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By Gerry Ronson
 If you havent realized it yet there has been a huge controversy this year with some childrens toys, and if you stop to think you will realize that dog toys are just as susceptible. Many of the dog toys sold in stores, especially in America have been made in China. This means that they can be harmful. The dog toy market is unregulated. This means that some of the toys could have harmful properties that will actually make your dog sick over time. It is important that you pay attention to were the toys are made and how they are made when choosing your dogs toys. Often we just find the dog toys we think our pet will love. We also let them choose some of the toys when were in the pet store. But you need to start paying more attention.
You should read the package of the dog toy to find out what it has been made of. Rubber, cloth, painted toys, and many other toys may have toxic properties. You
may find that it is better to go to a specialty toy shop rather than a generic pet supply store. Lead has actually been used in the creation of dog toys. So you should be a little concerned about the dog toys you are buying. Here are a few toys that your dog may like, and they are probably pretty safe. Remember to check the label for its contents before purchasing these toys though.
You may think that rope is pretty harmless; however there are some rope toys that could actually harm your dog. A rope toy is usually made with a braided rope and two ends that have been knotted. When you are choosing this type of dog toy you will want to make sure the rope has not been colored. Rope that has been colored has a potential of having harmful chemicals in the synthetic making. In fact you are probably better off buying rope from a hardware store, like twine and making your own braided rope. If you are looking in a pet shop stay away from the brightly colored ropes that have been dyed. The color of the rope will not matter for the toy.
Fleece and Plush toys are one of any dogs favorite toys. They love to bite them, catch them, and chew on them. Puppies are especially happy to have plush toys as it makes their gums feel better. Plush toys can also be harmful. While the synthetic material they are made out of may be okay in small doses leaving the dog to chew on a plush toy while you are not home can have disastrous effects. The dog can open up the toy and start chewing on the stuffing. It is best to only offer this toy when you are home and can watch them play with it. It is also a great toy for interaction.
There are rubber balls and rubber squeaky toys that can be okay to give to your dog. Keep in mind that you do want to know the ingredients just in case, but for the most part rubber unless eaten is pretty safe for your dog to chew on. Rubber balls or squeaky toys that the dog can chase are one of the most popular toys.
You can also buy rubber tug toys that have an elastic band in the middle. These are also safe toys to an extent. You dont want to leave the dog alone with the toy to chew on, but a daily play time with this toy is usually enjoyable for both parties.
Gerry Ronson writes for squeaky dog toys, dog toys and dog training clubs. Bringing Your New Puppy Home
By Gerry Ronson
 There are several things you should do to prepare to bring your puppy home, for instance in our last article we spoke about puppy proofing the home. In this article we will concentrate on the things you should do for your puppys ride home in the car. Puppies and dogs are sensitive creatures, often times they shy away from new things when it involves something they have never seen before like a car. Older dogs or those who have been in a shelter are probably more used to riding in cars than a puppy you are adopting from a breeder; however some of the same rules should apply to bring home your new puppy.
Cars can be daunting for a new puppy for a lot of reasons. First they have never ridden in a car and the movement can be surprising and a little upsetting to their tummies. So you need to make the car ride home for you puppy easier to handle. This is actually the first step in care you will need to have for owning a dog. You need to realize that when you bring a puppy home especially from a breeder, they are going to be leaving their mom and food source. There will be new smells around them to explore, but they will no longer have a mom or brothers and sisters. This can be a lonely time for your puppy and make that car ride a little scarier.
When taking your puppy home you should inquire of the breeder when the dog usually takes a nap. If you take the puppy home when they are usually napping they will be more relaxed. In other words they will be a little drowsy and they may even sleep all the way home. This of course is not guaranteed as the car ride could just waken them up; however it is better to try for during their nap for better results.
There are other things to look out for on the car ride home. Nervousness can lead to issues with the bowels. Without meaning to the puppy may have a little accident in the car. It is better to have some old towels that you dont mind getting soiled in the back seat of the car. You will also want to have a kennel in the car. If they are inside the kennel they will have less chance to explore and ruin the upholstery if there is an accident. Sometimes the puppy will howl, be sick, or have diarrhoea due to the car ride.
Other supplies you need on the drive home include water, plastic bags, a puppy toy that they will enjoy and be comforted by, and the collar. When you pick up the puppy you need to immediately make sure he or she has all of your contact information so dont leave the collar at home. You will also want to try a few other things especially if you feel the dog is going to have a hard time on the drive home. You can bring an old blanket along with you to help wrap the puppy up in the blanket and hold him. This is soothing and if you have another person driving it is one of the best ways to travel. The puppy will feel warm, and safe in your arms and be able to see out. This can calm the dogs howls and make him or her bond with you a little better. While a crate or kennel is safe for travel just in case of an accident, it is okay as long as you are not the one driving, while trying to hold the puppy.
