Brushing and Combing Tips For Dog Owners

Brushing or combing a dog’s coat is very important for good grooming. Long haired dog breeds need every day brushing while short-haired dogs may require combing at least once or twice a week. Here are tips on how to make grooming a fun and enjoyable time for your dog:

Start early. It’s best to train them while they’re young. If you adopted an older dog who wasn’t trained for grooming, it’s never too late to start training.

Sit or stand your dog in a comfortable spot. Run your fingers through his fur. Brush his paws or legs first so he can see what’s happening.

Praise your dog if he’s behaving well. If not, don’t give up. Introduce the brushing or combing routine every day for just a few minutes. It shouldn’t take long before your dog realizes that grooming is not a bad time after all.

Don’t give yourself a hard time. Find a suitable place for your pup or dog to sit or stand on while you brush his/her coat. Make sure that it would be the same spot for grooming even when your dog gets older. Use a non-slip mat for your dog to stand on. If you have a large dog, don’t lift your puppy to a spot that wouldn’t be able to carry his weight when he grows up.

Be consistent. Brushing or combing should be done regularly not just to make the coat shiny but to avoid mats and tangles. Combing is also an effective way to remove dander.

Comb or brush properly. Always comb or brush according to the direction of the fur. Be gentle especially when there are mats or tangles.

Don't scrape it! Be very careful not to scrape the skin.

Use the right dog brush. Dog brushes and combs are made differently. Soft bristle brushes are ideal for short-haired breeds while a pin brush with metal bristles are recommended for long-haired breeds. For dogs with wavy and curly hair, a wire slicker brush is best.

Comb one small section at a time. Make sure that all tangles have been removed before moving on to the next section.

Stick with a pattern. Always start from the legs and work your way up leaving the head and ears for last. Follow the same pattern every time so your dog will get used to the routine.

Examine every spot. Check the skin for fleas, wounds or cuts. Check for lumps. If you find anything weird, see your vet right away.

Praise. Praise your dog for staying still and behaving well.

Comb before and after bath. It’s a good idea to do the combing before bathing to make shampooing easier. After bathe, the fur should also be easier to comb.

Questions from Readers: Can My Cat Get Diabetes Too?

In response to a comment from my last post What If My Dog Has Diabetes?, this entry will be about Feline Diabetes.

Just like dogs and people, cats too can develop Diabetes Mellitus. Among cats, those who seem to be at a higher risk of developing this condition are male cats and obese cats.

The signs of Feline Diabetes are similar to that of Canine Diabetes which includes:

• lethargy or laziness
• excessive thirst and hunger
• frequent urination
• unexplained loss of weight
• increased appetite
• weakness in the legs

Upon check-up, a vet must conduct urinalysis and blood tests to come up with a correct diagnosis. If a cat is diagnosed to be diabetic, insulin injections may be recommended to help control the disease and avoid complications. It is good to know that with early detection, you can help your cat lead a normal life.

For more information on Feline Diabetes, check out this website.

What If My Dog Has Diabetes?

Just like humans, dogs can also acquire Diabetes. Diabetes Mellitus is a result of a deficiency in insulin- an enzyme that helps body tissues absorb blood sugar. Without insulin, sugar or glucose will not be able to enter the cells and will remain in the blood stream. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels in the body can therefore cause organ malfunction and illness.

According to veterinarian studies, dogs between the ages of 5-7 years are more at risk of acquiring this condition. Female dogs and overweight dogs are also at a higher risk.

If you have a dog, it is recommended to see the vet at least twice a year for an overall check-up. Indeed, early detection of diabetes can save a dog’s life.

What are the symptoms of canine diabetes?

The most common signs to watch out for are:

• lethargy or laziness
• excessive thirst and hunger
• frequent urination
• unexplained loss of weight

Note that these symptoms are also common in other dog diseases. If your dog is experiencing any of these conditions, don’t delay. Take him/her to a vet for a complete medical examination.

Is there a cure for Canine Diabetes?

Although it is not curable, the good news is that Diabetes is manageable. A vet should be able to set up a program for you and your dog to control or manage the condition. A change in your dog’s diet and lifestyle is crucial to keep diabetes under control.

Insulin injections may also be required, depending on your dog’s condition. Regular blood sugar testing and monitoring are also important.

If your dog has been diagnosed with diabetes, work with your vet. Ask questions. Find out more information about the disease. By educating yourself, you can help your dog cope better with his/her condition and enjoy a better life.

Here is a trusted site that provides information on Canine Diabetes or Diabetes Mellitus in dogs.

Diabetes Insipidus – What It Is

There is another type of diabetes and it is called Diabetes Insipidus. Although the symptoms are similar with that of Diabetes Mellitus, this is a different type of diabetes and requires a different treatment. Primarily, dogs with Diabetes Insipidus experience excessive urination followed by extreme thirsts. If left unchecked, this condition can lead to comma and sudden death.

