Friday, May 24, 2013
Must-Have Accessories for Your Dog
Considered by many "man's bestfriend," dogs are wonderful pets to have at home.
Responsible owners know that their duties with their pet go beyond merely feeding them and giving them shelter. Additionally, buying the right accessories is important not only to pamper the dog but to meet other basic needs.
Dishes for Food and Water
Having dishes for your dog's food and water is necessary. This is a good way to make sure that your house stay's tidy even if you have a dog. Get a dish that depends on the right size for your dog. As the owner, you know your pet's eating and drinking habits so consider that as you choose a dish.
Collar
All dogs deserve to have their own collar. This will be most useful if you often walk with your dog. This is also a great way of keeping your dog in style. You have plenty of collars to choose from such as those made from leather, nylon, plastic, and metal, among others. When buying one, make sure that you get the right size for your dog.
Bed
Purchasing a bed for your dog is highly recommended especially if you don't want the dog to sleep on the floor or on your sofa. While it may require a little training before your pet finally grasps the idea, dog beds are definitely worth-having.
Coat
What better way to show your dog's fashion sense than with a wonderful coat? Your pet will be the most adorable in the neighborhood if you use the right coat. More than that, coats also provide protection for your dog's body.
Toys
Pretty much like kids, dogs also love playing inside the house and this could be a problem if you don't do something about it. Thankfully, you can buy dog toys to keep your pet occupied. These toys are great to play with because they are made out of the materials that are safe for dogs.
Grooming Kit
Keep your dog neat and clean with the help of grooming kits such as ear cleaner, flea comb, fur clipper, grooming spray, toothbrush, dog toothpaste, dog shampoo, and many more.
Most of these items can be directly purchased from your local pet stores. You can visit such stores and even ask them for any recommended items for your dog. Other than that, you can also try online retailers that sell dog accessories via their web-based shops.
Responsible owners know that their duties with their pet go beyond merely feeding them and giving them shelter. Additionally, buying the right accessories is important not only to pamper the dog but to meet other basic needs.
Dishes for Food and Water
Having dishes for your dog's food and water is necessary. This is a good way to make sure that your house stay's tidy even if you have a dog. Get a dish that depends on the right size for your dog. As the owner, you know your pet's eating and drinking habits so consider that as you choose a dish.
Collar
All dogs deserve to have their own collar. This will be most useful if you often walk with your dog. This is also a great way of keeping your dog in style. You have plenty of collars to choose from such as those made from leather, nylon, plastic, and metal, among others. When buying one, make sure that you get the right size for your dog.
Bed
Purchasing a bed for your dog is highly recommended especially if you don't want the dog to sleep on the floor or on your sofa. While it may require a little training before your pet finally grasps the idea, dog beds are definitely worth-having.
Coat
What better way to show your dog's fashion sense than with a wonderful coat? Your pet will be the most adorable in the neighborhood if you use the right coat. More than that, coats also provide protection for your dog's body.
Toys
Pretty much like kids, dogs also love playing inside the house and this could be a problem if you don't do something about it. Thankfully, you can buy dog toys to keep your pet occupied. These toys are great to play with because they are made out of the materials that are safe for dogs.
Grooming Kit
Keep your dog neat and clean with the help of grooming kits such as ear cleaner, flea comb, fur clipper, grooming spray, toothbrush, dog toothpaste, dog shampoo, and many more.
Most of these items can be directly purchased from your local pet stores. You can visit such stores and even ask them for any recommended items for your dog. Other than that, you can also try online retailers that sell dog accessories via their web-based shops.
You can check out some of the best dog accessories in AussieVetProducts. This is a great website that offers many high quality products for pet lovers.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shaan_Berg
Friday, May 17, 2013
Managing Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Do you come home to find that your furniture and possessions have
been destroyed by your dog while you were gone? Do your neighbors tell
you that they hear your dog barking all day long while you are at work?
If so, your dog could be suffering from separation anxiety - a condition
where dogs exhibit destructive behavior, house soiling and excessive
vocalization when left home alone.
Distress over being left alone is not always separation anxiety, so it is important to try to identify what is really causing the problem.
