Dog Care Tips: Feeding Your Puppy

Puppies have slightly different nutritional needs than adult dogs. Their coat, bones, organs, and teeth are still maturing. The foods they eat must have an ample supply of nutrients to support their growth. Remember the difference in energy levels there come from puppies as compared to older dogs. In order to remain energetic, they need a constant supply of foods that provide a source of vitamins, minerals, and the right kinds of fats. Further we will review four tips you can use to feed your new puppy.

#1 – Buy Commercial Brands

Many owners are tempted to prepare specific meals for their pups, but it’s usually a bad idea. Without rigorous attention to detail, it’s practically impossible to measure the right level of vitamins, fats, proteins, and other nutrients.

By contrast, commercial puppy foods are specifically formulated to provide the right blend for a puppy’s growing body. Manufacturers understand the special needs of puppies. These formulations take into account the high energy and protein requirements of puppies. As a side note, if you’re raising a large breed (for example, a Bernese Mountain Dog), visit your pet supply store to check whether they carry a breed-specific brand.

#2 – Be Consistent

In many ways, puppies are creatures of habit. Once they start eating a brand they enjoy, changing that brand – even for “variety” – isn’t normally welcome. But all dogs young or old will eat a meal if one is presented. However, unless there is a compelling reason to change brands, avoid doing so. If you must switch, try to wean your pup off the old food by gradually mixing the new food in.

#3 – Set A Time And Stick To It

In the same way people normally establish certain times to eat meals, you should create a feeding schedule for your puppy. Puppies if not supervised will often times overeat. Because canine obesity is such a debilitating problem, try to encourage the right eating habits when your pup is young. Pick two or three times during which you’ll feed him. He’ll quickly come to recognize those times instinctively.

#4 – Make Drinking Water Available

Puppies need water just like people and some breeds require more than others. Always make sure their is plenty of water available for your puppy. A youthful puppy will use more energy through the course of the day than an older dog. That means he’ll be drinking more water to keep hydrated. Provide him with all he needs.

It’s not difficult to design an easy feeding plan for your pup. Invest in a high-quality commercial brand, avoid switching it, pick feeding times and don’t deviate from them, and give your puppy all the water he wants. You can add all natural dog treats or dog chews as a special bonus for your dog as well. If you follow those guidelines, your pup should grow up to be a healthy, happy adult dog.

How To Stop Your Dog From Barking

Dog and barking are a natural behavior. It’s instinctive. But, many owners become frustrated when their dogs won’t stop barking. Understanding why your dog barks will help in your training it to curb that behavior. Dogs usually bark as a warning to others. They may be warning you or another animal. Unfortunately, dogs often don’t receive the assurance that their warning has been understood. So, they continue barking. We will explain and show you how you can train your dog to control the excessive barking behavior.

Consistent Reactions

Develop a consistent routine when your dog barks. If you’ve acknowledged the reason for its barking, communicate that. Say, “good dog” or something similar. This lets your dog know that you understand. It knows that its job has been fulfilled. At times, dog owners do not communicate that to their pets. Because of this, the dog is not awear they they should cease. You can teach your dog to stop barking by saying the same thing each time (“good dog”).

Sometimes, dogs bark because they’re lonely or bored. Again, consistency is the solution. Show your dog that you won’t tolerate unnecessary barking. Don’t send your dog mixed signals. If it’s lonely or bored, spend time with your dog. Help it get some exercise so it exhausts some of its energy. The key is to be consistent in your reactions to your dog’s barking.

Role-Playing

A lot of owners have unwittingly trained their dogs to bark when they leave the house. The dog experiences feelings of abandonment. Pretend you’re leaving your home. Tell your dog “watch the house.” Then, let the dog see you leave your house. If they start to bark, quickly re-enter the house and give a short command “No”!” Over time, your dog will learn that you consider its barking when you leave unacceptable behavior. Your dog will abide by your wishes.

Enjoying The Peace

Dogs that bark excessively can be frustrating for their owners. Unfortunately, many owners simply throw up their hands in desperation without taking action. Consistent behavior in your training methods is how you get your dog to stop barking. Take the time to train your dog. This investment will benefit you will peace an quiet in the future. Remember to treat your dog for good  behavior, a odor free bully stick or other dog treat is a nice and comforting reward.

Things Every Dog owner Should Know

You and your dog are basically in a symbiotic relationship in which each other needs are fulfilled by the other. He showers you with undying, unconditional affection and companionship. For your part, you provide him with meals, dog treats, a roof over his head, periodic trips to the vet, and your friendship. In most cases, it’s a perfect match which grows stronger with time.

