Save up to 15% on all dog supplies at SitStay.com. Order up to $49.99 save 5%, $50-$99.99 save 10%, above $100 save 15%. No limitations.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Make Your Own Healthy Dog Foods

Why would you want to take the time and effort to make your dog’s food? You have to shop for the ingredients and then you have to cook the food, and God knows, you already have enough to do with the job, the kid and their activities, and keeping the house together. Why not just buy a commercial food? There are plenty of commercial healthy dog foods, aren’t there? Maybe yes and maybe no.

Have you ever read the ingredients in a can of dog food? Do you know what all of the ingredients are? For example, do you know what BHA and BHT are, what meat by-products are, what fish meal is? If you’re going to give food containing these ingredients to a member of your family – and your dog is a member of your family – you really should know what they are.

BHA and BHT are antioxidants used to preserve fats. Seems okay. However, they have been banned from human use by many countries because they may possibly be human carcinogens and have been demonstrated to be carcinogenic in animal experiments. BHA and BHT use is still permitted in the U.S.

Meat by-products are clean parts of slaughtered animals, not including meat. These include lungs, spleen, kidneys, brain, liver, blood, bone, and stomach and intestines freed of their contents. It does not include hair, horns, teeth, or hooves. If the source isn’t specified, it can be from “downer” animals, animals diseased, disabled, or dying before slaughter. It can also be from any animal other than a cow, and it can even be from animals euthanized at animal shelters.

Fish meal is the clean, rendered, dried ground tissue of undecomposed whole fish or fish cuttings, either or both, with or without the extraction of part of the oil. If the source isn’t specified, you never know the type or quality of fish, and if the fish meal isn’t specifically stated to be of “human quality” it has probably been preserved with Ethoxyquin. It has been linked to a number of illnesses, including cancer.

You wouldn’t deliberately eat any of these things yourself. Why would you knowingly feed them to your dog? Hopefully, you wouldn’t. If you make your dog’s food, you know the quality and nutritional value of the ingredients you use. The truly 100% safest healthy dog foods are the ones you make yourself.

A Guide To Building Your Own Doghouse

Anybody who owns a dog will know that they can be expensive. Vets bills and food supplies soon mount up and this is why so many dogs end up abandoned in rescue centers or put out on to the street. Responsible dog owners are aware of the costs which a pet incurs and so go into it with their eyes open. However, an unnecessary expense is that involved with the purchase of a doghouse.

Many dog owners allow their pets to sleep in the home with them, thus eradicating the need for an exterior doghouse. But others prefer to distance themselves somewhat from their pets, preferring them to sleep outside at night. For these owners, the need to buy a doghouse is essential. These can range from budget buys which are little more than a wooden shell, to hugely extravagant constructions complete with a porch and stairs to make their kennel into a luxury home. Obviously, the cost rises proportionately to the quality of the doghouse. However, there is an alternative option.

You could build your own doghouse. You would still be required to pay for the supplies and you would have to do the work yourself but it means that you can tailor the doghouse to your pet. A doghouse should be large enough for your pet to comfortably turn but no bigger than that in order for it to retain the dog's body heat and so self-insulate to a degree. Most readily available dog houses that you can buy from pet stores or similar places are a fairly standard size. Given that your doghouse should be sized in relation to your specific dog, you may find that, if you have a particularly large or small dog, that the shop bought ones are not ideal. Therefore, building your own can solve this problem.

There are a few things to remember when buying the materials for your doghouse. The first is to ensure that the doghouse is raised from the floor slightly to prevent moisture from seeping into the wood. The second is to ensure that you purchase exterior grade plywood and not pressure treated plywood. Exterior grade is slightly harder to come by as the majority of hardware stores sell pressure treated. However, this is treated with chemicals which may be harmful to your dog if they chew it.

These are the main things you need to adhere to when building your own doghouse. As long as these three areas, the size, raised from the ground and use of correct wood, are correct you can pretty much do what you like in terms of design and build. Why not decorate the finished doghouse to suit your pet's personality? That is what I call a designer home!

Why dogs eat their own poop?

