First, it is a good idea to take note of the weather reports in your area, so that you can be prepared for a thunderstorm before it occurs. Making sure you have plenty of supplies on hand for yourself and your family in case of a power outage can help immensely. Things such as: canned food and bottled water, as well as lots of dog toys, food, and different types of yummy treats to keep your friend occupied during the storm are very important. It is always a good idea to have lots of extra new and exciting toys for your dog so that they are never bored with their surroundings, but this is especially important when you know they are going to be in a situation where they might become frightened. If you have special items to distract your pet with, like toys that make funny noises, smell good, and even taste particularly delicious, your dog is much more likely to associate pleasant memories with a thunderstorm rather than associating feelings of fear, or even terror, which can cause much bigger problems in the future and only escalate the problems you may see now.

Secondly, it is imperative that everyone in your home stays completely calm at all times (this is as much for your dog’s safety and peace of mind as for your own). Speak to your pet in reassuring and uplifting tones; avoid speaking in too high of a pitch, or too low, as both of those can be indicative of nervousness, or even anger. Above all, do not yell at your dog. If he begins barking at the sounds from the thunder, either try to ignore his behavior by leaving the room without a word and do not return until he is quiet, or you can try huffing a bit and making an audible “pfft” noise in his direction. This is a well observed behavior among dogs, and your dog should be able to sense that you do not approve of his behavior by this simple non-verbal cue. Yelling at your dog will only encourage any negative behavior, such as barking, and your dog may interpret your yelling as barking at the storm as well. This will likely encourage them to bark whenever they hear loud noises, and this is exactly the opposite effect of what you want.

A final option is to use a mild sedative if your pooch cannot calm down during a particularly nasty storm. In order to access something like this, you will need to visit your veterinarian and either let them administer the drug, or let you purchase a prescription medication with special instructions. Always follow the guidelines of these types of medicine carefully, as there could be negative side effects, and they can even be dangerous to their health in the long term. This should only be used as a last resort if the above options produce no positive results. Your dog is your friend, and your responsibility, so please take the time to try the first options out a few times before using any mild sedatives.

Remember that your dog is scared of thunderstorms out of instinct, so please do not punish them for doing what they were designed to do. Try everything you can to remain calm, tantalize them with treats and fancy toys, and do not yell at your dog as it will likely result in worse circumstances. It is possible to help your dog remain calm during a thunderstorm; you just have to be diligent, positive, and engaging, and the rest will follow. It may take a few tries for your dog to understand that everything will be fine during a storm, but we all know that the time is more than worth it to the both of you.

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If a dog ever tastes blood it must be destroyed because it will become a killer
Dogs are canines, not vampires. This is a very popular myth and one that has devastating consequences to dogs. There is not some genetic trigger that goes haywire if a dog tastes blood. This myth most likely got started because some aggressive dog bit several people and it was then decided that the blood itself was the what cause the dog to do this rather than the more probable cause which was likely the past mistreatment by humans. This myth is plain and simply not true.

Spaying or neutering your dog will make them fat
Spaying or neutering your pet doesn’t in and of itself cause weight gain. It just causes them to not be able to reproduce. In male dogs it can cause them to roam less therefore get less exercise. We are all aware that if you decrease exercise but still consume the same number of calories you will gain weight. The same is true for dogs.

Rubbing the nose of a puppy in their mistakes helps to housebreak them
It works about as well for dogs as it would for a human. In other words, that isn’t how to do it. What is at play here is the tone of your voice and your displeasure. That is what teaches the puppy. Unfortunately it also humiliates the puppy and causes them to fear you. A better way is to tell the puppy “no” in a firm voice and then take the puppy outside to an appropriate location. For solid waste, removing the waste to the appropriate location works as reinforcement because it teaches the puppy where you want this activity to take place.

Myths about dogs abound. Most are untrue and common sense should help point you in the direction of what is true and what is false.

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Tip One

You need to have a comfortable place set up in advance to groom your dog. Grooming can be a traumatic experience for a dog if they are not used to it. It is important that you do all that you can to help alleviate any stress that your dog may feel. It is important to have the grooming station set up in a well lit area. Make sure that you have set aside your grooming instruments. It is best to pay a few extra dollars for well made dog grooming items to make the process is easier on you and the dog.

