Saturday, January 31, 2009

Crunches Discussed

By Jose Loni

When it comes to the topic of six pack abs, crunches need to be discussed. The discussion on crunches should inform people that crunches are not effective to achieve six pack abs. Focusing on what we eat, helping our metabolism to burn faster and managing our stress will help us achieve six pack abs.

Crunches are good at developing different areas of the back, hips and abs. Some crunches hardly train the abs at all, but rather they train the hip flexors. If we keep focusing on these exercises, we can create imbalances in our back and cause back pain.

Achieving six pack abs requires eating a balanced diet of carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, fat, and minerals. By eating small, frequent (5-6) meals a day, we can avoid causing spikes in our blood sugar level and keep our energy levels constant.

Resistance training helps to give our body a metabolic boost. The increased muscle mass causes the greater metabolic activity in our body, which results in greater utilization of body fat. The excess body fat is then converted to fuel our activities.

Interval training has also been shown to increase the body's metabolism. The body reacts to the increased demands of interval training, which causes an increase in lean body mass. The lean body mass then increases its overall fat burning capacity in order to fuel the increased activity level.

Stress has a way of increasing the amount of fat that is stored in our stomach area. In a stressful situation, our body releases Cortisol, which then stores fat in our abdomen. The stored fat is then kept there as a fuel source for the body during an emergency situation.

Reducing stress through meditation, deep breathing, relaxation techniques, tai chi and yoga are highly effective and can help us get toned abs.

Since crunches do not work for six pack abs, we must focus on overall dietary changes, increase our metabolism and reduce stress in our lives to get lean, visible and toned abs.

About the Author:

Dog Training

dog training: Newly tagged products at Amazon.com

Multivet Alkaline Battery (6V) (Misc.) newly tagged "dog training"

Copyright 2009, Amazon.com

RSS URL: http://www.amazon.com/rss/tag/dog%20training/new/ref=tag_rsh_hl_ersn?tag=do...


This email is a service of QuickThreads.com. To manage your subscriptions, login here.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Dog Training

dog training: Newly tagged products at Amazon.com

Hugger to the Rescue (Hardcover) newly tagged "dog training"
Designer Quick Access Treat 'N Training Bag - Colors May Vary (Misc.) newly tagged "dog training"

Copyright 2009, Amazon.com

RSS URL: http://www.amazon.com/rss/tag/dog%20training/new/ref=tag_rsh_hl_ersn?tag=do...


This email is a service of QuickThreads.com. To manage your subscriptions, login here.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Exercises For Ripped Abs

By Jose Loni

The formula for ripped abs has always been an elusive goal to many. The picture of ripped abs symbolizes strength, sex appeal, fitness and healthy living. The formula for ripped abs can be accomplished by monitoring our diet, interval/resistance training and the reduction of stress in our lives.

In order to achieve ripped abs, we need to decrease our overall body fat levels, which will make our abdominals more visible. Our abs are there but it's just covered by a layer of fat.

We can monitor our diet, by consuming a balance of quality foods such as: proteins, carbohydrates, fats, fruits, vegetables, vitamins and minerals. We should cut out fast foods, sodas and other processed foods, as well as avoid refined simple carbohydrates like white sugar, and white flour. We should choose healthy alternatives for our diet and don't fall for fad diets. Eating 5-6 times a day will help stabilize our body's energy, which is needed to burn fat and help optimize our workouts.

Interval training and resistance training have been very effective in ripping the abs. Interval training has been shown to increase metabolic processes in the body to allow for very efficient fat burning and produce results in the least amount of time.

Examples of interval training are: speed rope jumping, hill sprints, wind sprints and swimming sprints. Interval training can also be done on treadmills, stair climbers and rowing machines.

On the other hand, when we train with resistance, we not only sculpt our bodies and create definition of the involved muscles; it also contributes to the overall aesthetic look of ripped abs. We should focus on exercises that focus on multi joints to increase our body's fat burning capabilities. Utilizing a low level of repetitions per exercise has been shown to increase the body's metabolic activity.

Multi-joint exercises that add to getting ripped abs are squats, lunges, step-ups, rows, deadlifts and chin-ups.

Both interval and resistance training are an array of exercises for ripped abs. By increasing our muscles to grow and function more efficiently, we increase our metabolic activity in our bodies. As a result, our bodies become more efficient at burning the fat to get ripped abs.

The overall reduction of stress is also another important factor we need to consider when doing exercises for ripped abs. Stress in our bodies increases a hormone called Cortisol, which increases fat storage in the abdomen.

Yoga, meditation, deep breathing and tai chi have all been shown to help decrease stress levels. There are many different stress management activities and techniques that can be utilized to reduce stress.

Our ripped abs formula of diet, interval/resistance training and stress reduction is an effective way to affect how our abs look. By following this formula, you can achieve your goal and have ripped abs, which will result in your feeling strong and healthy.

About the Author:

Brazilian Mastiff Breed Explained

By Eric Salson

The Brazilian Mastiff is a bloodhound/mix. A very interesting combination indeed; These are mastiffs who also have some of the traits of the bloodhound. This includes the legendary noses of that breed. They also possess the gentleness of the mastiff. Originating in Brazil, these dogs are also known as Fila Brasiliero in Portuguese. Once used as guards for Brazilian plantations, they were brought to what is now the U.S. by conquistadors.

This loving creatures weigh about 100 pounds or more and they stand about 27-30 inches off the ground. They have the hound dog look in the face with a large flabby neck. They have short hair that is very easy to manage. Their colors vary. You may want one that is reddish tan, how about black or maybe even yellow. Then there is the most popular and that happens to be brindle.

Sweet and loving like other mastiffs, they are however capable of aggression when needed. Very loyal and protective, they are excellent with children.

Their natural hunting instincts come from the bloodhound side of the family. They are used in hunting. The word Fila means 'to hold', in Portuguese. What they do is sniff out the animal that is being hunted, catch it and hold it while waiting for their master to return.

They are far less likely to become overweight than most mastiffs (a common problem seen in the breed), and tend to be healthier and more athletic than your average mastiff. This is another set of traits inherited from their bloodhound relatives.

More than most other varieties, Brazilian Mastiffs are not at all fond of strangers. The only sure way to get on a Brazilian Mastiffs good side, it seems, is to spend a lot of time with them as puppies if you want them to remember and show that famed protectiveness towards you.

