Many dog owners pay scant attention to what they feed their dogs. Often, they base their decision solely on price, rather than taking the time to find out what the food actually contains. If they did they’d be shocked to find that these cheap dog food products often contain ingredients that are harmful to their dogs.

Not only that, but cheap dog food may not be the bargain it appears to be (more on this later).For now, here are some tips you can use in selecting a healthy dog food for your dog.

If you want to find out if your usual brand of kibble meets your dog’s nutritional requirements, all you have to do is read the label. Dogs are omnivores so they need meat and vegetables in equal measure. What you’re likely to find in commercial dog foods though is grain based fillers, just what your dog doesn’t need.

But labels are often confusing, so how to you cut through all the baloney to find the information you need? Have a look at the first 5 ingredients on the list and see how many are from meat products. If the majority are, then the food is probably okay for your dog.

It’s not that grains are bad for your dog, just that they are better fed whole. Grains like rice, millet, oats and barley are actually a rich source of fiber, but the grains contained in dry dog food are primarily there as filler, and contain minimal nutritional value.

The other things you should look out for are preservatives and artificial flavors and colorings – a quality dog food will not contain any of these. If preservatives are present, take particular note of what kind are used. Chemical preservatives can cause cancer, so rather go a product that uses natural preservatives, like Vitamin E and C.

If you don’t want the hassle of checking out packaging labels on every bag of kibble you buy, then the safest bet is to buy a premium or super-premium, vet approved, brand. You can rest assured that these brands are formulated to provide the nutritional balance your dog needs.

Now you’ll probably look at the price of these products and wince. They do seem very expensive but as with most things in life, quality costs more. You may recall that at the beginning of the article I suggested that buying cheap was not the way to go. Here’s why that is.

Cheap brands are generally low in nutritional value. You’ll have to feed your dog considerably more to get the same level of nutrition. And with more food comes the threat of obesity, which is behind a whole plethora of canine ailments. Plus the ingredients in the cheap dog food brand are low quality, so your dog will likely develop allergies, skin conditions, and more serious conditions. All of this will require veterinary treatment, and I don’t have to tell you how costly that can be.

Feeding a premium brand means you can feed smaller quantities, so that expensive brand of kibble last longer and also passes quality nutrition to your dog. Your dog will also pass less waste, so there’s less for you to pick up!

Hopefully this article has illustrated why you should always feed your dog the best dog food you can afford. But quite aside from the health benefits, your dog deserves it.

There’s plenty more about best dog food, dog care, information on dogs and other interesting dog information at dogsanddogtraining.com

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Body language is important to a dog and conveys just as much, if not more than the words you say. When you approach your dog confidently and speak calmly, you command his immediate respect, while a tentative approach and uneven voice shows fear and uncertainty. And when you address your dog with shouting and frantic movements, you just confuse him.

It therefore stands to reason that you need to pay attention to your body language when interacting with your dog. If you want your dog to obey you need to stand tall and convey an air of calmness and confidence.

Body posture is very important in all this. When you stand straight and upright you exert control, when you stoop forward your dog sees it as an invitation to approach. So if you’re playing with your dog and he begins to get a bit too boisterous, standing up straight will normally bring him under control.

Another aspect, particularly when walking, is your position, relative to the dog. If you are in front, you’re the leader. When you’re walking and your dog starts to get worked up or aggressive, walk ahead of him and he will immediately calm down.This is because, as you are in the leadership position, he can relax and follow.

Your dog’s tone of voice is also important. Listen closely and you’ll pick up all kinds on nuances. A growl for example is not always a threat, and with a certain inflection is actually a playful sound. A bark may be a sign of excitement, a warning, an attention getter or many other things, depending on how it is vocalized.

By the same token, your dog reads a lot from your tone of voice. If you want to get your dog’s attention then a confident voice is needed, so that even if your dog doesn’t understand the words, he understands from your tone that you mean business.

On the other hard, a soft, affectionate voice should be used when you praise and reward your dog, and a high-pitched voice when you want to encourage him to participate in a game.

One way in which you should never communicate with your dog though, is yelling. Your dog interprets this as aggression and while you will succeed in making the dog afraid of you, that won’t make the dog any more likely to obey you. In fact, it will have the opposite effect as the dog will become fearful and less eager to please you.

Keep in mind that dogs respond to tone of your voice, rather than the actual words. Initially, a voice command will have no meaning to a dog. But after many repetitions the dog will begin to recognize the sound of the word and figure out what he has to do when he hears it.

