Training Your Dog To Use A Leash And Collar
There are many different techniques you can use to train your dog, and it is important to find one that works for you and your family in order to have the most loyal and well-behaved pet possible. All successful styles of dog training emphasize the bond between dog and owner, and the basis of a successful training program is earning the dog’s respect. It is fortunate that dogs are innately programmed to submit to a leader, it allows them to follow commands and make training easier.
This article will discuss one of the more common types of dog training –leash/collar training. Other articles will examine other common dog-training techniques, known as reward training or positive reinforcement.
Both the leash/collar styles of dog training and reward-based dog training have been proven to be effective methods of dog training over time. The method of training that is most effective is dependent on the dog’s breed and his temperament. Each dog has its own personality, which is emphasized even further by many years of selective breeding.
The personalities of individual dogs can be very different, even within the same breed. It is up to you, as the owner, to determine which method of training will work best for your dog, so it is important to work with the trainer in order to attain your goal of an eager, well-trained and friendly dog.
Leash/collar training is the best way to fulfill many factions of dog training, especially in circumstances where the dog must be very dependable. For example, certain working dogs, such as police dogs, rescue dogs or guard dogs, tend to gain from leash and collar training.
In leash/collar training, different levels of force can be used, varying from light modifications with the lead to firmer corrections. The level of correction used should be relative to the situation, as too much correction, or not enough, can prove unproductive.
In a leash/collar emphasized dog-training program, the dog is first taught a desired behavior on the leash. Once the dog seems to understand the command, the leash is then used to modify incorrect behaviors. The leash is used as the main form of control and communication with the dog in this form of training.
With leash/collar training, the dog must learn to trust the handler and follow commands without any hesitation. The dog is considered fully trained when the handler is able to show that the dog will follow a command even if he does not want to. While this does not mean using brute force, it will likely necessitate some physical handling. This type of handling is most effectively completed by use of the leash.
Anyone attempting to train his or her dog should understand that the leash is merely a device. While the leash is necessary for this style of dog training, it is important for the dog trainer to strive for the same results using whatever gear are nearby.
No matter what device the owner uses for training, such as the owner’s body and voice, the dog should be eager to comply. Building a trusting relationship between owner and dog is vital, and it is important that the leash is used as a tool rather than a crutch. A properly trained dog should be eager to obey with or without a leash.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Training Your Old Dog
Training Your Dog - Can You Teach an Old Dog New Tricks?
There are more or less favorable ages for training a dog. Very young puppies are preoccupied with discovering their environment, but they are never too young to learn the basics. In general, puppies under 6 months will benefit greatly from their experiences with their brothers, sisters, and mother. This is when they learn the elementary "social graces".
While they are learning from their siblings, you can take this time to teach the most basic element of training, trust. They are too young to concentrate on formal lessons, but they can acquire an understanding of your expressions of pleasure and displeasure through sights and sounds as you grow closer together. This is more of a time to bond, but they are always learning, and you can help the process along.
Most training schools and classes will not accept canine students less than 6 months of age, due to the teething process, another distraction. Also during adolescence, dogs, like children, tend to resist authority. Again while formal training may not be possible, you can still work with your dog and help him get through this difficult time.
Generally speaking, you can start to give a dog formal training with the best chances of success between the ages of 12 and 18 months. Small breeds and females, who mature earlier, can start sooner than large male dogs. Working dogs, such as guard or guide dogs are never trained before the age of 1 or 1 ½ years, while hunting dogs are taken out with well-trained older dogs when they are 4 or 5 months old.
There is no maximum age for starting to train a dog. You can teach an old dog new tricks as long as he lives. One of the best obedience competitors in history was a Dalmatian who started training at the age of twelve. The principle handicaps in training unschooled adult dogs are the need for unlearning bad habits, and the greater length of time it usually takes to establish the basic learning process in his undisciplined brain.
There are more or less favorable ages for training a dog. Very young puppies are preoccupied with discovering their environment, but they are never too young to learn the basics. In general, puppies under 6 months will benefit greatly from their experiences with their brothers, sisters, and mother. This is when they learn the elementary "social graces".
