A Man’s Best Friend

Man and canine get along so well that it almost seems like it was meant to be. For hundreds and hundreds of years, we’ve been practicing the domestication of dogs for hunting, herding, guarding and most typically for companionship. To date there is yet a challenger to the title of  “man’s best friend”.

Owning a dog is more than just feeding and walking it. Being a dog owner means you’ll be spending a lot of time together, be it going on adventurous hikes, gathering and play-times with other dog owners, working on chores in the farm, or maybe just a regular walk in the park, whatever it may be, these are the experiences that strengthens the bond between the owner and his dog.

As you spend more time with your pal, you’ll observe that they have strong feelings – just like we do. You’ll notice their favorite treats, and the things that fill them with joy , or those that make them sad. Compared to these temperaments, a  dog’s fear and anxiety may be harder to observe and are thus often overlooked by the owner.. Fear and anxiety can occur at any time, with or without any warning. While not every dog owner will have to deal with this, it’s something that shouldn’t be ignored.

Although there are many funny stories of dogs being scared of the toaster, microwave oven or the vacuum cleaner, some dogs do experience persistent fear that affects the lives of both the dog and the owner.

How Can I Tell if My Dog is Scared or Anxious?

Symptoms of a dog being scared and anxious range from being mild to severe. Here is a guideline to help you determine if what your dog is experiencing fear:

Mild Signs

• Trembling – They may be shaking or seem to have a tremor.
• Tail tucking – This is when a dog tucks its tail down in between its hind legs.
• Ear pinning – When the ears are pinned back and downwards
• Withdrawal – Your dog may seem to take a step back, and detached from the situation.
• Hiding or (passive) escaping behavior– A dog that is scared may hide behind you or something else to try and avoid its fears.
• Reduced activity – Dogs may stop suddenly or seem to freeze when in a stressful situation.

Signs of Panic

• Active escaping behavior – Running away is a clear sign of a dog in panic.
• Activity that seems out-of-context and potentially injurious to him/herself or others – This can include biting, jumping, etc. This may be potentially dangerous for larger dog breeds.

Signs of Excessive / Unhealthy Stress

• Diarrhea – Loose stools is something you should take seriously, whether or not your dog is
• Vomiting – Throwing up is also a serious sign and all measures should be taken to get your dog in a safe, comfortable environment.
• Excessive barking and whining – If it’s not the mail man and they don’t have to pee, then it might be something more serious.
• Panting – Quick and shallow breathing for no reason can be an indication of fear or anxiety.
• Digging – They may not be digging necessarily, but more-so doing a digging motion.
• Chewing – Dogs do like to chew, but chewing too much isn’t a good thing.
• Shedding – Just like humans, dogs can lose hair if they’re scared too often.
• Leash biting – This could be a way to show you they don’t want to go near something they may be afraid of.
• Sweaty paws – Again, this is a reaction that humans also get when they’re scared or under
• Foam drool – You ever notice an aggressive dog with foamy drool? This can be a sign they are actually scared rather than mad.
• Red eyes – Because the heart rate increases when scared or stressed, the increased blood flow can make a dog’s eyes appear to be red.
• Tense muscles – If your dog seems stiff, or even frozen, this can indicate they have tense
• Excessive tail wagging – A dog that’s wagging his or her tail isn’t always happy, so be aware of what’s going on and determine whether or not your dog is actually happy, or
• Aggressive behavior – Anywhere from biting, growling, shoving, running, etc . If your dog happens to growl in a particular situation, a dead give-away that it is doing so out of fear is if its stance is with the head lower than the back.

Keep in mind that some of the symptoms of canine anxiety and fear may be observed in stressed dogs as well. Although some form of stress is perfectly normal for a dog, excessive or severe cases would certainly require veterinary attention.

Why Do Dogs Get Scared?

Fear in dogs is caused by a number of reasons. The fear or phobia your dog is experiencing could be caused by one, or a combination of the following:

They’re Still Young / Lack of Experience

Puppies and younger dogs can be fearful of things they are unsure of. Helping your dog experience new things while they are still young is a great way to help your dog develop a sense of confidence. It’s important to let your pup explore a bit, especially before 14 weeks of age.

They’re Getting Older

It’s pretty common for a dog that’s getting older to start developing behavioral problems, which include the development of  phobias and anxiety as a result of hormonal changes.

Because of Previous Events that Occurred

Most of the things dogs find fearful is from past experience. Some dogs may have been attacked by other dogs, abused by previous owners or abandoned. These emotional scares often lead to fear and anxiety.

It’s in Their Nature

Sometimes, being scared is wired in your dog (breed). We see this in people as well. While some dogs are outdoing, some are extremely shy. Some dogs don’t seem to be afraid of anything, while others appearto be overwhelmed with the world. Regardless, fear and anxiety can be overcome with understanding, patience and love.

They Might be Sick or Injured

If you find your dog getting scared for seemingly no reason, there could be either a sickness or injury you are unaware of. This is a good time to take a trip to the vet to figure out what the root of the problem is before it’s too late. You wouldn’t want your pal to have a brain or thyroid disease you weren’t aware of.

Common Fears Dogs Have

There are several common fears that a dog may have. The ones we are about to go over are some of the most commonly experienced fears. If you find your dog has one of these, then know you are not the only one. In fact, most dogs will have a slight fear of at least one of these things at a certain point in time.

1. Fear of Other Dogs

A dog that fears other dogs could have either not been around enough dogs when they were a puppy, or they might have been attacked by a dog previously. Being attacked is an extremely traumatic experience and it can be deteriorating for your dog’s self-esteem. When you’re around other dogs with your dog, stay calm and keep your voice calm. The best thing to do is desensitize, which we will go over later on.

2. Fear of New People

Dogs who have been sheltered a lot when they were pups can lead to fear and anxiety when it comes to being around new people. This can also be the case if there was abuse from a previous owner. Try not to have your dog around too many people at once and introduce him or her slowly to your friends. Don’t force them to interact, either. Show them this is someone you trust and someone they can trust too.

3. Fear of Riding in the Car

Believe it or not, it’s not unheard of for a dog to have a phobia of car rides. Some dogs get car sick in the car, making them nauseous or to the point of vomiting. Another reason this phobia exists is that they simply aren’t used to it. The feeling of a car moving and watching things pass by can be overwhelming for a hound.

If it’s not car sickness or being new to the feeling of car rides that’s making your dog uneasy, then it might just be an association with a negative experience. A dog might remember that their trip to the vet was made in a car. Another possibility is that they might have been in an accident before, both in or outside of a car, and are scared that it may happen again.

4. Fear of Loud Noises

One of the most common fears people will find in their dog is their fear of loud, sudden noises, such as thunder or the vacuum cleaner. These noises can result in your dog panicking within a matter of seconds. Fortunately these can be easily alleviated by having someone in the family play with them during a thunderstorm or while you vacuum. There is also a product called the ThunderShirt, which you can find on Amazon.

5. Fear of Separation

Separation anxiety is most common in puppies. Common signs are being clingy, hyperactive, excessive barking, destroying objects, urinating on the floor, defecating inappropriately (even diarrhea), excess saliva, over and under-eating, being depressed or aggressive, etc. Sometimes these signs show as soon as you leave, while others will take time to kick in.

6. Fear of Confinement

What may be taken as a fear of separation, might just be a fear of confinement. Dogs like to have their own little cozy spot to hang out and know it’s their own. Something as simple as having several dog blankets and floor mats around your home can help your dog feel more comfortable while you are gone. Another thing that helps is leaving some interesting and engaging dog toys for your dog to play with while you are out and about. Put them away while you are home so they don’t become bored of it.

7. Fear of Water

You might think that only cats are scared of water. But dogs can develop a fear or phobia of water as well. This may be due to a previously bad experience with water, or simply because they are unfamiliar with it. A good thing to do is start with shallow water and maybe even use treats as bait to get them in the water.

