Archive for September, 2009
Dog Training: Keep the Message Consistent

Nobody said training a dog would be easy, and professional trainers make their living by banking on the idea that most owners lack the necessary patience. Still, by sticking to your guns and sending your dog a consistent message about what’s right and what’s wrong, you can teach him to mind his canine manners. Dogs respond best to positive reinforcement, which can be attained by distributing dog training treats when deserved.
Only provide positive reinforcement immediately after your dog performs the desired command. Otherwise he could misinterpret the reason for receiving a treat. Don’t send mixed signals to the dog, either. If he’s being bad, you should ignore him for a specified period of time rather than showing affection through petting. In time, he’ll learn which behaviors are acceptable and which won’t be tolerated.
Reconnect with Your Canine Companion

When they are just puppies, dogs almost always receive tons of attention from their owners. Chalk it up to cuteness combined with the thrill of the new. In an ideal world, we would maintain that close connection with our dogs well into adulthood. Unfortunately, our work and social lives often get in the way. When the dog becomes an afterthought, he becomes less obedient and more likely to act out.
If you’re looking to reconnect with your dog and teach him valuable skills at the same time, consider pursuing dog agility training. You’ll need to practice and refine your communication skills with the dog before signing up for competitions. Events range from the rather simple – running through tunnels – to the incredibly difficult – teeter and pole weave.
Commercial Dog Food VS Homemade Dog Food
Over the last few years, there have been many new types of dog food to have emerged in the marketplace. Many of these companies have successfully created a niche market, be it non-alcoholic beer for dogs or non processed food.
Many dog owners have gone a step further and feed their dogs a homemade diet. These diets generally consist of some form of cooked meat or raw meat, ground bone, pureed vegetables, and multivitamin supplements.
When Fleas Attack, Don’t Back Down

Your dog has just returned home after a long day of roaming the neighborhood; hey, everybody gets hungry eventually. Unfortunately, it seems there’s already a few unwelcome guests dining on your dog. Although the problem could be attributed to allergies, it’s more likely that he has a flea problem. And that means you might have a flea problem of your own if the issue goes untreated.
Try giving your dog a bath and using a topical flea medication. Getting rid of fleas can be tricky, so you might also want to outfit the dog with a flea collar. The process doesn’t end there – you’ve got to limit the chance that the pests have made themselves comfortable in your home. Wash any clothes, towels, upholstery and sheets that the dog has touched with warm, soapy water.