Dog - Clever Healthy Ways To Make Your Dog To Like His Food

It is funny to realize that there are a lot of dog owners out there who find it a challenge and definitely a major headache to feed their dog everyday. Like coaxing their kids to eat their food, a overly pampered dog also need coaxing before they eat up their food. Most commercial dog food is unpalatable to dogs because they have relatively low fat contents that dogs hate. Adding some bribes like a little egg, a spoonful of cottage cheese or a dab of peanut butter might help on most days, but these bribes are fatty in nature and would add to the calories of your dog diet and make him fat in the long run. There are many clever healthy ways to make your dog likes his food and this article will pretty much reveal them: 1. Adding a new texture - Frozen green beans or baby carrot will add a new texture to your dog's food and add a different crunch to your dog's food as well as a different flavor. Baby carrots has sugar content and its sweet flavor will appeal to most dog, but don't worry about your dog having too much sugar in his diet as the sugar content is minimal and will not affect his health in any ways. As dogs have difficulties to digest uncooked whole carrots, they will even add roughage without adding calories. You can also consider using other fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, as they would also work in the same manner. For example, canned pumpkin, without any spices, can also be added to your dog's food to make it more appealing. 2. Warming the food - Like human, most dogs prefer their food to be warm. Many dogs dislike the texture of dry commercial dog food and the feeling of cold food at room temperature. To help warm your dog food, you can add some water or low fat chicken or vegetable broth to his food to add moisture content (or to replace the moisture being lost) and then warm it in the microwave. This method is healthy, as liquid will not add calories to your dog's diet but will help make the food taste better and encourage him to eat. These are two of the most easy and healthy ways to make your dog food taste better. Take note that there are many reasons for a dog to refuse his food, he might be fighting a dominance battle for control, or he might just be sick and suffering from mouth disorder problems. If food refusals happen suddenly, or even when his favorite food is fed, health problems are very likely and a visit to the veterinary is recommended. Moses Wright is the founder of Dog-Diet.net. You can find more helpful information on Canine Dog Diet, Natural Dog Food and Homemade Dog Food on his website. You are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact. Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Moses_Wright

Dog - Traveling With Your Dog

At this time of year we're all longing for our summer vacations, and a good percentage of us are expecting to take the family pooch along for the ride. Statistics show that 45% of the US population have taken their canine companion on at least one holiday trip. Although having Fido with you can be a lot of fun, it can also be stressful and frustrating if you're not properly prepared. Here's a list of the things you need to consider and plan for BEFORE you hit the highway. Is Fido car-friendly? If you've never taken your little furball for more than two blocks to the veterinary clinic you've really no idea how he'll behave on a 10 hour journey. It's always a good idea to do a few 'test runs' in the weeks leading up to your big excursion. You can start with 10 minute drives and work up to an hour or more, that way Fido will become accustomed to the motion and noise of the car gradually which reduces his stress level - and THAT reduces yours! Make sure you have proper restraints in place for both his safety and yours. Small dogs can travel in certain types of safety seats/baskets which are held in place by the car's seatbelt. Medium sized and larger dogs are best in a properly fitting safety harness, these are available at most big pet stores. If you use a dog crate and Fido is comfortable in it, that's a very safe mode of transport. It also has the added advantage of being a familiar, comfortable home away from home for your little four-legged companion. Even dogs who are not usually prone to motion sickness can succumb on long journeys, especially when the car is full of excitement about the upcoming vacation. Always take along plenty of paper towels, wet wipes and bottled water for clean ups. And don't give your furry friend a big meal on the morning of your trip, water is fine but don't let him overdo it. If you're taking a blanket or towel for your pooch to lie on definitely take a spare just in case the first one has to go in a trash can somewhere along the route! Don't forget any important supplies Fido won't understand why he's eating in a different kitchen and sleeping in a different bedroom so to help him feel at home don't forget to take along some of his favorite and familiar possessions. His bowls, special toys, and his blanket or bed are all very important - so is his leash (in fact that's so important take along a spare for good measure). Another important point is to be sure that all his shots are up-to-date and that he has a good, visible ID tag and his Rabies tag firmly attached to his collar. A micro-chip or tattoo is even better than an ID tag. Also remember to take along a reasonable supply of his usual food as depending on where you're vacationing, there's no guarantee you'll be able to buy the same brand. If you do have to change his diet while away, be sure to start mixing the new food with the regular one in order to make the change-over gradual. An upset tummy in a hotel room is never pretty! Investigation No, you don't need to go out and hire a Private Investigator but do take some time to do your research before you leave home. Try to find out as much as you can about the area and attractions you will be visiting. Look for info. on dog friendly accommodations, beaches, parks etc. Never leave booking your hotel or resort until the last minute. Spending the night in the car with Fido on your lap is not a great start to any vacation! Also look at the route you'll be taking and have a rough idea of how far you want to drive between stops (2 - 3 hours max. is about right for your furry friend). Try to avoid popular rest areas where a lot of dogs will be relieving themselves, you can't always be sure other dog owners are as careful as you are about health issues. If you follow these guidelines you're dog-friendly vacation will be off to a great start. All you'll have to worry about then is remembering to pack your own stuff. Visit http://www.the-puppy-dog-place.com for lots more tips and information on traveling with your dog. You'll also find tons of free advice on all aspects of puppies and puppy care. Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Koranki

