@ 05:57 AM (71 months, 14 days ago)
There's one problem with adopting a dog from an animal shelter: The selection of available canine companions can overwhelm you! Man's best friends come in all shapes, sizes, and, of course, personalities.
The good news is that almost any shelter dog can make a wonderful, lifelong companion for you and your family. The bad news is that some of those bundles of energy will make less appropriate pets for you than others.
The key is simply knowing what to look for. Here are a few things to think about:
Examine Yourself
Choosing the right dog generally means identifying the type of animal that matches your lifestyle and wants. If you live alone in a small, third-floor apartment, for instance, adopting a large, active retriever mix might not be the best choice. Conversely, if you have a family of four and are looking for a companion to match your active lifestyle, such an animal may be perfect. A dog's size, exercise requirements, friendliness, assertiveness, and compatibility with children should all figure into your decision.
Learn about Different Breeds and Mixes
So how do you find out which dogs have the qualities you're looking for? Information is the key: Learn about various breeds, visit with animals at the shelter, and speak with an adoption counselor for guidance.
Dogs fall into one of two categories: purebreds or mixed breeds. Most animal shelters have plenty of both. The only significant difference between the two is that purebreds, because their parents and other ancestors are all members of the same breed, are similar to a specific "breed standard." This means that if you adopt a purebred puppy, you have a good chance of knowing about how big he'll get and what general physical and behavioral characteristics he'll have.
Of course, the size, appearance, and temperament of most mixed breed dogs can be predicted as well. After all, mixed breeds are simply combinations of different breeds. So if you know the ancestry of a particular mixed-breed puppy or can identify what type of dog he is (e.g., terrier mix), you have a good chance of knowing how he'll turn out, too.
Mixed breeds offer several advantages over purebreds. When you adopt a mixed breed, you benefit from the combined traits of two or more breeds. You also get a dog who's likely to be free of genetic defects common to certain purebred dogs. Mixed breeds, in fact, are often considered the more "natural" dog. When you adopt a mixed breed, you adopt a totally unique companion.
Visit with Shelter Animals
While you're at the shelter, keep in mind that it is a stressful place for any animal. Quite often, a dog's true colors won't show until he's away from other animals and the shelter environment. So even if you walk past a kennel with a dog who isn't vying for your attention, don't count him out. He may just be a little scared or lonely.
An adoption counselor can help you select canines who'll match your lifestyle. When you spend time with each animal, you'll want to ask yourself:
How old is the dog? You may want to select a puppy as your new companion. However, young dogs usually require much more training and supervision than more mature dogs. If you lack the time or patience to housetrain your pup or to correct problems like chewing and jumping, an adult dog may be a better choice.
How shy or assertive is the dog? Although an active, bouncy dog might catch your eye, a more quiet or reserved dog might be a better match if you don't have a particularly active lifestyle.
How good is the animal with children? Learning about a dog's past through a history sheet or from an adoption counselor can be helpful, but past information isn't always available. In general, an active dog who likes to be touched and is not sensitive to handling and noise is a dog who'll probably thrive in a house full of kids. Also keep in mind that puppies under four months of age, because of their fragility and special needs, often won't be adopted out to families with young children.
Choose a Pal for Life
Every dog in the shelter can provide you with boundless love and companionship, and every dog certainly deserves a lifelong home. But some dogs are better for you and your lifestyle than others. That's why you should take the time to make a thoughtful choice. After all, you're choosing a pal who'll be with you 10, 15, or even more years. Select the right dog, and you and your new companion will enjoy those years to the fullest.
Are you preparing to bring a dog home to your children? Did your
neighbor tell you they have free puppies, all you have to do is come
over and choose one? Or did your children see an adorable puppy in
the pet store and are now begging you to let them bring it home? How
do you select the best dog breed for children? Does it matter?
Since having a dog is such a common thing, do you really need to
know anything more than how much it costs?
Well, how did you choose your car, or your home? Did you consider
the cost, safety and suitability for your family? Of course you did.
If you heard stories of a particular car that was susceptible to
causing accidents or that a neighborhood was known for its rough
occupants you would find something that was safer.
If the car or home was too expensive to maintain, it would impact
your decision, as would the size of the vehicle or how many bedrooms
the house had.
However, many people bring home a dog that they have spent no more
time in choosing than selecting oranges at the grocery store.
Although we hear stories of dogs attacking children and perhaps know
of people who got rid of dogs after they grew too large for the
apartment or destroyed property, as a group, parents still choose to
bring dogs into their families with little instruction or research.
The truth is, most families with a dog will never deal with the
terrible situations we hear about on the news. Dogs love people.
Most dogs love children. Children and adults love dogs and it is
very doubtful that after thousands of years the connection between
canine and humankind will be broken.
What does need to be considered is how to make the best possible
environment for your children and dog so that you don't need to
worry about unexpected tragedy or the sad disappointment of giving
your children's pet away.
There are many experts with various views, but several points can be
generally agreed upon when choosing a dog for your family.
Find a dog that is good with children.
Don't all dogs love children? The answer is simple - NO. Some
breeds, and even individuals within a breed, are more or less
tolerant of children and the rough handling that usually ensues.
Selecting a breed that enjoys the rambunctious atmosphere of a
family home will go far in ensuring that the children have a willing
playmate and the dog is happy.
Choose a dog that is the right size or energy level.
Do you live in an apartment? Do you have a large, fenced yard?
Considering the size of home or yard you have should influence your
choice of dog. Some breeds are naturally larger than others. Some
smaller breeds (like Jack Russell Terriers) are small but have an
enormous amount of energy that can be difficult to control in a
small home.
