Photo by Katie Opatz

Jennifer Nicole Cox is a staff writer for Dogasaur.com and proud momma of one unique “Bentley” dog.

Is your dog destined for stardom?  Do you think he could be the next Lassie or Rin Tin Tin?

If you’ve ever wondered what you need to do to get your dog into the limelight, wonder no more.  It may be much easier than you think.

By following these 8 tips, your dog will be on his way to stardom in no time:

1. Consider your dog’s temperament.  If your dog has a chance of succeeding in show business, he must be able to cope with all of the sudden changes that can occur in such an environment.
2. Train your dog.  Before you even consider trying to get your dog into show business, he needs to know all of the basic commands extremely well.  When training your dog, be sure to do it consistently and in as many places as possible so he’ll get used to different settings and distractions.
3. Make sure you’ll be able to handle the responsibilities that come along with owning a showbiz dog.  For example, you’ll need to have a flexible schedule so you can provide your dog’s services for a film crew at a moment’s notice.  You’ll also need to be willing to set aside the money that’s involved.  Sure, your dog will be making money, but you’ll also have to spend money for things such as transportation, training equipment and high quality food.
4. Go beyond basic training.  Once your dog has tackled all of the basic commands, it’s time to teach him tricks so he’ll stand out from the rest of the dogs.  Some tricks you can train your dog to do include: jumping through a hoop, giving a high five and playing dead.
5. Socialize your dog.  Your dog will need to be comfortable with different environments, animals and people of all sizes, ages and ethnic backgrounds.  After all, you wouldn’t want your dog to act out because there’s a child of a different ethnicity on set.
6. Make sure your dog is physically able to be in show business.  For example, he needs to be up-to-date on all of his vaccinations.  He will also need to be able to travel.  If your dog can’t handle long car trips, you may have a hard time transporting him to and from the set.
7. Find representation for your dog.  Put together a portfolio that shows off your dog’s best characteristics.  Include action photos and a video of him performing his best tricks.
8. Make sure you fully understand that show business isn’t as glamorous as it appears.  A regular day on set can start in the early morning hours and end in the late evening hours.  There’s also a lot of waiting time in between.  Since you may need to stick around for different reasons, you must always be available.  A flexible schedule on your part is a must.

Just a few miles from where I live in North Georgia, you’ll find Atlanta Dogworks.  Atlanta Dogworks is a multi-faceted business that specializes in training dogs, cats and other domestic animals for film, television commercials, music videos and print work.  Atlanta Dogworks has over 20 years of animal handling experience and has been featured on ESPN, CNN, Animal Planet, and in Time Magazine.

I spoke with Greg Tresan, one of Atlanta Dogworks’ lead animal wranglers/trainers, and asked him the following questions regarding dogs in show business:

Q: “What is the biggest misconception dog owners have when considering getting their pet into show business?” - JC

A: “Just because their dog is cute, sweet or photogenic doesn’t mean they will work out in show business.  It’s important for their pet to be well trained and have a good temperament.” - GT

Q: “What is the most popular breed of dog you choose to work with, and is there a specific reason why?” - JC

A: “Golden Retrievers and Labs are the most commonly requested breeds.  Happy family dogs are very popular.” - GT

Q: “Since your company was founded, about how many dogs have you trained for showbusiness?” - JC

A: “Hundreds!” - GT

Q: “On average, about how long does it take to train a dog for a movie/television role?” - JC

A: “Most dogs we cast are already trained, but it can take days, or even weeks, to get them ready for a part depending on how difficult the action is.” - GT

Q: “What advice, if any, would you give a dog owner who wants to make their pet a star?” - JC

A: “To train and socialize their dog.  Also, get their dog used to the camera and get some great pictures of them.” - GT

To learn more about Atlanta Dogworks, and to see their credit list, check out their website: www.atlantadogworks.com

Who knows?  You may be familiar with some of Atlanta Dogworks’ talent and not even know it.

