Security Dogs: Is A Security Dog Right For Your Company?

With increasing crime rate constantly on the news, more and more guard dogs have been on demand. So much so that in some areas almost everybody who is anybody owns one - or so it seems. Many businessmen are purchasing guard dogs under the misconception that they will be the answer to their countless security problems.

However, once they purchase these security dogs, they find the animals ineffective, poorly trained, or unnecessary in the first place. So they get rid of their canine security and are poorer, but wiser, for the experience. Each time this occurs, the credibility of the guard dog as an effective and viable tool in industrial security is tarnished.

Having researched and discussed the problem with numerous businessmen and other executives, it appears that several factors contribute to the frequent failure of guard dogs when employed in an industrial environment. Among the most common of these are:

1. Misunderstanding of the capabilities of these dogs.
2. Inability to procure properly trained animals.
3. Failure to identify a valid need for security dogs before a program is initiated.

Other problems exist, of course, but the above reasons seem to recur most frequently. Obviously then, there is a need for a fair discussion of guard dogs in the industry, their strengths and weaknesses, and their use and misuse.

When employed properly, guard dogs can be valuable assets to a security program. Valuable, that is, if they are properly trained and expertly handled. Unfortunately, many people in the business of dog security are dishonest and are only out to make a sale. By the time a security dog salesman gets through with a prospecting client, the client is going to buy several of those wonderful dogs whether he really needs them or not.

Therefore, the decision whether or not to purchase security dogs should be based on an honest and realistic analysis of the criminal threat involved - not fad, emotion, or beliefs.

Sometimes this is difficult to do, especially when your boss is pressuring you to reduce burglary from open storage areas and increase the overall protection of the company assets. Regardless of the pressure, however, clear thinking must be applied before a security dog is added to the company staff.

We must keep in mind that canine security is not the answer for all of the problems facing security planners. Instead, it is merely one of many choices available that can help in suppressing criminal misconduct.

Welcome back! If you've commented, I hope you enjoy the eBook. I hope to add more treats in the future, so stay tuned!

Q & A: Natural Remedies For Skin Problems & Anal Gland Issues

Question: Natural Remedies For Skin Problems?

"My 12-year-old Pembroke Walsh corgi has been getting sebaceous cysts all over her body for the last few years. They are getting worse all of the time. They are huge and look like tumors. People are almost afraid to touch her. I had her on a raw food diet for a year, but it did not help. She has had numerous ailments all her life, including very bad inhalant allergies. I feed her only the best quality food and treats. What can be done about this?"

Answer:

One of the skin's major roles is to eliminate bodily wastes. The more inefficient the metabolic functioning is, the greater the quantity of resulting waste byproducts. It's good that you've got your corgi on a raw diet, but she may not be efficiently processing this good food.

It's similar to a car that's out of tune being unable to utilize high quality gasoline. This is where dietary supplementation comes into play. Digestive enzymes like Prozyme and antioxidants like Cell Advance by Vetri-Science are great choices.

There are numerous homeopathic and herbal formulations that will address the associated allergy condition. You can find these on the internet or through health food stores, especially onces specializing in pet products, but it's always best to work with a veterinarian who specializes in alternative therapies. Also, be cautious of and research giving her further vaccinations.

Question: Natural Remedy For Anal Gland Problem?

"My two-year-old dachshund has an anal gland problem. Recently I noticed he expelled fluid, enough to form a large stain on a pillow. This has happened several more times over the last few months. I brought it to my vet's attention but he said it was normal. I have never had this problem with my other dogs."

"The vet said that I could drain the glands a bit every few weeks with a paper towel but cautioned that doing this too much could cause the glands to fill more. I talked to another person who had to have her Chihuahua's glands drained monthly all his life. Could it be cause for concern?"

Answer:

Your veterinarian was right to voice concern over expressing the glands too often. The occasional gland squeezing is alright if it brings more long term relief. When an actual infection is lodged in the glands, having your veterinarian pack the glands with an ointment used to treat ear infections can work wonders.

There have also been beneficial results from the use of ingredients that bulk up the stool, such as bran. However, if you go this route and it works, it is recommend that you only use it sporadically.

Lost Dog Found - What To Do If You Find A Lost Dog Or Puppy

Puppies are most often chosen by their owner out of a litter. In other words, one day you wake up and decide it's time to get a puppy so you start looking for one through the paper or your local breeder. But there are occasions when a wandering puppy walks in to someone's life and literally chooses their owner.