Tip Two

Grooming your dog on a consistent basis can help their health. Many dogs shed with the change of season. This is a process that they go through to help keep them healthy through the warmer months. By grooming your dog on a regular basis, you can speed along the shedding process.

Tip Three

When grooming your dog make sure that you get every inch of their coat. It is often tempting to forget about the hair legs, eyes, and ears. These are very important areas to make sure the hair is trimmed around. One reason for this is that hair can get into the eyes of your dog and cause them not to be able to see. They can also getting a discharge from their eyes because of excess hair around them.

Tip Four

You should only need to clip your dog’s nails about once a month. This will be enough to keep them at a healthy length for you and your dog. With a quality pair of dog nail clippers, you want to cut off the tip of your dog’s nails. A good idea is to not go past where the nail begins to curve to make sure that you do not hurt him.

Tip Five

Grooming of your dog should also include dental care. You dog needs to have his teeth brushed just like you do. You can use an old human toothbrush and dog toothpaste. It is important that you use dog toothpaste because most dogs will not like the taste of the toothpaste that you use. Taking care of your dog entails more then just feeding and playing with him. You need to make sure that you take care of his outward appearance.

By following these dog grooming tips at home, you will always be sure that your dog is putting his best paw forward.

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CHOOSING A LEASH

Choose a leash appropriate to the size of your dog. Small dogs should have a small leash, and the nylon mesh leashes are a good idea. Also purchase a collar and make sure you can fit two fingers underneath the collar. You don’t want a chain-link leash, in case the dog finds a way to spin around and get caught in his own leash. The nylon leashes are lightweight, but strong, and come in a variety of colors and can be chosen to match the color of the collar.

Do not use a harness for a puppy. Only consider a harness with a very large dog that is skittish or always trying to run away. The harness will allow you to keep a large dog in place without harming him at all.

PUPPY TRAINING

Be sure to train your puppy in a fenced yard. Spend 10 to 15 minutes twice a day letting the dog roam around the yard with the leash dragging behind him. Make sure the leash isn’t more than 5 or 6 feet long. After it’s clear the puppy doesn’t seem to pay much attention to the leash dragging along anymore, it’s time to move to the next step.

Practice again in the yard, but this time have your puppy against your side – encourage him to sit until you begin to walk. Take only a few short steps at a time and then stop. If the dog follows and stops, praise her profusely. Repeat this a few times and repeat for several days. A good tactic: Take two steps ahead, then stop and immediately take two steps to the right. Stop again and go quickly in another direction and then another. Always encourage your puppy and remember that repetition will overtake a puppy who is distracted. Keep the lessons short, and over time, your dog will know what you expect of him. .

TRAINING ADULT DOGS

Again, purchase a new, nylon leash that is size appropriate for your dog. If your dog is unsure about the leash, begin by putting the leash on the dog collar for several minutes every day while the dog is eating. Do not attempt to walk the dog for at least 3 or 4 days. Then take the dog into the yard and begin training similar to the instructions for a puppy.

A good trick with an older dog who may get distracted or want to run is to immediately freeze when the dog isn’t handling the leash appropriately. Do not allow the dog more than a few inches of slack in the leash. This will force the dog, without hurting or choking him, to remain at your side. Once the dog is paying attention to you or is no longer pulling, begin to walk a few steps and stop. Remember to have patience, particularly with an older dog unaccustomed to leashes. The goal is to reward the dog with praise when he follows you and stops and when you stop. And don’t allow the dog to get too rambunctious or try to run away by standing still and holding onto the leash tightly so the dog has virtually no room to move.

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You may notice the biggest problem in trying to litter train a dog is that they will try to eat the litter. This is really bad for their digestive system and not nutritional at all. Most of the time, when you place a dog inside a litter box, they will stand there and look at you, not knowing what on Earth they’re supposed to do. Other times, they’ll keep jumping out. You can keep the litter box in some type of a kennel that is big enough to support the litter box, you dog, a water dish, and some chew toys. However, as mentioned before, your dog will likely eat the litter and go to the bathroom somewhere else in the kennel.

