How to clip and trim your dogs nails like a pro.

The first thing you are going to want to do when you are clipping dog nails is to make sure the nails are pliable. The easiest way to do this is to clip the dog nails after your dog has had a bath. You should give your dog a bath each month, after which time, you should commence clipping his nails.

Just like a human, dog nails grow until they are cut or break off. Dog nails can dig into furniture, your skin and even the skin of your dog. They can also, if uncut, become ingrown and infected. This would entail the nail actually growing so long that it grows back into the skin.

You need to have good dog nail clippers in order to do a proper job. This is not the time to skimp. You can get good clippers by looking at a variety of different places online. Take a look at what is available and get a decent pair of dog nail clippers made for the breed of your dog. One option is to ask your vet as to the best type of clippers for your dog.

If you get cheap dog nail clippers, chances are that they will not last a long time and you will be stuck paying for better quality again. Instead of throwing good money after bad, why not get the best quality dog nail clippers you can get from the beginning?

Hold the dog still when you clip his nails or else you can hurt him. Take his paw firmly in your hand while you have him on your lap. If he is a big dog, it might be necessary to have someone else hold him the first few times. Hold the paw with one hand and use the other hand to clip the nails. Do not clip too far, just take off the very tips. This should only take a few minutes.

It will be easier to clip the front paws than the back and as those are more important when it comes to your furniture and even yourself, those are the first you should clip. If your dog runs from you, do not make a big deal out of the clipping. Try to do a little more each time. Be firm, but do not yell or frighten the dog or else he will run every single time you take out the clippers.

Most dogs will begrudgingly put up with having their nails clipped. A few dogs like it but most dislike it. If you talk in a soothing tone to him while you are clipping his nails, he will most likely be more cooperative when it comes to nail clipping time. Again, if you embark on this task after the bath, you should have a much more positive results.

Clipping dog nails takes practice. The more you do this task, however, the better you will get at clipping the nails of your dog and the easier it will get for your dog as well.

If the thought of clipping your dog's nails is frightening to you aren't alone. Most people prefer to ask their veterinarian to do this fiddly task. There's no reason why clipping your dogs nails should be a frightening task at all. There's no need to regard it as any different to giving your dog a bath.

Ideally, you should start clipping nails when your dog is young to get the dog used to having his feet handled regularly. Desensitizing your dog to having his paws handled will have a few other benefits too: it will make it easier for groomers or your vet to handle your dogs feet and will also mean if your dog is injured you will be able to examine his paws easier.

If it's your first time clipping a dogs nails it might be a good idea to watch someone else do it first. Ask your vet or the groomer if you can watch while they clip your dogs nails.

You need a special pair of clippers for the purpose. Human clippers of scissors could tear the nail and cause painful torn edges. Make sure you get the right size and type of clippers for your dog. You might find a nail file useful too.

Have some special clotting powder on hand just in case you accidentally cut the nails too short and it starts bleeding. You can find all these products at your local pet supply store.

TIP: You can use a rechargable USB dog nail clipper that is quiet and will not scare your dog when it comes to clipping its nails..

These nail clippers are easy to use, and gently remove thin layers of the nail with minimal impact and noise, so that sensitive dogs won't be anxious or scared. In fact, most of the time your dog won't even know their nails are being cut.

You should clip your dogs nails in a quiet place with minimal distractions. If your dog has never had his nails clipped or is particularly resistant you might want to ask someone to help you. You are after all poking at your dog with a sharp object and it could be dangerous !

To avoid mishaps its best to slowly desensitize your dog to having his paws handled. this part should be easy. Take your dogs paws and massage them a bit.

It makes the process easier if the dogs nails are softer. You can do this by bathing the dog beforehand, massaging some baby oil into the paws or even just dipping the paw into warm water. This has the dual effect of both softening the paws and cleaning the dirt out from under the nails.

