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This article which follows in relation to Pets is particularly compelling. Read on and draw your own assumptions.  
Get Questions Answered About Dog Care Here  
  
  
A dog is a man's best friend, but how do you know that you are properly taking care of your dog if your dog doesn't speak the same language? Learning how to take care of your pet is very important. You need to consider the following helpful advice for taking care of your dog.  
  
Never hit your dog. There are better ways to train a dog without having to resort to violence. The best way to train a dog is to reinforce positive behaviors with treats and attention. Negative behavior should be handled with a stern and disapproving voice as opposed to striking the animal.  
  
Never hit your dog. There are better ways to train a dog without having to resort to violence. The best way to train a dog is to reinforce positive behaviors with treats and attention. Negative behavior should be handled with a stern and disapproving voice as opposed to striking the animal.  
  
Before deciding on what type of dog to get for your family, consider space. Even though you may love the bigger dogs that you can really wrap your arms around, you may not have adequate space for a large breed. Take your home and yard size into consideration before bringing home a new pooch.  
  
When giving your dog a bath, make sure that you only put on shampoo that is intended for canines. Using lukewarm water, get the entire body wet and then begin applying the shampoo to their face, working your way down their body. Wait a few minutes and then take a washcloth and wipe off the suds from your pet's face. Wash off the rest of the shampoo as well.  
  
You don't want to buy the bargain dog food. The brands that are cheaper actually have lots of additives, preservatives and other harmful ingredients that can endanger the health of your dog. Looking at a pet advocacy group website can give you recommendations of the best food for your dog. Your dog will appreciate your research.  
  
Make sure that you trim your dog's nails on a fairly regular basis. You do not want them to get too long since it will make it uncomfortable for them to walk and they may develop health issues. They should be at a length that just about touches the ground.  
  
If you want a dog that behaves well you must take the time to properly train it. If you do not do this then you will almost surely be dealing with behavioral problems for the length of the dog's life. Training is the only way that you can prevent this from happening.  
  
Take your new dog to the vet. Make a vet appointment right after the dog comes home. Your dog will get a vaccination schedule and a checkup. Talk with a vet about your dog being spayed or neutered. There are lots of homeless dogs and you don't want to make the problem worse.  
  
Be consistent when giving your dog commands. This is an area where a lot of dog owners have a problem, especially when you won't feed your dog from the table but your spouse will. Make sure that everyone in your home understands what's acceptable so that the dog will receive a clear message. That will make him more likely to obey.  
  
Try to provide your dog with plenty of opportunities to socialize. Take him on walks to the park or beach where he will be around people and other dogs. Encourage his interactions with others and praise him for good manners. He'll be much more comfortable in any setting and generally happier too.  
  
Be prepared to have a lot of patience with your dog during potty-training. Much like children, dogs learn at different speeds and ages and your canine may be slow or stubborn. Have good resources at your fingertips to assist your efforts and remember not to get angry when your dog has "accidents" as that will only impede his progress.  
  
You need to invest in a quality collar and ID tag with your address on it. Choose a robust collar that is adapted to the size of your dog. You should be able to easily fit two fingers inside the collar. Do not forget to update the ID tag if you get a new phone number.  
  
If you're going to be away from your dog for a short period of time, it might be a good idea to invest in a dog crate. A crate for your dog will provide it with a safe and secure area to go into when you aren't able to watch it for a period of time.  
  
Keep in mind that some behavioral problems in your dog could be connected to health issues, especially if your dog is displaying a new behavior. Your dog might become aggressive when you touch it because of a pain and it might have a hard time with house-training because of an infection.  
  
If you want your dog to learn to "sit", start by holding a cookie, or other treat, above his head. This will cause him to look up. When he looks up, gently push his hind end down, and give the command to sit. Give him the treat, and praise him. Soon, he will sit just by hearing the command and seeing your hand go up, and eventually will obey to the "sit" command alone.  
  
Watch your dog's diet carefully. When they are small, puppies can eat a lot of calories, as it helps their growth. When they reach adulthood, these same foods can lead to obesity and health problems.  
  
It is natural to want to get your dog trained as quickly as possible. However, remember that there is a limit as to how fast this process is going to go. If you are not realistic, you are much more likely to get frustrated with your pet, which could damage your relationship. Your pet will learn over time, but it may not happen as fast as you would like.  
  
Nothing can match the unconditional love of a loyal dog. However, you have to learn a lot about dogs in order to have the best relationship with them. What you learned here offered some excellent tips on bringing you up to speed on becoming well-versed about dogs. Put these tips into practice; they will help you enjoy your life with your dog.  
  