While they are learning from their siblings, you can take this time to teach the most basic element of training, trust. They are too young to concentrate on formal lessons, but they can acquire an understanding of your expressions of pleasure and displeasure through sights and sounds as you grow closer together. This is more of a time to bond, but they are always learning, and you can help the process along.
Most training schools and classes will not accept canine students less than 6 months of age, due to the teething process, another distraction. Also during adolescence, dogs, like children, tend to resist authority. Again while formal training may not be possible, you can still work with your dog and help him get through this difficult time.
Generally speaking, you can start to give a dog formal training with the best chances of success between the ages of 12 and 18 months. Small breeds and females, who mature earlier, can start sooner than large male dogs. Working dogs, such as guard or guide dogs are never trained before the age of 1 or 1 ½ years, while hunting dogs are taken out with well-trained older dogs when they are 4 or 5 months old.
There is no maximum age for starting to train a dog. You can teach an old dog new tricks as long as he lives. One of the best obedience competitors in history was a Dalmatian who started training at the age of twelve. The principle handicaps in training unschooled adult dogs are the need for unlearning bad habits, and the greater length of time it usually takes to establish the basic learning process in his undisciplined brain.
Dog training strategies
Training your dog; what fun this can be. Have you ever watch a person try to train their dog? It is quite comical I assure. When I was a young child and my mom and dad were training my dog, I always loved to watch; at least in the beginning. There is something immensely amusing about a grown adult spending hours on their knees talking to a dog that is staring at them with a look of bewilderment and probably wondering why every time they are told to stand up they are again told to sit down.
Training your dog is a long process and can get to be frustrating, however it is equally fun when you can get them to so things like roll over and shake hands. I always wanted a dog that would get my slippers or bring me the paper; of course while managing to get a minimal amount of drool on either one. Then there are the super cool dogs that do things like back flips with Frisbees and all those other cool tricks you see done by animals on animal planet.
That stuff is the really cool dog training, but do you ever wonder if the dog enjoys all that training. I have been told people train for years so their dogs can compete in those contest for swimming and running and catching and the other myriad of tricks people have invented for man’s best friend.
I really wonder how the dog feels about it. It isn’t as if anyone asked them if they wanted to spend their lives running around lie crazy in an effort to impress a crowd of judges who arbitrarily decide what makes one dog’s back flip better than another dogs.
Training your dog is a long process and can get to be frustrating, however it is equally fun when you can get them to so things like roll over and shake hands. I always wanted a dog that would get my slippers or bring me the paper; of course while managing to get a minimal amount of drool on either one. Then there are the super cool dogs that do things like back flips with Frisbees and all those other cool tricks you see done by animals on animal planet.
That stuff is the really cool dog training, but do you ever wonder if the dog enjoys all that training. I have been told people train for years so their dogs can compete in those contest for swimming and running and catching and the other myriad of tricks people have invented for man’s best friend.
I really wonder how the dog feels about it. It isn’t as if anyone asked them if they wanted to spend their lives running around lie crazy in an effort to impress a crowd of judges who arbitrarily decide what makes one dog’s back flip better than another dogs.
Training The Dog To Come When It Is Called
Training a dog to come when it is called is a vital, and potentially life saving, part of any successful dog training program. All properly trained dogs must learn to respond instantly to the owner’s voice, and the sooner this lesson is learned the better.
The advantages of teaching a dog to come when called are obvious. For starters, coming when called will help you regain control of the dog in case of collar break, snapped leash or other similar equipment failure. This is particularly important when you are out with your dog, especially in an area with lots of traffic. It is vital that the dog respond to your voice and return to your side, even in the absence of collar and leash, and even if there are lots of other things competing for its attention.
Coming when called is also a vital skill for every working dog. Whether the dog’s job is herding sheep, guarding livestock, or sniffing out bombs and drugs at the airport, the working dog must be under total control at all times, whether on leash or off.
Even if your dog’s only job is being a loyal companion, it is still vital that he learn this important basic obedience exercise. After the first obedience lessons, such as heeling, stopping on command, sitting on command, etc. have been learned, it is time to start incorporating the come when called lessons into the daily training sessions.