Examine the nails closely and try to locate the cluster of veins. This is called the 'quick' and cutting this can cause your dog to bleed. If your dog has dark nails this can be difficult. The best policy here is to trim the nails bit by bit over a longer period of time. The quick will retreat over time.

Cut with the right hand and hold the paw firmly. Use a calm soothing voice while you do this. You don't want your dog to become afraid and make the clipping more difficult. Try to cut at 90 degree angles.

If you do cut too far - don't worry! You can use some of the powder to stop the bleeding. Just sprinkle the powder over the affected area or dip the paw into the powder. There are some other household items you can use to slow the bleeding. You can use cornflower or normal powder in the same way you use the styptic powder. You can also press the dogs nail into some soap. If the bleeding is not too bad - just simply applying pressure should slow the bleeding.

If you have cut your dogs nails too far and they bleed - this may make the dog scared of the nail clipping all over again. You will need to desensitize your dog again.

If your dog is very afraid of having his nails clipped you should gradually get the dog used to the process and the tools. Or use a USB dog nail clipper and grinder. Start again by praising and treating the dog while you handle his paws. Then get the dog used to the clippers. Step by step desensitization coupled with positive reinforcement should ease your problem.

If you really can't get your dog to behave long enough for a nail clipping remember - most vets will do it for you. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

By Steve Allison

5 Dog grooming things that you should NEVER do...

Is your dog in need of a haircut or bath? While there are many good reasons to groom your pet regularly, an inexperienced groomer, or even a well-meaning pet parent who decides to give grooming a try, can do a lot of damage if he or she isn’t careful.

Here are five things that may sound like a good idea when it comes to grooming but, in reality, should be avoided at all costs:

1) Shaving Your Dog in Summer

Shaving your pet during warm-weather months is usually unnecessary and it interferes with their natural body temperature regulation. Not only does it make them more prone to sunburn, but dogs with undercoats, such as German Shepherds, Huskies, Pomeranians, and Chows, among others, are very efficient at trapping air within their undercoat. This helps keep them cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

In addition, shaving can damage the hair follicles, causing the coat to grow back dull or sometimes patchy in places. A better alternative is to remove any excess undercoat by brushing regularly. 

TIP: If your dog doesn't like to be brushed, or has a sensitive skin, you can use a dog brush grooming glove. These gloves massage your dog at the same time, so they benefit twice.

Poor rinsing can lead to serious skin irritation, hair loss, matted fur, and other problems. Dry shampoo will crust and eventually mat or tangle the hair, and shampoo residue will leave your pet’s coat dull. Be sure to rinse your pet thoroughly to avoid this.

If possible, brush your dog’s hair before a bath, as water can make mats and knots even tighter. Brushes can grab the wet hair and pull at the skin, causing discomfort or pain to your dog. Dry your dog as much as possible after the bath and then brush their hair evenly and in the direction of the hair’s growth.

Daily baths strip your dog’s coat of its natural oils and can make dry skin even worse. Barring any skin issues, bathing your dog once monthly should be sufficient and also allow your dog to produce natural oils to help keep the coat naturally shiny.

Many dogs don’t like to be combed, so you can use a grooming glove instead of a brush or comb, to remove excessive hair. 

2) Washing the Inside of Your Dog’s Ears

Water in the ears gives bacteria an ideal breeding ground and can lead to infection. And water in the nose might cause irritation, discomfort and reverse sneezing and/or coughing. To keep water away from your pet’s ears, nose and eyes, use a wet cloth to clean your pet’s entire head.

3) Giving Your Dog a Quick Rinse

To make sure your dog’s coat is thoroughly rinsed after shampooing, use a decent amount of water pressure. The water needs to be able to penetrate the layers of their coat. Keep rinsing until you stop seeing any bubbles coming from their fur, then rinse a little more.

If your dog has sensitive skin, use a dog shampoo made with tea tree oil. The oil can relieve itchiness and help calm the skin. Conditioners made with aloe vera and certain medicated shampoos are also effective.

