Posts Tagged ‘family’

Is Peanut Butter Good for Dogs?

Sun ,07/03/2010

You might be disturbed that feeding your dog peanut butter or peanut butter dog treats is unhealthy. This can be a valid concern since many types of nuts are identified to be hazardous for dogs to ingest. Macadamian and walnuts are recognized to be unhealthy to dogs and should always be avoided.

Over time, several nuts might become toxic and the degree of phosphorus can build, causing both liver and bladder concerns. In some cases these issues can even induce death. It is also important to note that some types of chocolate might include nuts which could cause the same concerns.

For those dog lovers that like to include peanut butter for snacks, mixing with medication or just sharing, there is good information. Although we might think that peanuts are nuts, they are truly a type of bean. To be more to the point, they are part of the legume family (Fabaceae).

That being noted, dogs can have food allergies just like people. As with any untested food item, it must be fed in moderation and discontinued if an allergic reaction is suspected. Although there are many beneficial nutrients in peanut butter, it is also high in calories. If you are worried about preservatives, consider organic brands which might also be lower in sugar.

There is no data I have read that peanut butter is unhealthy for dogs. That being said, we being owners, must always read the labels and be aware of the products we give our dogs. Now it’s time for me to put some peanut butter on a dog treat and share the great news with my dogs!

Get more information on peanut butter dog biscuits and learn how to make healthy dog biscuits today!

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Dog Behavior Problems: Help! My Dog Is A Nuisance When He Misbehaves!

Fri ,05/03/2010

How many times have I hear fellow dog owners say, “I hate it when he barks non stop… or he utterly embarrassed me when he mounts people’s leg”. Dog owners usually have no problems to fill in tons of their dog behavioral problems into the above statements.

I have to admit that I feel disappointed, even sad whenever I hear dog owners say that statement. Why? Because, these owners have failed to see things from their dog’s prospective! To put it simply, I should say that they don’t understand their dogs at all.

Dogs do not misbehave because they’re spiteful, or are out to annoy or anger you. They just behave in a manner which is expected of a dog!

The fact is that dog behavioral problems that we can’t stand are not problems at all to the dogs. In fact, do you know that dogs “misbehave” for a reason or two? To list a few:

1. Dogs bark because they have something to say, something to tell you.

2. Dogs dig because they smell something underneath the ground.

3. Dogs chew because they are teething and are feeling uncomfortable.

4. Dogs chase after moving objects because they are following its instinct.

5. Dogs turn aggressive because they want to protect you.

For your information, most dogs actually misbehaved (in our eyes) because of the lack of care, concern and training from their very own owners:

1. Health Issue – Many behaviorists & dog trainers believe that at least 20% of all behavior problems are related to the dog’s health in some way or another. For all that you might know. Your dog could be misbehaving because he is sick or in pain. Bring him to the vet for a thorough check-up if he misbehaves suddenly when he has always been a good dog.

2. Imbalance Diet – Feeding your dog the wrong food, with too high in protein, fat or carbohydrates is known to cause hyperactivity. Sugars, starches and many other factors in your dog’s diet can also cause behavioral problems in your dog. Always read the label of the food before you feed him, seek advice if necessary. Remember that dogs need different type of food in different stages of their life.

3. Exercise – Lack of exercise also cause plentiful of problems. A dog that doesn’t get enough exercise is unhealthy and tends to be hyperactive, and display destructive behaviors. Dogs depending on breed type need plentiful of exercises – Do consider this factor before you get a puppy.

4. Lack of Leadership -I can’t stress enough on the importance of the leadership issue. Dogs display TONS of behavioral problems when they lack a leader. Aggressive & destructive behaviors, leg lifting, marking, mounting, barking & etc… It’s very important that you assume the role of the alpha leader!

You must understand that all dog develop behavior problems. These dog behavior problems never develop in a vacuum. They are always the outcome of the interaction between a dog and its environment, including you! Most canine behavioral problems can be controlled if not solved completely. You just got to put in some effort and understand that prevention is better than cure.

Lastly, do try to see and comprehend things from your dog’s prospective the next time your dog misbehaves. You’ll soon find that you love him even more!

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Training Your Puppy To Be A Dependable Citizen

Tue ,02/03/2010

The most crucial fact about puppies and dogs that owners must recognize is that dogs are pack animals and the person must set up authority. You, the owner, are the “pack leader” and you must act the part.

