Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Be the boss


One thing you must keep in mind when training your dog, or if you just have a dog, is BE THE BOSS. Remember dogs are pack animals and there is always a leader of a pack, and right now, that leader is YOU! You must be in control at all times! Or else that dog will try to become the boss and be try to be YOUR LEADER instead. I know how hard it is to be the boss and not the friend. I have such a hard time doing this myself and I too need to keep this in mind. Those cute little faces, as hard as they are to resist, you must ignore it! Now I'm not saying to totally disown your friendship, because that connection is important too, but not as important as having a leader. So leadershhip, then friendship. Dogs want that, when your being the boss and you see that look in their eyes, don't mistake it for hurt, but for respect. And thats exactly what you want from them. You don't want them to treat you like a dog do you? Having a leader can lead to good behavior.Good luck and happy tails!

Friday, April 24, 2009

Why are dachshunds used in examples more than other breeds?


That is a good question. And the answer is I love dachshunds. I mean I really love dachshunds, maybe its there long little bodies I don't know they are just so cute! They are my favorite breed and so I know alot about them and so its easier for me to give examples using dachshunds.

Mutts Or Purebreds?

This is a question many people ask, Do mutts or purebreds make better pets? But there really is no answer. Like people, every dog is different. Personally, I think Aren't all dogs mutts? Because how do you think we got all these breeds we have today? Take dachshunds for example, dachshunds come in 3 different coats, wire-hair, Long-hair, and smooth-hair. Each coat has different personalities. The long-hair dachshund is more laid back and calm than the other 2 coat types, possibly because it got its long-hair from another breed. So doesn't that make it a mutt? Every dog got its characteristics from another dog, so the way I see it, there is no such thing as a purebred. What do you think?

So cute I had to share it....

This is a picture of my dog Mac after he took a W-A-L-K.... Oh yeah... I don't have to spell it hecan't read. Well anyways here it is. Isn't that cute?

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Teaching your dog what "click" means


Clicker training was orignally used for marine animlas. Trainers relized that they weren't always able to get the food to the animals right away. So they came up with clicker training. Clicker training is mainly just comunication. And when training your dog comunication is key. To do clicker training first you need a clicker. You can usually find these at any local pet store. Once you have a clicker you want to get your dog to understand that the clicker means a reward is coming. To do this, tell your dog to sit, when he/she does, click, and reward. If they don't know sit you can just click and reward, click and reward. Keep on doing this until you think your dog understands what the "click" means. If you still don't understand, you can ask me questions in a comment. Good luck with clicker training! Happy tails!

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Food that can be harmful to your dog

Onions or garlic: Contains Thiosulphate. Onions cause more damage

Chocolate: Contains Theobromine. Can be FATAL to dogs.

Grapes: Contains a unknown substance toxic to dogs. Causes damage to (canine) kidneys.

Raisins:Contains dried grapes. (See above)
Most fruit pits and seeds: Contains Cyanogenic Glycosides resulting in cyanide poisoning – though the fruit itself is okay.

Macadamia Nuts: Contains a unknown substance toxic to dogs.

Bones : Can become lodged in ones throat and/or splinter digestive system. Basically a choking hazard. (Especially chicken or turkey bones)

Potato peelings or green potatoes: Contains Oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.

Rhubarb leaves: See above

Broccoli: Is only toxic in large amounts ( I don't blame them! Broccoli is GROSS!)

Green parts of tomatoes: Same reason as green potatoes. See 8.

Yeast Dough:Can produce gas and/or swell in your pets stomach, leading to rupture of the digestive system

Coffee, Coffee Grounds, Tea, and soft drinks : These can all be dangerous because of the caffeine

Moldy or spoiled foods: Do I really have to explain this one?

Human Vitamins: Emphasis on the HUMAN.

Persimmons: Can cause intestinal blockage

Raw eggs and raw fish : Can contain salmonella poisoning.

Salt, Baking soda, Baking powder: Blah blah blah ( a bunch of words no one knows what they mean) causes muscle spasms or congestive heart failure.

Mushrooms : May contain toxins that can cause liver or kidney damage

Sugar-free foods: Sugar-free foods containing Xylitol have been found to cause liver failure in some dogs.

Nutmeg: Can cause seizures and central nervous system damage.

Excessive fatty foods : Can cause Pancreatitis.

Avocado: All parts of the avocado or the avocado tree are toxic to dogs.

Dairy Products : Dairy products aren't usually to toxic but most dairy products contain high amounts of fat and some dogs (like humans) are lactose intolerant. Small amounts of cheese or yogurt are ok.


Remember that all dogs are made different. It depends on the size, breed, and dog on what is toxic to it and what is not. But one thing for sure is that its not worth the risk of losing your furry, 4-legged friend. There are some foods that are good for dogs like a little bit of yogurt (non-flavored) can help the digestive system. Or a few droplets of olive oil mixed in with their dog food can give them a glossier coat. But always consult your vet when introducing a new food to your pet, and watch carefully after feeding it to your pet to make sure there is no allergic reaction. Which could include scratching, biting, chewing or constant licking of the feet, etc. Just watch for unusual behavior. Happy tails! (ha lol)

Welcome!

Sup guys! This is my first post and if your reading this thanks for stopping by! Well I hope you enjoy my little site! And I hope you read my later posts! Thanks again!

Happy tails!Cookie over and out!