what do you do daily for your very active dogs?
every since I rescued my puppies I’ve gotten so much help and info from this forum..from health, aggression, training, feeding, you name it.
Ok I really need your help again.
My puppies are 8 and 9 months, border collie/retriever and jack russell/beagle mixes.
They are super high energy, and not easily entertained. they run for hours. they NEED to run for at least 3 hrs straight. I don’tknow how else to do it. that’s what i’m asking for help with.
I work from home and take care of my sick mom. My dream is to get a job in the health care field..but I don’t know how to make it work with my 2 dogs.
i’m the least assertive person you’d ever meet..my philosophy is, let the dogs go where they want on the lead, they don’t have to heal.
Ok so my problem is, how can I get a job away from home if these dogs need constent attention? My JRT mix can NOT be left anywhere (dog daycare) without me except the home or she cries the whole time, it breaks my heart her face looks in pain (continue)
ok sorry this got so long. My problem is I need a schedule for my 2 puppies who are super active and energtic. they show no interest in retrieving balls and stuff like that, i mean honestly the only thing i know what to do with t hem is take them to a dog park and let them run and play for 4 hours. I don’t know what else to do. But i want to change jobs and not work from home some time in the future. so what do you all do for your very energetic dogs every day? what’s your schedule like?
oh yeah forgot to say, in the AM i take them for an hour long walk, i let them off the lead in a safe place where they can’t get out for a little bit and let them play tug of war with a frisbee.(they dont fetch). but then we get home i have to do work, they want to keep going, i don’t know what to do anymore really i don’t know how to explain it, they just need constant attention.
my BC mix could go to dog daycare fine, but my JRT mix can’t she freaks out. i didnt want to just take one and leave the other home because feel bad for her then
also they have toys, i mean they have every toy you can think of lol. and i don’t leave them all out at once i rotate but they havent show interest unless it’s edible (like a bully stick) since they were 4 months..i dontknow why. they don’t want to play with toys or me they just want to go to dog parks and run.
i’ll keep working home like this if another way is impossible..i guess i just don’t understand why they aren’t happy dogs unless theyre running in parks for hours every day. I tried just 1 hour too. they act like they didn’t do anything when we got home.
greek- you always make me come to my senses thank you.
linda- congratulations at getting into med school and thank you for the tips.
Everyone else-thank you also very much.
It seems as it is YOU who has the problem, not the dogs.. Dogs will do and fit in whatever schedule YOU make for them, period. To not be able to work or have a life because of dogs is ridiculous, you are being held hostage by your dogs lives.
Put the JRT in a crate, put a bark collar on it and get a job that you want outside of the house.
The dogs do not pay the bills, YOU do, you will need to learn to become assertive.
There are millions of people out there that own dogs and have a life and are able to work, you can too.
As far as energetic dogs, let them run around the yard or get them small size backpacks and let them carry water bottles while walking them. Hook them both up to a bike and let them pull you for several miles, great exercise too.
In short, it is YOU that needs to decide that you must stop living life according to your dogs wishes and start living it according to yours. Good luck!!
DOG: Skin problems with german shepherd/pitbull mix.?
I just got a new puppy for my birthday. He is four months old. Very cute and a BIG guy. He is healthy but is quite a strange mix: Pitbull terrier and German shepherd mix. He sheds a little more than average( i assume this is since pits are average shedders and shepherds shed hard seasonally.)
The problem is HE SCRATCHES ALOT!! NON STOP!
We assumed it was ticks and fleas. But his previous owner had him on a every two days bathing schedule, which we kept with. When bathed, nothing but loose fur comes out. No ticks/fleas. When i brush him, just fur. When i dig in his fur with my fingers to get a look, just fur and skin. Now i started seeing white flakes on his coat after his first bath with us. I figured it was skin.
After reading online, it turns out that Pit bulls can be batherd regularly. German shepherds should only be bathed ONCE OR TWICE A YEAR DUE TO SKIN OIL DEPLETION.
