Nestlé Purina TV Ad is Going to the Dogs

Picture this …

You and your favorite canine buddy are hanging out together at home.

The TV is on in the background. Suddenly your dog looks toward the screen and his ears perk up.

Then he quickly stands, wagging his tail, and inches closer to the set.

With his eyes fixed on the screen, he cocks his head in that irresistible way he has. You swear he's smiling.

You look at what he's looking at, and it's a commercial for a popular dog food. You have no idea why your adorable pooch is so spellbound by the commercial.

But what is the likelihood you'll remember his reaction the next time you see that particular brand of dog food in the store?

There's a pretty good chance, don't you think?

Dog Food Marketed Directly to Dogs

The diabolically clever pet food marketers are at it again!

Believe it or not, Nestlé Purina has introduced a pet food commercial in Austria that uses high-frequency tones and other sounds known to catch the attention of dogs.

These sounds include a squeak like the noise a dog toy makes, a tone similar to a dog whistle, a soft, high-pitched ping, and whispering.

If you pay attention you'll hear the squeak, the ping and the whispering, but probably not the high-frequency tone. Your dog, of course, will hear all four, and may or may not have an observable reaction.

The sounds aimed at the dogs are designed not to detract from the message being delivered to their human owners.

"We wanted to create a TV commercial that our four-legged friends can enjoy and listen to, but also allow the owner and dog to experience it together," said Anna Rabanus of Nestlé Purina PetCare Germany.

And according to Xavier Perez of Nestlé Purina PetCare Europe:

"The television commercial aims to reach both the pet and the owner, supporting the special one-to-one relationship between them."

"We want to position our brand as one which understands the unique relationship between owners and their dogs."

Pardon my cynicism, but despite the cleverly crafted spin about owners and dogs sharing a special moment together watching a TV commercial, I think what the company actually set out to create was an ad that would cause their dog food to fly off store shelves.

Toward that end, CSMonitor.com makes this observation:

It's unclear whether appealing directly to nonhumans will pay off for Nestlé. On the one hand, according to traditional free-market economic theories, manufacturers direct their solicitations to rational agents who trade their currency for goods and services. Dogs, while they may very well be rational, lack purchasing power and can make consumer choices only by proxy, presumably by pestering their owners.

On the other hand, the same is true for children, and manufacturers have little difficulty marketing their products to them.

Marketing Campaigns Don't Always Reflect the Quality of the Product

Taking off my skeptic's hat for a minute, let me say I think it's perfectly fine to appreciate clever, appealing product marketing campaigns.

I just caution you not to assume that because the ad is a knock-out, the product is high quality.

Case in point, here are the first four ingredients in the 'original' formula of the dog food featured in the Nestlé ad:

* Ground yellow corn
* Chicken by-product meal
* Corn gluten meal
* Whole wheat flour

It's too bad a pet food manufacturer who is incorporating dog-friendly sounds in its commercials isn't incorporating dog-friendly, species-appropriate nutrition in its pet food products.






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Reasons to Spay Your Female Dog

All About Labradors Guest Post by Crissi Cooley of Oh My Dog Supplies.

If you have a female dog, you may want to consider having her spayed, especially if you don't plan on breeding her in the future. The last thing you want is your dog to get pregnant when you are in no way prepared to deal with puppies. It is fairly easy to have your dog spayed and it can be done comfortably with anesthesia today. While this is not the right choice for every dog, here are some of the reasons that you may want to consider this for your female dog.

Reason #1 - No False Pregnancies

One of the big reasons that you should considering spaying your dog is that no false pregnancies will occur when you do this. Sometimes females that are not spayed may end up having a false pregnancy after their heat period. Their belly may increase in size and sometimes they may even have milk production as well. While it doesn't sound bad, this can cause a variety of hormonal changes in the body of your dog. They can stress out your dog and make her more likely to get infections or other illnesses.

Reason #2 - No Pregnancies

Another reason to spay your female dog is so that pregnancies don't occur. Giving birth can often be dangerous for some dogs, especially if a smaller dog is accidentally impregnated by a larger dog. There is the fact that you may not have a way to raise puppies and you may not be equipped for a dog to give birth either. There is no worry about pregnancy if your dog has been spayed.

Reason #3 - Protection against Certain Health Problems

Spaying can give your dog protection against some health problems as well. Dogs that are spayed don't have to worry about uterine infections. Endometritis and pyometra are two infections that can affect female dogs that are not spayed and both can be deadly. There is no risk of these problems in a female that has been spayed.

Reason #4 - No Heat Periods

There are no heat periods to worry about either when you have your female dog spayed. When a dog goes in heat, usually they have a blood discharge, which can end up being quite messy. If your dog is an inside dog it can lead to stains on your furniture and your rugs. This also may lead her to seek out other males, which is definitely not something you want if she has puppies. You'll avoid the mess and other problems of heat periods if your dog is spayed.

