Thursday, August 23, 2012
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It is well known that the pet food industry is a multi-billion dollar industry, which seems to be growing in terms of revenue each and every year. There are more and more pets that are either sold or adopted and we are led to believe that we will be meeting their daily nutritional requirements by feeding them pet food sold off the shelves. Much to our surprise, this is the power of marketing and advertising at its best. Through the power of suggestion, Dog owners believe that processed dog food will lead to a healthier and livelier pet dog.
An article by Laura Cunningham was published in the NY Times back in 1981. She reported that people spent about 4 billion dollars a year on commercial pet food. In 2007, a massive recall took place. It was then reported that people were spending more than 16 billion dollars a year on pet food alone. You may ask yourself how this figure is possible. The APPA (American Pet Products Association) in 1988 conducted a study that came up with some interesting facts. They reported that 56% of American households either owned a dog or a cat. In a more current poll, it was stated that about 63% of households across the United States owns a pet.
Although a more accurate figure cannot be gathered, it simply shows that there has been approximately a 7% increase in pet owners across the country. The numbers just did not add up. How could this mere 7% increase spend 16 billion dollars a year on pet food alone, compared to 4 billion dollars in 1981? The answer was simple. In the past, more people preferred to prepare food for their pets from scratch, as opposed to today's practice of consuming processed food. We all know the dangers of consuming processed food, so was the massive recall really that surprising?
We Are Now The Wiser
There are a growing number of pet owners that can now see the truth, despite the all out marketing and advertising campaigns. The saying, "Pet food is best for pets." is now a myth. However, due to the demands of the western workplace, we often have less time to prepare our pet's meals from scratch. This is why we find purchasing pet food more convenient, hence, the misconception of pet food being the most ideal for our pets. Due to the recent recall, a lot of dog owners are now waking up to reality. There is now a growing awareness regarding the true facts; commercial pet food may not have been as healthy as we were led to believe.
Although there are still a lot of people who still fail to see the truth, this does not mean that these people do not care for their pets. We all strive to keep our pets healthy and happy. Unfortunately, there are still a lot of people who still believe in the wrong practice. Fortunately, the facts are too hard to deny as more and more of our pets are stricken by diseases and it some cases, death. This will surely be an eye-opener, which will make way for a healthy change.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
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Have you ever wondered what ingredients are in the top rated dry dog food that your family pet eats? Most people see the pictures on the front of the top rated dry food bags showing choice meat cuts and fresh, whole grains, and just assume that their family dog is eating just as well as the family. However, once you understand what is actually put into the top rated dry dog food, and how it is manufactured, you may think twice about feeding these foods to your furry friend. In fact, you may actually wonder how dry dog food gets the high dog food ratings it seems to receive.
The harsh reality is that the industry responsible for manufacturing dry dog food is simply an extension of our own food and agricultural industries. The ability to create top rated dry dog food out of the waste and by-products that are not fit for human consumption has created a multi-million dollar pet food industry. Grains that are not fit for humans to eat, as well as animal parts that may be considered cancerous are just a few of the items that can be used in the manufacture of pet food products.
Some companies with high food ratings are created by a machine that is used to blend these materials in accordance with a recipe that was made by a computer. The computer tells the machines how much of each ingredient to add. The mixture will then be heated, created into a dough, and finally chopped into the bite-sized pieces we are all familiar with. As the dough cools, it puffs out into the final shape that we know so well. As it dries, it is sprayed with fatty compounds that are suppose to make it more appealing.
After the pieces have been cooled, they are then placed in bags. The cooking process that the food undergoes is said to eliminate bacteria. However, during the cooling and spraying portion of the process, it can pick up some forms of bacteria that if the food becomes wet again, will continue to grow. This leads experts to say that you should not add water or any other form of wetness to your dog's dry food. This included adding canned food to the mix.
The high rating canine food brands associated with dry food, like the super-premium, organic, and natural varieties don't use byproducts. Their labeling list meats for example turkey or even lamb as their first elements. However, these meats continue to be mainly scraps.
Regarding poultry, bone fragments are permitted. The "chicken" mentioned in certain food labels are in fact backs as well as frames, backbone and ribs, without their costly breast meat. Many of those meat products aren't even utilized fresh, they're rendered.
Rendering is really a process which involves extracting essential oil from body fat, blubber, and so on by burning it. Quite simply, the recyclables are put into big vats and boiled for many hours. The actual rendering sets apart the body fat, removes drinking water, and eliminates bacteria, infections, parasites, along with other organisms. But these types of high temperatures may also alter or even destroy organic enzymes as well as proteins present in the uncooked ingredients.
Rating dog food is not necessary when you offer your dog a natural diet, free from bagged dry dog food with their false dog food ratings.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
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If you were under the impression that dog boarding means that your dog will have a nice clean cage or pen while you are away then you have not familiarized yourself with the accommodations and amenities that are available today. Dog boarding and doggie daycare has taken a whole new direction to offer pets (and their owners of course) a long list of amenities and services when you board your pet.
The average boarding facilities will have a few options. The majority of them will offer a pen with regular meals, walks and exercise. They will also make sure your pet is given some individual attention each day and played with a few times. Most facilities also offer private dog runs where the dog can be both indoors and outdoors at different times. This is the most basic of dog boarding amenities and care.
Dog boarding now is not always long term. Many facilities offer "doggie daycare" in addition to dog boarding. These boarding facility amenities are usually designed to offer the dog comfort, pampering, exercise and play. The most common amenity offered to dogs is a salon. Here the animal is groomed and cleaned while they are boarded. This is one of the more common boarding facility amenities because it is easy to bring groomers in to care for the boarded animals or to keep a groomer on staff. A few even offer doggie pedicures complete with non-toxic nail polish!
Some boarding facility amenities are meant to help the families that entrust their pets by training them. More and more boarding facilities will offer training while your pet is boarded with them. This includes household manners and basic commands. This is one of the better boarding facility amenities to invest money into as your pet will come home with better behavior. Training is always a good idea.
There are also many ways that boarding facilities are pampering your pet while being boarded. Some facilities offer massage therapy for your dog. A dog massage is recommended for dogs under stress or older dogs who could benefit from the pain relief that massage offers. Massage therapy can also help dogs who suffer from arthritis or joint/hip issues.
One of the most common pet boarding amenities is a suite. Suites can vary in size and price. A no frills suite will give the dog some room to move around. Suites can also include access to the outdoors in a private run. The more lavish suites have dog beds, furniture and custom feeding areas for your dog. Finally, the most luxurious of suites even had a TV for the dog.
If you are leaving your dog in the summer it may be beneficial to look for a boarding location that has a swimming facility. Pools are becoming one of the more common boarding facility amenities because it offers a fun activity for the dog and allows them vital exercise. Many breeds of dog love to swim and a pool is a great way for them to occupy time outside of their boarding room.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
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Many individuals ask us questions concerning pet dogs. One of the inquiries we receive are why they dig. It can be quite frustrating for individuals investing time and money in service dog certification training and then they get back and the dog heads out to the backyard only to tear it to shreds. You just think to yourself, he simply did go along with just about all his commands at training, precisely why can't he behave at home? You might even think maybe he's letting off a lot of steam or even exhibiting his aggravation with just about all the extensive training you might be placing him through.
Well in fact, there are many reasons why a dog digs. Some dig to keep cool, while others to get on the reverse side of the fence so he may go visit his buddies down the block. Several dig simply because they feel critters beneath the earth that he wants to capture. There are some other dogs which are just digging out of genuine boredom. For any of these reasons digging can leave your yard a mess, so here are several tips to stop the digging. Keep in mind service dog certification training should greatly reduce their desire in this venture.
First you will have to watch to find out where and when your dog is actually digging to be able to figure out why he's digging. It may be that he's digging because he is warm. Dogs don't sweat very efficiently and therefore they don't cool off as effectively as human beings. Digging into damp soil and then laying inside it, can offer summer relief. Try putting a child's pool along with water in it underneath a shaded tree.
If they are digging along the fence to get to the other side, try putting bricks along the fence so all they may be digging at may be the bricks. They will try for hours and not get anywhere except maybe their own nails filed down some and also worn out. But anyway they will be preoccupied for awhile.
In the event that they're digging because they feel critters, buy them a bone with the marrow inside it so that they focus on the bone and marrow and totally forget all about the critter.
In the event that they're digging from monotony, perhaps you aren't doing your job simply by walking them or providing them with more physical exercise. Therefore, perhaps discover someone to walk them daily or possibly toss a ball for an hour or so each day too. Keep your dog active and mentally stimulated.
