General Dog Information

They are man’s best friend for a reason. We love our dogs and they love us back. The unconditional devotion that we get from them is unmatched by just about any other relationship out there. Of course, any longtime dog owner will agree that a well-behaved dog is a happy dog.

By training a dog to be obedient you can avoid a lot of the dog problems that novice or inattentive pet parents deal with on a daily basis. Good training requires patience and consistency, but perhaps most importantly, a desire to help your dog live up to his full potential.

It is very important to keep in mind that a dog who misbehaves is not a bad dog. It is simply a dog that is need of some training. Whether it is a problem with housebreaking or barking or even issues with aggression, most dog problems can be solved with the right training.

Obedience training also helps to ensure the safety of your furry family member. Dogs that have not been properly trained are more at risk of running off and having terrible accidents. We want our animals to be healthy and happy and this means finding a good balance between attention and obedience.

Of course, it is easier to start at a young age. Getting your puppy trained will mean avoiding a lot of dog problems in the future. Professional trainers can be a lifesaver for dog owners who do not have the skill set or time to give their pet the training it needs.

They are equipped to handle just about any issue you may be experiencing with your four-legged friends. It is important to keep in mind that disciplining your dog does not by any means mean being cruel or harsh to your pet.

Small breeds need training just as much as larger ones and shouldn’t get away with being naughty. A dog that is obedient and well behaved can bring a lot of love and joy to a household. They are there for us when we need them the most and they deserve the very best that we can provide for them.

To avoid dog problems and guarantee that your dog is the picture of doggy perfection it is vital to give him the right training. If you are not able to be your dog’s disciplinarian then a pro may be able to give him the balance that he needs in order to be our best companion.

Whether you are training your dog to eliminate outside or in a designated area inside, you must stand your ground every step of the way.

Specifically, this means: establishing a routine for your puppy’s toileting, correcting the dog when he has an accident and rewarding the dog when he eliminates in the right area.

To housebreak a puppy, you must first initiate a toileting schedule. If you walk your dog, you want to train him to use the bathroom while he is outside.

On the other hand, if your dog eliminates inside, you want to try to have him do it only once during the times that you are not home.

Otherwise, the waste builds up creating an unsanitary situation for both you and your dog. In either case, the best way to establish a routine is to feed your dog at certain times.

For walkers, put the food and water out a couple of hours before going outside. Conversely, if you are potty training your dog inside after a feeding keep him in this area until he starts sniffing around.

This signifies that he has to go to the bathroom. Place him in his toilet spot, whether it’s a litter box, a pile of newspapers or puppy pads.

If a mistake is made during this process, you must correct your dog. After his elimination, point him to the area and say “No,” firmly. He will whimper and get upset, but by the same token, he will realize that he did something wrong.

This is very important when you housebreak a dog. Remember, even when your dog gets used to a routine, it is normal for him to have an accident.

Out in nature, dogs were able to eliminate whenever they wanted; in a domesticated environment, they have to follow human rules. A light reprimand is the best way to reinforce those rules.

There is one more thing you should do when trying to housebreak a puppy. It involves giving him a reward every time he eliminates in the appropriate area. In addition to giving your puppy a doggy treat, you should also praise him. Say, “Good dog,” and give him lots of hugs.

The dog will start to get excited every time he needs to relieve himself. He may even give his own cues that he has to go.

Scratching on the door, barking and scampering around are just a few of the things dogs do to indicate that they have to go.

This can even be the case for inside dogs when they cannot go to their area. Regardless, when you have gotten to this point, pat yourself on the back as you have successfully housebroken your puppy.

Although the white coloring is more of an ivory or cream color it still makes these dogs truly stand out from a crowd of other golden retrievers.

These dogs are more well known in Europe, England and Australia than they are in the United States but their popularity is beginning to grow as more people discover the unique beauty that is a white golden retriever.

Golden retrievers have long been one of the most popular of all dog breeds. Their lush coats in shimmering shades of red and gold have made them instantly recognizable even to casual observers.

Their gentle nature, calm demeanor, and intelligence make them a top choice as a family pet. This breed of dog also features a variation of the golden color which is quite remarkable.

The white golden retriever is becoming one of the most sought-after and most misunderstood of all the breeds.

The British Golden Retriever has a number of differences from the typical American Golden Retriever. Some of these features are only slight differences in the build of the dog and may only be noticeable to those people who are very attuned to the documented standards concerning this breed of dog.

For instance, the British Golden Retriever has a wider, shorter muzzle than the Golden Retrievers that are bred and shown in the US. The forehead of these dogs has a blocky appearance as well.

These dogs also have a deeper chest, and the tail and legs are also shorter than their American counterparts.

The eyes of these particular dogs are also round and very dark in color. These dark eyes are one of the startling features that you will notice when you first see a white golden retriever. The light color of their coat also intensifies the darkness of their eyes.

The typical Golden Retriever that most people are familiar with has a coat that is some shade of shiny gold. They have a longer muzzle and a more triangular shaped, delicate head.

