How To Protect Your Dog From Hypothermia

written by: ambjrm2014

Keeping dogs warm and safe during winter’s harsh elements is at utmost importance to ensure a healthy, long life. When conditions become too cold for us, they are also too cold for our animals. Fur is a good insulator for our dogs, but it is not enough to keep all of them safe in the cold.

Some dogs are able to withstand the colder conditions, but most dogs need our help to keep warm. An example breed is Huskies, which are better suited to face the elements than your average dog.

Place Heaters Carefully If possible the best remedy to this is to bring your pets inside and arrange your house so they can maneuver safely. This includes moving heaters so they are not in the way of the playful, active puppy or dog. Also, do not let your dogs lay in front of heaters.

Place your heaters high if possible as some animals have been burnt from simply sleeping directly in front of a heater. Ensure that heaters are off the ground and cords are placed where animals cannot chew on them. When you use central heat, the air is dryer than your dog is used to.

Be sure to have fresh, cool water in your pets access at all times to help compensate for the loss of humidity in the air.

Limit Time Outdoors When your dog goes outside limit the time he spends outside and how much skin is exposed, including his foot pads. Hypothermia can set in sub-zero temperatures and the moisture in exposed skin is sure to chill quick.

Letting your dog stay outside for prolonged times can be extremely dangerous in severe temperatures. Also, make sure that the water supply outside is not frozen, so your dog will always have fresh water when he is outdoors too.

Older Pets or Chronic Illnesses If your pet is older, keep a close eye out for upcoming illnesses caused by extreme cold conditions. Cold weather can make arthritis worse for our older dogs.

Stock up on any medicine your dog may need from the vet before the weather gets back in the event that roads are not safe enough for travel. Also, pets who already have a chronic illness can have an increased chance of developing further problems when exposed to potential hypothermia situations. If you notice any new problems with your animal, contact your vet immediately.

The Best Defense One of the absolute best ways to ensure your pet is safe is to take these preventative steps ahead of the cold weather. If you know of a storm coming in and your have an outdoor dog, consider bringing him inside until the weather breaks. In some cases where this is not an option ensure he has a shelter outside, and try to put some insulation of some sort (hay, blankets, dog bed) inside for him. For dogs who are prone to chewing, do not allow them cloth for insulation. Heating mats can be purchased and placed in, or under, a dog house to help keep your pet warm.

Dogs Shaking Behavior: Different Reasons

written by: Chris_A

Dogs have many kinds of behaviors, some well known, others not so much. A very good question that is asked often is, why do dogs shake? The answer might be many fold.

Dogs evolved from domesticated wolves. And wolves were and are wild animals, living in a very dangerous environment. Survival for them is top priority. If you see a dog shake frantically after getting wet, it is because of the fact that he is wet. Being wet in the wilds is very dangerous.

A very wet coat, can increase the dogs weight many times, making it harder to run and escape enemies or hunt prey. If it is cold outside, getting dry can be a real problem and the dog could loose of lot of internal body heat. Thus, shaking can get a dog almost completely dry in a few seconds. A trait domesticated dogs probably inherited from their wolf ancestors.

Another reason dogs shake themselves is to literally shake off emotions. Dogs shake after getting into a fight with another dog, being yelled at, or if you hug and pet them. It is their way to deal with intense emotional moments and a way to cope with them and get back to their normal non emotional routine. Dogs, like humans, are very emotional beings.

Dogs shake to shake of imaginary objects from their coat. This trait is also a remnant of the wild wolf ancestor to modern dogs. In the wild, wolves would normally sleep on the ground, full of dirt, dried leaves, pebbles but also insects and parasites, like bugs and fleas and other animals.

The instinct remains, and after they wake up, dogs shake to get rid of all of these imaginary things. Even if your dog has a cozy dog house or a clean shelter, where he usually sleeps, he still does this.

If you clean or brush your dog much, you might notice that he would shake wildly after. This is also very normal. Dogs do not really enjoy excessive touching or petting or a lot of tugs.

