Crate training is one of the most effective ways of house breaking any puppy or dog. Crate training is very efficient, and very effective, since it uses the natural instinct of the dog to achieve the desired result of a clean house and a well trained dog.

The concept behind crate training is that a dog naturally strives to avoid soiling the area where it eats and sleeps. By placing the dog in the crate, this instinct is enhanced. The dog will come to see the crate as its den, and it will try to avoid soiling its den.

The key to successful crate training for a puppy or an older dog, as with other forms of dog training, is to establish a good routine. This routine will enhance the ability of the dog to do its business in the right place, and avoid eliminating in the wrong place. It is important to shower the dog with praise each and every time it eliminates in the established toilet area, and not to express frustration or anger when the dog makes a mistake.

It is important to confine the dog or puppy to a small part of the house, generally one puppy proofed room, when you are not at home. The room should contain a soft bed, fresh water and some favorite toys to prevent the dog from becoming bored and frustrated.

Crate training is different from confining the dog to one room, however. With crate training, the puppy or dog is confined to a crate when unsupervised. The idea is that the dog will think of this crate as its home, and not want to soil is home.

When crate training, it is important to remove the dog from the crate as soon as possible after returning home, and to take the dog promptly to the previously established toilet area. When the dog does its business in this toilet area, be sure to provide lots of praise and treats. It is important that the dog learn to associate proper toilet procedures with good things like treats and toys.

It is important to never leave the dog in its crate for long periods of time, as this will confuse the dog and force it to soil its sleeping area. The crate is simply a tool, and it should not be abused by leaving the dog in it for extended periods of time. If the dog is left in the crate for too long, it could set back the training program by weeks if not months.

The dog should only be confined to the crate when you are at home. Except for nighttime, the dog should be given the opportunity to relieve itself every 45 minutes or so. Each time the dog is taken out, it should be put on a leash and immediately taken outside. Once outside the house, the dog should be given three to five minutes to do its business. If the dog does not eliminate in this time period, it should be immediately returned to the create.

If the dog does its business during the set time period, it should be rewarded with praise, food, play, affection and either an extended walk or a period of play inside or outside the home.

During the crate training period, it is important to keep a daily diary of when the dog does its business each day. If the dog is on a regular feeding schedule, the toilet schedule should be consistent as well. Having a good idea of when the dog needs to eliminate each day will be a big help during the house training process. After the dog has used his established toilet area, you will be able to give the dog free run of the house to play and enjoy himself.

Dealing with accidents during crate training
It is very important to not punish the puppy or dog when it makes a mistake or has an accident during the crate training process. If there has been an accident, simply clean it up. Accidents during house training mean that you have provided the dog with unsupervised access to the house too quickly. The dog should not be allowed unsupervised access to the home until you can trust her bowel and bladder habits. If mistakes do occur, it is best to go back to crate training. Taking a couple of steps back will help move the house training process along, while moving too quickly could set things back.

Edwina Hanson runs a successful dog and owner training company. She is the author of many articles and reports about all aspects of dog training. Click on

Among the many devices used in obedience training a dog collar and leash are the most important. Every dog should have its own collar and leash. However, in obedience training, there is a specially made dog collar and leash designed to support your training sessions with your dog.

In general, dog collars are viable and stylish. Your dog’s name or any identification detail can be embedded within the collar. This can be a big help in case your dog got lost. You can even customize dog collars according to your taste or fashion and show off the way you would want to pamper your dog.

With the latest trend in today’s dog training tools, choosing the best dog collar and leash can be very difficult. The options are too many and getting the best brand with the best function can be quite a problem.

If you are in for fashion, you can choose whatever chic and stylish collars and leashes available in the market. However, if you are in for some high quality and efficient training tools, you must opt only for the best.

Here are some factors you need to consider when choosing a fully functional dog collar and leash:

1. Size matters

In buying dog collar and leash, size really matters. Do not buy dog collar and leash without your dog’s actual measurement. To be sure, use any long thread such as tape measure or string and measure your dog’s neck. Make room for allowances, probably 2-3 inches.

To check that the collar fits your dog’s neck, try inserting two fingers between the collar and the dog’s neck. If you can insert your fingers easily, the collar fits just right.

2. Color of the fur

You do not have to be fashionable when choosing dog collars. What matters most is the way the collar will look good on your dog. In doing so, the collar must match the color of your dog’s fur. It must also complement the dog’s breed. For instance, a chic collar with lots of trinkets may look good on a poodle, but not on a German Shepherd.

3. Comfort

You do not have to be very choosy in getting your dog’s collar and leash. However, your dog’s comfort should be on top priority. The quality should come next since training would entail rigid activities. Hence, dog collars should be sturdy enough to clutch your dog.

4. Specifications

Know what you need. Before you go to a pet shop, it is best that you have all the necessary features that you have in mind. In this way, people at the shop will know exactly what you need.

Specifications are important such as describing the things you want in a dog collar and leash. Would you go for a fashionable dog collar and leash or a fully functional item with all the necessary technical features included?

5. Budget

Not all dog collars and leashes are created equal. So if you have a particular dog collar and leash in mind, try to consider your budget first. Fashionable and fully functional items usually cost more than the typical ones.

Try to shop around for more choices. The more choices you have, the higher chances of getting a good bargain without sacrificing the quality of dog collars and leashes.

Boiled down, buying a dog collar and leash may not be that easy, but with these guidelines, you can definitely get good item for your dog.

Lee Dobbins writes for dogcollars.topicgiant.com dogcollars.topicgiant.com where you can learn more about dog collars and how to buy the perfect dogcollars.topicgiant.com/Articles/Dog_Collar_And_Leash.php dog collar and leash.

