8 Ideas For Raising A Happy, Healthy Dog

https://unsplash.com/photos/qO-PIF84Vxg

When we decided to make a little furry, hairy or scaly addition to the family, we often picture ourselves with smiles on our faces as we enjoy all the good times spent together with them. We think about how fulfilling it will be, how much we will love them and all of the memories that will be made with them. Whilst they may not be fellow human beings, we still accept them as part of the family. Each and every animal has its own ways of being dealt with.

When it comes to taking in and loving a dog, then there are certain ways in which you should behave if you want to raise this beautiful creature properly. Dogs are amazing, and they will run through a brick wall for you, if you are ever in trouble so the right thing to do would be to show them all the love, care and attention in the world. 

If you’re new to all this, then it can be a little overwhelming – you are trying to keep something alive, after all! If that is the case, then let’s go through some things that may help you on your quest of raising a happy and healthy dog. 

 

Choose A Great Food Brand

They have to eat properly, of course. Now, you can hit your local pet store and find any old food that you deem acceptable for the puppy, or you can be a loving caregiver and do a little research into what foods your particular breed needs. If you can give them the best possible nutrition, then their fitness, health and overall contentment will be as close to perfect as you can get it!

Register With A Vet You Trust

The one sounds like another easy thought, but much like finding a particular doctor for yourself, it would be a good idea to find the right vet for your dog. We’re not suggesting that some vets are going to be mean and nasty, but everyone has their preference so perhaps search for someone that your dog will love to bits.

Check Your Dogs Health Regularly

You’ll obviously be keeping a keen eye on their life from day one all the way until their final days, but just be mindful of how their behaving or if their mannerisms change at all – it could mean more than just a subtle change in attitude. 

If you’re not an expert yourself, it may be hard to spot if your dog is struggling in terms of its physical health and you may struggle to determine whether something is serious or not. In this case, using pet technology products might be the way to go – things like heart-rate monitors and other tests can be bought and used by owners. It’s better to be sure than to assume.

 

Walk Your Dog Daily

They’ll need to be active every day so remember to pop their leash on and take them for a stroll. Some dogs can and need to walk for longer distances than others, so you’ll need to figure out just how much exercise your particular baby is going to need.

Play With Your Dog

They’re naturally playful animals, traditionally, so you’ll need to let them have a little fun around the house and outside. You don’t want them bored and lounging around with nothing to do, so buy them lots of toys to play with and interact with them as much as you can!

Start Training Early

It’s all well and good showing off different tricks to your friends – shaking hands and making them wait for fetching a ball sure can be a hoot – but training is more than just little party tricks. Even when they’re young pups, it’s a good idea to train them in a variety of disciplinary ways so that they’re obedient and can protect themselves if things go a little wrong.

 

Show Your Dog Affection

They are warm-blooded creatures of this earth, so, as we mentioned earlier, you should treat them as though they are your own flesh and blood. They would do anything for you, so the very least you can do is love them for their entire life – it’s not hard to do. 

Include Them In Your Life

They’re not just for sitting around at home and looking nice. If you go out on vacation, think about bringing them along. If you’re heading out for the day, perhaps include them in your trip. Don’t just keep them for your own boredom, include them in your life and create amazing memories with them to reminisce about in the future.

Reasons It's Possibly Not The Worst Idea To Get Your Kids A Dog

Image Credit

Dogs are a real blessing to a family and bring so much joy and happiness, so it’s no wonder that most children will at some point bring up the question of when they’re getting a dog. As much as dogs are cute, loyal and lots of fun, they’re also a huge responsibility, and this is obviously something that children don’t understand, so it’s important that this is something you don’t allow yourself to be pressured into if a dog is not something your lifestyle or circumstances are suited to.


For example, if you’re someone who has to travel a lot for work, or just who likes to travel a lot in general, then even if you’re someone who completely loves animals and has the space for a dog, it’s simply not going to be a suitable lifestyle because pets - dogs especially require a good routine and stability, plus it’s also not fair to them if you’re constantly gone or they have to go and stay with your friends and family since they need to feel secure that they have a home.

