The Homemade Dog

The Homemade Dog-Training is as important!

2007-09-17T07:37:00.000-07:00

You have heard me tell of the values of homemade dog food, but did you that when thinking of your family pet the idea of the homemade dog can extend to training and behavior as well?

Many of us pay out to have a “professional” train our dog for us. We spend hours at the professional dog training schools, having someone else be the “pack” leader, and then our dog is trained to follow our direction as well. When for much less we can train our dog’s at home, and honestly much faster, with a lot less expense.

Dogs are pack animals, which follow a fairly rigid hierarchy. Each “pack” has a leader, and within the pack a dog will find their social position, and follow it faithfully. A well trained dog is much easier to handle and will challenge much less to try and move up in their social ranking. Plainly put, if your dog does not have a firm understanding of their position within your family, you and your family members such as your children, and your spouse, will always be in competition with the dog for standing in the family.

Too many dogs end up like the ones below:

How does dog training help? It helps easily by:

1. Providing the dog with set instructions.
2. Providing them a sense of security and boundaries.
3. Provides them a defined position within the “pack”
4. Provides you and you family with the tools to demonstrate their higher position within the “pack”.
5. Allows us to help keep our pet safe, by ingraining instructions to commands.
6. Avoids future behavior problems as your dog will clearly understand rules, and social position.

We have all heard the horror stories of dogs that don’t react well with infants, or children. In the majority of cases the reason can be pointed to poor training. A dog will always looks for an opening to increase its social position within a pack to be closer in rank to the “alpha” or the pack leader. With thorough training this behavior can be managed or eliminated.

If you read the blog Build Tomorrow, Another Day of life, you know my family adopted a puppy this summer. As time progressed the dog learned to follow my instruction, yet virtually would ignore other members of the household, and would often intimidate the 8 year old in the house. Why? Because my role as leader had been established in the home, while the puppy is still challenging to determine its social rank within the other members of the household, including our other dog.

While to other dog can manage this in “dog speak” with the puppy, the humans in the household cannot. That is where training comes in. By intensely training the dog, and involving the whole house, the dog will learn that while it is a valued member of our family, it must at all times follow the direction of the people within the house.

I have had many dogs through the years, all of whom lived to old age, and all of whom were trained extensively. I was even a trainer for hire. One thing I always tried to remind people are that dogs are pleasers. They are happiest when they know their pack is happy. And by being trained and following direction, they can see that we are happy.

So should you train your dog yourself, or hire someone? I say train yourself.

With our new puppy I searched high and low to find a training product, that would help me train our puppy, since it had been so long since I had trained a puppy, after all a refresher never hurts. I finally found it. It is called Sit Stay Fetch. It is a great course for puppy owners, and those dealing with behavior problems. Written by Daniel Stevens, I found it to be amazing. Not only did he give a full comprehensive training plan, he also, check this out, will help you via email!

I would highly recommend Sit Stay Fetch, for training your dog. Read the testimonials before you pass it by. Don’t spend $200-$500 for dog training. Daniels course is only $37. Check it out today!

The Fruits of Labor

2007-09-10T13:03:00.000-07:00

So I have been faithfully testing 245 Recipies for Homemade Dog Food". I have to say I haven't found one yet my dogs don't like. When I astarted this I was a bit skeptical about the idea of having to cook for my dogs, as well as myself. I have to say it's working out well.

I even have an added bonus! All you do owners know what I am talking about. I am talking about a dog's love for our dinner. Since I began making homemade dog food, I have found that my dog beg less, wanders listfully around the trashcan no more, and has a shiny healthy glow.

