An overweight dog does not look healthy, and this only occurs because of overfeeding, not because they choose this lifestyle. It is only through overfeeding that we make this happen to our pets.

DISEASES CAUSED BY DOG OBESITY

If you want to learn about weight loss for dogs, the first thing you should do is consult your vet and get his approval and advice. That said and done, there are many reasons and tips to help you achieve the goal of a healthy pet.

Obesity in our pets is ultimately our responsibility. After all we are in control of their nutrition. It has become an epidemic that is associated with our own “couch potato” lifestyle. There are many problems that can be caused by obesity in our dogs which can be prevented if they are fed an all natural healthy organic diet. Some of these ailments (which mimic our own problems with over indulgence) include:

JOINT AND WALKING DIFFICULTIES – this is due to added weight and stress put on joints, bones, and muscles. This can cause back problems, hip dysplasia, lethargy, and aggravation of arthritis.

HEART AND RESPIRATORY DISEASES – Obesity causes extra stress on the heart and lungs, making them tork harder than a dog that is physically fit.

DIABETES – This is more prevalent in obese pets.

LIVER DISEASE – This is also associated with obese pets.

SKIN PROBLEMS – Being fat causes difficulty in your pet’s grooming ability. Just as overweight humans have trouble reaching their feet to tie their shoes when a fat belly is in the way, a dog can’t reach all areas that need self cleaning. Dirt and bacteria can become embedded in fat rolls and cause infections.

STOMACH PROBLEMS – There is a painful and life threatening condition, called pancreatitis, which is seen more and more in obese pets.

Just as the above diseases mimic our own obesity related problems, they are curable or preventable if you keep your dog healthy, active and fed nutrionally premium dog food.

WEIGHT LOSS TIPS FOR DOGS

Putting your pet on a fat reducing diet and increasing exercise, as prescribed by your vet, is the best way to show your love to your pet. There are many excellent healthy organic dog foods available that are high in protein and low in fat. Check the labels carefully and make sure you buy the best organic dog food you can afford, with the highest amount of organic ingredients and low fat content.

Elimination of bad high calorie treats and table scraps is the easiest weight loss for dogs tip there is. Extra calories from treats pile up quickly. Choosing the wrong type of high fat, high calorie treat for your dog is not a good practice, so be aware of the difference between good and bad treats. Choose healthy!

TREATS

At 40 kcals is KARMA ORGANIC DOG TREATS

Bonz treats for small dogs 70 kcals

Milk Bone Dog Biscuit – one large 115 kcals

Fresh Carrot – baby size 3 kcals

Green Beans – 1 cup canned (this in my girls favorite) 25 kcals

Air popped popcorn (1/2 ounce) 54 kcals

1 slice Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza (NOT RECOMMENDED) 259 kcals

20 Dorito brand chips (NOT RECOMMENDED) 260 kcals

At 17 kcals is: MOTHER NATURE NATURAL DOG BISCUITS

At 45 kcals is: SOLID GOLD NATUR-BONE BISCUITS

At 50 kcals is: INNOVA HEALTH BARS – SMALL SIZE

Oreo Cookies – 2 (NOT RECOMMENDED) 130 kcals

McDonalds Quarter Pounder with cheese (YUCK!) 525 kcals

A kcal is a kilo calorie per unit or calorie as we call it in every day terms.

(A 20 pound dog needs 690 kcals daily for optimum health.) A few Doritos here, a Oreo cookie there and sharing a Quarter Pounder will equal your dogs total calorie need for a whole day. This on top of his regular dinner is simply unhealthy and easy to change.

Sometimes, just eliminating the unhealthy treats and going on a daily walk is all that is necessary is helping your pet become fit and energetic again.

Our bond with our pets is extremely special, so always remember that you speak for your pet and give him the best that you are able.

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The best way to train dogs remained a perpetual concern for the dog training enthusiasts. Before training your dog, there are some things you might want to know in order for you to be an efficient trainer. This will also help your pet dog on how to adjust with all the new tricks you will give.

Whether you have a puppy or an older dog for an instance, you can still teach them new tricks. Dogs are intelligent creatures thus they can always be taught new things. It is helpful to start training a puppy, between the age of six to eight months. In this stage, the dog is a lot eager to learn things. Somehow, a dog is more receptive between these ages.

