Best online dog training course

Soul Mates?

I had heard more than once how Chows are very cat like in their demeanor and attitudes and since I have had two of them in my life I can confirm this! Given this similarity I was still unprepared for my current Chow’s love of cats. My last dog chased cats like every genetically correct pup should do, so I was amazed at my current pup and her feline fascination.

My pal Keisha was only five months old when she met her first cat. His name was Pongo and he was also five months old. We were visiting with family in Omaha Nebraska for Christmas and Keisha was determined to make friends with Pongo.
Pongo would have nothing to do with her!

They tip toed around each other for three days even coming nose to nose eventually. Then on Boxing Day we had just finished our lunch of leftovers…you know turkey sandwiches and such, when we heard a crash in the kitchen. Assuming nothing serious we were slow to react.

When we finally moseyed into the kitchen to get going on the post lunch cleanup they were caught in the act! There they were…Pongo and Keisha nose to nose eating the turkey that someone (?!?!?) had pushed off of the counter onto the floor. They had a fine feast together and even after their tag team mischief, Pongo was still reluctant to become fast friends although I think he was beginning to warm up to the idea, after all Keisha had eaten the turkey and not him!

Unfortunately we had to leave before the relationship was cemented. We have not seen Pongo since but Keisha responds most enthusiastically to his name still, over three years later.

Keisha is almost four years old now and since meeting Pongo she has tried to make friends with every cat she meets. They have all wanted absolutely nothing to do with her. And then came MOJO.

Mojo is owned by a neighbour and is an outdoor cat. He totally suits his name and struts through the “hood” as though he owns it and has complete control over all that goes down in it. He definitely has his MOJO goin on!

At first Keisha approached him cautiously, and he would bat at her with his paws, but never with claws out. Slowly but surely they came closer and closer to each other. There was the dancing around each other period that looked really funny as each would take their turn jumping forward then backward not unlike some ritual. Then came the purring and then the rolling over and belly sniffing. After that Mojo began to walk around and under Keisha strategically putting his tail in her face. She managed to maintain her aloof dignity when he does the tail in face thing. All of this has progressed to Mojo coming for walks with us, he come to visit and waits at the door for Keisha to come out to play. Keisha will put her paw on his bum to get the game of chase going and if Mojo is in the mood he will start the game by running or he will roll onto his back and swat at Keisha with all four paws. Mojo is the alpha in the relationship in spite of his 10 lbs to Keisha’s 60!

It is the most wonderful thing to observe and the neighborhood is mesmerized by these two fast friends.

To see them together one wonders why some cats and dogs get along and others want to destroy each other. Is it perhaps a past life spent together? Early influences like Pongo? Maybe Keisha was a cat in her last life and thus the affinity for cats and cat like behaviour? Or are they just all very different souls with very different personalities and perspectives? Who knows for sure? All I know is that my heart always warms when I see them together and am awed by this amazing friendship that truly looks like soul mates in action.

My best friend is incredible! She’s one of those rare types who hangs on every word you say. She’s content to be quiet when I need stillness, even though she’s one of those high-drive types. All I have to do is call and she’s there in an instant, no matter what she was doing before. She puts me ahead of all her other friends, never fails to make me feel special, and is a redhead just like me. But she’s not a person, even though she’s sure she is. She is a butterfly dog; a Papillon. 

When I brought this eight-week-old bundle of joy home, I didn’t know what to call her. I’m not very good at naming anything, so I usually just observe for a couple of weeks and let the animal name itself by its personality. This puppy’s name became evident in nothing flat: Tazzie. She whirled around the house, jumping up on furniture five times her size, zooming and zipping and totally charming me. She was, indeed, a Tasmanian devil pup. I quickly realized the athleticism of this dog and knew I’d have to find her a “job” when she got a little older. High-drive dogs, that don’t have “jobs,” will certainly find other outlets for their energy and those outlets aren’t usually things you would enjoy! 

You already have a burning love for your puppy, but what is your relationship like? Does it come when you call it? Does it sit or lay or stay? From your first class, at your dog training school, your relationship with your dog begins to change. I will warn you, however, that anything you want to teach your dog won’t come just with a once-a-week class, even if you have the best dog training school in the world. You have to practice with them, just a little bit, every day. 

Tazzie was a very food-motivated dog, so the fact that she got food every time she did something right made training a blast for her, all by itself. And this happened every day! Bonus! She made fast friends at her new dog training school, so going to class was fun as well. She got to where she would whine, as soon as we pulled in the parking lot, until I finally got her out of that car.

So now you’re taking your dog to classes in a place they love, and you’re working with them every day. During that time, you’re paying complete attention to them, teaching them to pay complete attention to you, and they get their favorite food as icing on the cake. This does incredible things for the bond between you and your dog. They learn to focus on you, no matter what, and good things will come. They get praised and fed, or praised and allowed to tug on a toy, whichever motivates the dog more, so your relationship can’t help but blossom. 

Ever since Tazzie and I started training together, she has claimed me as her own. When my other two dogs want to sit on my lap, she’ll push them out of the way to get the best spot because, I am her property, as far as she’s concerned. I do give the other dogs personal time as well, but I have to put her in a sit/stay or a down/stay so she’ll let them come get love. 

She is, by far, the one I can trust the most, not only because of her training, but from the bond we gained through the training. She never takes her eyes off of me, since we began at our dog training school, and it serves us well in the agility ring! 

If you want to forever alter and solidify the bond you share with your dog, find yourself a good dog training school, for whatever discipline you prefer, and go for it. With a little time, money, and patience, your relationship will become a forever relationship. If you do, your dog will turn out to be your best friend too!

A dog is a man’s best friend. Yes! The affable chap is your best companion. If you own a dog, you definitely love to shower him with affection. Anything you do for your dog, even a little attention, brings him happiness. And you love him like a baby. Don’t you?

You probably spend a lot of money on quality dog food, biscuits and vet bills. But does your dog possess a sufficient variety of clothing? Why it roams stark naked at times. It’s time you get some really cool dog clothes for your favorite friend this season. The clothes your dog wears reflect your personal style statement.

Are you aware of the fact that clothing for dogs is readily available in the market? The range varies from dog coats to dog hats, dog formal wear, dog collars and much more.

One of the essential items of dog clothing includes dog coats. Dog coats are used to protect your dog and enhance its living quality. Dog coats provide essential warmth for your dog during cold weather. Dog coats also protect the vital organs of dog such as his heart and lungs from getting affected by the cold weather. Dog coats, besides keeping your dog warm, keep your dog clean and dry. It can even protect your dog from skin disorders and allergies.

Dog coats are available in different designs and styles. They are available as denim coats, hooded coats, rough style coats and in many more patterns.

Dog T-Shirts are meant for well-dressed dogs. When your dog wears a pretty T-shirt he looks special and nice. Dog T-shirts too are essential for your dog A good quality T-shirt can help prevent harmful sunrays affecting your dog. Dog T- shirts also help in keeping your dog warm when it gets cool during at night. T-shirts are available as cotton T-shirts, velour T-shirts and in many more fabrics.

Dogs can develop skin cancer! If your dog is out and about in the sunshine a lot there is the risk of him developing skin cancer. Skin cancer is known to affect a majority of dogs more than any other type of cancer. So it becomes quintessential for you to protect your dog against skin cancer. Provide your dog with a dog sun suit. Dog sun suits are made using UV resistant fabric. This fabric greatly reduces the chance of skin cancer in your dog. Now you can leave your dog in the sunshine or play with him for hours in the sun without the worry.

Pet-jamas and playsuits for your dog are also readily available. These are beneficial if you like to play with your pet inside the house. These pet-jamas and playsuits act as essential and natural dog coats. It even keeps your house furniture and bed clean from unwanted doggy hair.

If it is raining outside, and you want to take your dog along for a walk, what would you do? You have a raincoat for yourself. What would your dog wear? Do not worry at all! A variety of dog raincoats are available. Dog raincoats are especially made from polyester backed vinyl and are available in all sizes. They even have a hole for the lead too. Now you can take your dog out, without getting him wet in the rain, making him the envy of other dogs.

Dog hats are another classy clothing item for your lovely dog. These hats come in various shapes, sizes and fabrics. Dog hats help to shade the eyes of your dear pet. Hats also provide your dog with great sun protection. Slip a hat onto your dog, ensuring it is well protected and looks smart and cool too.

Doing a little shopping for your dog can improve his living style and protect him from many diseases and dangers. Go on, be indulgent and buy something for your four-legged friend today.

Whatever your dog preference is, you are sure to find terrier dogs among the candidates for a pal. You’ll get energy you want with little grooming and added wit.

Basically bred for hunting and killing vermin, Terrier dogs are now known to offer wide spectrum of features and characters that you might find lovable. They are not as cuddly as toy dogs (while there are some terrier dogs in the toy and companion dog brackets) and they may not be as intelligent like other breeds but they set off these lacks with various things that only they can offer.

Let us discuss in brief some of the terrier dog types that you may find interesting:

Less aggressive but definitely not timid. This best describes Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers. They are definitely alert and very spirited, but when the call for steadiness arrives, they are sure to show you some air of confidence and steady disposition.

This dog type too is gifted with intelligence which makes them very responsive with obedience training.