Trying to get your service dog certification training can be plenty of work, however don't help to make it more difficult on yourself as well as your own dog by just shouting at them for digging in your lawn. As an alternative, check out the reason they're digging, and resolve this problem for them. In the event that you currently have a backyard full of holes, you might want to fill the holes with water, which usually discourages them from making the holes any larger.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
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If your dog or cat is scratching their ears, you are probably wondering if they have ear mites. In this article I will explain what ear mites are, and how you can diagnose infection in your dog or cat. You will learn about the mite life cycle, how the mites spread, and the most effective holistic remedies to treat your pet's ear mite infection at home.
Ear mites are known as Otodectes cynotis, and they are a relatively common parasite of dogs and cats. Most pets with infected ears do not have mites, so it is important to properly diagnose them before you begin to treat your pet; you don't want to be using ineffective remedies for the wrong condition. Symptoms of ear mites include itching, head shaking, scratching of the ears, but differing from other ear conditions, ear mites produce thick black debris. Most ear mite infections occur in cats.
The entire life cycle of ear mites is within the ear canal; they do not burrow into the ear but stay on the surface. The life cycle of a mite is approximately 3 weeks; the female mites can lay more eggs after 3 weeks to continue the cycle. The mites are very contagious and easily spread from animal to animal through direct contact.
The easiest treatment is to visit your veterinarian and get a topical conventional anti-parasitic medication. I have found Revolution (Selamectin) to be very effective; it is applied topically between the shoulder blades, and lasts for one month. Other conventional medications that work include Acarexx, (topical ivermectin), and Milbemite, (topical milbemycin oxime).
Clean your pet's ears with healing oils. I advise to start with this if the ears are especially painful. A simple recipe is 1 tablespoon of Olive Oil combined with 1 capsule of Vitamin E. Place this into the ear, leave it to soak for 5 minutes, then firmly rub the bottom of the ear and remove the debris with a cotton swab.
Another cleaning option is to use vinegar, but avoid this if the ears are very red and open wounds are present. You can dilute with water in mixture of 50:50, and squirt approximately 1 teaspoon into each ear. Put your hand around the base of the ear, and while holding your forefinger and thumb together, deeply massage the solution into the ears. After performing this, wipe out the excess solution, and black debris with cotton swabs. You can do this daily for 7 days, stop for 7 days, then again repeat.
Garlic and Olive oil in combination have been used to treat ear mites. Soak a crushed clove overnight in warm olive oil. Throw away the garlic clove and warm up the oil. Obtain a syringe or dropper, place 5 drops into the ears once every day for 21 days.
Soothing herbs that can also treat ear mites include Aloe and Calendula essential oils. These can be purchased at your local Natural Health store or pharmacy. Place in the ear, and wipe out the black debris. These can be placed in the affected ears once daily for 21 days.
Ear mites are the most common parasitic ear infection in dogs and cats, but they are often mistaken for bacterial and yeast ear infections. It is important that they are properly diagnosed so that your pet is given the appropriate treatment. You can now better diagnose if your pet has ear mites, and have an understanding of the mite life cycle. There are a number of both conventional and holistic remedies for ear mite treatment in dogs and cats, and you can now choose what is most appropriate for your pet.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
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I used to fear dogs of all sizes: tiny, small, medium, big and huge. Especially when they barked. And if they did not, I would get even more scared. They looked like always ready to get a piece of human--me. The really cute ones with hair much longer and silkier than mine, I did not care much about. But they certainly did make me wonder what was wrong with my hair or with my shampoo.
I grew up in a rural farm where dogs were mostly stray. They were never on leash. They roamed the neighborhood, with houses few and far between, with or without their masters. I doubt if any were ever trained for proper dog behavior. But they knew the basics: run to their master when called or whistled to. To people other than their master or family, they were not too civil: they barked, bit, or barked and bit. So I survived with other kids where our normal reaction upon seeing a dog from a distance was to either freeze and cry, or to run away as fast as we could. In many of these situations we would have been bitten had it not been for a brother or father to dart us away from those sharp shiny fangs.
And then I find myself today in a world where not only do humans and dogs co-exist peacefully, but that every man and his uncle's dog are on very friendly terms. There are as many dogs as there are humans in the park and on the trail I run with my husband every other day. Each time I would see a dog, my childhood memories of sharp shiny fangs would all come back. My heart would always miss a beat and I would take cover behind my husband. Most of these dogs would really sniff at me to a full stop. And then they would go. Some would even come charging up to me. And the owner would say it is ok. It was never OK for me.
But then, the owners were right. The dogs did not bite. They just scared me. One night I saw on TV somebody who calls himself the Dog Whisperer. First time I have heard of him, Cesar Millan was supposedly fast making a name as a dog behavior specialist and was being featured on the O'Reilly Factor. His unique principle about rehabilitating dogs and training humans piqued my interest. My husband and I followed him on the National Geographic channel and pretty soon we were watching his programs on demand. One day I asked my husband, Can we have a dog? A few shows more, each time followed by the same question. Dog days came and went. Then I had Otis. How I got him, who he is, our many adventures and misadventures together will be the continuing thread of this series. I mean Otis.
Have a dog day! And I mean well.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
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Staying fit and healthy is one of the most important things a dog needs in order to have a long, happy life. As an owner, it is our responsibility to give them the care they need. We need to give them proper exercise, allow them to socialize with other canines, and to feed them a high quality diet. One food that I am writing about today is called Orijen.
Orijen Dog Food excels by matching the foods that dogs naturally evolved to need, thereby providing the ultimate solution to their nutrition. They understand that even though our pets lifestyle have changed over the centuries, the degestive systems have not. Following this simple concept, Orijen has created diets that hold five distinct benefits.
1. High Protein Sources - A dog's body is adapted for high protein, low carbohydrate diets. They are carnivores as you know. That's why Orijen diets contain 70% meat. Very high in protein, the various formulas provide amino acids that are essential for optimal health.
2. Grain Free - As was stated earlier, dogs are carnivores. They did no evolve to eat grains. Sy why are they in so many pet foods? Manufacturers and owners wanted to save on cost and wanted more convenient bagged products. Orijen Dog Food doesn't use this practice. They understand that grains like rice are high in carbohydrates and contribute to obesity and other health problems in dogs.
3. Low Amounts of Carbs - Dogs have no need for carbohydrates. That's why Orijens don't use much. Less that 20% of their products are carbohydate. Most premium dog foods use 40% or more. Again, because our pets don't need them and convert them to fat, this contributes to obesity, diabetes, etc.
4. Fruits and Vegetables - All diets consist of healthy fruits and vegetable which provide important vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. They use ingredients such as tomatoes, carrots, spinch and apples to name a few.
5. Use of Botanicals - The natural botanicals used in this dog food are selected for their large supportive role as antioxidants in promoting daily health and to aid in solving common health problems.
Orjien dog food is made with a simple concept that a dogs dietary needs is what a food should consist of. Backed by several studies that prove older beliefs wrong, they have created formulas that meet and exceed the requirements of your canine.
Monday, August 20, 2012
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Introduction
Hello my friend. And thank you for reading this article.
If you have somehow made it to this particular page or site, my guess is that you are looking for the healthiest and most nutritious options for feeding your precious dog.
And I don't blame you! Dogs are a truly special breed (in many homes they are considered part of the family); but if you are truly concerned about your pet's health, you may want to think twice before relying on brands with a high dog food rating.
What is a high dog food rating really worth?
Recently, I ran across a site that rated the top 10 dry dog foods on the market. This site (which shall remain unnamed) had a long list of criteria by which they rated each brand. It was the usual: brands with a high named meat source, whole grains and vegetables and no harmful additives received high marks. Those with meat by-products, high (and substandard) grain content and harmful additives received low grades.
But what was truly shocking is that since their last update, this site had removed four of their top ten pet food brands from their list.
Doesn't that give you pause? Here were four brands, which previous to my hitting this site, had received the highest marks any dog food could receive. We're not talking one out of 100, or 50 or even 25. We're talking about 4 OUT OF THE TOP 10 BRANDS of dog food!
The real problem with dog food ratings
Upon closer inspection, the rating entity had really done nothing wrong in terms of their criteria, their research and their grading of a particular dog food. The real problem is that they were relying on the published ingredients contained on the manufacturer's pet food label. And therein lies the real problem with many of the raters.
Apparently, the manufacturer whose food was removed from the high rate list was under investigation by the Food And Drug Administration for "misbranding" their pet food. A food that was labeled as containing duck, had no such ingredient and one labeled lamb contained bovine material. The pet food company denied the reports, but the FDA continued with their investigation.
The other three brands were also deleted from the top 10 list because the manufacturer was bought out by another pet food maker with a not so great reputation.
