Puppy Education

As a dog lover, you know how much our furry companion loves to have fun and frolic.This means ensuring that they get plenty of exercise, but leaving them unsupervised will leave you with grey hairs.That’s why keeping them contained is a good idea.Constructing a fence around your house may be the obvious choice but it could obstruct the view from your home. This is where having a wireless fence comes handy.

So the next question is how exactly does a wireless fence work? It mainly consists of two main equipment – the transmitter and a receiver collar. The transmitter emits a radio signal within a limited range.The receiver is put in the dogs collar; so when your pet dog approaches the edge of the boundary, the receiver sounds a warning. If the boundary is crossed, your pet dog will receive a shock. But fear not, this is mild and has enough power only to startle your dog.

Even though the pros of wireless fence are many and there are a lot of good brands available certain things will have to be given serious consideration, such as:

• Property size and shape – This is because the landscape will have to be flat, with no element to interfere with the signal.
• Minimum weight and age – Not recommend for dogs below 6 months. The dog also has to have the minimum weight recommend to ensure that the shock doesn’t harm your dog.
• Number of dogs –  Some systems allow only 2 dogs while others allow unlimited numbers. All you have to do is buy compatible collars for the additional dogs.
• Breed – Some dogs have short hair and others long, the collar will have to be adjusted accordingly.
• Budget – Carefully ascertain your budget before purchasing a product.

Some of the recommend brands are:

Pet Safe Stay and Play Wireless Fence: This fence comes in a circular shape, the collar is lightweight and water proof.It is portable, comes with a built in rechargeable battery and has a 1 year warranty.It can be used for people who have multiple dogs.

Pet Safe Wireless Pet Containment System: Recommended for puppies above 6 months.

It can be extended with additional transmitter and used for unlimited number of dogs.It is also economical making it a preferred choice amongst dog lovers.

Perimeter Technologies Wi-Fi Dog Fence: Usable for up to 2 dogs, but the collar size is designed for much larger dogs ,it is also water proof.It is relatively expensive.

Friendly Pet Product Wireless Electric Dog Fence: Can be used on multiple dogs.The collar is adjustable and waterproof although it is quite difficult to set up.

Having a wireless fence is a safe and simple form of pet containment, it keeps your dog contained as well as giving  them a certain amount of freedom.At the same time you have to keep in mind that your dog will take time to get accustomed to the fence and for this proper training has to be given.Consult your vet or get a professional trainer to help you out.Make sure your dog doesn’t wear the collar for more than 12-13 hours a day.

Doggy resource site, Pooching Around has highlighted the important items you should store away for your dog’s survival kit for emergency situations. There is no telling when disaster, whether man-made or natural, could strike and therefore, it is better to be safe and prepared than under prepared and sorry.

The infographic helpfully points out in a clear and precise way, exactly what you need. Including essentials such as food, water and some kind of portable bowl to feed and water them from.

A doggy survival kit is much of the same thing as a human go-bag and an important aspect of survival, especially animals prone to stress like dogs, is having things that they are familiar with and that will help keep them calm. This may be a favorite blanket or even a favorite toy. Both are important to pack though as the blanket will comfort your furry friend, while the toy will not only provide them with entertainment, but may remind them of home.

Internet and phone services may be down in a state of emergency, so its important also to have stored away in hard-copy form, details of vets and shelters in the wider local area (as you don’t know where you might end up if you have to flee your home) and information regarding your dog’s health records and prescriptions and medications. Having this close to hand when seeking treatment or help, will save time if a vet that has never met you or your dog before is trying to workout what is best to prescribe for your dog and how best to help them.

Is your dog suffering from depression? Have you noticed a lack of interest in him suddenly? Does your pooch’s emotional and physical enthusiasm drops down when he is stressed out, and unable to cope up with the disturbing or changing situations? There can be different reasons for canine depression, from loss of a family member to arrival of a new baby or pet at home.

Small dogs and hyperactive dogs like Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix, Border Collie, Labradors, etc are prone to developing depression and anxiety.

Symptoms of Depression:

Major symptoms of depression are:

1. Excessive Licking
2. Avoidance or Hiding
3. Loss of Interest
4. Changes in Sleeping Habits (Insomnia or Excessive Sleeping)
5. Appetite Changes (Loss of Appetite or Overeating)

Treating Depression the Right Way:

There are some do’s and don’ts of treating canine depression to tackle the situation thoroughly.

