Can You Control Who The Alpha Dog Is When You Own Two Dogs

 A dog owner named Beth writes: Dear Mr. Katz, I have two cocker spaniels that are one year apart. The red and white female (Cassie)is almost two and spayed. The buff male (Peanut) is just one 1 years old and neutered. Peanut was rescued from a cocker shelter in October of 1999. He is incredibly devoted, a very good listener and quick learner. He is the ideal dog as he is very eager to please. Cassie on the other hand is the most independent and stubborn dog I have ever encountered (you've probably seen worse). She used to only listen to commands when she wanted but I have put a stop to that. I have had numerous problems with her dominant tendencies but have come a long way. She now views me as the alpha and only displays aggression when she is in pain - specifically when I brush her....

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Could Your Dog Be a Sports Star?

Dogs were traditionally working animals. They would have expected to be active all day, every day. However, in these modern days a dog's life can often be confined to indoors and with very few physical activities. Dogs are animals that need exercise on a regular basis; in fact it should be daily.  There are many reasons for this.  For example, it can help to control the dog’s weight its appetite.  It can also help to insure good quality mental health as well.  If you do not provide for the dog’s daily exercise, she will likely find it in her own way, which may be a destructive manner.  A dog that is bored is one the can become destructive digging up the yard and chewing on shoes.  But, when you take this energy that the dog has and apply it correctly through...

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Choosing Healthy Foods For Your Dog

Today’s pet food market is larger and more diverse than ever before. While this offers a large number of choices in various types of pet food, it also presents a dilemma in choosing the healthiest food for your dog. Are generic or store brands suitable for a dog? What about familiar name brands like Purina and Alpo? Are the pricier brands that advertise specially formulated ingredients (Science Diet, Eukanuba) really living up to their claims and worth the extra money? All of these are valid questions that loving dog owners deserve to have answered. Dog Food Considerations There are several factors to consider when choosing the right food for your dog. Different dogs have different nutritional needs at different stages in their lives. Some things to consider when selecting the food you’ll...

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