One note about dog training – it is all too easy for training sessions to become dull and routine for both handler and dog. A bored dog will not be receptive to learning, just as a bored handler will not be a good teacher. It is important, therefore, to always incorporate fun things and play into every training session. Incorporating a few minutes of play time before the lesson begins can do wonders for the attitude of dog and human alike. Likewise, ending each training session with a few minutes of free play time is a great way to end on a positive note and to help the dog associate obedience training with fun and not drudgery.
The command to stay and the command to come when called are often combined in obedience training lessons, and they do go naturally together. Start with the dog on a loose leash, ask the dog to sit and then slowly back away. If the dog begins to get up and follow you, return to the dog and ask him to sit again. Continue this process until you can reach the end of the leash without the dog getting up.
After you can successfully reach the end of the leash on a consistent basis, try dropping the leash altogether. Of course you will want to do this in a controlled environment like a fenced in yard. After the dog has mastered the stay command, it is time to add the come when called command.
Take up the leash again, and with the dog on the end of the leash, say “come” or “come here”. It is often helpful to use a lure when teaching this behavior. The lure provides a visible item for the dog to focus on. Teaching the dog to come to the lure is a good first step in training the dog to come when called.
Repeat this procedure many times until the dog will consistently stay and then come when called. After the dog has mastered coming when called while attached to the leash, slowly start introducing the concept when the leash is removed. As before, these training sessions should only take place in a controlled, safe environment, such as a fenced in front or back yard.
A well trained, obedient dog should respond to the call to return to its owner no matter where it is and no matter what distractions may occur. It is therefore necessary to test the dog with distractions of your own.
If you have a neighbor, preferably one with a dog of his own, try having him come over with the dog. Have him, and the dog, stand just outside the fenced in area and repeat the come when called exercise with your dog off leash. If he becomes distracted by the other dog, put the leash back on and repeat the process. The goal is to have your dog consistently pay attention to your commands, no matter what distractions may present themselves.
The advantages of teaching a dog to come when called are obvious. For starters, coming when called will help you regain control of the dog in case of collar break, snapped leash or other similar equipment failure. This is particularly important when you are out with your dog, especially in an area with lots of traffic. It is vital that the dog respond to your voice and return to your side, even in the absence of collar and leash, and even if there are lots of other things competing for its attention.
Coming when called is also a vital skill for every working dog. Whether the dog’s job is herding sheep, guarding livestock, or sniffing out bombs and drugs at the airport, the working dog must be under total control at all times, whether on leash or off.
Even if your dog’s only job is being a loyal companion, it is still vital that he learn this important basic obedience exercise. After the first obedience lessons, such as heeling, stopping on command, sitting on command, etc. have been learned, it is time to start incorporating the come when called lessons into the daily training sessions.
One note about dog training – it is all too easy for training sessions to become dull and routine for both handler and dog. A bored dog will not be receptive to learning, just as a bored handler will not be a good teacher. It is important, therefore, to always incorporate fun things and play into every training session. Incorporating a few minutes of play time before the lesson begins can do wonders for the attitude of dog and human alike. Likewise, ending each training session with a few minutes of free play time is a great way to end on a positive note and to help the dog associate obedience training with fun and not drudgery.
The command to stay and the command to come when called are often combined in obedience training lessons, and they do go naturally together. Start with the dog on a loose leash, ask the dog to sit and then slowly back away. If the dog begins to get up and follow you, return to the dog and ask him to sit again. Continue this process until you can reach the end of the leash without the dog getting up.
After you can successfully reach the end of the leash on a consistent basis, try dropping the leash altogether. Of course you will want to do this in a controlled environment like a fenced in yard. After the dog has mastered the stay command, it is time to add the come when called command.
Take up the leash again, and with the dog on the end of the leash, say “come” or “come here”. It is often helpful to use a lure when teaching this behavior. The lure provides a visible item for the dog to focus on. Teaching the dog to come to the lure is a good first step in training the dog to come when called.