This is where the issue comes in. He gets dirty, so we bathe him every two days. I just found this issue out today. (got him five days ago.) He gets so itchy, it is sad. But it is due to dry skin. How should we deal with this problem? We really want to continue with the bathing. are there any products that return oil to his skin without damaging his beautiful coat?
i brush him twice daily with a medium-soft bristle brush. Also, i JUST got the dog five days ago. We really are just getting him settled in. We dont know much about his breed(s) and bathing care for him. We currently, as i stated, have tried to adapt his past owner’s schedules for care.
Actually, German Shepherds and any dog can be bathed more frequently than once or twice a year. Show dogs are bathed on a weekly basis, but they are also fed a diet high in Omega Fatty acids and conditioner applied to the coat to keep the skin in great shape.
Skin problems usually come up in association with allergies: flea, grains in food, topicals like grasses. They can also come up in association with metabolic problems and Pitbulls have genetic issues with skin health.
If you have applied topical flea medications and are certain you are feeding a very good low grain or no grain food, high in Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids, then I would start considering a visit to the vet for other possible causes.
What could be wrong with my dog (medical problem)?
One day, I came home from school and he was acting VERY lethargic! And today, he was even worse until his brother (owned by a family friend) came by and it’s like he was magically cured! But, one of his hips still hurt (when you pick him up or press on it, he yelps.) He looks really sad and he is cautious when sits, lie down,walks and he sleeps all day. Usually, he’s running around the house all crazy with his puppy energy. WE’RE TAKING HIM TO THE VET ON MONDAY but I just want to know what could possibly be wrong with him.
We couldn’t take him to the vet today because my parents are out and we’re being taken care of by a family friend. Honestly, if I could drive I would’ve been there a long time ago and this question wouldn’t even be up. And the family friend doesn’t see it as an emergency so she said to wait until Monday and if he really needs to, then tomorrow.
And yeah, when I get hurt, I usually wait a day or two to see if it’ll go away. If it doesn’t then my mom takes me to the doctor.
It sounds like he hurt his hip why didn’t you take him to the vet today or even call the emergency vet
What are some good 6th grade dog or health science fair ideas?
Please I need something, I want to do it on dogs but I want it to be really cool! I would also like to do it on health, Im allergic to nuts so if any ideas about allergies or something! Please HELP ME!
allergies is a REALLY good one. lots of dogs have allergies. Corn is a big one… as well as the main ingredient in a lot of dog foods. some have protein allergies, my pit has a chicken allergy and i have to feed him a lamb and rice food.
What is a good web-site that can give dog training info on tricks?
I would like to teach my dog some cool trick such as dance, roll over, sit, stand, lay down, play dead, and all the other cool tricks dogs can do. I also would like to train my dog to walk with me without a leash, and so on. Does anyone know a really good web-site that provides good training methods? Thanks!
Secrets to dog training, by Dog Trainer Expert, Daniel Stevens. It’s a terrific book on how to train dog.
http://kingdom-of-dog.blogspot.com/
Taking Charge Of Dog Training – Be The Master!
One of the biggest mistakes that dog owners make in training their dog or puppy is to get lazy with expectations and in working with the dog. Often it is easier to just let the behavior slide rather than addressing the problems as they occur. Ultimately this inconsistency will result in teaching the dog that they only need to do what you say when they feel like it, rather than every time you give a command.
Being consistent doesn’t mean that you have to punish your dog, nor does it mean that you have to use punishment methods that are harsh. Generally dogs that are well bonded to their owners only require a gentle correction or a simple “No” and the dog will cease the problematic behavior. Dogs that are punished either by spanking or by being yelled at are far less likely to be well-behaved dogs as they have less of a bond with their owner. Dogs that are treated with kindness, consistency, firmness and love are far more likely to be obedient and compliant pets.
If your training has started to slide or if you are noting that your dog is not consistently following commands try the following suggestions:
· Set reasonable goals for your dog, breaking all commands down into their basic steps and then progressing to more challenging commands. In order for the dog to be able to roll over, for example, he or she must first have mastered the commands of come, sit, down and stay.