The idea here, is that the skin of dogs is very loose. Much more loose then human skin. This is an advantage for getting dry, because the skin of a dog moves much faster then its backbone, and when dogs shake, they can get very dry very fast because of the free moving loose skin. If you excessively touch and groom your dog, the skin gets into uncomfortable positions around the dogs body, thus, by shaking, the dog just simply puts his skin back to normal.

Of course there are many other reasons as well. A dog could have a skin irritation, or an object stuck to his coat, that he wants to get rid off. He could also just ask for a loving massage.

It is very interesting, though, that among many other behaviors, shaking directly reminds us that dogs were once wild animals, and much of those wild, ancient animal instincts still remain in them.

Dogs are people’s favorite pets, which is to no surprise considering their loyalty, playfulness and cuteness. But, we never knew just how diverse these animals can be – sometimes, they don’t look like dogs at all! Every once in a while we encounter owners with very peculiar pets which are supposedly dogs, but we can’t be 100% sure. Here’s a list of some of the weirdest-looking dogs on the planet.

1. Panda dog

This particular breed is called Maltese Poodle and resembles very much to a panda. The origins of this breed can be found in Asia, specifically Japan and China. Even though there is talk it also contains parts of panda’s DNA, this thought is highly debatable and controversial.
2. Extreme grooming camel dog

Even though the name of this dog sounds at the very least upsetting, it is nothing more than a well groomed dog. To resemble a camel, owners groom their poodles by shaping their hair into wanted forms. The result of this is a camel-like dog!

3. Zebra dog

Image source: @kamercostante via Instagram

In such makeovers as this one, owners use completely safe hair dyes to accomplish the zebra-like look on their dogs. In order to accomplish this look for your dog as well, make sure he has similar visage as that of a zebra.

4. Horse dog

When it comes to grooming dogs, one of the popular looks is the horse look. Any giant dog breed with long hair can be made to look like a horse.

5. Lion dog

Image source: @brodin94 via Instagram

If you happen to own a long-haired Mastiff, then you’ll be happy to know you can groom him into the king of the jungle!

6. Tiger dog

This is another example of what you can do with pet hair dye. Transforming your pet into a tiger will certainly make him the main attraction wherever you go.

7. Polar bear dog

If you’ve always wanted to have a bear as a pet, you know that’s not going to happen. However, Akbash dog breed can be just the pet for you, considering it lloks very much like a big polar bear.

8. Skunk dog

In the sea of dogs that don’t look like dogs, this one is champion. Find a small dog with short hair and dye a white line across his back and fluffy tail and you’ll have yourself a real skunk as a pet!

9. Giraffe dog

Another example of creativity in the owners – using safe pet hair dye, giraffe dogs don’t look like dogs you’ll normally encounter.

10. Tiger dog

Groom your dog into a tiger with safe hair dyes and have heads turn for him wherever you go.

11. Lama dog

Just like a in the case of camel dog, your puddle can be easily transformed into a lama!

12. David Bowie dog

Well, this one really depends on your own creativity and originality in the hairstyle department.

13. Teddy bear

In case you want a real life teddy, a Pomeranian is your choice!

14. Lamb dog

Puddle transformed into a lamb with precise grooming!

15. Seal dog

Pugs are one of the cutest dogs in the world, and due to their wrinkly skin they resemble a lot to a real-life seal!

Are You Making These 10 Training Mistakes?
written by: pboysen1310

Training a dog successfully is an art form in and of itself. Taking the time to show your dog the importance of behavior and routine makes life easier for both of you, because dogs function best when they know their boundaries. Natural pleasers, they dislike the confusion that comes when boundaries are unclear. By establishing those lines clearly, you strengthen your relationship. Here are 10 common mistakes that people make when training their dogs, so that you can avoid them when raising your own furry friend.

