to turn around in its dog box. It is not a good idea to buy a dog box that is too large as the dog will not feel as comfortable and safe in a too large dog box. Also the dog may slide around in the dog box and hit the frame walls when the car is moving through uneven terrain or when sudden accelerations or braking happens.</p><p>A Folding dog crate or dog box<br
/> If it is not often that you need to transport your dog, then a folding dog crate or dog box might be the best solution. When you fold the transport box and store it in the house between uses, the transport box doesn&rsquo;t take up a lot of space. However, the safest thing for your dog is a transport box that is firmly anchored in the car, but with very small cages or crates for small dogs you can put the transport box in a fixed position between the front and rear seats in the bottom of the car.</p><p>Don&rsquo;t let you dog have free roam in the car<br
/> If you let your dog be loose during a road trip inside the car cabin, you should not let your dog stick its whole head out of the window. Just think of what a small stone can do to your windshield, and there are many other loose items that could hit the dog. Contrary to what most believe your dog is not going to get more joy out of the smells in the air by sticking its entire head out of the window. What your dog is excited about are all of the interesting smells that bombard the dog&rsquo;s keen sense of smell from the outside world as the car rushes by. It is enough for your dog that you roll the window down a little, so your dog can put the nose up to the fresh air rushing in and enjoy all of the fascinating smells that whistles past. This way your dog can enjoy the smells without running the risk of getting hit in the head by a random stone.</p><p>Do not leave dogs alone in the car<br
/> Besides dog crates, dog cages and other ways to transport your dog in an enclosed space during car trips, there are dog harnesses that you can fasten your dog in during the road trip if you want to leave it loose. That way your dog is safer during car trips. It is never recommended to leave a loose dog be in the car&rsquo;s cabin while you are not even present in the car. Then the dog can get into mischief, be stolen, hang themselves (if it has a leash on) or it might die from dehydration and heat on a hot summer day.</p><p>Make your own dog box and save money</p><p>You can make a cheap transport box for yourself by buying two black bricklayer tubs in a DIY store. Then thighten the two tubs together with one tub on its head by screws. Then you cut a hole in one tub that is large enough that your dog can get in and out. You can put some blankets in the bottom of your self-made dog box. It is a good idea to drill some holes in the top to let some light in.</p><p>The post <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/dog-crates-and-boxes-2/">Dog crates and boxes</a> appeared first on <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz">dogsuniverse.co.nz</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/dog-crates-and-boxes-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>Adopting a dog from a dog rescue shelter</title><link>http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/adopting-a-dog-from-a-dog-rescue-shelter-2/</link> <comments>http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/adopting-a-dog-from-a-dog-rescue-shelter-2/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Thu, 22 Nov 2012 09:37:29 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category><guid
isPermaLink="false"></guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>It is a good deed and sometimes very practical to choose an adult dog from a dog rescue shelter rather than to buy a puppy. But often people choose to get a dog from a dog shelter because the dog is &#8220;cute&#8221;, &#8220;sad looking&#8221; or &#8220;fashionable&#8221; rather than based on considerations about the dog&#8217;s energy [...]</p><p>The post <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/adopting-a-dog-from-a-dog-rescue-shelter-2/">Adopting a dog from a dog rescue shelter</a> appeared first on <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz">dogsuniverse.co.nz</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It is a good deed and sometimes very practical to choose an adult dog from a dog rescue shelter rather than to buy a puppy. But often people choose to get a dog from a dog shelter because the dog is &ldquo;cute&rdquo;, &ldquo;sad looking&rdquo; or &ldquo;fashionable&rdquo; rather than based on considerations about the dog&rsquo;s energy level and behavior. This increases the chance that the dog is later returned to a dog sanctuary and perhaps ultimately put down. Here you&rsquo;ll find good advice when choosing a dog from a dog rescue shelter:</p><p>How much time and energy do you have?<br
/> When choosing a dog whether it&rsquo;s a dog from a shelter or from a kennel, it is important to consider how the dog&rsquo;s energy level matches yours. The first step is therefore to be honest with yourself and to identify your own energy level. Do you wake up early in the morning, eat a healthy breakfast and immediately go for a run or walk in the woods? Or would you rather get up late and watch the morning news? When you and your dog&rsquo;s energy level is in conflict related frustrations may lead to problems for both dog and owner.</p><p>Which dog should you choose?<br