Photo by Rebecca A. Lipps

Jennifer Nicole Cox is a staff writer for Dogasaur.com and proud momma of one unique “Bentley” dog.

One of the most enjoyable things about becoming a dog owner is getting to give your pet the perfect name.  Because your dog will be in your life for many years, you will need to take your time and consider your choices carefully.

Here are 10 tips that will assist you with naming your dog:

1. Choose a short name that your dog will easily recognize.  A short, one or two syllable name will be much easier for your pet to learn than a long name.
2. Try choosing a name that ends with a long sounding vowel.  A long vowel will make it easier for your dog to make a distinction between his name and commands.
3. Avoid giving your dog a name that sounds similar to a command or anyone else’s name in the household.  Also, if you have multiple dogs in your home, make sure their names aren’t similar.  Dogs will get confused with similar sounding words.
4. After choosing a name for your dog, try it out for a couple of weeks.  You should know by then if it’s the perfect name for your pet.
5. Choose your dog’s name based on its personality.  Wait until you have your pet home with you a couple of days before you name it.  Once you see its personality, the perfect name will likely come to you.
6. Give your dog a name based on its looks.  Many dog owners choose to name their pets’ after their physical appearance.  For example, an owner may name his dog “bear” because it resembles a teddy bear.  I’ve also met an owner who named her two Labradors, Blackie and Brownie because of their color features.
7. You should never give your dog an embarrassing name.  Remember, you’ll be using your dog’s name in public places (i.e. dog park and vet office), so make sure you give it a name that’s civilized and not too silly.
8. Don’t change the name of a pre-owned dog, or a shelter dog.  Dogs that have lived with their names for a while may not be too accepting of a new name.  Plus, experts will tell you that the most practical and compassionate way to treat a pre-owned / shelter dog is to leave their name alone.
9. Avoid naming your dog after a close friend or relative.  They may find this highly offensive.  If you must do this, always ask for their permission first.
10. Choose a name that you like.  It’s your dog and it’s your decision.  Just be sure to keep the tips above in mind as you make your decision.  And don’t forget to use positive reinforcement by rewarding your pet with treats as soon as he starts responding to the name that you’ve chosen.

According to VPI Pet Insurance, the Top 10 dog names in 2011 were:

Bella
Bailey
Max
Lucy
Molly
Buddy
Daisy
Maggie
Charlie
Sophie

Do you notice how all of the Top 10 dog names have short syllables?  As I explained in Tip 1, this makes it much easier for the dog to learn and recognize his name when he’s called.

No matter how you choose your dog’s name, keep in mind that it needs to be a name that you can live with for many years.  After all, you’ll be using the name to call out to your dog regularly.

Photo by Shaivi Tyagi

Jennifer Nicole Cox is a staff writer for Dogasaur.com and proud momma of one unique “Bentley” dog.

Because of the current economic recession, dog owners are doing everything they possibly can to save money on their pet’s vet care.  Luckily, there are plenty of easy ways to save money on vet bills and I’ve listed my top 10 ways below.

