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Potty training your new American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is a necessary evil. Your dog needs to learn at an early age where to properly relieve himself. You can begin working with your pup at 8 weeks of age.

Puppy potty training can sometimes prove to be a frustrating task. You must do the same routine every single day and it is important to give your puppy a lot of extra attention as this will make the house breaking process much easier. The house training process will take longer if you are gone during the day at a job because your dog won't be able to hold it for extended periods of time when he is just starting out.

To begin potty training your Pit Bull, give him an area that is all his own. A tiled laundry room works very well if you have one in your residence. Cover the area with newspaper and make sure that you give him access to his bed, toys, and food bowl. When leaving to go out, make sure that your Pit pup is in his "area" and cannot leave. You can buy a baby gate which will keep him confined, without feeling shut in.

After you have gone, he will need to go potty at some point and will relieve himself. As time goes on, he will begin to go in the same spot and when this starts to happen, simply begin to remove the newspaper in the rest of the room which is not being used. Continue doing this until the only patch of newspaper in the room is the area he has chosen to do his business.

When at home, spend as much time with your Pit Bull puppy as possible. The potty training process will be much, much easier if take your dog outside every 45 minutes or so, then praise him excitedly when he relieves himself in the yard. You can also give him a small treat when he goes to the bathroom outside to further encourage his good behavior.

It is a bad idea and completely ineffective to scold your puppy for having an accident in the house. Positive reinforcement and a lot of extra time and attention is the best way to handle this task and remember that no dog is completely potty trained until they have reached the age of 6-8 months. Patience is a must!

Engaging in sports is not only for humans. It is also well-loved by our best friend, the dog. Dog sports do not only make a dog's life fun, but healthy, as well. Here is a list of dog sports that you may want your dog to get involved into depending on his breed, of course.

Agility

This is when a dog moves through an obstacle course, i.e., contact obstacles, tunnels, jump, etc., as guided by his or her handler. What controls the dog is only its handler's voice and body language. Without a leash, obedience training is the major requirement for a dog to enjoy this sport. Speed and accuracy are the names of this game.

Carting

Large breeds usually participate in this dog sport. It mainly involves the dog pulling a cart filled with supplies like firewood or other farm goods, sometimes even pulling people. It is also known as dry land mushing and sulky driving and is well-known and practiced all over the world.

Frisbee Dog

Commonly known as disc dog, frisbee dog competition is about a dog and a human disc thrower competing in events such as a choreographed freestyle catching and distance catching. The division of events on this kind of dog sport depends on the handler's skill and experience. What makes this one of the most popular dog sports is that any kind of dog can participate.

Flyball

This dog sport is a relay wherein teams of dogs race against each other leaving their handlers. These teams need to surmount four hurdles that are placed 3 meters apart from each other. Then, they have to reach a box that will release a tennis ball that needs to be caught when the dog presses the pad which is spring-loaded. Then, they have to go back to their respective handlers while carrying the ball.

Scootering

It is a sport where one or more dogs pull an unmotorized scooter in which a human is riding. It is similar to another dog sport done in the winter known as mushing, only dog scooter involves fewer dogs and instead of a dogsled used in mushing, a scooter is used. Like sled dogs, dogs that are doing scootering wear harnesses and are hooked to the scooter using a gangline.

Sheepdog Trial

Also known as "dog trial", this is one of the competitive dog sports in which breeds that are into herding move sheep around a field, gates, fences or enclosures as directed by their handlers. Think of "babe" the movie about a pig. This is more popular in UK, Canada, Ireland, the USA, New Zealand, Australia and other farming nations.

Many people find that rather than owning a cat litter box that is more or less meant to be a permanent solution, the concept of a disposable cat litter box works much better for them. If you are curious about the disposable type of litter box, here are some facts about this cat hygiene solution that may interest you.

One of the most appealing things about a disposable solution to the litter box question is that you can actually make your own instead of having to buy one. Essentially, you need a box that is deep, long, and wide enough for your cat to be able to use effectively. You also want the bottom of the box to be reinforced, which is something you can easily do by adding another layer or two of cardboard. The walls should be high enough to contain the cat litter when your pet scratches around, but also low enough that your cat does not see the walls as an impediment to using the box. Boxes that either are already the right size of that can be cut down to the proper dimensions can easily be picked up for free from many different sources.