Reason #5 - No Confinement for Your Dog

There is no need to confine your dog during her heat period if she is spayed. When a female goes into heat, leaving her alone can mean puppies. Males that smell a female in heat can come from all over and can even jump fences. You'll have to keep her indoors or keep your eye on her all the time. You may even have to start walking her. This can definitely be a difficult problem, but one that can be avoided with spaying.

Content written by Crissi Cooley of ohmydogsupplies.com, where you can find a extraordinary variety of ceramic dog dishes online.

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Dog Allergies Treatment - Help For Itchy Dogs

Dog Allergies Treatment - Help For Itchy Dogs by Jennifer Grets

The most common reaction to allergens in dogs are skin problems. The primary symptoms are licking, biting, and scratching. Skin problems can be difficult to diagnose because there are so many different causes. Finding the correct diagnosis leads to the best dog allergies treatment for your pet.

Allergies can be controlled by avoiding the allergens, treating the symptoms, or desensitizing the dog. Diagnosis is based on symptoms, physical exam and lab tests. Treatment can include antihistamines and corticosteroids. Management may include topical sprays, and medicated shampoos.

Food sensitivities cause itching skin, anal itching, ear inflammations, and occasionally vomiting, diarrhea, or asthma-like coughing. Allergies develop over time so don't rule out food because the dogs diet is unchanged. Many commercial foods are available to help. Finding the correct ingredients is trial and error, but once a food is found that doesn't trigger your dogs sensitivities, the new diet is as good as a cure.

Flea allergies are a hypersensitivity to the saliva in the flea bite. One bite causes itching lasting 5 to 7 days. Symptoms are biting, scratching, and hair loss from excessive licking. Topical flea medications work after an adult flea has bitten, so this isn't enough for an allergic dog. Treatment is fleas control. Use chemicals sparingly. Too many can be as harmful as the fleas. Oatmeal baths provide temporary relief of itching. Wash dog bedding with every bath. Limit walks, staying away from trails frequented by wildlife. Your vet may prescribe an antihistamine shot for long-term relief or corticosteroids for immediate relief.

Inhalant, or atopy allergies are the most common. These include allergic reactions to dust mites, molds, and pollens. First step is a combination strategy of reducing exposure to the allergen, and providing relief for itching. A dehumidifier will reduce molds. Cover dirt around house plants with activated charcoal. Control dust and pollens with an air cleaner. Air conditioning reduces dust and pollen exposure.

Treatments of symptoms includes weekly baths with oatmeal or medicated shampoos for temporary relief of itching. Topical sprays and creams are used for localized itching. Antihistamines are relatively safe. You may have to try different ones to find one that doesn't overly sedate your pet. Not all over the counter antihistamines are safe for dogs. Consult a vet to determine which choices are safe and effective, and at what dosage. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation which reduces itching. It's primarily used short term to relieve severe itching and inflammation. Long term use is discouraged because this medication suppresses the immune system. Omega-3 is helpful to some dogs. It's a natural anti-inflammatory that reduces the amount and effects of histamines and other chemicals released in response to allergies. It's very safe and used in conjunction with antihistamines can reduce the need for corticosteroids.

Immunotherapy stimulates the immune system to decrease the body's reaction. Shots contain small amounts or extracts of the allergen based on results of skin testing. The dog's owner gives shots to the pet at home. They are very effective but slow to work, taking 6-12 months to see improvement.

Continued biting and scratching can lead to open sores which can become infected, requiring antibiotics. Seeking dog allergies treatment early can reduce the need for corticosteroids and antibiotics, medications that come with more side effects.

Jennifer is a pet health professional specializing in dog allergies treatment.

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Halloween Safety Tips for Dogs

Richard and Vicki Horowitz of Bark Busters Home Dog Training discuss ways to make sure you and your canine companion have a happy and safe Halloween.



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Free Sample of Hartz Crunch ‘n Clean Dog Treats Today at 1:00 PM EST)

"Visit the Hartz Facebook page today, 10/19/11 at 1:00 PM EST to get a Free Sample of their Crunch ‘n Clean Dog Treats. They will be giving away 500 Free samples.



"Hartz Crunch 'n Clean Biscuits® are the only dog biscuits with Dentashield® proven to reduce tartar formation. Savory Flavors™ dog biscuits are three meatly flavor biscuit varieties dogs crave most. Each flavor, Braised Beef, Rotisserie Chicken, and Smokehouse Bacon is oven-baked and basted to seal in extra flavor dogs love."

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Win a year's supply of Dog Food and Treats from Wellness Natural Pet Food

Here's you chance to win a year's supply of dog food and treats from Wellness natural pet food.



