Separation Anxiety Separation anxiety is one of the most common problems that dogs develop. It’s an anxiety disorder, and is defined as a state of intense panic brought on by the dog’s isolation/separation from her owner(s). In other words: when you leave for work in the morning, your dog is plunged into a state of nervous anxiety which intensifies extremely quickly. Dogs are social animals – they need plenty of company and social interaction to keep them happy and content. No dog likes to be left alone for long stretches of time, but some dogs do a lot worse than others: these are the ones most prone to separation anxiety. There are a number of contributing causes to the condition: - Some breeds are genetically predisposed towards anxiety and insecurity, which is something you should consider when deciding which breed you’re going to go for (particularly if you’re going to be absent for long stretches of time). A few of these breeds include Weimaraners, Springer Spaniels, German Shepherds, and Airedales - A significant proportion of dogs from shelters develop separation anxiety. Most of these ‘shelter dogs’ have undergone significant trauma in their lives – they’ve been abandoned by their previous owners – and thus they have little trust that their new-found owner (you) isn’t going to pull the same trick. - Dogs that were separated from their mothers and siblings too early have been identified as being especially prone to separation anxiety. Puppies from pet-stores are a perfect example of this: they’re usually taken from their mothers well before the earliest possible age (which is 8 weeks), and confined to a small glass box in the petstore for anywhere between a few weeks to two months. This early weaning, coupled with the lack of exercise and affection while in the petstore, is psychologically traumatic for the dog. - Neglect is the number-one cause of sepration anxiety for dogs. If you’re absent much more than you’re present in your dog’s life, separation anxiety is pretty much inevitable. Your dog needs your company, affection, and attention in order to be happy and content. The symptoms of separation anxiety are pretty distinctive: your dog will usually learn to tell when you’re about to leave (she’ll hear keys jingling, will see you putting on your outdoor clothes, etc) and will become anxious. She may follow you from room to room, whining, trembling, and crying. Some dogs even become aggressive, in an attempt to stop their owners from leaving. When you’ve left, the anxious behavior will rapidly worsen and usually will peak within half an hour. She may bark incessantly, scratch and dig at windows and doors (an attempt to escape from confinement and reunite herself with you), chew inappropriate items, even urinate and defecate inside the house. In extreme cases, she might self-mutilate by licking or chewing her skin until it’s raw, or pulling out fur; or will engage in obsessive-compulsive behaviors, like spinning and tail-chasing. Upon your return, she’ll be excessively excited, and will leap around you in a frenzy of delight for a protracted period of time (more than the 30 seconds to one minute of a happy, well-balanced dog.) This extended greeting is a source of some misunderstanding: without realizing that such a greeting actually signifies the presence of a psychological disorder, some owners actually encourage their dog to get more and more worked up upon their return (by fuelling the dog’s excitement, encouraging her to leap around, paying her protracted attention, and so on.) If you’re behaving in this way with your dog, please stop. I know it’s tempting and very easy to do, and it seems harmless – after all, she’s so happy to see you, what harm can it do to return her attention and affection in equal measure? - but in actuality, you’re just validating her belief that your return is the high point of the day. So she’s as happy as Larry when you return – but, when it’s time for you to leave again, her now-exaggerated happiness at your presence is under threat, and she gets even more unhappy when you walk out that door. Fortunately, there are things you can do to minimize your dog’s tendency towards anxiety. Here’s a short list of do’s and don’ts: Do: - Exercise the heck out of her. Really wear her out: the longer you expect to be away, the more exercise she should get before you leave. For example, if you’re leaving for work in the morning, she’ll probably be by herself for at least four hours; and, if you’ve got a dog-walker to take her out mid-day instead of coming back yourself, she won’t see you – the person she really cares about - for at least nine hours. So she needs a good, vigorous walk (fifteen to twenty minutes is the absolute minimum here!) before you walk out that door. More is even better. - Distract her from her boredom, loneliness, and anxiety by giving her an attractive alternative to pining, pacing, and whining. All dogs love to chew – why not play on this predisposition? Get a couple of marrowbones from the butcher, bake them in the oven for 20 minutes (so they go nice and hard and crunchy – and so she can’t smear marrow all over your furniture), slice them up into chunks of a few inches long, and give her one about 15 minutes before you leave. It’ll keep her happy and occupied, and will act as a smokescreen for your departure. - When you leave, put the radio on to a soothing station: classical music is ideal, but any station featuring lots of talk shows is also ideal. Keep the volume quite low, and it’ll calm her down a bit and give her the feeling that she’s got company. - If at all possible, supply her with a view: if she can see the world going by, that’s the next best thing to being out and about in it. - Acclimatize her to your leaving. Taking things nice and slowly, practice getting ready to go: jingle your keys about, put on your coat, and open the door. Then – without leaving! – sit back down and don’t go anywhere. Do this until she’s not reacting any more. When there’s no reaction, give her a treat and lavish praise for being so brave. Next, practice actually walking out the door (and returning immediately), again doing this until there’s no reaction. Gradually work up – gradually being the operative word here! – until you’re able to leave the house with no signs of stress from her. Do not: - Act overtly sympathetic when she’s crying. Although it sounds very cold-hearted, trying to soothe and comfort your dog by patting her and cooing over her is actually one of the worst things you can do: it’s essentially validating her concern. Make sure she can’t tell that you feel sorry for her: don’t ever say, “It’s OK, good girl” when she’s upset! If you’re interested in getting a more detailed look at how to deal with your dog’s separation anxiety, you might like to check out Secrets to Dog Training. It’s a great learning tool for anyone who wants to learn how to deal constructively with their dog’s problem behaviors. All of the common behavioral problems are dealt with in detail, and there’s a great section on obedience commands and tricks too. You can visit the Secrets to Dog Training site by clicking on the link below:
Click Here
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Puppy Name of the Day
King. The first dog we had was named King. A classic, stately, refined name for a messy little dog who would eat absolutely anything!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Puppy Name of the Day
Bagle. Our neighbor had a cute little Beagle named Bagle. It really rolls off the lips for a Beagle.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Puppy Name of the Day
Buddy. Another classic. Works for any size dog and any breed. After all, dogs are our best buddies!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Puppy Name of the Day
Sparky. Everyone is going retro with kid names -- go with this classic name for your new pooch!
Healthy and Tasty Treat
1 cup white rice flour
1/4 cup soy flour
1/4 cup egg substitute
1 tablespoon molasses -- unsulphered
1/3 cup milk
1/3 cup powdered milk
2 tablespoons safflower oil
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix dry ingredients together. Add molasses, egg, oil and milk. Roll out flat onto oiled cookie sheet and cut into dally bite-sized pieces. Bake for 20 minutes. Let cool and store in tightly sealed container.
1/4 cup soy flour
1/4 cup egg substitute
1 tablespoon molasses -- unsulphered
1/3 cup milk
1/3 cup powdered milk
2 tablespoons safflower oil
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix dry ingredients together. Add molasses, egg, oil and milk. Roll out flat onto oiled cookie sheet and cut into dally bite-sized pieces. Bake for 20 minutes. Let cool and store in tightly sealed container.
Frozen Peanut Butter Yogurt Treats
32 ounces vanilla yogurt
1 cup peanut butter
1. Put the peanut butter in a microwave safe dish and microwave until melted.
2. Mix the yogurt and the melted peanut butter in a bowl.
3. Pour mixture into cupcake papers and freeze.
1 cup peanut butter
1. Put the peanut butter in a microwave safe dish and microwave until melted.
2. Mix the yogurt and the melted peanut butter in a bowl.
3. Pour mixture into cupcake papers and freeze.
Dog Loaf
2 1/8 cups water
2 cups brown rice
2 large potatoes
2 large carrots
1 1/8 pounds pumpkin
1 large onion
2 cloves garlic
3/4 bunch silver beet
1 cup whole meal pasta -- or Soya pasta
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup whole meal flour
1 1/8 pounds mince (or liver or fish)
3 eggs
Boil the rice in water for 10 - 15 minutes and chop the veggies (I put them through the food processor) Add the veggies and pasta to the rice and cook for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and leave to cool (not vital if you're like me and in a rush!) Add mince, eggs, herbs, rolled oats and flour and mix together. Add more oats or flour if mixture is sticky (should be like a fruit cake mix)
Spoon into oiled and floured loaf tins and bake in a hot oven 350 degrees for 1 hour.
