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By Jimmy Cox
 The right dog can be a source of fun and companionship for many years. But the wrong dog may well turn out to be a nuisance and cause of family dissension. So, give some serious thought to the matter of picking your dog.
Purebred, Crossbreed, or Mongrel
To paraphrase Gertrude Stein: "A dog is a dog is a dog." No one breed or mixture is better than another. It all depends on why you want a dog and what kind of a dog your particular situation will maintain. There's only one species of dog, Canis familiaris, with 116 breeds registered in the American Kennel Club. As to the crossbreeds and mongrels, their numbers and combinations are best left to the mathematicians. You may be sure, though, the crossbreeds and mongrels far outnumber the purebreds.
The purebreds, crossbreeds and mongrels are much alike in their general behavior and instincts. Any one of them will offer friendship, loyalty and companionship. And with reasonable care, a dog from any of these groups will turn into a fine pet.
Purebred dogs
A
purebred dog is one whose parents and ancestors are of a single breed. It is a dog with a traceable pedigree. In America, purebred dogs are registered with the American Kennel Club. Foreign purebred dogs are registered in the official kennel club of the specific country. The American Kennel Club now registers 116 breeds, divided into six groups.
Crossbreeds and mongrels
You may have decided that you just want a dog, nothing fancy - animal or price. If so, you have a wide range of choice from among the many combinations of crossbreeds and mongrels. They have little monetary value, but they'll give every bit as much loyalty and companionship as the purebreds.
Don't think that because crossbreeds and mongrels are purchased cheaply or obtained gratis, they are not highly prized by their owners. Of the 26 million dogs in the United States, more than two-thirds are crossbreeds and mongrels. And, along with the purebreds, these "cheap" dogs are the best-fed and best-cared for dogs in the world.
There are some disadvantages in getting a crossbreed or mongrel dog. To be sure, the crossbreed will grow up to look somewhat like his sire or dam. But not the mongrel; what he will look like is anybody's guess. Neither the crossbreed nor the mongrel can be entered in dog shows or field trials. So take this fact into consideration if you want to take part in the competitive areas of the dog world.
You will not experience much difficulty in finding a crossbreed or mongrel. And often they are yours for the asking. Consult the classified ads in your newspaper, visit a humane society, or reputable pet shop, and check with any neighbors who have puppies they cannot keep.
Male Vs. Female
The choice between a male or female should be based on facts, not prejudice. There are pros and cons for both sexes. The usual objection to the female is her estrus cycle or heat periods. She has a discharge during her periods, wants to go out and roam, and attracts a horde of canine Romeos. Add to this the excellent chance of unwanted puppies and you have the case against the female.
It's really not a very strong case. Let's consider some of the pros for the female. You'll find she is cleaner around the house, with better control of her bladder than the male. This is an important factor if you live in an apartment. You will recall that the male dog has an instinct for lifting his leg and urinating against trees, poles and fireplugs. He won't hesitate to use table and chair legs, doorjambs or floor lamps as substitutes.
The female has a strong maternal and protective instinct. She will guard children (especially if raised with them) as closely as she will guard her puppies. Some dog trainers consider the female to be more tractable, more willing to learn and with a longer attention span than the male.
You now should be in a stronger position to find a dog which will really suit you.
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http://www.freedogwhisperer.com/ Correct any kind of upsetting behavior with dog training collars
By Scribbler
 Using a dog training collar is an efficient and safe way to correct your dogs unpleasant behavior. There are several types of dog training collars on the market, but they all operate according to the same system. The dogs learns in time to associate the unwanted behavior such as barking or going places it does not have permission to with a harmless yet unpleasant reaction generated by the training collar.
Initially, people developed dog training collars for hunting dogs. Those were shock-training collars. Such collars released a high level of electric current each time the dog misbehaved. These shock collars have undergone many modifications to be less cruel and painful to animals, but the controversy remains. Although such collars are not recommendable and are even under ban in some countries, they still exist on the market and are capable of releasing different levels of current. There is a lot of controversy surrounding shock-training collars and many people suggest to owners to try them on themselves before putting them on their dogs.
Recent studies have shown that dogs subjected to wearing an electric training collar have high levels of stress and are nervous around people, sometimes even attacking out of fear of shock. Since the apparition of electric dog training collars, many developments have taken place, which no longer hurt the dog physically, but make him uncomfortable by spraying a jet of scented air or water into the animals face.
Your pet will be so amazed and startled by the noise and sensation released by the dog training collar that it will stop barking. Barking is the dogs natural way of noticing against potential dangers and scaring off threats. Dogs also bark to communicate with other dogs or with their owners. However, such behavior can become upsetting if every little thing triggers it.
Dog training collars are available for small or large dogs and the jet spray can have an unpleasant odor such as lemon, citronella or mustard. Some dog training collars do not have unpleasant odors because they emit a cold jet onto the dogs neck to distract it from the unwanted behavior.
The market has seen the development of a new kind of dog training collar that emits sounds that only dogs can hear and that bother them. These ultrasonic collars are just as effective as citronella collars and electric collars and gradually replace electric collars.
These canine training collars use either sound or vibration to determine whether the dog is barking or not. The best ones use both types of sensors, so they do not accidentally release the spray because of outside sounds. You can use such training collars to confine your pets access to particular areas of your yard such as flower or vegetable beds. These invisible fences are very successful and your dogs behavior will meet its adjustment in no time.
If you have tried everything to stop your dog from barking or digging up your flowers and nothing has worked, you should try a gentle dog training collar that just takes your dog by surprise and stops it from misbehaving. Improve the behavior of your dog by training it with the aid of a dog training collar that you can choose from a wide range of harmless and yet helpful dog training collars.