1. How much training do you do?
Many dog owners go through the basic routines and behaviors to puppies or dogs new to the home. However, once the dog ages a bit and the connection settles, it is easy to get lazy about ensuring that those behaviors stay consistent. This means that response times increase for some behaviors, and that sometimes the dogs won’t respond at all. This is not malicious on the part of your dog; it simply means that you need practice. Finding new ways to build training into your life with your dog helps you both to remember the proper behaviors.

2. Do you find yourself repeating commands?
This is frustrating for many dog owners: you’ve taught a specific behavior, such as sitting. However, your dog gets confused or distracted and fails to respond correctly the first time you give the command. You repeat it, and finally the dog sits down. This often takes place with behaviors that have not received full instruction. Repeating a command to a dog suggests that it is all right to ignore the first one or simply to ignore repeated commands. The keys: do not give a command that you can’t enforce, and do not repeat commands.

3. Does training frustrate you?
If you get upset during training, your dog can sense this and start to pull back from the learning process. This isn’t a lack of obedience; instead, it comes from a combination of frustration and fear on the dog’s part. Before you become frustrated, take a deep breath and relax, or bring the training session to an early halt. You can take it up again after you have figured out the issues.

4. Is your training reactive?
To train your dog successfully, you need persistence, practice and time. If you wait until a problem with your dog spirals into chaos, you are going to have a much more difficult time than you would have if you proactively targeted that sort of behavior. This approach helps you intervene before the behavior starts to be an issue.

5. Do you correct your dog too quickly?
Teach the dog your commands before you start correcting. This will ultimately hinder his progress, because he won’t understand what you are saying.

6. Do you forget to reward the right behavior?
Immediate praise is the most effective reward that a trainer can give a dog. Without any sort of reward, your dog won’t know that he did the right thing!

7. Do you expect too much too quickly?
If you watch dogs and their trainers on television, you might expect your dog to do the same sort of fascinating tricks. Significant amounts of money and time went into training those dogs for television, and expecting your dog to produce those same results is simply unrealistic.

8. Are your rules consistent?
A common example of this involves a pet jumping up on people. Do you only correct your dog when you’re in your nice suit or Sunday clothes? You need to correct it all the time, not just when you’re wearing nice clothes. Your dog can’t differentiate between your business suit and your sweat pants, so enforce rules regularly.

9. Do you give up too soon?
Training takes time, so don’t give up on the process before you should. You might think that your pet will never learn that trick. However, different dogs take different amounts of training. If you stick with it, your dog will learn everything you want him to.

10. Does your dog get enough attention?
If your dog is an outside animal, it’s easy to forget that he’s out there, so all you’re training him to do is dig holes when he’s bored. Keep your dog in view as much as possible, and place him in a room where it’s not possible for him to damage things while you are gone.
Avoiding these 10 dog training mistakes will help you go a long way toward training your dog most effectively. If you have specific questions about your animal, talk to your vet to get the best insights.

MY DOG AS MY BEST DATING GUIDE
Reasons Your Dog is Your Best Dating Guide

Dating basically is a form of courtship which involves some social activities done by two people in order to assess the others suitability in an intimate relationship. Therefore this involves trying to know if you can cope with your partner and able to tolerate their weaknesses. In order to achieve this your dog as a pet can help you to bring out your partners true character unknowingly by how they treat it.here are some of the reasons why your dog is your best dating guide.

1.It brings out your partners ability to offer assistance or help regardless of the circumstance-Dog walks-when there are harsh conditions outside (for example it may be raining) and your dog wants to be taken out for a walk but your currently busy, if your partner offers to take it out then that’s the right person, if he does not offer to do so know its time to continue searching for the right person for you .
This is because your dog loves you and someone who loves you should treat your dog with love, care and kindness that you deserve.

2. your dog helps to bring out how much your partner can be jealous-most of the time dogs bark in order to draw the attention of their owner( such as play with them, feed it or take it for a walk or do some routines they normally do). If your partner is offended or is annoyed at your dog’s barking then he or she is not the right match.

3. It also helps you to know if your partner is tolerant, loving, and not a soulless person-this is achieved when your dog poops outside its box or puppy pad or even poops on your partner’s clean floor(or even hardwood floor). If he or she yells at or banishes it to the cold
outdoors then that’s not the right person for you since all it takes is a quick clean.

