Oh My Dog! Holistic Doggery
Now in Central Florida
Friday, May 27, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Understanding Dog Body Language and Verbal Clues
Dogs speak to us, but in a different language.Unfortunately, there's no Rosetta Stone DVD to help us learn "dog talk." So, instead, we must analyze it ourselves, keeping it in context, avoiding asserting our own interpretations, and remembering that dogs were once wild animals.
The best way to start is to look to the dog's ancestor, the wolf. Wolves live in packs and dogs do the same with other pets in the household and their humans. There must be a leader of the pack and that leader should be you. And to be an effective canine leader, you need to know what your dog is trying to tell you.
Dogs communicate in many ways with each other, using verbal cues, body language and facial expressions. They also try to communicate with humans using these methods. Humans, of course, communicate with dogs with commands and phrases. Dogs can learn hundreds of human sounds but they can't string them together.
Thus, the need for short commands such as "Sit!" and "Come!" Many of our communication tools are lost on dogs, such as sarcasm (to indicate frustration) or closed body language (to indicate you're uncomfortable) or a look of surprise. So, to enhance our communication with our canines, we must learn to get back to the basics and speak "dog."
Dog Body Language/Facial "Expressions"
· Stance - erect
· Tail - wagging slowly
· Ears - pricked up but with a relaxed look
· Eyes - small pupils
· Mouth - closed or slight parting of lips
Fearful or Anxious
· Stance - lowered
· Tail - tucked under
· Ears - down
· Eyes - a wide-eyed look with the whites showing
· Mouth - panting
Aggressive
· Stance - rigid
· Tail - straight up or out behind, very rigid
· Ears - pricked up
· Eyes - intense, focused stare
· Mouth - lips are pulled back and some teeth show
· Hackles - this is a line of hair that starts at the base of the neck and runs down the shoulders.
It is raised if a dog is feeling aggressive and lowered if he is relaxed.
Fear-Aggressive
· Stance - dog is pulled into himself
· Tail - tucked completely under
· Ears - lying down
· Eyes - wide-eyed and trouble focusing
· Mouth - lips pulled back slightly or heavy panting
Relaxed
· Stance - lying down or standing without any alertness
· Tail - up and wagging or lying naturally
· Ears - at their normal state, depending on the breed
(A Terrier's would be up but relaxed, a Hound's would be down)
· Eyes - normal pupil dilation, focused but not staring
· Mouth - open and lightly panting or closed
Dog Verbal Cues
The Howl
This is an attempt to locate someone, perhaps you or the dog down the street.
When you leave for work, it's very possible your dog howls in an effort to get you back. When one dog starts howling in the neighborhood, usually many others join in - it's sort of like a conference call.
The Growl
This means "back off." You'll see a dog growl when another dog gets interested in his food. Your dog may growl at a stranger he doesn't like or he may growl at you when you try to take his toy away. It's actually a very effective way of communicating and actually signals that you can probably negotiate that toy away. When a dog is in an aggressive stance and silent, there is the most danger.
The Grunt or Mutter
This is usually to indicate that your dog wants something. It's an interesting sound because it's almost manipulative - your dog knows if he barks, he'll get into trouble but the more subtle "grunt" might get him wants he wants. It is also heard when dogs greet other dogs or humans.
The Whimper
Dogs whimper when they're anxious or hurt. Sometimes they figure out that they get attention when they whimper and use this to their advantage.
The Whine
This indicates frustration. They are in a sense "complaining" about something.
The Bark
There are many different types of barks. A high pitched bark indicates excitement and happiness. A low pitched bark indicates aggression and is possibly a threat. Dogs bark to get attention, to respond to other dogs, to indicate that they're happy, and to alert their human to a problem. Unfortunately, your dog may detect a "problem" that you can't see or hear, such as a siren miles away or the neighbor's cat hiding in the tree outside the window.
Remember when Lassie sprinted off down the road to find help because Timmy had fallen into a well? Through her verbal cues and body language she was able to lead the rescuers back to the disaster scene. By understanding our dogs' language, we can better communicate with them and avoid common misunderstandings. And you can be assured that your dog isn't going crazy when he's muttering to himself all the time.
