Bully Sticks

Many dog breeds show a natural proclivity to digging. While the gradually spreading destruction is frustrating to owners, there is a tendency to neglect understanding the reasons why dogs dig. Unfortunately, millions of owners punish their dogs for doing what is instinctive to their nature. A more appropriate response is to address the motivations that lead to digging. In this article, we’ll describe a few of the reasons why your dog may be digging holes. In so doing, you’ll discover how to curb the behavior without applying negative reinforcement.

Provide Entertainment

Dogs can become bored easily. They enjoy interacting with others, whether that involves people or other animals. When left alone, the lack of interaction will drive your dog to seek stimulation in any way that is easily achieved, including digging. You can eliminate this behavior by broadening the level of exposure your dog has to other people and stimuli. Rather than leaving your dog alone in the backyard, take it to a dog park, so that it can enjoy interacting with other dogs and people. The easiest way to entertain a dog when you are away from home is with bully sticks , as they last a long time and will provide entertainment whilst you are away.

Create A Comfortable Environment

Owners often forget how susceptible their dogs are to the weather. On intensely hot days, dogs will dig holes in the soil in order to expose cool dirt in which to lay. On cold or windy days, a dog will dig a hole to create a shelter that can provide a level of protection. If your dog is digging holes in order to escape the weather, build a doghouse for him. Even better, insulate it so that it stays cool during hot days and provides warmth during colder, or windy days.

Exercise Your Dog

Left to their own devices for long periods of time, dogs will store a reserve of energy. This pent up energy, combined with boredom, will motivate him to seek an outlet. This outlet is often in the form of digging holes. Addressing the behavior is simple. You must provide your dog with an opportunity to exercise daily. Not only does doing so help him release the stored energy, but it also breaks the monotony of being confined in a limited space (i.e. backyard).

Recommendation Against Punishment

If you’re frustrated by your dog’s fondness for digging holes, avoid punishing him for the behavior. Instead, try to determine why your dog is digging. Then, address those reasons in order to remove his motivations to dig. In most cases, owners can reduce or eliminate the behavior by providing their dogs with a source of entertainment, a comfortable environment, and plenty of opportunity to exercise.

Should You Use Electric Dog Collars?

Electric dog collars are primarily used to curb a dog’s penchant for excessive barking. The idea behind the collar’s use is to provide consistent, negative feedback to that action. Over time, this feedback gradually eliminates the behavior. There is substantial confusion about the use of these collars. Some professional trainers support their use and offer case studies that prove the collars’ effectiveness. Other trainers support the widely-held belief that their use is cruel and abusive. In this article, we’ll provide an objective perspective regarding how electric dog collars work, as well as the pros and cons of using them. We also always like to promote the idea of using positive reinforcement as a way to control barking and keeping your dog happy with bully sticks is a great way to do this!

How They Work

Electric collars work by identifying the vibrations emitted from a dog’s vocal cords. When your dog barks, the vibrations stimulate the collar through probes attached to its inner portion. These probes are in continuous contact with your dog’s skin. When vibrations from barking are identified, the probes deliver a short, electrical charge. The shock is typically low-level and causes no lasting damage to the dog.

Benefits Of Electric Dog Collars

First, electric collars can curb excessive barking. Many dogs are prone to “nuisance barking” (i.e. incessant barking without obvious reason) which can be frustrating to their owners. And specific breeds are more prone than others. These collars can effectively modify this behavior. Second, while nuisance barking can arguably be eliminated through other training systems, the use of an electric collar is usually less maintenance for owners. Third, due to how these collars work, an owner does not have be present or in close proximity to the dog. The collar enforces the new behavior even if the owner is absent.

Potential Drawbacks

While there are obvious benefits to using electric collars, there are also a number of drawbacks. First, dogs typically learn new behaviors more effectively through positive reinforcement. A treat given for good behavior promotes that behavior more reliably than punishment doled out for poor behavior (i.e. barking). Second, owners often have a difficult time understanding why their dog is barking. Dogs bark for a number of reasons that include territorial dominance, response to perceived threats, or anxiety. If an electric collar is used indiscriminately to curb the barking, a dog may become confused about how to express itself.

