My Dumb Dog

January 17, 2009

Nutrition For Active Dogs - Proper Nutrition For Your Working Dog

Filed under: Health — admin @ 3:02 am

Dogs that lead a very active lifestyle demand a more comprehensive diet than average dogs require. Examples of these hard-working dogs are those that participate in agility competitions as well as those that team up with law enforcement on a search-and-rescue mission.

You will definitely want to take a peek at these dog carriers for your active dog.

To simply say these types are dogs that are on the “go” is a grand understatement! However, should you have one of these terrific dogs it is essential that their diet be rich in nutrients and protein sources. These dogs need larger doses of food and certain types of nutrients.

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A typical working dog would need about 2 – 5 times more calories than a less active dog. These extra calories are converted into energy that helps our dog athletes perform better. This is crucial for these dogs during the times when they are most active! Remember not all dogs can handle this lifestyle, so if you want a dog that has this lifestyle, you must get a breed or sporting class dog! You should never work another breed as these dogs are because again not all breeds can handle what these can! Remember these are the Sporting dogs such as your herders,retrievers,ect.

“What nutrients should my athletic dog be getting? What do I look for?” is a common question! We have outlined 4 basic and essential nutrients that should be in your Working/Sporting dog’s diet!

For your working dog you will need to pick up some dog supplies to keep them cool and collective.

Carbohydrate: Once your dog reaches adulthood, he has no need for carbohydrates in his diet, although he is able to absorb this nutrient if eaten. Less carbohydrates in the adult dog’s diet creates better performance. Therefore, minimum amount of carbohydrates is required for the working dog or any dog that participates in any kind of activity that lasts for more than two minutes.

The next nutrient you want in your dog’s diet is PROTEIN! Protein is very important because it contains amino acids. Amino Acids are important because they are the building blocks for hormones, tissues and muscles, and enzymes. Proteins develop muscle mass and strength. Important to know though is too much protein can lead to excessive protein breakdown and that could pose health problems. You want high protein sources according to what your dog’s diet needs for muscle development and structrual repair! No more, no less!

Your dog’s diet needs fats. Not bad fats and not excessive amounts of fats, but the good fats! The main source of energy for working and intermediate athletic dogs comes from fats. This nutrient contains about twice as much energy as carbohydrates and protein provides. Adding more fat to your dog’s diet is the best way to increase his energy and strength. A diet high in fat is more appealing to your dog while at the same time providing him with better endurance.

Therefore, it is very important to supply him with adequate amount of essential fatty acids along with saturated and unsaturated fats. So far we have covered that your dog needs a little carbohydrates from healthy sources, how important protein is and that it is a necessity, and the difference from good and bad fats that are essential to the diet of your working and intermediate sportster!

The final essential nutrient is a definate no brainer, it’s Water! H2O is lost during laborous activity and hydration is crucial if not absolutely necessary! Water is packed with nutrients and minerals that are good for your dog and water also helps them to start the digestion process and their circulatory and coronary systems as well as their brains. So don’t forget to keep a boutiful supply of water for your dog to drink when they need some hydration! These 4 key nutrients will ensure your high performance Working/Sporting breed dog will have optimum and robust health and performance!

January 16, 2009

Breeding Dogs - Akc Bloodline And Give Him/her The Best Dog Food Available To Keep Them Healthy

Filed under: Basic Information — admin @ 10:36 am

Your dog’s nails, just like human nail, need to be trimmed. Unfortunately, some dogs don’t like to have their feet touched, much less their nails trimmed. If you have trouble performing this action yourself, consider making an appointment with your vet or groomer. If your dog will allow you touch his nails, you can trim them at home. When left untrimmed, they can grow into the dog’s feet, break, and bleed.

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Once you’ve been granted access to your dog’s nails, the trick is not to cause any pain. This means avoiding the quick which can cause both pain and bleeding. Study the nail before you begin. It’s easier to see in clear or white nails, but the quick is just above the excess nail that you want to remove. Remember, you don’t want to go too short. You just want to remove the excess.

Begin with some nail trimmers made especially for dogs and some styptic powder like Kwik-Stop or CutStop. These products will help stop the bleeding if you accidentally cut the quick. Next, find a comfortable position for both you and the dog. You may put the dog in your lap or you may both lie on the floor. If your dog isn’t too sure about the process, you may need someone to help hold the dog. Next, hold the dog’s paw in your hand and push on his pad so that the nail extends.

