Pet Euthanasia - Making That Most Difficult Decision

One of the most troubling things in life is having to deal with a seriously ill pet, a pet that literally is on its last legs. As a corollary of that trauma, one of the most difficult decisions that a person can face in life is making the determination as to whether or not the time has come to euthanize a beloved companion animal.

There are some factors that you can weigh and balance to assist you in your own decision making process when it comes to dealing with end of life issues of a much loved pet.

The Issue is About Your Pet -- Not You

Oftentimes when a person has a very ill pet, you hear that person make statements to the effect of:

"I am really going to Miss Rover" or "I don't know what I will do without Fluffy" or (worst of all) "I am going to keep Boxer until the bitter end."

In other words, these men and women are putting their own feelings and interests before those of their pet. They seem to be overlooking the fact that it is the pet that is in dire pain.

When it comes to making these life or death decisions involving your pet, it is important to keep in mind that while you might have feelings, it is the feelings of your pet -- particularly the pain your pet is suffering -- that must be your paramount concern.

Consult with a Vet Early and Often

It is very important that you keep your vet closely involved in the process of determining when the time is right to euthanize your pet. Your vet will have been down this road many times. You vet will be able to five you unbiased and coolheaded advice about whether or not the time has come to bring about your pet's final passing.

It also is very important that you take your vet's advice seriously. There really will be no reason for you not to follow the advice of your vet if he or she finally concludes that the time has arrived to euthanize your companion animal. As mentioned, your vet will be unbiased and objective and will be better able to gauge what level of pain your pet is going through.

Should You be There for the End?

One question that may be haunting you is whether or not you should be present in the room when the time comes to euthanize your pet. In fact, some vet clinics have rules against having owners in the room during that procedure. Therefore the question actually may be resolved for you from the start. You may not even have the option of being present in the procedure room for the procedure.

However, if the vet or clinic does give you the option to be present at the time your pet actually is euthanized, you need to be very thoughtful about the decision you make. The ultimate question needs to be whether or not you can really provide your pet with any true comfort during those final moments and how painful the procedure will be for you. This is the juncture in the whole process when you can think of your own feelings and emotions. Moreover, you will not want to have the memory of your pet's death be the final memory that is etched into your mind.

The Good The Bad-Puppy Training Pads

Puppy training pads are well known by many puppy owners, some owners don't prefer them and others couldn't imagine living without them, The best way to get your dog to use the training pads, you want him or her to use so bad, is with time and patience. After a week or so of trying to teach them, they will begin to pick up the idea you are stressing.

Dog's and puppies both can understand body language very well, your dog can read you especially when your getting angry with them. Although some dogs just will never understand and rather then doing there duty on the puppy pads they decide to tear it up or eat it, Pug's especially.

There are a number of different puppy training pad products available online and off, the most common name brands are, Pet Gold, Clean Go and Out, there are many others as well and while some don't do as good of a job as the more popular name brands do.

The most common problems with puppy training pads are tracking problems, and leaking issue's. Most people get overwhelmed with the problem or get upset and give up with them all together. Then the next best thing comes along, the puppy pad tray stopping this problem right in it's tracks. the puppy pad tray really does a great job at protecting your floors when the pads leak. But leaks only happen when using generic brands.

Most puppies will break the habit of using there indoor training pads around three months, it's not really suggested to use training pads if your dog is of bigger size, but older dogs will use them. The best way to teach an already trained dog (older dogs) to use training pads is to leave them with no alternative's, and with persistence and patience they to will make use of the dog training pads. If you have a large house, you may want to place pads in several areas of the house.

Puppy training pads have great benefits to them such as, they make it a very easy clean up, most have a scented smell to them, encourages them to eliminate in specific areas. Most pads have a scientically treated with an attractant to encourage pets to the pad. the days of using news papers and magazines are over.

