Dog Breeding - History

Studies reveal humans enjoyed taking dogs as pets even in prehistoric times. For thousands of years man has enjoyed a good relationship with certain types of dog. Dogs which proved useful were fed and taken care of. Over time dogs became domesticated until they reached the point where they were able to serve a variety of purposes. There are now different groups of dogs including hunting dogs, sight hounds, and guardian or livestock dogs. To maintain certain characteristics people deliberately mated different breeds.

Years ago purebred dogs were purely for the rich and famous. Today purebred dogs are more affordable because of the huge amount of competition in the dog breeding industry. Some breeders concentrate on purebreds, while others prefer to focus their attention on mixed breed or cross breed dogs. Different forms of breeding exist, and these include out-crossing, inbreeding and line breeding.

The dogs should be registered at kennel clubs. Stud owners should also be registered to enable you to receive the necessary documents. The American Kennel Club, or AKC as it is known, is quite popular in the US and it maintains a large database of dogs, including information about their lineage, achievements, and working qualities. These dogs are also associated with the kennel clubs in the US.

Purebreds are recorded separately in the registry. Dog breeders are actively encouraged to check the registry to learn more about particular dog breeds. The breeder can use the records to analyze pedigrees, traits, and other important information. The registration process will differ according to the state you live in, the registries, and the kennel clubs. A certain breed will have standards which the breeder will need to adhere to. The breeder should follow all the rules to ensure the health of the dogs.

The dogs will be required to undergo eye examinations, hip certifications, and joint x-rays. Your dog will have to undergo variety of tests and tasks before obtaining its certification. An expert will have to evaluate your dog's working qualities and other factors before certification can be granted.

New breeders are often nicknamed 'backyard breeders.' These mass producing businesses are called puppy mills, or puppy farms. Animal activists dislike all forms of dog breeding. As a breeder it is your responsibility to behave in an ethical manner. Animal activists claim that inbreeding increases the chances of dogs inheriting genetic disorders. They feel the world is becoming overpopulated with pets, and they also protest against the annual killing of pets in animal shelters.

Dog breeders are well aware of the fact that dogs possess inheritable characteristics in the same way that humans do. It is therefore important to ensure that only the good characteristics are passed on to pups. Common hereditary problems include hip dysplasia, heart conditions, eye problems, bone or joint conditions, and deafness.

Breed clubs and dog registries conduct extensive studies into these inherited conditions so that breeders can have enough information to help prevent them. The OFA (Orthopedic Foundation of Animals) collates useful information for dog breeders.

Dog breeding enjoys a long and rich history. People have chosen dogs as their pets for thousands of years, so it's no wonder dogs are able to enjoy such a close relationship with their human companions. Do you want to become a dog breeder? Make a decision now.

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CPR For Dogs - Mouth To Snout Resuscitation!

All those who have been to CPR classes will know the basics to mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. You start by checking if the patients airway is clear, then you check the patients breathing, then you check for heartbeat and if, during this process, the patient suddenly awakens, ensure that you are not bitten.

For quite a while now the American Red Cross and other organizations have been training people in performing CPR for pets through classes which include all the nuances of first aid for pets inclusive of mouth-to-snout resuscitation. That's correct, mouth-to-snout.

This technique is very similar to the conventional mouth-to-mouth resuscitation for humans. The main difference is that the person while performing this will close the mouth of the dog and provide breaths into the nose of the dog. Though this sounds humorous and to some even unpleasant, knowing the mouth-to-snout resuscitation technique can even save your pets life if it ever came to that.

The Scoop is a popular website that reports news on dogs (you know what the theory is -'dog bites man' is no news but 'man bites dog' definitely is). In March 2002, they came out with a story about a man in Walla Walla who saved a dog from death by performing the mouth-to-snout resuscitation. The dog had accidentally choked and had it not been for the Good Samaritan, who had received training in this process, the dog would have surely died. The Associated Veterinary Clinic of Walla Walla then treated the revived dog and released it.

Mouth to snout is not the only procedure that can be performed on dogs. In case of emergencies where the dogs heart stops, chest compressions can also be performed. Awareness about these procedures can perhaps save a dogs from death and allow him to live and play another day of fetch.

Many organizations, which previously provided training and certification in traditional CPR only, are now teaching pet CPR too and the concept is fast gaining popularity. The Red Cross in your locality may be conducting these classes and if you are interested in training you must contact them. You never know when such expertise may come to use.