Does your dog soil the house when you are gone? This could be a symptom of separation anxiety OR there could be several other things to consider that could be the cause such as, incomplete house training, not having access to an appropriate area to eliminate, unreasonable expectations (you should not expect your dog to "hold it" for 10+ hours), marking, submissive elimination, or physical incontinence. If elimination accidents are also occurring when the owner is home, it's more likely a house training issue rather than a separation anxiety problem.
Destructive behavior can be the result of separation anxiety OR it could be play behavior due to boredom, or a reaction to outside noises, or an outlet for excess energy. Destructive behavior related to separation anxiety is usually directed toward the dog trying to escape by chewing or scratching at doors, walls or windows. However, if the destruction is throughout the house, there could be other possible causes. It can be very helpful if you have access to a web camera, video camera or sound activated tape recorder to help identify if there are activities occurring outside the house while you are away that are triggering the dog to react in a destructive manner.
Separation anxiety is also frequently the cause of excessive barking and whining OR the dog could be barking because of sounds it is hearing outside of the house; mail/delivery person, children playing in the neighborhood (or in your yard), traffic sounds, etc.
Here are a few things that can be helpful to try for dogs with separation anxiety:
Distress over being left alone is not always separation anxiety, so it is important to try to identify what is really causing the problem.
Does your dog soil the house when you are gone? This could be a symptom of separation anxiety OR there could be several other things to consider that could be the cause such as, incomplete house training, not having access to an appropriate area to eliminate, unreasonable expectations (you should not expect your dog to "hold it" for 10+ hours), marking, submissive elimination, or physical incontinence. If elimination accidents are also occurring when the owner is home, it's more likely a house training issue rather than a separation anxiety problem.
Destructive behavior can be the result of separation anxiety OR it could be play behavior due to boredom, or a reaction to outside noises, or an outlet for excess energy. Destructive behavior related to separation anxiety is usually directed toward the dog trying to escape by chewing or scratching at doors, walls or windows. However, if the destruction is throughout the house, there could be other possible causes. It can be very helpful if you have access to a web camera, video camera or sound activated tape recorder to help identify if there are activities occurring outside the house while you are away that are triggering the dog to react in a destructive manner.
Separation anxiety is also frequently the cause of excessive barking and whining OR the dog could be barking because of sounds it is hearing outside of the house; mail/delivery person, children playing in the neighborhood (or in your yard), traffic sounds, etc.
Here are a few things that can be helpful to try for dogs with separation anxiety:
- Exercise - play with your dog or take him for a walk. Try to do this 15-30 minutes before you plan to leave so he has time to settle down. An exercised dog will be more content when you leave.
- Always leave your dog with a food toy. Stuff a hollow bone or Kong with his dog food and mix some squirt cheese or peanut butter in with the kibble. Adding squirt cheese or peanut butter will make it more challenging for your dog to get the kibble out. There are many interactive food toys that your dog can spend time with. The "buster cube" was always a favorite with my dogs. Search for "food dispensing toys" on websites like http://www.petco.com or http://www.drsfostersmith.com
- Make your departures and returns completely calm and emotionless. No big hugging, kissing or petting scenes whey you leave or return home. If your dog gets excited and jumps all over you when you come home, just ignore him and walk away. Greet him calmly after he settles down.
- On days when you are home, don't spend all day with your dog. Use this time to work on helping your dog with his separation anxiety. Practice leaving and coming back several times during the day. Remember to play with them and give them a food toy every time before you leave. Start first with a short interval of time. Leave for 5 minutes then come back. Don't lengthen the time too quickly. If he is quiet and calm while you are gone for 5 minutes, then only leave for 5 minutes for several days then try 10 minutes for a few days. Do not try to advance too quickly, take it slowly and you will have more success. Once the dog understands the routine he can become more accepting of it. Don't forget to always be emotionless when greeting them when you return.
- Check into dog sitting alternatives - do you have a neighbor or friend that would enjoy some canine companionship during the day? How about doggie day care or a dog walker who can take your dog for a mid-day walk?
