Five Fun Dog Facts
Canines are miraculous creatures with quite an abundance of fascinating facts. Here are five fun doggie facts for all of you dog lovers to enjoy:
1. A one-year-old dog is as physically developed as a fifteen year-old human; this means exercise is vital for dogs. Provide daily walks and playtime for your energetic pooch.
2. Brushing your pooch three times a week during the spring time will conclude in a summer free of shedding; not only will grooming your pooch help keep shedding to a minimum, it will attribute to a healthier hound.
3. If teaching your dog to catch a ball is harder than it should be then switch the tossing item to something softer, some dogs find it easier to catch softer items; invest in one of our plush dog toys for a softer playtime.
4. Typically, when a dog howls in the wild it is to bring the pack together. If you notice your pooch howling it may be because they are lonely and instinct kicks in. To avoid a lonely canine companion, be sure to show much love and attention. When you aren’t at home, keep the television on for sound.
5. Dogs have been loyal pets to people for the past 12,000 years!
A Hardy Homemade Dog Meal
Hooking your hungry hound up with a hardy homemade dog meal can be quick and simple. Providing a healthy meal from home is helpful in monitoring what your canine is taking in, processed commercial dog food is never a good option. Instead cook up a meaty, cheesy meal that your pooch will drool over.
Ingredients:
3 lb. protein (pork, chicken, turkey, or beef)]
1 c. cooked green beans or peas
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
2 c. cooked brown rice
Directions:
1. Cut meat into bite-sized pieces, sauté over medium heat until no longer pink.
2. In large bowl, stir together meat and cheddar cheese. Let cool.
3. Once cooled, add rice and veggies, mix together.
Feeding Guidelines:
Small dogs: A portion is about ¾ cup
Medium dogs: 1 ½ cups
Large dogs: 3 cups
3 Children Friendly Dog Breeds
Bringing a dog into your home is an exciting (but big) step. If you have any children, or plan to, then there is much consideration that should go into picking out that perfect furry friend for the family. If properly trained, any dog is capable of being a great canine companion with children, but these breeds are exceptionally great considerations when on the search:
1. Labrador Retriever – The Labrador Retriever is a popular dog breed that comes in three different coat colors – golden, black, and chocolate. They are categorized as medium-sized canines that possess a solid athletic build. Labradors have a standing reputation for being smart and gentle dogs with great tolerance and patience; they love their family and maintain low-aggression. They are easily trained, their grooming requirements aren’t overwhelming (just keep their coats healthy with a dog brush), and they are highly good-natured. A Labrador needs a fair amount of exercise, and energetic kids love to play around with the friendly breed.
2. Border Collie – Everybody knows Lassie, the lovable can
ine companion to child character, Timmy. While Lassie may have just been a Border Collie who was acting, the Border Collie breed is actually a great breed with kids. Collies are muscular canines with a medium-sized structure and a dense coat that comes in a variety of different colors. A Border Collie is very intelligent and can be easily trained. Like the Labrador, a Collie needs a fair amount of exercise (kids are great with helping out in that department).
3. Beagles – Snoopy is a happy cartoon Beagle that hangs around with the Peanuts kids, and a Beagle is actually a great choice of breed for your own peanut(s). Their sturdy compact size and affectionate personality make them a sought after breed. They come in various colors with a medium length coat that isn’t strenuous to upkeep. Beagles learn easily and are dedicated canines. Beagles have lots of energy that needs to burn off and children are happy to assist; keep dog toys available for necessary play time.
Helping a People Shy Pooch
Typically an excessively shy dog stems from a lack of positive exposure as a puppy. The socialization period is an important time for young pups when their confidence is infused. While some dog breeds are naturally coyer than others, an overly shy pooch can develop into serious behavior issues with any under socialized dog. One common fear a timid dog may suffer from is that of people. Thankfully this dilemma may be corrected with patience and understanding. If your furry friend is apprehensive around people, help your hound conquer their fear by taking baby steps in the right direction; start by inviting over a friend (preferably another dog lover). Inform your guest prior to their visitation about your canine’s fear, if your friend acts in a passive manner it will show your pooch there is no threat. Keeping your bashful buddy in their own environment will assist in easing their discomfort a bit. If your pooch insists on retreating to a trusted hiding spot during your guest’s visitation then allow them time to regroup and keep your conversation cheerful to demonstrate a safe environment to your hiding hound. Depending on the level of fear your canine contains they may need further attempts; most timid dogs are interested and are just too uneasy to approach. Try to entice your furry friend to come out using a dog treat – distract their attention from your guest to the treats, tossing a treat their way and then ignoring them as they make their way out to indulge in the bait. Keep with this process, tossing dog treats closer to you and your guest each time, until your pooch is out of their safety zone. It is also suggested that you have your guest pet your pup. Although if your friend does go in for a pet be sure that they reach under to stroke your dog’s chest rather than over the dog’s head so not to scare them more. If your canine still displays trepidation then back off a bit, forcing the situation may only worsen the fear, and ask your guest to try again another day. Continue this routine fairly regularly with different people until your canine feels more comfortable. In time your dog should be able to overcome their people fears and live a healthier, more sociable life.