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Crate Dog Training Explained

Maybe it's a leftover gene from their ancient ancestors who ran wild, but dogs are denning creatures. ALL dogs are denning creatures, and it does not matter one bit what breed they are, whether they are male or female or how old they are.

Dogs want a place where they feel safe and a place to call their own. And the fact is that if you do not provide a "den" for your dog, he will make a den for himself - and you might not like his choice of locations. He might decide to provide himself with a den by digging a nice deep hole in your garden. You will be better off, and the dog will be better off, if you just provide him with a den of his own. His "den" should be a crate. A dog's natural desire for a den is what makes crate training the most simple of all dog training endeavors.

The first thing you want to do is to choose the right crate for your dog. A crate should only be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lay down when he is full grown. This means that if you are buying a crate for a puppy, you will want to purchase a crate that will accommodate his size when he is grown, so you will also need to purchase a divider panel to make the crate suitable for him while he grows into the full size.

Crate bedding is important. The bedding you choose can be made specifically for the crate that you purchase or it can be improvisation. Dogs like to scratch up their bedding into different shapes for some reason, so the bedding needs to be flexible. A piece of your old clothing can be added to the crate bedding. Your scent will provide comfort for your dog.

Milos Pesic is a certified dog trainer and owner of popular and comprehensive Dog Training [http://dog-training.need-to-know.net/] information website. For more articles and resources on dog training, dog training certification and programs, free online dog training classes, dog potty training and much more visit his site at:

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All Breed Dog Grooming

Only professional groomers can perform all breed dog grooming. Regular dog owners are interested mainly in the way to groom their pet's breed, as it is natural. Classes and courses are necessary to get qualification for all breed dog grooming. Plenty of schools have appeared over the years, and presently there is even the possibility to take a certification online, through long distance courses. If you choose this alternative make sure that the trainer has authorization for organizing classes.

Once the all breed dog grooming training is complete you can move on to the next level: starting your own business. Vet centers, rescue centers, kennels and local groomers service local neighborhoods. A first difficulty with all breed dog grooming is equipment, because you'll have to buy a fully equipped grooming table that comes with all the accessories, since only such a tool is designed for the needs of dogs of all sizes.

The rest of the equipment items are equally important. All breed dog grooming cannot be performed without a very large set of hair combs, brushes, clippers, grinders and the rest, so that you can handle any grooming task successfully. Skill and experience represent the advantages that will win you most customers. Be prepared to groom different types of dogs, but hairy ones in particular. The explanation is very simple: a pet owner cannot groom a thick-haired dog at home because of the very the nature of the dog's coat. There is a lot of work for such cases, but there is more money too! It is neither easy nor cheap, hence, everybody has something to gain.

All breed dog grooming is also tackled with in lots of books written by expert groomers. Nevertheless, although such guides are practical and useful, they do not qualify one for a real dog grooming career. The part with the professional training we've mentioned above stays valid. There is no business without authorization, and that should be your main concern!

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Health and Fitness For Your Dog

Giving your dog the proper health and nutrition they need can be a tough task considering a busy work week and especially during the busy holiday season. We have places to go, people to see and not enough time to get everything we need done. It may be tough to keep track of your dog, but you will find that paying attention to you dog's health will be beneficial for you as well. Exercise for you pet will be exercise for you as well. Here are some tips on health, fitness, and canine obedience you can use all year round.

1. Become acquainted with your breed of dog:

Your breed of dog is unique in some way and will require different health and fitness routine to meet their needs. All dog breeds are different and it is a good idea to learn the breed of your dog. Take some off time to do some research and become familiar with your breed of dog. You can learn all kinds of interesting facts about your pet especially related to health like their activity level needs. Becoming familiar with your dog will help you understand and provide the right environment for your pet.

2. Watch food intake

Holiday months usually see an increase in dog treats. Neighbors, family, and friends want to play with our small dog and give them all kinds of food to eat. If you find you dog getting more treats than usually make sure you cut back on the dogs food or spend more time training your dog to help burn the calories. Remind others to help you keep your dog healthy, by being careful to only give your pet healthy treats at the proper time.

3. Safety during the Holidays

During the holidays there might be more dangers than usually. Here are a few of the many harmful items you should keep you dog away from: chocolates, poinsettias, electrical cords, and other small kid's toys. Safety also relates to our pets and we should pay attention to keep our small pets out of harms way.