- Does your dog enjoy the company of other dogs? If you only have one dog you may want to consider adopting a second dog. Some times canine companionship can be the answer to separation anxiety. If you have a friend with a dog, have them bring their dog over to your house and leave the dogs together indoors while you step outside. Did your dog continue to play with the visiting dog or did he still become anxious and stressed when you left? With a little work you may be able to find the perfect companion for your dog at your local shelter or rescue. It is always a good idea to bring your dog with you to meet any dog you are considering adopting to make sure they like each other before bringing the dog into your home. Any animal rescue or shelter will allow you to do this.
- Crating is NOT a good solution for dogs with separation anxiety. Dogs suffering from separation anxiety can seriously injure themselves if they panic in a crate.
- Leaving on the TV or Radio is NOT a good idea. You are never sure what random startling sounds (sirens, gun shots, animal noises) can come from the TV or radio so it can actually do more harm than good.
http://www.dogaware.net has many other information articles related to dog health and dog training.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J.A._Taylor
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Fleas and the Flea Life Cycle
f you own a pet, you are probably familiar
with fleas and how these parasites can be very harmful to your pet. They
are the most common pest's cats and dogs encounter. Understanding what
fleas are, their breeding life cycle, how to get rid of them and prevent
them from coming back may be your long term solution to you and your
pet living in a flea free environment.
What are fleas?
Fleas are small dark brown parasites which prefer to live in high temperatures and humidity. The perfect environment for a flea to live is on the skin under your pet's fur allowing them to feed and breed. They cannot fly but have large hind legs allowing them to jump on their hosts. The flea's diet consists entirely of blood and although partial to cats and dogs, they can also bite humans. The continuous biting of your pet causes unbearable itching and irritation where your pet can develop a hypersensitivity skin disorder called flea allergy dermatitis, also known as summer eczema which affects both dogs and cats. It is basically an allergy to the flea saliva where successive feeding activity of fleas on pets may elicit this disorder. The symptoms include frequent scratching, biting and licking of the affected area causing scabs and redness resulting in damage to the skin and hair loss. They can cause anemia to kittens and puppies while they can also transmit tapeworms and bacteria that can cause serious diseases.
The flea life cycle
A female flea needs blood to produce eggs and she can lay up to 50 eggs per day. The flea eggs fall off the animal into the surrounding environment including your carpet, bedding, furniture etc. Flea feces are called flea dirt which is essentially dry blood that also falls off the host animal. The eggs will hatch within 2 - 5 days into larvae which prefer damp dark places. The larvae feed on the flea feces and other debris. The larvae will start to spin a cocoon after approximately a week which it pupates. The pupae fully develop within 5 - 8 days but the flea may not emerge for months if environmental conditions are not right. While in the cocoon the flea has a protection against cold, dryness and even insecticides. The flea will emerge from the cocoon hungry for blood when it senses a nearby host and the cycle begins again. The cycle can be as shot as 12 - 14 days.
There are a variety of products available which will break the flea life cycle and recommended the following company due to their cheap prices, worldwide shipping and huge range of flea products.
What are fleas?
Fleas are small dark brown parasites which prefer to live in high temperatures and humidity. The perfect environment for a flea to live is on the skin under your pet's fur allowing them to feed and breed. They cannot fly but have large hind legs allowing them to jump on their hosts. The flea's diet consists entirely of blood and although partial to cats and dogs, they can also bite humans. The continuous biting of your pet causes unbearable itching and irritation where your pet can develop a hypersensitivity skin disorder called flea allergy dermatitis, also known as summer eczema which affects both dogs and cats. It is basically an allergy to the flea saliva where successive feeding activity of fleas on pets may elicit this disorder. The symptoms include frequent scratching, biting and licking of the affected area causing scabs and redness resulting in damage to the skin and hair loss. They can cause anemia to kittens and puppies while they can also transmit tapeworms and bacteria that can cause serious diseases.