· Watch for signs of boredom in your dog or puppy. Not all dogs and puppies enjoy repeating exercises over and over again whereas other dogs thrive on this type of training. Do some research on the breed to find out if it is a repetitive learner or if he or she does best when commands are given a minimum number of times. Generally if the puppy or dog does it correctly the first couple of times in the training but then becomes inattentive or non-compliant they are likely bored with the activity. Try changing the order of the commands, completing the training in a different environment or even teaching new commands.
· Make time for training every day, even with mature dogs. Dogs that don’t have any behavior expectations become less likely to perform when needed, so working a few basic commands every day is important. Try including basic commands in everyday interactions with the dog. For example, when the come to greet you have them sit, shake a paw, or even lie down. Do the same when you are out walking.
· Set a training time. While this may seem a bit artificial if you don’t schedule training time it will often be forgotten. By setting aside five to ten minutes everyday to work specifically with your dog you will notice immediate improvements.
· Provide lots of verbal praise, pets and recognition for appropriate behavior. Give treats randomly and less frequently as the dog begins to respond to praise.
· Last but not least, never give into the dog. It is better to skip a training session than to let the dog get away with poor behavior during the session.
Most trainers agree that one person working with a puppy or dog at a time, at least until they have the commands mastered, avoids confusion for the dog. Once the puppy or dog has learned the commands the trainer can then work with others in the house to help them learn how to work with the dog.
Kelly Marshall
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/taking-charge-of-dog-training-be-the-master-118351.html
Older Dog Health Problems – Common Health Problems Facing Senior Dogs
Like all animals, as dogs age they tend to develop health problems unique to older dogs. Many dog owners have a difficult time accepting this fact and think that their lively pooch is not an older dog and will not have health problems.
Dogs can, however, show signs of aging as early as seven years old. Older dog health problems generally affect larger breeds earlier than small breeds that tend to show signs of aging around 10 to 12 years of age. The fact is that senior dog health problems will eventually be a concern for every dog owner.
Common Health Problems Facing Older Dogs
All dogs are different and, depending on their size, breed and activity level, will exhibit health problems differently. However, there are common health issues that may manifest in all senior dogs including the following:
Joint and bone problems
-An overall reduction in their metabolism
-Difficulty with their eyes and ears
-Liver and kidney dysfunctions
-Skin becomes thin and less pliable while the coat becomes mottled and patchy
-Problems with teeth and gums
Unlike a little puppy who has an endless supply of energy, an older dog will tend to slow down and take longer to lay down or stand up. Instead of bounding up the stairs your senior dog might take each stair one at a time.
Your dog may develop arthritis, an inflammation of the joints causing pain and discomfort, which is generally the cause of this slowing down. There are a host of anti-inflammatory drugs that your veterinarian can suggest to reduce the discomfort caused by arthritis.
In many cases, an older dog will have problems with their eyes as they develop cataracts or even glaucoma. A cataract will become obvious to the owner as the eyes have a cloudy appearance and tend to reflect light. Senior dogs may also develop glaucoma, an increased amount of pressure on the eyes, and can cause more serious problems if left untreated.
The entire circulation system and many of the major organs are taxed in older dogs. The heart, lungs, liver and kidneys all become less efficient and the immune systems can become weak and vulnerable to viruses and bacteria.
Serious health problems may develop in your senior dog as some of the symptoms develop gradually. It is your responsibility to maintain your older dog’s health and remain informed of the possible senior dog health problems that commonly arise.
Helping Your Older Dog Overcome Health Problems
As an aging dog inevitably develops health problems, you can help alleviate many of the symptoms and keep your pet comfortable. The most basic thing you can do is simply pay more attention to your senior dog making sure you’re aware of the changes taking place. Brush your dog’s coat daily and ask your vet if there are special shampoos to help with her skin and coat. Spend time rubbing your hands on his coat feeling for bumps or lesions.
