Be The Leader Of Your Dog's Pack

Dogs are pack animals and, as a result, they are respectful of the leader of their pack. Typically, it is a puppy's mother who is their first pack leader. She trains them to obey from the moment they are born by controlling when they eat. When you are a dog owner, you must assume the role of pack leader. Otherwise, your dog can become disobedient and controlling.

The way to claim your role as pack leader is to exert gentle control the moment your puppy or dog enters your home for his or her first day of living with you. Get to know your dog's disposition. This should be easy enough, as you can tell when some dogs are natural people lovers, dog lovers or both.

Whatever your dog's nature appears to be, you let him or her know you are in charge. After all, you are going to be the one feeding them. They understand, instinctively, that they need to you to survive.

One way to enforce your pack leader role is to try to walk your dog before you give him or her a feeding. You will notice, while out on a walk, your dog wants to claim ownership of territory. Try not to let your dog "claim" every inch of grass or sidewalk. A firm, but gentle "Leave it" command will teach your dog you intend for him to walk.

Once you are home, go ahead and introduce the meal to your dog. Be sure he or she is not jumping or begging for food. Never give your dog a meal or a treat, especially, unless the dog is behaving calmly and with respect for you.

Another useful command to teach your dog is the "Wait" command, which can also be signaled using your hand. Simply put your hand up with your palm facing your dog, as if you are directing traffic to stop. You tell your dog to "Wait" and see to it that he or she does before resuming your activities.

If your dog gets excited about playing or walking, sometimes he or she may beg for you to take him or her out. A simple "Wait" will remind your dog that you are the one in charge and that the dog must be calm and well mannered before anything else. Be a true pack leader for the sake of your dog and everyone else.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Be-The-Leader-Of-Your-Dogs-Pack&id=8952839

Advice For A New Dog Owner

If you have never owned a dog before or if it has been a long time since you owned a dog here are a few simple things that will make the entire experience a joy. Not only are you getting a pet but you are also giving a new home and a great life to a living breathing creature.

Crate

Plastic Dog Crate

In my opinion the very first thing a dog needs is a den, so that means a crate. However keep in mind that the wire cages you see at the pet stores don't look anything like a den. You want the plastic crate that is used to transport a dog via the airlines.

The crate should be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around and lay down and no bigger. That is what gives it the den feeling.

Training

Every dog needs training. Size does not matter. Little dogs need training just like their larger cousins. Training establishes the master dog relationship and creates a bond between you and the dog. Plan early and find a trainer in your area that can teach you all the things that your dog needs to be a well behaved member of your family for the rest of its life. Owning a trained dog that you can be proud of is priceless so don't just go for the cheapest trainer you can find. You do get what you pay for so shop wisely.

Exercise

One of the most important things you can give your dog is exercise. Stop and think, it wasn't long ago that wild dogs ran all over our country. Then we domesticated them and brought them into our house. Their need to walk all day in search of food and water has been taken away.

Taking the time to walk your dog daily is just not a luxury for your pet it is a necessity. Your pet needs it to make him happy and mentally satisfied. Of course some dogs are not as active and do not need long walks. If you are a low energy person then be sure to pick a dog that fits your lifestyle and not a dog that needs to run 3 miles a day.

Health Care

Your dog needs a doctor just like you do. He also needs annual vaccinations and an exam to keep healthy. Find a veterinarian in your area that you feel comfortable with and he can let you know what is required to keep a healthy dog now and as it becomes a senior.

I hope these items give you some ideas about what is needed to keep a happy healthy dog for the rest of its life.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Advice-For-A-New-Dog-Owner&id=9210134

Use Consistency When Training Your Dog

If you want to train your dog, you have to understand that consistency is key. Most people translate this to mean they must daily train their dog for extended periods of time. They tend to think they don't have time to train their dog. However, that's simply not true.

Training is much easier than the average person thinks. Repetition of course is the number one principle of dog training so being able to train your dog at least once a day for a 15 minute session will allow your dog to be trained consistently. However if you have time training your dog to our three times a day is even better. Just remember to keep the sessions short never more than 15 minutes at a time, otherwise you'll lose the dog's attention.

Some dogs really enjoyed the training and other dogs don't. However I've got a secret that really helps those dogs that don't enjoy training enjoy a little bit more. After each training session do something that your dog enjoys for five minutes. For example if your dog likes going for a walk take him for a short walk. If your dog enjoys chasing a ball throw the ball for five minutes in fact you can even rub its belly if that something that your dog really enjoys. Simply put give your dog something to look forward to after each training session and then he'll enjoy the training even more and look forward to it.

As the title implies consistency is very important so that means that if you don't want your dog jumping on you then the whole family should do the same. Jumping simply isn't allowed. If as a family you decide that you don't want the dog begging at the table, then nobody should give the dog through the table. You just don't want it confuse the dog by allowing something one day and not another.

The same theory goes for walks. When you go for a walk your dog should always be consistently and your left-hand side and not in front of you if you allow your dog to drag you down the street it becomes dominant and feels that it is in charge. Your dog should always be at your side are slightly behind you so that you are the master and the alpha of the pack.

If you'll follow these simple ideas I think it you'll find that your dog will train easily, quickly and it will all be a lot of fun for the both of you.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Use-Consistency-When-Training-Your-Dog&id=8955539

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5 Effective Dieting Tips For Overweight Dogs

Experts say that overweight canines have a higher risk of health problems such as arthritis, different forms of cancer, diabetes, kidney problems, heart disease and high blood pressure. As a dog parent, it is your responsibility to monitor what your furry friend eats and take care of their overall physical well-being. If your dog is overweight, there are plenty of tricks you can try to get him off too much food but still keep him happy.

Here are a few tips you could follow:

Measure your dog's food

Did you know that in small dogs, even 10 extra kibbles of dog food each day can amount to about 1 pound of weight gain each year? That's where the beauty of using a measuring cup comes in when it comes to giving food to your pooch. Consult your vet regarding how much calories per day your pet needs to stay healthy and stick to that number - no more, no less.

Walk and exercise

A healthy, fit body can be achieved with a combination of nutritious food and the right amount of exercise per day. The same goes with our pets - if all they do is eat and they don't sweat it out, there's nothing to gain but weight. Make it a habit to walk your dog daily, even just for 20 to 30 minutes. This does not only keep him fit but daily exercise has plenty of health benefits such as boosting immune function, improving heart health and reducing behavioral problems. Hire a dog walker if you can't commit to a daily walk with your dog.

Feed your pet healthy food

Most store-bought pet treats and snacks are usually packed with addictive sugar that only add to your pet's waistline. If you have time, make your own treats made out of fruits and vegetables to ensure that he eats healthy. Apples, banana, broccoli, carrots and other fresh produce can go a long way for your dog's health and weight.

Learn to read food labels

Canines are naturally carnivorous - they just love their meat and they can't live on fruits and vegetables alone. When buying dog food from the store, read food labels and opt for the low or no grain variety with a good source of protein. Be sure to consult with your vet first before making any dietary changes.

Consider supplements

Supplements are a great way to make your dog healthier and at the same time encourage weight loss. An omega 3 fatty acid supplement is ideal for most canines as its powerful oils help and treat many common dog health problems. Ask your vet which supplements are safe to take.

Follow these simple tips and your pooch will be on his way to slimmer, healthier body!