The flea life cycle
A female flea needs blood to produce eggs and she can lay up to 50 eggs per day. The flea eggs fall off the animal into the surrounding environment including your carpet, bedding, furniture etc. Flea feces are called flea dirt which is essentially dry blood that also falls off the host animal. The eggs will hatch within 2 - 5 days into larvae which prefer damp dark places. The larvae feed on the flea feces and other debris. The larvae will start to spin a cocoon after approximately a week which it pupates. The pupae fully develop within 5 - 8 days but the flea may not emerge for months if environmental conditions are not right. While in the cocoon the flea has a protection against cold, dryness and even insecticides. The flea will emerge from the cocoon hungry for blood when it senses a nearby host and the cycle begins again. The cycle can be as shot as 12 - 14 days.
There are a variety of products available which will break the flea life cycle and recommended the following company due to their cheap prices, worldwide shipping and huge range of flea products.
Where to buy flea control products?
We recommend visiting www.vetnetsupplies.com a discount online pet shop who stock a full range of flea control products for dogs and cats.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robbie_Nashed
We recommend visiting www.vetnetsupplies.com a discount online pet shop who stock a full range of flea control products for dogs and cats.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Stop Worms Infestation And Dog Shedding Today! Raw, Wholesome Diets Lower Risks
Dogs of different breeds face challenges living as victims to dog shedding, worm's infestation and other pestering dog-specific health problems. Retracing medical reports; an adoptive parent of a canine has enough evidence to determine prior medical issues his or her dog has experienced throughout a life cycle. Quite often, a pet parent told that their animals have terminal illnesses even disappoints he/she who practices daily supervision. Dogs fed commercial diets containing overly processed ingredients develop breeding chambers to accommodate worms and other bacteria-surviving parasites. It is a trending habit for an adoptive mother or father of a pet to realize dog shedding hair patterns late. Mothering or fathering canines is a daunting responsibility; however, he/she who learns fundamental pet care tips create the opportunity to evocatively generate positive change.
What Solution Resolves Dog Shedding And Worms Infestation Problems Forever?
Commonly misunderstood or treated poorly worms infestation is a repetitive condition; thus re-infestation is potentially viable after treatment. Sometimes, a dog shedding hair gets quick relief, but later experiences more severe repercussions; because his or her master used synthetic drugs. These liberate dogs of the symptoms temporarily, but a reformed diet plan does more justice to preventing the returns of previous signs and a manifestation of new ones. Canines experiencing a worm's infestation usually manifest a series of disorders, but it is tricky to identify all of them. As a dog's body undergoes interior changes, their adoptive parents often face challenges interpreting the signs communicated well. Nonetheless, a visit to the vet gives a pet owner more aptitude to understand what imbalances lessen a pooch's productivity. Profoundly, balancing a dog's biological interiors by feeding him or her nourishing foods and other health benefiting meals helps. This substantially reduces risk to problems of this nature and enhances a canine's genetic defense against a bacterial invasion. He or she who quickens action to reward a pooch with healthier meals and more beneficial exercises sleeps better at nights.
Dogs Need Optimal Health To Survive. Fast, Early Dog Shedding Prevention, Act Now!
Truthfully, a raw, nutrient-rich diet plan superbly help dogs (all breeds included) facing health deterioration. Pet ownership responsibilities are somewhat demanding, especially when tending to dog shedding problems and worm's virus. Even though, a pet owner exceeds the traditional occupations; he or she who opposes to using the health-building provisions are chasing a road to disaster, despite all efforts made. What dogs eat, even he or she belonging to imperial lineages seriously contributes to intestinal and immune health. As such, it is obligatory that their masters prepare proper meals that influence positive changes to improve their life cycles. As professed by cultured educators of veterinary practice, nutritional health is vitally essential to raising healthy dogs. Dogs fed nutrient deficient commercial foods tend to experience serious health issues; even death befalls some of them. Similar to human anatomy where the body needs essential vitamins, minerals and other nourishment to execute organ processes at optimal levels; canine anatomy operates similarly. A dog shedding his or her fur is merely a symptom of some relation to worm's infestation directly or indirectly. A veterinary expert has the aptitude to determine if a lack of nutrients is causing such signs to manifest. Irrespective of what results an adoptive parent receives; dogs fed raw diets are at reduced risk to various life-threatening diseases. Cancer, heart diseases and other terminal illness are a few of the possibilities befalling dogs that eat poorly or lack essential nutrients. Worms and other internal parasites must have an intestinal environment suitable to their kind, but wholesome diets do not contain the provisions to create a bacteria-rich residence; therefore, worms have to retire.