Making The Decision

Using an electric dog collar continues to be a controversial issue. While some experts argue that their use is inhumane to dogs, others contend that the collars are an effective tool for behavior modification. That said, as with any tool, they can be used inappropriately, causing lasting damage. In the end, your decision should be made by considering your dog’s reasons for barking and consulting the opinion of experienced professionals.

Caring For Your Dog’s Teeth

Similar to people, your dog’s teeth need to remain clean, and free from decay and infection. When they eat, plaque can collect on their teeth. Left unchecked, the plaque can turn into tartar. Eventually, an infection can emerge causing severe discomfort and pain for your dog. Many owners, perhaps from negligence, fail to keep their dog’s teeth in good condition. Below, we’ll describe a few measures you can take to help ensure that your dog’s teeth are clean, healthy, and free from problems.

Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth

Your dog’s teeth need to be brushed a couple of times each week at a minimum. This helps them to remain clear of plaque, and thereby prevents the build up of tartar. When you brush his teeth, don’t use the toothpaste from your grocery store. The mint taste may be pleasant for you, but it can be excruciating for your dog due to his heightened level of smell. Visit a pet supply store to purchase a toothpaste that is formulated for dogs. They’ll also carry special toothbrushes that are designed to reach your dog’s teeth.

Chewing For Good Dental Hygiene

When dogs chew on food or toys, the process can keep their teeth clean. For example, dog biscuits are usually hard and break easily. The small bits from the broken biscuits rub against your dog’s teeth, effectively keeping the plaque and tartar from collecting. Of course, chewing shouldn’t take the place of brushing, but it is an alternative for owners who are too busy to brush their dog’s teeth. Ideally, you should brush his teeth a couple of times each week and allow him to chew biscuits throughout the week. Some of the best chews on the market to keep teeth clean are bully sticks, make sure to checkout the selection at Bully Sticks For Dogs !

Time For The Dentist?

Occasionally, your dog will need to have his teeth professionally cleaned by a veterinarian. Even with diligent brushing and constant chewing, bacteria can build in the crevices between his teeth. With enough time, that bacteria can grow and enter your dog’s body, causing harm and impacting his overall health.

Typically, a veterinarian will use an anesthesia to keep your dog sedated during the cleaning process. Then, an x-ray will be taken to examine his teeth more clearly. If the veterinarian doesn’t find any teeth that have been damaged or have become abscessed, he will perform the cleaning. Otherwise, he may suggest that your dog receive a root canal or other procedure.

Only One Set

Your dog has only one set of teeth and can’t afford to lose them. To keep them clean and healthy, brush them regularly and give your dog plenty of opportunity to maintain their cleanliness through chewing. Then, schedule a visit to the veterinarian to have your dog’s teeth cleaned professionally. Through regular dental care, you can prevent your dog from enduring discomfort and pain.

3 Tips For Getting Your Dog To Mingle

When you bring a new dog home, you’ll need to take steps to socialize him. It’s an ongoing effort over your dog’s life and is a critical component of his development. A dog that hasn’t been exposed to others (whether people or other dogs) poses a risk. Dogs can become uncomfortable or agitated quickly. Factors such as loud noises, other dogs, and even people wearing hats can cause your dog to become alarmed. In that state, they’re unpredictable.

Eventually, you’ll want to take your dog with you to the park, beach, friend’s house, or any place where others might be. Below, we’ll give you 3 quick tips for encouraging your dog to mingle well with others.

Tip #1: Obedience Class

Whether you’re trying to socialize a puppy or a fully-grown adult dog, enroll him into an obedience class. He will be exposed to other people and dogs in a controlled environment. Plus, your dog will learn that others do not necessarily pose a threat to you. As a result, he’ll learn to remain relaxed in the presence of those who are unfamiliar to him. The earlier you do this, the better.

