How Long Can Dogs Go Without Eating?


When welcoming a new pet into the home, one of the biggest challenges can be establishing a meal schedule. Many dogs are picky eaters and would rather go hungry than eat what their owners put down in front of them. There are ways to help a dog that will not eat, but it is important for owners to know how long they should allow the problem to go on before they need to be truly concerned.
The amount of time that a dog can live without food depends on their physical condition prior to the point when they stopped eating. If the dog had prior health problems, they may not be able to survive for more than a few days without a proper meal. A healthy dog may actually be able to live for as long as four weeks without food, but they will be in very poor health by that time.
A much more serious condition for a dog is if they are not getting sufficient water. The survival of a dog without water depends, in large part, on the weather at the time they are not drinking. In some conditions, it may be possible for a dog to get by for as long as a week without water but, in hot weather, that may not even be able to make it through a day.
Dog owners should be aware that there is a big difference between a dog that is being deprived of food and a dog that is choosing not to eat. A dog that is refusing food that is in front of them could have a serious health problem. Loss of appetite is a symptom of many serious diseases that dogs are susceptible to. If a dog is being offered food and refusing to eat it for extended periods of time, it should be taken to see a veterinarian as soon as possible.
It is also possible that a dog that refuses to eat is simply being picky. In this case, it is best to put the dog's food down for about fifteen minutes and then remove it until the next mealtime. The dog will quickly get the idea that if they do not want to go hungry, they will have to eat the food in front of them at the time it is available.
A dog that will not eat can potentially live for up to four weeks but that does not mean that they should go that long without eating. It is important for a healthy dog to take in the appropriate amount of food and water each day in order to stay in good shape. If a dog is being offered food and refusing to eat it, they may have a serious health problem and should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.
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7 Secrets To Understanding Your Dog's Behavior For Better Puppy and Dog Training


Whether you are considering a new puppy, or are a new dog owner, training is a responsibility you need to take time to consider. If you have already owned a dog, especially one with behavior issues, then you know the importance of this topic.
Knowing the following 7 secrets to understanding your dogs behavior will not only make the training process better, but offer great rewards & enjoyment for years to come for both you and your new best friend that wants nothing more than to please you.
1) Lets begin with where dog's came from: Their origins actually descended from wolves. Even though they have been domesticated for a number of years, they still hold on to some basic instincts. Namely, they are pack animals & are used to a social structure therefore they need an "alpha" to lead their routine & ensure survival. As a result, they are naturally social & thrive on interaction.
2) Dogs see you as a different kind of dog. Knowing this is essential so that from the beginning of your relationship you establish yourself as the "alpha" & lead the pack & ensures survival. Failure to do so will lead to instinctual behavior issues such as challenging the "alpha" role. It is not his fault- it is nature. You must be the one to establish this role by providing food, shelter, interaction, & correcting bad behavior. Doing so helps understand each other's roles & place in the world.
3) Dogs need a routine. Just like humans, when they know what to do and when to do it they are less stressed, relaxed and comfortable. Training should be a routine. Decide when and stick with it. Doing so makes the training process more enjoyable for you both as you will be expecting it & looking forward to your time together.
4) Dogs have short term retention memories, but great associated memory. Meaning, they don't remember things from a few moments ago, but when you associate something repetitiously they will remember it for years. Such as saying "sit" when your dog sits, reward him with a treat. he will then associate the command "sit" with sitting.
5) Dogs speak another language. This may seem obvious but it is important to understand this when choosing command words. Just like if you were being told something by someone speaking another language, it is essential to associate a word with an action & be consistent or how will you learn that language?
Avoid words that are too common such as "no" & "go" as they may be confused not to mention used too frequently in a conversation to use as an appropriate command. The tone you use is also important as they are learning to read your body language as well.
6) Dogs don't have good eyes, but do have good ears & great noses! Knowing this can help you understand certain behaviors such as jumping at shadows or perhaps digging. It is wise to use these senses to your advantage whenever possible.
7) We have all heard of "the sixth sense". This is another unique gift they have that we lack. It is the ability to know something is wrong when we can not see it. They may inform us with a unique bark which is their voice to communicate. Punishing him for this type of communication is a typical misunderstanding. While uncontrollable barking is not accepted behavior and should be corrected. it is important to understand their different barks as another form of communication & should be rewarded for doing so.
Training your dog can develop a great bond and understanding of each other. Puppies just like babies don't know how the world works yet and need to be taught right from wrong. When they are healthy & happy they are full of energy to explore the world around them. Be patient and flexible & plan to spend time with a routine and you will be rewarded with unconditional love for hopefully the next 15 years.
I truly hope this article was helpful in understanding your dog's behavior. To learn more great puppy and dog training tips and information you can do at home please visit:
The Dog Training Academy at my website http://www.leopardland.info, and thank you for being a responsible owner.