Parson Russell Terrier is a dog type that exhibits boldness, cleverness, affection and exuberant disposition. While many may find this a playful pal, it is still not advisable for everyone to take Parson Russell home. In fact, formal obedience training is a must for owners since this dog type is more likely to display mischievousness and too much playfulness that make this a very independent pet. For people with active lifestyles and those who can tolerate explorative disposition, this scamp is the best for you.

The Norwich Terrier, on the other hand, is a type of dog that resulted from breeding small Terriers with other smaller breeds, possibly Yorkshire Terriers. Maintenance of Norwich Terrier is minimal and they are content with modest living quarters. They have active disposition though and can be affectionate and fearless. Additionally, they are also known to display stocky and happy personalities which make them ideal pals.

Much like the Norwich Terriers, Norfolk Terriers are also well-spirited, fearless, charming and always ready for game. While both may have some similar physical characteristics, Norfolks can still be distinguished through their folds in the ears.

Basically workman-like dogs, Kerry Blue Terriers are excellent watchdogs and work well in farm settings. This dog got its name from its blue-shade coat color which was originally black during puppyhood.

Wire Fox Terriers are of great interest since they display power through its excellent endurance capabilities and speed. Alertness and quick movements are the dominant expressions of this dog type. It is advisable though that the owner trains this dog and should be given enough doses of daily exercises.

Meanwhile, Smooth Fox Terriers are the frolic and lively types of dogs that are ideal in both country and city living. Displaying intelligence and cleverness, this dog makes good trainees and must be well credited by that. They are also likely to show great affection towards their owners.

These are just some of the many terrier dog types that can be considered as your next pets. In general, this dog type has good dispositions and makes ideal home pets. While some may display obscure aggressiveness, this still does not negate the fact that most types have the capacity to develop affection and keen expression of their attachment to their owners. Be warned though that some dog types in this breed can be very playful and should be given enough amount of attention and time during obedience training and exercises.

The Cairn is assumed as one of the subcategories of Scotland’s terriers along with the Westies (West Highland White) and the Scottish, The Westies and the Cairns are highly related. For one, Westies are hybrids of white dogs crossed with Cairns of western Scotland. The Westie can be considered as the white variety of the Cairn who has a coat of any color but white. Scotties, however, have longer heads and bodies, have generally dark coats and are aloof than the other two. These dogs originated from the short-haired Skyes.

Cairn is the smallest breed among the terrier group. The name Cairn was coined after the small stone piles that marked borders of Scottish farms and graves. During the early times, this breed was used to guide small animals into these piles of stones. However, cairns are strong and sturdy but are not heavy.

This dog was already present during the 1500s even before it became popular in 1930, after the appearance of “Toto” in “The Wizard of Oz” as Dorothy’s companion dog. Presently, like the American pit bull terriers, Cairns are used as companion dogs. Among the variety’s talents are tracking, watching over the house, hunting, and performing tricks and sports regarding competitive obedience.

The following are some of the basic facts breeders would really love to know about Cairns:

Category: Terrier

Living Environment: indoors (highly recommended); outdoors (fenced yard)

Coat: shaggy and coarse outer coat and short and soft furry undercoat

Colors: any color except white

Height: between 9.5 and 10 inches

Weight: between 13 and 14 pounds

Temperament: like most terriers that were bred as hunters, these dogs are mischievous, alert, restless and high-spirited; also have a special connection with children age six and above

Breeders should note of the following health issues:

• Atopy, a type of allergy
• Cataract, or loss of transparency of one or both lenses of the eyes
• Cryptorchidism, wherein testicles do not descend into the scrotum
• Glaucoma, a condition that causes an increase pressure within the eye
• Patellar luxation, a disorder in the kneecap

Care and Exercise:

• Daily brushing is recommended to prevent tangles and mats.
• Hair around ears and eyes must be trimmed regularly.
• Do not over feed them as they gain weight easily.
• Their physique requires a regular exercise routine which includes a daily play time while on leash.
• They should be on leash while walking in public places because of their hunting instincts.

Origin/History:

As already noted, the Cairns were existent since around the 1500s. At around 1700s, the Isle of Skye and other highlands in Scotland were already producing lots of small terriers. Scottish breeds were separated into two: the Skye terriers and the Dandie Dinmont terriers.

The Dandie Dinmonts were categorized as a separate breed. The Skyes included the Scotties, the Westies, and the Cairns.

In the year 1912, the Cairns receive their official name based on their excellent ability to hunt down vermin such as otters, foxes, and badgers that were hiding in cairns. However, it was in the year 1913 when they received the official recognition from the American Kennel Club.

The Cairn terrier is one heck of an agile little dog that is very appropriate for the whole family. This breed is playful, prying, and is always ready to join the fun. If you are still not convinced, just reckon how Dorothy was entertained and accompanied by this type of dog.

It was recently reported that over 700,000 pets in the United States have had birthday parties thrown for them by their owners. This “pet party” trend has also taken off in other nations such as China, Japan and England. If you were thinking of throwing a party for your pet (specifically your dog), here is a list of party safety guidelines to ensure that all of the party animals in attendance have a fun and safe time. This list is by no means fully comprehensive, but it gives you a good starting point for your pet party safety. You should always use your best judgment to determine if something is appropriate for your pet, and the other pets in attendance at the party. Without further adieu, here are the dog party safety tips:

– All dogs attending the party should have at least one person who the dog feels comfortable around present at the party. If a guardian for the dog is not able to attend your party, the dog should not attend either. Unless you feel comfortable enough with watching the dog yourself, you do not one to be held liable if something happens to the dog.

– In case any of the dogs’ guardians do not bring waste bags for their dogs, make sure to have plenty on hand. This is especially true if the party is at a dog park or other public facility. Be sure to leave the location in the same condition that it was in prior to the party.

– To avoid any potential scuffles between the party animals, only invite dogs that your dog already knows and feels comfortable with. If your best friend’s dog is sweet, but just doesn’t get along with your dog for some reason, it may be best to leave them off of the guest list. If you want to invite a dog who your dog has never met, set up a meeting between your dog and the other dog so that they can become acquainted before the party. Definitely leave canine bullies off of the guest list.

– If you plan to have an outdoor party at a dog park or in your backyard, make sure that you have a contingency plan in the event of bad weather.

– In regards to the length of the party, you can plan the party for as long as you see fit, just keep in mind that dogs can become restless very easy. If you notice that many of the guests are getting cranky, don’t be afraid to end the party early.

– Wherever you choose to have the party, make sure that it is safely enclosed and that there are no “cracks” that any of the party guests may be able to slip through. This is especially true for the smaller guests at the party. If your Rottweiler has started digging a whole under your fence in the backyard, make sure that the hole isn’t big enough for your friend’s Shih Tzu to crawl through. If you think that the whole may become problematic, fill the whole before you host your party.

– At treat time, make sure that every puppy has his or her own treat. Also, allow each dog’s guardian to give the treat to their respective dog.

– If you invite dogs that have not yet been spayed or neutered, make sure that you alert the parents of the other dogs at the party. Also, if you think that it is necessary, make sure that the parents of these dogs keep an especially close eye on their pet.

– Make sure to only provide treats that are deemed safe for dogs. If you are unsure about the dog toxicity of any of the treats that you want to give out at your party, consult your veterinarian. Also, it is a good idea to talk with the owners of the dog party guests beforehand to check if their dog is allergic to a particular food or ingredient.

I’m a dog lover who believes that every dog owners should train their dogs if they truly love and care for them. Because I believe that dog training gives dogs a happier and healthier life. Not to mention, it also gives their owner a trouble-free life long companion.

Well, maybe you do know that dog training is important, but what resources are available to help train your dog?

“Online and it’s free!” This thought should come to most dog owners instantaneously…

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Article Body:
I’m a dog lover who believes that every dog owners should train their dogs if they truly love and care for them. Because I believe that dog training gives dogs a happier and healthier life. Not to mention, it also gives their owner a trouble-free life long companion.

Well, maybe you do know that dog training is important, but what resources are available to help train your dog?

“Online and it’s free!” This thought should come to most dog owners instantaneously.

Yeah, you’re not wrong! That statement is definitely right to a certain extent. Allow me to explain further:

1. Yes. I agree that there are valuable free information online. But do you have the time to scan through hundreds of thousands of web site out there to find one valuable or useful dog training tip?

And since you are looking for dog training advice yourself, are you the one to judge if this dog training tip is useful or even helpful??

2. Yes. Most resources are free on the internet, but are these resources reliable? Or trustworthy?

Ask yourself: Are you learning from experts who knows everything about dog training or from novice dog owners who publish their dog training experience online? Or maybe you simply have not idea who you are learning from.

3. No doubt there are “good” dog trainers who offer valuable and good dog training materials online. But are they revealing everything they know?

Again ask yourself: If they are “real” dog trainers who offer their dog training services to dog owners. Are these people willing to reveal everything that they know online free and put their business at risk?

Certainly not for me or any sane person! Can you imagine KFC or Cheesecake Factory putting their recipes online?

I have no doubts or whatsoever that you can find quality dog training sites online, but you do need a considerable amount of time to find them and test them over time.

For example, how would you know if an online recipe is good? You try cooking with the recipe right? Well, you use the recipe and the food turns out to be rubbish! You figure that the recipe is lousy and went on to look for another one.

This process can go on and on. Unless you know that you have a good recipe on hand, you won’t figure out that it’s actually your cooking technique that sucks! The same thing applies to online dog training tips.