It is best that you understand how to use reinforcements so that your dog can really absorb the new tricks you teach. A positive reinforcement is favorable in training dogs. Like what most people want, dogs appreciate it much when they are praised and fed with dog treats. When dog is able to perform commands in a correct and precise manner a treat must be given. This can be in a form of food.

Dogs are brilliant companions and are very trainable. Their gregarious nature sets them aside from other pet animals. They can interact and attach emotionally with their owners. While training your dog, you will soon appreciate the connection that you have both made.

Be firm but friendly in dealing with your dogs. Like when you are dealing with toddlers you have to be firm in giving those orders but in a very positive tone. This approach in teaching dogs fosters learning and being friendly towards your dog avoids intimidation. When you start to give command try a calm voice coupled with a little tone of being friendly.

Make use of your voice to give commands. Learn when to use high pitch voice and low pitch voice. This will also enable the dog to get familiar on the usual voice usage that you might implore.

Punishment is a type of reinforcement. It is classified as a negative reinforcement which is unfavorable when training dogs. It is imperative that you should not punish the dog in any manner. Otherwise, the dog will develop that fear and will be distracted along the course of the training. Be consistent in all your commands. Consistent training techniques can hasten learning of the dogs due to the fact that they are familiar with the sounds, words used in the command given. In addition, it is important that the command must be given by the same person. This will also help the dog to associate the commands to who is giving the commands.

The dog must not be confused in any manner.

On top of these, you might want to solicit an advice from a dog trainer, better if it is a certified dog trainer. Yes, there are many dog training resources out there, including dog training videos and dog training e-books, but nothing compares with the advice you will get from a certified dog trainer professional.

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To these people, I say, “Let’s be honest.” The dog didn’t drop out. You did. After all, who didn’t drive to the class or decided to skip the session?”

The Problem with Obedience School

But in fairness to dropouts, let’s also admit that a dog obedience class can be a frustrating experience for both dog and owner if this class is the dog’s first experience with training. Obedience classes traditionally begin with the heel command, which is actually one of the more complex things you can ask a dog to understand. It’s like expecting a child to learn algebra when they haven’t had basic arithmetic.

When you give a dog the heel command, what you’re asking him/her to do is not one specific thing. What your dog is supposed to do depends entirely on what you’re doing. Should your dog walk when you walk, turn when you turn, and stop when you stop. Add to that the fact that, if this is the first training experience, your poor dog doesn’t even understand that training is what is going on. The dog is not a bad dog, and is not a stupid dog, but he/she not only doesn’t know what you’re asking it to do, your dog also probably doesn’t even understand that you’re asking it to do something.

An Easier Way

It doesn’t have to be this way. There is a simpler way to train your dog, so relaxed that you can begin training your puppy the day you bring her home.

The “sit” command is the most universally useful command you can teach your dog. The new dog owner might wonder why. “How is this useful? The dog is not doing anything!”

Exactly! A dog that is sitting is not jumping all over your grandmother, or whatever other obnoxious behavior you want it to stop doing. And more importantly, a dog that is sitting when told is a dog that is under control and doing what you want.

The traditional method of teaching the sit command is to have the dog on leash at your side, repeat the command “Sit” while you pull up on the leash and push down on her butt. You’re forcing the dog into the correct position, but this is not enjoyable and can be stressful and frustrating for both you and the dog.

But why force the dog into position when you can coax? Start with a treat, something yummy like dried liver, or even a piece of kibble if he/she hasn’t been fed yet. Call the dog, get his/her attention, and make sure your dog knows you have a treat.

It won’t take long. Within seconds your dog will be there, his/her nose right at your fingertips. From this position, all you have to do is move the treat back over his/her nose and the top of it’s head.

Keep your hand only an inch or two over the dog’s head; too high and she’ll rear up on her hind legs. But, with the treat moving right back over her head, the nose will follow it, up and back… until… he/she… SITS!

Say good doggie, and reward him/her with a treat.

Do this a number of times every day. When you feed your dog, he/she will probably be jumping and frisking when your dog sees you coming with the food bowl. Tell your dog to sit, and when your dog sits, tell him/her is a good dog and set down the bowl.

You don’t need to give the dog a treat now every time you tell him/her to sit. But do give your dog a praise! Your dog is doing what you asked it to do, acknowledge that, let your dog know how pleased you are, and what a good dog he/she is.

These exercises are not just useful in themselves, your dog is also learning to learn. Your dog is learning that sometimes you want it to do something, that there is a word associated with the thing you want her to do, and that if he/she pays attention, he/she can figure it out.

Above all, never consider that you’re “done” training your dog. There’s always something new to learn, and new ways for you and your dog to have fun together.

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Good With Children?

They are good with older children, especially if they have been socialized at an early age. As a reminder, never leave a young child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

Good With Other Pets?

They can tend to fight. Some are good with other animals if they are socialized with them early on.

Trainability

They are highly intelligent but may be manipulative. They really require an experienced owner.

Approximate Adult Size

The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Chinese Powder Puff is 18 to 20 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 35 to 45 pounds.

Special Health Considerations

Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Chinese Shar-Pei is no exception. Be on the look out for skin problems, fevers, and amolydosis (kidney failure). This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

Grooming

The Chinese Shar-Pei has a short, harsh coat with plenty of loose skin on the head and body. You should check folds of skin regularly to insure that there is no irritation. Brush daily if possible to help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

Life Span

The Chinese Shar-Pei can live between 7 and 12 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

Chinese Shar-Pei History

They are an ancient breed from China dating back to 200 BC. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1991.

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-First when you are buying dogs online you need to be aware that not everyone is legitimate. Anyone can create a website. So do your research. Make sure the dog breeder is reliable as well as checking their references.

-A good dog breeder will provide you with a lot of information about themselves, their dogs, and past clients to help you realize they are in deed reliable.

-Before buying dogs online you should visit the dog breeder. This way you are assured the information provided is correct. If for any reason you cannot visit the dog breeder you will want to have pictures sent of the dog or dogs. You will also want to see their medical records. It is important to view their records to make sure they have had their vaccinations and do not have any medical problems.

-Occasionally there have been dog breeders out there that are not reliable. It is usually too late after the money has changed hands to do much about it, except complain and make others aware. So you will also want to research for complaints.

Once you have done all of your research about the dog breeders buying dogs online is simple. The person will want to know your history as well as giving you information about the dogs.

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This article deals with the German shepherd dog also called as Alsatian Shepherd. This breed of dogs shows self-assurance, friendliness and devotion to the owners than other breed of dogs. The recognition of German Shepherds still holds good as they have an unjustified status as aggressive Shepherds, because of their similarity to their far-away predator, the wolf. These dogs become hard to be handled if meddled harshly. They act as watch dogs for houses and also are used for protection purposes because of their courage, heroism, stubbornness, power and vigor. German Shepherds are generally not used in the security services like in army and police. But they are used at homes, since they show loyalty, love and affection to their owners.

German Shepherds are medium sized dogs and normally weighs about 40 kgs. Ears of these dogs remain wilted and droopy and become hard after they grow. Shepherds have sparkling eyes with a package of dense fur and have a proportionate structure towards their adulthood. These dogs develop some problems around the waist called dysphasia due to over jumping and shaking of the body and this leads to joint problems. Skin problems are common in Shepherds and everyday grooming is a must for these dogs. Perfect good food is essential to avoid skin problems.

These dogs eat normally 800gms of meal per day. They normally prefer fresh foods like meat and vegetables, other than dried dog foodstuffs. Shepherds normally prefer long walks and like straying outside the home. These dogs usually sleep outside the door of the house and provide safety and security. In short, these dogs are called as pet dogs. Socialism and instillation of good habits can be made possible by providing proper training to these dogs. It is more important to keep them psychologically and physically engaged.

Scientific researches have proved that by ascertaining a dog’s physical structure and behavioral characters, it becomes possible to decide on the breed of dogs appropriate to specific tasks and environments. More significantly, community may be enhanced with a dog or breed of dog, reducing the occurrence of activities arising from unsuited human-dog interactions. However, further study needs to be done to simplify and recover the functioning and social interactions with dogs.

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