4. Your dog also helps you identify if your partner is responsible-dogs love playing and chewing with socks and leather shoes .When shoes and socks are irresponsibly kept the dog will obviously come across them play with them and also destroy them at times. The problem is not your pet but the irresponsible nature of your partner since if they could be well kept the dog could not have come across them. A person who is not responsible is not suitable for a serious relationship which should materialize to marriage.

5. Finally, your dog also helps you to identify if your partner is materialistic-most dogs drool. They drool on everything and everywhere. Your partner may arrives at your house and your dog jumps up to say Hi! leaving a trail of drool all over your partner’s expensive outfit. If he or she laughs or smiles and appreciates it, ignoring the incident ,then that’s your match but if he or she throw it away and complains of his or her outfit then its time to continue searching for the right person for you.

The simple interactions between your dog and your partner tell a lot about the character of your partner. In most cases they are not keen and show their real character by how they treat your dog.Your dog loves you and wants the best for you, therefore your partner should treat it with diligence love and affection similar to that afforded to you.

10 Long Haired Dog Breeds : If you are interested in getting dogs as pets for your kids, chances are that you will want them to look friendly and fun to play with. Fortunately, there are a number of species that have such qualities. The long haired dogs are of particular interest to most people, since they look inherently sweet and gentle. The only problem with them is that some of them tend to shed their hair a lot, and also need a lot of care to keep their coats clean. However, if you are willing to look past this, you can end up having a lot of fun with long haired dogs. Some of the most popular of these dogs include: 

1. Long Haired Dog Breeds The Wheaten Terrier

This is a dog species that has been native to Ireland for the past 200 years. Some of the qualities that make it so popular with many people around the world include the fact that it’s very quick and agile, making it perfect for farm use. It also has a thick, soft coat that you and your kids are likely to have a lot of fun with.

2. Long Haired Dog Breeds The bearded collie

As the name might suggest, this dog species has characteristically long facial hair. This makes it look very gentle, making it the perfect family pet. They happen to be very gentle and love playing, especially with kids.

3. Long Haired Dog Breeds Maltese

These tend to have very soft, silky hair. When taken care of, they are very attractive dogs and will definitely draw a lot of compliments from people around you. The fact that they have traditionally been owned by royalty is just testament to the fact that they look good.

4. Long Haired Dog Breeds Yorkshire Terrier

These are known to be very brave dogs. They have silky blue coats and have also been favored by most royals, especially in Europe. They are very energetic dogs, which makes them the perfect family pet. The fact that they have very long hair means that they need a bit more attention in order to care for it. 

5. Long Haired Dog Breeds The Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is a popular show dog, and one of the reasons for this is that it has a very thick and attractive coat. This comes in many different colors, and is worth having as a family pet.

6. Long Haired Dog Breeds Havanese

These are native to Cuba, and normally have very long coats that come in many different structures. For instance, there are some that have straight hair, and some that have curly or wavy hair. Whatever your preference, you can be sure that there is a long haired Havanese that suits your preferences.

7. Long Haired Dog BreedsKomondor

This has thick, mop-like hair that gives the dog an imposing presence especially when you consider its size. However, despite looking slightly mean, they are actually very gentle dogs and have a good enough temperament to be family pets.

8. Long Haired Dog Breeds Bernese Mountain Dog

These are traditionally mountain dogs, so it’s expected that they should have long hair to protect them from the cold. They also happen to be very intelligent.

9. Long Haired Dog Breeds Lhasa Apso

This rare species is well known for its sense of loyalty, and its long curly coat that makes it look very adorable. 

10. Long Haired Dog Breeds Shih Tzu

These have very dense, thick coats. They also have an outgoing and energetic temperament, and require minimal exercise.

