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How serious is canine liver disease?

I am a 23 year old struggling student and I have a 4 year old Shih Tzu. I took him to the vet yesterday because he was very sick. The vet told me he needed to keep my dog over night to preform tests on him. I called the vet this morning and found out my dog has liver disease and mentioned something about hepatitis (obviously a canine form of it). My vet was not very imformative and just told me I had to start my dog on medication and take him in for a biopsy. He told me that it could be terminal. I have been trying to search Google on this subject, but all I get are symptoms and how to diagnos it. I just want to know how serious this is. Have you had a pet with the same problem? What was the out come. Was it costly to treat?

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Dog Training – Why You Need To Teach Your Dog The Sit Command

It is popular knowledge that for dog training to be successful the training of a dog needs to start with the most basic commands. The basic dog training commands are: come, down, sit and stay. I am revealing why dog training command is important for good dog obedience training.

Among the commonest and most basic dog training signals is the sit command. This is the sort of command that’s typically employed amid beginner and professional trainers.

Prior to learning additional basic puppy training commands it’s crucial to be familiar with all the basic principles ahead so your dog can acquire the most complicated orders. The sit command is conceived as a sign of respect toward the owner therefore it should be better instructed before long as your dog gets familiarized and comfortable with the his name and the command given to him.

There exist lots of methods in demonstrating the sit command even so, what an owner better recognize is the value of suitable timing. Proper timing is extremely critical; although practicing oftentimes a few training commands without being forced to consider other considerations isn’t a bad idea after all, nevertheless, proper timing beside your dog’s state of mind are extremely striking factors to consider when you want your dog to catch up easily with your instructions.

It’s as well important to become aware of instants when dogs are gleaned at their best. A dog is regarded amenable to learning techniques and instructions commonly prior to meal times or when a dog is hungry and is longing for something to eat. Recognizing this will assist you to concentrate on the pertinent ways to make them focus their attention in the course of the training.

Subsequently, ensure to reward your dog for a good feat or for something they have done that’s substantially good behavior. Ward off making the pet linger for a longer time period as this will merely prompt confusing signals to your dog. This will negatively affect his conduct and would result into noncompliance in the end.

After you are able to become fully knowledgeable of all the information you have to know, it’s now time to begin with the sitting command. Prior to doing so, get yourself amply equipped with the goodies that your puppy likes, since you have to give them to the pup, particularly when your dog executes well. You should as well start the training in a tranquil environment so as to prevent any disruption and distraction from external sources. Now, try to bit by bit move the treat above your dog’s head, observe that while doing this sort of trick; your dog would logically fall back into a sitting down position by means of bending his legs when he tries to go for the treat above his head.

As you get adequate results upon achieving a task, give your dogs a few rewards. Some tasks are more complex than others and could likely take several days or even weeks to be accomplished yet, it can be perfected as you try to instill those dog training commands on a regular basis. If your pet defies staying in one place while doing the training exercises, it’s better to find out why is the reason your pet is not being compliant with the commands. Remember that each dog, even if from the same breed or from the same litter, is a different animal, and they all learn at different speeds.

It’s crucial consequently, to observe the right dog training commands whenever you use different tips and techniques. A generalized understanding of different dog commands, dog training tips and tricks, as well as their basic needs will greatly assist in securing a compliant and submissive dog.

The Sit Command
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   By Dr. Mayra Alfonso
Published: 7/9/2008
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Top 5 Health Benefits of Having a Dog

Despite the mid-night potty runs, vomit on the rug and hair coating the backseat of the family car; people love their dogs. People shower their pooches with treats, attention and in some cases, designer clothes and accessories. Whether their dog is a laid back Labrador or a pampered Poodle; people love them like members of the family. Non-dog loving people might wonder why people love them so much considering the sacrifice that goes along with raising a happy and well-adjusted dog. Dog-loving people would probably tell you that they love their dogs so much because their dog gives them so much love in return. While it is true that dogs give their people unconditional love and loyalty, they also provide real health benefits to their care takers.

Dog owners have lower blood pressure. Several studies have shown that the simple act of stroking a dog can reduce blood pressure. More recent studies have found that these effects continue throughout the day when people are away from their dog as well. Dog owners cope with stress better and lowered blood pressure is a result of that relationship between a dog and his human.

Dog owners have lower cholesterol levels than non-dog owners. Studies done in Australia and England have shown that dog owners have lower cholesterol and triglycerides and are at less risk of developing heart disease or other cardiovascular problems. In fact, studies show that dog owners overall are healthier than the general population. This can be partially explained by regular walks with the family dog.