It is not impossible to litter train a dog, it has been done before. Many people with small breeds and who do not want to have to clean up after their dog all the time have the patience to properly train a dog to use a litter box. If you have a small breed under 6 pounds, it will be much easier to try and train the dog to use the litter box. Just as with traditional yard training or paper training, a dog needs lots of guidance so they can understand what they need to do. Dogs have short memory spans, so you will need to be patient. Keep in mind that dogs respond most positively to edible rewards or praise.

In other words, when your dog goes to the bathroom in a spot of your liking, such as on newspaper, a puppy pad, the yard, or their litter box, you must immediately praise them and give them a treat. There are some products at places like Petco that may help assist you in your long and tiring journey of housebreaking or litter box training your dog. Such products include a spray, like “PETCO Potty Training Aid“, in which you can use to attract dogs to it and make them want to go to the bathroom in that spot. You should spray a good amount of it in a litter box, because litter is usually designed to mask odors. You can definitely use less spray on a pad or newspaper, or even an area of your yard.

There are also several sprays you can use if your dog forgets where to go potty, and goes on the carpet. Sprays like “Pet Organics No-Go! Housebreaking Aid” from PETCO helps to make your dog avoid going potty where they went before. The way that dogs brains work differs from humans. If they smell that they went potty somewhere before, they will think they are supposed to go in that same spot again, even if they got in trouble for it. Regular cleaning supplies don’t usually take the smell out. They can take out what a human smells, but they won’t take out the pheromones that dogs smell, so you want to ensure you get a product specially designed to cover up the smell for a dog.

To conclude, a dog can be trained to go potty just about anywhere you want them to. Of course, to litter train a dog, it only makes sense to have a smaller breed do this. It is unnatural for a large dog to climb inside a little box to go potty every time. After a good deed is done, act quickly to reward it so that this behavior is reinforced. It is easier to train a dog than it is to potty train a human child – so keep that in mind and remember to have lots of patience. In the end, it will be worth it.

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The Age of Your Pet

Dogs will have different dietary needs based on their age and breed. Just like a human child, a puppy develops fast and pet owners should purchase dog food specifically designed for puppies during their pets first year of life. Puppy food provides extra protein, calcium and minerals; ensuring your pet develops strong bones, teeth and muscle. As well as aiding in organ development and keeping up their energy levels. Once your pet matures they should be switched to adult dog food, as their bodies are no longer experiencing large growth spurts, the extra protein and calories found in puppy food could lead to obesity.

Dogs entering their golden years could experience a number of health conditions such as loss of teeth, arthritis or less energy. To ensure your dog maintains his health as long as possible in this stage, purchase food designed for senior dogs. This mix is specially formulated to offer fewer calories since a senior dog has a slower metabolism. It will also include increased fiber to reduce constipation.

Read the Pet Food Label

Just because a dog food brand claims to be premium does not mean it should automatically be believed. Instead, read the label. The ingredients on a dog food label are listed by weight, meaning the ingredients listed first are present in the dog food in higher concentrations. The first ingredient should be a protein source, such as chicken, lamb, beef, etc. When buying dry dog food look for meat meal, this means that even with the water removed this is still the main ingredient. Labels that state the meat, is a by-product should be avoided. A meat by-product is not the flesh of an animal; it could be any combination of feathers, hair, organs and other items not used for human consumption. It could even be a euthanized dog!

The next ingredient is typically a grain or vegetable source; though corn is most commonly used because it is cheap, it is not easily absorbed. Instead, look for white rice, potatoes, barley or whole grain. If your pet has a sensitivity to grain look for a brand which includes no grain sources. Look out for dog food containing bone meal; this could be blood, horns or even waste. Premium brands may also contain fresh ingredients and whole vegetables. Some dog foods may be preserved with chemicals and dyes, these toxic substances could be harmful to your pet’s health. Instead, look for natural preservatives such as Vitamin E and rosemary. Remember to check the food label though when choosing natural preservatives, these brands have a shorter shelf life.

Dry vs. Canned Dog Food

Pet nutritionist recommend pet owners feed their animals commercial dog food because of the difficulty in creating homemade nutritionally balanced meals. Canned dog food contains less grain and has fewer preservatives but it does not allow dogs to exercise their teeth and jaws. Dry dog food is useful at scrapping away tarter from teeth to help prevent gum disease and bad breath but can be less appetizing than the aroma, texture and flavor of canned. Many experts recommend that a mix of 2 parts dry to 1 part wet can be used to give your pet a healthy but tasty alternative.