Remove from tins ,turn oven off and return loaves to oven for 5 - 10 minutes to firm bottom crust.
Take out of oven, leave to cool and use immediately or wrap in foil and freeze.
Makes about 3 - 4 loaves.
2 cups brown rice
2 large potatoes
2 large carrots
1 1/8 pounds pumpkin
1 large onion
2 cloves garlic
3/4 bunch silver beet
1 cup whole meal pasta -- or Soya pasta
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup whole meal flour
1 1/8 pounds mince (or liver or fish)
3 eggs
Boil the rice in water for 10 - 15 minutes and chop the veggies (I put them through the food processor) Add the veggies and pasta to the rice and cook for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and leave to cool (not vital if you're like me and in a rush!) Add mince, eggs, herbs, rolled oats and flour and mix together. Add more oats or flour if mixture is sticky (should be like a fruit cake mix)
Spoon into oiled and floured loaf tins and bake in a hot oven 350 degrees for 1 hour.
Remove from tins ,turn oven off and return loaves to oven for 5 - 10 minutes to firm bottom crust.
Take out of oven, leave to cool and use immediately or wrap in foil and freeze.
Makes about 3 - 4 loaves.
Doggy Dip
3 tablespoons peanut butter
2 tablespoons honey
1 banana -- *See Note
16 ounces vanilla yogurt
1 tablespoon whole wheat flour
Mix the peanut butter, honey, and fruit together until well blended. In a separate bowl, combine the yogurt and flour, mix well. Add the fruit mixture to the yogurt and blend together. Keep cold in refrigerator.
Use this dip to coat or dip biscuits and treats into. Allow treats to chill in refrigerator until coating is set and firm; this prevents big messes!
Note: Very Ripe, or a large jar of baby food fruit, any flavor
2 tablespoons honey
1 banana -- *See Note
16 ounces vanilla yogurt
1 tablespoon whole wheat flour
Mix the peanut butter, honey, and fruit together until well blended. In a separate bowl, combine the yogurt and flour, mix well. Add the fruit mixture to the yogurt and blend together. Keep cold in refrigerator.
Use this dip to coat or dip biscuits and treats into. Allow treats to chill in refrigerator until coating is set and firm; this prevents big messes!
Note: Very Ripe, or a large jar of baby food fruit, any flavor
Dog Cookie
2 cups rye flour
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup warm water
1/2 cup white flour
1/4 cup cornmeal
Mix well. I usually add about 1/4 tsp. either vanilla or mint flavor.
Roll out to 1/4" thick. Cut into shapes (I usually use about a 3-4" bone-shape cutter). Bake on lightly greased cookie sheet for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup warm water
1/2 cup white flour
1/4 cup cornmeal
Mix well. I usually add about 1/4 tsp. either vanilla or mint flavor.
Roll out to 1/4" thick. Cut into shapes (I usually use about a 3-4" bone-shape cutter). Bake on lightly greased cookie sheet for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.
Cheese and Bacon Dog Biscuits
3/4 cup Flour
1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon Salt
2/3 cup Butter
2/3 cup Brown Sugar
1 Egg
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups oatmeal
1 cup Cheddar Cheese -- shredded
1/2 cup Wheat Germ
1/2 pound Bacon -- or bacon bits
Combine flour, soda and salt; mix well and set aside. Cream butter and sugar, beat in egg and vanilla. Add flour mix mixing well. Stir in oats, cheese, wheat germ and bacon. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 for 16 minutes. Cool and let the critters enjoy!
1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon Salt
2/3 cup Butter
2/3 cup Brown Sugar
1 Egg
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups oatmeal
1 cup Cheddar Cheese -- shredded
1/2 cup Wheat Germ
1/2 pound Bacon -- or bacon bits
Combine flour, soda and salt; mix well and set aside. Cream butter and sugar, beat in egg and vanilla. Add flour mix mixing well. Stir in oats, cheese, wheat germ and bacon. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 for 16 minutes. Cool and let the critters enjoy!
Banana Bites
2 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup powdered milk -- nonfat
1 egg
1/3 cup banana -- ripe, mashed
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 beef bouillon cube
1/2 cup water -- hot
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Mix all ingredients until will blended. Knead for 2 minutes on a floured surface. Roll to 1/4 " thickness. Use a 2 1/2" bone shaped cookie cutter (or any one you prefer). Bake for 30 minutes in a 300 degrees oven on ungreased cookie pans.
1/2 cup powdered milk -- nonfat
1 egg
1/3 cup banana -- ripe, mashed
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 beef bouillon cube
1/2 cup water -- hot
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Mix all ingredients until will blended. Knead for 2 minutes on a floured surface. Roll to 1/4 " thickness. Use a 2 1/2" bone shaped cookie cutter (or any one you prefer). Bake for 30 minutes in a 300 degrees oven on ungreased cookie pans.
Biscuits
3 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
2 cup Quaker oats
1 cup milk
1/2 cup hot water
2 beef or chicken bouillon cubes
1/2 cup meat drippings
Dissolve bouillon cubes in hot water. Add milk and drippings and beat.
In a separate bowl, mix flour and oatmeal. Pour liquid ingredients into dry ingredients and mix well. Press onto an ungreased cookie sheet and cut into shapes desired. Bake at 300 degrees for 1 hour. Turn off heat and leave in the oven to harden. Refrigerate after baking.
2 cup Quaker oats
1 cup milk
1/2 cup hot water
2 beef or chicken bouillon cubes
1/2 cup meat drippings
Dissolve bouillon cubes in hot water. Add milk and drippings and beat.
In a separate bowl, mix flour and oatmeal. Pour liquid ingredients into dry ingredients and mix well. Press onto an ungreased cookie sheet and cut into shapes desired. Bake at 300 degrees for 1 hour. Turn off heat and leave in the oven to harden. Refrigerate after baking.
Peanutty Pupcicles
1 ripe banana
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup chopped peanuts
Mash banana's and peanut butter, stir in wheat germ. Chill 1 hour. Place in container, store in refrigerator or freezer.
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup chopped peanuts
Mash banana's and peanut butter, stir in wheat germ. Chill 1 hour. Place in container, store in refrigerator or freezer.
Beef Twists
3 1/2 cups flour, all-purpose
1 cup cornmeal
1 package unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1/4 cup corn oil
1 jar Baby food, meat, beef, strained
1 beef bouillon cube
3/4 cup boiling water -- or beef stock
Dissolve bouillon cube in water. Sift dry ingredients in large bowl. Add milk, egg, oil, beef and beef bouillon. Stir until well mixed. Roll out on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut in 1/4 inch by 3 inch strips, twisting each stick 3 turns before placing on cookie sheet. Bake 35-40 minutes at 400 degrees. Store in refrigerator.
1 cup cornmeal
1 package unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1/4 cup corn oil
1 jar Baby food, meat, beef, strained
1 beef bouillon cube
3/4 cup boiling water -- or beef stock
Dissolve bouillon cube in water. Sift dry ingredients in large bowl. Add milk, egg, oil, beef and beef bouillon. Stir until well mixed. Roll out on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut in 1/4 inch by 3 inch strips, twisting each stick 3 turns before placing on cookie sheet. Bake 35-40 minutes at 400 degrees. Store in refrigerator.
Bacon Bits
6 slices cooked bacon -- crumbled
4 eggs -- well beaten
1/8 cup bacon grease
1 cup water
1/2 cup powdered milk -- non-fat
2 cup graham flour
2 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup cornmeal
Mix ingredients with a strong spoon; drop heaping tablespoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet. Bake in a 350 oven for 15 minutes. Turn off oven and leave cookies on baking sheet in the oven overnight to dry out.
4 eggs -- well beaten
1/8 cup bacon grease
1 cup water
1/2 cup powdered milk -- non-fat
2 cup graham flour
2 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup cornmeal
Mix ingredients with a strong spoon; drop heaping tablespoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet. Bake in a 350 oven for 15 minutes. Turn off oven and leave cookies on baking sheet in the oven overnight to dry out.
Doggie Cookies
3 jars baby food, meat, beef, strained -- *see Note
1/4 cup cream of wheat -- *see Note
1/4 cup dry milk
Combine ingredients in bowl and mix well. Roll into small balls and place on well-greased cookie sheet. Flatten slightly with a fork. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 15 min. until brown.
Cool on wire racks and STORE IN REFRIGERATOR. Also freezes well.