If you want to spend more quality time with your dog rather than searching for “useful” dog training resources online, the solution is actually simple: Buy a good dog training book.

Do what you have been doing all along. Learn from someone whom everybody learns from – just like going to school and learning from your teachers. In this instance, you just buy a proven dog training book that has been used by thousands of other dog owners.

It’s not difficult to make a wise decision. I hope you know what it is after reading this article.

Over 50% of the population allows their dog to stay indoors and sleep on the couch or in their owner’s bed. For those of you who are interested in building a dog house for you beloved pet here are some simple rules to follow when considering what type of shelter you want to provide.

1. You should begin your dog house building process by making sure the house is big enough to accommodate your animal’s potential adult size. Humans enjoy having about 2 feet of air above us in…

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Over 50% of the population allows their dog to stay indoors and sleep on the couch or in their owner’s bed. For those of you who are interested in building a dog house for you beloved pet here are some simple rules to follow when considering what type of shelter you want to provide.

1. You should begin your dog house building process by making sure the house is big enough to accommodate your animal’s potential adult size. Humans enjoy having about 2 feet of air above us in a room in order to live without feeling claustrophobic. Your dog will probably also enjoy having that much room. The comfort zone for both humans and dogs is about 1/3 of their standing height. To figure out how much room the dog will need get out a tape measure and measure your dog. Measure him standing straight up, sitting on his haunches and above all measure the full dimension of the dog when he is the most comfortable, relaxed and stretched out position he can get into. Your dog should be able to look out the front entrance while both standing up and sitting. So the dog will not have to significantly lover his front shoulders or scrape his belly make sure that entrance is high enough. Stand over the dog and measure the width of the widest point of the animal’s shoulders.

2. Remember to raise the dog house several inches from the ground to allow air and water to flow underneath. To dissuade pests from invading the dog house and taking your dogs health into consideration remember how important ventilation is. Put in a few nickel-sized holes in the walls under the eaves. Install a wind block inside the house so the dog can use the heat of its own body to warm up the area if it is really cold or windy outside. Consider adding a partial wall which will allow your dog to escape the bad weather. Your animal can choose to just sleep in the entry room or go around the inner archway maze wall into the inner sanctum. Your beloved pet would probably love having a pillow or some sort of bedding to sleep on.

3. To avoid rain coming into the dog house make the floor just a bit slanted toward the doorway and build the roof a little bit slanted, as well. Make sure the house is well insulated but you should not paint the inside.

4. In the United States most storms come from the south and west so make sure the dog house faces a different direction. Most dog house plans suggest that the dog house door faces east. The cold air will not be able to whip through the entryway then.

5. It is suggested that you put hinges on the roof of the dog house. This makes it easier for you to clean out your dog’s home. You should clean the dog’s house as often as you give your dog a bath.

If your dog lives outside then he deserves to have a comfortable place to sleep and get out of harsh weather. Hopefully these easy tips on building a dog house will help you get started.

People might be wondering why there is such a name as “bull dog”.

Originally, Great Britain and later, America were obsessed with bloody fights between bulls and dogs. The main function of the canine is to hang on to the bull’s neck and worry the poor animal until it dies. Obviously, these dogs had developed great strength in their jaws.

Among the popular choices of dogs for this sport were the pit bulls. Back then, the selection of pit bulls was so varied that many showed a variety of characteristics that made the sport highly interesting. Later in the life of the sport though, the center of attraction switched towards the fight between pit bulls and not against the bulls themselves.

From these canines rooted most of the bull dog terriers that we know of today.

One of the significant bull dog terriers we have is the American Staffordshire Terrier who is of great interest since it possesses intriguing seemingly opposing characters.

They project strength and physically power but they are not vicious. In fact, this dog is very much associated with its relationship to its family, especially among children. The physical features it has are now only due to their basic nature and orientation during their bloody fights as fighting machines. But this does not negate the fact that they can sometimes show aggressiveness which may somehow work against them. Nevertheless, this can be set off with their loving nature and devotion to human family. Thus, it has a stable temperament which make them good pets and excellent watchdogs.

AmStaff terrier, as it is called by its shorter name suffers in reputation though since it is commonly associated with pit bulls. These dogs are known for their love for challnge and are therefore employed in illegal dog fighting.

Most of the problems root from irresponsible training. Sadly, there are too few AmStaff that are properly trained. And what’s even depressing is that there are innumerable pit bulls that are continually ill-treated by sadistic owners.

We are often confused of what true pit bulls are. In fact, many contend that these dogs must not be called by that name since it elicits unwanted images of gory dog fights. While this breed is not yet officially recognized by the American Dog Breeders Association or the United Kennel Club, the legitimate name remains to be American Pit Bull Terrier.

While it is true that American Pit Bull Terrier is violent in nature, this doesn’t imply that they are made purely for brutal stuffs. As we have earlier said, these dogs are only products of maltreatment and exploitive training (and inhumane) for self serving purposes. Otherwise, American Pit Bull Terriers can be very people loving.

These are also known for their being hardworking on which they excel from. They are also fond of excessive physical activities that would exhaust their power reserves. Thus, this breed is great for those who need company during athletic training. If you are the couch potato personality, please find another breed of dog that would suit your lifestyle.

To clear things off, American Pit Bull Terrier are not officially recognized not because of its ill reputation but mainly due to beliefs that it is not a purebred. One major standard for a dog to be distinguished as member of Kennel Clubs is that it should be purebred. Until more comprehensive findings on its origin are found, this dog will remain unfortunately tagged as “nasty”.

Becoming the first major improvement in dog training since choke chains and spiked collars, click and treat has quickly revolutionized itself in becoming a big hit on the training circuit. Currently, there are over 10,000 trainers who are using this method regularly.

Used in the beginning to train marine mammals, click and treat breaks down the process into two separate steps, information and motivation. While other trainers still emphasize on these two steps, they try to teach them all at once, which can confuse the animal and prolong results.

Most trainers will verbally praise a dog for good behavior, while at the same time motivating the dog to repeat his actions. This can be a good method, however it takes longer for the dog to understand which behaviors and actions caused the praise from the trainer. With the click and treat method, the processes are easily taught. In normal training, a person would say “good boy” when a welcomed action occurs and proceed with giving a treat. The clicker becomes a substitute for verbal praise and can actually catch the “good boy” behavior quicker than saying it, letting the dog know exactly which behavior he is being rewarded for.

First things first, in order to try click and treat, the trainer must invest in a clicker, which can be found at most pet supply stores. The training itself is quick and rather easy for the dog and his trainer.

Another way to look at click and treat training is viewing it as a secondary reinforcement, while food, water, physical affection and play (things the dog wants) become primary reinforcement. When you take a dog for a walk, the leash works as a secondary reinforcement. It is obvious to the dog that the leash is not taking him for a walk; the owner is, however, it triggers a reaction in the dog, telling him that the leash will let him know where he will go and where he will not. And if he reacts to the leash with good behavior, his reward will be a nice leisurely walk. Click and treat works the same way. When a dog hears the clicker, he will know that he performed a good behavior and as long as he keeps hearing a click, there are rewards coming to him. So, the clicker works as a secondary reinforcement, teaching him boundaries and appropriate behavior.

A couple advantages of the click and treat method include, 1) faster response than verbal praise. The clicker can identify the exact behavior at the time it happens, 2) it takes the place of treats. While motivating the dog to hear clicks, it will also teach him to work without the expectations of having treats given to him each time he does something good, and 3) if the trainer is working at a distance from the dog, the clicker will still work, without having to be right next him.

A good method to use when getting started with click and treat is to stand in front of the animal. Click the clicker and give a treat. Continue doing this for 20-30 minutes, or until the dog becomes startled by the sound of the click. This will familiarize him to the clicking sound, while teaching him that every time he hears it, he has done something good. After he gets the hang of it, begin by adding commands, such as “sit” and “stay.”

Click and treat has proven to be a simple, yet consistent training method with quick results. So for the trainers out there who are looking for a new and innovative way to motivate and praise their animals, get out there, buy a clicker and…..click!

We basically want to find companions who would give us most of the benefits we think we need. Well, if you are looking for a dog that is somewhat a one-in-package pal, you might find Jack Russell Terriers interesting enough.

This dog has a history that is somehow loomed to give rise to the specie.

It was said that the breeder of this dog, a young Theologian student of Oxford University named John Russell once met a milkman with a white terrier that has spots on his eyes and ears. This dog became his interest which later proved to be his foundation for breeding a new dog breed that many has learned to love as pets. The dog he first saw was named “Trump” from which another 60 types of terriers were later bred from.

With a terrier’s basic nature to go on and over the ground (terrier by the way came from the Latin term “terra” which means earth), Jack Russell terriers also have the disposition to hunt and scour for hunting. Thus, they should be given enough grooming so as to set off the dirt they gather from digging soil to either bury a treasure or to recover a hidden treasure kept long ago.

An excellent ratter, Jack Russell Terriers proves to be good “housekeepers” since they keep most rats away from home. Any unlucky rat that happens to be inside the quarters of this terrier is sure to meet its instant doom. Thus, owners find themselves with both a dog and cat in one pal.

One basic character of this dog is its disposition towards strangers. They can easily figure out who must be kept away from their homes and who can be accepted inside the house. This very attitude also makes them good watchdogs. They were designed specifically to be aggressive on preys. And while they can be very vocal, many of them only barks when they find good reason to.

