Why Training Dog Could be the Best Thing You Can Do for Your Pet

Why Training Dog Could be the Best Thing You Can Do for Your Pet

Most dogs enjoy listening and are proud of the knowledge and skills they acquire.

Untrained dogs are seldom as happy as trained ones, and lead much less interesting lives.

 Many dogs also get a sense of security from obedience and discipline, especially the more intelligent ones.

Every observant dog owner can see for himself that his dog gets greater satisfaction from the praise rewarding a well- executed command or good behavior than he does from the momentary excitement of disobeying, which is usually followed by the evident guilt feelings, (ears back and avoiding eye contact), even when he has not been punished.

Owners vary in their training talents just as dogs vary in their train ability.

Some people are born animal trainers and accomplish remarkable results with little effort.

But even the best trainers are seldom equally successful with every breed of dog.

The training procedures that are highly successful with one type of dog may be totally ineffective with another.

A basic mental affinity, even a certain type of personality seems to be necessary when training a dog.

All good trainers possess authority, patience, and self-control. Brilliant ones possess an additional indefinable "x" quality that is probably a combination of love and respect.

Dog training techniques have been so well systematized in recent years that the least gifted owner can achieve reasonable good results with effort, persistence, patience, and understanding.

Dogs have a much higher understanding intelligence than most people give them credit for. They can and do learn, but we have to give them our time and patience.

All pet dogs should be given basic obedience training as a matter of course, and not only when they develop bad behavior.

Today s dogs live in a much faster paced world, just as we do.

 Even though we may be with them when they are out in public, they can still "stray" or disobey.

 While training cannot completely compensate for poor breeding, a bad environment, or poor upbringing, it can surely help.

 They world will teach them how to misbehave, but it's up to us as pet parents to teach them how to behave.

Specialized training isn't necessary unless the dog is to perform or be seen, such as the purebred show dogs.

This level of training and behavior requires much more time and labor and usually requires a higher aptitude on the part of the dog, and much more skill and patience on the part of the trainer.

Training your dog is the basics of behavior and communication with you can be very rewarding.

Training of so called "champion" show dogs usually begins when they are puppies and continues through most of their lives.

What you may lack in experience, equipment, facilities, etc.

is usually compensated for by your dogs desire to please the person he loves and lives with, which is his strongest motivation.

Dogs Weight

Dogs Weight,
People may not be aware of this, but obesity is one of the greatest problems dogs are dealing with these days.
 Obesity, like humans, is also caused by excessive eating and unhealthy binges.
Mostly, this situation is triggered by some environmental factors that when not controlled may just lead to more problems.
Like humans, dogs develop certain diseases too when they are overweight.
These diseases will lead to more serious complications including death.
So for people who wish to know the repercussions of obesity in dogs, here are some of the known consequences:                                      
1. Diabetes
Like humans, dogs can get diabetes too.
We all know for a fact that overweight cause diabetes in humans, this can also happen in dogs. This is because the more fat is stored in the dog’s body, the greater its system will generate insulin in order to cope up with its growing mass.
 Hence, dogs have the tendency to resist too much insulin in the body.
The end result is diabetes.

  2. Arthritis
Obesity in dogs tends to put extra weight on their bones.
 In turn, the joints and other parts of the dog’s bones develop arthritis
Excess weight in dogs may also initiate the development of other muscle and joint problems like spinal disc disease,
hip dysplasia, and cracks on the joint ligaments.
  3.  Capacity to tolerate heat
With too much fat deposits accumulated in their skin, dogs are more inclined to problems
concerning heat tolerance.
This is because dogs find it hard to tolerate heat due to the build-up of fats in their skin.
That is why most obese dogs are prone to heat stroke especially during summer time.
  4.Skin problems
Obesity in dogs can cause some skin problems. This is because excess fat deposits are being stored in their skin; hence, their owners are having a hard time grooming them. When dogs lack proper grooming, there is a tendency to accumulate bacteria, dirt, or other elements that could cause harm to your dog’s skin.
 In the end, they develop rashes, skin ruptures,
and infections.
  5. Respiratory problems and other heart diseases
Like humans, obese dogs have also the tendency to develop respiratory problems and heart diseases.
This is because the chest cavity is already covered with thick fat deposits.
Hence, whenever the dog breathes, the lungs are having a hard time to expand, so does the heart.
The problem starts when the heart and the lungs can no longer produce the right amount of oxygen and circulate it within the dog’s body.