/> After you have identified your own energy level, it is time to start your research about breeds and their energy level. However, it is important to remember that a dog&rsquo;s breed does not necessarily dictate the dog&rsquo;s personality, but some breeds are known to have a certain energy level or disposition. Once you&rsquo;ve done your research, it is time to look for your new dog with a few ideas in mind.</p><p>If you have decided to begin your search for your new dog at the local dog shelters, it is important to remember that a dog in a cage at a sanctuary is difficult to assess when it comes to dog&rsquo;s energy level. Dogs who are confined in a cage for long periods of time may be frustrated and nervous.</p><p>Ask the staff in the dog shelter for their assessment as the staff often isn&rsquo;t just interested in getting the dog out the door but rather to ensure that it finds a suitable home and is not returned to the shelter again. Find out how the dog&rsquo;s personality really is and how it interacts with staff and other dogs. How is the dog behaving during meal times? How is the dog behaving when other people come to look at the other dogs? Questions such as these will give you a better look at how the dog is likely to behave in your home. If you take the dog for a long walk this might help the dog to vent the frustration and energy it had built up in the cage. This gives you a more accurate picture of the dog&rsquo;s personality and energy level.</p><p>The most important thing is to not let your emotions influence your decisions at the dog shelter. You will have plenty of time to get to know your dog when the dog is brought home and integrated into your family. For your dog&rsquo;s sake it is best that you try not to let yourself get influenced emotionally by the dog shelter. An adoption center can be very heart breaking if your thoughts are focused on every dog that is present in the shelter. It is very important for you to choose the right dog that suits you and your personality, not just a dog that you feel sorry for. If you choose a dog based on compassion it is not beneficial for you or your dog in the long run.</p><p>The post <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/adopting-a-dog-from-a-dog-rescue-shelter-2/">Adopting a dog from a dog rescue shelter</a> appeared first on <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz">dogsuniverse.co.nz</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/adopting-a-dog-from-a-dog-rescue-shelter-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>Agility training with your dog</title><link>http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/agility-training-with-your-dog-2/</link> <comments>http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/agility-training-with-your-dog-2/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Thu, 22 Nov 2012 09:35:30 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category><guid
isPermaLink="false"></guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Agility is an often overlooked activity that will contribute positively to the relationship between you and your dog. Agility creates a common goal, that you can work towards in cooperation with your dog . It is also a good way to get exercise outdoors for you and your dog. Agility will also contribute to create [...]</p><p>The post <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/agility-training-with-your-dog-2/">Agility training with your dog</a> appeared first on <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz">dogsuniverse.co.nz</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Agility is an often  overlooked activity that will contribute positively to the relationship  between you and your dog. Agility creates a common  goal, that you can work towards in cooperation with your dog . It is also a good way to get exercise outdoors for you and your dog. Agility will also contribute to create a strong and productive bond between you and your dog.</p><p>Here are 10 great tips for how  you and your dog gets started with agility:</p><p>1. Does your dog know basic dog training?<br
/> Is your dog obeying you  consistently when you give commands such as &ldquo;sit,&rdquo; &ldquo;down&rdquo; and &ldquo;stay&rdquo;?</p><p>It is a good idea to have  the foundation (basic training) in place before you begin building the house (agility).</p><p>2. Is your dog socialized  and friendly?<br
/> Make sure your dog is  comfortable around other dogs, and is accustomed to performing in new places with a high level of noise and many distractions. If your dog is not  accustomed to these conditions, it&rsquo;s a good idea to sign up for a class on basic  obedience training.</p><p>3. Make sure you have enough  time in your calendar.<br
/> You need to have time for both agility classes and consistent agility training on your own. It is best to train every  day, but experts recommend that agility training lasts only 15 minutes  at a time. You can easily make do  with only practicing a couple of times a week.</p><p>4. Use positive rewards to motivate your dog.<br
/> Motivate and retain your  dog&rsquo;s concentration with treats, toys and praise. It must be fun to practise agility.</p><p>5. Find an agility trainer.<br
/> Your local agility club  can refer you to a trainer.</p><p>6. Go out and observe an agility  training session.<br
/> Different agility coaches  have different techniques. Observe how individual agility trainers teach and  decide on whether their techniques are right for you and your dog.</p><p>7. Go to a local agility  event.</p><p>If you do that you&rsquo;ll have a better  idea of what agility training is all about and  whether it suits you and your dog. Some clubs also include  &ldquo;open house&rdquo; events and other introductory courses.</p><p>8. Ensure access to  equipment.<br
/> Your dog needs to train  the various jumps, tunnels and other obstructions. You can build your own training equipment or just use some simple tools at  the beginning and then introduce several more exercises and pieces of agility equipment over time. You can also use your  club&rsquo;s equipment at training days.</p><p>9. Take your time to do a little bit of research.<br
/> Both the Internet and  books are a good resource when you are expanding your understanding of training  methods and the interaction between you and your dog.</p><p>Agility is a healthy and  positive way for you to learn more about your dog&rsquo;s psychology and  personality.</p><p>10. Be prepared to have fun. A positive attitude is  everything in agility!</p><p>The post <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/agility-training-with-your-dog-2/">Agility training with your dog</a> appeared first on <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz">dogsuniverse.co.nz</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/agility-training-with-your-dog-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>Popular dog names</title><link>http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/popular-dog-names-2/</link> <comments>http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/popular-dog-names-2/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Thu, 22 Nov 2012 09:30:56 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category><guid