Here is an article that gives more information on Diabetes Insipidus.

Is My Dog Breed Right for Me and My Family?

Dogs are not possessions. They are friends. They are family members. And if you’re going to share your home with a dog, you need to be ready for the joys and the responsibilities.

Questions to consider when choosing a dog:

• Are you an active person?
• Do you have allergies? (If you do, read For Dog Lovers with Pet Allergies)
• Do you have kids?
• Do you live in an apartment?

Should you get a large dog or a smaller dog?

If you live in an apartment, a smaller dog breed may be best unless you have time to take your dog out on walks every day.

Larger dog breeds generally have greater needs than smaller ones (in terms of food, exercise, hygiene, veterinary services, etc.) Seriously consider this: Do you have the time, energy, and money to care for a larger dog?

However, if you’re looking for a jogging or a walking partner, small dogs may not be the best companions. Large dogs are perfect for this lifestyle.

Dogs and Temperaments

Like people, dogs also have their own temperaments. Some dogs are more aggressive than others. Some dogs are friendlier while others are more reserved. Some are playful, some are overprotective, some are lazy, some are naughty, some are more affectionate, and so on.

For litters, it may be difficult to tell whether a pup has a quiet or a friendly temperament. Getting to know the parents may give you a better idea on what the pup would be like. A breeder can provide you with the information you need. Dogs in shelters can be observed by the people who care for them.

Research the natural temperament of specific dog breeds. For instance, Terriers, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Saint Bernard tend to be more energetic and more protective than other breeds. Labradors and Retrievers are known to be very-friendly, even to strangers.

Siberian Huskies are intelligent dogs but they can be very independent and more difficult to train. Chihuahuas, French Bulldog, Dachshund, Corgi, Basset Hound and Pekinese tend to be lazy and prefer a more leisurely lifestyle.

Use the internet to learn more about dog breeds that you‘re considering. You can also ask vets, responsible breeders, and people from the shelter. Finding a dog who can adapt more easily to you and your family’s lifestyle will surely be a great start to a lasting friendship.

How to Stop Your Dog from Pulling on the Leash

Notice how untrained dogs pull on the leash as their human helplessly tries to make them stop? Dog walking can be a lot of fun, but if your dog isn’t following your lead, it can be very strenuous and frustrating. How do you train a dog to walk properly and follow your lead? Here are the steps:

Before putting on the leash, let your dog sit and stay**. Dogs love to go out for walks and seeing you with that leash in your hand can make him ecstatic.

Never put on that leash until he sits and stays. If you do, he’ll get used to jumping around and would never stay still as you put on the leash on his neck.

If he continues to jump around, put the leash away and repeat the command “Sit”.

Make sure that your dog understands that unless he does as told, he’s not going out for a walk. If he sits and stays, and waits for you to put on the leash, praise him, give him a pat and assure him that he’s done a good job.

Walk him to the door. After putting on the leash, your dog may excitedly run towards the door, pulling you as he goes. If this happens, repeat the Sit and Stay command and bring him back to the original position. Again, make him understand that unless he does as told, no walking will happen.

You should be the one to lead him to the door. Whenever your dog tries to lunge or pull on the leash, make him return to the original position. Repeat the Sit and Stay command. You may have to do this several times until your dog realizes that he can only get out that door if he patiently waits for his human to walk him there.

Don’t open the door until your dog stays. Your dog should calmly wait for you to open the door. An untrained dog has the tendency to be excited and to lunge forward. He needs to learn that to get what he wants, he must Sit, Stay, and Wait for his master to give him the go signal.

Once outside, follow the same steps. As long as the leash remains slack, praise your dog and let him walk forward. Whenever the leash tightens because he’s pulling on, stop moving. Gently pull back and repeat the Sit and Stay command. If your dog obeys, praise him and allow him to walk on.

Keep the dog to your left. Discourage your dog from walking on a zigzag manner by walking him always to your left. In case, he wounds the leash around a pole, let him disentangle himself.

**If your dog isn’t trained to “Sit”, you can start the lesson on How to Teach Your Dog to Sit and Stay.

photos:

1. chihuahuas
2. daschund

Three Vital Lessons on Dog Feeding

Teaching a dog about discipline is very important and meal times are the perfect time to teach your dog a few tricks about good behavior. Here are three important lessons on dog feeding:

Use feeding time as training time.

Because you are the one providing food, your dog should learn to recognize you as the leader of the pack.

Never tolerate barking, jumping or growling as you prepare his food or as you put down his feeding bowl. Your dog should patiently sit and wait for you and not the other way around.

Say the command “Sit” and wait for your dog to do so before letting him have his food. If he refuses to obey your command, ignore him. Don’t give his food until he stops barking or jumping.

When he’s quiet, say the command “Sit” and observe. If he’s done well, praise him and give him his bowl. Soon your dog will learn that if he wants to be fed, he must behave properly.

