Golfing With Your Dog

If you're a golfer and are trying to find ways to spend more time with your dog, think about taking your dog golfing with you!

Right here in the White Mountains of New Hampshire we are surrounded by golf courses and some are dog friendly, which means a well-trained dog may ride along in the cart or walk the course on leash.

Mulligan is a golf course regular as his Dad is a fanatic who loves golf as much as he loves him. The challenge for Dad was how to spend quality time with Mulligan yet still put in lots of time on the links. Light bulb! Take him golfing!

The very first time Mulligan rode in a golf cart was at the Profile Course in Franconia, NH. He was a puppy and began to run after the cart as his Dad drove away. At the end of the day just before we returned the cart, I called to Mulligan and had him jump in beside me. He sat next to me on the seat while I had one arm around him for safety. Then I slowly and gradually drove the cart around the parking lot.

He was a little bit spooked to begin with, but quickly reasoned that this was almost like going for a ride in the car with all the windows down.

“How cool is this! I’m sitting in the front seat and I have all the breeze and fresh air I want without having to wait for someone to open the window for me so I can stick my head out” I bet he was saying!

He had got to loving golf cart rides so much that at a recent vacation at a pet friendly golf course condo, he'd start to run after the carts that whizzed by the condo and attempt to get in and go for a ride.

As fun as riding in the cart is, taking your dog to a small 9-hole walking course is an excellent opportunity for the two of you to get some exercise. Certainly, you need to ask if the course will permit your well- trained and well-behaved leashed dog to walk the course with you.

When walking a course, Mulligan’s dad uses a pushcart for his clubs and has trained Mulligan to walk beside him as he is pushing the cart and to stop and sit when commanded.

Mulligan is a quick learner and very soon learned the routine of having the leash attached to the bag and walking beside the pushcart, and to stop, sit and not whine or bark when his Dad left his side to go swing at the ball.

Mulligan will not poop or pee while on the course and knows when he is unattached from the bag, that he's being taken to a wooded out of bounds area to do his thing. Most of the time he just wants to take a dip in a stream or puddle!

We are extremely proud of how well Mulligan behaves when he goes golfing! He is setting a good example for all other dogs who want to go golfing with their moms and dads. He hopes that you may want to teach your dog how to be a good golfing companion making it possible for all of you to spend enjoyable quality time together.

Please make sure to check with the golf course before you bring your dog. Many high-end courses forbid dogs on the course, well trained or not.

Golfing With Your Dog

Does Your Dog Suck Rocks?

Does your dog suck rocks? Not swallow them, just suck on them. I have been trying to figure out why Mulligan does this? It is so funny to watch him. He will find a small rock, kind of flat and roll it around in his mouth, shaking his head gently from side to side, up and down all the while working up a foam of saliva that drips out from the sides of his mouth.

When I am sitting out in my garden he will lay beside me with his rock and suck away. He can do this for what seems like hours, quite happy and content. When something else gets his attention he will drop the rock and come back to it again or go find a new one and resume the process.

I have been doing some research and it seems there a several theories. One is that a dog that sucks on rocks is lacking salt and minerals in their diet. Another is that it is a personality disorder and the dog is trying to get attention.

One article I read mentions the disease called “pica” which is when dogs EAT strange things due to a variety of reasons from attention getting, boredom to underlying diseases. Mulligan doesn’t eat the rocks he just sucks the rocks.

I think perhaps he could be lacking salt and other minerals…although he eats very well and gets a good healthy kibble. But he is so active that maybe he is replenishing his lost nutrients. What I really think is that he really just likes to suck rocks. I think it is his way to relax and chill, sucking rocks is his Zen. Like relaxing in my garden is my Zen.

I would love to hear from anyone who has a rock-sucking dog. What are your thoughts about this silly dog habit?

Does Your Dog Suck Rocks?

Clark Griswold The Talking Dog

This has to be one the funniest dog videos ever. The dog whose name is Clark Griswold is so very cute! See for yourself! This video has become an internet sensation and turned Clark Griswold dog into a superstar!

He even has his own Facebook page, so be sure to become a fan!

Clark Griswold The Talking Dog

May is National Pet Month

Celebrate the benefits of pet ownership and support pet adoption during National Pet Month. Pets give us their devotion, friendship and unconditional love. Having a dog or another pet may well bring other added benefits to our lives at the same time.

