Dog or Boyfriend? Top 5 Reasons Why Dogs are Better

Dog or Boyfriend? Top 5 Reasons Why Dogs are Better

Dogs. What are they good for?

Well, there’s too little space to even begin to cover that whole topic on the Internet, let alone here. So let’s just agree that they’re pretty darn amazing, and perhaps more importantly, better than a boyfriend -- especially some of those icky ones out there (apologies to the good ones; you know who you are).

Without further ado, PetMD's top 5 reasons why dogs are better than men.

#1 Dogs Are Always Happy to See You

If we’re going to be super honest, happy isn’t quite the word. Dogs are actuallyecstatic to see you. It doesn't matter if you just stepped out for a quick errand or went on a 7-day vacation; your dog will always do a little dance of excitement and jump all over you upon your return. How many men do that?

#2 They Love to Snuggle

Dogs have no hidden agenda or ulterior motives while snuggling. Most dogs (let’s face it, all dogs) would snuggle with you practically all day long if you'd let them. But then again, who wouldn't want to snuggle up with the Queen of the World?

#3 Dogs Never Come Home Drunk

In fact, going to the pub and having a drink would be hazardous to their health. Dogs would rather be by your side, anyway. All. The. Time. That's why they howl and croon about their loneliness when you banish them to the backyard or the laundry room at night (although men do that also).

#4 Dogs Never Cheat

There's no need to dig through their stuff for secret love notes. And you're never going to come home to find him snuggled up to your hot next door neighbor (well, maybe, but it doesn’t mean anything). Dogs are supremely loyal to their masters. They’ll do anything to protect you. Now that’s what we call special.

#5 Dogs Don’t Care if You’ve Put on Some Weight

That’s right. They don’t. They just love you, unconditionally. In fact, they might just enjoy a little more of you to snuggle up to. Basically, as long as you feed them, pet them, take them for walks and love them right back, your dog is going to think you are the Queen of the World -- regardless of whether you’re a size 0 or a size 22.

Sorry, boys. The evidence is overwhelming. Dogs are just better than men.

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Pet food recall: Petrus 21% Protein Dog Food

Pet food recall: Petrus 21% Protein Dog Food

Another dog food manufactured at the Cargill plant in Louisiana has been recalled due to Aflatoxin. Petrus Feed & Seed is recalling one of their foods that is distributed in Louisiana.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 14, 2011 – Petrus Feed and Seed Stores, Inc. today announced a voluntary recall of its dry dog food – 21% Protein Dog Food in 40 lb Petrus Feed bags. The product is being recalled because the product was manufactured with corn which tested above acceptable levels for Aflatoxin. The affected products were manufactured at Cargill’s manufacturing facility located in LeCompte, Louisiana between December 1, 2010 and December 1, 2011.

The recall only applies 21% Dog Food, packaged in 40 lb Petrus Feed bags with the following packaging Date codes (lot numbers) 4K1011 through 4K1307. Updated lot numbers are 4K1011 through 4K1335.

The affected dry dog food was distributed in Petrus Feed and Seed in Alexandria, Louisiana.

While no adverse health effects related to these products have been reported, Petrus Feed and Seed Store, Inc. is implementing this recall as a precautionary measure. Consumers are urged to return affected products – whether in opened or unopened packages – to their place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, contact 318-443-2259, Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM and Saturday, 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM.

Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring mold by-product. Pets that have consumed any of the above recalled products and exhibit symptoms of illness including sluggishness or lethargy combined with a reluctance to eat, vomiting, yellowish tint to the eyes or gums, or diarrhea should be seen by a veterinarian.

Apparently this release is a “corrected” release about this recall, but I never saw the first one, and neither of them are showing up on the FDA Animal & Veterinary Recalls and Withdrawals list. You’ll find the updated recall notice on the FDA website here: Updated New Release With Corrected Lot Numbers Petrus Feed And Seed Stores, Inc. Recalls Its 21% Dog Food.

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Dog’s Childhood – Things You must Know About It

Dog’s Childhood – Things You must Know About It

At the age of 2 months before puberty have more important things that a dog of his life, now that the responsibility for its future development and evolution.

childhood dog, a time when the greatest number of vaccinations will take place and most vet visits.

