Understanding Your Dogs Protective Instinct

File

We all know that dogs have a protective instinct. It’s an instinct that has been nurtured over thousands of years of evolution; a desire to protect the people they care about, the humans that they see as their family. For many people, the protective instinct is one of the foremost reasons to getting a dog, and this is all the more true if you’re thinking of disaster-preparation.

To truly get the most of your dog’s protective instinct in the event of a disaster, you first need to understand that instinct. How does it work? How can you utilize it to your benefits? Is that instinct transferable to different people or properties? Read on to find out all the answers you need…

What Exactly Are Dogs Protecting?

Given that many people use dogs to guard their home, it’s easy to think that dogs are protecting the actual building. This is a concern if you’re disaster-prepping. You may wonder if your dog will offer protection if you have had to bug-out and transfer to another location.

Here’s the good news: dogs don’t protect buildings with any particular vigor. Sure, they will bark if someone they don’t like gets too close, but for the most part the building isn’t really the concern. Dogs aren’t territorial in the same way that cats are. You can see this in action in the way we live with our pets; cats are allowed to wander around the neighborhood, as they will always find their way back to their territory. Dogs… won’t; if your dog gets out, there’s a high likelihood you’ll have to go and retrieve them rather than them coming back of their own accord.

So What Do Dogs Protect?

People. The only reason your dog is particularly concerned about your home is because you’re in it. Dogs can also be protective of items they consider to be “theirs”, such as blankets and bowls, but for the most part their focus is primarily on people. This is why having a dog from https://scottsk9.com/ is an ideal way to protect yourself and your family; these dogs will look after you specifically, no matter where you are or where you live.

You can see this effect in action if you take your dog to pet-friendly vacation rentals; they will be just as protective of your temporary home as they are of your actual home-- because you’re there. This is well worth remembering if you’re concerned about losing your dog’s inbuilt protective instinct if you, for any reason, need to abandon your home. If you’re there, then your dog is going to continue to be just as protective as they would be at your home address.

Can The Protective Instinct Be Controlled?

File

You can’t stop the urge of the protective instinct, but you can train your dog so they don’t react to it unless you command. Basic “sit” and “stay” commands are your best methods here, so you can be sure that the protective instinct doesn’t go too far. Your dog is, after all, primarily a pet, so you’re going to want to know you’re safe to take them for a walk without aggression issues materializing.

In the event of a disaster, your dog’s protective instinct might just be your best friend. Nurture this instinct correctly, train your dog to control it, and then you can be reassured all is well-- wherever you are in the world.

Here's a great place to visit online for pet articles SimplyPets

Taking Responsibility: The Dog Owner's Guide To Getting It Right

There’s no relationship quite like the connection between man and his best friend. If you’ve got a dog, it’s so important to understand your responsibilities. When you bring your new furry friend home, it’s your duty to look after them and keep them safe, fit, and healthy. Here’s a guide to getting it right to help you.

Image from https://www.flickr.com/photos/gorefiendus/3432756019/

Making your home dog-friendly

It’s essential to ensure your home is a safe environment for a cuddly creature before deciding to get a dog. Dogs need space to move around, a comfy spot to settle and an environment free from hazards. It’s a good idea to prepare your home before you bring a new puppy or rescue dog home to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. Place a fireguard in front of an open fire, use stair gates to prevent them from going into rooms you want to keep dog-free and move cleaning products, chemicals and medicines from cupboards and drawers that could be discovered by a keen nose. Buy some toys, a bed and some blankets and stock up on food.

Giving your dog love and attention

Dogs don’t like to be alone, and they crave attention. Dogs aren’t naturally solitary animals, and they long for cuddles and human interaction. If you have a dog and you work long hours, or you tend to go away on the weekends, it’s a good idea to have a look at facilities like Camp Diego dog boarding or ask a friend or relative if they could dog-sit for you. Spending time with people will boost your dog’s happiness and wellbeing and hopefully, reduce the risk of them getting bored and chewing slippers, sofa cushions or new clothes.

