Many of us are concerned about the commercial dog foods on the market today. We hear about recalls and health concerns even deaths related to them. They often contain fillers with no nutritional value and a list of ingredients that we don't understand.
You may want to consider making your own homemade dog food. You don't need any special training or tools just the motivation to ensure that your homemade dog food is the best choice for you and your dog. It is simple to do and can be done at the same time you are making your own dinner.
Basically, whatever you are having minus added salt, spices and fat your dog can have and let's face it what four legged friend of our's doesn't appreciate a homemade meal too.
For the most part your dog's nutritional requirements are the same as yours. Water, protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals ensuring your dog is getting his daily dose of each of these elements will help keep him happy and healthy. Generally speaking most dogs require a mix of different ingredients in order to make it the healthiest dog food for your Aussie.
In most cases, this means you should make your homemade dog food 40% meat, 30% fiber and 30% starch. This variable may change a little bit, depending on the breed and size of your dog, but it's a pretty consistent guideline that can be used to make your own homemade dog food
Supplying fresh clean water daily not only helps keep her hydrated but helps nutrients and waste products flow through the body.
Protien plays a role in tissue growth and repair. Fats supply energy and vitamins as well as add flavour which can determine how much food they will eat. Fat also helps maintain a nice healthy coat.
Carbohydrates are an energy source as they are broken down and metabolized.
Vitamins and Minerals help the proper absorption of fats and carbohydrates and for the chemical reactions in the body. It is essential that you get enough vitamins and minerals in your homemade dog food. It's recommended that you also include high quality dog food supplements to make sure your dog is getting everything she needs.
Vitamin A is essential for healthy skin, eyes and your immune system and can be found in:
Spinach
Cucumber
Corn
Asparagus
Pumpkin
Carrots
Peas
Broccoli
Cabbage
Vitamin C is essential for a healthy immune system. Some examples of foods high in vitamin C are:
Cabbage
Spinach
Peppers
Broccoli
Brussel Sprouts
Cauliflower
Oranges
Zucchini
Asparagus
Cucumber
Squash
Green peas
Green beans
Vitamin E is a valuable antioxident and helps repair cell damage and can be found in spinach, broccoli and other leafy greens.
You can also include fruits in your homemade dog food recipes. Dogs also like fruit and get the same benefits from them as we do. Remember that dogs can not have grapes or raisins!
Apples have vitamins A, B, C, iron, potassium and magnesium. They can help bring down bad cholersterol.
Bananas are good source of potassium, folic acid, vitamin A & B6. They are easily digested and high in fiber. They make a good energy boosting snack as well they can provide moisture in healthy treat recipes instead of adding oil.
Carrots are a nice crunchy snack raw. They are also full of nutrients and vitamins B, C, D, E, & K along with folic acid and the anti-cancer protecting ingredient - beta carotene. They also contain potassium, iron, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium and silica.
Strawberries is another popular one. They also contain cancer fighting beta -carotene, bone building calcium, potassium and iron and of course vitamin C.
Pineapples are packed full of vitamin C and fibre so they help the immune and digestive system. They also have anti-inflammatory effects.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Be careful of dog training hand signals
In most cases, dog exercise hand signals are not as important with basic obedience in comparison to the command and how well the dog reacts to that command. But, hand signals can be very important for hunting and various competitions. For example, when instruction for competition, especially agility, how you hold your hands and how you provide your signals can greatly determine what obstacle your dog takes next.
Dog training hand signals are a wondefull means to ensure that your dog's attention is always on you, as he's waiting for his next step. By using hand signals, you can easily reinforce your verbal instructions.
When training your dog, your dog training hand signals need to be consistent every time. You want to make sure that you keep your hands stable and clear. Even the most intelligent and well taught dog can get easily confused with dog instruction hand signals that are similar, unsteady, or just not given properly.
Common dog training hand signals can include:
And remember that it's best when you first start instruction your dog with hand signals, that you carry on to say the verbal command at the same time that you give the hand signal. This way, the dog will associate the hand signal with the verbal command. You do not want to move on to a new hand signal until your dog is reliant and doesn't miss a hand signal. Always start with no distractions and slowly insert one or two distractions at a time to ensure that the dog fully comprehends the signal with the response that you want.