*If your dog isn’t trained to “Sit”, you can start the lesson on How to Teach Your Dog to Sit and Stay.

Always feed at the same time.

Feeding your dog at varying times will only confuse him. Set a specific feeding time and be sure to follow the same routine each day.

Be consistent.

As the pack leader, you set-up the rules. Never break your own rules just because your dog doesn’t seem to get it. Continue training your dog by following the same steps. Remember, you should only feed your dog after he shows the right behavior.

Integrate the command Sit with other activities (before going outside for a walk, before giving him a toy toy or a treat, or before letting him back inside the house). This will help him recognize and remember the command more easily.

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Why Dogs Roll in Stinky Things and How to Stop It!

One of the most annoying things that dogs do is rolling in smelly stuff like poop, garbage, mud and dead animals. Is this a natural thing? Is there anything you can do to stop it?

Why Do Dogs Roll in Smelly Stuff?

According to zoologists, this is natural dog behavior. In fact, even Wolves (canis lupus) do the same thing. The theory behind this instinctive behavior is that animals roll in stinky stuff to camouflage its own scent. Thus, when it’s time to hunt for food, their dog smell won’t send an alarm to their prey.

How to Stop Your Dog from Rolling in Funny Smelling Things

Catch the act. If there’s anything you want to stop your dog from doing, you need to catch him in the act. If you’re going to reprimand your dog a few seconds after the BAD DEED was done, he won’t understand why in the world he’s being reprimanded for.

You can set up poop on your garden or backyard so you can watch him and catch him on the act.  Remember, you need to be watchful and catch the exact moment when he’s rolling in stink to teach the lesson.


Make it an unpleasant experience. Dogs find nothing wrong with rolling in poop or other stinky stuff. For them, it’s a completely acceptable, fun thing to do. That’s what you need to change. You need to make this “fun” experience, unpleasant and detestable. How?

Squirt him with water. If your dog hates water, you can squirt him with water at the moment he’s doing the act. However, some dogs love playing with water, so this may not be a good idea.

Be careful not to squirt him with water when he’s not doing anything wrong as this will only confuse your dog.

Squirt him with citronella. There are remote controlled dog collars in the market that squirt citronella – an unlikeable scent for dogs. You can also try this and push the button when he’s rolling on something dirty and smelly.





photos:
1. pup
2. dog

How to Teach Your Dog to Sit and Stay

Dogs and puppies are playful creatures. They love to bounce, jump, run and move around. But sometimes, you need for your dog to just sit still and not go anywhere.

The Sit and Stay command is one of the basic and most important commands that all dogs must learn. Obeying these simple commands isn’t just for your safety but for your dog's safety as well.

How can you train your pet to sit and stay? Here are some tips:

Teaching Your Dog the SIT Command

Prepare small treats in your pocket. Hold a nibble in front of your dog and slowly raise your hand until it’s out of reach. Your dog should naturally take a sitting position (with its rear body lower to the ground). As he takes this position, say the command (“SIT”) once, before letting him have the treat.

You can also tap your pet and gently lower his rear body to the ground. Say the command SIT as he takes the sitting position.

If he’s done correctly, give him a treat and praise him for a job well done. Remember to say the command only once, as your dog should learn to obey your voice immediately and not only after several repetitions.

Teach him to recognize what the command means from all four directions (front, right, left, back). This way, whenever he hears the word “Sit”, he will do so whether he’s standing in front, back or beside you.

Conduct short but regular training sessions. Introduce the command several times each day to help your dog understand and remember. As soon as your dog learns to “Sit” and obeys even without the treat, you can move on to the next step.

Teaching Your Dog the STAY Command

First, let your dog stand beside you and take the Sit position. With your left palm in front of your dog, say the command “STAY” in a clear and firm voice. Take two steps forward and see if your dog is staying put. If he is, praise him.

Repeat the command “Stay” and take another two steps. Face your dog and see if he’s still staying put. If he is, praise him again. Do the same steps several times.

If you’re dog is staying perfectly still, praise him and walk over to him. Give him a treat while he’s in the Stay position. Afterwards, allow him to relax and move.

Repeat the Stay lesson over the next few weeks, slowly increasing the length of time the dog must Stay still. If he walks or moves, lead him to the starting position and start the lesson from the beginning. Don’t try to rush with each lesson. Allow him to learn at his own phase.


As soon as your dog recognizes the Stay command, practice by saying the command several times a day, whatever your dog is doing. Whether he’s playing or walking, he should obey your command at all times. Furthermore, your dog should not break the Stay position until you have allowed him to move.

Be Patient!

Not all dogs learn quickly. When training a dog or a puppy, you must be very patient and consistent. Never punish or hit your pet if he’s not listening or obeying your commands.

Repetition is the key.
Always start from the beginning until your dog becomes familiar with the routine. Sooner or later, he will learn that you are the pack leader and that you’re the one calling the shots.