Seriously, if you don't check it out your don't know what you are missing~

245 Recipies for Homemade Dog Food", available today!

Keep Your Dog Healthy By Homemade Dog Food Recipe

2007-09-10T13:02:00.000-07:00

By Hassou Zhu

When you think about it, what does your dog need from its food in order to be healthy?
Today our pets have a wide variety to meet their tastes and needs and we have our choice of what kind of food we can choose to feed them. Despite the variety, pet foods usually fall into three major categories. These categories are: Grocery store foods, these types of dog and pet foods are usually found in grocery stores and mass marketed retailers and can contain lower quality, less expensive ingredients. The second category is "premium dog foods," which can also be found in grocery's stores but are also found in pet stores and through your local veterinarian's office. These types of foods are usually made from some higher quality ingredients and are usually made evident by the expense of the food. Some of these pet foods though can contain lower quality ingredients that you aren't aware of. The third and final category is homemade dog food.More and more people are beginning to make their dog's food at home rather than buying commercial formulas. Homemade dog food doesn't contain any substances that could possibly be harmful to your dog's health such as artificial coloring and artificial flavors.Another reason to make homemade dog food is the preservatives added to the commercial dog food. Homemade dog food has the benefit of optimum freshness without preservatives.
There are dogs that would greatly benefit from a homemade diet. Some dogs who suffer from allergies that cause severe itching may find relief once switched from commercial dog food to a homemade diet.
Processed dog food is a relatively new product and scientists don't fully understand the differences between commercial food and a diet of fresh food. There may be problems occurring in a dog's health because he is being given food that has had the nutrients cooked out of it and then sprayed back on.
Would you like to prolong the quality and length of your dog's life by 135%?You should keep your dog healthy by homemade dog food.
Want to find a good homemade dog food recipe? visit dog food recipe
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hassou_Zhu

Do you know what you are feeding you dog?

2007-08-28T08:00:00.001-07:00

If you are happy with your store bought dog food, and just having you canine companion, as man’s best friend, and not a member of the family stop reading now. Seriously stop reading unless you truly care about your dog.

Another case of Pet Food recalls this week, has everyone who has a dog concerned. This recall was due to Salmonella.

Symptoms in pets with Salmonella infections can include lethargy, diarrhea, fever and vomiting. People handling pet food can pick up Salmonella if they don't thoroughly wash their hands. Infected humans can experience fever, diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain. While this infection may not be a deadly to pets, it can be to humans. And isn’t your dog a member of the family? I know mine is.

My dog is my friend. He listens, is always there to comfort, and never asks much other than a scratch here or a pat on the head. She was there for me many times when no one else was, and never offered any judgment, just a lick and smile.

So I always try to find ways that keep her happy and healthy. Including eliminating the 68 Deadliest Dog Food Ingredients Every Dog Owner Should Know About.. Because Nearly Every Dog Food Brand Uses Them!

Do you know what they are? You wouldn’t feed your children something that is harmful, right? So why your pet? I was skeptical myself until I read the report “68 Dog Food Ingredients to Die for”. I was shocked to learn what ingredients are in major dog food brands, and how I might be shortening my dog’s, no my trusted confidant’s lifespan.

I highly recommend reading “68 Dog Food Ingredients to Die for”.

Visit the site here.

Here’s to you and your best friend!

Home Made Dog Treats

2007-08-25T16:21:00.000-07:00

By Keith Londrie

You have a dog and you want it to be as happier as possible. For that reason you have bough him the best collar, the best dog bed, use the services of the best vet in your area, spend a lot of time with him paying and teaching him to new tricks. Of course you buy him the best dog food.
However have you ever wondered that, similar to humans, dogs love to eat not only because they are hungry but because they enjoy it. For that reason not only the quality of food is important but its taste. If you want to spoil your dog from time to time with tasty dog treats, read on to find out some of the best home made dog treats.
You can prepare dog bites and give them some anytime you want to reward your dog for doing something correctly. Dogs love cheese and it is important for their health because of its components. Prepare cheesy bites using a cup of flour, some cheese, butter and half a cup of milk. Mix the ingredients together to make the dough, than roll it our and cut it into shapes. Bake them for 15 minutes and you are ready.
Another easy and healthy recipe for tasty dog treats is the vegetable bones recipe. Unlike cats, dogs love vegetables. Get some parsley, chopped carrots, cheese and olive oil, mix them with flour and baking powder and add some water. Roll the dough and cut shapes than bake for half and hour. This will give you hard biscuits that your dog will love. The recipe is very useful if you have a growing puppy as he can use the biscuits to massage his aching growing teethes.
Finally a dog treat recipe good for both of you. As a dog owner you know that your dog's breath is not one of his strong sides. Usually dogs have bad breath. Now you can fight it with a tasty dog treat. All you need is some rice flour, one tablespoon of deactivated charcoal (you can buy it from any drugstore), three tablespoons canola oil, an egg, half a cup chopped fresh mint, and the same quantity chopped fresh parsley and a cup of milk. Mix these ingredients, get a teaspoon and make drops over an oily baking sheet. Then bake for 15 minutes. Give your dog some of these treats and you will soon feel the great advantage for his breath.