Tip #2: Inviting Friends Over

Invite 1 or 2 friends over to your house. This is an opportunity to socialize your dog in an uncontrolled environment (that is, without an obedience instructor). Over time, have other friends stop by. Ask them to do so in pairs, if possible, so your dog doesn’t feel overwhelmed. By doing this, you continue the education process whereby your dog learns that people who are unfamiliar to him are typically non-threatening.

Tip #3: Training On The Go

Grab your dog’s leash and take him for a walk. If possible, start in a sparsely populated area. A few people walking their dogs as cars race by can provide your dog with the loud stimuli he needs to grow accustomed to the noise and activity. As your dog grows more comfortable, take him for walks in more densely populated areas with more traffic. Doing this will desensitize his natural instinct to become alarmed.

Lifetime Socialization

By using the tips above, you can gradually transform your dog into a sociable pet that is friendly with others. If your dog resists the efforts by barking, sniffing, or jumping on people, try to react subtly and refocus his attention on you. Try to encourage him to focus on something other than that which prompted the undesirable behavior. Also, it is important that you reward your dog generously for good behavior with dog chews like bully sticks. Over time, your dog will become the companion that you can take anywhere you go.

Are You Ready To Own A Dog?Owning a dog can be a fulfilling experience. Millions of people have grown to love their dogs and consider them indispensable family members. And families with small children often grow so attached to their dog that the mere thought of him passing away is devastating. But, not every person is well-equipped to be an owner. After all, dogs represent a significant commitment. Some people lack the financial resources while others lack the time. Still others may find that having a dog infringes upon their lifestyle. In this article, we’ll explore all 3 factors to help you decide if you’re truly ready to own a dog.Can You Afford A Dog?

A lot of aspiring owners initially think of the money they’ll need to spend on dog food. While food can be expensive, there are many other costs to consider. First, your dog will need to visit the veterinarian periodically. Even routine check-ups can be expensive. In the event that he needs medications or worse, surgery, you can expect to pay thousands of dollars.
Second, you’ll need to enroll him in obedience classes. Prices vary wildly, but it’s not uncommon to spend several hundred dollars. Third, you’ll need to pay for kenneling fees when you travel. One or two nights won’t break the bank, but a week in a quality kennel can easily cost a few hundred dollars. Also, dogs are just like children and will want dog treats and chews like bully sticks on a regular basis!

Do You Have The Time?

Dogs are at their best when they have the love and attention of their owners. If you neglect to spend enough time with him, your dog will feel disconnected. Plus, you’ll need to dedicate time to taking him for walks so he can get the exercise he needs. Otherwise, he’ll begin to feel couped up in the house or backyard.

Will A Dog Complement Your Lifestyle?

Often, people who want to own a dog are attracted to the idea of having a loving companion. However, many people have lifestyles that are unsuitable for being an owner. For example, they may travel frequently for work. Or, they might have conflicting priorities that make spending time with their dog nearly impossible.

Being Prepared

Dogs cannot simply be left alone until you want to spend time with them. They need consistent attention from their owners. Sadly, many people discover after they’ve bought one that they’re unsuited to the task. As a result, dogs are often returned to breeders, left at shelters, or simply abandoned to fend for themselves. If you’re considering buying a dog, prepare yourself for the responsibility. They make ideal companions, but only for the right owners.

 

It is quickly approaching Halloween time, where parents get excited to not only dress their children up and parade them around town, but also their pets. The statistics show that one in ten parents are now dressing up their pet as well as their kids. This relates to a stunning 160 million dogs and cats that end up in those embarrassing costumes (or at least the dogs and cats think so). Not only are they dressed up, but in many cases they are marched around in parades and brought to costume parties to show off their best looks.

Animal behaviorists say that these types of bonding events between humans and their animals help build stronger bonds. Not only do these types of events give families bonding time together, but they also help the pets to become more socialized.

This year’s favorite costumes are going to be a bumble bee equipped with a stinger, a cow, and a mail man which is sporting a “Mutt Mail” logo. Also, for cats there is going to be devil, witch, pumpkin, and of course a mouse costume.

The only disadvantage for the pets in all of this excitement is that they do not get to eat candy afterwards. However, it doesn’t mean that after all this trick or treating that they don’t deserve to get some natural bully sticks !