NOTE: Carrot, Chicken or Beef baby food. substituting wheat germ for cream of wheat.
1/4 cup cream of wheat -- *see Note
1/4 cup dry milk
Combine ingredients in bowl and mix well. Roll into small balls and place on well-greased cookie sheet. Flatten slightly with a fork. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 15 min. until brown.
Cool on wire racks and STORE IN REFRIGERATOR. Also freezes well.
NOTE: Carrot, Chicken or Beef baby food. substituting wheat germ for cream of wheat.
Apple a Day Dog Treat
2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup unbleached flour
1/2 cup cornmeal1 apple -- chopped or grated1 egg -- beaten
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
3/8 cup water
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray cookie sheet with vegetable oil spray. Lightly dust work surface with flour. Blend flours and cornmeal m large mixing bowl. Add apple, egg, oil, brown sugar and water; mix until well blended.
On floured surface, roll dough out to 7/8-inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutters of desired shape and size. Place treats on prepared sheet.
Bake in preheated oven 35 to 40 minutes. Turn off oven. Leave door closed 1 hour to crisp treats. Remove treats from oven.
Store baked treats in airtight container or plastic bag and place in refrigerator or freezer.
MAKES 2 to 2 1/2 dozen
1/2 cup unbleached flour
1/2 cup cornmeal1 apple -- chopped or grated1 egg -- beaten
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
3/8 cup water
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray cookie sheet with vegetable oil spray. Lightly dust work surface with flour. Blend flours and cornmeal m large mixing bowl. Add apple, egg, oil, brown sugar and water; mix until well blended.
On floured surface, roll dough out to 7/8-inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutters of desired shape and size. Place treats on prepared sheet.
Bake in preheated oven 35 to 40 minutes. Turn off oven. Leave door closed 1 hour to crisp treats. Remove treats from oven.
Store baked treats in airtight container or plastic bag and place in refrigerator or freezer.
MAKES 2 to 2 1/2 dozen
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Destructive Chewing
The act of chewing seems to be a matter of individual preference among dogs: some have an innate desire to chew as a pleasurable activity in itself, and some seem to have no need to chew whatsoever unless they're driven to it out of sheer boredom.
The phrase "destructive chewing" may sound redundant, because, by its very nature, all chewing is destructive. Your dog has strong jaws full of sharp, pointy teeth: just about anything she starts to chew on is probably going to show the effects of it inside of a minute. So just to clarify, when I use the phrase "destructive chewing", I'm referring to inappropriate chewing: the kind of chewing that's focused on your own possessions and household items, instead of on your dog's own designated toys and chews.
The three main reasons why dogs chew:
- Most dogs have a natural desire to chew. It's fun, it passes the time, and it's a self-rewarding, self-reinforcing activity (for example, if she's chewing on something that tastes good.)
- Chewing provides a nervous, bored, or lonely dog with an outlet for her emotions. To an anxious dog, the repetitive act of chewing is soothing; it's the doggie equivalent of comfort food.
- Underexercised dogs often use chewing as a way of burning up nervous energy and giving themselves something to do.
- How to prevent destructive chewing -
Dogs are perfectly capable of learning not to chew your stuff, you just have to put in a little effort first, that's all.
1. Take control of the situation: manage your own possessions. Your first step should be to dog-proof your home. Even if you have the best-behaved dog in the world, there's still no reason to test her self-control, after all, dogs explore the world with their mouths.
Dog-proofing your home means taking whatever you don't want to end up in her mouth, and making it unavailable. Consider her size and agility when deciding whether something's out of reach: can she jump? Can she climb, or leap onto something else to reach the desired object? How tall is she when standing on her back legs?
Common targets in the home include books, eyewear, clothing, shoes, garbage, and small crunchy appliances like cameras, cell phones, and remote controls.
It should go without saying that all food needs to be put securely away: don't leave snacks on low tables (or even countertops, you'd be surprised how acrobatic she can be when there's food at stake!), put all food into containers or the pantry. Rinse your dirty plates clean of any food scraps before leaving them by the sink.
2. Prevent her from learning the joys of illegal chewing. The more times she manages to snatch a jawful of a forbidden substance, a chair-leg, a pillow, a running shoe, the more readily she'll target those items in future. If you can prevent her from chewing your stuff in the first place, it's a lot easier for her to understand what you expect of her. Practically speaking, this means confining her in a dog-proofed area until you're confident of her understanding of the house rules.
3. Don't set her up for failure by blurring the boundaries between her stuff (OK to chew) and your stuff (not OK to chew). Don't offer your dog cast-off clothes, shoes, or towels to chew and play with: realistically, you can't possibly expect her to be able to tell the difference between your current shoes and the one she's got in her mouth that you gave her five minutes ago.
4. Provide her with lots of tasty alternatives to your stuff. If her environment is relatively barren of attractive, appropriate chewing objects, you can hardly blame her for targeting your possessions. Remember, most dogs need to chew; if she's an adolescent (under three years) or a puppy (under one year), her needs will be even more pronounced. Go on a toy and chew shopping spree, then give her two or three to play with at a time. Rotating the available toys every few days will keep things novel and interesting for her.
5. Spend lots of time in active supervision. Yes, it might be easier for you to just keep her penned up in her crate, run, or the yard, but that's boring and horrible for her, and hardly much fun for you either (if you wanted a pet that you don't need to interact with, you'd have got a goldfish, right?) She can't learn what you expect of her if she's spending all her time boxed up in the dog-proof zone: she needs the opportunity to explore the boundaries of your expectations, so she can understand what's appropriate and what's not.
6. When you catch her chewing something inappropriate, interrupt her by making a loud noise: clap your hands or make an "Ah-ah-aaaah!" noise. Then, immediately hand her a tasty and dog-appropriate alternative (a rawhide bone or other chew toy); as soon as her jaws close around it, praise her lavishly. There is no better way to get your dog to understand that chewing her toys equals praise from you, but everything else equals trouble.
- Maintain a productive attitude -
Above all, remember to keep your expectations realistic. You're not perfect, and neither is your dog: there's likely to be at least one incident where a cherished item is damaged by her curiosity.
Particularly in the early stages of your relationship, she's still learning the ropes: it'll take awhile before she's completely reliable (and even then, if she's left by herself for too long or feels neglected, she may choose your stuff over hers to occupy her time and jaws with.) Remember to give her time to learn the rules, and plenty of "you-time" to help her learn faster, and don't forget to take precautions and keep things out of reach until she's got the hang of the chewing rules!
For more information on dog training techniques and how to deal with problem dog behavior (like chewing), check out Secrets to Dog Training. It's the complete manual for dog ownership and is designed to fast-track your dog's learning.
You can visit the Secrets to Dog Training site by clicking on the link below:
Click Here
The phrase "destructive chewing" may sound redundant, because, by its very nature, all chewing is destructive. Your dog has strong jaws full of sharp, pointy teeth: just about anything she starts to chew on is probably going to show the effects of it inside of a minute. So just to clarify, when I use the phrase "destructive chewing", I'm referring to inappropriate chewing: the kind of chewing that's focused on your own possessions and household items, instead of on your dog's own designated toys and chews.
The three main reasons why dogs chew:
- Most dogs have a natural desire to chew. It's fun, it passes the time, and it's a self-rewarding, self-reinforcing activity (for example, if she's chewing on something that tastes good.)
- Chewing provides a nervous, bored, or lonely dog with an outlet for her emotions. To an anxious dog, the repetitive act of chewing is soothing; it's the doggie equivalent of comfort food.
- Underexercised dogs often use chewing as a way of burning up nervous energy and giving themselves something to do.
- How to prevent destructive chewing -
Dogs are perfectly capable of learning not to chew your stuff, you just have to put in a little effort first, that's all.
1. Take control of the situation: manage your own possessions. Your first step should be to dog-proof your home. Even if you have the best-behaved dog in the world, there's still no reason to test her self-control, after all, dogs explore the world with their mouths.
Dog-proofing your home means taking whatever you don't want to end up in her mouth, and making it unavailable. Consider her size and agility when deciding whether something's out of reach: can she jump? Can she climb, or leap onto something else to reach the desired object? How tall is she when standing on her back legs?
Common targets in the home include books, eyewear, clothing, shoes, garbage, and small crunchy appliances like cameras, cell phones, and remote controls.