It is best to keep your mastiff locked up if you will have houseguests, as Brazilian Mastiffs have been known to attack without provocation - this unfortunate quality extends even to mastiffs entered in dog shows and the judges.

When you're picking out a Brazilian Mastiff puppy, be picky about where you buy it. Make very sure that your dealer is honest and reputable. You would do well to gather references ahead of time. This way, you can make sure the new member of your family comes from a good place.

About the Author:

How to Remedy Separation Anxiety With Dog Behavior Modification

By MB Bryce

Dog behavior modification can be confusing. Canines are social creatures and as such delight in being with their people. When left in solitary, they often grow distressed, agonizing from an attachment disorder, known as separation anxiety. Dogs who suffer from separation anxiety often put into words their anxiety by needless, barking, whining, digging, chewing and soiling.

The notably effective remedy for separation anxiety contains dog behavior modification. There are few manageable tricks that manage to aid.

1. Crate training is extremely effectual in separation anxiety. Many canines respond well to confinement in a small room because it makes them feel secure. Remember, the crate or "safe room" is a space where the pet feels secure and calm; never use the crate or "safe room" as disciplinary action.

2. Recognize the signs of irritation. Owners need to determine the signals of irritation: panting, pacing, whining, trembling, digging, failing to eat, ears tucked down and back; all these reveal nervousness.

Owners cannot reward these behaviors by saying "You're okay!" Before the canine becomes anxious, owners should lull the behavior by talking to the canine, massaging it or brushing. If the canine still grows anxious when the owner exits, they must ignore the manner and not fuss over the canine. Making a big deal or comforting accidentally rewards the distressed manner.

3. One of the best tips for dog behavior modification is activity. The more you exercise your canine, the more nervous tension is eased, hence, the less your canine will gnaw your shoes when you are away. There is a direct relationship with restlessness reduction in people and exercise. The same goes with pets. Take your canine for a long, and I mean a LONG walk. It will be a enormous anxiety reliever for you and your pet. Think of the connection you will have and the enormous health benefits!!!

Separation anxiety can be cured with dog behavior modification. Separation anxiety can be severe and all-consuming to some dogs. Other dogs can adjust with just a couple tips.

If you find your pet is a an extreme case, seek a veterinary evaluation by a behaviorist. They may need pharmacological assistance in addition to the dog behavior modification. Hopefully, the above tricks will benefit and in no time your pet will be relaxing while you are away.

About the Author:

Functional Guide For Grooming Your Extra Large Dog

You should know that grooming your dog is an art that you shouldn't take for granted and either you cater to those needs in a basic personal manner or to the extent that you'd pamper your dog more than you spoil yourself, it's all worth it. The breed of the dog and its distinct characteristics should be considered in discovering the necessary requirements in grooming your dog. The first vital aspect to where dog owners focus their attention when grooming their dog is the dog's hair.

More and regular grooming is needed for those long hair dogs since they tend to shed their hair a lot while those dogs who only shed seasonally such as those short hair dogs don't need that much of an effort. An everyday effort to care and give attention to the dog's hair which is curly or frizzy is needed to untangle the hair as well as get rid of those fragments or particles that have been stuck into the coat after the dog went out-of-doors.

You should be aware that dog grooming can be really expensive especially if you are going to send your dog to a professional groomer each and every calendar week. But if you want the best for your dog, you can even hire mobile dog groomers who have a full grooming station in their vehicles. The groomer parks in your drive and does the complete grooming on site. Convenience is what this kind of grooming can give you especially if you're too busy to in person do things as well as if you don't want some damp odor to linger in your bathroom. If you want the best personal grooming for your dog but still don't want to spend that much, there are a lot of fundamental grooming techniques available and all you have to do is learn them by heart so you can do them all by yourself.

Of course don't forget to purchase a dog crate for your dog or puppy. If your puppy is going to grow into a large dog then you should buy a large dog crate. Here are a few tips on dog crate training.

You should be greatly informed that you are not merely grooming your dog for luxury's sake but because your dog truly needs it. If you don't want your dog to be at risk for illnesses such as gingivitis and many others, or parasites as well as harm to either skin or fur or both, then you might as well give your dog the proper grooming it needs in a timely manner. Having a bath is not something that your dog would really be crazy about, but you can't let that stop you. Bathing is a health matter for dogs just as it is for people. Would you even trouble to stop bathing your toddler every time they throw a tantrum?

If the right methods for grooming such as bathing, brushing and detangling your dog's fur are not the things that you are fully aware of, search online for some resources that can help you through the procedure or simply ask from a dog groomer once you send your dog to a groomer. You may also take a study course from a pet store or vet's office to learn the correct methods – you might also want to know the best approaches in dealing with your dog's anxiousness or fears during grooming so you better ask some advices, too.

You should know that under your dog's fur is a skin that needs appropriate attention or must be handled with care since it can really be highly sensitive. Both your dog's skin and hair follicles are protected by natural oils that will tend to be washed out if you do some excessive and forceful scrubbing while bathing. Adding powder or scents that aren't produced for use with dogs adds the possibility for skin irritation or infection. If a product isn't produced for dogs or the sort of fur on your dog type, then make it a rule never to use it.

Grooming may take a great deal of time and effort so patience should be your virtue. Take time to talk gently to your pet, rub his head or stomach and lend a playful quality to the grooming session. Grooming shouldn't be started nor done if you are in a rush or gets annoyed easily. Your dog will pick up on your attitude and be fearful or difficult to control. fundamental grooming is still needed for dogs which spend most of their time outside and even if you don't allow them that much to stay inside your house. Fleas and parasites are more likely to overrun your dog's dirty skin or fur if you don't take that much effort to give him his essential frequent bathing.

Use the right tools. Old hairbrushes or combs should not be used at any extent to your dog. Decide on giving your dog that proper brush or comb that is best and meant for your dog's fur. You don't save money using your castoffs if you harm the dog's skin and create a big vet bill. You might save some money by taking the dog to a groomer monthly or calendar week, while you do the bath and simple hair brushing personally on the alternate weeks. To maintain your dog's well-being is the most fundamental aspect or motive of dog grooming, not to mention that it keeps your dog looking good and fresh.