Dog training collars make the best choice when you cannot control the behavior of your dog. A dog training collar does not harm your pet, but it teaches it the difference between right and wrong.
Learn About The Havanese Dog
By Gerry Ronson
 The Havanese temperament is often one of playful devotion. They are intelligent and curious animals that love to be the center of attention. You will find small children are one of their favorite family members. You will also find that they dont like to be left alone for long periods of time. This means you usually have to take them with you on vacation or place them with a well known friend. They do get along with other animals, especially dogs. The Havanese can also be a great watchdog as they tend to let you know when someone is approaching. Luckily they will not approach a stranger without your consent. You will also find they are neither timid nor aggressive. If you see this behavior in your Havanese there is something wrong and you should take them to the vet.
You will find the Havanese dog breed to be very small they weigh at most thirteen pounds and can reach eleven inches. You will also find them very furry. They can be cream, gold, silver, champagne, tan, blue, black or multi- colored with long, straight hair. This dog breed has a double coat that helps keep the shedding to a minimum. You will also find the long coat offers quite a look as it parts in odd places if you forgo grooming. The coat if not groomed can reach up to eight inches in length as an adult. The face is also very small with a short snout. Grooming is very important with this breed. You will need to trim the hair around the eyes to make it easier to see and keep the hair short enough so they can walk with ease. It is recommended that you brush this dog at least twice a week if not every day during high shedding. As mentioned you can clip their coat to make care and walking easier. You will also need to pay close attention to the ears and eyes because they tend to have genetic diseases. Eye and ear infections are very common, which is why trimming the hair around the eyes on a regular basis is important. Bathing is not usually necessary and should only be attempted once a year. You will need to take special care of their teeth as they are also susceptible to tooth decay and loss.
Are you looking for a smaller dog you can have in an apartment or condo? Maybe you just want a dog that is going to be affectionate and is considered in the breed group of toy? If this is the case you will want to research the Havanese dog breed. They are very happy and affectionate dogs. You will find they make a wonderful addition to an incomplete family and even offer a little therapy. Some dogs that offer a great deal of affection can help individuals with issues feel more relaxed.
Training is one of the most fun experiences you can have with your dog. They love to learn and be obedient for their masters. You can entertain them with water sports, tricks, and other training. Mentioned above was the ability to use them for therapy dogs. They are very sweet and loving, which can help individuals with problems. Keep in mind when training you should always use a firm hand, with consistency, but also gentleness and affection. They are full of energy, which means they require walks and play time. You will find at most an hour is good and as long as they have stimulation they will not become bored. It is important to play with them when it is playtime.
Gerry Ronson is a writer for the websites Dog Collars and Dog Accessories. How to Begin Obedience Training for Your Dog
By Jimmy Cox
 Simple commands such as "Come," "Sit," and "Lie down" should be taught at three to four months of age. Your puppy will learn very quickly to come when he is called if every time he answers the call, he receives a pleasant reward such as a piece of meat, dog candy, or a word of praise.
He will quickly learn the command "Sit" if his head is held high and a little pressure is applied to his hindquarters. He will learn the meaning of "Lie Down" if you press on his shoulders and pull down on his collar. When you do these things, keep telling the puppy that he is a "Good Boy."
The young puppy should learn not to pull on the leash. Use an ordinary leather collar for this training and tug gently on the leash until the puppy learns not to pull ahead.
When you train your dog obedience at six months, you need a chain slip collar for the big strong dog.
A chain leather one or a nylon slip collar is needed for the small dog or the puppy.
You need a leash a foot longer than you are tall. Get one with strong leather. A round one or a chain leash will hurt your hands.
How to Hold the Leash
Take the leash in BOTH hands. Hold your hands close to your body and keep your left elbow straight.
Know Your Dog's Temperament
Handle the shy dog gently. Gain his confidence through encouragement and praise. Pep up the lazy worker. Move quickly yourself and your dog will move quickly. If your dog is a clown, speak more sharply and correct with firmness. If he is stubborn, make each correction more severe.
While training, keep your dog's attention. When he looks away, nudge him with your knee. When he sniffs the ground, give the leash a tug. For all corrections, snap the leash! Never drag on it.
For best results, praise your dog when you give him a command. Praise him when you use the leash.
Heeling
Heeling means to walk at your side without pulling. Every time your dog passes your knee, say "Heel," jerk the leash backward, and pat your side to encourage him to stay close.
If he passes your knee a second time, stand still and jerk the leash harder!
If your dog holds back instead, don't jerk the leash. Pull on it gently and keep saying "Good Boy! Good Boy!" After he takes a few steps, slacken the leash and pat your side.
While training, stand up straight and don't slow up when you turn!
Don't let your dog play with the leash. Don't let him climb on you.
Before long your dog will understand that if he runs ahead or darts off to the side, he will hear the word "Heel!" and feel a sharp tug on his collar. If he stays close to your knee, praise him and pat him.
Sitting
To make your dog sit, shorten the leash in your right hand and pull up. Say "Sit!" and push on his hindquarters with your left hand. Dogs like to be praised, so while you make him sit, tell him he is a good boy.
If he braces himself, spank him once on his rear and tell him more firmly "SIT!" Now pat him with the same hand you spanked him with so he will think you spanked him in play. At the same time, push his hips over. Make him sit straight!!
In time and with patience, your dog will become accustomed to all of these commands, and will obey.
Attention Dog Owners: Get The Inside Truth On What You Must Do, To Have A Well Behaved, Obedient Pooch... And How To Stay Light-Years Ahead Of The Dog Training Crowd!
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