How to Have a Happy Dog - Tips for New Dog Owners

If you are a new dog owner, you may be concerned about whether you can take care of a dog. After all, a new dog is a big responsibility. Luckily, it is not really that difficult to take care of a dog. If you just keep these simple tips in mind, you and your new dog will have a successful and happy relationship.

1. Visit the vet - Dogs need to have a yearly physical and updated vaccines, just as people do. In fact, since dogs age more quickly than people, it is best to take your dog to the vet every six months for a quick physical. If your vet sees your dog regularly, he may be able to spot changes in your dog that signal illness or disease.

2. Train your dog - A well behaved dog is welcome almost anywhere. Make sure other people can enjoy your dog's company by teaching him good manners. If you are unsure about how to train your dog, take an obedience class so you can learn together. Teaching your dog to sit, stay, heel and come is very important. If he ever starts to run into the street, these commands could even save his life.

3. Feed your dog right - Feeding your dog the right food can keep him active and healthy for many years. Feeding him a cheap dog food may save you money today, but may cost more money in the long run. Veterinary care for obese or diabetic dogs can be very expensive.

4. Remember to neuter your dog - Unless your dog is an exceptional representative of his breed, please neuter him. This is one of the most important ways to take care of your dog, since neutering a dog at six months of age can prevent many common dog cancers.

5. Groom your dog - Dogs feel better when they are well groomed, just as people do. Brush your dog regularly, even if he has a short coat. Trim his nails or ask your vet to trim them so that he can walk comfortably. You can even brush his teeth with a special dog brush and toothpaste to be sure he doesn't develop dental problems.

Finally, don't forget to give your dog plenty of love and attention. If you follow these tips on how to take care of a dog, you and your new pal will be well on the way to a happy and successful relationship.

Folks who own a dog feel proud if their dog is well trained and obedient. To become a successful dog trainer, you need to go through various dog-training materials, which are easily available in the market or Internet.

When you initially start training your dog, you need to understand the importance of excellent dog behavior for flourishing in dog obedience training. Generally, the final relationship between you and your dog depends on the training. You need to realize that caring behavior is crucial to teach a dog effectively.

You can learn few simple rules regarding different ways of training a dog. You need to keep your dog's training short, simple and full of fun. Keep a positive attitude during training as it has a major effect on your dog's overall behavior. Prepare yourself mentally for training your dog. If you are not interested in training, then try postponing it.

Your purpose needs to be to strengthen the relationship by the end of the training. In a complex world, it is magnificent to have the simple company of an obedient dog. Dogs have various desires, thoughts, and emotions regarding people. Dogs get pleasure during mental and physical workouts. For inculcating constructive habits in your dog, you need to keep rewarding him. Dogs develop bad habits if they get bored.

You need to command your dog in a friendly manner. Try as much as you can to curtail harsh words toward your dog. While commanding your dog to `heel` and `come`, you need to maintain a happy and friendly voice. However, you need to use lower and firmer voice for commands such as 'sit down' and 'wait'.

The perfect time to begin training your canine is when it is six to eight weeks, perhaps even earlier depending on your puppy's health. However, you need to remember that it is never extremely late to teach a dog some new tricks. You may find it enticing to rub your dog's nose during his mishap or smack him with a newspaper. This may lead to fear in the mind of the dog. Punishing a dog can cause behavioral problems in him.

Secrets to Dog Training: Secrets to Dog Training - Dog Training To Stop Your Dog Behavioral Problems!

Introducing Your Family Dog to a New Baby

After welcoming a baby in to the world you are probably concerned about how your dog is going to react to him or her. Many people surrender their pets to shelters because of exhibited jealousy from their dog after a new baby’s arrival and fear of the infant being harmed by the animal.

Yet many families have been successful in introducing their dogs to the new baby. Introducing your dog to you baby is a process that needs time and the utmost of care to ensure a happy and safe welcoming process! The steps to ensuring your dog acts appropriately around the baby when he or she is finally taken back to your home are twofold usually – preparing your dog for the infants arrival and introducing your dog to your infant.

