“Obesity is a large problem in pets, just as it is with people, and exercising helps keep the dog’s weight down,” Nelson said. “Dogs also need an outlet to relieve their energy or else they may develop destructive behavior. Your dog is going to be happier and more content if it receives adequate exercise.

“Exercising with your pet also promotes the human-animal bond,” she said. “People like dogs because of their unconditional love, and dogs are going to be very pleased to have their owners do something with them.”

Nelson stated exercise is important, but dogs differ in the amount and types of exercise they should be doing to maintain good health. A blanket recommendationfor exercise time amounts cannot be given as exercise needs vary vastly between individuals, and factors such as age, breed, weather and general health all influence the amounts of exercise your dog will need. Nelson stated to Considerthese guidelines:

• In general,More massiveand working dogs have higher energy needs, and smaller/toy breeds need less exercise.
• Ideally, dogs should get out twice daily for exercise. Times may vary from 15-60 minutes, depending on your individual pet.
• Turning the dog loose in the backyard isn’t enough — aerobic exercise should be continuous with few breaks. Most dogs are content to lie in the sun and only get up for short periods of activity. If the dog has another dog it can run around with outside, that could be sufficient if they spend long periods of continuous play, but do not rely upon that in most circumstances.

Nelson stated there are many generalities when it comes to exercising with dogs, but they are just generalities. For example, though many small dogs prefer lighter activities, Jack Russell terriers tend to be very high-energy pets. Here are some generalities for activities to do with your dog depending on its needs and interests:

• Medium andMassivedogs typically makesuperior long-distance running partners. If your dog can run longer than you’re able, you may want to Considerbiking while having your dog run beside you on leash. Pay careful attention to safety if youselect this option. Smaller dogs are bettersuited for shorter distance running or walking.
• While many dogs like catching flying discs, be careful to keep the throws low to avoid injury to joints from higher leaps. Herding breeds, such as border collies and Australian shepherds, are dogs that perform well competitively, but there are manyother pure andblended breed dogs that perform equally well.
• Medium dogs, especially herding breeds, are good at agility activities. “That’s not to state that massive or small dogs can’t do agility activities, but the herding breeds, overall, are at the top in these competitions,” Nelson said.
• If you like playing fetch with a dog, then a retrieving breed such as a Labrador or golden retriever may be your ideal candidate. While retrievers are usually best at activities like fetch, many dogs enjoy playing fetch with tennis balls, racquetballs, toys or sticks. Playing fetch indoors with your small breed dog is often a viable option; you could run the risk, though, of enthusiastic, unintentional damage to the inside of your house if you try this with aMore massivedog.
• Swimming is a non-joint stressing exercise for dogs, just as it is for people. It is a great option during the hot summer months when heat exhaustion is a concern. Retrievers are at the top of the pack for this activity.
• Dogs also need mental exercise. Breeds such as border collies need a lot of mental stimulation to keep them happy. Activities to Think about are searching for hidden items, laser light chasing or completing special tasks.

According to Nelson, health concerns to be aware of when exercising with your dog include:

• Make sure your dog is in shape before doing long or intense workouts. If you want to do a longer distance run, you need to build your dog up gradually to the longer mileage.
• Dogs need to get acclimated to hard surfaces, whether they are going out to walk, run or go hunting with their owners. “If they’ve been on soft grass in the yard for an extended period of time, and then run on gravel or cement, they may tear up their pads,” Nelson said. “Be mindful also in hot weather that your dog may suffer from burns to the pads from hot cement or asphalt.”
• All dogs are at risk for overheating. When it’s hot, the heat, especially combined with humidity, makes it easier for the dog to succumb to heat exhaustion. Be especially cautious with dogs with short noses, like bulldogs and Boston terriers, because they can’t cool themselves as effectively as other dogs due to the conformation of their noses. Dark-haired and long-coated dogs also are at higher risk. If during exercise your dog starts acting woozy, gets a dark red-colored tongue or gets thick ropy saliva, you should stop immediately and get it in a shaded area. Offer water and hose it down with cool water if necessary. For more severely effected dogs, wet them down with water and then take them to a veterinarian immediately.
• Give your dog frequent water breaks while exercising, especially if it is hot out. Limit exercise times to early morning and later in the evenings, and be cognizant of daytime temperatures and humidity.
• Conversely, cold weather also poses special risks to your pet. Frostbite to the feet, nose and ears is possible along with irritation to the feet by ice melts. Do not allow your pet to drink from puddles in the street as they may be contaminated with antifreeze. Short-coated and smaller breed dogs may require a jacket for extra warmth.
• Young dogs, particularly Largebreed growing puppies, shouldn’t go on long runs until around 12-15 months of age. Up to that time their bones are still growing and elongating. Prolonged, pounding exercise on hard surfaces can potentially cause early damage to their joints.
• Don’t feed your dog right before or right after intense exercise. This may predispose the dog’s stomach to bloat or twist, especially forMassivebreed or deep-chested dogs. A general rule of thumb is to not feed dogs an hour before or after exercising.