Dog Separation Anxiety Training Can Help Your Dog

Is separation anxiety in dogs a problem for you and your canine friend?  Is it bad enough that you're thinking of giving up your dog, or even having him put to sleep?  Don't despair.  Dog separation anxiety training can help solve this problem.

Dogs And Separation Anxiety

The fundamental point of any dog training program is to establish that you're the pack leader.  Doing this will nip a lot of dog behavior problems in the bud.  This is important because many dogs with separation anxiety think that they're the pack leader, or alpha male.  In the wild, the pack leader may leave the pack for a while, but his followers never leave him.

If your dog thinks he's the alpha male, he'll get upset when you leave.  He feels responsible for you, and thinks something may happen to you while you're gone. 

Another issue to avoid is allowing your dog to get too attached to you.When interacting with a dog struggling with separation anxiety, it's important that you're the pack leader.You should be the one who initiates the contact, not him. 

You want to encourage your dog to be more independent.Keep your dog from getting too dependent on you by having other people in your household feed and walk him, too.  Don't let your dog sit or sleep within three feet of you.  This means no sleeping on your bed.  If he is already, train him to sleep at the foot of the bed, and then in his own bed.  Eventually move his bed out of your bedroom completely.

Don't make a fuss when leaving or coming home.  It's very tempting to encourage your dog to jump around and get excited when you return home, but it's a bad idea because it reinforces your dog's notion that your return is the high point of his day.

Dog Separation Anxiety Training

You'll want to use positive reinforcement techniques to teach your dog that being alone isn't a bad thing.  Do this by rewarding his good behavior and ignoring bad dog behavior.

An example of this is using the "sit-stay" command.  This can be done many times during the course of the day.Your plan is to walk away, out of your dog's sight, while he's in the "stay" position.If he's still in the "sit" position when you come back, reward him with a favorite treat.  This teaches him that he can be in one place and be happy while you go someplace else. 

You can start this training very easily when you're watching tv.  You get up for a snack, and tell your dog to "sit-stay."  When you come back, reward him.Repeat this as often as you're able during the course of the day.  Gradually increase the distance between you and your dog, and the length of time he waits for you to return. 

Always reward him with a tasty treat for waiting quietly for your return.  This is the positive reinforcement he receives for waiting quietly for your return. 

If your dog follows you, return him to the "sit-stay" position and work on him staying as you walk away.  Never punish your dog during these sessions, as it will only make him more anxious. 

A Good Dog Training Course Is Essential

It's very easy to give your dog the wrong idea during dog separation anxiety training.  Be sure to find a course that will teach you how your dog thinks to avoid inadvertently teaching him the wrong things.

Now's the time to start putting these ideas into action.

Learn more about dog separation anxiety training by visiting No More Bad Dogs, and find a dog training course that will help to solve your dog behavior problems.

Dog Training

dog training: Newly tagged products at Amazon.com

GUN DOG DVD Richard A. Wolters Trains Retrievers (DVD) newly tagged "dog training"
The Right Way First Time: Teaching Your Dog Kindly and Humanely (Paperback) newly tagged "dog training"

Copyright 2009, Amazon.com

RSS URL: http://www.amazon.com/rss/tag/dog%20training/new/ref=tag_rsh_hl_ersn?tag=do...


This email is a service of QuickThreads.com. To manage your subscriptions, login here.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Dog Behavior

dog behavior: Newly tagged products at Amazon.com

The Right Way First Time: Teaching Your Dog Kindly and Humanely (Paperback) newly tagged "dog behavior"

Copyright 2009, Amazon.com

RSS URL: http://www.amazon.com/rss/tag/dog%20behavior/new/ref=tag_rsh_hl_ersn?tag=do...


This email is a service of QuickThreads.com. To manage your subscriptions, login here.

Discover The Facts About Separation Anxiety In Dogs

Have you ever wondered why separation anxiety in dogs is a problem for some canines, but not for others?  If you're dealing with destructive dog behavior, you may be wondering if it's because your dog is bored, or if it's because you have one of the four to eight percent of dogs with separation anxiety.

Although a bored dog and a dog with canine separation anxiety may both engage in destructive dog behavior, the difference lies in when the behavior begins.Dogs with separation anxiety will have a panic attack when their owners leave them alone.His destructive dog behavior begins within a half hour, or less, of your leaving.  A bored dog, on the other hand, will be happy for a couple of hours, but then start destroying things to amuse himself.

Are Some Dogs More At Risk For Canine Separation Anxiety Than Others?

Separation anxiety is when a pet panics when he's left by himself.  All puppies show some signs of separation anxiety.  But most of them outgrow it as they mature.  

Long-nosed breeds of dogs, like herding and guarding dogs, seem more prone to this condition.  It's also seen more often in spaniels and setters.  One vet noted that dogs with this problem are usually thinner and more prone to digestive upsets.  

Separation anxiety in dogs happens in both males and females.  It doesn't seem to matter whether they've been spayed or neutered or not.  It usually starts when the dog is between five months and two years of age, although older dogs can be affected as well, usually suddenly.  Sometimes a dog owner thinks their older dog is becoming senile, but the problem is really separation anxiety instead.

Other Risk Factors For Separation Anxiety In Dogs

Sometimes puppies that were rejected by their mothers, or who were taken away from their mothers too soon, will develop separation anxiety.  Although dogs that have been bounced from one home to another may develop it, a history of abuse doesn't seem to make a dog prone to it.  

Sometimes dogs in close-knit families who suddenly lose a family member to illness, death, or divorce develop this problem.  If a favorite person leaves to go to college, or a new baby suddenly takes up a lots of the favorite person's time, it can have an impact on a dog.  

The problem of separation anxiety often runs in the family in humans, and this is true of dogs, too.A dog with a parent or litter mate who has separation anxiety more than likely has a higher risk of developing it than a dog that doesn't.  

Sometimes the problem lies with the dog owner.  It can be flattering to have a dog that follows you around, not letting you out of his sight for a second.  It's tempting to give your dog lots of attention when you get home and he's so happy to see you that he bounces around, barking and giddy with joy, for several minutes.  

However, while your dog should be happy to see you when you come home, his happy dance really shouldn't last for more than 30 seconds to a minute.  Anything longer indicates that your dog has a problem, and it's not good to encourage it.