They do not appear vicious though. But once they smell threat, they can show off aggressiveness that could serve as warning towards the strangers. However, once the stranger is let into the house by the owner, a Jack Russell can already tolerate his or her presence.

This terrier is also a family dog and desires for human companionship. And their love for children is significantly interesting. However, once they are abused or had been shown improper treatments, may it be intentional or accidental, they can react through aggressive behaviors. Their aggressiveness is further manifested with their lack of fear towards larger dogs which can unfortunately lead to injuries, some can even be fatal.

They are also marked for their intelligence and good spirit. These characteristics can be highly observable through their curiosity in things. Thus, they require supplementation on formal training unless you can tolerate difficult behaviors. The good thing though with Jack Russell is that it can acknowledge training and do well in most of them. In fact, they are known to champion various ring shows and other similar competitions.

The Hollywood has recognized the disposition of these dogs too. Coupled with feisty and good physical characteristics, this pal has already made names in the screens. If Wishbone, Milo (from The Mask) and Eddie (from the Frasier) ring the bell on you then there is no doubt that you can recognize this dog.

Jack Russell fair well with grooming. A dog of relatively small size, this breed will not tax you with grooming needs.

We basically want to find companions who would give us most of the benefits we think we need. Well, if you are looking for a dog that is somewhat a one-in-package pal, you might find Jack Russell Terriers interesting enough.

This dog has a history that is somehow loomed to give rise to the specie.

It was said that the breeder of this dog, a young Theologian student of Oxford University named John Russell once met a milkman with a white terrier that has spots on his eyes and ears. This dog became his interest which later proved to be his foundation for breeding a new dog breed that many has learned to love as pets. The dog he first saw was named “Trump” from which another 60 types of terriers were later bred from.

With a terrier’s basic nature to go on and over the ground (terrier by the way came from the Latin term “terra” which means earth), Jack Russell terriers also have the disposition to hunt and scour for hunting. Thus, they should be given enough grooming so as to set off the dirt they gather from digging soil to either bury a treasure or to recover a hidden treasure kept long ago.

An excellent ratter, Jack Russell Terriers proves to be good “housekeepers” since they keep most rats away from home. Any unlucky rat that happens to be inside the quarters of this terrier is sure to meet its instant doom. Thus, owners find themselves with both a dog and cat in one pal.

One basic character of this dog is its disposition towards strangers. They can easily figure out who must be kept away from their homes and who can be accepted inside the house. This very attitude also makes them good watchdogs. They were designed specifically to be aggressive on preys. And while they can be very vocal, many of them only barks when they find good reason to.

They do not appear vicious though. But once they smell threat, they can show off aggressiveness that could serve as warning towards the strangers. However, once the stranger is let into the house by the owner, a Jack Russell can already tolerate his or her presence.

This terrier is also a family dog and desires for human companionship. And their love for children is significantly interesting. However, once they are abused or had been shown improper treatments, may it be intentional or accidental, they can react through aggressive behaviors. Their aggressiveness is further manifested with their lack of fear towards larger dogs which can unfortunately lead to injuries, some can even be fatal.

They are also marked for their intelligence and good spirit. These characteristics can be highly observable through their curiosity in things. Thus, they require supplementation on formal training unless you can tolerate difficult behaviors. The good thing though with Jack Russell is that it can acknowledge training and do well in most of them. In fact, they are known to champion various ring shows and other similar competitions.

The Hollywood has recognized the disposition of these dogs too. Coupled with feisty and good physical characteristics, this pal has already made names in the screens. If Wishbone, Milo (from The Mask) and Eddie (from the Frasier) ring the bell on you then there is no doubt that you can recognize this dog.

Jack Russell fair well with grooming. A dog of relatively small size, this breed will not tax you with grooming needs.

Is your dog timid around people or other dogs? Is your dog sensitive to sounds? Agility training can provide the environment and structure to build confidence in your dog. Agility classes are a great place for people to learn about the sport and learn how to train, but the timid dog may take a long time before he is ready to venture from under your chair or off your lap.

A timid or shy dog can only learn inside their comfort zone. So, training must begin where they feel safe and behaviors must be taught in very small increments. Home will probably be the best place to train and have learning take place for your dog.

So, how do you train at home? You will need guidelines and equipment. There is a multitude of websites that can give you information on agility training. There are also books and videos that will give details and visual aids and lesson plans for beginners thru expert levels.

There is a variety of equipment that is useful and helpful to have at home. Equipment recommendations are based on your available space and location of training. Do you have a large yard that will hold 10 obstacles? Do you have a small yard where you will need setup equipment and then tear down before you can setup again? Will you be training in your garage or basement, or as some agility addicts, in your living room.

For the timid dogs make sure your equipment is safe and sturdy. The pause table is a good place to begin your agility training. A 12” high pause table, with adjustable legs for later use, is a good starting place for all size dogs. Remember with your shy dog, setup your table in an area that is very familiar to your dog. If your dog barks at anything new, just leave your pause table in your house or yard for several days, let your dog inspect and smell it on his own or with a little coaxing, but don’t push to fast, remember baby steps with the insecure dog. With treats in a dish or his favorite toy placed on the table encourage your dog to get up on the table. This may take more than one lesson, be patient. If your timid dog looses interest in food or toys when you attempt something new, trying holding him and you sit on the table. If your dog is too big to hold, have him on leash and you sit on the table. If he backs away coax him, only treat or reward him when he comes to you, never when he’s pulling back away from you or the table.

Eventually, you want your dog to be able to jump on the table with your cue word, “Table”, “Box”, “Kennel”, whatever word you use, Stay on the table as you back away and then Come when you call. Build your distance slowly so that your dog is not pushed to soon.

From Pause Table to Contact Trainer is a nice transition for shy dog. A Contact Trainer comes in different designs. We recommend a 3-Piece Contact Trainer that has one mini A-frame side, a Pause Table, and then a mini Dog-walk side. Your dog can Sit on the table and then be coaxed down the A-frame side or the Dog-walk side. Just remember with the shy dog, training is done in increments, slowly and comfortably, with a little push to stretch him, but not enough to overwhelm him to cause a shutdown.

You can follow the above techniques introducing new obstacles as your dog is able to succeed. As your dog succeeds on each new piece of equipment you will see his confidence grow.

Leaves are falling and paws are crunching in the parks….

What a beautiful time of the year to get out with your canine companion and enjoy the crisp, cool air, frolic in the falling leaves and take in the visual splendor of nature. A walk in the woods can be an exhilarating experience for you and your dog, especially if you’ll take a moment for some basic dog care preparations. Minimize surprises and emergencies by following these simple steps.

I don’t know about you, but I will drive hours to find a place where the dogs can run free in nature. We all love it and often spend the whole day in the mountains together. I’ve developed a list of easy dog care to-do’s to ensure we have a great time and arrive and leave together safely.

I recommend the following items for your outdoor adventures:

1. Orange vests for you and your dog
This may sound like overkill, but I recently had an experience with my dogs that scared me. I was out in the woods with my dogs when I heard shots fired not far from me. I couldn’t see my dogs and terror ran through me. Immediately I realized we were not prepared for the hunters. Bright colored vests would have helped the hunters know we were not deer, and please don’t shoot us. Every year you hear the stories of accidental shootings. Don’t be the next casualty — don your orange vests!

2. Current dog tags on collars
Keeping a collar and current dog tags on your dog helps others get him home if you get separated. One thing I have recently done is change the dog tags to read “I must be lost. Please call Mom. (xxx) xxx-xxxx”. This gives all the pertinent information, yet doesn’t provide information for an easy abduction. I don’t want someone to know my babies’ names, which might lead the dogs to believe the stranger is a friend.

3. Foot and body check during and after the outing
I check my dogs’ paws and body frequently to remove the debris from the fall season — gum balls, seeds, burrs, rocks, thorns, pine needles, and leaves can add up to irritation or lameness.

4. Fresh water and a bowl
If I can help it, I don’t let my dogs drink standing water. I carry fresh water instead. I have had to deal with stomach problems in the past from bacteria in standing water. Carrying your own water is a small thing, but doing it can prevent lots of pain and suffering, a vet bill, and a 10-day supply of antibiotics.

5. Towels
I love towels, lots and lots of towels. To me, dropping dirty towels in the washer is much easier and less smelly than detailing a car or working to get that horrible wet, dirty dog smell out of fabric and carpet in my truck.

6. Whistle — long range
Lastly, I whistle-trained my dogs. If we do separate, a blow on the whistle has them running to me. Chances are, they don’t like not being able to see me and will be happy to have me back in their sights. I highly recommend the ACME whistle that sounds from 2-5 miles. Get it on a lanyard and carry it with you.

These 6 simple steps can make your outdoor trip so much more enjoyable, for you and your dogs. And paying attention to the basics in dog care shows your dog just how much you love her.

Happy hiking!

Like all pet animals, dogs too are prone to lots of diseases. To keep the dogs free from the diseases, they should be understood first and accordingly treated well with the assistance of the veterinarian. Some of the common dog diseases are discussed below:

Rabies: Rabies is a very common dog disease caused by a virus affecting the central nervous system of the dog. Rabies is known to be spread through saliva. There are several stages observed in the dogs. In the first stage the dogs are seen with a behavior change, in the second stage the dogs become very violent and in the third stage body parts of the dogs stop coordinating with each other. There is no cure till now for this deadly disease.