Keith Londrie II is the Webmaster of http://www.dog-treats.info/ A website that specializes in providing tips on Dog treats that you can research on the internet. Visit http://www.dog-treats.info/ now!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Londrie

Remember Rover! Make his mouth water with 245 Recipies for Homemade Dog Food"!

Another Dog Food Video

2007-08-23T10:54:00.000-07:00

Here is another Excellent Video about making homemade dog food.

Remember that man's best friend relies on you!

Get 245 Recipies for Homemade Dog Food and optimize you pets health.

Homemade Dog Food: What You Need To Know

2007-08-23T05:25:00.000-07:00

By: Mike Mathews
Most dog (and cat) owners are seriously concerned about the safety of the commercial pet food that they are using. With the pet food scares and recalls that are all over the news recently, more and more dog owners want to prepare their own nutritious dog food for their loving companions. However, a balanced diet for you or I is not the same as the one required by our furry friends. Their nutritional requirements are slightly different and these differences need to be taken into consideration for them to have a healthy balanced diet. The 3 major ingredients are discussed below.

Protein
All dog breeds require a significant quantity of protein in their diet, whether from a concentrated meat source or some other vegetable protein source. This is the first and foremost ingredient in a dog's diet. Examples of good protein sources would be chicken, beef, lamb (including organ meat) as well as fish, eggs and cheese.

Essential fatty Acids
The second most important requirement is fatty acids. Of these, Linoleic Acid (Omega 6) is the most important as it is the only one that dogs can't make themselves. Examples of good Omega 6 sources would be vegetables, vegetable oils, grains and fruits.

Calcium
Calcium is another important requirement for dogs. They actually need significantly more than their human companions. Examples of good sources of calcium for dogs would be animal bones which they can chew and calcium supplements obtained from vegetable sources. The disadvantages of calcium from bones are that they may contain disease ("mad cow" disease), have a high amount of phosphorous and contain toxic elements like arsenic, lead, mercury, & radioactive strontium.

Foods to Avoid
There are several foods that you should avoid when making meals for your pet dog.

Onions and garlic - the thiosulfates in these foods are actually very toxic to animals and can potentially cause the red blood cells to burst resulting in haemolytic anaemia.

Chocolate and cocoa products - chocolate contains theobromine which can be poisonous to dogs when eaten in large quantities.

Raisins and grapes - large quantities of these can cause liver failure.Macadamia nuts - small quantities can cause temporary paralysis.Avocados- the plant and the fruit are toxic to dogs.

Raw meat - the book is out on this one as many people advocate giving raw meat to their dogs. However, there is a chance that your dog (and you) will get sick from food-born parasites. Remember, if you do feed your dog raw meat, to practice safe food handling procedures. Also practice safe handling of your dog's waste as, although salmonella rarely affects dogs, they can pass it in their feces.

Cooked poultry bones - these bones can splinter and kill your dog.If you are thinking of changing your dog's diet to a home made one, you should consult with your dog's veterinarian, just like humans consult a physician for major changes in their diet. He/she is your best source of information on pet nutrition and can advise you on creating a balanced home diet.

Dietary changes should be made gradually as rapid changes in diet can cause stomach upset or discourage your dog from eating. Just remember that to stay fit, healthy and active your dog needs a nutritious and well balanced diet.

So, What Are We Supposed To Feed Our Pets?

