Exercise Your Dog - Help For Owners of Older Dogs

If your newly adopted dog is making your life miserable instead of pleasurable as you had hoped, please read on for a possible solution to your problem? Or, if you are considering adopting an older dog, read on and learn about a preventative measure that very well may help you avoid a similar scenario.

Firstly, remember, a dog wants nothing more than to please his owner. So, a dog that drives his owner crazy instead, is doing so for a reason. Many of the bad behaviors that upset a household are the direct result of hyperactivity. Such behaviors may include destruction of furniture or carpets, digging holes in the yard, running away, incessant barking, jumping up on anyone within his reach, whining, or poor eating habits. Or, perhaps your dog is exhibiting psychological symptoms, like pacing, panting and maybe even biting.

The hyperactivity, in turn, is the direct result of boredom and the lack of physical activity. So, rather than spend your money on a trainer or even a dog psychologist, simply eliminate the cause of the hyperactivity. Get off your butt and exercise your dog!

Think about it. What a great solution. It's free, painless, beneficial and even enjoyable - to both you and your dog. Actually, I can't imagine any responsible dog owner not having a regular exercise regimen for his dog. After all, what better way is there to build a genuine relationship with your dog? And isn't this the main reason we bring a dog into our home. And there are so many physical activities that you can do with your dog.

If you have a senior dog, you would be wise to have him first checked by a vet so you will know your dog's limits. Even if your dog is on the younger side, all dogs are different and have different tolerances. A visit to the vet would be a good precautionary measure for younger dogs as well.

The key to a beneficial workout for your dog is to work up to a good heart rate. A key indicator is when your dog exhibits a good pant. Be sure to have intermittent periods of rest mixed in, especially if your dog begins to wheeze along with very heavy panting.

Vary the form of exercise but make sure its something that you enjoy doing because its important to continue these activities regularly. And remember, what you call exercise, your dog thinks of it as play or even an adventure.

Methods of exercise and play

Walking

Certainly daily walks should be a part of every dog's routine. Besides providing exercise, walks allow your dog to associate with other people and other dogs, so they contribute to your dog's socialization, which is just as important as the exercise. Naturally you will want to have your dog leashed at all times; and, if you haven't trained your dog to walk properly on a leash, now is the time to do it. The training manual I recommend at the end of this article will provide the guidance you need to train your dog to walk calmly beside you rather than yanking your arm out of the socket.

Another benefit of walks -- they contribute to a dog's mental health. Your dog will get to explore, discover new places and things, sniff, mark their territories, and just have an all around good time. Be sure to walk at a brisk pace, but also be sure to give your pooch opportunities to investigate the terrain up close. Many dog owners prefer the Flexi-leash, so your dog can roam a bit more. I recommend its use only after your dog has learned to walk by your side and to heel on command.

Running

Two options here. Find a large fenced in area to run your laps and allow your dog to run freely at his own pace, to stop when he is tired, and to sniff of course. Or, if you prefer to run on the open road, be mindful of your dog's conditioning. If you've been jogging for a long time, you may be in shape for those 5 or 10Ks but perhaps not so for your dog. Give him time to catch up to your conditioning.

Swimming

If your dog takes to water, consider yourself lucky. This is a form of exercise that will not adversely effect your dog's joints since it's a non-weight bearing activity. Swimming is very beneficial for older dogs prone to joint problems. You can join your dog if it's a pool or you can play fetch if it's a pond.

Fetching

The quintessential dog exercise. You can get quite creative. But first make sure your dog knows how to fetch and doesn't turn it into a game of keep away. The Secrets of Dog Training Manual (link below) will help you teach Fido the proper rules of fetch. When you introduce your dog to the object of the fetch, associate it with a reward and praise. If your dog doesn't take to the object he may need some encouragement.