It should go without saying that all food needs to be put securely away: don't leave snacks on low tables (or even countertops, you'd be surprised how acrobatic she can be when there's food at stake!), put all food into containers or the pantry. Rinse your dirty plates clean of any food scraps before leaving them by the sink.
2. Prevent her from learning the joys of illegal chewing. The more times she manages to snatch a jawful of a forbidden substance, a chair-leg, a pillow, a running shoe, the more readily she'll target those items in future. If you can prevent her from chewing your stuff in the first place, it's a lot easier for her to understand what you expect of her. Practically speaking, this means confining her in a dog-proofed area until you're confident of her understanding of the house rules.
3. Don't set her up for failure by blurring the boundaries between her stuff (OK to chew) and your stuff (not OK to chew). Don't offer your dog cast-off clothes, shoes, or towels to chew and play with: realistically, you can't possibly expect her to be able to tell the difference between your current shoes and the one she's got in her mouth that you gave her five minutes ago.
4. Provide her with lots of tasty alternatives to your stuff. If her environment is relatively barren of attractive, appropriate chewing objects, you can hardly blame her for targeting your possessions. Remember, most dogs need to chew; if she's an adolescent (under three years) or a puppy (under one year), her needs will be even more pronounced. Go on a toy and chew shopping spree, then give her two or three to play with at a time. Rotating the available toys every few days will keep things novel and interesting for her.
5. Spend lots of time in active supervision. Yes, it might be easier for you to just keep her penned up in her crate, run, or the yard, but that's boring and horrible for her, and hardly much fun for you either (if you wanted a pet that you don't need to interact with, you'd have got a goldfish, right?) She can't learn what you expect of her if she's spending all her time boxed up in the dog-proof zone: she needs the opportunity to explore the boundaries of your expectations, so she can understand what's appropriate and what's not.
6. When you catch her chewing something inappropriate, interrupt her by making a loud noise: clap your hands or make an "Ah-ah-aaaah!" noise. Then, immediately hand her a tasty and dog-appropriate alternative (a rawhide bone or other chew toy); as soon as her jaws close around it, praise her lavishly. There is no better way to get your dog to understand that chewing her toys equals praise from you, but everything else equals trouble.
- Maintain a productive attitude -
Above all, remember to keep your expectations realistic. You're not perfect, and neither is your dog: there's likely to be at least one incident where a cherished item is damaged by her curiosity.
Particularly in the early stages of your relationship, she's still learning the ropes: it'll take awhile before she's completely reliable (and even then, if she's left by herself for too long or feels neglected, she may choose your stuff over hers to occupy her time and jaws with.) Remember to give her time to learn the rules, and plenty of "you-time" to help her learn faster, and don't forget to take precautions and keep things out of reach until she's got the hang of the chewing rules!
For more information on dog training techniques and how to deal with problem dog behavior (like chewing), check out Secrets to Dog Training. It's the complete manual for dog ownership and is designed to fast-track your dog's learning.
You can visit the Secrets to Dog Training site by clicking on the link below:
Click Here
Puppy Name of the Day
Zipper. For that cute, quick little puppy, or, perhaps one that is a wee bit too noisy sometimes.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Three Things Every Puppy Must Be Taught
Three Things Every Puppy Must Be Taught by Jeff Clare
Play is a very large part of any puppy's early life. But were you aware that playtime can also be learning time as well? Play can be a valuable tool in teaching your puppy everything from learning simple commands to teaching them the ins and outs of socializing and what it takes to be a well behaved dog.
The most important word your dog will probably ever learn is the word "No". Pups as early as six weeks old are capable of learning the implications of "no" and it is a lesson that will be carried throughout their lives with you. This one command can go a long way to protecting your dog from harming herself or others.
And it's easy. Dogs, even puppies, are adept at recognizing tone of voice. When they learn to associate a displeased, forceful tone of voice with the word no, you will not in the future have to be so forceful in your utterances. But first you do have to get his attention. When the pup does something wrong, simply pick him up, gain eye contact and tell him very firmly, "No". It will get an immediate reaction. Depending on your pup's personality, he will drop his head and become sheepish, growl or attempt to talk you out of it by asking you to play. If either of the latter two happens, you will have to repeat the command to show that you are not kidding.
Then, simply let it go. Put the pup down and keep a watchful eye on his response. A rebellious pup may repeat the action as a way to test you, in which case you need to repeat the process. Be gentle, but be firm and consistent and your pup should get the message.
As for the other things that your baby needs to know, you will probably default to teaching him the proper way to go potty. This is actually easier than you might think, as pups are a lot smarter than they look. Timing is, however, everything. If you notice a puddle on the floor and your pup has since gone off to play with his ball, the only thing you can do is clean it up and watch him more closely. Don't rub his nose in it, or he will simply be hurt and confused. What you want to do is catch him in the act. When you see him start to take a tinkle, grab him and take him outside. Chances are he will be so shocked that he will save some for the yard, and when he goes there you can praise him lavishly.
The third thing that your pup needs to know is that he should never put his teeth on a human being. This is a tough one, as it is so much fun to play "bite" with a youngster. But when they are older, you really don't want them to play so rough. So when you play with him, be sure to do so with toys that are okay for him to bite. If he bites when you are trying to pet him, tell him no and give him his toy or put his toy right in his mouth. If he persists, pick him up and tell him no. If you are consistent, you should get good results.
When your pup has accomplished learning her first command, or goes outside instead of on the floor and stops puppy-biting, she is well on her way to graduating from puppy to a well-mannered adult.
Jeff Clare runs Dog Training News where you can read many more articles on dog control. For more general advice on dog first aid go to Dogs And Dog News.
Article Source: http://www.keywordarticles.org
Play is a very large part of any puppy's early life. But were you aware that playtime can also be learning time as well? Play can be a valuable tool in teaching your puppy everything from learning simple commands to teaching them the ins and outs of socializing and what it takes to be a well behaved dog.
The most important word your dog will probably ever learn is the word "No". Pups as early as six weeks old are capable of learning the implications of "no" and it is a lesson that will be carried throughout their lives with you. This one command can go a long way to protecting your dog from harming herself or others.
And it's easy. Dogs, even puppies, are adept at recognizing tone of voice. When they learn to associate a displeased, forceful tone of voice with the word no, you will not in the future have to be so forceful in your utterances. But first you do have to get his attention. When the pup does something wrong, simply pick him up, gain eye contact and tell him very firmly, "No". It will get an immediate reaction. Depending on your pup's personality, he will drop his head and become sheepish, growl or attempt to talk you out of it by asking you to play. If either of the latter two happens, you will have to repeat the command to show that you are not kidding.
Then, simply let it go. Put the pup down and keep a watchful eye on his response. A rebellious pup may repeat the action as a way to test you, in which case you need to repeat the process. Be gentle, but be firm and consistent and your pup should get the message.
As for the other things that your baby needs to know, you will probably default to teaching him the proper way to go potty. This is actually easier than you might think, as pups are a lot smarter than they look. Timing is, however, everything. If you notice a puddle on the floor and your pup has since gone off to play with his ball, the only thing you can do is clean it up and watch him more closely. Don't rub his nose in it, or he will simply be hurt and confused. What you want to do is catch him in the act. When you see him start to take a tinkle, grab him and take him outside. Chances are he will be so shocked that he will save some for the yard, and when he goes there you can praise him lavishly.
The third thing that your pup needs to know is that he should never put his teeth on a human being. This is a tough one, as it is so much fun to play "bite" with a youngster. But when they are older, you really don't want them to play so rough. So when you play with him, be sure to do so with toys that are okay for him to bite. If he bites when you are trying to pet him, tell him no and give him his toy or put his toy right in his mouth. If he persists, pick him up and tell him no. If you are consistent, you should get good results.
When your pup has accomplished learning her first command, or goes outside instead of on the floor and stops puppy-biting, she is well on her way to graduating from puppy to a well-mannered adult.
Jeff Clare runs Dog Training News where you can read many more articles on dog control. For more general advice on dog first aid go to Dogs And Dog News.
Article Source: http://www.keywordarticles.org
Help Your Dog Lose Weight
Is Fido not looking so fit and trim anymore? Has Sparky lost the spring in his step? Sometimes its tough to say no to those sweet, adoring eyes, but we know that we must if we want our best friend to be happy and healthy. If your dog has a hard time losing weight, picked up some holiday pounds, or has just been sedentary too long, I would really recommend that you check out this book, "Unfortunately Not All Dogs Love Treadmills". There is also a free ebook available at the link below, "How to Take Care of Your Dog's Health". Check it out and help Spike drop those unhealthy pounds!