Preparing your dog: Preparing your dog for the baby’s arrival in advance is one of the best ways to help avoid friction and jealousy between your baby and your dog. Your dog is used to your attention and pampering, some jealousy will naturally surface when your new baby becomes the center of attention. Taking some precautions, a few minutes of quality time and some extra treats can go a long way! Be sure to:

• Take your dog to your local Veterinarian for a complete checkup a few months before the baby arrives.

• Worms and parasites can be harmful to your baby so be sure to worm your dog before the baby arrives and at the normal intervals to keep on top of this problem. If your dog is not spayed or neutered, this is also the time to get it done.

• Encourage friends with infants to visit your home to accustom your pet to babies. Supervise all pet and infant interactions.

• Allow your dog to explore the baby’s sleeping, diaper changing areas, and related items such as baby powder, lotions, and diapers to become familiar with the new smells and objects. Apply baby lotion or powder to your hands, for example, and allow your dog to sniff the new smell. Dogs rely on their sense of smell, so familiarity with the new baby smells will help him or her recognize the baby as a part of the family. If possible, allow your dog to smell clothing that your baby has used before you bring the baby home.

• Accustom your pet to baby-related noises months before the baby is expected. For example, play recordings of a baby crying (there are CDs out now for this exact training purpose – (see www.soundtherapy4pets.com/ for CDs with baby noises), turn on the mechanical infant swing, and use the rocking chair. Make these positive experiences for your pet by offering a treat or playtime.

• Do not allow your dog to sleep on the baby’s furniture or play with the baby’s toys. Your dog should know that the furniture is not for him or her and should treat it as such. Provide toys for the dog that do not resemble baby toys. A dog may take the toy from the baby’s hand and unintentionally injure the infant.

• If the baby's room will be off-limits to your pet, install a sturdy barrier such as a removable gate (available at pet or baby supply stores) or, for jumpers, even a screen door. Because these barriers still allow your dog to see and hear what's happening in the room, your dog will feel less isolated from the family and more comfortable with the new baby noises.

• Use a baby doll to help your pet get used to the real thing. Carry around a swaddled baby doll, take the doll in the stroller when you walk your dog, and use the doll to get your pet used to routine baby activities, such as bathing and diaper changing.

• Finally and very importantly, be sure that your dog knows that you and your family are alpha over him or her – this is crucial to ensure you can reprimand your dog should any jealous signs show when the baby is brought home.

Introducing your dog to your infant: The actual introduction of your dog to your newborn baby is of utmost importance and the first few meetings can often dictate how your dog responds to your baby in an ongoing basis. For this reason, it is crucial to undertake the introduction process slowly and properly. Tips for the first meeting include:

• When the baby comes home, another person should hold the baby while you greet your dog. Your dog has missed you and it is important to pay attention to him or her when you first get home.

• Greet your dog happily and bring him or her a new toy as a gift to associate the baby with something positive. After your dog’s excitement about your homecoming has dissipated you should start introducing your baby to the dog.

• If you are unsure of you dog’s behavior, leash or restrain him or her during the introduction. Talk to your dog, pet and encourage him or her to get a good look and sniff the baby’s hands and feet. Do not force a reluctant dog by pushing the infant in front of the pet. Allow the pet to explore the new smells at their own pace. Never leave your baby unsupervised with your pet. An infant is incapable of pushing the animal away and your dog may inadvertently smother the child. The actions of a baby may scare your dog and cause it to bite in self-defense. If your dog reacts aggressively, put him or her in another room until it is calm and try the introduction again.

• After the initial greeting, you can bring your pet with you to sit next to the baby; reward your pet with treats for appropriate behavior. Remember, you want your pet to view associating with the baby as a positive experience. Again, to prevent anxiety or injury, never force your pet to get near the baby, and always supervise any interaction.

• Life will no doubt be hectic caring for your new baby, but try to maintain regular routines as much as possible to help your pet adjust. And be sure to spend one-on-one quality time with your pet each day—it may help relax you, too. With proper training, supervision, and adjustments, you, your new baby, and your pet should be able to live together safely and happily as one (now larger) family.

