ANIMAL CARE TIPS FROM SNIPSA

Housebreaking Puppies

Understanding your puppy: There are many different methods in which you can housebreak your puppy. Whichever way you choose, it is important to understand the mind of your little companion. The trick is to make them understand what it is you want from them. Puppies do not think the way humans do. When you are unhappy with your dog, it assumes that whatever it is doing at the exact moment is responsible for your disapproval. For example: If your puppy relieves himself on your floor and you get upset five minutes after he has committed the act, the puppy will think that the mess on the floor is “bad.” He will not relate to the fact that it was the act of relieving himself on your floor that you disapprove of. He will eliminate, see the mess and get worried, anticipating his owner’s unhappiness. This is the reason so many dogs will relieve themselves in inappropriate places and look really guilty about it, yet they continue to do it.

Some owners start to think that their puppy is being sneaky when in reality it does not fully understand what it is doing wrong. To the puppy, "the mess" and "the act" are unrelated. The trick is to catch your puppy in the act and help him understand. You do not need to hit him or rub his nose in the urine. The tone of your voice is enough to make your puppy understand you are unhappy. A firm "No! You are not allowed to go in the house. No! No!" is all that is needed. Immediately take your puppy outside to the appropriate place. Wait for him to eliminate and praise him. See more information...

PERFECTING YOUR PET'S DIET

One of the most common questions regarding pet care is this: “What should I be feeding my dog?” With so many brands available, and each one boasting “complete and balanced nutrition,” it can be difficult to know exactly what you should be feeding your dog. The truth is, good health begins with proper nutrition, regardless of brand names or costliness.

There are fundamentally two types of dry dog food available; that which is grain-based, and that which is meat-based. It’s very easy to determine which type you’ve been giving your pet. The grain-based dry foods list “corn” or “grain” as the # 1 ingredient in its label, while the meat-based dry foods list some sort of meat or meat by-product (typically “chicken,” “beef,” or “lamb”) as the # 1 ingredient in its label.

Dogs whose diet primarily consists of these grain-based dry dog foods ultimately end up receiving too many calories and not enough nutrients. The result can be readily seen in most dogs over time- a greasy coat or flaky skin, obesity, upset stomach, or low energy. Meat, fish, and eggs are all easily digestible and are great sources of protein for your pet, which will ultimately benefit their bodies, coats, and attitudes.

When selecting a brand of dog food, keep the following in mind: your pet’s age, body condition, and health history in mind. Select a food that is geared towards your pet’s age group (puppy, adult, senior), body condition (underweight, fit, overweight), and health history (there are foods specifically designed for dogs with health problems like allergies or digestive difficulties).

Also, keep your own budget in mind. It is true that the less affordable brands provide a better-quality, healthier product than the typical “grocery store” brands. You may find these brands in your local pet store or veterinarian clinic- some, as well, may also be found at the grocery store. Again, refer to the ingredient label to determine if it’s a good food choice for your dog before purchase.

Once you’ve chosen your brand, check your dog once a month to determine any improvements in their overall condition as a result of their new diet. Bright eyes, a shiny coat and healthy skin, a gradual slim-down, and a higher energy level will let you know that you made the right choice.

DOGS AND CHILDREN

According to the Humane Society of the United States, 50 percent of children will be bitten by a dog before their 12th birthday. Children under the age of 5 are most likely to be bitten and most of these bites come from a dog that the child knows, e.g., the family dog or that of a relative or friend. So why are children more likely to be bitten by dogs than adults? A child moves faster than an adult and a fast movement can sometimes illicit a dog's chasing instinct and stimulates its prey drive. Children talk in higher pitched voices than adults, which can sometimes startle a dog and make it fearful. They can agitate a dog by rough play and teasing, or they can accidentally inflict pain with the pull of a tail or a poke in the eye. Younger children are closer to a dog's eye level, making it easier for a dog to feel threatened by eye-to-eye contact and for the child to be bitten in the face. It is also much harder for a child to read and understand a dog's body language and, therefore, miss vital signals that can put them in harm's way.

Here are some guidelines that have been set forth by many organizations and trainers that deal with dog behavior. Following these suggestions will prevent a disastrous event leading to an injured child or the re-homing or euthanasia of a dog. MORE....