Once the nail is extended, cut the nail at a 45 degree angle. Make sure you’re cutting below the quick. If you can’t see the quick because the nail is dark, it’s better to make a couple of small cuts than one big, painful one. If you see a dark spot appear at the end of the cut nail, you’ve done your job. The spot is the beginning of the quick.

If your dog has brittle nails that splinter when you cut them, you may have to file them a few times to remove cracks and smooth the nail. If your dog will let you, do all four paws including the dew claw. If he won’t, don’t force it. Take a break and come back later. If you do happen to trim into the quick, apply the styptic powder to stop the bleeding.

Finally, remember this should be a pleasant activity. If your dog can’t stand it, take him for walks on pavement and asphalt. This will work as an emery board and naturally file his nails.

Positive Labrador Obedience Training

Filed under: Training Tips — admin @ 5:10 am

A Labrador can be the perfect choice as a family pet, as long as you are willing to put in the time and effort for proper Labrador obedience training. These cute, playful puppies quickly evolve into big, rambunctious dogs if they are not taught good manners while they are still young.

Training a Labrador doesn’t have to be an unpleasant challenge for you or your dog. This breed is extremely intelligent and eager to please, making it a good candidate for effective obedience training. However, these dogs can also be a bit strong-willed, meaning that if you don’t show your Lab who is boss in the house right from the beginning, he may very well try to run the show himself. Much of Labrador obedience training has to do with teaching your dog respect for the alpha dog in the household – who happens to be you. Once you have established the proper pecking order in your home, your Lab puppy will be much more likely to acquiesce to your authority with prompt obedience.
Labrador obedience training needs to incorporate respect, but it doesn’t do so using harsh, punitive methods – unless you want a dog that is afraid of you and prone to snapping and biting others. Labs respond best to training that is encouraging and positive, and loaded with rewards instead of punishment. Your Lab will enjoy positive training sessions because it allows him to spend quality time with you as he exercises his mind and body to follow your commands and please you. You can begin with basic commands like sit and stay and gradually move onto more complex instructions as you and your dog develop a positive relationship and he learns to follow your instructions.

Consistency is another important key in effective Labrador obedience training. For example, if you want to make it a rule that your dog does not jump on the furniture, you need to be consistent with that rule and never let him up on the couch. Not once. Not ever. Intelligent dogs like Labs will quickly recognize when they can push you and the rules to the limit and will do so whenever possible.
Labrador obedience training with a very young dog should be limited to just a few minutes, and should include lots of praise and rewards. When your dog is first learning a command, keep distractions to an absolute minimum to ensure that you have your puppy’s full attention. As your dog begins to be comfortable with a particular instruction, include some distraction to the training session, like tossing treats around him or bouncing a ball as you give the command. This will help to ensure that your dog will obey you in any circumstance, no matter what distractions might be lurking about. Good beginning commands will include sit, fetch and stay, but lie and come should be close behind those. In the beginning Labrador obedience training sessions, make sure to reward your dog even if he sits for only a second or two. As you progress, you can require that he sits for longer periods or stays put even when you walk away or turn your back to him. These training sessions will pay off with a dog that is well behaved and a pleasant addition to your family.

Before you bring your Lab puppy home from the breeder, it is important to educate yourself on the most effective techniques for Labrador training. Fortunately for the new dog owner, there are many good Dog training books and articles like this available so you and your Labrador retriever can start off on the right foot.

January 15, 2009

4th Of July Dog Outfits

Filed under: Basic Information — admin @ 3:43 am

When it comes to you and your dog showing off how patriotic you are, sometimes the best thing to do is with a fashion sense. 4th of July dog outfits are a very fashionable way of showing how patriotic you are. When it comes to finding 4th of July dog outfits, there are a number of great places from which to choose from, however, sometimes the best places are the ones on the internet because they are usually much cheaper on dog supplies then going to the local store.

Of course you should never wait until the last minute to get the outfits neither because you run the risk of them being sold out or even having a late delivery. Instead take your time and choose your 4th of July dog clothes out early and get them before the rush. Sort of like a Christmas in July Sale, get your July outfits during the holiday season. You never know, you may even get a bigger discount when you do.