How Can Dogs With Separation Anxiety Be Helped?

Your vet does have drug treatments available for dogs with severe cases of canine separation anxiety, but it's best to try dog behavior modification techniques first.

You can take steps to desensitize your dog to your leaving.While this is a long process that can't be rushed, it can be very successful.  A good dog training course can be extremely helpful, especially one that teaches you how your dog thinks.

Go ahead and make a good decision to invest in a dog training course that teaches you how your dog's mind works.  This is the best way to avoid inadvertently training him to do exactly what you don't want him to do.

If you're dealing with the problem of separation anxiety in dogs, visit No More Bad Dogs to learn more about a dog training course that will help to solve your problem.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Tips For Using Dog Behavior Modification Techniques For Separation Anxiety In Dogs

If your canine friend is showing signs of separation anxiety in dogs, there are several dog behavior modification techniques you can use to change his behavior. 

How To Handle Mild Cases Of Dogs With Separation Anxiety

The most important thing to do is to keep your comings and goings low-key.It's not healthy behavior if your dog jumps around in joy at your homecomng for more than a minute. 

Don't encourage your dog to get overly excited when you get home.You may not see anything wrong with it, but you're really teaching him that your coming home is the highest point of the day.  The problem is that when you need to leave again, it makes it even harder for him to see you go.

Try leaving your dog with a piece of clothing that has your scent on it.  Dogs with separation anxiety often find it reassuring to sleep on an old sweatshirt or t-shirt that you've worn recently.

Although you're probably not aware of it, you've already established "safety cues" for your dog.  A safety cue is an action you take upon leaving that tells your dog you'll be back soon.  For example, when your dog sees you going out with the trash, he knows you'll be right back, and he doesn't get upset.

A good technique is to use safety cues with your dog.  If you know you're going to be gone for a short time, you can leave the radio or tv on, or give him a certain toy to play with.  Use these safety cues when you're practicing with your dog so he gets to know what they are. 

Be careful though.If you try using a safety cue for several hours, it will lose its effectiveness as a calming device.  These cues are useful for shorter absences. 

Dog Behavior Modification For More Severe Cases

If your buddy has a severe case of separation anxiety in dogs, you may want to try these dog behavior modification techniques.  Keep these sessions short, but do them several times a day.

You'll fake your dog out by putting on your coat and getting your keys like you're leaving, but then sit down again.Do this again and again, until it doesn't bother your dog anymore.  Next, you'll do these things and go to the door and open it, and then sit back down.  Again, keep doing it until your dog shows no interest.

Next, go out through the door, leaving it open, and then come back in.  The next step is to go though the door, and close it behind you.  Immediately come back in.  Progress to staying outside for a few minutes and coming back. 

Remember to keep your exits and returns very low-key.  You don't want your dog to get excited that you're back.  His attitude should be, "ho-hum, it's you again."  If your dog gets upset at any point, you're going too fast.  Go back to any earlier step, and start again.

You can see how you're desensitizing your dog by teaching him that you can go away for longer and longer periods of time and still return safely.

Don't Make The Mistake Of Teaching Your Dog The Wrong Lessons

In conclusion, now you understand how easy it is to unknowingly train your dog to do what you don't want him to do.  Avoid these mistakes by finding a dog training course that shows you how your dog's mind works.  You'll be amazed at how quickly and easily you can deal with separation anxiety in dogs once you understand how your canine friend thinks.

If you're dealing with the problem of separation anxiety in dogs, visit No More Bad Dogs to learn more about a dog training resource that will help to solve your problem.

The History of Hunting Involves Sight and Smell

No history of hunting is complete without mentioning the animals that helped humans survive and still are used for hunting. Today it is more for sport than survival, but for many it still provides food for the table.

In prehistoric times people hunted for food as well as fur and leather for clothing and hides used for shelter. As society became less nomadic, more agricultural it allowed for raising food in one place, but hunting didn't go away.

Even in the 13th century there were laws forbidding hunting during breeding seasons to insure the conservation of game animals.

History of hunting while gunpowder and firearms are relatively recent, bow and arrows, snares and traps have all been used to animals. Hunting dogs were developed to point and "set" game birds, allowing the handlers to toss a net over birds. Faster dogs were used to chase down game.

Falcons and even eagles have been used in the capacity of hunters. With the domestication of the horse, human had a means of speed to get alongside big game such as the bison in North America.

Early hunters also used methods of digging pits as a trap and running larger game off cliffs as a means of survival.

Today still hunting, stand hunting, stalking and driving are most common.

Still hunting is tracking animals when it's known they're in the area but not sighted.

Stand hunting is taking a position and waiting for the game to go by - often evidenced as deer stands and placed on pathways or near feeding areas.

Stalking is when the animal is spotted but out of range and the hunter moves within range while staying out of sight.

Driving is when one group of people deliberately makes noise which drives the animals in range or past armed hunters.

Dogs have long played an important part in finding or game.

The scent receptors of a hunting dog's nose are much higher than our own plus they LOVE to hunt and want to please.

Today, as in years past, methods vary, but the history of hunting hasn't changed getting the game for food.

The history of hunting is long, with different dogs for different types of hunts. Explore the basics here.

The characteristics of the Retriever make them indispensable to waterfowl hunters.

Incredibly athletic, and dedicated to whatever the job at hand may be, Pointers are the forward scouts of a hunting team.

The Spaniels' job in the hunt is two-fold. As they approach game, they crouch down and sneak up on their prey, flushing them out of hiding places and into the open air.
You will find that when man hunted in th past or present, a dog has been by his side.

Lizzie Novotny R.N has an informative website about dogs, especially the hunting dog breeds. She raises, trains and shows dogs and horses, and is familiar with all aspects of their care. Find answers to your dog-related questions by visiting her website at http://www.the-hunting-dog.com

About the Author:
Lizzie Novotny R.N. has an interesting and informative website about dogs,especially the sporting dog breeds. She raises, trains and shows dogs and horses, and is familiar with all aspects of their care. Answers to your dog-related questions by visiting her website http://www.the-hunting-dog.com

Keyword tags: dog, hunting dog, dog training,dog care,dog and family, pets

Do You Look at Dog Food Ingredients?

Get a better understanding of dog food nutrition and what's in your dog's bowl.

