Discover the Essential "Know-How" on Feeding Your Puppy

While a puppy's nutritional needs differ from that of adult dogs, the size per serving and the number of meals per day differs too. It is common for new pet owners to mistake the care and needs of a puppy with a grown dog.

Give your puppy some time to warm up to his new home!

The number of meals you give your puppy should be fixed. While adult dogs can have just 2 meals a day, a puppy must be given 3 meals at regular times. Ration the amount of food you need to give your puppy every day. Your puppy may refuse to eat, no worries, it is probably because of the change of home. Be gentle and give your puppy some time to get used to his new home. If the problem persists longer than a few days, talk to your vet.

Puppies have fragile digestive systems. Therefore, the transition from old food to new food needs to be a slow and gradual process. Mix the new food with the old food in small amounts, increasing the amounts every day. Continue this till your puppy's diet only contains the new food.

Say a no-no to snacking.

Avoid giving your puppy snacks in between meals. This will upset his diet and lead to excessive weight gain. It will encourage your puppy to develop bad habits such as begging for food between meals.

Acute sense of smell.

Puppies are more sensitive to smell than taste. Their sense of smell is more developed than humans. They can distinguish between four basic flavors: sweet, sour, salty and bitter. The aromas play an important role in determining the food your puppy likes. Thus, you need not worry about constantly changing your puppy's food.

#FoodFact: Distinguishing taste is due to the presence of taste receptors on the surface of the tongue. While humans have 9,000 taste buds, dogs have only 1,700 on an average.

Small tummy! Small meals!

While Dogs only require two meals a day, puppies should be given several small meals. Depending on your puppy's age, the meals should be scheduled at fixed times. Up to 3 meals a day can be given for puppies that are 4 months old.

In all, overfeeding or going off diet can be harmful to your puppy's health. Before feeding your puppy, review the serving guidelines and measure each portion accordingly.

Fresh and clean!

Make sure your puppy always has access to a bowl of fresh clean water. Change the water regularly as puppies tend to play with it, which in turn dirties the water.

Everybody loves a well-mannered dog.

It is important for your puppy to acquire good eating habits at a young age. Make a separate place in your house, only for your puppy's meals. Always place his food and water bowl in the same location. This way, he will know where to find fresh water and food during mealtime.

The transition from puppy to adulthood.

To prepare you for the later stages of your puppy's life, we will now discuss the transition period from puppy to adulthood. As stated earlier, feeding a dog is different from feeding a puppy. Make sure your puppy's diet is specific to his life cycle.

The transition from new food to old food should be a gradual process that takes place over a period of 7 days.

On the first day, start by mixing your puppy's regular food with 25% new food. Every alternate day, increase the percentage of new food by 25 %. This slow transition will help promote a healthy digestive system during the diet change.

When you keep a dog, you gain a faithful companion for life. Use this guide to take good care of your dog and give your dog the healthy and happy life he deserves.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Discover-the-Essential-Know-How-on-Feeding-Your-Puppy&id=9164929

The Benefits Of Using Dog Sling Carriers

Owning a pet is a huge responsibility. Of course, there are numerous tasks pet owners need to do in order to accommodate the needs of their pets, most especially dogs. For one, pet owners need to spend time to play with their pets. Next, tasks from bathing and even walking are also important. And, bringing pets to a pet clinic is also essential. However, there are some dogs that are afraid of the environment outside your house. Thus, there are instances when bringing them to a clinic or perhaps a simple stroll in the park can be stressful. Luckily, there are dog accessories like dog sling carriers that can be used to provide safety and protection to your dogs. Apart from that, dog sling carriers also provide other features. Below are some of the following.

Use sling carriers for any size of dog

One of the best features of making use of dog sling carriers is you can use it for any size of dogs. There are cases when you own numerous dogs with different breeds and sizes. Therefore, pet owners need to purchase numerous sizes of carriers. Luckily, sling carriers can be adjusted to cater to the size of your pet.

