Spay or Neuter Benefits: Top 10 Behavior Facts and Reasons Why

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Written by Senior Editor Peter Gehr

The growing awareness of the spay or neuter benefits: top 10 behavior facts and reasons why to comply is helping pet owners come forward and take care of the needed procedure to bring about the reduction of homeless or unwanted animals in our communities.

This is an easy process, and the animal is doctored with care and the time spent recuperating is minimal, but comes with maximum benefits for everyone in the long run. There are budget sensitive programs made available and affordable surgeries have been set up in most states across the country. In fact, the ASPCA offer a mobile clinic which is often free or very lost cost.

I’m providing the link to this information for your easy reference:

ASPCA Spay or Neuter Provider Database

Spay or Neuter Benefits: Top 10 Behavior Facts and Reasons Why

If you need more persuasion, please read the top 10 benefits and facts to spay or neuter your dog below:

Spay or Neuter Benefits: Top 10 Behavior Facts and Reasons Why

Spay or Neuter Benefits: Top 10 Behavior Facts and Reasons Why

1. Your female pet will live a longer, healthier life.

Spaying helps prevent uterine infections and breast cancer, which is fatal in about 50 percent of dogs and 90 percent of cats. Spaying your pet before her first heat offers the best protection from these diseases.

 

2. Neutering provides major health benefits for your male.

Besides preventing unwanted litters, neutering your male companion prevents testicular cancer, if done before six months of age.

 

3. Your spayed female won’t go into heat.

While cycles can vary, female felines usually go into heat four to five days every three weeks during breeding season. In an effort to advertise for mates, they’ll yowl and urinate more frequently—sometimes all over the house!

 

4. Your male dog won’t want to roam away from home.

An intact male will do just about anything to find a mate! That includes digging his way under the fence and making like Houdini to escape from the house. And once he’s free to roam, he risks injury in traffic and fights with other males.

 

5. Your neutered male will be much better behaved.

Neutered cats and dogs focus their attention on their human families. On the other hand, unneutered dogs and cats may mark their territory by spraying strong-smelling urine all over the house. Many aggression problems can be avoided by early neutering.

 

6. Spaying or neutering will NOT make your pet fat.

Don’t use that old excuse! Lack of exercise and overfeeding will cause your pet to pack on the extra pounds—not neutering. Your pet will remain fit and trim as long as you continue to provide exercise and monitor food intake.

 

7. It is highly cost-effective.

The cost of your pet’s spay/neuter surgery is a lot less than the cost of having and caring for a litter. It also beats the cost of treatment when your unneutered tom escapes and gets into fights with the neighborhood stray!

 

8. Spaying and neutering your pet is good for the community.

Stray animals pose a real problem in many parts of the country. They can prey on wildlife, cause car accidents, damage the local fauna and frighten children. Spaying and neutering packs a powerful punch in reducing the number of animals on the streets.

 

9. Your pet doesn’t need to have a litter for your children to learn about the miracle of birth.

Letting your pet produce offspring you have no intention of keeping is not a good lesson for your children—especially when so many unwanted animals end up in shelters. There are tons of books and videos available to teach your children about birth in a more responsible way.

 

10. Spaying and neutering helps fight pet overpopulation.

Every year, millions of cats and dogs of all ages and breeds are euthanized or suffer as strays. These high numbers are the result of unplanned litters that could have been prevented by spaying or neutering. (Original article here)

Spay or neuter benefits: top 10 behavior facts and reasons why should be clear by now. The overpopulation of animal shelters is a growing concern in almost every community, and the plain and simple facts that each shelter are faced with on a daily basis results in unthinkable amounts of pets being euthanized. Please respond by taking action if you haven’t already, and play your part in helping to reduce the sad end of animals that could have otherwise lived a loved and long life.

Uggie Dog Actor and Rescue Dog Has Mystery Shaking Syndrome

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Written by Senior Editor Peter Gehr

Uggie dog actor and rescue dog has mystery shaking syndrome. Omar Von Muller, who owns and trains the Artist canine co-star says, “It’s very sad but he is suffering from a mystery shaking syndrome. It is a neurological disorder and we’ve spent thousands on vets’ bills trying to figure out what is causing it but the experts don’t really know. This is beyond what is normal for the breed, but all the vets can tell us, after all the scans and tests, is that it is neurological and he is not suffering. It is a shame this has happened when he is getting the biggest success of his career but we feel the best thing to do is to retire him after the Oscars.”

