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.