Make sure your dog gets the food needed to keep a shiny coat, preserve joint health and stay healthy.

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Sometimes you may be doing something you think entertains your dog that might actually be frightening him. Learning to determine fear from your dog’s body language is essential in reducing excess anxiety for you and your dog. Signs of fear include a lowered stance, a tail that is tucked underneath the body, turning away of the head and looking aside so that the whites of the eyes show, and dilated pupils. Dogs also tend to bark out of fear, especially when they feel they are trapped or cornered; barking helps them put distance between themselves and the object of their fear. Depending on the texture and length of your dog’s coat, you may also be able to see his or her hair standing on end as a result of fear.

Contrary to fear, a confident dog will have a very erect stance, often with a high, slowly wagging tail, and pricked up or relaxed ears. A dog who is self-assured about being in the presence of another dog or person will also have a direct look, without the whites of the eyes showing as they do with fear. In a confident dog, you will also find smaller, relaxed pupils.

Distinguishing between playfulness and aggression is sometimes difficult with our dogs. Especially when in the presence of people or other dogs, it’s important to know when your dog’s actions are serious and when he is “just playing around”. Dog-play is usually initiated by a playful bow or pawing at the air. Even when play becomes intense, relaxed eyes and lips, light barking, and even what we sometimes see as a ‘grin’ ,indicate that your dog is still just having a good time.

Aggression, however, is serious and there are warnings signs that can tell you if your dog is on the brink of violence. The most obvious of those signs is growling. Dogs also have a stiffened neck and body when they are feeling aggressive. Other physical indications of aggression are a lowered head, ears ‘pinned’ back close to the head, intent and narrowly fixed eyes, lips drawn into a snarl with teeth bared, and straightened tail. As soon as such signs are evident, act immediately to calm your dog or remove him from the hostile situation.

It is important to keep in mind that dogs often exhibit just as much individual personality as people. Just like their human masters and companions, individual dogs often have very personal forms of body language. Pay attention to your dog, as closely as you would to another person. Learn the little gestures, postures, and habits that will give you access to thoughts and needs of your canine companion.

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Perhaps some people are more suited to owning dogs than others; the first “habit” might better be called an aspect of personality. Generally dogs are animals that seek a relationship with their owners. People who don’t have time or interest in bonding with a dog might better consider a different pet.

Three habits of effective dog owners are simply matters of doing what is right. One must provide a safe environment. This isn’t simply “fencing the yard.” Many factors contribute to safety including keeping chemicals secure, and providing temperate housing if the dog will spend extended time outside. Safety includes considering what other animals may be in the home, and the actions of family members, including children.

One must look after the health of a dog. A dog needs good food, and may develop special dietary needs. Dogs require immunizations against serious diseases, regular care, and protection from illnesses such as may be carried by fleas or ticks. Finding a good veterinarian is important.

Dogs have a great deal of energy. An effective dog owner will take regular time to play with his or her pet. Dogs that do not get enough exercise can easily become overweight, or even worse, discipline problems. With no other way to expend their extra energy they may become destructive.

The fifth and sixth habits are ones that an owner may need to learn. A dog will only obey another being (human or dog) that it respects and recognizes as the dominant, or alpha, personality. A dog owner must become the alpha symbol for the pet and learn good techniques to train the dog to obey. A disciplined dog is not only safe to take into the company of other people and animals, but is a happy dog, one that can understand what is expected.

Coupled with discipline is the habit of consistency. Discipline is more than being domineering. A dog is a living being with a great deal of intelligence. Dogs will respond well when their lives are ordered by some basic kind of schedule, and by an owner who acts in consistent ways.

Finally, a person who treats a dog with kindness can overcome shortfalls in many other areas. Dogs are affectionate, and will always look to their owners for guidance and love.

Before bringing home a dog consider whether you can reasonably commit to these seven habits. If you can answer yes, you are on your way to a great relationship with your pet.

