Much like their human companions, canine pets require special nutrition in order to enjoy optimal health. Most of the treats and foods that are available commercially aren't even close to the optimal blend of protein, fat, and natural carbohydrates that canines need for proper pet nutrition. Learning what's right for your companion - and what might need to be supplemented - is key to achieving a good dog diet that helps your friend live a full, long, and healthy life.

Natural Is Always Better

Imagine the life of a canine in the wild. Is there any kind of natural food that replicates the kibble and canned options that today's domesticated animals consume? A natural dog diet couldn't possibly contain any of it because they don't possess the necessary tools to process it that highly. That's why the first step to attaining optimal pet nutrition is to simply avoid anything unnatural. Look for whole ingredients such as whole grains and real meat. Avoid any kind of by-products and avoid anything that is too grain-focused.

Avoid Preservatives

Preservatives aren't healthy for humans, and they're just as bad for canines. They are simply not meant to consume some of what is used to package and hold some of the food on the market today. Consuming too many preservatives puts a lot of stress on their kidneys, which can lead to early failure and other issues stemming from overwork.

Fresh Food Is Optimal

If you have the time and the budget, the best dog diet is without question one which focuses entirely on home cooked meals. These meals can involve a lot of different grains and vegetables, but should always focus on simple combinations of protein, vegetable based carbohydrate, and fats.

Most Commercial Food Isn't Good

Even the most "scientifically formulated" pet nutrition available in prepackaged containers is not usually optimal for two simple reasons: it must contain preservatives, and cannot contain the kinds of fresh ingredients that are most vital. When something is canned and processed as thoroughly as most current dog diet options, all value is removed from the actual ingredients.

Even With Optimal Dog Diet, Supplements Are Still Required

Years of farming and cultivation have stripped nutrients from even the most remote and most thoroughly organic plots. As a result, pets and humans both have to rely on supplements to replace the nutrients that can no longer be provided by diet alone. When supported by a good supplement, it's fairly easy to achieve proper pet nutrition, even if you have to rely on canned food or other highly preserved diet options. Simply pick the best that you have access to, and then ensure that you're adding in a highly nutrient rich supplement. Look for one that has a blend of different vitamins and minerals, including antioxidants and immune support.

Outlined in this article, I'm going to share with you how to teach the stay command to your dog. Many times, as you leave an area, your family dog will wish to follow you, particularly if they are energetic. You will at times like your faithful friend to remain in one location.

The initial thing you must do should be to purchase a good quantity of dog snacks. Have your dog follow you into a tranquil area and have your dog sit down. Visibly show your pet snack clasped within your hands, allowing your pet to be aware that are holding on to it. As soon as your dog attempts to reach for the snack, shut your hand. The dog will choose to then draw their head back. Once he performs this, reward your pet and provide your dog the snack.

In teaching your dog the sit command, timing is crucial. Do it repeatedly, and keep doing this up until the time your dog will not reach for the snack, but alternatively pulls back right away.

After your pet is repeatedly moving back every time you display a snack, you should start out on a further phase of the method. Replicate the first task once more, however wait around two seconds following the time your dog draws back before giving him the dog snack. You should only reward the dog and present him a goody when he is staying still.

In case your pet moves, take several steps away then repeat these actions. Keep practicing this part of the exercise until your pet is able to stay for a few seconds. Not less than five seconds is the goal you are striving for. Make certain that you can get your companion to stay when you are along side of him prior to you attempting to get your best friend to stay when you are leaving.

The following step begins by advising the dog to stay, while at the same time, you clearly show him the goody. Say to your dog something similar to "good" or perhaps "ok" after handing your pet his much-deserved snack. Should it happen that your pet will not stay for less than 30 seconds, let him know "no" and you should not reward him with a goody. Should your dog repeat making mistakes, change to 15 seconds in place of the original thirty seconds. Making repeated mistakes could be an indication you are preceding with your lessons a bit too quickly. Review exactly what your dog currently understands, and start from that point.

Once your dog starts to progress as well as stays for longer amounts of time, move him away from the quiet spot, and into an area with more distractions. Review and do each of the techniques previously mentioned repeatedly. By using this method, your dog will discover how to obey the commands and will learn not to be distracted.