It's best to start with simple hand signals, and once your dog is fully trained and cooperates with those hand signals, start adding more to your training agenda. You simply want to make sure that you stay calm and patient; when your start to get frustrated, so will your dog. Remember that he's not born knowing dog exercise hand signals and instructions.
Dog training hand signals are a wondefull means to ensure that your dog's attention is always on you, as he's waiting for his next step. By using hand signals, you can easily reinforce your verbal instructions.
When training your dog, your dog training hand signals need to be consistent every time. You want to make sure that you keep your hands stable and clear. Even the most intelligent and well taught dog can get easily confused with dog instruction hand signals that are similar, unsteady, or just not given properly.
Common dog training hand signals can include:
- Sit- By means of a fist or an open hand, make an upward motion
- Stay- Make certain that your hand is open and flat, in front of your palm to your dog
- Lay down- With an open hand, keeping the palm side of your hand facing down, make a downward motion
- Dog instruction hand signals are great in many situations, and you can easily make up your own hand signals for different instructions that you want to use when instruction your dog. Simply remember to keep things simple for your dog to learn.
And remember that it's best when you first start instruction your dog with hand signals, that you carry on to say the verbal command at the same time that you give the hand signal. This way, the dog will associate the hand signal with the verbal command. You do not want to move on to a new hand signal until your dog is reliant and doesn't miss a hand signal. Always start with no distractions and slowly insert one or two distractions at a time to ensure that the dog fully comprehends the signal with the response that you want.
It's best to start with simple hand signals, and once your dog is fully trained and cooperates with those hand signals, start adding more to your training agenda. You simply want to make sure that you stay calm and patient; when your start to get frustrated, so will your dog. Remember that he's not born knowing dog exercise hand signals and instructions.
Make Your Own Dog Food
It is a wise move to make your own dog food, considering all the benefits you can get from switching to a more personalized and healthy dog chow. It may not be easy at first, since your dog is already used to his favorite chow mix. But introducing your new health grub in small amounts, then gradually increasing the portions can do the trick. Your Hugo will be eating your healthy new concoction in no time and with much gusto.
Putting your loving dog on a healthy diet is really easy - all it really takes is heart and some simple cooking skills. With all the home made recipes for German Sheperds using natural ingredients, you will never run out of new meals that your dog can truly drool over. All you have to do now is come up with a diet plan for your dog, as consulted with your veterinarian.
One of the most typical recipes for homemade dog food combines meat, vegetables, and grains into one appetizing meal. One such meal specifically from home made recipes for German Sheperds calls for such natural ingredients: 2 lbs hamburger, 10 oz shrimp or lobster, 1 cup raw liver, 1 boiled potato, 2 cups of rolled oats, ¼ cup blueberries, ½ cup brown rice, ¼ cup wheat germ, ¼ cup brewer's yeast and a tad of cinnamon.
Combine beef, boiled potato and shrimp or lobster and put all in a food processor. Crush the blueberries into a mushy fruit paste. Blend together all the ingredients and roll into a ball. This is meant to be fed fresh and raw.
Another one of those healthy, yet delectable recipes for home made dog food is an all-natural dog food which has the following ingredients: 8 cups oats, 2 cups brown rice, 6 cups barley, 2 lbs carrots (grated), 3-4 bunches of broccoli (stems grated and flowerettes chopped), 6 zucchini (grated) and ½ bunch parsley (chopped).
This treat is easy to make. Using two 8 quart stock pots cook the oats, while in another pot brown rice and barley. Then let cool, preferably over night. Chop the vegetables and puree using a food processor. Combine all the ingredients and shape into balls. Freeze for future consumption. This treat will have your dog begging for more and forgetting about dry tasteless dog food in an instant.
When you make your own dog food from recipes like these, keep in mind that when you're using natural ingredients, the food spoils easily so you must just make enough food that could last for a span of a few days - depending on the shelf-life of the ingredients.
Natural ingredients in dog foods are very beneficial in providing your dogs with the proper minerals, vitamins and other nutrients that he needs. When you make your own dog food you are in control of your dog's diet, so you are certain that your dog is getting all that he needs. So what are you waiting for? Get in that kitchen and whip your dog up the food he deserves.
