Using Treats While Training Your Dog

Did you know that there is a secret when it comes to training a puppy? It’s not a special command or leash. It’s not the subject of a 90 minute how-to video. It’s a simple tool that everyone can and should use-puppy treats!

Using Puppy Treats

Every dog owner has struggled with the sometimes slow and frustrating process of training, taming and teaching their dog. The process should result in some good behavior and maybe even some fun tricks. What happens is that many owners forget about one of the main reasons that any human or dog will act: motivation. More often than not, you need a little motivation to start exercising more or to clean out the garage. In the same way, dogs need motivating reasons to make them want to stop wetting on your carpet or eating all of your favorite tee shirts. Puppy treats can be a sure-fire way to help motivate your precious pet to have the behavior that you want them to have.

Treats are a great motivator for puppies (and people!) for the obvious reason that they taste good. When dog treats are used as a reward, dogs will want to do whatever it takes to enjoy that delicious treat. That’s a basic reaction, isn’t it? What would you do if you were faced with these two options in your own life: Option 1 lets you eat all of the ice cream you wanted and as often as you wanted to; Option 2 will give you ice cream only after you had put in a full hour of working out. Would you be motivated at all to work out under the first option? Hardly anyone would be, because you can get ice cream at any time, even without a work out. Puppies and dogs will react the same. Knowing that a certain behavior is required to get a treat is a tried and true motivator and a great tool for training your pet.

Generally dog treats are great because they are relatively inexpensive. Like candy, however, they don’t have much nutritional value and shouldn’t be used as a food source. Going to an obedience school can be very useful, but it can also be expensive. Before going the school route, spend some time on your own with your pet. Have a plan and be consistent in your training tactics. Use dog treats as a reward, especially when starting out with basic commands. The process of training your own puppy can be frustrating but it will be better for you and your pup in the long run.

Teaching your pup how to sit down or roll over or how to go potty outside are basic behaviors learned quickly. Both of you will benefit from using treats as a reward.

Let’s Talk About Our Dog’s Food

Because we love our dogs we want to give them the best life has to offer, starting with their food. But with so many options available in the market, it isn’t always easy to identify which food is the best for our dog. Who can possibly feel confident when so many brands trumpet buzzwords, such as “rich in antioxidants,” “all natural,” “Omega-3 fatty acids” and “superfood bits”?

A smart and informed shopper needs to conduct a simple product comparison to determine which dog food will best fit our dog’s requirements. You also will want to pay attention to how much time you will need to spend preparing your pet’s food. It’s easy to overlook the fact that some foods offer much greater convenience than the more natural, less processed types of food. Homemade dog foods are an example of foods that will require quite a bit of time to prepare.

The best food to give your dog depends not on the brand, but rather on your dog’s age and any special requirements he might have. Older dogs will require food containing a careful balance of protein, fat and fiber. Younger dogs have different needs and their foods need to be designed to address this. Most commercial dog food companies address these needs with offerings such as senior dog food, containing about 18 % protein, and food for dogs diagnosed with renal failure, containing about 14% protein.

Comparing Dry Dog Foods

A majority of dog owners will feed their pets dry dog food. With both supermarkets and specialty pet stores stocking large varieties of pet foods, owners enjoy many brands to choose from. Most dry dog foods consist of kibble, typically made from one primary ingredient such as chicken, beef or lamb as a source of protein. The main ingredient is usually a meat product that’s been processed, dried and sold in packs or bags for easy dispensing. Some dog foods use meat byproducts, a much less expensive ingredient. Be careful of foods with byproducts. They usually have more empty calories and add no nutritional value to the mix.

There are some definite health advantages to feeding a hard kibble to your pet. Chewing it gives your dog’s mouth some exercise and helps saliva production. Kibble also is helpful in slowing the build-up of tartar on your dog’s teeth and will help with fresh breath.

As you are comparing brands, remember that there are essentially two types of dry dog food on the market: premium dog food and economy dog food. Many pet owners will avoid purchasing the budget food, even though the price can be dramatically lower. Most economy dog foods are made from lower grade ingredients (for example, most will substitute cheap corn or wheat for the more expensive meat or fish). This means that your dog won’t absorb many nutrients, they simply pass the food through their bodies. Not only is your dog getting less nutrition, they will produce larger stools and be prone to more stomach issues. What money you may have saved on food will soon be eaten up by more visits to the vet.

Canned And Semi-Moist

Two other categories of dog food include semi-moist and wet canned food. Many owners like to mix in some canned food with dry food, it adds variety to their dog’s meals. Also, canned foods tend to have a higher concentration of vitamins and nutrients, giving your dog some extra benefits.