4) Brushing a Wet Coat

If you have a short-haired breed, try using a grooming glove to remove dead hair and prevent excess shedding. Since short-haired dogs won’t mat, you can brush them while they’re being shampooed or after the fur has dried.

5) Giving Your Dog Daily Baths

After bathing, towel dry or let your dog’s hair dry naturally. Using a hairdryer might be tempting, but there are many risks involved. For starters, you can burn your pet by over drying or drying too closely.

You can also cause over heating by causing your pet’s body temperature to raise above dangerous levels. Plus, you can dry your pet’s skin out, which can lead to other problems.

I hope these tips will help. Leave a comment if you know other dog grooming tips. Thanks!

5 Quick Tips to a Smarter Dog

Keeping a dog mentally stimulated is important. If we don’t pay enough attention to our dogs’ minds, they often become bored or start misbehaving, and their mental health can quickly deteriorate.

To avoid these problems, here are 5 quick tips to challenge your dog’s brainpower and turn him into a genius!

1) Go off the Beaten Path

Yes, literally, walk your dog on new routes every once in a while. If you take your dog on walks using the same path each and every day, he’s missing opportunities to come across anything new. But don’t limit this philosophy to walks; expand it to all areas of your dog’s life. Teach your dog a new skill, let him sniff new places, or try taking part in a doggy sport. Keep your dog’s environment full of new and exciting things, and offer him plenty of opportunities to use his brain.

2) Hide Your Dog’s Toys

Dogs can be quite determined when it comes to getting the things they want, so why not use this to put their brains to work? If your dog wants a toy, try placing it under a laundry basket or hiding it under a blanket (making sure he sees you put it there). Then, sit back and watch him use his problem-solving skills to try and get it. When he solves the puzzle, praise him just as he reaches for the toy.

If your dog struggles or gets frustrated, make the exercise easier at first, and then gradually make it harder and harder over time.

3) Increase Your Dog’s Vocabulary

Dogs are always ready to learn new words, so why not take the time to expand your dog’s vocabulary? For example, you could start saying “let’s go potty” just before opening the door to let your dog out. After doing this often enough, your dog should come running over to be let out whenever you say “let’s go potty.” Dogs are pretty fast to learn to associate a particular action with a word, and are quick to anticipate what will happen next, so you will usually see results very quickly.

4) Never Stop Training

Don’t stop training your dog when he reaches his golden years. “If you don’t use it, you lose it” especially applies to senior dogs. Yes, old dogs can learn new tricks, the only thing is, they may take just a little bit longer to learn them, but be patient and you’ll be pleasantly surprised. So don’t let that brain go to rust, a dog’s brain never loses its ability to learn new things so long as you give it the chance.

5) Brain Training for Dogs

The brain is like a muscle – if you don’t challenge it, it won’t grow! That’s why the best way to make your dog smarter is by teaching him special “brain games” and “brain exercises.” Brain games are fun little games you can play with your dog to teach him new skills and increase his intelligence.

Our great “Brain Training for Dogs” course contains 21 awesome brain games, including treasure hunts, hide and seek, playing the piano, and much more, that will take you step-by-step as you turn your dog into a well-behaved and obedient genius!  Check it out here: Get Brain Training for Dogs

10 Reasons Why Your Dog Ignores Your Commands

Is your dog giving you deaf ears? When this happens, avoid repeating the command over and over and imposing yourself until you get a response; instead, take a step back and consider the following scenarios which are some of the most common issues encountered when training dogs.

1) Low Value Treats: Are Your Treats Worth Working For?

It’s a romantic and hard to debunk myth that dogs work for us just to please us. In reality, as opportunistic beings, dogs are most likely thinking “what’s in it for me?” according to the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT).

The right use of treats can really make the difference between a dog who is eager to work and one who couldn’t care less. The use of low-value treats (such as kibble) can be detrimental if your dog isn’t excited by them, especially during the initial stages of learning or when there are distractions around, so make sure your treats are worthy of attention.