2007-08-23T05:22:00.000-07:00

By: Aaron Wilmont

It hit many cat and dog owners like a case of the flu. The most widely available and trusted cat and dog food brands that we have been feeding our best friends had allegedly been tainted with contaminated wheat gluten imported from China.

The recent pet food recall leaves scared and confused cat and dog parents looking for safe and healthy pet food options. With so much uncertainty and mistrust of the pet food industry, many are scrambling for information about food that is safe for their pet.
Start now and think about the following when searching for a quality food:

Immediately, replace any of your pet foods that contain wheat gluten. Investigators are currently focusing their suspicions on melamine -- a chemical found in plastics and pesticides -- that was allegedly found in the wheat gluten of the contaminated foods. Still, no one seems to know how, where or when the melamine got into the food. Until these important questions are answered, and our concerns are alleviated, its best to be safe and not purchase a food or treat that contains wheat gluten. Yes, some treats are made with wheat gluten.

Read the ingredients and learn to understand the fine print on your dog or cat food label. Really take the time to learn what is in the pet food and how to read that pet food label. You might be surprised, shocked and disgusted to learn that your precious furry friends are eating chemical preservatives, artificial flavors, nitrates, dyes, sugars, salts, corn, wheat, and by-products. Don't be fooled by fancy bags which are designed to market inferior pet foods. The most important item for the health of your pet is the ingredient list and not the pictures displayed on the fancy packaging.

Consider switching to an alternative and more natural brand of food. Life's Abundance Dog Food and Cat Food is one such brand.

These are confusing and scary times for pet parents. It is however, a good opportunity for you as a consumer to become educated about pet foods and learn what you are feeding your pet. After all, your dog or cat depends on you to make the right and safe food choice for them.

Why Homemade Dog Food?

2007-08-21T09:14:00.000-07:00

Home Made Dog Food. So may people would wonder why anyone would make food for their dogs at home, while there are so many nutritional products at the local pet store. There are “natural” foods, “diet” formulas and a multitude of other products on the market. So one of them is perfect for your dog right?

Well, maybe.

To answer that let me pose this question to you. Would you buy food for your children in a bulk bag, feed them the same thing each day, knowing it was full of chemicals, preservatives, and filler? Would you assume that it would meet all of their nutritional requirements and that it would never change? Of course not.

As a parent I know that the nutritional needs of my children vary depending on age, health, as well as many other factors. As a dog lover and owner I know the same thing. I have two dogs whose needs are very different.

Dogs were historically outside animals, used for farming, and working. They were fed scraps left over, and died young. Just as human medicine has evolved, so has veterinary medicine, and dogs today are living longer, healthier and happier lives.

Dogs have gone from pets that lived outside, and were often only used for home protection, and entertaining the children to full fledged family members. They have a place in our homes, sleep on our beds, get their own Christmas presents, and are there to comfort us. They love us unconditionally.

So doesn’t it make sense, that we should feed them and care for them as much as we do the members of our family?

I love my dogs as part of my family, and want only the best for them. One way is through Homemade Dog food. With just a small amount of time a week, you can provide your dog a diet, not full of filler, but balanced to their individual needs, and activity. You can provide them fresh nutrition, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

I highly recommend this site for those getting into making dog food from home. It is a must have for the beginner. Here’s to the health of your best friend!

Click Here to get 245 recipes for Homemade Dog Food.

A Great Video About Homemade Dog Food

2007-08-21T09:10:00.000-07:00

Here is a great video about Homemade Dog Food.

Click Here to get more information about Homemade Dog Food.

Homemade Pet Food Is The Best Option For Your Pet

2007-08-20T08:09:00.000-07:00

By Caroline Bourke

Cost may often be a determining reason why many a pet owner may baulk at preparing homemade pet food for his or her pets. However, making homemade pet food is not necessarily expensive and you can follow a few handy tips in order to keep the outlay within budget. To begin with, you need to think seriously about what kind of meat to give to your pet. If you visit the pet food store, you should look around for any items that are on sale and choose the meat that is being sold at a discount with which to make your pet’s food at home. Also, rotating his food with different meats will add some variety to the food and make your dog look forward to different dishes.