Their eyes have a slanted shape and the color of their eyes can range from amber to medium brown. These dogs also have a longer, flagged tail, a slight angulation of the hindquarters, and stand 1-3 inches taller than the British golden retrievers.

The coat of a British bred white golden retriever can be cream colored with gold. The only two colors that are not allowed are dark red and mahogany brown. The cream color for the coats of British golden retrievers has only been an approved standard since 1936.

It is interesting to note that the reason the lighter shades were approved is that golden retrievers in the 1800s had very light colored coats.

The darker golden shades were introduced later and UK judges decided that rejecting those dogs with pale colored coats was unfair. Even so, no white golden retriever will be allowed on the show ring.

Many golden retriever enthusiasts are working to have this ruling changed but it is highly doubtful that a white golden retriever would ever be allowed to compete for head to head with a golden colored dog. What may eventually happen is that the white golden retriever breed will be allowed in the show ring but it will only be placed in competition against others with a similar coat color.

Top breeders have discovered that the more unusual coloring of a white golden retriever has captured the attention of the public. No other retrieving breed has a white or light cream colored coat such as the ones seen in these dogs and this makes them truly unique specimens in the dog world. Perhaps the “yellow lab “is the closest in appearance and if you compare the yellow coloring of a Labrador retriever to the shimmering pale color of a white golden retriever it is like comparing “night and day”.

Bear in mind that none of the coats on any white golden retriever will truly be snowy white. The fur is cream colored but in many instances, it will be the lightest shade of cream that you can imagine. At first glance, the coloring does indeed seem to be a shimmering white.

Breeders are quick to pick up on what attributes people are looking for in a dog. Even now there are efforts to refine and improve the coloring of the white golden retriever to make it as close to pure white as possible.

Temperament and health are also important in any dog and luckily the efforts of the breeders are being directed at the entire animal. In addition to ensuring the light coat color breeders are working to maintain the intelligence, docility and sweet nature of the golden retriever with each successive litter of puppies.

The golden retriever has always been considered one of the best dogs for children and families. Now the white golden retriever is creating more enthusiasm and interest in this gentle, beautiful dog breed.

Popularity of Small Dog Breeds

Today there is even greater interest in finding a pet that is listed among the favorite small dog breeds. Smaller dogs such as Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, Poodles, Yorkies, Maltese and Wire Haired Terriers have always had their share of fans but now movies, television shows, and A-list Hollywood celebrities have made owning a small dog a trendy, fashion statement.

No one should select a pet just because they are impressed with the clever small dog breeds that are represented in a blockbuster movie or best selling book, but nonetheless, there will be those who choose a dog simply because they think the animal ‘looked cute’.

Responsible pet owners know that there are many other reasons for the continuing popularity of small dog breeds over the years.

A small dog may be ideal for you or for your family but take the time to think about all of the facts before you rush to bring one of these furry canines into your home.

The popular appeal should not be the main reason that you are choosing one of these dogs. You should select one of the small dog breeds only if you really understand the time and commitment that pet ownership involves.

Why Choose a Small Dog Breed

There are a number of reasons why you might want to consider choosing a small breed of dog. These are wonderful dogs that can fit perfectly into many different settings.

A small dog can feel at home on a large farm in a rural setting, in a suburban home or even in a condo.

Many people gravitate towards small dog breeds because they feel that these animals allow them to be more nurturing due to the size of the dog. The petite size of small dogs also makes it easier to house, exercise, feed and transport them.

Advantages of Owning Small Dogs

The advantages of owning small dog breeds can tip the scale in favor of these pint-sized pets:

• It definitely costs less to feed a smaller dog than it does to feed the larger breeds.
• If you need to travel or board your pet it is easier to do when your dog is one of the small dog breeds.
• Smaller dogs are well suited for life indoors and they generally make great ‘couch potatoes’
• If you enjoy sharing your home, bed and daily routine with a four-footed canine a small dog is a perfect choice.
• These dogs are easier to control during exercise, play periods and walks than their larger, stockier counterparts.
• These dogs can be very noisy, which means they are good at alerting the household if a stranger should approach. This is not the same as being a good guard dog, however.
• Many of the small dog breeds seem to be born to a life of pampering which means you can usually adorn them with couture outfits, bows, boots and sweaters without too much fuss and bother.
• The small size of these dogs has generated a booming business regarding dog products such as treats, clothing, beds and other canine accessories. If you want to dress your pooch to the ‘nines’ and color coordinate their wardrobe to match yours then a small dog breed is the one you want. 

Disadvantages of Owning Small Dogs

Of course, you should also consider that there will also be a few drawbacks related to owning a small dog:

• Small dog breeds can require a lot of time at the groomers which adds to their upkeep expense
• Small dogs can be stubborn and difficult to train especially since their tiny size causes many owners to balk when it comes to setting rules
• Although these dogs are often very loyal and protective they are not going to be good guard dogs due their diminutive size
• Small dog breeds can be injured more easily than larger dogs.
• Even a slight illness can mean a trip to the vet if it involves a tiny breed of dog. 

