The DogSmith Monthly Dog Talk

January 2012

 

 New Year's Day is the most widely celebrated day and comes the closest thing to being the world's only truly global public holiday.  The New Year touches common human emotions despite nationality.  It represents a time for remembering the old year and preparing for a fresh start in the new.  So from all of us, Happy New Year and our best wishes for a healthy and prosperous 2012!  Check out our resolutions below...

Free Webinars and Live Chats with Pet Training Pros in January 2012!

The Association of Pet Dog Trainer's annual campaign in January, National Train Your Dog Month, promotes the benefits of positive training and socialization for all pets.



Each year, hundreds of thousands of pets are turned into animal shelters because their owners couldn’t find a reliable resource to help them with their pets’ behavior problems. Sadly, the end result is often euthanasia at the shelter rather than re-homing the pet. In response, the APDT has designated the month of January as National Train Your Dog Month to bring awareness to the importance of socialization and training for all pets. January was selected as the perfect month because so many animals are adopted and brought home during the winter holidays. The APDT and The DogSmith hope to help families and their pets start the New Year off on the right paw with information on the behavior needs and training of their pets.  Read More Here…


 The Downward Spiral of The Family Pet Dog


If putting a human, by nature a social being, in jail or solitary confinement is intended as punishment, then surely, isolating, chaining or tethering a dog will have the same effect on the canine soul. Dogs are domesticated, the most domesticated animal there is. Bred by humans to be companions and work partners, we have selected and bred dogs with highly social genes. Because of this selective breeding, dogs now have personality traits that need our attention, our time and our kind benevolent leadership. If our attention and participation in their lives is missing then dogs become lonely and bored. This loneliness leads to frustration and stress that in turn leads to behavioral problems. Excessive barking, pacing, self-mutilation and other destructive behaviors are all symptoms displayed by a dog that is not having its mental and physical needs met. Read more

New Year's Resolutions

We all know that many of us set New Year’s Resolutions and as the year progresses they begin to fade. This leaves us feeling frustrated, first we have not accomplished what we set out to do and then we feel like a ‘loser’ as we have failed our own expectations.
I don’t know about you but in our home I always put other things as a priority before myself.  Some say women we tend to do this. Anyway, this year I thought it would be fun to develop some New Year’s Resolutions for my pets as I never let them down. So I now know if all else fails with my other resolutions I will at least have accomplished some.
Here are my top 5 New Year’s Resolutions for you to accomplish with your Dog. They are not in order of priority, just the way they came out when I began to think about it.

1. Enhance Your Canine-Human Relationship

Make it a priority to enhance the relationship you have with your dog. Teach it a new trick; make it your aim to play with your dog for a few minutes each day, if you have more than one dog give each one a few special moments. "The DogSmith’s MTR training eBook is a fantastic resource for all families who are looking to build and maintain basic manners, skills and most of all bonds! This easy to use step by step guide is beautifully designed in a way that invites success for both owner and dog. Once you have this in your hands you will know exactly what you need and how to begin teaching your dog in a fun and rewarding way” (Jennifer Shryock B.A. CDBC – Creator of Dogs & Storks).  You can Download the free e-book at The DogSmith website .

2. Teach Your Dog To Walk Nicely.

Let’s take the ‘choke’ out of training a ‘walk nicely behavior’ and replace it with clear concise instructions that builds your dog’s behavior repertoire, sets your dog up for success and rewards them when they get it right. This is a far more pleasant situation for both owner and dog. In addition to it being an ineffective training method, there are real health concerns when a dog’s head is jerked around. Find a dog trainer who uses Force-Free methods and does not instruct classes using choke chains or other aversive methods.

 

3. Select The Best Pet Care for Your Dog

Be very selective when choosing pet care professionals to partake in your dog’s life. Whether it is your dog walker, pet sitter, dog trainer or veterinary professional you should assemble your pet care team based on the values you choose for your dog’s wellbeing. Choose professionals that have a holistic approach to your pet's care; they consider your pet’s mental, physical, environmental and nutritional wellbeing. Search for pet care providers that abide to an important set of guiding principles and business ethics.

4. Get Your Annual Veterinarian Examination.
Many pet owners underestimate the importance of an annual physical exam because their pet seems healthy. Annual exams provide an opportunity to prevent diseases, detect them early, or even avoid them altogether. Many diseases and ailments such as heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes are not often evident in early stages. Your veterinarian can conduct a comprehensive exam that includes a lab analysis, heart check, and dental exam to ensure top physical shape and optimum health for years to come.

5. Become a More Responsible Pet Dog Owner.
I believe owning a dog is a privilege not a right. It should be a privilege to own one and a responsibility to care for it. So in 2012 enroll your dog into a ‘Canine Good Citizen™ program. Started in 1989, the CGC™ Program is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. Not only will your dog learn some really nice manners and be awarded a certificate but you will also have to sign ‘The Owners Pledge which details your role in the partnership.

Contact Your Loal DogSmith For Help Achieving Your New Year’s Resolutions for You and Your Dog.


 

 

Aflatoxin - What is it and Why so Many Recalls?

 

Three aflatoxin recalls in about a week

 

Aflatoxins in Corn, read this report.

  • Advanced Animal Nutrition  recalled several lots of its dry Dog Power  Dog Food due to aflatoxin levels above the acceptable limit.
  • In another  recall of dry  dog food for elevated levels of  aflatoxin, Cargill Animal Nutrition on Wednesday said it was pulling two regional brands 
  • A couple of weeks ago it was a ‘product pull’ of several varieties of Iams Pet Foods due to “ elevated aflatoxin levels“.  This time it is an official recall  “due to aflatoxin levels that were detected above the acceptable limit.”  Product recalled Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy Food.  Read more here…
Why dont you choose a pet food that does not contain corn, or preservatives, or chemicals and only high grade ingredients. Read more here

 


The DogSmith Spa Services

Give your dog the pampered care it deserves without spending a fortune. At The DogSmith, we offer professional Pet Spa and Bath services performed by professional pet care providers. From our basic 'Wash & Go' services to our deluxe 'Fluff & Spiff' packages, nail clipping and skin care, your pampered pet will go home looking and feeling like royalty! 

Regular bathing will help keep your pet's coat in good condition by removing dirt, spreading natural oils throughout its fur, preventing tangles and keeping its skin clean and irritant-free. Bath time is also a great chance to check for ticks, fleas and flea dirt (those little black specks that indicate your pet is hosting a flea family).  Get more information here…