A few of the advantages of pet ownership:

• Pets help in making the home physically and emotionally much healthier
• Pets help to lower blood pressure
• Pet owners are physically more active
• Pets aid in lowering stress levels
• Pets help protect against loneliness and depression
• Pets help to further improve social skills and self-esteem
• Pets help to create a healthier balance
• For kids pets can help teach about the responsibilities of life
• Pets aid in reducing visits to the doctor for the elderly

Pet adoption:

There are a number of benefits to having a dog or other pet.  If you are thinking about getting a pet, consider adoption. Contact your local animal shelter or the ASPCA to find a shelter in your area.

May is National Pet Month

Canine Lyme Disease

Here in New Hampshire after a long snowy and wet winter the snow is finally melting and with that, brings the emergence of the blood-thirsty tick and the possibility that your dog could contract Lyme disease.

Canine Lyme disease affects thousands of pet dogs on a yearly basis, and is considered the most often reported tick borne disease in the country.  It is common within the Northeastern states from Maine to Maryland, along with Minnesota, Wisconsin, Oregon and Northern California.

It's brought on by a bacterial infection that is acquired through the bite of the tick.  It's typically transmitted through the deer tick or black-legged tick. The particular bacteria that triggers Lyme disease is Borrelia burgdorferi and can take many weeks for the illness to show itself in the dog following exposure.

It's a complex and generally perplexing disease and for that reason, screening for canine Lyme disease can serves as a sentinel for human Lyme disease infections.

The disease can result in complications in a variety of areas of your dog's system and may result in severe and in some cases fatal health conditions in most dogs.  Symptoms of the illness trigger serious joint pain and among the first warning signs of Lyme disease are often a limp, particularly one front leg. For successful transmission of the bacteria, the tick has to be in the dogs skin for a minimum of 1-2 days.

According to research carried out pertaining to Lyme disease in dogs, it's learned that the bacteria exists in the tick's saliva, which is then transferred to the dog's system during bites.  Currently, instances have already been documented in 44 states in North America and several other locations around the globe and the occurrence is growing.

 When Lyme disease goes undiscovered for long periods of time, it can wreak chaos on a dog's immunity process.   It's a disease that impacts thousands of dogs each year.

Decoding the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease can be a little bit complicated at times because they are typical to several other dog diseases.  And this is what makes the disease tougher to diagnose quickly and it is found that preventing the disease is less complicated than managing the disease.

Of the typical tick-borne diseases only canine Lyme disease has a distinct vaccine.

Doxycycline or amoxicillin are two of the most typically recommended prescription antibiotics to treat this disease. They are both effective. Dogs need to be on antibiotics for a minimum of 14 days, however, 30 days is recommended dosage.

 If you think your dog could possibly have Lyme disease, waste little time in seeing the vet. Early treatment will help protect against serious permanent damage.  Most dogs respond effectively to treatment and have no long-term problems or lasting damage from the disease.

Canine Lyme Disease

The Dog's Prayer

TUNDRA

I always think of this poem when the anniversary of my sweet Tundra’s passing is looming. I had to make the difficult decision to put her down.

And still after all these years I feel guilty that I may have waited too long and caused her undue suffering.  I loved her so very much and hate feeling that I may have failed her. I hope she can forgive me if I did.

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me. 

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do. 

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside... for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements... and I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth... though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land... for you are my god... and I am your devoted worshiper. 

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger. 

And, beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest...and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands. 

--Beth Norman Harris

The Dog's Prayer

Epilepsy In Dogs

Dog epilepsy is among the most psychologically devastating issues confronting dog owners and dog breeders today.  Having a dog with epilepsy causes numerous feelings: anxiety, uncertainty, and fear are only a few.

Dog epilepsy is fairly typical. In truth, its thought that somewhere around 5% of most dogs endure epilepsy, defining it as one of the most prevalent neurological issues among dogs.   Epilepsy can be found most often in certain dog breeds, such as the Labrador retriever and Golden retriever, as they can be genetically susceptible to the condition.

Dog epilepsy is a chronic condition that affects the dog's brain and is characterized by recurrent seizures.  The problem is most significantly characterized by a number of seizures that dramatically restricts a dog's control over motor functions.  Typically recognized as an unchecked discharge of electrical release within the brain.

Seizures generally show up suddenly and finish spontaneously, and may last from a few moments to a matter of minutes.  Seizures are among the scariest situations that you might ever experience. They are usually recognized by violent shaking and trembling, falling down and disorientation.

The problem cannot be cured but it is often managed. Sadly, for dogs, epilepsy may either be inherited or it could even be attributable to the chemical preservatives in the food that they eat.

