Understanding What Your Dog Is Trying to Tell You

Just like humans, dogs are also very expressive. In fact, if you look around you, you may not see a lot of very expressive people. Truth be told, some of our canine buddies are perhaps even more expressive than their human counterparts. You may not be aware of it sometimes, but your pet dog communicates when he’s feeling happy, sad, angry, afraid, and even when he’s nervous. He uses his face and some body parts to convey these emotions.

 

Since our four-legged friends can’t talk, it can be challenging for us as owners to understand what they’re trying to tell us. The body language of dogs is an elaborate system of nonverbal communication that can be hard to understand for some who do not know how to interpret it.

 

If you want to read the postures and signals of your pet pooch, it will be easier to understand what he’s trying to tell you. Here are tips on how to understand the meaning of some of the facial expressions of your dog:

 

The eyes – You can easily tell that your pet dog is happy and relaxed if his eyes are in their normal shape. ‘Normal’ is, of course, relative, as some dogs have round eyes, while others have almond-shaped pairs for seeing. If you notice when you go outside that his eyes appear larger than usual, he might be feeling threatened. The eyes also look larger when he’s in an aggressive state.

 

The ears – With the wide variety of dog breeds also comes a wide variety of types of dog ears. The size and shape of your canine companion’s ears are what determine how well he can use his ears to communicate. Depending on the breed, some ears pricked or semi-pricked, dropped, or hang long. If your dog holds his ears naturally, it means he is feeling relaxed and comfortable. Of course, any dog owner knows that the minute a dog holds his ears high on his head, it means he’s alert, and he’ll usually direct his ears toward the direction of whatever’s getting his attention.

 

The mouth – Despite not having the ability to talk, the way your pooch positions his lips, jaws, and teeth can tell a lot. Relaxed dogs usually have closed or slightly open mouths. To cool their bodies, he opens his mouth to pant. If they feel uptight or anxious, he may yawn in an exaggerated manner. If he barks a lot, he may be feeling afraid, protective, or even bored (you can use dog barking collars if his barking gets out of control).

 

These are just some of the ways to tell what your pet dog’s trying to communicate by using some parts of his head. Understanding what he’s trying to tell you will make it easier for both of you to communicate more effectively.  

 

Helpful Tips in Crate-Training Your Dog

Animals have their own habitats. Take them out of their habitats and they’ll start feeling uncomfortable, even become sick. This is why there are those who are strong advocates against keeping animals in captivity in zoos. For domesticated dogs, however, they’re used to being in a man’s house. They can freely roam around the property even without a leash.

 

For some well-meaning pet owners, they want to give their canine companion that feeling of living in a den by getting them a crate or a cage. Although cages are not necessarily substitutes for a dog’s lair, they can be the next best thing to it. The challenge for the owner is how to train his four-legged friend to be comfortable in a cage.

 

If you’re planning to get your dog a cage, here are some helpful tips on how to crate-train him:

 

Get a crate big enough for him – The size of the crate you’ll get doesn’t have to be very large, but it should at least allow your pooch to take at least a couple of paces inside it. It also has to be tall enough so that his head doesn’t hit the top part when he’s in a sitting position (compared to humans, dogs are taller when they sit).

 

Put something inside that will entice him to step in – It can either be his favorite toy or food. The key is to get him to walk inside the cage without forcing him. Once he’s inside, don’t close the crate door just yet. Allow him to get used to being there. It may take several attempts before he starts getting comfortable in it, so patience is one virtue you should really have while training him.

 

Provide creature comforts inside – Depending on what your dog’s used to, you can lay a thick cloth on the floor of the cage and put pillows there as well. If you’ve decided that you’ll also feed him inside the crate, put his feeding bowl in there as well.

 

Make him get used to being carried while inside the crate – One of the reasons for getting a dog a cage is to make him comfortable being carried around while inside it. Therefore, part of your crate-training is to lift the cage with him inside it and transfer it to different locations in your house. By doing this, if you need to take him with you in a car, he will no longer feel uncomfortable or even disoriented.

 

These are the basic steps in crate-training your pet pooch (if he barks excessively during the training, you can stop dog barking by using anti-barking collars). You can also enlist the help of someone who has crate-trained his own dog to help you out in case your attempts are not too successful.