The Separation Anxiety Dog - How to Protect Your Dog From Home When You Leave Home

If you've got a dog that suffers from dog separation anxiety then you are probably afraid to leave your dog alone. After all, dogs with dog separation anxiety experience a sense of panic whenever their owners leave and are likely to "act out" in this anxious and panic-stricken state. Therefore, if you have a dog with dog separation anxiety, he may chew, mutilate, urinate or defecate on your furniture when he is left alone. In addition, he may seem extremely anxious and frenzied when you arrive home. With this in mind, you can protect your separation anxiety prone dog from harm when you leave home. The key to this is to engage him in a behavior modification program and to take a preventive approach to protecting your home and your pet when you go out. In this article, we'll discuss 5 ways that you can protect your pet and your home when you leave your dog home alone. Here's how:

1. Confine him. Some people think that confining a dog is inhumane; however, it is the safer thing to do. After all, dogs with separation anxiety are prone to feeling anxious and engage in all sorts of frenzied and dangerous activities. Therefore, they are safer confined. With this in mind, many people use a crate or confine their dog with a dog or bay gate. Both methods prevent him from wandering around. In my opinion, a crate is a favorite choice because it keeps your dog in one place and can even help him feel safe and secure in your absence. After all, a dog's natural instinct is to retire in his den and a crate is similar to a den. Regardless of which method you choose, a gate or crate will protect your furniture and household items and keep your dog from harm.

2. Remove dangerous objects. Dogs with separation anxiety typically experience panic when their owners leave home. In fact, many of them resort to a panicked state and they are likely to become destructive and even to put things in their mouths. Just like infants, dogs can't differentiate between good and bad things and sometimes innocent items like string, thread, floss, coins, clips, etc. can end up lodged in their digestive tract and cause them harm, so make sure that you remove these items before you leave home.

3. Remove your dog's tags. This is especially important if your dog is prone to excessive rocking, swaying or moving around in a frenzied state when you leave him alone. By removing his tags, you can ensure that they don't get caught in his crate or gate, which can cause him harm.

4. Protect electrical cords. Many dogs with separation anxiety will chew on objects (especially dangerous electrical cords) when their owners leave. To protect your dog, buy electrical cord protectors from the hardware store. These clever devices are plastic strips that conceal dangerous wires. Another option is "smart power strips." These can sense if your dog bites into them and will immediately shut off power to protect your dog. Another option is to spray furniture and other items with bitter apple, which will prevent him from chewing on them as most dogs dislike the taste immensely.

5. Provide safe alternatives. Many dogs with dog separation anxiety often roam the house looking for their absent human companions. Therefore, you should close toilet seats, remove chemical cleaning products, shut doors and place bitter apple on items you don't want your dog to chew on. Instead, provide your dog with safe alternatives like a special bone or toy that is only available when you leave.

In conclusion, dog separation anxiety can be difficult and frustrating. However, if you take the necessary precautions to protect your dog from harm, you can ensure that he'll be safe in your absence and you'll feel better about leaving him alone.

What Food Is Safe For Your Pet?

Now a days, dozens of commercial products are available in the market so that you can take good care of your pet.

Many of us get confused when it comes to feed our pets. What food is safer, commercial food or homemade food?

Let us have a look at these issues in details.

The first thing to remember is that the food that can spoil the health of your pet can come for any source.
It can be commercial or homemade food as well. We should just make sure that whatever we are giving to our pet, should not be contaminated.

Food borne illness in your pets can be because of some bacterial infections, mycotoxins, metals, chemicals etc.

Some toxins such as mycotoxins are produced by fungus. The one fourth part of entire world's crop is affected by tiny molds.
This mycotoxin litigation has been proved to be a big pain for the food industry.

People often can not differentiate between 'food poisoning' and 'food infection'. They are two different things.

Food infection is a result of ingestion of microbial cells that are infectious. They attack the tissues of your pet and start reproducing.

Mostly, clinical decease does not become visible before 12 hours at least.

Food poisoning results from the food that contains a microbial toxin already.

The symptoms of food poisoning appear more rapidly, may be within an hour.

So, now you must have understood the essence of our articles. Whenever you prepare homemade food for your pet, always make sure it is hygienic and if you are going to buy some commercial product, take some help from the people who already feed their pets in the same way.

When you know a product is right, you can go for it.