Secure your dog completely

Another benefit of using such carrier is you can provide complete security to your pets. Some dogs are anxious in crowded, noisy places. In addition, some dogs are also energetic and even dangerous most especially if they do not know the person. So, making use of carriers for dogs can help you ensure that your dog and other individuals are safe.

Dog sling carriers are lightweight

With the increasing demand of dog carriers, there are numerous carriers pet owners can choose from. However, most carriers are heavy and bulky. Not to mention, some carriers cannot be used in tight areas. By investing in sling carriers for dogs, you can easily bring your pet with you. In addition, carriers can also be stored easily since it is created from fabric. Hence, you can easily fold and store it.

Provides a wonderful style

Finally, with the use of dog carriers, you do not need to compromise your style since sling carriers are very stylish. As a result, any type of clothing can be complemented which can also boost your confidence as you walk with your pet.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Benefits-Of-Using-Dog-Sling-Carriers&id=9165262

Dog Adoption - The Benefits to You!

Dog Ownership: Breeder or Shelter Dog?

You've dreamt of owning a dog. It's only now you are in a position to look after one responsibly. You've waited so long, which means you've earned the right to be fussy and buy a purebred.

Right?

Before answering, let's ask another question.

Why do you want a dog: Are you looking for a four-legged soul mate or a fashion accessory?

No - don't turn away! Think about it some more.

Research the Breed

OK, you did the research and let's say a pug is the perfect size for you, the right temperament for the kids, and has such a lovable face. You have a good reason to choose this particular breed.

But don't forget dogs are individuals in just the same way as people. Buying a particular pedigree puppy doesn't mean he won't be a real hand-full, or anxious, or nervous.

Dogs are Individuals

Just because the breed has a certain reputation doesn't mean your purebred puppy is guaranteed to conform to type. What if you buy a pug and he's so determined to have his own way that he urinates on the kids' toys and defecates near doors. Not so pug-perfect then, is he?

Most rescue dogs have grown through the puppy phase and established their character. This means you better know what you're getting, rather than riding the lottery of a purebred pup.

Purebred Rescue Societies

And if your heart is still set on a pedigree, don't forget the breed rescue societies. People get divorced, they lose their jobs, and circumstances change. Unfortunate circumstances mean heartbroken owners end up surrendering perfectly lovely pedigrees. So why not give one of these dogs a home?

Open Minded

So you're open-minded about the breed, and just want a dog you can look in the eye and make a connection. Then a rescue is absolutely the place to go.

Of course, you may well be saving a life (some rescues run a "No kill" policy, but others look after strays for seven days and unclaimed dogs are euthanized) which is hugely important (especially for the dog involved).

This is all very well, but how do YOU benefit from adopting a rescue dog?

· A Head Start on Health: You know what you're getting. Most rescues have a veterinarian check their charges over for health problems. Then dogs (and cats of course) are neutered, chipped, vaccinated, checked for heartworm, and parasite treatments started. Talk about an all-inclusive package! (And all for less than the cost of a pedigree pup)

· Canine Character: Your prospective new family member has established their personality. Why wonder how they'll get on with kids, when you can introduce them and find out? Again, most dogs have undergone extensive personality testing, so the rescue can tell you how the dog gets on with other dogs and reacts in different circumstances, hence cutting out the uncertainty.

· House Broken: Fancy getting up every two to four hours through the night to give than a new puppy a toilet break? Believe me, the novelty soon wears off. Rescue dogs are house-broken so those inevitable puppy accidents are a lot less likely.

· Purchase Price: I'm not advocating spending less is a motive for rescuing a dog - after all, this not a cheap hobby you're entering into, and if you can't afford the purchase price you can't afford to keep a dog. But when adopting a rescue the purchase price goes to looking after other dogs in need, and supporting them through a time when their whole life has been ripped apart - Nice to know the money goes to a good cause!