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Mistake number 1 is to put your pet on the strictest schedule possible. It is important to keep in mind that your dog has its own mind and that your schedule might not be as perfect for him as you would like to believe. You also need to be aware of the fact that the younger the dog is the more difficult a schedule will be, due to the fact that puppies have very weak bladders and tend to urinate every couple of hours. That’s the bad news; the good news is that younger dogs usually urinate during the same time so with a little patience you should eventually be able to predict when your dog is ready to use the bathroom. Remember that it is your responsibility to keep your puppy on a strict routine so if you slack off be careful how you discipline your pet, because you may confuse him and in turn affect his confidence. Once you recognize the times your dog uses the bathroom which will most likely be after eating and exercise, walk your dog to the same area consistently at the same part of each day. Although housebreaking your dog may be frustrating keep in mind positive reinforcement are more effective than negative reinforcements so make sure to provide a lot of praise and a lot of treats.

Mistake number 2 is to involve everyone who comes in contact with the dog on a daily basis. This is very important because dogs are creatures of habit and respond best when everyone is on the same page. If you have been very consistent with housebreaking your dog and someone in your household decides to feed the dog or walk the dog at a completely different time, you can really undo a lot of hard work. The more eyes and hands available the better your dog will be supervised this will make the house training process easier on the animal and the family. Do not forget to educate your family on signals the dog may give such as sniffing or squatting, this will allow quick reaction to possible accidents.

Mistake number 3 is consistency, this tip is as important for housebreaking adult dogs as it is for puppies. Staying consistent can determine how quickly your dog becomes house trained. Stability can come in many different forms, from feeding your pet during the same time each day to maintaining the same form of discipline. It is not fair to give your pet a treat every day and then after a bad day of work you yell and scream because he urinated in the wrong place. This will only create nervousness and mistrust and hurt you in the end. Be sure to stay positive and patient so your house breaking problems exist for a little as possible.

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It used to be common practice to take Fido in for shots, yearly. Well, those times have changed. It is now believed that your pet’s vaccination schedule should more closely resemble that of children. This means only a few shots as a puppy, and occasional boosters. Good news for the dog! Just remember, that even if shots aren’t necessary, it is important to have yearly checkups for your pet.

Your puppy’s vaccination schedule should begin between six and eight weeks of age. Vaccinations prevent communicable diseases. Your dog’s health, just like children depends on their parents. It is extremely important to get necessary (core) vaccines for your dog, along with regular health exams. Noncore vaccines should be considered if you, or you vet, feels that your pet is at risk.

There are four vaccines that you should get for your dog, canine rabies vaccine, distemper vaccine, adenovirus (CAV-2) vaccine, and parvovirus vaccine. These vaccines are considered core vaccines, and are the most important to keep Fido happy, healthy, and part of the family for many years.

Noncore vaccines are considered less important because your dog’s risk of infection is less likely. These include Lyme disease vaccine, Leptospirosis, Bordetella bronchiseptica (canine kennel cough), Coronavirus, Giardia, Distemper-measles, Periodontal disease vaccine, and Rattlesnake vaccine. These vaccinations are only necessary if your dog lives in an area of high exposure to these diseases.

It is possible to purchase your pets necessary vaccinations and administer them yourself. This may seem like a good idea, but serious health issues may go undiagnosed because of neglected vet visits. However, if you choose to vaccinate your own pet, administer only needed vaccinations. Although there is no definitive proof that harm can come from vaccinations, most vets agree that vaccinations should not be given beyond core vaccines, unless your pet is in danger of exposure.

Benefits of the three year rabies vaccination are still controversial; most vets think the shots are acceptable. It is possible for Fido to have an allergic reaction to the shot, but the risk is no more than that of a one year vaccination. Symptoms of an allergic reaction show within three days of the injection and include, vomiting, facial swelling, fever or lethargy, circulatory shock, loss of consciousness, or even death. If your pet experiences any of these symptoms after a vaccination, seek the advice of a vet immediately.

Although no one is certain exactly how often your pet should receive vaccinations, discuss this issue with your pets health care provider. Core vaccinations are considered necessary to your dog’s health, but avoid noncore vaccines if possible. Keep regular checkups with your vet to maintain Fido’s health and happiness. Keeping your pet safe and healthy should be a major concern for pet owner, so choose a vet that you trust and openly question or discuss any concerns with them. Remember, your dog’s health depends on you!

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