Diet for Overweight Dogs: Weight Loss & Management Tips  
When people take their dogs to the veterinarian, the last thing they expect to hear is that their pets are overweight or obese. Many people will flat out deny it and say that they’re just "fluffy," but the reality of weight issues in dogs is far from adorable or "just a little fluffy." Obesity is a serious issue that few pet parents are willing to address, which is unfortunate since it can lead to much worse health problems down the road. If your vet suspects your dog is overweight or obese, it’s time to take control of your dog’s diet and lifestyle before things progress to dire circumstances.  
How Do I Know My Dog is Overweight or Obese?  
While a vet should tell you if your dog is overweight or obese, there are some telltale signs that will tell you. The most obvious sign of an overweight or obese dog is a lack of a waist (between hips and ribcage), giving them a rounded, barrel-like look. If your dog is more than a few pounds overweight, the hips and ribcage will be completely invisible.  
The second sign is inactivity, especially in breeds that enjoy exercising and have naturally higher levels of activity. Dogs are playful by nature, even breeds that don’t necessarily love running around all day. If your dog is too lazy for exercise or struggles to make it down the street without being exhausted, your dog might have a weight problem.  
  
Another sign of overweight problems or obesity is diet. How much are you feeding your dog? Does he or she get a lot of people food or dog treats? These are a few of many questions you’ll have to answer if you suspect your dog is overweight. Many dog owners don’t know that they’re most likely overfeeding their dogs, so it’s crucial to feed your dog a diet that reflects his or her body size and activity levels.  
What is the difference between Overweight and Obese?  
When first learning about dog weight and diet, the terms ‘overweight’ and ‘obese’ are often thrown around. While one is worse than the other, they’re both serious issues that are far too common. Overweight is a term that simply means over the limit of what your dog should weigh, which is quite common amongst many dogs. It’s easy to fix with a stricter diet and more exercise, which your vet can guide you through.  
  
Obesity, however, beyond overweight and means your dog’s body fat index is much higher than normal. It’s a serious condition that needs medication intervention with your vet, a strict diet, and daily exercise to help get rid of the weight as quickly as possible without risking your dog’s health. If your dog is truly obese, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for help.   
Why is Obesity and Being Overweight Bad for Dogs?  
Weight problems and obesity are both terrible for dogs, leading to multiple health issues that are sometimes irreversible. Here are some common conditions that overweight and obese dogs may run into:  
Arthritis  
  
Diabetes  
  
Heart Disease  
  
Liver Failure  
  
Elbow/Patella Luxation  
  
Hip Dysplasia  
  
Spine/Neck issues  
  
Mobility Issues  
  
If you think your dog is already heading for these issues, please call your vet as soon as possible. The sooner your dog is on a healthier path, the better your dog’s life will be later on.  
Are Certain Breeds Prone to Weight Problems and Obesity?  
Yes, there are some dog breeds that are more prone to obesity. However, small dogs, in general, are more likely to be overweight. Here are some breeds that may fall prey to weight gain:  
Chihuahua  
  
Yorkshire Terrier  
  
English Mastiff  
  
Bullmastiff  
  
Rottweiler  
  
Boxer  
  
Corgi  
  
Pug  
  
Labrador Retriever  
  
Golden Retriever  
  
French Bulldog  
  
Boston Terrier  
  
English Bulldog  
  
Staffordshire Terrier  
  
Bull Terrier  
  
Pekingese  
  
Maltese  
  
Bichon  
  
Great Dane  
  
How Can I Help My Dog Lose Weight?  
Call your Vet  
Talk to your vet for help with diet and weight management tips. There are some things we can suggest, but completely changing a dog’s diet and lifestyle should always be done with a vet’s approval and supervision. Every dog has its own nutritional needs, which is why getting professional advice is crucial.  
Check your Dog’s Food  
Check your dog’s food label and see how much it calls for, then compare it to how much you’re feeding. Different dog food brands have different caloric amounts per cup, so you might be feeding more than needed. Also, some brands of dog food tend to call for more food than necessary, so you may have to cut down on the kibble (with vet approval). Another thing to check for is low-quality filler ingredients, which are just empty calories that do nothing for your dog’s health.  
More exercise  
One of the easiest things to start doing is to take your dog for a walk! While you shouldn’t drag an out-of-shape dog out for a 5k run, start pushing your dog to be a little more active by setting up walks throughout the day. If your dog doesn’t want to get out and move, try using dog-safe vegetables like broccoli or carrots to coax him or her into moving around.  
Swap Out Treats for Veggies  
While some dogs will not approve of this, but many other dogs love vegetables! If your dog is a big veggie lover, swap out treats for veggies instead. If your dog is not a vegetable lover, try to find high-quality treats that are low in calories per treat. Treats that are biscuit-like, such as Milkbone, are rarely healthy and will add to your dog’s weight problem.  
Conclusion  
Dog weight can be a sensitive topic, with many pet owners swearing that their dog isn’t fat at all. While it may not seem like a serious problem, dog obesity a nationwide issue that plagues hundreds of dogs yearly. If you think your dog has a weight issue, consult with your vet as soon as you can to prevent other problems from arriving. With persistence and patience, your dog can lose the extra weight and seem years younger than before. https://petkeen.com/diet-for-overweight-dogs/

  
  
Dog Care Made Easy With This Article  
  
  
Do you want to own a dog? Do you know what it takes to truly care for your dog in the best way possible? If you think you know it all, but want to learn more, or if you're a novice, this article provides a ton of up-to-date information about owning a dog, so read on.  
  