Seizures in young dogs might require treatment. When the main cause of seizures can't be identified or remedied or repeated seizures are anticipated, antiepileptic drug treatment is usually advised.

When managing canine epilepsy, it might be required to test a number of medications, or perhaps mixtures of medications and different dosage amounts to customize the right treatment method for the dog.   These drug treatments will not cure the dog; they simply manage the seizures and must be provided to the dog for the remainder of its life.

Epilepsy In Dogs

Northern Breed Dogs and What to Name Them

Before I got my Golden Retriever Mulligan, I was the owner of a wolf-dog hybrid that was a mix of Alaskan Malamute and British Columbian timber wolf and I wanted her name to reflect her heritage. I named her Tundra. 

Besides Golden Retrievers and yellow Labs, my other favorite breeds of dog are the northern breeds, as some  are so similar in looks and behavior to their ancestor…the wolf. 

Some of the northern breeds are- 

·         Siberian Husky

·         Alaskan Malamute

·         Samoyed

·         Akita

·         Spitz

·         Chow Chow

·         and American Eskimo, just to name a few.  

If  you are planning on getting a northern breed dog you may find an appropriate name from the list of names below. 

Do not pick a name for your puppy until you actually have it. Many times a particular name sounds great, but once you see the puppy you may find that the name isn’t a good fit for one reason or another. 

In my case, I picked the name first and when I finally did see a picture of her I felt the name was a perfect fit…she just looked like a Tundra and that was it! 

Some names that you might consider- 

Alaska, Aleyeska, Alpine, Arctic, Aspen, Balto, Baree, Bear, Chinook, Denali, Freeze, Frosty, Grizzly, Igloo, Ice, Juneau, Kaia, Kavik, Kenai, Kiana, Klondike, Kodiak, Mackenzie, McKinley, Moose, Nakiska, Nanook, Shasta, Sitka, Snowball, Thor, Tundra, Yukon, White Fang, Wolf.

When we think of the “north” we tend to think of Alaska or the Arctic..there are many mountains, towns and rivers in these parts whose names may serve as an appropriate name for your northern breed dog. The name possibilities are endless. 

Whatever you choose to name your new pup…make sure it’s a name that you can live with and that fits.  You don’t want “Frosty” to get used to his name and then find that you should of named him “Thor”!!

Northern Breed Dogs and What to Name Them

REWARD TRAINING: A Positve Way To Train Your Puppy or Dog

Reward training has indeed been made use of for many years to train dogs; it is a good method to teach your new puppy. I believe puppies and dogs respond much better to positive reinforcement as opposed to other insensitive training methods.

Reward training is made use of to teach dogs to carry out all kinds of actions along with police  and military work and service dogs. This sort of exercise is used at length in the training of dogs for films and advertisements. But you do not have to have a police dog or service dog to bring into play reward training – it is a very efficient method to train your pet fundamental obedience instructions.

As the name suggests, reward training consists of a treat of some kind. In general a special treat, but even appreciation and a few strokes on the head can be taken as a precious reward by your dog. The treats that you use for training should only be used for that purpose and not given on a regular basis. It should be truly a special treat that your dog will be eager to perform for. Dried liver treats are highly recommended, as dogs seem to go crazy for these things!

By using rewards, you can teach your dog to do almost everything. You just have to abide by a set of methods to get your dog to carry out the wanted job and then reward him exactly after. So if you want your dog to be taught to sit, you may dangle the treat on top of his head and move it towards the back until he sits on his own - all the while say the command “sit” then when he has sat down, commend him and reward him. Soon enough he will relate the word “sit” with the action of sitting along with the following reward.

Clicker training is one type of reward training that can be made use of if you would like your puppy or dog to do as he is told by you without using spoken instructions. The dog is trained to connect a clicking sound with the reward. The trainer snaps the clicker when the dog does something good, followed right away by a treat. In due course, the dog finds out to act in response to the clicker only.

Reward training can be made use of to train your dog difficult actions if you have the time and endurance. In many situations, the teaching makes use of a decoy to get the dog into the spot preferred by the trainer. This decoy makes the dog to do the “trick” of his own free will. Once the dog has carried out the action he is given the reward. This is a good method to make the dog to do something without being handled by the trainer and is used a lot in the entertainment industry.

When teaching your dog, it is vital to make certain he will pay attention to your instructions when there are other distractions around and not just when the two of you are on your own in the house. You have to make sure that your dog will comply with you with these disruptions as this can be one of the most significant times for him to pay attention to your instructions since complying with you can be what places you between your pet and some type of peril. Once you have practiced this training at home - take your pet to the park or other area where there will be distractions and put into practice the instruction until he learns to abide by you in public as well as in private.