It is however important that you are not left being found without showing off your patriotic spirit. When everyone else is wearing their Red, White and Blues, you should be too; and most definitely so should your dog. So let your dog’s patriotic spirit run free and show how proud it is to be born in the US of A.

Not only does a red, white and blue dog dresses make a perfect 4th of July dog outfit, but so can so many others. Remember that with the Right to Bear Arms, camouflage too is a great choice and when it comes to dogs, there are tons of camouflage items for them to wear. Maybe even add in a bandana around the neck; red, white and blue of course.

No matter how you choose to look at it though, you and your dog needs to let your patriotic spirit out and make sure that the both of you have your very own patriotic outfit to wear no matter what time of year it is. However when it comes to dogs though, while you can get just about any red, white and blue outfit from anywhere, for your best friend you need to specifically look for a 4th of July dog outfit.

Make sure that your dog’s fashions are ready for just about anything whether it is the 4th of July, Memorial Day or even Labor Day. Nothing beats a great picnic or barbeque, and when you have all of your friends over celebrating, make sure that your dog is dressed up in his finest 4th of July dog outfit and you will be assured that the whole mood of the party is a patriotic one.

How To Keep Your Dog On A Schedule - Find Your Dog The Best Dog Beds Available To Show Him/her You Care

Filed under: Health — admin @ 2:04 am

Time keeping and scheduling is very important to make a man successful. Well, this success mantra has been heard by many of us many times. But just as we need to follow a strict schedule of a few daily activities in order to maintain the overall health of your body and mind, same is the case with dogs. Keeping your dog on a particular schedule is very important for its health. Irregular habits can seriously hamper its well-being and keep it sick for lengthy periods.

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By schedule here we mean, the eating, sleeping and wandering time of a dog. It is important to feed the dog at proper times. Dogs are not humans and they get restless when they are hungry. There have been many instances where hunger has driven a dog crazy. And you certainly don’t want to deal with crazy dogs.

Also, important eating habits can seriously malnourish the dog as the biological system of a dog is not as adaptable as that of humans. Also, dogs need a free roaming around time everyday in order to freshen themselves. Have a specific time when the dog is taken for a walk. Mornings and evenings are the best time periods as the air is cool, there is minimal heat and the neighborhood is buzzing with people which a dog loves. Also, ensure that the dog sleeps and wakes up on time. Less sleep can make your dog dull and weak. And excessive sleep is certain to make it weak and lazy. This will also be followed by increase in weight and fatness of the dog.

In order to maintain a fixed schedule for your dog, you should have a fixed schedule for yourself. All the activities a dog carries out depend on his master. If the master is not on time then the dog does not get his food on time. He also does not get his walk on time. And due to these two, the dog even does not get his sleep on time as he is extremely faithful and loyal to his master. Also make use of equipments like shock collar to get you dog into the habit of following a schedule. Till the time it gets used to the schedule, punish it appropriately so that it can learn quickly and efficiently.

January 14, 2009

Hunting Dog Training Should Be Taken Very Seriously

Filed under: Training Tips — admin @ 5:06 pm

Hunting dog training should be taken very seriously because it requires your dog being desensitized to gunfire that normally accompanies a hunt and still be able to keep its focus on the trainer’s commands. Before you begin hunting dog training there are a few steps that need to be taken such as the trainer needing to provide to the dog a solid foundation that ensures the safety of the dog during a hunt. You may choose to start the training when the puppy is no more than four to six months old by introducing it to whistles, check cords, birds as well as the hunting dog training commands.

Teach The Dog Not To Be Frightened Of Gunfire

In the beginning, you may expose to gunfire your puppy so that it can avoid becoming frightened which will come in handy when it becomes an adult hunting dog. You will then need to provide a foundation for the dog/puppy which best suits the animal when it is aged between ten to twelve months and is taught to work in as well as out of the field, and generally become accustomed to whistles as well as commands given by the trainer. It should also help make the dog develop its pointing instincts and learn to be patient when pointing at the time of the hunting dog training.