Repeat this procedure many times until the dog will consistently stay and then come when called. After the dog has mastered coming when called while attached to the leash, slowly start introducing the concept when the leash is removed. As before, these training sessions should only take place in a controlled, safe environment, such as a fenced in front or back yard.
A well trained, obedient dog should respond to the call to return to its owner no matter where it is and no matter what distractions may occur. It is therefore necessary to test the dog with distractions of your own.
If you have a neighbor, preferably one with a dog of his own, try having him come over with the dog. Have him, and the dog, stand just outside the fenced in area and repeat the come when called exercise with your dog off leash. If he becomes distracted by the other dog, put the leash back on and repeat the process. The goal is to have your dog consistently pay attention to your commands, no matter what distractions may present themselves.
Tips to Help Your Dog Sleep
Tips to Help Your Dog Sleep Through the Night
Barking. Whining. Destructing furniture. Your hyperactive pooch's lack of sleepiness may be the cause of your restless nights.
Though most dogs sleep from 10 to 14 hours a day, some tend to be off schedule with your sleep time due to lack of routine, hyperactivity or anxiety.
Pluto Pet, maker of natural supplements for pets, offers the following tips to help your dog - and you - have a restful night.
* Make sure your dog gets well-balanced meals. The first step to healthy sleep is a healthy diet. According to the American Kennel Club, puppies need more calories and essential nutrients than adult dogs. For this reason, you should choose foods specially formulated for puppies. Adult dogs should be fed according to their size and energy needs.
* Give your pet a relaxing supplement. To quickly and effectively calm your canine down, some veterinarians suggest giving your dog a calming product, such as Pluto Pet's Pet Calming Spray. After two to four squirts in your pet's mouth, Pet Calming Spray relieves restlessness, fear, nervousness and aggression, helping antsy pets sleep throughout the night. The spray meets all Food and Drug Administration guidelines for good manufacturing practices and causes no negative side effects.
* Provide your canine with an exercise routine. Help your pooch get rid of pent-up energy. Walk your dog at least twice a day and make sure you set aside time to play every day. Just like with humans, exercise helps dogs stay healthy.
* Set a bedtime. Put your dog to bed at a designated time every night. This will help your canine companion conform to your sleeping schedule. Make sure you give your pet the opportunity to go to the bathroom right before bedtime.
* Create a comfortable sleeping area. Provide your dog with a blanket, towel or pillow to sleep on. Whether your pet sleeps indoors or outdoors, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says that enclosed areas, such as dog crates or dog houses, give many pets a sense of security and a sleeping spot to call their own.
Barking. Whining. Destructing furniture. Your hyperactive pooch's lack of sleepiness may be the cause of your restless nights.
Though most dogs sleep from 10 to 14 hours a day, some tend to be off schedule with your sleep time due to lack of routine, hyperactivity or anxiety.
Pluto Pet, maker of natural supplements for pets, offers the following tips to help your dog - and you - have a restful night.
* Make sure your dog gets well-balanced meals. The first step to healthy sleep is a healthy diet. According to the American Kennel Club, puppies need more calories and essential nutrients than adult dogs. For this reason, you should choose foods specially formulated for puppies. Adult dogs should be fed according to their size and energy needs.
* Give your pet a relaxing supplement. To quickly and effectively calm your canine down, some veterinarians suggest giving your dog a calming product, such as Pluto Pet's Pet Calming Spray. After two to four squirts in your pet's mouth, Pet Calming Spray relieves restlessness, fear, nervousness and aggression, helping antsy pets sleep throughout the night. The spray meets all Food and Drug Administration guidelines for good manufacturing practices and causes no negative side effects.
* Provide your canine with an exercise routine. Help your pooch get rid of pent-up energy. Walk your dog at least twice a day and make sure you set aside time to play every day. Just like with humans, exercise helps dogs stay healthy.
* Set a bedtime. Put your dog to bed at a designated time every night. This will help your canine companion conform to your sleeping schedule. Make sure you give your pet the opportunity to go to the bathroom right before bedtime.