Be patient when your dog needs a little extra time walking up the stairs or jumping up into the car. Make sure you make regular visits to your vet and stay current on vaccinations. Brush your senior dog’s teeth regularly and have them professionally cleaned occasionally. Provide regular exercise while also making adjustments needed for your dog as she ages.
As your older dog slows down, you might have to adjust her diet to help compensate for the reduction of energy for both her weight as well as her coat and her circulation system.
Not only must the overall calorie intake be reduced, but you can also feed your senior dog specially formulated foods made to fit their particular needs. Try to purchase the most expensive, best quality food you can afford and avoid greasy table scraps.
It’s an inevitable fact that dogs age, but you can make a difference in helping your older dog overcome health problems. Keep in mind that in the last eighty years or so the average lifespan of dogs has increased from 7 years to 12. Expanding your knowledge and paying attention to your dogs health will help ensure your dog lives a long and comfortable life.
John Hinkle
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/older-dog-health-problems-common-health-problems-facing-senior-dogs-78854.html
General Pomeranian Medical Information
Pomeranians are adorable little dogs that are purebred and demonstrate high intelligence however, they can sometimes be prone medical issues and that is why it is essential to read and understand about the Pomeranian medical information so that it can benefit you in caring for your Pomeranian. They are typically easy dogs to care for and have a great disposition as they learn quickly and are easy to train. If you already own a Pomeranian, you already know that they are great companions to have so lets look at the medical information that you may require.
Pomeranian Medical Problems
There are several issues to address when understanding medical issues and the first place to start is something simple such as diarrhea. This can be a very easy thing to pinpoint the cause as well as to remedy without a veterinarian because according to recent Pomeranian medical information, this is typically due to stress in the dog, a poor diet and unkempt house and lastly, an underlying illness or factor that is causing this condition.
As a general rule of thumb and as documented in several Pomeranian medical information literature, the Pomeranian is a dog that is not susceptible to acquiring many diseases and therefore its largest issue is usually a problem that affects the knees in toy dogs. Pomeranians are on average extremely healthy little dogs although no dogs are immune to every disease so it is wise and extremely necessary to provide proper care and treatment for you Pomeranian.
Other pertinent information lies around the fact that Pomeranians, as many other dogs, can and do suffer from mites, ticks and fleas. Although these rarely lead to extremely severe medical problems they are very irritating to the dogs and they are not something that you want spreading in your house so it is best to treat this right away. Luckily, the treatment is very simple and in compliance with most Pomeranian medical information literature, it can be easily treated with a reputable flea or tick product from your veterinarian or your local pet store.
As an endnote it is imperative to mention that when sorting out Pomeranian medical information it is wise to be cautious of signs or symptoms in your dog that may require immediate medical attention. You should be very wary if your dog is displaying such things as missing fur, extreme thirst or signs of troubled breathing and should take the dog to the vet immediately for an exam.
Dane Stanton
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/general-pomeranian-medical-information-132948.html
The Basics Of Dog Health
Dogs, just like humans, have a variety of conditions that can affect their health. Unfortunately, dogs can have bone and joint problems, eye problems, nervous disorders, digestive, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, as well as hereditary diseases and even cancers. As a dog owner, the health of your pet is always a concern. The good news is that by following a few simple steps, you can ensure that your dog will be healthy and any conditions that arise will be noted and treated as early as possible to obtain the best possible outcome.
The following list is a general outline of the suggestions that most vets recommend for ensuring your dog’s health. Remember that some breeds may have additional needs that are health-related, so be sure to research your breed and be aware of any conditions or dog health risks that may be prevalent within the breed.
Exercise
All dogs need some level of exercise on a daily basis. Many of the small breeds will exercise indoors or will “self-exercise”, but other breeds simply do not. Owners need to realize that just turning the dog outside in the yard for a couple of hours a day may not be exercise either. Many dogs will simply find a shady spot to rest in until they’re allowed back in the house. Having a dog means that you’re willing to make a commitment to their daily exercise, whether that is going for a walk, jog, or just tossing the ball or Frisbee for 20 minutes. Watch your dog to be sure that they’re not over tired or injured during exercise, especially if there’s a lot of jumping or running involved. Encourage your dog to exercise even if they don’t seem to want to that day.