In this post, we’re going to share with you some tips on what to do when your kids are pressuring you to get a dog, and some reasons why you may want to consider hearing them out.

A dog can teach responsibility:

One of the most common reactions among parents who are faced with the “can we get a dog?” question is that they’ll be left to take care of it and walk it, which is often the case. However, this doesn’t have to be the case for you, and can actually be a prime opportunity for you to teach your children about responsibility, which will serve them very well later in life.

Of course it’s not going to be as simple as just telling them that they will have to care for the dog or at least play a big role in helping, but how you approach the issue with your children before getting a dog will be up to you and how you know your children to be.

For example, telling them about the consequences of what might happen should they not keep their end of the deal and that the dog may have to go away and could end up with a not so good owner or even in a shelter are good ways to teach them their actions are important and they have consequences. It’s not something you’re lying about either, since this is actually one of the heartbreaking things that happen when families get dogs without being ready or properly prepared to look after them.

A dog can boost their immunity:

Many parents are afraid of bringing a dog into the house because they fear that their children will pick up germs and get sick. However, the opposite is actually true, and exposure to dogs can actually boost their immunity. Of course, it’s always crucial to practice good hygiene and use common sense when dealing with dogs, such as washing hands, etc. But keeping your kids totally shielded from any germs or bacteria can actually cause them to get more things like colds and flu since their immune system won’t have built up natural resistance to it.

A dog can help with loneliness:

Dogs are well-known to be some of the best companions around. They may not speak, but it’s somehow as if they just know the right things to do to make us feel better. This can be especially great for kids who deal with loneliness, or even an only child. Dogs are often brought in as companions to places like retirement homes for this very reason, so if your child seems to be isolated or you worry about them spending too much alone, then a dog could be just the thing to bring them out of their shell.

A dog can help your child get exercise:

Between the multiple daily walks, playing fetch in the garden and simply chasing each other around the living room, your dog will certainly keep your child active, which is never a bad thing for children - especially these days where they all seem more interested in starting at an iPad for hours on end instead of experiencing real life.

 

A dog will protect your child:
Dogs are notoriously protective of their owners and families, so if you want to feel like your child is that little bit more safe, especially when walking somewhere on their own, then a dog could be a perfect way to create some security since they will do anything to protect your child and especially if it’s a larger dog such as a German Shepherd, then they can also be quite intimidating, so people are less likely to try and come near a child with a dog like that.

A dog can help ward off depression and anxiety:

Many studies have shown that dogs and cats can rapidly and drastically boost the mood of someone who’s feeling low or who is suffering from depression or anxiety. They are very intuitive animals and just always seem to know what’s wrong and what to do, so if you worry about your child in any of these ways, then a dog could be the ideal companion to help them feel better.

A dog can teach children about love and selflessness:

If dogs are known to be anything it’s that they’re completely selfless and show unconditional love in all situations, so if these are things you want your child to learn about and exhibit as they grow up, then a dog through its actions will teach them this better than any book or talks ever will.

A dog can teach children about loyalty:

Another thing that dogs are notorious for is their complete loyalty to their owners, and loyalty is something that’s a very important trait for your children to learn as they grow up, so if you want to show them how important this is and how to display it, then getting a dog could actually be an ideal way to teach them this very useful life skill.

A dog can build confidence:

Since dogs teach children a great deal of responsibility and so many other important life skills, then it’s only natural that they will boost their confidence as they see their actions with the dog having an impact. From things like teaching the dog how to sit and fetch and stopping a puppy pulling everything in sight apart and other aspects of being in charge of training them and looking after them and seeing how rewarding that is, their confidence will soar, which is a great thing for a child because there are so many things out there ready to knock their confidence, so the earlier it’s instilled in them, the more it’s likely to stick and hopefully grow as they get older.