"Created by nutritionists, vets and animal lovers, Wellness is a complete line of healthy, natural food and treats for dogs. All Wellness recipes include lean meats, whole grains, fruits and veggies with no wheat, corn or soy, and no added artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Wellness pet food is part of a nutritionally balanced diet that helps support your pet's total well-being."

The Wellness Natural Pet Food Giveaway runs through 12/13/11 at 11:59 AM (ET) and you can enter once per day.



Three lucky winners will each receive a year's supply of dog (or cat) food and treats from Wellness Natural Pet Food. The year’s worth of dog food will be fulfilled in the form of coupons good for $500 of pet food and treats!

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Halloween Safety For Your Dog

Halloween Safety For Your Dog by Rick Touhey

Our dogs have become such a large part of our families that we often want to include them in all of our activities. When including our dogs in our daily lives we need to make sure that they are safe during every event. Halloween is no exception! At this time of year veterinarians see a large number of pets for illnesses and injuries that can be easily prevented by taking a few simple precautions.



First of all, there are a number of hidden dangers for our dogs around Halloween with chocolate and candy being the most dangerous threats to them. Both milk chocolate and dark chocolate are extremely toxic to dogs because chocolate contains theobromine, a chemical found naturally in the cacao bean. Typically, the darker the chocolate, the more concentrated the theobromine. When ingested by dogs, it can cause central nervous system distress and can even be fatal. While most of us know about the dangers of chocolate to dogs, not as many are aware of the dangers of candy. Most candies contain an artificial sweetener called xylitol and even when consumed in small amounts it can cause an unexpected drop in blood sugar, seizures, and a lack of coordination.

What about the wrappers? Let's face it, our dogs do not really care that the chocolate or candy is wrapped. As far as they know it is just part of the treat, however, wrappers of all kinds can cause intestinal blockages. While this sounds dark and gloomy, these dangers can be easily avoided by keeping your candy dish well out of your dog's reach.

In addition to Halloween treats, decorations can be another hazard for our pets. They come in many shapes and sizes and for whatever the reason, dogs like to chew on things they should not. Thus, both indoor decorations and outdoor decorations, such as window clings and those made of Styrofoam, can be potentially dangerous to dogs. Halloween lights can be unsafe for our dogs as well. Chewing on them while they are plugged in can be particularly hazardous for dogs, especially puppies, as they like to chew on the wires and smaller lights. Although your dog may find such decorations a real treat to chew on, choking and intestinal blockages are immediate concerns. It is important that you try to keep these things in mind as you decorate for the holiday and make sure to keep an eye on your dog at all times while decorations are on display.

Besides decorating our houses, many of us like to dress up our dogs for Halloween. As you know, this can be fun and cute to us, but it can be very stressful to our dogs especially if they are not used to it. If you really want to dress up your dog check with your trainer to find out how you can make it stress free. You will also want to make sure that your choice of costume is safe. Often times, dog clothing and costumes have little objects that dangle from them. While it is likely that your dog may find that these small dangling items can become toys, they also represent a possible choking hazard.

We must also be considerate of our own costumes around Halloween time as dogs are not used to the way we humans change our "fur" all the time. Just the sight of a familiar person wearing a jacket may cause stress to some dogs. Imagine how they might feel when they see all the little ghosts and goblins running around. This can be extremely stressful to our dogs. If you find that your dog is uncomfortable or growling as trick or treaters approach find a "safe haven" for them and provide them with something safe to chew on.

In conclusion, we can keep our dogs safe and prevent unnecessary trips to the vet by following a few simple guidelines. There are a number of things below to consider as Halloween approaches:

1. Make sure candy is out of your dog's reach at all times.


2. Inform all adults and children in the house that they should not give candy to your dog.

3. Watch your dog around decorations.

4. Consult your dog trainer on ways to desensitize your dog to wearing costumes.

5. Check for small objects on costumes that your dog may chew on.

6. Establish a place that your dog finds safe and give him or her a safe chew toy that will keep him or her busy until all the little ghosts and goblins have gone home.

If we all work together and practice a few safety rules our dogs and other pets can enjoy Halloween just as much as we do.

For more information on Halloween costumes and other dog products 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 fitting dog collars.

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Halloween Safety for Dogs

Halloween Safety for Dogs By Lauren Howanski

Halloween is not only a fun holiday for children, but dogs and their owners as well! Dressing up, trick or treating and eating tasty treats can be the best perks of Halloween for humans and dogs alike. There are also many potential hazards and sources of stress for your dog during this holiday that can be easily avoided by following these few simple tips.



