Pet Insurance
By · CommentsWhat is Pet insurance and why you need it.
Pet health insurance is a must have as Vet bills can be very costly. I learned this the hard way when my German Shepherd Dog ate a dishtowel and it got lodged in his stomach and intestines. Dogs are notorious for eating things like dinner napkins, clothing, pieces of a dog toy and rocks among other items. The vet cannot just go in through the mouth and pull the item out and most times the dog cannot pass the item.
Symptoms your dog ate something they shouldn’t have are: vomiting after eating or drinking, a listless dog, gums get white and or sticky because the dog becomes dehydrated since it can’t hold anything down and nothing will pass through the intestines. Your dog will require immediate care from your vet. This can cost up to several thousand dollars, as your dog will need x-rays to determine what is wrong and surgery to remove the item lodged in the stomach and or intestines.
Another common issue with German Shepherds and other large breeds is torsion, when the stomach twists or bloat where the stomach is filled with air, fluids and or foam and then twists. Bloat is the number two killer of dogs, with cancer being number one. Both torsion and bloat require immediate surgical intervention by your vet, which can be very costly.
If you have pet insurance you are covered and you don’t have to choose between paying the rent and getting your dog the medical attention your pet will need.
Some insurance plans like the Purina Care Plus Preventative plan cover accidents, and illnesses for your pets as well as routine expenses like annual exams, eligible vaccinations, flea and heartworm control, and dental scaling/polishing.
Pet health insurance is a smart way to help provide high quality care no matter how many pets you have. Not only does it help you cover the unexpected, it helps make budgeting routine care easier and more consistent throughout the year. Also with the PurinaCare plans you get multiple pet discounts so you can still save money when covering more than one pet.
Dealing with Loose Stools in German Shepherds
By · CommentsGerman Shepherds are known to have sensitive digestion. Loose or runny stool can be caused by a number of things: stress, a virus, change in diet, and drinking unclean water are the most common causes. To help prevent this it is important your GSD be on a well balanced diet with a quality dog food.When you travel take a thermos of water from your home. Never use strange tap water.
If you do have a problem with loose stools, diarrhea we have several home remedies that work very well. Both remedies should be continued for several days. If you do not see improvement or you notice dry sticky gums and a change in color from pink to white gums you should consult your Vet as soon as possible.
The first one is canned pumpkin. Not the canned ready to make pie pumpkin.. just plain canned pumpkin. For the average german shepherd we recommend a cup of it. You can give it by itself or mix it in with the kibble. Not all german shepherds will take to pumpkin though.
The second remedy is rice and ground beef. You can use minute rice or any white rice you like. You will want to brown off a small amount of hamburger while you cook the rice. Drain off any fat or liquid from the hamburger. The meat is just there to get your german shepherd to eat the rice which has the starches needed to help firm up the stool.
Add a one fourth cup of plain cultured yogurt to assist the natural bacteria in the digestive tract to your dogs food or to the remedies above. Most dogs love yogurt and it is good for them.
Another major consideration with loose stools or diarrhea with your dog will be dehydration. A sure sign of dehydration is the skin on the tummy can be pinched and it will not just bounce back and dry or sticky gums. You will want to get your dog to your vet as soon as possible if you see these symptoms. We recommend supplementing the dog’s water with Pedialite, which can be found in the baby care section of your local grocery store. This will help replace some of the nutrients lost and help keep the dog hydrated.
Dog Food Recall Dec 12
By · CommentsO’Neal’s Feeders Supply of Deridder, Louisiana has announced a voluntary dog food recall involving one of its products due to contamination with aflatoxin.
Another Dog Food Recall. Where with this end!
The event was reported by the Associated Press on December 12, 2011 and involved products distributed in Louisiana and Texas.
So far, we’ve been unable to confirm this event on the FDA website.
Aflatoxin is a toxin produced by a certain species of mold commonly found in cereal grains.
The products were manufactured between December 1, 2010 and December 1, 2011.
According to the Associated Press, no illnesses have been reported.
What to Watch For
According to a previous FDA news release…
“Pets that have consumed any of the above recalled products and exhibit symptoms of illness including sluggishness or lethargy combined with a reluctance to eat, vomiting, yellowish tint to the eyes or gums, or diarrhea should be seen by a veterinarian.”
What to Do
You can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in your area.
Or go to http://www.fda.gov/
O’Neal’s Feeders Supply has suggested consumers return the recalled dog food for a full refund.
For more information, call the company at 800-256-2769.
Dog Food Recall
By · CommentsDOG FOOD RECALL:
According to the Associated Press, Advanced Animal Nutrition of Thayer, Missouri has today announced a voluntary dog food recall involving three of its products due to contamination with aflatoxin.