The real problem is trust
Let me step back for a moment and ask you. Are you really confident that a giant conglomerate, that makes everything from soap, to motor oil, can do a better job of feeding your dog than you can? Do you know what the sources of the ingredients in your dog food are? Do you even know what those ingredients on the label mean? When did feeding our pets become so complicated that we must now rely on pet food formulas that only a chemist would love?
Are we that sold on convenience that we would turn over our pet's health to an industry that has serious credibility issues. How convenient are those vet visits you constantly make, which are likely caused by the processed food your pet is consuming daily.
The true highest rated dog food
There is one sure fire way to escape the ratings madness, and that is to make your own dog food recipes.
Once you truly take control of your dog's nutrition you will never go back to feeding them processed food day after day. And I can promise you that anything you put together yourself, made with only the freshest ingredients will always have a 10 top rating and will never be struck from the list.
Monday, August 20, 2012
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Man wearing silver jewelry like chain, cross or even bracelet is not so uncommon now days as it was sometime back. Those days are over, when wearing any kind of jewelry by man was looked as girly. Nowadays for man, Silver Jewelry can be a perfect way of showing others that you have your own distinct way of fashion sense. Wearing a cool artistic silver chain or a cross can really make you star attraction of any party and it shows that you like to stand out of the league. Always remember that you may have a pleasant personality but it's going to be what you wear, which will count first.
There are certain factors like being cheap, easy to handle as compared to gold and getting customized, which makes silver jewelry popular among today's man. The best thing about silver jewelry is that you can wear them as casual wear unlike other costly metal wear. You can wear them while on beach, or playing some outdoor game or at some meeting.
The cost of silver Jewelry for man can vary a lot as it depend on factors like how much artistic work has been done on it, what kind of finishing it has and whether it's having any other costlier metal or gem in it. But still you can get a good ear ring or chain for around $20 to $50.
The most popular silver items among man are chain, rings and crosses. After that we can count earrings, bracelets and some other jewelry. It's advisable to not to buy silver jewelry from online stores but find a shop in your town, as the looks can be highly deceptive from what you see online and what the actual jewelry is. If you have a friend who knows a thing or two about jewelry than take him with you.
Monday, August 20, 2012
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A Star Is Born
Everyday around the world people upload pictures of their pets to websites on the internet or to their own desktop to use as wallpaper. Our pets are family and we love to show them off.
Share Your Canine Star
Here are a few pointers for providing memorable pictures of your pooch. First, have as much fun as possible creating your little star. Second, think of a specific theme or story to add to your dog's portfolio. Be creative and work around your dog's individual personality. Besides our dog's real name, most of us have cute little names for our pets as well. We do this because of something they do or the way they look that makes them unique from their other furry friends.
Pick a topic and build yourself a star. For example, bath time. Take a before picture, maybe a picture while he's getting his bath and an after picture. This series of bath time pictures should tell a complete story about your dog. Cute dog pictures along with a cute story are something everyone wants to see and read.
Of course if you prefer just to submit a picture, that's o.k. too. One single picture is enough to communicate a special moment in the life of your dog. Dog pictures convey every emotion known to man. From adorable to mischievous to hilarious - dog pictures are enjoyed by any age group.
Even those who do not have a dog or any pet at all, love dog pictures. Asking an owner to show off their canine pics is like asking Cleopatra to belly dance. It comes naturally.
Tips on How to Take Nice Pictures
To be certain of taking good pictures it will help to know a few simple rules.
Distance
Getting close to your dog will fill the frame. Remember your dog has facial expressions that need to be captured.
Angle
Do not take the picture from above. Crouch down to dog level. This gives a more intimate view of your pet.
Color
Keep it simple. However, props can add interest. For example, introduce a favorite toy such as a ball.
Lighting
Easy - press auto. Take care as too much bright light can dim those exceptional features.
Patience
Getting the right pictures will take some patience. (Easy for a dog lover)
Lots
Be prepared to take lots of pictures. Try different angles, stances and behavior.
Fun
Have lots of it!
A Model is Made
Now that you have taken plenty of cute dog pictures it is time to share those happy moments with us. All the dog lovers who visit will be able to share anecdotes and stories by means of pictures - the cuter the better. Turn your pet into a model pooch.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
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Home dog training is quite popular nowadays, thanks to the high availability of reliable teaching guides and resources for beginning trainers. If you have a healthy, happy dog at home, there is no reason for you to not train it at home.
You don't have to spend hundreds of dollars to pay for obedience lessons. If you have a clicker, and some form of reward for your dog, you are all set to teach him any action or behavior that you want him to perform. You can accomplish all of this through clicker training.
What is clicker training?
Clicker pet training is simply teaching a dog to perform an action because it will bring a positive experience to the animal (i.e. edible treats, toys, etc.).
Unlike more traditional forms of dog training, clicker training avoids the common pitfalls of animal training (e.g. the use of aversive control, direct commands, etc.), and uses more natural means of getting results during training.
This training works extremely well because it teaches things to dogs in a phases. First, the dog is taught that a click will bring a reward. This is repeated many times to solidify the association between the metallic click, and the treat.
When this association has finally been made, the trainer can then proceed to teach the dog different tricks. The second set of associations uses nonverbal signals (such as hand movements). This practice emphasizes that the dog has to figure out on his own what you want it to do.
Demystifying clicker training
There are many misconceptions about clicker training that prevent people from using this simple method from training not only dogs, but also cats, and other pets. The most common myth about clicker training is that it doesn't use any form of discipline.
That is clearly false, since trainers have been known to use non-aversive means of correcting bad behavior. When a trainer says "no" or "wrong," the trainer is helping the dog understand which activities are target activities, and which ones are not.
The second most common myth is that when you start clicker training, the dog will forever be dependent on the clicker. Again, this is a misconception; dogs are very capable of responding to verbal, and nonverbal, commands. You can use gestures and words to tell your dog what you want it to do.
The third myth, that I hear all the time, is that this training cannot be used on other animals. That's false, since clicker training has been used countless times on different animals (including parrots, and dolphins), and each time, the trainers got good results. Dogs are only the most commonly trained through clicker training.
That doesn't mean that you can only train dogs. If you have a cat or a chinchilla at home, you can train those animals just as easily. You just need to know the basic strategies, such as loading and targeting, and you are all set to train your pets at home. Train one or ten - it doesn't matter how many. As long as you have time to spare and a clicker, you can do it.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
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Quick, when was the last time you brushed your dog's teeth? Of course, I know what you're probably thinking: "Oh my god, it was the day before yesterday! I'm a horrible puppy parent for having skipped a day!"
Really, though, the notion of brushing a dog's teeth is foreign to a lot of people. Just who are these people who actually brush puppy teeth, anyway? I mean, is that not a little bit weird? A little bit twisted, even? Eccentric? The notion of a crazy dog-person may come to some of your minds if you don't know the actual strong benefits that brushing your dog's teeth will have for your canine's health.
Many people believe that a dog's teeth will stay nice and strong as long as they have their bone to chew on. They think that this will somehow make their dog's teeth whiter. Of course, this is not the case. Certain dog bones are formulated to help a dog with cleaning its teeth, but, if the bone is too big or too hard-or the teeth of the dog becomes too decayed-then a bone may be just the thing that leads to chips and pain-ridden puppies. The whitening of your dog's teeth has to do with oral hygiene, and it is actually a very important part to healthy maintenance of any pup.
When you have a dog who grows up without brushing, you will see yellowing and decay around their teeth, just like you would in humans. Of course, a dog's diet is more restricted than a human's-they consume a horribly small amount of sugar and other cavity-causing things of that nature, for instance-but that does not mean that a dog's teeth will not yellow or rot. So, that comes to the question: What are you going to do about it?
Well, first things first: the natural answer to that is to take the dog to a vet for a clean-up. No dog needs to have their teeth brushed every day, but a regular and probably much-needed cleanup may be just what the doctor (or veterinarian, in this case) ordered. A cleanup is a very simple process by way of the doggy dentist gets rid of the layers of buildup that lead to staining and tooth decay. You may want to go sooner rather than later, too, because, once the dog's stains are there, it takes more than just a few trips to the veterinarian to get them out.