Things to Do:

You should consider following things to cure depression in dogs:

1) Consult the vet:

The first step to treating a pet-related problem is identifying the symptoms correctly. Dogs can get depressed for various reasons:

1. Arrival of a new baby or pet or visitor
2. Death of a house pet or family member
3. Sudden change in dog’s daily routine
4. Change of house
5. Depression of the owner
6. Lack of proper social interaction

If you have failed to recognize any specific cause for your dog’s depression, then, consult the vet to identify it. The dog may be suffering from any medical issue.

2) Comfort the dog:

Dogs love discipline in life. They like staying within the comfort zone, i.e., following a routine and being familiar with the surroundings.

Changes in routine should be brought gradually, so the dog may not identify them. If you have changed home, keep the dog bowl, crate, etc. same to make him comfortable at the new place. Make good memories at the new site with the dog to rely on!

If it’s about the arrival or departure of someone new, pay attention to the dog as much as you did before. Make him experience the fun with or without the new member respectively to get used to the change. Implement treat training method to attract him into the play.

3) Physical and mental exercise:

Involve the dog into mental and physical exercises outdoors and indoors. Make use of their hunting skills and the habit of ‘completing the task’ at hand at any cost. You just have to engage the dog once, and he will play for hours. With time introduce the new member to the dog and let him take the dog out.

4) Pay attention:

This is not a warning signboard, but something important. Your dog loves to be the center of attention. So, it’s imperative that you show love and care to the pooch despite the changes in his life.

5) Medication:

If the dog fails to recover from the symptoms of depression for several months, then you can move on to giving him vet-prescribed antidepressants like Prozac.

Things to Avoid:

1) Delay in treatment:

Begin the treatment at the earliest you recognize the symptoms and change in dog’s behavior. Depression and inactivity can increase the chances of further problems, including upset stomach, obesity, and maybe heart problems. Curing prolonged depression is difficult.

2) Allow overeating:

Giving love and care to your dog doesn’t mean that you can promote the pooch’s overeating habit out of anxiety. You have to maintain the balance of food according to activity levels per day. Obesity in dogs can lead to high blood pressure and heart problems. Better to stay safe than be sorry later!

3) Show depressed behavior:

Emotions are contagious for pets. If your depression has transferred to your pooch, you have to consult the psychologist to get treatment for yourself. Moreover, you can train your pooch as a ‘therapy dog’ to aid in curing your depression, it will help both of you to walk out the door of gloom and sadness.

4) Force to perform tasks:

Forcing a dog to socialize, play, and go out with the new member will not do the job. You have to bring the changes gradually through positive reinforcement. Give him treats whenever he does something for you.

5) Change the dog supplies:

With a change of home, changing dog supplies, including the bed, crate, bowl, toys, etc. is not a positive step towards treatment. Once the dog is out of depression and acclimates to the new place, you can move ahead towards changing the supplies.

Conclusion:

Consistency is the key. Despite the changes in life, you can accustom the dog to new things. Comfort him to live with the changes, and your dog will soon overcome his depression. Positive reinforcement is the best encouragement for the dog to get excited to perform various tasks for you that will benefit his mental state.

There is no denying that dogs are intelligent creatures, they can understand our gestures, words & intonation. However, they are like our babies and children do require training. You need to patiently put in efforts to teach your dog the right behaviors. As dog-parents you can successfully train your pup by utilizing the right tools and methodologies.

Ways to Train Your Dog

There are two approaches for pet-parents who wish to train their dogs:

• Positive Reinforcement Training
• Aversive Training

The former is based on the concept of rewards while the latter revolves around positive punishments. Reinforcement training is a more preferred approach due to the benefits it offers. While using positive reinforcement, you treat your furry companion with his favorite brand of dog food or toy whenever he pleases you with his behaviors. It helps strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend and also makes communication easy.

Training Treats:

Treats are a great way of motivating your dog to obey your commands. Like humans dogs are also fond of delicious food hence it works as the best simulator.  However, the treats should form a tiny percentage of the dog’s diet as consumption in a significant amount may lead to severe health issues.  You can also follow some easy recipes and prepare healthy treats at home.

Single Ingredient Treats!

This is the best option for those who aren’t good cooks. You can provide your pooch with these treats which are delicious and full of nutritional goodness.

Cooked Chicken

Chicken is rich in protein which contains the amino acids vital for your dog’s health. You can boil it without any seasonings, cook it or bake it with little fat and your pup will love it. You can also add any grain to the meat to make healthy treats.