"The key to your dog's health is the appropriate amount of a nutritionally balanced diet. Dogs that are fed a high quality pet food do not need table food supplementation. If your dog spends most of his time outside, he will actually need more calories in the winter to stay warm, so you should increase his food intake by 10-15% in the colder months." -- Dr. Jonathan Shuman

Creator of: Dog Training Tools site
Dog Training Certification site

Yoga Certification Online - Expanding Your Continuing Education at Home

Many Yoga instructors have years of teaching experience; but no matter how many years of training we have, there will always be a unique ailment that we are not so familiar with. Not every Yoga teacher is familiar with creating a modified lesson plan for a student with Scoliosis, Multiple Sclerosis, or Rheumatoid Arthritis.

You could take a specialized Yoga teacher training intensive for each ailment, a group of ailments, or take an online course. If you have the time to leave work for a specialized continuing education course, you have no worries, but what if your employer is not very understanding about taking time off?

Should you tell a cover story to receive time off? After all, how many employers will endorse your continuing education in a field that has nothing to do with your job? This is just one of many reasons why Yoga teachers from around the world are taking Yoga courses online.

Even if you teach Yoga full-time, you may not currently have the flexibility in your schedule to take off a week, or a month, to attend an intensive. You could read books and watch DVDs at home, but an online Yoga teacher course will guide you toward key points in your training.

Online Yoga teacher courses tend to operate in a number of different ways. Some of them use the Internet to send you all of the materials, and then you send your assignments back by Email. Practical exam videos can be sent back by streaming video.

Some online Yoga courses will send you a combination of books, DVDs, CDs, and e-Books. They might also have online videos, podcasts, and resources, which you can research any time of the day or night. The main purpose of online Yoga courses is to make learning a stimulating experience.

The rewards of online Yoga teacher training are convenience, significant savings, and the ability to apply newfound knowledge to a constructive purpose. When you have students who need help, they could possibly hang for your next Yoga vacation, but online courses allow you to assimilate knowledge, as quickly as possible. Technology enables Yoga instructors to help students in need, when they need help.

Knowledge gathered from online training courses will allow Yoga teachers to enrich all of their classes. This ultimately helps each student, who attends classes - from the young athlete to a senior who may be in a wheelchair.

© Copyright 2009 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

The Process of Yoga Instructor Certification

Those who have taken their love for the discipline of yoga, and turned it into a profession, report a remarkably high level of job satisfaction. Whether you want to start your own business, or simply want to teach a few yoga classes per week, quality training is essential.

The number of yoga schools, and courses available, is staggering. It's often confusing in trying to decide which one is the best. To get started on the road to yoga certification, it helps to understand how yoga instructors are certified.

In order to receive yoga certification, as an instructor, a prospective student completes a minimum of 200 hours of training. The 200 hours are divided between a number of areas. Much of the training focuses on the various techniques, positions, and principles, of yoga.

Several hours are also spent on aspects, such as the philosophy and history of yoga, anatomy and physiology, teaching methods, and ethics. Since different yoga schools often have a slightly different focus, flexibility is allowed - with several hours given to a more intense study of the school's specialty.

One of the most important components of the training is the practicum aspect. Students must spend several hours observing, and training, in designing lesson plans for actual yoga schools/classes. Upon successful completion of 200 hours of training, the student is granted Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT) status.

Students, who wish to pursue their study of yoga, and yoga teaching, can go on to complete another 300 hours of training. This level of training covers more intensive study of anatomy and physiology, and a deeper look at the different branches of yoga. It also includes a study of the yoga scriptures (such as the Bhagavad Gita). Additionally, it incorporates student teaching and observation of teaching methods in a yoga class setting.

There are myriads of other training courses offered for yoga instructors. However, not all of these courses lead to yoga certification. If you are thinking of taking a course, make sure you understand what your qualifications will be once you've completed the course.

Many courses offer a deeper study of a particular aspect, or branch, of yoga, such as Iyengar, Kundalini, Bikram, and others. These are valuable sources of information for those who are considering the path of yoga teacher certification, but desire to focus on one particular discipline.

Finding a yoga teacher training school, with a professional teacher trainer on the staff, is one way to ensure your success as a yoga instructor.

© Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA - http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com - He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

Home Insurance - Doggie Issues - Liability and Cheaper Rates

Do you have a dog? If so, have you checked if your dog is really covered by your homeowners or renters' insurance policy? Let's share tips that will help you stay adequately covered at dirt cheap rates if you have a dog breed that is known for aggression...