Also remember to stick to treats which are soft, smelly, and in small bite-sized pieces. This allows your dog to quickly gobble up the reward and focus his attention back on you, rather than being distracted by a longer-lasting treat.

A suggestion? Try to use what respected veterinarian, trainer and writer Dr. Ian Dunbar calls the Ferrari of dog treats: Freeze-dried liver.

2) Low Rate of Reinforcement: Are You Missing Out on Rewarding?

In the initial stages of learning or when there are lots of distractions around, your dog may find sniffing the grass, looking around, marking territory and pulling on the leash more rewarding than training. Why is that? It’s probably because there are stimuli that are extra interesting and are worth paying more attention to.

If your dog has received little training in the past, he may have been doing this for a good part of his life. Increasing the rate of reinforcement during this time by giving your dog more treats for his training efforts may help to motivate him, and will teach him to pay more attention to you than to the distracting environmental stimuli.

A low rate of reinforcement can also cause your dog to get frustrated and give up trying; remember, during the initial stages of learning you need a continuous rate of reinforcement(giving rewards for every success), and only once your dog shows signs of responding well can you move on to a variable schedule (only giving treats for success every now and then).

3) High Criteria: Are You Asking Too Much at Once?

This is where the saying “be a splitter and not a lumper” comes into play. It is often tempting to try to teach new behaviors all at once in a single evening. When your dog stops working for you, you start thinking: “Am I asking for too much at once?” Truth is, often when dogs fail to respond to a command it is because it is too hard for them. So try not to ramp up the difficulty too quickly; rather, break the objective down into several attainable steps to help your dog succeed.

As an example, if you were trying to train your dog to touch the tip of a target stick with his nose, you could reward him for touching ANY part of the stick at first. Over time once your dog gets a hang of this, you could then move on to rewarding him only for touching the rounded tip at the top of the stick.

Try your best to prevent your dog’s progress from stalling, and do not make your training sessions too long – keep them short and sweet!

4) High Level of Distractions: Is there too Much Going on?

Dogs learn best when there are little to no distractions around, so be sure to start your training sessions in a quiet room where there is not much going on.

Once your dog is able to perform the behavior in the quiet room, build from there and gradually start asking your dog to perform the behavior in a noisier room. Then, progress to the yard, a busy street, the dog park and so forth.

If you start on a busy street or at the dog park right away, your dog may not respond because you have not yet built a foundation for the behavior.

5) Lack of Training: Has Your Dog Ever Been Trained Before?

If the handler has a history of being inconsistent and not following through with the dog, there’s a chance the dog may have learned he could get away from certain behaviors and has learned to ignore the handler. Dogs who have never been trained and have been allowed to do as they please for a good part of their lives often find the initial stages of learning difficult, since the concept is entirely new to them.

It is up to the handler to become interesting and worth listening to by investing in reward-based training methods, like the ones taught in Adrienne Farricelli’s Brain Training for Dogs course.

6) Unclear Cues: Are You Confusing Your Dog?

Dogs thrive on consistency, so make sure you always use the same command cue and that all other people training the dog are on the same page. If you ask for a command and your dog just stares at you, consider if that command has a history of being used consistently.

In classes, it is not uncommon to encounter a family where the wife uses “come” to call the dog, the husband uses the dog’s name, and the kids just say “here!” Don’t ask for behaviors in multiple ways, and make sure your body language is congruent with the verbal command. Dogs find body language more salient then verbal cues.

Also, try your best not to repeat commands over and over, otherwise your dog will learn not to listen to the first time you say it, but will wait for you to finish your sentence instead!

7) Frustration Buildup: Are you Getting Frustrated?

Dogs are masters in body language and they can easily detect frustration. When the handler’s frustration builds up, dogs often shut down instead of becoming more compliant. In this case, it helps to ask the dog for a behavior he knows well (such as a sit) followed by a reward to end the session on a positive note. You can try the exercise again a little bit later, possibly further splitting the exercise into smaller sections if it was too hard for your dog.