Teaching your dog obedience and/or tricks takes time, patience and consistency. Our dog Mulligan was trained to jump through a hoop. To start, he was praised and rewarded for not being afraid of the hoop any time it was placed near him. Through patience and consistency he eventually learned to jump through the hoop. Always rewarding him with a “special prize” for his dedication and efforts.

REWARD TRAINING: A Positve Way To Train Your Puppy or Dog

Win A Personalized Photo Blanket with Your Dog's Photo!

Visit our website Dog Care eBooks and sign up for our newsletter and automatically be entered into the drawing for this beautiful 30x40 knitted photo throw blanket with your dog's photo!

Next drawing will be June 30, 2011

Win A Personalized Photo Blanket with Your Dog's Photo!

What's The Easiest Way To Sell Your Pet Related Products Online?

The problem with selling a product on the Internet is that not only do you need to spend time and money on product development, page design, marketing, sales letters, ads and affiliate promotions, but you also need to make sure that you're attracting customers who want to buy
your product.

After all, hundreds of people might look at your site every day, but only a tiny fraction of them might consider buying your product.

That's because, unlike retail shopping, the customer cannot see or try your product without paying for it first. So either you need to find a lot of customers who will trust you very quickly, or you have to find customers who are already in the mood to make a purchase. And
that's the hardest part.

Just think of the last time that you were shopping online. You probably had more reservations about getting your wallet out and using your credit card than if you found the product in a store.

Luckily, there's a way around this. You can find customers who are interested in the kind of product that you sell and are already in a buying mood. And it won't cost you a cent.

It's called ThankYouAds.

ThankYouAds is a revolutionary ad exchange that posts your ads at the best time to attract paying customers - when they've just finished making a purchase.

Your ad will appear on the thank you page of one of thousands of affiliated websites, bringing you new traffic and new buyers from all over the web.

Think about all of the revenue you're missing out on because you can't seem to find customers in your niche who want to buy a product just like the one you're offering. With ThankYouAds, you never have to wonder again - because you'll be making revenue from those very
customers!

So give ThankYouAds a try today - it's free to join, and it takes only minutes to set up your account to start pulling in the profits that you deserve.

Click here and experience ThankYouAds for yourself!

What's The Easiest Way To Sell Your Pet Related Products Online?

Did You Know? Cat vs. Dog Survey

In a Consumer Reports survey of 1,101 pet owners it was found that 75% are dog owners as opposed to 50% cat owners. Of the dog owners 42% have 1 dog and 33% have 2 or more.

In an average month the dog owners spent $36 on food and treats while the cat owners $20 per month.

32% of the dog owners got their pets from a breeder or pet store while only just 5% for cat owners. It is noted that dog owners are six times as likely to go to a breeder or pet store than cat owners.

And lastly, the dog owners surveyed spent on average $209 in the past year on vet/ health-related expenses while cat owners spent only $151 dollars.

An interesting finding from this survey is although the recession has hit many people hard it did not stop them from spending on their pets. They spent the same amount in the past year as they had in previous years.

My opinion on this survey…cats are cool, but dogs RULE!

Did You Know? Cat vs. Dog Survey

The Golden Retriever

In a dog’s world, Golden Retrievers are simply the fatal attraction. They are a preferred dog breed, making great pets, hunting dogs, obedience competitors, show dogs, service dogs and even a combination of all these traits. Regardless of what your intent may be to own a Golden Retriever, you’ll have an excellent dog that will live up to it’s potential and then some!

Golden Retrievers are calm, well mannered, and EXTREMELY affectionate.  They are easy to train as well, very intelligent, and great for those who need a companion. These qualities are what make the Golden Retriever the most popular breed for service dogs. They also make the perfect pet, as they are loyal to their owners, lovable, and great with children of all ages.  They make great watchdogs as well; as they will bark loud and let you know when a stranger is near.

Like other dogs, Golden Retrievers will shed their hair throughout the year and more in the spring - no matter how many times you brush them a day. However, the darker red/golden coated dogs (like Mulligan) have a thinner top and undercoat than do the lighter golden coated dogs and therefore don’t shed quite as much as their lighter counterparts.

  They also like to be in and near the water, similar to Labs.  If you have any type of water on or near your property, your Golden Retriever will be in it, and tend to be either wet or muddy quite a bit - which can tend to get frustrating. Train your puppy at a young age to get used to the garden hose, so when he comes back all muddy you can easily rinse him off without scaring or frightening him.