Dog Waste Bags & Holders: A Practical Choice
Three Fun Indoor Tricks to Teach Your Dog
Make these colder months productive by teaching your dog a new trick for great mental stimulation and entertainment. Take advantage of the indoor time spent with your pooch by expanding their knowledge while bonding together. Try these three fun indoor tricks out with your canine:
1. Hide Your Eyes – The dog can sit or lay for this trick, which will train your pooch to cover their eyes with one paw on command. Keep a treat in your hand while you tell your pup to “cover their eyes”. Physically lift their paw over their muzzle and then use the treat as reward. Most dogs will swipe at their face when you gently blow on their nose, if your pooch does this then reward them and continue the command and movement until the dog understands what is required to acquire the treat.
2. Circle Me – This trick is beneficial considering that circles improve turns and help keep canines focused on their handler; it also assists in direction changing. Begin by heeling with a tasty dog treat in hand that you will use as bait as you say “circle me” and draw your pooch around your body in a circle. After they complete a circle, give the treat for praise and repeat.
3. Light Off – Hold a dog treat in one hand above a light switch in the house (if your dog isn’t able to reach the switch on hind legs then place them on a sturdy table under the switch), and give the command “light off”. When your furry friend jumps up to retrieve their treat, be sure their paws flick the switch and then reward with “Good light off” and then continue the trick over. Eventually start standing away but have your pooch stay under the switch and then toss the treat when the trick is completed.
National Dress Up Your Pet Day
Dog Harnesses: The Safe Alternative
January is National Train Your Dog Month
The beginning of the year is full of resolutions and personal goals, but don’t forget to include your furry friend in the mix. January has been officially dubbed National Train Your Dog Month, and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) is aiming to help squash pet disobedience with patient owners. It is sad but true; hundreds of thousands of canines are brought to shelters because owners feel like they have lost control of behavioral problems their pet may be exhibiting. Luckily this problem has been acknowledged and National Train Your Dog month has been proclaimed as an educational experience to assist in nixing behavior problems, as well as help owners and pets alike meet in the middle. During January the APDT will provide free webinars and live chat sessions with professionals that pet owners are welcome to utilize for advice and knowledge on handling certain behavioral concerns. Topics to be covered consist of leash etiquette and an educational session on pet adoption, as well as many other available events throughout the month. Join in the discussions and view the insightful webinars to gain added knowledge on training your pooch and promise to make 2012 the best year yet for you and your playful pal.
5 Ways to Spoil Your Pooch for Under $10
Save yourself some money while making your pooch happy! Here at DoggieVogue.com you don’t have to break the bank on some fun items for your furry friend – just a little goes a long way. Check out our five featured items you can snag that cost under ten bucks:
1. Romeo Bows Set of Four $2.99 – Have fun adding a stylish touch to your pup’s look with these casually cute dog bows.
2. Anti-Skid Dog Bowl $2.99-$9.99 – Your canine loves food and water. Make your hungry hound a happy hound with a new set of dog bowls.
3. Gold’s Gym Flying Discs for Dogs $2.99 – Get Fido in on some gym action with this Gold’s Gym Frisbee that is sure to entertain your pooch while exercising their muscles.
4. Dog Food Lids $1.49 – Keep extra dog food fresh with a set of dog food lids that fit over your canine’s leftover meal so it can be enjoyed later. Your pup will agree: no food should go to waste.
5. Boing Dog Balls $7.99 – Treat your dog to a sporty plush dog ball that makes a “boing” noise, your furry friend will stay amused for hours!