isPermaLink="false"></guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>If you are trying to come up with a great name for your new puppy, you can find inspiration in popular dog names here. Our list of popular dog names is sorted alphabetically and is composed of popular dog names for female and male dogs through all ages. Popular dog names for female dogs (bitches): [...]</p><p>The post <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/popular-dog-names-2/">Popular dog names</a> appeared first on <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz">dogsuniverse.co.nz</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you are trying to come up with a great name for your new puppy, you can find inspiration in popular dog names here.<br
/> Our list of popular dog names is sorted alphabetically and is composed of popular dog names for female and male dogs through all ages.</p><p>Popular dog names for female dogs (bitches):</p><ul><li>Amanda</li><li>Bella</li><li>Bertha</li><li>Bianca</li><li>Bianka</li><li>Bonnie</li><li>Chilli</li><li>Dina</li><li>Emma</li><li>Freja</li><li>Freya</li><li>Frida</li><li>Lady</li><li>Laica</li><li>Laika</li><li>Luna</li><li>Molly</li><li>Nala</li><li>Ronja</li><li>Sally</li><li>Trine</li><li>Zenta</li><li>Zita</li><li>Zitta</li></ul><p><strong>Popular dog names for male dogs:</strong></p><ul><li>Anton</li><li>Balder</li><li>Bamse</li><li>Basse</li><li>Bertram</li><li>Buller</li><li>Buster</li><li>Casper</li><li>Charley</li><li>Charlie</li><li>Fighter</li><li>Jack</li><li>King</li><li>Laban</li><li>Max</li><li>Mickey</li><li>Oliver</li><li>Oliwer</li><li>Oscar</li><li>Rasmus</li><li>Sam</li><li>Samson</li><li>Simba</li><li>Sophus</li><li>Thor</li><li>Victor</li></ul><p>The post <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/popular-dog-names-2/">Popular dog names</a> appeared first on <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz">dogsuniverse.co.nz</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/popular-dog-names-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>Different dogs needs different amounts of exercise</title><link>http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/different-dogs-needs-different-amounts-of-exercise-2/</link> <comments>http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/different-dogs-needs-different-amounts-of-exercise-2/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Thu, 22 Nov 2012 09:14:53 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category><guid
isPermaLink="false"></guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Not all dogs need the same amount of exercise. A dog&#8217;s need for exercise has little to do with the dog&#8217;s physical size, and a small dog can easily require more exercise than a large dog. Dog Breed plays the largest role in how much exercise a dog needs. Working dogs such as Siberian Huskies, [...]</p><p>The post <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/different-dogs-needs-different-amounts-of-exercise-2/">Different dogs needs different amounts of exercise</a> appeared first on <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz">dogsuniverse.co.nz</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Not all dogs need the same amount of exercise. A dog&rsquo;s need for exercise has little to do with the dog&rsquo;s physical size, and a small dog can easily require more exercise than a large dog. Dog Breed plays the largest role in how much exercise a dog needs. Working dogs such as Siberian Huskies, Border Collie, herding dogs, etc. needs a lot of exercise to stay balanced, otherwise they will get restless and frustrated, which can result in unwanted behavior.</p><p>How many times should I walk my dog?<br
/> The best form of exercise a dog can get is a very long walk around the neighborhood with its owner, all the exciting smells are a like a sensory bombardment, and the dog enjoys exploring its surroundings an satisfying its curiosity. Preferably a dog should be walked at least 2 times a day as well as other activities with the owner for about an hour a day. A dog also needs mental challenges, so toys and exercise helps a great deal towards making your dog a balanced dog. If a dogs need for exercise and stimulation isn&rsquo;t met it will most likely result in unwanted behaviour towards your furniture, garden, you and your guests.</p><p>Dogs have different exercise needs also within the same breed<br
/> A dog&rsquo;s personality means a lot compared to how much exercise a dog needs. Some dogs are naturally energetic and sparkling with energy all day long, while other dogs loves to lie by themselves in a warm sunbeam. Like humans dogs have different individual energy levels even within the same breed. Usually you can try to gauge a puppy&rsquo;s energy level by observing it in the kennel a couple of times before you buy and ask the seller. Of course the dog&rsquo;s age also plays into its exercise needs.</p><p>On a hot summer day<br
/> One must be careful with too much exercise at high temperatures, and in particular ensure that the dog is getting enough to drink. Never leave your dog in a hot car as this can be fatal.</p><p>How can I exercise my dog?<br