Also, keep in mind that if you start raising your voice, bending down or getting into your dog’s face, you are intimidating him dog and he will feel the need to send you appeasement signals and default behaviors, rather than listening to your commands.

8) Emotional Problems: Are Emotions Getting in the Way?

If a dog is fearful, anxious or nervous, his emotional state may interfere with training. This is because the dog is often in a fight or flight state which affects his cognitive function, impairing his ability to learn. In such a case, you may need to work in areas where your dog is less likely to be frightened and then gradually introduce more and more stimuli in a way which does not cause him to react.

As an example, if your dog was frightened of thunder, instead of immediately exposing him to recordings of thunderstorms on full volume, you should first play them at a very low volume, where he acknowledges the sound but does not become scared. After rewarding your dog while the sound is played, you would, over time and numerous training sessions, increase the volume at which you play the recording. This process is known as desensitization and is a common technique used in dog training.

9) Health Considerations: Is Your Dog in Pain or Uncomfortable?

If your dog ignores you, he may be feeling unwell or uncomfortable. If your dog has always been obedient and is now slacking off, it is best to have your veterinarian rule out any medical problems. Sloppy sits or a reluctance to lay down may be indicative of orthopedic problems.

Aside from medical problems, some dogs may not like to be trained on certain surfaces, or perhaps the weather is too hot, too windy or too cold – there are a multitude of possibilities. Often, a distracted dog may simply need to relieve himself or get a drink of water. Consider how well you could perform in an exam if you were busting to use the bathroom!

10) Are You Forgetting to Brain Train Your Dog?

Many owners are not aware of this, but when it comes to dogs, idle minds are the devil’s workshop. Yet many owners are happy to leave their dogs bored by the fireplace all day, leading to untold behavior problems. The simple secret to a well-trained dog is engaging their mind and getting them thinking.

In the wild, before domestication, dogs would spend much of their lives performing tasks necessary for survival. Even in more modern history, dogs had special roles to perform in their relationships with humans. You can still see these natural drives in dogs today! For example, you will notice how beagles love to follow scents, how some terrier breeds love to dig, and how treeing coonhounds bark upon noticing prey up a tree.

Unlike humans who perhaps dread the 9 to 5 grind, dogs actively WANT to work, and when they do not, they become prone to behavior problems, disobedience, and poor psychological well-being. Many owners spend THOUSANDS on dog training when the solution could be as simple as providing Rover with more mental stimulation!

Fortunately, Brain Training for Dogs offers a solution to this problem. It's one of the first training programs to not only teach obedience, better behavior, important skills and tricks, but to also work on increasing intelligence and engaging the dog’s brain too. Through 21 fun and simple games, the novel and scientifically-proven methods taught by Adrienne are sure to improve the lives of both you and your dog!

By the end of Brain Training for Dogs your dog will be able to tidy up his toys, play the piano (yes, really), and identify his toys by name – all while being a better behaved and more obedient dog.

Want to get started with brain training? You can check out my course here:Get brain training for dogs today

There are many reasons why your dog may not be listening to you. Don’t quickly label your dog as stubborn, don’t begin shouting commands like a drill sergeant, and don’t give up training altogether – instead, try to give your dog a break and consider what may really be going on. A better understanding of how dogs learn should pave the path to better training.

Hope this helps!

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How to play the Airplane Game with your dog.

Have you ever heard about the Airplane Game? It's one of the games from Adrienne Farricelli's Brain Training for Dogs online training course.

It is designed to improve your dog’s ability to pay attention to you despite distractions.Her nifty little Ebook contains a simple game you can play with your dog right away, as well as a special “smacking sound” you can use to get your dog’s attention when needed.

Just click the link below to download the .PDF Ebook in a new window:
Download the Airplane Game PDF


 




- Adrienne Farricelli is a certified dog trainer and behavior consultant. She holds dual certification in dog training. In 2010, after undergoing more than 200 hours of apprenticeship under a master dog trainer, she became certified by the Italian Association for Dog Trainers and Canine Consultants.









