Leash Training Tips

 

Getting your dog to walk a leash is easier than you might think. In this article, read a few tips to help you get started and hopefully eventually train your dog to walk on a leash.

Before you begin training outside, allow your dog to walk around in the house with a collar and leash to give them a feel for the equipment. Walking your dog on a leash is an important skill to teach and master. It helps keep your dog safe for one thing; he or she can't run away from you while attached to a sturdy leash. And most communities actually have dog leash laws in which you need to obey.

Let your dog wear a collar or harness and leash for short periods of time in the house while you are playing with him and giving him treats. Giving tasty treats will help the dog associate the collar and leash to food and fun.

Teach a cue such as saying, "food is coming." You can also use a clicker to click and then give the treat. The dog will associate these cues with the activity. Use a quiet, distraction area for your training sessions. As soon as you dog appears to listen to your cues, reward with a treat.

Watch for the dog to come to you, then back up a few paces, then reward with the treat. Keep sessions short especially for puppies as puppies have a short attention span. Do not exhaust the dog or puppy with training. End sessions while the pet is still eater to do more. Don't forget to praise the dog as well. Practice inside, then take the dog outside.

Be patient while outside training. There will be noises, sights and smells very different from his indoor environment. Keep sessions short. If you notice your dog about to get distracted or to lunge toward something, don't pull on the leash, make your cue sound and move a few steps away, then reward him with a treat for following you.

After a few sessions you should be able to walk your dog on a leash easily.

Tips for Cleaning Up While Living with Pets

 

One thing we can all agree upon regardless of what breed of dog we own is that "life with dogs gets messy." There are cleaning tools and high quality cleaning agents safe to use around pets and family. There are two important pieces of gear to always have on hand when you live with pets. These are reusable gloves and a multi-surface cleaner. A multi-surface cleaner makes it easy to keep track of germs coming into your home. You need to use one that is safe to use. I highly recommend Life's Abundance Bio-Base Floor wash Concentrate.

Let friendly bacteria do the cleaning for you! Our Microbial Grease Digestant (MGD) Viable Bacterial Cultures live to serve, and they’re hungry for odor-causing organic detritus. Don’t just wipe away muck and grime, eradicate it completely!

This amazing product contains microbial grease digesters that eliminate dirt, grime and odor-causing microscopic debris. Just one bottle contains enough to make 64 gallons of cleaning product!

Bio-Base FloorWash works extremely well on waxed and polished floors, hardwoods, glazed ceramic tile, concrete, quarry tile, even brick. And best of all, it’s non-toxic, fully biodegradable, has a neutral pH and contains no harmful phosphates. Unlike other serious cleansers, ours emits no noxious odors.

As an added bonus, when you pour the discarded mop water into a sink, the MGD component continues to work, clearing your drain lines from grease build-up and lingering odors.

Safe for use around kids and pets.

Wall to wall carpeting is no longer the current trend for homes and apartments. Today it is hardwood floors or other types of flooring that is easily washed and dried. Use an eco-friendly microfiber duster and floor duster that is reusable and machine washable to wipe off countertops and the floor for easily picking up dog hair.

Support Your Dog's Healthy Skin, Coat, Heart, Brain, Eyes and Joints with One Supplement

 Above Photo Courtesy of Cathy Tucker KTW Wraps and Knotless Hair Wraps

What is one of the best supplements to add to your dog's diet?

FISH OIL

Why should you add Fish Oil to your Dog's diet?

Fish Oil supports:

• a healthy heart and brain
• promotes silky hair or coat
• reduces itchy and flaky skin
• helps relieve allergies 
• helps relieve joint pain
• can strengthen immune system
• can help fight canine cancer

Dogs are like humans in that they cannot produce omega-3 fatty acids on their own and must get them from their diet. Basic kibble will NOT provide your dog with essential omega-3 fatty acids enough to provide all the benefits listed above. 

When considering adding Fish Oil to your dog's diet be sure it is a high-quality, high-grade Fish Oil such as Life's Abundance Ultra Pure Fish Oil Supplement.

Not All Pet Fish Oils are Created Equal

Regular supplementation of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) from fish oil can help support your companion animal’s healthy skin, coat, heart, brain eyes and joints. However, numerous supplements on the shelves today do not contain the optimal concentration of fish oil. In addition, many of these supplements are not tested by an independent laboratory to ensure purity and safety.

How To Survive Puppy Teething

 

Above Photo Courtesy of Cathy Tucker KTW Wraps and Knotless Hair Wraps

All puppies go through a teething process that is very uncomfortable. Your job as a well-informed responsible dog owner is to provide puppy with appropriate chew treats and toys. You will help to prevent puppy from finding something on his own to chew like your favorite pair of sneakers.