The Holistic Approach to Dog Separation Anxiety

While the majority of our canine companions can handle being left alone in the house, there are others who can be so traumatized by their owner's departure that they engage in destructive behavior. This behavior is a response to stress and can come in the form of barking, howling, going to the bathroom indoors, and destroying things like your furniture and shoes.

Dogs are pack animals and therefore social by nature, which is why they feel the most secure when surrounded by members of their human or canine family. A puppy should be taught early on how to be away from their owner and left by themselves for a bit. Unfortunately, that's not always possible, however, it is always possible for a dog of any age to develop separation anxiety.

Many pet owners are turning to a holistic approach to their dog's separation anxiety, which includes special care for their nutritional and physical needs as well as their emotional ones. Some natural, holistic remedies for dog separation anxiety include:

Flower Essences and Herbal Remedies

When holistically treating a dog for separation anxiety, there are many herbal formulas that include ingredients such as ginger, chamomile, valerian root, passion and other natural flowers. While there are several herbs to choose from, a chronic, troublesome problem such as this should be treated in conjunction with behavioral modification and guidance from a holistic veterinarian who will be versed in the exact types and amounts of herbs and essences to use.

Named after British physician Dr. Edward Bach, Bach flower essences, sometimes called Bach flower remedies, are a combination of 38 plants and flowers known for their healing properties. They include clematis, cherry plum, and impatiens and have been successful in treating anxiety disorders in humans as well as dogs. Flower essences have proven to be quite safe with very little chance of side effects and can easily be administered orally, added to their water, or even rubbed onto the skin near the ears and paws.

Nutrition, Exercise and Behavior Modification

Plenty of rigorous exercise on a regular basis will not only help your dog's physical self, but it also keeps their mental health in tip-top shape as well. Keeping with the holistic approach, it's essential that you feed your dog a diet free of chemical preservatives and similar toxins.

Your dog isn't the only one who needs to modify his behavior to correct his or her separation anxiety. It's up to you to facilitate the process by changing how you act. Watch TV with your shoes on, keys in hand, to confuse your dog. Leave the house via the back door if you normally leave through the front. Changing your routine will make your dog less able to predict departures and be less likely to experience separation anxiety after you've gone.

What Doesn't Work for Dog Separation Anxiety

Never punish your dog in any way as a reaction to his separation anxiety. This only makes matters worse by confusing him and adding to his stress. It's important to keep in mind that behavior exhibited by a dog in response to separation anxiety is not a way of "punishing" or "getting even" with his owner for leaving him alone. When a dog destroys furniture or bedding and urinates inside the house, he is not doing it for revenge, it's simply an uncontrolled response to his fear and anxiety of being left alone.

How to Stop Dog Barking

Do you want a well-behaved dog? A dog that wont run outside and bark at every person that walks past your house, a dog that won't pee on your carpet, a dog that wont bite your ankles as you walk past.

I am going to show you 3 very important training tips that will make your dog completely house trained and stop that annoying barking.

1. Catch your dog in the act. This is one of the most important rules to stop your dog from barking. Try not to let your dog get away with it at any time. Even if it means following them around yard. Use a strong voice and say "NO" when they start barking if they continue, tie them up away from the fence or whatever they were barking at.

Eventually they will learn that if they continue, they will be tied up. This is an effective way to stop dog barking.

You can also use electronic barking collars however I do not recommend this. For this to work you will need to have them working all the time.

Barking is part of dogs nature, using an electric collar is taking something natural away from them. I also believe these collars are the lazy solution so stop dog barking.

2. Don't change your dogs sleeping, eating or potty locations. If you mix up these locations your dog will become confused and not know where to go to the toilet etc.

Keep the NO areas consistent. Before you even go to the pet store to buy a dog you should know where the do can and cannot go. Make it clear from the very start otherwise house training your dog can take much longer then you want.

3. It's a family thing. Anybody who notices the dog barking should apply the training methods to stop this problem. One person can not be responsible for stoping a dog from barking because you need to catch the dog in the act for it to work

These are the most important factors in training your dog. However you must remember there are many other points to consider to successfully train a dog. Different dogs will learn your specific house rules at different rates but the most import thing is to not give up and do not let your dog get away with bad habits.