For more information on dog training techniques and how to deal with problem dog behavior (like accustoming your dog to children), check out Secrets to Dog Training. It’s the complete manual for dog ownership and is designed to fast-track your dog’s learning. You can visit the Secrets to Dog Training site by clicking on the link below:

Secrets to Dog Training: Secrets to Dog Training - Dog Training To Stop Your Dog Behavioral Problems!

All About Squeaky Dog Toys

Squeaky dog toys are loved by many puppies and older canines who receive them from their owners. Such toys are fun, and they also enhance a dog's physical and mental health. They encourage dogs to exercise and play, as in the case of when a person throws the toy for the dog to fetch. Squeaky toys also serve to alleviate dogs' stress and tension.

Given the onset of people spending increasingly more money on their pets, pet shops have vastly expanded their squeaky toy offerings for dogs. There are many different styles and colors to choose from. The type of toy chosen depends on the nature of a person's pet. To illustrate this, chewable toys are available for dogs who are aggressive chewers. On the other hand, there are squeaky dog toys which are attractive, and these are suitable for dogs who just enjoy playing and hunting.

The two primary types of squeaky dog toys are those made of plastic and those made of fleece. The plastic toys can easily be ripped apart by dogs who chew a great deal and are aggressive. It can thus be a waste of money for a person to buy these toys, retailing anywhere from a couple of dollars or more depending on the toy's size and style, if he or she has a dog who will destroy them after a short time of use. Some popular squeaky toys made out of plastic include those shaped like footballs, hamburgers, newspapers, hot dogs, cartoon characters, and more.

Dog toys that squeak and that are made of fleece are suited for most all dogs, and they tend to last longer than those toys made out of plastic. Fleece dog toys are soft and comfortable, and they are ideal items for a dog to snuggle up against when bedtime comes around. Some popular styles of fleece dog toys are those shaped like animals, such as teddy bears, dogs, cats, chickens, and more.

Whether dog toys that squeak are made of plastic or are soft and fluffy, they provide countless hours of enjoyment for dogs and enhance their development. Squeaky dog toys are widely available at online shops and retail pet shops, as well as supermarkets.

In conclusion, squeaky dog toys come in a variety of styles and shapes, and the type of toy chosen depends on the dog's nature. There are two main types of dog toys that squeak, namely those that are plastic and those made out of fleece. Plastic toys are better suited for dogs that are not very aggressive, and fleece toys tend to be popular with most dogs. Dog toys that are squeaky can be found online, in pet retail shops, and in supermarkets among other places.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rewarding With Dog Treats 

Aside from the praises and petting that your pet can get from you when they do something good, you can also reward them with dog treats. It is one of the best ways of showing your care and appreciation to your pet. Some dogs would even do a little trick or something extra ordinary just to please you and get a dog treat, too. Dog treats are considered to be a special kind of food, just like cakes or cookies for human beings. It is a good motivation for dogs to behave well and to do well when you give them dog treats as a form of reward.

Giving your dogs rewards that they will love is something that they will always look forward to. In return, dogs show their appreciation to their owners by wagging their tails every time they get a treat. This goes to show how much your pet loves you, too. There are various kinds of dog treats with all kinds of flavors that you can choose from. Most dog treats are to be found in grocery stores or in pet shops. In some areas, there are gourmet and international dog treats available. The dog treats would differ from your dog's preferences. There are hard crunchy treats and chewy treats among others.

Apart from the taste, the health benefits from the treats must also be taken into consideration when you pick out a treat for your pet dog. For dogs with special medical condition, you may need to ask for your veterinarian's recommendation of what dog treats to give your pet. You can use a wide range of different rewards to help increase your dog's behavior. There are beef jerky, steak, liver or hot dogs. They can be enticing rewards to give your dogs. You can actually look up the internet for easy to make dog treats. As the trainer, you must know what works best for your dogs.

Dogs are generally attention-seeker. They would do any thing to please you especially when you know how to reward them appropriately because they feel better after. Food treats must be kept in a place where dogs do not have an access to it. The container must be airtight so that the food will remain fresh. Some dogs may not like the taste of the treat when it is no longer fresh. So, make sure you get to keep its original taste; otherwise, it will be a food waste. Giving treats can also be partnered with rewarding toys. This is just one of those creative ways in making different approaches to rewarding pets.

