Dogs are not only part of your family but the most loyal and loving companions that you will ever have. They stay by your side when you are happy or sad and love you unconditionally. If you go out for as little as ten minutes, they let you know how much they missed you when you come back. Our responsibility, as a dog owner, is to provide our dog with everything it requires, to live a healthy, happy life.

Always feed your dog a healthy diet, as you do not want them to become overweight or underweight. Dog treats are great but stay away from ones that contain a large amount of sugar or salt. Be aware that there are people foods potentially fatal to your dog. Some of these are chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, coffee and certain mushrooms. Give your dog only food and treats that they make specifically for dogs. Never give your dog chicken bones, fish bones or pork chop bones. There is a possibility of the bones splintering into very sharp pieces and lodging in your pet’s throat. Have fresh, cool water available at all times.

Dogs need daily walks, exercise and play time, so be prepared to spend time doing this. A fenced yard is great but some dogs are fantastic escape artists, so make sure your property is secure. A dog kennel that is large enough for your pet to get fresh air, look around with enough room for some exercise, is a great option for people with unfenced yards.

Dogs require grooming but how much will depend on the breed of dog or coat type. Some dogs with long hair require an hour or more of grooming daily while grooming once every few weeks is fine for others. There are dogs that require haircuts, as their coats grow continuously, such as poodles and miniature schnauzers. You should consider this when selecting a dog because, unless you cut your dogs hair yourself, it can become a little costly.

Depending on the breed, bath your dog when necessary or a few times a year. Dog’s coats contain oils that protect and keep their coats clean. If you bath them too often, this can remove these oils causing the dog to have more of an odor. Bath dogs, which require haircuts, every six or eight weeks before grooming them. If you are bathing your own dog, brush or comb a longhaired dog first, as it is very difficult to untangle damp or wet hair. Start at your pets head and work your way back. A little apple cider vinegar on cotton balls works great at keeping water out of your pet’s ears. When there is no time to bath a smelly dog, try rubbing a little baking soda into their fur and then brushing it off.

Dog’s nails need trimming occasionally. If you want to do this yourself, have the vet or a professional dog-grooming person show you the proper way. Brush your dog’s teeth daily using toothpaste made specifically for dogs. This helps prevent dental problems as your pet ages.

To find helpful & unique dog care products that aren’t usually seen in large retail outlets (like ohmydogsupplies.com/dog-supplies/dog-couches dog couches and ohmydogsupplies.com/dog-supplies/elevated-dog-feeders/ elevated dog feeders), visit ohmydogsupplies.com Oh My Dog Supplies - register today for a 5% off discount!

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Tags: feed your dog, groom

The recent dog food scare has a lot of dog owners on edge, not knowing what they should do to protect their pet from future possible tainted dog food problems.

So what is the best option - take the risk and continue feeding your dog commercial dog food? Make homemade dog treats and meals for your dog? Or, perhaps feeding your dog table scraps?

The worst thing you can do is feed your dog table scraps. Your dog will love the taste of your table scraps, and you may think since what you are eating is healthy for you, it should also be healthy for your dog. But, foods that are good for us can be just as dangerous as tainted commercial dog food for your dog.

For example:
A single piece of chocolate can cause seizures, coma and death. Even a small piece of chocolate is dangerous.

Anything containing caffeine, including coffee grounds, tea, and tea bags, can have a similar effect and be as dangerous as chocolate.

Raisins and grapes can cause kidney failure - even a single serving of raisins can kill your dog.

Excessive salt intake can also cause kidney problems.

Onions can cause anemia by destroying red blood cells.

Avocados are also highly toxic, and can cause breathing problems and fluid accumulation around the abdomen chest and heart.

If you give your dog bones, make sure that they are raw because cooked bones can splinter and damage their internal organs.

Excessive fat can cause pancreatitis, so it is not wise to feed your dog a diet of fatty foods.

Fried foods also fall into this category and are not good if you want to maintain excellent health in your dog.

Certain nuts, such as walnuts and Macadamia nuts can cause weakness and muscle tremors.

Peanut butter however is generally okay, provided you use the salt and sugar free peanut butter as sugar can encourage cancer growth.

The core and pits of fruits such as Apple’s cherries and peaches contain cyanide, which is poisonous to dogs and can kill them
within 24-hours, without warning.

If in doubt, don’t feed your dog foods that you are eating assuming that they will be okay.

So what is the best option for taking care of our dog’s nutritional needs in these frightening times?

For most people it’s unreasonable to feed their dog homemade dog food for every meal. It takes time to prepare homemade dog treats and homemade dog food, and with our busy lives most people won’t have that time.