 

Guidelines for Choosing Food for Your Dog

Feeding your pet dog with the right food is essential for ensuring good health. Consulting with a veterinarian is important if your dog has any special diet requirement. Most of the time, the type of food you should serve will depend on the dog’s age, gender, breed, and activity level, among others.

The food should also be nutritious enough to help your dog become as healthy as possible. Essential carbohydrates, fats, oils, minerals, proteins, and vitamins should make it to your pet’s daily meals to achieve balanced diet.

Now there are a lot of dog food products available in the market. You can pay a visit to your local pet stores and ask them for recommendations. Other than that, you may also check out various online retailers if you prefer to do your purchases in a few clicks.

As you shop around, you will find out that there are a lot of options for you including expensive and cheap dog food. If you want premium quality brands, it automatically follows that you should go for the products with better ingredients. This will cost you a little higher but the investment is pretty much worth it because of its benefits for your dog. Low-priced counterparts, however, are usually not as nutritious because they may not contain some essential ingredients. If you are tight on budget, it is okay to go for the economical choices but make sure to choose the ones that get the best reviews from fellow pet lovers.

Dry dog food is a good example of affordable dog food. One benefit of this is that it promotes stronger dog teeth because it is crunchy. Another good thing about it is that it doesn’t require refrigeration at all. Just keep it in a safe and dry place and you’ll be ready to serve it to your dog anytime.

Canned food equally lasts long on the shelf but this one usually costs a little higher. This is a great source of protein for dogs. Semi-moist food products such as burgers and pork chops are also good as long as they are occasionally served.

Lastly, you may also feed your pet with your own cooking. This is a wise alternative since it puts you – the dog owner – in total control. No one knows your dog better than you do and so serving the best food will be so much easier if you take this direction. Consult with your veterinarian to get an idea about which meals are best for your pet.

Ending That Incessant and Annoying Barking

Barking is something that comes natural with dogs. It’s as natural as singing for humans. Aside from their body language, barking is one of best friend’s most vital forms of communication. There are many reasons why they bark, from warning people and other animals to protecting their territory. They also do it when they are excited.

 

These types of barking are completely normal and are not always a nuisance. When your pet pooch a lot more than what’s considered normal, he could be telling you that he’s getting bored or is looking for something stimulating or exciting. However, some dogs can bark excessively not because of their own issues but (get ready for this) because of their owner. You read it right: the reason for the behavior may actually be caused by his owner. The human owner may not be doing its job well as the pack leader, so the dog reacts by barking to the point of being very annoying.

 

Providing Exercise

 

The first step in curbing excessive barking is by making him do certain exercises. Such exercises can provide physical and psychological stimulation that your dog may be lacking. It’s an effective way of directing his attention to something when he can’t seem to find anything to do. Yes, just like us, they get bored, too. You can find helpful exercises from various resources online.

 

Give Him the Affection He Needs

 

When your canine friend is in a calm, submissive state, you can also give him affection. By doing this, you’re reinforcing the behavior you want from him instead of rewarding the behavior you don’t. Simply said, you don’t give him affection while he’s exhibiting that unwanted misbehavior of non-stop barking. The minute he stops doing it, that’s when you show your affection. This is your way of letting him know that he’s going to get some love from you if he barks a lot again.

 

Provide Proper Discipline

 

Certainly, putting a stop to unwanted behavior can be done by disciplining him. Again, there are various resources online where you can give discipline to your pooch to control his barking. Never reward unwanted behavior and make sure there are consequences to unwanted behavior, which includes barking that’s out of control.

 

Finally, as an effective way on how to stop dog barking, you can use an anti-barking dog collar. It’s a device worn around his neck and delivers electrical shocks whenever he starts to bark excessively.

 

Combine all these tips and you’ll surely put a stop to this truly annoying behavior from your pet pooch.

 

How to Keep Your Dog Flea-Free

As the old adage goes, prevention is always so much better than cure.

The same thing principle actually applies when we talk about fleas. These parasites can cause serious health problems to your beloved dog and so it’s always better to take preventive measures than to worry about curing it when it’s already worse.