If this scenario should ever happen to you and you decide to share your home with a puppy or dog that you found and cannot trace the rightful owners, it is important to make sure that you follow some simple guidelines so that the dog is healthy and will be a good addition to your lifestyle.

First, take the lost dog to the vet

Bring your wandering dog to the veterinarian as soon as you can. Besides offering food and water, this is the very first thing that you should do when you find a lost dog and decide to keep him. The veterinarian will check his overall health condition and let you know if there are any type of contagious viruses to worry about. If the dog is indeed sick, then he will be taking care of immediately. Once he checks out in good health, congratulations, you have a new friend!

Be cautious of the lost dog's mental and emotional state

When taking care of a lost dog you have to keep in mind that his history may have involved some negative experiences that could induce aggression and fear-based behavior at any time. It would be a lot easier if you knew exactly what the dog has gone through, but since he came into your life from the streets then you will never know for sure. Therefore, it is important to take training slowly, be very patient with commands, and never become aggressive with your dog, ever!

What if you do not want to keep him after all?

It happens, people change their minds. If you ultimately decide that having a dog is not right for you and you are concerned that he may be more of a burden than a positive addition to the house, then you must find a good home for the dog.

I know you may feel guilty about giving him away, especially after the dog has probably latched onto you and trusts you, but it is better to find a quality atmosphere that dog will be raised in instead of living a life of annoyance and negativity just because you felt bad about giving the him away.

Mixed Breeds: Why Your Dog Is One Of A Kind

It seems like everyone's first dog was a mutt. Hard to describe, but easy to love, the mixed breed dog has held a favored spot in the hearts of children and adults alike for as long as he's been in existence.

Unlike the purebred, the dog of mixed origin boasts no pedigree and holds no place in the ranks of kennel club history, but in every dog lover's past, the mixed breed dog played an important part.

Many owners of mixed breeds refer to them as "just mutts," a "Heinz 57 Variety," or, as I call my dog, "a Domestic Shorthaired Black-Tailed Wiggler." Still others try to pinpoint what they think their dog's heritage might be; for example, Shepherd-Collie mix or Cocker-Poodle cross.

But whether a dog's sire was the next door neighbor's pooch or a handsome rogue of a traveling salesman, no one can convince the owner of a mixed breed that his dog is any less valuable than the show dog with generations of champions highlighting his pedigree.

Are Mixed Breeds Equally As Healthy & Smart As Purebred Dogs?

That the mixed breed pup is healthier or more intelligent than his purebred cousin is, of course, highly debatable. Generally he suffers as frequently and as debilitatingly the ills common to all dogs.

However, there is a certain validity to the claim of health in mixed breed animals. This truth lies in the fact that when breeds mix and create crossbred and mixed breed offspring, extreme factors such as the pug noses, long, narrow heads and bulging eyes of many breeds are modified, producing pups that no longer suffer the hardships caused by these extreme characteristics.

One Of A Kind

The owner of a dog of uncertain ancestry need keep only one factor in mind when challenged by those who favor the purebred exclusively:

If your Afghan dies and you want to replace it, you can easily find an Afghan that looks nearly identical to yours. And when your Shih-Tzu passes on, there are always more where that one came from. But your mixed breed dog is one of a kind. No one owns or can produce a dog quite like yours. We think that makes him a rather special and valuable animal.

And just as there is no limit to the variety you can find in mixed breeds, there is also no limit to the number of places where you might be able to locate your new pup or dog: animal shelters, S.P.C.A.s, pet shops, next-door-neighbors, or the lady dog who deposits a pup on your doorstep are all likely sources.

Ever wondered how your neighbor can maintain such a clean and healthy yard, even though he's got two German Shepherds and one Yorkie that loves to urinate and dig all over the place?

The key to maintaining a successful yard and garden without your dogs interfering is to invest into outdoor solutions to keep your yard dog-friendly. Check out some of following product ideas that may be perfectly suited to your needs:

Dog Repair Kit by ENCAP

Keep your natural grass free and clear of damage with the convenient help of the Dog Repair Kit, created by ENCAP. With technology designed to improve the performance of your lawn soil and prevention of wear and tear, the Dog Repair Kit is the perfect solution.

Weighing 1 1/4 pounds, each Dog Repair Kit bag contains everything you need to repair your grass including mulch, seed, and soil conditioner. All you have to do is loosen up a few edges of soil and sprinkle a handful of granules from your Dog Repair Kit on top of the area.

Simply rake over the location and water the lawn as indicated by the seed watering guide that is included with your purchase. This tutorial will let you know when the seeds have received enough water.

