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Dogs are wonderful companions to humans, and many dog owners consider their dogs to be a part of their family. However, it’s essential to remember that most dogs have different nutritional needs than humans and may not be able to digest some “Huma” foods properly. Some human foods should never be fed to dogs since they can potentially cause serious health problems in a dog. Here are some of the foods that you should avoid feeding to your dog at all costs. GRAPES/RAISINS Many dogs like to eat grapes and raisins, though they can be very toxic to dogs. An unknown toxin in the “flesh” part of a grape seems to have adverse effects on a dog’s health. The symptoms of this toxin appear to be vomiting, diarrhea, severe abdominal pain and loss of appetite. The exact ratio of the toxin needed to produce these effects is relatively inconclusive, though many veterinarians believe it to be 1/3 an ounce per pound of a dog’s body weight. However, grape-seed extract seems relatively safe for dogs, as no adverse health effects have been reported when dogs consume grape-seed extract. ONIONS/GARLIC Four different toxins in onions and garlic can be very harmful to a dog’s health. These toxins are allyl disulphide, S-methyl cysteine sulfoxide, methyl disulphide and n-propyl disulphide. These toxins can be found in fresh onions or fresh garlic, as well as dried onions and garlic, which are spices. The effects of these toxins in a dog are to cause a medical condition called” “Heinz Body Anemi”. In Heinz Body Anemia, the red blood cells in Adog’s begin to break down, and anemia occurs. Though these toxins are contained in both garlic and onions, onions have proven to be slightly more toxic… Read More »Foods to avoid feeding your dog!

Are you thinking of getting a dog? Choosing to bring a new dog into your life is a significant decision. Be sure you are ready for a dog before you start the process. It is also essential that you understand the cost of dog ownership. If you have decided that the time is right, congratulations! Now, it is time to figure out what dog is right for you. There are several factors to consider before choosing a dog. Most importantly, examine your current lifestyle and consider what adjustments you will make for a dog. Look at your family’s needs – especially if you have children or other pets. People with allergies or those who prefer low-shedding dogs might want to look into hypoallergenic dog breeds. Next, think about your new dog’s ideal size, energy level and age. Then, determine where to get your new dog. Remember that getting a dog requires a firm commitment to responsible dog ownership. Here are some tips to help you choose the best dog for you and your family. Size You may already know you want a little lap dog to carry around. Or, you might have your heart set on a large or giant dog breed. If you cannot decide, perhaps a medium-sized dog is a good choice. Remember that some small dogs are delicate and vulnerable. Being stepped on or mishandled can cause serious injury. Also, little dogs can be much more sensitive to colder temperatures, so be ready to help keep them warm. Don’t forget that small dogs need obedience training, too! Some little dogs can develop “tough dog” attitudes to compensate for their small size. Be sure you are prepared for this possibility. Very large dogs need a bit more space… Read More »How to choose the right dog for you?

There are a lot of proven training methods to help correct your puppy’s behavioural problems. Before I get into the specific techniques you can use to stop your puppy from biting, always keep these general dog behaviour training rules in mind: Puppy socialisation and bite inhibition training go hand in hand. Never slap or hit your puppy in the face. This does not work! Your puppy will just think you are playing or could become afraid of you. This may even lead to some much bigger problems than simple puppy nipping. The general rule to stop puppy biting problems is to encourage and discourage acceptable behaviour. To learn more about this fundamental rule of dog obedience training (including how to stop biting problems), visit Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer. While you are trying to stop your puppies from biting, never play tug-of-war, wrestling, or chase-type games with them. This only encourages biting and nipping. Whichever method you choose to train your puppy, the golden rule is consistency. This means that you and anyone else who comes into contact with your puppy must enforce your chosen strategy every time your pup takes a nip. If you don’t clearly communicate to your dog that biting is unacceptable, he will not know he is doing anything wrong. It’s up to you to show him what is acceptable behaviour; don’t just expect your puppy to know this! (You are really taking on the role of his littermates for this task.) Another (extreme) reason puppies can bite is if they are trying to assert their dominance over you. If this is the case with your puppy, it must be stopped immediately. When you have a dominant puppy, his biting will only be the beginning of… Read More »How To Stop Puppy Biting Problems