The more aggressive a dog is, the more likely insurance companies will balk at providing personal liability coverage in your policy by default or giving you one at all. And when they do, expect to pay very high rates. So what can you do?

1. Do all within your power to ensure your dog never bites. Once your dog has it on record that it has bitten someone in the past, it becomes really tough for you to get insurance on it. Here are things to do...

i) Make sure your dog is enrolled in obedience classes. You'll do yourself a world of good if your dog obtains Canine Good Citizen certification.

ii) Make sure your male dogs are neutered. This step is generally known to reduce aggression and related problems. And you know that these lead to biting.

iii) Make sure your dogs on leash when outside. Where possible, put them in fenced areas. This will keep them from running after people.

iv) Make sure you never leave kids alone with a dog.

2. Go ahead and buy your home insurance policy if it has little, or even excludes, coverage for canine-inflicted injuries. Get an umbrella policy and you'll do just fine. It will protect you from the craziest of law suits. Furthermore, it's NOT limited to just personal liability issues connected to your dwelling place, it reaches far to your auto, business and so on

For just $300 a year, you can get an umbrella policy with a coverage amount of $2 million. If you factor in what it could cost you in liability claims if your dog bites a neighbor or the mailman, you'll agree that it's quite a good deal.

3. Get a dog-friendly insurance company and you'll get better rates. To find out, ask other dog owners and get a wide range of quotes from reputable quotes sites. From the quoting process, it will be apparent that you'll get to know how dog-friendly their affiliate insurers are.

Here are recommended pages for home insurance quotes...

InsureMe Home Insurance Quotes

Home Insurance Quotes

Chimezirim Odimba writes on insurance.

Search-and-Rescue Dog Training

We've all seen the search-and-rescue dogs on TV and in the movies. And we have all been impressed, as we should be, because search-and-rescue (SAR) dogs are amazing and they are very, very well-trained working animals.

Most search-and-rescue dogs are the larger breeds of dogs, although size is not a requirement. German shepherds, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers, giant Schnauzers, and Labradors are some of the breeds found on SAR unit rosters. Formal training for a dog to be certified as a search and rescue dog usually takes about a year of twice weekly training. Candidates to become SAR certified must demonstrate trainability, agility, endurance, and the ability to get along with other dogs and people.

A search-and-rescue dog is only half of a two-part team. The dog owner/handler is the other half, and there are requirements for handlers as well as for the dogs. Search-and-rescue dog handlers must really enjoy working with their dogs, and they must enjoy being in the outdoors in all kinds of weather - not just beautiful, cloudless, warm days. Handlers must be physically fit, and they must be able to respond to emergencies. Handlers must also have the intelligence to become proficient in land navigation, map and compass, radio communications, wilderness survival, and first aid. Most search-and-rescue units require advanced first aid training, including CPR.

Search and rescue is strictly voluntary. Search-and-rescue dogs and their handlers do not get paid for their services. They are not making a nice fat paycheck for going out into the rain, the snow, the freezing cold or burning hot weather to find a lost person. So why do they do it? There are several reasons they give, but the most important one is that handlers and their SAR dogs are heroes.

Milos Pesic is a certified dog trainer and owner of popular and comprehensive Dog Training [http://dog-training.need-to-know.net/] information website. For more articles and resources on dog training, dog training certification and programs, free online dog training classes, dog potty training and much more visit his site at:

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Never Hit a Dog When Dog Training

You should not EVER hit a dog for any reason at all. Hitting does NOT teach the dog anything other than to fear you, and obedience is born of love, not fear. Not only will hitting not work, but it is completely counterproductive to effective dog training of any kind.

In order to effectively train a dog, you must learn to understand how a dog thinks - and yes, they DO think.

First of all, dogs are pack animals. That is their nature. Dogs do not expect to live in a democratic society in which everybody gets a vote. From a dog's point of view, it is absolutely essential that the "pack" (and the dog views the family as his pack) have a leader - a boss - an ALPHA dog. The alpha dog is in charge of the pack. The alpha dog makes the decisions for the pack and keeps the pack safe. It's a "dog" thing that you do need to understand.

Unless you are the alpha dog, the dog WILL become the alpha dog. He will nip at his other pack members. He may snarl, growl, and otherwise show the others that he IS in charge. So first of all, you must establish your position as alpha dog, but you don't do it by hitting the dog. Hitting is not a language that a dog understands.