Offer teething puppies chew objects appropriate for size and level of activity. These may include:

• teething toys you can put into your freezer
• edible puppy teething rings
• flavored puppy chew toys
• nutritional treats that serve as objects for teething and cleaning the teeth

I recommend using Life's Abundance treats for teething puppies and dogs of all ages as they are nutritious as well as satisfy the dog's desire to chew.

Buffalo Meat Strips are wholesome dog treats. All dogs love MEAT.

All dogs - big and small - love chew treats. But they also love the pleasure of devouring pure meat. Our Water Buffalo Meat Strips will satisfy your canine’s instinctive desires and provide them with wholesome dog treats that are nourishing and healthy.

These wholesome dog treats …

• Supply a leaner alternative to beef
• Are suitable for dogs with food sensitivities
• Contain no additives or preservatives
• Provide a rewarding chewing experience

Our drool-worthy chew treats will make your precious pooch instantly go from begging to blissfully content.

Try some

 today!

Dog Ear Cleaning to Prevent Ear Infections

 

Above Photo Courtesy of Cathy Tucker  KTW Wraps and Knotless Hair Wraps

It is estimated one in five dogs suffer from ear infections and/or disease. Dogs with long hanging ears are predisposed to them. In warmer months dogs suffer more with ear infections.

Causes of ear infections can be:

• allergies
• hormonal conditions
• nutrition
• autoimmune diseases
• build up of wax and other debris

The number one way to prevent ear infections is to keep the dog's ears dry and clean.

One of the best ways to keep a dog's ear clean is to regularly use a high quality ear cleaner such as Life's Abundance Herbal Ear Care Formula.

Ear Cleaner

This herbal formula contains a special botanical blend and gentle cleansers. Ear Care Formula safely dissolves waxy build-ups and effectively removes dirt and debris. Aloe vera soothes the sensitive skin of inner ears. With continued use, say ‘hello’ to healthy clean ears that smell terrific!

Directions:
Shake well. Gently apply enough drops into the ear canal so that it is moistened. Massage the base of the ear canal to help loosen wax. Remove liquid, dissolved wax and dirt with cotton or facial tissue. Clean applicator tip thoroughly after each use. Do not use cotton swabs or insert pointed objects into the ear. Use two times daily. If condition does not resolve itself after 4-5 days, see your veterinarian. For routine cleaning and maintenance, use 1-2 times weekly or as needed.

Socialization: Show Your Dog You Love Them

 

Above Photo Courtesy of Cathy Tucker KTW Wraps and Knotless Hair Wraps

Your dog will offer you loads of love and devotion with none of the "guile" found in human love. They won't have any secret lovers behind your back. They won't stay for a while to get only what they can get from you, then leave you and a litter of puppies behind.

Repaying the dog for all this devotion is a problem human beings often run into. It is challenging to love a dog as much as he or she loves you. Of course there are reasons a dog has such a notorious reputation for being faithful to their owners.

Human often live busy lives with competing priorities. With all the challenges there are for the human to survive in this world we often have much fewer opportunities to return the undying, unrelenting love your dog has for you.

The best we can do is "TRY." In this article read a few tips of how us humans can return love to our pet companions.

One of the grandest ways of showing your dog love is feeding them foods they like as well as can thrive healthy while eating. Really pay attention to what your dog likes to eat and if it is a healthy choice as well, be sure to feed them exactly that.

Tasty treats is an excellent way to show your dog how much you love them. Sure, some of them are expensive, but if you find treats your dog really enjoys eating and is healthy for them to, please stick with those treats. It is one of the loudest ways you can say to your dog "I LOVE YOU."

Life's Abundance has a brand new treat you need to try. Now get this: they are called COW EARS. Just the name tells you these treats are going to be unique, and possibly a treat that will positively say very loud to your dog I LOVE YOU. Try some today!

COW EARS

Dogs just love to chew! It’s a natural behavior that they enjoy and it can also help relieve boredom and even separation anxiety. However, sometimes this instinct will lead them to chew on inappropriate items. Our cow ear dog chews are a great way to redirect their energy and attention, and spare your favorite shoes.

This single ingredient treat is gentle on tummies with no added colors, flavors or preservatives. While your dog is happily chomping away, you can feel great because chewing supports your dog’s dental health!

These wholesome dog chews are…

• Low odor
• Non-greasy
• Gentle on tummies
• Suitable for all ages
• A safe alternative to rawhide
• Composed of cartilage

Is It Okay for Dogs to Eat Acorns and other Nuts Falling from Trees?