Click Here!
Puppy Name of the Day
Goliath. Who can forget the classic kids show, Davey and Goliath? In honor of one the best kids shows ever, we choose Goliath! Gee Davey!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Drs. Foster and Smith
Drs. Foster and Smith is a company that we were introduced to at a ferret convention a couple years ago. We were very impressed with the ferret line of products and gave the dog care line a try. Needless to say, we were very impressed with the quality of products and the service. If you haven't checked them out yet, I recommend taking a look at what they have to offer.
Drs. Foster & Smith - The Trusted Name for Dog Products
They have also introduced a new email series called Puppy Care Today. It will help you with each stage your new puppy goes through with articles, tips and essentials. Be sure to sign up for this free series when you get a new puppy!
Have a new puppy? Sign up for Drs. Foster and Smith's new email series: Puppy Care Today! Everything you need to know about a new puppy through each stage!
Drs. Foster & Smith - The Trusted Name for Dog Products
They have also introduced a new email series called Puppy Care Today. It will help you with each stage your new puppy goes through with articles, tips and essentials. Be sure to sign up for this free series when you get a new puppy!
Have a new puppy? Sign up for Drs. Foster and Smith's new email series: Puppy Care Today! Everything you need to know about a new puppy through each stage!
Puppy Name of the Day
Justice. A friend named her Rottweiler Justice, and after hanging out with him and being humbled by his imposing size and looks, its an appropriate name for a large dog. Oh, and he's really a pussycat.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Rapid Bath System for Dogs
Rapid Bath is a pet bathing system that you have probably seen commercials for lately. I decided to check it out and see if this product could help me out with my messy little Jack Russell Terrier. He is a dirt magnet and is always in need of a bath. At first glance this seemed like a great idea -- getting the frequent chore of bathing this hyper little guy done in three minutes is intriguing. We attached it to the shower head, filled the shampoo holder with a packet of shampoo and put the unhappy little guy in the tub. It worked as described and the little guy was whiter and brighter than he had been in a long, long time! It went very quick and the whole process was rather painless. Definitely worth checking out in these economic times if you have a dog that needs a lot of bathing and don't want to spend the money at the groomer. It will pay for itself quickly, especially if your dog can find dirt like mine can!
Click on the picture below for more information.
Click on the picture below for more information.
Puppy Name of the Day
Biscuit. Works for big and small dogs and will make dog and human mouths water every time its said.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Understanding Your Dog's Feelings
I have always said that veterinarians and pediatricians have the hardest jobs in the world because their clients can't communicate to them. Dogs have feelings and the more we understand them, the better our relationships will be.
Here is a FREE downloadable CD to help you learn how to connect with your dog's feelings. Enjoy!
Free CD
Here is a FREE downloadable CD to help you learn how to connect with your dog's feelings. Enjoy!
Free CD
Favorite Dog Video
This is my favorite dog video on Youtube. I even have it on my cell phone to show anyone and everyone. I have seen it a hundred times and I still crack up when that dalmatian comes on.
Learn Dog Massage
OK, this freebie is good for a laugh and your dog will be soooooooooo thankful! Get 2 free dog massage lessons. What the heck! If its good for humans, it must be good for dogs!
Free lessons are about 1/4 way down the page.
Learn Dog Massage
Free lessons are about 1/4 way down the page.
Learn Dog Massage
Fat dogs - One Treat Too Many
Fat dogs - One Treat Too Many by Rebecca Prescott
When we think of dogs we tend to think of agile creatures that love to exercise and play, have speed and power, and are sleek or cuddly. However, just like humans and other animals, dogs are creatures that can be prone to weight problems, some breeds far more than others.
Most dogs love their food and treats, and although most love to exercise and play there are also those that are quite happy to toast their paws in front of the fire and play the "couch potato" whenever given the chance. And, of course, the combination of lack of exercise and over-feeding can lead to a very fat little dog.
Avoiding obesity in your dog
Some dogs can be far more susceptible than others to weight gain, and for dogs this can result in a range of associated health problems. Weight gain can not only make your dog miserable, but reduce his quality of life, and even reduce his lifespan.
This is why it is important for responsible owners to monitor and maintain a healthy weight for their dogs, and in the event of weight gain to take action in order to try and get their weight back on track.
We all love to give our dogs treats to show them how much we care, but often this is doing more damage than good. Just like with children, the odd treat is fine, but regular treats coupled with large portions of food can quickly lead to excess weight.
Another factor that can affect your dog's weight is of course the level of exercise that he receives. Believe it or not, there are some dogs that actually have to be persuaded to go for their walks. In some cases, other health problems such as undiagnosed thyroid problems can affect your dog's weight and cause your dog to get fat.
If you have a dog that is happy never to step out of the house, you shouldn't just shrug and thank your lucky stars that you don't have the extra duty of having to take him out each day. Instead, you need to make a concerted effort to ensure that he does get regular exercise, no matter how gentle. If your dog is very overweight you should get advice from your vet to find out why he has gained weight, and how you can get the situation under control.
A number of health problems can affect fat dogs, which is why it is important to keep your dog's weight under control. Some of the weight related health problems that can affect your pet include heart, lung, liver, kidney, and joint problems, amongst others. Some of the breeds that are prone to weight gain because of genetics include Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, Labrador Retrievers, and Beagles.
Don't forget to check out these articles on dog food and diet... Rebecca writes on puppy and dog concerns here.
Article Source: http://www.keywordarticles.org
When we think of dogs we tend to think of agile creatures that love to exercise and play, have speed and power, and are sleek or cuddly. However, just like humans and other animals, dogs are creatures that can be prone to weight problems, some breeds far more than others.
Most dogs love their food and treats, and although most love to exercise and play there are also those that are quite happy to toast their paws in front of the fire and play the "couch potato" whenever given the chance. And, of course, the combination of lack of exercise and over-feeding can lead to a very fat little dog.
Avoiding obesity in your dog
Some dogs can be far more susceptible than others to weight gain, and for dogs this can result in a range of associated health problems. Weight gain can not only make your dog miserable, but reduce his quality of life, and even reduce his lifespan.
This is why it is important for responsible owners to monitor and maintain a healthy weight for their dogs, and in the event of weight gain to take action in order to try and get their weight back on track.
We all love to give our dogs treats to show them how much we care, but often this is doing more damage than good. Just like with children, the odd treat is fine, but regular treats coupled with large portions of food can quickly lead to excess weight.
Another factor that can affect your dog's weight is of course the level of exercise that he receives. Believe it or not, there are some dogs that actually have to be persuaded to go for their walks. In some cases, other health problems such as undiagnosed thyroid problems can affect your dog's weight and cause your dog to get fat.
If you have a dog that is happy never to step out of the house, you shouldn't just shrug and thank your lucky stars that you don't have the extra duty of having to take him out each day. Instead, you need to make a concerted effort to ensure that he does get regular exercise, no matter how gentle. If your dog is very overweight you should get advice from your vet to find out why he has gained weight, and how you can get the situation under control.
A number of health problems can affect fat dogs, which is why it is important to keep your dog's weight under control. Some of the weight related health problems that can affect your pet include heart, lung, liver, kidney, and joint problems, amongst others. Some of the breeds that are prone to weight gain because of genetics include Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, Labrador Retrievers, and Beagles.
Don't forget to check out these articles on dog food and diet... Rebecca writes on puppy and dog concerns here.
Article Source: http://www.keywordarticles.org
8 Dog Training Tips Every Dog Owner Must Know
8 Dog Training Tips Every Dog Owner Must Know by Lee Dobbins
Every dog owner wants a well trained, obedient dog. You can enjoy your pet so much more if they are well behaved, and the dog is happier because you are happy with them. The ultimate goal is to have your dog obey your commands while off the lead. This level of compliance, however, takes much training and time. Here are a few great dog training tips to help you along the way.
1. One of the most important tips for training your dog is to start training early. Don't wait for bad behavior to start. The sooner you teach your dog what is acceptable and unacceptable, the happier you will both be. Even a puppy can learn basic commands and household manners. Check out local puppy or dog obedience training classes and get enrolled right away.
2. Only reward desired or 'good' behavior. Never give treats or attention for bad behavior. Your dog wants your approval and attention. If you only give it to them when they are being good, they will learn to behave appropriately in order to get your approval.