1. Make sure your dog maintains a healthy lifestyle.  Pet obesity has become a huge problem and increases the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis and various forms of cancer.  You can avoid these medical expenses by keeping your dog on a healthy diet and making sure he gets plenty of exercise.
2. Schedule your dog an annual exam.  The early detection of diseases can save you thousands of dollars in vet bills.  So, by having your dog checked out annually by his veterinarian, you’ll be saving a lot of money down the road.
3. Make sure your dog maintains good dental health.  To keep from spending hundreds of dollars in professional cleaning fees, brush your dog’s teeth several times a week.  Use only a special toothbrush and toothpaste that’s specifically for pets.  Keep in mind, you’ll have to have your dog’s teeth professionally cleaned eventually.  However, by brushing your dog’s teeth regularly, you’ll be slowing down the tartar buildup and your pet won’t have to have his teeth professionally cleaned 2-3 times annually.
4. Consider purchasing pet insurance.  By having pet insurance, you can save thousands of dollars in unexpected vet/surgical bills.  To keep your premiums low, insure your dog when he’s young.  Pet insurance is a great thing to have and there are many different plans available.  I have pet insurance for my dog and I feel great knowing that if something ever happens to him, most of the vet bills will be covered.
5. Ask about special discounts.  Many veterinarians will offer senior citizens, military members, full-time students, and public safety workers a special discount.  If you fall into any of these categories, ask if they offer a special discount.  Something else many veterinarians offer is a multi-pet discount.  If you have more than one dog, be sure to ask if they offer this type of discount.
6. Ask about prescription price matches.  By researching online pet pharmacy sites, it’s easy to find heartworm preventative, flea preventative, and other types of medications for affordable prices.  If you find medication that’s less expensive than what your veterinarian charges, print out the product page with the price and see if they will match it.
7. Feed your dog premium food.  Premium dog food contains quality ingredients and will save you money in the long run.  Plus, your dog won’t need to eat as much premium food as he would food that’s low in quality, and less food equals more savings.
8. Avoid emergency vet clinic visits if possible.  If your dog isn’t feeling right, do something about it before your regular veterinarian closes his office.  If you wait too late, you’ll have to take your pet to the emergency clinic and will have to pay much more than the cost of a regular office visit.
9. Sign up for CareCredit.  CareCredit works just like a credit card and will let you make payments for your dog’s veterinary care.  Speak with your veterinarian to see if this is an option for your pet’s care.
10. Offer labor services in exchange for veterinary care.  If you have any special skills such as painting, carpentry, office work, cleaning, etc., you may be able to offer them in exchange for veterinary care.

As you can see, saving money on veterinary care isn’t difficult at all.  All it takes is a little research and creativity on your part.  If you ever have any financial concerns, don’t be afraid to discuss these concerns with your dog’s veterinarian.  Yes, your pet’s veterinarian is in business to make money, but he’ll also do everything he can to help you save money - especially if you’re doing everything you can to keep your pet as healthy as possible.

Photo by Rudy Rodriguez

Jennifer Nicole Cox is a staff writer for Dogasaur.com and proud momma of one unique “Bentley” dog.

As you begin training your dog, you’ll probably make some mistakes along the way.  And that’s okay.  New trainers tend to make mistakes as they approach the training process.  After all, it’s a learning experience for both you and your dog.

To help you with the training process, I’ve listed 10 common mistakes below that need to be avoided, especially if your goal is to have a well-trained dog.

1. Expecting too much.  Many dog owners see the fascinating tricks that dogs on TV can do, and they automatically think they can train their dog to do the same.  What they forget to consider is that a lot of patience and money went into training those dogs.  Remember to only set realistic goals when training your dog.
2. Being inconsistent.  For example, if you don’t want your dog to jump on you when you’re dressed up, you shouldn’t allow him to jump on you when you’re dressed down.  If you allow him to jump on you during one situation but not the other, you’re being inconsistent and your dog will be confused.  Another example is training your dog every day.  If you only work on training exercises when you feel like it, your dog will never learn.
3. Correcting your dog too soon.  You do not need to give your dog a correction too quickly because doing so will slow down his progress.  Your dog is young and needs to get used to the meaning of all the commands before you start correcting his behavior.
4. Becoming angry.  You should never get angry and punish your dog during the training process.  By punishing your dog, you’ll be destroying the trust between the two of you and training him will be much more difficult.
5. Not paying enough attention to your dog.  Unless you catch your dog displaying inappropriate behavior, you can’t do anything to correct it.  You need to always keep a close eye on your dog while you’re training him and if at any time you can’t give him your full attention, be sure to keep him secluded to a room where he can’t do any damage.  Putting him in a crate is also an option.
6. Being impatient.  Many dog owners think dogs can be fully trained overnight.  This couldn’t be any further from the truth.  Dog training is a long process that can actually last for several years.  Before you start training your dog, remember that it takes a lot of patience in order to get the best results.
7. Giving up too soon.  Unfortunately, many dog owners become frustrated with the training process and give up too soon.  They believe that if their pet can’t learn to do a trick in a certain amount of time, they’ll never learn.  When training your dog, don’t give up.  Your pet will eventually learn the trick.  It’ll just take some time.
8. Failing to reward your dog for good behavior.  Unless you reward your dog for displaying good behavior, he won’t be aware that he’s done anything right.  Immediate praise is the best reward you can give your dog.
9. Ignoring bad behaviors.  Many dog owners believe that if their pet displays inappropriate behaviors such as jumping, chewing and aggression, they’ll eventually outgrow it.  These behaviors are not stages of a dog’s development.  Instead, they are unacceptable and your dog will continue engaging in the bad behavior unless he’s trained not to.
10. Thinking that the training process is over.  Dog training is a learning process and it’s never over.  Dogs are smart creatures that can learn new things every day, so why stop training them?