If you are always on the go or never at home, you shouldn’t get a Golden Retriever. They crave and demand attention and admiration, and normally don’t do too well if you leave them at home by themselves for long periods of time.  While dogs typically live “in the moment” and really have no concept of time, they can and do get depressed and can experience separation anxiety.

Golden’s need attention, and desire to be around you at all times. If you spend a lot of time at home on the other hand, or have kids, a Golden Retriever will be a perfect addition to your family. Take them with you whenever you can.  Mulligan loves to go with me for a ride in the car. I call it a “date” as he is always pawing and nuzzling and resting his head on my shoulder. If he could find a way to fit in my lap comfortable while I am driving…he would do it.

A lot of people prefer to get a puppy and raise and train it themselves.  This way, the puppy will grow up with the skills they have taught him. Golden Retriever puppies are easily trainable and you should start training them as soon as possible. This is a great idea and very rewarding, although it can consume a lot of your time and tend to be very frustrating at times if you don’t have the patience to see it through.   Those who don’t have a lot of time to spare or tend to get easily frustrated shouldn’t get a puppy.  Instead, they should look towards an older Golden Retriever who has already been house broken and trained. If you don’t want to take the time to train a puppy consider adopting an older dog through a Golden Retriever Rescue.

Golden Retrievers are an excellent breed of dog and they can provide you with the companionship you have been looking for.  They can participate in several many activities with you as well, such as hiking, camping, and walking and even golf!

Golden’s love the outdoors and they love just getting out there and doing things with you and your family.  If you include your dog in family activities - you’ll have a friend for life and a loyal companion throughout yours and his life!

The Golden Retriever

Dental Care For Your Dog

Home dental care is to be given more emphasis nowadays because of the fact that dental diseases are emerging in dogs to a greater extent. If your dog has bad breath it could be an indicator that there is something more going on. Your dog could have plaque build up. If not removed this can lead to periodontal gum disease.  

Like people…it’s just as important that your dog have healthy, strong teeth as well. Providing the occasional bone will help them in the development of strong teeth structure in a natural manner.

           

Note that small breeds of dogs like the Pekingese, etc. are more prone to the development of tooth diseases because the teeth are closely crowned in the oral cavity due to the small size of the these dogs. Therefore, these dogs need to be checked regularly for excessive plaque formation.

           

The occasional raw beef bones are wonderful for keeping the teeth structures of your dog clean and free from formation of plaque and the build up of bacterial organisms.  Brushing your dog’s teeth on a daily basis will also help to remove plaque build up and freshen his breath as well. Be sure to only use a specially formulated dog toothpaste. Do not use your own toothpaste, as it can upset your dog's stomach.

In addition, you can find specially prepared food and treats that are designed to remove the tartar and the plaque materials from the teeth. Dry dog food and toys that are specially made to add strength to the tooth structure are often used as well for better teeth cleaning.  

The plaque material should be removed at home to avoid any occurrence of the periodontal disease, which is more common among dogs.  Dental wipes are also available in pet shops and they may be used carefully as an additional preventative.  This helps to remove more plaque and the tartar like materials that are loosely attached.

Developing a regular routine of cleaning your dog’s teeth will result in a healthier dog over all will reduce bad breath and prevent periodontal and gum diseases.

Dental Care For Your Dog

What Did Mulligan Do Today?

Mulligan has a very active life! He spends most days with his best friends...Hedgehog Hedgehog, Pinky Bunny, Yellow Puppy and Purple Puppy. He gathers a few of them together and proceeds to "talk" VERY loud.  Barking and woofing, woofing and barking...growling, growling, woofing! If I only knew what he was saying!

As much as he loves hanging out with his friends...he is at the ready when it's time for him to jump in the snowplow truck! His Dad plows for our town and Mulligan is the co-pilot, spending up to 8 hours at a time helping plow the roads. He especially loves jumping in the loader to help put sand in the sander!

It is now 7:20 PM and he has been working since noon. He was home briefly for a short visit, some lunch and to spend time with his "Buds". The snow has stopped, the plows are quiet...he should be home soon. His Mama misses him!

What Did Mulligan Do Today?

Feeding Your Puppy or Adult Dog

A dog is a man’s best friend. You do everything you can to maintain your optimum health. Doesn’t your best friend deserve the same? Your dog is an active (rather the most active) member of your family and needs the same, if not more attention to health and nutrition as you do, to stay healthy, and live longer. 