Exercise and playtime

Dogs need exercise, so if you’re thinking of getting a new best friend, be prepared to walk, even in the pouring rain. It’s not enough to let your dog run around the backyard for a few minutes each day. All breeds are different in terms of how much exercise they need, but all dogs should be walked at least once a day. If you can’t walk your dog as much as you’d like to, have a look for a local dog walking service. Take time to play with your dog and have fun together. Throw a ball for them in the woods or chase them around the garden.

Maintaining good health

Aside from ensuring your dog is active, it’s also important to make sure they have a healthy diet, and they get the care and attention they need. Initially, if you have a puppy, you’ll need to call the vet and organize vaccinations. You’ll then need to visit periodically for boosters. It’s also a good idea to worm dogs regularly and to keep an eye out for fleas. Dental health is also important for dogs, as gum disease is a very common issue. Brush your dog’s teeth and organize regular checks.

Image credit https://pixabay.com/en/woman-dog-pacsi-paw-hobby-pet-888409/

If you have a dog, you are responsible for that bundle of joy’s health and happiness. Hopefully, these simple tips will help you get it right.

The Necessitates Every Furry Friend Needs From It's Owner

We share this planet with some of our furry friends. They may not understand us totally, but when we have pets, they connect with us on a very deep level. It's the responsibility of every owner to give their dog or cat the best we can give them to make sure their life is fun and fulfilling. Their living standard is completely in our hands, and because they don’t live as long as us, it's our duty to make them feel loved. However just as they don’t understand us word for word, we have trouble knowing what they’re thinking and feeling. It can be daunting to become a pet owner if you simply feel lost and don’t know what the very basics are for keeping a pet fit, happy and healthy. It's not that difficult, but the results will vary on how you approach certain things that every furry friend needs.

Image by Alexas_Fotos

Plenty of play

The number one cause of pets that gnaw on furniture, ruining couches, sofas and wooden legs of dining tables is because the pet is restless. They don’t do it out of wanting to get revenge or to make your life harder; it's just that they have to release that tension somehow. Therefore every pet needs plenty of play. If you have a dog, it's recommended to walk them twice a day, once in the morning and once more in the evening. It doesn’t have to be long, but the dog has to get rid of all the pent-up energy and express it in the form of sniffing around, marking his or her territory, and run around chasing something. The same with cats, they need to able to stretch out and use their natural reflexes to chase a fake mouse or play with a ball of wool.

Photo by Austin Community College

Constant check-ups

Many dogs will see their bodies start to let go as they get older. The hip joints and the pelvis region are the number one areas of concern for ageing pets, dogs and cats alike. This is why no matter how healthy they might be right now, sooner or later they will need check-ups by professionals. As this is sure to be over a lifetime, it's crucial to seek out the best low cost vet care. When you do, you’ll be asked to sign up your pet, and they will then be given their online account. You can see their entire medical history with the vet, and this gives you a chance to spot any reoccurring problems that will eventually leave patterns so you can recognise what might be best for your pet. You can also choose from different healthcare plans that also go up to advanced for the pets that have complicated and possibly rare conditions.

The basics of maintaining the living standard for pets is something that every pet owner must invest time and money in. The regular health check-ups will become irreplaceable the further on in life your pets go, but giving them a healthy and active lifestyle is just as important to keeping their moods level and predictable.

Evacuate with Pets

New book Release

" How-to Evacuate with Pets"

Includes the complete up-dated 

(click below to see the list)

"Dog Bug-out bag list" !

Click Here

This book includes a detailed list of items every family needs to survival after evacuating.

And

How-to train any dog to wear a Bug-out bag.

Free Preview Below

Free previews and lending Library views available worldwide at Amazon

Click here to Go to my UK author page 

Click for a Free preview of  "Family Disaster Dogs" kindle edition

I hope you enjoyed the dog articles at Family Disaster Dogs blog

Thanks for following, sharing and all your support over the years !