We all want the best for our pets, so dog food ingredients would be near the top of the list. But what is actually in commercially prepared dog food?

The recent pet food recall added to our concerns. It's important to understand what goes into that big bag of dog food. While reading the label can be confusing, with a little detective work you can decipher much of the hidden content of your dog's food. Nutrition is the key.

What's In A Name?

The first clue as to the content of your dog food is in the title. If the food is named for the main ingredient, such as "Lamb Dog Food", then the named ingredient, i.e. lamb, must make up at least 70% of the food. But if the name of the food is called a "dinner" or "formula" such as "Beef Formula" or "Chicken Dinner", that ingredient may only make up 25% of the food. Empty fillers make up the difference in content in those types of food.

Looking For The Best Dog Food

puppies eating Often the dog food ingredients list will be accompanied by words such as "meal" "by-products", "crude proteins".

By-products are dog food ingredients that make up much of poorer dog foods. Meat by-products are the left over parts of the animal unfit for human consumption, such as the intestines, organs, and diseased animals.

Crude Protein is often made from the hooves and hair of animals, as well as the feathers and beaks of poultry. Although this protein source may make up a strong percentage of a given dog food, very little of it can actually be absorbed by the dog.

Meal refers to cereal grains, the leftover hulls and husks of wheat and corn, after being processed for human use. These have very little nutritional value.

Get Out the Reading Glasses!

food label Take a look at the ingredients label of your dogs' food often there can be twenty or more ingredients listed!

The dog food ingredients are listed on the label in order of total volume, with the first few ingredients making up the main content of the food.

A dog food with ingredients listed as "beef, chicken meal, barley, brown rice" is therefore made with true beef as it's main ingredient, an important animal-protein source.

Another label may read, "Ground wheat, corn meal, meat meal, chicken fat, wheat gluten". In this example, a meat product is not the largest component of the food or even the second! The meat products that are being used are the by-products, and do not supply an adequate source of meat based protein to the dog.

What's In Your Dog's Dish? Do You Know About Dog Food Nutrition?

Once you have the knowledge to decipher a dog food label, it's time to take a look at what you have been feeding your hunting dog. If that bag of food suddenly isn't looking like it's worth the money you paid for it, keep in mind a few other things before you start looking for an alternative brand.

So-called "organic" dog food ingredients can fall into two groups. Foods labeled "organic" contain at least 95% true organic ingredients. However, foods advertised as "made with organic ingredients" may only contain 70% organic ingredients. With the price of these specialty diets on the rise, make sure he's getting the best dog food.

How About Some Homemade Dog Food?

Home cooked diets have become increasingly popular recently, and that popularity has grown exponentially since the dog food recall. Home made dog food can be cooked, or served raw.

While there are a variety of recipes available for making the perfect home cooked meal, most follow a standard pattern of 50% human grade meat, with vegetables, oats, rice or potatoes.

In addition, vitamin and mineral supplements may be necessary to fully attend to your dogs nutritional demands. Homemade dog food allows you to give back to your hard working hunting buddy.

The food for hunting and performance dogs requires more attention to detail. They have a greater need for fats and calories in their diet, along with a careful balance of vitamins and minerals for optimum performance ability. Proper dog food nutrition is essential in the working dog.

Despite the advantage of control over the quality of ingredients in a homemade dog food diet, the added investment of time, money and research necessary to create a balanced diet is often not feasible.

By arming yourself with knowledge, and doing research on dog food ingredients, you can find a commercially available dog food that gives you both peace of mind, and will help your dog to get the nutrition he needs to live a long and happy life.

About the Author:
Lizzie Novotny R.N has an interesting and informative website about dogs, especially the sporting dog breeds. She raises, trains and shows dogs and horses, and is familiar with all aspects of their care. Find answers to your dog-related questions by visiting her website http://www.the-hunting-dog.com

Keyword tags: dog, hunting dog, dog training,dog care,dog and family, pets

House Training A Puppy: 6 Simple Tips To Potty Training A Puppy

By Christine Andrews

Some people call it potty training. Others call it housebreaking. No matter what you call it, housetraining a puppy is something most new dog owners dread. Everyone you talk to will probably give you different advice, which can leave you pretty confused.

Don't despair. I've got six tips that you can use to make the house training process a lot easier on you and your new puppy.

Tip #1: Have a Consistent Feeding Schedule

Free feeding as become popular among dog owners. This is where the dog food is left out so your dog can eat whenever he wants to. This might be fine for older, housebroken dogs, but when you are house training a new dog it's best to feed him at the same times each day.

Most dogs need to go potty after eating. By having a set schedule, you can control when your dog eats and know when he will need to go potty. You'll have fewer accidents if you follow this important tip.

Tip #2: Help Your Puppy Succeed By Following A Potty Schedule

Following a feeding schedule will help you get started with this. You should take your new puppy out after every meal, and also a few more times each day. If possible, try to make these extra potty trips at the same time each day.

Having a schedule helps you remember to take him out during the day. And this routine gives your new puppy a sense of security. Without a schedule, puppies tend to become anxious. Anxiety will cause digestive problems in your puppy, and that will make house training harder on both of you.

Tip #3: Pick a "Potty" Command To Use - Then Use It Every Time He Goes Potty

Pick a command word that you are comfortable using -- no matter where you are or who you're with. Here are a few common commands: "potty" "go potty" "go peepee" and "tinkle."

Now that you've chosen a command, you should use it every time you want your dog to go potty. When he's learning the command, you should use it only when you are standing where you want him to go potty. Once your puppy is trained, you can open the door, say "go potty" or whatever command you use, and he'll run right over to his spot and go potty - all on his own.

Tip #4: When Your Dog Has An Accident, Don't Scold Or Yell At Him

Almost every puppy has an accident while house training - some more than others. When this happens, always remain calm. Don't scold him - and whatever you do, never rub his nose in it. This is not just outdated advice it's also completely ineffective.

Making your dog feel that going potty is bad isn't going to help. Your dog can't help himself - when he's got to go, he's got to go! What you need to teach him instead, is that good things happen when he goes potty in the right place, which leads us to the next tip

Tip #5: Always Praise and Reward Your Puppy When He's Successful

Just as you would reward your puppy for sitting when you say "sit" - you should always reward him when he goes potty outside in the right place.