What Solution Resolves Dog Shedding And Worms Infestation Problems Forever?
Commonly misunderstood or treated poorly worms infestation is a repetitive condition; thus re-infestation is potentially viable after treatment. Sometimes, a dog shedding hair gets quick relief, but later experiences more severe repercussions; because his or her master used synthetic drugs. These liberate dogs of the symptoms temporarily, but a reformed diet plan does more justice to preventing the returns of previous signs and a manifestation of new ones. Canines experiencing a worm's infestation usually manifest a series of disorders, but it is tricky to identify all of them. As a dog's body undergoes interior changes, their adoptive parents often face challenges interpreting the signs communicated well. Nonetheless, a visit to the vet gives a pet owner more aptitude to understand what imbalances lessen a pooch's productivity. Profoundly, balancing a dog's biological interiors by feeding him or her nourishing foods and other health benefiting meals helps. This substantially reduces risk to problems of this nature and enhances a canine's genetic defense against a bacterial invasion. He or she who quickens action to reward a pooch with healthier meals and more beneficial exercises sleeps better at nights.
Dogs Need Optimal Health To Survive. Fast, Early Dog Shedding Prevention, Act Now!
Truthfully, a raw, nutrient-rich diet plan superbly help dogs (all breeds included) facing health deterioration. Pet ownership responsibilities are somewhat demanding, especially when tending to dog shedding problems and worm's virus. Even though, a pet owner exceeds the traditional occupations; he or she who opposes to using the health-building provisions are chasing a road to disaster, despite all efforts made. What dogs eat, even he or she belonging to imperial lineages seriously contributes to intestinal and immune health. As such, it is obligatory that their masters prepare proper meals that influence positive changes to improve their life cycles. As professed by cultured educators of veterinary practice, nutritional health is vitally essential to raising healthy dogs. Dogs fed nutrient deficient commercial foods tend to experience serious health issues; even death befalls some of them. Similar to human anatomy where the body needs essential vitamins, minerals and other nourishment to execute organ processes at optimal levels; canine anatomy operates similarly. A dog shedding his or her fur is merely a symptom of some relation to worm's infestation directly or indirectly. A veterinary expert has the aptitude to determine if a lack of nutrients is causing such signs to manifest. Irrespective of what results an adoptive parent receives; dogs fed raw diets are at reduced risk to various life-threatening diseases. Cancer, heart diseases and other terminal illness are a few of the possibilities befalling dogs that eat poorly or lack essential nutrients. Worms and other internal parasites must have an intestinal environment suitable to their kind, but wholesome diets do not contain the provisions to create a bacteria-rich residence; therefore, worms have to retire.
For more information about dog shedding please visit Dinovite.com/blog/2011/12/stop-the-crazy-shedding-today/ and Dinovite.com/blog/category/dogs-2/dog-health/dog-shedding/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jhon_FordArticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7655726
Friday, April 12, 2013
Dog Vaccinations
Dog vaccinations, like so many other things in our society, are woefully out of date. A great deal of progress has been made over the years, but the uninformed public doesn't know about it. Unfortunately, many humans become deceived and their dogs become ill. Staying up to date before vaccinating your dog is the greater part of wisdom.
Vaccines and vaccinations should only be given to healthy dogs, because it's been found that vaccines may not be harmless to them. There doesn't seem to be one governing board that makes this decision, so it's up to you to decide if the risks are too high. Cancer, skin problems, allergies, organ disease are some of the results of unneeded vaccines, which should not be administered without a proven need.
We think that some vets are recommending vaccination too frequently. It is thought that only the rabies vaccine needs to be repeated approximately every three years. It's been decided that a Parvo vaccine may last as long as seven years, and for some dogs, a lifetime.
As a pet owner, you are entitled to full disclosure so that you can make an informed decision. Oftentimes, there is no adverse reaction to a dog not receiving a vaccination. The idea of keeping dog's vaccinations is considered a fraud by Dr. Jean Dodds, DVM and she says an annual checkup and blood test is all that is truly required before any kind of vaccination update. Dr. Dodds considers vaccinations as a marketing tool for some vets and are not necessary for the health of your dog.