A dog can help improve social skills and speech:

Although a dog won’t talk back- at least not in a way a human talks, your child will spend a lot of time communicating with and learning from your dog, so they’ll be working on improving their speech, their vocabulary and overall social skills, such as empathy, listening for clues from the dog, and things like patience and being able to discipline the dog without violence - all of which are great social and life skills to have that will serve a bigger purpose as your child becomes an adult.

As you can see, there are definitely a lot of ways that having a dog will benefit your child, but that doesn’t mean you should feel pressured into it if you know that your lifestyle simply won’t accommodate. You have to do what’s best for your family and for the dog, so don’t be tempted just to bring one into the house because you love animals and your child wants one.

Disaster Preparedness- the Moment the World Turns Upside Down

Are you prepared with your pets and family for the moment of Disaster?

open source graphic

With hurricanes, floods and fires ravaging the countrysides of both the USA and UK, plus Indonesia and other parts of the world having their share of  weather related events. Its a good time to look at what your family would do in the event of a local disaster.

Disasters come in may forms and are suddenly are upon us or they would not be called disasters.

Most of these events are not in our human control but in Mother Nature's hands. In that moment when disasters hit, we humans have no choice but to attempt to survive. Pray and hold on, run and pray some more or hunker down praying. Each person and pet will do the best they can at that moment.

In that moment, no matter how much forecasters and weather stations have warned us to be ready we really do not know what will happen or what to be ready for until the event is over. Usually within a short time, maybe a few hours or in the daylight when the sun comes will we be able to see what is left in the neighborhood or town we live in. Destruction or a normal day.  

Many storms, tornadoes, fires and floods occur at night often waking people from sleep to find out they have lost the lights or electric. Stumbling around in the dark is no fun when danger is on the doorstep. That is the moment we need to prepare for. 

Evacuation is the last resort to get out of the way and when the authorities announce that it is time to evacuation they mean a serious life changing moment is heading your way and move it..Now ! 

Move over out of the way or get hit full force. 

When we chose not to evacuate we are choosing to face the moment of impact, just like letting somebody punch us in the face with our hands tied behind our back because we cannot fight Mother Nature. We cannot punch a tornado or stand up to a hurricane and the best thing to do is duck the punch. Sidestep and get out of the way.

Ready to go with our belongings copyright A.Higgins

 

What will you do? 

Leave us a comment and share your plan for that moment when the world turns upside down and the lights go out. Somebody may learn something from you that can save a life. 

If you would not evacuate, why not?

Read more about what you can do click the page links below for more articles from Family Disaster Dogs.

See the list of survival supplies a family and pets need to evacuate and live for three days waiting for help to arrive if your home is destroyed.

Learn how your pet dogs can find you and friends or family members who are missing after disasters or wandered from home.  

Emergency Links to Organizations and site about preparing and the aftermath.

Books Recommended Reading

Teach you dog to fetch items by name, find the car keys, bring the first aid kit and get water bottle if you are hurt !

Free lessons show you what to do and to teach your dogs what to do to help you in disasters

Click for a free preview and to buy the paperback edition below

$7.99

Available as a eBook too

Kindle edition Evacuate with Your Dog's help 

A.Higgins copyright

Are Your Being The Best Puppy Parent You Can Be?

https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-of-dog-yawning-248307/

Animals are wonderful creatures. But it’s definitely easy to underestimate just how much work they can be to take on full time. There’s a reason why animals shelters exist! It’s sad, but true. So many people commit to taking on a pet, then realize that the commitment is so much bigger than they expected and then back away. And it’s the pet that’s then left to suffer. This is especially the case when it comes to puppies. Because puppies are so commonly bought as Christmas presents, and then forgotten about far too quickly. Dog ownership is a blessing; one that you need to know that you’re ready for.