Dog - How To Choose A Professional Dog Trainer

1.) Versatility' A good dog trainer will use techniques and training styles which are compatible with your dog's temperament. Every dog is different, and some dogs respond better to certain approaches. What works for a Rottweiler won't necessarily work for a Poodle. 2.) Experience' I know people who have been driving an automobile for 30 years and still can't parallel park! And dog training is the same way! Don't measure a dog trainer's skill by his number of years in the profession. Instead, judge a trainer by what he has done in the 'Dog World,' rather than how long he has been doing it. 3.) Cost' When you pay for training, make sure you are paying for results... not for a specified number of hours or sessions. Good dog trainers know that every dog (and owner) is different. Some need more time to learn than others. 4.) Avoid Group Classes' I've never seen a dog that is 100% reliable come out of a group class. When professional dog trainers train their own dogs, they never do it in a group setting. It's always one-on-one. There are just too many distractions for a new dog in a group class. 5.) How Much Should You Expect To Pay For a Good Dog Training Program: Expect to pay between $400 and $1200. A good dog trainer will sometimes have a waiting list of dog owners who want to work with him. Your goal should be to work with the best dog trainer you can find, not to haggle over the price. And in virtually all cases that we've seen, the dog trainers who are charging bargain basement prices are the ones who you probably don't want to be working with in the first place. It's better to spend your money intelligently on a top-notch dog training program in the first place, than to waste your money chasing a bargain, and then have to pay more money for a good dog trainer somewhere down the line. 6.) Ask for a Free Consultation: You don't need to pay a dog trainer to take a look at your dog. This should be done for free. And besides, you don't want to pay money to meet a dog trainer, and then have to decide whether you want to work with him! 7.) Should You Send Your Dog Away To Be Trained? No. The idea of doing this is largely a scam predicated on kenneling the dog so that the dog training company can charge you even more money. For example, as a skilled dog trainer, I can train your dog, and get him responding in a very impressive manner, in about two days. But when I give him back to you, he's going to say, "I've never had to do anything you say before! Why should I start now?" It's just like driving. I can build you a fantastic sports car, but if you don't learn how to drive it, it won't get you from point A to point B. You must find a dog trainer who will teach YOU how to train YOUR DOG! 8.) Should You Have A Dog Trainer Come To Your Home? No. It's going to work much better if you learn to train your dog in a neutral territory. 9.) Why You Should Avoid the big, chain pet store dog training programs: Because in most cases, the dog trainers you'll encounter have only 2 to 3 months experience, and have been recruited through a newspaper ad. Dog training is both an art and a science. There is no way that you can become a professional dog trainer without apprenticing with several experienced dog trainers, with varied backgrounds, over an acceptable period of time. Stay away from the large pet store dog training programs. Do you want to be able to take your dog anywhere, and KNOW that he'll listen to you... even if tempted by another dog, a cat, or even a piece of food??? Then check out: "Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer!: An Insider's Guide To The Most Jealously Guarded Dog Training Secrets In History!" By Adam G. Katz, To read more of my dog training ramblings, read about my book (click below): http://tinyurl.com/4m6h2 Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_G._Katz

