7 Ways To Make Your Dog Love You

By Tasha Stevenson

Every person who owns a dog has a desire that their dog could love them back. This is usually due to the saying that dogs would give their owners unconditional love. Of course, that would happen if the owner is also there to give their pet the right amount of love and care. It is all about earning that love from your pet dog.

A lot of dog owners often get mistaken on how to make their dogs love them. Some resort to spoiling the dog which leads to the dog being unhealthy and hard headed. To make the dog love you back, you should impose discipline and leadership to them. Show them that you are in control. Let them know that you are still their owner and despite that, you love them that much.

The following tips will help you in letting your dog know that you love them.

1. Treat discipline - Do not always give your dog table scraps every time you have the chance. This will just confuse them on who's really in charge. This will make them unhealthy and unhappy. Treats are ways to make them happy and healthy. Give them treats from time to time. Let treats be something that you give because of something that the dog has done right - like as a reward for good behavior.

2. Regular playtime - It is essential that you have time for play with your pet dog each day. Even if you come home one day very tired from work, you should still play with your dog. Playing can be as simple as playing fetch or giving a toy to your dog.

3. Give your dog rides - Your dog will feel privileged if you let them go with you on trips. Let them sit with you in the front seat. This will make them recognize you as the true leader of the pack.

4. Relate to them - To really bond with your dog, you have to go down to their level. Talk to them like you are also a dog. Wrestle with them on the floor or on the couch. This will show your dog that you are like them.

5. Everyday walks - Always take your dog for a walk. Dogs get excited when they go out. Even if their objective is just to sniff the flowers in your garden, it makes them active. Do not ignore them when you are walking.

6. Health and grooming - Let your pet have proper hygiene as this will surely be appreciated. Bathing and grooming them makes your dog happy and healthy. Although the dogs generally hate baths, they love being clean and knowing that you are the one cleaning them makes them love you more.

7. Show positivity - Action speaks louder than words, so in showing care for your dog, body language is more important. Saying "I love you" to your dog does not mean anything unless you show it.

These pointers will help you let your dog understand that you love them and will make them love you back.

Get more information on dog aggression and get your Free Dog Training Report.

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What Are The Signs My Dog May Be Sick?

By Christina Graham

Since your dog can't speak, and can't voice it to you if he's not feeling well or under the weather, there are other ways for you to find out if your dog is feeling ill. Watch out for these signs and symptoms in order for you to detect or determine what illness your dog is feeling, and what possible measures you should do to take care of them.dog can't speak, and can't voice it to you if he's not feeling well or under the weather, there are other ways for you to find out if your dog is feeling ill. Watch out for these signs and symptoms in order for you to detect or determine what illness your dog is feeling, and what possible measures you should do to take care of them.

Behavioral ChangesBehavioral Changes

The first thing that you should watch for is your dog's change in behavior. Maybe he used to be the type of dog that is excited, or jolly, and energetic then suddenly turns irritable, or not in the mood, or lethargic. Changes in behavior may not 100% mean that your dog is sick. He could be trying to adjust in a new environment etc., but regardless, you should still watch out for this sign to help you determine if your dog is suffering from some sort of illness.irritable, or not in the mood, or lethargic. Changes in behavior may not 100% mean that your dog is sick. He could be trying to adjust in a new environment etc., but regardless, you should still watch out for this sign to help you determine if your dog is suffering from some sort of illness.

Change in AppetiteAppetite

You may notice that your dog is not eating as much as he did before. Change of appetite is another indication of a possible sickness or disease that your dog could be suffering from. This can be a result of fever, or even gastro-intestinal problems. If your dog is refusing to eat for more than 24 hours, it's time to go ahead and have him checked with your local vet.eating as much as he did before. Change of appetite is another indication of a possible sickness or disease that your dog could be suffering from. This can be a result of fever, or even gastro-intestinal problems. If your dog is refusing to eat for more than 24 hours, it's time to go ahead and have him checked with your local vet.

