A Great Website for Dog Lovers!

Dogster.com
This site is full of helpful information about dog care and breeds. It is also quite similar to facebook because you can create profiles for your dog and make doggie friends online. You can also look up dogs for adoption and find pet stores and even restaurants where dogs are allowed. Make sure to check it out!

Diamond's Cat Food Recall

Diamond Pet food also produces dog food and several brands like Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul, Nutra Gold, Nutra Nuggets, and Premium Edge. Their cat food was recalled October 3rd due to the lack of Thiamine which over time, can lead to anything from "mild loss of balance to life threatening seizures" according to the ASPCA. This is an essential vitamin in cats that they cannot produce themselves and Diamond is recommending that all cats that have been on this food for extended periods of time get checked out by their veterinarian. 


"There have been 14 confirmed cases of Thiamine deficiency linked to the recalled Diamond Pet Foods products, and all 14 cats were able to recover with medication, Thiamine supplements, and supportive care."  

Photo Contest!

This weeks topic: Dog Days of Summer!
Any summer related doggie photo can be entered!

Go to tinypic.com and before you click upload check off
"send it via e-mail"
then type in waterdogblog@gmail.com

Can't wait to see what pics you guys post!
I'll post a few of my favorite ones and I'll let you vote for the winner!

5 Things to introduce to your new puppy

These 5 things, if taught early, will really lower the stress levels in you and your dogs life. Getting your dog used to as many different things as you can will ensure a well rounded dog and a great family member.

1. Grooming & Bath time - Introduce your new puppy to the bathtub in a fun way! First play with him and give him treats for sitting patiently in the bathtub, without water the first few times.  Introduce water slowly and make his time in the tub as short and as fun as possible until he is completely comfortable. Get him used to grooming clippers, brushes, nail clippers and in some cases, articles of clothing if you want your dog to wear a jacket in winter or a life vest on a boat. The earlier the better.

2. People - Many dogs, if they are not exposed when they are young, can develop a fear of men, babies, small children, and large crowds. Make sure you bring your dog to meet new people and encourage him to socialize.

3. Other Animals - Dogs and cats can coexist but it really helps if you socialize early. Does your neighbor have a cat? Rather than waiting until your dog chases their cat away, why not ask if they can have a closely monitored "play" date? This is great for puppies when you first bring them home because they are small enough that the cats are usually more comfortable. Introduce the two of them slowly and make sure neither are at risk for injury. This is also great for other animals like horses, pigs, goats, bunnies, sheep, or anything else you might have living near by.

4. Riding in the car - Your dog is definitely going to be spending some time in the car starting from when you bring them home. Make it a great experience and get them used to sitting quietly rather than jumping all around and distracting the driver.

5. Walking on a leash - I know this sounds like an obvious thing to do, but it is much easier to teach a puppy to walk on a leash than a full grown adult. This way they develop good habits right off the bat and you will both enjoy walking together much more.

What are you feeding your dog?

Wouldn't you want to get as much information as you can about your dog's food? We are all aware of the "stock" brands of dog food that are mainly made with corn and other fillers with the occasional meat product which is of course a by-product.

Check out The Dog Food List
Here you can find almost every dog food brand and company out there. It tells you where the companies get their meat (i.e. is it free range chicken? or organic chicken?) and if the company's food has ever been recalled. It also tells you if a company has its own production plant which means that they control every step of the way and are not using dangerous co-packers like Menu Foods, which was a prominent company in the recall of 2007. Some of the information might shock you. Would you feed your pet a food that has been recalled? Would you trust that they have improved their product? Some all natural and organic brands use the same facilities as Iams and Eukanuba to produce their food which leads to an increasing risk of mixing ingredients. Both of these brands were heavily contaminated and drastically recalled and are still two of the unhealthiest brands to feed your dog.

Photography Contest

Would anyone be interested in a photo contest. This is a brand new blog of mine and I am trying to get people involved and interested. I was thinking of starting a series of photography contests featuring dogs.
What do you think....?
I was going to do categories like
-Cutest puppy picture
-Best water dog!
-Best sleeping dog...

any ideas?

Teaching your dog to "Speak"

Step 1: put your dog in front of you and tie him to something that won't move. Make sure he is comfortable.

Step 2: Have a few treats in your hand and show the dog and let him smell them in your hand.