The recall was announced on December 9, 2011 and includes the 50-pound bags of the following three products:
* Dog Power Hunters Formula 27-14
* Dog Power Adult Maintenance Formula 21-12
* Dog Power Hi-Pro Performance Formula 26-18
The contaminated products were apparently distributed in Missouri, Arkansas and Louisiana.
At this time, we have no confirmation of this event by the FDA. And so far, we’ve been unable to locate an online announcement by the company.
Aflatoxin is a toxin produced by a certain species of mold commonly found in cereal grains.
The products listed have Lot Codes K0004 through K1322.
According to the Associated Press, no illnesses have been reported.
Video of Motivational Training of the Sit
By · CommentsWatch as a german shepherd puppy learns to sit and down using a toy. You will notice the trainer lifting up the toy, give the sit command and patiently wait for the puppy sit. The german shepherd puppy is rewarded with the toy at the moment the puppy sits. To encourage the down the toy is placed on the ground and as the puppy downs the toy is brought back to life and the game begins anew. To encourage the puppy to out the toy the trainer will blow in the puppy’s face or ears.
Surving Puppy Hood
By · CommentsTraining a new puppy will be a rewarding and bonding experience that will pay off as the puppy matures into a well mannered dog. Dealing with a new puppy can be stressful. Prepare for a new puppy by researching and knowing what to expect in the coming months.
Prepare for a puppies arrival by finding a crate that meets their specific growing needs. Create a safe and secure environment in the crate by placing comfortable bedding inside. Purchase a toy they can snuggle with when it’s time for slumber. A puppy needs food and water dishes, pet ID tags, a collar and leash that fits their growing needs.
A puppy is a baby and will need to be handled with gentle care and love. If there are children in the home, make sure that they understand how to care for the puppy. Make sure the puppy is of an age to be separated from its mother, usually between 8 and 10 weeks old.
Dealing with a new puppy can be demanding especially when it comes to chewing and teething. A teething puppy is in constant discomfort and doesn’t want to gnaw on fingers and arms because they think it’s fun. Puppies do this because it helps to relieve pressure of their teeth tearing through their gums. Puppies also chew to relieve boredom.
Puppies want to chew on everything in site. Put away any items of importance like shoes, toys and anything that could be harmful to them.
Crate a puppy or limit access to small safe areas if a puppy is going to be left unattended for a small amount of time.
A few suggestions on helping a puppy survive the chewing and teething months are:
Puppies love to chew on ice cubes. It keeps them busy and helps their gums feel better when they are teething. Make flavored ice cubes with peanut butter, safe fruits and vegetables and broths for a special treat.
Give a puppy safe and good quality chewable rawhides, dog biscuits and toys. Never leave a puppy unattended with any of the above for risk of choking.
Exercise and play with a puppy to relieve their boredom. A tired puppy is a good puppy.
Praise a puppy for good behavior and never shout or yell.
Being realistic and knowledgeable about dealing with a puppy’s needs paves the way for a long and wonderful relationship together.
Teaching your German Shepherd the Heel Command
By · CommentsHeel is a useful command that is good for every dog to know. The heel command pins the dog to the handler’s left side until the dog released from the command and the dog’s attention should be totally focused on the handler. This command is excellent for stressful or new situations. Although it may be necessary to utilize the heel command during normal walks, it should not be used during the entire walk.
Teaching a dog to heel should be done in steps, in short but intense training periods. Although the heel command can be taught with a leash or without; it is important to remember, the leash is not a corrective tool, nor should it be used as a restraint, forcing the dog in position. The leash is simply for security. The initial training should take place where the dog has few distractions and where he is comfortable.
The handler should stand with the dog on the left, the dog’s shoulder even with the handler’s leg. When the dog is properly positioned, the handler gains the dog’s attention by saying his name. Eye contact should be made with the dog to assure that the dog is focused on the handler. The handler then takes one or two steps and stops. If the dog moves with the handler and maintains the heel position, he should be praised and rewarded. The same process is repeated until the dog maintains the heel position reliably. If the dog falters or moves ahead of the handler, the dog should be corrected with an “ah-ah” and then the handler should begin the process over again. The handler should slowly increase the amount of steps taken as the dog progresses. Each training session should last no longer than ten to fifteen minutes.
Once the dog is maintaining the heel position for more than 10 steps, the handler should include the verbal command so that the dog will learn to associate the action with the verbal “heel”.
Once the basic command is understood, the handler can add variations to the training. The dog can be taught to heel when walking speed varies, when turning left or right, or when there are distractions. A well trained, well adjusted dog will be able to maintain the heel position regardless.
Teaching a dog to heel can be challenging but the benefits are uncountable.
Crate Training
By · CommentsFor new pet owners, crate training might seem unnecessary and mean. The prospect of locking one’s beloved puppy or dog up in a crate might just not sit well with a pet lover. However, it is important to understand that crate training for dogs is completely necessary and beneficial for both the owner and the dog.
Puppies especially will get into trouble if left on the loose in a home. It is in a puppy’s nature to chew, and a puppy does not yet know what is okay to chew and what is off limits. Coming home to a puppy who has chewed a favorite pair of shoes, or expensive piece of furniture will not create a happy environment for the dog or the owner. This is why puppy crate training is so important. Beyond protecting possessions, puppy crate training is important for the safety of the dog.
Like children, puppies require constant supervision. The same goes for some older dogs, especially dogs being introduced to a new home. There will be times it will be necessary to leave and do activities that a dog cannot attend, and in these cases, dog crate training is essential. There are many hazards around the home, like electrical cords a puppy might chew, or trash cans that a dog or puppy could get into and eat something harmful. The crate is one of the many important tools a dog owner should use to keep his or her dog safe.
When introduced in a positive way, the crate is a secure place for a dog. Crate training for dogs allows dogs to have a place they can go to and feel safe. When crate training, it is important to make it a positive experience. Dogs should never be put into the crate as a punishment. A dog owner might also consider giving treats as a reward for entering a crate the first few times to help create a positive feeling towards the crate.
In the process of dog crate training, patience is the key. One should take the time to create a positive association, so in the future the dog will easily enter the crate and remain calm during the time he or she must spend in the crate. Having a dog that is happy to be crated when necessary will make things easier for the dog and the owner.
How to Raise a German Shepherd Puppy
By · CommentsA German Shepherd can be a wonderful dog, they are extremely intelligent, loyal and great friends. However, in order to assure that you end up with a wonderful adult dog, you must first know how to raise a German Shepherd puppy. Two things that you will need to do this is patience and consistency. A puppy, like a human newborn, does not know what you expect or want, it must be taught, often over and over again before the light bulb moment when the puppy finally understands.
Treat your puppy kindly, there is no reason to hit or punish your new friend. Potty training seems to be a source of irritation for many, and it really does not have to be. Buy a crate for your puppy, this is going to be where he or she sleeps and where he or she will spend a lot of time during potty training. Never use the crate as punishment, it should be a safe and secure place for your pup. Begin by taking your puppy out every 90 minutes. Hopefully you will be able to catch the puppy using the potty outside. When you do, praise, praise and praise some more. When the puppy sees that you get so happy and excited and give him or her extra love and maybe even some treats, the puppy will begin to put it together that the act of going potty outside makes you happy. If the dog has an accident in the house, say no and pick the dog up and take him or her outside. This is only if you catch it happening, if not, clean it up and say nothing. Always take the pup out after eating and drinking and as soon as you take the dog out of the crate.
Another puppy issue is chewing. It is a fact that puppies are going to chew. The puppy will try to chew everything, you will have to teach the puppy what is and is not acceptable. If you see the pup chewing something that is not allowed, say no, gently take the item away and replace it with something that is acceptable. Soon the dog will learn to chew on the things you allow and stay away from the rest.
Give your puppy a lot of play time, exercise and running around tires the pup out. A tired puppy is calmer and more well behaved. This goes for grown dogs too. She your puppy love and be consistent in your training, and you will have a well behaved best friend, who will love you unconditionally.
The first step in training a German Shepherd dog to stop pulling on the leash is to create two nonsensical words that you can easily remember. For example, yuda may mean no and veda may mean good. By creating these nonsensical words the dog can not become confused when you are talking to someone else, for example, on your cell phone.
The second step in training a German Shepherd dog is to buy a 20” bicycle tube. Look for a quiet location around your home where you can tie this tube so it will hang about the same height as the dog’s head.
The third step is to put your German Shepherd on a short leash. Then tie the other end to the bicycle tube. The reason to use the bicycle tube is twofold. First, it is strong and there is no way for the dog to pull away from it. Secondly, it allows you to totally concentrate on what your dog is doing. The trainer is not having to worry about the dog pulling away. The trainer is also not worried about obstacles.
The German Shepherd may pull and tug on the tube, but it will not break. Every time that the dog stands loosely on the leash praise the dog with your nonsensical word that means good. Make sure that your voice is enthusiastic. Periodically, give a treat while saying the word. If the German Shepherd does not stand with a slack leash, then tell him or her your nonsensical word for no.
Repeat this each day for five minutes for a week. If at the end of the week, the German Shepherd is standing quietly on a loose leash, then it is time to move to the next step. If the dog is not standing quietly on a loose leash do not move on until the dog does so repeatedly.
Now start walking the dog in a quiet area. If the dog walks on a loose leash, then praise the dog with your nonsensical word and give the dog a treat. If the dog tries to pull on the leash, then stop and say your nonsensical word for bad. This allows your German Shepherd to learn to walk on a leash without pulling.