Posts Tagged ‘dog training’

Organic Dog Food

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010

The desire for healthy food seems to apply equally to humans and their pets, since many animal owners prefer to buy organic products to feed man’s best friend. One could be forgiven for being surprised at the large variety of organic dog food available on the market. Just as for humans, there are a lot of pet illnesses that one could cure or even prevent in the first place by the use of organic pet food.

For example, organic dog food could reduce the chance of the pet developing skin diseases and allergies. The reason for the positive health effects is the absence of additives, chemicals, colourants and pesticides. Instead the ingredients of organic dog food are just grain extracts and high quality proteins. Organic dog food provides more nourishment, which is obvious from the higher levels of energy and the weight of the dog.

Regular dog food can cause diabetes and excess weight with all the other problems that accompany these illnesses: back ailment, organ failure and decreased mobility. How can organic dog food help here, then? Well, because organic pet food does not contain bulk filler; they are nutrient-packed products that create energy not fat. Moreover, it is far better and definitely a lot easier to prevent health issues than try to cure them afterwards.

A better digestion and a stronger immunity system are the other main benefits that accompany the feeding of organic pet food. Due to the absence of chemicals normally present in ordinary pet food, your dog will no longer vomit or experience wind or diarrhea. A more efficient is what you will achieve with a healthy diet. Furthermore, the quality of the nutritional substances in organic dog food, boosts the immunity functions, thereby reducing the risks of infection and all sorts of specific diseases that affect dogs on an everyday basis.

A high number of veterinarians claim that organic dog food substantially extends the life of any animal, not to mention the fact that it will go through old age a lot better. It is not uncommon that pet owners who choose organic dog food, are also interested in eating organic foods themselves, sticking with healthy organic products that enhance bodily functions and avoid toxins and disease.

Ask your local dog food supplier about organic dog food and if there isn’t any at your local shop, try to buy it online. There are many web sites that sell such foods at pretty good prices.

One last tip, be very, very careful with dried dog food like biscuits, no matter what it says on the packet. A few years ago, I had a dog called Becky that remained at home alone during the day, while I went to the office. I didn’t like to leave her ‘wet’ food, because of flies, bacteria and vermin, so I bought dry food, which would not go off during the day. However, within six years she had gotten diabetes, which meant that I had to inject her with insulin every morning. Sometimes, she would have a fit. The vet said that it was very common for dogs fed only on dry biscuits to get diabetes, so check the food with your vet first or feed organic tin food.

If you liked reading this article on organic dog food and you want to read more about dogs in general or dog training, please go to our our website at Dog Training

Keeping Your Dog Motivated

Saturday, May 22nd, 2010

Keeping the attention of a dog while training is not always an easy task. Dogs are very easily distracted, and it is important to not allow the dog training sessions to be ruined by boredom. Making dog training fun for the dog and the human alike is essential to making a happy, well-adjusted and well-trained dog.

You should provide random positive stimuli throughout the day in order to keep the attention of the dog. Doing things the dog enjoys, like walking in the park, riding in the car, and playing with other dogs, are good methods to keep the dog’s attention, but you must reward him for small successes.

For instance, to thank the dog for coming to you when you call him, tell your dog to come to you, without giving any ideas about going for a walk, a car ride, or other treats.

After your dog has come to you and obediently sat down, attach the leash and start the reward. This can be either the before-mentioned walk in the park, ride in the car, or anything else the dog enjoys doing.

Providing some sort of reward, whether a treat, a special outing, or just a scratch behind the ears, every time the dog does something you want, is a good way to keep your dog motivated while you are dog training.

If the dog knows something good is going to happen every time he follows your commands, he will be more motivated to do want you tell him every time.

Distraction training.

When training any dog, it is important to not let distractions disrupt the training. The dog must be taught to ignore distractions, such as other people, other dogs, other animals and loud noises, and focus on what is being taught These kinds of distractions can also be used as rewards when training the dog to come when called.

For example, if your dog enjoys playing with other dogs, whether in a local dog park or with the neighbour’s dogs, let him play freely with those other dogs. Then go into the park or yard and call your dog.