You must then, after teaching the dog foundation basics, Training Your Dog to remain steady to shot and wing. Commands such as “whoa” will be taught to the dog and it will also learn the basics of real world hunting situations. Once completed, the dog will have learnt to work off leash in the field as well as outside and will then be able to retrieve to hand, which is teaching the dog to bring back the hunt without damaging the hunt. In addition, this stage of the hunting dog training can also involve teaching the dog to respect another dog’s point as well as to refrain from flushing birds.

Any dog that is descended from parents that were hunting dogs will naturally be inclined to the pursuit of hunting and will have abilities that will help it in its hunting dog training. It is also obvious that the hunting dog training will teach the dog basic skills as far as its normal obedience is concerned and the dog should easily respond to simple commands such as “come, sit, and stay and heel”.

It is also not unusual for the hunting dog training routine to require taking the dog into the field for getting it used to the full effect of hunting in a real situation. It is also normal for the hunting dog training and Leash Training to be performed under different weather conditions and different seasons will see the dog getting used to different game.

I Need An Elegant Pink Dog Dress

Filed under: Basic Information — admin @ 3:58 am

Just because your dog wears a coat every single day, does not mean that she cannot also wear a hot, trendy and elegant pink dog dress as well. That’s right, a dog in a pink dress. While some people may think this is a funny thing, others know that even dogs have a charming sense of fashion as well and nothing compliments your dog’s coat quite like a fashionable pink dog dress.

While some may think that finding them is a daunting task, in reality it is not. Matter of fact there is a pink dog dress available out there for just about any occasion. If you and your dog are going to a wedding or an important event, there are some elegant evening gowns available. When your dog dawns a gown, she will become the Belle of the Ball, like Cinderella and will be the center of attraction; the cutest thing on four legs for miles around. Be sure to check out these dog products.

Don’t worry, some people don’t make it to fancy dress occasions very often and it is even more of a rare occasion to have your dog invited too. But that does not mean it would not be great to have a fancy pink dog dress available. What about a night out on the town, this will happen more often of course. You can find a large selection of mini skirts for dogs online and have them delivered right to your front door.

Buying your pink dog dress online is a great way of saving money because there are no added expenses of an online store like a store front rental or warehousing space. Furthermore, since the items will be shipped to your home, you will even be saving gas money too which of course is just another added bonus to getting your dog clothes online.

So when it comes to getting your dog a trendy pink dog dress, you will be able to ensure that your dog is the cutest thing in the neighborhood without a question. Who knows, your dog may even be the leader of your neighborhood’s dog fashion trends and everyone will be turning to you for ideas on what to get their dog. Your dog will love all of the attention that follows suit as well; what dog would not like getting attention from everyone?

January 13, 2009

Choosing The Best Vaccinations That Will Protect Your Doggy All Year Around Also Find The Best Dog Grooming Supplies Fast And Easy

Filed under: Health — admin @ 11:49 pm

A collar for your dog is very important. It is the key identifier when people discriminate between pet dogs and stray dogs. A dog catcher will only differentiate between a stray dog and a pet dog by looking at the collar. If your dog is found without the collar on the roads then your dog will be caught and taken to the dog pound.

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Therefore it is essential that you keep your dog on a collar all the time. A collar will ensure that the dog is domesticated and not dangerous. A collar will also help to track down a missing dog. If your dog is lost then the collar can be of great deal of assistance in finding your dog back.

The description of a collar can make finding your dog back a whole lot easier process. Also there are many collars available like the shock collars that are used for training and modification of behavior of the dogs. However such collars are not recommended as a dog’s behavior should be only changed with love and understanding and not by force. The collar must be a symbol on the dog to signify that the dog is yours.

Choosing a collar for the dog can be a hard task. There are many collars that are available in the market today that are made for dogs. You should choose a collage for your dog that is light and comfortable and does not strangle your dog.

The collar should not make the dog feel uncomfortable in any way. The collar on the dog should not obstruct the movement of the neck of the dog. At the same time the collar of the dog should not be too dangling as then the dog will fiddle with the collar and tear it loose. The collar should not be too heavy on the dog it should fee light on the dog. When buying a collar, feel the material inside the collar and check weather it is soft or not.