The USDA doesn't follow up on reported misuse of vaccinations and most vets don't report any adverse reactions to them. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) suggests all adverse reactions should be reported, much as the Federal Drug Administration gathers information about human health.
A titer test can be given to determine the strength of the antibodies of parvovirus or distemper to determine if the previous vaccine was effective. It's thought that a strong titer test result is the indication of a lifetime of immunity for your dog.
The bottom line is this: if the individual recommending vaccination is profiting from the vaccination, exercise your own decision-making ability after you do the research. We place a strong value on vaccinating our English Golden Retriever puppies, and we'd be happy to share our vaccination protocol if you'll contact us.
Vaccines and vaccinations should only be given to healthy dogs, because it's been found that vaccines may not be harmless to them. There doesn't seem to be one governing board that makes this decision, so it's up to you to decide if the risks are too high. Cancer, skin problems, allergies, organ disease are some of the results of unneeded vaccines, which should not be administered without a proven need.
We think that some vets are recommending vaccination too frequently. It is thought that only the rabies vaccine needs to be repeated approximately every three years. It's been decided that a Parvo vaccine may last as long as seven years, and for some dogs, a lifetime.
As a pet owner, you are entitled to full disclosure so that you can make an informed decision. Oftentimes, there is no adverse reaction to a dog not receiving a vaccination. The idea of keeping dog's vaccinations is considered a fraud by Dr. Jean Dodds, DVM and she says an annual checkup and blood test is all that is truly required before any kind of vaccination update. Dr. Dodds considers vaccinations as a marketing tool for some vets and are not necessary for the health of your dog.
The USDA doesn't follow up on reported misuse of vaccinations and most vets don't report any adverse reactions to them. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) suggests all adverse reactions should be reported, much as the Federal Drug Administration gathers information about human health.
A titer test can be given to determine the strength of the antibodies of parvovirus or distemper to determine if the previous vaccine was effective. It's thought that a strong titer test result is the indication of a lifetime of immunity for your dog.
The bottom line is this: if the individual recommending vaccination is profiting from the vaccination, exercise your own decision-making ability after you do the research. We place a strong value on vaccinating our English Golden Retriever puppies, and we'd be happy to share our vaccination protocol if you'll contact us.
Dog vaccinations, like so many other things in our society, are woefully out of date and could be unnecessary.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debbie_Franklin Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7600948
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Dominating Playtime With Your Dog: Creating Limitations
Developing a healthy routine for you and your dog to play together is just as important as any other aspect of training. Playing a game of fetch or having a tug of war can be the most fun activity you could engage in. However, it's important to make sure that your dog respects your relationship while in such an excited state. This can also be a great time to take advantage of training techniques and provide your dog a chance to have fun while you continue to reinforce your position as the leader.
The main idea to focus on is to make sure you have control throughout the play session with your dog. When you use keywords with your dog, like "let's go play", it's okay if they get excited but I would avoid anything over-zealous and getting them too wound up before you head out. The same as when you go for your daily walk, you want to leave the house with your dog paying attention to you and focusing on your commands. A good place to start is by having them sit while they wait for you to get ready. If you have a walk ahead of you rather than going to the backyard, leash your dog and keep them walking nice and easy on the way, correcting any over excited behavior.
Once you're ready to start a game, for example, a game of frisbee, have your dog sit again to start off with them listening well. Let your dog stand up and get ready to let loose! When you play a game like fetch, be sure that your dog brings back the toy and gives it on command. Like any other training, this could take some time and effort but once you get them going it'll be like clockwork. It's okay to use treats to reinforce good behavior in this routine, and after a nice play session too. You want to avoid letting your dog develop unwanted behavior like running away with the toy when you call for them to bring it back. It may be funny or cute at the time but you don't want your dog to ignore you when you're calling them for a good reason, like to keep them out of harm's way. The commands I use for my own dog in a routine game of frisbee are usually "ready", and she'll sit. After I throw, "bring it here", and when she comes back with it "give". I always like to keep her following along, when I can see she's slowing down or needs a rest I tell her " take a rest". It's good to teach a command for taking a break, when a dog's having that much fun they can easily over-exert themselves (always have some water on hand).