But just because you own pets, it doesn’t mean you’re going to find it hard. Because when you get yourself into the right rhythm, it’s not hard at all. In fact, you can actually be an incredible puppy parent, if you just know what to do. If you’re thinking of getting a puppy, and you want to be sure of what you’re taking on, or you’ve had a dog for a while, and you want to check that you’re doing everything you can for their health and happiness, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s take a look at what you can do to make sure that you’re the best puppy parent you can be.

Show Them Love

The very first thing you should look to do as a dog owner is shower them with love. This doesn’t mean that you have to overly smother them and go as far as treating them like a baby, but you do need to show them some affection - just as you would a child. Be sure to pet and stroke them often. Dogs want to be loved, and a good old belly rub will never go amiss. So when you’re relaxing in the evening, be sure to have them with you and cuddle up. Affection is one of the best things you can give to your dog.

Interact With Them

From here, you’re then going to want to think about interacting with them a little too. Some people will think it's crazy to talk to your pet, but as a good puppy parent you know that assumption is nonsense. Because your dog understands you, and they respond when you talk to them. So be sure to talk to them daily, let them know what you’re doing, where you’re going, and what you need them to do, whether it’s sleep or fetch, and they’ll understand you.

Play With Them

And, of course, you’re going to want to play with them too. Dogs love to play, especially puppies. But don’t just assume that they’ll be happy playing on their own. You should definitely look to get involved and play fun games with them too. Try out different versions of fetch and even teach them to use their sniffing skills to search for toys that you’ve hidden. It will be a lot of fun for you too, promise!

Keep Them Active

You also have to be sure that they’re as active as they need to be. You should speak to your vet about the activity levels they will need, as this varies by breed, but above all else, make sure you are walking them daily. They won’t be getting the exercise they need otherwise. Plus, it’s great for you to get out and walk with them too.

Book Regular Vet Visits

Next up, you’re going to want to make sure that you’re able to book in regular vet visits. Because you know your dog need them. As a puppy, they will need to go more frequently for checkups and shots, but when they’re over a year old, they should be going at least once a year. That way, you can actually check that they’re healthy and aim to detect any health issues early too.

Keep Them Protected At Home Too

But don’t just rely on the vets to keep them healthy, because you need to make sure that you do your bit too. From dental products to Pet-Lock flea and tick treatment, there’s a lot you can do to do your bit. Just be sure that you’re stocked up with the right protection products and administer them as needed.

Feed Them Well

A dog’s diet is important. So you need to be sure that you’re doing everything you can to ensure that they’re eating well. Of course, you can use specific dog food for this, but you need to be sure that it’s the healthiest option for their breed. And at the same time, if you do choose to feed them “human food”, keep it clean. Do not give them sugary snacks under any circumstances!

Include Them

And be sure to include them in whatever you’re doing. They’re not just a sideline in your life, they should be part of the inner circle. So if you’re going away, take your dog with you too. Whether it’s to visit family or on vacation, make sure that they’re included. It’s mean to leave them out!

Treat Them

Definitely also feel free to treat them too. Because everyone needs treats. Just like you might like a bar of chocolate or a beer as your treat, they need something too. But they need to have their treats safely to make sure that they stay healthy. So look into some healthy dog treat options, or even choose something that’s not food-centric, like a fun day out somewhere or a walk with their doggy friends.

Ensure They Are Part Of The Family

And remember, they are part of your family! You need to be treating them as you would your kids. So that means caring for them, cleaning them, loving them, and generally appreciating them. At the same time, if kids do come into the equation, don’t overlook them. They have to still remain a priority in your life. As long as you’re happy to treat them as you would any other integral part of your family, you’ll make an excellent puppy parent.

The Dangers Of A Dog That Loves You Too Much

It’s not something that a lot of dog-owners consider a major problem. If anything, more people are concerned that a stoic pooch might not love them as much as they would like. But the opposite extreme can be just as much a problem. A dog that’s overly attached to its owner can develop dangerous behaviors as a response. They can become territorially aggressive over their owners, or they can even develop separation anxiety. Both will play a role in making them harder to command and to take control of a situation, which is especially unhelpful if you’re training them to be a useful partner, not just a pet. So, what do you do about it?