Diet
Feed only a good quality or premium dry kibble to your dog. Avoid the wet foods, as they are often not as nutritionally balanced as the kibble, plus they can cause both dental and digestive problems. If you are feeding wet food, consult with your vet and make sure that you are using the correct amount and type to balance the nutritional needs of your dog. Avoid feeding human food and too many treats. Human food or treats should be less than 5% of the daily food intake of your dog. Many vets and dog health experts recommend no human food and only select dog treats.
Some foods should be avoided completely. The following are harmful and possibly fatal to dogs:
· Chocolates
· Sweets and sugars
· Raisins
· Raw pork
· Raw fish
· Any kind of poultry that is raw
· Any kind of raw or cooked poultry bones
· Coffee
· Mushrooms
· Onions and garlic (in large quantities)
Dogs should always have free access to clean water and should never be kenneled or kept in an area where there is no water.
Attention to Detail
By carefully observing your dog on a regular basis, you can note any signs of discomfort or anxiety quickly. Watch for changes in your dog’s behavior, including their energy level and food and water consumption. Often the first signs of many conditions are a change in eating patterns. Any odd behavior should be noted and carefully monitored. Behaviors such as seizures, excessive salivating, excessive or abnormal tearing of the eyes or discharges from any part of the body should be immediately checked by a vet.
Routine Vet Visits
Be sure to keep vaccinations and other dog health precautions up to date with routine visits to the vet. In some areas, heartworm and other conditions require constant monitoring and the vet can provide this service. Before breeding your dog, be sure to have her or him completely checked for any genetic conditions or predispositions such as hip dysplasia.
Love and Attention
Last, but certainly not least, your dog needs your family’s love and attention. Dogs thrive when they feel they are a loved and involved member of the family. Dog health is linked to love and attention, as loving owners are usually more aware of changes in the dog’s health and well being and get professional help sooner.
In all cases, it is vitally important to talk to your vet about any concerns that you may have with dog health and be sure to know any conditions that are specific to the breed of dog that you own.
Terry Roberts
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/the-basics-of-dog-health-93721.html
Dish Network: Continuing to Drive the Evolution of Television Viewing
The diversity of programming available in homes has certainly increased dramatically in recent years and it appears to be a trend that will continue well into the future. Certainly satellite television has played a significant role in this evolution of the viewing experience and Dish Network has made it clear that it intends to be a driver by adding fresh and exciting programming on a routine basis.
In recent weeks, Dish Network has announced the addition of several new services. For HD fans, the addition of A&E HD should be welcomed news. The programming offers such fan favorites as The Sopranos, CSI Miami, American Justice, Cold Case Files, Dog the Bounty Hunter, and King of Cars. Not all A&E shows are broadcast in HD at this time but the future holds promise and currently many providers aren’t able to deal with the bandwidth demands so Dish Network is one of the few spots to pick it up in HD.
For something more innovative, Dish Network customers can check out Current TV. Current was the brain child of Al Gore and others and was launched back in 2005 with a focus on creating a forum for user generated content. At this time Current estimates that approximately 30% of its programming is made up of user generated short programs, or “pods” which focus on topics of news and interest lasting only 3-7 minutes. Users of the service can vote on content, called “greenlighting” to identify the best content. Google even provides hourly information on the most popular web searches to keep up with the topics that are of greatest interest.
Another recent addition is a great option for those who prefer information packed viewing. The Health and Human Services channel is now offered as part of the Free Public Interest package through Dish Network.
Certainly satellite television has played a significant role in adding more sports, movies, and premium television shows to the viewing schedule. However, its role in providing more culturally diverse programming, the most HD programming available, and more innovative programming is changing the industry and Dish Network is clearly continuing its role as a forerunner.
Christine Peppler
http://www.articlesbase.com/cable-and-satellite-tv-articles/dish-network-continuing-to-drive-the-evolution-of-television-viewing-100779.html