It's a good habit to combine sincere praise with some kind of reward. Rewards can be showing him love and affection, giving him a tasty treat, or spending a few minutes playing with him. Whatever you choose, it's vital that your puppy is rewarded immediately so he remembers that going potty means getting a reward.

Begin the verbal praise while he's actually going potty. If you're using dog treats, be sure to keep them handy - in your pocket or purse. For play, you can simply toss a ball if you are in the back yard - or bounce a tennis ball and let him catch it if you're on a walk.

The most important thing is that he gets his reward immediately. By giving him praise and a reward, your puppy will soon connect going potty for you with good things.

Tip #6: Use Crate Training To Reduce Accidents

Crate training is a topic all on it's own, but here is why you'd be smart to consider it when house breaking your puppy

Crate training lets you put your puppy in his crate when you aren't able to watch him. Since dogs don't like to soil their "dens" your puppy will naturally wait until you let him out to go potty.

There are two important things to remember: First, never leave him in his crate for too long. Second, always take him out to go potty as soon as you let him out of his crate. Most of the time, your puppy will already have to go potty. With your help, he'll be going go potty exactly where you want him to go!

Your new puppy is going to love you unconditionally. In return, you should do your best to train him properly so he's always a joy to be around. Potty training a puppy is a very important step in raising a dog that's happy, healthy, and easy to love.

About the Author:

Monday, January 26, 2009

Helping Dogs With Separation Anxiety By Using Dog Separation Anxiety Training

Don't you just hate it when your dog barks non-stop while you're gone?Dogs often chew up furniture and clothing, and even claw doors and windows when they're alone if they're suffering from separation anxiety in dogs.   By using dog separation anxiety training, you can often solve this problem. 

You have two goals with this training.  The first is to make your dog less dependent on you, and the second is to teach him that being by himself isn't a bad thing.

Basics Of Dog Separation Anxiety Training

It's important that your dog know his place in the family pecking order.  The dog should be at the bottom of the family heap, not the top.  Even if your dog sees you as the pack leader, it's important that he doesn't rank himself socially above the other members of the family.  Everyone in your home should be involved in dog training so that your dog understands that he needs to obey everyone in the house, not just you.

Your dog shouldn't get too attached to you.  We've all seen the 90-pound dogs who always want to curl up in someone's lap.  It's funny at first, but it gets old fast.  It's best to train your dog to sit or stay about three feet from you.He should learn that he doesn't have to be in constant contact with you to be happy.

Don't let your dog sleep in the bed with you.  If he's already doing this, first train him to sleep at the foot of your bed.  Then encourage him to sleep in his own doggie bed, with the eventual goal of moving his bed out of your bedroom.You want him to learn to become more independent of you.

Make sure your dog gets lots of exercise to burn up the extra energy he has.  A long walk in the morning and again in the evening goes a long way toward keeping your dog on an even keel emotionally.

This sounds harsh, but don't make a big scene when you come home.  Encouraging your dog to jump around, barking in excitement when you return, is only reinforcing the idea that he can't be happy unless you're there.Don't pay any attention to your dog for twenty minutes or so before you leave, or after you return.

Teaching Dogs With Separation Anxiety To Be Happy When They're Alone

Work on teaching your dog the basic "sit,", "relax," and "stay" commands.  He needs to know these basic commands so you can work on these steps.

Find a reason to leave the room if you're watching tv.  Use the "sit-stay" command, and then leave.  At first come right back, and reward your dog with a tasty treat if he stayed and didn't follow you.Slowly and gradually increase the amount of time that you're gone.  Do this many times a day, so that your dog learns that when you leave, you do come back.  He also learns that if he sits and waits patiently for you, he gets rewarded. 

Find a room in your house where there's nothing for your dog to destroy.  Put your dog in there with a few favorite toys that he only gets when he's by himself.  Stay with him a little while, and then leave without any fuss, and close the door behind you.  Come back before he gets upset, and reward him with a food treat.  Repeat this as often during the day as you can, gradually increasing the amount of time you're gone. When you're done with the training session, remember to put these toys away.

What your dog is learning now is that he gets fun toys when you're gone, and a treat when you return.This is teaching him that being by himself isn't so bad after all.

Your next step? To take what you've just learned and apply it.  You'll want to look for a good dog training course, so you can avoid making mistakes as you use dog separation anxiety training to solve your dog behavior problems.

Learn more about dog separation anxiety training, by visiting No More Bad Dogs to find an effective dog training course that uses these principles.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Training Your Dog On Your Own Can Be Very Beneficial

 

As a pet dog lover, you always see to it that you give all the best in the world for your furry best friend. Some even would go through the extreme of enrolling their dogs to an obedient school for weeks or months. Well, that would be a swell idea if you have the financial resources. They can also decide to opt for a professional dog trainer who can train their dogs right in their own homes. If you have the budget, you can do so. But unfortunately, most dog owners can’t seem to manage to invest in these things. That’s why, they would resort to going through the Web, browsing for an online dog training course and help them learn how to train their own dogs.

If you would want to train your pet on your own, this is also what you should try to search. There are many advantages in learning how to train your mutt. First of all, you can build a strong relationship with your furry best friend. Of all people, you are the only one or your other family members, for that matter, knows the personality of your dog and training him on your own can be much easier as compared to hiring a dog trainer. A dog training course that you can do on your own is much cheaper. For example, you might find a program or an e-book which you will only pay for a lowest amount and you can train your dog with it and you can even apply your knowledge from what you’ve learned from a book guide on other dogs.

Third, training your own dog won’t really be a hindrance to your time and your other important obligations. You can set out your fixed schedule on when to train your dog effectively. But the question is, where can you find a good training course guide? If you go to the Net right now, you can come across some dog training reviews site which has compiled several guides on how to train your dog. From there, you can get to learn the different system and after reading them, that’s the time for you to decide to choose from among those options which you think will work best for you and your furry friend.

Dog Bed Covers - Better Health And Comfort for your Best Friend

The interest of responsible ownership and pet welfare are widely realized by the general public wherein they strive to provide significant innovations and development for the interest of the domestic animal population and aid the concern of pet owners of providing sustainable and healthy living conditions. In particular, the field of pet dog concern has gained much effort and resources for innovations and advancement towards achieving the best possible ideal living condition for this domesticated animal family.