A new puppy will intuitively spend a big amount of time trying to figure out where they fit in the pecking order of their new home. They do this by trying to establish their own control. A few breeds have more forceful personalities such as the terriers or Chihuahuas. Other breeds are more naturally acquiescent.

As soon as your puppy comes home you need to help him learn his place in the hierarchy. All of the individual members of the family are above him in the “pecking order” and he needs to be aware of that fact. This is not reprimand at all and dogs actually prefer to be subservient to their owners. If your dog is to become content and well-behaved member of your household this hierarchy must be established.

In order to create the dominance you must go along with a few simple rules. Otherwise your puppy will be receiving mixed signals and it will be more demanding for you to train him and he will be confused as to what you really want.

The leader must each time eat first. Do not let your puppy eat before you eat. If you are planning on eating about the same time as you plan to feed your puppy, you need to make your puppy wait until you are done. Or you can have your puppy eat at a entire distinct time than you eat. In the start you may want to call your puppy to you to get his food and make him stay before you give it to him. You can teach him to sit and then give him his food.

Grooming your puppy can send powerful signals about who is in charge. At the start your puppy may whimper and cry when you hold him for basic grooming but you must pay no heed to him and be adamant on finishing. Always follow through on what you begin because puppies discover very rapidly if you really mean something or not.

Most puppies will nip and bite at things when they are very young. You must prohibit this behavior immediately and let your puppy know that it is not acceptable with a clear reaction of a “No” and a tap if needed. Keep in mind that you are the pack leader and the pack leader does not ever get nipped.

Showing your puppy that you are the dominant leader is the most essential thing you can do to have a well-behaved dog later on. Avoid aggressive games like “tug’o'war” where he can show too much dominance. Reward his good behavior with praise and treats and overlook his bad behavior as you commence the process of obedience training. Following these simple rules can help you train your puppy to be well-behaved and well-trained.

Maximum training tips for your favorite dog including training collars for dogs, obedience training for dog and much more at UniversityDog.com.

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Dog Training – Most Dogs Need Training And Here’s Why

Sun ,28/02/2010

Your life is going exactly as planned. You have a great family, nice house, a carrier you love, and you have even gotten a dog.

You wake up a 6 am with a smile on your face. You have a whole hour to yourself to get ready for work before you have to wake the kids up. You go about your morning quietly humming to yourself as you make your pot of coffee. The aroma is filling the house and you can’t help but think how lucky you are.

Out of the corner of your eye you spot your neighbor taking their little dog out for a morning stroll. You get to thinking that maybe you should take your dog out also to get some fresh air and a bit of exercise. Just then, as if on Que, your dog springs into action and flies over to the window. The hair on his back looks like a porcupines and he lets out a low warning growl. You only have a second to respond before he really lets loose with the barking and you know he is going to wake up the whole house.

As you are making every effort to quite him the baby starts screaming like a banshee and your older children slowly emerge from their rooms. All you can do is stare at your beautiful children because you know that within minutes the house will be in chaos and you didn’t even get to drink your first cup of coffee, let alone get ready for work. Any thoughts on relaxing before the day really began have been dashed.

That’s it you think. That dog needs dog training, barking at all hours of the day has got to go.

The desire to get your dog trained has stayed with you throughout work. You are a bit on the frazzled side all through work. As soon as you pick up your children after work you realize that they are on the verge of becoming very overtired. Well, how can you blame them, they are not used to getting up that early. You make it home with as little fuss as possible and file them all through the door.

As you walk through the door your dog comes flying at you to show you just how much you were missed today. You barely manage to stay upright as he jumps on you. You have a new demand to add to your dog training, jumping has to go as well. You manage to calm your dog down long enough for him to stop jumping and then you see it… right in the middle of your living room carpet your dog has dug a big hole.

You look at your beloved dog as the kids are all crowding around him. They are all pleading with you with their eyes to please not be angry. The dog is after all very, very sorry.

All you can think is that dog is a nuisance but there is nothing you can do. The children are head over heals in love with their dog and in truth, so are you. Regardless, you have to stop your dog digging holes especially in the middle the living room floor. That is when dog obedience training comes into play. The best way to get your dog to behave is to train him to do so.