10 Tips To Understanding Your Dog


Dogs won't ask to borrow the car, it costs very little to send them to school and you don't have to constantly tell them to clean their room, but they do have a few basic needs. Try these ten tips to forming a closer bond with your four-legged friend.
1. Dogs thrive on routine. It makes them feel safe when they can count on the same thing happening at the same time everyday. They have no problem fitting into your schedule as long as it's predictable. Please make time just for them. It makes them feel special and they always give back unconditionally in return.
2. Dogs need clean food and clean water. Try to keep a regular feeding schedule. Some dogs are fine with eating once a day but, it helps with digestion if they are fed two nutritious home-cooked meals a day. Older dogs especially do better eating smaller more frequent meals. Your dog's bowl should be washed every time you feed them. Healthy treats are always welcomed, but don't over do it. Your pet needs plenty of clean, fresh water for drinking. Standing water gathers bacteria, so I recommend refilling the water bowl every time you feed them.
3. Most dogs need at least forty-five minutes of exercise every day. It can be broken up into two twenty-five minute sessions, but be sure to make it their time. Don't pull on the lead or make them heel. Let your dog lead the walk. They are not only exercising physically, but mentally. Sniffing to a dog is like reading the paper. They catch up on who has been around and what condition the neighborhood is in. There are times for making your pet obey, but their daily walk is not one of them. Of course keep them under control for their safety, but let them explore. If you can do leash free all-the better.
4. Play games like hide-and-seek, retrieving, or build an obstacle course for both of you to run through. Games are not only fun, they are a great training tool as well. For instance, hide and seek teaches recall. Find a tree to get behind. Give your pal a few seconds then call their name so they know they need to look for you. Don't hide away for more than a few seconds. Dogs panic easily if they think they've been left.
5. Training is important. Dogs want to be a part of the family. Give them a chance to learn and understand house rules. Interacting with the family helps them to know where they fit in. Dogs love to learn, but teach with patience and kindness. I always tell my clients to teach with their brain not their ego. Dogs don't learn well in stressful situations. You will have much better results with positive reinforcement.
6. Dogs need a job to do. They need an activity that connects them to the family. It could be that they wake everyone up in the morning. It could be they walk with you while you take the garbage to the curb, or they can be responsible for killing bugs that enter the house. What ever it is let your whole family know, so they can reinforce the chore with your furry four-legged family member. And remember your dog will take his job seriously, so you should too.
7. All dogs with very few exceptions are indoor dogs. It is important to the dog's psychological make up for them to be in the house with you, as part of the family. Nothing hurts a dog more than being thrown out in the back yard away from their people. It breaks their socialization skills and it's cruel. If you don't want a dog inside your house then maybe you are more suited to have fish.
8. Dogs don't like being left alone for long periods of time, especially with nothing to do. Most of us work outside the home, but all your dog does is sit home and wait for you. They need things to do while you are away. So, start your pup's day with a good twenty-five minute walk. It will get rid of some of the pent up energy and walking is good for you too. There are toys made to stimulate your dog's brain. One great boredom buster is a kong. Fill it with peanut butter and freeze it. Give it to your dog just as you are leaving the house. It takes them hours to lick all the peanut butter out and they have a fun time working at it. Two dogs are better than one at alleviating loneliness. If you can afford to fit one into your home there are plenty that need to be adopted and watching them together provides hours of comic relief. Hire a dog walker to break up their day. It gives your pet a chance to relieve them self and they get human interaction while you are away.
9. Your dog needs your attention. Not as much as a child would, but they do require some one on one. This is not so easy after you've had a long day at work, but remember dogs are social animals and they need interaction. Your dog has been alone all day, to him it's playtime. Spend a few minutes with him, playing or walking. You may be surprised to find yourself catching some of their happy energy.
10. Your dog needs veterinarian care. Yearly check ups are important to catch situations before they get out of hand. Have their teeth checked, as good dental care can prevent a myriad of illnesses. If your pet is sick or injured don't wait, get them help and don't ever let them suffer in pain. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Responsible dog ownership means doing the things required to keep your pet healthy and happy. Take care of them like you do the other members of your family. They don't ask for much and they give back unconditionally.
A house is not a home without a dog.

Why Feed Your Dog Homemade Meals?


The vast majority of people will associate the term "dog food" with the commercial moist dog food and dry food (or "kibble"). But most people never consider that you can just as easily give your dog homemade meals. There are many reasons why people shift from commercially produced dog food to homemade meals. Here are some of the more common reasons:
1. Medical Problems. Dogs that are diagnosed with cancer or other life endangering health conditions are no longer fed commercial food because of specialized nutritional requirements. Veterinarians may prescribe special diets for unhealthy dogs to prolong the dogs' lives and cut down on the impact of serious health conditions.
2. Performance-based Nutritional Needs. Dogs that are groomed for competitions or for work need extra protein, fat, and carbohydrates. It's easier to supply higher levels of these macronutrients by feeding your pet homemade dog food.
3. Allergies. Not all dogs have extremely adaptable digestive systems. Some dogs just can't seem to tolerate anything that has been commercially processed. When your dog has symptoms of indigestion no matter which commercial dog food you feed it, it's time to turn to homemade meals.
4. Risk Decrease. Commercial foods are cooked up using chemicals and preservatives. A lot of dog owners and researchers believe that over time, these chemicals can induce damage to dogs' organs. That's why many dog owners are now preparing homemade meals for their pets. Homemade meals can reduce exposure to these potentially destructive additives found in commercial dog foods.
Before You Give Homemade Meals to Your Dog
Guidelines for starting your dog on homemade meals
1. By homemade meals, I mean meals that are prepared carefully, just like food that you would give to your family. Table scraps and left-over's are not ideal homemade dog food. Left-over's may be great for humans but, don't contain the important nutrients needed for your dog's growth and metabolic functions.
2. Supplements are almost always required when changing over from commercial dog food to homemade dog meals. Unless you fully understand how to feed your dog a completely balanced diet, your dog may not get sufficient amounts of the proper vitamins and minerals. So, daily supplements may be necessary to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
3. Keep yourself informed and updated about the latest research on canine nutrition. Reading magazines or professional websites can keep you current with new information about keeping your dog healthy.
4. Reduce the chance of food poisoning by cooking all food properly. It's just not true that dogs have cast iron stomachs that can resist all bacteria. Dogs can suffer from food poisoning, just like humans. Partially cooked meats can become a serious source of toxic bacteria, so be sure that you use proper food handling and cooking procedures, just like you would for your family.
5. Always keep in mind that optimal nutrition works best if your dog is able to get sufficient exercise daily.
By feeding your dog a healthy, home-made meal, you are able to carefully monitor the nutrients your dog is getting. Plus, you can give them the correct portion size for their breed.
Get the details on why to feed your Dog Homemade Food [http://www.doghomemadefood.com]. Also, if you want to find out Which Dog Food Is Best? [http://www.doghomemadefood.com/which-dog-food-is-best.html], you'll want to read this.