Considering a game like tug of war, it's especially important that you keep mental control over the game. It can be a lot of fun to wrestle your dog for a favorite toy, and quite a challenge if you have a large breed, but you have to make sure that your dog doesn't become aggressive over their possessions. You should be able to stop and have your dog give that toy at any time. I've had a few issues with my dog over some particular toys. We have one that she would always want to pull with, even if I wanted to take her out to fetch it. It took a quite a while before I could fully establish that toy as one she has to give me whenever I ask. Remember that playtime is ultimately meant for you and your dog to have some fun together, but you should always be in charge. The minute that your dog claims control over a simple game, they will gain more confidence in challenging your role as the leader. It's up to you to lead your dog through a healthy and happy lifestyle!
The main idea to focus on is to make sure you have control throughout the play session with your dog. When you use keywords with your dog, like "let's go play", it's okay if they get excited but I would avoid anything over-zealous and getting them too wound up before you head out. The same as when you go for your daily walk, you want to leave the house with your dog paying attention to you and focusing on your commands. A good place to start is by having them sit while they wait for you to get ready. If you have a walk ahead of you rather than going to the backyard, leash your dog and keep them walking nice and easy on the way, correcting any over excited behavior.
Once you're ready to start a game, for example, a game of frisbee, have your dog sit again to start off with them listening well. Let your dog stand up and get ready to let loose! When you play a game like fetch, be sure that your dog brings back the toy and gives it on command. Like any other training, this could take some time and effort but once you get them going it'll be like clockwork. It's okay to use treats to reinforce good behavior in this routine, and after a nice play session too. You want to avoid letting your dog develop unwanted behavior like running away with the toy when you call for them to bring it back. It may be funny or cute at the time but you don't want your dog to ignore you when you're calling them for a good reason, like to keep them out of harm's way. The commands I use for my own dog in a routine game of frisbee are usually "ready", and she'll sit. After I throw, "bring it here", and when she comes back with it "give". I always like to keep her following along, when I can see she's slowing down or needs a rest I tell her " take a rest". It's good to teach a command for taking a break, when a dog's having that much fun they can easily over-exert themselves (always have some water on hand).
Considering a game like tug of war, it's especially important that you keep mental control over the game. It can be a lot of fun to wrestle your dog for a favorite toy, and quite a challenge if you have a large breed, but you have to make sure that your dog doesn't become aggressive over their possessions. You should be able to stop and have your dog give that toy at any time. I've had a few issues with my dog over some particular toys. We have one that she would always want to pull with, even if I wanted to take her out to fetch it. It took a quite a while before I could fully establish that toy as one she has to give me whenever I ask. Remember that playtime is ultimately meant for you and your dog to have some fun together, but you should always be in charge. The minute that your dog claims control over a simple game, they will gain more confidence in challenging your role as the leader. It's up to you to lead your dog through a healthy and happy lifestyle!
Learn more about exercising your dog and how you can keep them as safe as possible as they live and grow with you. Including safety tips and product reviews for every activity you and your dog can enjoy together at SafeForDogs.com, Stop in and get to know my dog and I, Help yourself to read more about what you can do to ensure a healthy life for your dog. Thanks and be safe!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Neil_Blaisdell Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7572779
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Interactive dog toys
If there is anything that dog's love almost as much as their owners, it has to be playing around and having a lot of fun especially with interactive dog toys. A lot of dogs, even those who seem very stern and serious, or those who are from working breeds, often find it very hard to resist the urge to play especially with their owners and the rest of their family members.
Much like us humans, our pets also want to spend a lot of time trying to relax, and have a good time. They are playful and active, and there is nothing more they could ever want to have during an activity, aside from treats of course, than interactive dog toys.
Dog toys are more than just boredom-busters; they are actually very helpful tools that can be used by the owners to bond with their beloved pets. In fact, there are a lot of benefits that you and your dog can enjoy when you are both playing with the toys, more so when you are actually playing with interactive dog toys.
