Dog Grooming Tips: Quick & Easy Ways to Groom Your Dog

>> Secrets and tips for starting your pet grooming business 

We will start with covering specific tricks for different dog breeds and then move to more general information for all dogs. At the end we will share a resource that can be used to find information about grooming cats as well. There are different tips for grooming different breeds of dogs. The trick is to know the breed, the type of coat it has, and the methods used to groom and style each one.

The Affenpinscher has a very harsh coat and sheds very little hair. Very little grooming is needed. You can comb or brush the fur weekly, but it should never be clipped. Plucking is sometimes necessary. Pay special attention to the eyes as hair can grow at the sides.

The Norfolk Terrier sheds lightly with a shaggy, waterproof coat that is medium in length. Daily brushing is needed, though you should pay extra attention when this dog is shedding. Baths and dry shampoos should be given only when needed.

Afghan Hounds have a long, thick coat that does require grooming on a daily basis. This breed is prone to mats and tangles, which can be prevented with daily brushing. An occasional bath, maybe twice a week, will help as well. This breed is an average shedder.

Dalmatians are clean dogs, though their short coat sheds constantly throughout the year and heavily twice a year. This dog should be brushed regularly, at least once or twice a week, to remove dead hairs and control shedding. Baths should be given only when necessary.

The Norwegian Elkhound has a hard, coarse coat which resists both water and dirt. This breed should be brushed regularly. Because this dog is a sheds seasonally, it's best at this time to use a rubber brush or wooden comb with a double row of metal teeth to remove dead hair. Baths should be given only when needed.

For Airedale Terriers, because of their hard, short-haired coat, this breed needs a lot of grooming. They have a double coat, which requires plucking twice a year.Iif their coat is kept stripped, these dogs will do very little shedding. Wash the beard regularly to keep it free of food residue.

The English Setter is an average shedder with a soft, flat coat that is medium in length. This dog should be brushed regularly to prevent tangles, and you should give extra attention during the shedding seasons. The nails should also be clipped regularly, and the hair on the bottom of the feet should also be trimmed. Baths or dry shampoos should be given only when needed.

The Old English Sheepdog is a seasonally heavy shedder with a long, coarse coat. Grooming should be done frequently to prevent mats, tangles and skin problems. Brush this breed at least three times per week, and keep the hair around the eyes and rear-end trimmed.

The American Bulldog is an average shedder with a short, harsh coat. This breed is very easy to groom. Use a firm bristle brush.Bathe only when necessary.

The Papillon is an average shedder with a long, silky coat. They should be brushed several times a week. Pay attention to the hair behind the ears and on the belly to keep mats from forming. The nails should be clipped and the teeth cleaned regularly. Baths or dry shampoos can be given when necessary.

The Pekingese is an average shedder with a long, double coat. The coat must be brushed daily to keep mats from forming, . The face and eyes should be regularly cleaned. Dry shampoos can be given on a regular basis.

Though the Finnish Spitz is a seasonally heavy shedder, they do have a very clean coat with no doggie smell. Dead hairs do need to be removed from the coat, so this breed should be brushed regularly. Washing is not necessary.

The Golden Retriever is an average shedder with a soft, thick, water-repellent outercoat and a fairly dense undercoat. To decrease shedding, brush regularly with a firm bristle brush, once daily if possible. You should only bathe this breed when needed, but it can be given a dry shampoo fairly regularly. Take care when removing mats.

The Saint Bernard can have either a shorthaired coat or a rough-haired coat. The shorthaired coat is dense and smooth, while the rough-haired coat is longer with feathering on the thighs and legs. These breeds shed twice a year and require daily brushing with a firm bristle brush. Baths should be given only when necessary and a mild soap must be used to avoid stripping the coat of its oils.

The coat of the Saluki can be either smooth or feathered. Both have short, silky hair. The feathered coat, however, has feathering on the ears, tail and legs. Brush both coats occasionally. Also make sure to clean the ears

There are several general problems you may be faced with. Let's start with dog odor, something you're probably going to be asked to deal with at some point. In some cases, these odors are not grooming related. They are...

Bad Breath - Plaque and infected teeth or gums can produce a foul odor. Also, some diseases like kidney failure can also cause bad breath.

Infected Ears - This condition also causes a foul odor.

Anal Glands/Sacs - When a dog has a bowel movement, and these sacs become infected, this can also cause a bad odor.

If you suspect that any of these may be the cause, refer your client to a vet and there is little you will be able to do about the condition other than a normal grooming. Just be advised that this may not be enough to get rid of the odor.