Dog - When Your Dogs Fight

Two dogs can either be twice the joy or double trouble. If your experience falls into the latter category and dogfights are the cause, then perhaps I can be of help. We tend to view our dogs as children and when dogs squabble, growl, snarl and even ferociously bite at each other, it is perturbing. Generally, when this type of behavior occurs, the root cause is unresolved issues in the pack ranking. Or, a simpler explanation is that your dogs are merely establishing who is "top dog". Dogs live in packs and consider their fellow dogs and humans to be a part of their pack. There is an Alpha dog or pack leader and every other member of the pack has a well-established status in the group. You, as the human should be the unequivocal Alpha member of the pack. If your Alpha status is questionable, I'd suggest you refer to my article on "Training Tips" at http://www.perfectdogtraining.com/perfect%20manners and immediately take steps to assume your proper leadership role. Below you in the pack are your dogs. They too will take measures to find their proper position in the pack. This jostling for position will often lead to fights. Although these status driven squabbles may be of unbearable distress to you as a human, please consider that Nature is wise in the instinctual behaviors it bestows upon our pets. Canines have survived for centuries because their caste system works exceedingly well. The fit and strong rise to the top, thereby insuring the survival of the pack. Our values of altruism toward the weak and deserving are ill suited for life in the wild. Our dogs are not human and they do not share our values of fairness based on kindness toward the weak or disadvantaged. So how does this all relate to stopping your beloved Muffy and Matilda from seemingly wanting to kill each other? Well, first they are not in a battle to the death. Dogs will snarl, growl and even bite each other without danger of serious injury. To humans, such aggressive behavior appears seemingly lethal. It is not. Dogs have a complex system of communication that includes rather benign signaling like yawning or sneezing, all the way up to growling and biting. These signals communicate dominance and submission, which are all sorted out amongst them in proper order. Although it may seem "fair" that Muffy receive special attention because she is older and has been with you longer, your other dog Matilda may not agree. By supporting what evolution and natural selection have instilled in your dogs, you can end these squabbles and bring peace and balance to your household. Although it may seem counter-intuitive and violate your sense of fair play, you should bestow special privileges on the winner of these dogfights. Observe your dogs. You must mentally note which dog assumes a submissive posture toward the other. Disregard which dog is the oldest or strongest or displays the most "cuteness". Give the dominant dog special favor by allowing her to eat first, receive affection first and other shows of your preference. Reinforce what their natural instincts are telling them is the proper order of the universe. With your acceptance of nature's wisdom, order and peace will be established, in the only manner that your dogs find understandable. Attempting to intervene and misguided attempts to bring your sense of fair play to the world your dogs inhabit, will only lead to more fights, and possible injury to your pets and your peace. Sandy Finley, Dog Trainer and owner of Perfect Manners Dog Training, Naperville, Illinois. Visit us at http://www.perfectdogtraining.com for articles and information regarding dog behavior and training. Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sanford_Finley

Dog - A Look at Discount Dog Beds

Many people want to make sure their family pet has just the right bed, but might not be willing to pay the (often quite hefty) price. It's actually more difficult to find designer and luxury dog beds especially for oversized pets than it is to find discount dog beds for average sized animals. If you're not too fussy about the design of the fabrics being used in the bed; if your dog is of average size and weight; and if her sleeping habits are not too extreme in the curling up or stretching out situations; you can probably save a lot of money when you purchase a dog bed that's right for her. To begin with, a lot of the more expensive bed-makers change their designs just like clothing designers do for people, if not quite as often. The changes do result in closeouts and discontinued items being drastically marked down at pet shops across the country and on the Internet. Then there are the many pet supermarkets and discount retailers who carry a variety of comfortable beds, in a variety of colors at prices much reduced from the luxury beds available at upscale pet shops. Then there is always the option to go ahead and make your own dog bed. If you've got any sewing ability at all, (and for the most part, a dog bed is more about being comfortable and durable than about looking great) you can produce an average-sized, comfortable, washable dog bed for just a few dollars worth of fabric and filler material. Cut a couple of pieces of fabric - it can be from an old sheet, a shower curtain, or a nice comfy old bathrobe - and sew them together to make a pillow of the right size. Stuff it with filler material and you have a comfy, simple dog bed. You may also create a fancier dog bed with an upper ring by cutting a long rectangle of fabric and creating a tubular pillow to go around the edge. Then fasten the upper ring to the original base with hand stitching. You have just created a comfortable, washable bed for your dog made with love by your own two hands using a piece of fabric you'd probably throw away, some kind of filler material and a little bit of your precious time. What better way to save money and take care of your loving pet at the same time? You'll enjoy the process of making the bed just as much as your pet will enjoy sleeping in it. Dog Beds Info provides detailed information about small and large dog beds, as well as designer, orthopedic, and discount dog beds. Dog Beds Info is the sister site of Bird Cages Web. Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ken_Marlborough