* Create a comfortable sleeping area. Provide your dog with a blanket, towel or pillow to sleep on. Whether your pet sleeps indoors or outdoors, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says that enclosed areas, such as dog crates or dog houses, give many pets a sense of security and a sleeping spot to call their own.
Smart ways to train puppy
Everyone knows pets make great companions, but training our four-legged friends can sometimes be a daunting task. Research shows, however, that the type of food puppies are fed could make a difference.
In a study conducted by The Iams Co., puppies nourished with enhanced levels of docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, responded better to training. DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid believed to play a role in healthy brain development.
Based on this research, the company developed Iams Smart Puppy formula, a food containing enhanced levels of DHA, to help dog owners raise smarter, more trainable puppies.
"For veterinarians, the research on DHA means training can be easier for the client when their puppy is nourished with optimum levels of this key brain-building nutrient," said Dr. Dan Carey, a veterinarian with Iams.
But can food alone do the trick?
"While top-quality nutrition or training alone will better your chances of raising a well-behaved puppy, it is in combination that owners truly see the best results," said dog trainer and pet expert Brian Kilcommons. He offers the following dog-training tips:
* Catch 'em in the act - of being good. Sometimes we get so frustrated with negative puppy behaviors that we forget to notice the good stuff. For two days, praise your puppy's every sit, quiet moment and gentle nuzzle. You may be amazed at how obedient your puppy becomes.
* Use calm hands. If you want a calm puppy, touch calmly using slow hand motions that go with the lay of the fur. Short, fast movements (especially around the face) will excite most puppies and cause them to nip.
* Remember the "Four T's" - touch, talk, treats and toys. Teach your puppy that through you, all good things come. Use the Four T's for behaviors you like and you'll see more of these behaviors.
* Spend a few minutes a day. Work with your puppy as your coffee brews or during commercial breaks. Like politeness in children, manners in puppies are developed every day, throughout the day.
* Repetition reaps rewards. Puppies learn when you practice with them. A few repetitions done often will not only earn you a well-trained dog but a special bond you'll enjoy for many years to come.
In a study conducted by The Iams Co., puppies nourished with enhanced levels of docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, responded better to training. DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid believed to play a role in healthy brain development.
Based on this research, the company developed Iams Smart Puppy formula, a food containing enhanced levels of DHA, to help dog owners raise smarter, more trainable puppies.
"For veterinarians, the research on DHA means training can be easier for the client when their puppy is nourished with optimum levels of this key brain-building nutrient," said Dr. Dan Carey, a veterinarian with Iams.
But can food alone do the trick?
"While top-quality nutrition or training alone will better your chances of raising a well-behaved puppy, it is in combination that owners truly see the best results," said dog trainer and pet expert Brian Kilcommons. He offers the following dog-training tips:
* Catch 'em in the act - of being good. Sometimes we get so frustrated with negative puppy behaviors that we forget to notice the good stuff. For two days, praise your puppy's every sit, quiet moment and gentle nuzzle. You may be amazed at how obedient your puppy becomes.
* Use calm hands. If you want a calm puppy, touch calmly using slow hand motions that go with the lay of the fur. Short, fast movements (especially around the face) will excite most puppies and cause them to nip.
* Remember the "Four T's" - touch, talk, treats and toys. Teach your puppy that through you, all good things come. Use the Four T's for behaviors you like and you'll see more of these behaviors.
* Spend a few minutes a day. Work with your puppy as your coffee brews or during commercial breaks. Like politeness in children, manners in puppies are developed every day, throughout the day.
* Repetition reaps rewards. Puppies learn when you practice with them. A few repetitions done often will not only earn you a well-trained dog but a special bond you'll enjoy for many years to come.
Tips For Easy House Breaking Your Puppy
If you are lucky enough to get a 7-week-old puppy, there is no excuse for any bad habits to develop over his lifetime. Puppies learn INSTANTLY when they are that young, and if you use the proper training methods, gentle but consistent, he will behave like an angel his whole life through.
The most important training, of course, is housebreaking. Boys are easier than girls because exploring outside is their favorite thing. They just cannot get enough of all the new smells out there!