3. Dogs have a lot of energy. Find an outlet for this natural energy. Many dogs enjoy activities like agility and fly ball. If that doesn't appeal to you, try regular walks or runs, playing fetch, or take a trip to a doggy park where your dog can run and interact with other dogs. If you give your dog a way to burn off their energy, training will be much easier.
4. Find a regular time that works for you and your dog. Regular training sessions are another one of the key dog training tips that will insure your success as they will have more of an impact than sporadic ones. Make sure that you are both in a good mood, and that your dog has been well exercised before the training session.
5. New puppies need to be handled a lot to ensure that they will tolerate it and become a good pet. A crucial dog training tip is to make the handling of your puppy a frequent and pleasant experience for both of you.
6. Don't ever hit your dog or yell at them. You want your dog to associate pleasant things with you. A dog naturally wants to please you, so if your dog is engaging in undesirable behavior, simply ignore them or remove them to a confined space where they are alone. Dogs are naturally social animals and not being with you is a very hard thing for them, therefore it is a very effective punishment.
7. After your dog has completed a command, make sure you praise them very quickly. You want your positive attention to be associated with the desired behavior.
8. Use a release word to end a command. For example, when a dog has been in a down, stay position and you are finished with the command, say a word like "free" or "release" to tell the dog that it is okay for them to get up. Try not to use common words like "Okay" since this can be confusing to the dog.
These are just a few dog training tips that you can use to successfully teach your dog obedience. Find the things that work best for you and your individual pet. Above all, the most important dog training tip is to have fun and enjoy your dog!
Get the latest on dog training by visiting http://www.complete-dog-training.com - a website that offers information and articles on training your dog including tips on clicker training, crate training and dog behavior training.
Article Source: http://www.keywordarticles.org
Every dog owner wants a well trained, obedient dog. You can enjoy your pet so much more if they are well behaved, and the dog is happier because you are happy with them. The ultimate goal is to have your dog obey your commands while off the lead. This level of compliance, however, takes much training and time. Here are a few great dog training tips to help you along the way.
1. One of the most important tips for training your dog is to start training early. Don't wait for bad behavior to start. The sooner you teach your dog what is acceptable and unacceptable, the happier you will both be. Even a puppy can learn basic commands and household manners. Check out local puppy or dog obedience training classes and get enrolled right away.
2. Only reward desired or 'good' behavior. Never give treats or attention for bad behavior. Your dog wants your approval and attention. If you only give it to them when they are being good, they will learn to behave appropriately in order to get your approval.
3. Dogs have a lot of energy. Find an outlet for this natural energy. Many dogs enjoy activities like agility and fly ball. If that doesn't appeal to you, try regular walks or runs, playing fetch, or take a trip to a doggy park where your dog can run and interact with other dogs. If you give your dog a way to burn off their energy, training will be much easier.
4. Find a regular time that works for you and your dog. Regular training sessions are another one of the key dog training tips that will insure your success as they will have more of an impact than sporadic ones. Make sure that you are both in a good mood, and that your dog has been well exercised before the training session.
5. New puppies need to be handled a lot to ensure that they will tolerate it and become a good pet. A crucial dog training tip is to make the handling of your puppy a frequent and pleasant experience for both of you.
6. Don't ever hit your dog or yell at them. You want your dog to associate pleasant things with you. A dog naturally wants to please you, so if your dog is engaging in undesirable behavior, simply ignore them or remove them to a confined space where they are alone. Dogs are naturally social animals and not being with you is a very hard thing for them, therefore it is a very effective punishment.
7. After your dog has completed a command, make sure you praise them very quickly. You want your positive attention to be associated with the desired behavior.
8. Use a release word to end a command. For example, when a dog has been in a down, stay position and you are finished with the command, say a word like "free" or "release" to tell the dog that it is okay for them to get up. Try not to use common words like "Okay" since this can be confusing to the dog.
These are just a few dog training tips that you can use to successfully teach your dog obedience. Find the things that work best for you and your individual pet. Above all, the most important dog training tip is to have fun and enjoy your dog!
Get the latest on dog training by visiting http://www.complete-dog-training.com - a website that offers information and articles on training your dog including tips on clicker training, crate training and dog behavior training.
Article Source: http://www.keywordarticles.org
Free Dog Training Mistakes Audio and Report
Here is a free audio report on dog training mistakes. Sometimes we learn more from mistakes than any other way. Enjoy this freebie. It is near the top of the page.
Free Report and Audio
Free Report and Audio
Preparing Homemade Dog Food
Preparing Homemade Dog Food by Veronica Eng
Preparation for home cooked meals for your dog is simple and need not be a pain at all. I have switched from commercialized pet food to home cooked meals after my family two lovely dogs died of cancer suddenly. They were on premium dried pet food all their life but still, both of them died at a young age at 6 and 7 of cancer. This was way before the pet food recall event.
I knew at that time that their commercial pet food must have contributed somewhat to their condition as both were rather young when passed on. Putting aside my initial struggle with thoughts about how difficult to cook home cooked meals for my dogs and just got started with it.
I do not even cook for myself! How can I cook nutritious meals for my pets! I started reading loads of books on home cooked food and came out with this simple and easy to prepare recipe for dog food. It can be done even for busy people like you and me. If I can do it, so can you! So let us step up and commit to making the lives of our pet a long, happy and healthy one.
Take note that we cannot change our dog diet overnight as it may cause stomach upset. Start gradually and mixing their feed gradually until she is completed switched to home cooked food.
Preparation
Purchase the following ingredients, all the ingredients below in equal proportions, supplements should be added separately. The amount to cook depends on your pet size.
Use your own judgment when it comes to quantity to feed. The suggestion below is meant for a week supply for a 1 medium sized dog, healthy dog with normal weight range.
Please change the quantity for your pet needs (This suggestion provides 1 week food for a 10kg dog):
1) Grains choice: Brown rice, provide for 2-3 cups cooked rice (less if your dog is obese or require some weight loss)
2) Vegetables (Add 3 varieties): Broccoli, cauliflower, any green leafy vegetables and beans. Make about 4 cups of pulp vegetables for easy absorption.
3) Meats 500gms: Choice of Chicken, Lamb, Beef or Kangaroo (rotate weekly).
4) 2 Eggs
Avoid night shade vegetables, onions and cabbage for your pets. Some dogs experience more gas when fed with cabbage.
Quick Easy Cooking Steps
Step 1: Put some olive oil in your pot and cook meats
Step 2: Cook rice (or any grain choice, I personally prefer brown rice)
Step 3: Pulp or chop finely the vegetables
Step 4: When meats are almost cook, add the pulp vegetables into the pot
Step 5: Do not overcook the vegetables. Keep them half raw for the enzymes.
Step 6: Add eggs and cook the vegetables in the pot to make the vegetables palatable.
Storage
For convenience, cook your pet homemade meals up to one week supply. Freeze them in daily portions separately for convenience.
Just remember to place next day food supply from the freezer to chiller compartment of your refrigerator. Place a note at your fridge to remind you to do so everyday if not, your poor pet has not food to eat.
Feeding Preparation
Step 1: Place chilled food in your pet bowl
Step 2: Boil some hot water
Step 3: Warm up the food to room temperature with some hot water.
Step 4: Add necessary supplements such as Vitamin C, Flaxseed oil, Egg shell
meals for calcium.
Step 5: Mix and serve!
Using boiled water to warm up food is a recommended. If you prefer microwaving to warm up food, note that this method may destroy some nutrients.
Emergency meals
In case you have forgotten to defreeze your pet food. Here is a simple guide to a quick no hassle wholesome meal in just 5 minutes!
Ensure you home has these at all times in case you need to whip out a wholesome meal in 5 minutes!
All you need are:
Step 1) Oats (get those quick to cook kind or just add hot boiling water)
Step 2) Eggs (Break an egg for a small/medium sized dog)
Step 3) Supplements (Add your regular supplement)
That is all you need for the emergency meal! To ensure not to upset the digestive system from sudden change in diet, feed this option once a while so she is well adjusted to this diet when the need arises.
Veronica Eng researched on dog care from various sources for many years and summarized many effective yet simple guides to dog lovers. Her techniques have made her dogs healthy, vibrant and gorgeous coat that many envy. Natural pet health is her passion! More tips at http://www.dogcarezone.com
Article Source: http://www.keywordarticles.org
Preparation for home cooked meals for your dog is simple and need not be a pain at all. I have switched from commercialized pet food to home cooked meals after my family two lovely dogs died of cancer suddenly. They were on premium dried pet food all their life but still, both of them died at a young age at 6 and 7 of cancer. This was way before the pet food recall event.