Semi-moist food has the attraction of convenience and dogs love it. The downside to this food is it may cause dental problems and worse in the long term. Semi-moist food is loaded with corn syrup and other sugars, and dogs just aren’t designed to process either. Another problem is that semi-moist food gets stuck in the dog’s teeth and can lead to bad breath and gum disease.

In the last few years, premium dog food has been introduced to the market. Usually these foods will have higher quantities of quality, nutritious ingredients. Some use only human-grade ingredients, although this can become expensive. Healthy vegetables, fruits, real meat and quality grains are usually the primary protein source in the high quality premium dog foods. Not only is there a greater concentration of vitamins and nutrients, there is more attention paid to the overall health of your dog. You may notice a healthy skin and beautiful fur soon after you start feeding your pet a premium food. Almost all premium foods contain no artificial coloring and preservatives, but are chock-full of vitamins and minerals instead.

Premium foods cost more than the more generic discount dry dog foods and usually they will be healthier for your dog. Some discount or economy foods have excellent ingredients, you need to pay close attention to the label. If there are no grain fillers and real meat, fish or chicken is the number one source of protein, you have found a good food for your dog. It just requires a bit of research to find the best food and the best value.

Being A Pet Can Be A Really Good Thing!

Did you know that there are more than 140 million pet cats and dogs in the U.S.? With a population of 330 million that means that almost one out of every 2 Americans has a cat or dog as a pet. Americans now spend more on pets than they do on children (food, toys, care etc), we really take care of our pets.

Treating Pets With Dignity

We have all heard the saying “it’s a dog’s life”, but it probably does not mean what it used to. Animals of all types are now protected by state and federal laws, and many have been granted certain rights that help protect and keep them safe. In addition, many people are closer with their pets than in the recent past, with a large number saying that they consider their animals to be an important part of the family. Some may find it hard to believe that a day in the life of a pet may entail visiting a spa or pet salon for some pampering. Pets being carried around in a designer bag or wearing a jewel-encrusted collar are common sites, images that our grandparents would look upon with confusion.

Does this seem far-fetched or unbelievable? It shouldn’t if you have paid attention to social media. Some studies have shown that dog owners say they spent more than $263 on their four-footed friends in the past 12 months (not including food expenses). In other words, their dogs get over $20 per month in toys and treats (or puppy spa days). Cat owners spent more than $100, apparently cats don’t need as many toys each month.

Animal Welfare Groups

A key reason for this noticeable improvement in animal’s quality of life is due to animal welfare organizations such as the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). This group, along with other animal advocates, have worked to change the way people think about and treat animals, whether they are pets or not. Celebrating its 153rd anniversary this year, the ASPCA is the oldest animal welfare organization in the Western Hemisphere. They will mark their anniversary with a yearlong celebration highlighting the progress it has made for animals since it was founded by a New York City socialite in 1866.

To help celebrate their long history, the group is launching what it calls its most aggressive initiative to date. It is working city by city to turn the United States into one “Humane Community.” The program is designed to bring community organizations together to help ensure that no adoptable companion animal is euthanized for reasons other than behavior or medical issues. Many local rescue groups have joined this effort to stop puppy mills, end euthanasia at shelters and create adaption programs.

The new initiative includes increasing the demand for adoptable shelter animals, while at the same time reducing the number of unwanted litters being born. Additionally, the association’s “Meet-Your-Match” program is being revamped and will more effectively pair new pet owners with shelter dogs and cats. The group plans to expand its Humane Law Enforcement Department as well, allowing for more investigations and arrests for animal cruelty. Sometimes the groups have worked with cities to ban pet sales in stores (the animals usually come from unlicensed puppy mills) and to work with area breeders to make sure that pets are placed in safe homes.

Quite a difference from the days of farm dogs being used to herd cattle and barn cats used to keep the mouse population down. Luckily as the number of pets grow there is an increase in awareness of how to keep a pet happy and healthy.

Are You Considering A Golden Retriever?

Once you have decided to get a dog it is critical that you select the best pet for you and your family. All dogs look cute and adorable when you see them, but you need to make sure that the breed you pick is the best one for your situation. There are several hundred breeds of dogs for you to choose from, your options may seem unlimited. However, you do need to look at your living situation first. Do you live in an apartment? Do you have a yard for the dog to play in? Are there parks and paths nearby so that your dog can get some exercise and play with other dogs. Answering these questions will help you narrow down which breed will be best for you.

What Is A Breed?