For the best programs on how to train a dog we recommend you visit www.edoghelp.com. eDoghelp has reviewed the Internet's most popular programs on how to train a dog.

Pet Safety

Just how safe is your pet, especially when it is out in the yard? Can other animals get to it or harm it? Can it get into the traffic and be hit by a vehicle? What about it's safety regarding children and other people? Did you know it can take only a few minutes for even a well trained pet to get mad at and harm a human if provoked or tormented? I have seen these things happen with my own eyes, and the outcomes in all circumstances can hurt in more ways than one.

There are so many animals that get hit by vehicles unnecessarily. All because they may have been curious at what they may have seen on the opposite side of the street, or because they were playing with their owner or a child, and happen to chase a ball or Frisbee that headed into the roadway.

I have seen first hand, animals attack each other, just because of wanting to have dominance, or there's a jealousy factor. I also know of instances where children were harming an animal just out of the fun of doing so. The animal actually withstood a good lot of it, until finally it had enough because it was beginning to hurt the animal. The animal decided to defend itself and hurt back, and the outcome ended up where the animal had to be put down.

I live in an area which is kind of like a mini town in a rural area. The speed limit is only 30 mph, but how many people do you know that actually drive the speed limit? Within seven years of living in this little hamlet of a town, I watched at least 10 animals get hit and killed by vehicles on one road alone. Sometimes, I feel like people just don't care, whether it be the owner or the one who done the damage.

About 50% of my neighborhood thinks I am cruel to my dogs, because I put them on a chain when they are out in the yard to play or do their business. I feel it is for their safety because I love them. Others say it is cruel and ask how I would feel if I was put on a chain or leash.

There are other ways of course to keep your pets safe in the yard. There are fences you can put up, and/or even invisible fences now. I myself have an exceptionally large yard, and for me to try and put up fencing would be quite costly. As for now, I think the chain has been working quite well. My dogs are the only original dogs in the neighborhood from seven years ago. I think that speaks for itself.

And while we are on the subject of safety for your pets, it is extremely beneficial to make sure your pet is up to date on shots, as well as any other medications, and flea and tic repellant. It doesn't matter whether you live in the city or the country, there is always a potential for your animal to be wounded, catch a disease from another animal, or to get infected by fleas and tics. Prevention is always better than having to endure the expense and consequences of sickness, the treatments and perhaps death.

Dog Training Hand Signals - 2 Important Commands You Can Teach Today

Dog training hand signals are a great way to get to know your dog and form a permanent bond with him. It is fun for both you and your dog. While he is being trained to follow a verbal command you can teach him to follow hand signals as well. Training your pet using dog training hand signals can be very beneficial. If you need him to follow a command in a noisy or crowded area it may be impossible for him to hear you. Also as a dog ages they often lose their hearing.

When you begin training your dog one of the most important things to remember is to never spank or hit your dog. You want him to associate your hands with good things; rewards and affection, not pain. It's easy to get started. Begin with a few pieces of your dog's favorite treat and make sure he's hungry. You will start with a basic command and associate it with a hand gesture. With repetition your dog will begin to respond to the dog training hand signal. When he responds reward him with the treat.

Once your dog begins responding to the command you are giving him verbally, gradually stop using the verbal command. Use the dog training hand signal you have chosen for the command. Only when he responds using the hand signal is he rewarded with the treat.You will want to start with two basic commands. Once they have mastered these commands you will be able to move on to more advanced training. The basic commands to begin with in your dog training hand signal teachings are "sit" and "down".

To teach your dog to 'sit "have your dog stand directly in front of you. Hold his favorite treat in your hand. Teach him the verbal command and then add the hand signal you have chosen to represent "sit". Start by giving the chosen dog training hand signal. Keep your hands at your side, bringing it up and folding your hands as if to throw something. As you do this hold the treat near his nose, while guiding it upward. At he same time you are guiding his nose you will say the command, "sit". Give him the treat when he sits.