When you picture brushing your dog's teeth, you may very well picture a hellish nightmare filled with wagging heads and growling barks, because what kind of dog will sit there idly by while you rub a bristle up and down its gums and teeth? The answer to that, my friends, is a well-trained dog. Did you know that there are special brands of toothpaste made just for keeping dogs interested in keeping their teeth their whitest? Okay, it probably doesn't make a difference to the dog what you're putting around its teeth, because they don't know why you're doing it, but if it has a tasty smell to it, that could help things. Make sure to get the dog used to the idea of sitting still for the whole shebang by training it to sit and stay with you. Also make sure that it is comfortable with you around its teeth, or you may find yourself uncomfortable with its teeth around you.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
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I'm positive you've noticed this before, and you may do it yourself all of the time. Get a dog bone and hang it in front of your pet as you simply tell him or her exactly what to do. Roll over, play dead, sit, speak and I'll present you with this treat. Of course your dog will probably obey. They really want that treat. If you hang a peanut butter cup in front of me, I'll play dead as well and roll over too. Does this signify I am trained to roll over? Or does it simply suggest I really love peanut butter cups? Any time training for your service dog certification you are very best served to leave the doggie snacks behind you. The key to successful service dog training would be to help make the dog respect you. This can not be completed if the dog just looks at you as a supply of doggie snacks.
We constantly suggest utilizing a compliment strategy whenever training your dog. However, praise could be as simple as a verbal acknowledgement, or even just a pat on the head. In the event that the dog obtains a treat every time she or he follows a command, then you haven't earned the dogs respect. You have turned your canine friend directly into a spoiled pet.
Remember that your dog needs to learn who the authority figure in the partnership is. A relationship where almost all you do is supply treats for obeying commands, doesn't illustrate any authority. One other reason making use of dog treats like a training tool isn't the greatest idea, especially for service dog certification, is you won't always have them together with you. Service dogs need to know when they're working and in the event that they've been trained to react to get a treat, just what may occur whenever you don't remember to bring them from home? All of a sudden your dog is unhappy with you for not really treating them right after following a command and ultimately will no more follow that order. In certain rare cases, dogs could become troublesome in public areas since they're not really getting the treat they feel they've earned. The final and most obvious reason behind not necessarily utilizing dog treats while performing service dog certification training is that it may have an adverse effect on your own dogs health.
Just like humans, dogs are not designed to snack heavily during the day. If you happen to be giving your dog a treat each and every time they comply with an order, they'll be adding some really serious calories to their diet regime. You would like your pet to obey you increasingly more as training goes on, however, if the more they comply with you, the more they eat, you're developing a health risk for your dog.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
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One of the keys to getting higher search engine rankings is the proper use of one way anchor text backlinks for both internal linking (linking between pages on your site) and external linking (linking to your site from someone else's site).
One way anchor text backlinks are basically just clickable text links. Here is the definition right from Wikipedia, "the anchor phrase, a link label or link title is the visible, clickable text in a hyperlink. The words contained in the Anchor text can determine the ranking that page will receive by search engines."
These clickable keywords, or anchor links, make it easier on search engine robots to determine what the site the text is linking to is actually about. So whether linking between pages on your own site or linking from other sites, use the proper anchor phrase and link to the appropriate pages on your site.
To illustrate this let's say you have a page on your site specifically about wiener dog training. You've optimized the site like we've talked about by putting "wiener dog training" in your meta tags and the other strategic places we've discussed, so when the search engine robots scan your site they know that page is about wiener dog training. Now to further support the on page work you've already done, you need an incoming link from another site, but not just any link. You need a link from a related web site using the text "wiener dog training."
We're really getting rolling here. I hope your enjoying the content by our Atlanta SEO experts. Remember to always use one way anchor text backlinks for any linkbuilding campaigns you do. This is vital to your success.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
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While silver labs are known for being great hunting dogs, many would-be owners wonder if they also make great pets. The answer is a resounding - yes!
Silver labs are a breed of dog exhibiting a diluted "silver" coat color that is distinctive. The silver coloring happens when a diluted gene is made dominate through selective breeding. This gene changed the color of the Labrador's coat producing the silver lab's trademark color.
The breed can trance its ancestry back to the early 1930's when the color was first bred consistently. There is still a good amount of controversy about the breed, and some experts still claim the silver Labrador is really in the family of chocolate Labradors.
But do they make good pets?
Like any Labrador, silver lab puppies, and full-grown dogs, will give your family a lot of love and joy. Knowing what to expect is the key to a lifelong friendship. Labradors do better when they have a lot of space to play and can go "full out" when running, jumping or even swimming.
A prospective owner should be knowledgeable of the physical requirements of Labradors and the amount of exercise they require. Some owners notice excessive and oftentimes destructive chewing the dogs may inflict on furniture and possessions, so always having a supply of toys available for the dog to chew on and play with is a must.
Labs do well with obedience training, although it will take time and patience. Silver labs also get along with almost anybody as well as other animals, so adding them to your family or having frequent visitors should not be a problem.
Silver Labradors are great pets and hunting dogs, and will definitely be a source of love and fun for your family.
Friday, August 17, 2012
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We've already established just how important regular walks are for your dog, but as with most things in life, there's often a good, better, and best way to do something. So what then, is the best way to walk your dog? What might seem like a silly question is actually not as quite simple as we may first think. There are many safety factors to keep in mind when planning your daily strolls.
First of all, always consider the elements. If heat is an issue your area, consider walking you dog in the morning or evening, before or after the hottest part of the day. If you're bringing water, anticipating needing it for yourself, don't forget to bring something for the dog as well. Collapsible plastic bowls are great for sharing your drink, or even a small plastic bag works too. Think about it - if you're hot, imagine how hot you'd be in a fur coat.
In addition to heat, there can also be potential problems from cold. Especially if you have a smaller dog (under 30 pounds), consider a sweater or jacket for your pet. With pet clothes increasing in popularity, you can get a quality jacket for a fairly low price. A great alternative if your dog doesn't have a jacket is one of your old sweatshirts. Tie the arms around the dog's neck and let the body of the sweatshirt cover his back. (Just don't forget to tuck the arms of the sweatshirt into the "scarf" you made around his neck of you will come home with a wet and dirty sweatshirt.) For extreme cold, a pair of boots is not a ridiculous idea. Don't have boots for your dog? You can always make your own using some old pairs of socks. Simply place the socks on your dog's feet like... well, socks. If you're concerned that your dog's feet might get wet (or sandy/salty from the roads), you can always tie bags around the paws or cover them in Saran wrap. Yes, your dog may look crazy and may not like it at first, but once he gets used to his "boots" he will thank you. Salt between the toes is not a comfortable feeling.
If you're planning to walk your dog in the early morning or evening, we highly recommend some form reflective gear on your dog. There are a lot of options here, most common of which is a reflective harness. Your dog will be safe without even knowing it. I've also seen dogs with blinkers on their harnesses - if this doesn't scare your dog, this is also another good option. And if you want to be really safe, consider a reflective leash as well.
Last but not least, the most important thing to do is listen to your dog. There is no "one walk fits all" for dogs - you need to consider your pet's age, energy level, and overall health when planning your route. If your dog starts dragging behind on your walk, you're probably going too far or too fast. This is especially true as your dog ages - the once favorite route may need to be shorted over time. Make sure your dog sees the vet regularly as well and is healthy enough for exercise. Walks are just so much fun for dogs - they can be in pain and not necessarily show it on the walk.
Oh - and just as people get bored with the same work-out routines, don't forget to mix it up a bit for your dog from time to time. Happy trails!
Friday, August 17, 2012
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Shelties are prone to excessive barking, they are a herding breed, it is in their nature to alert you to strange animals or people that are getting near the parameter of their property (i.e. people walking by, stray dogs or cats on the loose, they may even try to "herd" cars, which is why it so important to have your sheltie in a securely fenced yard when outdoors for their safety!), this is their herding instinct in action! But with gentle firmness and consistency they are relatively easy to train.
Here is an easy tip that I personally use and it works great on my shelties (and I have several!) I no longer get complaints from neighbors and my dogs are quiet, obedient and relaxed. Shelties are eager to please you, but you have to let them know what you want!
If your sheltie begins barking and it is not desired, burst outside (or into the room where they are if they are inside, though shelties seldom bark indoors) and firmly say the command "Quiet!", keep doing this every time they start to bark. Within a few days, the problem should be resolved. Just don't give up and be consistent (use the same command every time, and do this every time you notice them barking), this is the key! Soon you will have a quiet sheltie and you and your neighbors will rest easier.
I start this process over with new puppies and with any new dog I introduce. Because of course new puppies will get excited and want to bark, with patience and consistency, they too will learn to be quiet. It is reinforced quickly when they observe the older dogs are not barking. Here's to a quieter future for you and your sheltie :)
Thursday, August 16, 2012
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Pet owners are concerned about the health of their dogs. And the item we are most concerned about is food.
Can you remember a time when dogs were fed table food scraps and they were left to wander about the farm or the community and folks or neighbors might toss some food there way? None of these foods had hurt the dog.
If your pet passed a butcher shop, a bone or a piece of meat may have been given to him, if he passed a bakery, perhaps he was given an egg, and as he passed a farmer milking his dairy cow he probably received a squirt of milk.