Dog Obedience


In particular to the interest of the ideal living condition for pet dogs, significant issues and means have now been produced in the interest of achieving a healthy living condition for this domesticated animal kind. Providing a comfortable sleep for your pet has inspired the creation of dog bed covers. Improving the health and comfort of dogs is the main purpose of dog bed covers.


The Importance of Dog Bed Covers


Why should you consider acquiring dog bed cover? For the interest of providing the most ideal and beneficial living condition for your pet god, dog bed cover is important. These days having your dog sleep on the ground, in a box or on a pile of rags isn't in their best interest. Pet owner must take the responsibility of providing their pet what they actually need for a health living condition. The dog bed cover provide this through its effective system for cushioning the delicate body of your pet and controlling the temperature through the contact area thus, providing a relaxing and soothing sleeping experience for your dog.


Dog bed covers improve the overall health of your dog, not just a soft spot to sleep. Animals that are able to rest comfortably are able to restore their health easier; dog bed covers help to provide the comfortable experience for restful sleep.

Today's dog bed covers can assist in eliminating pest and cleansing the dog's fur by having anti-infestation and antibacterial properties. The health of your dog is further enhanced by this dog bed cover.
Dog bed covers are not necessarily expensive. Many manufacturers of dog bed covers produce products with strength and durability in mind which provide great value for pet owners. Several varieties of replacement dog bed covers are widely available to meet every need.


Providing a comfortable and relaxing sleep for your pet is easy with the use of dog bed covers, and thus it improves their overall welfare.

Obedience Training

Dog Training

dog training: Newly tagged products at Amazon.com

Prong Collar 22" (Misc.) newly tagged "dog training"

Copyright 2009, Amazon.com

RSS URL: http://www.amazon.com/rss/tag/dog%20training/new/ref=tag_rsh_hl_ersn?tag=do...


This email is a service of QuickThreads.com. To manage your subscriptions, login here.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Separation Anxiety In Dogs: Five Things You Must Know To Solve This Dog Behavior Problem

Are you just plain fed up?  Does your pet go into a frenzy of destructive dog behavior whenever you leave him alone?  Is separation anxiety in dogs making your hope of having a happy, well-behaved dog into a nightmare of facing a mess every time you come home?

Unfortunately, you're not the only one.  This condition is the second most common reason that dog owners have for giving up a dog, or even having him to put sleep.  But it doesn't have to be this way.  

Here are five things you must know about dogs with separation anxiety.

What Is Canine Separation Anxiety?

Basically, your dog has a panic attack when you leave him alone, usually within a half hour of your leaving.  Your canine may show the following dog behavior problems:

  • High-pitched yipping and whining, in hopes of getting you to come home
  • Digging at doors and windows in an effort to escape
  • Inappropriate urination or defecation, even if he's housebroken
  • Destroying furniture, clothing, or whatever else he can get into

Your dog isn't doing these things to get back at you for leaving him alone.  He's doing it because he's scared.

Why Does My Dog Have This Problem?

Nobody knows for sure why some dogs with separation anxiety develop this condition, and others don't.  Some breeds, including Weimaraners, Springer Spaniels, German Shepherds, and Airedales are more likely to develop canine separation anxiety.  

Being gone a lot often contributes to the problem.  Dogs are social animals who need lots of interaction with their owners to be happy.If you know your dog will spending a lot of time by himself, you may want to take him to a doggy day care, or have somebody come in to walk him during the day.  

Avoid Making A Big Fuss When You Get Home

Does your dog greet you when you get home by jumping around and barking, almost to the point of being out of control?  Do you encourage this behavior by petting him, and lavishing attention on him when he's acting crazy?  

If you do, you're making a big mistake.  It's flattering to have your dog so happy to see you, but giving him attention when he acts like this only reinforces the idea that your daily homecoming is the highest point of his day.Your dog is nearly manic once you return, but he gets depressed again he next day when you have to leave for work again.

Keep your comings and goings low-key.  Yes, he should be happy to see you, but not excessively so.

Are You The Alpha Male Or Is Your Dog?

Many dog owners make the mistake of trying to treat their dog as an equal.You need to know that dogs are pack animals, and there's always a leader in the pack.  If you aren't the alpha dog, there's a leadership vacuum that your dog will step up to fill.  

If your canine thinks he's the pack leader, he may suffer separation anxiety in dogs if you leave.  This is because in the wild, the pack leader can leave the pack and come back.  However, the other dogs (the followers) don't have this option of leaving their pack leader.  

Your dog sees you leaving, and this upsets him because he believes he's responsible for you as his pack member.  This is another reason you need to be the pack leader, not your dog.

The Right Training Is Key

Dogs don't think the way we do.  They run on instinct much of the time.  Learning how your canine thinks is very important to avoid dog behavior problems.

A good dog training course that teaches you how your dog thinks is worth its weight in gold.See how quickly and easily you can train him when he understands what you want him to do; don't waste your time any longer accidentally training him to do the wrong things.  

Your goal now is to take charge of your canine, and work with him to end separation anxiety in dogs.

If you're dealing with the problem of separation anxiety in dogs, visit No More Bad Dogs to learn more about a dog training resource that will help to solve your problem.

Dog Training

dog training: Newly tagged products at Amazon.com

Joel Silverman's Hollywood Dog Training Program: Joel Silverman's Dog Training Secrets and Proven Step-By-Step Techniques: Training From Your Dog's Point of View (4 cassettes, 1 video, and 2 books) (Audio Cassette) newly tagged "dog training"

Copyright 2009, Amazon.com

RSS URL: http://www.amazon.com/rss/tag/dog%20training/new/ref=tag_rsh_hl_ersn?tag=do...


This email is a service of QuickThreads.com. To manage your subscriptions, login here.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Information About Dog Allergies

If you are one of the many allergy sufferers you know who miserable it can make you.

Imagine how hard it must be for your dog to suffer with allergies. She cannot complain and she cannot ask for help. So as responsible dog owners it is up to us to figure out when she is having an allergy outbreak and to provide her with medicine as soon as possible.

Similar to humans, dog allergies are usually passed through genetics from parents to puppies.

Various factors can trigger an allergic reaction in a dog. The more common dog allergies include dog food allergies, protein allergies, allergies to pollen, and dog skin allergies. Thankfully they are all treatable with proper treatment and monitoring. Change her dog food until you find one that does not trigger a dog food allergy. For other allergies you can find the appropriate treatment for her condition.