For the owner is fully aware of what you would expect from a dog during this period, he or she does not hesitate to ask.

This is important because it affects the misunderstandings and disagreements between you and your dog at this time for its future development.

For a dog this time of life is all about integration to date, and social skills. It's time to pass from the mother and the association with a social group, then break this time.

Technically, the term in the discussion starts with the first leaving the nest at the age of 12 weeks. That is, when the puppy begins to communicate with someone other than his siblings and his mother.

In the natural environment between the two months of age and puberty, the dogs raised by his mother and the adults in his life to teaching, which is particularly rituals of behavior. The dog of this age and is elected by the new owner.

Is contacted with the hierarchy and the steps that will be identified within the pack. This is when the puppy is integrated into the human world and the fight against the various stages of grief: the separation of the mother, contact with strangers unknown, the formation of new habits and the feeling that he possessed.

2 to 4 months, the most important part of education is the socialization of dogs. This is when the dog learns who and what approach these things can and can not play and develop relationships with their owners.

After 4 months of the dog control over your movement, speed and bite. He emphasized the external environment, and is safer than curious. You can interact with strangers and show the first signs of territorial behavior.
Before puberty, the dog is constantly evolving, so the attention of the owner and the necessary training to its meaning.

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Positive Dog Training Techniques

Positive Dog Training Techniques

There are many different dog training techniques that are out there today. Many people often don't realize that dog training courses often utilize different dog training techniques.

Some of these dog training techniques work better than others.

Whether you are going to a dog training course or if you are doing the dog training yourself... wouldn't you rather know which dog training technique is the best?

If you answered yes to that question then you should know that positive dog training is the best technique to use.

Positive dog training is quickly becoming the preferred method of dog training. If you would like to learn more about positive dog training techniques, please read on.

Positive dog training techniques involve using only praise and positive reinforcement.

This means, positive dog training rewards your dog for good behavior or when it performs a command correctly.

The rewards used in this type of dog training can be treats, kind words, a pat on the head, etc. It has been found that dogs respond much better to positive dog training.

Positive dog training techniques never involve hitting, spanking, scolding, or punishing your dog in any manner. Dogs do not do well with any form of negative dog training.

Now we will go over some examples of positive dog training techniques. Let us say that you are beginning your dog training by teaching your dog to sit. When your dog sits, reward it with a treat and tell it what a good dog it is.

Another example of positive dog training is to use praise and treats when your dog goes to the bathroom when and where it is supposed to. Dogs will soon learn to relate to doing this when and where it should because it gets rewarded for it.

Thus your dog will be potty trained much faster. When using positive dog training, your voice should always be happy and pleasant. Dogs will want to do as you ask when they get rewarded by any positive means.

This is why positive dog training works much better than any other type of dog training.

Now that you understand what positive dog training is, you may wish to start some of these techniques yourself. You can find dog training courses that use positive techniques and you can also utilize these techniques on your own.

With positive reinforcement, praise, and rewards, your dog is sure to learn much faster and be happier doing so. You will then be happier as well and you will also find that the dog training will go much easier.

With that in mind, you can truly see how positive dog training techniques will give you positive results!

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6 Helpful Tips To Puppy Obedience Training

6 Helpful Tips To Puppy Obedience Training

Puppy obedience training basically boils down to very basic training commands such as "sit," "stay," "go fetch," and a few others. Puppy obedience training can be very useful in fulfilling most of the puppy's most important needs. It actually gives your puppy something to direct their attention and learning towards. This will in turn make your puppy very happy.

lot of people don't actually realize that one of the main reasons a lot of puppies misbehave is because they lack direction in guiding their actions. They don't know how to respond accordingly with the many circumstances that they'll encounter. Most puppies can actually be trained as early as 7 or 8 weeks old. Let's explore some basic commands and how to carry them out.

1. The "Heel" Command.

For this puppy obedience training command it's a good idea to use food for this one. Show your puppy the food at about his head level. Make sure it's on your left hand side. Now you're going to want to say "heel" and then walk forward a little. As you're walking let the puppy eat a little bit of the treat. At first, you should only travel a couple of paces.