To teach him the "down" command, start with your dog sitting in front of you. Again, teach him the verbal command and then incorporate the hand signal for "down". The common command for "down" is to have your hand palm facing downward. You will slowly lower you hand to the ground. As you are using your hand to signal, continue repeating the verbal command. Slowly lift your hand over your head. Hold the treat in your fingers. Keeping your arm straight, slowly bring it down until it is hanging at your side. As the treat is passing over his nose, say "down" as you use the dog training hand signal. If he is successfully "down" he will be laying down with his paws and his head forward. When he goes "down" give him a reward.

A well trained dog is a pleasure to own. Your dog deserves to be well trained. He will know what is expected of him and know how to deliver. Taking the time to properly train your dog using dog training hand signals will bring years of pleasure to both of you. It is possible to train your dog at home. It requires patience and dedication. It will be time well spent though. Imagine the satisfaction you will gain when you have successfully trained your dog and can take him anywhere with pride. Get started today teaching your pet with dog training hand signals.

Pet Health Questions - Some Perspectives

Whether you have a dog, cat, fish or rabbit, there are a number of pet health questions that are frequently asked. Everything from reproductive questions to pet health care questions are asked. To help you out with some questions you may have of your own, here are 6 frequently asked groups of pet health questions.

1. When should a puppy or kitten begin vaccinations? And how regularly are vaccinations required?

While the answer to these common pet care questions vary, the general rule of thumb is that pet vaccinations should commence at or around 8 weeks of age. It is commonly thought that further vaccinations should be given 4 months apart from each other, meaning puppies receive vaccinations at 8 months, 12 months and 16 months, while kittens receive them at 8 months and 12 months. However, although many vets would still have you believe that annual vaccinations are necessary, all veterinary protocols now indicate that they are not. Many experts believe that no vaccinations are required beyond 12 months of age. Others feel boosters may be necessary every 3 to 5 years

2. What are heartworms? Is it necessary to give preventative heartworm treatment?

Heartworms are parasites that live in your pet's heart. This is an extremely important pet health question to pay attention to because heartworms can become lethal to your pet. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes, so in the Northern Hemisphere heartworm is certainly more prevalent during June to November. Heartworm prevention treatment is essential. Heartworm is considerably more common in dogs, but can and does occur in cats as well.

3. Are rabies vaccinations needed? Are rabies vaccinations mandatory?

Because of the serious affect rabies has on pets, it is vital that you give your dog the proper pet care, and vaccination for rabies is one such measure you can take. Rabies affects all mammals and the argument for inoculating your pet is that there is always the potential of a bat or other form of animal with rabies getting inside your house. But really, how likely is that in a city or suburban area? On the other hand, the arguments for and against rabies vaccinations can become moot in areas where the shots are mandatory. Check your local laws before deciding against vaccinating your pet against rabies. You could be breaking the law by not doing so.

4. How long does pregnancy last in a dog or cat? Is veterinary assisted labor and birth necessary?

This is a common pet health care concern because all species go through a reproductive cycle. The timeframe that a dog is pregnant for is 63 days and cats are pregnant for 61 days. Although pet owners who are experienced in overseeing dogs and cats give birth may not need the assistance of a veterinarian for the actual labor and birth, as soon as the puppies or kittens are born, they should be examined by a veterinarian within 24 hours.

5. How soon can a dog or cat be spayed after giving birth? Is spaying necessary?

If your dog or cat has experienced an unwanted pregnancy, you should be very concerned to ensure that it does not happen again. There are far too many unwanted puppies and kittens in this world. Generally you want to wait to spay your dog or cat until the puppies or kittens are weaned the mother's milk has dried up. As soon as these two phases have occurred, you can spay your pet.

6. Is it normal for a cat to vomit hairballs? What can you do to prevent hairballs from forming?

Certainly it is common for cats to groom themselves and ingest a large amount of fur while doing so. However, if your cat is vomiting hairballs, this means that the hair is not moving from the stomach to the small intestines. The proper pet care for his problem is to give your cat pastes, treats or food that is made to help dissolve the hairballs.