Dressing your dog up is one of the best parts of Halloween. From pirates to pigs, fairies to elephants, something about a dog dressed up in a costume is just too cute not to do. However, making sure your dog is comfortable and calm in clothing is key before deciding on a costume. Start by taking a simple article of clothing such as a pumpkin bandanna, or a light weight t-shirt like our Ghost Dog Tee. If your dog seems to like dressing up and is not bothered by the clothing, then a costume could be the next step! Make sure to choose an outfit that fits your dog properly. If it's too tight, it can cause discomfort and cut off circulation. If it's too loose it can get stuck on objects or cause your dog walking issues from tripping over the excess fabric. The best way to ensure a proper fit is to take your dog's measurements then compare with a size chart. After you have accurate measurements, you can pick out one of our adorable costumes to dress your fur baby in!

Another safety hazard for dogs is all the candy laying around. Many people leave candy out in a bowl for trick or treaters, and a lot gets dropped from children running house to house. Make sure to keep extra close attention to what your dog is eating and keep them away from all candy and wrappers that could cause harm. In order to prevent your dog from going after any food in sight, stock up on dog friendly treats like our Trick or Treat Rawhides. These natural dog chews are safe and tasty for your dog to chomp, while providing an extra special Halloween treat! One major point of stress on Halloween for your dog is the constant ringing of the doorbell. Most dogs tend to get overexcited when the doorbell rings, so imagining it ringing all day! If your dog tends to get worked up over the doorbell it may be best to keep them at a distance by using a dog or baby gate to confine them to an area in the house they feel comfortable in away from the door.

For more information, please refer to our Doggie Vogue Blog.

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This Simple Home Remedy Cures Most Canine Skin Issues - No Drugs Needed...

Your dog's skin abrasions, cuts, hot spots and minor infections can be safely and easily treated at home.



Today I'm here with my model, Rosco, a Boston terrier who is one of my pack. He's going to help me demonstrate how to deal with minor skin abrasions, cuts, infections and hot spots.

Rosco swims in a small body of water in front of our house. It's a pond in the spring, and more like a swamp during the summer months.

Rosco swims and splashes around out there every day during warm weather, and as a result, he gets an impressive collection of bacteria on his skin.

When Regular Bathing Isn't Enough

Even though Rosco and our other dogs get regular baths, all of them still wind up with localized skin infections on their bellies. It happens every summer without fail. I don't panic about it, but I do know I need to address the situation as soon as I see it or the bacteria will continue to spread.

If a localized skin infection is left untreated, your dog could wind up on antibiotics, which is something we want to avoid.

I've never had to resort to antibiotics to treat my dogs' bacterial skin infections, because I do two things as soon as I notice a problem:

* Clean the skin and keep it clean
* Disinfect the area regularly to stay ahead of the infection

Rosco's Bumpy Belly

Rosco and our other dogs started getting these acne-like bumps on their bellies a couple weeks ago.

What's interesting about these infections is one pimple will appear while another is healing. There's a cycle of eruption and healing – as one pimple is erupting, another is slowly disappearing.

You can think of these bumps as similar to human acne. It's not a life-threatening condition, but if you don't address and control it, it can get much worse and may ultimately require medication.

As you can see when I stand Rosco up here that his infection is on his sternum. We can see healing eruptions, and we can also see a few lesions below those. They're not bothering Rosco, but they bother me because I don't want them to spread.

So, it's time for another treatment.

Treating with Povidone Iodine

For skin infections like Rosco's, and also hot spots, minor abrasions, and any other skin problem that either is infected or could become infected, we want to disinfect with a gentle solution.

The solution I'm about to use will take care of staph, yeast, and pretty much any common bacteria, but doesn't sting or irritate the dog's skin at all. And it's safe if dogs lick the area after cleaning.

It's povidone iodine, and I use it here at Natural Pet and also at home. You can buy it at any pharmacy.

For the purpose of disinfecting skin, you want to dilute the povidone iodine until it's the color of iced-tea. I'll pour a little of the iodine in a dish and add some warm water to dilute it.

The Disinfecting Process

Now I take a clean washcloth and soak it in the diluted povidone iodine solution.

My helper is going to hold Rosco up so I can access his belly and disinfect his sores. I'm just wiping the iodine-soaked washcloth over his sores, which removes the bacteria around the eruptions.

All animals, including humans, have normal levels of flora (bacteria) on the skin, as does Rosco. The goal isn't to rub the skin raw of all bacteria, but just gently disinfect the whole belly, paying special attention to the areas where there are lesions and eruptions that could evolve into a more serious, secondary skin infection.

Now I'll rinse out the washcloth, do one more swipe across Rosco's tummy, and pat him dry.

The great thing about povidone iodine is it's completely harmless if ingested. So Rosco can lick his belly with no problem.

I recommend you do this disinfecting process twice a day if your dog has a minor skin infection or other problem. It has effectively resolved all the skin infections my dogs have acquired and prevented the need for antibiotics.




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Cosequin Coupons

Here are two coupons to help your savings on Cosequin Joint Supplements.

Cosequin products are scientifically formulated to support and maintain the health of your Labrador Retriever's joints and connective tissue. Cosequin has been supporting joint health for over 10 years.

