Posts Tagged ‘home’

Dogs Should Be Dogs

Sat ,03/07/2010

Even though your dog may seem like part of the family, you should remember that your dog is actually an animal. It’s imperative to your dog’s overall health and wellness that you treat her like a dog rather than a human, especially when interacting with other dogs.

Too often we bring home a new dog and welcome the puppy as a member of the family. But then the dog becomes a fixture of the home, and rarely sees people outside of the family except for the vet and groomer. Even though the dog connects with visitors who come to our home, their well-being requires that they mix with others dogs in an environment outside of your home.

Is this really necessary? Yes, it is say the experts because dogs who are properly socialized early in their life tend to interact with others as friends, not foes. Dogs who are not permitted this needed connection are shown to be more aggressive.

Teaching your new puppy to make friends is not a difficult task, but you should wait until she has had all of her shots before taking the walk on the canine side. A young puppy may get overly excited at the prospect of making a new friend and her playful nature can go too far. The puppy is still too young discern the difference between our acquaintances and total strangers.

If your community has one, a dog park is the best place to introduce your puppy to the world. Many dog parks have separate areas for puppies or small dogs. Talk to dog owners and see which dogs are most likely to accept your pup’s attempts at making friends, or find another puppy owner and let your little ones play. If your dog gets along especially well with another dog there, then talk to the owner about arranging future play dates for your pets.

If you don’t have a dog park in your area, look for local parks, paths, or even pet shops to take a stroll. But regardless of the venue, don’t leave the leash at home. Some dogs don’t take kindly to the leash, although pups tend to be more accepting. Although it’s tempting to rush in for a pet, always ask permission before going up to another person’s dog.

The same general rules apply to an older dog, although if your dog shows anxiety or fear, or reacts aggressively to the approach of a strange dog, then a busy dog park might not be the best option. Instead look for a kennel or doggy day care that provides socialization for guests and talk with the operator about your concerns. Find one that will help your dog address his fears so that he can learn to be a happy canine. In extreme cases a trainer or dog behaviorist may be needed, but socializing your dog is worth the effort.

It means happier dog walks, easier trips to the vet, and if you decide to add another dog at some point, a smoother transition for both of you.

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Organic Dog Food: Healthy Benefits For Your Pet

Mon ,12/04/2010

Organic foods are a way of life for many people these days. Everyone wants to live a long, healthy life, and organics provide many benefits toward that goal. You may want to consider helping your dog to also live longer and healthier. If you have not found organic dog food, then you should try some for your pet. Choosing organic might just be the best thing for your dog.

Organic dog food can help a dog that suffers from skin irritations, rashes, or allergies. Just as it is for humans, dogs can develop food allergies or reactions to certain additives, food dyes, or pesticide residues in their food. This can occur whether the food is premium or not. It does not matter whether the food is dry or canned either. If your dog has taken to scratching or even vomiting, you should consult with your veterinarian and consider changing to a natural food to see if the symptoms improve.

Overweight pets, or pets that lack energy can often be helped by simply switching to a natural diet. May dogs do better when fed an organic diet because they eat less. The organics are filled with nutrients that curb hunger, so a dog can eat less and feel satisfied. That helps them to lose weight.

We all want to live long, healthy lives. We know that one key to achieving these goals is to eat healthy. It can be the same for dogs, too. By feeding them healthier meals, we can increase their chance of living more healthy lives and living longer.

Keeping a strong immune system is one important part of staying well. You know the importance of including vitamins and minerals in your diet to enhance your body’s ability to fight off illness. You can also help your animal companion to have a strong immune system by feeding it the most well-balanced diet possible. Your dog will benefit from good vitamins and minerals.

Just think about that last meal that upset your stomach. You were probably burping, passing gas, or had a nasty attack of vomiting. For a dog, foods can irritate their stomachs and cause exactly the same symptoms. The best solution is to eat foods with better ingredients that will not upset stomachs. You know how that feels, and dog do too.

In Conclusion

Do consider choosing an organic dog food for your animal companion. The ingredients are wholesome, nutritious, and designed to give your friend a healthy, long life. You may have your friend around for much longer, and that would be wonderful.

Learn more on Flint River Ranch Pet Food and Flint River Ranch Dog Food.

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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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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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Find the Right Dog Obedience School

Sun ,21/02/2010

Anyone who is a dog lover only wants the best for their pooch. One of the most trying parts of owning a dog is having a canine who won’t behave and follow the rules of the household. To make things easy and calm at home, sometimes it is important to find the right dog obedience school so that you can make sure that your best friend is acting appropriately.

You must remember that dogs are pack animals which means that they need a leader of their pack. Because of this, if the dog does not consider you to be the leader, they will take over that role. This is why dog training is so important because it helps the dog learn who the leader is and gives them the ability to be submissive.