Then, you can go a little further each time. When your puppy gets it right, be sure to praise him. When your puppy begins to learn what is expected of him, you can start lifting the treat a little higher. If he jumps up for it make sure you don't reward him.

2. The "Sit" Command

For this puppy obedience training command you'll want to move the treat from a spot in front of your puppy to over its head and say firmly "sit." A natural thing for your puppy to do at this point is to let his rear end hit the floor. Your puppy will do this as it raises its head back but if it doesn't use your free hand to put its bottom down on the floor. When it does sit, give it a good heap of praise and let your puppy have the treat.

3. The "Down" Command

For this puppy obedience training command show your puppy the treat to get his attention. Now, you'll want to say "down" and move the treat towards the floor slowly. Only if needed, you can apply slight pressure to his shoulders to help him down. If you see that he begins to lie down even for a second or two give him the treat and a great deal of praise. As your puppy begins to make this a normal routine you can stretch out the time before giving him the treat.

4. The "Come" Command

A good idea here is to call your puppy throughout different time of the day even if it's for nothing at all. While doing this puppy obedience training command make sure that you reward him and give him lots of praise. Another way to do this is to have another person hold your puppy and you call their name and say "come" right after it. When your puppy comes to you be sure to reward it and give lots of praise.

5. The "Stand" Command

To do this puppy obedience training command make sure your puppy is in the "down" position and then say "stand" and lift the treat forward and up in front of him. If you need to help him into position. The moment he stands give him lots of praise and the treat. Again, the more routine this becomes you can make the time longer that he has to stand to get the treat.

6. The "Stay" Command

First off, have your puppy to sit. Then, say "stay" and go about one or two paces back from your puppy. As long as he stayed give him the treat and the praise for staying. If you see that he moved just do it all over again. For this puppy obedience training command to work properly be sure to only give the treat while your puppy is sitting and not when they get up. Your puppy needs to learn to associate the treat with having stayed and not when he got up. You can increase the length of time after he stays until you give the treat and praise as he responds to this more frequently.

To make all this work as it should, remember to be consistent in your puppy obedience training commands and remain friendly during the whole learning process.

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Dog Bark Facts [Infographic]

Dog Bark Facts [Infographic]

The Basenji dog breed does not bark like other canines. Why this breed doesn't bark remains a mystery. Some believe it is due to a physiological difference from other breeds although others think Basenjis may are trained by people to not bark many many years in the past, and this attribute was passed down all through future generations from the breed.

Basenjis do growl, but it is a extremely distinct growl. They bark, but usually only once rather than repeatedly. The bark sounds much more like a squeal or screech than a bark. The uncommon sounds are produced simply because its larynx is inside a different place than that of other breeds. Their uncommon bark can be very noisy!

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Dog Health with Natural Remedies Tips

Dog Health with Natural Remedies Tips

As your pet ages, senior dog health should become a priority. Certain breeds develop age-related problems as they get older. Other dogs develop issues that have to do with diet and lifestyle, so it's important to come up with a preventative plan, just as you would for your own health. In this article, you'll learn what you can do to boost your dog's vitality and immunity.

Any dog over seven years of age can begin to show these age related symptoms, and larger dogs are more likely to suffer from age related problems. Senior dog health problems, like senior human health problems, vary from bone and joint related problems, dysfunction of organs like the liver or kidneys. Metabolisms tend to slow down, and eyes and ears get weaker. Skin and coat loose their youthful glossy look, and teeth and gums begin to rot, as they do in humans.

Senior dog health is an iffy thing, and takes a lot more maintenance than that of a younger dog or a puppy. Older dogs not only tend to be less energetic, they also have lower recuperative powers. So, if an older dog falls ill, she takes much longer o recover, especially after a harsh treatment by conventional antibiotic drugs. This is where natural homeopathic treatments can make a large and significant difference to the ongoing maintenance of the health of your pet.