Uggie Dog Actor and Rescue Dog Has Mystery Shaking Syndrome

Uggie Dog Actor and Rescue Dog Has Mystery Shaking Syndrome

It’s great to see that Uggie has a concerned and responsible owner who has decided to let his dog enjoy his older years without the pressures of the silver screen. At 10 years old, which would be considered 70 years old in dog years, Uggie can now relax and retire in dignity and with fame fresh in the air and having appeared on just about every major talk show in America, he has now deserved a break.

Uggie Dog Actor and Rescue Dog Has Mystery Shaking Syndrome

He might have been one-tenth the size of all the other Oscar guests, but it was hard not to miss Uggie at Sunday night’s 84th annual Academy Awards.

When he walked onto the stage to help accept the Best Picture award for The Artist, the adorable Jack Russell terrier wore an eye-catching collar custom-designed for him by Chopard.

The collar features a black satin bow tie and a charm made of 18 karat yellow gold inscribed with his name. The piece will be auctioned, and the proceeds will benefit The Amanda Foundation, an animal rescue organization.

“I was completely charmed by Uggie’s role in The Artist,” said Chopard co-president Caroline Scheufele. “Knowing that Uggie is a rescue dog, it inspired me to create a unique piece to benefit an important cause.” (Original story here)

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XLx_mHuwX4
 

Uggie, the canine costar of The Artist, looked his absolute best ascending the podium to accept the Best Picture Oscar alongside director Michel Hazanavicius, stars Jean Dujardin, Berenice Bejo and other cast and crewmembers.

For his big moment, Uggie wore a custom-made Chopard bowtie of 18 carat gold and satin. Designed by Chopard’s Co-President and Artistic Director Caroline Scheufele, the dog-boned shaped charm featured Uggie’s name; now that Uggie’s big night is over, the piece will be auctioned off with proceeds going to The Amanda Foundation, which helps homeless animals.

Sadly, the 10-year-old Jack Russell terrier (who is the constant companion of Dujardin’s character, George Valentin, in The Artist) is retiring from film due to a mysterious neurological disorder, one he suffered through while shooting the film.

“It comes and goes,” trainer Omar Von Muller told the Daily Mail recently. “It is a shame this has happened when he is getting the biggest success of his career, but we feel the best thing to do is to retire him after the Oscars.”

Sarah Clifford helped train Uggie for the film and marveled about his dramatic skills. “There was a take where Uggie actually reached out and tried to pull the gun out of his (Jean’s) hand with his mouth. He put his mouth on Jean’s hand and started pulling his hand. We were so stunned. He wasn’t told to do that.” (Original story here)

Uggie dog actor and rescue dog has mystery shaking syndrome, but he will always be remembered for his acting ability along with his endearing antics. The popularity of the Jack Russell will no doubt get a boost as Uggies fame continues to rise. This breed of dog is a great choice due to its remarkable desire to please along with its playful and energetic disposition.

 

Best Puppy Spay or Neuter Information for Your New Pet

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Written by Senior Editor Peter Gehr

The best puppy spay or neuter information for your new pet comes with a passionate plea to take action to avoid the following complications: disputes with neighbors, unexpected breeding, wandering male dogs, homeless pets, and over-crowded animal shelters. These are just a few of the problems stemming from ignoring the procedures required to keep your dog from any of the above. Some may argue that it’s not natural, but I’ll stop that argument right there by suggesting you visit your nearest animal shelter and talk to the staff whose grizzly task is to euthanize homeless “natural” dogs every day.

Best Puppy Spay or Neuter Information for Your New Pet

Best Puppy Spay or Neuter Information for Your New Pet

There are assistance programs available for those who cannot afford to spay or neuter their pets, and with minimal effort the outcome can be achieved with little fuss. Most animal shelters across the country provide information on how to tap into these resources if needed.

Best Puppy Spay or Neuter Information for Your New Pet

This article from the Marrieta Times sums it up my sentiments:

Our pets provide unconditional love day in and day out, so it’s only right that they deserve our attention.

Any pet owner must take responsibility for their animals by offering a safe and warm home, food and water and daily exercise.

Dogs and cats require much time, commitment and even money, but beyond the duties of food, water, care, companionship and exercise, pet owners must realize they can add to the pet overpopulation problem by not spaying or neutering their furry friends.

With the growing numbers in pet ownership – some 74.8 million dogs are owned in the United States, while almost 90 million cats belong to someone – thankfully, many veterinarians and volunteers throughout the United States know the importance of spaying and neutering, and Spay Day USA, a Doris Day Animal Foundation national campaign, was created.

Pet owners who neglect their dogs and cats by letting them run loose and refusing to have the animals spayed or neutered are a burden on their communities through the overcrowding of streets and neighborhoods and, ultimately, shelters with helpless, homeless animals.