They have toys with cavities that allow you to put a treat inside to give your dog that added incentive to pay attention to the object. In the beginning, simply allow your dog to prance around with the toy in his mouth as you provide generous amounts of praise when he brings it to you. As you grab it from him, give him a treat. He'll begin to get the idea that when he retrieves the object you throw, he'll get a treat. Later you can replace the treat with an "attaboy".

You can start with simply throwing a tennis ball. Then for extra distance, use a tennis racquet. But don't get in a rut. Use ropes, squeak toys, small sticks. There are so many creative fetch toys available to keep the game interesting. Kong is a manufacturer of such toys 

Hiking

Now here is an activity that the whole family can enjoy together. Just locate a trail (that allows dogs), have the family jump in the car, including Rover, pack plenty of water (take more than you think you'll need -- because you will need it), and hit the road Jack. A Flexi-leash would be ideal for those areas that require dogs to be leashed. Otherwise, you may want to allow your dog some supervised freedom. More than likely, he'll run up ahead, constantly looking back to make sure his people are in sight and zig-zag from one side of the path to the other, happily picking up new scents, observing new sights, and stimulating his mind -- mental and physical exercise rolled into one fun adventure.

The Dog Park

What a wonderful place for your dog to frolic and fool around with lots of his peers. If you're lucky enough to have one of these close by, this can be a weekly outing that will certainly fill the bill when it comes to physical activity and social growth. Try this link to locate your nearest dog park 

Frisbee

Kind of a variation of fetch, but it's the catch that adds a little excitement to a good game of Frisbee with your dog. I've learned that dogs either get this and love it, or they simply don't make the connection that they are supposed to grab it before it lands. If yours does, enjoy! Two precautions however -- keep the throws low enough so your dog doesn't risk injury and be sure to purchase a soft Frisbee made just for dogs. This'll prevent a chipped tooth or a bloody lip.

Boomer Ball

 

If you have a dog that's on the large side of the spectrum, you can really have a blast playing Boomer Ball. These exercise balls, built just for dogs, resemble bowling balls but come in lots of sizes. They are virtually indestructible and DOGS LOVE THEM! You can get into a fast pace game of soccer with your dog that'll offer both of you with an excellent workout. Should be easy to find one at your local pet shop, or just google "boomer ball" to find one online.

Safety Precautions

Use common sense when you exercise your dog, and at the very least, heed these safety tips.

· Do not do any of these with your dog while he is leashed - ride a bike, skateboard, rollerblade

· Don't exercise when its extremely hot or extremely cold

· Don't exercise immediately before or immediately after your dog's mealtime

· Don't allow your dog off leash around busy traffic areas

After exercising

It's always a good idea to go through a cool down period after a good workout. Be sure your dog gets enough water, and if he's really worked out hard, he may allow you to spray hime down with the garden hose (weather permitting of course). Also be sure to provide plenty of praise so he knows this is a good thing and that you enjoy it as much as he does. After a session of very strenuous exercise, you can rest with your dog beside you while you apply a gentle message to his legs and back (especially beneficial for a senior dog).

I'm sure you will be quickly convinced that playing with your dog is one of those activities that makes dog ownership so enjoyable and rewarding. And remember -- a tired dog is a well-behaved dog. And a tired dog will always have a happy owner.

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3 Travel Tips For Dogs - Keeping Your Pet Happy During Your Drive

Traveling long distances can be stressful, and that feeling tends to be multiplied when you are traveling with pets. This is especially true if your pet is anxious about traveling, or hasn't traveled much in the past. The following tips can help you ensure both you and your pets a stress free trip, and minimize the anxiety of traveling with your dogs.

1) Practice Before The Trip

I know, this might sound insane, but helping your dog learn that the car isn't something to be scared of is a good idea. If your pup only gets in the car to go to the vet, then he will surely have a lot of anxiety when ever it's time to get in the car. If you have a long trip planned, start taking your dog other fun places - drive to the dog park instead of walking, or drive him to the pet store to pick out a treat.

