ASK A DOG TRAINER

Hi Dog Lovers, we would like to start this week's blog post with ASK A DOG TRAINER section. Last week we had a question and our professional Dog Trainer Ted Carlson was here to the rescue. 

QUESTION:

Hi, I am in the UK and volunteer for a unique dog rescue, where none of the dogs are caged or kennelled. Most of the dogs are from Romania, Bulgaria or Cyprus, with one from Guadeloupe. My question is about a male dog from Romania who will only come inside for meals and wants to be out again. He cannot be touched he is so scared, but he is non-aggressive. I have been spending time with him outside (In all weathers) feeding him treats which he will take front my fingers. Can you advise me on how I can further his trust in me, please?

 ANSWER: 

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8 Perfect Basic Tips On How To Care For Your Dog

Now, let's go back to our blog post! 

Dog Care Tips

The following are some of the basic dog care tips that every dog owner should put into practice. 

• Perhaps the first act of dog caring as an owner would be to provide a proper dog collar, preferably with the dog name and address clearly depicted on the collar. The dog collar chosen should be one that is safe and functional to ensure the dog is not undue stress when using it. And our next blog post  is going to be about how to choose the right dog collar in order to help you to make the correct choice. So add to your calendar 22nd April 2017 and don't forget to check out  Leatherberg.com!

• Bathing the dog regularly is also important. The frequency of the baths should be according to the lifestyle the dog keeps, and if unsure, the owner should seek the advice of a good vet. Bathing too frequently or infrequently enough, could have adverse results, such as skin problems, lack luster coat and hair fall or fur loss.

• Designing a diet plan that is well rounded and complete is also another important point that should be looked into when trying to provide basic care for the dog. Improper diet plans can eventually end up costing the owner more, when there is a necessity to visit the vet often. A sick dog is often very unsetting and worrisome for the owner and certainly unpleasant for the dog too.

• Providing the dog with the chance to exercise regularly is also another important basic requirement in dog caring. Without adequate exercise, the dog will not be able to have strong bones and a healthy body condition. And I have already written very popular blog post "Best tips on how to do a dog running session". (+link)

WHAT ITEMS DO YOU NEED FOR YOUR DOG?

The following are some of the essential items that would be ideal to have for the comforts of the dog:

• Dog food – some people make it a habit to give the dog table scraps and leftover food, this is really not good for the dog. A dog’s digestive system is different from that of a human, thus it requires a different diet plan. Ensuring the dog has proper food to eat that is specifically designed for animal consumption is better for the dog’s health and the owner’s wallet in the long run. Don't worry I will cover this topic in the very near future. 

• Providing proper food containers, which the dog identifies as its own, is also important. This will help the animal to identify the food in it, as its own, and therefore be trained not to touch other food items, unless specifically allowed to do so.

• Grooming tools are also among the items that should be part of the dog caring kit.  This is especially essential if the breed of the dog requires frequent grooming sessions. Having items such as brushes, nail clippers, wipes, fur clippers, shampoos and conditioners are all part of the normal regimen of grooming tools for a dog.

• Chew toys are also items to be included in the list, as these will keep the dog distracted and less likely to resort to destroying the owner’s things in the quest to satisfy its natural instinct to chew on anything and everything. It also helps to keep their teeth clean and alleviate any discomfort from teething problems.

VET IS YOUR NEW COMPANION IN CARING FOR YOUR DOG

Finding a good and reputable vet whom the owner and dog can be comfortable with can sometimes be something of a challenge. However, if this scenario is found, then a good and beneficial relationship will prevail. 

The vet understands the deep bond that is usually formed between the owners and their pets, and therefore they are very delicate when coming to matters pertaining to the sick animal. The vet will be able to help the owner understand the problem and find a solution that is most suitable and acceptable to the owner, while all the while keeping the well being and comfort of the dog in mind. The most pet owner will stick to one vet as soon as a comfortable bond is formed.

As the animal cannot talk, the vet is trained to recognize and diagnose the problem accordingly, and then decide on the next course of action suitable for the given situation. Although this solution can sometimes be rather costly, the fact that there is a relationship formed over a period of time, the owner can be assured of getting the best rates possible. The owner can also be assured of the vet’s commitment and problem-solving skills over time. Most people will ask for recommendations from friends when it comes to finding a suitable vet for their pet. Arranging to meet with the vet without the pet present will allow the owner to get the feel of the doctor and the services provided. If the owner is satisfied with the outcome of the first meeting, then perhaps the services of the particular vet can be used.

There are also several questions that the owner can pose to the vet, and these should include:

• Is the practice AAHA accredited?The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) is a non-profit organization for companion animal veterinary hospitals. Established in 1933, the association is the only accrediting body for small animal hospitals in the U.S. and Canada. The association develops benchmarks of excellence, business practice standards, publications and educational programs. Any veterinary hospital can join AAHA as a member, but must then pass an evaluation in order to receive AAHA accreditation. ( source google.com)
• How are overnight patients monitored?
• What sort of equipment is used?
• Are there referral facilities for severe cases?