Dog owners are happier in general. Dog ownership has been shown to reduce loneliness and fight depression in their owners. When people are not lonely and depressed they are happier. Dogs can cause happiness in humans, in part, by causing the release of endorphins in the brain, which are natural anti-depressants produced by the human body. With this increase in mental health, quality of life is increased respectively.

Dog owners live longer. Because dog owners cope with stress better and do not suffer from depression as often; they are more likely to live longer. While being happy will not heal a person it can keep them from becoming ill in the first place. According to happiness studies experts the effect of happiness on longevity is comparable to that of smoking or not smoking. Pets provide companionship, healthy relationships and become topics of conversation which aid in social interactions with others. Dogs also increase self esteem and cause humans to feel more compassion for others. All of these factors combined have a dramatically positive effect on the day to day happiness of dog owners.

Dog owners have higher survival rates after serious illness. Some studies have shown that heart attack patients with dogs are twice as likely to be alive one year after their heart attack than their no-dog owning peers. Some experts even believe that dogs affect survival rates to a greater extent than friends or family members. This is most likely explained by the patient’s desire to get better because they feel they need to in order to care for their dog.

Studies show that pet ownership in general can lower cholesterol and increase longevity; however, maximum benefits can be obtained only through dog ownership. When we look at it this way cleaning up the rug and going for mid-night potty breaks don’t seem like as much of a sacrifice anymore. In fact, it seems that humans get just as much or more from their canine companions as they give in the first place. With dog owners experiencing longer, happier and healthier lives it makes you wonder why the rest of the population hasn’t jumped on board.

This article was provided by the authors at a site offering great savings on wireless dog fence.

By Brian S.
Published: 2/25/2009
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Puppy Training vs. Dog Training

Many people are of the opinion that a puppy cannot be trained. However, in practice, it is the best stage that you can train a dog properly. Training a puppy is quite similar to training a dog. Here is some information about puppy training versus dog training.

Puppy Training vs. Dog Training

Getting home a puppy is one of the greatest moment that a pet lover could ever have. Imagine, cuddling the cute and innocent looking puppy. Your pup’s loving appearance aside, you need to train him properly and follow proper dog care tips, so that he obeys your commands. Anyways, the overall behavior of a dog more or less depends upon the training that has been given in the pup stage. Every dog owner wishes their dog to be healthy, well-behaved and an obedient pet. Let’s take a look in brief about the difference between puppy training and dog training.

Puppy Training vs. Dog Training

Whether you are training a puppy or a dog, the basic dog training tips remain the same. It is true that some dog types are aggressive and need special handling. Whatever be the nature of the pet, the owner should train the puppy/dog, lovingly and regularly. This way, you can build that special bond with your pet dog. Being harsh to your pet will worsen the scenario. Then you will require a professional trainer to change your dog’s behavior.

A puppy, in comparison to a well-grown dog, learns quickly and obeys the trainer. There are certain puppy training tips that will help you groom your puppy well. For example, in the first two weeks after birth, you can teach your pup about simple association with the members of the family. In the next weeks, you can train the pup to socialize with other pets and people. In case of full grown-dogs, he will be obedient and behave well, as long as you appreciate and handle him carefully.

Most dog training tips like socialization, crate training and house training are conducted in the pup stage. While house training your puppy, make sure to teach good behaviors like fixed meal timings and more importantly, proper place and time for defecation. When the dog grows up, the only thing that you have to take care is to maintain that comfort level you share with your pet. This way, training becomes easier and the dog will follow your commands.

While training your puppy on leash, make sure that the leash is loose; otherwise, it will hurt the pup and make him uncomfortable. It’s quite possible, the next time you try to put him on leash, he is likely to refuse. The same thing applies with your dog; a tight leash is not advisable or else the dog will pull and start misbehaving.

Training, either a puppy or a dog, is all about communication. The trainer needs to communicate with the dog properly and teach him to learn good behaviors. It is also the duty of the trainer or handler to understand the dog and the message that he wants to convey. Then only, training a puppy or a dog will be rewarding and successful.

While you are with the puppy or dog, there might be situations when he might misbehave like biting, whining and barking. In such a scenario, do not shout at him, instead change your conduct and let the dog understand that you do not like his behavior. If the dog obeys your command, you can reward him by giving your dog’s favorite pet food or toy.

If you have a deep interest in dogs, then you can make a career in dog training. However, as a dog trainer, one needs to be very patient and should have loving and caring nature. In order to gain knowledge about the profession, there are several schools that offer dog training courses.

Dogs are the most popular pets in the world, mainly because of their obedient nature and ability to learn. Well! Teaching and training the pet is the responsibility of the dog owner. Train your puppy or dog with lots of love and care, then you will find the best companion in your pet.

By Ningthoujam Sandhyarani
Published: 3/19/2009
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