Look for me on twitter @URDogCanRescueU

Amber

Can’t Sit, Won’t Sit: Getting Your Dog to Play Ball

Some dogs are naturally well-behaved. In just a few sessions, they’re able to sit and heel on command, calm down when they’re told to, and all-around be good, obedient members of the family. Then there are the other dogs, the free-spirited canines who never seem quite to understand that they’re not masters of their destiny. So what do you do if you find yourself looking after one of these pups? You don’t have to give in to their ways. Take our tips below, and you’ll have a happy dog that’s able to follow the rules in no time.

Source: Pexels.com

Understand: Training is Good

It can often feel like you’re not making any progress with your pet, but all great journeys begin with small steps. If your dog is struggling to master the big changes you’re trying to instil in them, then start small. Your dog needs to learn that training can be good for them; they need to know, in other words, that good behaviour will be rewarded (and, to your dog, the best reward will be food). Once you’ve made that connection, they should be more malleable in your hands.

Be Consistent

You’d be surprised at one of the biggest barriers to your dog’s progress: it’s your family. They don’t mean to, but they might, unbeknownst to you, be undermining your progress. The key is to be consistent; if you have one rule for your dog, then the whole family need to have the same rule. You can’t blame a dog for failing to get a message if they’re receiving several different messages throughout the day; how will they know which one to follow?

Tricks of the Trade

If your dog is stubborn, there are a few things you can do. These will be either divided into bribing your dog so that they do what they’re told because they know there’s a reward waiting at the end; or you can outright trick them, as is the case with dogs who won’t take their medication. When that happens, you should use Vetiq pill pockets; they’ll swallow their pills purely because they think they’re getting a treat. For everything else, it’s about showing positivity and staying on top of the bad behaviours that can derail their progress.

Limit the Triggers

Your dog might have a natural tendency to go mad, but it won’t always just spring out from thin air. It’s possible that your dog has triggers that cause them, in one way or another, to temporarily lose their mind. If you can make a connection between these triggers and their madness, then you’ll be able to control their behaviour better. It’s not so much a long-lasting solution, but it’ll ensure you can get some peace for a while.

Be Patient

Finally, remember that you’re asking a lot from your dog. They’re not human, and you shouldn’t expect progress to be made overnight. Be patient; they’ll get it eventually. And if they don’t, you’ll still have a lovable - albeit slightly crazy - dog to play with.

5 Reasons Why Your Dog Has A Bad Appetite

Like humans, dogs too suffer eating disorders, which can be extremely distressing if you are a new pet owner. Generally, dogs are insatiable animals with a healthy appetite for food. And in most cases, they'll feed on basically anything you serve. For this reason, a dog that won't eat raises a lot of concern. There are several reasons for poor appetite in dogs. Knowing what might be the cause for that can help you remedy the situation. So, what are the main reasons why your dog won't eat?

Image Source

1. Medical Conditions

Poor appetite in dogs is a possible sign of an underlying health issue. Although this may not indicate what the problem is precisely, it's important to watch out for other symptoms.

Conditions and illnesses such as fungal infections, kidney failure, heartworm and lyme disease as well as cancer can cause dogs to avert eating. Not only will it impact on your dog's weight, but also its overall health. Take your dog for a checkup and inform your vet doctor on the symptoms you've noted.

2. Dental problems

If you've ever suffered a toothache then you probably understand how it feels trying to chomp something. Similarly, dogs with dental disease have difficult time eating, dry food in particular. But unlike humans, dogs cannot show pain. Hence the conditions usually go unnoticed.

Common dental issues in dogs include broken teeth, swollen gums, periodontal disease and gingivitis. To know if your dog has a tooth infection, check out for signs such as foul-smelling saliva, the presence of tooth abscess red gums among others.

3. Medication

Although vaccination is vital in managing diseases and ensuring your dog stays healthy, some drugs have undesirable side effects.

One usual side effect is lack of appetite, which is a temporary condition that should wear off after a few hours. If the condition persists, check with your vet for solutions. He or she will recommend effective medications for your furry friend. Be sure to learn more about the medications and their effects. For example, you want to read Advantix for dogs reviews to know other pet owners’ opinions.

4. Quality of food

While dogs occasionally become picky in what they eat, the quality of food they feed on also matter. If your dog is used to eat foods that are rich in protein, serving  it something different can cause them to avert eating altogether.