Why in the world would you ship your dog as cargo? The main reason is that the dog is too big for the cabin or to be checked as baggage.

A little understanding of airline rules and regulations, plus a few good tips will help to make the journey much easier for your dog and a lot less stressful for you.

TIP 1

Make a reservation for your dog. Most airlines require the reservation to be made at least 3 days in advance of the flight. Only a certain number of animals are allowed on the flight. Without a reservation, the rest of your planning is for nothing.

TIP 2

Your dog must have current and up to date health records. A trip to the vet a couple of weeks before the trip will make certain that your dog is fit to fly.

TIP 3

Be sure to check on the temperatures at the departure and arrival points and in between if the dog is to be transferred between airplanes. Airlines will not transport your dog if temperatures are over 85 degrees or below freezing. If your dog will sit in the cargo area or on the airport ramp for any length of time, their health could be in danger if the temperatures are one extreme or the other.

TIP 4

The crate you will be shipping your dog in should not exceed the following dimensions 40 X 27 X 30. These dimensions are pretty standard but check with the airline for exact size requirements.

TIP 5

The main reason that a dog will be shipped as cargo is the weight of the dog and crate combined. Your dog and the crate can't exceed 100 pounds combined weight. Someone has to move your dog and crate so the weight restriction is for safety of the cargo movers.

TIP 6

Do not sedate your dog.

To understand the reason for this, put a toy dog in the crate and then shake it up and down as well as around. See how the toy has been thrown all around the crate. This is what will happen to your dog if they can't control their balance and control their movements.

Even if you can't travel with your dog on an airplane, the dog can still be shipped as cargo. Many people are afraid to send their dog in this manner because they are afraid that the dog will suffer injuries or something worse. The good news is that airlines ship thousands of dogs as cargo each year. Every airline is committed to providing your dog with a safe and hazard free trip. Follow the airline dog policies along with these tips and your dog should have a safe and comfortable trip.

These days I am noticing a lot of over-weight dogs. I stop to say hello and find that these dogs are the apple of Mom and Dad's eyes. They are loved and given treats and food to make them happy.

As a dog Mom I know what it feels like to want to give your pet almost anything to make her happy. There's nothing quite like the look of excitement, anticipation and tail wagging to make you cave and give that "one last" treat! As long as the dog doesn't beg at the table, people are more than happy to give her whatever she wants.

I wonder if people realize that obesity in pets is just as harmful as it is for humans. When I was a child canine diabetes was unheard of, now, I know of too many dogs who need insulin shots! A dog who is overweight is going to suffer health problems and have a shortened life span.

I love seeing people take care of themselves; they eat right and exercise to feel and look good. I don't understand why those same standards are not applied to their beloved dogs!! Dogs receive the same benefits of a healthy diet and exercise that we do! They feel good, they stay healthier longer, and they don't suffer as much from degenerative dis-eases like arthritis, diabetes, heart dis-ease, and respiratory disorders to name a few.

A happy dog is also a healthy dog! In a previous article I wrote about how exercise affects behavior. Appropriate exercise is also very important for the physical well-being of your dog.

Just like a human work out, before you start running your dog full out, remember they need to warm up their muscles and tendons. Depending on the age and physical condition of your dog, you may have to start slowly and work your way into a more strenuous exercise routine. This may mean a walk around the block and slowly increasing this until you are both jogging the track at the local high school or park.

Never run your dog on concrete, it is too hard and will cause joint and bone problems. We wear sneakers to avoid injury, we don't have them for our dogs yet!

As for diet and nutrition, many people feed a healthy diet, just too much of it! When you cut back on your dog's food, you can add vegetables to help them feel satisfied. Instead of treats and cookies try hard bones or toys. Sometimes your dog is not really hungry, he just needs something to chew.

As you would for yourself, consult your veterinarian before you start any diet or exercise program. Work with your vet to monitor your dog's progress. Your success will result in a happy dog who will be your companion for much longer than if you "love him to death" with too much good food.