8. Fear of Their Owner

It is possible for a dog to be afraid of its owner! This is particularly common when you and your dog are fairly new to each other. The thing is, you may be completely unaware of it. Such fear may be a result ofsome changes you’ve made that your dog is uncomfortable with. Things like a new table, furniture arrangement, or even new guests can spook your pooch. Another thing is not getting enough personal space. While you or your family members may be trying to please and love your dog, sometimes the love can be intimidating.

If you notice that you’re using your body language to show your stress, then your dog picks up on that instantly. They may even think you’re feeling upset because of them. When you get home from work upset, try to make it a point to approach your dog calmly and happily, so they understand that your negative mood isn’t their fault.

Take Note of Your Dog’s Fears

It is important to list down the stuffs that spooks your dog. In addition, make it a point to understand just how scared your dog is of each of their fears. While it is entirely possible for a dog to learn to overcome its fears, sometimes your dog may have difficulties dealing with a particular phobia. When there is a strong display of fear or aggression (running away, growling, or even biting), then you know this should be a fear that is best limited and avoided, especially in public places.

In order to help your dog overcome fears, it’s important to understand the threshold of each fear. With that knowledge, you can better control your dog’s environment, as well as easier manage their behavior during stressful situations. There is no clear-shot way to help a dog overcome it’s fears. There are, however, a few things you can do that can help.

How to Overcome Dog Fears and Phobias

Like most things in life, there is more than one way to approach the solution. Helping your dog overcome his or her fears and phobias doesn’t always work 100%, meaning that you might be able to help this fear become more tolerable, but your dog may still have a negative reaction to it. On the other hand, there are many cases where dog owners are successful in helping their dog get over their phobia(s), and this means your dog potentially can too!

Now that you are aware of your dog’s fear(s), helping your dog overcome it relies on you. You’ll need to develop a structure. There are things you need to figure out such as what you are going to do when your dog is scared, what you should do to help your dog understand there is nothing to be scared of. We will now go over some ways to help your dog overcome fears and phobias.

First Thing’s First, Don’t Reward the Fearfulness

Dogs are quite simple; they consider any kind of affection to be a reward. So when you find your dog is fearful or scared, the last thing you should do is comfort them because this will only reinforce their feelings. What you need to do is be your dog’s leader. This stems from their nature to follow the leader of the pack. This is called allelomimetic behavior, aka imitating. This will first require the mindset of “surrendering” of your dog.

In order to do this, we must remain assertive, yet calm, even if your dog is displaying fear. The attitude and vibes you put out will be instinctively picked up by your dog, and they will better understand that there is nothing to be afraid of.

If you are calm and assertive but your dog is still seeming scared, then show with actions that you are their leader, and everything is okay. Whatever you do, do not start to feel anxious or scared about your dog’s behavior, as this will only make matters worse. It’s really not so hard, and once your dog feels your confidence, they’ll surrender to your lead easily.

Socialization

Prevention is better than cure. Phobia and anxiety issues can be minimized or curbed altogether if you socialise your dog early in its life. The term socialization is defined as the process a dog, usually a puppy, goes through to experience all sorts of people, situations, and places to become familiar with them. It is extremely important to socialize your dog when it is still young, with the most important period being from 0-14 weeks of age, as well as between 5 and 8 months of age. What you need to do is expose your dog to all sorts of people, from old to young, men and women, people who have facial hair and glasses, people wearing hats, etc.

If your dog is not properly socialized, then it will be much harder for them to deal with self-esteem issues and unknown situations. Socialization doesn’t only have to happen while a dog is a puppy. In fact, it’s completely possible to help socialize a fully grown and developed dog. Keep in mind that they won’t be as reliable as a dog that was well socialized, and you need to approach it much differently.

Helping your older dog socialize means making an effort to go outside. When you go to a dog park, allow your dog to watch other dogs and examine their behavior, but don’t let them go in just yet. When a dog comes near the dog park fence, give your dog a treat so they associate positivity with other dogs. If they happen to act aggressively, then move them away until they calm down.

If you’re walking outside with your dog, it’s best to not tug and yell at your dog, but instead distract and get the attention on you to avoid a bad encounter. Another thing to try is dog obedience class. This will help expose your dog to other dogs, as well as other humans in a safe area. To help your dog get used to other people and dogs, it’s best to introduce them slowly into their lives, rather than as much, and as soon as possible. When your dog goes through each new experience, praise good behavior with treats and affection so they can learn easier that these situations are safe.

If your dog happens to be running away from you, then it’s best to not force the interaction, but instead ignore your dog. When they come out to see what you’re doing, reward with a treat to let them know you’re their friend. The best thing for you to do is just be calm and your dog will follow your lead eventually.

Desensitizing

Desensitizing is defined as rendering a particular stimulant less sensitive. Desensitizing your dog can be done through a couple of methods – repetition, modification and counter/conditioning, as described below:

Repetition: Once you understand what object or situation is scary to your dog, then you need to figure out a way to have it happen, or have your dog exposed to it when you need to. For instance, if your dog is scared of the vacuum cleaner, put it somewhere they can access it, and they will slowly become used to seeing it and how it smells. Bring your dog to it and give him or her approval when they willingly go near it. Of course, don’t turn it on while doing this and it’s probably best to have them on a leash for extra security on their end.

Don’t forget to offer treats as your dog becomes familiar with the feared object. When they become relaxed around the machine, turn it on or perform whatever action it is your dog is afraid of. Don’t force your dog to go near the object, but instead allow them to simply observe from a distance. Reassure with praise and treats. Doing this several times will help greatly with your dog overcoming their fear.

Modification and Counter/Conditioning: By introducing new patterns of thought while around a feared object is another desensitizing practice you can perform. Something like playing with your dog during a thunderstorm can help decrease their fear of storms. If your dog is scared of the man of the house, have them stand near while you bond with and instruct your dog. If needed, muzzle your dog. Ask them to do tricks and praise with treats when they perform correctly.

The key here is to help your dog associate things they are afraid of with positivity and ensure that there is nothing for them to be afraid of. Another thing you can try is when your dog does happen to become fearful during this practice, you can divert by negotiating scary situations with a command or trick they are comfortable doing. You can also negotiate the scary situation by showing, not giving, your dog a treat that is in your hand. As soon as your dog becomes calm and listens to your command, reward with a treat.

What NOT to Do: When you’re practicing desensitizing exercises with your dog, it is important to not yell at your dog or punish them if they are not performing according to your expectations. This will only worsen a situation As your dog may end up associating their feared object with more negativity.

Getting Professional Help

Sometimes the best thing to do is get professional help for your dog. You might know what is bothering them, but perhaps not the best methods to handle the problem. Although patience and care may help your dog overcome mild fears or anxiety, severe cases would definitely be better handled by professionals who have more experience working with different breeds of dogs.

How to Train a Dominant Dog

The setting is perfect.

It is a clear, sunny day in the summer. And you decide to take a nice walk with your pooch, because you know, it’s fun and immensely beneficial to your mental and physical health.

You are a couple of minutes into your walk, and you say to yourself “what could possibly go wrong?”

But no sooner had you finish that sentence did you notice an energetic dog canter in your direction.

“Oh no!” you gasp. This can’t be happening.

You know deep down, that it’d be a disaster if that dog came too close to your dog. And to avoid this, you make a split-second decision to careen off before the fireworks go off.

But, you’re prolly too late as you notice your dog already pulling with all its might, getting ready to slug it out with a dog he only just saw seconds ago.

For some dog owners, this a story that is exact or at least close to what they’ve experienced with their dogs. Sure, you know your dog needs the activity and outdoor experience and you undoubtedly enjoy your walk, but avoiding these conflict situations seems to be the practical play.

Some owners have similar experiences but in fundamentally different scenarios.

• Your dog would lash out at strangers at the first chance it gets
• You can’t touch your dog in a certain way, else it’ll snarl at you
• He has made his own rules, and you find yourself having to play ball after unsuccessfully attempting to change same rules severally

For most pet dog owners, one word explains all of these scenarios: DOMINANCE.