Statistics show that two unaltered cats and all their descendents can theoretically number 420,000 in just seven years, while two unaltered dogs and all their descendents can theoretically number 67,000 in six years, according to information provided by the Humane Society of the United States.

Anyone visiting area dog pounds and animal shelters knows the many unwanted pets waiting to be adopted. Statistics have proven that most of these animals won’t go to a new home and will be put down, as an estimated 5 million cats and dogs are killed in shelters every year.

Unfortunately, some pet owners are reluctant to spay or neuter their animals, but animals as young as 6 months old can safely undergo the procedures, according to any veterinarian.

For pet owners who cannot afford to have their animals spayed or neutered, many shelters will provide financial assistance for the surgery. Help is only a phone call away. Remember, it’s a pet owner’s responsibility to help reduce the number of homeless animals – period. Click here to visit the original source of this post

The best puppy spay or neuter information for your new pet is to consult with your local veterinarian to schedule a time for your dog to get “fixed” so that he/she is not going to contribute to the pandemic of homeless pets. The statistics above are alarming as to how much breeding can go one in six years with just two unaltered dogs. This should be enough to step up to the plate and make the effort to comply and to do the right thing for your dog, your family, and the greater community.

Dog Training Collars Advice on the Best Device for Your Pet

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Written by Senior Editor Peter Gehr

Dog training collars advice on the best device for your pet. First of all, let me begin by saying that the very best device for your dog training is: you! You are the best and most reliable training device for your dog. I personally do not use an Ecollar, and I find the principal to be somewhat of a cop out for real training techniques that strengthen the bond and relationship between you and your pet. It’s unnatural for your dog to be receiving intermittent shocks for misbehavior, and if your dog learns to only relate to a shock from a collar, it may result in aggression, depression and stress, and a general unhealthy adverse reaction.

Dog Training Collars Advice on the Best Device for Your Pet

Dog Training Collars Advice on the Best Device for Your Pet

Take the time to train your dog properly using traditional methods and create a connection between you and your animal where he/she responds obediently to your vocal commands, and the end result will be much more satisfying for both you and your puppy.

However, since they are on the market, I am offering the details below in order to help you make an informed decision as to whether you will use one or not.

Using a remote, these electronic dog training collars emit an electric shock to your dog. Each time it barks inappropriately, starts chewing your shoes, starts digging a hole in the garden, or begins tearing up the garbage in your yard and being a general nuisance, the shock will alert the dog to associate the “buzz” with the inappropriate behavior.

These devices feature various settings that can be adjusted to suit the needs of your particular breed of dog. There are numerous variables from size of dog, coat type, temperament and age—and more.

I would stress the importance of seeking the help from your vet to determine which settings to use as using the wrong settings could be detrimental to your pet and cause more problems and health and behavioral issues.

Dog Training Collars Advice on the Best Device for Your Pet

Dog training devices are very helpful when you start training your dog. There are several types of dog training devices on the market; some of them help you control your dog’s barking while others reinforce positive actions and discourage undesirable behaviors. Remote dog training devices generally consist of a collar and a remote control. They help you control your dog’s behavior even if you are not in your immediate vicinity.

Remote Dog Training Devices

If you want to train your dog yourself, remote dog training devices can be of help. They usually consist of a collar associated with a remote control. You can choose between electronic collars or spray training collars. The remote control is used by the owner to transmit positive or negative stimulus to the dog depending on the behavior the dog manifests. The remote control has typically 2 buttons, each corresponding to a specific action: reward or punishment.

Remote dog training devices are an efficient way to stop your dog from:

  • chasing cars
  • digging
  • trashing the garbage bin
  • whatever other behavior you consider bothersome

Given that some devices are effective up to a few hundred yards, you do not need to chase your dog all the time. You can just sit, watch his behavior and decide whether you want to reinforce it or punish him.

Dogs only respond to training after a few sessions. Remote training can start when your dog is around 5 months old. Remote training should be preceded by basic commands and fundamental training.

Electronic Collars

Electronic training collars work with batteries and they send a low intensity level electrical shock to the dog. You should only activate the collar to make the dog refrain from an unwanted behavior. The shock released by the collar is not meant to cause pain, but to startle your pet. In time, your dog will associate the bad behavior with the discomfort produced by the collar and will refrain from doing it.

Safety When Using Electronic Dog Training Devices

Remote training devices are considered safe. However, it is recommended that you consult your veterinarian if you decide to use electronic training collars. You should make sure that the intensity level of the electrical shock is not too high for your dog.