It will bring more excitement to your dogs if aside from the treat; he also gets to play with his favorite toy. Bear in mind that one of the main goals of giving treats is to make your dogs healthy and happy. So while you are so overjoyed at throwing treats to your dogs, you must stick to your goal of making your dogs behave well. In short, do not spoil your pet too much. Give him what he deserves when he really deserves it.

 

Secrets to Dog Training: Secrets to Dog Training - Dog Training To Stop Your Dog Behavioral Problems!

 

 

All About Dog Food Coupons

There can be various reasons because of which you have to buy canned food for your dog such as you want to give your dog a good day or your dog needs such diet because of some concerns. Almost 72% of the vets suggest such foods to your dogs when they are sick. So, the major issue is how to afford the expensive dog food packages.

You will find abundant of dog food coupons in the newspapers and on various websites. These coupons are offered on various dog foods like dog treats, canned dog foods and dry dog foods. By using dog coupons, you can give good treats to your dogs. Dog food coupons also make the food cheaper for you. So, what do you think about the dog food coupons? Do not you prefer to get some dog food coupons to save up to five dollars?

There are various brands and the departmental stores which are offering dog food coupons. You can also find these coupons online over a number of websites. If you go on a search engine and look for dog food coupons, you will get hundreds of results. If there is sale on dog food and you also have a dog food coupon then you will get double benefit. You must also keep a distinction between online coupons and the others. Free online coupons can be redeemed only online; however, the other coupons can be used at physical stores, when you will get their prints.

You can buy free or cheap dog food coupons very easily from a number of dedicated websites. The first purpose of these coupons is that they can be used as promotional tools. Secondly, when a company starts a dog food business, then it introduces such discounts to attract customers. These coupons are also offered by the dedicated websites which want to give a chance to the dog lovers to get some unique and delicious food for their dogs. These coupons are absolutely free of charge and they do not require any fees or payments. The companies which offer dog food coupons, do not require any registration or information, therefore, you should not be worried to share your private information.

For using dog food coupons at physical stores, you can print them. Dog food coupons can really make you save, a lot of money. There are no hard or fast rules which are required for using these coupons but they can vary by suppliers. Usually you can give one order on one coupon only in the online free dog coupons.

 

Dog Training Tips For Food Guarding 

A dog with food-guarding tendencies is a dangerous dog. Dogs with a general aggression problem are more prone to demonstrating this condition, but it has been seen in dogs who are otherwise well-behaved family dogs. I will show you some dog training tips to deal with this issue.

Dog Training Tip #1

Look for the signs: faster eating when approached, a hard, direct stare right at you; a lifted lip, a snarl, a snap, and finally a bite. The dog's posture will be rigid and stiff.

Dog Training Tip #2

You need to remind the dog that you are the food source. Dogs love to eat, and she has confused the fact that you dispense the food ( this is automatic alpha-dog status, and gives you immunity to any aggression or dominance).

Dog Training Tip #3

Prevention: Always make a point to approach your dog from puppy hood while she is eating.

Dog Training Tip #4

If you make a habit of leaving the dog alone while she is eating, she will be convinced that she is the alpha dog. Alpha-dogs are never disturbed while eating.

Dog Training Tip #5

Don not make the disturbances a negative experience. Start from the day your puppy is brought home. Put something tasty to her in her bowl while she is eating. She will soon associate this with a person approaching me while I'm eating, means more treats!

Dog Training Tip #6

If it is too late, and your dog is already exhibiting food-guarding behavior, start by taking the bowl away for about a week. Feed your dog by hand, one small handful at a time.

Dog Training Tip #7

Only allow her to take food from your hand when she is gentle. No snapping. Remind her to be nice is the only way to get her food.

Dog Training Tip #8

Once she is eating politely, reintroduce the bowl. Make sure it is empty. When you pass by, drop a small handful in. When that is gone, wait a minute before adding another small handful.

Dog Training Tip #9

Once she has mastered this, put down a half full bowl. Don't let her lunge at it. Hold the bowl out of reach and make her sit and wait before you allow her to eat.