After all it’s very easy to get lost in a big pet store. The sea of products that we have today, aisle after aisle is very confusing and also time consuming to figure out what is the best product. However keeping your dog healthy need not be a career option for you. All we need to use is a little common sense and good information regarding the breed and age of your dog.

Let’s divide the dogs into two categories – small & adult.

For Small Dogs & Puppies

It has long been established and proven that small dogs have a different metabolism as compared to large dogs, due to physiologic effect of their body mass. 

For example, a Great Dane weighing 100 pounds needs to consume about 23 calories per pound of body weight Pomeranian weighing 6 pounds needs to consume 47 calories per pound of body weight every day-more than twice as much!  

As an owner of a small dog, you need to be certain that your dog’s energy needs are being satisfied.  Be sure to choose a diet that's been formulated properly with optimal balance of highly digestible nutrients. Digestibility determines how much your dog can actually utilize each nutrient in a diet. 

Puppies require almost twice or thrice as much food as adult dogs per pound of weight. To keep up their energy levels, they have to be fed as frequently as three to four times until they are six months of age.

Diet is always the key to raising your children or puppies. The diet should balanced, nutrient rich, should contain high levels of phosphorous and calcium and be highly digestible. It should also contain high-quality proteins and should adhere to Association of American Feed Control Officials' (AFFCO) procedures. This would ensure that the puppy develops strong bones, muscle and tissue.

For Adult Dogs

Your adult dog like you needs a combination of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water in a balanced diet to meet their daily needs. A lot of dog food bags claim they are in themselves complete food. This ends up null, if the nutrients cannot be absorbed by your dog’s system. Major companies take great care in this aspect by trying to provide the nutrients in an absorbable form. 

Dog foods must also consist of mineral and vitamin supplements in a balanced form. The proportions should be accurate so that they do not interfere with each other in your dogs system. This would provide maximum benefit to you dog. If the food consists of one ingredient in overdose and the other in lower doses, it could have an adverse affect on your dog’s health.

Given below are some feeding tips to make chow time more pleasant:

Always keep the food dish clean.

Feed adult dogs twice a day to prevent hogging at one single meal. This lessens the chance of your deep chested dog developing bloat or stomach torsion. 

The feeding schedule should be relaxed so that your dog knows its mealtime but will not bother you if you are a little late. This is also a good time to have your dog perform basic commands, i.e. sit, give paw, etc. After performing correctly you can reward him with the command “okay”, a signal he will come to know… that he has permission to eat.

Keep away from your dog while feeding, so that he does not get insecure and feel a need to defend his food.

Never let your dog have free access to food, lest they have constant activity in their digestive systems.

Make sure your dog sits and has his food, in which case there is less chance of food spilling all over the floor.

Never play with your dog with his dish, better to teach him manners instead.

Leave the dish for 15 minutes so that he licks it clean. 


If for some reason your dog doesn't eat its meal after this 15 minute time frame, remove the food and give it to him again at the next scheduled feeding. 


And don't worry...he won't starve!  Like people...sometimes dogs are just not in the mood to eat. Rest assured that they WILL eat when they are hungry enough.

 

Feeding Your Puppy or Adult Dog

Healthy Dog Treats and Meals

If your dog loves treats and you love to bake and cook and want a healthy option for your furry best friend, check out our giant recipe book! Over 100 healthy Mulligan approved healthy dog treat and meal recipes in an easy to read downloadable ebook.

We always want the best for our children and our dog children should have the very best as well. Dogs need to have a healthy diet to live a healthy illness free life, and when you are making the treats and meals yourself...there is no guessing at what might be in that can you just opened!

Another healthy option is fresh veggies. If you have a puppy,  start now feeding him small pieces of green pepper, cucumber, carrot and even tomato! Never give onions to a dog...they are toxic!

Mulligan LOVES fresh veggies and comes running whenever he hears me in the kitchen chopping away. He sits patiently waiting for me to flip him a piece. However, I mostly make him work for the treat. Paw, lay down, roll over, sit pretty...he can do all these tricks and commands and does so willingly. But boy can he catch a flying piece of pepper at a distance!

I have noticed that he prefers small chunks rather than big pieces and will spit them out if they are too big. For a while he stopped eating carrots. When I chopped them smaller he started to eat them again. However, his favorite veggie has to be tomatoes! He is my veggie boy!

So next time you're making a salad, make one for your dog too!

Healthy Dog Treats and Meals