Grooming for Small Dog Breeds

The long-haired dogs will require more frequent grooming. A monthly trip to the groomers is not enough to keep these animals in peak condition. Owners will have to take into consideration the fact that daily grooming at home is a must.

Best Small Dog Breeds for People with Allergies

If you really stop to think about it there is no dog that is truly hypo-allergenic. All dogs will shed at least a few hairs and bits of dander, although there are some breeds that are definitely less prone to aggravate allergy symptoms for members of your household.

If allergies are a problem you will be better off selecting small dog breeds such as a Maltese, a toy poodle, some of the Chihuahua breeds or even a regal Mini-Pinscher.

These dogs have coats that shed much less than many other small dogs and poodles are often considered one of the best breeds for canine-loving, allergy sufferers.

Top Small Dog Breeds:

• Poodles
• Rat Terriers
• Dachshunds
• Papillon
• Yorkie
• Maltese
• Chinese Crested Chihuahua
• Chihuahua
• Cocker Spaniels
• Mini-Schnauzer
• Affenpinscher 

Size Counts for Dogs

When someone is discussing small dog breeds they are most likely referring to a dog with a height less than 16 inches and a weight that is less than 22 pounds. However, in the broadest sense, any dog that weighs less than 40 pounds can also be classified as ‘small’. These are just general guidelines for you to use when are looking for a breed of dog that truly fits the definition of “small”.

Some people also use other categories to differentiate size differences in the small dog breeds. For most purposes a tiny dog weighs between 5-12 pounds, a miniature dog weighs 13-25 pounds and for dogs weighing less than 5 pounds the term ‘pocket breed’ is also applicable.

It is up to you to choose which of the small breed dogs you want to bring into your home. You can just as easily find small dogs such as the tiny toy poodle weighing about 4.5 pounds as you can a Staffordshire Bull Terrier that weighs about 25-35 pounds.

Choosing Small Dog Breeds is a Personal Preference

Remember that each canine is an individual and may or may not have all of the characteristics listed for that particular breed of dog. You need to determine what type of dog you are looking for in advance so you can narrow the scope of your search.

Most small dog breeds can interact well with kids, adults and other animals if they are given the proper socialization, training, and discipline. It is up to the owner to make sure that their dog is aware of the rules early in the game, and that consistency is maintained in both discipline and daily routine.

There are small dog breeds that are:

• Low maintenance
• High maintenance
• High energy
• Laid back
• Social
• Aloof
• Playful
• Easily trained (make it easier with this training course)

Once you determine which breed of dog will fit perfectly into your home and lifestyle you can then begin the process of choosing the perfect fit dog.

When the minor anxiety such as barking is not stopped it eventually may lead to destructiveness. This is why dog training is so important.

The Reasons Behind Dog Separation Anxiety

By nature, dogs live and travel in packs. They attach easily and strongly to their owners. When the owner leaves the house they become irritated.

 Much of the actual dog separation anxiety comes from the routine actions that you create. This means that with dog training, you can ease the worry in your pet.

Routines can include giving them love and affection before you leave and when you come back. During the time you are gone the dog feels alone and becomes anxious for you to return.

Ways to Reduce Dog Separation Anxiety

Several things can be done in order to reduce dog separation anxiety. The following are among the easiest dog training methods available today.

Mix Up the Routine

Changing your routine is helpful. Your dog can start associating specific things that you do with the process of leaving home. If you notice the agitation with various actions then you should start mixing things up a little. If the alarm clock brings irritation then get up at different times or use different methods.

Remove the Association

One of the easiest ways to remove the association of you leaving is to not to give a lot of attention prior to leaving or upon your return.

When you make a fuss over your comings and goings, they will too. Also, it is important not to make a big deal over the whimpering and sad noises. Practice this dog training step by putting them in a room, then leave and come back in various time lengths.

Start Small and Progress to Longer Times

Sometimes a dog gets agitated the minute the owner walks out the door. If this occurs then the best thing to do is to leave home for shorter time periods.

Always keep them guessing. Leave for a few seconds, then a few minutes then back to a few seconds, then try longer periods of time mixed in. They will learn not to expect your arrival thus breaking the anxiety-riddled routine.

You’re Being Responsible, Not Mean

There are some people that do not understand dog training and feel as though they are being mean to their pet. This couldn’t be further from the truth. By implementing these methods you are helping your dog relax and get rid of this overpowering dog separation anxiety.

These actions will allow them to learn that you are not abandoning them and that you are in control of your home and actions. Reducing these powerful urges and feelings in your dog can be healthy for their physical body and mental well being.

Whenever there are obvious and severe dog separation anxiety issues with a dog, it is imperative that it be addressed as soon as possible.

 Getting rid of these feelings of abandonment is a compassionate thing to do, not to mention it will significantly reduce or eliminate the destructive behavior. Dogs need to be being taught not to associate your actions with the survival of the pack.