How to Get a Dog Eating the Dog Food That it Does Not Like
written by: writerB

Dogs make great pets and are loved by many. However, sometimes they can turn out to be difficult and especially when it comes to their diet. Naturally, some dogs can refuse to eat a certain dog food as they are naturally stubborn; or can decide to eat it in a certain time of the day, and most especially when hunger becomes unbearable. Getting a dog to eat the food that it does not like may sound impossible, especially if one have ever dealt with a finicky eater. But is easier than you thought; with just a little bit of effort, a dog can eat dog food within no time. Below are tips on how to make a dog eat dog food that it does not like:

 1. Set a feeding schedule

Do not give it excess food. One can serve him a small bowl of food three times a day instead of one big meal. The schedule can include a morning schedule, afternoon and evening schedule. That way, the dog will not get bored with the food no matter how tasteless the food is.

 2. Avoid giving him frequent treats

If your dog is so used to treats, he is less likely to eat his dog food. If one potentially treats the dog often, he will not be enthusiastic about eating his food. One should minimize the treats by asking those at home to stop treating him.

 3. Offer him a quiet place

Some dogs are so much sensitive to distractions and may not be able to eat. If the dog is active or has anxiety he may not eat in a noisy place. It is good to ensure that the dog is eating in a cool place and that the food is set at a comfortable height.

 4. Don’t sooth him to eat

One can take your dog for a walk before giving him food. When you come back home, present the food before him and leave it for 15 minutes, if he refuses to eat, take it away. Repeat this for some time. He will learn to eat whatever is presented.  

 5. Introduce a new brand of dog food

Repeated consumption of the same dog food may make your dog not eat his food. One can purchase new type of dog food, add a quarter of the new brand to the original food that your dog hates. That way he will get used to his food.

 6. Stick to the food

One should remain consistent with dogs feeding schedule. One should not offer him table food simply because he refuses to eat his dog food. If one gives him table food he will never get used to dog food and it will be hard for you to train him otherwise. Stick strictly to dog food.

 Pickiness or behavioral issues are some of the common reasons why dogs hate a certain type of food. However, some dogs may refuse to eat as a result of digestive problems or illness. Therefore, even as you train your dog to eat what he hates, you should not assume that the dog is just picky without having a specialist check on him. Follow the above tips and get your dog eating amazingly!

Separating Dog Myths From The Truth
written by: Makomondi

There are common perceptions that people have had and still have about dogs. These perceptions have spread throughout history and geographical areas. While some of the thoughts that people have about dogs are true, others are simply misconceptions.

Sixteen common dog myths

The following are common dog myths which when understood, will help pet owners understand their dogs better.

Dogs understand the words we tell them

Dogs are reliably said to comprehend about five hundred words used by humans with more intelligent dogs internalizing several thousands. They mostly, however, respond to our body language, tone used and gestures.

A dry nose determines the state of health

Poor air circulation in the surroundings or dry atmospheric conditions can cause a dry nose and not illness.

Wagging of tails means a happy mood

While happiness is a reason for a dog to wag its tail, fear, agitation and tension are also expressed through wagging the tail. It is not, therefore, advisable to go near a dog wagging its tail before one knows if the dog is friendly.

Dogs can differentiate good and bad people

A dog will attack a stranger mainly out of fear or fright that the person may cause physical harm to them. This they read from the person’s body language.

Dogs that cower were previously abused

This could be true but sometimes such dogs lacked sustainable socialization in the past or are used to dodging anyone wanting to touch their necks. The genetics of the dog can also play a part in it cowering.

Dogs can have a feeling of guilt

When dogs employ a body language that may be construed as guilt, they are actually trying to use their actions to calm down a person so that retribution is not meted on them for their actions.

Dogs are color blind

This is one of the most propagated dog myths. Dogs are not color blind and can actually clearly differentiate distinct colors.

Same breed dogs are the same

Like any two different creatures, dogs of the same breed will have varying behaviors. One may be friendlier than the other.

Dogs will always be friendly to kids

While dogs will not attack kids, they respond emotionally to the treatment they are given. Kids should not, therefore, act in a way as to mistreat dogs around them.