When he comes to you, give him lots of praise, treats and other rewards, then immediately allow the dog to go back to playing with his pals. Repeat this a few times and praise the dog every time he comes to you.

The dog will quickly learn that coming to you means good things (treats and praise) and not bad ones (being taken away from the park).

This so-called distraction training is one of the most difficult things for your dog to learn, because dogs are social animals by nature, and breaking away from the pack is one of the most difficult things you can ask your dog to do. Most dogs will be understandably unwilling to leave their doggy companions, but it is vital to persist in dog training.

Training the dog to come to you when you call can require some creativity on your behalf at first. For instance, waving one of his favourite toys, or a lure, is a good way to get your dog’s attention and put the focus back on you. If your dog has been clicker trained, a quick click can be a good motivator as well in dog training.

Once the dog begins to become used to coming when called, you can begin to reduce and then stop the visual cues and focus on getting the dog to respond to your voice alone. It is vital that your dog responds to voice commands alone, since you will not always have a toy or other lure to hand.

Does your dog need training? If you need further details on dog training, then visit our web site entitled Successful Dog Training

What’s in a Dog’s Name?

Monday, May 17th, 2010

Dog owners will explain that there is no proven formula for selecting a good name for a new dog or puppy. Whether they have to come up with girl or boy dog names, they will normally pick a name that sounds trendy or a name they like rather than putting some thought into what the name actually means. Popular boy dog names have meanings, as do human names, so more often than not the meaning will not suit the dog it is given to. Here we give a list of the top five boy dog names and what they really mean.

Generally, first thing you have to do when you obtain a new dog or puppy is choose a name for him or her. For most dog owners, this doesn’t require much thought. They just choose a dog name out of thin air and that is the name by which the unfortunate animal will be known forever. However, there is something you should think about when going through dog names in order to make sure that you choose the right one.

Firstly, dogs can sense attitude and tone of voice better than we can. If you choose a dog name for comedy value or after someone you dislike, your dog will see straight through you. As a result, their attitudes may change or they may refuse to respond to your commands. Dogs’ names should mean something but should not be detrimental to their development so you should really take the decision of the dog name seriously.

Despite dogs being very clever creatures, they can’t process the same amount of information that we can. As a result, dog names should never be more than two syllables long. If they are more than that, most dogs will not respond. Max, Sam, Becky, Lady, Molly and the like are excellent dog names because they are short and the syllables are easily heard. They respond to these dog names and that will improve your chances of training them successfully.

However, dogs’ names should help them mould an identity of their own. Common names don’t really allow them to do that, so finding something simple but unusual can help their characters grow a great deal without damaging their willingness to respond to a command.

Max: This is probably the most popular boy dog name and the meaning is probably the reason why many people choose it for their dog. It literally means “the most”. After all, every dog owner thinks that their dog is the ‘most’.

Jake: Jake is short for Jacob, which means “champion”. This is a suitable boy dog name, if your puppy takes over the whole house within a short time of getting inside it!

Buddy: Buddy is a familiarization of Budd, which means “messenger”. This boy dog name may suit a working dog or one you might possibly train to retrieve the newspaper from the porch in the morning. It is a very popular boy dog name throughout the USA.

Bailey: The boy dog name Bailey is French and means “steward”. This is fairly apt if your dog is responsible and sensible, so it is suitable for a Newfoundland or collie puppy.

Sam: Sam apparently means “an answer to prayers”. This is a great boy dog name for dogs that are easy to train and are very little work!

Few new dog owners consider a name’s meaning when picking a boy dog’s name, so instead of just going ahead with your first idea, it may be worth taking the time to find a dog’s name that is really suitable for your dog. After all, it doesn’t cost you anything to spend some time considering your dog’s name.

Does your dog need training? If you need more information on dogs in general, then visit our web site entitled Successful Dog Training

Why Do Dogs Snore?

Monday, May 10th, 2010

It is not unusual for pet owners to permit their pets to sleep with them at night. In deed, one third of pet owners have at some time, permitted their pets to sleep on their beds. Dogs provide a companionship that can’t be given by any other kind of animal. But this doesn’t mean to say that it is unlikely for some people to let their cats and another pets sleep with them too.