Step 3: Slowly, while making eye contact with you dog, move away a few feet. The key here is to tease you dog... make him want the treats really really bad. Don't say anything this entire time. Maybe move towards and away from your dog a few more times never making contact with him.

Step 4: VERY IMPORTANT... As soon as your dog makes any noise, go and pet him and give him a treat. This could be a whimper, a faint bark, or a grunt.

Step 5: Start over again after you have praised your dog and start teasing him again and each time he makes a noise praise and give him a treat.

Step 6: Once your dog is starting to figure out what you want, look for signs that he is going to bark and say "Speak" only once and then praise when he barks or makes a noise. It helps to add a hand signal to this like opening a closing your fingers like a mouth.

WIth repetition you will have a dog that speaks on command.
If you dog is making some sort of noise almost every time but isn't actually barking try waiting a little longer and seeing if he will keep making noise before praising.
Once dogs figure it out they usually become pretty confident in themselves. And believe it or not, a dog that knows the speak command will be easier to teach to be quiet when you have an unwanted barker. 

HELP For Owners and Their Dogs That Pull

Tired of your dog taking you for a walk? When you see another dog walk by or squirrel run across your path do you widen your stance, grit you teeth, and hang on tight? Here are some training tools that might help your sore arms and choking dog.


The Gentle leader Head Collar
PROS:
-Allows direct control of the head (kind of like a horse halter and this can help divert their attention towards you and away from what they are looking at)
-Helps stop pulling because when the dog puts tension on the leash his head is pulled back towards you and he doesn't get where he wants to go. 
-Doesn't put tension on the neck or the trachea which is especially important in brachycephalic breeds or dogs with respiratory issues.
-Makes even the strongest of dogs easier to handle.
CONS:
-Some dogs really hate this head collar and will spend the entire time trying to get it off.
PRICE:
-Around $12 on amazon but probably more in your local pet store

The Easy Walk Harness

PROS:

-The unique frontal leash attachment reduces pulling because when the dog puts tension on the leash he is pulled directly back towards you.

-Allows more freedom of the head and is more likely to be accepted by your dog than the gentle leader.

-Also doesn't put tension on the neck or the trachea which is especially important in brachycephalic breeds or dogs with respiratory issues.

-Makes strong dogs easier to handle.

CONS:

-It doesn't fit all dogs correctly and may slip off or cause discomfort

-Does not control the head and where the dog is looking which might be difficult if you need the attention of a distracted dog.

PRICE:

You can buy it on amazon for about $12 but it is more expensive in stores.

The Illusion Collar by Cesar Millan

PROS:

-Keeping the main part of the collar high on the neck helps because the lowest part of the neck is the strongest and the most resistant to pressure where as the higher part of the neck gives you more control.

CONS:

-Doesn't fit every dog (not made for small breeds)

PRICE:

Cesar sells this product for around $40 and you might be able to find it a little cheaper on amazon, but not much.

My Opinion:

Price wise, I don't think you need to spend $40 on a collar. I think the best collar to get would be the gentle leader and if you start training with it early enough and spend a lot of time associating it with positive things (especially food) your dog will learn to accept it more and more. If your dog absolutely hates it you should try the Easy walk harness which usually does the job as well. Both of these collars together are still around half the price of the illusion collar. If your dog hates the gentle leader and you aren't getting enough head control with the easy walk than try the illusion collar or work on more desensitizing with the gentle leader. In most of Cesar's episodes he uses a very simple collar and leash in one like a cheaper version of the Just a Cinch leash. Let me know what works best for you!

Some great books!

The ULTIMATE Pet Food Guide -
A book I just finished today. If you are interested in feeding a homemade diet for your dog this is a great way to start. Even if you have been making your own dog food for a while this is full of great recipes. It covers both cooked and raw food and the pros and cons of both as well as the issues with commercial foods. This helps you form a well balanced diet for your dog with information on what they need to thrive.

Cesar Millan's How to Raise the Perfect Dog is coming out October 6th and I can't wait to read it. I have not read his other books but I have heard wonderful things. I think this one will be more geared towards actual techniques and preventative measures to bring out the best in your dog. It has everything from housebreaking to obedience to nutrition.
Once it comes out feel free to comment!