Bison Kidney Freeze Dried Treats for Dogs to Satisfy Your Dog's Urge to Explore Unknown Territories

The savory flavor of pure bison kidney treats will unleash the adventurous spirit of your favorite canine! Whether roving the wilds of your backyard or working on obedience, the nutrition-packed goodness of these snack-sized bites will have them howling with delight.

Sourced in the USA from free-range bison, the robust nutrition of these morsels has been preserved through the freeze-drying process. Whether you’re looking for good behavior or just a tail-wag in return, dogs simply cannot resist the tempting flavor of pure bison kidney treats.

Wholesome, Nutritious Treats

• Free range USA bison
• Irresistible flavor
• Source of five B Vitamins, plus Vitamins A & C
• Freeze-dried to lock in nutrients
• Zero fillers or anything artificial
• Sized for training or snacking

Each resealable bag contains approximately 160 treats.

 Acorns are in abundance in different parts of the U.S. Other types of tree nuts are falling to the ground as well. You might find that your dog especially likes to hunt for broken-up pieces of acorns left behind by the hungry squirrels, chipmunks or deer.

Nuts pose a choking hazard for dogs. They can also cause intestinal blockages and gastrointestinal distress. In some case nuts found on the ground can be toxic to your dog.

Acorns fall from oak trees. When dogs eat acorns, they might suffer severe stomach upset, kidney failure and sometimes death. It is best to call your vet right away if you think your dog ate acorns. Eating oak leaves can also cause the same kind of symptoms.

Symptoms of acorn or oak tree leaf poisoning are:

1. Loss of appetite
2. Vomiting
3. Diarrhea
4. Abdominal pain
5. Dehydration
6. Shock

If you think your dog ate acorns or oak tree leaves, do not try to make him vomit. Prevention is best course of action. Call your vet immediately for instructions or a poison control center.

Keep on hand Bison Kidney Freeze Dried Treats (above) to satisfy your dog's urge to explore unknown territories.

First Step to Teach Your Dog to Enjoy Grooming

 Above photo courtesy of Tina's Teddy Bears

Do you think grooming your dog is necessary but not something you enjoy doing and not something fun for you or your dog? 

If you have owned dogs for any length of time you have most likely had a dog who is uncomfortable with grooming activities.  Shift "your approach" to grooming and you can shift your dog's mindset about grooming as well. This article talks about "husbandry training," specifically for grooming the first step.

Husbandry training is aimed toward making the grooming experience more enjoyable for you and your dog.

Regular dog grooming is necessary for a dog's good health. Husbandry training includes grooming, teeth brushing and nail trimming as well as preparing a dog for standard vet procedures such as drawing blood and necessary vaccinations.

You will see Husbandry Training a lot in zoo settings. Employees use positive reinforcement to teach animals to be active participants in their care. This process involves using cues to assess the animal's health and provide vet care and/or grooming procedures without the need to restrain or sedate. The goal here is to help the dog become an active participant in their grooming at home just the same as in zoo settings for vet care and grooming.

The first step is to get your dog comfortable with your hands touching them. When you bring home a new puppy start handling all parts of their body such as toes, ears and tail. Adult dogs can be taught as well, but the younger the puppy the better. Start touching them slowly in places you know they will allow and are comfortable having you touch them. Pet, praise and give treats. As you progress with touching, go to more sensitive areas on the dog. Keep hand movements calm and fluid. Praise for your dog's calm behavior during these sessions. Keep training sessions short and don't worry about touching all areas of your dog's body in one single session.

Teaching a dog to trim its own nails using sandpaper. Show your dog the sandpaper/scratch board and give lavish praise for any interaction with the board including smelling the board. Now hold the scratch board out to y our dog and say a cue. As soon as the dog's paws hit the board, praise them lavishly and give a treat. Repeat the process by alternating the paw your dog is using to scratch on the board.

One of the best shampoos for all dog breeds is Life's Abundance Revitalizing Shampoo.

Pamper your precious pet with a revitalizing botanical infusion of organic rosemary and sage. Enhanced with the nourishing essences of coconut and palm kernel oil, Revitalizing Shampoo naturally cleanses and beautifies coats. Even a small dollop of this conditioning formula works into a luxurious, foamy lather, to deeply cleanse and leave coats silky, fragrant and tangle-free. The luscious scents of mango and kiwi mingle with energizing citrus notes to bring out natural shine. Natural antioxidants from organic rosemary and sage help prevent damage from weathering and environmental factors. Natural emollients help soften hair and give the coat more body.

Revitalizing Shampoo doesn’t just mask odors … moisture activated odor-fighters react immediately to absorb and neutralize tough pet odors. All that’s left after a bath is a beautiful coat, fragrant with a delicate citrus aroma. Gentle enough for puppies and kittens over 12 weeks of age. Item Size: 12 fl. oz.