5 Of The Most Common Dog Health Problems

Pet health

For every dog owner, the health of their pet is important. While it's impossible to completely keep your dog disease free, there are some common dog health problems that can be recognized early on. In order to understand your dog better, be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of these 5 common diseases.
Ear infections
Probably the most common disease for dogs is ear infections. These are caused by allergies, ear mites, bacteria, and other irritants. Most dogs will get some sort of ear infection, especially dogs with larger ears.
If your dog starts to shake its head and scratches its ears frequently, check to see if the ear canal is red and swollen. If so, this probably means its developed an ear infection. The good news is that ear infections are easy to clear up. Cleaning and medicating the ear regularly will soon get your dog back to its happy state!
Harmful worms
Another fairly common problem for dogs is worms. These internal parasites are difficult to notice, but can be harmful and even fatal for some dogs like puppies. There are a few signs that can indicate your dog has worms such as diarrhea, weight loss, a dry coat, a change in appetite, and an overall poor appearance.
To diagnose at home is difficult, so be sure to take a dog to the vet when not sure if the dog may have worms. If worm infestation is suspected at an early stage then promt treatment is usually very effective.
Fleas and more fleas
As any dog owner knows, keeping your dog flea free is a challenge. While topical medications keep them at bay, a new pet or forgetting to use the medication will put your dog at risk for this health problem. If you think your dog has fleas, it probably does.
Excessive scratching, hair loss, flea dirt, and hair loss are common symptoms of fleas in a dog. Since untreated fleas can cause further health problems for a dog, talk to a vet about flea medication for a dog. Generally this will include a flea bath and then using a topical medication every few months that will keep fleas away.
Those hot spots
One health problem that you may not think of is hot spots. This is a medical term for bare, inflamed areas on a dog's body that show up periodically. This is actually dermatitis generally caused by a bacterial skin infection.
Since hot spots are caused by a variety of other problems like fleas, there isn't generally one recommended treatment. Generally, a vet will recommend antibiotics or a topical medication that will give relief in the area so that the dog avoids chewing or scratching it. Generally hot spots will clear up within a few weeks with treatment.
Vomiting
Finally, vomiting is a common health problem in dogs. There are dozens of possible causes that range from an infection, heat stroke, and even poisoning. Since many dogs will vomit up their stomach's contents after getting into something like the trash, generally they can be left alone.
However, if a dog has blood in the vomit, is lethargic, or continues to vomit, seek out a vet as this is a sign of a severe problem.
Early treatment
These are 5 major dog health problems and some of the common causes and treatments. Most of these problems are mild and are treated effectively at home or with the help of a vet.
Frank's primary interest has always been obedience training his dogs. Whether sea or land loving dogs he has had the privilege of being their friend worldwide. This passion is still very close to his heart see http://bpetsmart.com He has recently started training his new mate, a female apricot toy poodle named Fudge. Because these dogs do not shed and are small and agile, they are ideal for cruising yachts and motor homes. Frank and his wife are currently planning to do two road trips, one of New Zealand and the other a round trip of Australia. With obedient Fudge by his side and all the sporting toys in the campervan it will not be long before the adventure begins.





How to Test Your Dog's Intelligence

Like humans, dogs have various levels of intelligence. Some breeds are smarter than other breeds, and some dogs within that breed are going to be smarter than other dogs. There are a number of different ways to judge intelligence as well. How easily a dog can learn new tricks is one method that some dog owners and trainers like to use. However, another method of testing your dog's intelligence has to do with testing its ability to solve problems. Canines with problem solving skills tend to show more intelligence than other dogs. Below are some methods of testing your dog's intelligence.
Dog IQ Testing Games
Find the Treat 
One of the most common ways to test your dog's problem solving abilities is to see if your pet is able to find and uncover a treat that has been hidden. First you put the treat in front of your dog's nose so that it smells it. Then you put the treat a few feet away and cover it with a bowl or can. The faster your dog is able to knock it away and find the treat, the better your dog did at this test. Smart dogs can complete this exercise in 5 seconds or less, though this number varies depending on how difficult the cover is to knock over.
Where'd You Go? 
This test can be a lot of fun, though make sure that you place your pet in a safe location. All you need to do is take a regular sized towel and throw it over your dog's head so that the towel covers your dog's line of sight without easily falling off of its face. The faster your dog gets out, the smarter your dog. Anywhere from 5 to 15 seconds is considered "fast."
Pick a Can, Any Can 
Another exercise involves using 3 cans. Place a treat under one can at random and show the treat to your dog before covering the treat up. Leave the other two cans empty. If your canine goes to the can with the treat first, your dog has performed this exercise correctly.
Use Your Paw 
Find a location within that is thin or small enough that your dog's head cannot fit through it, but that is not too far away for your dog. A popular choice is underneath a chair. Show your pet a treat and put it in that location. If your dog uses its paws to get the treat out within 30 seconds or less, your dog has performed well. If your dog tries to get it out with its paw but fails, this is still a good sign. If your dog only tries to use its head or it gives up, then it did not perform this exercise well.
In Touch With Emotions 
Dogs that can pick up on the actions of their owners are known to be more intelligent than other dogs. There are different ways to test this. Some recommend simply smiling at your dog and seeing if its tail wags. Other people recommend picking up a leash and seeing if your dog notices it as a cue to go outside. There are ways to see if your dog can pick up emotions, and if it can it is likely to have greater intelligence than those that cannot.
Testing Procedures
There is no true IQ test, only different exercises that you can give your dog to see how smart it appears. Still, if you would like to see how intelligent your dog is, the above exercises should do the trick.
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7 Basic Approaches to Work Your Dog's Mind