It is made easier too because dogs have a sleep pattern that is very much like ours. Dogs often rely on their owners with complete trust, which makes them a bit more relaxed during the night. This explains why most dogs fall to sleep easily and later on, enter into deep sleeps where REM sleep activities can occur. In fact, once dogs enter this stage, the owner needs to call them several times before they can truly be woken up.

Certainly, lots of us have observed a dog ‘running’ during sleep and barking while asleep too. These dogs are believed to be dreaming. Breathing patterns can also be observed among dogs while they are asleep. For example, there are breeds which breathe heavily and there are breeds which breathe more lightly. The dogs that are heavy breathers are much more likely to snore than those which do not breathe quite so heavily.

Some people find that dogs that snore are quite a nuisance during the night, depending on the degree and frequency of the phenomenon. Like with humans, there are various reasons why dogs snore, although most have to do with the blocking of the passage of air in the throat, which in turn is caused by the collapse of certain areas along the throat. It is the same problem as with human beings.

A dog that snores very loudly ought to be examined for different issues to evaluate which treatment could be best provided. Some dogs are especially susceptible to some allergies that can cause constriction in the airway. It may also be that there is some excess tissue in the areas that are inhibiting proper breathing. It is best for a veterinarian to check out different factors through careful evaluation of the dog’s anatomical features and physical symptoms in general.

Is you dog obese? I ask this because, as with humans, obese dogs are more likely to snore than thin ones. This is because they will have more tissue surrounding their windpipes. Therefore, they have excess tissue hanging around their throats, which can cause obstructions. Once this problem has been corrected, the chances of snoring will be reduced. This would not only be healthy for your dogs, but you may eventually enjoy a decent night’s sleep too.

Snoring also has something to do with the general facial features. Some dogs seem to have pushed-in faces which narrows their air passages to a certain degree. The construction of their nasal passages also largely contributes to their difficulty of breathing. They are pretty much like humans with a cold, who are forced to breathe using only twenty-five percent of their nostril capacity. Dog breeds with shorter faces need to expend lots of effort to breathe properly. It takes them more work to control breathing and they are also more prone to snoring.

Minor surgery can give your dog great relief. Be sure though that, before any decision is made, you are well educated about the potential risks and consequences of surgery to stop a dog snoring. Most procedures are irreversible, so careful thought must be given to any operation you permit. In fact, it is best to follow the guidelines offered by your veterinary doctor.

Does your dog need training? If you need further information on dogs in general, then visit our web site entitled Successful Dog Training

Is She A Princess Or A Lady?

Saturday, April 17th, 2010

So you may wonder, what is in a dog’s name? Just what does it matter what your female dog’s name is? The answer is a lot, because your dog’s name defines him or her in the eyes of your neighbours, especially if you have a small dog. What small dogs lack in stature they can make up for in attitude. For small dogs, being cute will get them everywhere. But what is a cute dog without a cute dog name?

Cute dog names are usually meant for female dogs. Abby, for example is a very cute dog name. When you match with an image, you probably see a little Westie or a Labrador pup running around a lawn in your mind’s eye. Other cute female dog names are Beauty, Becky and Princess. All of these cute dog names seem to embody a bundle of fur that has a sweet nature and just loves cuddles. They all allude to a cute appearance and a very happy dog owning experience.

However, there seems to be rather few cute dog names out there for male dogs. This could be because it lessens the masculine image that male dogs are supposed to have. Still, there are a few cute male dog names out there. Bobby, (Old) Nick, Patch and Tigger are all cute male dog names that have the same effect as the female ones do. However, you do have to ensure that you have the right kind of male dog to name with a cute dog name, because if you get it wrong, it will make him sound silly.

Cute dog names can be very appropriate for male and female members alike of certain breeds and can help to develop a lovable personality, because of the affection it will be shown. But be warned, you do not want to leave your dog open to ridicule so choose when to use cute dog names very carefully.

Whilst dogs are very intelligent animals, they cannot process the same amount of information that humans can. Therefore, dog names should never be more than two syllables. If they are more than that, it is very rare that a dog will actually respond. Max, Sam, Lady, Molly and the like are excellent dog names because they are short and the syllables are hard. They easily respond to those dog names and it can increase your chances of training them successfully.