One last thing about giving commands, dogs are intimidated by staring and regard it as a threat, so don’t stare directly at your dog. Rather tilt your head slightly upward or to the side.

If you want to find out more about dog training tips, dog care, dog obedience training and other interesting dog information check out www.dogsanddogtraining.com

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When it comes to choosing a dog breed, the decision you make now will impact on your life for the next 10 to 15 years. A hasty, ill-informed choice now could have disastrous consequences later on.

It is imperative that you choose a dog that is a good match for your lifestyle. You can start by answering the questions set out below.

1.What is the size of your property?

While a huge property is not absolutely necessary to keep a dog, it should be obvious that certain dogs need more space than others. Keeping a highly active dog, like a Malamute or Border Collie, in an apartment is not only cruel, but a recipe for disaster. You will end up with a highly stressed and, most likely, destructive dog.

If you have limited space choose a more laid back breed instead. But remember, all dogs need at least some outdoor time, and regular exercise.

2. How much free time do you have?

Your number one responsibility as a dog owner is the well-being of your dog. Among other things, this includes daily walks and exercise. How long should they be exercised for? Well for most dogs, an hour per day will be sufficient. However, some breeds, particularly those from the herding, sporting and working groups, need even more than that. You’re looking at 2-3 hours per day to keep them satisfied.

Are you prepared to make that commitment? If not you should go for a dog with lower energy levels - a laid-back Pug perhaps.Another consideration regarding time, is training. All dogs will benefit from at least some training. Some, like Poodles, Labs, and Golden Retrievers are relatively easy to train. Others, including most of the hound group, can be a real challenge.

3. What’s Your Activity Level?

If you love the active outdoor lifestyle, or if you have the kind of job where you can involve your dog, you’d probably do well with a dog that is a good match for your level of energy. Best choices are from the working and herding groups, but be warned, these guys don’t just like to work, they absolutely demand it.

Another good option is the gun dog group. These dogs also have exceptionally high energy levels, but are less demanding than, say, a Border Collie.

4. Do you have children, and how old are they?

It should be obvious that if you have children, you’ll want a dog that is good with children. Labradors and Golden Retrievers are renowned for their sweet natures, which explains the enduring popularity of these breeds.

But there are actually many breeds that are excellent with kids. Boxers, for example, are renowned for their gentleness when playing with children.Be aware that smaller breeds, like Dachshunds and Chihuahuas, are not ideal for small children as they can be quite snappy, especially if provoked.

{Choosing a dog is an important decision and one that will impact on your life for the next 10-15 years. It is therefore advisable to make an informed decision. The questions above will get you started.|Choosing a dog is a big decision. What you do now will affect your life for the next 10 years and more, so choose wisely. Answer the questions above and you’ll be off to a good start.|Picking a dog is and important decision, and one you’ll want

Want to learn more about dog breeds a-z, dog care, dog training tips and other helpful dog advice? Visit www.dogsanddogtraining.com

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Dogs are incredibly intelligent creatures who love learning. Get a few dog owners together and they’ll soon be sharing stories about their “genius” dogs.

Unfortunately, many dog owners never take the trouble to provide their dogs with mental stimulation. A pity really, because this can be achieved with not much work, and just a little bit of thought.

And you’ll end up with a happier, calmer, more fulfilled dog.

Here are seven easy activities to get your dog thinking.

1. Canine IQ: Go to Google and enter “canine iq”. The search turns up a series of tests designed to find out how smart your dog is. The results are less important than the activities which will work your dog’s brain.

2. Solving Simple Problems: Hide an object and get him to search for it. Place a treat just out of reach and let him find a way to get to it. Dogs are great puzzle solvers, so he’ll enjoy this activity.

3. Basic Training: Training is a must for all dogs but an added benefit is that training forces the dog to think. It requires a considerable amount of focus to understand commands and know how to respond.

4. Teach a Trick: Once your dog has the basic obedience commands under his paw, you’ll be amazed at the complex tricks you can teach him.

Obviously, some breeds are easier to train than others. It is always going to be easier to train, say a Lab or a German Shepherd, than it is to train a Dachshund or a Bulldog, for example.But if your dog is reasonably bright, and you are prepared to put in the time, you can teach any number of “movie-type” stunts and tricks.

5. Make Your Dog Earn His Keep: Dogs in the wild have to work for everything they need, and despite centuries of domestication pet dogs are still prepared to do the same. Get your dog used to working for what he wants. Train him to sit before he gets a treat, teach him to fetch his leash before going for a walk, or his favorite toy before playing a game.