Here’s a list of things you can do to put off fleas from attacking your pet:  

1. Bathe your pet frequently

Washing your dog often can be a good way to avoid the flea problem. Use water and soap as you give your dog a bath. The good thing about dogs is that you can always take him to the yard and simply use a hose.

2. Clean your house regularly

Thorough house cleaning can also be helpful. Use a vacuum so you can clean even those corners that are normally out of your reach. Wash areas that your dog frequents such as the living room, the dog house, the garage, the yard, or even the vehicle. This is truly effective in minimizing the flea problem.       

3. Use sprays and foggers

In some instances, sprays and foggers are necessary in order to totally eliminate potential flea infestation. You can purchase these products from specialized pet supply retailers. You can find one in your area or you may also check out online resources. Be warned, however, to seek counsel from your veterinarian before using these products because they can be potentially harmful to other pets – or your children.   

In case your dog has already acquired fleas, this is what you can do:

1. Utilize flea treatment supplies

Anti-flea soaps and shampoos are very effective and affordable. You may also use spot-on medications or oral medications. If you want, you may purchase Frontline Plus for dogs – a product that many dog owners recommend.     

Another idea is to make your dog wear a flea collar to put an end to the problem. It is even okay to use sprays and flea powders as long as you read the instructions and exercise caution. The details on the labels are there for a reason so do not ignore them in any way.

2. Give your dog a flea dip

Finally, you may use concentrated chemicals and give your dog a nice flea dip. Unlike regular baths, dips do not require rinsing and so this can be very potent in eliminating flea for good. Again, follow instructions carefully in order to avoid any serious health risks.   

Tips when Traveling with Your Pet Pooch

We all know that dogs are man’s best friend. This is why the way we treat our pet pooch can sometimes be no different from how we treat a human friend. In fact, for some, dogs are treated as part of their family. Hence, when the family travels, their dog usually goes with them.

 

If you’re planning to tag along your canine buddy in your family’s next outing, there are things you need to consider in the planning. Here are some of them:

 

To crate or not to crate – There are pros and cons to putting your dog in a crate while you’re traveling in your car. Although you may feel about the idea, most dogs don’t actually mind being crated and even feel safer inside one. Just make sure there’s nothing in the crate that can harm your dog. Things like collars and leashes can be potentially dangerous as they can be strangling hazards. If you decide not to crate him, however, make sure he doesn’t sit beside the window and must be watched at all times.

 

Prepping him for the drive – Be sure not to feed your dog a lot of food before the trip. Dogs are prone to motion sickness, so you don’t him throwing up in your car in case he gets nauseous, especially if the road you’ll be traveling has a lot of curves and sharp turns.

 

Snacks on the road – Of course, you also don’t feed him while the car is moving. Wait until the car pulls over at your scheduled stop so you can feed him without any hassle. Give him only a small snack, preferably something that’s high in protein. If there’s time during the stop, spend some time playing with him or take him for a quick walk so he can get a bit of exercise and release any pent-up energy.

 

Keep him within sight at all times – Whether you’re going to the beach or setting up camp somewhere, always have someone watch your pooch at all times. They may wander somewhere while everyone’s busy with something. It would be smart to use a GPS tracking system so that in case your pet wanders off, you could easily locate him (get dog tracking systems from brands like Garmin Alpha).

 

These tips will come in handy if you’re planning to bring Fido along on your next family excursion. Remember that he also needs a little sightseeing and some away time from home.

 

What you Need to Look for in a Dog Tracking Collar

Several dog owners are facing problems about their pets getting lost. In fact, millions of dogs are lost from their homes each year. This has become a big concern for pet owners and animal enthusiasts. The handful dog shelters we have are not enough to accommodate the dogs that are not able to find their way home.

Technology’s Answer to Pet Owners

The clamor of dog owners finally paid off when technology listened. It created a dog collar that’s capable of letting you know your dog’s location even if the animal is beyond your visible range.

The dog tracking collar is fitted with a global positioning system, a tracking device that monitors the movement of your pet round the clock. With this new pet tracking system, you will be able to track your furry friend online or through your cell phone. It can also update you about the current location and status of your pet by email or text message.