I believe the best solution is to feed your dog good, quality commercial dog food and supplement that with homemade dog treats and homemade dog food meals. If you can feed your dog homemade dog treats and meals about 50% of the time, chances are good your dog will live a longer, healthier life.

Mike Gates is a “Dog Enthusiast” providing practical, sound advice on doginfosecrets.com dog behavior, doginfosecrets.com dog health and doginfosecrets.com dog-gone fun!
Mike has a free gift for you and your dog - Free doginfosecrets.com/recipes Recipes for Dog Food

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Tags: dog food, feed your dog

Are you like me and afraid to feed your dog ANY commercial dog food? How can we trust the dog food industry now? How do we
know if any of the dog food on shelves in the stores is safe?

I’ve been feeding my dog, Puddles, those small cans of chicken and small can of sausages. I’ve also been feeding her bologna and
hot dogs.

Frankly, this is getting too expensive for me. Puddles is a big dog with a big appetite! I’ve been searching the internet for information on how to make my own dog food, and I found a great source! His name is John Miller, and you can immediately download tons of healthy recipes. I am so relieved I found this! Have you been reading the labels on all the dog food bags in the stores to check for wheat gluten like I’ve been doing? What about just wheat? Wheat is in many of the dog foods.

Are you thinking that the dog food industry is maybe not telling us everything? I don’t want to give my dog any food that has any kind of wheat in it at all! That’s why I wanted to find recipes to make homemade food for Puddles, so I can feel good about what she’s eating and I know she’s safe and healthy. I know it’s takes a little more time and effort to make your own dog food, but I feel like my dog, Puddles, is worth it. Isn’t yours?

Go to: healthyfoodformypet.blogspot.com healthyfoodformypet.blogspot.com to find out how you can download tons of healthy, safe food for your beloved dog!

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Tags: dog food, feed your dog

On a recent episode of “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” (AFV) one of the top three submissions for the $10,000 prize was a video of the aftermath of destruction a family’s pet dog had done to their home. This dog had destroyed an end table, ripped the frame off a doorway, demolished a patio door screen and frame, shredded carpeting, broken glassware, and had literally “eaten” a three foot by four foot hole in the wall – destroying sheetrock, insulation, and framing in the process. He was a one dog demolition crew! I was horrified and appalled as I watched the video and listened to the mixture of giggles and gasps from the viewing audience. It was as if the poor, unsuspecting family shrugged their shoulders and said “Bad Dog, Bad Dog, Whatcha Gonna Do?”

The more appropriate question, however, is “My dog, my dog, WHY do you do what you do?” The answer to that question is not a simple one. Entire books have been written concerning “bad dog behavior.” And the truth is that every dog is different, and therefore, there is no “pat answer” for every situation. However, a basic understanding of “Who dogs are, and How they behave” will lead us to some appropriate suggestions on how to handle difficult and domineering dogs. If you suffer from “Bad Dog Syndrome,” this article will help you understand who your dog is (Alpha Dog Mentality), and teach you how to “reprogram” and your misbehaving dog. Soon you’ll be saying “Good Dog, Good Dog, Oh how I love you!” You can find the follow-up article “Bad Dog, Bad Dog” Part 2, in the Feature Articles section at K-9 Outfitters, A Division of Damascus Road Enterprises.

But before we proceed, if you suffer from “bad dog syndrome” with your family pet, make sure there isn’t an underlying medical condition. Take your dog to the vet, explain your problem, and ensure he/she is healthy, and doesn’t suffer from dental, intestinal, digestion, parasitic, or other problems. Once you find that your dog is healthy, the following information should prove helpful.

Dogs are, by nature, pack animals. Pack animal behavior is instinctive from before dogs were domesticated and lived in the wild. Every pack has a hierarchy, and every animal in the pack has duties, responsibilities, and expectations. Since your dog doesn’t live in the wild, he/she assumes you, your family, and other household pets make up the “pack.” Many times, “bad dog behavior” is a result of confusion over “Alpha Dog Status” or “Alpha Dog Mentality.” You must establish that you are the “Alpha” dog in the pack. You must also establish that other family members, to include the children, all rank higher in the pack than your dog does. There are many ways to effectively put your dog in his proper pack ranking. Here are a few suggestions, or rules, for handling domineering dogs, and establishing pack rankings:

1. When you enter the house, make sure your dog enters last, even if you must put her on a leash. This shows her where she ranks in the family “pack.”

2. Alpha dogs want the run of the entire house. Make sure certain areas of the home are out of bounds for the dog. That may include certain bedrooms, the laundry room, bathrooms, or the den. This helps the dog know you are master of the house, not him.