You should choose the collar size that fits your dog best. If the collar is too large, the dog might attempt to take it off. It could also get caught and strangle your dog. If the collar is too tight it might cause discomfort and injuries. Generally, collars are waterproof so your dog will not be injured if he gets wet. Click here to visit the original source of this post

Dog training collars advice on the best device for your pet is a matter to take into serious consideration. There are Ecollars available that vibrate on your dogs net rather than shock, and this may be a much better alternative if you are unable to attend to your dog at every turn or at every “infringement.” The vibration system is designed to communicate a negative response to his/her actions in an attempt to deter the behavior you deem unsatisfactory. There are several types available and some work better than others. The Petsafe dog collar is one of the most popular types that, at the time this article was written, is reduced in price by more than 50% and has pretty solid reviews.

Click here for more details, or click on the picture below

Dog Adoption Centers: PetSmart Charities’ Rescue Waggin’ Program

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Written by Senior Editor Peter Gehr

Dog Adoption Centers: PetSmart charities rescue waggin’ program. An important step in pet ownership is the responsibility of seeing to it that you dog is spayed or neutered at the appropriate age. Animal shelters are often inundated with homeless pets that end up being euthanized due to either overcrowding or the fact that people are looking only for spayed or neutered pets. In order to reduce this problem seek the advice from your vet, and arrange for the procedure well in advance. This adds an element of importance to the need and will give you a specific date, time and reason to follow through with it.

Dog Adoption Centers: PetSmart Charities' Rescue Waggin' Program

Dog Adoption Centers: PetSmart Charities' Rescue Waggin' Program

There are a number of opinions out there with regards to when a dog should be spayed or neutered, and the best advice is to consult with your veterinarian. Some experts say that neutering at around 6 months is best, and the benefits are not only the reduction of aggressive behavior, but are less likely to develop obesity, jump fences or fight with other dogs.

Of course, the main issue is taking away the desire to mate, which consequently rules out any unnecessary or unwanted breeding—which can lead to another set of complications.

Dog Adoption Centers: PetSmart Charities’ Rescue Waggin’ Program

Every day, overcrowded animal shelters look for new ways to save the lives of homeless pets. In 2011, PetSmart Charities’ Rescue Waggin’ program transported 9,541 dogs and puppies from communities with high pet populations and euthanasia rates to shelters with exceptional adoption programs and more adoption space for pets in need of homes.

Since its inception in 2004, the Rescue Waggin’ program has saved the lives of more than 52,000 dogs and puppies. It’s the first and largest national pet transport program in the U.S. and has been labeled the “gold standard” for pet transport by veterinarians and national humane organizations. The program has expanded from one site in 2004 to 60 shelters in 22 states with four routes today: East Coast, Midwest, Great Plains, and the South Central states region.

“Until more people spay and neuter their pets and we reduce the number of animals entering shelters, the Rescue Waggin’ program will continue to be a resource for shelters working to change the fate of homeless dogs in their communities,” said Susanna Della Maddalena, executive director of PetSmart Charities, Inc.

Specially equipped Rescue Waggin’ vehicles have logged more than 1.5 million miles and can comfortably transport as many as 50 to 60 puppies and dogs at a time, providing them with a temperature-controlled environment, complete with piped-in lullaby music.

The Rescue Waggin’ program not only saves pets’ lives, it also helps many shelters improve their operations and manage their pet populations in a more sustainable way. To date, PetSmart Charities has granted more than $1.75 million to Rescue Waggin’ partners to help reduce disease in their shelters, upgrade cat rooms, and update and remodel dog kennels. Click here to visit the original source of this post

Dog Adoption Centers: PetSmart charities rescue waggin’ program is a terrific effort to intervene and actively participate in solving a problem. Of course, the ultimate solution is for pet owners to remain responsible by making sure they take good care of their dogs by providing them with the medical procedures necessary to de-sex so that any wondering tendencies are removed. Ruling out unwanted breeding makes you a conscientious dog owner with an accountable attitude and sensible member of the community. This is all part of pet ownership and contributes to the solution to cut down on homeless pets that usually end up euthanized—which is a result that could have been prevented.