Problems of the bones and joints, like arthritis, which are chronic, are also helped enormously by natural remedies. Weakened eyesight, and weakening of the heart, lungs, liver, etc, can be arrested, and slowed significantly by herbal remedies, and long term natural treatment. Older dogs are more prone to infectious diseases as well, because their immune systems become weaker with age, which leaves them vulnerable to viral and bacterial attacks. Any of these infections can cause serious and life threatening senior dog health problems.

The right and continuous administration of holistic and natural treatments can make a big difference to how your dog deals with infections too. Herbal treatments help to bolster the immune system, making your dog stronger, and better able to resist or deal with infectious agents.

Maintaining the health of an older dog entails paying more attention to age-related health issues. Do the research, and make sure you are up-to-date as far as possible problems are concerned. Find out the specific health issues that your dog is likely to face. There are problems associated with specific breeds and age groups of dogs.

Help your dog adjust with advancing age by changing her lifestyle and diet to go with her lower energy and metabolism levels. Adding daily herbal supplements like Huang Qi, Mistletoe, Purple Coneflower, Indian ginseng, and Milk Thistle can help improve senior dog health by boosting immunity and fighting diseases like cancer. Just remember that homeopathy or holistic treatments must be continued long term, and as specified, for full effects to be felt.

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The Importance of Dog day care

The Importance of Dog day care

When you work all day it is hard to know what to do with your dog. You could leave him in a crate or enclosed in a room in your house but is this really fair on the dog. The majority of people work nine till five or longer, therefore your dog is left for at least eight hours on its own. This can cause boredom, isolation, behavioral problems and even depression, not to mention that they can't hold the toilet for that amount of time. This means you will come home to a lot of mess in your house and also this is extremely uncomfortable for your dog and could cause bladder problems.

The best solution for your dog if you are out at work all day is dog day care, this is a new phenomenon where people are opening up their homes to look after other peoples dogs when they are out at work. The following points prove just how important dog day care is.

Your dog will get to interact with lots of other dogs which is vitally important for pack integration. This is even more important if your dog is a puppy as many of the behavioural problems that we see in dogs occur because they are poorly socialised when they are young.

Dogs that integrate just with their owners and no other dogs or people can suffer from anxiety and fear biting. This can also cause separation anxiety and cause the dog to be a nervous wreck when it does eventually for some reason have to be apart from its owners. This is very unfair on the dog as it will be suffering all sorts of negative emotions which are unnatural and wouldn't be apparent in the wild.

Dogs love it! They get to go to dog day care on a regular basis so they make friends with the other dogs and look forward to going every time. What would you prefer staying at home on your own all day or meeting up with your friends and having fun, it's the same for your dog!

Protect your home – if your dog is at dog day care having a great time, he won't be at your home, bored, causing him to chew and destroy the furniture and toileting around your home.

At dog day care your dog will get walked at least once a day where they will play with the other dogs and have a great time.

On the dog walks at dog day care your dog will get basic dog training to work on his recall, use of commands and walking on the lead. If you are in the process of puppy training this will help to reinforce that training on a regular basis.

Dog day care is obviously more expensive than leaving your dog on its own but is worth every penny as you will return home from work to a happy and content dog and not feel stressed and worried that it's on its own. Also it will teach your dog to be well socialised and fully integrated with other dogs and stop separation anxiety and aggression to other dogs.

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Having the Right Dog Kennels and Dog Crates is Important

Having the Right Dog Kennels and Dog Crates is Important

Dog kennels and runs are around for a couple of many years, perhaps you would like 1? There's frequently a notion that they're cruel towards the animal in numerous method. I would contest that concept for a lot of causes, in actual reality I believe any canine, or most canines are probably much better off with dog kennels and runs within the right kind of environment

I've owned dogs for a few years and possess lots of expertise in making certain I have a wholesome animal. First off I wish to say that canine kennels usually aren't right for all dog owners. Dog kennels have to be used collectively with walking, animal socialization and training of the animal. In case you are serious about canine kennels and runs you ought to be eager to still stroll you animal and make sure it is properly socialized with different canines as a dog confined inside a dog kennel and run is not heading to become a cheerful dog.