Travel Crate

This will help lower his anxiety, helping him realize that the end of a car trip isn't always the Vet! Start off slow, drive around the block and come home a few times, let him sit in his crate in the car with a treat even without it moving. This is a great way to help him acclimate and lower stress levels during the trip.

2) No Crate? No Problem!

Travrl Harness

If you don't have a dog crate, or your pup is used to riding without one, there are devices you can get that can help your puppy stay safe during the trip. Leashes that click into the seat belt holder are a great choice and can help avoid your puppy dashing out before you get around the car, or falling out of the window. They also help your dog stay where they should be, ensuring they don't get underfoot being a danger to yourself and other drivers.

3) Tire them Out Before!

Taking your dog on a long run or walk before leaving is a great idea, and can help him sleep and stay calm during the drive. This is a great option for drives lasting only a few hours and can help the dog travel comfortably and stress free.

If you are planning a trip with your dog, these tips could help you minimize stress, and ensure you reach your destination safely, and with minimal anxiety.

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Keeping Your Dog Safe At The Park

Today you will find dog parks in almost every area of the country. Dogs need exercise and socialization which helps them feel good both physically and mentally. Plus it gives dog owners a chance to meet other people too, so there are many benefits for everyone involved when you take them to the park.

What people are concerned about is whether or not dog parks are safe. That is a difficult question to answer because it really depends a lot on the owners. Dog owners need to be responsible and know their dogs disposition and how they get along with others. Dog parks are for the most part very safe, but you still need to keep an eye on your pooch in case an irresponsible owner is not paying attention to their overly aggressive dog.

Many dog parks are designed to separate the big ones from the little ones. Since big dogs by their sheer size can easily hurt a smaller dog, you won't have to worry about that at the park. If you have a big dog it is important to keep an eye on which dogs are friendly and which ones have shown a tendency to be more aggressive. For the most part, people who bring their pooch to the park have a well-behaved pet. But of course there is always that one who is out of control. Keep an eye on him and you should be fine.

If you have a dog that likes to run and chase balls make sure you look around the park for any potholes or areas where your pet can get injured. Mostly these parks are big grassy areas, but take a walk around the entire park to see if there are any potential trouble spots.

Dog parks are a lot of fun for both your pet and you because it is such a joy to watch them off the leash romping around. It's even better afterwards because they have so much fun that it tires them out. After the park comes a nice long nap, with a smile on their face of course.

You want to keep your dog happy and that is why you take him to the park. At first he may be a little bit shy and not want to socialize with the others, but after awhile your dog will adjust. A dog park can be safe, but always remember that accidents can happen. It is no different than taking a child to a park. Just keep an eye them at all times.

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Why Dogs Tend To Dig

As annoying as it can become, digging is a part of a dog's nature. Some dogs will destroy a whole backyard by digging constantly, while other dogs may only dig a small amount. If you are looking for ways to curb your dog's digging habits you have come to the right place.

Even though digging is a part of a dog's nature there are ways to reduce or eliminate their digging. Oftentimes a dog is digging just because they are bored and have nothing better to do to release their energy. Digging is great exercise for an active dog, but there are other great ways for a dog to burn that energy.

One means of burning energy in your dog is to take them to a dog park if you have one locally. This is a safe place for them to run and even get in a little socialization. Of course this is only an option if your dog is friendly with others. If not, you certainly do not want to use this resource.

Another way is to be sure to take your dog for long walks twice a day. Really, this is something that you should do for your medium to large sized dogs anyway. If your dog gets the right amount of exercise they will be too tired to even consider digging up your yard.

After some time it becomes clear that walking is not enough exercise for your dog you may want to trying running with him. If you are not a runner another option is to put a backpack on your dog. This can double the amount of energy that your dog is using in the same amount of time.

If your dog spends a lot of time in your yard it is important to make time to play with them. Some ways to do this is to play fetch, toss a Frisbee or even just send your kids out to run around with the dog. This will distract your dog from his digging habits and help him to burn his energy in a less destructive manner.