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Dog-Adoption---The-Benefits-to-You!&id=9178175

What Is A Psychiatric Service Dog

Psychiatric service dog refers to a dog that is specifically trained to help handlers with psychiatric disabilities. It can be of great use to people suffering from schizophrenia or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Traditionally, man and dog have been great friends. Dogs have helped blind people and recently they have been found to be helpful to the deaf persons and those with psychiatric disabilities.

Dogs that are trained to help people with psychiatric disorders will always run and lie on the laps of their handlers and provide the requisite calming pressure. The dog is trained to perform tasks meant at mitigating the handlers' disability. They provide environmental assessment such as paranoia or hallucinations. They signal interruptive, repetitive or injurious behaviors. In some cases, the dog may perform other duties such as reminding the handler to take medication, guide them from situations deemed to be stressful, retrieve objects or brace dizzy handlers.

The dogs could be of any size and from any breed. The dogs perform better when they are trained by professional trainers in collaboration with the handler. Alternatively, the dog may have to go through a service dog programs. Currently, there are many assistant dog organizations that have recognized the need for dogs in helping psychiatric disability victims. The organizations train and support psychiatric service dog handlers.

In the U.S. the psychiatric service dog refers to an emotional support service dog that is allowed to accompany the handler in locations that are accessible to the public regardless of whether the premises' policy allow dogs to enter such premises or not. However, the dog is expected to behave properly and should not interfere with the normal operations that take place in the premise. Behaviors such as barking, defecating, biting, obstructing people or general threat to the public may not be condoned.

People with psychiatric service dogs may face a myriad of problems that other service dog's handlers may not experience. Normally, people suffering from psychiatric conditions may not appear to have a problem and may not be ready to disclose their condition because of the problem associated with the condition. The handlers may also be reluctant to explain their condition or the tasks the dog is trained to perform. The fact that the dog may be of any size or breed, may confuse the public further. It may make people to inappropriately impugn the status of the dog and force the handler to divulge details of their condition.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?What-Is-A-Psychiatric-Service-Dog&id=9178031

You Must Admit You Have An Aggressive Dog

One thing that always amazes me is how a dog owner will not admit that they have an aggressive dog. They come up with all types of excuses and reasons why the dog is showing aggression and it is never the dog's fault.

If you have read any of my articles on dog aggression you know that I have mentioned that aggression has become an epidemic. Yes, you would be really surprised what a large percentage of dogs have aggression towards other dogs, people and sometimes even members of their human families.

I always explain to an aggressive dog owner that to be successful with rehabilitating an aggressive dog they first have to admit that there is a problem. Without that the training and behavior modification is usually merely a waste of the dog and the owner's time and the dog does not get better.

Once I have that commitment from the owner the process of rehabilitating the dog can begin. The next commitment I need from an owner is that they will be willing to work with the dog at least once a day for no more than a 15-minute training session.

Of course, repetition is the number one principle of dog training so if the owner has the time 2 or 3 sessions a day is even better. I do tell them however that if they can only train once a day they will be amazed at what they will be able to accomplish with their dog and how quickly the dog's attitude toward the owner, the ALPHA, will change.

Besides the obedience exercises that the dog needs rehabilitation will also include some behavior modification. Each dog needs something different and we actually design a behavior modification program that is specific for each individual dog.

Rehabilitating a dog that is showing aggression does involve work and commitment from the owner. On some occasions the dog owner is not willing to commit and instead chooses to find a new home for the dog and in extreme cases even have the dog euthanized.

Rehabilitating or rehoming is always a decision that the owner and family must make and there is not one right answer instead it has to do with the commitment that the owner is able and willing to offer.

Remember, that a very large percentage of aggressive dogs are that way because they did not receive proper socialization as puppies. When you get the next puppy make sure that you find a well-qualified trainer that can teach you how to properly socialize your puppy.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?You-Must-Admit-You-Have-An-Aggressive-Dog&id=9178010

Tips for Puppy Training

Being a pet owner brings many rewards. However, along with the rewards, there will be some challenges. Taking the time to explore ways to face these challenges is well worth the effort.