And here’s a video of the Airplane Game in action:



TIP: If you walk your dog before playing the Airplane game, it will make it even more effective, because your dog has been exercised and is more relaxed, so they are more likely to pay attention to you and the game.

The Airplane Game is a wonderful foundation for eliminating bad behavior. If you want the complete solution to having an amazingly well behaved pet however, you should checkout Adrienne's Brain Training For Dogs Course here

It’s there to develop your dog’s hidden intelligence.It does this with a huge variety of easy games and other little known training strategies. When you develop your dog’s hidden intelligence…Something amazing happens.

Behaviors you thought were entrenched just seem to melt away. And the bond between you and your dog grows even stronger.

Check out the Brain Training For Dogs Course now.…

Or you can keep putting up with any troublesome behaviors your dog may have.…

Or not having the kind of bond you deserve between you and your dog.Which would be a real shame.

Review of the Furbo Treats Tossing Dog Camera

You know the feeling... You're about to leave the house for work or for a holiday break, and your fury friend watches through the window as you enter your car and drive away. It always makes you feel a little guilty that you have to leave your dog all alone at home...

But what if you could keep a watchful eye on your dog the entire day - even from your office or vacation spot? Well, the Furbo Treats Tossing Dog Camera can do just that. 

The Furbo is a wi-fi-connected, treat-tossing device with an impressive 720p resolution camera with night vision mode, and two-way audio for remote communication.

Unlike other traditional wi-fi-connected home security cameras, the Furbo is definitely one of the nicer-looking units. It’s tall, angular and comes in a glossy white colour, with a nice removable wooden lid covering the top. 

The device needs to be put on a high vantage point because the wide-angle camera is aimed slightly downwards, making it practically useless if placed on the floor. And also, you don't want your pet to play with the Furbo, and steal all the treats inside right? :-) 

The setup is simple: just plugin the included AC adapter, which has a micro-USB connection on the other end, and install the Furbo app on Android or iOS. Once done, you’ll be taken through the pairing process - which uses Bluetooth to then give the Furbo your wi-fi details. 

The Furbo only works on the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band, which is best for wireless range. There’s no wired Ethernet, so make sure you place the Furbo within range of your wireless router. Once done, the Furbo app will take you through a short tutorial on how the device works. 

The treats are projected from the front of the Furbo where the 720p camera is positioned. Behind the Furbo logo is a subtle colour-changing LED indicator to let you know when the Furbo is online; it also changes colour when someone is remotely accessing the camera.

The 720p resolution camera with 4x digital zoom works really well and the video quality is far more crisp and brighter compared to other home security cameras that I have seen in action. The wide-angle lens offers a good view of your room if you place it right, and there’s a night vision mode, which works equally as well. 

The audio capabilities aren’t quite as good as the video, but your dog probably isn’t going to mind this, as long as he/she gets her/his treats on time :-)

The built in microphone is pretty sensitive, and the automatic bark detection pushes notifications to your smartphone to let you know that your dog is being alerted while you’re out. You can then tune in and talk to your dog to calm him/her.

You are also able to setup a "headline treat dispensing". The app allows you to record your own custom “snack call” that plays whenever you remotely deliver treats. Or you can simply use the standard call. To toss a treat, simply slide the treat icon up in the app’s video feed. Keep in mind the distance when aiming the Furbo or treats might end up under the sofa.

The Furbo is an attractive and well designed device, and the video quality and treat dispensing works great. It's a pleasure to check in on your dog and interact with it while you're away from home.

The price of the Furbo is a little high, but if money is not an excuse when it comes to your precious fury friend's well being, you’ll find plenty to like about the Furbo. You can buy -read more about- the Furbo Dog Treat And Camera on Amazon.

If you are looking for a cheaper surveillance camera, without the treats function, check out the Clever Dog Home Security Camera.

Another cheaper option is the Kamtron surveillance camera.