When dog training barking is most times high on the priority of behaviors that must go. Visit SafeDogObedienceAdvice.com to learn how to safely and positively get your dog trained. Dog Obedience Training

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Pick Out A Pedigree Puppy For Your Family

Thu ,25/02/2010

Deciding to bring a puppy into your family unit is a commitment that should not be taken frivolously. Most dog breeds live between 10 to 15 years. Your puppy will be with you for a long time to come and getting a puppy is not a decision that should be taken frivolously.

Locating a highly regarded and well-respected dog breeder should be one of the first steps to take when you decide to get a new pet. The top breeders are committed to their breeds and they do everything they can to avoid health and behavior troubles. A good breeder will never intentionally sell you a unhealthy dog.

Since your puppy will grow up you should spend time with some adult dogs from the preferred breed before even looking at the puppies. Talk to breeders, other owners and local dog obedience trainers to get more information.

Distinctive breeds have diverse individuality that you will need to take into consideration. Some dog’s shed and some dogs make a big noise called “baying”. Make sure that the breed you choose has behavior that you can live with. If you cannot stand dog hair on your furniture or you or a family member is allergic you will want to consider a dog that will not shed. If your family is laid back and easy going you may not want to get a dynamic and rambunctious little terrier.

Those who work with animal’s day in and day out like veterinarians and the people who work in their office can usually give you quite a bit of advantageous information on the breed that you are taking into consideration. If there are possible health troubles that tend to show up in the breed it is nice to know that before you see the puppies.

Dog obedience trainers often see many different breeds and they can be a good source of balanced information. They can also usually give you some tips on what to look for in a puppy.

If you want some really helpful and fair-minded information talk with one or more dog obedience instructors. They usually have a variety of great information that they can give you on the diverse breeds and what to look for when choosing a puppy.

For many years to come your new puppy will with a bit of luck be a much-loved member of your family. You need to amass some sound information and use that to choose your puppy and not just the “puppy love” that we all have a propensity to encounter around charming little puppies. Every puppy will grow out of that really cute condition and the adult dog is the one who will be your pet for years to come.

The important secrets for training your favorite dog including crate training for puppies, house train a dog and much more at UniversityDog.

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How to Stop Aggressive Dog Behavior: Learn Before Its Too Late

Sun ,21/02/2010

Is your dog behaving badly and do you want to know how to stop aggressive dog behavior? Most dog owners do not find this an easy feat to perform. Before anything else, you need to know some important facts about dog behavior and dog aggression training.

1. Dogs are not irrational creatures.

Dogs are not as irrational as we think them to be. They do not just turn against people, animals or their owners for no reason at all. Just like humans, there are a couple of things that could get on a dog’s nerves. Some of the causes of dog aggression include fear of being hurt, the dog’s tendency to protect its own and an incorrect perception of its superiority over all others. Knowing these reasons will help you see your dog in a new light that will permit an appropriate response.

2. You can contribute to the promotion of aggressive behavior.

You may be part of the problem. You may not want to accept it at first but it is possible that some of your own actions could lead to dog aggression. Taking away a dog’s toy or dish for example could make your dog think that you are trying to steal from it. Raising a stick in your hand to play fetch could be perceived too by a traumatized dog as a position of attack and will try to defend itself. The simple act of reaching over to pat your dog may also be mistaken as a challenge to its dominance.

3. Aggressive behavior can be corrected.

Your dog is not beyond help even if some claim that you have a particular breed that is aggressive in nature. There are experts that are trained on dog psychology who can help your dog and teach you how to stop aggressive dog behavior. Take the time to read on dog training approaches and pick a trainer who uses techniques that you are comfortable with. Appropriate obedience training may be the only way to straighten out your dog’s behavior.

4. You can correct dog aggression yourself.

Of course, there are option other than hiring expensive dog trainers. You can teach your dog yourself to stop being aggressive. To be on the safe side though, you should follow a reliable manual or guide book for training. Inappropriate techniques could make your dog’s behavior worse. You could also be endangering yourself.

5. Physical punishment is never a good idea.

New methods for training dogs never include punishment. One old technique is the use of physical force and punishment. Many experts however now acknowledge that this is not an advisable technique. Using sticks, leashes, collars and shock equipment are not only cruel. They might also reinforce violent behavior among dogs.

6. Non-aggressive behavior is the key to a happy relationship.

Your relationship with your dog rests solely on its temperament. If you give up on correcting aggression in your dog, you could be signing the death warrant on your relationship with your pet. The only key to having a happy and affectionate companion is to stop its aggressive ways.