But:

It is not so clear-cut

Among dog behaviorists, there are two camps. One camp likes to throw around the “dominance” word as many times as possible to rationalize most unruly dog behaviors. The opposing camp, however, prefers not to use the “dominant dog” label, as an explanation for any shoddy dog behavior.
To be fair to both camps, the concept of dominance is factual, but using one buzzword in a one-size-fits-all approach isn’t helpful.

The real deal lies somewhere in the middle.

The issue with syntax

First off: it is necessary to tackle the elephant in the room.

The words dominance, aggression, dominance aggression, submission, resource protection/guarding, and other related words on some level and in certain situations have merit in their application to dog behaviors.

But:

Many times the presentation (in simple terms, how they are used) is inaccurate.

For example, a common theme amongst several lay owners and handlers is that a dog that exhibits dominance is a charming, persistent dog with attitude if things do not go his way. And then comparisons are made to the social structure of wolves to explain this notion.

Except that, wolves and domestic dogs are not the same species, as opposed to the heavily romanticized and popular anecdote. Dogs are not as socialized as wolves are, and your fido isn’t instinctively trying to be your overlord or being a pack leader.

In fact, amongst animal groups with established dominant members, advanced studies show that dominant members often assert their influence (or dominance if you will) without using force (aggression).

Dominance is not the only factor at play

In general, in a realistic multi-dog setting, not all dogs are equal. There is a social hierarchy.

But:

The dynamics of the hierarchy are NOT fixed. It is fluid and relative.
For example, while one dog may place high value on a food resource and indeed get primary access to same resource, another dog may place similar high value on and by extension control over a preferred sleeping location.
Either dog would show classic signs of dominance with respect to the resource they prioritize and to which they have primary access. And as long as both dogs accept each other’s claim, there would be no conflict. As you’d expect, when both dogs place equal value on a resource, then all hell will break lose.
Still, aggression in dogs plays out in different ways and under different circumstances. It could be dog-to-dog, dog-to-human, general disobedience, or something else. And it may not be because of dominance. It could be because of fear, stress, anxiety, curiosity, play, boredom, et cetera.

Which is why it is important to:

Keep an open mind

Because each of any dog’s behavioral issues is unique and complex. You have to observe closely, replay events chronologically, identify triggers, and understand the behavior in detail.

It may not constitute the primary basis to determine the best course of action to take (as you’d soon find out), but it’d be invaluable in many cases and help in keeping track of progress.

A dog’s temperament: Is your dog dominant?

In recent times, research has shown the personality dimension of dogs to be relatively consistent over time.

So is your dog a dominant dog, in a way that contrasts with the personality of other dogs?

Probably not.

For starters, a dog does not exhibit dominance all the time or in all situations. Alas, you know you have a special case if your dog is fiery come rain or shine. Such instances are rare and not the norm.

The average dog that exhibits what is arguably dominant and/or aggressive behavior quite often picks his fights. It may be exclusively on home turf, when owners are around, against other dogs while being innocuous to humans, or some other scenario.

Of course, the breed and erstwhile training would play a role in how a dog turns out; however, the pattern doesn’t deviate from the norm. A dog would show greater dominance/aggression in certain situations, while being less assertive/more submissive in other situations.

This understanding underlies the solution to resolving most unruly canine behaviors:

Step up to take charge

Surprisingly, both camps on the dog behavior divide agree on this basic principle. However, they unsurprisingly disagree on the best approach.

You already get why commonly understood lexicon like pack, pack leader, pecking order, alpha, alpha dog, top dog, aren’t fitting labels.

Nonetheless, the key to resolving most behavioral issues that have the semblance of dominance aggression in dogs is to have a comprehensive review of the roles of you and your dog in the relationship that you both share.

Regardless of the deep affection you have for your dog and the bold, apparent loyalty your dog has for you, the defining roles in your owner-pet relationship is that of you being a humane, fair authority figure and your dog being a trusted companion.

In this rational arrangement, you make the rules and your dog abides by them, you lead and he follows, you throw a ball and he dashes off to get it.

The bottom line is that you have to wean your dog off its bad behavior. And you do not have to become harsh, too physical, or excessively vocal, as those actions may worsen the situation. You only have to follow the guidelines shared in the next section, which is mainly predicated on the concept of using rewards to enforce good behavior and encourage good communication between you and your pet.

How to Deal with Dominance in Dogs

1. Be calm but assertive
The first step is to work on yourself. You want to inculcate good behavior in your dog and to do so, you need to be in the right frame of mind and give off the right vibe.

You have to be calm, but decisive, even when you want to pull your hair out in frustration after a momentary relapse by your dog. Appearing uncertain or adopting a derisive posture may likely increase the level of stress of your dog, which may cause him to behave in a more erratic fashion.

2. Set and enforce ground rules, limitations, & boundaries

Safety first

Yea, some dogs bite their owners, and it isn’t a pretty sight.

Some estimates put the percentage at about 15% of dog owners being caught in the jaws of their canines (instead of a burglar). Sure, this is not a majority by a long shot, but the number is significant.

As you are about to rein in on the unruly behavior of Fido, you want things to go as smoothly as possible. Dogs are intelligent and have fantastic senses, but you are smarter.

And the smart thing to do is to avoid any situation that would trigger a battle.

After noting this, you would want to:

Take control of all important resources…

And do so smartly. Which means when furniture is off bounds, you may deny access to the room, barricade with uncomfortable books, or booby trap with the electrostatically charged Scatmat.

A leash would work too, but remember that when you take the leash, do so nonchalantly and blandly, then walk away dispassionately. If he follows you as intended, reward with a treat, because that’s a behavior you want him to repeat consistently.

An important resource is anything that Rover likes, ranging from toys, food, to playtime, and petting. He no longer gets whatever he wants on a whim, he’s had that opportunity and he blew it.

Now, you ration, and it should begin to sink in that access to any resource he desires is a privilege and not a right. And if he wants to get access, he should be responsive, mild-mannered, and well-behaved.

Complement this by:

Enacting limitations and rules
For the next couple of days or week, your canine belongs at your side or tethered to a tie down whenever others are with him in the house. This is as much as to enforce discipline as to keep him away from situations where he gets riled up.

You should also set some basic ground rules, such as:

• He doesn’t get food if he is aggressive or engaging in resource guarding
• He cannot block access-ways, such as doorways
• He must not dash ahead of you when you both get to a doorway—he should follow your lead

3. Establish the concept of permission and reward good behavior

Just as important as establishing rules, limitations, and boundaries is inculcating the concept of taking permission before going after or getting something he wants.

A common device to use is getting him to sit still and look at you politely before you give him his toy, let him out the door, or even give him a treat. You want to establish a chemistry that has order and predictability.

This will play down the urge to guard or get aggressive about a resource; because he knows, he wouldn’t get anything by being assertive anymore. But by being calm, submissive, and more importantly by politely seeking permission.

And when he behaves accordingly, do well to reward him with a treat and/or a pat. A reward is a positive feedback mechanism that encourages him to repeat desirable actions/behaviors.

4. Take advantage of meal time

Extend your rules to meals.

He should be calm, sit, and be patient for a few seconds (any interval within the 10 to 30 seconds window is okay) before you give him permission to eat.

Treats and tidbits shouldn’t be given freely anymore. Your dog should earn them, including praise and enjoyable interactive contact such as playing and petting; after replicating behaviors you want.

5. Regulate affection

This can potentially be a dicey, challenging step, because we instinctively want to shower our dogs with lots of affection.

But as hard as it may appear, you have to dole out affection on your terms. Which implies that if your dog is one to insist and push for affection, then you can use this as a medium to discipline your dog, by having him earn your attention. For example, this could be by having him do a brief down-stay or sit-stay first.

However, if your dog is more solitary and you tend to be the one initiating physical interaction, then you would want to hold off and ignore him. When he desires attention, he’d come to you, do the mandatory sit-stay, before getting some ‘we’ time with you.

