Dog Related Resources
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Professional Articles on Various Dog Related Issues
- 1. What to buy your new dog… Some helpful tips when buying pet supplies
- 2. 10 Tips for Training Your Puppy
- 3. Great Tips for Feeding Your New Puppy – Plus Coercing a Finicky Dog to Eat!
What to buy your new dog… Some helpful tips when buying pet supplies
Ok, you've picked up the perfect puppy. It's the most beautiful
little creature you've ever laid eyes on, and when it looks up at you with
its moist black eyes and wags its little tail you can actually feel
your heart melting. The feeling is really quite like the melting feeling
you are experiencing in your wallet after spending so much money on all
of the puppy's shots and vaccinations.
However, don't think that once you pick Puppy up and bring him home
that your spending days are over. You can't feed him table scraps and
toilet water and expect him to be happy! Now that you have the dog, it's
time to start buying your dog pet supplies.
You will also need some dog training supplies, which are different
from your basic pet supplies. Some common mistakes are made buy new dog
owners at this point simply by ignoring the importance of good dog
training supplies. Simply feeding your puppy and loving it are not enough.
You can never put too much work into training your dog.
Sometimes you can buy things like food and dog grooming supplies
right at the kennel where you get your puppy, but you can also look on the
internet for online dog supply stores. Also, if you live in the city
you probably can't go two blocks without running into a pet supply store.
As you can see, there are lots of choices for you.
One of the things you can do to integrate your new puppy into the
family is to take everyone with you when it's time to buy your dog
training supplies. If you have children, this can be a great way to start
them on the road to caring for their new pet. You can make a day of it,
and separate the workload so that everyone has something to do.
Put one child in charge of getting the treats for the puppy, another
in charge of brushes and grooming supplies, and another in charge of
things like chew toys. If you plan on buying a kennel for your dog to
sleep in, you should probably handle that part yourself.
Kennels can be expensive, and you need to think about the right size
kennel for your dog. He may be a tiny little bundle of fur right now,
but puppies have a nasty habit of growing up into full-blown dogs.
Personalize your decisions. A puppy won't care about the color of
its food dish, or whether it has a funny little saying on it or not. If
you'd like to see the dog all decked out in pink, by all means, do it!
People may look at you in dismay, but your dog never will. As long as
you keep it well fed, groomed, and loved, then that dog will always be
your friend.
One thing you should worry about, however, is quality. The reason
that you can find so many pet supply and dog grooming supply stores is
because it is big business.
Owning a pet is a universal human quality you see from the slums and
ghettos of Africa's poorest cities to the richest European nobles.
Naturally, there's the potential for huge profits simply supplying the
basic needs and wants of pet owners.
It is also safe to assume that because there are so many companies
vying for your precious pet-bucks that these companies would provide
products of varying quality. In short-you get what you pay for.
Now, that being said, don't hesitate to strap on your Smart Consumer
Goggles and go hunting for a great discount pet supplies deals. Another good thing about all
this competition is that companies and retail outlets will constantly
try to undercut each other to attract your business.
A Few Things You May Need
There are some basic areas of training you may also want to think
about when it's time to go buy pet supplies for your new puppy. Each area
has its own special problems and supply demands. In addition, there are
basic supplies such as dog training collars, brushes, other supplies you have to
remember to buy for your new puppy.
Teaching your dog not to bite is a fundamental necessity that should
be taught to the animal as soon as possible. Take a look around for
books and instructional videos on the proper way to teach your dog not to
bite.
Aggression is a natural behavioural trait that is more pronounced in
some breeds than others. Aggression, like biting, should be dealt with
as soon as the puppy starts displaying any aggressive behaviour.
Fortunately, dealing with aggression usually a topic covered by books and
videos that teach you how to deal with biting. If your dog is from an
aggressive breed, however, it may require additional training.
House training can be one of the messiest parts of training your
dog. It's important to keep in mind that your puppy is learning about
where it is and isn't acceptable to use the bathroom, and it will
undoubtedly make mistakes along the way. You'll want to pick up some extra
newspapers, just to be sure. Electronic dog doors are a great way to train your puppy and save some time if your yard is safely enclosed.
You may also want to think about picking up an alarm to remind
yourself to let the dog out, or a stair guard similar to the ones used to
keep babies away from stairs. These easy to fold partition walls can keep
little Fido on the linoleum where he won't be able to make a mess of
your new carpet.