Canine Arthritis Symptoms and Treatment to Help Your Dog

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Written by Senior Editor Peter Gehr

If you’ve ever wondered about canine arthritis symptoms and treatment to help your dog, this article will give you 7 tips on how to recognize and identify the tell tale signs, as well as point out the possible treatments to consider for your pet. It should go without saying, but if you think that your dog is suffering from arthritis it is important to see your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Canine Arthritis Symptoms and Treatment to Help Your Dog

Canine Arthritis Symptoms and Treatment to Help Your Dog

It’s always a good practice when you are relaxing with your dog to spend some time inspecting the health of your pet’s joints for any signs of fatigue, or soreness. This can be done at any time, but it’s especially an opportune time to do it when your dog is in a calm and relaxed position. Gently checking each joint and foot by applying a small amount of pressure (carefully) to make sure that there’s no swelling or pain.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of joint condition in dogs, but there are measures that can be taken and early detection is certainly going to be an advantage to the treatment process.

Canine Arthritis Symptoms and Treatment to Help Your Dog

So what exactly is canine arthritis, and how similar is it to the human condition?

Much like the human equivalent, canine and feline arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can affect as many as one in five dogs and a similar amount of cats. The most common form of canine or feline arthritis is Osteoarthritis which is characterized by the progressive deterioration of joint cartridge. The continual breakdown of cartilage will eventually lead to rubbing bones which results in heightened joint pain and stiffness.

Is my dog at risk?

Though not all pets will experience arthritis, the disease itself does not discriminate based on age, breed or gender and can affect both cats and dog at any time during their life. Cats and dogs that are older, over-weight, inactive or have prior injuries may be at a higher risk for arthritis

Signs and Symptoms

If your dog is experiencing any of the following, it could be a sign that he or she may have arthritis

  1. Weight gain
  2. Unwilling/Unable to walk, run or jump up stairs
  3. Swelling around the joints
  4. Loss of appetite
  5. Listlessness/Depression
  6. Irritability
  7. Favoring one or side or a specific limb

Treatment

After consulting your vet, you may be advised to utilize one or more of the following treatment methods:

  • Over-the-counter treatments
  • Medications or foods that contain Omega fatty acids, glucosamine or chondritin sulfate have been shown to assist in arthritis pain relief as well as decrease the speed at which the disease progresses.
  • Prescription Arthritis Relief
  • Some pets may require more than an over the counter treatment. Should your pet need more than an over the counter treatment, you veterinarian will work with you to determine the best drug treatment to help relieve and reduce the symptoms of arthritis.

Healthy Diet and Exercise

Weight gain can be both a cause and a symptom of pet arthritis and therefore exercise and a healthy diet can help your pet reach an ideal weight while minimizing stress on the joints. Exercise in moderation can also keep joints from becoming stiff from lack of use. Be careful not to over exert your dog, as this can cause adverse effects. Click here to visit the original source of this post

Canine arthritis symptoms and treatment to help your dog must be viewed carefully and practically. See what you can do to prevent such an issue, or perhaps you have a dog breed that is prone to the problem, in any case, a good healthy diet and regular exercise are going to play a major role in keeping your dog in shape. Dogs need exercise and were not designed to sit around on the couch all day. Running, jumping, socializing with other dogs, exerting pent up energy, playing outside and fetching are what your dog needs for well-being and mental stimulation. Remember, the life of a dog is comparatively short and it’s our responsibility to give our pets the best life we can provide. Be a good pet owner, no, be a great pet owner by giving your canine all that he/she needs for a great life.

Top 50 Dog Training Online Videos with Dove Cresswell

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Sit, heel, stay, leave it, roll over. These are all very common commands that most dogs learn. But, if you were given the tools to teach more than that, would you be interested?

And if it were affordable and effective, wouldn’t you like to know about it?

We spend a lot of time scouring the internet for the best puppy training tips, tools and techniques. Did you know you can successfully train your dog online? If your dog needs training, or if you feel your dog could benefit from a refresher training course, we here at Best Puppy Post recommend one of the most sort after dog trainers, Dove Cresswell.

The biggest advantage of these top 50 dog training online videos is the fact that you can access them right on your smart phone, iPad or Tablet. Mobility and portability have become a huge part of our lives and this platform opens up huge potential for your dog to become smarter, be more obedient, learn new tricks and commands and more.

If you’re serious about training your dog and giving him/her the best input available that will have lasting and life-long positive benefits, then you must consider the inside secrets from this trainer to the pet stars.

With a successful career in the dog training industry, Dove Cresswell has made her mark in an impressive line-up of movies:

Once Upon A Time. TV Series 2011

Diary Of A Wimpy Kid 3. Feature Movie 2011

Santa Puppies. Feature Movie 2011

Level Up. TV Series 2011

This Means War. Animal Coordinator

Marley & Me: The Puppy Years (video) – Animal Trainer (dogs)

Red Riding Hood – Animal Trainer (uncredited)

Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore – Animal Trainer (dogs)

Marmaduke – Animal Trainer (dogs)

 

Top 50 Dog Training Online Videos with Dove Cresswell

Dove Cresswell has developed a super set of dog training online videos that cover every aspect of canine behavior and obedience. All of which we’ve viewed and highly endorse for dog owners at every level.