Probably the most widespread issues pet dog owners have is the fact that they don't continue to keep their dogs occupied enough. Whenever a dog becomes bored to tears, they get destructive so when your dog becomes destructive, its masters get angry.
But, more often than not, the never-ending cycle is preventable when you just spend time exercising your dog's body and mind.
Listed here are 7 suggestions I believe can help you keep the furry friend energetic and content, and with luck, stop him from gnawing your carpet.
1. Analyse Them - Google dog iQ test, and you'll discover a number of checks that you could give your dog which will examine how intelligent they are. The specific answers are much less significant compared to testing process. The assessments by themselves make wonderful workouts that actually work your dog's brain.
In addition they give you an easy way to state yourself as being the alpha dog person in the pack, and also to spend top quality time bonding together with your dog. Most dogs will perform properly at these physical exercises, but even when they don't, they're working their mind - a fantastic thing.
2. Problem Resolving Skills - Give your pet dog several little challenges to resolve during the day. You could conceal peanut butter within a toy, or place goodies into stuffed toys, or dig bones in the garden. It doesn't have to be a MENSA check, but little puzzles are great at working their doggy minds.
3. Dog Obedience Training - Fundamental behavior training is incredibly engaging, and effective in working your dog's difficulty resolving skills. It requires lots of mental strength to observe your commands carry out tricks, and understand instructions.
4. Show Them New Tricks - Simple instructions are certainly one thing, but advanced tricks are extremely engaging. Some dogs might be more appropriate for this than the others, if your dog is particularly smart, challenge them with tricks that they wouldn't normally perform. You could train them to recognize various toys amongst several options, ask them to discover different toys, or have them find particular smells within your garden, all excellent dog tricks.
5. Work For Anything - Your dog should not get something free of charge. As dogs, they should not just expect, but love having to work for such things as their food and attention. When you feed the dog, offer him water, or take a seat to pet him, get him to sit down, stay, lay down, or what ever other tricks you'd get him to do.
6. Executing Their Job - Most dog breeds are selectively bred for a specific job. To actually work their minds, and see the breeding tested. Have sled dogs tug, sheep dogs herd, and searching dogs track. This can fulfil a heavy need to work whilst working their brains. You'll be surprised how efficient these performing tasks can be, in burning up the excessive energy your dog has.
7. Exercising and Agility - Simple exercise is not always good at working your dog's mind, however it has a very similar effect, putting all of their body to the test and ensuring they wear themselves out a little. Nearly every dog breed has been worked and reworked over the generations to perform a job. They enjoy being challenged and they also like to think. As pet owners, it's our responsibility to continuously challenge our dogs, and provide them particular tasks to accomplish.
A dog's mind begins to wain when it isn't worked adequately; they grow stressed and frequently destructive. These 7 tasks won't just keep the dog content. They'll continue to keep you happy. As soon as you've got the dog in the practice of learning, you may want to help them learn some awesome tricks, like getting the newspapers, or climbing step ladders.
Hello Maria Owzatt here, and this is my latest article on the subject of PitBull Training, I hope to provide useful and valuable information to all readers with any future articles. Feedback and comments are welcome on any of my articles, and to find out more why not take a look at my website http://pitbull-training-secrets.com/articals/your-secret-guide-to-training-a-pitbull-terrier/
Please remember, if you use my article on your website, please give me the credit for it!




Dog Training Tips That Work Best For Smart Dogs


Just because some dogs are hard to train doesn't mean that there is something wrong with them. Contrary to what most people believe, these dogs are not in any way stupid. In fact, these dogs might even possess quite a high level of intelligence - high enough to let them get what they want when they want it!
Aside from independence and dominance, there are some other traits that might get in the way of your dog training efforts. A dog with a high level of intelligence and determination may also be hard to train. Here are the reasons why:
Smart Dogs Are Hard To Train Intelligence, not stupidity, makes dog training quite a difficult task. Why? This is because most of the hard-to-train breeds are natural born hunters and fighters. They must rely heavily on their brain power in order to survive.
These dogs might be too intelligent for our own good. They can easily see through us - they know our moods and know just how far they can push us around. Intelligent dogs can easily manipulate things and even us owners to get just what they want. You can tell whether your dog is a genius if he or she displays these characteristics:
.Intelligent dogs find a lot of new ways to get into trouble
.They quickly find an exit even when presented with a see-through barrier such as a chain-link fence
.They have the ability to understand your words quickly
.They respond to your commands based on their evaluation of your moods
A Dogged Determination Can Also Hinder Your Dog Training Efforts
Determined dogs can be difficult to train especially when they have already set their hearts and minds on something. Once this happens, say goodbye to your dog training efforts for the meantime - you would find it quite difficult to divert your dog's attention to the exercises anyway!
How would your know that you have a determined dog? Here are some signs that will tell you whether your dog has this trait:
.Your dog's attention might be temporarily diverted by a special treat such as a toy or a cookie but once he or she is through with it, the dog will return to fulfilling his or her original goal. Whether it might be digging flower beds or anything that might be buried underground, munching on your sofa or chewing cords, you can count on your determined dog to get what it wants and have it his/her own way no matter how long it may take!
.Your dog shows a marked obsessive behavior and ignores physical correction.
Dog Training Techniques For These Types of Dogs
If your dog shows any of these traits, training can be difficult but not at all impossible to accomplish. You just need to know what attitudes and exercises work with them best. For example, in working with intelligent dogs, be sure to include a lot of variations in your dog training sessions. Also include activities that will stimulate your dog's brain. You should devise new ways of hiding toys and following trails to encourage the animal to use much of his or her brain power and keep his/her interest in your dog training sessions.
For determined dogs, however, you should do just the opposite. These animals get the most from their dog training exercises if there are fewer variations and more repetitions of the same routines. Showing that you are having fun during your dog training sessions may likewise do determined dogs a lot of good!
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Dog Training




Why Feed Your Dog Homemade Meals?