Bloat: This is a serious condition of the dog. The stomach of the dog gets twisted, which is due to over eating. The symptoms of bloat are restlessness and depression combined with dry heaves.

Distemper: It is considered to be the worst dog disease worldwide. This leads to fatal condition of the puppies up to 80 percent and adult dogs up to 50 percent. The common symptoms of this disease are congestion in the chest, coughing, diarrhea, gunky eyes, nasal discharge etc. At later stages it affects the nervous system of the dogs leading to paralysis. It is a highly contagious dog disease. It can be transmitted from the feces of the infected dog. This dog disease too does not have any cure.

Parvovirus: It is a very contagious disease affecting the intestinal tract of the dogs. It is also said to affect the heart of the dogs. The symptoms of this disease are severe diarrhea, depression, decrease of appetite. The feacel matter of the dog is found to be in a different color with blood stains. The symptoms appear within hours of the infestation and can even kill the dog within 2 to 3 days of infection. Hence, it is considered as a deadly disease.

Kennel Cough: It is very common among dogs. It is a kind of respiratory disease. This can be easily treated.

Canine Viral Hepatitis. This disease affects the liver, kidney and the blood vessels of the dogs. The common symptoms are profuse thirst, vomiting, hemorrhages, loss of appetite etc. This virus too spreads through the faeces of the dogs.

Leptospirosis: This disease is caused by bacteria and, even human beings get affected by the bacteria. There are several species of bacteria found to produce the disease in dogs. The common symptoms include lethargy, fever, kidney inflammation, clotting of blood and conjunctivitis. In more chronic conditions it can produce pneumonia, intestinal inflammation and jaundice.

Heartworm: Heartworms are a kind of parasites which multiply and grow, causing infection in the chambers of the heart and arteries of the lungs. The symptoms may start with mild cough, fatigue and lethargy. If it is not treated properly it can lead to congestive heart failure.

Retinal Dysplasia: Abnormal development of the retina is the disorder. This is very common in most of the dog breeds. The minor forms lead to vision problems and the acute forms leads to total blindness in dogs. Cataract can also accompany with this disorder.

Is barking a form of language among dogs with precise significance, or just playful noise? Dogs exchange information among themselves less by voice than by a wide range of facial expressions, body postures and gestures, as well as by various scents. Dogs, who bark at night, are probably working off excess energy or announcing their presence, and this is undoubtedly the only message conveyed to other dogs within ear shot.

When a dog goes to his owner and deliberately barks, it is simply meant to attract attention. You must try to guess his general behavior, rather than from the circumstances and his general behavior, rather than from the particular form or pitch of bark he makes. The howling or baying of hunting dogs is an instinctive hunting cry informing the pack that the dog is on a trail. Barking at strange noises is a warning as well as a threat display.

A lonely dog who bowls may be sending out a gathering cry to other dogs nearby. Wild dogs on the other hand, never back, they only howl. Could the barking of domesticated dogs be a form of communication more closely resembling speech? A pet dog that shares a close relationship with his owner and has been taught to understand many words obviously makes an effort, sometimes quite successfully, to give meaning to his own utterances.

A dog who wishes to assert his importance and boldness instinctively employs all of the effects that make him look bigger and more frightening, raising his back ton increase his height and holding his head high in defiance. A dog who wants to show submission does just the opposite, making himself look small by crouching down with his tail between his legs and his ears laid back flat.

A dog who wishes to assert his dominance will take a perpendicular position with his head over the other dog’s shoulders, while nudging or pushing, with his neck arched, head and tail raised and tense. The conventional play invitation is a posture with the forehead crouched, the hind quarters high, a wagging tail, bright eye and a little yap. A rigid stance with a steady gaze and a high, trembling tail is hostile. A high, steady tail signifies self confidence, and held low indicates inferiority, fatigue, ill health, or a bad mood.

Pawing at the neck is an expression of affection, nose-nudging is another invitation to play. Paw-giving is a conventional canine gesture with two possible meanings. When he gives his paw to his owner while avoiding eye contact he’s saying “Please forgive me” or when he wants attention, he is saying “I’m here, don’t forget me.” When he offers his paw to another dog, it’s a sign of submission.

An owner, who takes the trouble to observe his dog and pay him the courtesy of listening to him, can establish a simple two-way communications system with his pet. Canine messages are generally very elementary, as he asks much less of us than we do of him. “I’m hungry,” “I’m thirsty”, “I need to go out”, or “Come with me I think something is wrong” are among the messages he manages to convey very well considering his limited means. His most eloquent utterance is the emotional gurgle of barks that means to say “I’ve missed you!”

You’ve got a dog with behavior problems, or you just plain want your dog to listen to you, but you don’t know where to begin. You need help and answers badly, but you don’t want to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a professional dog trainer to come to your house.

Well, you’re not alone, there are many people in this situation. While it is true that professional dog trainers usually get the job done the best and in the shortest amount of time, they are very expensive for most people.

But don’t give up on your precious pooch just yet because there is help out there: online help!

There are many dog training courses that you can purchase online that will teach you how to train your dog correctly, and show you what to do about behavior problems like biting, chewing, excessive barking, tearing up your furniture, or peeing in your house.

Many of the good ones also teach you how to train your dog to walk on the leash properly, so that you’re the one in control and your dog is not pulling you everywhere. Some even teach how to train a dog to do tricks.

The problem is that you don’t want to spend your hard earned money without knowing for sure which courses are good, and which ones are just a bunch of hot air and tell you things that will never work.

So, how do you begin on your search for the best dog training course, without getting burned by a substandard course? Follow these rules when looking for a dog training course, and you’ll be one step ahead of the game:

1. Choose a course designed by a professional dog trainer. This is VERY important, because a professional is more likely to reveal practical dog training methods that actually work. If you can, find a dog training course designed by someone who runs a dog training academy or school. They are the true experts in this field.

2. The fact is that dog training courses aren’t really for training dogs at all, they’re for training people, so you want to find one that is easy for you to understand. Look for a course that focuses on training the owner first, because ultimately it is YOU who is going to be training your dog, not the course itself!

3. A good dog training course will focus on teaching you how your dog thinks. People and dogs have been living together for thousands of years, but your dog’s way of thinking is completely different than yours. That’s why most people fail in training their dog on their own and need help in the first place. Look for a dog training course that will teach you how your dog’s mind responds to things, and how to recognize certain dog behavior and what it means. That’s the mark of a winning dog training course.

4. The last thing to consider is price. There are many very good dog training courses out there selling for $100 or less. Don’t think that just because you spend more money that you will get a better course, because it’s simply not true. Some of the more expensive dog training courses are most likely put together by internet marketers, and their only aim is to take your money and give you very little in return. So, keep it under $100, no matter which dog training course you decide to buy.

Copyright 2006, ReviewsOnTheWeb.com.

Training a dog to act properly has many benefits, for the dogs and their human companions alike. Dog behavior training is critical in order to prevent such negative behaviors as aggression. It is important to deal with dog aggression issues by training dogs to interrelate appropriately with other dogs and especially people.

In order to know how to effectively train your dog to be a loyal and eager pet, it is important to know where dogs came from, and how their interaction with each other can affect training.

The first domesticated dogs were likely abandoned wolf puppies taken in by early humans. These wild dogs were taught to perform tasks that the humans needed assistance with, like guardian territory and frightening potential predators. Humans in turn provided sanctuary to the dogs, in addition to food and companionship.

This is a kind of connection that continues today. Many dogs still perform a variety of tasks for their masters, including herding, guarding, and hunting.

Be aware that dogs are instinctively pack creatures before beginning a training program. In wild dog packs, each member of the pack quickly learns his or her place in the ranking. Only when the alpha dog dies does the hierarchy ever change once established. The lower dogs understand that they do not challenge the pack leader, and the alpha dog carries out his duties as pack leader.

The other members of the pack look to the alpha dog for leadership, food, and protection. Keeping this in mind, it is important for you to be the pack leader when you begin training your dog.

A dog that submits to his human pack leader will respect his commands without question. Earning your dog’s respect is the first crucial step in effective dog training, and it will lay the groundwork for all succeeding training.

There are many reasons to train a dog properly. A calm and well-mannered dog is pleasant to be near, both for the dog’s family, and other people he might encounter. Additionally, being around an obedient dog assuages people’s fears, especially when it comes to more controversial breeds like Rottweilers and Pit Bulls.

Knowing why a dog is exhibiting a negative behavior is important in effectively training and modifying bad behaviors. For instance, separation anxiety may be the root cause of many bad behaviors chewing and destructive behaviors. Solving the root cause of the problem will help to eliminate the peripheral behaviors.

Stress and the lack of ability to deal with it can cause a host of unpleasant dog behaviors. One objective of a high-quality dog training program is to help the dog to endure stress without exhibiting negative behaviors.

It is important to differentiate human behavior and dog behavior when training and working through bad behaviors. Dogs and humans have different motivations and reactions, so avoid the temptation to see your dog as human, and react on that impulse.

One thing the humans and dogs have in common is their sociability and the need to form close groups and strong bonds. While the bonding is very important to dogs and humans, it has served very different purposes in the evolution of each species over time.

If you love to travel, you should consider a cruise vacation. In the past few years, there have been some mishaps aboard cruise ships, but overall, a cruise is a fun and safe vacation. The media will cover the rare cruise ship fires, but they fail to mention the many cruises that happen safely every day of the year.