The main key to housebreaking is watching. Watch your puppy AND the clock. Once every hour is not too often on a day he is active and the weather is good. The younger the pup, the more often he needs to go out, mostly because he is growing so fast. He must drink more water to fuel his metabolism than he does as an adult. Also, since he eats three or four times a day, you know what that means.
Watch him for subtle changes. If he is happily chewing his toy, and gets up suddenly with his nose to the floor, move quickly! He is ready to squat! If he has had a nice nap, get him out of his crate and outside right away. If he has just had a good grooming, it stimulates his circulation and guess what? Time to go out again. And of course after a meal, watch him extra close.
Things to remember:
---Do not punish him for mistakes. They are YOUR fault. Every time you take him out he will go, and praise praise and praise! Happy face, laughter, happy noises! He loves your happy face. When he makes a mistake, your frown and your face turned away from him is all the punishment he needs. He will get the point.
---He is learning English, you must use the same phrases over and over. "Good go potty!" "Hafta go potty?" "Wanna go potty?" He can learn in one afternoon that "go potty" means a jaunt outside and your happy face. Whatever phrase you choose, stick with it.
---I cannot recommend strongly enough getting a crate. They truly help with all phases of his training. They make him more secure, provide him with his very own private space and a place for him to hide his favorite toys and chewies. This is even more important if you have other adult dogs in the house.
---Be consistent, always be kind and gentle, and be patient as he learns your language, and your puppy will always look forward to his training sessions. Dogs love to work!
The most important training, of course, is housebreaking. Boys are easier than girls because exploring outside is their favorite thing. They just cannot get enough of all the new smells out there!
The main key to housebreaking is watching. Watch your puppy AND the clock. Once every hour is not too often on a day he is active and the weather is good. The younger the pup, the more often he needs to go out, mostly because he is growing so fast. He must drink more water to fuel his metabolism than he does as an adult. Also, since he eats three or four times a day, you know what that means.
Watch him for subtle changes. If he is happily chewing his toy, and gets up suddenly with his nose to the floor, move quickly! He is ready to squat! If he has had a nice nap, get him out of his crate and outside right away. If he has just had a good grooming, it stimulates his circulation and guess what? Time to go out again. And of course after a meal, watch him extra close.
Things to remember:
---Do not punish him for mistakes. They are YOUR fault. Every time you take him out he will go, and praise praise and praise! Happy face, laughter, happy noises! He loves your happy face. When he makes a mistake, your frown and your face turned away from him is all the punishment he needs. He will get the point.
---He is learning English, you must use the same phrases over and over. "Good go potty!" "Hafta go potty?" "Wanna go potty?" He can learn in one afternoon that "go potty" means a jaunt outside and your happy face. Whatever phrase you choose, stick with it.
---I cannot recommend strongly enough getting a crate. They truly help with all phases of his training. They make him more secure, provide him with his very own private space and a place for him to hide his favorite toys and chewies. This is even more important if you have other adult dogs in the house.
---Be consistent, always be kind and gentle, and be patient as he learns your language, and your puppy will always look forward to his training sessions. Dogs love to work!
Tips For Buying A Dog Collar
Dog collars are very fashionable and a must for your dog outdoors. A dog collar could help your dog come back home if you have the identification ticket around the neck. It’s also a way for your dog to show to the world that he is stylish.
If you own a dog it is normal that you would have a dog collar but many people have at least half a dozen dog collars at home. It is trendy to have different types of dog collars. Dogs too like a change and love to wear different collars. There are different types and designs of dog collars available in the markets. Most dog owners buy dog collars of different colors and while they take their dog out, they try to match their dress with the dogs collar. Celebrities always try to out beat the normal people and always bring their dogs with some unique and fabulous-looking collars. For ages dog collars have been used by dog owners to make the dog look more fashionable and fabulous.
Given below are a few tips that need to be kept in mind while buying a dog collar:
The first point to keep in mind while buying a dog collar is to make sure that the dog collar is comfortable and fits the dog’s neck. If the dog’s collar does not fit the dog’s neck it would lead to soreness. At the same time if it is loose then the dog could slip out.