6. React appropriately

Now, the undeniable fact is that in your course to enforce better behavior, there’ll be bumps along the road. At some point, your dog would prolly do things that’d question the efficacy of your therapy.

But:

How you react is important.

You should not physically hit, punish, or persistently yell at your dog. That is counter-intuitive as mentioned above. Rather, you should display calm and assertive gestures. Grabbing the leash or collar in time and firmly, reiterates that you are in charge and a relapse is unacceptable.

On the flipside, when your dog displays good behavior, give a reward.

7. Consistency is key

And you should react appropriately consistently. Don’t excuse any instance of misbehavior.
Inconsistency destabilizes your attempt to enforce a legacy of order and predictability, which is necessary to eliminate bad behavior.

Noteworthy tips

• Be patient
• Act quickly and decisively
• Do not engage in games that encourage aggressive behavior, such as Tug-O-War
• Care for your dog’s physical and mental wellbeing, which translates to proper amount of physical exercise, stimulation, and social interaction

How to Train Your Dog to Look at the Camera

Pet owners often ask pet photographers how they get a dog to focus on the camera with amazing eye contact. This is because, this eye contact is something that makes the photo so lively and adorable. The emotion that such a photo would convey is truly incredible, which is precisely what many pet owners crave for.

So without further ado, let’s get you some tips that are apparently used by professional pet photographers to produce photos of dogs that leave viewer amazed.

Noises

Making different types of noises is almost an assured way of getting a response from your dog. However, you will have to try out quite a few different noises in order to figure out which one works the best with your dog. These noises would include a squawking noise made by children to a barking noise dogs tend to make.

It can obviously make you feel a little silly if there are many people around you where you’re practicing this, but once you find out what noise or noises help you get the right response from your dog, you will certainly find it to be totally worth it. In fact, the right kind of noise can even make your dog sport its typical curious look that you probably dream of capturing.

Besides the “noises” that we talked about, you can also consider words that your dog tends to associate with something positive. This, too, is obviously sure to get your dog interested as well as to get a response easily, while you’re ready with a camera to take the perfect shot.

You wouldn’t want to forget giving your dog what you promised by saying those words, though, as if you do, it may make him ignore those words the next time you say them to him.

Dog Toys

Not many dogs will be able to resist looking at their favorite toy with a curious or playful look on their face. And if that’s what you’re after, you can simply hold your dog’s favorite toy along with the camera while taking the photo.

Something worth noting here is that toys that are both visually attractive as well as can produce a curious sound are going to be your best bet. If you’re passionate about taking photos of your dog, and going to do it very often, you may as well want to consider getting a bunch of these toys.

A good alternative, though, can be something like the Isqueak app . It’s going to come in especially handy for those that tend to travel frequently with their dogs, as it would obviously be quite a hassle to carry a bunch of toys along while traveling.

Food Treats

Few dogs would be able to turn down an offer for a treat. And this is what makes treats a great tool to help you take that perfect shot.

There’s probably more than one way of using food treats here, and one of the more effective ones is using them to make your dog sit long enough to take a good picture. If you have tried taking photos of your dog in the past, you probably know that one of the most challenging things you come across in the process is making the dog be in the position you want him to long enough for you to be able to capture it properly with your camera.

However, using treats to make your dog sit in your desired position is going to take some practice. You simply need to get the dog’s attention by showing him the treat, and then asking him to sit if he wants to have it. But you wouldn’t want to give it to him immediately after he sits, as that won’t allow you to take a picture.

Instead, you would want him to sit and wait just a few seconds. Of course, it’s going to require quite a bit of patience, especially if you have a very active dog, as all he is going to do initially is jump around to get the treat.

Another simple trick to get and keep your pet’s attention is to simply let him sniff a treat and then hold it right beside the camera. If the treat is tempting enough for him, he will keep staring at it, easily allowing you to take the perfect shot you’re looking for.

Distractions

Well, if you’re at a place like the park, there are going to be plenty of distractions to make things difficult for you and prevent you from taking a good photo. After all, dogs tend to be very curious, especially if there’s a lot of stuff happening around them.

However, there’s a little pet photography secret that you may not be aware of, but is actually the perfect solution in such a situation. Instead of trying to make your dog ignore the distractions, you should simply use them to your advantage.

What you can do is, simply get between the dog and the distraction that has caught his attention, while also having your camera with you, and you would immediately have an amazing shot waiting to be captured. This is because at that point, the dog will actually be looking right through you, and it probably can’t get any better for you if you want to take a great shot even in an environment full of distractions.

Photography Skills

Some dogs seem to hate things you hold in front of your eyes just as much as they hate fleas or worms. This is simply because they don’t feel comfortable when they are not able to see right into your eyes.

This is precisely when your photography skills can come in and get the job done for you. Basically, what you will need to do is pre-focus the camera on your dog and take it slightly off to one side, leaving your eyes clearly visible to your dog. This will help keep the dog engaged while you capture their look.

Of course, this is something that’s going to need some serious practice, and the chances of occasionally getting a photo with the focus being completely off cannot be ruled out as well, at least not until you get really good at it.

Common Dog Health Problems

When you bring a dog home from a store or shelter, or when you’re getting to know a brand new puppy, the last thing on your mind is taking care of him when he’s sick.

Inevitably, though, something will happen. If you’re lucky it will be a minor problem like flea infection, which can be easily treated. If you’re like most dog owners, though, you’ll have to deal with more serious issues at some point in your pet’s life.

Dogs have the same major organs and systems that humans do, so many canine health problems are the same as the ones we experience. Other illnesses are specific to dogs and some are only seen in certain species; for example, we’ve never heard of a human developing Dancing Doberman Disease (which causes some Dobermans to flex their rear legs uncontrollably.)

The complete list of health challenges that dogs might face is so long that even a veterinarian would have trouble remembering all of them. But the short life span of canines means that potential issues will develop much sooner in your pet than they do in humans. Every dog owner should be familiar with the most common dog health problems, to be able to recognize symptoms or danger signs immediately.

Fleas, Ticks and Skin Issues

Flea collars often prevent fleas and ticks from finding a new home on your dog and some will even treat infestations after they occur, but not all dogs will tolerate them and some dogs can’t wear them (if they’re puppies or pregnant, for example). The same is true for topical treatments. Newer prescription medications do a much better job of preventing flea infestations and tick bites. But of course nothing is foolproof, including the humans who have to remember to give the dog his flea pill.

So how do you know if your dog has fleas or ticks? And what to do next if there’s an infestation?

The symptoms of a flea problem are pretty easy to spot. They include repeated licking, biting or scratching of the skin, hair loss, and bare or oozing red skin patches known as flea allergy dermatitis or “hot spots.” You may even see tiny dark-colored dots on his fur, often called “flea dirt.” If it’s a tick issue your dog may have a fever, or constantly shake his head because ticks like to burrow into ear canals. When you see any of these symptoms, it’s important to take action quickly because one flea can become a thousand fleas in just a few weeks, and ticks can transmit serious Lyme disease.

Some owners prefer natural treatments like flea and tick removal shampoo to kill the pests and then combing them all out of his fur. If you – or your dog – can’t or won’t deal with this routine, oral medications available from your vet can kill the fleas and ticks within six hours, and some topical treatments can get rid of them in a few days.

You’re not completely done, though. All of your pets will need treatment, and the house should also be completely treated, to make sure fleas aren’t hiding somewhere else and ready to come right back. Yes, it can be a pain – but isn’t your dog worth it?

There are other skin issues to be aware of, usually involving hot spots (if they’re not flea-related, they’re called moist dermatitis). They could be the result of an allergy or disease, a grooming issue, or even boredom for some long-haired breeds. Food allergies are often to blame, as is an environmental allergy common among golden retrievers, Labs and Shih Tzus called atropy which causes itching on the face, feet and belly.