Go for quality dog food that has the special ingredients your canine is used to. If you are thinking of introducing a different food, feed it in small amounts until it develops a taste for it. Another reason why your dog might be avoiding food it's because the food is spoiled. So, when shopping for pet food, ensure it hasn't spoiled. Foods that have stayed long on the shelf tend to develop a different taste and smell. And dogs easily detect lousy food.

5. Unusual Surroundings and Routine

A new environment can make your dog not to eat. This is because unfamiliar places make dogs feel insecure and develop nervousness, which can hinder them from eating.

In some cases, changing your dog's feeding time or moving their feeding bowl to a different location can make them avert food, at least temporarily. Dogs are sensitive to their surroundings, and they thrive in familiar places. Until a dog feels secure again, that's when they'll eat.

A dog that has stopped eating is like a toddler refusing milk. It's worrisome and stressful to their owners. By noting abnormal signs and seeking expert advice, you can effectively handle the situation and get your dog back to healthy eating habits.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Understanding What Your Dog Wants

Knowledge is power, and if you know exactly what goes on in your dog’s head, training them can be easier than ever. Many experts say that they can speak to dogs, and they know exactly what they think. Believe it or not, you can study the behavior of your four-legged friend and understand their preference to implement changes into your training schedule, making it more effective. Whether you are a professional dog trainer, or just want your pet to respond to some basic commands, you will find the below steps useful.

“dog in training” by megan ann is licensed under CC BY 2.0“

All Dogs Like Being Praised

Praise works much better than punishment with kids and dogs alike. Dogs love being praised, and they are proud of their achievements. Make sure that you keep on moving the goal post and target, so your pet has a new challenge every day. In some cases, praising your dog can be more effective for training than treats. It also helps you communicate the standards of behavior with your dog.

Understand Your Dog’s Preferences

Does your dog like doing exercises for hours, or does he get tired easily? Would they prefer a familiar environment, or do they like exploring? Are they easily distracted by other dogs or wildlife? Every dog comes with a unique personality, and while dog trainers say that there are some general rules, you have to listen to the signs of likes and dislikes when creating an exercise or training schedule.

Find Out What Works

Does your dog have a favorite toy or treat? Find out more about his dog taste now. You can get help from experts who can design the nutrition content of your unique dog treat or food that optimizes the diet of your pet. Take into consideration the age of your dog, his history, and how long he has been living with you. Ask the previous owner about his habits if you just adopted a new friend. Learn from fellow dog owners about designing a tasty diet and adding healthy treats that your dog prefers.

Understand Your Dog’s Feelings

Even though dogs cannot talk to you, they can understand commands and let you know what they like and dislike. If you learn to pay attention to the signs of distress and joy, you are halfway to understanding a dog’s wish. Your dog - just like people - wants to be loved, looked after, and considered useful. He will bring you items he finds valuable, and protects you from those he considers enemies. Listen to his behavior and you will see a clear pattern.

“Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend” by Soggydan Benenovitch is licensed under CC BY 2.0

When you are planning to train your dog or making him more obedient, you might need to learn to read his emotions and preferences. Look up his history, ask experts, and use praises often along with healthy treats to make him feel comfortable, accepted, and a part of your tribe. This way, you can build a long lasting valuable relationship with your dog. Never let him down, and he will reward you with his friendship forever.

Poorly Pup? Here's How to Help Them Get Better

Image credit: Flickr

Dogs aren’t just man’s best friend, they are a part of the family. So when they get sick, you want to look after them just as well as any other family member. But what are the best methods for treating your furry patient?

Water Little and Often

If your dog is being sick or has diarrhea, they will want to drink a lot. The problem is that they might want to drink too much at once. You should give them cooled boiled water little and often so that they drink enough over the day, but not all at once. Boiling the water first makes sure that it is free of any potential bacteria but make sure it is cold before your serve!