We should also cover what to do to undo the summer damage that will be done to your client's dog. This is a common problem because of the summer heat and humidity.

Let's start with brushing. The longer the hair of the breed, the more frequently brushing needs to be done. Some breeds can be brushed once a week. Others need to be brushed daily.

A matted coat will trap heat and moisture and make your dog quite uncomfortable. Brushing greatly helps prevent against matting.

You should use a conditioning and untangling spray before brushing to make brushing easier. Use a steal pinned comb to make sure all the knots have been removed.

As for shampooing, some breeds need to be shampooed at least once a week if not more, especially in the summer. After shampooing, make sure you follow with a conditioning rinse. If you're going to use a hair dryer after washing, set it to the lowest and coolest setting to avoid burning the dog's skin.

For a free report that covers how to start a dog grooming business or just find information on classes available online to learn to groom your own pet, please check out http://petgroomingtips.info/

==>> Kathryn Allison is a new author with experience working with all types of animals.

==>> For more information on grooming your dog plus access to the popular FREE Dog Grooming newsletter - Please visit How To Easily Groom Your Dog - Guaranteed!

>> Some Reasons Why You Should Groom Your Dog 

Believe it or not, even in this day and age, there are dog owners asking this question each and every single day. They do not believe that taking the time to groom their dog properly on a regular basis is necessary, despite all of the evidence to the contrary. After all, your dog cannot just stay clean on his or her own. In fact, although they are capable of cleaning themselves to a certain degree, they need more help than many owners often believe.

Here are 6 of the 8 main reasons why you should take the time to groom your dog outlined below that highlight the benefits for both you and your dog. As such, they should give you an idea of the importance that should be placed on grooming by all dog owners today:

• It encourages the health of your dog’s skin and coat. Regular brushing and grooming of your dog’s coat can encourage the health and vitality of your dog’s skin because it boosts the blood flow underneath the coat. This in turn ensures that the cells get everything they need via the bloodstream. Similarly, dogs need to wash much the same as humans do in order to keep toxins that may get caught in the fur at bay because they can also cause problems with the coat and skin.
  
  
• It enhances your dog’s overall health. Grooming enhances your dog’s overall health in a number of ways. It can ensure that your dog is mentally and physically in top condition as a result of the attention. Furthermore, it can improve the circulation, boost muscle mass and reduce the possibility of infection. By pairing grooming with a good diet, you can also boost your dog’s immune system, meaning that he or she will be less likely to become ill anyway.
  
  
• It eliminates the smell associated with dogs. This point applies to both your dog and your home. Everyone knows that there is nothing worse than walking into a house and having your senses assaulted with the pungent odor of stale dog but you do not have to worry about that if you regularly groom your dog because it minimizes the smell. This applies to all breeds of dog, even those that have particularly long and thick coats.
  
  
• It highlights any problems as and when they arise. This is not one of the more obvious reasons but it is a reason nevertheless because regular grooming enables you to notice changes in your dog’s body, which can be important in the diagnosis of many illnesses. For example, you will notice any cuts, grazes, lumps, swelling and even heat that occur. You may also notice slight differences in your dog’s general demeanor that may hint at depression or pain in some way. As such, if you notice these symptoms then you can seek help for your dog much quicker than would otherwise be possible.
  
  
• It can cut down on the overall cost of grooming. If you pay for someone else to groom your dog, whether on a regular basis or for a six monthly coat trim. By regularly grooming your dog, you may not need to hire anyone else to provide personal attention for your dog in the first place. This will save you money and enhance the relationship between you and your dog.
  
  
• Finally, and most importantly, it enhances the bond between you and your dog. As hinted at under the last point, grooming enhances the relationship between man and dog because it gives you a shared experience and one that is pleasurable for your canine companion. Dogs do enjoy grooming because it means that they get attention from their owners. All dogs absolutely love the attention. As such, it is an activity that you will be able to laugh at and your dog will be able to enjoy.
  
  

All of the above reasons should be more than enough to give you a push in the right direction because now you can see exactly why you and your dog can benefit from the process. Grooming is an essential part of owning a dog so the sooner you integrate it into your routine the better. The information in the ensuing chapters will most definitely be able to give you an idea as to where to start.

==>> For more information on grooming your dog plus access to the popular FREE Dog Grooming newsletter - Please visit How To Easily Groom Your Dog - Guaranteed!

>> All About Clipping Your Dog's Nails 

Nail clipping has to be one of the most feared elements of grooming around. Neither owners nor dogs particularly like doing it or having it done but this is for very different reasons.