$3/1 Cosequin Dog Joint Supplement Coupon

$5/1 Cosequin Joint Supplement Coupon (this one states BJ’s, but you should be able to used it anywhere)

If you don't see the Cosequin coupons when you click the link, click "Pet Care" in the left sidebar on the coupons.com site.

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This post contains affiliate link(s), which may result in compensation for AllAboutLabradors.blogspot.com. For more information about All About Labradors please read our Disclaimer and Disclosure Policies. We've shared this information to inform you of your option to either use our affiliated links or to go directly to the site of interest.

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Free Pork Chomps Dog Treats Sample

"Pork Chomps are the long-lasting chews that dogs love. They are made of baked pork skin, which is easily digestible and naturally delicious. Their great taste is only enhanced by Pork Chomps' intense flavor stripz in peanut butter, bacon, chicken and pepperoni flavors. That's part of the reason why dogs choose Pork Chomps 9 to 1 over ordinary rawhide in independent taste testing!"

As per the Pork Chomps Facebook page you can try a free sample.

"Want to Try Pork Chomps?

If you still haven't tried Pork Chomps or would just like a sample, send your name, address, # of dogs you own, and their sizes to: chompers@porkchomps.com"

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Free “Feed Your Way to A Healthy Pet” eBook

The Honest Kitchen has a new free eBook available for download with some great tips on how feeding your pet healthy food can have a huge impact on their overall health.



The twenty page booklet is packed with information on pet food and nutrition, pet food allergies, pet dental health, pet obesity, and homemade pet food. Offering insights from a holistic point of view, the tips provided are both helpful and practical.

The last few pages of the Feed Your Way to A Healthy Pet eBook are particularly helpful. They consist of a a chart of pet food ingredients which lays out the "Good,
Bad, and Ugly" things to look for in the following categories: meat, fish & oils, other proteins, vegetables & fruits, preservatives, grains, vitamins & minerals, other, and processing.

Download here: Feed Your Way to A Healthy Pet eBook

About The Honest Kitchen: "The Honest Kitchen is a company of pet lovers, with a passion for food. They produce a line of holistic dehydrated, human-grade, whole foods for pets."

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Tango

My Labrador - Tango!



Photos from Facundo (USA)

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What is Separation Anxiety in Dogs and How Can You Make it Better?

While it should come as no surprise to most people that their dogs are smarter than they seem, the idea of separation anxiety is still not widely accepted. Though there are horror stories of dogs that were left along for long periods of time, some owners attribute it to simply bad behavior and something that should be accepted as part of the dog. But just like humans, dog can suffer from mental anguish that needs special treatment. Instead of simply thinking that separation anxiety is caused by inherent animal instinct, maybe it's time to think about it as something you can help your dog control.

Defining Separation Anxiety

Dogs are naturally social creatures; they like to be with other people, other dogs, and other stimuli. When they are left by themselves without anyone to interact with, they can often become restless and prone to bad behaviors. What happens is that when a dog becomes attached to a certain person, they want this person to be around them all the time. This makes sense. But when the person does leave them alone, the dog can begin to be anxious about this separation. They can begin to think or wonder if their owner is ever going to come home. This anxiety can manifest itself in a number of different ways and is often seen when dogs are left alone for only hours at a time.

But separation anxiety can also be triggered by a traumatic event in the dog's life - i.e. illness, change of owners, abuse, etc.

The good news is that separation anxiety is treatable with a number of different therapies. So if you notice that your dog is a bit clingier than they used to be or you realize that you have time away from home coming up, you need to start taking steps now.

What You Might See

It's fairly obvious when your dog is trying to get your attention. They'll bark, they'll yelp and they'll simply do anything that seems to keep your attention on them. While you might think these behaviors are normal, you can note that they only occur when you are leaving the house or when you are out of the same room as the dog.

Other behaviors can include:

* Whining and yelping
* Urinating in improper places, even when they have been house trained
* Defecating in the wrong areas, even when they have been house trained
* Chewing of things they shouldn't be chewing
* Scratching at things they shouldn't be scratching, especially doors

When you start to notice these signs, you may have a dog that is experiencing separation anxiety. They simply want to be around you, so the anxiety they are feeling is manifesting itself in these destructive behaviors. For example, they are scratching at the door because they want to find you or to see you.

How to Limit the Anxiety in Your Dog

One of the first things that typically happen when the dog begins to show signs of separation anxiety is that the owner tends to yell at them and punish them for the behaviors. And while this seems like the right thing to do, it can cause several things to happen.

First, the dog can begin to see this attention as a good thing, so they continue the behaviors as a way to get you to interact with them. Or two, the dog can become even more anxious - this is especially true when the dog has come from an abusive background.

You also don't want to put your dog into a crate when you leave for a few hours as this is not only upsetting to the dog but can make separation even more intense for them.

Here are some other ways to start helping your dog be less anxious when you leave:


* Don't make a big fuss when you are leaving in the morning or coming home at night. This will help calm the dog down and not make one part of the day more exciting than another other part.

* Leave the dog something that smells like you to help them feel calm,

* Desensitize your dog to your absences by leaving the room for a few minutes and then coming back, getting your keys, then coming back, etc. This will help your dog realize that you are coming back.

* Let the dog know that you'll be back by saying something of that nature every time you leave. The dog will begin to associate this phrase with your return.

Getting Help from Your Vet

If no matter what you do, your dog does not seem to be able to calm down when you leave the room or your house, you might want to ask your vet if you can start your dog on a short term drug therapy program. Medications like valium can be used in conjunction with separation anxiety training to help your dog begin to settle down.

Article Source: http://www.abcarticledirectory.com

About Author: Grant Eckert is a writer for VetRxDirect. VetRxDirect is a leading provider of Pet Medications.

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Seven Top Steps to Handle Labrador Anxiety Before It's Too Late!

Labrador anxiety has to be stopped immediately because it can develop into serious situations which you cannot handle yourself. Primary causes for this condition are usually,people, other animals, places and situations. To avoid worst situations, you have to block the development of your Labrador's anxious behavior before it even starts!

Labradors long for companionship, time and attention from their owners. Leaving them unattended for long hours will most likely result to exhibition of unusual behavior such as incessant barking, digging, pacing scratching and many others. If not addressed properly, Labrador anxiety can greatly affect the development of a rewarding relationship between you and your pet.

Steps to Stop Labrador Anxiety:

Step One:

Be able to recognize Labrador anxiety through visible symptoms. This condition can result from various factors; however, the most triggering cause would be separation or lack of attention. Routine changes, new environment, improper nutrition and allergies can also contribute to the development of separation anxiety.

You will know if your pet is suffering from Labrador anxiety through the actions that he displays. The most common signs for Labrador anxiety includes incessant barking, whining, howling, improper elimination, inactivity, and the occurrence of destructive behavior.

Step Two:

Seeing you leave the house can be a big deal for your pet. Making it look like such a big event will only increase risks of Labrador anxiety. Labradors usually develop a strong bond with their owners. It is not recommended for you to give your pet any extra attention before leaving the house. It will only make your dog think that you might be away for long. Remember that your dog does not understand why you have to leave. For starters, there is a need for you to ensure him of your return every time you go out of the house.

You can also prevent Labrador anxiety by discouraging the anxious behavior. It is more likely that your dog will follow you around the house whenever he feels that you are about to leave. The best way to deal with this is through ignoring your dog for the first 10-30 minutes prior to your departure. When you return, repeat the process.

Step Three:

Prevent Labrador anxiety by keeping your pet occupied while you're gone. It is necessary to provide your pet with positive distractions to ease distress on his part. You can give him toys that stimulate mental activity to keep him busy. As you spend time with your pet, it will be easier for you to know what he wants and need.

Step Four:

Maintaining a regular exercise is also essential. Physical and mental exercises are necessary to prevent Labrador anxiety. You can start by making your daily walks longer than usual or by lengthening your pet's playtime. This is a good way to relieve your dog from stress and tension. When your pet is tired, it will be easier for you to give off commands.

Step Five:

Practicing short intervals of your departure and return can help block Labrador anxiety. Start by leaving home for a few minutes. Stay out for a while then return home afterwards. When your Labrador is familiar with the routine, he will most likely develop the assurance that even if you leave the house, you will still return afterwards. Gradually increase the duration as you do this daily. By doing this,there is a lesser chance for your dog to develop anxious behavior every time you leave.

Step Six:

Crate training is an essential tool in dealing with Labrador anxiety. Upon your Labrador's arrival, you can introduce him to his crate first so that he can immediately develop a positive association with it. Make the crate look enticing enough for your dog to consider staying on it. During his first days with the crate, spend time with your pet and ensure him that the crate is a place he can enjoy with you. Play with your pet and feed him in his crate so that he can develop a positive attachment to it. Make him feel safe and secured in his own private space.

Step Seven:

Every method in dealing with Labrador anxiety requires repetition and consistency. Once you start training your Labrador in becoming a well-behaved pet, the process must keep going as he grows. Due to the numerous choices of training methods available for you and your Labrador, you have to explore which one would be best applied. Remember that Labradors are different from one another and a method that is successful for one may not be in the same case with another. Take time to search and find the most appropriate method that fits your dog's needs.

By following the steps listed above, you should be able to deal handle Labrador anxiety easily and effectively.

Marcus Stephens owned and trained Labradors for more than 20 years. He founded the popular website "Labrador Obedience Problems." Grab a FREE report which explains how you can stop Labrador anxiety problems for good at: http://www.FixLabradorProblems.com/LabradorAnxiety

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Labrador Retriever Names by Color

Have you ever tried to name a dog before? Finding the perfect name for your dog isn't easy is it? You want to choose a name that goes well with your dog's specific personality and appearance, and not just some overused generic name like "Rover" or "Bingo."

Below is a list of some interesting Labrador Retriever names for each of the three main colors Labs come in: yellow, chocolate, and black. Even if you don't choose one of these names, hopefully they can serve as an inspiration for you to come up with a name of your own that you think really suits your pup.

Black Labrador

· Coal. A classic for a black dog, especially one that is likely to end up on Santa's "naughty" list.

· Domino. A playful name for a black dog that is good at getting things going.

· Liquorish. Can be for a male or female - a sweet dog with a slightly playful nature.

· Olive. A lighthearted name for a lighthearted Lab. Variations include Oliver and Olivia.

· Panther. The name of a sleek, beautiful, stealthy, and dangerous animal.

· Pepper. Cute and playful for a black Lab. Sergeant Pepper is another possible variation on this name.

· Vader. If you're a big Star Wars fan, this is a great name for your black Lab. Evil, but still lovable, and always quite a character.

Yellow Labrador

· Buttercup. This yellow flower is also the name of the heroine in the classic movie, "The Princess Bride" and is a great name for a female dog that likes to be treated like a princess.

· Butterscotch. A classic for a yellow Lab that can be used for both males and females.

· Daffodil. A good name for a sweet yellow female.

· Flash. An especially apt name for an energetic yellow Lab that is always dashing around the house like a flash of lightning.

· Goldilocks. A brilliant name for an innocent-looking female pup that somehow always manages to find herself in trouble.

· Nacho. A funny and unique name for your yellow Lab.

· Ray. This is a good name for the Lab that is a ray of sunshine in your life.

Chocolate Labrador

· Cocoa. A classic name for a male or female chocolate Lab.

· Coffee. Great for a hyper chocolate Lab that always acts as if it's hyped up on caffeine.

· Godiva. A unique and interesting-sounding name for a chocolate Lab.

· Hershey. Yet another brand of chocolate that makes for a great dog name.

· Kit Kat. This is a cute and playful name for a sweet chocolate Lab.

· Tootsie. Another cute name for a female Labrador. Other variations include Tootsie Roll and Tootsie Pop.

Finding the perfect name to incorporate all of your Lab's amazing qualities can be difficult, but hopefully this list of Labrador Retriever names has been of some help. If you don't find a name you like here, just try to focus on your dog's personality and unique traits, and the perfect name is sure to come to you eventually.

Find out more about the Labrador breed from an owner of many years. Visit http://www.labradorfamilypet.com/ where you can sign up for a 10 part mini-course about Labrador Retriever care and training.

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Why it is Important to Insure your Pets

At a time when money is tight and families across the country struggle to make their incomes last the month, it is our pets that are in need of the most protection.

This is because those pets who are not insured against illness or injury are either abandoned or even worse put down by their owners.

This is the shocking discovery made by Sainsbury’s Finance, which revealed that 51 per cent of vets interviewed said they have had to put down an animal simply because their owners could not afford the medical costs.

In this video from price comparison site MoneySupermarket.com, Sheila Stewart from Capricorn Animal Rescue centre talks about how they have seen animals left in such a bad way because they either cannot afford the vet bills or are simply to ashamed to take them into the veterinary clinic.

What pet insurance gives you and your pet

Pet insurance does not only cover your pets health, it also protects you, the owner from other forms of financial loss.

Have a look at the list below for a number of items that you will be covered for.

Veterinary Costs – Naturally the most important fact of a pet insurance policy is that it covers the medical costs for treatment to your pets.

Death Benefit – Either your pets market value or the amount which you bought the pet for is paid out if you pet dies as a result of an illness or accident.

Accidental Damage – If you pet caused damage to someone else’s property then your pet insurance policy could cover the cost to replace the items.

Third Party Liability – This would protect you ultimately from being sued as a result of your dog causing a car accident in which someone was seriously hurt.

Theft/Straying – Again either the market value or the price you paid for your pet is paid out in the event that your pet is stolen or goes missing for more than 28 days.

Advertising/Reward – Whilst your pet is missing your pet insurance policy will cover the costs of advertising and even offering a reward.

Boarding Fees – This will cover the costs involved with your pet staying over more than four nights in a hospital after having treatment or surgery.

Holiday Cancellation – Usually this will only pay out if your pet needs a life saving operation but if you had to cancel your holiday then you could recoup the full cost of your holiday.

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How to Treat an Unresponsive Dog: 9 Ways & Methods

An unresponsive dog deserves a good handling. A gentle and humanizing treatment over your dog doesn't need any introductions - but these nine methods do.

1, Start training your dog early. Explore on learning the latest -- yet quickest tricks on how to treat an unresponsive dog. Note: older dogs are believed to be susceptible in learning new tricks. However, the older your dog is, the more chances of learning tricks that are most likely to be trickiest.

2. Rely on using motivational or positive methods in training your unresponsive dog tenderly and compassionately. Tip: keep your "obedience sessions"; with your dog upbeat so that the whole treatment will be enjoyable for both parties (you and the dog). If training an unresponsive dog can be drudgery at times, rev things up a little bit and then try the "Play training" methods ("Hide & Seek", "Go Find" tricks etc.).

3. Avoid giving your unresponsive dog commands that you cannot enforce. At times, you give your dog a command that is neither enforced nor complied, the unresponsiveness starts to worsen.

4. Avoid giving your unresponsive dog commands that are incompatible. Tip: Giving an unresponsive dog commands such as "sit-down" is not recommended. In fact, there is no such treatment or method like "sit-down". Better say either "sit" or "down" when treating your dog.

5. The most common problem many unresponsive dog owners complain: dogs are becoming stubborn when given a command. If you're having this problem, you must determine if:

* The unresponsive dog knows what you want.

* He can comply immediately to your commands during treatment.

* Your unresponsive dog suffers from fear or confusion.

6. Never train an unresponsive dog when you're not in the mood. Always remember that earning a dog's respect will be never accomplished by treating them cruelly or in a harsh manner. The trick to accomplishing your treatment to your unresponsive dog: "Be Patient!"

7. Take note that good timing is essential throughout the whole treatment of an unresponsive dog. Tip: Prepare a plate of hors d'oeuvres for your dog. Once your dog walked into the room and smelled the hors d'oeuvres, chances are he'll jump up - a movement that signals the unfeeling dog to start behaving properly.

8. If possible, use your dog's name in positive ways. Note: Using the name of an unresponsive dog in concurrence to reprimands or punishment is a big no! Instead, make use of your dog's name in making good things happen during treatment. His name must always be a word that associates enthusiasm and support.

9. One command you give to your dog must be equal to one response. Repeating commands tunes the dog out, and that's where the "nagging" starts. Tip: Teach your dog commonly used commands first. Telling your dog to "Sit! Sit! Sit! Sit!" is neither an effective nor a useless way to issue commands. However, you can do something about it by simply giving your dog a single "Sit" command before luring him into the exact "sitting" position.

There you go. Nine steps to treat unresponsive dogs properly. Hopefully after practicing these methods, you can easily have your dog respond to your commands

This article is written by Louis Liem. You can browse more articles related to dog training, dog grooming, dog accessories and many more on his blog, AtoZDogBreed.com

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Win Free Pet Food for a Year

PetFood.com is hosting a Free Pet Food for a Year Contest, where one (1) Grand Prize winner will win free pet food for a year. The free pet food will be in the form of a $50 gift certificate to PetFood.com supplied each month for a year beginning in October 2011.

PetFood.com is your source for premium dog food and puppy food from all your favorite brands. They have a wide selection of dog food for our Labrador Retrievers from Canidae, Blue Buffalo, Holistic Select, Eagle Pack, Wellness and more.

The Free Pet Food for a Year Contest ends at 5:00 p.m. ET on September 30, 2011 and is open to lawful permanent residents of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia and be 18 years of age or older.

Enter now for your chance to win Free Pet Food for a Year!

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Steel

A Tribute to Steel

This is Steel (named after remington steele). He was a great hunting dog in his earlier years, and was always an awesome pet. He passed away this morning (8/13/11) at 12 years old after suffering from emphysema for the last few months.



I'm Still Here

Friend, please don't mourn for me
I'm still here, though you don't see.
I'm right by your side each night and day
and within your heart I long to stay.

My body is gone but I'm always near.
I'm everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I'll never depart
as long as you keep me alive in your heart.

I'll never wander out of your sight-
I'm the brightest star on a summer night.
I'll never be beyond your reach-
I'm the warm moist sand when you're at the beach.

I'm the colorful leaves when fall comes around
and the pure white snow that blankets the ground.
I'm the beautiful flowers of which you're so fond,
The clear cool water in a quiet pond.

I'm the first bright blossom you'll see in the spring,
The first warm raindrop that April will bring.
I'm the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine,
and you'll see that the face in the moon is mine.

When you start thinking there's no one to love you,
you can talk to me through the Lord above you.
I'll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees,
and you'll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.

I'm the hot salty tears that flow when you weep
and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.
I'm the smile you see on a baby's face.
Just look for me, friend, I'm everyplace!

Author Unknown



Photos from Cara (USA)

My deepest sympathy on your loss of Steel. I appreciate you sharing these photos with me and all the readers of All About Labradors. The loss of a Labrador Retriever is truly a sad and painful one but he'll always be with you in your heart. RIP Steel.

With love to you Cara... Faith

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