Putting your loving dog on a healthy diet is really easy - all it really takes is heart and some simple cooking skills. With all the home made recipes for German Sheperds using natural ingredients, you will never run out of new meals that your dog can truly drool over. All you have to do now is come up with a diet plan for your dog, as consulted with your veterinarian.
One of the most typical recipes for homemade dog food combines meat, vegetables, and grains into one appetizing meal. One such meal specifically from home made recipes for German Sheperds calls for such natural ingredients: 2 lbs hamburger, 10 oz shrimp or lobster, 1 cup raw liver, 1 boiled potato, 2 cups of rolled oats, ¼ cup blueberries, ½ cup brown rice, ¼ cup wheat germ, ¼ cup brewer's yeast and a tad of cinnamon.
Combine beef, boiled potato and shrimp or lobster and put all in a food processor. Crush the blueberries into a mushy fruit paste. Blend together all the ingredients and roll into a ball. This is meant to be fed fresh and raw.
Another one of those healthy, yet delectable recipes for home made dog food is an all-natural dog food which has the following ingredients: 8 cups oats, 2 cups brown rice, 6 cups barley, 2 lbs carrots (grated), 3-4 bunches of broccoli (stems grated and flowerettes chopped), 6 zucchini (grated) and ½ bunch parsley (chopped).
This treat is easy to make. Using two 8 quart stock pots cook the oats, while in another pot brown rice and barley. Then let cool, preferably over night. Chop the vegetables and puree using a food processor. Combine all the ingredients and shape into balls. Freeze for future consumption. This treat will have your dog begging for more and forgetting about dry tasteless dog food in an instant.
When you make your own dog food from recipes like these, keep in mind that when you're using natural ingredients, the food spoils easily so you must just make enough food that could last for a span of a few days - depending on the shelf-life of the ingredients.
Natural ingredients in dog foods are very beneficial in providing your dogs with the proper minerals, vitamins and other nutrients that he needs. When you make your own dog food you are in control of your dog's diet, so you are certain that your dog is getting all that he needs. So what are you waiting for? Get in that kitchen and whip your dog up the food he deserves.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Dog Behavior Training
Dog Behavior Training Is So Essential
Dog training does much more than just create an obedient, willing companion. Training your dog properly actually strengthens the bond that already exists between dog and handler. Dogs are pack animals, and they look to their pack leader to tell them what to do. The key to successful dog behavior training is to set yourself up as that pack leader.
Establishing yourself as pack leader is a very important concept for any potential dog trainer to understand. There is only one leader in every pack of dogs, and the owner must establish him or herself as the dominant animal. Failure to do so leads to all manner of dog behavior problems.
Dog behavior training encompasses every aspect of canine education, from the species specific responses that's inherent to canines, to learning theory and operant conditioning, to traditional training methods. When these training techniques are properly implemented, most people notice results immediately. A well mannered pet is now within your reach, all you need to do is optimally structure your pet's environment.
Dog behavior can be thought of as responses that are specific to the species canis familiaris. These responses are controlled and directed by manipulating the social and the environmental variables. We call this training. Training can increase responses that are desirable, just as those that are undesirable can be decreased.
Your pet's problems are often a direct result of the animal's inability to cope with the stress of everyday life. The purpose of training is to raise the pet's stress threshold so your pet can tolerate higher levels of stress.
Get information on dog and pet behaviour training. You will find solutions to your dog behavior problem. It list downs the best basic behaviour dog training manuals available on agressive, basic, canine, leash and dog breed behaviour problems.
Dog training does much more than just create an obedient, willing companion. Training your dog properly actually strengthens the bond that already exists between dog and handler. Dogs are pack animals, and they look to their pack leader to tell them what to do. The key to successful dog behavior training is to set yourself up as that pack leader.
Establishing yourself as pack leader is a very important concept for any potential dog trainer to understand. There is only one leader in every pack of dogs, and the owner must establish him or herself as the dominant animal. Failure to do so leads to all manner of dog behavior problems.