6. What’s Your Dog’s Day Job? Just about every breed of dog was bred with a particular job in mind. They still have the ingrained traits needed to do those jobs, so use this to your advantage.Witness your Sheltie trying to herd the family cat, or your Beagle following a scent when he’s on the lead and you’ll understand my meaning. Find creative ways to put these natural instincts to work.

7. Canine Sports: These days there are hundreds of events all over where dog owners and their dogs can get together to participate in sports like fly-ball, agility and coursing.These sports are great for working both body and brain, dogs seem to absolutely love them and they’re great fun for humans too.

Try the 7 exercises above with your dog and prepare to be amazed at what you and your canine companion can achieve.

Visit dogsanddogtraining.com to discovermore about dog obedience training, dog care, dog training tips and other interesting dog information.

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The German Shepherd is a dog breed originating from Germany. They are beneficial and friendly, and can be highly bright. Through these useful information, you will be able to train your German Shepherd to become a hard - working and obedient dog and pet.

German Shepherd Dog training useful information:

German shepherds will not recognize high numbers of duplication and may easily lose interest. If your pet finds you uninteresting as a instructor, it will generate its own enjoyment. You are able to train your pet in performance events such as: behavior, rally, agility, herding, and tracking. You should enroll in fundamental obedience classes at a early age and continue to train your pet from there.

To train a German Shepherd Dog, focus on positive reinforcement as well as motivation. When you know what inspires your pet, this is what will become his reward for learning. There is certainly never any requirement for physical pressure in instruction.

German Shepherds require strong leaders or perhaps they will lead you. They demand respect from their owner, and you should respect pet. Becoming a strong leader suggests nothing more than creating rules as well as limitations from the first day with your pet. Example of rules might be: improving impulse control as well as tolerance with comfortably sitting as well as waiting for dinner or go outside; focused eye contact just before a toy is actually thrown; a wait at a boundary line when guests enter the residence. You will find as many guidelines available as you can think of, and the dogs will flourish under this particular situation.

The German Shepherd Dog makes an outstanding protector, but this is instinctual and no training is required. DO NOT ever attempt to train your dog to become aggressive.

Pure aggression is not desirable in the German Shepherd Dog. Aggression comes from poor genetics, lack of socialization, or lack of coaching. Some dogs are genetically aggressive, however the more common cases originate from deficiency of instruction as well as socialization. German Shepherds are bred to be aloof and suspicious of strangers. Without the proper socialization, they cannot figure out friend from foe. Many cases of dog aggression, territorial aggression, and stranger aggression can and do result from this particular poor training and socialization.

German Shepherds may be trained to chase something that moves. Several have more prey drive than others, but know that early training is required to teach your pet to never run after felines, tiny dogs, or children. Your dog must be taught a ‘leave it’ and an immediate ‘come.’

German Shepherd Dog training needs to be entertaining! They are so highly intelligent that training them can be a real pleasure. Remember that early and on-going socialization, setting rules, thorough training, and being a highly regarded leader are the most important things when training this particular breed of dog.

So you want to learn about German Shepherd Dog Training? Want it done quickly? Then go here http://www.GermanSheperdDogTraining.com to find out how to deal with this problem as soon possible.

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Every dog owner needs to make sure that they properly train their dog. A well behaved dog is a joy for the owner and his or her family, but it’s also a loved animal among the neighbors of the dog owner. That’s where the electronic dog training collar can benefit you. This collar looks no different from a normal collar, except for the two steel prongs that it has.

After a dog has been given this collar, it will recieve a small electrical shock if the collar detects barking. There is the option of turning the collar off so for instance if it is nighttime and you want to be able to turn it off so your dog can warn you of intruders, you can do so. The electronic dog training collar has had a lot of controversy surrounding it since it first hit the market.

On one hand, many people support the electronic dog training collar, but on the other, many people think it’s cruel and inhuman. It does make the dog jump because it is an electrical shock they are feeling, but it does not seriously injure them.

Even when used for long training, the collar has never hurt or injured a dog. For getting better results, try to be with your dog when the collar is turned on. In addition, you can get an electronic dog training collar that comes wiht a remote control, so you can activate the shock manually whenever your dog does something innapropriate or dangerous, like running after a moving car.

Where To Purchase It

The electronic dog training collar is very easy to get, you can find it in pretty much any pet supply store in your area. As a matter of fact, most stores will have a good selection of electronic dog training collars. And if you feel that the electronic dog training collar is too harsh on your dog, you can find other types of collar that you might like better.