When I raised German shepherd dogs a trip to the grocery store allowed me to purchase leftover bones and meat cuttings from the meat counter to be used for dog food. If this opportunity is open to you, great! Currently, in the city which I reside grocery stores are not permitted to sell these bones and scraps.
Then commercial pet foods came along and turned the heads of pet owners with promises of their prized healthy dog food recipe, excellent nutrients, and convenience for pet owners at a reasonable price.
Regardless of where you got your meat for the high protein content, or the dry or canned commercial dog foods, I do not recall every hearing about a dog getting sick as much as we do today. And today there are many dog food recalls which cause alarm for pet owners because of dog illnesses.
Do you remember when television dinners and fast foods were first introduced for people to eat? These served as occasional meals and were particularly handy when traveling or there truly was no time to make a home cooked meal.
Have you begun to notice the fact that now in both situations, we are hearing of animals and people getting sick from commercially produced foods? What is the dilemma?
One sure ingredient causing problems is sugar. Too much sugar in both animal and people food. Now we hear much about overweight, immune deficiency diseases, heart and circulation diseases, and diabetes on the increase. Dogs and people are having health problems which seemingly are related to the ingredients in our food.
Where are the wholesome foods for us and our pets? Why are there so many preservatives, chemicals, dyes, and names of ingredients that we cannot pronounce being put into food?
Pet owners are questioning ingredients in pet foods, both dry and canned, because their pets are getting sick. If commercially prepared pet food is so good why have there been so many pet food recalls by the manufacturing companies?
You have read or heard of human error at the factory, or the wrong additive being added to the food or too high a dose of certain vitamins, wrong ingredients, and contaminated ingredients from foreign countries.
Do you have questions about pet food? Visit the pet category on the home page of Tricia Deed at http://www.Infotrish.vpweb.com/ and review Dog Food Secrets.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
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Ear mites in dogs are the typical cause of ear infections found by veterinarians. A tiny spider like parasitic mite that, though labeled ear mites, they can be found on any part of your pet's body. They especially like the warm moist area of the ear canal and will take up permanent residence there and do their worst damage. Cats appear to be more susceptible to them, but they seldom find a dog they don't like.
Dog breeds with long floppy ears are the most prone to mite infections. Those long ears are very effective in restricting air flow to the ear canal entrances.
Of the several types of mites that will invade your pup's ears, otodectes cynotis is the one most likely found. However,it really doesn't matter if mite's species is identified in order to treat the problem properly. They are simply considered ear mites regardless of the species they happen to be.
These parasites are actually rather contagious, so it's a good idea for you as a pet owner to know exactly how they are transmitted. Puppies can get them from their mother. It you have an infected pet in your home and also have various other pets it's likely that the mites will spread to the others because as the mites most likely will infest the living area. Any animal, such as a cat, gerbil, mouse, hamster, rabbit, and ferret is susceptible. However, they don't survive long off a pet, so you won't have to treat the house. Don't worry about yourself or your family; humans can't get them from animals.
Here are some symptoms.to watch for to determine if ear mites in dogs or puppies are present. You may notice that the animal will either be continually scratching around the ears or shaking it's head. If the infestation is severe, so too will the scratching and head shaking be severe. When a case is of a more advanced nature, oftentimes the ear canals will bleed and you'll be able to notice either dried or even fresh blood inside the canal. So you know, dried blood looks a lot like coffee grounds. If you look into your dogs ear and notice anything similar to this then it's a good bet that you dog has ear mites. Some other possibilities are yeast infections or bacterial infections.
Although these pests in dogs are very common, they should be taken very seriously. If your dog goes too long without treatment, it can suffer permanent hearing loss due to damage to the eardrum and ear canals.
There are many different preparations available to help manage ear mites in dogs. Most of the available products contain an insecticide called pyrethin. Without the insecticide the mites would not die. Some brand names of mite medication are Frontline, Revolution, Milbemite, and Hartz.
Depending on which medicine you choose, it could take between two to four weeks before all the mites will be killed. Just to reiterate, these mites aren't limited to just the ears. They can attack any part of a dog's body, so remember to treat those areas as well. If you have other pets in your household, it's a good idea to treat all pets at the same time. Ear mites in dogs or other animals spread easily, so if one is infected assume all your pets are most likely infected.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
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You may not possibly know this, but service dogs are in actuality acknowledged as part of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. This is providing they are individually taught to perform a particular action for the dog owner. Therefore, service dog certification is an essential aspect of this particular definition.
All these dogs have to be allowed to go anywhere together with their particular handler. Including, however not restricted to, restaurants, concert halls and even commercial airliners. This is all clearly stated by federal and state laws.
What may surprise everyone, is that in fact, these dogs need not wear any type of distinguishing articles like an identifying jacket or vest. It is totally at the option of the dog owner and never legally required. In fact, it is not legal to even request any type of specific paperwork as proof of the animals training.
However, the value of service dog certification cannot be emphasized enough, due to the fact that when your untrained dog misbehaves in any fashion, often the operator of the place you happen to be visiting, will exercise his right under the law, to ask you to have the animal under control and failing that, ask that you just leave the premises.
These kind of dogs can also escort an individual to the workplace. But it should be noted, the company is only asked to make a reasonable accommodation for this animal. This makes it a very subjective view in reality, as compared to other public spots. With that being said, often the employers have to realize that their evaluation of a reasonable accommodation is questionable in a court of law. Judgments in the tens of thousands and even larger amounts of money are already being paid as a result of this kind of lawsuit.
Housing is also an issue where even in residential areas with "no animal" rules, acceptable lodging needs to be attempted permitting service dogs to reside together with their owners. With regards to housing however, it is outlined in the fair housing guidelines, the actual owner of the residence can certainly require certification from an individual who possesses enough experience to generate this specific judgement. An animal deposit fee is not allowed in any event involving assistance dogs. As in the case with the animal in public places nonetheless, the owner of the service pet must show they are in entire control of their dogs all of the time. If the animal does not conduct themselves within a correct way, the supervisor of the premises has got the right to request the pet be taken out of the particular building immediately.
These types of episodes, once again, stresses the value of excellent service dog certification education for the teaching of proper behavioral tendencies.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
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The Dachshund is known to have a stick-to-it personality. Because of the purposes they were breed for they are full of courage and tenacity. These dogs are strong headed and can even be quite stubborn. Dachshunds are known to be a clever, bold and a very proud dog. They are quite playful and enjoy chasing small animals and tennis balls with an immense amount of determination.
On the other hand, the Dachshund is extremely happy when around people. They love to be close and cuddle and yet are quite protective and devoted to their family. Their breed causes them to be burrower so if there is not a lap to snuggle into, the Dachshund likes to burrow under blankets. You may find them under clothing or under the bedcovers at night. They are truly entertainers and their sometimes clownish behavior will make them the star of show, the life of the party on any given occasion. They love to be included in walks or drives when the opportunity to go arises. Dachshunds can become a little bit jealous when other animals come around and be a little snippy to show their protection toward the people they love.
The Dachshund loves to play with toys, especially ones with squeakers in them. Their breeding tends to make them pull apart the toy in search of the squeaker inside. This dog will not stop until they have pulled all the stuffing out and found and removed the squeaker. They are almost obsessed to see the task to completion.
The Dachshund makes an ideal companion and family member. With their strong need to be with the ones they love, their lively and somewhat mischievous nature they may even attempt to train the owner.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
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Probably the most important decision you can make for your dog is to feed him or her the best dry dog food possible, if you happen to feed your dog dry kibble. What your dog eats everyday has the greatest impact of anything on its health. The sad fact is that the majority of major commercial dog food manufacturers make food that is very unhealthy for your dog in the long run. This is one of, if not, the main reasons that our dog's overall health has declined so much since the early 1960's.
Believe it or not, people and their pets are the only creatures on this planet that get degenerative diseases like cancer, arthritis and heart disease. This is mostly due to the fact that we eat the same food that is high in unhealthy carbohydrates, fat and sugar.
Now, drum roll please, the World's best dry dog food is called Orijen. Orijen is a family owned, award winning company based in Canada. It is a premium, grain free food made from natural, locally sourced ingredients. This World's best dry dog food is also slow cooked at low temperatures which means that the natural nutrients in the food don't get altered or totally destroyed by high heating temperatures which is a problem in most major commercial brands. Yes, major commercial dog food manufacturers add vitamins to their food, but they are synthetic vitamins and don't work nearly as well as natural, whole food vitamins.
Orijen sets itself apart from the pack by focusing on human grade ingredients that are sustainably farmed or fished within their region, by people they know and trust, and delivered to them fresh, never frozen, every day. Their kibble is also based on their 'biologically appropriate' nutritional philosophy.