Hair Loss and Itchy SkinHair Loss and Itchy Skin

You may notice that your dog may be scratching more than he used to. It's normal for dogs to scratch, however when you notice that he is scratching and biting every minute or every second, and if you notice that your dog may start losing hair at certain spots of his body, then your dog can be suffering from dermatitis are a number of skin related illnesses. There are different types of skin illnesses that can be caused by a parasite, a virus and so on.losing hair at certain spots of his body, then your dog can be suffering from dermatitis are a number of skin related illnesses. There are different types of skin illnesses that can be caused by a parasite, a virus and so on.

These are just a few warning signs that will help you determine if your dog is suffering from an illness or disease. Of course, it is always best to go to your vet to have your dog checked whenever you suspect that your dog is sick. It's better to be sure, instead of trying to self medicate your dog. You may only aggravate the problem. However you can help your dog stave off illnesses and disease by providing your dog a quality dog food, and vitamins to boost his immune system.warning signs that will help you determine if your dog is suffering from an illness or disease. Of course, it is always best to go to your vet to have your dog checked whenever you suspect that your dog is sick. It's better to be sure, instead of trying to self medicate your dog. You may only aggravate the problem. However you can help your dog stave off illnesses and disease by providing your dog a quality dog food, and vitamins to boost his immune system.

Christina Graham has been a veterinarian surgery tech and/or dog groomer for over 15 years. And in those years has gained an invaluable knowledge regarding a dogs health and nutrition. That's why she created DogVitaminFacts.com to dispel any false myths and offer an honest helpful insight into the importance of good nutrition and a quality surgery tech and/or dog groomer for over 15 years. And in those years has gained an invaluable knowledge regarding a dogs health and nutrition. That's why she created DogVitaminFacts.com to dispel any false myths and offer an honest helpful insight into the importance of good nutrition and a quality dog vitamin supplement for your dog. Go to DogVitaminFacts.com to learn even more.

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Oh, God: My Dog Is Not Eating!

By Raquel Cervera, Ph.D.

Humans are used to compare good appetite with good health. Even when a very young baby is looked at, the typical expressions when pinching their cheeks, if these are big and round, are about that they think this is a really healthy baby. Although this is not necessarily the truth, the association has always existed. If it were so, obesity would then be the ultimate sign of health, right? Well, we all know that is not the case.

People and dogs, as living beings we all are, need eating to survive, so when our appetites change, it is certainly necessary to go and check for the possible causes of the same.

We can tell most of the time what is hurting or worrying us. Our problems may be of the physical or the psychological one, both affecting appetite with frequency, but we normally do not consider the same to happen to our dogs. Of course, we are wrong.

All appetite issues in dogs have the same two main fountains of origin mentioned before in humans.

If we start considering the physiological aspect, we can certainly identify illness as the typically main cause of the problem. The list of possible diseases a dog can suffer is really quite long, just as in us human creatures. Although there are numerous conditions that could be mentioned here, dog owners should immediately think of causes like dental or gum diseases, gastrointestinal or endocrine disease, respiratory problems, obstructions, just to mention some, or pain due to diverse origins, infections of different kinds or even more serious causes like liver problems or cancer. Parasite infections, such as leishmaniasis, which is a zoonotic infection that can even be transmitted to humans can also affect appetite directly. Kidney failure is another of the reasons a dog may suffer loss of appetite.

Not every single case of loss of appetite means your dog is seriously sick. There are other less dramatic causes that may produce the same effect, including a reaction to the various vaccines we have to administer to our dogs. In these cases, the loss of appetite does not last for a long period of time.

If we go now to the psychological arena, we rarely think of anybody but humans to be the recipients or victims of stress, for example. Of course this is completely wrong! As a matter of fact, living organisms, including plants, are subject to suffer the consequences of stress. The thing here is what we define as stress and how our dogs feel it.

We, for example, probably think of vacations or traveling as a wonderful thing to experience, but the change may affect our dog in a very negative way, thus perhaps being the reason for it losing its appetite.