If you look at the price of a cruise, it is actually a very cost effective vacation. Just compare the cost of a traditional vacation to a theme park to the cost of a cruise. If you were to take your family of four to Orlando for a visit to the theme parks, you will be paying for the hotel, you will pay for meals, and you will have to pay for admission to the theme parks. This can easily come to $500 per day or more, or $3500 for a week. Now, for a cruise, you will pay for the cruise, which can be as low as $620 per person, or $2480 for a family of four for a one week cruise.

When you pay for a cruise, you are paying for not only the cabin, but the price also includes meals and entertainment. There is a wide range of dining options on most cruise ships. There are buffets open three meals a day. You can eat in the main dining room. Many modern cruise ships also have several specialty restaurants and other dining options, including burgers, pizza, sandwiches, and cafés. Most of the dining options are included in the price of the cruise, but some options do carry an additional fee. But isn’t $30 per person worth it to dine in a high end steakhouse?

Theme parks can provide a great vacation. But the shore excursions on a cruise are so much more fulfilling. In most ports of call, you will have a wide variety of shore excursions to choose from. You can take a tour of the city or island, or visit local markets to do some shopping. If you want a relaxing time, some ports of call offer a serene sunset cruise on a sailboat or catamaran.

If you have a taste for adventure, many ports of call, especially in the Caribbean, offer parasailing or zip lines through the jungle. Other shore excursions take you scuba diving or snorkeling. For a lower key excursion, however, you may choose to simply lie on the beach and soak up the sun. But you certainly do not need to go on a shore excursion on the cruise. You can simply relax on board the ship next to the pool, or in one of the hot tubs.

A cruise vacation can be much more cost effective than a traditional vacation, and provide you with plenty of options for fun. The dining options on a large cruise ship are many and varied. And the shore excursions provide you with a wide range of fulfilling activities. And of course a cruise offers the opportunity to simply relax.

Some people love to travel and others not so much. I love most every aspect of it. I like planning a trip, deciding on the route, what I want to see, where I want to stay, the flights, in fact the whole caboodle. Then there’s the actual trip which is exciting and when it is over, travel gives you (usually) wonderful memories. What is there not to like?

Planning is a great time as you get to choose where you want to go, how you are getting there, all aspects of your trip, including hotel. Today there are so many ways you can get information about the place you have chosen for your trip. For example, say you want to plan a trip to Costa Rica as your neighbors went there last year and they loved it. Certainly you can pick their brains about their experiences there.

Then you can do your own research. Online is a great place to start as you can look at maps, visit blogs about the place and start planning what you will do when you get there. There are flights to book. Is San Jose the right airport for you or would Liberia be a better choice? Check with different airlines or expedia.com for the best routes and what the price differences are. Maybe you should do some research into all-inclusive deals or general vacation deals that include hotel and flights.

If you decide you would rather plan your itinerary yourself, then you can spend more time planning your trip. Costa Rica is well known for its beauty and there is so much to do there. You could go on a trip through a rainforest. Maybe a yoga camp? How about car rentals? You could then simply go wherever you want each day and not plan much at all. You could start of in San Jose and spend a night or two there to get to know the city and then hire a car and travel north to Arenal where the rainforests are and the volcano. The area is also a renowned spa town. You can either plan ahead and book hotels or just pick a place to stay when you get there – something that is usually very doable.

You could go further north west until you get to the beautiful Pacific coast where there are lovely small towns on the coast where you can enjoy water sports, go on a trip to see the whales or the turtles, or simply relax on one of the beautiful beaches.

While Spanish is the language of the country, it is not difficult to get by with just English. Travelling by car, you could more or less see the whole country in about two weeks and have a great time. Another plus is that it is near the equator so the weather so the weather is usually beautiful all year round. The people are nice and friendly and the country itself is spectacular and so are the flowers and the birds – they even have monkeys.

After your trip, you can spend your time looking at your photos and re-living the great time you had there. This is just one of the many reasons that travelling is wonderful.

I just love to travel. I have been lucky in that I have been able to do a lot of it in the last few years. I have been able to go to 11 countries and 30 states.

When I was growing up we didn’t travel very much. We usually only went to see my Grandparents in Arizona. It wasn’t that my parents didn’t want to travel. I guess they just wanted to save money so we did more local trips.

When I was 19 I got my first taste of traveling. I went to Washington DC for the week with a friend of mine. We had such a good time. We got to see almost everything. It was an amazing trip and I knew after I returned home that I loved to travel.

The next trip I went on was a trip to Canada when I was 21. I went with my boyfriend at the time. We went during the wintertime so we got to check out some of the local winter sports. We were able to check out a dog sled race.

As soon as we got back from Canada, I started saving for my next vacation. I knew if I didn’t make it a priority, I would spend my money on something else. I started making a list of all the places I wanted to go.

My next trip was when I was 22. I was able to go to Brazil for the week. I had a friend from college whose cousin lived over there. I was able to stay with her. I got to see so many amazing things on that trip.

When I was 24 I was able to go to Ireland for my honeymoon. We got to stay there for eight days. It was a perfect trip. We were able to see a lot of the countryside and talk with a lot of the local people.

When I was 26 my husband and I went on our first cruise. On this trip we were able to visit six different countries. We went to Italy, Greece, Egypt, Turkey, Malta and Spain. We got to see so many different countries and cultures on that trip.

We are now saving for a trip to Australia. We both have always wanted to go there. As it is rather expensive it is going to take a while to have the money to do it. It will be worth it. We are already making plans about what we want to see while we are there.

We are hoping to be able to visit for three months. It all depends on how much time we can both get off work. We don’t plan on having any children until after we go on that trip.

I love traveling because I love seeing other parts of the world. I love to see how a different culture or part of the countries lives. Our world might seem big but it is really small when you think about it. I hope I continue to travel until I can no longer physically do so.

Are you planning a winter getaway this year? If so, there is no greater vacation than a Caribbean cruise. Each winter there are usually a dozen or more cruise ships sailing in the Caribbean. These ships sail to dozens of different exotic ports. Which ship should you choose for your vacation?

First off, how long to you have? The majority of Caribbean cruises are for seven nights. These normally sail on a Saturday or Sunday. Usually you can board the ship around noontime and the ship sails in the late afternoon. You will then return the following Saturday or Sunday and be required to disembark the ship by about 9 am.

There are longer cruises, too. Some are 10 days, two weeks or longer. Obviously the longer you sail the more ports you will visit and the more expensive your cruise will be.

Another option if you want a longer cruise is to book back-to-back cruises on the same ship. Many ships have two itineraries; week 1 they travel the Western Caribbean and week 2 they travel the Eastern Caribbean. Booking back-to-back cruises allows you to stay on the same ship, usually in the same stateroom, and visit all the ports on both itineraries. It’s a wonderful vacation!

Cruises of seven days normally visit three or four islands. If you choose a western Caribbean itinerary, you may visit ports such as Key West, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Belize, Roatan (Honduras) and Ocho Rios (Jamaica). Eastern itineraries may include St Thomas, St Johns, St Maarten, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and other islands.

You can also choose a southern Caribbean itinerary. These normally include islands like Aruba, Curacao, Trinidad, Barbados, St Lucia and other islands. If you leave from the mainland U.S. and want to visit the Southern Caribbean, however, you will probably have to take at least a 10 day cruise. Another option is to leave from San Juan, Puerto Rico, which normally does have seven day cruises to the southern islands.

Which brings up the question: Which port should you sail from? The majority of Caribbean cruises depart from either Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Most years there are also sailings from Tampa, Cape Canaveral, Galveston and New Orleans. You may also be able to get cruises from cities like New York or Baltimore, but seven day cruises from these cities generally only go to the Bahamas or Bermuda. You also spend more time cruising and less time in port.

Size is also a consideration when choosing your cruise ship. You have a wide range of sizes: from about 70,000 tons to 160,000 tons! The larger ships have more amenities — and more people. Remember that the biggest ships are the length of three to four football fields! That means longer walks each time you leave your cabin.

We love ships that are between 90,000 and 100,000 tons. They offer plenty of things to see and do, yet feel more intimate than the big behemoths. Still, it is a matter of personal preference.

Are you ready to take off on your first Caribbean cruise? If so, then we hope these tips on choosing the right cruise ship have been helpful to you.

This world is truly amazing and there are so many places I would love to travel to. I do not have the money to do so right now but I love to dream. Someday I will make it to all of these places.

I would love to go to Germany. My Grandmother is German and I would love to see where she was born. I want to drink German beer and go to a fest. I would also like to see a few castles. I have heard they are amazing.

While I am visiting Germany I would also like to go to Italy. I want to visit Rome and see everything. I have heard it is lovely. I would hope to be able to tour the Roman Colosseum.

I would also like to visit Turkey. I want to see the ruins and explore the countryside. I heard it is just beautiful. I would like to talk to some of the locals and hear about their lives.

I want to go to Egypt and see the great Pyramids. I think that would be a wonderful trip. I can only imagine what it would be like to see them in person. I bet it would feel surreal.

I hope to visit Japan someday. When I was growing up we had foreign exchange students from there and we have stayed in touch. I would love to visit them in their own home and learn more about their lives.