ProGreen Synthetic Grass by ProGreen

This synthetic grass product is a perfect alternative to a yard that has patches of real grass scattered from your dog's digging habit. It is also much safer and visually appealing than filling the area with concrete.

ProGreen synthetic grass allows for plenty of drainage through tiny holes when it comes to rainy weather or dog urine. All liquids drain perfectly through the turf-backing and into a special base leading into the ground. And to help break down pet odors and organic matter created by your dogs, a simple topical solution which fights bacteria can be sprayed over the synthetic grass.

Lawn Rescue For Dogs by Pet Naturals

One major issue that many dog owners have is discoloration of the grass when their dog urinates. It is a common problem and one that can be easily solved with Lawn Rescue For Dogs, by Pet Naturals.

Lawn Rescue For Dogs is a tasty chewable supplement that is designed to balance out the pH of your pet's urine. The result will be urine that will not create those unsightly discoloration patches on your lawn. The ingredients contain yucca, cranberry, brewer's yeast, and DL-methionine.

Judging by the number of dog parks have been created all across the United States, you would never guess that it's only been a few decades since the very first park was built. Two of the first locations actually opened up at the same time, both produced by the same group of people, one in New York and one in San Francisco.

Since that time, more than 700 animal parks have been built all across the nation. With so many wonderful locations for dog owners to take their pets for a day of fun in the sun, it was hard to narrow down the #1 best all-around dog park. Some parks have doggie playgrounds, others had swimming pools for dogs, and yet other locations put on shows and events for dog lovers.

The Winner Goes To "Cosmo Dog Park" Located In Gilbert, Arizona

Cosmo Dog Park has been in existence for just over 1 year and is the most inviting location for pet owners to bring their dogs due to its outstanding park features. The facility is built onń acres of land just outside the city of Phoenix.

According to a poll taken by Money Magazine, the city of Gilbert itself was recently voted as one of America's finest places to live. Therefore, it didn't surprise us that the dog park which was chosen to be created here would match the city's fine reputation.

Equipped with dog-friendly water fountains that come in interesting shapes (like a fire hydrant for example), climbing structures for the dogs, a man-made swimming pool that allows dogs to jump into it, tubes for fun and racing, and plenty of patios, benches, and tables for the guests, it is no wonder that Cosmo is America's favorite dog park. They even have a dog beach for the animals.

If the Desert Sun gets too hot for you or your dogs, there is plenty of shaded area with relaxing amenities to help you escape the heat. There are four patios that are completely covered and provide cool shade with comfortable chairs and tables.

Before the opening of the park, the people of Gilbert were so excited about the development of the new dog area that many were caught climbing over the fences just to get an early peak. Who could blame them? The park was built completely with dogs in mind. You can find Cosmo Dog Park at 2502 E. Ray Road, Gilbert, AZ.

Dogs & Drugs: Why Sedatives & Tranquilizers May Put Your Dog To Sleep... Forever!

As far as I know, pets aren't smoking or drinking...

...not yet, anyways.

But I hear they're becoming regular pill-poppers!

What???

A recent report from Colorado State University noted that drug abuse among pets is becoming a serious problem. We know how dog owners tend to select pets which look like them. Now, apparently, they're trying to get their pets to act like them.

Dr. Ben Baker of the school of Veterinary Medicine at Colorado State said, "We always here that we look like our dogs, and we do have a tendency to think that what is good for us - like vacations and baths - is also good for our dogs. And that is carrying over to tranquilizers."

Drug manufacturers report that humans are popping pills in increasing numbers. There's a "tranquilizer" - both prescriptive and non-prescriptive - for every complaint; however, none of them were designed for animal consumption (and more than likely not even safe long-term for humans as well).

Billions of drug prescriptions are filled each year and hundreds of billions of dollars are spent on advertising these sedatives and tranquilizers. Right now there are at least 200,000 or more drugs on the market. A survey made by a popular consumer magazine revealed that the average household has upwards near 30 prescriptions stocked in the medicine cabinet.

What Does All Of This Have To Do With Your Dog?

Dogs have been long fed tranquilizers before travel and surgery, and occasionally during various types of training. Now, however, rambunctious and noisy dogs are given sedatives to quiet them down and turn them into docile, well-behaved animals.

Dr. Baker went on to say, "I don't think there is a serious abuse problem yet, but I'm scared that it will become one. Tranquilizers should always be a last resort in dealing with an animal."

Veterinarians get more requests for sedatives for pets before winter and summer holidays when families are packing up for vacations. Most animals don't need to be tranquilized to travel, however. Dogs are usually accustomed to riding in a car - they enjoy it; so even on a long trip, there should rarely be a problem. Some who are sedated wind up sleeping for days - and if the dosage is inaccurate they could sleep... forever.