Training is best achieved through harshness

Dogs do not know right and wrong before they are trained. As such, it is important that we teach them in a kind and gentle way for them to learn better. Too much harshness may cause them to cower.

Letting a dog in the field is sufficient exercise

Research has proved that the best exercise for dogs is when they play with humans, interact and are taken for walks by their owners.

Dogs given comfort will misbehave

Dogs like a comfortable place to rest. Those that will be defensive when their resting places are approached can be trained to behave otherwise.

Rubbing a dog’s nose in their mess teaches them a lesson

Nothing can be farther from the truth. The dog will not link the two but will only get confused leading to hiding during such times.

Only male dogs lift their legs to urinate

Female dogs have been noticed, from time to time, to lift their legs as well to urinate.

Dogs enjoy delicious foods

Dogs will mainly enjoy the food they eat from the smell of the food.

Dogs like being touched on their heads

Most dogs do not like this, although some actually do.

Why Won’t My Dog Come to Me When I Call Him.
written by: joychiuris

You are doing all that you know to get your pooch to COME to you when you call. He has no idea what you are stating. All the same, he is a canine, isn’t that so? You have to get him to comprehend you and there are approaches to do this.

From my experience, there are a ton of things that can help this issue.

• Does your puppy know his name? If not, this is a real a piece of the issue. Begin utilizing his name oftentimes and provide for them some adoration by method of petting or scratching him. A dinner or an intermittent treat works additionally. He will start to distinguish his name and cohort it with something charming.
• Does your puppy know what you are attempting to say? You can’t appear to get him to come so you add an alternate word to the summon. “PETEY, COME!” Next thing you know, you are pursuing him in light of the fact that he still won’t COME. Presently he supposes this is an amusement so he continues evading you. When you at long last surrender and he finally draws close to you, you utilize a stern voice to revile him. Uh, Oh, now he partners “PETEY, COME” with “I’m in a bad position, better escape here!”

• Does your canine revel in his surroundings? Once in a while a canine only goes into his planet, and as I say, “takes in the pleasant ambiance”. We, as individuals, do the same thing. Stand out just enough to be noticed by petting him and maxim the saying COME when he perceives you. Providing for them him a treat while platitude “COME” is getting him used to listening to the expression and partner it with something exceptional.
• If you have eye contact with your canine, let him know to COME. Once in a while it is important to keep him on a lead, particularly in the event that you are outside. As you say come, delicately pull him to you. After he has arrived at you, offer him a toy or treat, on top of a ton of petting and “ATTA BOYS”. Make an effort not to end play time excessively soon or he will cohort COME with the closure of a great time.

• Once your puppy cohorts COME with great things, don’t befuddle him by requesting that him COME to chasten him for something. Continuously remember that your tone of voice can put an alternate feel to the saying COME. Continuously keep your voice charming, when conceivable. We need him to realize that he is sheltered when he is close you and that when he COMES all is overlooked.

• Do NOT utilize the COME summon in the event that you are set to do something unpalatable (in his eyes, obviously). Assuming that you are set to bathe him or cut his toe nails, you have to go get him. This will help to keep the COME word positive.

• Your non-verbal communication is a vital variable when preparing your puppy to COME. Much the same as individuals, pooches will cohort your non-verbal communication with your disposition. In the event that case in point your arms are crossed and you are standing tall, your canine can cohort this with being furious. Stay loose and your pooch will be loose and react better.

• If you are preparing your canine to COME with treats, let him come the distance to you. Don’t connect and offer him the treat. Hold the treat alongside your leg and make him come the distance to you for it.
When you have prepared your pooch to COME, it is less demanding to happen to other training methods.