There are lots of other dog training collars that work well. There is the citronella dog training collar for one which is considered as being gentler than the electronic dog training collar by most owners. This collar doesn’t shock the dog, instead, it sprays its muzzle with a bit of citronella scent (which dogs hate) in order to correct it.

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Advanced obedience is to a canine what returning down the toilet seat is to a man - it takes patience in constant reeducation but it can be done. Dog obedience training is among the most rewarding experiences between a dog and his master. You are not only doing your own self a great benefit; you are giving your animal a happier and fuller life. Obedient dogs are well-adjusted, confident and mentally quicker. You can be confident in his behavior even if you leave him alone with other people.

The most essential thing to remember in attempting to train your animal is to establish your position as the head in your relationship. When he ‘gets’ that you are his master, it is much simpler to train him the commands you expect him to obey. Confusing the dog in this regard can be risky; he will be aggressive and try to dominate you. Don’t overcompensate and be excessively mean to show you’re the master; be firm, keep your ground and fix this unfavorable trait as soon as you see it rearing its ugly head.

Make your authority known by using a strong and sure voice. When you give the command to “Sit!” gently guide him in the said position firmly. Each command will take several tries, especially in the beginning. Progression from basic to more advanced obedience training is relatively simpler once your dog understands the patterns you’ve established in your teaching classes.

The positive reinforcement method of training is rewarding your animal with doggie treats or praise for correctly accomplishing the command. It is themost useful way to train your dog; it’s what he comprehends. Applaud your dog each time he does something right. Sometimes, this is easy to overlook but make the extra effort not to. Dogs get confused easily and distinguishing good behavior every time will make certain that he will remember what is right.

Conversely, chastise your dog whenever he makes a mistake. Do it during the mistake and not after so the dog will understand the error of his ways. Scolding him will also highlight the distinction between what is good from what is wrong. For example, if he starts finding the suspicious looking dirt on his path fascinating enough to ingest, scold him as soon as he does it. Then put appropriate food before him to eat. When he starts dining on his own set meal, be profuse in your praise.

To be able to progress in dog obedience training, keep it short and as often as possible. Be repetitive in your commands. Don’t restrict teaching your canine during “school time” or certain hours of the day. Otherwise, he won’t want to study during the most part of the day.

Dogs in movies awe you with the complexity of the stunts required of them. However, do remember that they all started with sit. Begin with the basics and progress to the more complicated commands from there. With persistence and consistency your dog will advance to more challenging stunts like growl, leave it, fetch and attack. Use the same standard in how you trained him earlier and you will taste sweet success in the higher levels.

Now that you’ve got the professional’s secrets in advanced obedience training for dogs, it’s time to roll up your sleeves, get the happy dog and commence the training!

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When a dog is brought into a family, it is never fully trained, and even if it is, its response to commands would differ from one owner to another. That’s why new training becomes a necessity, and one of the best ways to achieve successful training is through the use of a dog training collar.

Dog training collars are frowned upon by people who believe it’s a cruel and inhuman way of treating dogs, an image that some collars, such as the choke collar, have contributed to spread. But, if used correctly, the dog training collar can be a good and effective training tool. This is why there are many dog trainers who use choke training collars to teach discipline to dogs and make them obedient.

What A Dog Training Collar Does

A dog training collar can be used to teach your dog how to behave when other people are around, how to chase or retrieve prey, and how to jump or move when commanded to. The biggest advantage of a dog training collar is that it shortens the length of the training, so that you see results in your dog’s behavior in a much shorter amount of time.

Dog training collars come in a wide range of models, with differences in sizes, looks, and how they correct your dog. They all are effective, although some give results much faster than others. You have to decide what remote dog trainer adapts better to the personality of your dog, as well as the way you plan to train your dog. Otherwise, you might end up with a dog collar that won’t give you the results that you are expencting from your dog.

Things To Consider

The most vital thing to remember is that dogs’ necks’ sizes vary greatly, and thus the collar that you get should fit your dog well. This makes it safer for your dog and also easier to handle when taking it for walks.

It’s recommended that the dog wears the collar as long as the training process is taking place. A dog will remember better that its owner expects it to behave in a certain way if the feel of the collar is always present. Therefore, always keep a collar on your dog’s neck, even if you start to see results.

A dog training collar is like any other tool, and must be used properly to ensure the effectiveness and safety of your dog. You’ll be investing some time and you should have patience, but you’ll be rewarded with the results that you expect. And you will enjoy its companionship on walks together.

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