Most Popular Dog Breeds

#1 - Labrador Retriever
#2 - Yorkshire Terrier
#3 - German Shepherds
#4 - Golden Retrievers
#5 - Beagles
#6 - Boxers
#7- Dachshunds 
#8 - Bulldogs
#9 - Poodles
#10- Shih Tzu
Runners up:
The mini Schnauzer and the Chihuahua


Top 3 dogs in...
NYC
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Poodle
3. Dachshund


Los Angeles
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Bulldog
3. German Shepherd Dog


Chicago
1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Yorkshire Terrier


Cleveland
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Golden Retriever
3. Boxer


Boston
1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Bulldog


Las Vegas
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Bulldog
3. German Shepherd Dog


Houston
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. German Shepherd Dog


Honolulu
1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Pomeranian


Comments?

Send in pictures of your dog to waterdogblog@gmail.com
with a chance to get it posted!

Have You Heard About "Tennis Ball Mouth?"

I have two labs myself and Im sure all retriever owners know that these dogs love their tennis balls. Fairly recent tests have shown that the abrasive fuzzy texture on the ball is causing wear to the teeth. Especially the fangs which can even become blunt. One will be able to tell if the dog is a tennis ball lover just by looking at their teeth. For the most part though... you don't have to worry. The only issues that could arise are with compulsive dogs that are constantly carrying around and chewing these balls and even then, most wearing rarely causes any health risk. A game of fetch is not going to do any harm and there are much worse things that your dog could be chewing on. When crating you dog, make sure that he does not chew the metal bars because that can really destroy their teeth. I have seen dogs wear their teeth down to the point of removal because of their crate. Tony Woodward from the USA today article on tennis balls says that you shouldn't give your dog "any chew item that you can't bend." Although there may be benefits in tarter control, the risk for tooth damage is high. 

Great Links about Feeding Raw

There is a big debate about whether Raw dog food is the best way to go.
I personally think if you have the time to make all the food and you know you are providing all the key nutrients for your dog then go for it! It isn't as hard as you might think either. You can mix a bunch of raw meat and vegetables together and divide it into one serving baggies. Then you leave it in your freezer and let it defrost in the fridge 8-12 hours before you are ready to feed. This way you know exactly what your dog is getting with this homemade meal. It's not as pricy as you might believe either. You can get meat from your local butcher much cheaper than you would expect. Some even say it's cheaper than buying premium brand dog food.
Benefits of Feeding Raw:
-less doggy odor
-smaller and better smelling stools
-better breath
-shinier coat
- cleaner teeth
-puppies develop at a better rate
-it's more natural for the dog

Check out some great raw feeding links:
Raw meaty bones
Feeding a Raw Diet
A youtube video on raw food Production
Leerburg Raw Diets

Feeding raw isn't the only option...
If you find a good company that produces high quality human-grade food and it is working for you and your dog, that's great! Also there are several grain free high protein dog foods that claim to be as close to feeding raw as you can get. (Check out Origen and Evo)
They even have pre-made raw frozen dog food like Primal and Natures Variety

Teaching a Reliable Recall

Why doesn't my dog come when I call him?

"Spike... COME!" you yell as he looks up at you and runs the other way.

This is many of our dogs reactions when they hear you call their name.

Some dogs understand the command, but only come on their own terms. The recall command is one of the most important things to teach your dog. It can keep him out of trouble if he gets loose and make your life a lot easier when your ready to leave the dog park. The worst thing people do when teaching the "come" command is overuse it. You call him to you when your really not worried if he comes or not so the one time he shrugs you off it's not a big deal. Well what if that one time is when he is about to run across the road? Coming is not an option... It is something you need to teach your dog correctly and constantly enforce.
Get a hand full of treats and stand in front of your dog showing him the goodies you've got. Then take a few steps backwards and say "Spike Come"  (of course using your own dogs name). Your dog should happily follow you and then you reward him with a yummy snack. Practice this a few time moving faster and further away each time... depending on the size and excitement level of your dog you may not be able to get very far with him practically chasing you. Then you can take him out in a bigger area and practice again. Wait until your dog is distracted and call him again with a cheerful and excited tone. If you dog does not respond go and get him and wave the treats in front of his nose until he is happily following you again. Then reward him. Wait until he gets distracted again and call him. Practice this several times getting further and further away. Because this is such a valuable command it might be a good idea to use treats your dog really loves. Bits of kibble might not do the trick but a tasty piece of chicken just might.
If your dog is really having trouble, attach a long lead to his collar so when you call him you can tug slightly on the leash if he doesn't come at first. Also make sure you only call you dog when you know he is going to come. Don't bring your puppy to a busy dog park and expect him to come back. He is too overly stimulated and it takes much practice to get a reliable recall. In those situations either keep your dog on a lead or make sure you can just go and get him when you need him. Since I use the word "come" all the time and don't really think twice about it I decided to use a whistle instead of the actual word. I just associate the whistle blowing with coming and a reward. This way he won't get confused and he will be able to hear the whistle from far away.