I would like to visit Hawaii as well. I have never been and I think it would be a nice trip. I would want to go to Oahu and Maui for my first visit. While I am there I would want to make sure that I would go to a luau.

I would also like to go to California. I have always wanted to visit but it has never worked out. I want to go to Hollywood, the beach and see the Redwoods. I have heard they are really big and quite amazing to see in person.

The last place I would like to go is New York City. It sounds like such a different place than where I am from. There is so much to do there and so much to see. I would want to go to Central Park and see a Broadway show or two.

I have been able to travel in the past and I really have enjoyed it. I have already been to three countries. I love seeing different cultures and visiting places I have only seen in books.

I think I got my love of travel from my Dad. He used to go all over the place. I grew up looking at all of the photos he took over the years. He truly lived a very cultured life.

When you travel you open your mind to a different way of living. Everyone should travel a few times in their life. There are just so many benefits when you do.

Travel season can be expensive to begin with, so when gas prices spike around the same time, you may feel doomed. It can be daunting to try and plan a trip when gas costs more than you can reasonably afford. How can you make travel plans happen when gas prices are soaring?

Have a Local Vacation

Summer travel doesn’t necessarily mean a faraway destination. When gas prices are soaring, consider staying close to home. A vacation to the city closest to yours can give you some variety, and still not cost too much. Cut your driving to a minimum in order to save big on your vacation.

Double Check Airplane Ticket Costs

One would assume that spiked gas prices would result in expensive airplane tickets. However, that is not always the case. Keep your eyes on the price of tickets as you still may be able to find good deals. In this case, it might make more sense to fly than to drive.

Save Money Elsewhere

If you simply must drive, and you have a long way to go, then cut the costs elsewhere. Look for a bargain where it is possible, such as hotel costs or eating arrangements. Don’t focus on what you cannot change, but on what you can.

Have a “Staycation”

It may be a newly-coined word, but the general idea of a staycation is a tradition that families have used for generations. Instead of traveling a long distance, or even driving out of town at all, stay at home and explore your city as though you were a tourist. Your city or area is sure to offer many exciting opportunities that may not even know about.

What is your area famous for? Do you have any great historical monuments nearby? What kind of scenery does your area offer? Is it known for its educational museums, exciting theme parks, or great shopping?

Perhaps you can choose one theme for each day of your staycation holiday. From water parks, to great hiking trails, to unique restaurants… it’s more than likely the place you live has just as many interesting places to go as any other location. Grab a tour guide and pretend you are visiting your area for the first time. Make it your goal to learn something new about where you live.

Give Your Car a Tune-Up

Many things you might not be aware of can lessen a vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Issues such as poor tire alignment can cause gas to burn more quickly. Even if it is a relatively small amount, it adds up over time. With proper maintenance, your vehicle will be more able to combat this. If your vehicle is your mode of transportation on this year’s vacation, take it in for a tune-up before leaving.

Don’t forget the details. Be aware of the small things such as keeping your tires filled. When the tires on your vehicle are deflated, it will cause fuel efficiency to decline. Fill them up and save what you can. This applies to many other areas of vehicle maintenance as well.

Going on vacation during a spike in gas prices can mean added expense, but it doesn’t have to. There are many things you can do instead of driving long distances, and ways you can minimize gas consumption if driving is your only choice. Take a look at these tips and find ideas on what you can do when high gas prices and your vacation collide.

Many older people around the world long to retire to the tropics where the temperature is comfortable and the living is easy and often less expensive than in their native lands. Most people agree that a tropical environment is unusually friendly and beautiful. The opportunity to enjoy nature and a simpler, freer way of life is very appealing; however, there are a few things you will want to keep in mind before pulling up stakes and traveling to the tropics to retire. Read on to learn more.

When you live in the tropics, you will find that your life savings or your social security check goes much further than in many other parts of the world. Your utility bills will be lower due to the temperate weather. Food costs are generally lower; although, your choices in foods may not be the same as you are used to. Health expenses may also be less thanks to a healthier way of life and lower costs of health care.

When you move to another culture, you can expect to experience culture shock. This may be especially true for older people who move from their lifelong home to a tropical culture. It may be hard for many retired people to accept even the most pleasant aspects of tropical life such as a casual attitude toward punctuality and a generally relaxed attitude toward life in general.

Of course, customs in the tropics are different than in the Northern Hemisphere, and some older people have a very hard time adjusting to more casual and revealing forms of dress, different manners and many other small differences. When added together in day-to-day experience, small differences can be quite overwhelming.

It is important that you adhere with all the legal requirements of a country when you decide to move there. You must decide what sort of residency you want to apply for and then make sure you qualify. In some tropical countries, you can apply for permanent residency as a retiree. You may have to prove that you have a specific amount of income or savings at your disposal. You may or may not be allowed to work, and if you are allowed, there may be a limit on how much you can earn.

You may be able to set up an online business from your location in the tropics and earn unlimited income from around the world. You will want to be sure you understand all the tax requirements that apply to your income, no matter where it is from so that you can avoid trouble.

It may be possible for you to invest your income in land or in business enterprises in your tropical paradise. Investment income will enrich your retirement and make life easier for you. Again, it is important that you learn and adhere to any tax laws that may apply to your investment income.

One of the most important things you should do before selling everything you own and moving to a tropical paradise to live out your remaining years is take a test trip. Travel to the tropical destination of your choosing and plan to stay for a significant period of time. In this way, you can learn about the culture, weather, housing, food and more without having let go entirely of your security back home. Many people retire to a dream and do not enjoy the reality, so it pays to be smart and give your tropical paradise a test drive before you commit to it.

Summer is the time we all look forward to. It’s a time to travel to new places, and relax with family and friends. The expense can add up quickly, however. Here are some ways you can save money when you embark on your summer travels.

Use Discounts Whenever Possible

Why should you pay full price on anything if you don’t have to? When you have decided to go on vacation, keep your eyes open for deals. If you are part of a club such as AAA, mention it when buying or booking anything. There are more discounts than you might realize, simply because you are a member of one of these associations.

Ask around to see if anyone you know has gotten a discount on your destination, and where they found it. Watch for coupons, and look online. You can often sign up for mailing lists depending on where your destination of choice is, and recipients of the mailing list often get deals that are not available to anyone else.

Vacation Close to Home

There is no need to fly to a faraway destination in order to have a great summer vacation. Check out what is around you. Whether you have great scenery close to where you live, or exciting amusement parks, staying within the general vicinity can save you a lot of money. Consider camping, or renting a hotel room that is in another city within driving distance.

Rent a Hotel Room with a Fridge

If your travel plans include staying in a hotel, be sure that you rent a room with a fridge. This step alone can save you a significant amount of money. Take a trip to the local grocery store at the beginning of your trip and stock up on all the basics. Having a fridge means that instead of eating every meal in a restaurant, you can easily store easy items for breakfast and lunch there.

Food such as yogurt, cheese, fruit, and vegetables keep well in a fridge. Even if you decide to eat one meal per day at a restaurant, there will be a substantial savings. And besides, you can bring your leftovers home from the restaurant and have somewhere to store them, to use for a later snack.

Visit Friends or Relatives

Who says that summer travel has to mean going somewhere you don’t know anyone? If you really want to save money, consider visiting friends or relatives. Since you won’t be spending money on a hotel, you can put it towards memorable outings, or save it up and not spend it at all.

Choose friends or family that you know well and get along with. You don’t want to end up overstaying your welcome at an acquaintance’s home, or have someone offended when you leave their home frequently without them during your stay at their home.

Favor All-Inclusive Vacations

Although looking at all-inclusive resorts may give you sticker shock at first glance, these holidays can often save you money in the long run. Compare the total cost of flight, lodging, food, and other entertainment on another type of vacation and then see how it looks beside the all-inclusive. You may find it is worth your while to find out more about all-inclusive holidays, as you will likely not have to put out any additional money for the rest of the trip.

Going on a summer vacation is an exciting prospect. It can also be financially daunting. With a bit of research, however, you can find an affordable summer vacation for your whole family to remember.

Vancouver tourism companies have probably the easiest job in the industry. After all, who would not want to visit such a beautiful city like Vancouver? Nestled on the Pacific Ocean amongst the snow capped coastal mountains… Vancouver is the destination of tourists from around the world. There is so much to do and see there.

Do you enjoy skiing? Vancouver is very close to the world class ski resorts of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. It also offers Seymour and Grouse Mountains as an alternative destination for all of you ski enthusiasts. Just a short distance and you are speeding down the slopes.

How about something for all of you physical fitness enthusiasts? Grouse Mountain has a strenuous vertical climb called the Grouse Grind. The challenge is to see how long it takes one to make it to the top. Once you reach your goal at the peak, you can reward yourself with a gorgeous view of the Vancouver harbor.

Do you like fishing? Vancouver and vicinity offers some of the best sport fishing in the entire world. It is hard to imagine what true fishing is all about until you hook one of the local species of salmon. Be prepared for a fierce battle as you try to land your trophy catch. There are numerous companies that Vancouver tourism will recommend for you to enjoy the fishing trip of a lifetime.

For you that have the fortune of attending a business convention or conference in Vancouver… you will be pleased to mix business with pleasure. There are many major sporting events to attend. Or you can relax with an evening of classical music at the Queen Elizabeth Theater. Vancouver comes alive at night and finding a suitable venue so as to rejuvenate your batteries from a hard day at a conference will not be a concern.