If you have a dog who is behaving aggressively or in a dominant manner, it is important to put a stop to that very quickly. That kind of behavior can get completely out of hand and means that the dog does not consider you to be the leader of the pack.

Before you pick the dog obedience school, you need to understand what their training philosophy is. After all, some trainers take a more traditional approach while others use a more contemporary approach. You need to make sure that you are comfortable with which ever approach they use.

It is also important to decide whether you want the dog to have one-on-one or group training. Some dogs are better suited to have one-on-one training because of their aggressive nature or shy personality. Other dogs will do better in a group setting where they can learn from the other members of the pack. Either way you want the experience to be beneficial for both you and your dog.

If you want to find the right dog obedience school, you may very well find one online that suits your needs. Sometimes you can save money and time by doing the training yourself. You can also ask around to family and friends and see if they have any recommendations for a good dog obedience school in your area. However, on site dog obedience training classes can get very expensive and take up a lot of your important time.

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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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Solutions to Allergies Caused by Dogs

Sun ,14/02/2010

We love dogs for a reason. Having a loyal friend and playmate that will love you forever and never run out of energy? Perfect. Getting close to a dog is harder for some people than others, however. Certain dog allergies can rear their ugly heads and cause unexpected problems. A significant minority of the population suffers from dog and pet allergies. Some are even forced to find a new home for their dog because of intensified allergies. This wouldn’t be the most desired solution, of course, and it can be heartbreaking. Fortunately, there are other ways.

The allergens that dogs produce come from the proteins in three sources; Dander (shed skin cells,) saliva, and urine. People with supersensitive immune systems react to these proteins and this is what causes the symptoms. A common misconception is that hairless dogs will not produce allergens. Although hairless dogs produce less allergen, they still produce saliva and urine, making such a claim untrue. The symptoms of these allergies are very similar to those of other minor allergies. People with dog allergies may suffer from itchy eyes, runny nose, asthma symptoms, red itchy skin or a rash. These allergies can prove to be quite a nuisance, but there are lots of ways to reduce the effects of the symptoms that Fido just may decide to leave behind.

A very efficient way of reducing the effects of dog allergies is to keep a clean home. Vacuuming frequently, using leather furniture instead of fabric, avoiding clutter, and using air cleaners will reduce the amount of dander in your home. It is also important to bathe your dog to reduce the level of allergens that reside in fur. Just as important is to wash dog bedding, cushion covers, and anything that might come in contact your dog.

Or you can go the easy route and buy some products specifically made to reduce allergens. Allerpet D is a shampoo that helps keep the skin on the dog without drying it out too much. Lowering the chance of dog allergies is as easy as adopting good habits and behaviors!

Of course, if the allergies are too bad, consulting with a professional may be your best bet. Some strong medication is out there, both prescription and over the counter, that can mitigate the runny noses and itchy eyes. For extreme cases, you can get allergy shots, which are a good idea if you have bad allergies in general. Kicking your dog to the curb should be a last resort.

Visit the Hypoallergenic Dog Food Guide for more info on allergies that can occur within dogs.

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What Dog Training Can Do For You

Fri ,12/02/2010

Animals in general want to please their owners. If you want to teach your dog proper behavior or even to do tricks then there are a few simple methods to help you achieve this. Though it may take time and patients, dog training is possible for anyone to accomplish. One of the most important things is consistency.

Rewarding a dog for good behavior is a great way to start. This can be done with praise or a special treat. You may get better results with a combination of both. Rewards let your dog know that it has done well and you are pleased with its behavior.

One common mistake is that people actually reward their pest for bad behavior. They give a treat to get their pet to stop doing something they shouldn’t be doing to begin with. This confuses the dog and says that the behavior is alright even though it isn’t. Scolding your pet after or during giving a treat only adds to the confusion. Don’t let yourself fall into this trap.

Tone of voice can hold a lot of meaning for a pet. How you say it says more than what you actually say. If you are trying to correct a behavior then you will need to be firm and use a firm tone of voice. If you are trying to encourage a behavior then you will need to be gentle and let you pet know it is alright. Love and kindness are valuable assets when training a pet.

In the beginning praise may not be enough of an incentive to get your pet to do as you ask. They may need to actually see the treat before they will follow the command. The treats let your pet know they will be rewarded for doing as you ask. Eventually you won’t need the treats and can just use the commands and words of praise.

More complex actions may require more than one command. Take things step by step and teach your pet one command at a time. This will make things easier for you can less confusing for your dog. If you are trying to make your dog stop jumping on you and sit down then the first command would be stop and then you would teach him to sit.