Never hit your dog. There are better ways to train a dog without having to resort to violence. The best way to train a dog is to reinforce positive behaviors with treats and attention. Negative behavior should be handled with a stern and disapproving voice as opposed to striking the animal.  
  
If you have medications at home, ensure that it is safely hidden away and out of the reach of your dog. Your dog could have a heart attack or a seizure if it swallows some pills. If the dog does consume some medication, contact your veterinarian immediately.  
  
Refrain from making the training sessions with your dogs too long. Extended sessions can make a dog tire out and become bored easily when you are trying to teach them new things. Limit your training sessions to 20-30 minutes, as this will help to keep the full attention of your dog.  
  
Be prepared for natural disasters that also impact your dog. Have an emergency supply of water and food for him and know in advance if your local shelter for people will allow pets inside. Too many pets are injured or lost following storms, floods and other situations that cause chaos in a community.  
  
Although the sound may be cute, your dog's nails shouldn't click along the floor when it walks. That's a sign that the nails are too long. The nails should actually just barely touch the ground. Seek the advice of a professional on what tools are the best for giving your dog a pedicure.  
  
If you are thinking about adopting a dog, try taking a couple of weeks off work so you can spend some time with your puppy and teach it a few good habits. Training your puppy and helping it get used to its new environment will be much easier if you are home.  
  
If you are not allowed to place a fence in your yard but want your dog to run freely there, consider an electric fence. Electric fences are easy and inexpensive to install, and they can help to keep your free roaming pet safely contained. Using them will require a little training, but they are quite effective if you put the work in.  
  
Find out what is going on that is causing your dog to act out. When you ignore this behavior, your dog thinks that it is okay. It is possible that your dog could injure a person, and that person could be you! So correct unwanted behavior right away.  
  
Send your dog to school! He will feel more comfortable knowing exactly what is expected of him and obedience school will help him learn that. It will also boost his self-confidence, and of course, make a more well-behaved pet of him. Call around locally and see if you can sign him up for a trial class and take it from there.  
  
In the event you loved this article along with you desire to be given more details relating to why does my cat try to bury its food generously pay a visit to the site. Before you have your dog fitted with a microchip, be sure and check the database of the company that will store his information. Not all of them are created equal and you want to know that you'll get a fast response if your dog is lost. Look for a large database that connects to shelters and vets near you.  
  
Before you have your dog fitted with a microchip, be sure and check the database of the company that will store his information. Not all of them are created equal and you want to know that you'll get a fast response if your dog is lost. Look for a large database that connects to shelters and vets near you.  
  
Even if your dog does not spend the majority of his time outside, it is still important that you bring him or her to the vet for their yearly shots. Your dog could come in contact with other dogs at the dog park or at your home. If the other dog is sick, it could pass on to your dog. This is why it is important that they are vaccinated every year.  
  
When it comes to feeding your dog, make sure that you are using a reputable brand that contains enough nutrition. This is important because there are dog foods that contain an undesirable amount of filler in the food. You want to be sure that your dog is getting the amount of nutrients that it needs in order for it to be healthy.  
  
Discipline is as important for puppies as it is for children. In fact, it can be more important because puppies quickly grow to full size and need to respect you before reaching full size. You should gently but firmly teach your puppy he is not allowed to bite or jump up on anyone.  
  
Shop carefully for a dog before you get a new one. Make sure that you have taken the time to research the breed and know how much exercise and grooming a new dog will need. If you take the time to choose carefully, you'll find that you are naturally a better match to the dog and both of you are happier.  
  
Brush your dog's teeth every week. Use a child's toothbrush that is soft, some nylon pantyhose over your finger, or a gauze pad. Don't use regular toothpaste. Instead, try using a baking soda and water paste or toothpaste made for dogs. Clean their teeth one to two times a week.  
  
If you are going to bring a new dog into your home you should do a lot of the preparation ahead of time. You should have a nice place for it to sleep, food, grooming products and toys all on hand before they arrive. This will make the transition easier for everyone involved.  
  
A dog is a living and breathing member of the family, and it needs to be treated right. With the tips and tricks you have just read, you should be in a position to properly care for your pet. Just take your time and be sure you see a vet if there are any emergencies.  
  
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