Moreover, dogs names can help them form a character of their own. Common names do not allow them to do that, so finding a simple but unusual name can help their characters a great deal without hurting their ability to respond to a command.

I am prepared to bet money that most dog owners do not think of the points outlined above when thinking of dog names for a new pet. Instead, dog names are chosen at random, but it is worth putting a bit more thought into it, for your dogs mental health if for no other reason.

Does your dog need training? If you need further information on dogs in general, then go over to our website called Successful Dog Training

Fashionable Dog Names

Friday, December 11th, 2009

Fashion appears to dictate everything these days. From what you wear to what you name your dog, everything you do is dictated by the need to be fashionable. Cute dog names are hard to come by and even harder to choose. This is because as soon as something is in fashion, than it is out again.

Who would want to choose a cool dog name that may not be fashionable tomorrow? People tend to play it safe as a result, hence why the same names have been so popular for so long. To try and break that cycle, five cute dog names are given below with the reasons why you should choose one of them for your dog.

Phoenix: What could be cooler than a bird that goes up in flames, but then rises from the ashes? Phoenix is one of the cool dog names that will never go out of fashion because it is rooted in history. It has a timeless air about it, which has somewhat surprisingly failed to boost its popularity.

Star: Star is one of the cute dog names because it has so many meanings that you can have a hard time finding out where to begin. A star in the sky is a phenomenon and a star can refer to someone that outperforms in a particular field. It is indeed a high form of praise and so is definitely a cute dog name.

Lady: Lady is one of the most popular dog names but it is also one of the cute dog names because of Disney. Lady and the Tramp was a huge hit and made the name popular but also gave it some credibility. In this case popularity is second to cuteness.

Elvis: The coolest of cool dog names. Elvis Presley was undoubtedly cool and remains cool today even after his death. It is infinitely cool to call your dog after an icon who never goes out of fashion.

Shadow: There is a dark and ethereal quality about Shadow that makes it a cute dog name. It would be best used on a big breed of dog though, because it wouldn’t have the same strong effect with a small one.

Whatever cool dog names you use for your pooch, it is a certain method of giving your dog an identity of its own and your dog memorable to others.

Does your dog need training? If you need further information on dogs in general, then go over to our website entitled Successful Dog Training

Why Do Dogs Snore?

Friday, August 14th, 2009

We all know that it is not unusual for pet owners to allow their pets to sleep with them at night. In deed, one third of pet owners have at some time, permitted their pets to sleep on their beds. Dogs provide a companionship that can’t be given by any other kind of animal. However, this doesn’t mean to say that some people do not let their cats or another pets sleep with them too.

It is made easier too by dogs having a sleep pattern which is rather much like our own. Dogs usually have complete trust in their owners, which makes them a lot more relaxed during the night. This goes a long way to explaining why most dogs fall asleep easily and even enter into a deep sleep where REM sleep activities can occur. In fact, once a dog enters this phase, the owner often has to call them several times before they can be roused from sleep completely.

I’m sure, many of us have already witnessed a dog ‘running’ during sleep or at times, barking with his eyes closed. These dogs are believed to be dreaming. Breathing patterns can also be observed among dogs. For example, there are breeds which breathe more heavily while there are those who breathe very lightly. The heavy breathers are much more prone to snoring than those who do not breathe as heavily.

Often, dogs that snore can be rather a nuisance during the night, depending on the degree and frequency of the phenomenon. Like with humans, there are various considerations why dogs snore, although most have to do with the obstruction of the passage of air in the windpipe, which in turn is caused by the collapse of certain areas along the throat. It is the same problem as with humans.

A snoring dog should be checked for various issues to determine which treatment can be best applied. Some dogs are especially prone to specific allergic reactions that cause constriction in the airway. It may also be that there is some excess tissue in the areas that are inhibiting correct breathing. It is best if a veterinarian checks on various factors through careful evaluation of the dog’s anatomical features and general physical symptoms.