Mikkel Becker, Vetstreet.com

This is a guest article written by Vetstreet.com blogger and professional dog trainer, Mikkel Becker.

Assess whether the dog has aggression or fear issues. Take special notice of how your dog acts when you get near his food bowl, chew toys and resting area. Pay attention to any sensitivity your dog shows when being approached by people, especially children and toddlers. Note how your dog acts when he is handled in uncomfortable ways, including tail tugs and grabbing his feet, mouth and ears. If you notice any areas of concern, address these with remedial training and enlist your veterinarian, a certified professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist if needed.

Teach proper manners in advance. Jumping up isn’t only a nuisance; it becomes a safety hazard when you are holding a baby who can be injured or knocked out of your hands. To prevent your baby from being jostled or stepped on, train your dog to sit for greeting and to come up on furniture or your lap only when he is invited. Loose-leash walking also becomes critical when a stroller comes into the picture. Practice walking your dog with the stroller before the baby comes, and, if needed, get your dog accustomed to anti-pull devices, such as front clip harnesses and head halters. Practice the “leave it” and “drop it” commands, which will come in handy when getting your dog to leave baby items (like stuffed animals) alone or to drop them if they’ve already been snatched up.

Think pet-proofing as well as baby-proofing. If your dog currently sleeps in your bed, you may need to relocate him; having the dog on the bed may not be ideal if your baby will be sleeping in a bassinet or cosleeper next to your bed and could possibly be jumped on. Consider crate training your dog or setting up a doggy-proofed area for the times when you will not be able to supervise your dog. Child gates should be set up at the edge of the baby’s room to prevent the dog from going inside unsupervised. Pick gates with vertical slants to help discourage your canine Einstein from trying to climb over them. Move the dog’s food and water bowl out of areas where the baby will be, and get a diaper pail with a secure lid to help keep your canine from spreading unwanted décor around the home.

Help your dog be independent. Soon-to-be-parents are often tempted to lavish extra attention on their dog because they feel guilty about the time they will be taking away from their pooch once the baby arrives. But the smoothest approach is to prepare your pet to be independent, so that he is already used to a decrease in attention before you bring the baby home. Stock up on food puzzles and chew toys to keep your dog’s mind engaged, and prepare an exercise routine for your dog that you can stick to once the baby arrives. Exercise is critical — your routine can include walking the dog yourself or setting up a dog walker or doggy day care to help out.