Of course, you can purchase a commercially produced disposable cat litter box as well. These will usually come as part of a kit, containing cat litter and a scooper to help you keep the box clean until you are ready to get rid of it and replace it with a new disposable litter box. While these commercial models do tend to be somewhat expensive over the long haul, they also are time savers, as you do not have to clean out the box or spend time washing the box itself. From that perspective, the cost may be worth it to you.

Whether you purchase a kit or decide to come up with your own unique litter box from scratch, a disposable cat litter box is a great solution for many people. If you think it might work well in your home, then visit a local pet shop and purchase a commercial model. Use it for a week or so and see what you think. You may also want to make one yourself and allow your cat to try it for one cycle. When it is all said and done, you may find that your pet, who after all has discriminating tastes, may prefer the disposable solution to the more permanent litter box.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is actually an outdoor dog that can adapt to indoors as long as she is given plenty of exercise when it is cool outside. Her heavy coat means that she is comfortable in the cold but suffers in the heat. She has a loving temperament and has been described as stable, faithful, affectionate and intelligent. She is a good watch dog and good with children. Just as a reminder, never leave young children unsupervised with a puppy or dog for any length of time.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Bernese Mountain Dog is 24 to 28 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 85 to 110 pounds. Females range from 23 to 27 inches to the withers and from 80 to 105 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Bernese Mountain Dog is no exception. Be on the look out for canine hip and elbow dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), gastric torsions, metabolic bone disease and hereditary eye disease. She should be fed twice a day to lessen the chance of bloat, another negative health consideration. Additionally, cancer is a real problem with even young dogs can contract it.

*Grooming. The Bernese Mountain Dog has a long, thick coat so she should be brushed as frequently as daily, weekly if time does not permit. She is a heavy seasonal shedder and brushing will help keep your house cleaner. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and also help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with your pet.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

*Life Span. The Bernese Mountain Dog can live between 8 and 10 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Bernese Mountain Dog came from the pre alpine regions around Bern, Switzerland. She was used as a cattle dog, draught dog and as a cattle driver. The original name of this dog was Durrbachler, because it was so popular in the hamlet of Durrbach. Around 1910 a standard for this dog was set and she was renamed the Bernese Mountain Dog. She became popular throughout Switzerland and Southern Germany. From there she became known throughout the world as a striking family dog. The American Kennel Association first registered Bernese Mountain Dogs in 1937. Currently she is used as pet and watch dog, for therapy work, agility trials, and rescue work.

Some Registries:
*BMDCA-The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 4 to 10 Bernese Mountain Dog puppies

Category: Herding, Mastiff Family

Terms To Describe. Devoted, stunning, companion, friendly, devotion.

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
She is very beautiful.
Prefer cool climates.
Natural watch dog.
Good with children.
She is willing to please.
She loves people.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Heavy shedder.
Cautious with strangers.
Short life span.
Major health problems.
May suffer in hot climates.
Can become destructive if bored.

*Other Names Known By: Berner Sennenhund, Bernese Cattle Dog

Walking on a collar and lead is an important skill that every dog must learn. Even the best trained dog should never be taken outside the home or yard without a sturdy collar and leash. Even if your dog is trained perfectly to go off lead, accidents and distractions do happen, and a collar, with proper identification attached, is the best way to be sure you will get your beloved companion back.
Of course before you can teach your new puppy to accept a leash, he or she must first learn to accept wearing a collar. The first step is to choose a collar that fits the dog properly. It is important to measure the puppy's neck, and to choose a collar size accordingly. After the collar has been put on the puppy, simply let him or her get used to it. It is not unusual for a puppy to try to pull on the collar, whine, roll or squirm when first introduced to a collar.
The best strategy is to simply ignore the puppy and let him or her get used to the collar. It is a mistake to either punish the dog for playing with the collar or to encourage the behavior. Distracting the puppy often helps, and playing with a favorite toy, or eating some favorite treats, can help the puppy quickly forget that he or she is wearing this strange piece of equipment.
After the dog has learned to accept the collar, try adding the leash. Hook the leash to the collar and simply sit and watch the puppy. Obviously, this should only be done either in the house or in a confined outdoor area. The puppy should be allowed to drag the leash around on its own, but of course the owner should keep a close eye on the puppy to ensure that the leash does not become snagged or hung up on anything.
At first, the leash should only be left on for a few minutes at a time. It is a good idea to attach the leash at mealtimes, playtime and other positive times in the life of the puppy. That way the puppy will begin to associate the leash with good things and look forward to it. If the puppy shows a high degree of fear of the leash, it is a good idea to place it next to the food bowl for awhile to let him get used to it slowly. Eventually, he will come to understand that the leash is nothing to be afraid of.
After the puppy is comfortable with walking around the house wearing the leash, it is time for you to pick up the end of the leash for a few minutes. You should not try to walk the puppy on the leash; simply hold the end of the leash and follow the puppy around as he or she walks around. You should try to avoid situations where the leash becomes taut, and any pulling or straining on the leash should be avoided. It is fine for the puppy to sit down. Try a few games with the collar and lead. For instance, back up and encourage the puppy to walk toward you. Don't drag the puppy forward, simply encourage him to come to you. If he does, praise him profusely and reward him with a food treat or toy. You should always strive to make all the time spent on the leash as pleasant as possible.
It is important to give the puppy plenty of practice in getting used to walking on the leash in the home. It is best to do plenty of work in the home, since it is a safe environment with few distractions. After the puppy is comfortable walking indoors on a leash, it is time to start going outside, beginning of course in a small, enclosed area like a fenced yard. After the puppy has mastered walking calmly outdoors on a leash, it is time to visit some places where there are more distractions. You may want to start with a place like a neighbor's yard. Walking your new puppy around the neighborhood is a good way to introduce your neighbors to the new puppy, while giving the puppy valuable experience in avoiding distractions and focusing on his leash training.
Puppies sometimes develop bad habits with their leashes, such as biting or chewing on the leash. To discourage this type of behavior, try applying a little bit of bitter apple, Tabasco sauce or similar substance (just make sure the substance you use is not toxic to dogs). This strategy usually convinces puppies that chewing the leash is a bad idea.

The term in the "Dog house" used to mean that one was in some sort of trouble. These days dog houses are worth being in. The pet business is becoming a booming business. There are stores selling pet accessories opening up and businesses dedicated to making mans best friend comfortable. Not only do dog houses provide shelter from the elements, they are also designed to be comfortable, safe and clean.

Dog houses now offer more than just a few pieces of lumber and some nails. There are many different types of dog houses available in the market; some simple and others more complicated. To ensure that your pet gets exactly what it needs, build one yourself. Include in your dog house budget other necessary pet accessories like appropriate toys for inside and outside use.

Building a dog house can be a fun family project. First go online and find what dog house plans there are and decide on one. Make sure that the plan is suited to match your dog's size and is also suitable for the climate that you live in. Use building materials that can last and survive the elements and are locally available. Consider the proper bedding within your dog house and determine the dog house best location.

Dog houses do not need to be overly complicated. Keep in mind dog houses main purposes are to keep it dry, to keep the dog out of the elements and to provide for the dog's safety. A dog house can also be built to include a storage area for all the pet accessories.

Dog houses need to be kept dry.

Dog houses should be water proof and should have the ability to stay dry; even when the dog brings water into the dog house. Keeping the dog house dry is not only for the dogs comfort but a dry dog house may prevent the growth of bacteria, parasites and viruses that can cause certain health issues for the dog. Installing windows that will allow for cross ventilation can be helpful or better install a fan to circulate air. If you live in an area where humidity is a problem, a canvas flap may be installed as a door.

Dogs cope well with the elements.

Dogs have the body hair which acts as insulation. Short hair dogs and long haired dogs are both designed to keep warm in cold weather. Putting a heat source into a dog house isn't necessary depending on you live. Comfort is crucial. Use reasonable judgement to make sure that your pet will be able to stand in a dog house under current weather conditions of the area you live in. Therefore, insulating a dog house wall isn't necessary if you live in Florida but could definitely be a consideration if living further north. Proper installation of insulation can be a hazard as the dog may start pulling on it and inevitably eat some of it. Once again, careful thoughts and planning are necessary to create a succesful environment.

Size Matters

Since the dog's body is going to keep the dog house warm, it does not make sense to build a dog house that is too big. Measure the dog's size when he curls up for his nap and add a few inches; this should be a comfortable inside size for a dog house. Also add a few inches of height taller than its shoulder.

Other tips

Your local building supply store or lumber yard offers the supplies you need for your dog houses. Wood is the preferable material; make sure it is treated to prevent the growth of unwanted germs. Do not use cement floors as these tend to be cold during winters. Finish the dog house with pet accessories like bedding materials and pet toys. Pet accessories can be purchased at any of your local pet supply stores. Alternatively, there are many online stores that sell the pet accessories you need to have for your dog in his new happy home.