Dogs do not like having their nails clipped because it feels strange. If you think about having your own nails cut, the sensation is more than a little odd. However, owners do not like clipping their dogs’ nails purely and simply because they know the risks.

If you know what they are though and find out exactly how to clip nails then you will find that it becomes second nature within just a few grooming sessions.

Knowing exactly how to cut your dog’s nails is an absolute must and getting the technique right is incredibly important. This is why a complete step by step guide must be adhered to at all times. However, you might want to know a little more about the nails before you clip them. Not only will this knowledge help you to understand how to clip nails but it will also reinforce why you should because there are serious consequences if you do not do so.

Much like our nails, a dog’s nails grow constantly and so will keep on growing until they are brought under control. If you leave them and expect granite sidewalks to wear them down naturally then this will happen to a degree but not to enough of an extent that your dog’s nails will not be a problem. If your dog does walk on such surfaces often then it may reduce the regularity at which you need to cut the nails but it will not eliminate the need completely. Think of it as a nail file – it can only go so far in wearing the down and the rest is up to you!

Failing to clip a dog’s nails can actually cause crippling, arthritic type pains in your dog’s paws, which in turn can actually lead to malformation of the paws and thus permanent damage and pain. This can occur naturally anyway in certain breeds but you do not want the nails to add to it at all.

Finally, just one last tip to help you during grooming. Always check your dog’s paws out thoroughly when you are cutting the nails. You need to check the pads to make sure that they are intact and not stuck with thorns, glass or other foreign objects. Make sure that your dog has healthy paws and then you will happily be able to leave them alone until trim time rolls around again.

If all else fails then you could always ask a vet or professional dog groomer to do it because they will have extensive experience and know full well how to do it without causing any harm at all to your dog. However, you should try to do it first as a part of the grooming process.

>> How to Correctly Brush Your Dog 

There are several staple elements of the grooming of all dogs and all of them can help to boost the health of your dog’s skin and coat. Brushing is undoubtedly one of them and is actually one of the most important elements because of all of the benefits it brings. For example, you can see the improvement in the health of your dog’s coat but it also boosts the skin and the supply of nutrients to it because it encourages the flow of blood underneath the skin.

Your reaction and enthusiasm towards brushing may be along the lines of “Great” I’ll go and grab the brush then!” However, your dog will probably not see it that way to start with, especially when it is dealing with knots and tangles. In fact, unless you go about it the right way you will have to pin your dog down to be able to do it again after the first time. There are many elements of brushing to consider and much depends on the coat of your dog.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT BRUSH

You cannot brush your dog without a brush so the first thing that you need to do is take the time to make sure that you choose the right one. You have to take a lot of factors into account when trying to choose the right ones. For example, the coat plays a big part because longer and coarser quotes will be more prone to matting and tangling than shorter coats. Similarly, harsh brushes are likely to damage the skin on shorter coats because they is no real furry protection available. As such, brush selection is a little difficult but it is an important decision to make so it is essential to ensure that you take your time and make the right choice.

There are numerous brushes that you can choose from. To recap though, there are perhaps five that you have to choose from:

• Bristle Brush – The most common of brush types, natural bristles are designed to work in harmony with the skin and the coat in order to get the best possible results. There are various sizes available so you should choose one that suits your dog size and not focus on the coat. The larger the dog, the larger the bristle brush should be. However, there are certain bristles that suit certain coats as well. If your dog has a long coat then wide spaced and longer bristles would suit it best. Tighter bristles are better for short haired coats.
  
  
• Wire Pin Brush – Pin brushes and wire brushes are ideal for longer coats as well as coats that are curly because they tend to be much stronger than bristle brushes and push through tangles really well. However, they will hurt smooth coated dogs and thus damage the skin so they are best avoided for those dogs.
  
  
• Slicker Brush – A slicker brush should be used in conjunction with a wire pin brush because it should be used afterwards to smooth the coats of longer haired dogs. Slicker brushes are renowned for removing mats and tangles and so are ideal for double coated dogs but again should be avoided on single coated dogs.
  
  
• Undercoat Rake – The undercoat rake is pretty self explanatory. If your dog has a double coat then you should use one to remove any dead and loose hairs from the undercoat of double coated dogs. It may be that you have a medium or long haired dog, a small or large dog.. It really does not matter what they look like or what breed they are. If you have a double coated dog then you need this brush.
  
  
• Dog Comb – Every single breed needs a comb because it is essential for getting out tangles, smoothing the fur down after a bath and even to take care of fleas as well. It is the one piece of equipment that is not dependent on coat at all so invest in a god brush.
  
