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Category: Pet Supplies

  • 3 Holiday Dog Gifts for Different Budgets

    As you compile your holiday gift list, do not forget about your pets.  Dogs love to receive toys, and I searched online for the top five holiday dog gifts out this holiday season.  Some are expensive, while others are on the low end.  I tried to find something to suit everyone’s budget.

    Kong Toys

    Kong toys are not new, but these are a staple on everyone’s dog wish list.  What makes these toys so great is the fact it keeps your dog engaged for hours.  It is an entertaining means to use when leaving your dog home alone.

    Kong toys are battery-operated that dispense four or five treats stuffed inside at different rates and times.  Your dog will realize what is occurring and wait for the treats to come out.  A tone occurs before each treat is released.  And you are able to set the times of release by an easy push of the button.  These toys run around $75.

    Planet Dog Orbee Balls

    Planet Dog Orbee Balls are an inexpensive gift to get your dog this holiday season.  These toys are soft, durable and designed to last through the most addictive chewers in the canine family.  The graphic printed on the ball is a world map, hence the name Planet Dog.  Additionally, the toys are mint scented.  These are 100% recyclable compound and the ingredients are non-toxic.  The price ranges from $7-$15, depending on the size selected.

    Dog Trouble Puzzle

    There is a new interactive dog toy on the market called Dog Trouble.  This toy is a puzzle board where a dog has to determine how to slide the treat-filled pegs through a bendy route in order to release the treats.  This is a captivating activity keeping your dog’s belly satisfied and mind connected resulting in a happy pup.  The average cost is $50.

    To find out more about what toys to get your dog this holiday season, talk to a K9 obedience instructor or a Florida dog training coach today.

  • An Inside Look at Dog Bedding Options

    I have talked about a wide array of dog care tips on this website.  I covered how to clean a dog’s ears, what and when to feed puppies, how to teach a dog basic commands, and other Florida dog training tips.  But I have never talked about dog bedding, until now.

    Dog bedding is essential for the comfort and health of your dog.  There is an abundance of options to choose from.  However, there are some materials available on the market that you should avoid.

    Forget Cedar

    I love the smell of cedar, but if you mix the smell of cedar with a dog, then an unpleasant stench emits in the air.  It sticks to your clothes, carpeting, and fabric curtains overpowering the entire house.  Avoid cedar.  It is not a good idea.

    Instead, try using an old mattress or blanket that is washable.  You may keep the blanket clean, smelling fresh, and it is comfortable for most dogs.  Just be aware that some types of breeds prefer sleeping on certain surfaces due to health issues.

    For instance, large breeds have a difficult time sleeping on hard surfaces.  It causes joint swellings and pain in Great Danes.  Overweight dogs are uncomfortable on soft surfaces for it causes soreness and stiffness making it tricky to move when getting out of bed.

    When choosing a dog bed, talk to other dog owners and breeders.  Find out what works for their dogs.  Also, ask a k9 obedience professional.  He/she provide advice guiding you in the right direction.

  • 3 Holiday Foods Safe for Your Dog

    It is that time of the year, when the kids come home to visit filling up the otherwise quiet house.  Family and friends gather around the dinner table, and exchange stories over delicious, mouthwatering Thanksgiving and Holiday food.  But what about your dog?  It is tempting to feed your dog a stash of the same food served on the dinner table, and it is  actually okay…if you know what is nourishing and wholesome for your dog’s development.

    It is difficult to determine a solid list of foods that qualify under this category.  Too many blog posts and online information concentrate on what dogs cannot eat, including chocolates and other heavy fatty foods, but eliminate the human foods dogs are allowed to digest.  Thus, in this post, I am going to solve this issue by focusing on what human foods your dog can eat from the holiday table.  Here are the top three food choices that are safe and healthy for your dog.

    Eat More Chicken

    “Eat More Chicken” is a slogan seen on Chick-fil-A commercials nationwide, and it is true when it comes to feeding your dog.   Just remember to keep the chicken grilled, baked or rotisserie-style.  Do not give your dog any fried chicken.  Be certain it is not seasoned with onions or excessive garlic and salt.  Your dog does not need the additional salt, and neither does your waistline.

    Who Knew that Dogs Love Bananas?