First of all, these kinds of toys help a lot when it comes to giving your dog the exercise and the level of physical activity that they all need each and every day, this effectively helps your dog stay fit and strong at the same time.
Dog toys often pique the curiosity of our beloved pets, and this allows them to get the stimulation that they need; but more than just its physical benefits, dog toys, specifically interactive dog toys can also stimulate their mental acuity and intelligence.
Another type of interactive dog toys is the distraction and comfort toys. These types of toys can help keep your dogs busy by teasing them and by giving them different kinds of treats at the same time. These types of toys do not require much physical activity, yet they are great mental stimulator since they keep your dog occupied, they are also very easy to use.
Comfort toys on the other hand, are used mostly to help your canines get rid of stress, they help your canine get rid of anxiety, they also help your canine learn new commands at the same time.
But if you do want something a lot more challenging, and something that will help your dog receive a lot of mental stimulation, you might want to get interactive dog toys which are in the form of puzzles and games like the Nina Ottosson dog tornado toy. These kinds of toys are also known as "smart" toys since they generally require a lot of skill and patience on the part of your canine.
There are actually toys which are specifically meant to cater to certain dog breeds, but in general, different dogs can actually enjoy all the ones that I've mentioned above. The interactive dog toys are also highly recommended for destructive dogs and for dogs that are very hard to control, this is because it will help them release pent-up energy and it will also effectively help them shift their focus and attention away from your furniture and belongings.
Amongst my most favorite interactive dog toys for my dog Oz, are the Nina Ottosson toys, especially the dog tornado. This is because the dog tornado is highly challenging and it builds up my dog's problem solving skills. I can simply place a piece of dog food or kibble in one of the toy's compartment and my dog can get his reward by spinning its layers at the proper speed. It truly is a uniquely fun and entertaining toy that both my dog highly enjoys.
Much like us humans, our pets also want to spend a lot of time trying to relax, and have a good time. They are playful and active, and there is nothing more they could ever want to have during an activity, aside from treats of course, than interactive dog toys.
Dog toys are more than just boredom-busters; they are actually very helpful tools that can be used by the owners to bond with their beloved pets. In fact, there are a lot of benefits that you and your dog can enjoy when you are both playing with the toys, more so when you are actually playing with interactive dog toys.
First of all, these kinds of toys help a lot when it comes to giving your dog the exercise and the level of physical activity that they all need each and every day, this effectively helps your dog stay fit and strong at the same time.
Dog toys often pique the curiosity of our beloved pets, and this allows them to get the stimulation that they need; but more than just its physical benefits, dog toys, specifically interactive dog toys can also stimulate their mental acuity and intelligence.
Another type of interactive dog toys is the distraction and comfort toys. These types of toys can help keep your dogs busy by teasing them and by giving them different kinds of treats at the same time. These types of toys do not require much physical activity, yet they are great mental stimulator since they keep your dog occupied, they are also very easy to use.
Comfort toys on the other hand, are used mostly to help your canines get rid of stress, they help your canine get rid of anxiety, they also help your canine learn new commands at the same time.
But if you do want something a lot more challenging, and something that will help your dog receive a lot of mental stimulation, you might want to get interactive dog toys which are in the form of puzzles and games like the Nina Ottosson dog tornado toy. These kinds of toys are also known as "smart" toys since they generally require a lot of skill and patience on the part of your canine.
There are actually toys which are specifically meant to cater to certain dog breeds, but in general, different dogs can actually enjoy all the ones that I've mentioned above. The interactive dog toys are also highly recommended for destructive dogs and for dogs that are very hard to control, this is because it will help them release pent-up energy and it will also effectively help them shift their focus and attention away from your furniture and belongings.
Amongst my most favorite interactive dog toys for my dog Oz, are the Nina Ottosson toys, especially the dog tornado. This is because the dog tornado is highly challenging and it builds up my dog's problem solving skills. I can simply place a piece of dog food or kibble in one of the toy's compartment and my dog can get his reward by spinning its layers at the proper speed. It truly is a uniquely fun and entertaining toy that both my dog highly enjoys.
A pet enthusiast always wanting the best for my little buddies! For more information on pet supplies, food and reviews visit http://www.naturallydoggy.com
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