Chewing is probably what puppies do the most after eating and going
to the bathroom. Fortunately, this habit can be easily curbed by buying
some cheap rubber squeaky toys for your dog. Be sure to get a few
different kinds because even a puppy can get bored of chewing on the same
rubber cat all day.
Chew toys can also be something you can enjoy with your puppy when
the two of you play together. Make sure that the toys are meant for
puppies to chew on so that there is no chance that dog can rip it apart and
eat the small pieces.
Barking, Howling, and Whining
Dogs use barking, howling, and whining to convey specific message to
you and to other dogs. It's how they communicate. However, if left
unchecked, dogs can develop annoying whining or barking habits that are
sure to drive even the biggest dog lover crazy.
If you have a kennel for your dog, this can be especially bothersome
as your dog will need to learn to be comfortable by themselves. Puppies
naturally get scared when they're alone, and it is something they need
to get comfortable with if you are going to have any peace and
quiet.
There are a lot of security blankets and toys on the market you can
buy to help your puppy make the transition from being a member of a
litter to being by itself. Also, there are instructional videos and books
that can help. Usually this is a topic covered in books and videos on
behavioural training.
Teaching your dog tricks or how to behave properly can be one of the
most rewarding parts of owning your dog. You will see real results if
you properly train your dog and the effects will last a lifetime.
Because of the importance of behaviour training, there are schools
that you can take your dog to in order to receive proper training. These
can be expensive, however, and if you live on a budget (like the rest
of us!) you may want to do your own training at home.
No problem! Stores that specialize in pet supplies and dog grooming
supplies often carry shelves full of books on how to properly train
your dog. For most, all you need to do is get your dog used to wearing his
collar (something they need to do anyway if you live in the city and
worry about licensing laws) and you're all set.
Good diet and exercise are the cornerstones to raising a healthy,
happy puppy. Diet is especially important, as vitamin and mineral
deficiencies can lead to illnesses and other maladies for your dog. Be sure to buy your furry friend dog health supplies.
As for
exercise, well, it's as simple as getting a good collar and leash for your
dog and taking it for a walk.
Owning a dog of any age is a great way to bring a little sunshine
into your life. Your dog will always love you no matter how it is
treated. That's the great thing about dogs. They love you unconditionally.
Most of us can't even say that about all of the members of our own
families.
If your dog has given you such an amazing gift, don't you think you
should return the favour? Show your dog you love it. Take the time to
train it properly, and spend a little money on the supplies you-and your
dog-will need most.
Bill Schnarr is a successfully published freelance writer, one of
experience and diversity. His numerous articles offer valuable insight
and cost-saving information to consumers on a variety of
subjects, such as dogs for http://www.pet-supplies-for-dogs.com.
10 Tips for Training Your Puppy
Everybody loves puppies.
They're cute, fuzzy, and warm. They smell nice. They're a lot like
babies. But puppies have a dark side that most people don't think of
when they're looking for the perfect pooch to join their family.
They're cute, yeah, but they get into everything. They're fuzzy,
sure, but they'll shred your best shoes or blouse if you leave them
unattended for even a minute. And smell nice - well; let's just say that
house training should be one of the first things you teach Fido.
If you've recently been blessed with a new puppy then you may want
to take a moment to read this article. We've snapped together 10 great
tips on puppy and dog training for
your new best friend.
1. Biting
Biting is a serious problem that can seriously erode the bond of
trust between an owner and his dog. In severe cases, dogs have been known
to attack people. An attack from a dog can be a terrifying experience,
and often these attacks result in the dog being put down. Truly, this
is a lose-lose situation for all involved.
In order to properly nip this problem in the bud, a puppy must be
taught from a very early age not to bite. Experts say that by the age of
four months, a puppy has ingrained its biting habits.
One of the most important tools you can use when trying to teach a
new puppy not to bite is other puppies. Puppies learn about biting
through their playing and wrestling. When they bite too hard, they see the
consequences of their actions.
Another way to reinforce the rule that biting will not be tolerated
is to build a positive relationship wit your puppy. The more your new
dog learns to trust you, the less likely it is to bite. Hitting or
screaming at your dog when it disobeys you will cause a decline of the trust
level in your relationship and can actually promote a biting habit.
2. Aggression
Aggression is a natural behavioural trait that is more noticeable in
some dog breeds than in others. If left unchecked aggression can lead
to all kinds of problems, from wilful disobedience to biting. It is a
mechanism with which dogs secure their place in the pack.
