How to Make a Basic Dog Shampoo at Home

 

Here are 3 things you accomplish if you make your own dog shampoo:

1. You save money
2. You use all natural products
3. If you are a do it yourself kind of person making dog shampoo just gives you one more project to tinker around with

Try this basic homemade dog shampoo:

2 cups of warm water

1/4 cup of nontoxic dish soap

1/2 cup of white vinegar

Very simple. Just combine all above ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well to mix. Wet your dog's coat with warm water and spray with this mixture. Avoid the eyes of course. Work the shampoo into dog's coat and create a thick lather. Rinse it all out thoroughly. Keep rinsing until you are sure all homemade shampoo is out of your dog's coat. Then dry as you normally would do. You are done!

How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth

Don't overlook brushing your dog's teeth. Brushing away the plaque helps maintain fresh breath and helps prevent decayed teeth or gum disease. 

Follow these steps for easy canine teeth brushing.

1. Choose a time just with your dog with nobody else around.
2. Have your "dog" toothbrush ready.
3. Gently touch the toothbrush to the teeth starting with front, side and back teeth on top and bottom. Praise and reward your dog when he or she accepts this step.
4. Show your dog the toothpaste and let them lick it from your finger.
5. Add toothpaste to toothbrush.
6. Brush top teeth by holding the upper lip up. Brush front of teeth. Praise your dog for accepting.
7. Move from front teeth further back to the side and back teeth on top.
8. Brush bottom teeth by holding down bottom lip. Start with front teeth, then move to the side and back.
9. Brush bottom teeth, first the sides and then the back.
10. To make this experience positive, frequently praise the dog and give the dog a treat at each step he accepts the procedure even though it seems your dog's teeth will just get dirty again, it is important in the beginning to reward them so they will find the teeth brushing procedures pleasurable.. Later you can work on removing the treats and just use praise. If praise alone works, go with that alone.

The Yakutian Laika: A Russian Working Dog Breed

 Yakutia Laika

These Russian dogs are used for herding, pulling sleds and hunting. The natives of Yakutia developed this dog in ancient times for their assistants. He is a versatile and handsome dog that is also happy by your side or participating in agility, herding or sledding. Be prepared to provide plenty of exercise for this breed.

It is sad to know that these faithful assistants were punished with death for the slightest demonstration of weakness. 

The Yakutian Laika developed into a wonderful companion or family dog due to it being such a respected member of a human family rather than just a domestic animal or working dog. With proper care and training they make excellent companion dogs. They can even be quite gentle and considerate with children to whom they have been known to establish especially tight bonds. You will need to socialize them at an early age.

You can also expect a fine watchdog in this breed as it is blessed with a very sensitive nose and ears. As a guardian dog it is rated to fail due to its friendly nature. They are usually accepting of other dogs.

The breed was primarily developed to pull sleds in close coordination with other dogs. Their second job was hunting. They will probably even get along with a cat if reared together.

They are most known to be intelligent, affectionate and active.

• Height: 21-23 inches
• Weight: 40-55 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
• AKC Group: Foundation Stock Service

Raising Happy Poodles

Poodle development depends upon the variety of the poodle. Three different varieties of poodles are:

1. Toy Poodles
2. Miniature Poodles 
3. Standard Poodles

What are the differences in the different poodle varieties?

A standard poodle is 15 inches and taller, commonly maturing at 23 inches for females and 25 inches for males. Miniature poodles stand 15 inches or less. A toy poodle can stand up to 10 inches. The size of your poodle determines developmental milestones.

Poodles require regular grooming to be happy and healthy. Start grooming early like trimming the poodle's face, nail trimming, daily brushing, and regular baths.

Why should you start grooming a poodle early? The main reason is to get them use to grooming sessions and process. You want to create a positive grooming experience. Start slowly. For example, you might start with just trimming the face, a week later add clipping around the feet and tail.

A huge asset belonging to the Poodle is the fact that "they don't normally shed." If left uncut, a poodles coat should grow indefinitely, however, you want to groom your poodle. You don't want hair growth out of control on a poodle because it can mat, which makes grooming more difficult for you and the poodle. Poodles are commonly shaved around the feet and face. Many poodle owners also prefer their poodle's tail stand out. These are all important areas to get your poodle use to proper grooming early in puppyhood.

Wait until your poodle puppy has had all shots before taking them to a professional groomer. Most professional groomers will require the poodle to have a record of shots.

Around 16 weeks of age with a record of all shots given, it should be safe to take your poodle out into the public. Enroll the poodle in obedience classes.

Feed your poodle a nutritious diet, keep fresh water available at all times and give your poodle opportunities for fresh air.

If you follow these tips, you should end up with a happy, healthy poodle.