  6.Gastrointestinal problems
Obesity in dogs causes some problems in their intestines and pancreas.
This problem results to inflamed pancreas, which, in reality, is very painful to the dogs and can also cause death among them.
   7. Liver problems
Fats are harder to strain and this can pose a great problem to the dog’s liver.
 Hence, when the liver can no longer function well because of the fat deposits that accumulated in the area, liver problems may occur and may even cause the death of your dogs.

These health problems are indeed life threatening.
And so, it depends upon the owner how to combat these problems in order to keep their dogs healthy.
One of the greatest ways in solving weight problems is a strict exercise schedule.
So, it is a must that owners should create a healthy exercise schedule for their dogs.
This can be done by tagging them for a walk every afternoon or letting him run through a field.
The best thing about this program is that not only the dogs get the chance to exercise but their owners as well.
 So, it’s a double result with just one purpose.
Next is to create a healthy diet for your dogs. Diet meals are extremely important for dogs so that they can still obtain the necessary nutrients they need in order to stay healthy.
 This should include the right combination of fiber, meat, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals.
However, dog owners should always keep in mind that when their dogs are taking fiber, more water should be employed so as to prevent constipation.
Alternatively, dog owners should also remember that before incorporating all of these things to your dog, it’s best to consult the veterinarians first.
 In this way, only the proper methods of dieting for dogs shall be employed.

So, for healthier and happier dogs, give them the best love and care you can give plus a great dietary regimen.

As they say, a healthy do is a happy dog.

Dog Grooming Tips

Dog grooming tips
Most dogs handle their own grooming needs.  But, you can offer a helping hand as necessary.
  If you do this, you will have many benefits to it. 
For example, it helps the two of you to bond.  And, it allows for you to catch diseases or other health problems that can affect your pet.
  Can’t get your dog to sit still long enough?  Then, do a small portion of her each day. 
Eventually she will enjoy it and allow you to do it easily.
Dogs use licking, shaking and scratching to stay clean.
 If you brush them, you can help the fur to stay clean and unmated.
 Some dogs that have longer hair will require this attention daily.
 Others who have shorter hair can be brushed just once a week. 
Most dogs will enjoy the brushing.
  Others will not right off the bat. 
In order to help this process, use the brush in a small amount while talking soothingly to her. 
Afterwards, give her a treat for being good. 
Add a little more time on each time.
Dark specs on the skin can be fleas.
 In order to check for these types of problems, run your hands down here coat as you brush her. 
If you see quite a bit of black flecks, which are flea dropping, then you need to seek help for your animal right away. 
You may also notice rice like debris near her tail. 
These are a sign that the dog has worms.
 Again, you need to take your pet to the vet in this case as they will need treatment.

Just like you, your pet needs her teeth brushed daily.
 You can do this using a child sized toothbrush or just a finger toothbrush that is designed for your pet.
 The paste that you use should be one designed for dogs only. 
Your toothpaste can seriously make your dog ill. 
To help keep dog’s teeth in tip top shape, give them rawhide chews to gnaw on.  This helps keep teeth as well as gums healthy.
You’ll need to do other types of grooming as well, but not as frequently.
Make sure, though, that the nails are not too long.
You should check ears and nails weekly or monthly.
Look into your dog’s ears. 
If you see small, black/brown specks, this can be ear mites.
  For nails, walks that are given on sidewalks as well as in the driveway can help to wear them down. 
 You can learn from your vet the proper way to trim them to help the dog to stay healthy and to walk correctly.
 You should not trim them without getting some training though.