If you're a pet owner, you probably have an array of pet health questions on your mind. Although there are hundreds of common questions pet owners have, these are a few of the most frequently asked pet health questions.

Things You Must Know When Adopting A Shelter Dog

If you are planning to adopt a dog from the shelter or have already done so, then read on to find out about the common behavioral problems your dog will have and one of the most common one is extreme hyperactivity.

After experiencing high anxiety levels and living a long life of boredom mixed with his nerves, a dog becomes hyperactive. When kept in a shelter too long, a dog spends much of its time pacing the cages and whining to get the attention of people. If a dog is locked up for so long with nothing to do, it may lead to its hyperactive behavioural problem.

After bringing the dog home into a bigger and more spacious environment, it may be stressed out by these new surroundings. Even though your home may be a very positive situation for your dog to live in, the changes are very stressful to it. It will consume some time for your dog to adjust to its new home, and old habits that it practices in the shelter such as pacing and crying out may be methods of coping.

Certain people think that to curb the dog's pacing and whining is to lock it up to keep it from moving around so much that may become quite irritating to the owner. But that is not the solution. By doing that, the hyperactive behaviour of the dog cannot be curbed on a long term basis. After all that exercise, it may cause the dog to be tired and it may stop the nervousness for awhile, but later on the hyperactivity will return.

Proper Training & Spending Time Together

Do some training with your dog, such as obedience training. It may rectify the problem by giving it some confidence and will help the dog pay attention to common commands like 'sit' or 'heel'. A trained dog tends to be more subdued, and will listen to commands and show less signs of hyperactivity.

By spending more time with your dog, it will help with its hyperactive problems, as training helps you bond with it more. When the training sessions are fun for your dog then its situation will improve. The more time your dog gets busy with training and playing the more the hyperactive habits will go away.

See below for more information on Dog Obedience Training.

Dog Behavior Training To Avoid House Soiling

Owning a dog has its rewards. Every time you go home, you will be greeted by a friendly and excited bark, with a tail wagging. When you want to stroll around, you've got company that won't tire on you. And at night when you are deeply asleep, you are assured that you are safe knowing that brave and bright doggie is watching over for any suspicious movements or activity inside the house and outside of the door. But this reward comes with a problem, too. House soiling is a major problem of dog owners. To avoid this, consider the suggestions below on dog behavior training to avoid house soiling.

There are a number of reasons why our dogs prefer to poop or pee everywhere except the toilet bowl. Primarily, of course, the pup is acting on instinct and it will go whenever it feels to go. Another reason is that your dog has a medical condition that makes him urinate and defecate involuntarily. You need to see a vet if you suspect sickness is the likely cause of house soiling. Territorial marking, separation anxiety and phobias are other reasons why a dog house soils. Determine first the reasons why you dog pees involuntary.

Dog behavior training is a way to teach your dog the best trick of all: defecating outside the house. You can do this creating a defecating and urinating routine for your dog. Dogs learn through routine, if he constantly do an act and is rewarded for acting good, he will repeat the act because he associates the act with praise, kindness and reward from his master. In dog behavior training, the same principle applies.

When Is My Dog Too Old For That Haircut?

Most dog owners prefer to have the breed haircut on their dogs. If they own a Cocker Spaniel they prefer to have the "Cocker clip". If they own a Bichon Friese they prefer a Bichon haircut. There are times when this to not the case. When the owner is dealing with stickers, skin problems or perhaps they just want something manageable. If you could ask the dog what type of haircut he wants I think that his reply would be "anything that makes my owner happy". But the question is, "When is the dog too old to have a breed haircut?".

Some people do not understand the difference between the time taken to clip a dog using clippers and the time taken to scissor a dog into a breed clip. So let me try and explain.