You can try trimming hot spots and cleaning them with water-based antiseptic, but a better bet is to see the vet for some hydrocortisone spray or cream. This will ensure that there isn’t a deeper issue as hair loss can indicate anything from mites (which cause mange) to adrenal issues. Food allergies require an elimination diet, atropy is treated with medication. Your dog may need to wear a cone to prevent him from scratching the area until it heals.

Hair loss, usually on the tail, rear legs and trunk, is also a symptom of another relatively common disease in dogs: hypothyroidism. You’re right, the thyroid gland is in the neck but for some reason, when the gland becomes underactive, hair loss occurs toward a dog’s rear. Flaky skin, a dull coat and possibly black skin patches are also early signs of hypothyroidism, which as it progresses causes weight gain, infection and lethargy. If not treated, it can lead to seizures and heart problems as well.

Your vet will prescribe a daily oral hormone which your dog will have to take permanently without lasting effects. Hypothyroidism is most common in medium-to-large breed adult dogs, with spayed females and neutered males more prone to the disease.

Digestive Problems

When your dog starts vomiting without apparent reason or experiences constant diarrhea, chances are pretty good that it’s been caused by the consumption of contaminated food (experts call this “dietary indiscretion”). However, it can also indicate more serious issues.

Let’s look at vomiting first. If it’s a one-time occurrence, it’s probably fine to just clean up the mess and watch to make sure it doesn’t happen again – and don’t forget to check what he’s been eating. If there’s blood in the vomit, or the problem is combined with diarrhea or lethargy, a trip to the vet is called for. At the very least, dehydration could become a problem.

If the vomiting continues and is not an isolated issue, it’s definitely time to load the dog into the car for a visit to the veterinarian. It could be caused by anything from food allergies to bacterial or viral infections, from heat stroke to swallowing a foreign object. All call for professional diagnosis, as do more serious causes of vomiting like pancreatitis, intestinal bowel disease, liver or kidney failure, or life-threatening canine parvovirus. The latter is more likely to affect Labrador and American Staffordshire terriers, Rottweilers, Dobermans and German shepherds.

Diarrhea has some of the same causes as vomiting: dietary indiscretion, food allergies or recent change in diet, infection, foreign bodies, and many of the more serious illnesses we’ve already mentioned. It can also be a sign of something as benign as stress or as serious as cancer.

The first action you should take is withholding food and supplying plenty of fresh water to prevent dehydration. If the diarrhea continues for more than 24 hours, or if you also see signs of lethargy, straining while trying to defecate, vomiting or bloody stools, you know where to go next. Don’t even wait if it’s a puppy that has diarrhea (that could mean a serious disease), or if your older dog’s stool is black which could indicate internal bleeding.

Ear Problems

You probably didn’t know this, but a dog’s ear canal is vertical and not horizontal like ours. That means it’s easy for all kinds of gunk to get stuck inside and cause an ear infection. Dogs who have allergies, lots of hair growth in the ear or floppy ears are most susceptible, but ear infections are regularly seen in all breeds. Yeast and bacteria are the most common culprits, although hair, mites and wax can also be responsible.

You should suspect an ear infection if your dog is scratching the area more than usual, if the area is red, swollen or crusty, or if there’s a colored discharge from the ear. More serious symptoms are prolonged head tilting, walking in circles or a loss of balance. Treatment usually involves an ear cleaning (the vet should do this, not you) and then medication.

Eye Problems

Dogs have many of the same eye problems we do, and many are treated the same way. For conjunctivitis or pink eye, saline eye drops are the first line treatment, with prescription eye drops from your vet required if the problem continues for more than a couple of days. Occasional dry eye issues can be handled with artificial tears, but continuing problems call for a medication that stimulates the tear glands and occasionally surgery is required to move the dog’s tear ducts. Dogs can also get cataracts or suffer from glaucoma later in life, and they’re treated in basically the same way as they are in humans.

There are eye problems common in dogs that humans seldom or never have. Cherry eye is a red tear gland that can pop into view below a dog’s eye if the ligaments holding its third eyelid fail (yes, dogs have three eyelids). The problem is corrected with minor surgery.

Entropion is genetic and occasionally occurs in humans, but is more often seen in young dogs: a part of the eyelid becomes folded into the eye, allowing eyelashes to irritate the cornea and cause infections. Entropion can also be induced by repeated problems with conjunctivitis. Its symptoms include inflammation or excessive tearing in small dogs and gooey discharges from the eyes of large breeds. Both problems may be seen in medium-sized dogs. Antibiotics and artificial tears can help with mild cases, but surgery is often required.

Cataracts and glaucoma can cause blindness in dogs, of course. In some breeds, however, those problems are caused (usually at a young age) by a genetic disease called progressive retinal atrophy, which always leads to blindness. It’s similar to retinitis pigmentosa in humans, and most often seen in Samoyeds, Tibetan terriers and spaniels, Akitas, Papillons and miniature Dachshunds.

Muscular and Skeletal Problems

You likely know that dogs are extremely prone to arthritis as they grow older; it’s one of the most common canine diseases treated by veterinarians. Many owners routinely give their mature dogs supplements like chondroitin and glucosamine even before they contract arthritis, and definitely after they are diagnosed. Because there’s no “cure” for the disease, treatment is aimed at lessening pain as much as possible, and can also include NSAIDs and steroids to reduce inflammation although each of those options can cause major side effects.

One of the conditions that often leads to canine arthritis is hip dysplasia, a malformation of the ball-and-socket joint in the hip that’s usually caused by a mix of genetics, muscle mass and obesity. It’s quite common among large breeds like Labs, German Shepherds, Saint Bernards and Great Danes, and can either show at ages as early as 4-6 months, or in mature dogs when hip dysplasia is triggered by arthritis.

Difficulty in walking or climbing, odd gaits, loss of muscle mass in the thighs and development of larger shoulder muscles to compensate are all signs of hip dysplasia. The condition is diagnosed by a full workup including X-rays, and is treated primarily with pain relief and anti-inflammatory drugs, therapy and weight control in older dogs, with surgery an option for younger ones.

A similar condition, elbow dysplasia, causes malformation and eventual degeneration of dogs’ elbow joints and leads to pain and often lameness. Elbow dysplasia most commonly affects large and giant breeds, and usually is seen in both front legs. The problem occurs most often in younger dogs so surgery, followed by exercise therapy and diet, is a preferred treatment.

Neurological and Brain Problems

Issues seen in humans like Parkinson’s disease and nerve paralysis also affect dogs on occasion. Another disorder common to both, but seen fairly often in dogs, is epilepsy.

Canine epileptic seizures can be caused by a number of issues. Head injuries, anemia and blood sugar problems top the list, but epilepsy in dogs can also be triggered by poison, kidney or liver disease, encephalitis, strokes or cancer. Some breeds like German and Australian shepherds, collies, beagles and Labs can also have seizures without a diagnosable cause. As with humans, dogs can have either full-fledged grand mal or smaller focal seizures.

If your dog is having a seizure, don’t panic and don’t try to keep him from “swallowing his tongue” – dogs won’t choke during a seizure and may bite. Time the seizure (so you can tell your vet), pet and soothe him, cool him with a fan if the seizure lasts more than five minutes and wait for it to end. Then call your vet immediately. The usual treatment for dog epilepsy is medication that can damage the liver so regular blood tests will also be required. A normal life should be possible, however.

Some neurological diseases like distemper and rabies are well known and often fatal, but that’s why you have your dog vaccinated, right? Many other diseases are only seen in specific breeds including the Dancing Doberman disease we mentioned earlier, as well as a similar issue that hits Scottish Terriers known as Scotty Cramp.

Heart Problems

It’s not unheard of for a dog to suffer a heart attack, but it’s extremely rare. About ten percent of all dogs do have heart issues, though, and by far the most common is valvular heart disease (VHD) which primarily affects older, small-breed dogs. The disease involves the thickening of heart valves so they’re unable to supply adequate blood to the body (known as congestive heart failure) and sadly, there are no early symptoms. VHD is a progressive disease which eventually causes loss of appetite, breathing problems, coughing and even fainting. Treatment can include diet modification, exercise, diuretics and medications like beta blockers, but there is no cure.