Source: Kansas State University (news : web)

Dogs are generally split into seven major categories, sometimes eight if you count the miscellaneous category. The different types of dog groupings help to categorize dogs based upon there features. A few types of dog groups include Terriers, Toy Dogs, and Non-Sporting Dogs.

Terrier Dogs

Terrier dogs were originally bred to hunt and control vermin and other predators such as rats, mice, foxes and ferrets. This selective breeding for specific characteristic and traits gave rise to small, energetic breeds with very determined temperaments.

Terriers were bred for their ability to dig tenaciously in search of their quarry as well as the tendency to bark persistently in order to frighten their prey out of hiding.

Terrier dogs tend to be small or medium in size and are usually described as feisty, willing to take on even the biggest of opponents with no regard for size. This is an excellent trait for hunting rats, but not always a nice attitude with other pets or young children.

The very traits that make them successful hunters can also make them aTiny difficult to train effectively as their determined nature may seem to some as being stubborn.

Toy Dogs

Dogs belonging to the toy dog group were originally bred and developed to provide pleasure and companionship to wealthier people. Where other dog breeds were allocated specific roles in hunting or working, toy dogs had no specific working function and became somewhat of a status symbol.

Before the advent of breeding for appearance, toy dog breeds were often employed as lap warmers or bed warmers, spawning the name lap dog and could often be seen seated on the laps of nobles and royalty in both Oriental and European palaces and castles.

Toy dogs generally make very simple care domestic pets,even though without sufficient socialization when they are pups, toy breeds may tend to become very protective of their owners and their property. This trait can develop a persistent barking habit, or yapping, in these very small dogs as they seek to ward off others from what they perceive as their property.

Some more common types of toy dogs include the Chihuahua, Maltese terrier, Pomeranian, Shih Tzu, and Poodles among other types of dogs.

Non-Sporting Dogs

There are so many different types of dogs encompassed in the non-sporting dogs group that it is difficult to give one specific classification or general trait among them.

Non-sporting dog varieties are available in different sizes, coats, appearances, traits and temperaments. This classification is then more specific to all types of dogs whose primary breeding purpose is no longer utilized.

Many of the breeds found in the non-sporting dogs group were once bred for tasks that havemodified over time so that these tasks are no longer as commonly required. Such tasks as hunting small game, bull baiting, circus performing dogs and even coach dogs like the Dalmatian are included in these types of dogs.

Examples of the types of dog breeds included in the non-sporting dogs classification include the Dalmation, the Lhasa Apso, Poodle, Chow Chow, Bichon Frise, and the Chinese Shar-pei.

Herding Dogs

Herding dogs were originally developed to utilize their Hugelevels of stamina and agility. Many types of dogs in the herding dog group are able to herd animals that may be many times their size and this can seem as though they’re able to control the movements and direction of other animals. They are also able to control the movements ofMassiveherds of sheep, deer, or cattle that number in the hundreds with relative ease.

Most types of herding dogs have been bred over generations to sport a weatherproof double-coat that not only protects them from the cold, but can also insulate them against the heat.

Herding dogs are very intelligent and have enormous amounts of energy. The combination of these two traits can mean herding dogs often become destructive if not given sufficient exercise or mental stimulationTo ceasethem becoming bored.

The instinctive nature of herding dogs is very strong and they’ll attempt to round up members of the family, including other pets, in order to direct them back to areas or activities the dogwould rather to be enjoying.