If you find that no matter what you do your dog is continuing to dig you may want to make an area that your dog is permitted to dig. This will take some training, but if you positively reinforce your dog digging in his designated area he will quickly learn where he is and is not allowed to dig. An easy way to do this is to move the dog from an area he is digging that is not acceptable to the acceptable area, and giving him a treat when you see him digging in the right spot.

Digging is a natural way for a dog to release his pent-up energy, but it is also very destructive. Now that you have read the above article you know that there are definitely things that you can do to curb this behavior. Give these tips a try so that you once again can have a nice looking yard.

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How To Determine Safety In A Dog Park

Living in a large city it can be hard to socialize your dog and make sure they get the exercise they need. Walking your pet is only convenient if you live in a quiet neighborhood with lots of surfaces that don't hurt their feet. Beyond that walking your dog in the same neighborhood day after day can get boring. Off-leash dog parks are an alternative to this but are they really safe for you and your pet?

The answer is that a dog park is as safe as you make it. By this I mean that it is not a place where you can ignore your pet and assume that they are safe. You can only control the behavior of your dog. Keeping an eye on your pet can ensure that they do not get into trouble.

Often dog parks will have aggressive or scared dogs. These dogs will generally leave your pet alone if they are left alone. This is where you come in, make sure that any dogs your pet interacts with have their humans nearby. In addition make sure that you watch the body language of strange dogs as well as your own dog.

Make sure that no dogs are approached when they have their ears laid back or are baring their teeth. If a dog seems skittish but their owner wants to socialize them keep a firm hold on your dog. Be ready to move away if it looks like the other canine needs some space. Responsible treatment of both your pet and other dogs can make a world of difference.

Canines often act as if they are in packs. This can be seen within a dog park. If your pet is new to a park make sure that they are gradually introduced. Just because human laws say that your dog is welcome doesn't mean that other dogs will accept your dog.

Do not force your pet into situations that it seems uncomfortable with. It is completely okay to go to the park and be off to the side with your pet. The goal is for your dog to get exercise and to enjoy itself. Slowly by being around the other dogs your dog should be accepted and you will begin to see them being friendly with each other.

One of the best ways to keep your pet safe in a dog park is to leave if things begin to escalate. If you feel another canine is being aggressive with your dog, remove your dog from the situation. Your pet cannot be harmed it is not in harms way. You can always come back another day and try again.

Dog parks can be a fun and rewarding experience if you make sure that your dog is watched well. Remember that you can only trust your own dog to behave and you can only control your own dog. Keep your pet comfortable and under control and you should have no problems in a dog park. As always being a responsible owner will go far to ensure the safety of yourself, your pet, and others around you.

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8 Pet Care Tips for Dog Owners

Being a dog owner is a real joy. It promises years of pleasure and companionship to owner and dog alike. But it is also a heavy responsibility and a long-term commitment. Below are eight tips on how to care for that "friend" to which you have made such a commitment.

1. Keep Up-to-date on Rabies and Other Vaccinations

This is vital to your dog's well-being. Rabies is still a threat to our pets. Every summer brings reports of findings of rabid bats or other wild animals. Rabies is especially prevalent if you live on acreage or in a wooded area more populated by wild animals.

Owners do have the option of getting a one year or a two year rabies shot -- or, if they are concerned about the side effects of a rabies shot another option is to get their dog a titer test, a blood test that indicates whether the animal's previous vaccine is still active or sufficiently protecting him. This prevents the owner from having to get a vaccine before it is absolutely necessary. Heart worm too is a very real threat to your dog and can be avoided by a heart worm pill taken monthly.

2. Regular Vet Check-Ups

This can be combined with your dog's vaccination appointment. A check-up will help the vet identify any problems while they are still in the early stages, whether it be a tumor or fleas.

3. Healthy Diet

This is not to be taken lightly as we hear so often about dog foods that contain melamine or are somehow contaminated. Many dog foods are not nutritionally balanced and fillers such as ground corn and other grains are added simply for volume. The primary ingredient in your dog's food should be meat.