  

The ideal combinations for all coat types vary from dog to dog but most owners will only need a bristle brush and a comb. However, you may want to consider having a wire pin brush as well if you have a long coated breed. After all, you can chop and change as and when required.

>> Making Life Longer for Fido

If you own a dog and you love a dog, you want your dog to live as long as possible. Fortunately, there are many ways that you can help your dog to live a long and healthy life. The basics, of course, are making sure your dog has good nutrition, exercise and veterinary care. Beyond that, there are other things you can do to accomplish your goal. If you employ common sense practices to keep yourself in good health, it is not that hard to put these same principles in action to ensure the longest life you can for your canine buddy.

With a little research, you will find the best way to care for your pet and meet all of his needs. We are all aware of the role a good diet plays in our energy, our weight and our overall well being. The same is true for dogs, as a good diet is uppermost in setting up a care plan for your puppy or older dog.

If you are planning to get a new puppy, you have a great opportunity to start him or her off right from the beginning with the proper diet to maintain ideal weight. Even an older dog, however, will benefit greatly from a change in diet if his nutrition has been less than ideal. Making sure your dog is well nourished is probably the single most important thing you can do to help your dog live a long life. Dogs, as we all know, are carnivores, and as such, require a diet high in protein from meat.

Commercial dog food contains more cereal than meat protein, so if that is all your dog is fed, it is necessary to add a meat-based protein supplement to his diet. Adding raw meaty bones to a dog's diet will greatly benefit your canine overall, but making a sudden change from commercial dog food to all raw meaty bones would not be a good idea. Make changes and additions gradually and observe your dog's reactions to any new food you introduce. Another element in helping your dog obtain optimal health is making sure he gets proper exercise.

If you have an indoor dog, especially, you need to walk the dog daily at a good pace to give the right amount of needed exercise. If you can't do this yourself, by all means hire someone to walk the dog because there is no substitute for exercise. If your dog is allowed to run in a yard for at least an hour a day on most days, this is also sufficient.

We hear a lot about stress and its effect on humans, but not everyone pays attention to the stress level their animals may be experiencing. Some of the same things that would cause stress for us also affect our canine companions. Although we cannot always avoid stress for ourselves, we have a greater chance of easing stress for our animals. Take steps to see that your dog is not suffering from loneliness, as dogs are social animals and need interaction with other animals or humans.

Uncomfortable temperatures and excessive noise are also stress-producers that must be eliminated, as your dog needs the security and comfort of a suitable environment. About the worst thing you can do to a dog is tie him or her in the backyard alone and do nothing but provide food and water. One cannot imagine anyone who loves a dog treating it in this manner, but incredibly it happens all too often.

There are owners who have questionable reasons for wanting a dog in the first place. If you treat your dog as you, yourself would want to be treated, you will not go wrong, and you will enjoy many years with your faithful devoted canine friend.
 

>> A Positive Vibe Means You Found The Perfect Groomer 

If you are the proud owner of an energetic, though somewhat hair challenged Chihuahua, then you can probably skip this article. However, if you are the owner of nearly any other breed of dog, a trip to the groomers will likely be somewhere in your future. Before this day arrives you will want to be ready with all the information and advice you need to make this experience as painless for you and your dog as possible.

The first step of course is to find the perfect groomer. Though becoming a pet groomer does not require four years in an Ivy League university, not all groomers are created equal. There's much more to grooming a dog than running a set of clippers down his back and tying a pretty bow in his ear. Groomers must have patience yet be firm enough to control dogs who are anything but eager for a trim. Also, you don't want your dog to leave the groomer to become the laughing stock of the dog park. This can traumatize them for life and will also do nothing for your reputation.

Speaking of the dog park, this is a good way to shop for a groomer. If you see a dog with a $400 John Edwards cut, you can ask the owner who did the work. Breeders usually know the reputations of groomers also and can give you good advice. When you find a groomer, talk to them a while to get a feel for their personality. If you get a bad vibe, so will your dog. Find another groomer.

Once you find a groomer, it's time to start prepping puppy for the trip. Start by brushing his fur to get him used to being touched in such a way. Pay particular attention to the paw area since many dogs are touchy about their feet. The more time you spend doing this with your puppy, the less traumatic his first tri to the groomer will be. Make your appointment and set up the services you want performed on your dog. It's a good idea to keep the first visit simple. A bath and a quick trim should be enough. If the dog spends hours being clipped, snipped prodded and poked, this will leave a lasting negative impression and you'll have a fight on your hands during each subsequent trip. Later on you can add in ear cleanings, nail trimmings and other swank touches.