This is why it is important for your dog to see you as the master of
the house instead of just a pack mate. Using violence or dominating
your dog the way another dog might (i.e. rolling your dog over or grabbing
its throat) will only ensure that the dog will listen and obey you. It
may see an opportunity to rise above other members in the family unit
by being aggressive toward children or other pets in the household.
Once again, it is of the utmost importance that your dog learns to
respect you, not fear you. A heavy-handed approach to aggression
training will definitely counter your efforts.
If you can, try to positively reinforce good behaviour. Give your dog treats or biscuits when he does well, but show your disappointment verbally when he
makes a mistake.
3. House Training
Nothing is more important to your carpets and furniture than good
house training. This is probably the most common training that dogs
receive. Even if they don't learn anything else, it's important that your
dog learns that the living room is not a toilet.
House training is also often where the most aggression is used. Many
people believe that if your puppy goes to the bathroom in the house,
rub its nose in it and give the creature a smack.
Not only is this negative enforcement, but it's also degrading and
humiliating to the animal!
Proper house training is easy to achieve simply by letting your dog
outside as much as possible. Experts say to set an alarm, if you need
to, so that your dog goes outside regularly. There are even cute animal
alarms that you can pick up at any online pet
supplies store.
Pay attention to your puppy's behaviour. If your puppy starts
sniffing the ground or acting strangely it may be ready to use the
bathroom.
Above all, keep those paper towels handy. Puppies, like people,
sometimes make mistakes.
4. Socializing
Socializing is one of the fundamental behaviours your puppy must
learn in order to grow up healthy and well adjusted. Good socializing can
mean the difference between a calm, happy dog, and a skittish, fearful
one.
The most important part of social development is that it starts
early, and is done often. Try to introduce your puppy to other dogs and
puppies, or even friendly cats. Take your puppy to the park so they can
interact with children and elderly people, and even people of different
ethnic origins. You should also take your puppy into crowded areas, so
the animals can get used to groups of people.
Remember to keep these meetings friendly and pleasant! Let the puppy
have fun with exploring and meeting new friends. Not only will this
have beneficial effects on your new dog, but it will also go a long way in
helping with other areas of training.
5. Chewing
Chewing is probably the most dreaded thought that comes to any new
dog owners mind. Puppies chew for a variety of reasons. Mainly they chew
because they're puppies, and that's what puppies do.
There are a couple ways you can curb chewing, and you want to get on
it as soon as possible. Remember that every day that passes increases
the chance that you will find your new leather shoes in ragged pieces
across the living room floor.
First, provide lots of dog toys for your puppy. You can find more
chewing toys than you will ever need simply by visiting a store that
specializes in dog training supplies. Buy them wholesale, if you have to. Just
try to make sure there are lots of them around.
Next, always be sure to praise your puppy when it decides to pick up
a chew toy. This will reinforce the fact that you approve of the dog's
behaviour. Yelling and scolding your dog for negative behaviour will
not be as effective in this case. Before you teach it the difference, no
puppy really knows that a squeaky rubber hotdog costs $1.98 while your
new leather shoes cost $198.
Finally, if you have to, booby trap items that you don't want the
puppy to chew. Setting something up with loud pots and pans so that they
will make a loud noise if the object is touched is the perfect way to
get Puppy to avoid that item like the plague. Sharp noise is always a
good way to spook a dog and get their attention.
6. Howling, Barking, and Whining
If your puppy starts howling, barking, or yelping, it usually means
that it is trying to convey a message to you. However, this can quickly
become an annoying habit if left unchecked.
If your dog starts making noise, first tend to their immediate
needs. It could be that the animal is thirsty or hungry. If everything looks
ok, than reprimand your dog for being noisy at the first opportunity.
Don't wait until you get aggravated with the noise.
Also, teach puppy that it's ok to be alone. Even if you are home,
kennel training is an important part of puppy development. There are a
lot of specialty discount pet stores where you can pick up dog kennels
for fairly cheap.
7. Behaviour Training
Behaviour training is an important part of a dog's development that
can greatly affect your success with any other problem areas your dog
may have.
Many people prefer to take their pet to a school for dog training, which
is an opportunity for help from a professional dog trainer. This isn't
necessary, of course; with a good training book or video and a collar,
you can invest some time and train the dog yourself.