Get it here: Life's Abundance Revitalizing Shampoo

Spot a Puppy Buying Scam with These Tips

Above Photo Courtesy of Tina's Teddybears

 

Buying puppies especially online is at an all-time high. This means there are more people than ever searching for a new dog or puppy. As the crooks of this world catch on to this news and believe me, they have already caught on and much faster than the honest people just looking for a puppy, PUPPY SCAMS rise by zillions.

Combine a crook with the digital world where more and more people are shopping at their desk or armchair using a phone or computer and you got yourself a real mess. Here are some tips of how to spot a puppy scam.

Puppy scammers post "fake litters online" or pretend to be a breeder or someone they are not trying to take advantage of the explosion of puppy sales going on everywhere. What this means to the buyer is when you find that "perfect puppy usually online," you will be asked by the scammer to send either a deposit to hold, half the amount of puppy or even full amount of puppy while scammer promises to either ship the puppy to you or deliver the puppy to you and even may give you an address to travel to pick up your puppy, then when you get to the address they gave you, it is a fake address or a real address of "someone not having any puppies at all." If it is a scam after you send your money to these crooks you will never hear from this person again and if they give you a number to call, the number will be disconnected. It is like a robbery or being robbed. Robber gets their goods, and they ride off on a black horse while dressed in black never to be seen again.

Number one rule here is, be very careful of who you send money to. If at all possible, don't send any money until you have the puppy in your hands and you exchange money for the puppy you choose or chose by photo before the meeting. Of course, this is not always possible when you are buying a puppy from a website, and they have multiple offers for that puppy; reputable breeders usually require a deposit or down payment in order to insure YOU are honest about buying a puppy from them. If you have to transfer money by wire, use Pay pal or a credit card.

Beware of buying puppies from "Craigslist" as many scammers/crooks use this place to list fake puppies, using photos they steal from other people who actually have the puppies to sell. Other ways might be to steal personal information from a reputable breeder or someone with puppies to sell and pose as that person, always though behind the scenes trying to get YOU to send them money BEFORE you receive a puppy.

There are reputable breeders who will require deposits made through a reputable source such as PayPal. Anytime you send money through PayPal, if you do not receive what you paid for you can get your money back through PayPal. I would not recommend any other money sending source except PayPal and try to limit your transaction to just a deposit to "hold a puppy for you," rather than sending the full amount. 

You will get your money back from PayPal, but sending the least amount you can hold the puppy so the breeder "knows you are serious about buying, " as crooks work in both ways. Breeders have to know sometimes you are really going to buy this puppy so they can withhold it from other buyers and sometimes a deposit through Pay pal is the best route to go.

Fraudulent sellers are oftentimes outside of the U.S. They could be from Hong Kong! They don't like to operate by phone calls. Their methods of communications are most often done by emails.

Fraudulent sellers will use copycat puppy photos or stock photos that can be found on multiple websites. Anybody can make a copy photo of a puppy posted on one of the puppies for sale websites and claim it to be their own puppy to be sold. Fraudulent sellers in the US or outside the US can hide their phone number by only communicating by email and not even using text messages as with text messages the phone number appears.

Reputable breeders will always communicate with you by phone or video chat and/or in person before selling you a puppy. Even a text message from a reputable breeder can be seen by the buyer so you know who you are talking to through text. Talk by voice to the breeder as well to confirm the transaction is being done by someone who actually has puppies to sell to you. 

Even if the breeder delivers a puppy to you after you choose a puppy from a photo, you should still have the right to "refuse buying" that puppy, so the choice to buy or not to buy always remains in your hands. Usually if people are being honest about buying a puppy and the breeder is honest about selling puppies, the transaction will take place when the buyer sees the puppy in person after seeing it by photo. 

Crooks on both ends of the deal can appear in that someone may pretend to be buying a puppy and go through the whole nine yards, then at meeting actually perform some kind of crime against the puppy seller or breeder. 

Scams and crooked deals and crimes do not only occur from "someone trying to sell a puppy they don't have.," a perfectly innocent breeder delivering upon what they promised may also experience wrongdoing. 

It pays to stay alert, and in a well-lighted area where there is appropriate police patrol when delivering puppies in person to buyers. Avoid allowing "strangers" to pick up puppies at your home.

Another scam fake sellers might use is "sketchy payments." The fake seller might ask for wiring of money or payment by gift cards. Avoid this type of transaction as it is unlikely you will get your money back. Paying by credit card or Pay pal are typically safer ways to pay as well as paying "in person when the puppy is delivered to you."