A genetic heart disease, subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS), is sometimes seen in larger dogs like Rottweilers, golden retrievers and Newfoundlands. It is caused when abnormal tissue grows in the aorta, obstructing blood flow and causing congestive heart failure. The symptoms and progression of subvalvular aortic stenosis are similar to those of VHD and sadly, so is the prognosis. However, researchers are testing an unusual surgery using a balloon with blades attached to it to open the obstruction, and so far it has shown promise.

You may not be aware that many services are now available that offer genetic screening for dogs, and since researchers have identified the gene responsible for the development of SAS, it’s one of the mutations which can be identified through genetic screening.

Cancer

Cancer doesn’t only affect us. 41% of Americans will contract some form of cancer during their lifetime – but 50% of dogs develop cancer after the age of 10. It’s the leading cause of death in older dogs.

Canine cancer can attack almost anywhere in the body, with lymphoma, skin cancer, breast cancer and bone cancer among the types most commonly seen. It’s believed that genetics are partly to blame, as some breeds are more susceptible than others. About 60% of cases are treatable or curable with surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, and other experimental techniques like tumor vaccines are also being tested.

As with humans, though, the best approach is prevention. That doesn’t mean you have to get your dog to stop smoking, of course, but the two best things you can do to protect your dog is to provide good dental care to prevent oral cancers, and spay females to reduce their risk of breast cancer.

Choosing The Right Dog Diet

When we take a dog into our lives, we’re actually making a contract. In return for companionship and affection, we’re promising the same – plus shelter and food.

It’s easy to know whether the shelter you provide – whether it’s outdoors, in the house or at the foot of the bed – is sufficient to keep your dog happy and safe. Food, though, can get a lot more complicated.

Is keeping a bowl filled with cheap kibble more than enough, or do you have to find a gourmet brand? Is dog food or “human food” a better option? Does it make sense to pay higher prices for premium, super premium, organic or grain-free brands? And what about those people who spend hours making their own pet food – are they crazy or are they doing the right thing to keep their pet healthy?

You’ve probably already guessed this, but there’s no “right” answer to the important problem of choosing the right diet for dogs.

Think of it this way. If you could afford it (and weren’t a vegetarian) you would probably want to serve organic meat and produce to your family, because those are the healthiest options. But you certainly wouldn’t give your infant a grass-fed bison steak with a side salad made from organic greens and apples, along with a glass of organic wine. On the other hand, you wouldn’t want be thrilled to sit down to a scrumptious dinner of baby food or infant formula.

Humans – and their dietary needs – are all different. The same holds true for dogs, particularly because canine dietary requirements depend not only on their age, but also on their size, food sensitivities and allergies.

What follows is a comprehensive look at how you can choose the right diet for your dog, along with important information about dog food that most people have never considered.

What Is a Quality Diet For Dogs?

As you now know, if you didn’t know already, the right diet really depends on the dog. But there are some basic facts about canine nutritional needs which should shape any decision you make about the ideal diet for your pet.

Dogs Are Not Strict Carnivores

Cats are what are called “obligate” carnivores; they need to eat meat in order to survive and thrive. Dogs, on the other hand, are “scavenging” carnivores. They prefer meat and need it to thrive, but they can survive just on vegetable matter if necessary.

That doesn’t mean a vegetarian diet is good for your dog. But unlike a cat, your dog can benefit from small amounts of vegetables and quality fillers like rice or oats like which provide carbs, fiber and minerals and are usually included in dog food. Some canines enjoy veggies like broccoli or carrots and they’re fine as occasional treats; mixing extra vegetables into an overweight dog’s food is often recommended as a way to provide a filling meal with fewer calories. Just be sure to avoid raw potatoes, onions and avocado which can cause serious illnesses.

Dogs Need Plenty of Meat

The rule of thumb often cited is that protein should make up 20-30% of a dog’s diet. That’s not a terrible guideline, but in reality, it’s just a “minimum” number that food manufacturers use. Most stick to the minimum because meat is an expensive ingredient. There’s no need to be concerned with “too much protein” in your dog’s diet as long as he’s healthy; he’ll just excrete the rest through his urine with no damage to his kidneys. The bigger problem is “too little protein,” because dogs need 22 amino acids to thrive but can only make 12 of them internally. The rest have to be supplied by the protein they eat.

If you’re concerned about how much meat your dog eats, think about dogs in the wild. Do you think they stop eating the animals they catch, in order to graze in a wheat field to make sure they’re getting a balanced diet? When it comes to protein the big issue isn’t quantity, it’s quality. We’ll deal with that subject shortly.

Dogs Need Water

Even first-time dog owners know they have to put out a bowl of water for their new pet. In general, dogs need at least one ounce of water per day for each pound of body weight. For most, that’s not a problem – you don’t normally have to worry about your dog’s water consumption. However, if you have a pet that shows signs of dehydration (usually due to illness), or doesn’t seem overly interested in his water bowl (or less-healthy options like toilets or puddles) canned food is around 75% water and should definitely be considered.

Dogs’ Diets Should Depend On Age and Size

Once a puppy is old enough to “look like a dog,” many people simply buy them “dog food.” However, that ignores the fact that dogs have three life stages with different nutritional requirements. From birth to 12-18 months (depending on breed) more protein, calories, fat and phosphorus are required for growth. In adulthood (until age 6-8) a maintenance diet is more appropriate because it provides more carbohydrates for energy, and it’s lower in calories, fat and protein to prevent the common problem of obesity in adult dogs. Older dogs usually have more difficulty metabolizing and digesting food so calories are lowered, protein is more digestible and fiber is increased.

There are many who don’t want to bother with those distinctions, or who have several dogs in different life stages who share food. There’s an easy answer. Some foods are approved “for all life stages” (we’ll look at the approval process shortly) and can be safely fed to puppies, adults and older dogs unless they have specific health issues or circumstances. There are separate foods for lactating or pregnant dogs, as well as those with joint, urinary, dental or other problems. In the latter cases, it’s best to consult your vet.

There are lots of dog foods on the market supposedly developed for specific breeds, but that’s primarily a marketing gimmick. There’s no evidence that breed-specific foods benefit dogs as long as they’re being fed an age-and-size appropriate diet. For example, small breeds have smaller stomachs and higher metabolisms, so they should be fed foods higher in calories than large breeds, particularly when young. Large breeds, on the other hand, are more likely to develop arthritis as they age, so food containing antioxidants like chondroitin would be appropriate.

AAFCO

The Association of American Feed Control Officials is the organization that sets maximum/minimum nutritional standards for pet food. AAFCO doesn’t test or approve specific foods, it’s not a government agency, and many large pet food companies are on the board of advisors. But it’s the best we’ve got, and most major manufacturers make sure their food meets AAFCO standards. It’s good for their business as well as for dogs’ health.

The best way to know what you’re feeding your dog is to read the label carefully and have a deep knowledge of canine nutritional needs. That’s a huge assignment, though. The next best choice is to look for an AAFCO statement of “nutritional adequacy or purpose.” If a food’s label says “complete and balanced” for a specific life stage or “for all life stages” it may not be the best food available, but it will be a safe choice. AAFCO also has standards for “natural” food, meaning it can’t be highly processed or include artificial or synthetic ingredients.

What’s In Dog Food?

Sometimes, real meat is in dog food. If you read the label, though, you’ll often see ingredients like by-products, meal and by-product meal. What is all that stuff?

If you don’t have a strong stomach, you may want to skip this section.  By-products and meals are made from the parts of an animal that aren’t really meat. They’re not fit for humans to eat, but they’re approved for pets.