The dog tracking collar may be the perfect way to prevent your dogs from getting lost. But before you go out to buy one, you should know how to choose the right unit for your pet. Here a few factors that you need to look for when buying a dog tracking collar:

1. Features

Dog tracking collars are available in different types. The basic tracking collar is only able to indicate the location of your missing pet, while more complex units are capable of providing directions on how you can get to the location. Your budget should determine the type of tracking collar you can buy.

2. Size

Most GPS dog collars are designed for medium and large dogs. You should be able to find the right unit, especially if your pet is below 30 pounds. Big collars can cause problems if you put them on small dogs.

3. Efficiency of Service

If you own a dog tracking collar, you will need the services of a GPS Pet Tracking company that works to monitor the location and status of your pet. These companies should be able to provide efficient service. Otherwise, your money will only go down the drain.

4. Durability

Tracking collars are supposed to work on all weather and conditions. They should be waterproof, shock proof, and sturdy enough to withstand the rough conditions their wearer subjects them to.

5. Tracking System

Different types of tracking systems provide different coverage ranges, signal strengths, and manner of transmitting information. Pet tracking devices can update you about your dog’s whereabouts by telephone, via cell phone text message, or through the internet. You must be sure which of the three methods suits your availability and habits so that you can always access the information when it is relayed.

6. Ease of Use

A tracking device should be easy to program to enable you to establish your dog’s safety boundaries without difficulties. It shouldn’t require complex operation to allow you to make it serve its purpose without hassles and delay.

7. Estimated Useful Life

Some devices are disposable while others may continue to work by simply replacing the batteries. If you want your unit to last, you may choose one with replaceable or rechargeable battery. It is much cheaper in the long-term.

These are some of the most common aspects you need to look for when buying a dog tracking collar. You have a lot of brands to choose from. They are all intended for the same purpose but they have different prices, coverage range, and qualities. It is always good to check for each brand’s performance before buying one for your pet. Check out reviews for known brands such as Garmin Astro, and ask for advice from pet experts.

Related Articles:

How GPS Pet Tracking Devices Work

Steps in Keeping Your Dog Fenced In

Training Your Dog for Improved Behavior

Old Habits Die Hard

I know dogs are supposed to be all cute and cuddly, but they’re expected to behave as well. In the wild, dogs come in packs, with an alpha male calling the shots. They follow house rules, so to speak. So why should you let your pooch do as she pleases when a garbage truck drives around the curb? Your dog considers you the alpha male of his pack, and she will follow your lead if you train her accordingly. Besides, domesticated dogs are more fun to be around with; in spite of all that yapping and whining, your dog should know how to behave like a child knows how to mind his manners.

 

Learn to Read Your Dog’s Language

 

The key to training a dog is in understanding his language. Dogs aren’t all bark, they also whine, yelp, growl, and howl. These are different expressions of emotions, and you’re doing your dog a favor by helping it communicate properly and whenever necessary. Dogs usually do this by impulse, but with enough training you’ll be able to teach it to use these as signals. Dogs bark for several reasons, for example. They do this to gain attention, to call yours to something urgent, and even to relieve boredom. In any case, you’ll have to make sure your dog barks not on impulse but as a necessity. Barking is helpful if it warns against danger and intruders, use a bark collar if it’s annoying and a response to random stimuli.

 

Expressions Are Signals of Needs

 

Whining and yelping are yearnings for attention, which are good signals since these affirm your position as leader of his pack. You have to keep these signals to a minimum, though. Growling and howling are signs of aggression and loneliness, something you have to deal with. You can’t underestimate the underlying cause of a dog’s growl, especially if it does this in the presence of a veterinarian or friends. Howling means your dog is craving for the kind of attention you’re supposed to give, and it’s likely you’re neglecting your responsibilities as its master.

 

Keep it under Control

 

Training a dog to keep its signals under control takes a lot of effort, but it pays off. You have to ignore the signal if you want it to stop, since dogs interpret response as affirmation. On the other hand, you have to reward your dog for good behavior by patting it or by giving it treats. You should also consider items that regulate its behavior, such as a bark collar, leash, or muzzle. Ensuring your dog is properly housebroken frees you from the annoyance of its impulses, and it’s better if the training starts as early as possible.