    My dogs love bananas.  It is a tasty fruit packed with nutrients assisting in healthy development of your dog.  It is a fat-free, cholesterol-free and sodium free food filled with potassium.  Bananas have it all.  Try it out on your dog.  Find out if your dog likes bananas too.  It could be the next big winner in your dog’s meal plan.

    Serve Green Beans but Hold the Salt

    A serving of vegetables is very filling to a dog.  Green beans are the ideal foundation for any dog weight-management plan.  It contains Vitamin K, Iron, Vitamin C, Potassium, Protein and Fiber.  It also consists of one of the lowest calorie counts per serving.  Green beans are a healthy choice for a dog, but avoid putting any salt on this dish.  Too much salt can cause a dog kidney failure.

    Your dog can enjoy in your holiday dinner feast.  The key is staying informed on what are healthy options for you, and your dog.

    To find out more about what foods are safe to feed your dog, talk to a Florida dog training or a k9 obedience instructor today.


  • Ask a Dog Trainer about Flyball

    Flyball is an exciting sport for dogs to play.  It involves some of the things dogs love the most, running around and chasing a ball.  Through Florida dog training sessions certain traits of your dog come to the surface allowing you to decide if this sport is for your pet.  Observe your dog during training sessions to make an accurate assessment.  Take note if your dog runs faster, picks up on commands quickly, and remains focused regardless of other dogs barking.  If this sounds like your dog, then your canine may be a great candidate for this fun sport.

    What is Flyball?

    According to Wikepedia, “Flyball is a dog sport in which teams of dogs race against each other from a start/finish line, over a line of hurdles, to a box that releases a tennis ball to be caught when the dog presses the spring loaded pad, then back to their handlers while carrying the ball.”

    So what does it take for your loving dog to become a team member?  Here is a basic breakdown of some traits to look for.

    Focus

    A dog needs to be smart, curious and able to focus under tough conditions.  There are distractions, other dogs barking, lots of noise, and different activities going on during a flyball event.  If your dog has a hard time focusing, then your dog may not a good candidate.

    Socialization

    If your dog exhibits speed, agility and excellent socialization skills, then this game may be a great fit.  It allows your dog to be around other dogs while doing something fun and engaging.  It gives your dog the opportunity to expend much energy, which is something every dog needs to live a healthy life.

    To learn more talk to a Florida Flyball instructor today!

  • How to Feed Your Puppy

    Puppies born into a new home is an exciting time for everyone involved.  The entire household gets to watch the puppies develop and grow.  But to make sure you start your puppy off on the right paw, there are a few rules experts agree upon across the board in regards to feeding your new puppy.  Here is a basic outline providing you with a guideline on puppy feeding rules.

    When puppy newborns arrive, it is important to keep the puppy with the mom.  The puppy, for the first four weeks, receives complete nutrition from a mother’s milk.  Thus, you want to keep the two together until the puppy has passed this stage.  And do not make any food substitutions for the mother’s milk.  It is a necessity for the puppy to grow up strong and healthy.  It is the foundation of the puppy’s entire life.

    Next thing to pay attention to is that puppies expand much energy.  It takes a lot for the little one to move around.  So you need to feed your puppy lots of protein for this is what allows your puppy to have the energy to move about in a fit manner.  You need to check with a Florida dog obedience professional regarding the requirement for specific breeds, but for the most part, you need to feed your puppy food that contains twenty-five to thirty percent protein.

    These are basic feeding tips for your puppy.  To find out more enroll in a puppy preschool or puppy kindergarten class today.

  • An Inside Look at Behavioral Meds for Dogs

    Family behavior has changed.  Instead of one person working in a home, there are two out of the house all day long working fulltime, and in some cases more than one job.   In addition, the idea of being able to afford a big house with a backyard is gone.  Some families now live in a tiny one-bedroom apartment.  It is all some people can afford.  And if you are a dog, then this is a big adjustment.

    A dog is used to running around freely, chasing after wildlife in the backyard, and interacting with someone throughout the day due to one parent staying home.  But now everything has shifted.  A dog is expected to stay in a house for eight or ten hours a day with no other interaction.  And then being cooped up with family members and no room to roam or space solely designated for your canine, may cause mental issues in dogs opening up the door to taking a closer look at behavior meds in dogs.