If your dog back pedals, that is ok, just take a step or two back and keep practicing. Wait a couple of days before progressing to the next stage.

 

Secrets to Dog Training: Secrets to Dog Training - Dog Training To Stop Your Dog Behavioral Problems!

 

 

Crate Training for Dogs - Tips to Make A Comfy Dog Crate 

What is Crate training for dogs? Crate training is a wonderful training tool. A dog crate is really important because a dog crate could be used as: a dog house, a dog carrier, a safety place and a potty training device. It is the fastest and most humane method of housetraining.

There are some tips about crate training for dogs -Tips to Make A Comfy Dog Crate :

* A dog crate is a cage made of wire or molded plastic. A sturdy wire frame dog crate is easy to clean, durable and offers good ventilation and visibility. A wire dog crate is best if you are using your dog crate primarily at home.

* Crates come in all sizes, with vary types of opening, so you need to make sure that give the ideal crate size for your dog. Choose one that would be enough for your dog.

* A dog crate is like his 'bed room', his privacy place, so put comfy, bedding & some dog toys in the crate to encourage him and feel like at home. So the dogs will learn that crate is a nice place.

* Choose comfortable bedding, bedding should be thick enough for the dog to lie on, washable cloth, and quick-drying cloth.

* Using a dog crate is a means of giving your dog his own space. For some dogs, a dog crate is his "bedroom". A dog crate is really no different than a child's crib, playpen, or bedroom so raising a puppy without a dog crate is like bringing up baby without a crib or play pen.

Crate training is a wonderful training tool as the best gift you can give to your dog. A dog crate is something that can work well for both you and your dog. The dog crate is an important tool if used properly. A dog crate is a necessity for your dog, through his puppy days and for his whole life.

 

Nutrition For Dogs - Dog Food Ingredients 

First we need to recognize that nutrients are not the same thing as ingredients. It's not the combination of ingredients that determines the quality of your dog's diet and whether or not the dog's nutritional needs are being met, it's the blend of nutrients. The ingredients in dog food only have to do with digestibility and palatability. A given dog food can contain certain ingredients that have no nutritional value or that can't be digested by your dog. You can find two different dog foods that may both seem to nutritious, but one may have ingredients that are better for your specific breed of dog. You should discuss your dog's nutritional requirements with your vet in order to select a diet that provides everything needed.

Healthy feeding habits should start as soon as you bring your dog home! Your dog's diet influences such things as health status, appearance, development and attitude. The way you feed your dog will affect certain behavioral aspects like, potty training and begging. When your dog is a puppy, it is very important to prevent it from gaining a lot of weight, which may contribute to the likelihood of obesity and its related health problems as they age.

Since dogs come in all sizes and shapes, there are specific foods available that you should consider depending upon if it's a small breed, large breed, puppy or adult. The nutritional needs of dogs will change as they age depending on how active they are. For instance, small dogs tend to require more calories per pound than larger dogs and thus need a dog food that provides a lot of energy.

As of late, many dog owners have become seriously concerned about the safety of commercial pet food. With all the recent pet food recalls, many more dog owners are starting to prepare their own nutritious dog foods. There is more than a little concern about how poorly regulated the pet food industry is concerning preservatives.

Commercial dog food makers add all kinds of chemicals to keep their foods from deteriorating while setting on the grocery store shelves. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) Official Publications lists 35 known preservatives being used by commercial dog food companies. Some of these have no restriction on amount that can be added to your dog's food. Chemicals such as Butylated Hydroxyanisole and Ethoxyquin have controversial safety reputations at best.

Many of the commercial dog food formulations contain meat and bone meal, which has been shown to contain the remains of euthanized cats and dogs. These dead animal bodies are sent to rendering plants, along with road kill and dead live stock. At the plants they are boiled down to get the fat, which is sold to dog food manufacturers as "animal fat." The leftover animal parts are dried, crushed and sold to the same manufacturers as "meat and bone meal." Knowing this, many dog owners have put their pets a on raw diet or started making their own homemade dog food.