Although it is easy to dismiss and give up your dog if you don’t know how to stop aggressive dog behavior, is still not an excuse. There are ways and means for you to learn how. You just need to be patient and persevering. If you love your dog, you will not stop at nothing to find a solution.

Does your dog have a growing aggressive dog behavior? Find out how to stop aggressive dog behavior now before it’s too late for you and your canine companion.

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Get Tips For Socializing Your Dog

Sun ,21/02/2010

Receiving a new puppy or even a new older dog is always a remarkable event for a family. During those initial days the new member of your family is adjusting and getting used to everyone and all of the new things. It is at this time that you need to make sure that you are doing everything you can to suitably socialize your new family member. Your new pet will run into many atypical situations in life and it is better for everyone if he learns how to handle and react in a healthy and satisfactory manner.

A new puppy can start learning socialization skills as early as 2 to 3 weeks following birth. Usually a family will acquire a new puppy at about 7 to 8 weeks old. Puppies tend to be more hesitant and frightened until they are about 14 weeks old so during the early days be gentle with your new puppy.

While we all know that it is imperative to socialize a puppy, the fact is that socialization is a skill that should be practiced throughout a dog’s life. Changes in circumstances and situations can affect a dog and a formerly pleasant and outgoing dog can transform into a apprehensive and menacing dog under different conditions. That is why it is important to continually socialize your dog and permit him to undergo numerous situations, people and other animals.

Let your dog become familiar with other dogs and other animals. You can take him to a park or a doggie daycare or even just visit friends who have pets. Be sure that your dog has had all of his shots first but it is important for his socialization to meet up with others.

Present your dog to the people who come to your residence the most. Since the mailperson stops by on a daily basis it is a good plan to introduce your dog to him or her. Anyone who stops by a lot should be acquainted with your dog. Also if possible make sure your dog is around as many different people as possible. This will make him more sociable in separate situations.

Dogs lived in the wild in packs and they will naturally recreate a pack pecking order in a new situation. It is essential that every person in the family is seen as a dominant pack member. When any human speaks the dog should pay attention and obey. The dog is the follower and the owner is the alpha dog or the leader.

Socialization needs to persist throughout your dog’s life. He needs to continuously meet new people, new dogs and other animals. If not he could become fearful and take on hard-to-resolve problems such as biting and fighting.

A dog that is well socialized is enjoyable to own and much more agreeable for you and other people. You will also be more successful at dog training. Everything about owning your dog will be easier if he is suitably socialized.

The principal secrets for training your pet dog including dog training treats, http://universitydog.com/150/stop-your-dog-from-digging/ and much more at UniversityDog.com.

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Potty Training Puppies – Quick Tips

Sun ,21/02/2010

There is one thing that you will need to realize before we move onto the important parts of potty training puppies. This is that a puppy or dog does not use a potty or a toilet to do its business. So, they will opt to take their business outside.

You have to remember that there are many different types or breeds of dogs. The training of your dog depends on the breed you have. Some dogs learn quicker than others, and some dogs are easier to potty train than others. If you have a choice as to the pup you get, make sure you do your research. Learn how to train a specific breed, and how to best handle it.

The next thing that you want to keep in mind before you get started is that you must not get angry with the dog. If your dog does not get the potty or house training right the first time, give it a few minutes and try again later. It is sure to happen sometime, and when it does, make sure that you reward him or her with some playtime, or even a snack.

Firstly – A good schedule is very important in the training process. And this does not just pertain to the potty training process. You want your dog to become a part of your routine, and to pick up the routine quickly. If you wake up at a certain time in the morning, keep it to that time. The same goes for sleeping time, and eating time. Soon the dog will have your routine down perfectly, and will wake you up if you oversleep.

The Second Step – You want to keep you dog in a room where the floors are either concrete or tile. You do not want any accidents ruining your nice rugs. Do not forget that you doggy needs to sleep too. Make sure that you lay down a comfy bed for him or her to lie in at night.

Step three – Decide whether you want your puppy to do its business inside or outside. Many people opt for outside, as that just seems like a natural thing to do. However, if you feel that you do not want your puppy getting too cold, a specified place inside a bathroom is a good start. Also, you want to make sure that whenever the puppy does its business, it is in that one area only. You will have to be with it initially to make sure this happens.