Some of the things you will learn from these videos include:

Obedience essentials

Problem behaviors

Advanced lessons and tricks

Puppy Food Aggression

Dog Toys

Stop Chewing Items

Puppy Crate Training

Socializing New Puppies

Choosing the Right Dog Food

There are 30 good reasons why these videos can help you and your dog. Click here to find out more.

Top 50 Dog Training Online Videos with Dove Cresswell

Top 50 Dog Training Online Videos with Dove Cresswell. Photo by Peter Gehr

We have researched countless videos and training programs and have found this series to be the best and most effective dog training advice available. We’ve examined books, videos, tutorials and investigated just about every dog obedience training method under the sun and if you’re looking for dog training tips and techniques that work, then we’d suggest you look no further.

There’s no shipping and handling, DVDs or physical product, as it’s all available to you online. Plus, you can stay in touch with Dove on her blog for updates and special features.

More things you will learn from this affordable dog training online video series:

Training Session Tips

Down

Heel

Choosing A Dog Trainer

Long Line Recall

Stay

Come When Called

Boundary Training

Heel Sneak Away Game

Toy Dogs

Down Stay

Off Leash Recall

Go To Bed

Loose Leash Walking

Sit

Collars, Harnesses and Leashes

Stand

Leave It

This highly recommended video series will be the best purchase you’ve made for the benefit of both you and your dog. Dove Cresswell’s dog training online will change your life and make your dog even happier than before. A happy dog is a well-disciplined and well-trained dog. From the day that a dog is born, they are looking for the security of structure and training, and their mother’s begin training them from day one.

To continue with the natural process of learning will create a stable, secure and obedient dog. And, perhaps most important of all, it will establish you as pack leader. This is what your dog is actually looking for in life as this is the social structure that dogs relate to. Dogs need you to be their leader, and these top 50 dog training online videos will enable you to create that bond your pet needs for a happy and well-balanced life.

We here at Best Puppy Post rate this online dog training series as a 10 out of 10.


Dog Food Advisor: What Human Foods Are Safe for Your Puppy?

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Written by Senior Editor Peter Gehr

Dog food advisor: what human foods are safe for your puppy? This is a question that should be asked more often, and it’s alarming what pets are being fed by their owners. Much of the obesity problems that pet owners are dealing with across the country are often a result of feeding too much, or feeding your dog the wrong foods.

Rather than dwell on the foods that you shouldn’t be feeding your puppy, I thought it might be a great idea to address the human foods that are actually good for your dog. Be sure you are fully aware of the human foods that present risks to your animal, and offer only a proper, dog-friendly diet for the happiness and well-being of your dog.

Dog Food Advisor: What Human Foods Are Safe for Your Puppy?

Dr. Nicole Pajer wrote this informed article for Cesar Millan:

Dog Food Advisor: What Human Foods Are Safe for Your Puppy?

Dog Food Advisor: What Human Foods Are Safe for Your Puppy?

We try to keep our dogs on their canine diets but sometimes we just can’t resist slipping them an occasional human morsel. If you’d like to reward your pet with a table scrap, make sure that you choose people foods that are safe for canine tummies.

Here are a few “dog-approved” people foods:

1. Peanut butter. A favorite treat of many canines. Not only is it a good source of protein, but it also contains heart healthy fats, vitamin B, niacin, and vitamin E. Stuff peanut butter into a Kong to keep your dog busy for hours. Choose raw, unsalted peanut butter.

2. Cooked chicken. Can be slipped into the bowl along with your dog’s regular food to add a spice and extra protein to its diet. This also makes a good meal replacement if you’re in a pinch and out of dog food.

3. Cheese. A great treat for a dog as long as she isn’t lactose intolerant, which a small percentage are. Make sure to monitor your dog’s reaction. Opt for low or reduced fat varieties and don’t overfeed, as many cheeses can be high in fat. Cottage cheese is typically a good choice.

4. Baby carrots. Good for a dog’s teeth, carrots are low calorie and high in fiber and beta carotene/vitamin A.

5. Yogurt. High in calcium and protein. But make sure to only choose yogurts that do not contain artificial sweeteners or added sugars. Yogurts with active bacteria can act as a probiotic and are good for your dog’s digestive system.