Maybe, your dog is overweight. Like with humans, obese dogs are more likely to snore during the night. This is because they have more flesh surrounding their throats. Therefore, they have excess tissue that hangs around the throat which can potentially cause the obstructions. Once this problem is corrected, the risk of snoring will be decreased. This would not only be healthy for your dogs, you may eventually enjoy nights of restful sleep too.

Snoring also has something to do with the general facial features. Some dogs seem to have pushed-in faces which narrows their air passages to a certain degree. The construction of their nasal passages also largely contributes to their difficulty of breathing. They are pretty much like humans with a cold, who are forced to breathe using only twenty-five percent of their nostril capacity. Dog breeds with shorter faces need to expend lots of effort to breathe properly. It costs them more work to control breathing and they are also more prone to snoring.

Minor surgery can afford your dog great relief. Be sure though that, before any decision is made, you are well educated about the potential risks and consequences of surgery to stop a dog snoring. Most procedures are irreversible, so careful thought must be given to any operation you permit. In fact, it is best to accept the recommendations provided by your veterinary doctor.

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Organic, Healthy Dog Food

Friday, July 17th, 2009

The desire for healthy food appears to apply just as much to humans and their pets, because many animal owners prefer to buy organic foods to feed man’s best friend. One could be forgiven for being surprised at the large amount of organic dog food available in the market. Just as for humans, there are many of pet illnesses that one could cure or even prevent in the first place by the use of organic pet food.

For instance, organic dog food could reduce the chance of the dog getting skin diseases and allergies. The explanation for the positive health effects is the absence of additives, chemicals, colourants and pesticides. Instead there are only grain extracts and high quality proteins as ingredients of organic dog food. Organic dog food also provides more nutrients, which is reflected in the higher levels of energy and the normal weight of the pet.

Healthy, organic dog food contains more nourishment, which is obvious from the greater levels of energy and the normal weight of the pet. Furthermore, ordinary dog food can cause diabetes and excess weight with all the concomitant problems that accompany these illnesses: back ailment, organ failure and decreased mobility. How can organic dog food help here, then? Well, simply because organic pet food does not contain bulk filler; they are nutrient-packed products that create energy not fat. Moreover, it is far better and definitely a lot easier to prevent health issues than try to cure them later.

A more efficient digestion and a stronger immunity system are the other main benefits that come with the use of organic pet food. Due to the lack of chemicals usually present in ordinary pet food, your dog will no longer be sick or experience gas or diarrhea. A more efficient is what will result from a healthy diet. Moreover, the quality of the nutritional substances in organic dog food, boosts the immunity functions, which reduces the risks of infection and all sorts of specific diseases that affect dogs on an everyday basis.

In general, veterinarian experts say that organic dog food significantly extends the life of any animal, not to mention the fact that it will go through old age a lot better. It is not uncommon that pet owners who choose organic dog food, are also interested in eating organic foods themselves, sticking to clean natural products that enhance bodily functions and reduce toxins and disease.

Ask your local dog food provider about organic dog food and if there is none available in your local shop, try to buy it online. There are many web pages that sell such products at fairly good prices.

One last piece, be very, very wary of dried dog food like biscuits, no matter what the label says. A few years ago, I had a dog called Becky that stayed at home alone during the day, while I went to work. I didn’t like to leave her ‘wet’ food, because of flies, bacteria and vermin, so I bought dry food, which would not go off during the day. However, within six years she had contracted diabetes, which meant that I had to inject her with insulin every morning. Sometimes, she would have a fit. The vet said that it was very common for dogs fed only on dry biscuits to contract diabetes, so check the food with your vet first or feed organic tinned food.

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Dog Names

Tuesday, July 7th, 2009

Dog owners will say that there is no proven method for choosing a good name for a new dog. Whether they have to think of girl or boy dog names, usually they will choose something that sounds cool or a name they like rather than putting some thought into what the name actually means. Popular boy dog names have a variety of meanings, but more often than not the meaning will not suit the dog it is given to. Below is a quick guide to the top five boy dog names and what they really mean.

Generally, first thing you have to do when you obtain a new dog or puppy is pick a name for him or her. For most dog owners, this doesn’t take much thought. They just choose a dog name out of thin air and that is the name by which the unfortunate animal will be known forever. However, there is something you should think about when going through dog names in order to make sure that you choose the right one.