The American Kennel Club categorized different breeds by groups. Each group will have distinguishing characteristics that are shared by all the breeds within that group. The Golden Retriever is in the Sporting Group, and we are concentrating on this group.

The Sporting Group is made up of some of the oldest and most popular breeds. Many of the dogs in this category were bred for hunting, although most people who own sporting dogs only keep them as family pets. However, the hunting traits that are found naturally in this group create some of the most enjoyable aspects of owning a Golden Retriever. Goldens are natural retrievers, this is obvious when playing fetch with them. They are happy fetching a tennis ball for what seems like forever without ever getting tired. Goldens are also blessed with outgoing personalities, making sporting dogs enthusiastic and responsive partners.

The Golden Retriever was bred to be tough and strong, their ancestors survived in the wild. Don’t let the happy, silly face fool you. While they can delight in lazing around the house or wrestling on the floor with your family, they are quite adept in the woods or in a field.

Golden Puppies Chew Everything

Golden Retriever puppies are full of energy and can chew almost anything quite aggressively. Make sure you direct your puppy’s need to chew to appropriate chew toys. Keep in mind that puppies aren’t fussy and will chew anything they can get into their mouths. A chair or table leg works as well for them as a rawhide chew. Goldens are very trainable, athletic, and good-natured. They have a keen desire to please and are very aware of what you are doing. You will find them coming into a room with tails wagging and eyes shining. Training them is usually easy and as a breed they are very good with children.

A Golden’s coat is generally light yellow to deep golden honey in color. The coat tends to get a little deeper in color after the first year. This coat is usually long and wavy, you will need to brush them often to avoid matting. Brushing will also help reduce shedding, Goldens will shed year round. Males are usually around 2 feet high (at the shoulders) when fully grown, females may be a little shorter.

This breed is a great choice if you have a bit of space for the dog. They are active and fun loving, train easily and are extremely loyal. You will love having a Golden Retriever.

Puppy Training That Really Works!

Many pet owners are confused when it comes to training for puppies. This training can be potty training or it can be behavior training that the dog understands.

Positive Reinforcement Training For Puppies

It can be frustrating to see your dog pulling when they should be behaving properly. Dog training can be very easy once you know the basics and it will only take a few minutes each day to start. Start by reading this article to get a few dog training ideas that will help you train your puppy to behave properly in public. Dog training can be quite simple if you have the right strategy.

Dog Obedience Training: Learning to establish a basic obedience foundation before you start dog training is essential. Train Your Dog With Games: Train your dog by using games as a behavioral modification tool. Everyone knows that it is easier to learn if you are having fun, so try to incorporate some games into your dog training routine. This will provide you with a great way to bond with your dog and it will make training much easier.

The best dog training techniques involve positive reinforcement. Smart training for puppies means being positive and consistent. Positive reinforcement techniques should be used whenever you are training your puppy for any behavior problem. A trainer must use positive reinforcement – no yelling or screaming – to teach a dog because screaming and yelling can scare them away. Potty training puppies is a must but you need to do it correctly.

Why Socialization Is Important

Another important part of dog training is socialization. This is the process of introducing your puppy to various environments (such as a new house) before they start training their basic skills. During socialization, your puppy should be taught to stay calm and quiet when there is unfamiliar noise. Socialization is essential for your puppy to develop an appropriate behavior pattern when they are older. As puppies, we are exposed to hundreds of potential social situations every day and it is up to us as dog trainers to expose our young ones to as many of these situations as possible.

Dog training classes can be very beneficial for both you and your puppy. Not only do dog training classes give you the necessary skills to properly train your puppy, they also help you build a strong foundation for your relationship. If you choose a trainer who is unsure of how to properly start training your pet, then it is highly likely that your dog will not be able to understand what you want him/her to do. There are a lot of dog training classes available, and you can find the perfect one for you by simply doing some research on the Internet.

Clicker Training For Puppies

Some people believe that clicker training is cruel, but the vast majority of dog trainers are now using clicker training for puppies. Clicker training uses a simple device that makes a “click” sound whenever a command is given. As the puppy learns commands, the clicking sound will make him/her stop whatever they are doing and listen to the sound of the click. After a while, your puppy will learn to follow commands because he/she has been taught a specific sound by the click. Clicker training for puppies is highly recommended, because it offers the best results.

Not All Dog Foods Are Right For All Dogs

You need to thoroughly consider the food that you give your canine. It’s simple to overlook the importance of pet food but it is important to pick the ideal one for your pet.

Keeping your dog healthy will require a lot of fresh water. They also need to be fed excellent quality pet food in quantities perfect to fulfill his energy requirements. Constantly follow the guidelines on the pet food package for advised feeding quantities.