The vast majority of people will associate the term "dog food" with the commercial moist dog food and dry food (or "kibble"). But most people never consider that you can just as easily give your dog homemade meals. There are many reasons why people shift from commercially produced dog food to homemade meals. Here are some of the more common reasons:
1. Medical Problems. Dogs that are diagnosed with cancer or other life endangering health conditions are no longer fed commercial food because of specialized nutritional requirements. Veterinarians may prescribe special diets for unhealthy dogs to prolong the dogs' lives and cut down on the impact of serious health conditions.
2. Performance-based Nutritional Needs. Dogs that are groomed for competitions or for work need extra protein, fat, and carbohydrates. It's easier to supply higher levels of these macronutrients by feeding your pet homemade dog food.
3. Allergies. Not all dogs have extremely adaptable digestive systems. Some dogs just can't seem to tolerate anything that has been commercially processed. When your dog has symptoms of indigestion no matter which commercial dog food you feed it, it's time to turn to homemade meals.
4. Risk Decrease. Commercial foods are cooked up using chemicals and preservatives. A lot of dog owners and researchers believe that over time, these chemicals can induce damage to dogs' organs. That's why many dog owners are now preparing homemade meals for their pets. Homemade meals can reduce exposure to these potentially destructive additives found in commercial dog foods.
Before You Give Homemade Meals to Your Dog
Guidelines for starting your dog on homemade meals
1. By homemade meals, I mean meals that are prepared carefully, just like food that you would give to your family. Table scraps and left-over's are not ideal homemade dog food. Left-over's may be great for humans but, don't contain the important nutrients needed for your dog's growth and metabolic functions.
2. Supplements are almost always required when changing over from commercial dog food to homemade dog meals. Unless you fully understand how to feed your dog a completely balanced diet, your dog may not get sufficient amounts of the proper vitamins and minerals. So, daily supplements may be necessary to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
3. Keep yourself informed and updated about the latest research on canine nutrition. Reading magazines or professional websites can keep you current with new information about keeping your dog healthy.
4. Reduce the chance of food poisoning by cooking all food properly. It's just not true that dogs have cast iron stomachs that can resist all bacteria. Dogs can suffer from food poisoning, just like humans. Partially cooked meats can become a serious source of toxic bacteria, so be sure that you use proper food handling and cooking procedures, just like you would for your family.
5. Always keep in mind that optimal nutrition works best if your dog is able to get sufficient exercise daily.
By feeding your dog a healthy, home-made meal, you are able to carefully monitor the nutrients your dog is getting. Plus, you can give them the correct portion size for their breed.
Get the details on why to feed your Dog Homemade Food [http://www.doghomemadefood.com]. Also, if you want to find out Which Dog Food Is Best? [http://www.doghomemadefood.com/which-dog-food-is-best.html], you'll want to read this.





How to Choose Dog Toys


Dog toys are not just a treat for your dog. You are not "spoiling" them by giving them toys to play with. Like a child that will act out and misbehave when they are bored, dogs use toys to explore, to entertain themselves and to interact with their human friends. They also may use their toys as a source of comfort when they are scared or lonely. If you do not provide the dog the mental and physical stimulation that they need, their boredom can lead to serious and destructive as well as potentially dangerous behaviors. But, toys need to be selected with great care or they can become a hazard to your pet's health and safety especially if they are playing with them unattended.
Choosing the Right Size and Material for Your Dog
Just as not all dogs are created equally, not all dog toys are the same. Some dogs have a softer mouth than others, meaning that they are delicate and should have softer toys to bite on and enjoy. Some dogs will chew through a soft toy too quickly and should have firmer, more durable toys. Regardless of whether you are getting soft or firm dog toys, make sure that they are of the right size. A toy that is too large is no fun to play with while one that is too small can become lodged in your dog's throat and may choke him.
If you are concerned about the toy that you are considering, ask for assistance from your vet or from a pet store employee, making sure that you tell them about your dog's breed, age and general habits. What is right for a Pomeranian may not be right for a German shepherd.
Introducing a New Toy to Your Pet (and Throwing Away the Old Ones)
Just as children will become attached to certain toys, your dog might love one of his toys literally to death. Once it becomes disgusting, dirty or torn up, it is usually time to throw it away- if you can get it away from your four legged "child." The problem is that he may do everything in his power to get his toy back out of the trash. Try giving him a new, similar toy and wait until he is interested in playing with it before you take the old one away.
Remember, it may take some time for the dog to decide to like the new toy as much as he did the old one. Give him some time and he will add his scent to it, making it more familiar. Some dogs adapt to all kinds of dog toys while others are fine with just one or two -all dogs are different and only you know your pet.
Now I would like to invite you to garner more valuable information on Hartz dog toys at http://hartzdogtoys.com
From Craig Thornburrow - A writer, small business owner and big fan of Hartz