Again, positive reinforcement is the key. Reward your dog with food
or other treats when they do something properly to reinforce positive
behaviour. In this way, you can have your dog sitting on command,
staying, or even playing dead in a short while. Remember to be consistent
with your training, however, because inconsistent training does little to
teach a dog how to behave.
8. Diet and Exercise
Good diet and exercise are habits to get your puppy into as soon as
possible. A healthy dog will have a long life and be better tempered
overall than one who eats poorly or is miserable because they don't get
much exercise.
Get your dog into the habit of exercising regularly: everyday if
possible! This is a great opportunity for you to spend some quality time
with your dog outside and a chance for both of you to get some fresh
air.
A good diet is ideal for Puppy to grow up strong and healthy. In
addition to good food, you can also keep track of treats for when you are
training the dog. Water is also a very important part of a dog's diet.
A dog needs a constant supply of fresh, cool water. Try to stop your
dog from drinking out of the toilet. It's an unsanitary habit and can
be detrimental to a dog's health if there are cleaning agents or
bleaches present in the toilet water.
9. Puppy Training Do's
Do be consistent with your puppy training. Remember that
inconsistent training will do little to imprint in your dogs mind what is expected
of it.
Do be firm with your dog. Don't let up, or let the animal get away
with unacceptable behaviour. This will only reinforce the idea that your
are not the master, but merely a more dominant animal. Your dog will
always love you, but if you are not firm it may not respect you.
Do reward good behaviour. Positive reinforcement is the only
sure-fire way to make your dog respect you, trust you, and most of all listen
to you.
10. Puppy Training Don'ts
Don't hit your dog. Training through fear will make your dog
distrust you, and at worst will reinforce negative behaviours such as
aggression and biting. Although hitting your dog may make him listen, there is
nothing stopping him from lashing out at children or other pets when
you aren't around.
Don't punish negative behaviour when you are training. Remember that
your puppy is learning. Punishing it when it makes a mistake can make
it fearful of trying. Any training that emphasises negative correction
over positive reinforcement is focusing on the wrong behaviour. Show
your puppy what you want from it, not what you don't want.
Don't be wishy-washy with your training. Consistency is the only way
you will get your puppy to learn what behaviour is expected. These
things take time, but in the end, they're well worth it.
Hopefully, this article will get you pointed in the right direction
for all your puppy training needs. If you need supplies or are
interested in trying some of the techniques mentioned in this article, you
should easily be able to find online pet supplies or dog grooming supplies
stores that can help you out.
Remember, a well trained puppy is more than just a pet. If handled
properly, it can be a "grrrr-eat" addition to your family!
Bill Schnarr is a successfully published freelance copywriter, one of
experience and diversity. His numerous articles offer valuable insight and
cost-saving information to consumers on a variety of subjects, including tips on dogs for http://www.pet-supplies-for-dogs.com.
Great Tips for Feeding Your New Puppy – Plus Coercing a Finicky Dog to Eat!
Your dog is an important part of the family now. Taking care of him or her will become second nature and there are some good habits to get into when taking care of your dog. Your dog’s meals will require a little attention to detail and can be easily planned in advance to make sure his/her needs are being met. Dog food, treats and biscuits are an important element in his day, so consider some of the following recommendations when feeding your dog to ensure his or her happiness and health.
Feeding:
Feeding your dog is one time when regularity is of the utmost importance. Dog food should be fed to your dog at regular times in regular amounts with a relatively stable and uniform diet.
Dog food and puppies:
It is recommended when bringing your puppy home to take into consideration that the dog has already been started on a diet and feeding schedule. Make sure you find out specific instructions for feeding your dog from the previous owner and do not change your puppies schedule when you first take him home. Maintaining a regular schedule when feeding your puppy his dog food will avoid intestinal upsets and any change you wish to implement into your dogs feeding schedule should be made gradually.
Buying your dog food will become a regular part of your routine and the staple of his meals, so be sure to consider convenience and economics early on to avoid disruption to his diet and your schedule. Online discount pet supplies is a convenient and often less expensive way to shop. Whether you choose dog food in a can, bag, dry or with gravy, let your dog know early on that this is his food. Be careful not to spoil your dog by catering to his whims. His or her cute little face is a great ally on his or her behalf, and just like any child, they will use it to their advantage. If your steak looks better than his kibbles you may be in for a contest of wills!
Puppies should be fed on similar principles to those of babies. Feeding your puppy his puppy food in small amounts at frequent intervals is better than feeding large amounts once or twice a day. This way the total amount of food consumed is increased without overloading your dogs stomach.