The craze for big guard dogs that has swept the country has put many big dogs in small apartments and condominiums for extended periods of time. Complaining neighbors who resent the barking of a dog often motivate the owner to tranquilize the dog to keep it quiet.

My veterinarian commented, "I have some serious questions about keeping a dog penned up like that; however, with training, a barking dog can be controlled. We don't have many dog psychiatrists, but its a rare dog that needs tranquilizing."

People who pop pills day and night for any problem believe that their pets would be calm and tractable, too, if they were given sedatives. Once in a while they overdose their pet and he goes on a "trip." Sometimes he doesn't come back. Furthermore, dogs, like people, react differently to a dosage of anything; some even become more active and unmanageable when they're drugged.

So, if your tempted to reach for that canine sedative that you got from the veterinarian whenever your pet is on some kind of rampage or seems over-excited, don't. As yet, there is no evidence to indicate that dogs can become drug addicts, but why take any chances?

Dogs & Cats: What To Do Before Introducing A New Cat To Your Dog

Dogs and cats may not be considered to be the most compatible of animals, but statistics show otherwise. In fact, there is a survey recorded in the American Veterinary Medical Association back in 2002 that stated that over 15% of every household in the United States has at least one dog or one cat.

This survey also showed that almost 50% of each pet owner had both a cat and a dog under the same roof. This means that out of the entire country, almost 9 million cats and dogs are sharing their lives together.

It's Not A Perfect World

Do not let these statistics fool you into thinking that every family that has both a cat and a dog does not have behavioral problems. Many behavior consultants take on situations that have problems which stem from fighting and aggression issues between the family cat and the family dog.

It is rare that the dog ends up with fear and anxiety due to their size in comparison to cats. There are too many people that allow their cats to live in fear from the dog. They spend their time hiding out in the basement or other areas of the house away from the aggressive canine. This can lead to chronic stress and even illness for the cat.

These issues can be easily prevented with a thoughtful assessment of each animals' personality and then a step-by-step careful introduction between the two

Questions To Consider For A Friendly Introduction

Which of your two pets is considered to be the main resident, who was there first, the cat or the dog? Was this resident pet ever around other species of animals before? If so, then how did it react? Even if the meeting went well in the past, this does not that you will see the same results. Your new pet may behave and act differently than your previous pet.

What about the new dog or cat you are considering bringing into the home, does it have a history of being friendly towards different types of animals? It is always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to your cat. It's best to assume that your dog has potential to injure the animal. This caution should be taken even if the new dog is said to have been friendly with other cats in the past.

Do you support your local human societies or have you been guilty of speaking nothing but criticism and judgment over the way some of these animal organizations handle their responsibilities?

STOP!..... and ask yourself where we would be if it weren't for the humane societies and animal shelters that exist today. Where would the strays, the abandoned, the unwanted, go, if there were no shelters at all?

How many more crushed carcasses would we see along the roads and highways? How many more wretched strays would be searching the gutters for any morsel they could swallow to do away with the pangs of hunger in their empty bellies? How many more dogs and puppies would be occupying research centers, their tortured bodies - betrayed - by the very society in which they placed their trust?

Surely we would see more wanton death, needless destruction, starvation, and cruelty than our hearts and souls could endure.

The good news is that many organizations, as well as animal books and publications, have dedicated their energy to pointing out the spotlight on the good that is being accomplished by humane societies, and animals shelters, without spending too much time dwelling on what may be considered objectionable. Of course there are improvements to be made, but in fairness, you should always ask yourself, "Where would we be without them?"

Rather than burn off steam complaining about the system, or just looking the other way, let's think about how we can improve things by actively supporting and working for the changes we want and that will better serve these wonderful animals. Your local animal shelter and humane society need your active support, not your criticism.

These groups absolutely have their hands full trying to find homes for the abandoned and the unwanted. They are busy taking care of animals that have been impounded due to criminal neglect. They're busy investigating complaints of horses overridden and without proper care, animals left in the baking sun, or in the rain, in need of medical attention, stranded on roofs and ledges, locked in cars, and rescuing injured wildlife caught in traps.

They're busy with inspections of animal farms, aquatic parks, livestock trucks, parades, pet shops, ranches, riding rings, stables and stockyards. They're busy with humane educational visits to schools, nursery schools, adult groups and SPCA tours.

So... when you feel like criticizing, STOP, and think what it would be like without them!