Dog Bakery Business

Have you every thought about starting a dog treat business from home?   Check out the following website www.dogbakerybiz.com for tips and regulations on starting your own gourmet dog treat business. 

5 Hot Weather Tips for Dogs

Extreme temperatures are tough for our pets. Here are five tips for keeping your dog safe during the hot summer months.
1. Never leave a pet in the car. The temperature rises quickly in a closed car and can cause fatal heat stroke to your pet in a few minutes.
2. If your dog is outside for any length of time, make sure there is plenty of shade and fresh drinking water.
3. Know the warning signs your dog is overheating. Some of the symptoms include excessive panting, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, drooling, or weakness.
4. Don't walk your dog in the middle of the day. If the ground is hot to you, it will be hot to your dogs paws too! Plus, riding in the back of a pick-up truck is not only extremely dangerous, but the hot metal can cause serious burns to your dog's feet.
5. Keep the fleas and ticks away with a quality flea and tick medication. Your dog's veterinarian can recommend the best preventative.

Identifying Dog Allergies

There are several causes for allergies in dogs. The symptoms are similar to human allergies.  Some of the symptoms include itchy flaky skin, red spots, and/or hair loss. 

Dogs who suffer from allergies year round, may be suffering from a food allergy.  The main culprits are protein based foods to include wheat, corn, or soy products.  However, as with humans, your dog may be allergic to something completely different and unexpected.  Other possibilities are soaps, flea treatments, perfumes, or other topical substances. 

One simple way to determine what is bothering your dog is to eliminate one item at time and observe your dog’s reaction.  If the constant scratching stops, you most likely found the culprit.  I like to record my dog’s unusual behaviors on a calendar.   

For example, if my dog is sleeping more than usual, acts lethargic, scratches constantly, or displays any other behavior that is not usual for him, I write down the behavior on a calendar.  Plus, I keep a record of what my dog ate, weather conditions, or what shampoo I used.  Then, I review what was different that particular day or week.  I check the pollen count for the time period as well as the mold count.   This has allowed me to identify my dog’s allergic reaction to pollen and wheat products.  Next, take the record with you to your dog’s next Veterinarian appointment to discuss treatment options.   

There are several treatment options available for dogs.  Several are inexpensive and easy to use.  For my dog, his veterinarian prescribed an over-the-counter antihistamine for days when the pollen counts are high.  Plus, I changed his food and treats to a wheat-free brand.  This made a huge difference in his quality.

Best Practice to Reduce Shedding

Shedding is a natural process for dogs.  Some dogs shed more than others if they have an under coat.  The under coat sheds in spring.  However, dogs who do not have an under coat need trimmed on a regular basis.  Their hair continually grows as human hair grows. 

The only sure way to reduce shedding is to brush your dogs hair daily.  By removing the excess hair by brushing, the less amount of hair you will find around your home.  However, it’s important to notice if your dog is losing excessive hair.  This could be caused from a skin condition or ringworm.  If you feel your dog is losing hair more than what is normal for its breed, a check-up at your veterinarian is encouraged.  

There are several products at your local pet supply store that promise to reduce shedding.  However, I have found the best method is brush my dog’s coat daily.  It works great if you can keep it up daily and your dog will love getting the one-on-one attention.  

Training with Positive Reinforcement

As we all know, training works best when we start training our dogs as puppies.  However, for those of us who adopt from rescue foundations, we are usually starting later in the dogs life. 

Over the years, I have worked with several different breeds. The one training technique that never fails for me is positive reinforcement for good behavior.  This type of training is time consuming, but rewarding.  The key is to be consistent.  

The best way to start positive reinforcement training is to start by getting yourself a treat bag that can attach around your waist or hook to your belt.  I personally purchased, what was called, a “Fanny Pack” and stuffed it with small treats.  I use the Woofin’ Waffles from my bakery, www.pupspantry.com and break them into small pieces.  My dog’s will do anything positive for the peanut butter Woofin’ Waffles!  

Next, as I observe good behavior, I use a simple command, “good dog” and give her a small piece of the Woofin’ Waffle.  Furthermore, catching good behavior is not always easy with a basenji.  Using the positive reinforcement of good behavior works when catching her doing something she shouldn’t such as, stringing toilet paper from the bathroom to the living room (this was one of Penny’s favorite things to do when we first adopted her).  First, I use the simple word, “no” and remove the toilet paper from the room.  Next, I will give her a toy from her toy basket and wait for her to start playing with it, only wait a three to five seconds. Then, I say, “good dog” and give her a small piece of the dog treat and pet her in her favorite place (behind the ears for Penny).   There are many healthy ways to reward your dog.  I only use low fat treats without preservatives.  After several times of this routine, I will start alternating treat and positive attention with positive attention without a treat.  Eventually, you can use positive attention only when rewarding your dog for good behavior.  

Positive reinforcement for good behavior is the best technique you can use to train your dog.  Never use physical punishment.  This will only exasperate the situation.  Dogs will respond to force with force.  Dogs look to their owners as their security, guardian, and friend.  If you use physical punishment with a dog, you will lose their trust.  If you use positive reinforcement training, they will look to you as their best friend forever.  

Pet Ownership For Stress Relief

Although I wouldn’t recommend everyone who is experiencing stress to run out and get a dog, pet ownership has strong health benefits.  As a parent of three dogs, I can attest to the stress relief I receive from having the unconditional love of my three dogs.  It doesn’t matter how stressed I’m feeling after a long day at work, I come home and immediately change my mood as I see my dogs excitedly waiting my return home.   

Researches have found supporting links to dog ownership and significant health benefits.  Several researches state pet ownership helps with lowering blood pressure and increases physical activity.  As noted on buzzle.com, the health benefits include: pet owners are happier in general, dog owners live longer, and dog owners with a serious illness have higher survival rates.  

Therefore, as your loving dog or cat strings toilet paper through the house or dumps the kitchen trash, remember all the incredible health benefits you would miss without your pet.