This is something that your dog is going to wear for the rest of his life and hence make sure that what you are buying is comfortable for your dog. The collar can have decorative pieces on it buy make sure that it is not heavy. Also it is a good idea to have the dogs initial prescribed on the collar or having information of your residence on the collar incase your dog gets lost.

January 12, 2009

Electric Fences And Your Dog And Also Find The Best Dog Supplies Fast And Easy

Filed under: Basic Information — admin @ 7:26 pm

Heartworm pills are necessary for your dogs. Heartworms may or may not be affecting your dogs but vets all around the world recommend that irrespective of the fact weather your dog is infected by heartworms or not your should give your dog a daily dosage of heartworm pills.

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The cases of heart worms are present in every state in the world and there are many dogs around the world who are suffering from such a condition. Therefore you as the owner of your dog must take responsibility to keep your dog free form the diseases and give your dog a regular dose of heartworm pills.

There are some treatments for heartworms available but these treatments are of no use while the disease has moved on to an advanced stage. It is not easy to catch the symptoms of heart worms at a crucial stage and the suffering of your dog can become intense with the heart of your dog getting filled with worms. Therefore you should do what is necessary and get rid of the heart worms at the initial stage itself. This will help save your best friends life from fatal diseases and save your dog from a lot of suffering.

Before putting your dog on heartworm pills the vet will perform a test so as to make sure that your dog is not already infected by heartworms. If you are thinking that your dog is safe from heartworms because your dog stays indoors or perhaps because your dog has a heavy fur coat then you are victims of myth. Any dog has an equal chance of contracting heartworm. Heartworm is spread through mosquitoes that carry the heartworm larva.

All does have an equal chance of getting bitten by this mosquitoes and contracting this disease. Therefore periodic tests and precautionary vaccine is necessary. While choosing a heartworm pill, make sure that you are consulting your dogs vet first. Some of the pills in the market may not suite your dog. Also these may cause many unwanted side effects. Therefore always consult your vet before giving your dog any sort of such pill.

The best way to choose a pill is to ask your vet what pill you should use. He will be able to recommend the best pill for your dog that will help to save your dog from this fatal disease. These pills will keep your best friend strong and healthy and safe.

Traveling With Your Dog In A Car - Also You Can Find Your Dog The Best Dog Beds Available To Show Him/her You Care

Filed under: Health — admin @ 1:01 am

The open road is a delight to man and his best friend. Right? This can be the case, but you may have to do a little ground work before you speed off into the sunset. Dogs, like humans, may get carsick. And like us, they also need to learn car etiquette. Here are tips to ensure a drama-free road trip.

If you have a puppy, it’s best to consider the car a training ground. To begin, invite your puppy into the car. Enforce the sit and stay rule and remain calm. Award them a treat if they follow your directions. Quick Note: You should always think about how you can get your dog his or her Small Dog Supplies every day. Also if you are looking for your dog his or her own stylish Small Dog Clothes and Small Dog Coats then you should check out Doggy Dog Supplies. After practicing this a few times, crank the car and drive down the driveway. Remember to reinforce the sit and stay rule. After you feel confident that all is well, you and your dog can drive around the block. Don’t go too far on the first drive. After all, your pup may be prone to car sickness.

Once on the open road, remember to concentrate, first and foremost, on the traffic. Do not allow your dog to sit in your lap or climb at will around the car. And, they should not get anywhere near the gas or break petals. On your first drives, you may notice excess salivation ending in throw up. If this happens, remain calm and, if at all possible, head home. Chances are, your pup may grow out of this phase. If not, see your vet for a mild, safe sedative.

A calm dog who teats the car seat as he does his bed is idea. But, not all dogs can handle the excitement. If your dog can’t stop jumping all over the car, pawing at the windows, and generally going berserk, it may be a good idea to crate him or restrain him via a dog seatbelt. If your dog is already crate trained, they should have no problem riding in their crate. If they’re not crate trained but need to be crated on car trips, introduce them to the crate slowly and with lots of calm praise. Make sure it’s a soft and alluring place, a place where treats and toys are readily available. If you and your dog prefer the idea of a seatbelt, there are many available on the market. Check with your vet to find one that is appropriate.

Remember, the number one rule in traveling with a pet is safety. You must stay focused on the road; this is why it’s so important to train and/or restrain your dog when traveling.

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