Young puppies should be fed their dog food four times a day. We suggest once during each meal in your household (such as breakfast, lunch and dinner time) and once at bedtime. At three or four months of age you may reduce this to three times daily; at six months twice daily and after one you, once daily may be adequate. We recommend you feed the heaviest meal at night if you want your dog to sleep, or feed the heaviest meal in the morning if you want your dog to be alert in the evening if he is a watch dog.
Large dog breeds puppies and feeding:
The correct feeding habits for large dog breed puppies is especially important, particularly during their growing periods. For puppies, who may weigh only a pound or two at birth, can weigh upwards of a hundred pounds by the time they are ten to twelve months old. Because these dog breeds can grow so fast, their diets are especially important and should be fortified with calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D and high quality proteins. When we consider it takes a human being ten to twelve years to reach the same growth level it becomes clear why feeding your puppy the proper food with a quality diet is so essential.
Feeding your puppy during the first set of immunizations
During the age three to four months when your puppy will be getting immunized is also especially an important time for considering the needs of his diet. The experience of getting his first shots supported by a healthy immune system is very important. The immune system is supported by the protein that is eaten by your dog. Not getting this important staple in your puppy’s diet may compromise his health and the protection necessary for combating health problems.
We recommend you feed your dog vitamins and mineral supplements during their first year of life (at least) to support their health and immune system. There are wonderful pet vitamins and supplements that dogs love to gobble up in the form of tasty gravy’s that can be added to their regular meals. Dog health care products can make a world of difference to your dogs health and happiness.
How much do I feed my dog?
How much to feed a dog is often a question that concerns many pet owners. Making a general statement is difficult due to the individual nature of different dogs and breeds and their basic requirements. Pay close attention to the response and condition of your dog and ask your dogs vet for specific recommendations. Also consider specific needs during such times as your dogs breed and metabolism, temperament, levels of exercise he is getting, growth stage and of course pregnancy requirements. Any dog that consumes large portions of dog food and does not gain weight should have a visit to a veterinarian to diagnose and avoid unknown complications.
Dog food and feeding guidelines:
Wet dog food or canned food:
For young or growing dogs - One ounce per pound of body weight of the dog per day.
Dog food for the health maintenance of older dogs – One half to three quarter ounce per day.
Dry dog food/meal – One to two pounds of dry meal per thirty-five pounds of dog. (For estimating quantities for several dogs this measurement is helpful.)
For those of you who like to feed your dog tables scraps please consider to
avoid high starch and highly seasoned foods.
Myths about dogs and foods:
Raw meat, mild and candy not cause worms
Starch is not proven to cause eczema in dogs
Grass is not a tonic and cause intestinal and stomach upset.
Garlic should be avoided as a worm remedy.
Dogs do not need dog bones to chew on and can be dangerous if with small, brittle bones.
(Consider using large bones such as knuckles if you do prefer to give bones and avoid steak, chop, and chicken bones).
Feeding tips for your dog’s health:
Keep in mind dogs are carnivores and meat should include a large portion of your dog’s diet. If feeding your dog cooked meat, remember over cooking it will result in vitamin loss. Vegetables are still important for your dog’s health and should also be included in your dog’s diet.
Coercing your finicky dog to eat:
Many dogs are especially finicky and a few helpful tips to getting your puppy or dog to chow down include:
Use a broth and mix it in his food
Consider a gravy supplement and adding it to his food
Warm up the food to stir up the aromas of the food
Put a little on his gums to stimulate his interest
Feeding a sick dog:
Feeding a sick dog can especially be a problem and worrisome for a pet owner. Feed your pet high quality and nourishing food yet in smaller quantities over time. Consider using foods such as baby meats, chopped liver, toast, boiled milk, cooked cereals or a soft boiled egg. Talk with your vet if you feel your dog may need extra care. Pet meds online can often be far less expensive than at pet supplies retail stores.
Summary of feeding your dog or puppy:
The practices you put into place for feeding your puppy his dog food is very important and should be one of the first things considered when purchasing a puppy. The health and happiness of your dog will depend on the love and care you give him and in turn will affect your relationship with him. Your puppy is a part of your family we hope you have many years of enjoying his loyal, playful and loving nature. We wish you and your dog the best of health and happiness together!
This article was created for http:www.pet-supplies-for-dogs.com and may only be reproduced with authorization from the webmaster.
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