Not many dog owners give much thought to dog toys because many think of dog toys as just amusement and fun for their dog. The fact is like toys for young children, dog toys are an important aspect that contribute to the development and well being of your dog.

There are many advantages in getting dog toys, to name a few, they help to keep your dog away from destructive behaviors, keep them from becoming bored, thereby keeping them out of trouble, relieves stress, and provides physical exercise and mental stimulation.

While dog toy is important and beneficial for your dog, one must also know how to buy the right one. When choosing a dog toy, dog owners should take into account the size, breed and activity level of your dog. The following listed below is a comprehensive guideline on how to choose and buy the right dog toys:

1. Size – Toys should be appropriate for your dog’s size. Be sure the dog toy is large enough that so that your dog isn’t able to swallow it and possibly suffocate on it.

2. Durability – Toys should be virtually indestructible and able to withstand the daily demands of a dog. Toys should be of high quality and crafted especially for dogs.

3. Safe – Dog toys should not pose a threat to your dog and should be non-toxic. Avoid dog toys that may splinter or come off in chunks, possibly causing trauma to your dog. Be sure to dog proof all toys- remove strings, tags and small parts (including squeakers) that could be remove by your dog.

4. Practical – Dog toys should be easy to clean and good for your dog. When looking for chew toys, find those that can help freshen his breath and those that are beneficial for his teeth and gums.

5. Exercise – Choose dog toys that encourage exercise and puts their natural instincts to good use. Frisbees, balls, ropes, tugs, and Kongs are great toys to aid in exercising you and your dog.

6. Challenge – Select toys that stimulate the dog’s mind and gives him a reward to work for. These types of dog toys give your dog something to look forward to.

7. Therapy – Dog toys provide a form of therapy for dog’s suffering from separation anxiety. Choose dog toys that offer encouragement and comfort when you are away. Select toys that provide entertainment to prevent boredom and help the dog to adjust while you are gone.

8. Fun – Dog toys should be fun! Select toys that reinforce positive play with their owners and constructive games and toys that strengthen the bond between dog and owner. Find dog toys that allow your dog to interact with you.

9. Variety – Rotate your dogs toys every once in awhile. This helps to keep your dog interested in the toys he already has.

By following the guide listed here closely, you would have no problem in getting a good dog toy for your dog. Lastly, understand that dog toys are not a substitute for you, use dog toys to engage in games with your dog and most importantly have fun along the way!

Moses Wright is the founder of dog-wear.net/ Dog Carriers and Grooming. He provides more useful information on dog-wear.net/toy/ Dog Toy and dog-wear.net/clothes/ Dog Clothes on his website. Webmasters are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.

The ear consists of three parts: the outer ear, middle ear
and the inner ear. The outer ear, or the visible part of the
ear, is most prone to infections. It is reported that about
90% of infections happen in the outer ear.

Infections of the outer ear canal are common among dogs. Dog
ear infections, or Otitis Externa, occur frequently in dogs
because of the way their ears are designed. The horizontal
and vertical components of a dog’s ear make it difficult for
particles such as water or debris to drain out.

Signs that Your Dog Has an Ear Infection

* Your dog is constantly and excessively shaking its head.

* There is yellow to brown discharge in your dog’s ears.

* Your dog’s ears have a yeast-like smell.

* There is redness and swelling on your dog’s infected ear.

Possible Causes of Dog Ear Infection

Dog ear infections are caused by a variety of things.
However, allergies are the typical cause of dog ear
infections. If your dog has allergies or is highly
susceptible to allergies, your dog is likely to
have ear infections.

Water getting into the ears is another common cause of ear
infections among dogs. So if your dog likes to swim, it is
prone to ear infections. This is because of the way your
dog’s ears are designed. When water gets inside your dog’s
ears, the water can’t properly drain out. Thus, your dog’s
ears become the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and
yeast. This doesn’t mean, however, that you shouldn’t
allow your dog to swim or play in the water anymore. It just
means that you should thoroughly dry your dog’s ears after
to prevent ear infections.

Cleaning Your Dog’s Infected Ear

Regardless of how much you take care of your dog’s well
being, your dog will most likely eventually have ear
infections. When this happens, you need to know the correct
way of cleaning your dog’s ear before putting medication.

1. Put a few drops of ear cleanser into your dog’s infected
ear.

2. Next, gently rub or massage the ear to loosen any debris
that is stuck in there.

3. Using a soft cloth, gauze or cotton ball, gently scrape
and wipe the dirt out of the infected ear.

Medicating Your Dog’s Infected Ear

After thoroughly cleaning your dog’s infected ear, apply
medication according to the veterinarian’s instructions or
the instructions found on the label.

Your dog’s veterinarian will prescribe the appropriate
treatment based on what has caused your dog’s ear to become
infected. For instance, if your dog’s ear infection was
caused by a yeast infection, the veterinarian will prescribe
an anti-fungal medication. If the infection was caused by a
bacteria, your dog will be prescribed antibiotics.

Medications for dog ear infections are typically applied
directly into the ears. However, if your dog has a severe
ear infection, the veterinarian may prescribe oral
treatment. The veterinarian may also clip the hair around
your dog’s infected ear to allow more air to circulate in
it. Surgery, for reconstructing the ear canal so that it
drains better and easier, is the last recourse when topical
and oral treatments have failed.

While all dogs are prone to ear infections, those belonging
to breeds with large ears that flap over the outer ear canal
as well as those breeds of dogs with very small ear canals
are most susceptible. As a dog owner, it’s your
responsibility to take care of your dog’s well being. Take
proper care of your dog’s ears and learn how to detect the
early signs of ear infections.

I love dogs and have owned them most of my life. I’ve done a lot of research and put together a free website and newsletter for fellow dog owners. Please visit: adogownersdogsite.com Dog Behavior, Health and Obedience Training