Decide on a trained or untrained dog.
Perhaps you plan to train the dog yourself. You may choose a puppy
so the children participate in the training process. But how much do
you know about training dogs? Are you ready for the hassles of
housebreaking and obedience training? Perhaps selecting an older,
trained dog might suit your family better.
The decisions you make before bringing your dog home and selecting
the best dog breed for children will help your family enjoy their
new pet for a very long time.
Shannon Emmanuel is a freelance writer and is the author of 'How to
Select the Best Dog or Puppy for Children'. Find out more about
rasing a safe family dog at
@ 05:56 AM (71 months, 14 days ago)
Health Food for Dogs Dry Dog Food Contains:
Chicken Meal, Lamb Meal and Fish Meal - Protein is the building block of life. We use three meat sources for a balanced and complete amino acid profile. Chicken and Fish are among the highest digestible proteins available. Lamb is easy to digest and fish meal contains high levels of omega 3 fatty acids that produce a healthy lustrous coat.
Oatmeal - which is a nutritious and palatable gluten-free grain with significant levels of thiamine and vitamin E.
Ground Brown Rice - Provides an abundant level of vitamin B complex and is a wonderful source of calcium, phosphorus and iron. It is our primary carbohydrate for short term energy.
White Rice - Nutritious and easily digested, it is the least allergenic carbohydrate source.
Chicken Fat - provides a superior long term energy source that is easily assimilated by your pet.
Provides Linolenic Acid - (Omega 3) and helps to carry fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.
Flax Seed - is rich in both linolenic (Omega 3) and linoleic (Omega 6) fatty acids, for a healthy skin & coat.
Alfalfa Meal - a non-allergenic complete carbohydrate. Used by herbalists for many years to cleanse the circulatory system by providing essential vitamins and minerals. Soothing for the digestive tract, it also improves appetite and aids in the assimilation of other nutrients as well as sweetens the breath.
Sunflower Oil - Rich in linoleic acid (Omega 6) that helps to produce a healthy skin & coat.
Lecithin - a natural emulsifier that breaks fats down in the blood, thus improving the utilization of essential fatty acids.
Brewers Dried Yeast - a rich vitamin B source that builds enzymes for improved digestion. Naturally contains 16 amino acids, 14 minerals and 17 vitamins.
Rosemary & Sage - Important anti-oxidants. Used by many herbalists to aid digestion and stimulate circulatory systems.
Yucca Schidigera Extract - Reduces bad breath and stool odors.
Dried Bacillus Subtilis & Aspergillus Oryzae Fermentation Product - Are sources of alpha amylase activity that digest carbohydrates and starches.
Bromelain & Papain - Plant based enzymes used to help facilitate complete digestion for proteins.
Vitamins & Chelated Minerals - Specially processed for guaranteed nutrition and availability during digestion.
Read the rest of this entry ... (58 words left)
@ 05:56 AM (71 months, 14 days ago)
Before you start teaching your dog to come on command, there are a few things you need to be aware of.
First and foremost, never call your dog if you are going to do something unpleasant to him when he comes. For instance, never call your dog then: end a fun outing by putting him on leash, bathe him, scold him, lock him up, clean his ears, take his toy away, etc. Never call your dog, then punish him for something (such as running away) when he comes. Your dog will think he’s being punished for coming to you!
If your dog has already formed negative associations with the come command (i.e. he thinks it means “run away as fast as you possibly can”) or you’ve used it inconsistently and your dog is used to ignoring it, choose a new come command.
Mothball your old come command and teach this exercise using a new word. “Here” is a popular choice, but you can make up any command you like.
The other thing you need to be aware of is what constitutes a proper recall (dog trainer’s term for the come exercise). On a single command, your dog should stop what he’s doing, run to you as quickly as possible, and sit down in front of you. In this article, I will treat this as two exercises. These two exercises can be taught over the same period of time, but should not be combined until the dog knows both.
Come sit in front.
Have your dog on a four to six foot lead. When you have your dog’s attention, take several swift steps backward as you guide the dog to you with a treat held at his nose level. When the dog is in front of you, stop and raise the treat up slightly, causing the dog to sit. Click and treat when the dog sits. When the dog does this smoothly,
Introduce variable reinforcement, then
Introduce the recall command
Next, practice this while standing in place rather than backing up. Then eliminate guiding with food and switch to simply reinforcing a correct “come in and sit.”
Long line recall.
Attach a long (at least thirty foot) line to the dog’s flat collar. Have a family member or friend hold the line in two places; the handle at the end, and about three feet from the collar. The assistant’s job is simply to hold the dog in place until the handler gives the recall command, then release the dog by dropping the portion of the line near the collar and continuing to hold the end to prevent the possible escape of the dog.
Your job is to run away from the dog, calling his name, whistling, waving your arms, etc., until the dog is lunging against the leash with obvious desire to come to you. At this point, stand still and give one clear recall command.
Your helper should release the dog at this time.
If you called your dog at the right time, he should come running to you. Click and treat when he gets there. Repeat this only two or three times per session, so that you leave the dog wanting more.
When the dog is performing both of these exercises well,
combine them by recalling the dog, and simply prompting the dog to sit in front by guiding slightly with the food. After a few repetitions the dog usually does this smoothly on his own.
The finishing steps for the recall are:
Stop having the helper holding the dog, and simply recall when
the dog is wandering at the end of the line.
Start using variable reinforcement
Practice calling the dog away from and past distractions
Practice calling the dog from a sit/stay position
If you call your dog and it does not come, run away from it calling its name and whistling just as you did at the beginning of training.
And remember: Always make it fun for your dog to come!