The dog collar and leash should not be heavy and irritate the dog’s neck and throat. While buying a dog collar you should read the specifications of the dogs collar such as weight, suitable for which age, etc.
If you are a proud owner of a big and ferocious dog then make sure the dogs collar is a little heavier so that when the dog starts running you can handle it easily with the leash in your hand.
The buckles of the dog collars should be strong and made of leather, which won’t fall apart.
You can buy a dog collar for anywhere from $10 to more than $100, but make sure the dog collar is comfortable for your dog.
If you own a dog it is normal that you would have a dog collar but many people have at least half a dozen dog collars at home. It is trendy to have different types of dog collars. Dogs too like a change and love to wear different collars. There are different types and designs of dog collars available in the markets. Most dog owners buy dog collars of different colors and while they take their dog out, they try to match their dress with the dogs collar. Celebrities always try to out beat the normal people and always bring their dogs with some unique and fabulous-looking collars. For ages dog collars have been used by dog owners to make the dog look more fashionable and fabulous.
Given below are a few tips that need to be kept in mind while buying a dog collar:
The first point to keep in mind while buying a dog collar is to make sure that the dog collar is comfortable and fits the dog’s neck. If the dog’s collar does not fit the dog’s neck it would lead to soreness. At the same time if it is loose then the dog could slip out.
The dog collar and leash should not be heavy and irritate the dog’s neck and throat. While buying a dog collar you should read the specifications of the dogs collar such as weight, suitable for which age, etc.
If you are a proud owner of a big and ferocious dog then make sure the dogs collar is a little heavier so that when the dog starts running you can handle it easily with the leash in your hand.
The buckles of the dog collars should be strong and made of leather, which won’t fall apart.
You can buy a dog collar for anywhere from $10 to more than $100, but make sure the dog collar is comfortable for your dog.
Tips For Buying Dog Food
It is not enough for dogs to have a full stomach after every meal. Besides a non-sedentary lifestyle, pets need proper nutrition in order to be healthy, happy and their coats soft and glossy. The cost of dog food and its brand is only important if dogs can read or pay for his meal. The easiest and best way to find out which food is best for man's best friend is to observe how their response is to the chow they take in.
The following are tips that one should remember in feeding dog any kibbles, nibbles or whatever kinds of treat.
• Chocolate is lethal to dogs.
Specifically the dark chocolate kind. The major components methylxanthine alkaloids and theobromine in a regular chocolate is digested & excreted by humans in as little as 3 hours but the same compounds when ingested by dogs stays inside them for 18 hours. This has been proven to be fatal. Symptoms of chocolate dog poisoning include vomiting, excessive urination, hyperactivity, diarrhea, followed by seizure, coma, and death.
• Read the label.
Dogs should have a diet rich in meat. When purchasing canned foods, look for chicken, turkey meat, pork meals or other animal by products as these keep the dog's coat smooth and healthy. Dogs prefer foods which contain high vegetable protein levels because these are easily digestible and are a great source of energy.
• Don’t give a dog a bone!
Contrary to the popular nursery song, feeding bones to dogs is not a good idea. Small soft bones gnawed and eaten by dogs feel like splinters inside their throat causing them to choke. Remember, dogs have short digestive tracts. They also have no saliva amylase, an enzyme that is used to pre-digest starch.
• Dog food supplements are unnecessary…
...only if one is sure that their dog receives a regular intake of complete and balanced food nutrients. Good sources of carbohydrates include rice, corn, oatmeal, wheat. However, a highly specialized nutrition is only necessary if dogs do not get enough physical activity or are currently undergoing a stressful routine change.
• Raw fish and eggs are a no-no.
Consistent consumption of raw eggs make a dog’s skin breakout. In canine terms - since eggs diminish the biotin available in their body – dermatitis and hair loss are its usual effects. Raw fish meanwhile results in thiamine-deficiency in a dog. Its effects usually are loss of appetite, abnormal posture, weakness and in some cases death.
The following are tips that one should remember in feeding dog any kibbles, nibbles or whatever kinds of treat.
• Chocolate is lethal to dogs.