Selecting The Right Dog Food

One of the biggest challenges in selecting a dog food is selecting one that has a high overall quality. You will often see the phrase human grade when it comes to dog food. This usually implies that the dog food is good enough for us to consume. Far too many dog foods are made from products not intended for or less preferable for human consumption. Typically the meat that is utilized in pet dog food is of a quality considered unsuited for a human diet

Major pet food companies strive to provide balanced proportions of minerals and vitamins for the maximum benefit in your dog’s diet. You may see that lots of brand names of pet dog food have nearly similar labels. Well run and trusted dog food companies will offer complete descriptions for each supplement and how it benefits your canine.

Constantly check out the label to see what proteins, vitamins and minerals are being added to the food. Be wary of unknown brand names, they might use far too many fillers in their products.

Tips of feeding your dog the best dog food.

Research studies have actually shown that the primary component in health dog food needs to be meat-based protein, not corn flour, meal or corn gluten meal. Studies have shown that a better quality pet food results in a much healthier coat, fewer gastrointestinal problems and better overall health. Pet-nutrition specialists agree that the best pet food is made from human-grade ingredients like meat, entire grains and veggies. Premium pet food is so crucial since great nutrition is vital for a long, healthy life.

What Dog Food Is Best?

There are numerous ranges of pet dog food to pick from. The 3 most popular types of canine foods are dry, canned and semi-moist products. Pay attention to the color of the food you are buying. As a rule, dog food made from natural ingredients will have soft earth tones and contain no preservatives, synthetic colors and flavors.

Following a raw food diet is becoming more popular with some dog owners. Increasingly more veterinarians advise feeding your dog with raw dog food. They feel that this is the very best option and is the healthiest food for your dog. After all, you’ve never ever seen your canine take pleasure in processed food the way he delights in a good meaty bone.

Raw food are aware that this diet costs more than using standard dog food, but most feel it’s worth it. It may be a challenge to find packaged raw foods for your dog, especially in smaller towns. Try making a mix of ground turkey, rice and carrot as your own canine food. Your canine will thank you for it.

Feeding your dog premium food will pay off because it includes more energy and protein than an economy brand name. Regrettably not all dog food brands contain high quality and natural active ingredients, so examine the label. It is a good idea to consult your vet prior to choosing which pet food to feed your dog or puppy. He will understand your pet dog’s dietary needs and you will discover that veterinary offices and feed stores typically carry natural or organic meat based foods.

What Is Natural Dog Food?

Many natural pet foods include just fresh, wholesome and natural ingredients for your pet. Natural pet dog food has 100% nutritional value which is important for healthy strong pets. There are usually active ingredients added to natural canine food that improve greatly the health of your pet’s coat.

A great high quality dry food will work out to be a better overall bargain than the generic brand names. Despite the fact that they cost more per pound, the health benefits will save health care costs in the long run. Plus, bargain foods can have a lot of fillers, sometimes leaving your dog feeling hungry and eating more. Many dog owners opt for dry canine food for its benefit and ease of storage. The cheaper dry dog foods are made from corn, rice or soybean, while numerous premium dry dog foods are made with natural, human-grade ingredients.

Can Dogs Be Vegetarians?

There are pet foods specially created for pets that have problems digesting wheat, corn, and/or chicken. There are vegetarian pet dog foods marketed to owners who do not want their pets to consume meat products.

Conclusion

In general it’s generally best to let canines take pleasure in dog food and not table scraps, even though they might prefer what we’re eating! It’s okay to give your pet a treat from the table once in a while, but it’s a bad habit to do it often. Your dog has different dietary needs from you and picking a good quality pet food will help meet those needs.

Are You Looking For A Very Good Dry Dog Food?

Feeding your dog all natural dog food is one of the best things you can do to keep your dog healthy and happy. Diamond Naturals is designed for dogs of all ages and no wheat or corn fillers. Your dog will love you even more when you feed it all natural foods.

High In Protein

With 26% protein, 16% fat and added super foods, All Life Stages Dog Chicken & Rice Formula supplies the energy and muscle building blocks your dog needs to stay active and strong. Using all natural ingredients helps to ensure that your dog is only eating the best. Recommended levels of selenium and vitamin E help to ensure your dog is receiving optimum antioxidant nutrition. Crunchy kibble helps clean teeth and reduce plaque. Reducing plaque is important as your dog gets older.

This excellent dog food is designed for dogs of all life stages, a fancy way of saying for all ages. The primary source of protein is chicken and there is no wheat used as a filler. Dogs of all ages will find this food very easy to digest.