Dog behavior training encompasses every aspect of canine education, from the species specific responses that's inherent to canines, to learning theory and operant conditioning, to traditional training methods. When these training techniques are properly implemented, most people notice results immediately. A well mannered pet is now within your reach, all you need to do is optimally structure your pet's environment.
Dog behavior can be thought of as responses that are specific to the species canis familiaris. These responses are controlled and directed by manipulating the social and the environmental variables. We call this training. Training can increase responses that are desirable, just as those that are undesirable can be decreased.
Your pet's problems are often a direct result of the animal's inability to cope with the stress of everyday life. The purpose of training is to raise the pet's stress threshold so your pet can tolerate higher levels of stress.
Get information on dog and pet behaviour training. You will find solutions to your dog behavior problem. It list downs the best basic behaviour dog training manuals available on agressive, basic, canine, leash and dog breed behaviour problems.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Puppy Potty Training Tips
Potty training a puppy is really a game of patience and persistence and that is something that a lot of dog owners don't have. If you really want your puppy to be housebroken, you need to resign yourself to the fact that it's going to take some effort on your part. You have to take the responsibility to train the dog, not the other way around.
One of the first things you need to learn when potty training your puppy is to recognize your puppy's signals when it needs to go potty. Most dogs have a ritual before they go potty. Some may walk in circles, while others run around sniffing the floor frantically. Your dog will no doubt display some sort of sign that indicates an accident is about to happen. If you suspect your dog is looking for a place to potty, immediately get him outside. Even if you catch him in the middle of an accident, pick him up (if possible) and quickly carry him outside to his potty spot.
Limit your dogs intake of food and water while you are mastering puppy potty training. Feed your dog several small meals daily instead of one or two large ones. Also, have your dog eat his food before offering him a drink. Drinking large amounts of water causes them to have accidents more frequently because their bladders are not developed enough to hold a large amount of urine.
Another method that you can use is crate training which will help out to avoid accidents because most dogs do not like going potty in an area that they sleep in. Some of the other methods are letting them circle around you on a leash, having a lot of patience is a big one. Remember your puppy while potty training is only a baby so accidents will occur and when they do try not to get upset at your puppy, remember he is only potty training.
You need to let him know that he did the right thing by relieving himself outside. Puppies want to please you so if you shower him with love and praise, he will want to do it again to get that reaction.One should never punish their puppy for wrong doings when potty training, but always praise lavishly for good deeds.
Remember, mastering potty training almost overnight is a reasonable goal. Having a positive, can-do attitude and providing your dog with consistency will make mastering puppy potty training an easy, enjoyable part of your dog's life.
One of the first things you need to learn when potty training your puppy is to recognize your puppy's signals when it needs to go potty. Most dogs have a ritual before they go potty. Some may walk in circles, while others run around sniffing the floor frantically. Your dog will no doubt display some sort of sign that indicates an accident is about to happen. If you suspect your dog is looking for a place to potty, immediately get him outside. Even if you catch him in the middle of an accident, pick him up (if possible) and quickly carry him outside to his potty spot.
Limit your dogs intake of food and water while you are mastering puppy potty training. Feed your dog several small meals daily instead of one or two large ones. Also, have your dog eat his food before offering him a drink. Drinking large amounts of water causes them to have accidents more frequently because their bladders are not developed enough to hold a large amount of urine.
Another method that you can use is crate training which will help out to avoid accidents because most dogs do not like going potty in an area that they sleep in. Some of the other methods are letting them circle around you on a leash, having a lot of patience is a big one. Remember your puppy while potty training is only a baby so accidents will occur and when they do try not to get upset at your puppy, remember he is only potty training.
You need to let him know that he did the right thing by relieving himself outside. Puppies want to please you so if you shower him with love and praise, he will want to do it again to get that reaction.One should never punish their puppy for wrong doings when potty training, but always praise lavishly for good deeds.
Remember, mastering potty training almost overnight is a reasonable goal. Having a positive, can-do attitude and providing your dog with consistency will make mastering puppy potty training an easy, enjoyable part of your dog's life.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Best Dog Training Ebook
This well written dog training ebook, written by an expert dog trainer and dog behavior expert, reveals cutting edge techniques as well as insider information that allow the reader to successfully train their beloved pet as well as solve their dog's behavior problems regardless of whether the dog is a puppy or an adult. Over 200,000 dog owners worldwide have made this ebook the best dog training book available.