Herding dogs respond very well to firm training and actually enjoy being challenged with tasks that make them hunt, seek, track, or find object. They will perform ideal when given specific tasksTo finish prior to receiving a positive reward or reinforcement.

Border collies, Australian Cattle Dogs, German Shepherd Dogs, and Shetland Sheepdogs are among the various types of herding dogs.

In more recent times, the intelligence and natural determination of these types of dogs has led them to be utilized in alternative roles away from their traditional herding roles.

It is becoming more common to see many different types of herding dogs actively used in working dog roles, such as police work, tracking work, and even rescue work.

Miscellaneous Dog Breeds

There are some dog breeds that are classified as miscellaneous simply due to not being recognized by the American Kennel Club at the time of this writing, although they are being considered for inclusion into the recognized dog breeds list.

One miscellaneous dog breed includes the Neapolitan Mastiff, which was originally bred in Italy as a war breed to be used in dog fighting and bear baiting. They were also often used by the Romans in the arena, but these enormous fierce dogs are also very effective as guard dogs.

The Black Russian terrier is also quite an old Russian breed, dating back to the 1800s. Originally bred for military use, these Largedogs were also used in the bull-fighting ring.

Another miscellaneous dog breed is the Glen of Imaal Terrier, originally from Ireland and bred to hunt small game. The terrier is also known as a Miniature Irish Wolfhound.

Some current types of dogs that are popular come from the Terrier group and the Toy dogs group to name a couple. Read more about these different types of dogs.

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People with small dogs should take some common-sense precautions. Especially now, when little dogs are increasingly popular, families need to stay aware of their special needs.

Most people know that chocolate can be lethal to dogs. But other Holiday favorites can also pose hazards, including: turkey, pork, onions, even raisins and grapes. Other foods may simply be too spicy or rich for the dog’s digestive system to handle. While a single raisin or grape may not seem like much, it could be a toxic meal to a four-pound dog.

With holiday decorations coming out of their boxes, keep an eye on thatTiny dog. It may be fun to play “chase the tinsel” with your Chihuahua, but if she swallows some when you’re not paying attention, the consequences could be dire. That ornament may look a lot like your Littledog’s favorite ball. Poinsettias and many other plants, including lilies, are poisonous to dogs.

Small dog owners also need to pay attention to their Littlepets when company arrives. Even the best-socialized Littledog may feel threatened and defensive in a crowd. Just think of how the room looks to your shin-height dog when your Holiday Party is in full swing! The obstacle course of potentially damaging feet is intimidating, to state the least! Toddlers who move erratically or grab tails may be frightening to a little dog. Small kids and dogs of any size should not be left alone together.

Pay attention to your small dog’s location. Dogs can slip outside with the constant opening and closing of doors. Some can climb onto counters and tables. They can even disappear under a pile of coats! The most tragic tale we’ve heard is of a small dog, taking advantage of a warm, cozy visitor’s bed, was killed when a folding bed was put away for the day. Small dogs don’t make much of a lump under the covers and the owners just didn’t see him. Very sad, and very simple to avoid – just find the dog before you move the furniture.

Paying attention is the key to a happy and safe holiday season for the entire family – including your toy dog.

Are you looking for a companion that’s an extrovert yet is content to lie quietly in your lap or by your side while you read? A companion that eats little, requires Littlespace, and doesn’t need to be taken out every day for exercise? Then you may enjoy having a Chihuahua, the smallest recognized breed of dog in the world. Not just small, but ALL NATURAL! The Chihuahua is the only “natural” toy breed, that is, the only small dog NOT bred down fromBigger versions of the same breed.

Chihuahuas are good watch dogs, as they’ll sound the alarm. In fact, Chihuahuas are courageous. They aren’t intimidated in the least byBigger dogs.

The Chihuahua is characterized by a well-rounded head, wide-set luminous eyes, a saucy expression and erect ears, which flare to the sides when in repose. They can have short soft hair or long silky hair, and some may be red, blond, blue or chocolate-colored as well as solid, marked or splashed. Aone-of-a-kindfeature of most Chihuahua puppies is the soft spot on the crown, similar to that of a new born baby.