When you go to pick up your puppy, make sure you have a few treats or a toy to give him. It's amazing how quickly a bad experience can turn to a good one with the proper application of bacon bites.

Once you have found a groomer with whom you are comfortable, stick with them. The dog will also become comfortable and will not have to endure the trauma of a stranger running clippers around his rear end.

>> Everything You Want to Know About Eskies 

The Miniature Eskimo dog resembles a mini Samoyed. These charming dogs are also fondly known as "Eskies" and they are sometimes referred to as American Eskimo dogs. There is an Eskie for all size and home requirements: toy, miniature and standard. The Miniature Eskimo dog is a striking breed with its thick, luxurious white coat, but as is the case with most Spitz breeds, its fur is dense and it has an undercoat which sheds a lot requiring a lot of regular grooming. Some specimens have blue eyes but only dogs with brown eyes can be shown.

They are thought to be descended from the German white Keeshonden or large Pomeranians and were brought to the United States in the 19th by German immigrants. The Miniature Eskimo eventually became known as the American Eskimo dog. They were very popular in the 1930's through to the 1940's as circus dogs due to their high intelligence and athletic ability.

The American Eskimo is a very playful and affectionate dog. They make excellent dogs for households with children in them because of this playfulness and love of companionship. Highly intelligent dogs and eager to please, they are easy to train and are among the top scorers in many obedience trials. They are very active dogs that crave attention and this can cause them to develop problematic behavior if you don't have the time to devote to them. While being allowed some free time in a yard is adequate, these dogs need to go on walks to satisfy their migration and pack instinct.

The Miniature Eskimo dog, being of a high strung nature can become an obsessive barker if not given the attention and exercise it needs. Due to the fact they are small and extremely cute, certain dominance issues may go unnoticed and these can develop into serious problems such as aggression and separation anxiety issues. If they are not given sufficient mental and physical stimulation they can easily become bored and develop destructive behavior such as chewing. As mentioned before, these dogs require regular grooming because of their thick fur and dense undercoat but because of their dry skin, frequent bathing may result in irritation.

Bathing should be restricted to every two or three months except in cases when they become very dirty or develop a strong odor. The Miniature Eskimo is a very clean dog by nature and will regularly groom himself. The Eskie is a hardy breed that can live up to 15 years. Health issues these dogs are susceptible to include flea allergies, hip dysplasia, deafness, luxating patella, cataracts, retinal atrophy and urinary tract problems. Other more rare health issues the breed is prone to are epilepsy, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and diabetes.

The Miniature Eskimo dog can be a finicky eater and you should include fresh food in the diet to satisfy nutritional requirements. They are prone to obesity if not exercises sufficiently and special care should be taken concerning their eyes and tear ducts for early detection of progressive retinal atrophy. They are delightful little dogs and entertaining companions but do your research before getting one, they are not low maintenance dogs. 

>> Why are they called Therapy Dogs? 

Often, people who have experienced trauma or a severe illness are not eager to talk to others about right away, if ever. Sometimes they just want companionship that doesn't require any explanations or awkwardness. Humans are not always the best companionship in these times. What better listener and companion in the world is there than a gentle, patient canine?

Dogs of various breeds have been used in therapy for quite some time, especially when dealing with children. A friendly dog can take a child's mind off his or her problems faster than any other thing in this world. The look on the children's faces when a dog is brought into the children's ward of a hospital is an amazing site. No amount of clowns or magicians in the world that can cheer up a sick kid any faster than your average Labrador Retriever.

Therapy dogs for the most part don't undergo any kind of specialized training like other types of working dogs. The biggest factor for therapy dogs is their personality. The must be calm, patient and gentle. Depending on the dog's target group, the exact qualities desired may vary. Dogs designed to be around children can be more active than those selected for senior citizens for example. Basically, as long as the dog is gentle and enjoys human company they will be fine.

Depending on where the dogs will work, they will usually be required to have proof of complete vaccinations or even a certification that its temperament has been tested and proven to be suitable for the role. Temperament tests including assuring that the dog will not react badly to sudden movement, loud noises or the occasional tugged ear. Though therapy dogs do not enjoy specific rights as per the law like other working dogs do, they are usually allowed into most places with prior permission once their purpose is made known.

Usually therapy dogs serve no special purpose and their presence is all that's required for them to be effective. Occasionally however, the dogs can serve in a more direct role such as aiding people in learning to maneuver wheelchairs or providing exercise companionship to those recovering from a major illness or injury. They have been especially effective in helping wounded service members who are trying to integrate back into society.

