The Miniature Pinscher is a bold and courageous dog breed that is sometimes called the "King of the Toys." These little guys don't quite know their size, or perhaps they ...

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February is here, and that means it's National Pet Dental Health Month. It can be easy to overlook your dog's oral health on a day-to-day basis. This campaign is a great reminder to take care of your dog's teeth now and all year round.

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The Pomeranian looks like a cross between a stuffed animal and a tiny lion. Its distinct long, fluffy coat and bright personality make this an unforgettable dog breed. Poms are ...

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There are a number of nasty little critters in in the world just waiting to hitch a ride on your beloved dog. Just thinking about it gives me the creeps. I'm sure you feel the same. As much as we might not want to imagine parasites on (or in) our dog, it's simply a fact of life. As a dog owner, it's vital that we understand the risks associated with various parasites. More important, however, is learning how to prevent them.

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The French Bulldog is a fun-loving, affectionate dog breed that makes an excellent companion. This compact yet muscular dog is related to the English Bulldog, but is smaller, less wrinkly, ...

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It's a lesson we all learn eventually, and one your dog should learn, too. Nothing In Life is Free (NILF) is a dog training technique that teaches dogs self-control by having them work for everything they get. Basically, if your dog wants attention, food, a walk or another type of reward, she needs to do something for you first. Does your dog try to bolt ahead of you and out the door in anticipation of a walk? Will she practically knock someone over trying to get to food? Here's my favorite: pushing her head or body under your hand to get petted. My own dog is a pro at this one!

Why does it matter? Well, the more you let your dog push the boundaries, the more unruly she can become. A dog with self-control is well-behaved and more fun to be around. Your guests may not appreciate how wonderful your dog is when she is constantly pawing and licking at them for attention. Small children and other animals can be injured by a dog rushing to get to what she wants. NILF is not about becoming a dictator over your dog. It's all about positive reinforcement and guiding your dog to self-control. A patient dog is happier because she's not getting herself all worked up over something she wants. Instead, she knows what she has to do in order to get it.

Learn all about the NILF technique and how it might work for you and your dog. You may be surprised how teaching your dog self-control makes a difference. Have you used NILF with your own dog? Tell us how it worked for you.

Photo © iStockphoto.com/Camrocker

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If you asked me to list some of the most common canine diseases, hypothyroidism would be towards the top of my list. Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disease that is characterized by a deficiency of thyroid hormones, basically an under-active thyroid. Frequently occurring in both dogs and humans, hypothyroidism causes a decreased metabolic rate and can lead to a multitude of systemic complications. Humans with hypothyroidism tend to experience extreme fatigue, unexplained weight gain, changes in skin and hair, and mood fluctuations. With dogs, the symptoms are not much different. However, it may be harder for us humans to detect subtle changes in our dogs since they can be such pros at hiding illness.

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The Newfoundland is a huge helping of canine friendliness and hard work. This dog breed is beloved by many, and for good reason. Newfies are not only loving companions, they ...

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For those of you who have dealt with Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), I do not have to tell you how scary it is. This serious health condition, also referred to as bloat, results from a dog's stomach filling with gas and/or food and expanding, then twisting. It is painful and extremely life-threatening.

Most owners of large and giant breed dogs like the Great Dane have heard of GDV. While this condition is most common in bigger dogs, it can technically happen to any dog. Be sure you know the warning signs of Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus and how to proceed if your dog is affected. Every minute counts!

Have you had a dog with bloat? Please share your story with readers like you.

Image courtesy of Georgia Veterinary Specialists more...

The Chow Chow is an ancient dog breed that is probably best known for its bear-like appearance and "lion's mane." Back in the day, these Chinese natives were used for ...

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