When the dog misbehaves or transgresses, simply stop the behavior and roll him over onto his back. Hold him there and stand over him while saying "NO" firmly and in a forceful TONE of voice. Volume doesn't count. The only thing that matters is TONE. The next thing to do is show him what the correct and acceptable behavior is and then lavish praise on him when he complies.

Milos Pesic is a certified dog trainer and owner of popular and comprehensive Dog Training [http://dog-training.need-to-know.net/] information website. For more articles and resources on dog training, dog training certification and programs, free online dog training classes, dog potty training and much more visit his site at:

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Dog Training - How To Leave Them Home Alone

Sometimes it seems that our lives are filled to the point of overflowing. We love our families (including our dogs), but there just isn't any way that we can spend 24/7 with them. The kids are "latch-key" kids. They often must come home and stay alone while we are still at work. It usually isn't long, but we go to great lengths to be sure that the kids know the rules and that they understand that we would be with them if we could be with them. We don't want the kids to hurt themselves or suffer from "separation anxiety."

We prepare the kids for separation, but most of us don't even think about preparing our best friend for separation. We go to great lengths to dog-proof our homes. We just simply put things that the dog could destroy out of his reach, and there isn't much worry about him "obeying the rules." He can't turn on the oven or watch an X-rated movie.

Dogs are social creatures. Dogs LIVE to be close to the people that they love, and dogs do NOT like being left home alone. They feel as though they have been abandoned, which I honestly believe is a dog's greatest and maybe only fear. So it is up to us to prepare them from puppyhood to see separation as a temporary and nonthreatening situation that is expected and accepted.

From the day that you bring the puppy home, always close the bathroom door so that he gets accustomed to you opening a door, going through it, and not being visible to him.

1. Crate train your puppy. Teach him to see his crate as a his safe place where he feels comfortable.

2. Provide your dog with toys (especially chew toys) that he can entertain himself with in your absence.

3. Do not make a big production out of leaving your dog. Simply open the door, walk through it, and shut the door. Long goodbyes are unnecessary and make the dog anxious.

4. When you get home, be sure that you are as glad to see your dog as he is to see you. Sweet reunions make up for absences.

Milos Pesic is a certified dog trainer and owner of popular and comprehensive Dog Training [http://dog-training.need-to-know.net/] information website. For more articles and resources on dog training, dog training certification and programs, free online dog training classes, dog potty training and much more visit his site at:

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Therapy Dog Training For a Good Doggy Citizen

It is not just for no reason that dogs are considered man's best friend. Observe dogs around people in a park and you will notice that most want to come over and pet the dog even if they don't know the dog. Dogs are cute. Period. Therefore, if you want to you can put your dog's cuteness to some community benefit - by making him a therapy dog.

The presence of dogs can lighten up a room and a person's mood. Often people are better are fostering relationships with dogs than they are with other people. Therefore, often, dogs are used in hospitals, at rehab centers, schools for special children and at homes for the elderly to help them recover or overcome trauma of any kind. If your dog is generally of a friendly nature and has been trained decently then you can opt for such a service.

To begin work as a therapy dog, your dog will firstly need to be certified as a good canine citizen. This certification will be made available if you check with your local pet shelter or vet and certifies that your do is healthy and can follow basic instructions.

The second thing you need to do is familiarize the dog with surroundings where he will be working - like hospitals, schools, etc. It is essential that your dog be trained to remain in control, focused and follow commands even in distracting situations and surroundings. This training can be formally received at therapy dog training classes. Checking out the internet or local classifieds will tell you about what classes are held where.

You can even try training the dog yourself but you will need to go very slow and steady. Start taking him to places where you might be volunteering yourself and watch him develop his own comfort zone. Soon enough he and the others will warm up to each other.

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Dog Training Tips - Choosing a Dog Trainer

Finding the right dog trainer can be as tedious and time-consuming as finding the perfect canine companion itself. But it does not have to be impossible.

While people have a basic idea of the kind of dog they'd like to have, they usually have little or no knowledge on dog training and therefore encounter various problems while selecting a dog trainer. But with a little bit of research and efforts on your part, you can be sure of selecting a dog trainer who will give you a well-behaved, loving and efficient canine companion that you'll cherish for the next 14-17 years.

Training Style: One of the first things check while selecting a dog trainer would be his familiarity with various styles and techniques.

Does he understand that every dog is different?

Or

Does he employ the same techniques with all dogs alike?