4. Proper Training

A well-trained dog is a happy dog. He knows what is expected of him. He doesn't annoy guests with a display of bad manners or repel them by jumping on them or slobbering on them. Good obedience training also keeps him safe.

5. Socialization

It is important that your dog learn to play well with other dogs, not being the aggressor or snarling at his canine companions. The more quality time he spends with dogs, the better behaved he can be counted on being. So, go to the dog park, go to dog events, walk him in your neighborhood and let him visit with his neighbors. It will make him a confident

6. Grooming

Grooming is important to you dog's health. If he is matted or his nails need cutting, he is uncomfortable. He will be constantly chewing on himself and panting out of agitation. Also, a good groomer who grooms your dog on a regular basis is going to detect abnormalities or signs of distress or disease. If caught early such discoveries do not have to equate to a death sentence.

7. Exercise Your Dog

If he gets enough exercise he won't be an unholy, hyperactive terror. He will sleep well when it's bedtime and not be agitated and excitable. Exercise is also good for his overall health.

8. Obey the Leash Laws

They are for your dog's protection. His training will enable him to walk with you and obey your commands.

These are just a few of many tips to help you ensure that you have a happy, healthy dog and one with impeccable manners! Follow them and you will be exemplary as a dog owner.

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The Happiest Pup in the Park - Exercise Your Dog's Mind

Providing dogs with mental stimulation, as well as physical and social interactions are critical factors for maintaining their behavioral health. When animals are stressed or unhappy it has the same effect as it has on humans; your immune system can become vulnerable and you become susceptible to illness or disease during these times. This means that not only is mental enrichment a good behavioral health benefit but it improves health in general.

I have Chihuahua's so it does not take much real estate to provide plenty of running room for these little guys. The same can be true for someone with 10 acres of land for a Great Dane to run on! Running, fetching, chasing exercises are beneficial cardio workouts, but the mind needs to be stimulated for animals as well. Dogs really aren't much different than we are. Wouldn't you go crazy if all you ever did was sit on the couch and watch TV? Most people would answer yes. You need to get out and see people, experience new and exciting challenges. It's easy to understand a dog needs the same thing.

Dogs that lack mental stimulation can develop behavioral problems as a result of this imbalance. Exercising is undoubtedly needed, but you don't need a physically fit athletic dog that is bored to tears and forced to find his own outlets for mental enrichment. It's pretty much a given, the outlets he finds, will not be in line with behavior you find acceptable! It doesn't take a lot of time each day or every few days to provide an array of activity for your dog to keep him balanced with physical and mental exercise.

If you have a dog that spends time each day barking at nothing or chewing on anything he can find to sink his teeth into, furniture included, he may be bored. Parks are a great alternative! There are new smells and activities at the park every single day. When visiting public parks a responsible pet owner will keep their dog on a leash. This provides protection to other people as well as your dog. Even if you have the friendliest dog in the world, it does not mean that you won't run into that one person who has a real fear of ALL dogs. Be considerate of the things you are not aware of... play it safe and use a leash when visiting public areas.

Dog parks are a great alternative but they are not for every dog nor are they without risks. Aggressive or sick dogs should not be taken to dog parks. Unfortunately not all pet owners are responsible owners which means you may not always be aware of an aggressive dog or which ones may have a contagious aliment. Not all illnesses have visible symptoms therefore some owners may be unaware of their pet's condition. Use caution when visiting dog parks until you become very familiar with the others who use the park. And always help reduce the risk of spreading illness and disease by picking up after your dog! Discourage your dog from exploring feces left by another animal.

I take my dogs to several different parks. I look for parks that are not heavily populated with people to reduce the anxiety that might develop from being around people who are not respectful of other people or their pets. I use a dog park but I use a great deal of caution and I never trust what someone tells me about their dog until their dog's actions can validate the owner's claims! If my dogs do not get to go to the park at least every few days they start to bug me to take them. And when we do go to the park, not only are their appetites good that night but they also sleep well!