The Basics Of Dogs Health

The Basics Of Dogs Health:

 The first rule in taking care of your dog is:  When your dog is sick, take him to a veterinarian!  Use with caution advice of friends or people who are supposed to be "old, experienced dog breeders."  Only a veterinarian is qualified to diagnose trouble and prescribe treatment.
While a puppy is nursing, it may receive protective antibodies in its mother's milk.  As soon as the puppy is weaned, this natural immunity will begin to disappear and may be gone within two weeks.  

Many puppies are susceptible to diseases at this young age. 

Your veterinarian may prescribe a vaccination program beginning at 6 to 8 weeks, so it is important that you contact him/her immediately.
However, it is your job to keep your dog from getting sick.  Let us assume you start with a puppy. 

You should know something about "shots", worm medications, flea powders, and poisons. 
Distemper, hepatitis and leptospirosis are common and serious diseases which destroy many pets each year. 

The only satisfactory method of protecting your dog is by vaccination. 
Your veterinarian may want to give your puppy immediate temporary protection at the time of purchase or adoption with a "puppy shot" of antiserum which contains antibodies against distemper, hepatitis and leptospirosis as well as some of the other common diseases. 
Vaccinations provide long term immunity and most puppies will be started on a series of vaccinations on their first visit to the veterinarian.
Booster vaccines are then advisable on a regular basis for adult dogs, to maintain his overall health for years to come.

What About Dogs In Heat

What about dogs in heat

What is heat stroke?

 Too much time exposed to the dangerous combination of increased temperature and humidity can lead to a heat stroke.

A mammal's body (and that includes humans, too) can only tolerate temperatures up to about 107 degrees before cells start dying.

The higher the temperature, the faster this occurs.

The longer the body remains at an elevated temperature, the less chance there is for recovery.

Heat stroke can occur very quickly, given the right set of circumstances, and if too much time has elapsed, even your best efforts may not be enough to keep your dog alive.

Is my dog at risk for heat stroke ?

Any dog can fall victim to heat stroke, but hot weather is especially hard on puppies and older dogs, (they have a harder time regulating their body temperature), short-nosed breeds, (like pugs, pekes, boxers and bulldogs), overweight dogs, those with heart or lung problems, and dogs recently moved from a cooler climate.

These risk factors increase if your dog doesn't have enough water, if he's in an enclosed space or is exposed too long to direct sunlight.

How can I recognize heat stroke?

Heat stroke causes dogs to pant rapidly and heavily, the body's defense in an effort to lower the core temperature.

Their eyes may be open abnormally wide, and they may appear to stare blankly, ignoring your commands. They may drool excessively and stagger weakly.

 The gums will appear pale and dry and eventually, if left untreated, the animal will collapse into unconsciousness.

What should I do if my dog has a heat stroke?

If you suspect your dog is suffering from heat stroke and you're close to a vet or animal hospital, put him in the car, crank the air conditioning all the way up and get him there as soon as possible.

 They're the ones best equipped to handle your dog's recovery.

 If that's not possible, you must try to reduce your dog's temperature yourself.

Get him to a shady area and either put him in a tub of cool (not cold) running water, or spray him with a hose.

 Be sure the water penetrates his coat and wets the skin beneath.

Run it over his tongue and mouth, inside the legs and on his stomach. Remember that small dogs will cool down more quickly than larger breeds.

 Take your dog to a vet as soon as you can.

Hopefully your dog will never suffer a life-threatening heat stroke.

 If he does, at least now you know the signs and symptoms to be aware of, and the measures you can take that will offer him the best chances for a full and total recovery.

Your Intelligent Dog

Your Intelligent Dog The intelligence of the dog is among the highest of all the animals, maybe higher than we give him credit for.

 Although his brain is proportionately only half as large as ours, he is certainly the most intelligent of domestic animals.

As with humans, individual intelligence varies greatly according to inherited genes.

While no one breed can be said to be more intelligent that another, some breeds that have been selectively bred for work ability are often brighter and more receptive than those bred primarily for purely physical attributes.

Whether a dog is a mixed breed for purebred, studies have shown that neither is much more intelligent than the other.

However, dogs that have been exposed to a more varied lifestyle, both indoors and out, and with both human and animal interaction, does show more intelligent behavior.

