Posted on July 10th, 2008 by Doggie
Are you considering adopting an older or rescued dog? Older dogs are great family members and need homes. Depending on the breed, senior dogs are often are more subdued than a puppy and therefore easier on your home. But what about behaviors learned or tolerated by a previous owner? Senior dogs can be still be trained using a few tried and true ideas! Just as with puppies it will take time and patience but the outcome is worth it. A trained dog will be a happier dog because he will know what is expected of him.
5 TIPS for Teaching NEW Tricks to Older Dogs
1. Use the proper tone when communicating with your dog:
High/EnthusiasticUse for Praising (i.e. “Good Dog!”)
Demanding/AuthoritativeUse for Commands (i.e. “Sit!”)
Growly/LowUse for reprimanding (i.e. “Bad Dog!”)
2. Give a command only once. This teaches your dog to listen the first time.
3. Hands Off when giving a command. Touching or petting distracts from training.
4. Recall (or “Come”) is the most pleasant of all commands for your dog. Never reprimand a dog that finally comes to youeven if you had to chase him through the neighborhood before he obeyed. He needs to know that you will lavish praise and pet him when he comes to you!
5. Training not to jump up on people and furniture is best done with a metal can or box with 10 pennies, stones or marbles taped inside. For convenience, it is a good idea to have several cans located in various areas throughout your home. Shake the can up and down once or twice whenever your dog jumps up. Remember to reprimand with the low tone at the same time. The noise will startle the dog and eventually the behavior will stop.
Copyright 2006 Dave Eckholm/www.olddogpaws.com
Dave Eckholm is the owner and creator of http://www.olddogpaws.com, a site dedicated to the care and comfort of our old friends. As our dog Tikki began to lose his eyesight and became grey around his muzzle, we were concerned for his quality of life. As a senior dog, he started to have special needs. We searched for new ideas, resources and products to enhance his life. Old Dog Paws shares this information with all dog lovers so your friend can enjoy wonderful senior years too!
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Posted on June 10th, 2008 by Doggie
Nutritional needs change as a dog ages. Many breeds of dogs enter their senior years at 5-7. Like humans, as dogs’ age, their metabolism slows down. Obesity is one of the most common afflictions facing senior dogs. Stiff joints and muscles leave them wanting to run around less. As an owner of a senior dog, it is important to keep your dog exercising and it becomes more important than ever for your dog to get proper nutrition.
Quality dog foods will breakdown the specific ingredients. Read the label to make certain your dog is getting the best food for his needs.
In 100 grams of food there should be:
1.2 Grams of Fiber
0.55 Grams of Calcium
14 or Less Grams of Protein
9 or Less Grams of Fat
Less than 0.28 Grams of Sodium
Less than 0.33 Grams of Phosphorous
Vitamins also are important to the mature dog.
Vitamin Baids metabolism and appetite
Vitamin Aaids muscles and eyes
Vitamin E.aids muscles and eyes
Shopping Tips for Dog Food from the Animal Protection Institute
Meat should be the first ingredient.
The label should have the AAFCO Guarantee.
Avoid if corn is listed two or more times in the top 5 ingredients.
Check expiration date.
Avoid foods with chemical preservatives like ethoxyquin, BHT, and BHA.
Look for foods with natural preservatives such as tocopherols, Vitamin C and Vitamin E.
Avoid bone meal, meat meal and other by-product ingredients.
Rice is the most digestible of all grains. If grain is in the formula, rice is a good choice.
As always, check with your veterinarian before changing diet and supplements. Your vet can often recommend a prescription dog food that will be just right for your pet’s changing needs. Keep your dog moving and eating right so you both can enjoy his senior years!
Dave Eckholm is the owner and creator of http://www.olddogpaws.com, a site dedicated to the care and comfort of our old friends. As our dog Tikki began to lose his eyesight and became grey around his muzzle, we were concerned for his quality of life. As a senior dog, he started to have special needs. We searched for new ideas, resources and products to enhance his life. Old Dog Paws shares this information with all dog lovers so your friend can enjoy wonderful senior years too!
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