If you are feeding your dog treats, you need to ensure you are not feeding too many treats. They can get really fat! One reason is there is a constant want for a high calorie treat versus their dog food. If you find you have given your dog lots of treats on a day, be sure to reduce their dog food, to make the day more level.
Treats are now so complicated at the pet store! There are a huge variety of chewy treats, dental sticks, and green in color treats. I find all of these bones, chewy treats and "natural" treats are not all that valid for your dog. You need to ensure that they keep their nutrition, and do not get any bad chemicals and preservatives.
A dog's liver can be very easily corrupted by chemicals and preservatives. If you are adding these treats into your dog's diet, and she is getting fat, chances are the treats are the culprit.
Be sure to look for healthy treat options. And, try a day without treats. Do your dog a great favor and keep them healthy and happy!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Dogs Hate Windy Days
If you had a night like we had last night, you had some restless dogs at your house! The wind was kicking up, our neighbors lost a tree, and there are power outages all over the city. Luckily, we had no damage, but for some dead tree branches crashing down, and some garbage cans being pushed over.
Your dog has very keen hearing. They hear other dogs warning of the issues they are facing. If you are in a neighborhood, your dog is in a large pack of dogs, all of which either live life inside or outside depending on the status of their owners. They all listen to the sounds of dogs.
If your dog seems distant when you look at her, well, she is. She is listening for the howl of not just the wind, but of the other dogs in her pack. Even though your dog may not be physically apart of this pack, they share information, and it is a bark or howl when things seem like they warrant one.
If you live in a condo, chances are you live with little barking dogs. They are all talking to each other! If they get time to visit with each other, even in an indirect way through a walk, they will be less barky, as they have the information they need, and have already expressed it with their scent glands through their urine marks. It is important for your dog to pick up her mail on her walk, and to leave some behind.
So, if the wind picks up, this can be a real block for sounds and noise distribution in the pack. Realizing the effect can be a really great way to better understand your dog, and what she needs each day. Let her stew when a storm comes through, but do not comfort her, as you are only reinforcing the fact that when she acts scared or upset, you like that act.
Only give positive emotion and comfort when she is calm, and you will let your dog know, this is the correct behavior for her. I find that during the storm, if I let my dogs pant and run around, they eventually calm down, and then, and only then, do we cuddle together. Sometimes it takes awhile. But, the results are well worth it!
Your dog has very keen hearing. They hear other dogs warning of the issues they are facing. If you are in a neighborhood, your dog is in a large pack of dogs, all of which either live life inside or outside depending on the status of their owners. They all listen to the sounds of dogs.
If your dog seems distant when you look at her, well, she is. She is listening for the howl of not just the wind, but of the other dogs in her pack. Even though your dog may not be physically apart of this pack, they share information, and it is a bark or howl when things seem like they warrant one.
If you live in a condo, chances are you live with little barking dogs. They are all talking to each other! If they get time to visit with each other, even in an indirect way through a walk, they will be less barky, as they have the information they need, and have already expressed it with their scent glands through their urine marks. It is important for your dog to pick up her mail on her walk, and to leave some behind.
So, if the wind picks up, this can be a real block for sounds and noise distribution in the pack. Realizing the effect can be a really great way to better understand your dog, and what she needs each day. Let her stew when a storm comes through, but do not comfort her, as you are only reinforcing the fact that when she acts scared or upset, you like that act.
Only give positive emotion and comfort when she is calm, and you will let your dog know, this is the correct behavior for her. I find that during the storm, if I let my dogs pant and run around, they eventually calm down, and then, and only then, do we cuddle together. Sometimes it takes awhile. But, the results are well worth it!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Dogs love a Walk
This time of year, it is cooler, there are more breezy days, and you have some very happy dogs. There is something about the fall, and it makes the dogs ready for a walk. You need to get out there and enjoy it! Take them for a walk, being every mindful of the ticks that have spent all summer growing and getting bigger. Let yourself and your dog develop a new pace of life, making sure that you find time in the morning and in the evening for a brisk walk.
We spend so much time working and getting our lives in order, taking care of everyone, make sure you take time for yourself too. Your dog is the perfect companion, and will really enjoy a walk, short or long, just to catch some fresh air. The rainy days, the cooler nights, the sunny and breezy fall days are perfect for dogs as they will not get too overheated, and the walk is usually a great stress relief.
Dogs need time to return to nature, as our homes are so unnatural for them. They are used to roaming and experiencing the world through smell, and our homes are places of rest, but there is no new smells to experience, no sounds or sights to thrill the canine mind. If you are not walking your dog, you are missing out so much.
Take time to relax, and find the simple joy in a romp around the neighborhood with your best friend!
We spend so much time working and getting our lives in order, taking care of everyone, make sure you take time for yourself too. Your dog is the perfect companion, and will really enjoy a walk, short or long, just to catch some fresh air. The rainy days, the cooler nights, the sunny and breezy fall days are perfect for dogs as they will not get too overheated, and the walk is usually a great stress relief.
Dogs need time to return to nature, as our homes are so unnatural for them. They are used to roaming and experiencing the world through smell, and our homes are places of rest, but there is no new smells to experience, no sounds or sights to thrill the canine mind. If you are not walking your dog, you are missing out so much.
Take time to relax, and find the simple joy in a romp around the neighborhood with your best friend!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Here is My Favorite Dog Book!
I can not say enough good things about this book. Do not hesitate to pick it up. It truly was a lifesaver for my Scarlett, who suffered from so many skin issues for 2 years. Once we began this program, and enlightened ourselves with why she was so itchy, we started to see real results. If you love your dog, you must read this book!
Save yourself a ton of money on vet visits, and bring joy back to your dog's life!
Save yourself a ton of money on vet visits, and bring joy back to your dog's life!
Dogs and Cooler Weather
You might notice there are some happy bounces around your house, as the days get shorter and cooler. Dogs love cool weather! They are not too happy about warm, hot days, and are much better at the cool days that lie ahead. Take advantage of the days, and go out for a fun walk with your best friend.
Not only is this going to be a great stress relief for your dog, but for you. Today we are so consumed with our daily struggles and worries, it is important to get some muscles moving, and push some worries aside. You will be happier, work better, and your dog will too. It is important for both of you!
If you are having fun with this message, take it a step further, and plan a small trip to a state park or a county park near you. The cooler days bring a consistent time of later sunrises and earlier sunsets, that can make the leaves and fall colors most beautiful.
Enjoy the beauty that nature can bring to you and your best friend. You are moving through life together, and cherish the time you have with your dog. They look to you for all of their happiness, and are very happy to have you part of their days on this magnificent world.
Not only is this going to be a great stress relief for your dog, but for you. Today we are so consumed with our daily struggles and worries, it is important to get some muscles moving, and push some worries aside. You will be happier, work better, and your dog will too. It is important for both of you!
If you are having fun with this message, take it a step further, and plan a small trip to a state park or a county park near you. The cooler days bring a consistent time of later sunrises and earlier sunsets, that can make the leaves and fall colors most beautiful.
Enjoy the beauty that nature can bring to you and your best friend. You are moving through life together, and cherish the time you have with your dog. They look to you for all of their happiness, and are very happy to have you part of their days on this magnificent world.
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