Acclimatize your dog to the sights and sounds of a new baby even before he or she arrives. Use a baby doll to mock activities you will do when your real baby arrives. Do the diapering, feeding, bathing, swing time and other activities with your dog present. You can use the mock baby to teach your dog to respect the baby’s space and remain calm when you do baby-related things. Play recordings of baby noises, such as crying, and pair them with tasty rewards so your dog associates them with something good occurring. (I recommend a CD called Preparing Fido.) On the day your baby arrives, have a family member take an item home that has been on your baby (either a piece of clothing or a blanket). As soon as your dog smells this item, give him a highly palatable reward, such as a piece of a turkey hot dog. Then remove the scented item. Present it again, and reward again. Since dogs are so keen on smell, he will begin to associate your baby with good things happening before he and your baby even meet.

Introduce the baby and the dog carefully. Have your dog meet the new baby on neutral territory. Although it was winter when we brought home our precious Reagan, we had the pugs come outside for a quick visit before we brought Reagan inside. While the pugs were meeting Reagan, we kept the visit under control by giving them known behavior commands such as “sit” and “down” while rewarding them. We allowed brief sniffing, and then directed them to do an action that was compatible with a baby in our hands.

Always supervise your children and pets together. The majority of dog bites happen to children when they are not being supervised by an adult. Monitor all interactions between your dog and your baby, and use baby gates or crating when close supervision is not possible.

About Vetstreet.com

Vetstreet.com (www.vetstreet.com) is a new site dedicated to connecting pet owners with the best products, services and veterinary care to help keep their dogs and cats healthy. Vetstreet’s articles are written, developed and reviewed by leading veterinarians, professional journalists and animal health experts, providing pet owners with the most accurate information and current advice on everything from finding the right puppy or kitten to dealing with serious medical conditions. In addition to information about the latest events, trends and product reviews, the site also features a vet directory. We are still in the soft launch phase of our online shop but the Vetstreet retail environment will soon offer a broad array of vet-prescribed medications, nutritional products, grooming supplies, cute dog beds, fun pet toys, and more.

If you would rather not receive future communications from Fetching Communications, let us know by clicking here.Fetching Communications, PO Box 222, Tarpon Springs, FL 34688 United State

Photo by Chandrakanth Reddy

Jennifer Nicole Cox is a staff writer for Dogasaur.com and proud momma of one unique “Bentley” dog.

With so many different types of dog breeds available, it comes as no surprise that choosing the perfect breed for your family can be quite challenging.

When choosing a particular dog breed, the most important factor to consider is its origin.  For example, was the breed that you’re interested in originally bred to herd and protect the family? If it was, the dog will become frustrated and develop bad behaviors unless he’s able to serve that purpose.

After you decide to welcome a dog into your home, you must first determine why you’ve decided to get one. For example, will your dog be a loving companion or will he serve another purpose, such as a working dog, hunting partner, or a guard dog?

You’ll need to examine your lifestyle before bringing a dog into your household. If you’re always busy and lead an active lifestyle, an energetic dog like a Labrador Retriever would fit.  If you lead a less active lifestyle, an English Bulldog would be the best choice.

Another important factor to consider when choosing a dog breed is the amount of space you have to offer him. For example, if you live in an apartment, a Shih Tzu is a good breed to get. If you live in a home with a big yard, almost any dog will work.

Most people believe large dogs need large spaces and small dogs are okay with small spaces, but this couldn’t be more false. For instance, even though Saint Bernards are large dogs, a small space will work because they sleep so much. Jack Russell Terriers are small dogs, but they require much more space because they’re so energetic. Remember, no matter how much space your dog will need, he’ll need to be walked regularly. All dogs must have the right amount of exercise in order to stay healthy. And don’t forget that the larger the dog, the more the cost will be to maintain it - food, vet expenses, etc.

If you have small children, you should only consider breeds that are good with kids. A medium-sized dog usually works best for a small child. If there are other pets in your household, you’ll need to consider breeds that are good around other animals.

After you select a breed, deciding whether or not to get a puppy is the next step. Keep in mind, puppies are a lot more work than adult dogs. Training, feeding and exercising them is definitely a full-time job. Trust me! I know from experience! An adult dog would be the best choice for a family that spends most of the day away from home.

You should never, ever, EVER rush into a decision when choosing the right dog breed for your family! Sure, finding the right dog takes a lot of hard work, but it’s all worth it in the end.

Photo by Cindy Kennedy

Jennifer Nicole Cox is a staff writer for Dogasaur.com and proud momma of one unique “Bentley” dog.

Every year, millions of dogs are either euthanized or suffer as strays. These high numbers could be prevented if the owners would simply spay or neuter their pets. The number one killer of dogs is shelter euthanasia and spaying and neutering is the only way to change that.

Deciding whether or not to sterilize your dog is not only an important responsibility to your pet, but it’s also an important responsibility to your community. By spaying or neutering your dog, you’re helping control your community’s pet population. And with less strays on the streets, the members of your community will be much happier.

If your dog lives indoors, don’t assume that he doesn’t need to be neutered. Even indoor dogs need to be sterilized because they may break away from a leash while out on a walk, which could result in them mating and producing puppies.

You may be wondering when the best time to have your dog spayed or neutered is. In animal shelters, surgery is often performed on puppies at 8 weeks of age so they can be sterilized prior to adoption. Many veterinarians recommend that dogs should be spayed or neutered at 5-6 months of age because they aren’t too young and it’s also right before puberty starts. They prefer sterilizing puppies because their reproductive organs are small. Also, puppies should recover quite well because of their age. Older dogs could possibly be good candidates for the surgery, but the veterinarian will need to determine if the procedure can be performed safely without any complications.

There are some disadvantages of early sterilization. For example, when a dog is sterilized, its internal source of testosterone or estrogen is removed. These hormones are needed to contribute to the healthy development of puppies. There have also been reports of medical problems with early sterilization.

Having your dog spayed or neutered does cost money, but there are a lot of organizations that will offer to do it for a cheap rate. Some organizations will even do it for free. If you have to pay anything, keep in mind that it’ll be much cheaper than the cost of having to care for a litter of puppies.

Spaying and neutering has benefits that far outweigh the disadvantages. Listed below are a couple of benefits for each type of sterilization.

Spaying

• Spaying your dog will help prevent her from developing uterine infections and breast cancer.
• Your spayed dog won’t go into heat.

Neutering

• Neutering your dog will prevent him from developing testicular cancer, but only if it’s done prior to 6 months of age.
• Your neutered dog will be less likely to roam away from home.

Personally, I believe spaying and neutering should be mandatory until the stray pet population is reduced, but every dog owner is entitled to do what they believe is in the best interest of their pet. If you do decide to have your dog sterilized, don’t wait too long. If you do, the odds of your pet developing a uterine disease or cancer will greatly increase.

As always, it’s best to consult with your dog’s veterinarian when determining the best course of action for your pet.

Photo by Barbara Walerski Dombroski

Jennifer Nicole Cox is a staff writer for Dogasaur.com and proud momma of one unique “Bentley” dog.

Imagine how terrible you would feel if you had to find another home for your dog. And if that feeling wasn’t bad enough, imagine finding the perfect family to take your pet and then finding out that it was sold to someone else shortly after - for a profit.

This concept is referred to as “dog flipping” and it’s on the rise. The way this works is dog flippers seek out animals that need to be re-homed, and that are either cheap or free so they can sell them for a profit. These immoral individuals usually target websites like Craigslist.

After dogs leave their home, they’re sometimes crammed into small apartments with up to 10 dogs until they’re sold. These are dogs! Not canned sardines!

The practice of dog flipping is very stressful on pets. Imagine how you would feel if you were in the dog’s position and you lived with a family for years and then had to go to another family, and then they sold you to another family. I’m sure you’d feel stressed, too. I know I sure would!

Keep in mind that the practice of dog flipping isn’t illegal, but it is unethical and inhumane.  If we keep pushing the fact that this is wrong and shouldn’t be permitted, hopefully someday it will be illegal. We can only hope, right? After all, no dog deserves to be passed around like a commodity.

If you ever find yourself in the difficult situation of having to find a new home for your dog, I suggest following these 5 tips to help protect yourself and your pet:

1. Don’t fall for sob stories. Many dog flippers will claim that they recently lost their pet tragically and that they’re currently looking for a new one. It’s usually obvious when dog flippers are lying because they tend to go overboard with how they lost their pet.  Pay close attention and always go with your gut instinct!
2. Charge an adoption fee. Dog flippers will usually claim that they can’t afford to pay an adoption fee, hoping they can have your pet free of charge. If someone can’t afford to pay you a low adoption fee, do you really want them to have your dog? If they can’t afford to pay you for your pet, then they can’t afford to feed it, get it vet care, etc.  Also, charging an adoption fee is a major deterrent for dog flipping.
3. Build a relationship with the potential adopting family. The more you get to know the family, the better you’ll feel about giving your dog to them. Also, you can usually tell very quickly what the family’s true intentions are - whether they plan to provide a loving and safe home for your pet or sell it for a profit.
4. Ask the potential adopter if you can visit their home to see what type of environment your dog will be living in. If they say no, don’t let them have your pet.
5. Be sure to have your dog(s) spayed or neutered if you haven’t done so already. This will help you avoid any unwanted litters that you would eventually have to find homes for.

Photo by Cerasella Veregut

Jennifer Nicole Cox is a staff writer for Dogasaur.com and proud momma of one unique “Bentley” dog.

Witnessing a dog fight can be very scary, especially when one of your dogs is at risk.

Dog fights can pretty much happen anywhere dogs go, such as parks, patio cafes, neighborhood walks, pet stores and even in your own back yard if you have multiple dogs.

If you’re unsure whether or not your dogs are fighting or if they’re just playing, here are a few common signs of fighting dogs:

- Their tails will be between their legs.
- The aggressor dog will have clamped jaws, laid back ears and bared teeth.
- The dogs’ hair may raise on their backs before they’re about to fight.
- The dogs will also have a deep growl.

Dog fights happen so quickly that we often freak out and put ourselves in harm’s way without even realizing it.

Knowing how to respond to a dog fight is really important when your dog is at risk, so below I’ve listed 5 things you should do and not do if you’re ever faced with this situation.

5 Things You Should DO If You Witness a Dog Fight:

1. Remain calm. By yelling at the dogs, you’ll most likely increase their anxiety. Simply tell the dogs to stop or say “no” in a strong, firm voice.
2. If you’re out in public and your dog is on a leash, pull on the leash to pull your pet out of harm’s way.
3. If your dogs are outside when the fight breaks out, spray them with the water hose. If you don’t have access to a water hose, a bucket of water will work. If your dogs are inside when the fight breaks out, use a squirt bottle to squirt water directly into their eyes and nose. Flooding the dogs’ eyes and nose should get them to release each other.
4. Use a broom, a big stick, a piece of plywood, or a large piece of cardboard to put in between the dogs’ mouths, where most of the damage can occur.
5. If none of the above works and you feel like it’s necessary to grab the dogs, you can do this: take hold of your dog’s back legs at the very top, just under the hips. Lift his back end so his back legs will come off the ground. Then move backwards to get your dog away from the other dog. As soon as you’re a few steps away, do a 180-degree turn so your dog will be facing the opposite direction and can no longer see the other dog.  Lastly, take your dog to safety. This method works best if you have someone to assist you.

5 Things You Should NOT DO If You Witness a Dog Fight:

1. You should never panic. Most dog fights are harmless and if the dogs can sense panic from you, they may become more aggressive towards one another. So, by not panicking, you’ll be able to separate the fighting dogs more safely and efficiently.
2. Never grab your dog by his collar if he starts fighting. Even though it’s the natural thing to do, it’s a very bad idea because your dog could whip his head around and bite you.
3. Never put your hands or body between fighting dogs because this could lead to you becoming severely injured.
4. You should never allow children to get into the middle of a dog fight because they could become seriously injured. If you have children, make sure they know not to do this.
5. Never try to break up a dog fight by hitting the dogs with a stick or kicking them. This will only raise their level of excitement and the fight will become worse.