Life can be tough, for animals as well as humans. It is a Bichon Frise-eat-Bichon Frise world, and, unfortunately, sometimes it is a Bichon Frise-eat-poop world. The consumption of poop is formally known as coprophagia, and it is a natural behavior that is found in some animal species.

Why Does It Happen?

Human beings have difficulty understanding exactly why Bichon Frises eat their poop. Bichon Frises have been known to eat poop from various sources, such as other Bichon Frises, cats, and rabbits. This is a habit that is most prevalent in puppies, and certain breeds are also more susceptible to coprophagia. From a human’s point of view, it is repugnant, and we can’t help but wonder why Bichon Frises eat poop.

There are many theories regarding animals consuming poop. It might be the result of a dietary deficiency, and the Bichon Frise is compensating for a loss of nutrition by eating poop. Another theory, from the medical community, proposes that a Bichon Frise might be experiencing malnutrition, starvation, intestinal disorders, or parasitic infestations. However, most of these illnesses are very rare.

Puppies have been known to eat their poop when they are being housebroken, and this may be the result of physiological and behavioral factors. Physiologically, the digestion of food is not always complete, and puppies will see nutritional value in their poop. Behaviorally, Bichon Frises are frequently attracted to undigested food in their poop, such as rice, corn, or peanuts, viewing these foods as a snack. Behaviorally, many pets eat their poop when they are being trained because they do not know whether they should eliminate on paper in the home or on the ground outside of the home. If a Bichon Frise eliminates in the wrong place, it might experience stress and try to hide the evidence of their wrongdoing by eating it.

What Can Be Done About It?

Bichon Frises must be kept in optimal health; otherwise, they will develop illnesses that can result in eating poop.

First, have your veterinarian check your Bichon Frise for parasites. The animal may lack essential bacteria in his system. Also, parasites can compromise an animal’s immune system and allow other illnesses to occur. Take your Bichon Frise to the vet for a regular checkup, and take notes at the appointment. This can help keep your Bichon Frise healthy between appointments.

Second, make sure your Bichon Frise takes a vitamin every day. Vitamins are inexpensive, readily available, and they can be placed in a Bichon Frise bowl with the animal’s food, or they can be given directly to the Bichon Frise as a daily treat.

Third, keep your home clean, inside and out. This includes keeping the Bichon Frise’s bed and s washed and sanitized on a regular basis.

Fourth, provide distractions for the Bichon Frise. When you see the Bichon Frise eliminate, use a command s to call the animal away from the elimination area. As soon as the Bichon Frise leaves the area, give him verbal and physical praise. Keep a ‘pooper scooper’ handy and pick up the Bichon Frise poop after calling the Bichon Frise away from the elimination area. Make it a point to walk around the yard each day and pick up any poop that may have been previously left in the yard.

How Can It Be Prevented?

As a rule, Bichon Frise owners want to keep their Bichon Frises from eating poop. Not only is eating poop a health risk, it is a very unattractive sight for family, friends, or visitors.

The importance of cleanliness and home sanitation cannot be overemphasized. Once the Bichon Frise is housebroken, the chance of his eating poop inside the home is minimal. However, the Bichon Frise is likely to go back to its pre-housetraining habits if the house smells like poop or urine. The best way to keep a home clean is to develop a weekly cleaning schedule and maintain that schedule without fail. If the Bichon Frises does eliminate inside the home, it can be quickly and easily detected because the rest of the home will not have an odor. If the Bichon Frise does eliminate inside the home, the poop should be removed immediately, and the elimination area should be sanitized immediately. An additional benefit of maintaining a housecleaning schedule is that you will not have to worry about cleanliness or odor if an unexpected visitor comes into the home.

You can control the cleanliness of your home, and you can control what your Bichon Frise eats. One way to keep a Bichon Frise from eating its own poop is to put food additives in the Bichon Frise’s regular food. Food additives provide nutrients that the Bichon Frise needs and, as a result, these nutrients will keep the Bichon Frise from eating its poop. Consult the Bichon Frise’s veterinarian to make sure that your Bichon Frise is receiving food additives that are safe and effective for your Bichon Frise.