3. Alpha dogs occupy high traffic areas, like hallways and entryways. Don’t step over or go around the dog, nudge the dog and tell her to move out of your way, and make sure she does so. This lets her know who owns the space and who is in charge.

4. Don’t allow your dog to DEMAND your attention. Dogs usually do this by climbing on your lap, or by nudging your hand or arm. Make the dog sit, lie down, etc., and then give lavish praise and attention. Remember, you control when you give your dog attention, affection, and praise.

5. Exercise control over your dog’s possessions. Take away all her toys, then give her a command, and when she obeys, give her the toy as a treat. After she plays with it for awhile, take it away again.

6. When you come home, make your dog greet you first. Ignore him until he does. He must be submissive to you, not the other way around.

7. Establish dog eating times. In the pack, the Alpha dog always eats first, and then the other dogs eat. Make sure the family eats first, followed by the dog. If you must feed the dog first, pretend to eat something first, then feed your dog. Leave the dog’s food out for 10-15 minutes, then take it up, whether the dog is finished or not. She will learn quickly to eat when fed.

8. Always stroke (pet) your dog around the head, neck, and shoulders. These are vulnerable areas for the dog, and shows that you are superior. Be careful not to stroke your dog around the chest, because this puts him in the dominating position and undermines your authority as alpha dog.

9. Don’t allow your dog to sleep in your bed! I know that’s a tough one for some folks, but believe me, it’s best for all concerned. The best thing to do is provide the dog with her own cage, crate, or bed. Put it in your bedroom if that helps you, but do it. Dogs “Kennel” by nature. They like a safe, snug place they can call their own.

Your dog is your pet. Ultimately, all he/she really wants is your love and affection (i.e. time together). Hopefully, these ideas and suggestions, along with a better understanding of who your dog is and the role he plays in the family relationship, will soon move you from saying “Bad Dog, Bad Dog, Whatcha Gonna Do?” to saying, “Good Dog, Good Dog, Oh How I Love You!”

By the way, the “Destructive Dog” video did not win a prize on AFV, although I’m sure the family could have used the money for repairs. Following our guidelines would prove a lot less expensive and would make for a much more harmonious family and pet relationship.

Danny Presswood, 2006 All Rights Reserved.

Danny Presswood is a retired US Army Combat (Airborne) Chaplain. He and his wife Cheri live in the wooded Ozarks hills of SW MO. Presently working on his Doctorate, Danny writes the Feature Articles for K-9 Outfitters, A Division of Damascus Road Enterprises, Damascus-Road-Enterprises.com Damascus-Road-Enterprises.com K-9 Outfitters offers a plethora of discount, luxury, unique, and handmade in the USA dog supplies.

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Tags: feed your dog

As a dog owner, you probably believe that commercial dog foods are a healthy choice for your pet.
The truth is most of them are NOT. Read on to find out why.

These are the death-causing toxic chemicals that can be found in most commercial dog foods:

• Sodium Pentobarbital
• BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)
• BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)
• Ethoxyquin
• Propylene Glycol
• Lead

The devastating effects of these chemicals have led them to be banned from human consumption.

Sodium Pentobarbital is the chemical that veterinarians use to put dogs and cats to ‘sleep’.
This toxic chemical is found in some commercial dog foods and cannot be removed completely during food processing.
If your dog eats a lot of these foods, it is possible for this death-causing toxin to keep accumulating inside their system. When it reaches a toxic level, your pet will have irreversible damage that will easily lead to illness resulting in organ failure, or they will die.

BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), Ethoxyquin and Propylene Glycol
are commonly used in dog foods as fat stabilizers and preservatives.

BHA and BHT cause liver and kidney dysfunction.
Ethoxyquin is a potential cancer-causing agent.
Propylene Glycol, found in many semi-moist dog foods, causes red blood cell destruction.

Lead, an extremely toxic heavy metal, is also commonly found in pet foods.
Research conducted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and published as “Lead in Animal Foods” presented one shocking discovery – a typical 9-pound cat was found to be ingesting, through commercial pet food, far more lead daily than the toxic level for children in their lifetime.
Imagine what that is doing to your dog.

Of course, not all commercial dog food products contain all these chemicals. But as a responsible pet owner you should research what is in the food that you choose to feed your dog.

If you truly want the best for your dog, then why not prepare their meals yourself?
At the very least you will know you won’t be adding any unnecessary and deadly preservatives.
And at best, you will be really appreciated for providing a delicious homemade dog treat.

Lyn owns Cat and Dog Treats which helps people learn about

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Tags: dog food, feed your dog