Source: Dogster.com
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Foods Your Dog Should Never Eat
Dangerous Foods for Dogs
Who can resist those big black eyes ? Can a little reward from the table really hurt your dog? Well, that depends on what it is and what's in it. A chip with guacamole can cause your dog some real problems. In fact, there's a lot of people food your dog should never eat. And, it's not just because of weight. Some foods are downright dangerous for dogs - and some of these common foods may surprise you.
Avocado
No matter how good you think the guacamole is, you shouldn't give it to your dog. Avocados contain a substance called persin. It’s harmless for humans who aren't allergic. But large amounts can be toxic to dogs. If you happen to be growing avocados at home, keep your dog away from the plants. Persin is in the leaves, seed, and bark, as well as in the fruit.
Alcohol
Beer, liquor, wine, foods containing alcohol - none of it's good for your dog. That's because alcohol has the same effect on a dog's liver and brain that it has on humans. But it takes far less to do its damage. Just a little can cause vomiting, diarrhea, central nervous system depression, problems with coordination, difficulty breathing, coma, even death. And the smaller the dog, the greater the effect.
Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic in all forms -- powdered, raw, cooked, or dehydrated -- can destroy a dog's red blood cells, leading to anemia. That can happen even with the onion powder found in some baby food. An occasional small dose is probably OK. But just eating a large quantity once or eating smaller amounts regularly can cause poisoning. Symptoms of anemia include weakness, vomiting, little interest in food, dullness, and breathlessness.
Coffee, Tea, and Other Caffeine
Caffeine in large enough quantities can be fatal for a dog. And, there is no antidote. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, fits, and bleeding. In addition to tea and coffee - including beans and grounds - caffeine can be found in cocoa, chocolate, colas, and stimulant drinks such as Red Bull. It's also in some cold medicines and pain killers.
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins have often been used as treats for dogs. But it's not a good idea. Although it isn't clear why, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. And just a small amount can make a dog ill. Repeated vomiting is an early sign. Within a day, the dog will become lethargic and depressed. The best prevention is to keep grapes and raisins off counters and other places your dog can reach.
Milk and Other Dairy Products
On a hot day, it may be tempting to share your ice cream cone with your dog. But if your dog could, it would thank you for not doing so. Milk and milk-based products can cause diarrhea and other digestive upset as well as set up food allergies (which often manifest as itchiness).
Macadamia Nuts
Dogs should not eat macadamia nuts or foods containing macadamia nuts because they can be fatal. As few as 6 raw or roasted macadamia nuts can make a dog ill. Symptoms of poisoning include muscle tremors, weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters, vomiting, elevated body temperature, and rapid heart rate. Eating chocolate with the nuts will make symptoms worse, possibly leading to death.
Candy and Gum
Candy, gum, toothpaste, baked goods, and some diet foods are sweetened with xylitol. Xylitol can cause an increase in the insulin circulating through your dog's body. That can cause your dog's blood sugar to drop and can also cause liver failure. Initial symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of coordination. Eventually, the dog may have seizures. Liver failure can occur within just a few days.
Chocolate
Most people know that chocolate is bad for dogs. The toxic agent in chocolate is theobromine. It's in all kinds of chocolate, even white chocolate. The most dangerous kinds, though, are dark chocolate, chocolate mulch, and unsweetened baking chocolate. Eating chocolate, even just licking the icing bowl, can cause a dog to vomit, have diarrhea, and be excessively thirsty. It can also cause abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and death.
Fat Trimmings and Bones
Table scraps often contain meat fat that a human didn't eat and bones. Both are dangerous for dogs. Fat trimmed from meat, both cooked and uncooked, can cause pancreatitis in dogs. And, although it seems natural to give a dog a bone, a dog can choke on it. Bones can also splinter and cause an obstruction or lacerations of your dog's digestive system. It's best to just forget about the doggie bag
Persimmons, Peaches, and Plums
The problem with these fruits is the seeds or pits. The seeds from persimmons can cause inflammation of the small intestine in dogs. They can also cause intestinal obstruction. Obstruction is also a possibility if a dog eats the pit from a peach or plum. Plus, peach and plum pits contain cyanide, which is poisonous to both humans and dogs. The difference is humans know not to eat them. Dogs don't
Raw Eggs
There are two problems with giving your dog raw eggs. The first is the possibility of food poisoning from bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli. The second is that an enzyme in raw eggs interferes with the absorption of a particular B vitamin. This can cause skin problems as well as problems with your dog's coat if raw eggs are fed for a long time.