Orijen is grain free because although grains like wheat and rice provide cheap calories, their high carbohydrate content causes to obesity, and veterinarians are increasingly citing grains and carbohydrates as primary causes of health problems common to dogs. Dogs just weren't made to digest most grains. Commercial pet food companies began adding grain to their foods to increase their profits and save money. most of these companies just have their bottom line in mind and not the health of your dog.
The first five ingredients for Orijen Adult, the World's best dry dog food are fresh deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, russet potato and fresh deboned pacific salmon (a natural source of DHA and EPA). Notice their are no by-products, grains, or any other weird stuff in this ingredient list. Now go compare this to the food ingredient list you are currently feeding your dog. This is just one of the reasons Orijen is the World's best dry dog food.
ORIJEN ADULT is made with a biologically appropriate ingredient ratio of 70% meat, 30% fruit and vegetables and 0% grains. It also includes veterinary selected botanicals and whole food supplements that soothe, nourish and tone the digestive tract while strengthening the liver. They also serve as tonics and builders to strengthen organs, glands and tissues in specific parts of the body, such as strengthening the heart and aiding digestion.
To find out how your dry dog food compares to Orijen, make sure to visit this healthy dog food website now. You'll find some eye opening information and probably even save your dog's life in the long run.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
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Let's be clear from the start. A potty is not used when potty training puppies. What we are talking about is house training your puppy so that it eliminates outdoors or in a designated indoor area rather than anywhere in the home.
Don't look on potty training puppies as the unpleasant or messy side of owning a puppy. Rather see it as the first stage of a bonding process. One that will result in a happy and healthy relationship. That is the real reward of house training a dog.
Start potty training as soon as you get your puppy home. But remember they don't yet have full control of their bladder and bowel functions.
Feeding should take place at the same times every day. Do not feed with four hours of bedtime and withdraw the water bowl two hours before bedtime. A routine is essential. That means you too have to stick to a routine by getting up and going to bed at the same time every day.
Take the puppy outside into the yard or for a walk first thing in the morning, 10 to 15 minutes after every meal or drink and last thing at night. Do not play with them until they have eliminated.
If after 10 minutes there is no action take the puppy back to its crate. Wait 10 to 15 minutes then take them out again.
Be sure to praise the puppy and reward them with a little playtime every time it does "the business".
Restrict your puppy to rooms with washable floors until he is house trained.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
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This Orijen dog food and Orijen cat food is the product of an award winning pet food maker company. This Orijen company believes to use regional ingredients to make biological foods that enhance the health of your pets. They use turkey & ducks, grass fed lamb, bison, heritage pork, saltwater fish, free run chicken, and wild boar in their ingredients. It means all these items are being used to make the Orijen dog and cat food. They deliver best nutritious dog and cat products to make your dogs and cats stronger and healthy so they live their life fullest. Their main aim is to deliver the biological appropriate foods to the pets so they get all nutrition daily. The concept of biological appropriate food is that correct ratio and correct quantity of ingredients should be included in the products of dog and cat foods. They believe that maximum proteins and vitamins your pet get not only from the natural ingredients. Therefore they mix all the natural and other ingredients in their product to make it more effective dog and cat food so your pets keep healthy. Here is the example of dog food of Orijen Company which is named Orijen adult dog food.
Benefits of Orijen for Dogs and Cats
- This product is full of high protein which make your dog healthy
- This one is free from all carbohydrates or grains which are inappropriate for your dogs
- The omega-3 is the elements of this product which give vibrant skin to your dog. This one is the outer symbol of your dog's health.
- This product makes strong the immune system of your dog's body.
- Your dog will be healthy and able to fight with disease.
- This product provide all nutrition to your dog daily
- This one keep away many diseases from your dog
- This one is very easy to digest because of its taste and ingredients.
Orijen Dog Food Side Effects
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
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All dogs need several areas of grooming maintenance. The degree of grooming needed depends on the breed of the dog, mostly because of their coats. The basic grooming needs are:
Nails
Coat
Teeth
Anal Sacs
Many of us, with dogs that have high maintenance coats or hair, have entertained the idea that we could do this just as well as a professional groomer. Groomers are expensive. I could save tons of money if I groomed my own dog.
From my personal experience, (my dog is a poodle-mix)it is hard to save money when your dog is resistant to the grooming process. My dog, Daisy, is terrified of anything that vibrates. Daisy is a rescue dog ad I see extreme terror in her eyes when I bring the clippers anywhere near her.
Still determined to save money, I tried just using scissors to trim her. She doesn't have an elaborate cut. I love the puppy cut with mustache, kind of disheveled anyway. EURIKA!! This will work perfectly. I save money on groomers and if I mess up, oh well, it is just a puppy cut on a poodle mix. SCORE Except that Daisy doesn't like scissors either.
Training you dog for grooming needs to start when the dog is a puppy. I have explained Daisy's phobia's already. All I have to do is trick her into loving the grooming process. My brainstorm had already been in training without my knowledge.
I have always loved playing with all of my pets feet. Dogs are ticklish and that amuses me. As soon as I adopt a dog, my very first goal is to let her trust me enough to play with her feet. Daisy, totally relaxed, exposes her belly to me. Instead of just petting her, I instead explore all of her limbs, put pressure on semi-sensitive areas. I pushed the boundaries of her trust. She never felt and pain and ultimately trusted me when she had feared before.
Eventually, as I follow the same routine, I introduce the scissors. I am able to take the first three snips before she even realized what was going on. As soon as she realized, I began adding as many 'your such a pretty puppy' and ' what a good girl' positive comments.
Now this is the key, I continued to trim her until she showed signs of stress. Then I stopped. We went outside for a walk, and maybe even watched a TV show, before I began again.
Daisy understands me when I say it is time for a haircut. She sees and understands the gathering of utensils for the job.
Bottom line, I have trained Daisy that even though she does not like the scissors, she will receive extra love and attention before, she will get a break when she wants one, and she feels OH SO PRETTY when it is done.
Monday, August 13, 2012
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As whoever has ever possessed a spoodle puppy can testify to, training mans closest friend can be not just extremely challenging, however it may also be immensely annoying. Coaching your beloved dog may also be a considerable amount of fun, and when you are ready to learn a couple of tricks, it may be very satisfying. Major items to understand is the fact that dog training begins from the minute a person bring your new spoodle puppy home. Because housetraining is actually essential, except if you are ready to clean up your own dogs mess for ten or even more years, as a matter of fact, unless you are sure you are ready to commit training your own dog, you shouldn't also consider getting one out of primary. Okay, instead of waste any longer words, let's check out several great, proven coaching your beloved dog tips.
1. Forget about Workshop Sessions
Now, contrary to everything you might have heard, training your pup will not need hours and hours of your energy. As a matter of fact, all it requires is about 10 to twenty minutes every day. Any more than this and you will be wasting time because canines only have a comparatively short attention period. Providing you use the correct coaching your beloved dog as well as techniques, your most stubborn doggie can be taught simple commands very quickly in all.
2. Choosing a appropriate Name for aggressive dog training
Ideally, you have to select a name which is easily recognizable for the dog. Specifically, avoid names which sound nearly the same as words or even commands you might want to coach your dog later on. You should also try to produce a point of his / her names as often as possible, especially in the beginning, since unless you can easily get the dogs attention, you will not have the ability to start with training, regardless of what coaching your beloved dog tips a person use.
3. Consistency
One of the very most important coaching your beloved dog tips you will actually come across involves uniformity. The significance of this can not be pressured enough, and if additional members of the family living in exactly the same home, you have to point this particular out to them too. Basically, for every command you would like to teach your own dog, you have to select a specific word, as well as from that time on, no other term should ever supply for that particular command. For instance if you would like your pet to sit whenever you say sit, avoid ever use the phrase "sit down". Numerous dog owners utilize "down" when they desire their dog to are located down, and if after this you tell your puppy to sit down, your pet wont know whether or not it should sit, or even whether it should are located down.
4. Get into the Routine
While it is possible to spend some time dog training once you feel like end, getting into a group routine will surely make your work a whole lot simpler. Dogs depend on associating things, if you put your pet to bed each night at the meantime, she or he will eventually come to anticipate it, particularly if offer them some type of an idea when the time arrives. For example, you can give your puppy dog a small treat each night at the identical time, and prior to placing him to mattress. This way he can soon learn that after that treat is available in the evening, is actually time for bed, absolutely no queries asked.
5. Do not overload your spoodle puppies Brain
Once again, this really is probably the most essential dog training tips close to. Never try to teach your pet several commands at the same time. Instead, very first make sure he is got grasped a certain command thoroughly before you decide to try to coach him the next one. You will be sleep assured, there are absolutely no shortcuts here, and when u attempt to squeeze in a lot of too soon, your time and energy will simply end up being counter-productive.