I knew at that time that their commercial pet food must have contributed somewhat to their condition as both were rather young when passed on. Putting aside my initial struggle with thoughts about how difficult to cook home cooked meals for my dogs and just got started with it.
I do not even cook for myself! How can I cook nutritious meals for my pets! I started reading loads of books on home cooked food and came out with this simple and easy to prepare recipe for dog food. It can be done even for busy people like you and me. If I can do it, so can you! So let us step up and commit to making the lives of our pet a long, happy and healthy one.
Take note that we cannot change our dog diet overnight as it may cause stomach upset. Start gradually and mixing their feed gradually until she is completed switched to home cooked food.
Preparation
Purchase the following ingredients, all the ingredients below in equal proportions, supplements should be added separately. The amount to cook depends on your pet size.
Use your own judgment when it comes to quantity to feed. The suggestion below is meant for a week supply for a 1 medium sized dog, healthy dog with normal weight range.
Please change the quantity for your pet needs (This suggestion provides 1 week food for a 10kg dog):
1) Grains choice: Brown rice, provide for 2-3 cups cooked rice (less if your dog is obese or require some weight loss)
2) Vegetables (Add 3 varieties): Broccoli, cauliflower, any green leafy vegetables and beans. Make about 4 cups of pulp vegetables for easy absorption.
3) Meats 500gms: Choice of Chicken, Lamb, Beef or Kangaroo (rotate weekly).
4) 2 Eggs
Avoid night shade vegetables, onions and cabbage for your pets. Some dogs experience more gas when fed with cabbage.
Quick Easy Cooking Steps
Step 1: Put some olive oil in your pot and cook meats
Step 2: Cook rice (or any grain choice, I personally prefer brown rice)
Step 3: Pulp or chop finely the vegetables
Step 4: When meats are almost cook, add the pulp vegetables into the pot
Step 5: Do not overcook the vegetables. Keep them half raw for the enzymes.
Step 6: Add eggs and cook the vegetables in the pot to make the vegetables palatable.
Storage
For convenience, cook your pet homemade meals up to one week supply. Freeze them in daily portions separately for convenience.
Just remember to place next day food supply from the freezer to chiller compartment of your refrigerator. Place a note at your fridge to remind you to do so everyday if not, your poor pet has not food to eat.
Feeding Preparation
Step 1: Place chilled food in your pet bowl
Step 2: Boil some hot water
Step 3: Warm up the food to room temperature with some hot water.
Step 4: Add necessary supplements such as Vitamin C, Flaxseed oil, Egg shell
meals for calcium.
Step 5: Mix and serve!
Using boiled water to warm up food is a recommended. If you prefer microwaving to warm up food, note that this method may destroy some nutrients.
Emergency meals
In case you have forgotten to defreeze your pet food. Here is a simple guide to a quick no hassle wholesome meal in just 5 minutes!
Ensure you home has these at all times in case you need to whip out a wholesome meal in 5 minutes!
All you need are:
Step 1) Oats (get those quick to cook kind or just add hot boiling water)
Step 2) Eggs (Break an egg for a small/medium sized dog)
Step 3) Supplements (Add your regular supplement)
That is all you need for the emergency meal! To ensure not to upset the digestive system from sudden change in diet, feed this option once a while so she is well adjusted to this diet when the need arises.
Veronica Eng researched on dog care from various sources for many years and summarized many effective yet simple guides to dog lovers. Her techniques have made her dogs healthy, vibrant and gorgeous coat that many envy. Natural pet health is her passion! More tips at http://www.dogcarezone.com
Article Source: http://www.keywordarticles.org
Cost-effective Healthcare Dog Ownership
Cost-effective Healthcare Dog Ownership by Veronica Eng
The sure way to avoid serious illness is to boost their immune system and allow their own body to heal itself.
Here are some things we can do to boost the immune system.
1) Regular optimal amount of Vitamin C
Though dogs produce their own vitamin C, it may not be sufficient to maintain optimal health. Vitamin C is safe and there is no harm in overdosing Vitamin C as excessive amounts will be flushed out of the body. Personally, I prefer powdered form Vitamin C as I can add it into their meals easily without stuffing tablets in them. Solid gold has powdered Vitamin C or you can purchase the human version of vitamin C from pharmacy. Just go slow when introducing Vitamin C and keep to the optimal level amount daily. Too much at one go can cause diarrhea onset as the body purge the excess Vitamin C. If you cook or warm your dog food, add the vitamins and supplement last after the food is cooled and ready for feed. (Avoid microwaving your dog food to warm it as it will destroy the nutrients). All I need to do is boil some water quickly and pour some hot water into the food to make it at room temperature, than add the supplements accordingly.
2) Healthy meals
Homemade pet food is the best for your pet. Daily healthy fresh foods selection is essential for good health. Instead of giving dog treats which can be laden with chemicals and sugar, give your dog fruits and dried meats as treats instead.
3) Supplements
For omega oil requirements, purchase flaxseed that is organic and bottled in dark container. For other supplementation needs, purchase a quality supplements such as Missing link for Canine has all the essential vitamins, minerals and omega oils a dog needs. Read instruction guide on supplementation when administering your pet. Over supplement as this can lead to toxicity to our pets.
4) Colostrums
Colostrums given as supplement to provide antibodies, nutrition and to strengthen the immune system. This supplement is only necessary if your pet has an illness that requires boosting of immune system.
5) Filtered water
Using filtered water is preferred to water off the tap. Ensure water bowls are changed, washed and refilled daily.
6) Daily Fresh Air
Bring your pets to the park regularly to ensure the fresh air and greenery. Going to natural environment has higher levels of anions in the air which inevitably help boost your the immune system and improve blood circulation thus higher level of oxygen in their body. It is necessary to avoid high traffic areas as fumes from the vehicles are bad for their respiratory and can accumulate toxic buildup in their respiratory track. At home, ensure the home is well ventilated.
The above recommendation is for a normal healthy pet. Should your pet is suffering from an illness; ensure you seek necessary advice from your vet on supplementation a special condition.
Veronica Eng researched on dog care from various sources for many years and summarized many effective yet simple guides to dog lovers. Her techniques have made her dogs healthy, vibrant and gorgeous coat that many envy. Natural pet health is her passion! More tips at http://www.dogcarezone.com
Article Source: http://www.keywordarticles.org
The sure way to avoid serious illness is to boost their immune system and allow their own body to heal itself.
Here are some things we can do to boost the immune system.
1) Regular optimal amount of Vitamin C
Though dogs produce their own vitamin C, it may not be sufficient to maintain optimal health. Vitamin C is safe and there is no harm in overdosing Vitamin C as excessive amounts will be flushed out of the body. Personally, I prefer powdered form Vitamin C as I can add it into their meals easily without stuffing tablets in them. Solid gold has powdered Vitamin C or you can purchase the human version of vitamin C from pharmacy. Just go slow when introducing Vitamin C and keep to the optimal level amount daily. Too much at one go can cause diarrhea onset as the body purge the excess Vitamin C. If you cook or warm your dog food, add the vitamins and supplement last after the food is cooled and ready for feed. (Avoid microwaving your dog food to warm it as it will destroy the nutrients). All I need to do is boil some water quickly and pour some hot water into the food to make it at room temperature, than add the supplements accordingly.
2) Healthy meals
Homemade pet food is the best for your pet. Daily healthy fresh foods selection is essential for good health. Instead of giving dog treats which can be laden with chemicals and sugar, give your dog fruits and dried meats as treats instead.
3) Supplements
For omega oil requirements, purchase flaxseed that is organic and bottled in dark container. For other supplementation needs, purchase a quality supplements such as Missing link for Canine has all the essential vitamins, minerals and omega oils a dog needs. Read instruction guide on supplementation when administering your pet. Over supplement as this can lead to toxicity to our pets.
4) Colostrums
Colostrums given as supplement to provide antibodies, nutrition and to strengthen the immune system. This supplement is only necessary if your pet has an illness that requires boosting of immune system.
5) Filtered water
Using filtered water is preferred to water off the tap. Ensure water bowls are changed, washed and refilled daily.