Dog training takes time and patients but it can be well worth the effort. Whether you want to correct behaviors or teach your dog tricks, it can all be done with love and kindness.

Getting rid of the bad habits your pet has developed can be difficult if you don’t have the training and tools you need. When you have a professional NJ dog trainer to help you get rid of bad habits and develop new habits, you will find that puppy training in NJ is affordable, fast and easy!

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Keeping Your Dog Safe With A Life Jacket

Sat ,06/02/2010

Dogs love the to be in the outdoors, but if any of your adventures involve the water, make sure that not only you has safety gear on. Your dog is your best friend, and it makes sense for your dog to wear a life jacket if you’re out for a day of sun and sea. The term doggy paddle is a bit of a misnomer as not all dogs can swim. The term is just used to describe a type of swimming stroke. There are some dogs, like Pincers, Dobermans, and Boxers who have a lot of trouble in water. Some dogs dislike water and will only swim if they really need to.

There are many factors that affect how well a dog can swim in water. These include the type of breed, how big the dog is, what his fitness level is, and how healthy he is. If your dog is a young pup, you need a more gentle approach when introducing your dog to the water. Start with a wading pool and gradually move on to something bigger such as the beach. Conditions in a wading pool are more appropriate for introducing a dog to water. Due to the calmer and gentler water movement of a small pool, a puppy adapts better to playing in it. Placing your puppy in water that has too much movement may cause him to get anxious. This can lead to your dog getting into a lot of difficulty.

A dog life jacket will not only reassure you, but also serve as an extra safety measure during your outside activities. Life jackets prevent drowning by ensuring your dog floats. In the event of an accident around water, this will minimize anxiety caused by disorientation. Whether human or dog, life jackets are beneficial to all. It is an important piece of equipment and is a statutory element on boats, ferries, planes and any vehicle.

Initially when you put a jacket on your dog he might feel uncomfortable. With this in mind, you want to get your dog used to the life jacket by having him wear it at home, prior to going out on an outdoor adventure. Being at home will allow your dog to get used to the life jacket while in safe familiar surroundings, rather than in an unfamiliar outdoor setting. You want to ensure that your dogs first life jacket and experience of water is pleasant and enjoyable. This would help them to learn to love the water.

In selecting a life jacket for your dog, there are some guidelines and features to consider and remember, such as the size and weight of the dog. The materials used are also important so get something that is breathable and durable. Be smart: Don’t let your pet wear the jacket unattended; the animal could become entangled and choke.

Dave writes articles on the dog life jacket and about how to find a designer dog life jacket on the internet.

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Some Simple Ways To Approach Dog Training

Sat ,06/02/2010

A well trained dog is like a well-behaved child. They are wonderful! The same applies the other way round ‘ an untrained dog is like a disobedient child. They can cause havoc! That’s why it is important for every dog owner to do some simple dog training.

Firstly, there’s absolutely no truth to the myth that certain dogs cannot be trained. While it may be more difficult to train some dogs, it can be done. And of course some dogs are easier to train. It all comes down to the ability of the trainer and his or her communication skills.

When a dog has been trained, it is secure, happy and relaxed. Every dog wants a leader just like their ancestors who hunted and lived in packs. There was always the ‘alpha male’ that was respected and obeyed by every dog in the pack. Your dog will look to you to fulfill this role.

Teaching your dog his or her name is the first thing to do. This will enable you to get a response from the dog every time you call its name. This forms the basis to all other dog training lessons.

The first important command is ‘come’. Hold a small treat near the nose and firmly call its name, for example ‘Fluffy, come!’ The puppy will immediately come forward to get the treat. Continue the process by stepping a bit further back each time. When the dog responds and comes to you, lavish it with lots of praise and affection.

Use the same method when you teach ‘sit’ and ‘stay’. Always talk in a firm tone whilst giving a dog commands so he or she can identify the varying tones of your voice. Your dog will soon learn when you are playful or when you mean business! Praising is essential because every dog want to please his or her ‘master’.

Whilst treats offer great assistance during training, don’t be too free with them. You don’t want your dog to obey you because he knows there’s a treat in store. You want him to obey you because you are his leader. His reward is your affection and your praise. Only give treats during training. Treats given at other times will only confuse your dog.

If you want to compete at dog shows and other competitions, it’s advisable for you and your dog to attend a professional dog training course. You will both learn the relevant behavior requirements and other etiquette rules. There’s plenty of helpful websites about such courses.

Getting rid of the bad habits your pet has developed can be difficult if you don’t have the training and tools you need. When you have a central New Jersey dog trainer to help you get rid of bad habits and develop new habits, you will find that dog obedience training in NJ is affordable, fast and easy!

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