Monday, August 13, 2012
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If you are thinking about teaching your family pet to receive a service dog certification, afterward you could be enthusiastic about the records involving these animals.
Since the beginning of time, dogs have been employed by individuals for support. In people of early times, it was mostly in regards to hunting. As far back as the times of the Roman Empire, dogs have been found in the military. The Aztecs considered dogs may have been provided for the world by way of a God to mentally help people.
The notion of service dogs was released in Germany just after World War One. It had also been found that dogs could possibly be used in helping blind people as "finding vision" dogs. Lots of the veterans returning from conflict were given these animals to help with vision mishaps they had experienced in battle. This denoted the very start of service dogs.
Quickly then, in 1929, the first service dog for the blind organization was founded in the United States of America. Studies regarding service dog education were executed through the entire 1920's and 1930's. It took over fifty years for the notion of using dogs for more than helping the blind began to develop.
In the United States of America through the early 70s a drive was spear headed to use dogs with people experiencing freedom of movement concerns. It actually was witnessed that, in some overseas places, donkeys together with other animals, were used to help individuals in moving from one destination to another area. So why not use one of the most available of domestic pets, dogs, for this specific purpose as well.
With that, an organization was established to pursue this target. This finally generated the first standard service dog system in the United states of America. From then on, dogs of course, have been found in service support for hearing disabilities, seizures and also in the treatment of autism and alzheimer's.
I do believe you will recognize service dog certification has grown by jumps and bounds from the days following World War One, with the great selection of help features that exist today. There has also been legislation throughout the years in the help of service dogs. The initial was the Air Carrier Access Act of 1986. This helped the reputation of program dogs on all United States of America airlines. This was followed by the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988. This especially addressed discrimination in leasing or offering properties to people who have disabilities who also held program dogs.
Then in 1990, practically all other concerns related to the usage of program dogs by people who have disabilities were addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act. We are now holding forth three federal laws that attempt to ensure the usage of program dogs and other animals in the everyday living of the impaired.
We must give thanks to our fore fathers and beyond, for the progress in the education and usage of animals to help not merely people who have real disabilities, but of those with mental concerns as well. This has enhanced the value and dependence on service dog certification across the world.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
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Ever since there was a rise in the breeding of "silver Labrador retrievers" or "silver labs," the breed of dog that exhibits a diluted coat color has divided breeders and owners alike as to their actual place in the dog world.
The silver color occurs when a diluted gene becomes dominant enough through breeding, changing the actual coat color of the Labrador. A chocolate lab producing silver puppies will have puppies that are a silvery-brown color, while a black lineage will produce a gray, silver or "blue" Labrador.
The origin of the silver lab is debatable, and some expert s claim the color was started in the early 1930's by inbreeding members of the same litter to acquire the silver color. The origins of the color are not the only things in contention among enthusiasts and critics of the breed. Breeders are quick to point out studies conducted by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and others clearly show the silver lab is a purebred Labrador. However, critics claim there is no "name" actually on the study, and nobody has even seen the actual test results that prove this.
Furthermore, according to the AKC, the silver Labrador is actually considered a "shade of chocolate" officially. This is no surprise really, as the chocolate Labrador went through the same type of process to be recognized as an official color, thanks to objections from the black and yellow Labrador breeding community.
Whether you agree or disagree as to the pedigree for the dogs, one thing is certain - the breed is definitely gaining in popularity. You can find breeders in about every state across the United States. Breeders who take an active part in socializing their pups are desired, as those puppies will bond more closely with their new owners. Silver labs also exhibit all the traits from their Labrador lines including a knack for hunting/tracking and being a very social, loving dog.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
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The majority of dog owners, out of convenience, simply choose to go with a commercial brand of dog food for their four-legged friend, with the most conscientious owners providing additional vitamin and mineral supplements to their dog's diet. Today, however, as more and more owners choose to feed their pets a raw dog food diet, they will often ask whether dog supplements are necessary for such a diet.
We will answer that question shortly, but it's worth taking a look at how dog supplements actually came to be in the first place. The simple answer is that they were made to meet the demands of a dog owning public that loves to treat their dogs like little humans. Companies make all kinds of clothing, toys, and other products to keep a dog happy, so why not supplements too?
There are a number of different varieties of dog supplements now on the market, usually in a chewable tablet, powder, or liquid form. Much like the food that you buy, you can choose from a natural/herbal supplement or a commercial one, with both ensuring that your dog gets all of the vitamins and minerals that he needs to remain healthy both inside and out.
The majority of supplements available are used to fill in essential ingredients that tend to be missing in commercial dog food. It is for this very reason that dog supplements are most imperative should you choose to go with commercial food rather than a raw dog food diet. Dog supplements help prevent common diseases. Selenium for example, a commonly known ingredient in dog supplements, is often used to prevent cancer.
As great as all of this may sound, dog supplements do have a negative side to them as well as a positive. Most supplements are comprised of synthetic vitamins, meaning that a dog's kidneys have to work much harder to process them.
Vitamins that are found in whole foods are far better than synthetics as they contain all of the healthy components required to benefit the body. Vitamins, when present in their natural state, aren't found in a single isolated form but comprise other active components and enzymes as well.
To finally answer the question, pets that are placed on a raw dog food diet will not need their feeding time supplemented in any way as they will naturally receive everything that they need from their food. As a dog owner, all you have to do is make sure that your dog is receiving the right quantity of raw food in the proportions required for each stage of their development. If you can do this there is no need to include a dog supplement.
Before making any major changes to your dog's diet it is advisable to consult with your veterinarian as your dog may have special health requirements that only a veterinarian is qualified to assess. Some dog owners may choose to provide natural or herbal supplements, even when their dog is on a raw dog food diet, which is perfectly fine though not necessary.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
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Has it ever crossed you mind as to how dog food is made? The advertisements and images that manufacturer's present can sometimes give a false representation of what the dog food is actually comprised of. If you knew what actually goes into making the food for your dog, you may think twice about buying it again. Just because the dog food ratings say "quality", does that quality truly meet your standards?
Did you know that the pet food industry is actually an extension of the industries for human food and agriculture? This does make sense, and the waste from the human food and agricultural industries is sold to the pet food industry. But what exactly is the waste? The waste is whatever is left over which can include the slaughterhouse waste and grains that are unfit for us humans to eat.
This does not sound appetizing at all even when it comes to feeding our dogs. So how can the dog food ratings quantify "quality" in a product that is made from waste and is made to be consumed? The Association of American Feed Control Officials or the AAFCO created what they believe to be a recipe which includes the proper nutrition, and the dog food manufacturers follow this recipe with materials that are in accordance to the AAFCO guidelines.
The basic concept is the same for any company making dry dog food; if it's the almost the same then why are there dog food ratings? The ingredients, remember they are "quality", are mixed and heated into what becomes dough which is then made into various shapes. The shapes will then expand into the shapes that you are familiar with. The shapes are then dried and sprayed with a tasty fat or oil so that you dog will love it. After the shapes have cooled, they are packaged and shipped off to stores for you to buy. As a side note, you shouldn't get the dry dog food wet as it can attract bacteria which can make your dog very sick.
Are the rating for your best friend's food that are stated good or bad? If it is good, remember it is processed from leftover waste from the human food and agricultural industries. Is the brand you buy a specialty kind of food such as natural, organic or perhaps even a "super premium?" If so, you are doing something right as these don't use byproducts. However, the "meats" that are described in the list of ingredients are still scraps. Scraps can mean backs, spines and ribs and can even be rendered. Rendered is a term which means the oil is extracted by a heating/melting process. The temperature used is very high and kills bad organisms, separates out the fat and water as well as alters or destroys natural proteins and enzymes that are found in the raw ingredients.
I have no intention of discouraging you from believing the dog food ratings that are given to the particular brand that you are currently feeding to your family pet. However, I do want you to understand that the ratings can be somewhat misleading because their definition of high nutrition and quality is probably much different than yours. If you want to make a change, try homemade food for your dog; not only is it easy to make but you are in complete control of what your dog is eating.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
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Nearly all dog picture frames are a type of dog accessory that let you celebrate or remember your beloved dog by placing their photo in an unique and sophisticated frame. They include the unique qualities of a variety of different sizes and designs as well as the option to add your dog's paw print next to their picture. Conventionally they are a good gift idea for a person who loves their dog. Several specifics you need to comprehend in relation to dog picture frames as an option for a kind of puppy accessory are described below.
You are likely to have a picture of your dog that you want to frame or are simply buying it as a gift for another puppy lover when deliberating puppy photo frames as a type of dog accessory. They grant the features of different designs, sizes, special poems or even a space that lets you add the paw print of your puppy.