Those who advocate raw diets say it is the most natural because canines in the wild are carnivores and have survived and thrived for millions of years. They indicate that ever since commercial dog food appeared on the scene about 60 years ago, the increase in dysplasia, allergies and other health conditions in dogs has increased dramatically. However, proponents of homemade dog food say that dogs are actually omnivores and they need the nutritional benefits of grain. They intimate that dog owners who use only raw food are depriving their dogs of valuable nutrients. In addition, with homemade foods you can be creative while making your own healthy dog food. Proponents of homemade food report the activity as a fun way to feel even closer to their dogs. Especially if they really like what you make. And the debate goes on.

 

Fearful Dog - Dog at the Vet 

Many a proud and assertive dog suddenly melts into jelly as a fearful dog when you take him to that dreaded appointment -- dog at the vet! Just as children (and adults) dislike or fear going to the doctor's office, there is much dog fear of vet. Yours does not have to be a generally fearful dog, simply one who feels threatened by the cool efficiency of all these strangers who hustle around in this cold, sterile place with so many scents of fear!... and especially if a dog muzzle is unceremoniously shoved over the dog's face!

My rescued Border Collie is obediently, but he certainly does not love it at the vet, and is quite eager to return to the car. Most people just rush in there, get the thing done, then get out... and that is scary for a dog! I always prepare my dog in advance.

So before you go, first check your own attitude. Come in feeling good, exuding confidence and a carefree attitude of "business as usual, no big deal." That will calm and reassure your dog.

But he, too, must come in feeling good. Give him fun outings, so going to the car to this place is just another of your outings to him. Make sure he is relaxed even before getting in the car by giving him proper exercise -- such as running him on a bike or roller blading. Make sure he has had a bowel movement if at all possible, because you want him comfortable.

Then you need to address the situation at the vet's office itself. One of the reasons dogs do not often like to go to the vet is because the veterinarian is always in a rush... and so are the staff. That can feel threatening.

Every dog (especially a fearful dog) should be allowed time to become familiar with the scent of the veterinarian, staff, and vet environment. He needs some positive time with them in advance of exam time if at all possible. Try to introduce him in a fun way and give him time to adjust to the vet and staff before you actually take him there for an official visit and exam. Just knowing them in advance will provide reassurance to ease your dog's fears... even if they are then moving quickly and efficiently in "work mode" (just as you might do during your own work day, so even that might be familiar to the dog).

If your dog is extremely fearful and requires a dog muzzle, take your time in introducing one. Introduce it on a day prior to the vet appointment, at some place else where the dog is not so stressed and is having fun. Take your time introducing the dog muzzle. It may take thirty minutes, but it is worth it to make the fearful one surrender to the muzzle. This way, she will not fear it any more and will see that it means no harm. Then when vet appointment time comes, go early and, by advance arrangement with the staff, start on this process at a calm, leisurely pace -- not the frenetic pace of a normal in-and-out, get-it-done, office visit.

Cannot get a dog muzzle on? Here are two important dog behavior tips.

1. Get an obedience dog trainer with muzzle experience to help in advance of the vet visit or to go with you. Have the professional restrain the dog while she releases her frustration -- by holding the scruff of the dog's neck, or the loose skin on the sides of her neck under her jaw. A skittish dog often screams the first time this procedure is done, so do not panic if such occurs. (That is all the more reason to acclimate her to the dog muzzle in advance.)

2. Remember to make your dog face his or her fear. The more you give in to her fear displays, the worse it will be. Never let the dog go when she is nervous, as that is when most dog bites occur. Fear bites. They can be nasty. So just stay in your control position until your dog calms down and you accomplish your goal.

It is the same thing always in dog training and dog relationships. Fearful dog or not, YOU must be a firm, consistent, persistent Leader. Never let go when the dog throws a tantrum (or you will be bitten), and always maintain your position until the dog is calm. The dog must see that you will not be the "first to look away" (hence, lose), but that you remain immovable until you accomplish your goal. Such leadership will comfort, reassure, and restore your fearful dog more than anything else -- even at the vet!

To read more tips on new dogs and go to the websites of top canine experts, Click Here...

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