Link

Assert some discipline

One of the reasons that a dog’s affection of you might get out-of-bounds is that they may not necessarily see you as their pack leader. Rather, they may very well consider you lower in the chain of command than them and, in response, will treat you more like a member of their pack or a possession. They think that you are theirs and act accordingly. Alongside signs of territorial aggression, this will often show as overt disobedience. Make sure that training is complete and ongoing with them and that you can tell the difference between them being disobedient or just reacting with excitement to certain stimuli.

Socialize them

If they are well trained and listen to your commands, then it’s about finding the stimuli that set them off. For many dogs, those stimuli may be strangers and other dogs. If they’re too protective of their own, they might react to these situations with a high-tension response, which can make them difficult to keep control of. All dogs can be socialized. Even when they’re full adults, it’s not too late for them to learn new behavior patterns, though it’s certainly easier when they’re younger. Take them on walks and introduce them to other dogs. Many fear a negative response from their dog and will pull on their leash or shout if they worry about them becoming too excitable or aggressive. This often has the opposite effect, however. Be calm, in control of the situation, and touch your dog to reassure them they’re okay. Just be sure to use a muzzle if your dog has growled or barked at other dogs in the past. Remove the risk from the situation.

Greetings and farewells

You may very well be the stimuli, yourself. There are two big emotional high points that a lot of owners have trouble with. That’s saying goodbye and saying farewell to your dog. Pet your dog, and say your greetings or your farewells, but don’t let it escalate. Acting overly excitable creates a rush for them that keeps them in a high-tension state. It might be all fun and games when you’re there, but it translates into separation anxiety when you’re not there, as Psychology Today states.

Link

Calming on cue

It might seem like it’s too good to be true, but you can command your dog to be calm. Alongside “heel”, the “settle” command is one of the most useful tools a dog owner can use. Start by using the command indoors on their leash, when their attention is already on you. When they successfully come to a stop, give them a treat. As time goes on, give them distractions to deal with and, eventually, start the training outside. Before too long, you will have them able to “settle” without any treats at all.

Spread the love

Getting them used to other people is just as important, too. Having more than one authority figure in a dog’s life is an important way of ensuring they know that even that they’re beneath you in the hierarchy, that doesn’t mean that they’re above all other humans. Using a dog walking service can be a great way to teach that. However, this is only true if you’re using a real professional. Whistle has a list of great questions to sort out the people who are truly equipped to handling and showing authority to a stranger’s dog, and not just someone making money off a hobby.  In particular, make sure you ask how they might handle any behavioral issues that might come up. If they have no examples of how they’ve dealt with a dog that’s territorial or disobedient, they might not be the right person for this lesson.

Make sure they’re well cared for when you’re not around

Being cared for and treated well when you’re not the one with them is just as important as making sure they can act disciplined with other humans as well. Boarding a dog with separation anxiety or territorial behavior is a big step, but if you do, then places like Fon Jon Pet Care are usually the right solution. Make sure that any dog boarding services you use have experience with training dogs and know that if your dog isn’t yet fit to be socialized that they shouldn’t be.

Link

Check yourself

Much like with greetings and goodbyes, you should endeavor to keep a closer eye on your own behavior with the dog. Owners might very well often say that they have a deep emotional connection to their dog, and that’s not untrue. Dogs react off the energy of their own. If you approach a situation with a calm and a sense of control, your dog will feel safer in that situation. If you react to every display of anxiety or aggression in them with an escalation, they will continue to do the same. That’s because they’re reading your cues and believing there really is something to be so tense about. Obsessive affection can spread much the same way. Dogs learn from their owners, so make sure you’re a good teacher.

You don’t have to be entirely strict and unemotional with your dog. They need emotional fulfillment just as much as humans do and work better to their task when they have it. Just be cautious of the signs that they’re getting too territorial when you’re there or anxious when you’re not.