Alleviating depression is a skill that therapy dogs specialize in. Older individuals are especially prone to depression brought on by loneliness and a lost sense of purpose. These dogs alleviate the depression and make the person feel like they are needed again and are serving a purpose higher than themselves. Many people have regained their desire to live simply because they didn't want to leave a canine friend behind. The bond between dogs and people can be as strong as any bond between two people.

With a world of modern medicine full of drugs and procedures, it's nice to see an approach to therapy that's so simple, so effective and basically free. No one who has ever loved a dog can tell you that there is no pill in this world that can replace a loyal canine companion at one's side.

>> The Coolest City Dogs 

If you are an urban dweller but would still like to get a dog, don't worry, it is possible but there are a few factors you will need to consider when choosing the right dog for your situation. The size of your apartment or house and its locality will have an effect on your dog so you should choose a breed of dog that can thrive in your home environment. You may want to consider getting a smaller breed of dog as they are easier to manage and the last thing you want to come home to after a long day at work are giant doggie stools in your apartment!

Owning a dog is a big responsibility and a lifetime commitment. If you don't have a backyard it can be difficult. Your dog relies on you for all his needs and you are ultimately responsible for keeping him happy and healthy. City apartments can be small so you will have to keep that in mind when choosing a dog breed, some dog breeds need a lot of space and exercise.

Here is a list of some breeds of dog that are suitable for city living. Most small breed dogs do well in an apartment setting and despite their small size, they have a lot to offer in terms of loyalty, companionship and love.

Pugs:

Pugs are quirky and endearing dogs that are easy to maintain. They don't need a lot of exercise and a daily walk around the block will fulfill their physical needs. They are very affectionate and loyal dogs that are easy to train. Another great thing about these dogs is that they have short haired coats that don't require a lot of grooming and shedding is minimal.

Boxers, French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers:

Boxers, French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers are dogs that are full of spunk and personality. Boxers although larger sized dogs, are quite content to spend the day lounging about the house as long as you take them on a daily walk. Boston terriers and French Bulldogs are very popular dogs among city dwellers and their funny looks combined with their fun loving personalities make them ideal dogs for urban living.

The Dachshund:

The Dachshund or "sausage dog" is an energetic little dog that does well in an apartment setting. They are amusing little dogs that do well with older children (younger children may hurt their fragile backs).

Basenji:

Basenjis are among the best dogs for apartment living. They rarely ever bark and make a great choice for those living in apartment buildings with strict laws about noisy pets. Basenjis are also very clean dogs to the point of being obsessive about cleanliness. Owning a Basenji is almost like owning a cat!

Pomeranians and Chihuahuas:

These dogs fall under the toy dog breed and their tiny sizes make them ideal for city life. They are easy to train and small enough to be carried in a bag. They don't require much space and a small daily walk is enough to keep them exercised and mentally stimulated.

ShihTzu:

Another small breed of dog, the Shih Tzu is a very popular apartment dog. These highly intelligent dogs are easy to train and learn new tricks surprisingly quickly, however their long hair requires regular grooming and they do need to be taken on daily walks

Schipperke:

The Schipperke is a less well known breed but is very well suited for city life. They are very small black dogs that make great companions. They do require a certain amount of exercise and will need to be walked daily.

If you prefer larger breeds, there are a few that do reasonably well in an apartment setting such as the Mastiff and Newfoundland but they can be cumbersome in an apartment as they are very big dogs. They also drool considerably the Newfoundland requires regular grooming as they have very thick coats. 
 

>> Clicker Training for Dogs 

Clicker training has become very a very popular training method among professional trainers and dog owners and it utilizes positive reinforcement to quickly and efficiently train dogs in a mutually enjoying way for both dog and owner. Clicker training can be used to teach dogs basic commands such as sit and stay, as well as more complex tricks. Using a clicker allows you to isolate wanted behavior in your dog and "marking" it with a click. This makes it much easier for the dog to understand what is required of him as clicks are consistent unlike verbal commands.

Once your dog has grasped the basic concept behind clicker training, you can move on to more complicated training and also fine-tune your dog's behavior. Due to the fact that clicker training is easier to understand (from a dog's point of view), your dog will learn faster and more efficiently than if you simply used verbal commands. Bear in mind that the most efficient way to train a dog is to keep your training sessions short - you should limit your training sessions to 15 minutes a session but can you conduct multiple sessions in a day. Dogs have limited attention spans and training your dog for longer than 15 minutes can result in your dog become bored or uninterested with the training.