Firstly, dogs can sense attitude and tone of voice better than we can. If you choose a dog name for comedy value or after someone you dislike, your dog will see straight through you. As a result, their attitudes may change or they may refuse to respond to your commands. Dogs’ names should mean something but should not be detrimental to their development so you should really take the decision of the dog name seriously.

Despite dogs being very clever creatures, they can’t process the same amount of information that we can. As a result, dog names should never be more than two syllables long. If they are more than that, most dogs will not respond. Max, Sam, Becky, Lady, Molly and the like are excellent dog names because they are short and the syllables are easily heard. They respond to these dog names and that will improve your chances of training them successfully.

However, dogs’ names should help them mould a character of their own. Common names don’t really help them to do that, so finding something simple but unusual can help their characters grow a great deal without reducing their willingness to respond to a command.

Max: This is probably the greatest boy dog name and the meaning is surely the reason why most people choose it for their hound. It literally means “the best”. After all, every dog owner thinks that their dog is the best.

Jake: Jake is short for Jacob, which means “victor”. This is an apt boy dog name, if your puppy has taken over the house within moments of setting feet inside of it!

Buddy: Buddy is a variation of Budd, which means “messenger”. This boy dog name would suit a working dog or one you might possibly train to retrieve the newspaper from the porch in the morning. It is a very popular boy dog name throughout America.

Bailey: The boy dog name Bailey is French and means “steward”. This is pretty suitable if your dog is responsible and sensible, so it is suitable for a Newfoundland or collie puppy.

Sam: Sam apparently means “an answer to prayers”. This is a great boy dog name for dogs that are easy to train and are very little work!

Few new dog owners consider a name’s meaning when choosing a boy dog’s name, so instead of just going ahead with your first idea, it may be worth taking the time to choose a dog’s name that is actually apt for your dog. After all, it doesn’t cost you anything to spend some time considering your dog’s name.

About the Author:

Is She a Lady or a Tramp?

Friday, July 3rd, 2009

So you may ask, what is in a dog’s name? Just what does it matter what your female dog’s name is? The answer is maybe a lot, because your dog’s name defines him or her in the eyes of your neighbours, especially if you have a rather small dog. For what a small dog lacks in size it can make up for in attitude. For a small dog, being cute will get her everywhere. But what is a cute dog without a cute dog’s name?

Cute dog names are really meant for female dogs. Abby, for example is a very cute dog name. When you match with an image, you probably see a little Westie or a Labrador pup running around a lawn in your mind’s eye. Other cute female dog names are Brownie, Beauty, Becky and Blackie. All of these cute dog names seem to embody a bundle of fur that has a sweet nature and just loves cuddles. They all speak of a cute appearance and a very happy dog owning experience.

However, there seems to be very few cute dog names available for male dogs. This could be because it lessens the masculine image that male dogs should have. Still, there are a few cute male dog names out there. Bobby, (Old) Nick, Patch and Tigger are all cute male dog names that have the same effect as the female ones do. However, you do need to ensure that you have the right kind of male dog to name with a cute dog name, because if you get it wrong, it will make him sound silly.

Cute dog names can be appropriate for male and female members alike of certain breeds and can help to develop a lovable personality, because of the affection, with which it will be handled. But do be warned, you do not want to leave your dog open to ridicule so choose when to give your dog a cute dog name with caution.

Whilst dogs are very intelligent animals, they cant process the same amount of information that humans can. Therefore, dog names should never be more than two syllables. If they are more than that, it is very rare that a dog will actually respond. Max, Sam, Lady, Molly and the like are excellent dog names because they are short and the syllables are hard. They easily respond to those dog names and it can improve your chances of training them successfully.

However, dogs names (can|should assist them form an identity of their own. Common names dont allow them to do that, so finding something simple but unusual can help their characters no end without hurting their ability to respond on command.

I am prepared to bet money that most pet owners do not think of the factors outlined above when thinking of dog names for a new pet. Instead, dog names are chosen at on a whim, but it is worth putting a bit more thought into it, for your dogs sake if nothing else.

About the Author: