Taking Your Dog to the Beach

Summertime at the beach with your dog and family is about one of the best outings you could ever have, but dogs do not come pre-trained to be at the beach. For instance, if you begin taking your dog with you to the beach when they are puppies, after they have been fully vaccinated, they are pre-conditioned so that as adults they make great beach companions. While it is true that breeds that are bred to be near and in the water enjoy the beach probably more than other dogs, even dogs that are not bred for water sports still enjoy the breach.

Dogs love to swim, run, romp, play, and get as dirty as they can at the beach. They love being with you and when that includes time spent at the beach, they are super happy. There are some things to keep in mind before you just show up on the beach with your dog. First, what are the rules and regulations of the beach when it comes to dogs, which is very important because some beaches do not allow dogs, therefore, if you show up with your dog, you will be asked to leave. What's more, you may be fined for bringing your dog to a beach where it is not allowed.

Are You Ready? (to Own a Dog or Pet)

Owning a dog (or any pet for that matter) is a significant responsibility. You are taking on a life for its (the animals), lifetime. To look after and care for and give it the best life you can.

Hopefully that is the intention you have, obviously we have our personal reasons; of having a companion, to add pleasure and fun to our life and as long as we are prepared to take on the responsibility previously mentioned with all that, that involves (including the unknown) then you may be ready to have a dog or pet.

Top 10 Most Intelligent Dog Breeds

There are three types of dog intelligence according to Stanley Coren, author of "The Intelligence of Dogs". Adaptive intelligence has the learning and problem solving-ability, instructive intelligence is only specific to the individual animal and Working/Obedience Intelligence is dependent on the breed. I have listed the top 10 most intelligent dog breeds in the world that are easy to train and help humans doing various works directed to them much more like giving them Merrick dog food or bil-jac dog food.

10. Australian Cattle Dog

Tenth on the list is the Australian Cattle Dog, a herding breed. This breed is courageous and a tireless worker, they are very active and needs regular exercise both mentally and physically. They are very protective of their property as well as their masters. This was developed in Australia for herding cattle. They are easy to train, groom and maintain. Provide them with nutritional foods such as that Merrick dog food or bil-jac dog food and it is on the go.

How Much Do Dog Vaccinations Cost?

Being a dog or puppy parent consists of a lot of responsibilities, and one of them is to ensure the health of your dog by taking him to the veterinarian for check ups. General check ups include vaccinations, and there are many kinds that your dog may have to receive. The basic shots include Boratella, Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis, Coronavirus and Rabies. Puppies usually receive vaccinations at two, three, and four months of age, while unvaccinated adult dogs receive two rounds of vaccinations about three weeks apart and receive their boosters every twelve months.

The cost of these vaccinations usually depends which vaccinations are given and where they are done, if it is at a veterinarian’s office or a low-priced vaccination clinic run by a local government or humane organization. Generally dog vaccination costs range from $20 to $175 in the first year, and $15 to $130 per year after that. The basic shots given out to dogs, which include Boratella, Rabies and DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus and Parainfluenza) cost about $50 to $150. Other vaccinations such as Parvovirus, Leptospirosis and Coronavirus cost somewhere between $55 and $160.

10 Tips For Traveling With Your Dog

Your dog is a member of your family and it is only natural that you would want to bring him along when you go on a vacation. More and more families are including that four legged family member each year on their vacation trips. If you are considering traveling with your dog here are 10 tips that will make that trip easier and more fun for both you and your dog.

1. Be sure to have a health check for your dog before leaving on any trip and make sure that all his vaccinations are up to date and make sure you pack the certificates and bring them with you.

2. Make sure your dog is wearing proper identification at all times. This should include either your cell phone number or the number of a relative or friend who will know how and where to reach you at all times, should your dog get lost en route.

How to Socialize Your Puppy?

Since puppy time in the most critical time in a dog's growth, they need to be properly socialized so that the dog's behavior is not left to chance.