/> Here is a selection of activities and a commentary on how your dog might view the situation:</p><p>1. Walking with the owner (like the old days with the pack &ndash; let us catch a cat!)</p><p>2. Running with the owner (sometimes even away from the owner if I get out!)</p><p>3. A swim in a pool, lake or sea (I always swim with my head above the water surface as a Sphinx! &ndash; retrievers and other water dogs loves rumping in water)</p><p>4. Play fetch (This is great! Especially if I&rsquo;m a Retriever, otherwise I may not bring back the stick!)</p><p>5. Dog training and tricks (Super duper &ndash; especially if there are treats involved, I&rsquo;m much smarter than he thinks!)</p><p>6. Walk on treadmill (See mom &ndash; I&rsquo;m moonwalking! Great exercise!)</p><p>7. Play with dog friends in the dog park (wow look at me chasing these other dogs &ndash; I sniff an arse here. I sniff an arse there!)</p><p>8. In the fenced in garden (My owner is lazy &ndash; this is boring. I&rsquo;ll dig up the roses here &ndash; that&rsquo;ll teach him!)</p><p>9. Driving in the car (This is not exercise but if I stick my nose out of the window I am bombarded with smells, it&rsquo;s crazy, I think I&rsquo;ll sit like this the whole trip!)</p><p>10. Bound to a tree in the garden (When I get back in I&rsquo;ll eat his favourite shoe!)</p><p>The post <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/different-dogs-needs-different-amounts-of-exercise-2/">Different dogs needs different amounts of exercise</a> appeared first on <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz">dogsuniverse.co.nz</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/different-dogs-needs-different-amounts-of-exercise-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>Unwanted behaviour in dogs</title><link>http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/unwanted-behaviour-in-dogs-2/</link> <comments>http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/unwanted-behaviour-in-dogs-2/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Thu, 22 Nov 2012 09:13:59 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category><guid
isPermaLink="false"></guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The dog has become one of mankind&#8217;s most popular pets and this with good reason. It can be very rewarding for both dog and human to share life. But in the western world, the dog is not always allowed to be dogs. Today it is increasingly common for people to get a dog to satisfy [...]</p><p>The post <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/unwanted-behaviour-in-dogs-2/">Unwanted behaviour in dogs</a> appeared first on <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz">dogsuniverse.co.nz</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The dog has become one of mankind&rsquo;s most popular pets and this with good reason. It can be very rewarding for both dog and human to share life. But in the western world, the dog is not always allowed to be dogs. Today it is increasingly common for people to get a dog to satisfy an emotional need. We have a tendency to personify our dog, rather than letting the dog be dog and thereby thrive as the race it is &ndash; a dog first and foremost.</p><p>The dog as family<br
/> There is nothing wrong in treating your dog like a family member and wanting your dog to have the best of all worlds. We love our dogs. But a dog needs more than food, human love and a roof to sleep under. In fact, it also needs a leader. The dog is a pack animal and in its natural environment, there is always a leader of the pack.</p><p>Permanent rules<br
/> This means that there are established rules in the pack and an opportunity to look to the pack leader for guidance. If the dog lives in a vacuum where there are no rules but gets lots of love and attention in the wrong situations (eg. if the dog gets lots of human attention and affection when the dog is uncomfortable or afraid, this just fosters more of the same mental state in the dog resulting in increased anxiety) this can cause problems. A dog mainly need to be corroborated in its positive and calm mental state.</p><p>Nervous dogs<br
/> If a dog is afraid or suffers from anxiety, it does not need to be embraced and overwhelmed by emotionally unstable energy from the pack leader (you), it needs a confident and calm leader (just as in nature) to get it to calm down and feel safe again. In nature no dog (or any other pack animal for that matter) will follow an emotionally unstable leader or a leader who sends strange or negative fearful energy that the dog does not understand.</p><p>The calm and confident leader<br
/> In nature dogs follows only one kind of leader &ndash; the calm and confident leader. Only people will follow all kinds of leaders, spiritual leaders, emotionally unstable leaders, charismatic leaders, etc. If a dog has no calm and confident leader to relate to, it can easily become unstable when the dog tries to fill the vacuum by assuming the role of pack leader by itself &ndash; this can cause unstable behavior and negative interaction between owner and dog.</p><p>Dogs are very easily influenced by the energy that radiates from the owner &ndash; the dog can tell if you are in a good mood, are afraid, anxious, happy, calm, excited, etc. The dog is affected by your behaviour and state of mind.</p><p>Lack of leadership<br
/> If the dog lacks leadership from its owner, the dog will eventually try to fill the leadership role and consider the owner as a part of the prack that the dog leads. This can lead to a lot of unwanted behavior in the dog; overprotective behavior toward its owner, aggressiveness towards strangers, the dog will feel that it owns the house, nervous behavior, etc.</p><p>Your dog senses the world through the nose first, then eyes and then ears. So if you shout or talk to a dog because you want to change your dog&rsquo;s behavior, the dog will probably only understand that you make weird noises &ndash; the dog will better understand you if you use the exact same sound for correcting dog behavior every time.</p><p>Your dog needs to travel with its pack and pack leader. It wants to go exploring the world. But in nature the dog will not be allowed to run around in front of his pack leader sniffing at everything while running far ahead. If you allow your dog to do this, then your dog will perceive itself as the pack leader. It is better to establish that you are the pack leader and that you sometimes as a reward allow the dog to sniff around.</p><p>Who decides<br
/> Basically, the dog should always be beside or behind his human pack leader &ndash; even when leaving the house. If the dog runs in front of his owner out of the house, it will perceive itself as the leader of the walk. The dog loves to walk with its pack, so it needs to go for long walks each day. This is important for your bond with your dog. A garden, even if the garden is very big and beautiful, is just like a cage for a dog. The dog wants to move around in the world. If your dog doesn&rsquo;t get exercise and lots of exciting inputs it becomes restless and bored and that state of mind can develop into mental problems or destructive behaviour.</p><p>Dogs needs exercise<br
/> Dogs are different &ndash; some dogs have a high energy level and some dogs have less energy. If you own a dog with lots of energy, it is very important that the dog is allowed to burn off the excess energy during a long walk or other exercise if necessary. A long walk with the human in charge, not the dog, creates a deep bond between dog and human. Remember that dogs must have a leader and a solid framework of rules and the ability to work for the food (long walks, play, etc.), as in nature &ndash; this will create the best relationship between owner and dog.</p><p>The post <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/unwanted-behaviour-in-dogs-2/">Unwanted behaviour in dogs</a> appeared first on <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz">dogsuniverse.co.nz</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/unwanted-behaviour-in-dogs-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>How to buy a puppy</title><link>http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/how-to-buy-a-puppy-2/</link> <comments>http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/how-to-buy-a-puppy-2/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Thu, 22 Nov 2012 09:13:25 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category><guid
isPermaLink="false"></guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Which puppy to choose? You have done your homework diligently about the breeds and have decided to buy a puppy at a specific kennel. Now it is time to go to the kennel for a closer look at the litter of puppies. You observe the 5 lovely puppies and they all look like the cutest [...]</p><p>The post <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/how-to-buy-a-puppy-2/">How to buy a puppy</a> appeared first on <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz">dogsuniverse.co.nz</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Which puppy to choose?<br
/> You have done your homework diligently about the breeds and have decided to buy a puppy at a specific kennel. Now it is time to go to the kennel for a closer look at the litter of puppies. You observe the 5 lovely puppies and they all look like the cutest puppy on four legs in the world. How do you choose between them?</p><p>Puppies have different characteristics<br
/> It is important to remember when making your choice that all puppies and dogs are individually different just like people are different. Your goal is to choose a puppy that matches your image of the perfect dog and your personality.</p><p>Is selecting a puppy a science?<br
/> Some dog experts and authors are of the opinion that it is an almost impossible task to predict character traits that the adult dog will have from observing a 7 to 10 weeks old puppy&rsquo;s behavior. It is far from an exact science to be selecting a puppy, but for most new dog owners it is both mentally and emotionally satisfying to make an active choice.</p><p>What to look for in a dog puppy?<br
/> Most dog owners want an outgoing, gentle and friendly dog that matches the owner&rsquo;s energy level. If you like to watch television on the sofa and hate walking, it is not a good idea to buy a dog with lots of energy and a great need for exercise. Even within the same breed, each dog can have a different energy level, and therefore it may well have important implications which puppy you choose.</p><p>It is optimal to observe the dog on several occasions<br
/> It can often help your decision if it is based on viewing the puppy more than once before you buy &ndash; preferably several times. The extroverted dogs are typically right in the middle of the puppy pack when they play and are neither the most dominant or docile. If you kneel down to the level of the puppies often the most curious and outgoing puppies will run to your feet and they will usually not fight to be put down again if you pick them up.</p><p>How is the puppy reacting to new people and new noises and movement?<br
/> You can pay attention to how comfortable the dog puppy seems to be in the company of people? It is also important if the dog puppy for example is afraid of sudden noises or movements? Many of these observations are common sense and you&rsquo;ll be guaranteed to notice them even if you&rsquo;re not conscious of it. Make sure you benefit from your observations in your decision, so it is not just about what color or pattern your new puppy must have. It is worth observing the dog puppy several times since its mood and energy may vary from day to day.</p><p>Your dog puppy&rsquo;s upbringing is important<br
/> You must also remember that the environment you create for your puppy in its upbringing will influence the adult dog&rsquo;s traits and the dog puppy&rsquo;s life in your home is at least as important as the puppy you choose.</p><p>When are a dog puppy ready to leave his mother and siblings?<br
/> Once you have selected your new puppy is it a good idea to let your puppy stay with its mother and siblings until the puppy is 49 days old (7 weeks). Most dog experts recommend that puppies stay in their litter until it is 49 days old and is then moved directly to its new home with you. This is because a dog puppy still achieves important socialization in interactions with his mother and siblings during this time period. This early socialization will help your puppy when it later in life meets strange dogs in its path. It gives the puppy confidence to be its litter, so it can better handle the little surprises and stones on the road.</p><p>Puppies like playing with children<br
/> It is also important that your puppy from the very beginning becomes accustomed to the people in its surroundings &ndash; like the children it shares a home with and can play with. It is obviously important to keep an eye on the children so that they don&rsquo;t mistreat the small, happy and fragile puppy.</p><p>The post <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/how-to-buy-a-puppy-2/">How to buy a puppy</a> appeared first on <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz">dogsuniverse.co.nz</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/how-to-buy-a-puppy-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>How to housebreak your dog</title><link>http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/how-to-housebreak-your-dog-2/</link> <comments>http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/how-to-housebreak-your-dog-2/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Thu, 22 Nov 2012 09:12:46 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category><guid