There are times when we bring another dog to the house without the one we have being consulted, of course, and the result may be a negative reaction to that, be it because of jealousy, fear or other reasons. One of the ways our dog may show us there is something wrong is by just not eating.

If we can be picky as far as food is concerned, so can our dogs, and that is sometimes the simple reason why they refuse to eat... they do not like the foods we are giving them, even if they may come highly recommended. There are times when a single change of the bowl in which the dog eats may provoke it to stop eating.

Finally, we normally think of our dogs as being the same always and sometimes forget that they present signs of aging that may include a change in the eating habits we are so accustomed to.

If you notice your dog is presenting a loss of appetite, don't panic immediately, but of course, do take the correct course of action if you observe that behavior is lasting more than what could be expected. That course of action is, of course, taking the dog to its veterinarian and have him or her determine the real cause of the problem by performing the correct diagnostic tests. That way, the plan to follow will be determined and you will be able to help your dog with the knowledge and guidance required for that purpose.

The author is running a site and a blog related to dog training, dog care and health and also dog grooming.
For more information on how to have the best dog, visit:

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How Long Does a Dog Live?

By Carole Ann, eHow Contributor

The life expectancy of dogs varies. Assuming that your dog is in good health, has routine veterinarian care and proper nutrition, the average lifespan is around 12 years. Many factors can influence how long your dog will live.

The Breed
Large breeds usually have a shorter lifespan than smaller dogs, because their bodies have to work harder. For example, a St. Bernard may live 7 to 11 years, while a chihuahua can live 15 to 18 years.

Illness

Your dog could develop an illness that shortens her life. Parvo virus, distemper, Addison's disease, pyometra and Cushing's disease are all examples of treatable conditions that could ultimately be fatal.

Genetic Diseases

Your dog could have genetic factors that cause disease, such as diabetes, which could shorten his life expectancy. Tumors and cancer are problems that cannot be foreseen or prevented.

Accidents or Injuries

The risk of accidents or injuries is always present. You can "dog proof" your home by making sure your dog does not have access to toxins or items that can become lodged in her throat or block her intestines. Do not let your dog roam freely, since this increases her risk of being hit by a vehicle.

Proper Health Care

None of us can predict with any great accuracy how long a dog will live. You can help keep your dog healthy by taking her for regular physical examinations and keeping her vaccinations up to date. Proper nutrition and exercise can contribute to a long life.


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6 Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Training

By Wayne Booth

A lot of people ask me what is the best way to train their dog. In this article I'm going to address that question and give you some answers to those commonly asked questions.

1. I have a small dog is training really necessary? Certainly every dog should be trained so it knows the rules of the house and it also established you as the master. Just as important as training is socialization and you have until the dog is 5 months old to get it done.

2. Can dog training be done at home rather than a group class? Absolutely! In fact I have found that in-home lessons are much better than a group class. It works best because your dog isn't distracted by other dogs and the strange surroundings.

3. What is the proper age to start obedience training? The best age to train a dog is 16 weeks. At that point their minds are like little sponges and they have not developed a bunch of bad habits.

4. How important is it to train my dog? It is very important. As I mentioned earlier it establishes you as the master. Without proper training you will probably have a dog that is out of control with a bunch of very annoying bad habits. However with a nicely trained dog you will be able to enjoy it for it's entire life.

5. Do all breeds train the same? That is a simple answer, no. Some dogs are just easier to train than others depending on what your dogs breed was bred for. However one thing that I am happy to share with you is the fact that I have never seen a dog that could not be trained. Some dogs take longer and some dogs require a bit more work but they are all trainable.

6. My dog failed out of his group obedience class, is there still hope? Yes there is. Again I have never seen a dog that could not be trained; however I have seen a lot of people who simply don't take the time to train their dog. To train your dog you need to work with it at least once a day for a simple 15 minute session. Twice a day is even better. Repetition is the #1 principle of dog training.

Of course I am asked a lot of questions when it comes to dogs, however these 6 are probably the ones I am asked most often.

If you will take the time to socialize, train and exercise your dog you will have a furry friend that you can enjoy for life.