Every dog owner has his piece of share when it comes to handling his own dog issues. There is managing how to stop dog barking, minimize its chewing and digging and even dealing with our dog's aggressive behavior.

Actually, dog aggression is caused by a lot of possible reasons. As a responsible owner, it is our responsibility to be knowledgeable about these reasons so we have the ability to tend, minimize or even stop our pet's aggression if it is already harmful under some circumstances. Some people blame aggression on the breed of your pet. Pit bulls display more aggression than other breeds of dogs for example. Another reason is the environment where your dog grows, his socialization or lack of it as well as our dog's interaction and communication between us owners can also be a part of our pet's aggression issues.

It is true that aggression is a serious matter. But it is also true that it can be controlled and even stopped with the proper dog training methods and approaches. The key and the first step in dealing with their aggressive behavior is by finding out what causes it and then learn how to properly address the problem.

There are also different types of aggression like Fear Aggression, Dominant Aggression, Protection Aggression and Redirection Aggression. Different types of aggression require different treatments and approaches. While different dog training guides and manuals are out in the market today, you can always attend your dog's problems personally. It is proven that dog owners that attend to their pet's problem personally, granting the situation is still manageable, is closer to their dog than the others who don't.

It is very important that your dog sees you as a respected leader of the pack. Sometimes aggression in dogs are because of their confusion about who is the Alpha in your family. You can also give them bunch of exercises both physically and mentally for them to drain those excess energy out of them, thus helping them calm down a bit. You can also see a professional trainer for additional training methods and schedule an appointment with your trusted veterinarian for your dog's checkup. Dog aggression can also be caused by chemical imbalance, health issues, irritability, fever and other stuffs that only your vet knows how to handle. Another very important thing is respect. Treat them with love and respect and they will reward you with the same plus a whole lot of lifetime loyalty.

It is very important to protect your family first when handling your issues. In dealing with this kind of issues, always remember to keep the dog away from your children and other family members to avoid accidents. Never hit them as it will worsen any problem you are to solve. You want to stop dog aggression? Other than the steps above and the techniques given in the dog training manuals and by professional trainers, what you need is love and patience.

The strongest sense any canine has is their sense of smell, but humans occasionally take that for granted. Dog's can detect a myriad of smells that are different from location to location that people only get the slightest hint of -- imagine being taken to some foreign land where everything not only looks and sounds different, but the scent is unfamiliar, too.

This can be overwhelming for a dog who is on the move. Canine vision and taste are decent but not as powerful as their nose (although their hearing is also rather impeccable, depending on the breed). This is why using a travel dog bed both at home and on the road can be a massive comfort to any pet on the road.

Keeping the pet bed at home and letting the dog use it regularly as a regular dog bed will actually benefit your dog more than if you have a separate bed for traveling. By sleeping and lounging in the travel dog bed regularly, the cozy spot will smell to a dog like a little bit of home that has come along for the journey.

Even for dogs that love to see new places and meet new people, the overwhelming amount of new stimuli will wear out even the most rambunctious of dogs eventually. With a travel pet bed that he has already used and still smells like him, a traveling dog can curl up and fall fast asleep, providing a reprieve from the onslaught of smells and sounds.

Most travel dog beds are made to fit inside dog carriers or crates, but owners don't have to use a crate with the bed if their dog is trained. For dogs that do well in the car, owners can toss the pillow on the backseat or in the back of a truck -- just make sure there is some way to secure the pillow if it gets put in the pickup bed.

But crates aren't a bad option for dogs, especially when traveling. When used at home, dog crate beds keep dogs warm and secluded, allowing them to properly sleep (plus they won't be harassed by other dogs or cats in the same household). Crating doesn't have to be a punishment for a pet, but dogs also love when their travel dog bed is put next to the fireplace or heater. The beds can also provide comfort on hardwood floors.

Choosing a dog to share your life is a very important decision and should not be made lightly. You must educate yourself on all aspects of owning one. Dogs are a lot of work. You must look at your own circumstances regarding finances, where you live and how much time can you give to a dog. You must find a dog that suits your lifestyle.

Here are some crucial questions you should ask yourself before choosing a dog. You must answer these questions honestly. If you make a wrong decision, the dog may suffer.