The last thing you want to do is reprimand or punish your pet because you aren't providing the mental stimulation he or she needs. The needs of each breed vary so research your breed and determine how to meet the needs of your breed. By providing your dog mental stimulation as well as physical exercise, you will be ensuring your pet has a long and happy life. I know I have some of the happiest pups in the park when I go! And when my dogs are happy... I am happy!

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4 Dog Etiquette Tips

Most people just don't realize how important doggie etiquette can be. They just don't get the fact that as a dog owner they have certain things that they are responsible for about their dogs behavior. So let's talk about a few of those doggie do's and don'ts.

Jumping On People

This is a big one! It is just really wrong to allow your dog to jump on people. Your dog could knock them down if it is a big dog and even scratch them or get them dirty. It's just plain wrong.

So how do you keep it from happening, simple, training? Yes, training your dog not to jump on people is really not difficult and will allow your dog to be welcome in more places around people. If you just simply are not going to take the time to train then KEEP your dog on leash and far enough away from people so it cannot jump on them. This is the doggie etiquette #1 rule.

Pick Up The Poo

Yes for those dog owners that walk their dogs through the neighborhood be a good neighbor and pick up your dog's poop in the neighbor's yard. As a dog owner I am sure that you wouldn't want strange dog poop in your yard so simply do unto others and pick up the poop. It's easy and your neighbors will love you.

Barking Dogs

Does your dog bark all day in the backyard while you are at work? If so you probably have some unhappy neighbors. It can keep the person that works nights awake during the day and the neighbor's baby can't sleep, you get the idea.

So how can you fix it? Here are just a couple of ideas. Bring your dog into the house while you are gone. You can use a crate if you are concerned about your dog being destructive. The second option is a quick fix by investing in a bark collar. Bark collars are much more sophisticated than in years past and it can be an easy solution that will have your neighbors loving you again.

Dog Parks

This is a big one and has a lot of dog owners concerned at the dog park. When you bring your dog to a dog park keep an eye on it. Dog parks are not a place for you to bring your dog so that the other dog owners have to watch it and scold it when it gets out of line or a bit too aggressive. It's your job so take it seriously.

These are just a few tips that you should consider if you really want to be a good thoughtful dog owner. Your family, neighbors and friends will love you and your dog for taking the time to do these things.

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Should You Take Your Puppy To The Dog Park?

If you're trying to go to a dog park, but aren't sure if your puppy is up for it, then you need some advice. There are many things to consider, and that's what this article is all about. Be safe and consider these things before heading out. 

Puppies need to be around 16 weeks or else it could cause problems since a dog won't have a very developed immune system yet. Your puppy should receive it's final vaccines at about 16 weeks of age. Run the idea of going to the dog park by your vet and then you can see if this is a good idea at this time or if you should wait just a little longer for your puppy to become more developed. While your dog may be well taken care of and disease free, other dog owners may not be so mindful of these things. 

Do not wait too long to take your dog out to play at the park. You want to start to socialize your pup, especially if you don't have other dogs in your home. Don't just let your dog run wild when it goes out there, keep a close eye on it. However, if other dogs seem to be a bit too aggressive around your pup, you may want to revisit the park later. The last thing you want is for an older larger dog to scare your pup and then have it associate the park with fear. 

Bring along treats to make sure that this is seen as an experience that is good. After going to the park and showing your dog around, give them a treat. Then if you're able to get it to behave and walk around more you can start to make them have a lot more of an understanding that this is fun and something they can enjoy. Just don't make them beg every single time they're walking around because then they won't get much of an entertaining experience at the park and will focus on you. 

Now of course it is always safer when you bring your puppy out to a dog park if he or she is old enough. There are a lot of things to think through, but it's good to do so because it keeps your pup and the other dogs safe.

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