isPermaLink="false"></guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>How to house-train your new puppy It is a good idea to organize your new puppy coming home so that you can be home and give your puppy dog the attention it requires in the beginning in its new home. If you don&#8217;t work from home it&#8217;s a good idea to take a long weekend [...]</p><p>The post <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/how-to-housebreak-your-dog-2/">How to housebreak your dog</a> appeared first on <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz">dogsuniverse.co.nz</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>How to house-train your new puppy<br
/> It is a good idea to organize your new puppy coming home so that you can be home and give your puppy dog the attention it requires in the beginning in its new home. If you don&rsquo;t work from home it&rsquo;s a good idea to take a long weekend or a holiday when your puppy arrives.</p><p>This gives you and your puppy as much time together as possible in the important early relationship and training phase. Since a dog&rsquo;s life is much shorter (average 14 years) than ours, it is important to think about the first weeks and months of the dog&rsquo;s life as the important and formative childhood. Quality time you spend with your puppy in the beginning is important for your relationship with your dog later in the dog&rsquo;s life. These first few weeks of a puppy&rsquo;s time in his new home is an investment in a succesful and rewarding relationship between dog and owner in the long term.</p><p>A new home is scary to the little puppy in the beginning<br
/> Remember that a dog puppy&rsquo;s first time in his new home is a big transition for the little puppy that is both confused and scared. It is unrealistic to expect a very young puppy to quickly understand what you expect of it and what it can and cannot do &ndash; it is therefore necessary that you have patience. Right from the start, your main task is to get the little puppy to feel safe and comfortable in his new surroundings, while simultaneously telling your dog puppy where it can go to the toilet and where it cannot.</p><p>Leadership<br
/> Do not be afraid to let your puppy know how the rules work, dogs are pack animals and your job in the beginning is to give the puppy a consistent set of rules, structure, security and love, like a dog puppy&rsquo;s mother would have done in the wild. It is also important that your puppy dog sees you as the pack leader from the very beginning, this is important because puppies need to know the rules and limitations just like our own children. If your puppy don&rsquo;t perceive you as the leader it will invent its own rules and boundaries and they will certainly be different from what you intended. Although a puppy is naturally equipped with instincts, personality and a reaction pattern your early leadership will have a great influence on how the adult dog will turn out.</p><p>There are many ways to housebreak a puppy<br
/> Whether your goal is to get your dog puppy trained to go to the toilet on a newspaper (or at a particular place) or to be completely housebroken (only outside) is entirely up to you and your lifestyle. It is obvious that a large dog should be trained to go to the bathroom outdoors. People with disabilities or a life that makes it difficult or impossible to be home to walk the dog every day may find it more logical to train the dog to go to the bathroom indoors. Some people take their little toy-breeds everywhere, including on trips to hotel rooms etc. It is possible to train a dog to do his business indoors but in most cases, it would be preferable to train the dog to do his business outside, it is also important to remember that although a dog goes to the bathroom inside, the dog still has the same need for exercise and getting out in nature with his owner.</p><p>A puppy is only a baby<br
/> Remember that your new puppy is a baby. A dog puppy&rsquo;s ability to follow your training plan has a number of physical and mental limitations. A puppy&rsquo;s bladder is small, and veterinarians warn against asking a dog to keep urine inboard more than 6 hours at a time as this can be dangerous for the dog&rsquo;s health. But even puppies can sleep through an 8-hour night if you do not give the puppy free access to water just before going to sleep. A good rule of thumb is of course that everything that comes in &ndash; must also come out again so that food and water must be planned.</p><p>An indoor and outdoor plan for a puppy that is up to four months old.<br
/> This plan will work for both the newspaper / territorial training and outdoor training. A puppy should be safely and comfortably confined to his box or enclosure, where it should sleep or relax. Timing of activities can be moved to match your own daily schedule, but time between activities should be fairly constant.</p><p>Time 06:00. You and your puppy wakes. Immediately put your puppy on a newspaper or take it outside. Give the dog puppy food and drink. Put the puppy back on the newspaper or outside. Socialize and play with your puppy dog as long as you can. Put dog puppy back in its box or enclosure.</p><p>Time 10:00. Wake up the dog puppy if necessary. Put dog puppy on a newspaper or outside. Give dog puppy water. Put the dog puppy back on a newspaper or outside. Socialization and play. Put dog puppy back in his puppy box or enclosure.</p><p>Time: 13:00. Wake up the dog puppy if necessary. Put the dog puppy on a newspaper or outside. Give the dog puppy food and drink. Put dog puppy on a newspaper or outside. Socialization and play. Put dog puppy back in puppy box or enclosure.</p><p>Time: 16:00. Same as at. 10:00.</p><p>Time: 19:00. Same as at. 13:00.