• By-products are animal parts like cleaned fatty tissue, kidneys, brain, lungs, stomachs, heads, blood and bone, but not hair, horns, teeth or hooves.
• Meal is higher-quality than by-products. It is made after rendering (cooking to remove fat and kill bacteria) the animal carcass, including the skin and bones, after the “real meat” has been removed. Parts like hair, feathers, stomach contents and manure are supposed to be removed first.
• By-product meal is made by rendering only the by-products.

Before you run to the cabinet and throw out all of the dog food in your house, there are a few things you should know.

First, the fact that you wouldn’t eat this stuff doesn’t mean your dog wouldn’t eat it. Most of these animal parts are routinely eaten by dogs in the wild; they don’t read labels. Second, those are what manufacturers are allowed to use in making by-products and meal. Not all manufacturers include all of those livestock parts.

Importantly, there’s a huge difference between “beef by-products” or “chicken meal,” and “meat by-products” and “meat meal.” When the ingredient only specifies “meat” there’s no telling what animal it came from – or where it came from. It could be beef, but it could also be pigs’ heads, horsemeat or even the remains of euthanized dogs or cats from an animal shelter. The generic word “meat” on a dog food label is bad news.

But most importantly, by-products, and particularly meal, aren’t necessarily bad ingredients. Manufacturers use them because they’re a cheaper and more concentrated form of protein, and meal can actually make a food better by increasing its protein content. If your food comes from a high-quality producer you shouldn’t be scared off; by-products and meal aren’t necessarily evil, but some manufacturers can be.

What else is in dog food? You’ll find vegetables and grains (often processed into meal to be digested easily) to provide protein and carbohydrates. Vitamins and minerals are usually added in some form to create a balanced diet and for their antioxidant properties, and small amounts of fats are usually added as well. Lastly, many manufacturers add preservatives and colorings, as well as chemical agents to hold wet food together.

None of those ingredients should be harmful in and of themselves, but many owners prefer to avoid foods with any artificial additives. As we’ve said before and will say again, be sure to read the label.

Identifying High-Quality Foods

Have we mentioned reading the label? Sorry to be redundant, but there’s no other way to identify high-quality dog food. You can’t just rely on advertising claims or brand names.

Before plunging into the fine print on a label, here’s what you need to know. Ingredients on any pet food label are listed in order of weight, so the ones at the top of the list are the most important. Also, if a dog food label advertises a single ingredient like “Acme Chicken Dog Food,” it has to contain at least 95% chicken. If it advertises that it’s a “beef entrée,” “beef dinner” or “beef platter” it must contain at least 25% beef.

The first listed ingredient on the label should be a specific real meat, like lamb, beef or tuna, not a by-product or meal. If there’s just one meat near the top of the list, then specific meat meals (remember, generic “meat meal” should be avoided) should also be high on the list. That’s because fresh meat contains too much water to be the only protein source in a high-quality dog food.

Vegetables and/or fruits should be several of the major ingredients in a quality dog food, are should preferably be unprocessed so their vitamins and antioxidants haven’t been cooked out. If you haven’t decided to go grain-free (a controversial subject among dog owners) whole grains should also be pretty high on the list. It’s difficult to come up with ideal percentages of protein, carbs and fat because they can differ greatly according to dogs’ size, age and health, but fewer carbs, more protein and 10-15% fat are almost always a good place to start.

Ingredients to Avoid

We probably don’t have to tell you this after our detailed look at meat, but definitely avoid any protein labeled generically (“meat” or “meat meal”) and if you can, skip any foods with by-products. It’s best to avoid corn and soy because corn is a known allergen that doesn’t contribute much to a diet, and soy can hurt a dog’s endocrine system. Many owners also avoid wheat because it can be an allergen, but it won’t hurt a healthy dog – in fact, it can be a good energy source if a dog isn’t allergic to it. However, skip a food that has lots of different wheat products on the label (or any other grain, for that matter), because the manufacturer has likely split the grain into a number of forms so it appears lower on the ingredient list.

Added sugars may make the food taste better to your dog, but there’s no nutritional benefit to corn syrup, glucose or fructose. The meat will taste just fine without them. The same goes for added artificial colors and flavors, and preservatives like BHA and BHT. Your dog won’t have to be encouraged to eat, trust us.

Natural Diets for Dogs

A “natural diet” can mean two different things to dog owners. We’ve already described the AAFCO standard for store-bought natural dog food, which can’t be highly processed or include artificial or synthetic ingredients. A number of commercial products meeting that description are available and while they’re potentially a healthier diet, there’s no real regulation of what can or can’t be included. Want an example? Theoretically, meat by-products are “natural.” That doesn’t mean you’d want them in a high-quality food.

The other generally accepted meaning of a “natural diet” for dogs involves preparing food for them at home. Some owners cook their own dog food, but most who prepare a natural diet for their pet give them raw food because that’s what dogs eat in the wild – and it doesn’t get more natural than that.

A typical raw diet includes organ meat (like liver or kidney), muscle meat, bones, fruit and vegetables, raw eggs and yogurt. There are benefits to this type of natural diet, including shiny coats, healthy skin and lots of energy. The majority of dogs who aren’t used to processed food also love eating raw. There are also drawbacks like potential dietary imbalances (getting healthy proportions right isn’t easy), the danger associated with eating bones, and allergic reactions.

The biggest issue, though, is contamination. One study has found that 60% of raw meat available for purchase contained E. coli and 7% contained salmonella. That’s dangerous both for the human preparing the food and the dog eating it.

Consult with your vet before deciding to try a raw diet.

Dietary Supplements for Dogs

Most healthy dogs don’t need extra vitamins or dietary supplements. In fact, they’re probably getting everything they need if you’re giving them high-quality food.

However, there are a number of supplements available for canine health issues. Most commonly, older dogs can be helped with chondroitin or glucosamine for joint health, supplements with fish oils can help pets with dry coats or flaking skin, and vitamins C and E are useful for dogs with inflammatory problems. If you really feel that you want to give your dog “something extra,” there are pet probiotics on the market which can help the immune system and digestion.

How Much Should I Feed My Dog?

Here’s another question: “What kind of fuel economy will I get from a car?”

Obviously there’s no correct answer to the second question, just as there’s no correct answer to the first. Dogs are different sizes and weights and some are more active than others, just as cars and engines are different sizes and you’ll better gas performance with different types of driving.

Puppies should eat three times a day and adults should eat twice a day, but the amounts vary considerably depending on how big and how active they are. Start with the feeding recommendations on the food you purchase, and lower them for smaller or sedentary dogs while increasing them for larger or frisky pets. After two to four weeks, check to see if your pet is gaining or losing weight and adjust accordingly. There are calculators online that can give you suggestions, but you’re the one seeing and playing with your dog every day. You’re the best judge.

One final note: free-feeding a dog is not a good idea. House pets are at high risk for obesity, and having food available all the time will encourage yours to over-indulge. It may be the easiest way to handle your dog’s dinner, but it’s definitely not the healthiest.

Keeping a pet is taking on a huge responsibility. It is often said that having a pet is no different than taking care of a child. This is because a pet is completely dependent on you and it is your duty to cater to all its requirements. Among the various animals that people keep as pets, it is dogs which are found to be most common. This does not come off as a surprise since dogs are affectionate, loyal, and easy to train. If you have a dog as a pet, there is not much that you will need to do because, on the whole, dogs are capable of taking care of themselves. However, it is their diet that you would need to give attention to. You will have to be rather vigilant with regards to what they eat, lest they eat something that puts their health in jeopardy.

Do dogs eat grass?

This is not something that many people tend to believe. Grass is not a part of the usual diet of a dog. Hence, when one sees their dog feeding on grass, they are bound to be confused. The first question which would then spring to mind is, why is the dog doing so? Is there a reason for you to worry? Is it harmful to the dog? What can you do about it? These are some of the questions that would swarm your mind when you first notice your dog eating grass. You can be assured that you are not the only dog owner who has to go through this worry.