This is not an average book filled with information you could find for yourself on the Internet. This book is a 260 page comprehensive, information filled resource written by an expert in the field. You will receive insights, facts, and instruction from an experienced instructor.
This wonderful e-book is chock full of valuable information and comprehensive training tips including:
This is not an average book filled with information you could find for yourself on the Internet. This book is a 260 page comprehensive, information filled resource written by an expert in the field. You will receive insights, facts, and instruction from an experienced instructor.
This wonderful e-book is chock full of valuable information and comprehensive training tips including:
- Fixing any dog behavior problem
- Tips and secrets to use in your everyday dog obedience training
- Specific commands and tricks to teach your dog
- The best way to select, buy, and raise a new puppy or older dog
- This remarkable resource adresses issues such as:
- Fighting behavior in dogs and how to curb aggressiveness
- How to deal with a dominant 'alpha dog'
- How to keep your dog from jumping on you and others
- How to alleviate seperation anxiety
- How to keep your dog from constantly barking and/or whining
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
3 Dog Training Mistakes You Need To Avoid
Dog training may sound like an easy thing to do, but sometimes it's not as easy as it sounds. It all depends on things like their beed, background, and sometimes disposition. If you want to train your dog properly make sure you pay close attention to the following three things...
Before you start your dog training, you need to set a few golden rules. These are the foundations you will base all of your efforts upon, just like the foundations of a house, they need to be strong and sturdy, or else all of your hard work might come crashing down.
Mistake 1
Firstly, never ever shout at your dog during training, this may seem like an easy thing to do as your dog will know when he is doing wrong, but it's actually a very counterproductive thing to do.
It is very easy to get frustrated with your dog when he doesn't perform the tasks you want him to, but you need to realize that yelling at him will greatly slow down his progress. Your overall goal should be to have your dog obey the commands of your calm voice, not your shouting vioce.
Mistake 2
Secondly, your training sessions need to be kept to under 15 minutes, this is something which many first time trainers do not know of. Don't forget that your dog does not have the same attention span as a human, in my experience many dog's can't pay attention for any longer than 10 minutes. If you try and stretch your sessions out any longer than 15 minutes you will both end up becoming very frustrated.
Mistake 3
And lastly, please don't forget to treat your dog every time they obey a command. It's very easy to forget about those treats in your pocket, but they are the key to letting your dog know when he is doing something right. If your dog is expecting a treat and he doesn't get one, he will quickly lose his motivation.
More dog training resources:
Aggressive Dog Trainin
Dog Training For Dummies
Dog Ebook - Dog Owner's Guide
Dog Behavior Training
In Home Dog Training - How to Train Your Dog at Home
Before you start your dog training, you need to set a few golden rules. These are the foundations you will base all of your efforts upon, just like the foundations of a house, they need to be strong and sturdy, or else all of your hard work might come crashing down.
Mistake 1
Firstly, never ever shout at your dog during training, this may seem like an easy thing to do as your dog will know when he is doing wrong, but it's actually a very counterproductive thing to do.
It is very easy to get frustrated with your dog when he doesn't perform the tasks you want him to, but you need to realize that yelling at him will greatly slow down his progress. Your overall goal should be to have your dog obey the commands of your calm voice, not your shouting vioce.
Mistake 2
Secondly, your training sessions need to be kept to under 15 minutes, this is something which many first time trainers do not know of. Don't forget that your dog does not have the same attention span as a human, in my experience many dog's can't pay attention for any longer than 10 minutes. If you try and stretch your sessions out any longer than 15 minutes you will both end up becoming very frustrated.
Mistake 3
And lastly, please don't forget to treat your dog every time they obey a command. It's very easy to forget about those treats in your pocket, but they are the key to letting your dog know when he is doing something right. If your dog is expecting a treat and he doesn't get one, he will quickly lose his motivation.
More dog training resources:
Aggressive Dog Trainin
Dog Training For Dummies
Dog Ebook - Dog Owner's Guide
Dog Behavior Training
In Home Dog Training - How to Train Your Dog at Home
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