Buy In Big Quantities

You can also control costs of the pet’s food by considering buying it in bigger quantities. And, you would be better served in purchasing cheap meat for your pet’s homemade pet food by visiting warehouse stores that will sell you a little extra for a bit less. These saved pennies can add up to quite a saving in the long term.

You will also find that you can control the costs of your homemade pet food by adding some leftovers from your own meals and this is not as bad an idea as you may be thinking because many of the foods eaten by humans are quite like those that pets eat. So, with such tips in mind, you can get over your initial hesitation about preparing homemade pet food and rustle up different chows for the pet that he will come to relish and also expect more of.
With a lot of pet food being recalled, preparing homemade pet food is another good way of ensuring that your pet is not fed with contaminated food. If you are able to make the food with some amount of adeptness, it can prove to be more effective than many of the pet foods that have God only knows what ingredients that can even be contaminated or otherwise unhealthy for your pet.

According to some people, the whole exercise of preparing homemade pet food can be fun, not at all difficult and very effective as well as cheap too. However, you must be prepared for your pet rejecting the food sometimes, and so you must exercise patience and also not take it to heart. Sometimes, it helps to get expert advice on what to prepare for the pet and you should also ensure that the food contains plenty of nutrition as well.
The bottom line is that homemade pet food means being able to provide your pet with food that has been made with loving tenderness and care, and if all is well with the preparation, your pet may even thank you for your efforts.

Caroline Bourke is a full time beauty therapist in Florida. Check out these great Pet Food resources and articles or the more general Pet Shops Online advice and info.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Caroline_Bourke

Keep Your Pet Strong & Healthy with the Right Diet

2007-08-19T08:05:00.000-07:00

By Lauren Brehm

Diet is one of the most important aspects of our pets every day life. What we allow them to eat provides the stepping stones on which their health depends. Healing, growth and metabolism cannot advance sufficiently without adequate energy, which all begins with the animal's diet.

The same concepts we apply to our every day life with regard to physiology and nutrition can also be applied to our pets. The best diet for animals is made up of organic wholesome foods. Try to allow for plenty of variety. Fish, poultry, beef, fruits and vegetables should be included in the cat or dog's diet. Nearly all food, in moderation, is acceptable for an animal. Giving your animal only one type of food, whether it is home made or commercial, can predispose the animal to shortage of nutrients. Many companies make a claim that their food is balanced and complete. However, in normal situations, one type of food cannot be balanced or complete for every pet out there. Each pet has individual needs and those should be taken into consideration when selecting a food.

Since cats and dogs are natural carnivores, raw meat would be an ideal diet. However, the raw meat that is available today contains hormones, bacterial contaminants, antibiotics and pesticides. Therefore, giving your animal organic poultry and meat is a great alternative. Fresh food can easily be used as a supplement. In some instances, it can be used as a replacement to the more traditional diet. Under your veterinarian's direction, a complete home prepared meal can be formulated especially for your pet.

Often, a wholesome diet will help with various medical conditions. If all you feed your animal is commercial food, be sure to use the best quality food you can afford. Even with the best commercial food available, supplementing may be needed. It is important that animals do not have night and day access to their food. Instead, only allow your animal certain times that they are allowed to eat. You can set food out for your animal for an hour in the morning and then again for another hour at night. This allows it stomach to settle down between each meal.

Dogs naturally enjoy chewing. For them, chewing is therapeutic. It helps to take care of their teeth and is fun. Since most of our pets are not out hunting, we need to give them a meaty bone occasionally. However, not all dogs are made to eat meaty bones. Dogs with sensitive stomachs can have problems with such bones. They can cause diarrhea and/or vomiting. You can help these types of dogs by gradually introducing the bones to them and only allowing them to chew for several minutes at a time. It is important to monitor your animal's diet. A pet's diet has an impact on virtually every other aspect of its life. With the help of your veterinarian you can come up with a diet specially designed for your animal.