Vancouver is often called the Gateway to the Pacific. It is a starting point for the many adventures that natural British Columbia has to offer. There is a major class cruise ship terminal in Vancouver. Have you ever taken a cruise to Alaska? It has to be one of the all-time best cruise destinations available. You cruise up the inside passage from Vancouver through the coastline of British Columbia and then Alaska. It is breath-taking as you watch a pod of killer whales playfully shadow the ship.

Yes, Vancouver is the city that should be in your top ten of places in the world that you would like to visit. It is beautiful, exciting and most importantly today… a safe destination. To find out more about this awesome city… and believe me when I say that there is a lot more to know. You need to do the following.

Just Google Vancouver tourism and explore the many attractions that they have to offer. Should you visit in the summer, the fall, the winter, or in the spring? The truth… it does not really matter as long as you just visit.

If you are planning your first cruise vacation, you are really in for a treat. Being a veteran of more than a dozen cruises, I can tell you that there is no better way to spend a vacation. You will see some beautiful places and yet have the opportunity to completely relax as you cruise along through tranquil waters.

My wife and I have visited many different islands and cities on our cruises. We are frequently asked about our favorite places. Since many first time cruisers take a Caribbean cruise, we thought it would be best to tell you about two of our favorite Caribbean destinations and let you know why we feel that way.

One of our favorite places to visit is the beautiful country of Belize. Because Belize does not have a deep water port, your ship will dock about a mile out in the Caribbean and you will be taken into Belize City on a tender. In Belize these are usually speed boats that, although provided by the locals, are safety inspected and dependable.

When you are in Belize you have many choices. You may wish to visit some of the outlying islands, called Cays. There are many that have beautiful beaches and resorts. Or, you may choose to take a tour of Belize City and hear the story of these friendly people.

Our choice in Belize, however, is to go cave tubing. A guide will take you into the inland part of the country where you will see beautiful jungle-like settings. Belize has a river system that flows through several caves. Your guide will provide you with a large inner tube, a small light that straps around your head, and then you will join a caravan of tubers and gently float down the river through the beautiful landscape. Your trip will take you through several breathtaking caves. It is a sight to see!

Another favorite destination is Roatan. Roatan is one of the Bay Islands of Honduras, just a short cruise from Belize. This friendly island has beautiful beaches and breathtaking vistas from high atop green verdant hills. We love to drive along the island (we even have a favorite cab driver!) and then go to the West Bay area and snorkel. The beautiful coral reef that runs by Roatan is near the beach and you will see some of the most beautiful underwater plants and tropical fish anywhere in the world! And you can do it as you snorkel not 50 yards from the beach!

When in Roatan stop at one of the local shops along the road. There you will be greeted by some of the prettiest children you will ever see — many of them selling trinkets. One of my proudest possessions is a hand carved dolphin made by a small child in Roatan. I keep it in my office on my credenza!

Well, there are two of our favorite ports to visit whenever we cruise in the Caribbean. We hope you can visit these beautiful locations real soon on a cruise of your own.

When you are considering your next family vacation within the United States, why not consider doing something a little different for a change of pace. Rather than hoping on a plane and heading off to your destination, pick up a recreational vehicle (RV) and drive there instead! There are a variety of reasons why a holiday in an RV can be a lot of fun. Read on for a few of these.

One of the best things about a driving holiday is the joy of avoiding airports. No flight delays to contend with, no security dramas about what you can or cannot take with you and no fears about lost luggage. You simply pack up your RV with all the items that you want to take along and off you go. The adventure starts from the moment you turn the key and put your foot down on the gas pedal.

When you are travelling in an RV, you are not limited by luggage space, that is if you want to take along your children’s favorite bed linen to keep them happy then go right on ahead. Throw in their favorite comforter and pillow and keep them happy on the trip ahead.

Vacationing in an RV will give you and the family an amazing sense of freedom. You are completely in control of the wheel and decide where you are going. You’re not dictated to by pre-planned itineraries or pre-booked accommodation. You can stop wherever you want and whenever you want. And speaking of accommodation, no need to worry about hotel fees as your sleeping quarters are traveling right along with you.

The cost of the fuel to keep your RV wheels moving is decidedly less than the cost of flights and accommodation combined. This makes holidaying in an RV a very cost effective option for the family trip. Additionally, you do not have to worry about the extra expense of feeding the family every night at restaurants as most RV’s will come equipped with cooking equipment. Park up the vehicle at night and enjoy some time eating out under the stars. An economical move indeed.

When you are traveling by plane you miss all of the splendid scenery along the way as you cannot see a lot below when you are cruising along at 30,000 feet. However, when hitting the road with the RV, you get to see all manner of sights and sounds. Take the time to stop at small towns and unusual sights to make the most of something different that you do not see everyday.

As you can see there are a number of reasons why taking a road trip in a recreational vehicle can be a lot of fun for the family. Take the time to investigate this option further the next time you are considering travel and open up a whole new world to you. You never know, you might just end up becoming an RV addict.

Traveling with children can be a challenge. Especially on airplane flights. A few tips from parents who travel can be helpful smart advice for you and your family.

1. Take a picture of your parking area or parking tickets with your cell phone. If it gets lost you can easily find the information on your cell phone. You can also text or email yourself messages with your travel information. Flight numbers, hotel names and reservation numbers et al. Just delete the pictures and emails after your trip.

2. In order to get through checkout lines quicker, follow some simple rules. Do not wear belts, DO wear slip on shoes that come on and off quickly.

3. Before going through security, put everything in the carry on bag such as cell phones, large pieces of jewelry, watches, tablet pads, game systems, wallets, and loose change. All of these things in your pockets can take a long time to empty and then you have to collect it all on the other side. It goes much faster when it is all in the carry on bags.

4. Have children wear bright colors. Makes it easier to keep track of.

5. Go To the restroom as close to boarding as you can manage. This cuts down on “having to go” when boarding the plane.

6. Buy toiletries at the first drug store you find at your destination. This cuts out on luggage messes and is much easier than carrying it around. You can leave it at the end of your trip.

7. Carry small packs of baby wipes or shout wipes in a ziplock bag for messes made. This is an easy clean up.

8. Bring gum for the take off and the landing of the airplane. Remind kids to “pop” their ears when chewing.

9. Try to book all your seats together. If not, get them as close as possible. Politely asking other travelers to switch with you so you can sit together might be more helpful if you bring on a few low monetary Subway or Starbuck gift cards as a thank you.

10. When getting picked up at the airport, ask the driver to pick you up in the departure concourse instead of the arrivals area. The lines are not as long and the traffic is smoother. Likewise when heading home do the same thing.

11. Always purchase travel insurance if at all possible. Especially so if you are traveling in the winter or going to areas in times of natural disaster zones. An example would be traveling to the South during hurricane season. You never know what will come up and it is better safe than sorry if you have anything that necessitates you staying in a hotel because of cancelled flights.

12. The best advice of times to travel with children, is to fly in the earliest part of the day you can possibly can. These are the least likely times for flight delays to happen.

These tips can make travel with children less of a headache. And much more enjoyable start to your vacation.

Tamilnadu tourism is a relatively unknown tourist destination that few travelers are aware of. Where is this hidden gem that offers a wonderful and exciting vacation? It is located in the south-eastern part of the Indian Peninsula. Now India may not be on one’s mind when it comes to planning a family vacation. After all, do you really want to go somewhere where there are thousands upon thousands of people? Also, what about your safety, the weather, the expense to get there? Why would I go to Tamilnadu.

Well, for one reason Tamilnadu tourism sites suggest that if you want a out of the way, unique travel experience… then why not take some time and research all that there is to do in Tamilnad. They say for example that the temple architecture is amazing. Now India is Known for its variety of religious temples. However, Tamilnadu is one of the areas with not only the most ancient, but also an area with the most interesting of temple designs.

Tamilnadu is a state within India and interestingly boasts that is number two when it comes to tourism in the country. As mentioned there are many temple sites such as the temples of Chidambaram, Srirangam, Tiruchirapalli, Thiruvarur and many others. Also, the state offers visits to beautiful waterfalls, golden sandy beaches, and many excellent festivals.

Chennai is the main city of the state of Tamilnadu. It is India’s 4th largest in metropolitan size. This exciting city has wonderful beaches, architecture, and many diverse cultural festivals. If you like to shop until you drop… this is the place for you. Some refer to Chennai as the entrance to Southern India. It is easy to get there from all parts of India by either car,railway or by flying.

Another fun destination to check out as you search through the many cities and attractions that are found on any of the Tamilnadu web pages is a city called Tuticorin. This city which is on the sea offers miles and miles of sunny, sandy beaches. The atmosphere is tranquil and restful. You can snorkel away the afternoon or just relax with a cool drink as you work on that golden tan.

When you travel to exotic places it is advised to do some thorough research. The internet offers a wealth of information to help make your trip one that will be remembered for years to come. Most sites give you guidance on things to do, various places to eat, where to stay. Whether you are on a back- packers budget or a jet set unlimited spending spree, a little research could help you to avoid unpleasant situations.

So the only thing left for you to consider is when do I leave? Do not procrastinate. Do not say that yes, one day, I will take a trip to the unknown. Do something out of your comfort zone. Visit a beautiful exotic location such as Tamilnadu. I am sure that you will be pleasantly surprised by how much you will enjoy the experience. After all, you deserve it