How to Raise a Well Behaved Dog


Transform your adorable puppy into a well behaved dog by applying some dog training basics. Simple techniques are the secret to ensure your whole family enjoys their new puppy. Remember, dogs are like children, and need to know your rules. You need to train them - this is your duty as owner (or pack-leader!). Falling in love with an adorable, scruffy face is easy. Disillusion and frustration sets in just as quickly when your cute little dog chews your furniture and leaves 'gifts' on the floor. You will need plenty of patience, and make time to raise your new family-member into a well behaved dog. These tips on dog training basics will help you develop a lasting and enjoyable relationship with your new puppy.
Step one "Establish the rules"
Begin sooner rather than later, to increase your success. Do not let your 10-pound puppy up on to your bed - unless you enjoy a 70-pound dog lying on top of you at night. Never, not once. Teach your puppy not to jump on guests and stay off the furniture from the outset. Ensure that everyone in the family agrees to enforce the rules.
Step two "Consistently enforce the rules"
This is one of the second dog training basics that are easy to let lapse. Be disciplined yourself. Maintain the rules, reprimand your puppy every time it breaks a house rule. Using a sharp "No!" is often all that is required. This is true of every aspect of training, such as house breaking, jumping on guests, and chewing shoes. Enforce the rules and your dog learn the quickly, just like a child. Consistency takes time and patience. Consistent dog training at the beginning will save time, effort, and plenty of heartache, and will pay off in the long run.
Step three "Reward good behavior"
Reward your dog every time a rule is followed appropriately. Effective dog training is the result of positive reinforcement rather than punishment to produce desired results. Rewards could include an edible treat to start with. Move to praise and positive attention once your puppy understands the dog training process. Provided on a consistent basis, positive reinforcement will help your puppy learn the benefit of listening and obeying.
Dog training basics is easy to learn
You only need time, patience and consistency mixed with positive rewards to produce the desired results. Follow the steps of RulesConsistencyReward. It will be worth the effort when you end up with a dog that everyone enjoys.
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Smart Dog Training Tips


Just about every pet owner would like their canine to listen to their commands. I'll guarantee that a well-behaved doggy is without a doubt something you are able to accomplish using basic, proven methods.
Even though you might have attempted to coach your pet and it may not happen to be as effective as perhaps you might desire, you really shouldn't fault yourself. There are plenty of untruths on this topic and rudimentary tips abound.
Don't be concerned that it may be way too difficult or hard to educate your family dog. Once you know the basic principles, it is relatively simple. You only need perseverance, patience and a few basic strategies and you'll guide them with success.
Allow me to share 5 established easy methods to coach your puppies properly:
1. So that they understand commands without difficulty, just one individual ought to be in charge of teaching your dog. The dog may become bewildered when a lot of people are attempting to educate your dog simultaneously. Furthermore, be 100% certain you're consistent with the terms you utilize per each command, so it will be easy for your puppy to comprehend each word.
2. You need to use good reinforcements. When the doggy performs something positive you ought to encourage this action by giving an abundance of praise. Canines adore an individual's recognition, therefore passing on favorable responses, reward, and praise can strongly boost its mastering.
You ought to know that your dog will not simply comprehend your instructions in a single coaching session. It requires repetition to teach a puppy effectively. Never reprimand your pet as they may acquire anxiety that will impede their understanding.
Should you use goodies to motivate your pets, be sure to remove them from the puppy's day-to-day meals so that your pet remains healthy and balanced.
3. Train commands separately. Remain on that particular instruction till your canine demonstrates to you that they continually comprehend and listen to it, before incorporating a fresh command for the pup to understand.
4. When it comes to delivering commands, you ought to make your words happy to ensure the puppy will enjoyably comply with your directions. Never holler or become upset, as he could become afraid and hesitant.
5. Educate your pet in several diverse areas. If your dog is often in a crate, it will almost certainly struggle trying to accommodate new people or new locations. Take the pup to the dog park or walk throughout the community. This will help your puppy adjust to other dogs and individuals.
Dog training may at times become challenging, nevertheless it is going to be worthwhile. You and your pet are going to be far better off when simple commands are performed effortlessly.
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3 Basic Principles of a Good Dog Training! Learn How to Raise a Friendly and Obedient Pet!


The main purpose of a good dog training is to build a strong relationship with your pet and raise a friendly and obedient canine. It cannot be done with the use of negative reinforcement techniques so avoid screaming or hitting your dog because it will only make him more stressed and confused. In this article I will outline 3 most crucial elements of good dog training that will bring the best results if combined.
Good Dog Training Part 1 - Understanding The Way Your Dog Thinks
Dogs are naturally pack animals and they will look for a pack leader as soon as they join your family. If you can't play this role you pet will instinctively take over it in order to provide the rest of the family members with the sense of security (this is how your dog thinks). You cannot let this happen because canines who perceive themselves as alpha males can become uncontrollable and aggressive. In order to climb to the top of the hierarchy be firm and consistent while training your dog, feed him after you had you last meal and once in a while, without any reason, show him who is the boss (e.g. pull him off the couch).
Good Dog Training Part 2 - How To Train My Dog
Good dog training is based around repeating the same thing over and over again and that is why it requires a lot of patience and consistency on your side. Make sure that all family members use the same training methods and commands in order to boost your pet's learning experience. Also, keep the training sessions short (5 - 10 minutes) because dogs have a very short attention spam and get bored pretty quickly. Always end on a positive note so that your pet identifies training with positive feelings and is willing to continue it in the future.
Good Dog Training Part 3 - Punishment Leads Nowhere
It has already been proven countless times that using violence while training a dog is less effective than utilizing positive reinforcement techniques. Every time you scream or hit your dog you are making him more confused as to what you expect him to do and often reinforce the bad associations he has. You don't want your pet to be scared of you because relationship based on fear often ends up in a very drastic way (your four-legged friend may become aggressive and attack you).
Dogs will do everything to get our attention so the biggest punishment they can get is ignorance. Use it whenever your pet is trying to bite you or whines excessively. He will quickly understand that indulging in bad behaviors ends up with a loss of playmate and end of fun.
Now, all of us want to raise a friendly and obedient dog who will be a pleasure to live with. No excessive barking or biting, jumping on people or urinating on the couch. There is a great guide dedicated entirely to this subject and you can access it instantly at www.IWantToTrainMyDog.info This is the exact method I used to train my dog to be the pet I wanted him to be.




5 Key Dog Behaviour Factors That Affect Training

Whether you already have experience of dog ownership, are a new dog owner or are about to be a dog owner, then training your dog is one of the most important aspects you need to consider. Likewise if you currently have a dog with behaviour problems, then dog training is essential.
However, knowing you need to train your dog and actually training your dog are two entirely different things. Just where do you start?
To successfully train your dog, you need to consider and understand some key facets of dog behaviour. Knowing and understanding these 5 facets will greatly improve your dog training.
1. The origins of dogs. Dogs are in essence descended from modern day wolves. While domestication has dampened or eliminated many traits, some key natural instincts still remain. Like wolves, dogs are pack animals. What does this mean?
Well, there are several traits that derive from being a pack animal. The important ones when it comes to training are dogs are naturally sociable, they are used to routine and they are used to a social structure (i.e. the famed alpha male).
As sociable animals dogs thrive on the interaction with other dogs. A dog does not consider you as a human but rather a funny looking dog. Therefore, dogs thrive on the interaction with you. Just like a wild wolf, rejected by the pack, if you starve a dog of this interaction, they will become unhappy and very agitated.
When it comes to training, you can use this to reward or punish your dog. Interacting with your dog (e.g. patting, encouraging/excited talk, etc) can be as much of a reward as treats of food. Similarly, ignoring your dog (e.g. turning your back, stern talk, putting them in another room, etc) can be a harsh punishment for a dog. Its definitely better than smacking them.
As with all animals (including humans), dogs thrive on routine. If they know what and when they are likely to be doing certain things, then they are relaxed and comfortable. They know what to expect and are not confused by ever changing circumstances.
Training should also stick to a routine. Decide when the best time of the day is best for you to train your dog and stick by that time as rigidly as possible. Your dog will soon get into a routine of expecting to be trained at say 3pm every day and will be prepared for when training time comes. If your dog is ready and expecting to be trained, then it goes without saying that they will actually train better.
Within a pack there is always the alpha male. The dog that leads the pack, protects the pack and ultimately ensures the pack is fed and survives. As mentioned, a dog sees you as a funny looking dog and not a human. To be a good dog owner you absolutely need to be the alpha male. How many nature programs have you seen where the alpha male is being challenged by one of the other would be alpha males? Likewise, your dog will be challenging you to be the alpha male - this is a natural instinct for them.
You must establish yourself as the alpha male from the beginning. Providing food, interaction, punishing bad behaviour, body and vocal language all go towards asserting yourself as the alpha male. If your dog does not consider you as the alpha male, then they will not listen or act on your training instructions.
2. A dog's memory. We all know that goldfish have short memories. However, you may be surprised to know that dogs also have short retention memories. If you could tell your dog something, it is likely that by the next day or a few hours later, they will have forgotten. On the other had (or paw) dogs do have incredibly good associated memory. This basically means that if your dog can associated something with what you tell it then it will likely remember what you told it for years to come.
For example if you told your dog (assuming you could speak doggy language) that the chocolate biscuits were in the cupboard your dog would probably forget this within a few hours. However, if you showed your dog where the chocolate biscuits were, repeating the words 'chocolate biscuits', every time you said 'chocolate biscuits' it would probably go straight to the cupboard. It may also search the cupboard every few hours for the rest of its life looking for the chocolate biscuits but that's not the point.
Therefore, when training your dog you need to associate the training topic with something. For example: if you are teaching your dog to sit. If you associate the word 'sit' by getting your dog to physically sit and then giving them a reward. Repeat this a few times and soon your dog will associate your command 'sit' with it physically sitting and then getting a reward. The difficult bit is disassociating the reward - ask yourself why almost every dog will naturally sit when you have food in your hand?
3. Doggy language. Despite comments above, we cannot speak doggy language and dogs cannot speak our language. This is important when it comes to training. You have to choose words for commands that both you and your dog will remember. Be careful not to choose very common words or else your dog will be easily confused when this word keeps appearing within the middle of a sentence. A common word often used in training dogs is 'come'. For this example, it may be better to use a slang version or combine 'come here' into a single short word.
The important thing is that when you decide on a word for a command to stick with it and be consistent, otherwise your dog will become confused.
I know it can be difficult, especially if you come home to your new TV pulled off the cabinet, to always use pre-selected words when talking to your dog. Your dog does not speak human language and will only know what those few words you have trained it with are (and the tone you have used). So if you start using other words or different tones your dog will not understand.
For example: imagine someone speaking to you in a foreign language asking for directions to the city hall. You can't understand a word they are saying yet they get more and more frustrated, talking in a louder and quicker language. Is it your fault you can't understand them? Why are they getting angrier when you have no idea what they are saying? What is their problem? What will I do? Similarly, if you haven't trained your dog to understand what 'sit' is and you start shouting 'sit', 'down on back legs', 'down', etc is it your dog's fault it is looking at you confused and increasingly scared.
4. Puppy behaviour. Just like babies, puppies do not know how the world works or how they are supposed to behave within that world. They need to be taught and learn what is good, bad, right or wrong.
A healthy and happy puppy will be a bundle of energy, desperate to explore as much as they can as quickly as they can. Dogs do not have good eyes that can see things or hands that can feel the intricacies of objects. Instead they have noses that can smell things and mouths that can chew objects.
While this can come through training and general maturing, the importance of this is that you must be patient and understand where your dog is coming from and why it does what it does.
5. Structure and enjoyment. While I have in a round about way touched on these two above, no dog training information would be complete without mentioning these two aspects on their own.
However you decide to train your dog, as with routine, you must have a structure to your training. If you have never trained a dog before, how do you know when your dog can start learning to sit, stay, etc and when it can run down to the local shop and pick the paper up for you? 
You need to know what it is you actually want to train your dog to ultimately be able to do and what steps you need to take to get to that point. Personnel dog trainers, dog training classes and dog training guides can all do this. Personally, I prefer to train my own dogs and believe that in the end you develop a much stronger bond with your dog. Also, your dog is more obedient to you rather than the trainer. However, at the very least, and particularly if you have never trained a dog before, I would recommend purchasing a dog training guide.
The small amount of money for a dog training guide, compared to the time you would waste searching for free online tips that will be a mix match of training and will not provide the structure, is just not worth it. More than that, the time saved in training and the end result of a properly trained dog for the rest of its life (around 15 years) is worth many times more than the cost of even the most basic training guide.
If you, and more importantly your dog, do not enjoy training then you will never properly train your dog. Training will take longer and be much harder. When you start training your dog remember they are most likely to be a puppy and at that age all they want to do is run and explore their new world. Be flexible with the time you plan to spend training. Try and keep training short but if your dog appears to be really enjoying it then be prepared to train for longer. Likewise if your dog will just not focus, then maybe leave it for a bit before going back to it. With a routine and structure to your training, your dog will soon learn that when it comes to training they need to focus for a short length of time and will be better able to do so.
I hope the above has been helpful in your desire to train your dog. By knowing why and how your dog does what it does, you should be able to understand it's behaviour much better. By using this understanding you can better bond with your dog and train your dog. A good training routine and structure as well as plenty of patience and eventually you will have a well trained dog. Always always always make sure training is enjoyable for both you and especially your dog.
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How to Raise a Puppy The Right Way

To start, raising a puppy really begins before you actually adopt. It is extremely important to get a little dog information before you raise a puppy. Be sure to educate yourself about dog breeds and know what type of canine fits your life style and living environment. We have much more breed specific information at our blog if you are interested.
Once you bring home your pup be sure to have a kennel or at least a crate with a doggy bed. This will be the pup's safe place and will help the dog training that soon follows.  Next allow your new puppy to become familiar with its new surroundings and do not let them venture outside their boundaries. Yes boundaries, training starts early and even though they may not understand at this point, they will very soon. Puppies are very curious animals and they want to get into everything.
One of the first training exercises a new puppy and its owner will need to learn is house training. Over the years there have been many techniques developed and here is what we use, crate training. The idea is dogs that sleep in a caged crate usually do not potty where they sleep and are encouraged to hold it until they are put outside. We also recommend using a routine to potty train your pup. Set predictable times when the pup is taken out to potty. We recommend early morning, after each meal, and few times throughout the day, and again before going into the crate for the night. Soon you will have a well house trained puppy sure to let you know if you forget the routine.
All dogs learn at different speeds so it is important that you have patience, care and compassion while training your new family member. Never use violence to punish, this leads to fear and possible aggressive behavior problems with some dog breeds. Not to mention it is cruel. Always be firm not loud when communicating your commands. Your voice is one of the most important tools in teaching your puppy to adapt to the limitations you are placing on it.
It is important to give positive reinforcement when your pup does a good job. Take the time to pet and tell your pup how good he is and how much you love him. At special times give him a treat for a job well done. When your pup is bad or not doing what you tell them you must also let them know. Be firm and strong in your approach, let them know they are being bad. In reoccurring situations teach them there are consequences for bad behavior. Put them in their crate for a short period of time.
Dogs are social animals and will try to dominate, or control the group. If you want a well behaved dog you must train as you are the dominate pack leader even when they are puppies. Take the time to train effectively as you are always the leader. Also take the time to socialize your pup, get them used to people and other dogs. Monitor their behavior and make adjustments if needed immediately when they occur. A well trained pup will make a fine canine companion in the years to follow.
We certainly hope this advice helps you with raising a puppy. By taking the time to learn a few dog training techniques and basic dog information you will soon know exactly how to raise a puppy. We hope the experience leads to a long loving relationship with your canine companion.
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How to Find Safe Dog Food

Finding safe dog food is a pressing priority for all dog owners. We're learning more and more bad news about the dog food industry and its becoming increasingly clear that relying on commercially-available options is a death sentence for our beloved pets. We're responsible for our wonderful dogs' well-being, compelling us to find and use the safest possible foods.
We don't have an option. We are responsible for the health, safety and well-being of our dogs. They rely on us for their care and we must accept the obligation to treat them right.
Most of us don't mind one bit, either. We love our dogs and we recognize that our effort is repaid with that famous loyalty and an unconditional love that really elevates the quality of our lives. Taking care of our pets may be a little inconvenient sometimes, but it's an important responsibility and the advantages of meeting that duty defy description.
Part of our responsibility is feeding our dogs. That means we need to find safe dog food that will keep the animals healthy.
Unfortunately, most of us are serving our dogs a mind-boggling, filthy, revolting stew of the grotesque. Commercially available dog food is unsafe dog food. It's a poisonous nightmare that steals years from our dogs' lives while silently crushing their happiness and overall quality of life.
If you're not familiar with what's happening in the lightly-regulated dog food industry, you should be. They are serving up the shredded corpses of diseased animals to our dogs. They're filling dog food cans and bags with chemicals and additives that are banned from human food because of their poisonous, disease-encouraging nature. Safe dog food? Not in the stores. Those commercial products contain measurable quantities of the very poisons used to put pets to sleep, along with finely ground chunks of plastic and an assortment of other things that will make even the toughest stomach churn.
There's only one way to find safe dog food and that's to find it in your own refrigerator. Based on the dog food analysis and study, it's obvious that the only way to really care for your pet is to prepare homemade dog food. Fortunately, it's easy to do and very inexpensive. It's also the best possible thing you can do for the animal you love.
Warning: Tainted Dog Food Supplies Pose Major Risks. Commercially Available Dog Foods May Encourage Early Pet Death.
CANINE HEALTH BULLETIN: Learn more about the current dog food crisis. Free video and recommendations that may save your dog's life.
Is the corporate dog food industry more interested in profits than in producing healthy dog food? Please make an informed decision about your dog's well-being.