Coconut

Coconut consists of Lauric acid and albumin which boost the pup’s immune system and help prevent various illnesses. Eating coconut is also beneficial for your dog’s coat and skin health. You can use coconut water as a refreshing treat while training your pooch. Remember moderation is essential so don’t overdo it.

Pears

Pears are nutrient powerhouses. They are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals and have antioxidant properties. They are beneficial for your dog’s digestive health and help fight diseases such as cancer as the antioxidants prevent free radical damage. Cut the pear into cubes, make sure you remove the stem, pit & seeds, and feed it to your dog when he listens to your commands.

Baby Carrots

Carrots are an excellent source of fiber. They contain carotenoids that are beneficial for the eyes and skin of your pooch. You can cut baby carrots into small pieces to feed your dog as a treat.

Oatmeal and Pumpkin Biscuits:

Oatmeal is a source of good carbs whereas pumpkin is packed with dietary fiber and vitamin A. You can combine the benefits of the two superfoods to make nutritious and tasty biscuits.

Ingredients

• 3 cups (384grams) whole wheat flour
• 1 cup (128 grams) rolled oats
• 1½ cups pumpkin puree
• 3 tablespoons water (Enough to make a workable dough)

Recipe

Preheat the oven to 350⁰F. Mix the flour, rolled oats and pumpkin puree in a bowl. Add a little water to make a ball of dough. Roll it out and cut cookies into the desired shape. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 30 minutes.

Beef Jerky:

Grass-fed beef is beneficial for dogs; you can incorporate it into their meals in many ways. Beef jerky is one such treat that can be given to your pooch when he behaves like a good boy.

Recipe:

Preheat the oven to 180⁰F. Cut the beef into ½ inch wide pieces and rub them with parsley. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes. Afterward, place them on a dehydrator at 150⁰F and dehydrate it for 5 hours. Once the beef pieces have dried out, your jerky is ready.

If you love your dog and need some gear, it’s a good time to start dropping hints about what you and your dog need. Read on for gift ideas that will make your relationship with Fido even stronger.

Dog monitoring camera

You may be curious about what your dog does while you’re at work. The solution? A dog monitoring camera. This technology has come a long way. Most of these cameras are affordable and unobtrusive, occupying about the same space as a landline telephone. And they generally connect through your wifi.

Some cameras have live streaming capabilities that allow you to issue a firm “No” if you see your dog tearing into your favorite shoes. Some cameras even allow you to dispense treats remotely while you’re telling Rover “Good boy!”

Pet cams are particularly valuable to people who suspect that their dogs are barking too much during the work day and annoying the neighbors. You can dispense a treat when your dog is being well behaved and quiet to reinforce good behavior. Your gifter may be able to score one of these cameras for only $70!

Dog tracker

Does your dog keep gaining weight even though you have put her on a diet and kept it up religiously? You may need a dog tracker that tells you how much exercise she is getting. These new trackers are invaluable for showing you that your dog really isn’t working out in the backyard. Or you might discover that she has trouble going up stairs.

A GPS tracker, which fits right on your dog’s collar, will tell you exactly where your pooch is at any time. This new technology is a godsend for people who worry about losing their dogs. If your dog has ever tunneled under the fence or run out the door when you were bringing in the groceries, you should definitely put one of these trackers on your wishlist. Pet Life Today has a list of the best GPS dog trackers.

Same thing if you go camping or traveling with your dog. Basically, any time you have your dog off leash and away from home, there’s a risk he will run away. So a tracker gives you peace of mind.

Dog bed

Many of us sleep with our dogs, but science tells us we really shouldn’t share our human bed with them because that’s disruptive to sleep. A dog in your bedroom, however, has been documented to improve sleep.

The solution? A good dog bed in your bedroom. There are many different good dog beds out there. In general, you want one that:

• Is definitely big enough for your dog.
• Allows for cuddling with other animals if you have cats or a ferret that are also in love with your dog.
• Has features specific to your dog’s needs, like spine support for smaller dogs with short legs or cooling materials for dogs who overheat.
• Is washable.
• Is not ugly to you. It will be part of your decor for quite a while.

Make sure that your wish list specifies exactly what kind of dog bed you want so your loved ones don’t make a regrettable mistake.

If you are getting a bed for a second dog, be sure both beds are big enough for the biggest dog. Little dogs are known to commandeer the bigger bed, leaving the good-natured big dog trying to fit his frame onto the smaller bed.

In conclusion, technology has really improved the lives of dog owners. We can now know that our dogs are safe, secure, and appropriately behaved at all times. So don’t hesitate to put dog tech on your wishlist.