Dog-Proofing Tips for Your House and Home

He Just Can’t Help Himself

You’re either a cat person or a dog person, but you probably aren’t even fond of either. An outsider will wonder about the perks of raising breeds when it takes so much work; barking dogs are like children in a house without rules. You have to experience it to understand it, though. I’m more of a dog guy, essentially because dogs really pay you back for what you invest. Seeing my barking dogs ecstatic after about an hour of separation restores my faith in humanity. It doesn’t get any better than that. The least that you can do is to ensure your home is free from health and safety hazards, especially the kinds we often take for granted.

 

Everyday Items Considered Toxic

 

The problem with dog-proofing a home is the variety of ordinary household items that risk your pet’s life. Vermin poison and detergents are a given, but there are also food and items considered safe for humans, dangerous to dogs. You have to be careful about the kinds of plants you raise on your garden; you can’t risk the chance of dogs chewing onto these. It’s harder to sort when you’re into ornamental plants and herbs, though. The least that you can do is set up a greenhouse locked from outside access. Dogs have a habit of digging through stuff to get to something they want, so you should make sure your plants are sheltered and tucked away properly (for potted plants).

 

Plants and Household Items

 

Daffodils, narcissus, jasmine are but a few of the common garden plants containing chemicals toxic to dogs. And then there’s the usual fare of mushrooms, wild growth, and toadstool you constantly have to keep an eye on. If your dog is housebroken and you’re letting it roam indoors, keep all household chemicals from paw’s reach. The variety is endless, bleach, detergent, medications included. It’s also better if you’re familiar with the kinds of food considered toxic to dogs, especially spices, nuts, and chocolate. Be careful about handing over leftovers of casseroles, check if the ingredients are safe for your dog’s health.

 

Invest in Your Dog’s Safety and Training

 

Investing in your dog’s health pays off in the long run. You can purchase all the supplies you need online; dog-proofing your home also means you’re ensuring your dog isn’t a nuisance, and there are training tools you can invest on to keep its habits and impulses under control. Train barking dogs to be docile; the noise can be a problem in the wee hours of the morning, and the least you can do for your neighbors is the assurance of a full night’s sleep. Consider your dog a child in potty training and deal with the hassles.

How Dog Owners Can Maintain Home Cleanliness

Any individual or family planning to have a dog for the first time has probably wondered: “Is it possible to have a pet dog and still have a clean house?” This is a dilemma that a lot of long-time pet owners have already learned to deal with. Many of them will attest that welcoming a dog in the home doesn’t mean you will have to sacrifice cleanliness in your place.

Here’s how you can keep your place tidy without losing your sanity:

1. Brush your dog on a daily basis.

Believe it or not, doing this consistently can save you from a lot of cleaning tasks. Brush your dog at least five minutes per day and you will notice that there will be lesser fur on your floor.

Actually, the dog itself benefits from daily brushing. Pay close attention and you will see that flaky skin is minimized. Also, the dog’s fur will smell better. Go ask your local pet stores for bristle brushes, wire-pin brushes, slicker brushes, and de-shredders.

2. Use various cleaning products.

And by cleaning products, I do not automatically mean soap you buy from the market. Besides, you can count on common household items to do the trick. Baking soda, for example, can be highly effective in getting rid of bad odor. Sprinkle an appropriate amount on the carpet and let it stay there for awhile. Use the vacuum afterwards and observe the big difference. Another option is to mix ¼ cup of baking soda with water and use it as a spray. In any case, baking soda can really be effective in minimizing unwanted odor in your home.

3. Buy dog toys.

Seriously! Buying toys for your dog can be helpful in maintaining order in your home.

Yes, toys are mainly designed for playtime purposes and that’s exactly the whole point. Your dog will have no problems leaving your furniture, appliances, or shoes alone if he is busy with his toys.    

4. Utilize other dog accessories and equipment.

Installing a dog fence can be a good way to help your dog stay within the allowed boundaries. On the other hand, having his own dog bed means he’ll have a place to rest each time he feels sleepy. As with suggestion number 1, consider purchasing grooming products and learning basic grooming skills is best. It all requires time and effort on your part but it will make your dog healthier and your house significantly cleaner.