Gerry Ronson is a writer for the websites dog accessories and dog treats. Learn About The Afghan Hound
By Gerry Ronson
 The Afghan hound is one of the most beautiful dogs with their long fur coat and aristocratic stance. You will find this dog breed is going to be very sweet, happy, loyal, and intelligent. The Afghan hound has been known for its courage as well as its sensitivity. Things you should know about their temperament include its ability to be around older children and other animals. As affectionate creatures they do well with older children who will exercise them as well as show them the attention they love. They are also good with other animals, especially after socialization. You will need to offer training as a puppy for obedience because they can be quite stubborn if you dont. They are also very dignified creatures so they are typically not going to jump in water or puddles and play certain games. They can be a little hesitant around strangers, but for family they are very affectionate.
As I mentioned above training is important at the puppy stage. When training an Afghan hound you need to make sure you use a gentle, but firm hand. They are sensitive dogs and can be affected by rough behaviour or even harsh words. Consistency is also warranted when dealing with these dogs. You should allow proper socialization and obedience training before trying to teach them any tricks. For exercise you will find they need to have a fenced in yard and daily walks. While they are not active indoors they do need plenty of space. Their size is part of the reason they need space. When you exercise the dog you need to make sure you exercise them for a half hour each day, with running. They can overheat easily in warm climates or in the summer so you may have to take a break during the exercise to avoid any issues.
There are several wonderful dogs that you may wish to adopt, but how do you make that finally decision? Below you will find information regarding the Afghan hound dog breed in the hopes that you can make a sound decision as to whether their temperament, size, and of course grooming needs are what you are looking for.
The Afghan hound stands between 25 and 27 inches and weighs 50 to 60 pounds. They are usually any colour from cream to black. Typically the hound will have a long light coloured coat, with a dark patch on the back, ears, and around the muzzle. They are not bulky dogs, but rather thin from the face through to the rear. Their face is usually thing with a long narrow muzzle. You will find they have long floppy ears that can be hard to distinguish from their coat. For grooming you need to brush them daily to avoid matting and tangles. You also need to make sure they visit a groomer every six weeks or so to get a trim and their toenails clipped. You will want to make sure you give your Afghan hound a bath frequently to help avoid the matting and tangling of the hair. Often times when you live in a dry climate brushing can cause more of an issue than in a humid climate. It may be easier to seek a groomer who has the proper tools as their coat can be quite difficult to work with.
Afghan hounds make some of the best pets as they are loyal, elegant, and affectionate creatures. You will want to make sure to provide proper nutrition as well as time with your dog. Like most dogs you do not want to leave an Afghan hound alone for too many hours. They strive on attention and affection.
Gerry Ronson is a freelance writer for the websites dog beds and dog. Dog Care Advice Regarding Fleas
By Gerry Ronson
 First lets look at some of the ways your dog can pick up fleas. First and foremost moisture around puddles, unsanitary areas, and the woods can have fleas. It is important to keep your dog out of these regions. Dont let your dog play in puddles that have formed around the sides of the street where there is typically a lot of trash. You also want to keep your dog out of the woods during the summer season. Humidity is one of the largest draws for fleas, therefore the summer months are more important for guarding against fleas in areas where their can be a lot of water and of course the words were insects typically thrive. Another place you will find fleas is in homes that are not cleaned. Fleas tend to be in unsanitary areas. This means that if you rarely dust your home, clean the sheets, and wash the dogs bed you are leaving yourself open to a flea infestation depending on where you live or spend your time. Remember fleas can be carried into the home by the owner. So if you have a job where you are required to spend a lot of time at streams and other areas that attract fleas you may want to remove those clothes and wash them before letting them back in the rest of the home. The last place where you may find flea infestations are humane societies, and animal shelters. Typically animal shelters and human societies are a refuge for lost pets as well as abandoned pets. You may find that even with proper care at the facilities the dogs will come home to you with fleas.
Dog care is one of the most important aspects of owning a dog. When you dont properly care for your dog they can have health problems and some of these problems may in turn affect you. When you love your dog and wish for a long life you understand the needs of your dog. Having said that, there are some tips which can make dog care a little easier on you. With fleas you are usually only aware of an infestation when you start to feel the bits on your legs. There are preventative methods that will help your home stay clear of the pests and your dogs safe.
Now that you know how fleas may latch onto your dog lets look at some of the prevention methods you can take. First you will find that there are flea medications that should be used all year round, and most especially during the summer season. These medications are generally a liquid or collar that has flea insecticide. The medication should be administered on a monthly basis. You can find some medications that are taken orally, but these are not always as effective as the liquid. You also have the option of using a flea and tick shampoo. This shampoo offers a medication that latches onto the hair after a bath and will work for about thirty days. As some dog breeds are very sensitive to baths this is the least recommended option.
For other care of fleas you should also take care to brush the dog on a daily basis. If you have gone for a walk you will want to brush the dog before you enter the house. The brushing motion will dislodge any fleas that have attached themselves to the hair. Combined with flea medication you should be worry free from ticks and be keeping your dog in great health. If fleas do manage to get in the house you will need to release a bug bomb, clean all linens, and of course the dogs bed. This will help the infestation from spreading and offer a clean home once again.
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