6. Salmon. A good source of omega 3 fatty acids, which are responsible for keeping your dog’s coat healthy and shiny, as well as supporting your dog’s immune system. Feed your dog cooked salmon, add salmon oil to her food bowl, or slip him some of your unwanted fish skins.

7. Pumpkin. Good source of fiber as well as beta-carotene/vitamin A. It can help keep the GI tract moving and can aid with digestive issues.

8. Eggs. Scrambling up an egg for your pup is a great way to give her diet a protein boost. Eggs are also a source of easily digestible riboflavin and selenium, making them a healthy snack.

9. Green Beans.Make a great treat for your dog since they are filling and low in calories. Select beans that have no added salt.

10. Apple Slices. Help to clean residue off a dog’s teeth, which helps to freshen her breath. Apples are a good source of fiber as well as vitamin A and C. Make sure to take out the seeds and the core before feeding to your dog, as these can be choking hazards.

11. Oatmeal. A great source of soluble fiber, which can be especially beneficial to senior dogs with bowel irregularity issues. It is also a great alternate grain for dogs allergic to wheat. Make sure to cook oatmeal before serving it to your dog. Do not add any sugar or flavor additives. (Original article here)

Dog food advisor: what human foods are safe for your puppy? If you’ve wondered what these foods are, now you know, but I must add that it’s vital to keep moderation in mind, and the list above should be an exception rather than a rule. The best advice is to stick to dog food. A lot of research and scientific data has been collected in recent years to come up with specific dog foods that are designed to meet all of your puppy’s nutritional requirements. Therefore, check with your vet first before serving up a plate of human food to your dog. Remember, a dog is a dog is a dog…

Best Puppy House Training Tips Using Clicks and Treats

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Written by Senior Editor Peter Gehr

Best Puppy House Training Tips Using Clicks and Treats

Best Puppy House Training Tips Using Clicks and Treats

The best puppy house training tips using clicks and treats can start the very day you bring your new pet home. If you begin immediately, you will be developing a fresh new habit for your dog, as well as helping him/her to connect with his new environment.

Hearing these clicks will be foreign to your puppy, but if you start by associating the click with a reward, the dog will begin to quickly understand that the click is his new center of attention and he will respond positively. Each time you use the click method it should be immediately followed up with a treat. It’s vital that the clicker is not overused by other family members, or used for any other reason other than to train your puppy. Be sure everyone in your household fully understands that the use of the clicker is for training purposes and should be utilized properly and responsibly.

In fact, if your clicker is not used correctly, your pet will soon learn to ignore it, and its use will then become of no use at all.

Some dog trainers don’t use a clicker at all, and are very successful at house training. There are several methods that work equally as good, and the point of the exercise is to be patient, diligent, watchful and consistent. I’m focusing on the clicker training method in this article as it’s a very good technique for new dog owners who have never house trained a puppy before.

Best Puppy House Training Tips Using Clicks and Treats

House training can be started immediately you get your pup home, using dog obedience training techniques, because it is really never too early to start.

You can stay outside with the pup, let him explore and investigate his world, but watch him. When his breathing is calm, feed him, and then, as soon as he is finished eating, take him outside and wait for him to poop. Now put him in the crate and put the crate in an area where the pup can see you. He will settle down and when he wakes up, you will be able to release him from the crate and take him straight outside.

Until he has gained some control of his bladder at around 4 months old, I recommend you use some form of barriers to keep the pup contained in an area that has floors easy to clean whenever he is not in his crate. If you put newspaper on the floor, this will help with the clean up. The obedience training technique I recommend is the use of a clicker which you use to tell the pup he has just done the right thing by toileting outside. You need to introduce the pup to the noise of the click as quickly as possible.

When you bring your pup home, you have just ripped it away from its mom and siblings and dumped it into a strange environment. It is going to be a little upset and stressed. You need to have bought a dog crate before the dog comes home. If there is going to be someone at home with the pup, have a good game with the pup to tire him. Let him stop huffing and puffing and then give him a light meal. If you feed any dog immediately after strenuous exercise, you have a good chance of ending up with stomach torsion.

Start by just clicking and rewarding. Use tiny morsels of roast chicken. About the size of a match head. You want to get as many clicks in as you can in a minute, but every click must be followed instantly with a reward, and the pup must be able to swallow the treat instantly. This continues for about five minutes. Then slow down the click rate and put a short gap between clicks around 5 to 10 seconds. You are now teaching the pup that the click means he gets a reward. Click here to visit the original source of this post

A small puppy should not be given free range inside your home. He must first learn by being confined to a penned in area where he will sleep and eat—which is what he’ll be doing most of the time anyway. Keep a close eye on him at all times, and remember that although the best puppy house training tips using clicks and treats is very effective, your puppy will have accidents and it’s important to clean up immediately without making a big fuss about it—he’s just a puppy, and is learning a brand new process. It’s a good idea to take your puppy to the place outside where you want him to poop. It’s the regularity and timing that you will learn and become accustomed to as you become accustomed to your dogs needs—and this is the best methodology in the house training process.