Interesting pet products!

THE PAW PLUNGER!

Clean their paws before they track mud all over you living room!

Just fill with warm water and dunk your dogs feet in one at a time (if they will let you.)

I haven't tried this on a dog... but I saw it in a store and put my hand in.

Theres tons of bristles inside and I've heard it works pretty well.

You can buy it at Orvis or check out amazon.com

Picture from http://www.buzzfeed.com/eliot/giant-croc-dog-bed-26q

The Giant Croc dog bed...

Looks pretty cozy!

The FURminator

It has over 2,000 reviews on amazon and it's rated almost 5 stars!

They even have a video to prove it!

Battle of the Brands

The pet food recall of 2007 had several pet owners worried, and for good reason. Do we really know what goes into our dog's food? Are brands supported by veterinarians like Science diet necessarily better for your dog? Quite the opposite actually. Dogs are carnivores and the main ingredients in their food should be meat! Not fillers like corn and unnecessary grains. Out of the first four ingredients two should be meat or meat related (preferably the first two.) 
The first four ingredients in Science Diet "Adult Active" are Ground Whole Grain Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal, Animal Fat, and Dried Beet Pulp. Chicken by-product meal is the only "meat source" named in the entire ingredients list. By-products of any animal are considered an inferior source of protein. Corn isn't very good for dogs either especially in high quantities (It is safe to say that it should not be the first ingredient.) It is very cheap for dog food producers to use corn as a filler which has made it quite popular in many brands. 
The first four ingredients of Iams Healthy Naturals are Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Brewer's Rice, and Corn Meal. Here we see corn again as well as Chicken by-product meal. And I know you are thinking, 'look how much better it is with Chicken as the first ingredient.' Chicken was the first ingredient, before it was dehydrated in order to make those nice dry kibbles. The dehydration process removes all the water weight and moves the ingredient much further down the list. It is safe to say that it is healthier to have a dog food without wheat, soy, corn, meat by-products, and artificial flavors and preservatives. Some canine nutritionists believe that dogs should not ingest grains at all. 
You should always look for "human-grade" food when you are looking at a brands website. Why would you feed your dog anything else? 
There are several "natural" brands out there... and some are better than others. Make sure you read the ingredients closely before you decide to buy. Also some foods may have great ingredients but might not be right for your dog. Its all a game of trial and error. 


tip: Make sure you transition your dog slowly from one food to the next to prevent shocking their system! 


Some examples of good dog foods:
Artemis Fresh Mix - Adult Dog Formula 
-first four ingredients: Chicken, Chicken meal, Turkey, Cracked Pearled Barley
Wellness Complete Health - Whitefish and Sweet Potato
-first four ingredients: Deboned Whitefish, Ground Barley (de-hulled), Rye Flour, Menhaden Fish Meal
Evo - Large Bites (grainless food)
-First four ingredients: Turkey, Chicken, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal




*** check out this Dog Food Analysis website for full and detailed reviews on tons of different brands! A fabulous source of information!

First Post!

Hey welcome to the Water dog Blog!
I hope to share as much of my knowledge about dogs, training, and behavior with you as I can.
I will even post reviews of supplies and brands of dog foods that I find especially good (or in some cases really bad.) Eventually when I get my next puppy I will document the process of house breaking, teaching basic commands and manners, and other important things to know about raising a puppy!
You might be wondering why it is called the "Water dog Blog." I currently own two labrador retrievers and will be getting a portuguese water dog within the next year or two (and that's not because of Obama.) I love the outdoors and I love an adventurous dog. I live in New England and there is nothing better than taking your dog swimming in the hot days of summer and romping through the deep snow in the winter months.
Thanks for reading!