    Some experts do not believe in providing a dog with mood altering medications.  It cost too much, and there is a belief that the situation may be fixed with proper dog training and interaction.  However, in some cases, this is not always the case.  There are times when a dog has an unsettling fear towards other humans and animals.  A medication along with positive reinforcement could reduce these fears easing the stress on your dog’s body.

    It is a tough road to adjust your dog’s behavior regardless of the method utilized.  But perhaps there is something to be said for providing medications alongside positive reinforcement to help your dog remain calm, peaceful and happy.

    For more information talk to a Florida dog training or a k9 obedience training instructor today.

  • An Inside Look at Dog Leashes: Part 2

    Dog leashes vary depending on your dog’s behavior, breed and size.  Some people prefer masculine looking dog leashes, such as chains, with large breed dogs ensuring it stays intact when a strong dog pulls.  A chain leash may also help control a strong dog, but the best way to ensure your dog stays under control is through a Florida dog obedience training class.  In the meantime, check out this breakdown of three more dog leash styles available to you.

    Bungee Leashes

    The idea of a bungee leash is great for a dog that pulls on the chain and needs to be pulled back.  It is stretchy and soft minimizing injury to your pup’s neck.  It is standard for a dog that needs extra help remaining under control.

    Slip Lead Leashes

    A slip lead is designed to provide the ability to walk your dog without a collar.  It just slips right around your dog’s neck as suggested by the name of the leash.  The slip lead has a metal ring on the end of it.  You pass the handle part of the leash through the metal ring creating a loop.  The loop goes right over your dog’s head.

    Long Line Leashes

    A long line leash is as the description implies.  It is a very long leash created to help train your dog in long distance areas, such as your backyard.  It helps keep your dog from running away while learning the “come” command.  It also provides much distance providing your dog freedom.  Thus, once training is completed, the dog will “come” to you from various distances without hesitation.  The length of a long line leash is anywhere from ten to sixty feet.

    Leashes are as individual as your pup.  Find a leash suitable for your dog.  If you need additional assistance, talk to a k9 obedience training professional today.

  • An Inside Look at Dog Leashes: Part 1

    Who knew there were so many leashes to choose from?  There are basic, retractable, bungee, long line, and slip lead style leashes.  But what is the difference?  How do you know which leash is most suitable for your pup?  Let’s take a quick look at retractable leashes and why it may or may not be the best choice for your dog.

    Pros and Cons of a Retractable Dog Leash

    Some dog owners prefer retractable dog leashes.  It provides your dog with much freedom.   For when your dog wanders, the cord automatically extends.  It gives your dog the ability to check out his/her settings without difficulty.  In addition, you may control how far the leash may be extended with a push of the button.  It sounds great but it depends on your pup.

    A retractable leash is not good for an untrained dog.  If your pup is not yet used to coming when called to or under control amongst other animals and people, then this leash is not right for you.  The cord could snap and a strong dog could take off without any constraints.  In addition, another dog may view the retractable leash as an aggressive dog coming straight on.  For the retractable leash puts your dog in an aggressive physical posture sending out the wrong message to other dogs passing by.

    To find out more information about what leash is suitable for your dog, talk to a Florida dog obedience training or k9 obedience professional today.

  • Training a Puppy to Walk on a Leash

    Teaching a puppy to walk on a leash is not that difficult.  It just takes patience and lots or persistence.  If you teach your puppy how to walk properly on a leash from a young age, then it will keep your dog safe while on walks and makes it an enjoyable experience for the both of you to share.

    Familiarize Your Puppy to Wearing a Collar

    A puppy has no clue regarding the correct way to respond to a collar.  Thus, introduce the idea of wearing a collar from the very beginning.  A good way to do this is while the puppy is eating, slide a collar on.  The puppy will be distracted making this an ideal time.  Once the puppy does realize what you have done, it will probably try to rub it off by sliding itself against the floor or scratch it off.  It is important not to take it off.  It needs to get used to the idea of a collar on so it becomes second nature.

    Introduce the Leash

    Once your puppy is comfortable and happy wearing a collar, then it is time to clip on a leash.  It is not necessary to use a heavy-duty leash on your puppy at this time.  Choose a lightweight, thin leash.  And once the leash is clipped on allow the puppy to walk around with it.  As a result, the puppy will be accommodating when it is time to put on the leash later.

    These are only the first steps to teaching a puppy to walk on a leash.  To find out how to implement the rest just check out a puppy preschool or a puppy kindergarten near you.