For all those who work lots and possess a canine that is vulnerable to wander the neighborhood and fight with other canines, or probably even worse, get run more than by an automobile then canine kennels ot runs are an amazing concept for you personally. Canine kennels and runs ensure your canine is kept in a secured and safe environment where the animal continues to be in a position to train, without changing into a nuisance to your neighbors or failing in visitors. Dog kennels are an amazing technique of making certain that these issues do not arise.

Dog kennels and runs needs to be positioned in the best surroundings for your canine, guaranteeing that stress ranges due to noise and other dogs are kept to a minimal. They should even be of quality construction and supplies. This necessary not only for that safety of one's pet but may also make certain the canine cannot escape. That's particularly true if in situation you've a stronger, much more energetic dog that is much more likely to place a pressure on the dog kennel and run.

Getting canines for a lot of of my existence and using dog kennels and runs for all of my dogs implies that I have come to see them as being a regular a part of proudly owning a canine. I don't need to fret about my canine preventing with different canines, obtaining run more than, or becoming a nuisance in my neighborhood. I make certain my canine is properly expert and get my canines for normal practice additionally guaranteeing that the canine arrives into get in touch with with other animals, generating particular higher socialization with the animal.

So, if you are keen to get the proper actions to make sure you have a cheerful and wholesome animal, then dog kennels or runs are the suitable solution to go. Get a appear on-line and find the appropriate one for your dog, or maybe allow it to be a weekend project and do-it-yourself.

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Risks of Dog Obesity - Prevention, Treatment and Weight Loss

Risks of Dog Obesity - Prevention, Treatment and Weight Loss

Obesity may be the most common disease I address in my daily practice. You are already several steps ahead of most owners because you recognize your dog is overweight and the importance of correcting the situation.

Obesity can cause or complicate many other conditions, such as arthritis and cardiopulmonary disease, by adding more stress to the already injured body systems. Conversely, painful arthritis and cardiopulmonary disease can contribute to obesity by discouraging the exercise necessary to slim that couch-potato figure. Genetics and hormonal conditions can also cause some dogs to be overweight. Hypothyroidism (low thyroid) is one of the most common contributing factors. More extensive thyroid testing may be needed if Ramsey's situation does not improve.

The most important fact to remember when pursuing a weight-loss program for your dog: Calories burned must exceed calories eaten. You can reduce food, fat and calories or increase exercise. Ideally, it is best to combine the two approaches.

To reduce calories, first eliminate all extra calories - no treats, table scraps, handouts from the neighbors, cat food, or extra food in the bowl because he looked at you with those big brown eyes. Everyone has to know because one cheater can ruin the entire attempt.

Next reduce the calories in the primary diet. You can do this by switching to a lower-calorie version of the food or to a diet food recommended by your veterinarian. Many diet foods have high levels of fiber to maintain a similar volume to non-diet foods and make the dog feel full with fewer calories. It is important to restrict diet foods to the amount recommended - eating too much diet food is still overeating.

Remember that the "light" designation means only that the food has fewer calories than the regular version, not necessarily that it is a diet food.

Some dogs will need vitamin, mineral and fatty-acid supplements to maintain coat quality and appearance while eating diet foods, so check with your veterinarian.

Try feeding two or three small meals each day, rather than one large meal; this may help reduce begging. Another trick is measuring the food allotment for the day, then giving half for breakfast, with the rest fed throughout the day in place of treats and rewards. Be sure you accurately measure the amount.

Increasing the exercise level is also simple if you can find the time. Gradually increase the level and duration of activity as Ramsey's exercise tolerance allows. Slow walking is probably not adequate for most dogs. Brisk walking, jogging and running off-lead (in a safe place) are best. Dog-friendly treadmills have recently become available. Swimming is an excellent alternative, especially for arthritic and lame dogs. Encourage exercise whenever Ramsey begs and seeks attention; assume he wants activity, not food.

You may need to address arthritis and pain to help Ramsey comfortably attain a reasonable level of exercise. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and carprofen and other arthritis treatments can be helpful. Check with your veterinarian about the need for these medications and proper dosages. Many overweight lame dogs magically lose their pain and need for medications once they approach a weight more suitable for their frame size.

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