When a dog is in a clipper style haircut, during dog grooming the time it takes to wash and dry the dog is usually short. This means that the dog stands in the tub and on a table for a short time. When the dog is dry and ready for a haircut the time to do a clipper cut is relatively short. Usually it is not an issue if the dog has knots. The clippers will cut under the knots to remove them. Then the finishing scissor work is done on a clipper style haircut. The feet and the face must be done. Any long hair that the clippers missed must be cut off. And depending on the groomer, other areas of the dog are done. Normally is will take forty five minutes to an hour for all the stages of a basic clipper cut. And during the majority of this time the dog is asked to stand up.

When a dog is in a breed clip, usually the hair is at a length of at least one to two inches. Depending on the breed and the preference on the owner. The time is takes to wash and dry this length of hair is longer. This means that the dog must stand in the tub and on the drying table for a longer period of time. If a dog is getting a longer haircut, all the knots must be brushed out prior to the cut. This means more time spent standing on a table. For the breed clip it can take between one to two hours for all the stages of the haircut. This includes standing in the tub, on the table to be dried, tolerating having all the knots brushed out, and then standing again for the scissor work.

When a dog becomes older their tolerance level is sometimes less. They no longer tolerate being brushed as much as they did in their younger years. This alone causes them stress. Many times this is due to their bodies being more sensitive. Arthritis makes their joints a little stiffer and they get tired quicker. The longer they are made to stand on a table the more stress is causes them.

Unless our dogs are show dogs, the haircuts we have done on them are done for our own personal reasons. If your dog is twelve years old and can not walk for any distance then perhaps it is time for the dog grooming haircut that takes the least amount of time and stress. It really is true, your dog does not care what he looks like, he only cares what you think he looks like. So tell him he is just as beautiful with that short haircut as he was when he was younger with that fancy one. You will both be the better for it.

Natural Dog Food Reviews to the Rescue

When it comes to dog food, there are several types of food, flavors, and brands to make dog food comparisons from. It can be a difficult process finding the best food and selecting the right dog food brands to maintain your dog's health. Luckily for dog owners, there are dog food reviews that can help you decide what is best for your dog.

There are three kinds of dog foods, but for this article we will focus on the natural balance dog foods available. Natural balance dog foods generally contain only fresh, natural and wholesome ingredients. There are several benefits to choosing natural balance dog foods over other kinds of food, but your dog will find that the protein and carbohydrate ingredients are easily digestible.

There have been a number of dog food reviews and scientific studies that have shown that the best ingredient in dog food is meat-based protein. You will find that in many dog food brands the main ingredient is corn meal, flour or corn gluten meal. While not all natural balance dog foods contain meat-based protein, a majority of the brands do.

Aside from keeping your dog healthier and more active, dog food reviews show that natural balance dog food has also been known to keep your dog's coat healthier and thicker. Along with that, your dog will have fewer digestive problems and firmer stools. The kinds of meat-based proteins you should look for in your dogs food is chicken, turkey, and white rice or brown rice.

There are several kinds of dog food that is on the market and a plethora of different dog food brands to choose from. Many dog food reviews show that one of the best kinds is Life's Abundance Premium Health Food for Dogs. This dog food is reasonably priced and provides 100% complete nutrition in accordance to with AAFCO feeding protocols.

Life's Abundance has a high antioxidant formula and three sources of premium protein. The sources of protein include chicken meal, egg and fish meal. Even better than what is included is what is not included in this dog food, which does not include corn, wheat, dairy or by-products.

Another great dog food among dog food reviews is Sojos Dog Food Mix, which is a blend of wholesome grains, herbs, nuts and sea vegetables. To add flavor to the European style pet food, you can add meat and raw or steamed veges. As with Life's Abundance, Sojos Dog Food Mix does not contain fillers, preservatives, flavors or anything else.

Although there are several kinds of dog food brands to choose from, looking at the many dog food reviews can help you find the healthiest meal for your dog. The more meat-based protein that is in the food, the better it will taste for your dog and the healthier it will be for your dog. And for that reason, the top natural balance dog foods are Life's Abundance Premium Health Food for Dogs and Sojos Dog Food Mix.

Cat Behavior Training

Cats make great pets. They're cute, they're clean, they're smart, and they have an independent streak that you just won't find in a dog. Unfortunately, cats can also exhibit notoriously difficult behavior. They may destroy furniture, constantly meow and whine, and even claim territory all over your house. If one or more of these things start happening, it might be in your best interest to start cat behavior training.

