Understanding Dog Moods

Here are some dog training tips and guidelines to to help you understand some of the different moods and body language that your dog may demonstrate:

Dominant - A dominant dog will usually have his ears erect or standing straight up, his eyes open wide and looking intently, his body standing stiff with lifted hackles, and his tail out from his body stiff or fluffed up. A low and aggressive bark can often be expected.

Friendly - A friendly dog will usually have lifted ears, open and watchful eyes, a calm mouth, a wagging tail or even the whole rear shaking, and possibly whining, yelping or letting out small barking sounds.

Playful - A playful dog will usually have a bended over pose with his rear in the air and a wagging tail implying "Let's Play!"

Submissive - A submissive dog will usually have his ears firmly back, eyes closed and paw raised up.

Aggressive - An aggressive dog will usually have his ears bundled down touching his head, his eyes narrowing or examining, body on edge, mouth bearing teeth and his tail held up. Growling is also common.

Worried - A worried dog will usually have his ears compressed and his neck hairs lifted up. Quick barks and howling are also common.

Feared - A feared dog will usually have a lowered posture, lowered tail or tail put between his legs, a curved back, and magnified pupils. Barking out of fear is common, especially if they are cornered, locked up, or on a restraint.

Stressed - A stressed dog will usually have his ears down and back, mouth open wide with fast breathing. His tail might also be down, lowered shoulders, bent frontward, a nervous attitude, and almost agitating.

Why get pet insurance?

For every pet's owner is a peace of mind to have insurance. As everybody knows vet costs are high, however you should be aware of what type of insurance you have and what is covered. Below we are sharing some tips of how to choose the best pet's insurance for you and your animal.

Tips when getting pet insurance

1. Read the fine print. What exactly is covered and not covered in the plan?

2. Some plans have high deductibles. Shop around for one that offers the same type of coverage for a lower deductible.

3. Does the plan cover routine checkup and preventive care?

4. Some plans do not cover a dog once he reaches a certain age. Find out if the one you are looking at has an age limitation.

5. Find out if the insurance company covers any pre-existing health conditions. This is very important because should your dog become ill or have an injury that stemmed from a previous condition, and the insurance company does not cover pre-existing health problems, you may be paying the expense out of your pocket.

6. Ask how many years the company has been in business and how long they have offered insurance plans that cover dogs. A fairly new company may not have the experience or the coverage that an older, more experienced service provider would.

7. Ask what the insurance policy does NOT include, such as checkups, heartworm tests, dental care, worms, etc. Obviously these items are important so you know what to expect to pay if a particular health condition with your dog springs up.

8. Find out if the insurance for your dog will cover bone scans, medications, reconstructive surgery, and CAT scans. If your dog gets seriously injured and is suspected of having a major condition as a result from the injury, he may need the above mentioned procedures and tests. These can be quite expensive if the insurance plan does not include them in the service.

9. And of course, be sure to know what your deductible will be. In addition, ask if there is a cap on any specific type of illness or accidents your dog may possibly be in.

Fun Quote of the Day

“One reason a dog can be such a comfort when you're feeling blue is that he doesn't try to find out why”

Fun Quote of the Day

"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”
-Josh Billings

Finding a lost/spray dog? What to do?

Here are some tips that would help you in case you are in this situation:
1.Drive or walk around the area that was found in case there are already some postings requesting a lost dog.
2.If you feel comfortable with the dog, take it home and call agencies that help animals, or take it to the nearest shelters.
3.If you feel threaten or uncomfortable by the dog, don’t take it home and call the animal shelter or the animal police for immediate assistance.
4.If you decide to take the dog to your house, make sure you make the proper announcements to the authority and around the neighborhood in which was found to create awareness of the lost/found pet.
5.If you don’t end up finding the owner, you can keep it or take it to the nearest shelter.

Fun Quote of the Day

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.
-Roger Caras