Besides being high in protein, this food is filled with probiotics and vitamins to help improve your dog’s overall health. Besides protein, this food will add vitamin E and other important nutrients to your pet’s diet.

As your dog gets older their dietary needs change, and it’s up to you to make sure that the food they eat is the best for them. Avoid foods with grains as the main ingredients, these fillers are hard for your older dog to digest. Plus, they offer no health benefit and can actually cause stomach issues. The vitamin E in this dog food is great for your pet’s skin and coat, you will notice a difference quickly. The protein level is high, meaning your dog will have energy all during the day.

Some Fun Feline Food Facts

Feline Food Fact # 1 Cats Need Protein

Protein is vital for your cat’s health, and typically comes from meat, fish or poultry. Pet food manufacturers like to say their key ingredient is mackerel, turkey or beef, but it may not in fact include those products. This will usually mean that it may not be rich in protein. It’s important to make sure the food you are feeding your cat has an adequate amount of protein in it.

Keeping Your Cat Safe And Healthy

Do you have a feline friend? If yes, you know how precious these animals are. Cats need a ton of care. Fortunately, this is not a hard thing to accomplish. Keep reading for some excellent cat care tips.

Is Your Cat Healthy?

If your cat suddenly goes off its feed for no apparent reason, try tempting treats such as jack mackerel, tuna, or cream of chicken soup in small amounts. These are not complete foods and shouldn’t be fed long term, but they are extremely tasty to cats. A finicky cat may start eating again and keep on when given one of these treats.

If you have multiple cats, save money on cat dishes by checking your local dollar store for salsa dishes. You can usually get a package of three for a dollar. These are sturdy and come in pretty colors. They look nice in your kitchen, and they are just the right size for cat food.

Cats enjoy finding small spaces to fit into. If your cat gets caught on something wearing a traditional collar they could end up hurting their neck trying to break free. The advantage to a breakaway type collar is that if enough pressure is put on it, it will just let go rather than strangle the cat. This could help save your cat if it gets caught in a tight spot.

If your cat is an outdoor cat or a cat that has a habit of getting outside, they need proper identification. The cat should have a safety collar and an ID tag. Safety collars that have elastic bands allow cats to get out of the collar if they get it caught on something. An ID tag or an implanted microchip can help your cat get returned if they’re lost.

Check your cat for ticks and fleas every week. If your cat does have fleas, there is a good chance that you also have fleas in your home. You might need some flea bombs or premise-control sprays, along with treating the cat, to get rid of the issue. If you don’t know what products to use for controlling ticks and fleas, talk to your vet for some safe options.

Your cat is part of your family, and you would do anything for it. Since you’ve read the advice above, you should have lots of ideas on how you can better care for your pet. Implement these ideas to create a safer, happier home for your cat. If you love your kitty, he will certainly love you in return.

Don’t Let Your Cat Ignore The Litter Box

The most common reason why cats wind up sitting in a cage at an animal shelter is because they refuse to use the litter box. Cat urine has a very strong odor, and getting it out of fabric or even removing the smell entirely from hard surfaces can be difficult. And, cats have been known not only to defecate behind furniture to hide the deed, but also often on the worst places possible, such as your bed.

If you’ve been frustrated in trying to get your cat to use the litter box, you may be surprised to learn that the answer to the problem could be very easy to solve. Please note that any cat who is not using the litter box should be checked out by a veterinarian, just to rule out hidden illness.

Keeping It Clean

Rather than getting angry at your wayward cat, it may be time to examine a critical element in the problem – the litter box itself. Cats are very clean animals, and one thing that can drive a cat from his or her litter box is a box that is filthy. Put yourself in your pet’s place and imagine how you would like to use an overflowing toilet; you wouldn’t, so why should your cat. Today’s busy world often leaves us trying to do too much in too little time, but the litter box cannot be neglected.

Clumping litter is probably the best choice for the litter box. Not only does this kind of material make it easier to remove feces, but it also makes it simple to remove urine. You should use a scoop to take out the clumps at least twice a day, and if you are home most of the time, scoop the box as soon as your cat is finished. Remember to add a bit of new litter to compensate for what was removed.
The entire box should be changed once a week if you have only one cat using it and at least twice if you have several cats all using the same box. It’s best to provide a box for each cat, however, to prevent one cat from dominating.

Cleaning Up After Accidents

Although you may have read that soap and water or baking soda will remove cat urine odor, they will not. Some of the compounds in cat urine are not water soluble and require an enzyme cleaner to remove the smell completely. You may need to repeat the process several times until all the odor is gone. Your nose will tell you when the job is done.