Raw Meat and Fish
Raw meat and raw fish, like raw eggs, can contain bacteria that causes food poisoning. In addition, certain kinds of fish such as salmon, trout, shad, or sturgeon can contain a parasite that causes "fish disease." If not treated, the disease can be fatal within 2 weeks. The first signs of illness are vomiting, fever, and big lymph nodes. Thoroughly cooking the fish will kill the parasite and protect your dog.
Salt
It's not a good idea to share salty foods like chips or pretzels with your dog. Eating too much salt can cause excessive thirst and urination and lead to sodium ion poisoning. Symptoms of too much salt include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, and seizures. It may even cause death.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
How Smart Is Your Dog?
You might think your beagle is the smartest canine on the block, but he's got the dubious honor of being among the least trainable of dog breeds. The snarling Doberman next door? He's a quick study.
Dog intelligence, like human intelligence, comes in various forms. And although the best in any breed can be nurtured by owners willing to put in the time and effort, there are fixed realities when it comes to your animal's inbred quality.
If it's bred to hunt, herd, or retrieve, the dog is more likely to be quick on its feet, eager to work, to move, and to please you. It will learn faster. If it's bred to be a livestock guard dog or a scent hound, it may seem distracted and just a bit dense.
Yet, even if some breeds are more nimble - some might call them smarter - trainers say any dog can learn the basics like sitting and staying. It just might take them longer to catch on.
The key is knowing what your pooch is built for and how to motivate him. But keep in mind that the smartest dogs often don't make the best pets, trainers and vets say. Your job is to find a breed that suits your lifestyle and to focus on bringing out the best in your dog.
Smartest Dogs
In his bestselling book, The Intelligence of Dogs, neuropsychologist Stanley Coren, PhD, focuses on trainability as a marker of intelligence. The University of British Columbia psychology professor relied on the assessments of 110 breeds by more than 200 professional dog obedience judges who scored breeds based on working/obedience tests.
The top dogs absorbed commands in less than five repetitions and obeyed them 95% of the time or better. Here's the list, along with a breed description by the American Kennel Club:
1. Border Collie: A workaholic, this breed is the world's premier sheep herder, prized for its intelligence, extraordinary instinct, and working ability.
2. Poodle: Exceptionally smart and active. Bred to retrieve things from the water. The miniature variety may have been used for truffle hunting.
3. German Shepherd: The world's leading police, guard, and military dog -- and a loving family companion and herder.
4. Golden Retriever: Intelligent and eager to please. Bred as a hunting companion; ideal as a guide and as assistance with search-and-rescue operations.
5. Doberman Pinscher: Known for its stamina and speed. Bred to be a guardian and in demand as a police and war dog.
6. Shetland Sheepdog: The "Sheltie" is essentially a miniature working Collie. A rough-coated, longhaired working breed that is keenly intelligent. Excels in herding.
7. Labrador Retriever: An ideal sporting and family dog. Gentle and intelligent.
8. Papillon: A happy, alert breed that isn't shy or aggressive. Known as Dwarf Spaniels in the 16th and 17th centuries, they reach 8-11 inches high.
9. Rottweiler: Robust and powerful, the breed is happiest with a job. Suitable as a police dog, herder, service dog, therapy dog, obedience competitor, and devoted companion.
10. Australian Cattle Dog: Happiest doing a job like herding, obedience, or agility. Energetic and intelligent.
Do Smart Dogs Make Better Pets?
You might think a smart dog will do what you want it to do. Not necessarily. "Smart doesn't mean easy," Coren says. "A Doberman is going to get bored and destroy your sofa and Ming vase collection if you're out of the house for 8 to 10 hours a day, while an English bulldog may take 8 hours to figure out you're gone,"
Coren says. "You'll come home and he'll greet you and your pottery is still on the shelf."
A border collie is bred to work all day, so if it doesn't have an opportunity to work or exercise, it will be miserable, says Chris Redenbach, an Atlanta-based dog trainer who runs The Balanced Dog, a training program. "Typically, it'll come out in other areas, like destructiveness, running away, nipping at kids."
Having a smart dog "is like having a very smart kid," Redenbach says. "They're always into something and will get into trouble if they're bored.