Finally, take your Bichon Frise outside for a ‘potty walk.’ Using a leash, wait until the Bichon Frise poops, then call the Bichon Frise. The leash is only used to keep the Bichon Frise from the poop if he tries to eat it. When the Bichon Frise leaves the poop and comes to your side, give it verbal praise and a treat.

All of the above information must be performed consistently. This way, the Bichon Frise will know what to expect when he tries to eat his poop. Also, consistent cleanliness, training, and maintenance should give you the results you want; your Bichon Frise should stop eating poop.

Six Most Important Dog Training Devices You Need

Dog training can be difficult. It is certainly difficult to make your dog understand exactly what you want, immediately when want them done. Fortunately, there are dog training devices which can help in making the entire process more manageable. Now, if you would like to know which kind of devices you must buy, then you are in luck. Listed below are the 6 most important training devices you should have along with the reasons why you should have them.

1. A training clicker. A training clicker is the most convenient way to draw your dog's attention during training. Clickers are generally sold in metal or plastic material, which emits a loud click-clack sound when pressed then released. With clickers, you will save yourself from a lot of burden and give your voice box a break. Remember, it can be a little arduous to capture the attention of a distracted dog.

2. A collar and leash. Collars and leashes are very two of the most basic devices that you will need to have for training your dog. In fact, these are two of the most basic things that a pet owner needs, even without actually training. There are many different types of leashes which can range from the two-foot control-type leashes made of nylon or leather to 30-foot extendable or retractable types. In the same way, dog collars come in different types ranging from snap and buckle to nylon and leather. When buying, be sure to choose a collar that is just the right size and fit. Even if dogs generally have sturdy neck muscles, an abrupt sharp thug during training can bruise their trachea or even worse.

3. A vest. Dog vests are much like leashes function-wise, only that vests have the ability to lessen the force applied on the throat area when training. Remember that during training, your dog will most likely be subjected to a good number of pulls to teach them obedience commands. Furthermore, if you have a strong dog who needs constant pushing, this may be necessary.

4. Muzzles. Muzzles may come handy if you would like to teach your dog proper barking habits. They can also help control your pet's false biting instincts. Dog trainers now substituted muzzles to no bark electronic collars which prove to be more efficient as training devices.

5. Dog containment system. A dog containment system can range from pens to gates. Their primary function is to keep your dog protected by keeping him in an area where they will be safest. Dog containment systems are now electronic in nature. These modern systems function as well as the traditional systems we are familiar with, but only with much better features. They make use of advanced technology as it integrates electric signals which are emitted when your dog is not within his designated area. Through the warning signal, your dog will be made fully aware that he is not within the designated area and will immediately go back where he should be. Not only can you leave your pet without worrying about them, your dog will also eventually learn where his boundaries are and stay within that area.

6. A treat. A lot of pet owners disregard this. A treat is very important when dog training.. Once your dog has done anything worth noting, giving him a cookie or a donut will be the most effective way to communicate the message across.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Can The Complete Dog Potty Training Guide House Break Your Dog? A Thorough Review of What it Offers

The following topics are all covered in the Complete Dog Potty Training guide:

-Numerous techniques that owners may use to effectively housebreak their new dog . Understanding the most appropriate time to begin training, whether your new friend is a puppy or adult dog! . Learn about the tools you will need to completely potty train your dog in just one week! . Learn the secrets to cleaning up any accidents without causing stains. -Tips to provide rescued and/ or older dogs with proper housebreaking instruction

. Decide whether training pads are right for you, and how to effectively use them.

* Hints to use for training your dog to use a litter box.

. Finally, understand the most basic troubles with potty training, and how to effectively work around them.

Highlights

It goes into more detail on dog potty concerns than other dog training guides, although it is not as detailed in other areas. This program was created by a dog owner that has a great amount of experience in training dogs, and continues to use her own methods. The guide covers every technique you will require to help potty train your adult dog or puppy in a week, and details some simple step-by-step instructions that will increase your chances of success. This downloadable dog potty training guide includes ways to correct a common problem that develops during training with either puppies or older dogs. When you order the Complete Dog Potty Training guide, a course in training dogs will also be emailed to you, at no extra charge, and there is a guarantee for sixty days that you will be satisfied or you will receive your money back.