Wayne Booth is owner of Canine Behavior Specialists, http://www.CanineBehaviorSpecialists.com in Nashville, TN where he helps people train their dogs and solve behavior problems. Wayne has been teaching people how to become Professional Dog Trainers since 1990 and he is the Training Director of the Canine Behavior Specialists Network, http://www.K9-University.com.

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6 Tips To Minimize Dog Aggression

By Wayne Booth

Dog aggression is a serious and unfortunately very common problem. While extreme cases should be handled by a professional, dog owners can try these six tips to begin to address their dog's aggression towards other dogs.

1. Trainin is a must

Having a trained dog is very important. In fact usually when a dog has been trained well we don't see dog aggression, because the dog has been taught that showing aggression is not allowed.

2. Re-socialize your dog to other dogs

Hopefully your dog was socialized between birth and 20 weeks of age. The proper socialization during this period is very important. If your puppy was not socialized with other dogs during this period it is possible that it will never be able to be around other dogs.

3. Keep your dog distracted with a command

With a trained dog this is easy to do simply by giving a "heel" command. A nicely trained dog will ignore the distraction and do what it was commanded.

4. Neuter or spay to prevent sexually-based aggression

Yes, it's true neutering or spaying at an early age can help with aggression. However after the age of 3 -4 years neutering may not help because the aggression has been doing is now learned and does not rely on testosterone.

5. Put your dog in a down-stay when he needs a moment to calm down

The down and down stay commands or the most important and powerful exercises you have for gaining control of your dog. When you need control simply put it in the down position. With dogs that show aggression this exercise is a must.

6. Make sure you do not give the wrong body language

As a dog owner your body language is very important as well to maintain your position as the master and alpha of your pack. As trainers we talk about the fact that your thoughts go up and down the leash so make sure you are having positive thoughts.

As you can see, dog aggression can be handled many different ways. By learning to work through aggression problems, you can begin to help your pet learn new ways of handling himself around other dogs.

If your pet is going to show dog aggression it will usually happen sometime around 12-24 month of age. Keep in mind that this type of aggression usually doesn't get better by itself so be sure to look for help from a canine behavior specialist or a trainer with experience with dog aggression.

Wayne Booth is owner of Canine Behavior Specialists, http://www.CanineBehaviorSpecialists.com in Nashville, TN where he helps people train their dogs and solve behavior problems.

If your dog is showing aggression we can help. We now also offer training and solve behavior problems online at http://www.TrainMyDogOnline.com.

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How to Test a Dog's Intelligence

By an eHow Contributor

Think your dog is a genius? Or maybe Spot seems a little slow. You can test your dog to find out for sure if she's is a smarty paws or a dunce. Here is a simple quiz to help you determine your dog's intelligence (or lack of).

Instructions

Tell your dog to sit and then place a treat on the floor about three feet away from him. Place a can, cup or bowl over the treat and start timing for the first part of this intelligence test. Encourage your dog to get the treat. Make a note of how long it takes your dog to get the treat from under the can.

Make your dog sit down again and this time, throw a towel over her head, covering her eyes. Start timing and note how long it takes for your dog to remove the towel from her head. Give your dog a treat when she gets out.

Set up the barricade and place your dog on one side and the treat on the other for this part of the test. The slit should be small enough that the dog can't reach through it or see the treat on the other side. Start your timer and encourage him to find the treat. Write down how long it takes for your dog to go around the barricade to get to the treat.

Grab your time sheet and find out if you have a K-9 genius. If your dog completed each test in under five seconds, give her another treat because she's a genius. Ten seconds and Fido is a smarty, 20 and she's about average, 30 seconds to 50 seconds means she's a little slow. More than 50 seconds means your dog is probably the slowest in the park.

Tips & Warnings

Be sure your dog is at least a year old, free from distractions, well-rested and calm before you begin the test.

Many factors determine dog intelligence, so don't be too upset or too elated after you see your canine intelligence test results. Maybe your dog didn't like those treats or is too smart to fall for the old, "towel-on-the-head" trick.

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