Coren says his beloved beagle, a breed that scored low in obedience tests, is perfect around Coren's nine grandchildren because he doesn't seem to mind - or remember - them pulling on his ears.
Veterinarian Sophia Yin, an animal behaviorist in Davis, Calif., tells people to seriously evaluate the amount of energy they have compared to the breed they want to get. "Are they the type of person who can exercise it a few hours a day? How much time are they willing to invest in training the dog, because the more energetic the dog is, the more training he might need," she says. "When they think they want a smart dog, it's a huge
misconception. They don't need smart; they need attentive."
Can You Teach a Dumb Dog New Tricks?
If your canine seems clueless, it may be that it has been bred to be more independent, or not so eager to please its owner, Yin says. Training will require more patience and the right kind of motivation, whether it's praise, petting, or treats.
"For breeds, instincts make a difference, but for the basics - 'sit,' 'come,' 'down' - they'll all learn at the same rate. With good technique, the difference might be a month," she says.
Her Australian cattle dog, for example, stays at her side when they're out and loves a pat on the head. Her Jack Russell terrier, a high-energy breed that didn't make the smart list, has to be rewarded lickety-split with a treat or he'll lose interest in learning. A pat on the head just won't do it.
The beagle, a breed trained to work independently, probably needs more training time, Yin says. And the bulldog, which scored well below average on obedience tests, can learn quickly - as long as he doesn't
feel pushed around or punished.
The beagle and bulldog are among the dog breeds on the bottom of Coren's list. These dogs had to hear
commands 80 to 100 times or more before they obeyed them 25% or less of thetime.
Source: The Intelligence of Dogs by Stanley Coren
Ranking of Dogs for Obedience/Working
Intelligence by Breed
Intelligence by Breed
Based on a dog trainer's survey
| Rank | <><><>Characteristics |
| 1-10 | <><><>Brightest Dogs |
| 11-26 | <><><>Excellent Working Dogs |
| 27-39 | <><><>Above Average Working Dogs |
| 40-54 | <><><>Average Working/Obedience Intelligence |
| 55-69 | <><><>Fair Working/Obedience Intelligence |
| 70-79 | Lowest Degree of Working/Obedience Intelligence |
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Dog Treats As An Effective Training Tool
Dog Treats As An Effective Training Tool
A dog is a man’s best friend because he could be trained to obey commands. While all breeds of canines may be without difficulty domesticated, we prefer that the dogs living together with us follow a number of rules and project the right behavior. Thus, we train them.
All you do with the dog pet should be fun as well as instruction should also be the same. Nonetheless, any dog owner would say that training is a challenging process. Your dog has to respond to the instruction positively. To help us achieve this, many trainers use treats as a form of beneficial motivation.
A lot of dogs are content with a pat on the head while others want some other incentives. Treating your dog reinforces the good behavior in him. Do this by giving him his preferred things as treats. The treats can be various food or his preferred toy. This method must be used together with a lot of praising for something the dog has learned and accomplished well. Treats make the dog enjoy the training and open to learning different things. They become highly receptive when they are having a good time.
Reward the dog for a good deed immediately. If you reward for something later, he will not remember what it is for. He may think that it is for something he has just done that my have not been a good deed at all! It is better to have only one master training the dog rather than all the members of the family. All members should be made to follow the same set of commands so as to not confuse the dog. Ask them to reward him for good behavior.
Source: Dogtraininghouse.net
The gourmet dog treats of Oh My Dog! are all natural, sugar free, no wheat,gluten free with no preservatives homemade cookies and it can be a fun way to train your dog.
We have different flavors to choose from like Peanut Butter, Honey, Vanilla, Carob, Apple and more.
Dog Treats As An Effective Training Tool
A dog is a man’s best friend because he could be trained to obey commands. While all breeds of canines may be without difficulty domesticated, we prefer that the dogs living together with us follow a number of rules and project the right behavior. Thus, we train them.
All you do with the dog pet should be fun as well as instruction should also be the same. Nonetheless, any dog owner would say that training is a challenging process. Your dog has to respond to the instruction positively. To help us achieve this, many trainers use treats as a form of beneficial motivation.