Simply put, giving your dog an opportunity to investigate and manipulate all sorts of objects, to explore all sorts of places, to share all sorts of experiences with you will stimulate his or her intelligence.

Aside from getting a lot more out of life, your dog will be eager to learn more and he will learn with increasing ease and rapidity.

 Nothing is sadder and more wasteful than an intelligent dog that is confined in a kennel and deprived of mental stimulation.

Despite opinions to the contrary, dogs are endowed with an elementary reasoning power.

Anyone who has ever owned a dog has often seen him size up a situation and then taken some logical action.

 Guide dogs for the blind, as well as working and hunting dogs of many breeds constantly have to use their judgment and make decisions.

Memory is an important component of intelligence.

 The dog's memory for scents is extraordinary.

 His visual memory is only fair, but his memory for sounds is very good, since he can remember and identify familiar voices even after an absence of many years.

While he builds up a large store of identifiable sounds without the slightest effort, remembering different words requires more concentration.

The dog's capacity for learning is more a matter of memory than of true understanding. He will remember the sequence of cause and effect in his actions, but he is unable to draw broad conclusions from his experience.

The greater the variety of experiences and contact with others they have, the quicker they learn, and the more they retain.

Dogs are bound by nature to remain intellectually inferior to man, but we owe them a chance to develop their native intelligence by training, teaching, and working with them as much and as often as we can.

Your Dog Shed

Your dog shed,

If your dog sheds a lot it does not necessarily denote ill health.

Dogs that spend a lot of their time indoors are exposed to electric lights and central heat and air which can throw off their normal shedding schedule that nature built in. However, profuse shedding may have other causes like an unbalanced diet, a kidney or bladder infection or a parasitic ailment.

If your dogs shedding leads to bald spots you should seek help from your veterinarian as soon as possible.

All severe shedding conditions are either parasitic or non-parasitic.

Parasitic means caused by parasites such as mites or fleas.

Non-parasitic means conditions created by a hormonal imbalance and or poor diet, which can easily be treated with vitamins and a more controlled diet.

Eczema is a symptom of an underlying disorder, usually dietary, rather than a disease. In older animals and altered ones, it may be caused by a hormonal imbalance due to a change of body chemistry.

 The skin becomes scaly and the hair falls out in patches.

You must correct the cause by hormone injections or a change in diet, usually by adding fat supplements of Vitamin A and E.

Eczema can also be caused by fleabite allergy, or a parasitic condition.

However, these bald spots usually appear suddenly and resemble lesions, or burns. To treat these, after veterinarian diagnosis, you must eliminate the fleas and use a local application of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory medicines.

Bald spots can also be caused by mange.

 There are two types of mange, ot mange, Sarcoptic mange or “Scabies”, which has a musty odor, often starts on the head and spreads to the ears, tail, the abdomen, chest and under the front legs.

 Skin eruptions may take the form of red dots or blisters, then scabs.

Your veterinarian can provide medicated baths; generally sulfur preparations and anti-itch topicals.

The second type of mange is Follicular or Demodectic mange or “red mange”, caused by a different family of mites that burrows into the hair follicles and most often attacks young puppies.

 Entire litters can be born with it.

 It is more serious and persistent that the other variety.

 In the most serious cases, pustules dot the skin where the hair has fallen out. Veterinary treatment will include oral medications and external treatments to kill the mites, but this type of mange takes a long time to cure.

Lastly, he may have contracted ringworm, a contagious fungal infection, (non-parasitic), that grows on hair follicles, rather like athletes foot.

 It is characterized by ring-shaped red patches covered with scales, and may be dry or moist, usually starting on the head, neck, and legs.

Your vet will advise strict anticontagion measures, since it is communicable to humans. Treatments include oral medications, anti-fungal shampoos or dips, and frequent applications of iodine.

Remember, shedding is a symptom of an underlying condition that is best diagnosed by your Veterinarian usually by microscopic analysis of skin scrapings and or blood tests. While bald spots may not be life threatening, the animal is suffering and the conditions usually only get worse with time, so asking your veterinarian for his opinion is more sensible than just worrying about it.