The advantageous facets of providing a classy way to commemorate and remember your puppy are what nearly all puppy picture frames present. You need to be knowledgeable of the fact some designs may not suit the preferences of everyone are less useful highlights of this kind of dog accessory.
Most of them are fit for hanging on a wall or putting on a desk where they can add a nice touch to any room. You perhaps will additionally want several different frames if you have a large number of photos or want to display them in several different rooms. A number of the common styles are Malden International, Mud Pie and Pearhead. In terms of price, they can range from $10 to $25 depending on the size and type you want. They are fundamentally intended for showing off your puppy or celebrating their life and are a great gift idea for the person who values their puppy.
As with every type of puppy accessory, you should think of the character of your puppy and yourself as the owner to find the most suitable option. You need to additionally be aware of there are specialized monumental photo frames if that is your intention in purchasing one.
By and large, if you want a variety of dog accessory to commemorate or remember your favorite puppy then dog picture frames are a good quality option, though several models may not satisfy the inclinations of everyone. They can bestow the favorable attributes of offering a classy way to celebrate and memorialize your dog - with qualities such as a range of different sizes and designs along with the ability to include your puppy's paw print with specialized frames.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
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I was a teacher at a college on a small Micronesian island for a year. One of of my teaching duties was to attend college-related extracurricular events and presentations, which usually offered a wide range of foods. Micronesians are festive people: they like a good get-together, and they like to lard the table with a cornucopia of foodstuffs. At first, because I wasn't familiar with many island foods and how they looked after preparation, I would always be the slow one in line, peering closely at some dishes. Why? Because I didn't want to eat any servings of dog (and probably one that had tried to bite me while bicycling a few hours before the feast).
My dog-ducking wasn't because I truly minded that Rover had been barbecued-I've written before about the spirited chases that mange-ridden canines gave me on my bike rides, and the improvised weaponry and tactics used to dispatch those hounds of hell. It's just that the thought of eating dog unsettled me. In my culture, it's OK to with enough salt to brine an Olympic pool. And in my youthful subculture, I spent an effortful afternoon making chocolate malts infused with ground peyote buttons.
But eating dog? No. Writing about eating dog? Oh my yes.
The old "write what you know" adage blows in so many ways that I'll only enumerate a few: you often don't know what you know. Does that mean you can't write in a woman's voice if you're a man? Or you can't write about the 19th century because yours is the 21st? That aside, I do think some writers, fiction or non, essayists or poets, neglect to plumb their histories for the page-producing pools that they are. I was out of my element in so many ways on that faraway island, but the combination of the odd and the exotic provided me with fodder for at least five published articles. I was a very enterprising shoplifter in high school, running a cottage resale business on the side. While I don't recommend they teach my techniques in business school, I later turned my history of happy hands into an award-winning short story, and then turned the account of having won that short story contest into a published article. Ahh, the just desserts of an empire of crime.
The Write Stuff: You Already Own It
What I'm getting at is that in your own history, you've probably done a juicy fruit basket of unusual things. You've met people who have baffled you, intrigued you, offended your socks off. You've breathed sweet fragrant airs or shivered uncontrollably in climates not your own, you've worked for scowling bastards, you were given gratifying gifts that were wholly undeserved, you made decisions that a month prior you would have thought quite insane. You've lived. Write about it.
You don't even have to write about it directly-have one of your short story characters say those nasty things you itched to tell your pestiferous second cousin. Run through your memories, and some branches will catch your clothes. Just as I wrote that, I thought about my 13-year-old self, roaming the Long Beach Pike, that long-gone, fascinatingly seedy beachfront boardwalk-and doorway-watching in goggle-eyed compulsion as a woman in a tattoo parlor had her breast inked. Not having made any direct acquaintance of female breasts at that point, let's just say I was interested. That boy and his mesmerized look will end up in a story.
But it's not just lurid chapters in your childhood that make for the best source material-it's the trip you took to the tire dealership last month, where you noticed the grizzled old mechanic who clamped his jaw on an unlit cigar while he worked his tools. It's noticing that the H.R. head at your office has an oddly aggressive way of pointing with her index finger while she talks. Your mind is populated, spilling over, with pictures of people and places and things you looked at, touched, were repelled by. Write about them. Using the life-stuff of your times as the font of your writing is as satisfyingly savory as any dog sandwich.
Friday, August 10, 2012
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After the recent dog food recall, armies of outraged pet owners were left confused and frightened as to the reason behind the incident. There were an overwhelming number of both felines and canines that fell ill, and worse, died from eating the contaminated pet food. Since they relied on these brands for such a long time, they had no idea where to turn to, and what other brand to trust. The risk of the same incident happening all over again lingered in the back of their minds.
What Was Causing All The Mayhem?
This is not the first time that this incident has happened. There have been a lot of cases involving the contamination of pet foods with mycotoxins (fungi-produced toxins). After the pet food manufacturer and the FDA find conclusive proof that the pet food is contaminated, a recall will be ordered. The two parties will then work together to prevent the same incident from ever happening again.
The Power Of Knowledge
When choosing the best commercial dog food is concerned, you have to be aware of what is ideal and what is not. Below are ways to ensure your dog's safety and health:
1. Always take note of the date of expiration before you feed your dog. Although there is still risk of contamination due to fungi and toxicity due to the preservatives and chemicals used, this is the initial step you should take. To prevent the said risks from happening, it will be in your pet's best interests if you purchase organic and all natural products.
2. Regardless of the date of expiration, if the pet food appears stale and/or smells foul, do not give it to your pet and keep it out of his or her reach. Contact the food manufacturer to file a complaint and for more information. You might not get your cash back, but at least you prevented further harm to your pet and other animals.
3. If you notice anything unusual with your pet, immediately consult your vet. To prevent further harm and to catch whatever your dog has early, professional help is vital. If the pet owners of the cats and dogs that fell ill to the contaminated pet food consulted a vet earlier, the complications and deaths might have been prevented. Never take slight symptoms, signs, or behavioral changes for granted.
4. To be assured of pet food safety, be always in the know. Keep current on news regarding pet health and pet food recalls to prevent being part of a sad statistic. The best source of this information is the Internet. Here, you will be up-to-date with all the latest news, through scoops, exposes, and other customer testimonials.
For more accurate information and news, avoid information published by the manufacturers themselves. This way, you get the blunt truth, and not a sugarcoated press release or damage control. After all, it is their reputation, livelihood, and income that are at stake. Remember, the pet food industry is a billion dollar industry and won't go down without a fight.
Friday, August 10, 2012
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Most people shy away when they think of training a dog. Unlike human beings who easily grasp ideas, it takes a considerably long time with a lot of repetition to be able to successfully train a dog. If you aren't aware, training a dog is a very enjoyable activity. I know you are eager to know just how to train your dog while enjoying the experience. This is a possibility. Remember, dogs vary in characteristics and the owner is required to employ various methods to gauge the dog's response to the different methods.
One of the most enjoyable methods is reward training. This is a strategy that positively reinforces the training. The method involves giving commands to your dog which are followed by rewards for the ones well followed. It sounds unbelievable that a dog can acknowledge rewards, but this is a reality that anyone training a dog must be aware of. One of the popular examples of reward training is clicker training.
When a dog under training performs an act as commanded by a trainer/owner, a clicker sound is produced acknowledging the action. At the beginning of clicker training, a treat always accompanies the click. This gives your dog knowledge that it's the click he desires to hear. After a while, you can take away the treats and the clicker's sound will be enough to serve as reinforcement. Treats provide great support to the training. To make it more enjoyable and achieve amazing results, patting on the dog's head or producing an excited voice is recommended. Most dog training types use reward training and success greatly depends on treats used. If you use appropriate treats in treat-based training, it will be the desire of your dog to spend more time learning.
Another fantastic training method is the agility training. A good number of dogs enjoy this technique. This is a dog obedience training technique that requires a high level of discipline from the dog to achieve any success. The technique is not favorable for large dogs. This technique involves setting up an agility lesson or course requiring the dog to concur the obstacles in a set time frame. Such obstacles may comprise crawling through tunnels, jumping over fences, climbing walls among other related obstacles. The owner's presence is vital and no other help apart from issuing commands should be offered to the dog. Before the training begins, leasing guidance to your dog is necessary. This instills a high level of obedience in dogs because they realize the importance of listening to their masters and also teamwork skills. This method has gained immense popularity and is now employed by most dog training schools.
Dog obedience training techniques are very necessary to your dog and can be found online. Dog training should not only cross your minds when you realize an unbearable behavior in your dog, but should be taken as perquisite for your dog. The techniques mentioned above are just but some of the most enjoyable dog training methods.
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