In addition to the downloadable eBook, you will also receive an audio MP3 book, allowing you to listen to the training guide wherever you go, even while out running the dog! Two additional bonuses will come with the training guide: 1. Vet Health Tips Interview MP3. 2. A recipe book for wholesome and nutritious food that you can easily make in the comfort of your home

There is a home page for the Complete Dog Potty Training guide.

The guide is also easy to use.

The combination of both audio and visual elements to the Complete Dog Potty Training Guide contributes to the effectiveness of the program, as it gives the dog owner the option of choosing their preferred method of instruction. There are also simple and helpful suggestions on housebreaking your dog, and new procedures as well as ones to avoid are covered. This training program is available with a great 60-day money back guarantee, an additional dog training guide through email at no additional cost, and two great bonuses for free! Creating happy and healthy house trained dogs, whether puppies or adults, remains the ultimate goal of this book. To do this, the author has diligently worked to develope proven methods of potty training in just one week.

Customer Support Options

The Complete Dog Potty Training Guide can always be reached for question or comment through email. Furthermore, as a subscription member, you are eligible for regular emails and updates.

Also included is a way to score your overall Dog Potty Training.

The author of this guide really went above and beyond in delivering a quality and comprehensive housebreaking manual for any dog owner. It covers dog potty concerns much more thoroughly than other manuals on dog training. All the free bonuses ensure that you are getting your money's worth and then some, and if you're not satisfied for any reason or your dog isn't trained in seven days, you get your money back.

James is a dog training consultant dedicated to helping pet owners enjoy a better relationship with their animal. Furthermore, he specializes in puppy training. Take a moment to visit his puppy training site for some useful tips, reviews of training products, and a free guide overview about dog training.

Tips to Stop Your Dog from Digging

Hounds are able to exhibit many behaviors that are frustrating to their handlers. Dogs sometimes chew on furniture or shoes, pee in your home, bark for seemingly no good reason, or run off. A lot of these issues are preventable with necessary dog training from the start of your dog's puppy days. The right training necessitates that the owner is unswerving when it comes to rewarding their dog for good performance or punishing them for bad behaviors. Canines are happy to captivate their handlers, and therefore it is sometimes possible to alter their attitude by praising them when well-behaved and paying less attention when they are mischievous. One more issue that is common with dogs is the act of digging.

The Causes & Resolutions

Digging can be a manifestation of many triggers, and thus handlers ought to investigate the causes of the behavior in order to prevent dogs from digging. It may simply be that the dog finds digging pleasurable. There are some dogs who get bored and look for some form of stimulation and activity. Those not spayed or neutered may be attempting to flee their enclosures in order to locate a mating partner. Dogs may also like to dig in freshly placed fertilizer or gardens that have been recently turned over. Some dogs dig in order to hide treats or food. Other dogs, as a product of their breed, are known for digging. Some other dogs enjoy creating a den to lie down in and this is why they dig.

One of the keys to stopping this behavior and stop your dogs from digging is to make sure you play with them and give them adequate opportunities to exercise. In spite of the old adage, dogs can and do learn new tricks. Dogs that are destructive are often disinterested and can change their behavior if they are given opportunities for exercise and to explore new areas.

You should not give your dog bones to keep him from digging. Dogs with bones will often try to bury them. Rather, a treat ought to be completely edible so that nothing is leftover to bury. Another option is to plant balloons in the dogs favorite digging spots. The next time he digs there, the sound of the popping balloon will frighten him. It should also convince the dog that every time he digs he will hear that noise and he will learn to stop through that negative reinforcement. You should not leave your dog alone in the yard if he likes to dig. In such a case, should they begin to burrow, it is possible to startle them with spritz of water to prevent them from resuming their dig.

My first Page

Hi...................
This is my first blog.