A lot of dogs are content with a pat on the head while others want some other incentives. Treating your dog reinforces the good behavior in him. Do this by giving him his preferred things as treats. The treats can be various food or his preferred toy. This method must be used together with a lot of praising for something the dog has learned and accomplished well. Treats make the dog enjoy the training and open to learning different things. They become highly receptive when they are having a good time.
Reward the dog for a good deed immediately. If you reward for something later, he will not remember what it is for. He may think that it is for something he has just done that my have not been a good deed at all! It is better to have only one master training the dog rather than all the members of the family. All members should be made to follow the same set of commands so as to not confuse the dog. Ask them to reward him for go. od behavior.
Source: Dogtraininghouse.net
Find our different flavors to choose between Peanut Butter, Honey, Vanilla, Carob, Apple Sauce,Blueberry and others in all options possible to design.
The gourmet dog treats of Oh My Dog! Holistic Doggery are all natural , free sugar , no wheat and low fat and can help to have fun and train your dog at the same time
The Benefits of Yogurt for Dogs
Yogurt is a natural source of calcium and it contains bacteria like Lactobacilos Acidophilus which are the natural inhabitants of the digestive tract. L. Acidophilus is a probiotic that helps in the process of digestion by inhibiting the growth of other harmful bacteria. Yogurt helps in certain gastrointestinal conditions like yeast infection, diarrhea, constipation and irritable bowel movement. It also produces folic acid and niacin which are important vitamins in pregnancy of humans as well as dogs. Benefits of yogurt for dogs are:
- Enhances the immune system
- Changes the microflora of the gut
- Reduces cholesterol levels
- Reduces incidence of yeast infection
Yeasts are single cellular organisms, which are the normal inhabitants in a dog's body. One of the family of yeast called Candida Albicans are known to survive on sugars and fats, and release toxins that affect the dog's immune system, nervous system and the endocrine system. Yeast toxins cause a hot of health problems, the symptoms of some of which are listed here.
- Food Allergies
- Hives and other skin eruptions
- Itching and skin rashes
- Diarrhea
- Scratching in and around the ears
- Constipation
- Depression
- Hair loss
- Chewing paws
- Offensive body odor
Yogurt for Dogs with Diarrhea
Acute bout of diarrhea in dogs can emerge for no apparent reason. That gets most of us worried and we tend to rush him to the vet. Diarrhea is caused by harmful bacteria, parasites and viruses present in the body. Ignoring the symptoms of diarrhea can lead to serious consequences, like dehydration and weakening of the immune system. Normally, vets recommend a bowl of low fat plain yogurt to treat diarrhea. Being pro biotic in nature, the microorganism present in yogurt releases hydrogen peroxide and lactic acid which destroys or inhibits the harmful bacteria responsible for diarrhea in dogs.
The Best Yogurt for Dogs
Only plain, unflavored yogurt is the best for your dog. You can easily make plain yogurt at home. But, if it is too much hassle for you, then varieties of plain yogurt are available in the stores. Check the label to be sure that the yogurt contains active L. acidophilus. Your dog may like the flavored yogurt, but it contains high sugar content, much more that your dog can consume. Too much sugar can cause bacterial imbalance as bacteria thrives on sugar. Yogurt which contains artificial sweeteners has to be avoided as the dog might be allergic to sugar substitutes. These can produce side effects like depression, seizures and disorientation.
But how much yogurt for dogs is required?
You know that yogurt is beneficial for your dogs. You also need to know how much yogurt should your dog consume. Yogurt contains calcium which is good for the bones of your dog. But overfeeding your dog with calcium supplements is known to cause bone abnormalities in dogs. The quantity of yogurt should be 1 tsp to 1tbsp depending on the size of your dog. If you are giving yogurt for the first time, start with small amounts to prevent stomach upset.
If you intend to put your dog on yogurt supplement, do check up with your vet. Yogurt for dogs sound a bit unrealistic in the beginning, but this article must have definitely helped you to conclude that yogurt is a dog's best friend.
Source: Buzzle.com
The benefits of yogurt include a boost to immunity and it is high in calcium (so use it sparingly with dogs). Commercial yogurt coating also contains sugar, another reason to use it when using it as an icing or frosting for dog treats.
For our treats, we use natural plain yogurt coating instead of sweeter sugary candy coatings with a tasteful touch in their different designs and flavors.
Spoil your dogs and given a healthy life at the same time with Oh my Dog! Holistic Doggery
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