Tuesday, July 24, 2012

A Dog Needs Protein

On the back of your dog food package, it should tell you how much protein is in the food. If the first five ingredients listed are grains this means the  protein in the dog food is mostly from plants.
Dogs need animal protein.  When a dog doesn't get the right amount of animal protein in his diet, many problems can occur.
Some symptoms from lack of animal protein are: skin or ear infections, cancer, lack of pigementation,weakened immune system, vomiting, diaherrea, poor appetite, agression, timidity, tail chasing, and they may have a hard time healing their wounds.
Source:
The Complete Idiot's Guide to a Well -Trained Dog by Jack and wendy Volhard.
I also learned some of this information from a vet who came to my 4-H Dog Club meeting and talked about dog nutrition.

Choosing the Right Dog Food

All dog food ads say that they have the best nutrition for your pet.
Is this true?
Some clues from your dog that tells you his food may not be nutritious enough?
Your dog doesn't want to eat the food.
  • He's going to the bathroom constantly, has diaherrea continiously or has bad gas.
  • His teeth are dirty and brown, has stinky breath or burps constantly.
  • He sheds a lot, has a dull coat, has a strong dog smell, gets fleas or worms easily.
Dogs need protein that contains 9-12 of the essential amino acids, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water.


Dog Training Tip # 5 Down

Dog training tip number five is "Down".
I had such a hard time teaching Roxy this. There are a couple of different ways to teach your dog this command. You may choose which one works best for you and your dog. You should practice the down command 5 times in a row for 5 days or until he learns it.
#1:
1.Make your dog sit.
2. Sit down on the left side of your dog.
3. Put two fingers of your left hand(palm facing you) through his collar.
4.Put a treat in your right hand.
5.Show him the treat and lower it in front of your dog as you apply gentle downward pressure on the collar.
6. If your dog goes down tell him firmly "DOWN!"

#2 (This one worked for Roxy)
1. Make your dog sit.
2. Stand in front of your dog.
3.Put a treat in your hand.
4. Bring your hand down fast in front of your dog tapping his nose gently.
5. If he goes down, tell him "DOWN!" firmly.
6. With this method of training down you can use a hand signal of raising your hand in the air and your dog will go down without you having to say the command.

#3
1. Make your dog sit.
2. Get down to your dog level.
4. Have a treat in your hand.
5. Bring the treat out in front of him.
6. If he goes down, give him the command "Down" and praise.

#4
1. Make your dog sit.
2. Get down to your dog's level.
3. Pull his paw out gently, some dogs will lay down right away when you do this.
4.Give him the command if he goes down and praise.

If you plan on showing your dog, you will have to get him to go down and stay for a certain amount of time. In 4-H it is 3 minutes for beginners, 5 minutes for more advanced. The owners also will have to down their dogs,leave the ring and the dog is not allowed to get up. You can slowly increase the time as your dog is learning.

Please Don't Leave Your Dog In The Car!

It's summertime and that means very hot weather for many of us! It's been up to 102 degrees here!
Please don't leave your dog inside of the car while you go shopping. When the temperature is above 70 degrees farenheit the inside of a parked car can reach 120-175 dgerees even with the windows cracked. 
It doesn't matter if you park in the shade or if you leave the air conditioning on, a parked car can still get as hot as an oven.
Animals can suffer from heat stroke. If you see an animal locked in a car on a hot day (above 70 degrees) tell the store manager. If no one claims the animal and it's panting really hard or collapsing call the police, animal control, or the humane society to get it out. You can make flyers and pass them out at stores or put them on car windows. It is better to leave your dog at home then to risk his life by leaving him in the car.

Monday, July 16, 2012

Dog Training Tip #4 Come

Dog training tip number 4 is the "Come" command. This another useful command. When you want your dog to come with you all you will have to say is "Come!". Come is an obedience command along with sit and stay. Your dog needs to know sit and stay before learning come.
Simple steps to training your dog the "Come" command:
1. Tell your dog to sit.
2. Tell your dog to stay.
3. Call your dog's name in an excited voice. Example: "Roxy! Come!"
4. Your dog should come running over to you.
5. Make him sit in front of you after he's come and give him a treat.
6. Repeat the steps until the dog come's on command.

Dog Training Tip #3- Stay

The command "Stay" can be useful at times. It can keep your dog out of danger.  An example, if he wanted to chase something in the street, all you have to say is stay and he won't move.
Stay is used in the Obedience classes at dog shows along with the command sit.
Your dog must learn the command sit before learning stay (see dog training tip #1).

Simple steps to training your dog the command stay:
1. Tell your dog to sit.
2. Then stand directly in front of him and tell him firmly "STAY". You can also use a hand signal like putting your palm out towards him.
3.Wait for about 1-2 seconds and then praise him and say "Good boy stay!"
4. Then, make the dog stay for about 3-4 seconds and so on. For 4-H Roxy has to stay in sit for 1 minute and down for 3 minutes. Take it slowly.
5. As you make him stay longer, walk a little bit further away from him.
6. If your dog gets up during the process without your release say "no-no" or "ah-ah". Do not praise and put him back into the position immediately so that way he knows that you don't want him to move.
7. As your dog gets more advanced at stay you can add distractions. Throw some treats in front of him, call his name, have other people call his name, or throw his ball. You can take him to new locations and make him stay. You must make it clear he may not get up without your permission.
8. Eventually keep adding to the distance. Then completly leave your dog and tell him to stay for however long you want him to. When you return to the room you left him in, he should still be staying.
9. Always make sure that training is fun for the dog. If he feels like he's being punished, he won't want to listen anymore. You want to be firm, but very rewarding.

Dog Training Tip #2 Getting Your Dog to Look at You

When  training your dog, you always want them paying attention to you. While showing your dog, judges like to see that your dog is paying attention to you and only you. While you are heeling your dog in a show, he should be looking at you constantly. He shouldn't be sniffing the ground, trying to go to the bathroom, or trying to chase the rabbit in the corner of the yard. You should be the dog's main focus area.

Simple steps to getting your dog to look at you:
1. Call your dogs name and whenever he looks at you say "Good boy!" and give him a treat. Everytime he looks at you say "Look" or "Look at me".
2. If calling his name doesn't work, use a treat and put it up to your face so that he looks at you. Say "Good boy look!" and praise.
3. You can also give him the quick snap of his choke chain so that he looks up at you. Say "Good boy look!" Praise and treat.

If he wants to keep sniffing the ground make a loud noise to try and get him to look up.

Dog Training Tip #1 Sit

Dog Training Tip #1 is the command "Sit."   Sit is the easiest to train and should be taught first. Every dog is able to learn (old and young). Every dog learns in a different way, however here are some tips to teach your dog how to sit.

How to train your big dog to sit:
1. Say your dog's name to get his or her attention.
2. Stand in front of your dog.
3. Hold your hand with the treat inside of it over the dog's head.
4. While the dog is looking at the treat, gently push his bottom down with your other hand.
5. When you get him into the sitting position give a firm command and say "SIT".
6. When your dog is in the sitting position reward him with food and love. Give him lots of praise so that he will want to do it again.
7. Repeat the last 6 steps until your dog sits when told.
If your dog jumps up on you for the treat, give a firm "NO" and do not reward for the jumping. Only reward your dog when he is doing what you want him to do. Dogs always want to please their owners and will be happy to do good.

How to train your small dog to sit:
1. Kneel down on the ground in front of your dog.
2. Say his name to get his attention.
3. Hold your hand with the treat inside of it over his head.
4. While the dog is looking at the treat gently push his bottom down with your other hand.
5. When he is in the sitting position give a firm command and say "SIT".
6. Praise the dog when he is in the sitting position with food, an excited tone, and lots of love. Give him tons of praise.
7. Repeat the last 6 steps until your dog sits when he is told.

Training your dog is a great way to bond with him. Dogs love to be trained!

Sunday, July 15, 2012

The 4-H Uniform and Pledge

So, I thought  I would post the 4-H pledge and uniform requirements for members who might just bestarting with a 4-H club.

The 4-H uniform:
The 4-H uniform is a green tie for both boys and girls, short or long sleeve white button up shirt with collar, black pants (long skirts are also acceptable for girls), and a black belt. Shirts must be tucked in neatly. There shouldn't be any stains on the clothing.You should look very neat whenever you are participating in a 4-H event. Some clubs and counties dress differently so you will want to double check with your leader.
The 4-H Pledge:
I pledge
My Head to clearer thinking,
My Heart to greater loyalty,
My Hands to larger service,
My Health to better living,
 for my Club, my Community, my Country, and My World.
There are so many different clubs to join. If you like to work with, train and show animals such as dogs, horses, cats, rabbits, cavies, and more then 4-H is great for you!  If you enjoy community service, photography, legos, art, painting, shooting and much more, 4-H would be great for you.
There are different clubs in different counties across our country.
To find a 4-H club in your area visit:
http://www.4-h.org/


Roxy and I at County Fair

I thought I would put a picture of Roxy and I at last year's county fair.
This year's county fair is in August, so I will make sure that I post something about this year's fair later on.

Roxy with Her Awards

                                      Roxy with this year's ribbons from our local fun match
She won Grand Champion in Obedience, Blue ribbon in Showmanship, Reserve Grand Champion in Rally, and Reserve Grand Champion in Agility this year.





                                        Roxy with last year's ribbons.

This is Roxy with her ribbons from last year's Fun Match. She won second place and the white award last year.

Happy Birthday Roxy!






I know this is another very late post. Roxy's birthday was on March 14th. She turned 4 years old. I made her some doggie cupcakes for her birthday. They smelled awful while they were cooking but the dogs loved them. I put a treat in the middle as a candle. They ate one after another... until I made them stop that is.

Christmas Elves


I found some pictures of Wally and Boomer dressed as Christmas elves. They look so cute in these pictures.

Best Friends



Boomer looks up to Roxy and follows everything his big sister does. It's so cute when you watch them together. I snapped a few pictures of them sleeping in my bedroom the other day.

4-H Crafts Club Project

I just finished my project for the 4-H Arts & Craft Club. I sewed together an stuffed animal owl. I will be entering it in county fair. This was my first sewing project and I think it went well. It was hand sewn.

Cat Cookies

Ingredients:7 ounces of mashed sardines
1/4 cup of dry, nonfat milk
1/2 cup of wheat germ
Directions:
First, mix the ingredients. Roll into 24 small balls. Place the balls onto a greased cookie sheet. Flatten with a fork and bake at 350 degrees or until brown. Last, give the treats to your kitty and watch them enjoy!
Cat Food Recipe courtesy of I-Love-Cats.com

Salmon Snacks

This is an easy recipe to make for your kitty!Ingredients:
Cooked salmon
Cat treats
Dry cat food
1. Cut a small slice of cooked, but moist salmon.
2. Then, take a cat treat and push it into the salmon
3. Last, crush up some cat food and sprinkle it on the salmon treat and serve.
Found at:
www.simplypets.com

Monday, July 9, 2012

Fun Match Dog Show Results

So, on June 2nd we had a Fun Match Dog Show with the 4-H Dog Club. The Fun Match is to prepare for county fair. We invite the whole community(4-H and non 4-H) and people of all ages to come and compete with their dogs. I asked for and collected the donations for our raffle and I made the flyers for our show and advertised. I did a pre-sell for our raffle. We had many great prizes! Electroman started in the 4-H Dog Club this year and he is showing Boomer, our pughuahua. This is my second year in the 4-H Dog Club and I am showing Roxy the boxer mix. Electroman won a white ribbon in agility with Boomer. I won Grand Champion in obedience, Reserve Grand Champion in Rally and Agility, and a blue ribbon in showmanship with Roxy.  Roxy and I have made a huge improvement since last year. I didn't even get a ribbon for obedience last year, so Grand Champion was a huge shock for me. I almost got Grand Champion in agility, but I let the leash go at the end which knocked off points. The judge told me that I should start doing off leash, then I wouldn't have to worry about the leash. I let go of the leash when she went through the chute and she leaped over the last jump without me holding the leash.

AKC Agility Nationals

I went to the AKC Agility Nationals with the 4-H Dog Club. It was very neat watching all of the dogs run through the agility course. They were so fast and funny at times. It taught me a lot about dog agility and I know some things I need to work on with Roxy. I am thinking about showing Roxy in the AKC agility after we get some more practice. I just need to get her to run it off leash and we'll be good. Agility is a fun sport between the owner and the dog. The owner leads the dog through the course where the dog must jump over jumps, go through tunnel, jump through the tire, go on the see-saw, run up the dog walk and A- frame, go through weave poles, and through the chute. I have been competing with Roxy in 4-H. She made it around the course in 31 seconds! It was the fastest time out of all of the dogs that competed that day. I think we are ready if only I can get her to go off leash! These pictures are from Google images. I will post pictures of the show we went to later on!

Save A Life- Adopt a Shelter Pet!


I know I have posted many things like this. If you or your family are looking for a pet, check out your local animal shelters! You can find the perfect match! Puppies and kittens are cute, but remember that shelter dogs and cats need someone to love them and take them home also. Puppies from pet stores are a bad idea because most come from puppy mills( see my Say No to Pet Stores post). Dogs from breeders usualy find homes pretty fast and they get to live in a home until they are bought.Give them a second chance! There are so many animals at the shelters that are just waiting to leave. Some don't get a second chance. You can save a life today.You don't have to buy a purebred dog to show in the AKC. The American Kennel Club now has a program for owners and their mixed breed friends to compete called AKC Partners program. Go to http://www.akc.org/mixedbreeds/ to find out more about the AKC Partners Program! Adopt now!

Sunday, July 8, 2012

The Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier is a small, toy sized dog. The tail is usually docked. They have long, glossy, silky coats.Yorkshire terriers( yorkie) love adventure. They are highly energetic, brave, loyal, and clever. They are affectionate to their owners and make great companions. They can become suspicious of strangers and aggressive towards other dogs and small animals. They can become yappy when they want to tell you what they want to do. They need someone who understands how to be their leader. They are recommended for families with older children in the home. Many people let this type of breed get away with bad behaviors because they are small. Yorkies can become demanding and need a lot of attention. They become jealous if they aren't getting enough attention. They are easy to train, but can be stubborn if the owner does not give the dog proper boundaries. They can be difficult to potty train. They are excellent watchdogs. If they are allowed to take over they will develop negative behaviors. They are active dogs who require daily walks. They enjoy being played with and running off leash in a fenced area. Their life expectancy is about 12-15 years. Regular grooming is required to keep a healthy coat. Thier coats should be clipped and needs daily brushing. They should have their teeth brushed regularly. They shed little to no hair. They belong to the AKC toy group.
Height: 6-7 inches
Weight: 7 pounds
Health Problems:
Yorkies are prone to slipped stifle, bronchitis, eye infections, early tooth decay, poor tolerance of anaesthetic, and delicate digestion.They sometimes suffer of paralysis in the hindquarters. Falls or knocks can cause fractures to their fragile bones. Females usually have trouble delivering puppies. They can develop abnormal skull formations if they measure less than 8 inches. They should be given bones and dry food to keep their teeth strong. They also should be taken to the vet to get their teeth cleaned in order to prevent their teeth from falling out and infection.
Living Conditions:
The Yorkshire Terrier make great apartment pets. They are sensitive to the cold and prefer warm temperatures.
Information found at:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/yorkshireterrier.htm




*This information is based on opinion. All dogs are different and behaviors can not be determined by the breed.

The Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer is a small, sturdy little dog. Their ears are often cropped and their tails are docked. They have a bushy beard, mustache, and eyebrows. Their coat colors are black, white, salt and pepper, and black and silver. The Miniature Schnauzer is an intelligent, loving, and happy dog. They are energetic, playful, and love to be with their owners. They are affectionate, keen, devoted, and docile. If they are socialized well they may get along with other dogs easily. They are great companions and family pets. They can be stronger minded than their owner and will not listen if this is the case. Owners need to be calm, but firm with this type of breed. They have a low, carried out howl of a voice. They are great guard dogs and vermin hunters. They are easy travel dogs. They are great with children. If they aren't socialized well enough with people, they can be reserved with strangers. The humans must be strong pack leaders and they will have obedient dogs. They need daily long or brisk walks or jogs. Dogs who do not go on walks are known to develop behavior problems. Their life expectancy is about 15 years. They don't show signs of aging until late in their life. They are not hard to groom, but do need grooming attention. Their coats should be clipped at least twice a year (spring and fall). Any mats in their coats must be cut out. The hair around the eyes and ears should be trimmed and the whiskers should be cleaned after meals. This dog sheds little to no hair and they are great for people with allergies. They belong to the AKC terrier group.
Height: 12-14 inches
Weight: 10-15 pounds
Health Problems:
They are prone to liver disease, kidney stones, diabetes, skin disorders, von Willebrand's disease, cysts, and hereditary eye problems. They gain weight very fast, so do not overfeed.
Living conditions:
Great dog for apartment life. They will be calm as long as they are exercised regularly.
Picture was found at
www.akc.org



Information found at
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/miniatureschnauzer.htm

*This information is based on opinion. All dogs are different and behaviors can not be determined by the breed.

The American Pit Bull Terrier

The American Pit Bull Terrier strikes many as a dog of power, passion, and willingness. The ears are usually cropped, but this is an option of the owner/breeder. The American Pit Bull Terrier has a pleasure to please their owners. These dogs are NOT people haters or people eaters. Their natural aggressive tendencies are towards other animals and dogs, but not people. Although, if they are socialized in their puppyhood then they may not be aggresive towards other animals and dogs. They need to be socialized with a firm, confident, calm , and consistent pack leader. They can be willful with an owner who is weak, so they must have a firm owner. They are good natured, amusing, extremely loyal, and affectionate dogs. They make great family pets. They have a high pain tolerance and will put up with rough child play.  They are very intelligent and obedient. They want to always please their owners. They are courageous guard dogs.  They are highly protective over their owners and their property and will fight an enemy.  They are generally okay with family pets if they are raised with them from puppyhood. They are very friendly, but are not recommended for people who don't know how to properly raise and treat a dog. Problems will start if one does not understand dog psychology and they end up with a dog who thinks he's the boss of the house. This is a very powerful dog and one should not allow it to take control of the house. As with every dog, training, exercise, and a firm pack leader will produce an obedient dog. Make sure to socialize your pit bull with other dogs while they are young. Always keep the dog under control when other dogs are present. Their life expectancy is about 12 years. They are easy to groom and are average shedders. They belong to the AKC Terrier group.
Height: 14-24 inches
Weight: 22-78 pounds
Health Problems:
They are prone to hip displaysia, hereditary cataracts, allergies to grass, and congenital heart disease.
Living Conditions:
Pit bulls will do well in apartment living if exercised regularly. They are highly active indoors. They prefer warm climates. They must be taken on long daily walks even if they don't live in an apartment.




This information was found at:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/americanpitbull.htm
*This information is based on opinion. All dogs are different and behaviors can not be determined by the breed.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a long, but short dog. The dog is sometimes born without a tail. Otherwise, their tails are docked as soon as possible.  They are highly intelligent, loyal, and willing to please their owners. They are active and are good with children as long as the dog knows it's place in the pack. They are protective, which makes them great guard dogs. They make excellent show and obedience dogs. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi are known to "herd" their humans by nipping at the heels, they can and should be trained no to do this at a young age. They tend to bark a lot, this behavior may be corrected as well. Their life expectancy is 12-15 years. They are easy to groom. Their coat is shed twice a year. They are in the AKC herding group.
Height-
Males: 10-12 inches
Females: 10-12 inches
Weight-
Males: 25-30 pounds
Females: 24- 28 pounds
Health Problems:
They are prone to PRA, glaucoma, and back disorders. They gain weight easily. If they become overwieght, they can develop back disorders.
Living Conditions:
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi can be kept in an apartment if they are exercised regularly. If they aren't exercised then they will be very active. They can also live without a yard if exercised.
Information found at : http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/pembrokecorgi.htm
The picture was found at:
http://www.google.com/imgres?q=pembroke+welsh+corgi&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&qscrl=1&nord=1&rlz=1T4DKUS_enUS300US301&biw=1280&bih=661&tbm=isch&tbnid=OC9KXhclSgAuVM:&imgrefurl=http://dogbreedtrainings.com/welsh-corgi-pembroke/welsh-corgi-pembroke-puppies/&docid=Ex-ayCZd779BNM&imgurl=http://dogbreedtrainings.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Welsh-Corgi-Pembroke-puppies-5.jpg&w=429&h=367&ei=sXYEUJ2bCaec2AW20MmTBQ&zoom=1
*This information is based on opinion. All dogs are different and behaviors can not be determined by the breed.

A Stray Cat's Thoughts


I sit beneath the bushes as she fills my dish each day,
I only venture out to eat when she has gone away,
I know it will upset her when I turn away and hide,
As every day she tries her best to get me by her side.
I wish I could let her know that I don’t want to run,
And hope that she will understand it is nothing she’s done.
I’d like to have her stroke me and pat my weary head,
But fear will overcome and I’ll run and hide instead.
For all the kindly people who feed the strays each day,
I pray the Lord will care for them as they have cared for me today.
~Annette Eason

A Pet's Ten Commandments

1.My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
2. Give me the time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be growing old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.
10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can’t bear to watch. Don’t make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

Please love your pets and thank God for our wonderful creatures!

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