If you believe your dog has allergies then schedule a vet appointment. You vet can examine her and then recommend the best course of treatment.

The easiest way to indentify dog allergies is to know your dog. Know what “normal” looks like for her. That way, you can probably tell when something just doesn't seem right. This can be helpful not only in identifying potential allergies, but it can help to identify the start of other illnesses as well.

There are various symptoms of dog allergies that can tell you that your dog may be allergic to something. You may notice that she is always scratching, or she may be gnawing at her skin. There is no sure set of symptoms that you can use to identify your dog’s allergies since there is no telling how a dog will exactly react to something.

Behavioral changes are a great reason to look deeper. Try to find out what is causing the change in your dog’s behavior.

Dog allergies should be indentified and treated as soon as you can. This can help you poor little dog to avoid additional pain and discomfort and bring her some relief to her allergy suffering.

If you got your dog from a breeder then it is quite likely that they can tell you if her parents had dog allergies too. That may make it a bit easier to pinpoint what she may be allergic to.

Read the rest of the articles in the dog allergy series.

Stop by our online pet store for all your dog supplies.

Get more information about dogs.

Fear Aggression In Dogs And What You Need To Know

Tell me, does this describe your dog?  Whenever somebody comes to your door, your dog puts on a big show of barking and acting brave, but all the time he's backing up.If an unfamiliar person approaches, he'll retreat to a safe place, while carefully watching this suspicious intruder.  These are signs of fear aggression in dogs.

If you don't deal with this problem now, it will only get worse as your dog gets older.  In this article, we'll take a look at what causes this type of aggressive behavior in dogs, and what to do about it.

Causes of Fear Aggression In Dogs

One of the main causes of this kind of canine aggression is a lack of socialization when your dog was younger.  If your dog doesn't have lots of opportunities to interact with unfamiliar people and other dogs when he's between the ages of three and twelve weeks, he'll have a hard time trusting people and dogs he doesn't know.  

Unfortunately, another reason for this fearful behavior is that your dog was abused at some point in his life.  It takes a lot of love and time to overcome fearfulness in an animal that has been abused.

Herding breeds tend to be more prone to developing fearfulness than other breeds of dogs.  This aggressive dog behavior tends to run in certain breed lines, too.  

Hormonal imbalances may be a factor.  A dog with borderline hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormones) may be anxious and fearful.  Thyroid treatment is helpful in these cases.

Will This Type of Fearful Canine Aggression Go Away On Its Own?

Unfortunately, no.  A fearful dog may learn that he can intimidate people by barking at them.  Once he figures out that this works very well, his behavior will get worse, especially around people who are scared of dogs anyway.  

A dog may be so successful in hiding his fearfulness with a veneer of aggression that it's hard to tell that the fear is what's driving his bad dog behaviors.

How Can I Train A Dog With Fear Aggression?

A reward-based technique is usually the best way to deal with aggressive behavior in dogs that's caused by fear.  If your dog doesn't like people, you need to figure out how to teach him that this stranger really does like dogs, and if you dog gets close to him, he'll give your pup a treat.  

You need a volunteer for this, someone who's very patient with dogs.  Have your friend sit in a chair and scatter dry food around it.  Your dog can get close or back off if he wants.Sooner of latger, your dog will approach near enough to get the food.  

The next time, have your friend hold the kibble in his hand.  Be patient and let the dog come to him to get the treat.  Don't pay any attention to the dog if he's acting fearful.If you dog is behaving aggressively out of fear, avoid rewarding his bad dog behavior with your attention by either punishing him or reassuring him. When and if the dog comes and gets the food, that's the time to praise him.

You can see that dealing with fear aggression in dogs can be a long and difficult process.  A good dog training course can be a very helpful guide when working with a fearful dog.The course your choose should include a free consultation with an experienced dog trainer.

Dog Behavior

dog behavior: Newly tagged products at Amazon.com

Joel Silverman's Hollywood Dog Training Program: Joel Silverman's Dog Training Secrets and Proven Step-By-Step Techniques: Training From Your Dog's Point of View (4 cassettes, 1 video, and 2 books) (Audio Cassette) newly tagged "dog behavior"

Copyright 2009, Amazon.com

RSS URL: http://www.amazon.com/rss/tag/dog%20behavior/new/ref=tag_rsh_hl_ersn?tag=do...


This email is a service of QuickThreads.com. To manage your subscriptions, login here.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

What To Avoid If You Want Six Pack Abs

By Jason King

Most men at some point in their life would like to gain a set of six pack abs. Achieving the six pack can be a never ending battle and often a very frustrating one. The answer to the question how can I get a six pack of abs has eluded most men and women for what seems an eternity. With all the misinformation available on the internet now, every time this question is asked it will get a different answer. This article will help you realize the truth in what may appear to be an impossible task.

Below are 5 key points in whish are advertisers dreams to prey on desperate six pack hunters. People who want a set of flat abs badly enough will try anything, and they profit from this fact. We all want to have that trim waist and those rippling abdominals.You're reading this article for that very reason, and below are some things you should avoid in your efforts of achieving your goals:

1. Many so-called "health foods" are actually cleverly disguised junk foods that actually stimulate you to gain more belly fat... yet the diet food marketing industry continues to lie to you so they can maximize their profits.

2. Ab exercises like sit ups, crunches and expansive ab machines are the LEAST effective method of getting flat six pack abs.

3. Cardio that is boring, repetitive and doesn't put your body into a fat burning zone will not take the fat off of your abs.

4. You DON'T need to waste your money on expensive "extreme fat burner" pills (that don't work) or other bogus supplements. A proper diet and exercise program is a thousand times more effective.

5. If you enjoy wasting money then you can try all the latest gimmicks you see on infomercials. Despite the misleading infomercials, the perfectly chiseled fitness models in the commercials did NOT get their perfect body by using that "ab contraption".They got their six packs and perfect physiques like everyone else, with a real nutritious diet and exercise program.

All the rubbish mentioned above is backed with billions of dollars of advertising. It is so easy for us to fall for their claims, which are often over-exaggerated. If you spend your hard earned money on these false claims you'll only end up disappointed and broke.

About the Author: