Friday, 19 March 2010
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
The Top 3 Myths About Dog Food Ingredients
There is a massive amount of information out on the internet about dog food. Unfortunately, a lot of the information out there is ill-informed and has no scientific basis. Here are three of the top myths about dog food ingredients:
1. Corn is just filler and has no nutritional value
Fillers are ingredients that serve no purpose in food but to add bulk. Corn by no means fits this description. Corn is actually a highly nutritious grain, containing a unique balance of nutrients. It provides a good source of complex carbohydrates and contains linoleic acid, which is important for healthy skin.
It is also a very uncommon source of food allergies. In a review of over 200 cases of confirmed food allergy in the veterinary literature, only 3 have been attributed to corn. This is the same number as rice, which is used in many "hypoallergenic" diets!
2. Meat by-products are lower quality than meat
While the thought of meat by-products might be unpleasant, in reality it doesn't matter whether protein comes from the finest eye fillet or from liver, tripe or spleen. It may surprise you, but these by-products are often considered human-grade and quite often improve the taste of foods in the eyes of our canine and feline friends.
About the author: Simon Heikkila is an Australian veterinarian. For more information see his website about, hypoallergenic dog food, or read more about the truth about hypoallergenic dog food.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_H.
1. Corn is just filler and has no nutritional value
Fillers are ingredients that serve no purpose in food but to add bulk. Corn by no means fits this description. Corn is actually a highly nutritious grain, containing a unique balance of nutrients. It provides a good source of complex carbohydrates and contains linoleic acid, which is important for healthy skin.
It is also a very uncommon source of food allergies. In a review of over 200 cases of confirmed food allergy in the veterinary literature, only 3 have been attributed to corn. This is the same number as rice, which is used in many "hypoallergenic" diets!
2. Meat by-products are lower quality than meat
While the thought of meat by-products might be unpleasant, in reality it doesn't matter whether protein comes from the finest eye fillet or from liver, tripe or spleen. It may surprise you, but these by-products are often considered human-grade and quite often improve the taste of foods in the eyes of our canine and feline friends.
3. Cellulose fibre makes other ingredients less digestible
All fibres decrease the digestibility of food. However, the type of fiber does not affect protein digestibility in dogs. Purified cellulose has no effect on mineral binding either. As an insoluble fiber, cellulose improves stool quality, and is useful in diets for obesity. Cellulose dilutes calories and maintains that feeling of fullness for longer.
When it comes down to it, dogs require NUTRIENTS in their food, not INGREDIENTS. Ingredients are simply a means to achieve a nutritious diet that tastes good. Look for a diet that has been properly tested. These are minimum testing protocols used by manufacturers for proving that their foods are nutritionally adequate.
About the author: Simon Heikkila is an Australian veterinarian. For more information see his website about, hypoallergenic dog food, or read more about the truth about hypoallergenic dog food.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_H.
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
Dealing with aggressive Dogs.
I saw this on the news yesterday and it got me thinking about the whole issue of how to deal with aggressive or 'dangerous' dogs.
Every dog owner in the UK would have to take out insurance against their pet attacking someone under government proposals to crack down on dangerous breeds.
Announced by home secretary Alan Johnson and environment secretary Hilary Benn, the move comes in the wake of rising public concern about vicious dogs being used to intimidate or threaten people.
A consultation has been launched on amending the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act, proposals include forcing every dog owner to take out third party insurance and to have their dog microchipped.
And ministers are also considering introducing New Dog Control Notices for misbehaving animals.
RSPCA figures revealed complaints about dog fights rose 12-fold between 2004 and 2008, with the police seizing 900 dangerous dogs in London alone.
The cause has a particular concern for Johnson, a former postman, who was bitten twice on his rounds and saved from a third attack by a pregnant woman who rushed to his rescue.
"Britain is a nation of animal lovers, but people have a fundamental right to feel safe on the streets and in their homes," the home secretary said.
"The vast majority of dog owners are responsible, but there is no doubt that some people breed and keep dogs for the soul purpose of intimidating others, in a sense using dogs as a weapon.
"It is this sort of behaviour that we will not tolerate; it is this sort of behaviour that we are determined to stop."
The Dangerous Dogs Act, passed by Parliament in 1991 after a spate of attacks, brought in destruction orders for banned dogs.
Now I know that there is a BIG difference between an aggressive dog and a dangerous dog and I am aware of the type of both the breeds and the people who keep them, that the Government in the UK are targeting.
These are the type of people who are using dogs as 'status symbols' which requires them to have the most feared and dangerous types of dogs and also to train them to attack people at their command. We are obviously talking about Pit Bulls, Rottweillers, Dobermans, etc the kinds of dogs some people go out their way to avoid. Now to avoid a complete generalisation of these breeds, I know a lot of very well mannered and well trained Rottweillers, Dobermans and Staffordshire Bull Terriers, but we all know that these dogs are often trained to attack and in some cases, kill!
Take my dog, Sam, for example. He can be very aggressive towards dogs that he doesn't know, yet he is the most lovely, docile creature around people and especially children. Whether this is down to Sam being stray or badly treated by his previous owners, we will never know but he is aggressive NOT dangerous.
So what should we do? Well first of all I think the authorities and especially the police, have a duty to ensure that the breeds of dog listed in the Dangerous Dogs Act, are not imported into the UK as easily as it would appear. Now I know this is a huge task, but these dogs cannot harm anyone of they are not in the country. Secondly, I think all prospective dog owners should go through some sort of vetting process to ensure that they are fit and proper to house a dog. This may also reduce the number of strays on our streets.
Lastly, if it is not already, microchipping should be compulsory. I admit I don't know the law and this may already be the case, but if not then all dog owners should have to have their dogs chipped as soon as they take ownership of the dog.
I agree with the stance the UK Government is trying to take, but as we all know, a lot of people don't bother with insurance and when their dog attacks someone, the victim is left with no come back and we are back to square one!
You might want to take at look at this particular training programme for help and information about dealing with your dog!
Every dog owner in the UK would have to take out insurance against their pet attacking someone under government proposals to crack down on dangerous breeds.
Announced by home secretary Alan Johnson and environment secretary Hilary Benn, the move comes in the wake of rising public concern about vicious dogs being used to intimidate or threaten people.
A consultation has been launched on amending the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act, proposals include forcing every dog owner to take out third party insurance and to have their dog microchipped.
And ministers are also considering introducing New Dog Control Notices for misbehaving animals.
RSPCA figures revealed complaints about dog fights rose 12-fold between 2004 and 2008, with the police seizing 900 dangerous dogs in London alone.
The cause has a particular concern for Johnson, a former postman, who was bitten twice on his rounds and saved from a third attack by a pregnant woman who rushed to his rescue.
"Britain is a nation of animal lovers, but people have a fundamental right to feel safe on the streets and in their homes," the home secretary said.
"The vast majority of dog owners are responsible, but there is no doubt that some people breed and keep dogs for the soul purpose of intimidating others, in a sense using dogs as a weapon.
"It is this sort of behaviour that we will not tolerate; it is this sort of behaviour that we are determined to stop."
The Dangerous Dogs Act, passed by Parliament in 1991 after a spate of attacks, brought in destruction orders for banned dogs.
Now I know that there is a BIG difference between an aggressive dog and a dangerous dog and I am aware of the type of both the breeds and the people who keep them, that the Government in the UK are targeting.
These are the type of people who are using dogs as 'status symbols' which requires them to have the most feared and dangerous types of dogs and also to train them to attack people at their command. We are obviously talking about Pit Bulls, Rottweillers, Dobermans, etc the kinds of dogs some people go out their way to avoid. Now to avoid a complete generalisation of these breeds, I know a lot of very well mannered and well trained Rottweillers, Dobermans and Staffordshire Bull Terriers, but we all know that these dogs are often trained to attack and in some cases, kill!
Take my dog, Sam, for example. He can be very aggressive towards dogs that he doesn't know, yet he is the most lovely, docile creature around people and especially children. Whether this is down to Sam being stray or badly treated by his previous owners, we will never know but he is aggressive NOT dangerous.
So what should we do? Well first of all I think the authorities and especially the police, have a duty to ensure that the breeds of dog listed in the Dangerous Dogs Act, are not imported into the UK as easily as it would appear. Now I know this is a huge task, but these dogs cannot harm anyone of they are not in the country. Secondly, I think all prospective dog owners should go through some sort of vetting process to ensure that they are fit and proper to house a dog. This may also reduce the number of strays on our streets.
Lastly, if it is not already, microchipping should be compulsory. I admit I don't know the law and this may already be the case, but if not then all dog owners should have to have their dogs chipped as soon as they take ownership of the dog.
I agree with the stance the UK Government is trying to take, but as we all know, a lot of people don't bother with insurance and when their dog attacks someone, the victim is left with no come back and we are back to square one!
You might want to take at look at this particular training programme for help and information about dealing with your dog!
Monday, 8 March 2010
Present for the Birthday Boy!
It's is Sam's birthday on Friday and I am looking for ideas for you guys on what to get him! He's got more toys than can fit in his box, although another frisbee could be an idea but he just chews and eventually destroys plastic toys. Thought about another jacket, but he hates wearing the one he has and we fight any time we try to put it on him (he sits down and refuses to move!).
So come on people - all suggestions welcome!!
So come on people - all suggestions welcome!!
Friday, 5 March 2010
Dog Training Success With These 9 Essential Rules
When you have a well trained dog you will most likely have a happier one and one that is healthier too. So the basics to a well trained dog would be one that has training in basic dog obedience, house and potty training. This is your core educational requirements for your friend.
Most conventional dog training methods tell you what you should do for your dog training. I am going to tell you what 9 things you should not do for your dog training.
Staring with;
1) Don't punish him while you are ticked off and that you by chance lack control.
2) You would not punish your dog with any type of item that you use for training such as the lead. These are suppose to be a good thing for your him.
3) You would not sneak up on your dog from the back and grab him from the rear.
4) Do not go chasing your dog to get him. Let him chase you and come to you.
5) When your dog does come to you don't turn around and take the lead and whip him. That will really mess up the mind set of your dog.
6) Don't trick your dog or taunt him. That is cruel and not right to tease him when he can't come to you.
7) Don't punish your dog by hitting him on his spine, ears, or face. And don't step on his paws.
8) Don't reach out too fast and scare him. Your dog should not fear you or be nervous by his master.
9) And the last thing not to do is to be always shouting at him. Don't nag him.
Any decent and responsible dog owner should make the effort to train their dog for the benefit of both the dog and the owner. I found this course very helpful.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Baker
Most conventional dog training methods tell you what you should do for your dog training. I am going to tell you what 9 things you should not do for your dog training.
Staring with;
1) Don't punish him while you are ticked off and that you by chance lack control.
2) You would not punish your dog with any type of item that you use for training such as the lead. These are suppose to be a good thing for your him.
3) You would not sneak up on your dog from the back and grab him from the rear.
4) Do not go chasing your dog to get him. Let him chase you and come to you.
5) When your dog does come to you don't turn around and take the lead and whip him. That will really mess up the mind set of your dog.
6) Don't trick your dog or taunt him. That is cruel and not right to tease him when he can't come to you.
7) Don't punish your dog by hitting him on his spine, ears, or face. And don't step on his paws.
8) Don't reach out too fast and scare him. Your dog should not fear you or be nervous by his master.
9) And the last thing not to do is to be always shouting at him. Don't nag him.
Any decent and responsible dog owner should make the effort to train their dog for the benefit of both the dog and the owner. I found this course very helpful.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Baker
An Introduction to me and my boy!
Hello and welcome to Scott's Dog Blog. I am Scott and the handsome boy in the picture above is my boy Sam. Sam (as far as we know!) is an 8yr old Labrador Collie cross although my wife and I are convinced he has some Staffordshire terrier in him as he has a bad temper with most other dogs and also his head is shaped slightly like a 'staffy'.
The reason for my inaccurate aging of Sam, is because he is a rescue dog who was found wondering the streets and handed in to an SSPCA facility by the local police and therefore they have no details on the dog but they thought he was 3 and we have had him almost 5 years (it is actually his birthday on the 12th March!).
My wife and I had put off getting a dog for quite a few years because we both work full-time although I work shifts and it wouldn't have been fair to any animal. Eventually though, and due to the assistance of family members, we took the plunge. Obviously a puppy was out of the question as the dog would really need to be immediately house trained and could be left for periods of time. So we decided to rescue a dog from Bothwell Bridge, an SSPCA facility in Hamilton. Now don't get me wrong before we go any further, these facilities do a wonderful job but the sight of 60 - 70 dogs all needing a new home, broke my heart! Seeing these poor abandonded creatures in their own individual cages, really hit home to me how cruel some people can be. Surely people should consider the long term future before committing to getting a pet?
The staff couldn't have been more helpful and allowed us to play with our chosen dog before we decided to take him. They also stated he had been with them for 7 days and was therefore eligible for immediate re-housing. Well I stared at my wife and we didn't need to say anything and before you know it we were on our way home with our dog in the back of our car!
The rest as they say is history. Sam fitted in perfectly with my wife and I after some initial trepidation and has been a wonderful, affectionate, crazy addition to our whole family. Everybody loves him hence his rather rotund appearance, is a joy to walk (as long as there are no other dogs about!) and he just loves being outside chasing a ball or the local bird life!
To sum up, I would recommend re-housing a stray dog every day of the week, but please ensure they don't end up back where they started!
The reason for my inaccurate aging of Sam, is because he is a rescue dog who was found wondering the streets and handed in to an SSPCA facility by the local police and therefore they have no details on the dog but they thought he was 3 and we have had him almost 5 years (it is actually his birthday on the 12th March!).
My wife and I had put off getting a dog for quite a few years because we both work full-time although I work shifts and it wouldn't have been fair to any animal. Eventually though, and due to the assistance of family members, we took the plunge. Obviously a puppy was out of the question as the dog would really need to be immediately house trained and could be left for periods of time. So we decided to rescue a dog from Bothwell Bridge, an SSPCA facility in Hamilton. Now don't get me wrong before we go any further, these facilities do a wonderful job but the sight of 60 - 70 dogs all needing a new home, broke my heart! Seeing these poor abandonded creatures in their own individual cages, really hit home to me how cruel some people can be. Surely people should consider the long term future before committing to getting a pet?
The staff couldn't have been more helpful and allowed us to play with our chosen dog before we decided to take him. They also stated he had been with them for 7 days and was therefore eligible for immediate re-housing. Well I stared at my wife and we didn't need to say anything and before you know it we were on our way home with our dog in the back of our car!
The rest as they say is history. Sam fitted in perfectly with my wife and I after some initial trepidation and has been a wonderful, affectionate, crazy addition to our whole family. Everybody loves him hence his rather rotund appearance, is a joy to walk (as long as there are no other dogs about!) and he just loves being outside chasing a ball or the local bird life!
To sum up, I would recommend re-housing a stray dog every day of the week, but please ensure they don't end up back where they started!