</p><p>Time: 22.00-23.00. Wake up the dog puppy if necessary. Put the dog puppy on a newspaper or outside. Socialization and play. Give the puppy a biscuit / snack and an icecube. Put the dog puppy on a newspaper or outside. Put the dog back in its puppy box or enclosure.</p><p>Outdoor house-breaking plan for a puppy between 6 and 9 months old.</p><p>When a puppy dog reaches this age, it is enough to feed the puppy two times during a day if its meal contains good nutrition. If your puppy eats a smaller nutrient saturated commercial food, it must still have meals 3 times a day. You can check this with your veterinarian.</p><p>Time: 06:00. You both wake up and you take your puppy outside. Give the dog puppy food and drink. Take dog puppy outside. Socialization and play. Put dog puppy back in its box.</p><p>Time: 11:00. Wake up dog puppy and take it outside. Give the dog puppy water. Take dog puppy outside. Socialization and play. Put dog puppy back in its box or enclosure.</p><p>Time: 16:00. Same as at. 06:00.</p><p>Time: 20:00. Give dog puppy water and take it outdoors.</p><p>Time: 22.00-23.00. Give dog puppy biscuit / snack and an icecube. Take dog puppy outside. Put the dog in its box or enclosure.</p><p>Under ideal circumstances, your puppy will be able to handle up to 5 hours or more (depending on breed, size and individual development) without having to be let outdoors when it is about 9 months old.</p><p>Have fun and remember that patience, leadership, socialization and love is the way forward for your training efforts.</p><p>The post <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/how-to-housebreak-your-dog-2/">How to housebreak your dog</a> appeared first on <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz">dogsuniverse.co.nz</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/how-to-housebreak-your-dog-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>Introducing a new baby to your dog</title><link>http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/introducing-a-new-baby-to-your-dog-2/</link> <comments>http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/introducing-a-new-baby-to-your-dog-2/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Thu, 22 Nov 2012 09:12:12 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category><guid
isPermaLink="false"></guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>If you are about to bring home your new baby for the first time it is a good idea to introduce the baby to your dog in a correct way. You will find advice here. Unwanted behavior in your dog If your dog doesn&#8217;t see you as the pack leader it can have a lot [...]</p><p>The post <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/introducing-a-new-baby-to-your-dog-2/">Introducing a new baby to your dog</a> appeared first on <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz">dogsuniverse.co.nz</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you are about to bring home your new baby for the first time it is a good idea to introduce the baby to your dog in a correct way. You will find advice here.</p><p>Unwanted behavior in your dog<br
/> If your dog doesn&rsquo;t see you as the pack leader it can have a lot of inappropriate behavior like jumping up on you, being aggressive or other unwanted behavior. It is a good idea to address these problems immediately before bringing home a new baby. 9 months is enough time to address such problems. If necessary contact a professional to help you. You&rsquo;ll be glad to bring the newborn baby home to a balanced, calm dog with good behavior.</p><p>Your dog understands your signals and emotions<br
/> It is important to be aware of how your behavior and emotions influence your dog. A pregnancy can affect the entire family. You may be thrilled, excited, nervous or afraid &ndash; your dog will pick up on all of these feelings and act accordingly.</p><p>Your Baby has a unique odor<br
/> Take ownership of your baby&rsquo;s smell from the very beginning. Take an object in the home that has your baby&rsquo;s smell on it like for example a piece of cloth from the hospital before the baby arrives home. In this exercise it is important that you set clear boundaries. Only allow your dog to smell from the distance while holding the object. By doing so you are communicating to your dog that the object is yours &ndash; and that only you can allow the dog to smell the object. The dog needs to follow your rules when the dog is in the vicinity of the object. This starts the process of creating the dog&rsquo;s respect for the baby.</p><p>Set clear limits concerning the children&rsquo;s room<br
/> Establish boundaries around your baby and children&rsquo;s area. It is a good idea to start off with the dog having no access to the children&rsquo;s bedrooms. Train your dog to understand that there is an invisible barrier that the dog is not allowed to go through without your consent. Later on you can allow your dog to explore and smell each thing in the room while you monitor the dog. It is you who determines when the dog must leave the room. Repeat this exercise a few times before the baby arrives. This lets the dog understand that the room is yours and that this must be respected.</p><p>How to introduce your dog to the baby for the first time</p><p>Take control of the introduction between dog and baby. Start taking your dog out on a long walk, so the dog spends most of its energy. When you return to the house, you must wait at the entrance until your dog is completely relaxed. When you invite the dog inside the house, it will immediately detect that there is a new smell in the house. If you have introduced the dog to the baby&rsquo;s odor before the smell will not be unprecedented. Mom and dad must be relaxed and calm when holding the baby. The dog should be allowed to smell the baby from a safe and respectful distance. Do not let the dog get too close to the baby at the first meeting. Eventually the dog may be allowed to get closer and closer to the baby. By making the introduction in this way you teach the dog to see the baby as a second pack leader.</p><p>When your child gets more mobile<br
/> When your child has reached the age when the child is able to explore on its own it is still important to monitor any interactions between child and dog. This is a good opportunity to teach your child not to annoy the dog by pulling the tail etc. These lessons about mutual respect can&rsquo;t start too early. Too many children have unwittingly provoked an otherwise calm dog, simply because the child was not supervised by parents or had received sufficient instruction.</p><p>Can a dog get jealous?<br
/> Do not forget the dog. A dog does not need new toys or attention to feel important. Just keep up the normal routine of daily walks and consistent leadership. This will help your dog to feel safe and make it easier for the dog to accept the family increase in a calm and relaxed manner.</p><p>Is the breed important?<br
/> The advice applies to all breeds &ndash; large and strong dog breeds as well as small and cute breeds. Even a small chihuahua has the potential to hurt a baby. The key is leadership &ndash; Be honest with yourself. Can you control your dog in all situations? Your child&rsquo;s safety always comes first.</p><p>The post <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/introducing-a-new-baby-to-your-dog-2/">Introducing a new baby to your dog</a> appeared first on <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz">dogsuniverse.co.nz</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/introducing-a-new-baby-to-your-dog-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>Preparing your dog for new years eve</title><link>http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/is-your-dog-prepared-for-new-years-eve-2/</link> <comments>http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/is-your-dog-prepared-for-new-years-eve-2/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Thu, 22 Nov 2012 09:07:31 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category><guid
isPermaLink="false"></guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Humans love fireworks, it is often beautiful, dramatic, loud, smells of powder and affects all our senses. However our dogs may view it differently. The first &#8220;wheeee&#8221; from a rocket that shoots to the skies sends most dogs on the run across the room to hide under the kitchen table. What can you do to [...]</p><p>The post <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/is-your-dog-prepared-for-new-years-eve-2/">Preparing your dog for new years eve</a> appeared first on <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz">dogsuniverse.co.nz</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Humans love fireworks, it is often beautiful, dramatic, loud, smells of powder and affects all our senses. However our dogs may view it differently. The first &ldquo;wheeee&rdquo; from a rocket that shoots to the skies sends most dogs on the run across the room to hide under the kitchen table. What can you do to help your dog cope better with New Year&rsquo;s Eve?</p><p>It is important to remember that your dog&rsquo;s hearing is much better and more sensitive than ours. Take for example a Border Collie. This breed was bred to herd sheep. A Border Collie can almost hear a sheep sneeze halfway up a mountain and then hear its owner&rsquo;s whistle and commands from there when it arrived to find the sheep.</p><p>Loud noises may cause physical pain in a dogs&rsquo; ears. Therefore dogs can have extremely traumatic experiences during New Year&rsquo;s Eve. A bad experience can keep your dog psychologically scarred for life. If your dog becomes afraid of fireworks, it may become afraid of everything that the dog associates with fireworks that could be thunder, a car starting, lightning, something dropped etc.</p><p>New Year&rsquo;s Eve can also impact your house and furniture in a destructive way especially if your dog is home alone. When a dog is afraid of fireworks the dog will not think in a rational way anymore. The dog may try to chew or scratch its way through a door to escape, or nearly go into shock hiding somewhere.</p><p>In order to minimize stress on your dog and bring it through New Year&rsquo;s Eve, there are some simple tips you can follow:</p><p>- Always keep your dog indoors when fireworks are going off outside. Walk your dog in good time earlier in the day before the fireworks start.</p><p>- Close all windows and doors so the sound is reduced. Close the curtains. If your dog is accustomed to the noise from the TV and radio you can turn them on at low volume to block some of the sounds of fireworks.</p><p>- Be sure your dog has its dog collar or other identification on him also inside the house.</p><p>- Have a safe &ldquo;cave&rdquo; ready for your dog, where it likes to hide. Eg. with some old clothes. Let your dog hide if it wants to don&rsquo;t try to get it to come out again.</p><p>- Do not cuddle or comfort a scared dog as it will believe that you are afraid too. This may make the problem worse. Be calm, balanced, behave normally and praise calm behavior.</p><p>- Try to be at home as much as possible with your dog on New Year&rsquo;s Eve. If you can&rsquo;t do it don&rsquo;t be mad if your dog has been destructive in the course of his anxiety when you come home.</p><p>- Never take your dog to a fireworks show. Although the dog may not complain or seem affected that doesn&rsquo;t mean that the dog is happy or unaffected by the loud noises and flashes.</p><p>- If you have a dog that you know will be scared or stressed out New Year&rsquo;s Eve you can consult your veterinarian and possibly get a tranquilizing pill to give to the dog on the day.</p><p>- You can prevent your dog&rsquo;s anxiety by introducing unexpected sounds in dog training before New Year&rsquo;s Eve. The sounds could be rattling pots, a loose key chain or anything else that can make a sound when the dog performs other tricks or take a walk etc. The intention is to gradually introduce the sounds &ndash; first from afar and then closer &ndash; until the dog does not become distracted / afraid of them.</p><p>The post <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/is-your-dog-prepared-for-new-years-eve-2/">Preparing your dog for new years eve</a> appeared first on <a
href="http://dogsuniverse.co.nz">dogsuniverse.co.nz</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://dogsuniverse.co.nz/articles/is-your-dog-prepared-for-new-years-eve-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> </channel> </rss>
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