The Fourth Step – Remember to keep one area designated for the dog’s business. It is like humans, you do not play where you do your business. This means you will need to be with the dog in the initial stages of the training. Keep the dog on a leash and make sure that you take the dog to that spot all of the time.

Do not forget – Do not play with your pup when he has not made a bowel movement or urinated after waking you up or moaning for no reason. Also, do not get upset. Take the dog back in and keep encouraging him to do his business. Give it a time out in a “time out” area, or his sleeping area.

To get some more information on potty training puppies, please click on any of the given links: potty training puppies potty training puppies methods

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Dog Biting Problems

Sun ,21/02/2010

Dog biting is probably the most serious of all dog behavioral problems. Peeing on the carpet, going on the couch or any other behavioral problem will not raise such dire results as biting, as many communities demand to put down a dog if it bites someone seriously. If your dog exhibits biting tendency then it might cost his life, which makes it vital to train your dog to not bite anyone ever.

On the other hand, biting problems are common and quite normal in case of puppies. This problem arises mostly during their teething period when they have an uncontrollable urge to chew and bite on anything and everything. Though a puppy bite might break your skin it will not pose any other serious problems. However, this is the right time and age to train your puppy not to bite ever again

Training does not mean that you have to be harsh or met out some cruel punishment. All you have to do is tell him a firm No! whenever he takes a hard bite on you. Use phrases like Bad Dog! or something that has the tone of reprimand to let him know that you are hurt from his bite.

Most dog biting problems have a physiological cause behind them. You see, dogs do not only bite when they want to hurt something. They bite something if they want to hold onto it, they bite to play, and they bite as a way to warn people or other dogs do not go any further. The problem is that dogs have thicker skins than people. Your dog thinks of you as just another dog, so he can easily bite through your skin accidentally. If you don’t address the dog biting problem while he is still a puppy, it can become serious. If you do train him not to bite too hard, he will grow up to be a great pet.

Of course, some dog biting problems occur because of aggression. You might just have a temperamentally difficult dog that gets angry and tries to hurt. If this is the case, you really need to send him to obedience school. These sorts of dog biting problems often lead to another dog being seriously injured, or even a person being hurt.

If your dog shows biting tendencies then you have take it very seriously and get help as soon as possible from a professional dog trainer, as an average pet owner is not equipped to address this serious problem.

If you have a pooch with biting problems in your neighborhood, the best defence is to be prepared with a bottle of pepper spray that is specially formulated to combat biting dogs. Never hesitate to use the pepper spray if any dog tries to bite you. Or, you could opt for a friendlier approach by offering a beef jerky.

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Skin and Allergy Problems In Dogs

Sat ,20/02/2010

There are many conditions which can make a dog itch or sneeze, including autoimmune. endocrine, and parasitic skin diseases. Therefore, it takes some detective work to identify the cause.

If allergies are suspected, the first thing a veterinarian will normally ask is if the dog is on any kind of flea-control product. Flea allergies are quite common and are the easiest to control. Dog owners have many options available from high-street and online pet stores.

If flea allergies are ruled out, food allergies are the next thing to be checked. Food allergies are not seasonal, while most atopic allergies begin as a seasonal problem.

Dogs that develop atopic allergies usually show symptoms between 1 and 5 years of age, but food allergies can be a problem at any time. They are high up on the list of suspected causes when a dog first gets itchy skin at an age less than 6 months, or over 5 years.

To test for food allergies, the dog is put on an “elimination diet” for around 10 weeks. This means it is fed food, which is high in protein and carbohydrate. which it has not eaten before, such as duck, venison, and potatoes.

These special foods, which come in packets or cans like normal dog food, may be found in pet stores. Or, the owner may choose to feed the dog a homemade diet of foods based on recommendations from the veterinarian.

If the dog’s itching subsides, the allergen is considered to be one or more food ingredients. To confirm this, the owner can reintroduce the old diet to see if the symptoms return.

To check a dog for atopic allergies, veterinarians use an intradermal allergy test, or skin reaction test. The dog is mildly sedated, a small area on the side of the dog is shaved, and small amounts of common allergens are injected into the skin. Should the dog be allergic to a particular substance, the skin will become slightly inflamed at the area of the injection.

More : Dog Allergies Treatment

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