6) Daily Fresh Air
Bring your pets to the park regularly to ensure the fresh air and greenery. Going to natural environment has higher levels of anions in the air which inevitably help boost your the immune system and improve blood circulation thus higher level of oxygen in their body. It is necessary to avoid high traffic areas as fumes from the vehicles are bad for their respiratory and can accumulate toxic buildup in their respiratory track. At home, ensure the home is well ventilated.
The above recommendation is for a normal healthy pet. Should your pet is suffering from an illness; ensure you seek necessary advice from your vet on supplementation a special condition.
Veronica Eng researched on dog care from various sources for many years and summarized many effective yet simple guides to dog lovers. Her techniques have made her dogs healthy, vibrant and gorgeous coat that many envy. Natural pet health is her passion! More tips at http://www.dogcarezone.com
Article Source: http://www.keywordarticles.org
Benefits of Having a Dog in the Home
If you don't already own a dog, you should. For those that already have a pet you are already aware of the benefits of having a dog in the home. For those of you that don't have a dog read on to find out why you should.
There's nothing quite as exciting as bringing your new family member home. Whether you have adopted a stray or you have purchased a puppy it does not matter, both will provide you with unconditional love whether you are 1 or 100. Besides unconditional love there are plenty of other benefits of having a dog in the home.
Health is probably the topic that's most talked about these days. That's because studies have shown some remarkable data on pets and health such as a reduced risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. 28% percent of people that are hospitalized for heart disease are still alive one year later, while only 6% of those that did not have a dog survived a full year.
A dog will also help reduce stress in your life and overcome feelings of isolation if you live on your own. You've had a horrible day, you're ready to scream, and you walk in the door greeted by Fido with wagging tail. What happens to your stress? Why it just seems to melt away.
Studies have also shown a lower level of triglycerides and cholesterol in those that have a dog. There also seems to be a reduction in blood pressure. This means if you already have a dog you are less likely to suffer from heart disease. It also means if you already have heart disease maybe the best medicine for you is a new puppy. At least it's a great excuse to get a new friend.
Dogs also make wonderful companions. The first step is to decide which breed matches your personality. Remember your new friend is going to be part of the family for as many as 16 years bringing you love, friendship, and companionship. Do your research before you buy. This is a life long commitment. Your dog is a living creature that requires your care. The two of you will build a lasting friendship that will be hard to explain to anyone that doesn't have a dog of their own.
When choosing your long term companion choose the puppy that connects with you. We've all experienced it at some point in our life when one of the puppies seems to pick you and there's an instant bond. That's the puppy you want.
Your dog will also be a protector to you. Don't make the mistake of thinking that you need a big dog for it to be a protector. Sure a big dog is much more intimidating to a stranger, however a small dog can make noise and warn you of a potential problem. Besides small dogs are more likely to nip at strangers than a big dog is. So don't let size be your total guide to choosing a dog as a protector. Of course if you need true protection from physical threats then you should be looking at German Shepherds, Dobermans, and Rottweiler's to name just a few breeds known for their protective nature.
The benefits of having a dog in the home are obvious. Now the only question left is what dog will you choose?
Terry Fitzroy is an avid animal lover. Pet questions, cat questions, and dog questions are his main article territory.
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Dog barking: Say No!
Stopping dog barking seems to be a very common concern for dog owners. To stop dog barking you can apply very simple techniques. Here is a quick outline of some of the strategies you can use.
The question on everyone's lips is: What would we stop such a spontaneous behaviour? To stop a dog from barking deprives him from a very natural response. Dog barking collars are not always recommended as they use chemicals.
Instead, an advanced proven strategy to stop your dog from barking now consists in determining the reason why your dog is barking. In most cases, your dog is barking for attention and it is absolutely essential to understand that attribute: your dog is accustomed to getting attention without having to deserve it.
You need to send a clear message to your dog: barking for attention does not work, barking does not trigger any reaction from you and most importantly barking does not result in any yelling from your part.
Here is a very simple example: when you leave your place in the morning for work, do not make a big fuss out of it. If you do, your dog will see your absence as a very lonely and difficult period and will undoubtedly jump on you when you get back to start barking. Instead, if you ignore him in the morning he will think that everything is normal and will not analyze your absence as a stressful time: this is a very easy-to-apply strategy to stop dog barking!
Another essential proven method when it comes to dogs barking for attention is to stop showing your dog you are angry by screaming at it. This display of emotions will betray you: if you yell and shout at your dog to ask him to stop, you dog will interpret your shouting as a form of reaction and will think "ok, barking from me entails being yelled at so at least I trigger a reaction from my owner, regardless of what the reaction is".
If, on the contrary, you ignore his reaction you will quickly notice that the barking will stop. You need to rapidly make clear that your dog's barking does not have any effect on you and you do not respond. Do not let his barking control your reactions.
Now don't get me wrong. Dogs are absolute gems and you need to reward them and make them feel special at times. However, right from the start, you need to establish the hierarchy in place: in the long run your dog will respect you and treasure your presence.
Keep in mind that the very important point you need to assert is: barking for attention does not work!
Now, if you really run out of ideas and can't stop your dog from barking, maybe you should look into buying a Basenji dog...
Sophia Munoz is fully versed into obedience training for dogs and has recently adopted two majestic Basenji dogs. If you want to explore little known secrets on how to stop dog barking, check her website for some eccentric info, and maybe a new outlook on dogs!
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Puppy Training Help
Free Puppy Training Email Report
- Bringing Home Your New Puppy
- How to Introduce Your Puppy to Your Home
- Collar Training Your Puppy
- How to Stop Nipping & Biting
- Essential Puppy Training
- Fun & Neat Tricks to Teach Your Puppy
- Train Your Puppy To Heel
Its about 1/4 way down the page.
Click Here
Puppy Name of the Day
Brutus. I knew a Saint Bernard with this name and it sure fit him well! Great if you happen to have a cat named Caesar!
Dog Food Dangers
Here is a link to a free dog food and nutrition ebook and audio report. I am a firm believer in getting dogs off of the store-bought, commercial dog foods and this report is a nice starting point in learning how to transition your dog onto homemade food. Your dogs will thrive on the right diet. About 1/3 of the way down the page you will find the free ebook and audio report.
Dog Food Reports
Dog Food Reports
Veterinary Newsletter
Check out this site for pretty cool newsletter by a vet. You need to scroll to the bottom and click on "Newsletter". That will take you to a page that gives you a free ebook, "Healing Your Pets at Home" and begins your subscription to the free newsletter. Nice little free gem for the taking!
Free ebook and Newsletter
Free ebook and Newsletter
Papillon
With butterfly shaped heads and a sweet temperament, these dogs are irresistible! A great house dog, small, lively, and full of life.
Papillon Care and Training Guide
Papillon Care and Training Guide
Manchester Terrier
A small hardy dog who makes a great sporty companion. Breed includes toy and standard sizes.
Manchester Terrier Care and Training Guide
Manchester Terrier Care and Training Guide
Maltese
Little furballs of fun! These little dogs are loaded with personality and spunk, not to mention cute, cute, CUTE!
Maltese Care and Training Guide
Maltese Care and Training Guide
Lakeland Terrier
If you are looking for a terrier, be sure to check out a Lakeland Terrier.
Lakeland Terrier Care and Training Guide
Lakeland Terrier Care and Training Guide
Japanese Chin / Spaniel
A great small spaniel, not to be confused with the Pekingese dog breed.
Japanese Chin Care and Training Guide
Japanese Chin Care and Training Guide
Friday, February 20, 2009
Greyhound
Can you over exercise a Greyhound? Race them or save them - how many can you fit on a dog pillow?
Greyhound Care and Training Guide
Greyhound Care and Training Guide
Doberman Pinscher
Attack dog, guard dog, or family dog? With a sleek coat and obedient personality Dobermans make great dogs.
Doberman Pinscher Care and Training Guide
Doberman Pinscher Care and Training Guide
Cocker Spaniel
Great retrieving dogs! Never get tired of chasing a ball, rock, or stick. Beautiful coat, ears, and stumpy tail.
Cocker Spaniel Care and Training Guide
Chow Chow
A magnificent breed; majestic and beautiful. Great cuddly balls of fur.
Chow Chow Care and Training Guide
Chinese Crested Dog
Sneeze free dog lovers dream. Owners often enter ugliest dog contests, but don't judge what you see - a great dog.
Chinese Crested Care and Training Guide
Chinese Crested Care and Training Guide
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