Keep an Eye Out

Changes in your pet’s behaviour could be a sign of illness.Pet MD have a symptom checker you can use to see what the causes could be. If your dog is under the weather for more than one day, you should take them to the vets for a check up. The vet will be able to do some tests to find out exactly what is wrong and prescribe some medication to help with your dog’s recovery.

Finish the Prescription

Like humans, it is important that your dog finishes any medical prescription given by a vet. Though it can be difficult to persuade dogs to take pills, it is well worth the effort to ensure they return to their normal selves without a relapse into illness. One trick to get even the most resistant dogs to take a pill is to use a sneaky pill treat like Pawsiq. These are hollow treats that mean you can fill them with the pills for easy administration. Your dog won’t even realise what he’s begging for!

The Right Bed

Like us, dogs have an instinct about how and where they want to sleep off an illness. It might be tucked underneath a blanket nice and warm or they may prefer somewhere a bit cooler. Follow your dog’s lead and let them decide where they should be sleeping. You might need to relax the house rules for a day but once he’s better, you can reinstate the ‘not on the couch!’ rule.

Be Ready For an Emergency

It’s not likely to happen, but if your dog is unconscious and not breathing, you may need to perform canine CPR. This is much like performing CPR on a human but you need to close their mouth and breath down their nose in between compressions.

Staying Healthy

Once your dog is back up and running circles around you and your family, it’s important to give him the best chance of staying healthy. Dogs are just like us and they will get ill from time to time naturally, but a good diet, plenty of exercise and lots of love should keep them healthier for longer. And don’t forget that human foods like chocolate can cause real trouble for our canine friends.

With these five tips, your dog will be on the road to recovery and back to his happy self soon.

Owners, Don't Trick Your Dog This Halloween

Link to file

What’s not to like about getting dressed up and roaming the streets asking for candy? It’s fun for all the family, well, except for the pets in your life. Let’s face it – dogs don’t want to don a funny costume. They don’t want kids knocking on the door all night long. And, they don’t want to be disturbed! Sadly, all this and more will happen come the 31st of October.

So, if you value your dog’s sanity, it’s essential to take precautions. After all, it is the scariest night of the year! Here’s what dog owners need to know come Halloween.

Dogs Shouldn’t Eat Candy

Because candy is full of sugar, and the white stuff will get into the bloodstream and send them wild. You may not have come across a dog hopped up on sugar before, and you don’t want to! They are hyperactive, impossible to control, and easily irritable. There is a more important reason not to let the family pooch loose on the Halloween stash: chocolate. To dogs, chocolate is a poison which plays havoc with their insides. It may not cause them to drop dead like in a Bond film, but it could cause bellyache and flatulence.

Link to file

They Should See A Vet

Going to a veterinarian seems like overkill, no pun intended. But, Halloween is a special time of year where all rules go out of the window. Instead of everyone in the neighborhood behaving, they make excess noise, scare people, and set off fireworks. It’s akin to something from a novel which describes the apocalypse. What animal lovers don’t know is that these disruptions can set off unknown ailments. For instance, dogs can suffer from epilepsy. Any strong lights will trigger their condition, and by then it’s too late. There is nothing wrong with going for a checkup in Halloween season.

Dogs Shouldn’t Be Outside

On a typical night, it is okay to leave them in their kennel until morning. Dogs are domestic animals, yet certain pooches are perfectly okay outside. Unfortunately, crowds of kids dressed as their favorite superheroes will descend on the backyard. When they do, the noise will startle the dog and cause it distress. Whether it barks like a madman or curls up in a ball, the animal will not enjoy the experience. It is much safer inside where the noise is not as loud and won’t cause the dog stress.

They Should Be Away From The Door

The door will open and close hundreds of times in one night, which is a security flaw. Countless families spend Halloween night searching for their lost pet rather than trick or treating. Also, there is the visual aspect of people entering the house. Dogs are territorial and can turn if they feel threatened or they think the house is in danger. The last thing anyone wants is a small child to get bitten. By keeping the dog away from the door, there shouldn’t be any untoward incidents. Plus, out of sight is out of mind for your pooch.

People love Halloween, but animals are different. For them, they want the holiday to finish as soon as possible.