Trying helpful and very doable tips is much better than randomly trying anything and everything, well-wishers eagerly share.

Here are some tips that have definitely gotten positives results, in the shortest amount of time:

Using newspapers, contrary to popular belief, will not miraculously ensure your puppy will be potty trained instinctively. Let's face it; dogs are not cats, so "anywhere", is a potential toilet. So if you have decided that you would like to use newspaper, as its designated toilet, ensure that your little puppy is placed within the vicinity of the "said" newspaper around the time it regularly pees and poops. This way your puppy will eventually associate the areas covered with newspapers, as its toilet, thus making your puppy training venture a success.

Routines play a huge part in establishing good puppy in house training exercises. Teaching your little puppy about acceptable toilet practices through a set of routines, will help. In the early months, puppies are usually only able to hold their pee, for an hour or so. Thus diligently placing your puppy near its "toilet" is a good way to introduce the idea of "it's time to pee or poop".

Rewards, both physical and vocal, are another way to ensure your puppy learns from the puppy training rules you are trying to set in place. Every time you praise your puppy, it will learn to ensure its toilet routines are according to the rules set by you. It's simply a matter of making your puppy understand the connection that, "going" in the right place, keeps everyone happy.

Feeding schedules, which are regulated, also help to ensure your puppy training efforts pay off. You should note when your puppy needs "to go", and ensure steps for "going" are followed. When the feeds are consistent in terms of timing, so will the poop sessions.

Close observation, creates successful puppy in house training. Keeping your puppy within sight and immediately placing it near its toilet when it shows signs of wanting to relieve itself, is one of the best tactics to use. This way you will definitely avoid unnecessary accidents and your puppy will eventually get the message.

When accidents happen, and they most definitely will, use a firm voice to stop your little puppy in the act. Immediately transfer your puppy to its toilet area and praise it when its "job" is completed.

When it comes to puppy training, patience is usually the most important ingredient you will have to arm yourself with. Sounds like going to war, right? Well in a way, it really is. Patience, coupled with smart tactical maneuvers, for puppy in house training is the first and most important mission to launch. If you are unable to "conquer" your puppy's peeing and pooping habits, right from the start, there it is definitely going to be, an all-out war.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Tips-for-Puppy-Training&id=9182057

High Energy Dogs And Low Energy Owners Don't Mix

Recently I got a call from an 80 year old woman with an 8 month old high drive German Shepherd. I have also received calls from others like the 75 year old woman that can hardly walk and needs help with a one year old lab. You get the idea. High energy dogs with low energy owners!

There are others but you get the idea. In both of these particular cases they received the dogs as gifts from their kids.

What were they thinking?

These ladies could not handle these dogs. Even going for walks was a huge problem. The ladies were being knocked down, scratched and mouthed so badly that their arms were a mess with cuts and scratches.

Again these are only 2 recent examples. Over the years I have seen this same story over and over again.

So I asked the lady with the shepherd why she got a shepherd. She said that she had owned 3 of them in the past and they were all great dogs. This happened in the very distant past when she was MUCH younger.

Big high drive dogs need exercise and training. They also require an owner that has the strength and energy to handle, train and care for a dog like this.

So what kind of dog should a low energy person own? That all depends on how low energy you are. But for simplicity let's talk about these ladies in the 70's and 80's.

Since these ladies are not out walking on a daily basis and they don't jog I think a good guess would be that they need a dog that loves to be in their lap. Yes they need a dog that does not require long walks.

These ladies each wanted a dog to give them something to love and care for. A dog allows elders to feel needed and loved. However remember that we need to be smart when helping our older family members and help guide them to a dog that is appropriate when it is fully grown.

Just because you owned a large dog in the past does not mean that is the right dog for you today.

One last thing. You are probably wondering what happened to the two dogs we have been talking about in this article. Well I was able to help them find a new forever home for both dogs.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?High-Energy-Dogs-And-Low-Energy-Owners-Dont-Mix&id=9184232