Unfortunately, even the most loving dog owners at times forget to take care of a few essential responsibilities. In today’s article, I’ll give you a few reminders of basic things you need to do (if you haven’t already) in order to keep your canine companion safe, healthy, and happy.

Tip 1 – Alway apply a Leash to your dog when outdoors

A lot of owners feel leashing their dog is cruel and inhibiting. While taking a stroll around the neighborhood, visiting parks, or going to other public places, they’ll leave the leash at home. That’s a bad idea. Even if your pooch has been properly vaccinated and has his tags, keeping him on a leash is best for everyone – including him.

Tip 2 – Spay Or Neuter Your Pet

Unless you’re a professional breeder, there’s little reason to avoid spaying or neutering your canine companion. By doing so, you can help your dog to a more healthy and longer life. Also, it’s worth noting that one of the leading causes of homeless mutts is that their owners fail to have their pets “fixed.” That leads to a greater number of pooches being placed into shelters and eventually euthanized.

Tip 3 – Enroll Him In Obedience Training

Dogs begin learning how to behave immediately. What’s more, they continue learning throughout their lives. If their bad habits are not curbed, those habits can develop into frustrating behavioral problems. Enroll your pooch into obedience classes. Not only will he learn what type of behavior is acceptable and what isn’t, but the training will also improve the relationship you share together.

Tip 4 – Give Him Exercise

Dogs are physical creatures and as such need daily activity for a wide variety of reasons. First, if you spend most of the day away from home, he’s going to have pent-up energy. He needs a way to release it. Second, daily exercise keeps your dog healthy and enthusiastic. Take him for a walk in the morning and again during the evening. You’ll find that providing exercise for him will keep him happy and healthy.

A Lifetime Of Loyalty

The responsibilities of dog ownership are never-ending. Indeed, keeping your canine companion healthy and safe requires ongoing vigilance. But, by providing him with the essentials he needs, especially in the beginning, you’ll lay the foundation for a lifelong friendship. Most owners agree that the loyalty and love they share with their dogs is irreplaceable. Take care of your pooch and he’ll remain faithful to you for the rest of his days.

How to Manage Your Dog’s Behavior Concerns

Understanding Your Dog’s Behavioral Problems

Dogs exhibit many behaviors that leave their owners scratching their heads in confusion. Whether it’s barking, digging, nipping, or a number of other annoying activities, canines do things that seem odd to us. However, by understanding why they do such things, owners can learn to modify such behaviors.

Below, we’ll discuss several behavioral problems that can frustrate owners, their guests, and their neighbors. Here we will explain some of the factors that lead to your dogs behavior issues and steps to correct them.

Chewing

Dogs chew for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, they’re anxious. Other times – especially in the case of puppies – they chew because they’re teething. Still other times, they simply become bored or restless. They do it to work off excess energy.

If your canine limits her chewing to a chew toy, or Bully Sticks there’s little harm in it. However, if she doesn’t have a chew toy, your furniture, books, clothes, and other belongings will be vulnerable to damage. When you notice her chewing on things she should not be, sharply tell her. Take away (or remove her from) the item on which she’s chewing and give her a Odorless Bully Stick in its place.

Excessive Barking

First, it’s important to realize that your dog barks as a way of communicating. While it can become frustrating if she does so excessively, owners should understand that there may be a valid reason for the behavior.

That said, canines often bark excessively for a number of reasons that are inappropriate. For example, they may be bored or excited. There barking may be a result of other pets in the vicinity. At times it’s just an attention grabbing issue.

An effective way to discourage continual barking to to provide your pet with daily exercise. When bored, her pent-up energy can trigger the behavior. Also, avoid encouraging her barking by giving her attention when she does it. Instead, a loud clap will let your dog know they are doing something wrong.

Begging

Dogs love food, even if they’re not hungry. Given the opportunity, they’ll continue eating as long as someone gives them something to eat. The problem is that owners encourage begging each time they provide a taste from the dinner table. Remember, your pooch learns by repetition. When it comes to food, she learns quickly. If she receives something when she begs, she’ll naturally (and quickly) begin to believe that begging is appropriate.

You can discourage the begging behavior putting the dog into another part of the house during meal times.

The Value Of Obedience Classes

Most behavioral issues can be curbed by enrolling your dog into obedience classes. If you follow this course of action as a puppy, the training is more likely to be learned.” If you enroll her as an adult, the training will be effective, but she’ll probably need periodic classes as a reminder of what constitutes appropriate conduct. In the end, a well-trained, well-behaved dog makes a more pleasant companion.