How to Teach a Dog to Sit On Command in 4 Easy Steps

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Written by Senior Editor Peter Gehr

How to teach a dog to sit on command in 4 easy steps

How to teach a dog to sit on command in 4 easy steps

One of the first things everyone wants to teach their new puppy is how to sit. This is surprisingly easy if you follow the two “Ps”, practice and patience. The how to teach a dog to sit on command in 4 easy steps will come easy by staying calm and finding a place without distraction. It’s very important to keep in mind that your dog does not speak any other language other than dog language. In other words, contrary to what a lot of people think, your pet does not speak English. Yes, he/she responds to different commands, but don’t mistake this for actual literal comprehension of English.

I’ve said this before and will repeat it here again; it’s the association to the sound of the word that your dog responds to, not the word itself. As an example, if you approached your dog and said in a loving, kind and gentle tone, “I hate you, I hate you”, chances are your dog will respond with wagging tail and loyal enthusiasm. On the contrary, if you were to approach your dog in a gruff, stern and angry tone and shouted “I love you, I love you!” your dog will probably cringe and turn away thinking you are angry.

In other words, it’s the tone, and the association that your dog interprets.

A dog looks for signs, familiar sounds and body language.

How to Teach a Dog to Sit On Command in 4 Easy Steps

The well-respected and popular dog expert Cesar Millan has the following advice:

The communication and connection we have with our dogs through exercise, discipline, and affection is the foundation for what I call conditioning, or dog training. I like to teach about dog psychology, and I am more concerned about a dog’s overall balance in order to prevent or correct problem behaviors than I am with the dog’s ability to answer basic commands, like sit, stay, come, down, and heel.

Of course those are important behaviors for any domesticated animal to know and obey, but for me, it begins with that foundation – pack leadership. I raise all of the dogs in my pack using energy and body language, touch and simple sounds, in a way that is more in tune with the way dogs communicate naturally. Dogs don’t understand the meaning of “sit” any more than they understand the word “birthday” – we condition them to understand what that sound means to them.

When teaching any new command, it’s important to have your dog’s attention and to stop before you lose their attention. You want to keep them wanting more. If a dog runs away from you and goes to romp around the yard after a training session, you know you’ve done too much. This isn’t the dog saying, “I’m free! Yippee!” This is the dog saying, “I’m over-stimulated.” This is especially true of puppies, which are already in a hyperactive, over-stimulated state. The goal is to move them into a more relaxed, calm, and submissive state through your conditioning and leadership.

Teaching “sit” requires a lot of patience, repetition, and reward. I encourage people to teach “sit” with silence – using energy – before adding a sound, or saying the word “sit.” When the dog sits, reward him with a treat. Each time he repeats the behavior for you, reward with a treat. (For some dogs that don’t respond to food, you can try a toy or a belly rub, but don’t overdo the affection. Remember, this is discipline time!) And then end your session with a success and do the exercise again later.

There are many different techniques for teaching basic commands like “sit.” Some of the trainers I know and respect use what is called “clicker” training, where they make a “click” sound to acknowledge that the dog has done the behavior desired. And then they give the reward. The dog begins to associate the sound with a treat, and when they do something that gets a “click,” they want to keep doing it over and over again. Think about it as though the clicker is a camera, and you’re “capturing” a wanted behavior. (Original article here)

Step one: With a treat in hand, move your hand over the dog’s nose and head. Be sure not to hold it too high and avoid the dog jumping for the treat.

Step two: Repeat this motion as many times as necessary, and this will encourage the dog to raise its head back and arch its back.

Step thee: As you move your hand over the nose, over the head and towards the back of your puppy, he will naturally begin sitting.

Step four: As soon as he sits, say the word “sit” and reward with the treat.

Practice this as much as you need to in order for it to become familiar to the dog, and he will soon learn the association to the word.

Make it fun, and don’t get frustrated. Some dogs pick it up very quickly, and yet others may take some time to get it right. Keep your voice calm, and don’t push your puppy for too long. The best puppy tips on how to teach a dog to sit on command in 4 easy steps will be rewarding for both you and your dog as long as it’s done patiently and in brief training sessions. It’s a form of discipline, so keep the affection to a minimum, but do praise and reward accordingly.