1. Get a Clicker and Some Treats

The first thing you need to do before commencing your clicker training is to buy a clicker and some tasty treats. Clickers are easy to find and you can buy one from a pet store or an online retailer. You will also need to buy some delicious treats to help motivate your dog. If your dog likes kibble, you can use dry food as a motivational treat. If your dog isn't motivated by dry food pet shops sell a wide variety of tempting treats which you can use. Hot dogs chopped into small pieces and dried in the microwave also make a great alternative as do dried liver and fresh chicken.

2. Commence Your Clicker Training

Put a leash on your dog and tie him securely - if you're working in doors you can secure his leash to the knob of a closed door. Make sure the leash is tied properly so the dog can't pull himself free. This is to prevent your dog from lunging at you once he discovers you have some tasty treats, you want him to remain in position. Stand away from his reach and grab his attention by calling out his name or showing his a treat. Placing a treat in one hand and the clicker in another, click the clicker and immediately give your dog a treat. Repeat this several times until your dog learns to associate the sound of the clicker with a reward (in this case, a treat). Make sure that every time you click, you give the dog a treat, even if you press the clicker by mistake. Do this a few times until the dog learns that a click is a positive reward. You should vary the time between the click and the treat a little and don't always hold the treat visibly in your hand or the dog may only learn to obey you when he sees a treat.

3. Teach Your Dog to Perform When You Click

If your dog hasn't already learned basic commands, the easiest command to begin your training with is the sit command. To do this you should stand in front of the dog with a treat in your hand and wait. Hold the treat up in front of the dog (but out of his reach) and the dog will eventually sit. You will have to be patient and wait until the dog sits. As soon as he sits click the clicker and offer the dog a treat. The dog will initially be confused as to why he was rewarded but if you repeat the process again a few times he will eventually understand what is wanted of him. Wait for the dog to sit, click and treat. If the dog catches on too cleverly and doesn't get up from his sitting position, walking away from him should incite him to stand up.

Once your dog learns how to sit, you can begin introducing a verbal command to go with the trick. Stand in front of the dog as you did when you were holding a treat but this time don't use a treat. Hold your hand up and say "sit" in a clear authoritative voice. As soon as the dog sits, reward with a click and treat. Keep doing this until the dog learns to sit when you issue the "sit" command. You can reinforce the command even further by using a positive tone of voice when issuing the command. Train your dog to come out of a sit position by using the command "ok" or "release" (you won't need to click and treat when using the release command).

4. Use The Same Process To Teach New Tricks

Use the above process to teach your dog other commands such as "stay", "stand" and "lie down". Many professional trainers like to use a hand signal along with a verbal command for greater effect. For example if you'd like to teach your dog to stand, place your hand facing palm upward and step back from your dog (who should be sitting). Once he stands up click and treat immediately. Repeat this several times and incorporate the "stand" command and your dog will eventually learn to stand on command. To make your training more mentally stimulating for the dog put him through a "sit" "stand" "sit" routine and vary the routine.

To teach your dog to stay on command put him in a sit position and silently count to five then click and treat. If the dog gets up before you've finished counting five in your head make a disappointed sound such as "uh uh!" or "tsst!" and place command him to sit again. Once he learns to stay for 5 seconds, gradually increase the time you want him to stay. Teach him to stand only when he hears the "stand" or "Release" command. Click and treat before you issue the release command and praise him profusely. Establish a routine of sit, stay and stand stay and vary the routine.

The next basic command you should teach your dog is to lie down. Hold a treat in your hand and reach down while hiding the treat in your hand in front of the dog. Your dog will try everything he can to get at the treat but won't be able to and will eventually lie down expectantly. As soon as he does that click and treat. Repeat this process several times and issue the "lie down" command until he learns to lie down on command. Incorporate a hand downward movement when using the lie down command to teach your dog the hand signal for this command.

5. Fine-Tuning Your Training

Your dog should understand the clicker by now and know that a click means a job well done. This is the time be being more selective in your clicking, only click if the dog performs the required behavior to perfection. You can also use clicker training to stop and overenthusiastic dog from jumping on you when greeting you. Click when the dog greets you with all four feet planted firmly on the ground. If you catch your dog doing something you like click and treat to enforce the behavior. As your dog learns to obey hand signals and verbal commands you can gradually phase out usage of the clicker but never use the clicker without offering a treat. Doing so will ensure you always have your dog's full attention whenever you use the clicker and this will make your training fun for the two of you.  