Specifically the dark chocolate kind. The major components methylxanthine alkaloids and theobromine in a regular chocolate is digested & excreted by humans in as little as 3 hours but the same compounds when ingested by dogs stays inside them for 18 hours. This has been proven to be fatal. Symptoms of chocolate dog poisoning include vomiting, excessive urination, hyperactivity, diarrhea, followed by seizure, coma, and death.
• Read the label.
Dogs should have a diet rich in meat. When purchasing canned foods, look for chicken, turkey meat, pork meals or other animal by products as these keep the dog's coat smooth and healthy. Dogs prefer foods which contain high vegetable protein levels because these are easily digestible and are a great source of energy.
• Don’t give a dog a bone!
Contrary to the popular nursery song, feeding bones to dogs is not a good idea. Small soft bones gnawed and eaten by dogs feel like splinters inside their throat causing them to choke. Remember, dogs have short digestive tracts. They also have no saliva amylase, an enzyme that is used to pre-digest starch.
• Dog food supplements are unnecessary…
...only if one is sure that their dog receives a regular intake of complete and balanced food nutrients. Good sources of carbohydrates include rice, corn, oatmeal, wheat. However, a highly specialized nutrition is only necessary if dogs do not get enough physical activity or are currently undergoing a stressful routine change.
• Raw fish and eggs are a no-no.
Consistent consumption of raw eggs make a dog’s skin breakout. In canine terms - since eggs diminish the biotin available in their body – dermatitis and hair loss are its usual effects. Raw fish meanwhile results in thiamine-deficiency in a dog. Its effects usually are loss of appetite, abnormal posture, weakness and in some cases death.
Tips For Choosing Dog
Tips For Choosing The Right Dog For Your Family
Every family needs a dog, they are the perfect way to round out life at home. Kids love dogs and adults love dogs and lets face it they make for fantastic company. These are even the right animals to get you off your butt and exercising. Having to walk the dog each day is a great way to get yourself back in good health and good shape.
But what dog is the right one for your family? That is a good question, especially if you have other animals and children. Some animals are just not suited to be around kids or other pets. Pitbulls for example should not be owned if you have children. No matter how gentle and kind the dog seems to be, this is an unpredictable breed that you cannot depend on to stay kind and sweet. They can turn at any time and once they do, there is little that you can do. Every week there is another article in the papers about a deadly pitbull attack, you do not want this to happen to your family or neighbors so avoid pitbulls.
Labradors and retrievers make wonderful family pets. They are large and cuddly and sweet and always kind. These dogs are always tons of fun and energy and they are honest and loyal companions. When you have this kind of dog you will always get to feel safe and protected but also have the peace of mind knowing that your children will not get hurt by this animal at any time under any circumstances.
Dog truly are a man’s best friend and once you have your very own you will know why this saying has survived for so many generations. Make your family complete by getting a dog that the whole family will be bale to bond with and enjoy.
Every family needs a dog, they are the perfect way to round out life at home. Kids love dogs and adults love dogs and lets face it they make for fantastic company. These are even the right animals to get you off your butt and exercising. Having to walk the dog each day is a great way to get yourself back in good health and good shape.
But what dog is the right one for your family? That is a good question, especially if you have other animals and children. Some animals are just not suited to be around kids or other pets. Pitbulls for example should not be owned if you have children. No matter how gentle and kind the dog seems to be, this is an unpredictable breed that you cannot depend on to stay kind and sweet. They can turn at any time and once they do, there is little that you can do. Every week there is another article in the papers about a deadly pitbull attack, you do not want this to happen to your family or neighbors so avoid pitbulls.
Labradors and retrievers make wonderful family pets. They are large and cuddly and sweet and always kind. These dogs are always tons of fun and energy and they are honest and loyal companions. When you have this kind of dog you will always get to feel safe and protected but also have the peace of mind knowing that your children will not get hurt by this animal at any time under any circumstances.
Dog truly are a man’s best friend and once you have your very own you will know why this saying has survived for so many generations. Make your family complete by getting a dog that the whole family will be bale to bond with and enjoy.
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