Photo by Sudeep Mc

Jennifer Nicole Cox is a staff writer for Dogasaur.com and proud momma of one unique “Bentley” dog.

Today, most dog owners choose to bring along their pet when they travel. As a matter of fact, many dog owners won’t travel unless they’re able to do this.

Commercial airlines have taken notice and many companies now allow pets to travel on board. There are also airlines that only cater to pets, such as Pet Airways.

Keep in mind that you’ll be responsible to pay extra costs if you plan to bring your dog along with you on your flight, and these costs will vary from airline to airline. There will also be requirements and restrictions that you’ll need to be aware of before making your flight decision(s).

To make the flight less stressful for you and your dog, I suggest following these 10 easy tips:

1. Book your flight early and don’t forget to let the airline know your dog is coming along with you. If you don’t do this, the cargo area could get booked and then you’d have to either spend extra money to rearrange your flight or leave your pet behind.
2. Try to get a non-stop, direct flight. This will make traveling much easier for your pet.
3. Make sure your travel destination is pet-friendly. You should never assume that your dog will be welcomed into your hotel room. If you do, you and your pet will likely encounter an unpleasant surprise at the check-in desk. To keep this from happening, try checking out DogFriendly.com to search for pet-friendly hotels. After finding a hotel that’s perfect for you and your pet, I suggest calling the hotel to confirm that the website information is correct when it lists the accommodation as being pet-friendly.
4. Make an appointment with your pet’s veterinarian. Your pet will need to be examined by his veterinarian to prove that he’s in good health to fly. Most airlines require this documentation. Important note: Don’t make the appointment too early because most airlines require that your pet’s documentation of good health is no more than 10 days old.
5. Purchase an appropriately sized carrier for your pet to travel in. If your dog will be traveling in the main cabin area, you’ll need to purchase a soft-sided carrier. If he’ll be traveling in the cargo area, a hard-sided carrier will be needed. Whichever carrier you select, remember that it must be big enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down in comfortably. After you purchase a carrier, be sure to write your dog’s name on it and include tags with your contact information.
6. Don’t forget to pack these important items for your dog: medical records, medication your dog may need, contact information for your dog’s regular vet and an emergency contact for a vet at your travel destination, a current photo of your dog in case he gets lost at the airport or hotel, food and treats, bottled water, dishes, toys and your dog’s bed so he’ll adjust to sleeping in his new environment.
7. Make sure you allow your dog to eat, drink, poop and exercise before your flight’s departure. You should feed your pet about 4 hours prior to departure. It’s not good to feed him right before the flight because he could get sick. However, you should continue to give your dog water right up to the time of departure. Be sure to leave your pet’s food and water dishes in the carrier and attach a bag of his food to the outside. By doing this, an airline employee will be able to give your dog food and water in the event of a long delay. To help calm your dog, he needs to be exercised before the flight. You also need to make sure he takes care of his business in the designated area.
8. DO NOT GIVE YOUR DOG A SEDATIVE TO HELP CALM HIS NERVES! According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dogs should NOT be given sedatives prior to flying. Increased altitude pressures can cause sedated dogs to have cardiovascular and respiratory problems.
9. Be sure to arrive at the airport early. It’s recommended that you arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to departure if you’re traveling with a pet.
10. Remember, some pets don’t travel well. If you have a hard time traveling with your dog by car, chances are you’ll have an even harder time traveling with him by plane.  Sure, you want to include your dog on family vacations, and I don’t blame you. After all, our pets are an important part of our family! But, you have to do what’s in the best interest of your pet and sometimes that means leaving him behind.