If you have a Cocker Spaniel, you surely don't want your trainer to treat him as if he were a German Shepherd and while you may think this is basic knowledge, you'd be surprised at just how many dog trainers there are out there with fake certifications.

Certification: Which brings us to the next most important thing -

Who certified your trainer as a dog trainer?

There are tonnes of websites and 'courses' on the internet that provide dog training certificates for a specified fee and on completion of the 'course.' Such people know little about actual training, which is an art as well as a science and it's important you look out for someone who has been certified by a recognized institution that provides a valid certification that's equivalent to a degree.

While nothing amounts to hands-on experience and a genuine love for canines, a valid certification might at least ensure you don't end up cheated, while selecting a trainer.

Dog Response: When it comes to selecting a dog trainer, nothing helps as much as attending a class before you decide. If a trainer does not allow this, go with someone else. When you attend class, observe the response of the dogs as well as the people.

Do they seem comfortable?

Are the dogs excited and playful or reserved and cautious?

Training dogs is much like teaching kindergarten - you need to be endowed with a natural ability to do it apart from the relevant certifications. So, observe the trainer's rapport with his students and try and see yourself in the class.

Price: There is one thing to keep in mind when it comes to price. Don't consider it at all! There are enough and more things you need to watch out for, while selecting a dog trainer let alone worry about the price. If the trainer you find is expensive, consider it a valuable investment in companionship. If he is inexpensive, do not jump to the conclusion that he must not be good. Give everyone a fair chance and see what fits your individual requirements.

When the facts are verified and the person interviewed, let your gut decide. As in all important decisions, trust your instincts while selecting a dog trainer. You won't regret it.

For Free methods on how to train your dog go to: Dog Training Tips

I am a professional dog trainer and have trained various mixed and pure breeds. I have seen some great dogs with some terrible dog owners. I want very much to assist the misguided dog owners to be responsible for how they train their pets.

Visit my website at: http://dogs-training-tips.com/home-3/

How Much Exercise Does My Dog Need?

Exercise is a topic that comes up all the time in training classes. Students are asking what type and how much exercise their dog needs. The answer is fairly simple. If your dog is constantly bringing his ball or favorite dog toy to you while you are trying to relax, he's not getting enough. High-energy dogs such as retrievers need more than lower energy dogs like Dachshunds or Shiba Inu's. Exercise not only tires your dog out so both of you can relax; it also provides a healthy lifestyle for him. So, what is enough exercise?

When I ask students whose dogs are having a hard time focusing or bouncing all over the place, I ask how much exercise they get. "We went for a mile walk just before class" is the answer I get. Taking a high-energy Lab or Golden Retriever for a one-mile walk is the equivalent as a marathon runner jogging around the block. In most cases, it's going energize them and leave them wanting more. Most dogs need at least 30 minutes of cardio exercise every day some need much more.

There are a number of ways to exercise your dog. You can take your dog out for a jog, play fetch, take them swimming, go to a dog park or take them to doggie daycare. If you have a dog that likes to fetch things, playing ball or Frisbee works great. If you don't have a fenced yard where you can play safely, tennis courts work well. If your dog likes water, swimming is one of the best ways to exercise your dog.

Dog parks are another option for exercising your dog. There is normally plenty of room for playing ball or Frisbee; some even have ponds for the dogs to swim in. Dog parks also have the added benefit of socializing your dog with other dogs. Make sure you do your homework before going to a dog park. Most are great places but you'll want to visit them on the days and hours you plan on going to make sure it's going to be what you want.

One of the best options for exercise and socialization is doggie daycare. Doggie daycare's are normally staffed with people who not only like dogs, but are also trained on how to handle large groups. They also understand the difference between good play and play that could go bad. Again, I would do your homework by stopping by any facility you plan on taking your dog to. Get a tour of the facility, talk to the staff and ask plenty of questions. Find out if you can see the dogs interacting during your tour. You will want to make sure you feel comfortable with how your dog will be handled.

Exercising your dog will not only tire him out so both of you can relax; it will also help him live a longer, happier life.

For more information on toys and other dog products that will make it easier for you to exercise your dog, visit http://www.petcollarshop.com/.

Rick Touhey is a graduate of Animal Behavior College. My certification, education and experience provide me the skills required to effectively and humanely train your dog while keeping alive that special bond that makes your dog so special to you. Feel free to contact me via http://www.pawsitivek9.net/ for more advice on ways to exercise your dog.