Origin Of The Chihuahua

While there are different theories regarding the origin of the Chihuahua as a breed, it appears to have descended from a small dog called the Techichi. Other dogs said to be related to the Techichi are the Chinese Crested, Mexican Hairless and Xolo breeds. The Techichi were known to be kept by the Toltec people of Mexico as far back as a thousand years ago. Evidence for this origin is provided by a monastery in Huejotzingo that was built by Franciscan monks with stones taken from the pyramids of Cholula. The stones have ancient carvings on them that closely resemble today’s Chihuahua.

Later, the Aztecs defeated the Toltec, and the aristocracy adopted these small dogs, particularly the blue ones, as objects of veneration. The dogs could reputedly guide the spirits of the dead in their journey through the underworld. Montezuma II, the last emperor of the Aztecs, was a fancier of the Chihuahua. It is said that he’d hundreds of them, each with its keeper. Skeletons of Chihuahuas have been found in human graves on the Mexico/U.S. border.

Research done by the late Thelma Gray, a historian and an authority on Chihuahuas, lead her to believe that the native dog of the Aztecs was crossed with a small, terrier-type dog brought over by the Spanish conquistadors. Thus, the basis was laid for the even smaller modern-day Chihuahua. First known as Texas or Arizona Dogs because they were found along those borders with Mexico, the Chihuahua received its current name in the mid to late 1800′s. American travelers to Mexico discoveredMassivenumbers of the breed in theSay of Chihuahua and started bringing them back to the United States. About the same time, Carlotta, wife of Emperor Maximilian of Mexico contributed to the Chihuahua’s international fame by taking the breed to Europe.

Having A Pet Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is loyal, eager to please and highly trainable. It tends to have fewer health issues then any other toy breed. Chihuahuas are primarily indoor dogs, ideal for apartment living and for the elderly or handicapped or those confined to the home. They thrive on much attention and human contact. Nevertheless, since they’re so small, precautions must be taken. They can be seriously hurt or killed by being stepped on, sat on or squeezed too hard. They should not be left unattended on high surfaces (table tops, bunk beds, high couches or chairs, etc). They have Littlesense of height and could eaily jump off and break a bone.

Despite being called a ‘toy’ dog, the Chihuahua is hardier than you might think. In fact, it is the longest-lived breed! Chihuahuas are known to live a high quality of life well into their teens. Most live to sixteen years of age and some pass twenty. These dogs are energetic and playful, yet they can easily get all the exercise they need everyday from just playing with some toys or roaming the house. However, since Chihuahuas do not store much energy and have tiny digestive systems, they need to eat small, frequent meals or may suffer from a low blood sugar attack (hypoglycemia). Dry food should constantly be available for them as well as lots of water.

When it comes to Chihuahuas, you can anticipate a whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on! Shivering is a normal characteristic of this breed. Chihuahuas shiver when they are excited, apprehensive, discontented or frightened-not just when its cold. One way to combat this is to be sure that your Chihuahua knows that you will care for it. Chihuahuas are the only breed of dog that tends to prefer the company of humans to that of other dogs. If you spend time with your Chi, take care of it and properly house your dog, it will tend to shake less.

Chihuahuas that are constantly crated or caged during the first twenty weeks of their life will tend to shake more and trust people less. Asuperior way is to keep your Chihuahua confined to an open, social area restricted with a gate. Tea Cups (Chihuahuas that are tiny and will be three pounds or under fully grown) can be kept in a baby’s play pen with food and water on one side and a potty pan with newspaper or wee wee pads on the other. A few favorite toys can also be included. This is a good way to keep your tiny Chihuahua safe at night or when you are out, without making them feel abandoned.

Chihuahua females go into their first heat around six to eight months, and go into heat twice a year. Most females do not get pregnant during their first heat. Once pregnant, female Chihuahuas give birth in sixty-five days and most have from one to five pups. Puppies are ready to leave their mom and litter mates by eight weeks. Many are already eating on their own and being pushed out by mom by four or five weeks, but need the additional time to develop social skills with their littermates and to be taught survival skills by mom. Chihuahuas remain puppies for the first two years of their lives.

Chihuahuas are the best kept secret in the world when it comes to being terrific pets. They require veryTiny care and reward their owners with lots of affection and loyalty. An ancient breed, it’s easy to see why Kings, Emperors and great civilizations would treasure these astonishing creatures. You can read more about Chihuahuas at http://www.ArizonaPups.com and find free dog training and health tips at http://doggiestyle.billknell.com