Here are some video reviews of the Furbo Camera:

Raising a Puppy? 4 Tips for Healthy, Happy Dogs

In addition to being amazing additions to the family, dogs are also a lot of work. They need everything from leash training, to healthy diets, to daily walks. For example, did you know that many dogs kept as pets suffer from malnutrition and obesity? Also, behavior problems like aggression, barking, and chewing on or tearing up furniture are related to not getting enough exercise.

These problems go on to affect your pet's quality of life, their behavior, energy levels, and even longevity. If you want to ensure that your new family member is as healthy and happy as possible, you'll have to take extra steps to care for your dog.

Building good habits, socializing your dog, and being mindful about his or her diet will help you care for a healthy dog who is comfortable well into old age. We've compiled 4 keys to raising a puppy that all dog owners should be mindful of.

4 necessities for raising a puppy

Make Regular Visits to the Vet

No matter what breed or age your dog is, regular vet checkups can be life-saving. You probably already know that your dog has to go regularly, but how often depends on their age, medical history, and size.

Here's a general schedule based on age:

0-4 Months - Every 3 Weeks. Your puppy will get important vaccines for rabies, distemper, and parvo, alongside prevention for Lyme disease, kennel cough, and other health problems.

4-12 Months - Every 2-3 months. Here, your vet will ensure that your puppy is growing well and shows no signs of health problems. If it's recommended for your area, your vet will start a heartworm and flea prevention schedule, and your puppy will likely be spayed or neutered.

1-7 Years - At 1 year, most dog breeds are considered adult. If you have a large dog breed, you may have to wait 6-12 months longer to reach this stage. Your dog should go to the vet for a yearly checkup, even when not sick. They should get distemper-parvo and rabies booster shots during the first yearly checkup, and then every 1-3 years depending on your local laws. Your vet will also recommend changes to diet, additional checkups, and a heartworm and deworming schedule based on your dog and your area.

7+ Years - After 7 years, most dogs are seniors and will need extra care. You should take your dog to the vet at least twice yearly, and be extra conscious of any changes in behavior that may indicate health problems, such as a change in water consumption.

Prevention is better than a cure for both dogs and humans. Don't wait until your dog is sick to invest in preventive measures like vaccinations and deworming.

Tip: Ask your vet about natural treatments to prevent allergies and kennel cough while at the vet, and talk about nutritious treats and snacks to keep them healthy.

Invest in Behavioral Training

When you think of your dog's health, it's common to jump immediately to physical health. However, mental health is equally as important for your dog. A study from Animal Cognition showed that dogs can smell humans' emotions, and when exposed to sweat produced from a fearful human, dogs showed more signs of distress and sought out more comfort from their owners. Alternatively, when exposed to odor samples from happy humans, dogs were more willing to interact with strangers and were generally friendlier.

Training plays a large part in keeping your dog safe and social. A well-trained dog is typically more engaged and less bored with his or her surroundings. Training allows your dog to learn how to react in different situations and helps them stay calm and friendly despite any triggers such as a fearful human nearby.

A well-trained dog is also generally safer since you can tell him or her to sit instead of crossing the road, teach your dog not to go in dangerous areas, and build up good habits (like walking) that will benefit your dog's health for years to come.

Promote a Healthy Diet

Obesity and nutrient deficiency are among the most common health problems for domesticated dogs. These issues affect your dog's quality of life and longevity, but it's an easy fix. Combine quality food with portion control and the occasional snack, and you'll have a healthy dog.

Don't assume that cheap dog food provides the nutrition your dog needs. Most store-brand dog foods are primarily made up of flour and water with added nutrients and flavor. These can eventually lead to malnutrition, tooth decay, gastrointestinal problems, and obesity.

You don't have to choose all-organic or raw-meat based diets, as there isn't enough evidence to show that these are beneficial to your dog. Instead, you should invest in high-quality dog food with a high percentage of meat. For example, you can feed your dog a high-quality canned food supplemented by quality kibble, and have a healthy dog. Avoid human food, as many of the seasonings used aren't good for your dogs.