How are you doing so far? Are you enjoying the ride with Leatherberg? If yes, let us know in the comment section below this dog caring blog post. We really appreciate and value your opinion. Let us know what topic should we discussed here. If you have come across hot topics which have not been addressed satisfactorily.

SMALL & LARGE DOGS

Next lets point out some differences in dog caring for small and large dogs.

• Small dogs are usually a very popular and convenient choice when it comes to choosing pets. However, it should be noted that because of their small size, they mare need a little more care and other breeds.

The following are some reasons for specific actions that should be taken when considering the caring processes for a small dog:

• There is usually a need to provide higher quality foods as smaller dogs have corresponding smaller stomachs and equally small appetites. The owner will need to ensure the dog gets the right amount of nutrition and several small meals a day.

• As small dogs are more prone to dental problems, frequent brushing exercises should become a routine. Also, feeding the dog treats that will further help to clean their teeth and freshen their breath is encouraged.

• Smaller dogs usually have higher levels of energy to dispel, thus the need to provide the dog with an adequate amount of toys to keep it occupied is essential. This is important as a dog which is bored will tend to develop had behavioural patterns that will eventually cause problems for the owner.

• Creating a safe place for the pet to feel secure and protected is also another consideration that needs to be given some serious thought. Smaller dogs have the capacity to be easily excited, thus expounding a lot of energy at any given time, therefore it needs a comfortable place to wind down after such a display of energy.

• Keeping a small dog warm is important as often smaller breeds don’t come with thick fur coats to insulate them from the cold.

• In comparison to small dogs, large dogs tend to...

There are a lot of reasons why owners opt to choose a large dog as a companion. These may include the comfort element the dog is able to provide for keeping the owner and family safe, or it may be because a big dog is more likely to be able to be robust, playful and cuddly. However, along with its size, there are usually a few considerations that should be focused upon in order to provide well for the big dog.

THE ULTIMATE GOAL IS TO MAKE YOUR DOG HAPPY!

The following are some of the areas in which caring for big dogs would require some consideration and implementation:

• A good diet plan is very important, as it can be instrumental in providing the necessary nutritional support for the well being of the dog. The correct nutritional balance in the diet plan will provide the dog with healthier bones, stronger joints and promote proper growth patterns. The owner should also provide lager kibbles to ensure the dog develops the ideal chewing motions required for the size. By the way there are many awesome articles about diet and fecal health in dogs comparing meat vs kibble-based diets. 

• Having a yearly medical checkup scheduled, is also important, as it will allow the vet to detect any medical conditions before they grow into problems for the big dog. The vet will be able to monitor for conditions such as hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, bone cancer, hypothyroidism, heart disease, bloat and many other possible negative conditions that are usually not evident until it is in an advanced stage.

• Bigger dogs also need the adequate amount of exercise incorporated into their daily routine. Without this daily allowance, there is a possibility of the dog developing other medical conditions. Obesity is usually the prime contributor that is evident in a big dog that lacks exercise. 

• Having all the relevant grooming tools for the big dog is also important. Almost all dogs enjoy a good brushing session as it usually displays the attention and loves the owner has for the pet.

WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF YOU DON'T CARE FOR YOUR BEST FRIEND?

Perhaps the most notable of all the problems that can arise from not caring well for a pet dog would be the eventual deterioration of its health. Most dogs that are not well cared for ultimately suffer from malnutrition and generally lack a proper diet. Even having any meals at all may not be the norm, as the neglect could be considerably high, thus creating the circumstances where even the most basic needs such as food are not met.

The lack of proper food and nutrition would then have other impacting results, such as health decline in the animal. The ill health of the animal can go unnoticed for long periods of time until the animal is so undernourished that the animal’s internal organs become affected and start collapsing. When this happens the situation is usually dire and very little can be done to save the animal from certain death. In some cases, if the animal is rescued from such neglect in time, adequate measures can be taken to nurse it back to health, however, in most scenarios, the organs are so badly damaged that the only humane recourse would be to put the animal down.

Other consequences for not caring for the dog would lead to the dog becoming anti-social and unable to respond well to any interactions with people. This could end up being a very dangerous situation though through no real fault of the animal. Simply not being used to any sort of attention would bring out its natural instinct to be on guard when attention is directed towards it.

Make sure your pet is happy as they would stop at nothing to do the same for you!

Thanks a lot for reading this blog post. If you like it and find it useful pls leave a comment.

Have a good day, tell dog lovers in your neighborhood about us and don’t forget to visit Leatherberg store right now.