Training for Dogs that Door Dart

Does your Dog Door Dart?

If you have ever tried to leave your house only to have your dog leaping at the opportunity to escape, then you may be wondering how to stop this behavior.

You probably know that chasing your pup isn't the best solution ... but what should you do if your companion does sneak out?

This common issue is better known as ‘door darting’ and it can make any pet parent feel discouraged, especially if you've got a repeat offender.

Unfortunately, if your dog does successfully fly the coop, multiple safety issues can also arise.

The good news is that Dr. Sarah offers effective tips for addressing this problem in this episode of Pet Talk. Her step-by-step guidance will also teach you some commands to use so you can safely keep your companion inside despite any tempting doors being opened.

(This video is provided in the February 2013 Edition of the Life's Abundance Newsletter. Dr. Sarah is the staff veternarian.)

Thank you for reading and watching the information contained in this blog post. If you are the owner of a new large breed puppy you might be interested in a new puppy food developed exclusively for large breed puppies.  Life's Abundance Pet Food for Large Breed Puppies.


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Dogs Need Exercise and Healthy Play Time

Finding a Dog-Friendly Play Space
Article from: At Home – A special advertising section of The Daily InterLake, Sunday, February 12, 2012

When people welcome a dog into the home they try their best to offer proper care to the new pet. Food, companionship and veterinary visits are important components of dog care, but exercise must also be a priority. Finding a dog-friendly park or safe area for pets to play is essential to ensuring your four-legged friend is as happy as possible.

Dogs, particularly young dogs, need exercise to ward off any potential bad behavior.

Dogs that have not had a chance to run or play and get their energy out may engage in destructive behavior, such as digging holes in your prized garden, or chewing at the arms of the sofa, or barking and whining.
 
The amount of exercise a dog needs depends on breed and age. Some sporting breeds that are used to being on the move all the time may need more than a guard dog who has grown acclimated to less time on the go. Puppies will generally need more exercise than geriatric dogs. In general, most dogs need 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day, so that 5-minute jaunt around the block isn’t adequate. Therefore, you have to plan for exercise another way, like taking a dog to the park or another place for socialization and exercise.

Some of the best exercise a dog can get is to run around freely in an open space. Add in the opportunity to frolic with other dogs and you can have a day made in doggy heaven. The trouble is, not all places allow pets, and if they do, they usually have leash laws. You’ll have to find out which, if any parks in the area allow off-leash fun for your pet.

For people with access to the Internet, finding a dog park or play space could be a few clicks away. Web sites like www.doggoes.com and www.dog-friendly.com enable you to search your specific area to find locations that allow dog fun in the U.S. and Canada. Also, word-of-mouth tips from neighbors and friends can yield options on the best places to take dogs for exercise and play off-leash.

Another option is to investigate off-season beaches. The open space by the shoreline is a prime place to let dogs run. While dogs may not be allowed on the beach during peak season, once the season ends the restrictions may lift. Check with the parks authority or another official before bringing a dog on the beach. You don’t want to risk a fine.

Busy, working pet parents are increasingly turning to doggy daycare options for their pets. These facilities enable you to drop off your pet for the day where they can exercise and socialize inside a contained indoor or outdoor space. These facilities may have strict requirements for dogs, including proof of updated vaccination records before a dog is allowed inside. They also aren’t free. But, with different activities and courses, plus the opportunity to play with other dogs, many people rave about doggy daycares.

If you cannot find an off-leash place near your home, think about other ways to exercise your pet. Take him or her along when you bike ride or go for a run. Hiking trails can provide a variety of sights and varied terrain that can stimulate a dog in many ways. Some dogs are water-lovers and will enjoy a day splashing around in the pool, lake or stream. Tossing a ball around the backyard is another way to exercise your pet.

Keep in mind some guidelines when exercising a dog:

Don’t go out in extremely hot or cold weather or you risk injury or illness.
Good exercise will use both mental and physical capabilities.

Having a smaller dog does not necessarily mean the dog needs less time to exercise. Many toy breeds risk obesity because of lack of exercise in the home.
A tired dog is often a well behaved dog.

If a dog is not prone to good behavior around other dogs, it’s best to avoid these social situations. Otherwise you can end up in a fight with another dog and it’s owner.

Some dogs excel at agility training, which also can be a good form of exercise.
 
Don’t underestimate a dog’s need for exercise. Finding a safe place for your pet to run free is an essential component of good health.

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Not only is exercise important to your dog's health, so is a healthy, wholesome nutritious food such as Life's Abundance Dog Food. Dogs that are fed nutritious food and treats tend to live longer and make less trips to the vet, too .  Don't feed your dog junk treats either -- your dog deserves, Lifes Abundance Wholesome Hearts.  Don't forget to add Lifes Abundance Training Treats, too.

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Take Extra Care with Pets in Cold Weather

Article obtained from:
The Daily Interlake, Kalispell, MT on Wed. Dec. 14, 2011

Take Extra Care with Pets in Cold Weather

With winter weather here, the Flathead County Animal Shelter urges pet owners to take precautions to ensure the safety of their pets. Help keep your pets safe during cold weather by following these simple guidelines:

* Don’t leave pets outdoors when the temperature drops. Dogs and cats are safer indoors, except when taken out for supervised exercise. Regardless of the season, short-haired, very young or old dogs and all cats should never be left outside without supervision.

* Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet’s water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal.

* Wind chills can threaten a pet’s life. If your dog spends significant time outdoors, he or she must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his or her body heat. The house should be turned to face away from the wind and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.

* Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife that may crawl under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car’s hood to scare them away before starting your engine.

* Salt and chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet’s feet and may be harmful if ingested. Wipe your pet’s feet with a damp towel before your pet licks them to remove snow packed between your pet’s paws. Pet-friendly ice melts are available at many pet supply stores or online.

* Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that can attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach. Consider using antifreeze coolant made with propylene glycol, which is less toxic in small amounts than traditional ethylene glycol antifreeze.

* If you’re feeding homeless cats, be sure to provide an insulated shelter for them. Information about building a shelter, spaying and neutering and more is available at http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/feral_cats or contact the Spay and Neuter Task Force.

* During the winter months, the happiest dogs are those who are taken out frequently for walks or exercise but kept inside the rest of the time.

For more information or any questions, contact the Flathead County Animal Shelter at 752-1310 or go to www.flathead.mt.gov/animal. Shelter hours are Tuesday through Friday, noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 11 am to 4 p.m.

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Today's article was suggested by Lifes Abundance Dog Food and Lifes Abundance Cat Food and Lifes Abundance Pet Food.


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Puppies Require Loads of Work

There are no two ways about it … even though they’re unbelievably adorable, puppies require loads of work.

One of the areas on which new pet parents need to focus some of their energies is the proper socialization of puppies.

In this episode of Pet Talk, Dr. Sarah discusses the latest info to make sure your wee one becomes a well-adjusted, calm and happy adult dog.

Click Here Now to Watch Dr. Sarah's Video Now!

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Today's post suggested by Life's Abundance Dog Food

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Be Aware of Puppy Mills

Puppy Mills 
Dog Breeding requires excellent breed knowledge and outstanding responsibility by reputable breeders. Unfortunetly, dog breeding (and cat breeding too for that matter) is often exploited as a profit making business with the sad consequence of cruel treatment of bitches and puppies who are kept in inhumane conditions.

Bitches are expected to breed many litters.  In some cases, once they are no good for breeding, they are cruelly destroyed.

The litters produced can be unhealthy and have health challenges. Puppies are often taken away from their mother before they should be so they are denied socialization skills by their mother and litter mates.  (It is the opinion of many breeders that puppies should still be with their mother and litter mates until at least 8 weeks old.)

What's the difference between Backyard Breeders and Puppy Mills/Farms?

Backyard Breeders practice random or ignorant dog breeding on a small scale.

Puppy Mills or Puppy Farms are large dog breeding operations, and the people who own them are known as puppy millers/farmers.

Backyard Breeders and Puppy Millers are usually motivated by profit. (For example, Backyard Breeders don't realize that the hobby of animal breeding practiced on a small scale is not usually profitable when one considers the cost of health maintenance, healthy food choices and pregnancy care.)  Often times, Backyard Breeders and Puppy Millers are ignorant of selective breeding goals and techniques.  They aren't even familiar with the breed standard of their chosen breed of dog. Sometimes they are cruel and abuse animals because they are only concerned with profit.

Look Out for the following:

Unethical Backyard Breeders and Puppy Millers want your money, so, they will tell you what you want to hear. The may tell you that the puppy is registered, which it may not be. They may tell you they have a certificate to prove that the puppy is registered but the certificate will not be signed or have the breeders name on it.

Be aware of outlets offering more than one or two breeds. When visiting the seller note the surroundings. Visit the puppy more than once. Ask to see the pedigree papers and ensure the breeder's name is on the certificate.

The breeder should want to know about you too. They will want to make sure the puppy is going to a good home.

Ask to see the puppy with its mother - be very suspicious if you can't.

Think carefully before buying and do not buy the puppy because you feel sorry for it.

If you trade with an unscrupulous breeder, you will be supporting their trade.

Think before you buy from a pet shop. Purchasing dogs, especially those claimed to be purebred, from a pet store is strongly discouraged by reputable breeders and animal shelters.

While many pet stores claim to purchase dogs from "local breeders" instead of puppy mills, this is often untrue. Most reputable breeders do not sell animals to pet stores. The phrase "local breeder" may also refer to backyard breeders.

Reputable breeders raise their animals in humane conditions, provide good socialization and often formal training, and adhere to the breed standard.

They are knowledgeable about major health problems associated with their breed.  They are knowledgeable about the principles of genetics and they frequently undertake specific matings to produce or refine particular desirable characteristics in their dogs.

They are sensitive to the requirements of their breeding adults — who may also be breeding for performance champions. Reputable breeders frequently screen potential customers rigorously, and usually provide a pedigree and health guarantee with their puppies.

Always get proof of Kennel Club registration.

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This post was suggested by a Lifes Abundance Dog Food field rep who got the information from dogarticles.org.

A quality, wholesome food is critical for your new puppy's health.  We recommend a holistic dog food such as Life's Abundance Pet Food.

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5 Biggest Mistakes New Pet Parents Make

Five Biggest Mistakes a New Pet Parent Makesby Dr. Sarah from May 2011, Lifes Abundance Newsletter

We’ve all been there. Looking into the pleading eyes of a puppy or kitten who needs a good home. In that moment, it’s hard to think straight. Fortunately, Dr. Sarah is here to help. In this episode of Pet Talk, Dr. Sarah discusses the five biggest mistakes that new pet parents make, and how to avoid them. By taking these solutions to heart, your next adoption could just be the best decision you’ve ever made!

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Click the following for the products that Dr. Sarah is speaking about in this video.
Lifes Abundance Dog Food
Lifes Abundance Pet Food
Lifes Abundance Holistic Products for Dogs

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