FEATURED GUEST DOG GROOMING ARTICLE:

>>> Every Family needs an Ideal Family Dog  by Amber Contant

There are many factors you should consider when choosing a family dog. Bringing a dog into your household is one of the most exciting things and an experience your whole family should enjoy and this is why it is very important that you do your research properly in order to be able to choose the right dog for your family environment. Properly educating yourself to make the right choice can make the difference between a successful and enjoyable experience and a disappointing experience that may leave your family fearful of dogs for life.

Before deciding on the perfect family dog for your household you should decide who the primary care giver will be. The primary care giver should be someone who is at home a lot of the time and who has the time to care for the dog. Caring for a dog doesn't only mean feeding him; dogs are social animals and require a lot of attention as well. If you travel a lot you should reconsider getting a dog unless someone can take care of him while you're away. Are you an active person or a couch potato? All these things will influence the type of dog you ultimately choose.

If the primary caregiver is a child you will have to have a serious conversation with them about responsibility and what taking care of a dog entails. Make sure the child understands that this is a lifetime commitment and that he or she will be responsible for the dog's needs for the rest of its life. The child should understand that even when the novelty of owning a puppy wears off, the dog will still need to be given a lot of attention and care.

If the caregiver is a senior you should decide if they are physically able to take care of a dog, and if so then you may consider a smaller breed dog or a breed that is easy to handle. Take some time to visit nearby shelters to get an idea about the different sized dogs available for adoption. Talk to the shelter staff and try to learn about different breeds of dogs and their different traits. Just because a dog belongs to a breed known for its manageability doesn't necessarily mean even dog in that breed is manageable - dogs are individuals with individual personalities. Don't take home the first dog that manages to tug at your heartstrings, keep in mind that the dog you choose to take home will rely on you for the rest of its life, so make your choice wisely.

If your family is the outgoing type and you enjoy participating in outdoor activities such as hiking and camping, you should look for a dog that you can include in your hobbies. Labradors, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds make great companions for active dog owners. These dogs make great pets for households with athletic, young adults as they love to play and exercise vigorously. Some of these dogs also enjoy swimming, so if you like swimming these are good dogs to own. Spaniels are very active dogs as well but require regular grooming as they have long haired coats.

If your family is active but you'd prefer a smaller sized dog, terriers are very active little dogs. Jack Russell terriers are known for being hyperactive and as is the case with most dogs in the terrier group, they need a lot of exercise to remain healthy and happy. Chihuahuas make great pets for senior citizens because of their tiny sizes. They enjoy sitting on their owner's laps while they watch TV or knit and they are of a very easy to handle size. Chihuahuas also make great little watchdogs as they will alert if a stranger approaches the door.

If you're a fan of big dogs, there are quite a few you can consider such as the Pyrenees or Akita. These are impressive dogs but are high maintenance due to their long haired coats. If these dogs aren't groomed on a regular basis they are prone to developing skin conditions. Bernese Mountain dogs and Saint Bernards are massive dogs that enjoy light exercise and love to lounge about. Due to their slow, laid back natures, they may not make the ideal pet for households with teenagers or very active children.

Poodles make great family dogs and come in all shapes and sizes. They are a highly intelligent and easily trained breed and you can find the perfect poodle for almost any type of lifestyle. There are even tempered individuals as well as hyperactive poodles so you'll need to spend some time with a poodle to determine if its personality will suit your household. Poodles require professional grooming however, and you should keep this in mind before getting one.

The more you educate yourself about the different dog breed available and their traits, the better you'll be when choosing your new dog. Read about breeds you like and try to learn about their particular traits as well as any health issues they are predisposed to. The last thing you want to do is bring a dog into your home only to discover he may develop a genetic condition that will end up breaking your heart. Try to visit breeder's kennels to learn more about a breed you like. Reputable breeders have no problem educating prospective customers about their dogs.

Read all you can about the breed of dog you're considering to decide if it will be happy in your household and if your family can provide it with the care it needs. Some dogs have different requirements than others and you should pick a dog that will fit into your particular lifestyle. If you're a laid back person who spends more time indoors than out you shouldn't choose an active breed to bring into your household. Spend time with a dog you're interested in to learn more about its personality, you wouldn't buy a car without inspecting it, would you? The same applies to pets. Remember that owning a dog is a lifetime commitment and one you shouldn't take lightly.

==>> Amber Contant, from Pet-Super-Store.com, submitted this article. "Visit our site for a great selection of electric dog fences and dog training collars.  My name is Amber Contant and I have one of the best jobs around. I am buyer for a popular pet website. I love looking at products for man's (and woman's, ahem!) best friend all day long. More importantly, I am also a huge animal advocate, believe in humane treatment for our fur children and love to learn more about animals. The articles I post are simply to spread the knowledge that I've learned." - Amber 

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