Cpr For Dogs

I had previously raised two lhasa apso dogs who spent most of their lives living in high-rise condominiums. Instead of having to take them down an elevator to go outdoors to eliminate all the time, I trained them to use newspapers in a spare bathroom. Since they were both initially paper trained as puppies anyway, I chose to continue this method for them. Indoor newspapers worked quite well for the rest of their lives as my dogs were able to go to the bathroom whenever they needed to. The only problem is that the papers tended to get rather messy and smelly. If plastic liners were not placed underneath the papers, newsprint ink would be imprinted on the ceramic tiles of my spare bathroom floors. On some occasions, urine puddles would flow off the papers as well as the liner resulting in situations which required immediate cleaning since urine became trapped between the plastic liner and the floor. Despite these complications, I was relatively satisfied with the paper method for my little dogs.

After both of my dogs had passed away after long lives, I took a break as a dog owner for several years. When it was time to become dog owner again, I had made up my mind to train my new pair of lhasa apso puppies to use papers indoors as well. This time, it turned out that Purina had come out with a new litter box system called Second Nature designed for specifically for dogs. It was basically modeled after similar setups for cats but the dog litter consists of large pellets made up of recycled newsprint.

Purina also introduced a litter box that has one side cut away lower to facilitate easy entry for dogs. I’m not totally convinced on the advantage of this particular feature since my lhasa apsos have no problems stepping into the box from the side. But for Purina to introduce such a system to the market, I must not have been the only dog owner who considered indoor elimination a better alternative to outdoors for smaller breeds. The product is now very popular especially among small dog owners living in apartments and high-rise condominiums without easy access to outdoors.

Purina recommends a slow transition from papers to their Second Nature system by placing newspapers over their dog litter at first. The company also suggests crate training at the same time but instead of taking the dogs outside, they are taken to the litter box. Newspapers are also placed all around the floor area of the litter box itself. My puppies needed some time to get use to the box so while they were being introduced to it, they were eliminating on both the newspapers on the floors as well as inside the litter box. Once they got use to the idea of going inside the box more often to eliminate, paper coverage on the surrounding floor area was gradually made smaller.

When they started to use the litter box all the time, the newspapers on the floors were gone for good. The next step was for them to get use to the actual pellets of the litter. Since there were still newspapers covering the dog litter, the puppies were still technically using papers but at least they were getting accustomed to stepping on the pellets underneath. Papers inside the box were gradually reduced a bit at a time exposing more dog litter. Over a few weeks, the puppies gradually saw more dog litter than newspaper inside the box. Eventually, all newspapers were totally eliminated as my lhasa apsos finally got used to the box filled with litter only.

In my mind, the litter box system is less messy since all dog urine and feces stay inside the box. Actually the Second Nature pellets absorb urine much better than normal newspapers. The odd time, one of the puppies may get a bit lazy and have just the front paws inside the box while the hind legs are still outside resulting in urination on the floors. In these cases, the puppies have to be nudged a bit so that they are completely inside the box. This is part of their training. The only complication I observed with the pellets is that both puppies like to chew and eat them at times.

Purina claims that ingestion of the pellets itself is not harmful to the dogs since they are just compressed papers. This will result in more feces production until the dogs can stop this habit. The dog litter is non-clumping so it will not get stuck inside the canine digestive system unlike normal clumping cat litter. It is considered unsafe to use clumping cat litter as a substitute for the Purina dog litter.

Purina Second Nature was launched only in the United States so as a Canadian resident, I had to go down to the U.S. to purchase the system. I started out with Purina’s cat and small animal litter called Yesterday’s News which is basically the same as Second Nature except the pellets are much smaller. But at least the Yesterday’s News pellets are non-clumping and therefore safe to use for dogs. Purina changed their Second Nature pellets to be around the same size as Yesterday’s News and many users including myself, found that my dogs ended up tracking the pellets all over the place.

After speaking to a Purina spokesperson, I was informed that the Second Nature pellets will be made back in the original larger size soon. This will reduce the tracking significantly again. Purina will also introduce Second Nature in the original larger pellet size to the Canadian market. Naturally, this is good news for me and other owners of small dogs who would like to use an alternative to going outdoors for elimination, especially during cold bitter Canadian winters. I would definitely recommend the Purina Second Nature dog litter system to other small breed dog owners, especially when it returns to its original larger pellet size.