Contrary to popular belief - and what you yourself may have been told - cat behavior training is possible. Cats aren't so independent that they'll refuse any and all efforts to train them. In fact, they can be quite responsive, so long as you use the right techniques.

Keep in mind that cats aren't quite like any other animal, and they're certainly not the same as dogs. Some methods of behavior training that will work with other household pets will utterly fail with your cat.

What's the most important thing to keep in mind when training your cat? You absolutely need to know and accept that reacting physically won't help a thing. Cats don't respond to being swatted with a newspaper or having their noses rubbed in their own urine - on the contrary, they'll only resent you for it. They won't understand why you've done what you have, they'll only be frustrated and upset with you.

In fact, trying to train your cat through physical punishment can completely ruin your relationship with him. He won't trust you, he won't understand why you're punishing him, and his behavior certainly won't improve.

Training your cat requires you to talk to him, using positive words and tones combined with rewards of food or new toys when he's done something good, and the opposite when he's done something wrong.

You also need to maintain a stable environment, as cats are very sensitive to any and all changes going on around them. Have you moved recently? Have you introduced a new pet into your home? Have you moved your cat's litter box? Any of these things have the potential to negatively influence your cat's behavior.

Perhaps above all, you need patience. Cat behavior training is not exactly a walk in the park. It takes time, it takes effort, and it takes dedication. With some perseverance on your part, however, and the right techniques, there's no doubting the fact that you will be able to improve your cat's behavior, which makes for a better relationship between you and your pet.

9 'Sit Stay Fetch' Tips To Rapid Dog Toilet Training

Teaching a dog to 'Sit Stay Fetch' is difficult but potty training a puppy is one of the biggest challenges facing dog owners.

Experts tout many different methods of potty training. Some of them work for some puppies or they would not have become popular.

Puppies learn new skills at different rates. Your puppy will need time to develop a firm understanding of where it is acceptable to potty and where it is not.

Understandably, there will be many accidents, especially at first. Focus on correcting their potty behaviours.

Below are 9 Sit Stay Fetch Tips to Dog Toilet Training

1) Plan in advance how and where your puppy is going to relieve himself.

2) Plan in advance how and to paper train the puppy, indoors or outdoors? If it is indoors lay the paper down near a door.

3) Learn the clues that indicate your puppy needs to potty. These clues are: restlessness, sniffing the floor, or returning to a previously soiled spot. Your pup will need to potty about 5-20 minutes after eating, sleeping or playing.

4) Like a child, a Puppy has a small bladder but the difference is, there are no 'pup nappies' to collect the accidental waste. And hence a puppy needs constant supervision till such time they have the right idea.

5) Anticipate it - Keep a track of the time your puppy needs before he relieves himself. Once you have the timing of the puppy's bodily function, use it as a rough guide to knowing the next 'relief' session.

Knowing in advance will give you the opportunity to take the puppy out 5-10 minutes prior.

6) Puppies need to relieve themselves frequently, sometimes as often as once an hour. If possible, at least once per hour, take your new puppy potty as often as possible in the early stages of his house training.

7) Consistent pattern - Train your puppy to go to the right area with a set pattern and encourage your puppy to relieve himself there every time. Hence, when you take your puppy outside to potty, take them to to the same spot each time and do not play.

As soon as your puppy reliefs, praise the puppy.

8) Always accompany the puppy and check that the puppy has relieved completely.

9) There are going to be accidents, so stay calm. Do not hit a puppy for their accidents or rub a puppy's nose in his or her mistakes. Just clean up the mess and disinfect the area.

House training requires consistency and a schedule. By using the same set pattern, you will reinforce the correct potty behaviour.

If you dog requires urgent dog house training, Sit Stay Fetch will show house training techniques to get the fastest results. And the best part is, the methods are applicable for dogs of any age or breed.

Lastly, if you have any other behavioral issues with your dog or just looking to train your puppy, Sit Stay Fetch is highly recommended.