Lucky Pet Furniture is concerned for your pet and their health. They specialize in custom built pet stairs, sure to help any pet on and off furniture, in the effort to avoid aches and pains in dogs or cats. Visit www.luckypetfurniture.com to keep your pets strong and healthy.
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Pet Food Safety - Home Made Can Eliminate Uncertainty

2007-08-15T07:55:00.000-07:00

By Harry Monell

The latest outbreak of dog food and cat food contamination has shaken the confidence of pet owners the world over, but nowhere as much as in the United States where illness and reported deaths took its highest toll of family pets. Now, in the aftermath of large scale pet food recalls, many are asking questions about the ingredients that they've always trusted to provide optimum health for their family pets.

It comes as no real surprise now that many pet owners are choosing to make their own homegrown variety of pet nutrition. When made properly, it has to be a better option than all that imported stuff with unknown ingredients of suspicious composition and origin. In fact, many say it's not too difficult at all and fairly inexpensive to make. But, a number of experts caution that homemade diets won't work for every pet or its owner. Some dogs and cats have a more difficult time adjusting to a new diet and the new process itself may simply be too labor intensive and inconvenient for many owners. The choice should be made only after careful consideration.

For starters, you can have your family vet or a recommended veterinary nutritionist put together a starter diet for you to try. On the other hand, if you prefer, do the nutritional research yourself. It's unfortunate, but the rap against vets today, is similar to what doctors experienced in years past, that they know a lot about medicine, but were never taught much about nutrition. And, the veterinary nutritionists are accused of being little more than puppets, with the pet food manufacturers pulling the strings. There may be an element of truth to both, but in any case you'll have to use your own judgment. However, having a few sample diets to follow while getting started will most likely be helpful.

The most responsible advice is to suggest paying close attention to your dog or cat. You know your pet better than anyone, so you should quickly notice changes in the quality of their health, such as energy levels, condition of their coat and stool texture. So, keep a close eye out for any subtle changes during the transition, as you would with changes to any food. When you decide to begin with your homemade foods, do it gradually by mixing the new food into the old food for a couple of weeks. Slowly increase the ratio of new to old each day as you monitor your pet's adjustment.

Another trend of late has some owners feeding their pets a diet based largely on raw meat, vegetables and fruits. In fact, many people believe it's the most natural and therefore the healthiest choice for pets. Melinda Miller, president of the North American Raw Pet Food Association recently stated, "There are a wide variety of benefits. Animals with arthritis and longstanding gastrointestinal ailments or skin problems often improve significantly after being placed on grain-free raw diets".

For those who might be concerned about introducing contaminants into their own diets, it's important to note here that the more common phobias and issues related to food borne microbes, such as salmonella are largely unfounded, with no real evidence of actual cases of illness to animals or humans when the meat is fresh and handled in an appropriate manner. Melinda Miller added, "no study has ever correlated human illness with raw-fed dogs or cats." Raw food diets are popular in Europe and have gained significant interest in America over the past twenty years, so it can be considered yet another possible alternative over the store bought brands.

A Word of Caution:
Don't just think that you can feed your pet table scraps and assume it to be a viable nutritional alternative. It's not! Pets have special needs just as we do, so do your homework. There are many online resources, and even pet food cookbooks to help make things a lot easier. But, in the meantime, don't just feed them what you're eating. At the very least, they won't be getting the nutrition they need, and the things you're giving them could make them sick or even kill them.

Here's a short list of foods that can be toxic for animals and should always be avoided, even in small quantities: chocolate, mushrooms, macadamia nuts, onions, garlic, leeks, chives, grapes, raisins, potato peelings, tomatoes (cats) and drinks containing caffeine or alcohol. The list for your particular pet may include other dangerous or sickening foods, so think before you toss.

Making your own pet foods can certainly be a loving and caring way to guarantee that your pet gets the healthy nutrition it deserves and without the risk of unknown contaminants. But, do your cost/benefit research first as to ensure a situation that you're comfortable with including dollars, time and balanced nutrition. Carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages for both you and your pet before deciding on this trendy alternative.

Harry Monell is a concerned pet owner and enthusiast focusing on the need to provide helpful and timely information regarding the care, development and safety of the family pet. He's devoting time writing helpful articles and maintaining Wag Central
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com