Don't leave food out all day. Puppies should be fed 3-4 times per day, but adult dogs only have to be fed twice per day. If you leave food out too long, some dogs tend to overeat, which will eventually lead to weight gain and obesity.

Tip: Be mindful about the snacks you give your dog. Most dog treats are about as healthy as human candy. Instead, opt for nutritious alternatives that your dogs will love just as much. For example, dogs 6 months and older can have raw honey for dogs, and not only do they love it, it's great for their overall health, digestion, and allergies.

Finally, clean water is an important part of a healthy diet. Clean your dog's water dish and replace his or her water daily, ensuring it's always full. To prevent bacteria and tooth decay, set your dog's water away from his or her food bowl.

Exercise (A Lot)

Dogs need a lot of exercise. No matter what the age or breed, your dog has a lot of energy. Most dogs, even small breeds, can benefit from approximately two hours of walking every day.

While it is crucial to pay attention to your environment (for example, no dog will benefit from being forced to run in the middle of the day in very hot weather), dogs need exercise. If you can plan four 30-minute walks each day, you are giving your dog the best chance of being healthy, happy, and well-adjusted to living inside a home.

Owning a dog is a lot of work, but after you and your dog build up good habits, it'll be much easier to live healthily for both of you. By taking small steps to keep your dog healthy, you will ensure that your new best friend lives as long and as well as possible.

Article Source: Joe_Harwell

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Caring for Your Pet: Best Tips to Show You Love Animals

Taking care of your pet takes top priority. Just as with kids, any pet parent has many things to worry about. From bathing to clipping nails, the pet parent has to find the required time along with their daily schedules to make their pets happy.

Although you may feel as though you are all over the place if you have no idea on how to make your pet happy or keep them healthy, don't worry. This article will help you with that.

Here are some things every parent can do for their lovely pets:

Take Them Out

Just as you will get dull if all you do is spend time at home, the same stands true for your pet as well. Take your pet out for walks and keep them company. Try to play games with them while you are away. This will keep healthy and happy.

Exercise with them

Going out for a morning jog or run? Take your pet with you. Keep up with your pet and allow the pet to jump around a bit. This daily exercise routine will keep your pet happy and healthy. Moving around will keep the pet from gaining excess weight and will also help them to remain active.

Grooming

Take nearest dog boutique and get them a haircut. Select days on which you need to take your dog for grooming appointments. Make sure you choose the correct place to take your designer pet accessories for grooming. Also, make monthly appointments. Get your pet shampooed, get their nails clipped or give them a haircut, and keep them healthy.

Feed your Pet

Another thing that you need to take care of your pet is to feed them properly. Make sure that your dog is fed sufficiently and is given proper nutrients. If you want, go out and purchase some breed-specific food options for your pet. Other than this, if you do not like store-bought food, give your dog something that you made.

Regular Check-Ups

Get your dog checked up often. Make routine appointments with the vet and get your dog checked. Dogs may contract allergies and other problems, which a doctor will easily get rid off in the initial stages. It's also a good idea to get your dog an anti-flea collar if he/she starts scratching more than usual. This could be a warning sign that your dog has fleas/ticks. 

Schedule your day and your pet's day

When it comes to keeping yourself and your pet healthy, a regular day schedule will work. Chalk out your day and your pet's day as well and stick to it. A routine helps your pet to stay healthy. 

With many ways of showing love to your pets and animals, the best thing you can do for your pet is to take care of them. Be sure to maintain your schedule and make sure that you provide food with all nutrients for your pet. Take your pet out or give them an exciting new gift to keep them engaged. Caring is the best gift you can offer.

Know More Detail: https://poshpuppyboutique.com/

Sharon Jones is a pet lover and is passionate towards writing articles related to puppy products. Through her writings, she tries to discover new puppy boutiques dog products and accessories. Follow her articles and get the new fashion products for your loving puppy.

Article Source: Sharon_Jones

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