Why do you want to own a dog?

You might want a dog as a family pet, the children are putting pressure on you for a puppy, as a companion, as a fashion statement, for protection, sports such as hunting or obedience trials or to replace a pet which passed away.

Can you afford the expense involved in owning a dog?

First you will have to spend money making your home and garden safe and escape proof before you even bring your dog home. Maybe you will get your dog for free but you will have to buy food and a food and water bowl, collar and leash, grooming kit and toys and treats to keep him occupied. There will be veterinarian costs and pet insurance. He will need a crate or doghouse to sleep in. You might have to pay someone to look after him while you are away on holidays or working.

Where do you live and do you have the space for a dog?

You have to choose the right breed for where you live. A large dog will need plenty of space to move around and not feel cramped. Some rented accommodations have very strict rules on pets. A lot of dogs can live quite happily in a city but some need a more rural environment to run and exercise. If you are really house proud or obsessed with your garden then getting a dog might not be a good idea. All dogs make a certain amount of mess from hairs on the furniture to muddy paws, slobbering or digging lots of holes in your garden. A Dog needs space to move around freely and it is cruel to confine him in a tiny area.

Have you a lot of work commitments that demand your time at the office or being away from home?

Dogs are very social animals and love interaction, especially with their owner. You must spend time with your dog or he will start to develop behaviour problems from being left alone too long. If you cannot take him out for a walk during the day then perhaps family or friends could do it for you. There is dog day care or dog sitters but they will cost money. A dog is a full time commitment and must be exercised every day.

Do you want a puppy or adult dog, big or small, male or female?

A puppy is very time consuming as he needs lots of attention in those early months. He will need to play and relieve himself a lot. It is easy to bond with a puppy. An adult dog might be house trained already but not always. It will take longer for an adult dog to bond with you and settle in. A young adolescent dog will have lots of energy, needing lots of vigorous exercise. A small dog takes up less space and eats less so it is cheaper to keep than a big dog. A big dog can scare or knock over small children or elderly people just playing with them. A big dog needs lots of space. A male dog will tend to wander a lot looking for a mate so you will have to fence your garden very securely. It is a good idea to neuter a male dog for this reason and for some health reasons. A female will come into season twice a year and draw the attention of the male dogs in your area. You should get her spayed and it will also cure the problem of unwanted puppies.

Where do you intend to get your dog?

A rescue centre or dog shelter is a great place to get a dog. Sometimes there is a small charge to help cover vaccination costs. There are usually lots of dogs to choose from and the staff will help you pick a dog that is best suited to your lifestyle and personality. You could check with your local dog kennel club for information and a list of reputable breeders. Make sure you ask the breeder lots of questions about a puppy you are intending to buy and ask about its parents and if you can see them. Do not buy from a puppy-mill as these animals are bred in very poor conditions and due to neglect they can have physical or mental problems.

There are lots of other questions you should ask yourself before choosing a dog. Think hard about why you want one and can you give him the life he deserves. Do you honestly have the time to give to a dog and his daily needs?. Is it just a passing thought and you just want a dog like your favourite celebrity?. Take plenty of time and do not rush this important decision.

A dog is a wonderful, loving and fun animal to own. He/she can bring years of happiness and joy. However, a dog is not necessarily the right pet for everyone.

It is a wonderful sight to watch children and dogs playing. However, you must teach your child there is more to having a dog than just playing with him. Involve your child in the dog's everyday needs such as food, grooming and exercise.

A child must learn what behaviour is acceptable from them and the dog, to ensure the happiness and safety of both.

Children must say a loud "no" and stop playing with the dog immediately if he nips them. This lets him know that he was too rough. The child must turn its back and walk away leaving the dog alone. He will soon learn the play ends when he is not careful with his teeth.

If a dog is allowed to nip children and it is not dealt with, it could turn into a bigger problem as he gets older. Children must tell you if the dog keeps nipping them.

Your dog must always see children as dominant pack members. A dog cannot play with children like he would his own siblings, constantly challenging them.

The Alpha training must include your children so make sure everyone eats before the dog and he always follows behind, when going through doorways.

Get your dog used to children of different ages and characters. You have to socialise him but keep him under control on a leash at all times. Give him lots of praise when he is well behaved. Lots of positive reinforcement will make him a better dog.

There has to be house rules for children and their dog. If your dog is not allowed onto the furniture make sure the children do not let him break this rule.

Fetch is a good game. Throw the ball, the dog brings it back, drops it and waits for it to be thrown again. This develops self-control in your dog while playing.

The child or adult must always decide when a game starts and ends, not the dog. The dog must drop the ball when asked and show self-discipline.

A tug-o-war game is not a good game between children and their dog as it causes him to assert his strength and dominance. This should not be encouraged.

A parent should always be present with a child during training time or snuggling time. Get your child to help with the training by letting her/him give the dog treats when he sits or lies down.
Remember Nipping is Never Allowed.

Snuggling time is great for bonding the relationship between a family and their dog. Have your child just pet or brush the dog on their lap with adult supervision.

Children must always be supervised when walking a dog in a public place. This can be very dangerous, as a strong dog can easily pull a child out in front of oncoming traffic.

There are rules when walking a dog for both children and adults. Safety must always come first.

Looking after a dog can help a child learn about being responsible for the health and wellbeing of another living creature.

The care of the family dog requires effort, and commitment from all members of the family. That cute little dog or puppy can sometimes be a real handful, but the joy and companionship he/she brings is worth it.

If you do not enforce your own position as being the alpha dog and superior in the pack to your dog, then there is a good chance that he will try and raise his place in the ranking system. This is a totally natural thing for him to want to do, but you must not let it happen. Dominant dogs can become dangerous.

It is very important that you install yourself as the pack leader or top dog, right from the start of your relationship, and that you continue to enforce this position, even if you only have a new puppy.

1. If you come across your dog while he is sleeping on the floor then you can reinforce your position as alpha dog by making him move so that you can pass. Do not disturb him for no good reason, but if you want to maintain your alpha position and he is sleeping in a doorway, then you should make him move.

2. When you and your dog are walking side by side you should never let him go through a doorway first. The alpha dog always has the right of way. It is a good idea to make your dog sit or wait while you walk in through a door first.

3. At meal times you should ensure all the humans eat first then feed the dog. In the wild the alpha dog will be in good physical condition compared to the rest of the pack as he or she will get to eat first and eat the best of any food.
It is very important that you do not feed your dog bits of food throughout the day. If you do feed him in this way, you will just encourage poor behaviour. Keep these bits for training purposes then you will get a much better response from him. Do not feed your dog from the table as it can become a difficult habit to break.

4. You want to have the correct relationship with your dog and on your terms. A good way of reinforcing this is by not greeting your dog straightaway when you arrive home, instead make him wait. Make sure that you have greeted all of the humans in the house first. If there is nobody else in your house then sit and relax or check the mail. This shows your dog he can only come to you when you
want it and not him. This technique has a calming effect on your dog too.

5. There are things you can do when your dog does not respond to you as you would like him to. Use something to alarm your dog, such as a squirt from a water pistol or shaking a can filled with coins or pebbles. Make sure that you shake the can while he is in the act of misbehaving or ignoring you. At the same time say a loud "No!" or make a sharp growling sound. Use a stern voice so that the dog recognizes the difference in tone from your normal voice. Be sincere and mean it so that your dog associates your tone with stopping the behaviour.

6. Keep up your dog's obedience skills. Regular training sessions are key to improving his obedience. Throw in a few commands whenever you take your dog for a walk. Make him sit, stay, down and heel etc. These commands are particularly good for reinforcing your position as alpha dog. Keep the training sessions short so that you do not bore or overload your dog with information. Keep it fun for both of you.

7. If you notice your dog showing small signs of unwanted behaviour it is important that you deal with the situation immediately. If not, it could very quickly become a big problem. In the wild the Alpha dog is always on guard as lower ranking dogs try to challenge him for leadership. You must watch your own dog for this very same reason.

You must be the alpha dog or pack leader making all the decisions for your dog. Dogs are happy when they have a confident leader and there is balance and structure in their life.