When anyone or anything eats something that isn’t suitable for its diet, the disorder is termed pica. Pica can be a sign of some form of nutritional deficiency. In other cases, it can also be completely normal with no reason to worry. It is not uncommon to see dogs eating grass and, on the whole, the grass would not incur any harm to your dog. Therefore, if you see your dog feasting on grass, you do not have to worry about its health being placed in the realms of harm.

According to many vets, this is a normal behavior which should not be given much attention. Studies have shown that quite a large numbers of dogs eat plants at one point or another, and grass is the plant that is mostly eaten. Therefore, there is no reason for you to panic.

The reason behind eating grass

There could be quite a few reasons that contribute to your dog viewing grass as its potential diet. There is a conception among some people that when dogs feel unwell due to poor digestion, they eat grass which would induce vomiting, thereby making them feel better. However, most tend to negate this idea because they do not think that a dog can be smart enough to come up with a remedy for an upset stomach on its own. According to studies, only a very small proportion of dogs start eating grass because they were unwell. Most dogs did not show any signs of illness prior to eating grass. Furthermore, grass eating does not lead to vomiting in all cases, so this theory does not hold much weight.

Treating intestinal worms is among the reasons that can make your dog eat grass. When there is worm infestation in the gut, the dog is compelled to indulge in all sorts of dietary habits, and eating grass one of the things that it might do in such a situation.

Nutritional deficiency is also a reason that can lead to your dog eating grass. It might be doing so to fulfill some of its dietary requirements that are not being met. The common requirement which is seen in such cases is that of fiber. According to reports, deficiency of fiber can provoke a dog to eat grass.

One of the most common causes of a dog eating grass is boredom and the taste. It could be that your dog simply likes the taste of grass and wishes to indulge in it because the taste appeals to it.

Is it dangerous?

This is the ultimate question that a dog owner would have when they notice their dog eating grass. Is it something that they need to give attention to or is it something that can be ignored? While grass in itself does not inflict any harm upon the dog, you still need to be cautious.

If your dog starts eating grass excessively, there could be an underlying illness which is responsible for its behavior. Similarly, if a dog vomits after grazing, you need to consult a vet because this can cause weakness and other problems in the dog.

Another thing that you need to keep in mind is that lawns and grass are treated with all sorts of chemicals in the form of herbicides and pesticides. These can be quite toxic and if ingested, they can pave the way for a lot of trouble. Certain garden plants are also detrimental to health. Therefore, this is something that warrants attention. If you notice dogs eating grass and plants, the first thing that you need to make sure is that the plant is not dangerous for the dog and immediate medical attention is not required.

Attention particularly needs to be given if a teething puppy starts to eat grass. This is because ingestion of grass and leaves at this stage can lead to blockage, which can pose a significant danger to the puppy. Therefore, if you see your puppy eating grass, it would be a good idea to take measures that would thwart the habit.

How to stop the dog?

If you want to stop your dog from indulging in eating grass, there are various measures that you can take.

If you have a suspicion that your dog is eating grass because of boredom, it might be a good idea to ensure that adequate exercise is provided to it. Perhaps, it is a bit of attention that your dog requires. Make an effort to keep your dog occupied in different types of activities that would keep it engaged. An interactive game such as playing fetch with a Frisbee would be a nice idea. Another option that you have is to get the dog a chew toy which would keep it captivated and off the grass.

If it is a nutritional deficiency that is responsible for the dog eating grass, you should switch to a different dog food. Endeavor to opt for something that would fulfill all its nutritional requirements. You can also incorporate cooked vegetables in its diet which would prove to be quite effective in preventing the dog from eating grass.

A bit of attention is important

At the end of the day, it is your attention to the matter that would make a world of difference. When it comes to pets, it is important that there is no negligence exhibited in any aspect. Therefore, if you notice your dog eating grass suddenly, you need to dig deeper to find out the reason for it. Failure to do so might cause a great deal of harm to your dog. This is because there is a chance that eating grass was a sign of some underlying illness and by not giving it any attention, you failed to detect it. This could put the health of your dog in grave danger.

Keep in mind that when you keep a pet, you are the one who would be responsible if any harm befalls it. Therefore, chances should not be taken. You need to make sure that you pay adequate attention to all the aspects associated with the pet so as to ensure that optimal care is provided to it. By not doing so, you are basically neglecting your duties. Therefore, make sure you keep a close eye on the diet of your dog and seek help if any abnormality is noticed.

Another reason for people to seek help when dogs start to eat grass is that they do not want their beautiful lawn to be destroyed. Whatever the reason for you taking preventative measures against your dog eating grass, make sure you are patient in your approach. If your dog likes to eat grass, you cannot expect it to give up the habit within a short span. Therefore, do not lose patience and continue to make efforts. You will notice a difference soon enough.

Keeping a pet is all about being patient while you nurture it. This is something that you should be prepared for before you take on the responsibility because once you undertake it, there is no turning back. You will have to take care of the dog to the best of your abilities and protect it from all sorts of harm.

Are you the proud owner of an adorable dog? Do you consider yourself to be a master when it comes to having knowledge about how to train your dog? Does this information come from a fellow dog owner and things that you have heard all your life? If so, the chances are that half of the things you believe to be true are myths and lies.

A lot of absurd myths float around about the proper way of training your dog, how much time it takes, and other intricacies of the process. Some of these lies have been around for so long that they are now said with such certainty that you feel as if you don’t have an option other than believing in them. It is as if they are set in stone, unchallenged and ever-living.

Let us debunk some of these lies so that you become more informed and less overwhelmed than before about the process of training your dog. Here are 10 of the most popular lies that we all believe in. Buckle up for some of these facts may shake up all that you believe were the truths about dog training.

Lie #1: Old Dogs Can’t Be Trained

This myth is deeply ingrained in the minds of dog owners everywhere. People firmly believe that they can’t teach an old dog any new tricks. Such a belief has been passed down from generation to generation and is now considered to be such a concrete fact that people don’t even try to train their dogs after they enter the prime of their lives.

However, this notion is a lie. Dogs can learn a trick or behavior at any age. While it is true that teaching a puppy is easier and correcting an action takes a longer time than teaching the proper way to behave in the first place, the fact remains that the act of training is possible. Even if your dog has believed itself to be the pack leader for most of its life, deep down, every dog wishes to be a follower rather than a leader, so your dog would be happy to pass down the throne to you and enjoy its remaining life relaxing.

If you wish to train an old dog, be ready to put in a little more energy than in the case of puppies. However, to say that once dogs reach a certain age, they are untrainable is a ridiculous lie which you should not believe in.

Don’t let this lie bring you down. If you feel as if your dog is exhibiting a bad behavior or habit, get to work and change it.

Lie #2: Small Dogs Are Easier to Train Than Large Dogs

If you have ever asked your family or friends for advice about which dog to get, the chances are that they would have mentioned the fact that small dogs are easier to train than large dogs as an argument for getting the former.

Contrary to popular belief, size is not a factor when it comes to deciding how easy it would be to train a dog. In reality, it has more to do with the breed and individual personality of a dog. Some breeds have a natural predisposition to be dominant and assertive and, hence, are hard to train. Similarly, others are submissive and have no problem adapting to their owner’s command. Such traits can be found in dogs regardless of their size. You may end up owning a large dog whose training is marked by ease and speed or a small one who is demanding and bossy enough to make the act of training it a seemingly never-ending one.

Therefore, you can’t draw conclusions about how easy or difficult the process will be based on the size of the dog. Research about the breed – that is the most you can do – and leave the rest up to fate.

Lie #3: Dog Training Is Time-Consuming

Such a statement may have been true in the olden days, but it is not an accurate depiction of the modern process. This is because dog owners did not have access to proper information and instruction in the past. On the other hand, thanks to an array of online videos that can be streamed, the act of training your dog is now comparatively easier and faster.

Now, dog owners are aware that a well-trained and obedient dog is not a product of hours and hours of work but requires quality training in the form of daily exercises and a proper reward system. You can successfully manage a hectic life and train your dog. It is foolish to assume that there is a trade-off amongst the two.

Don’t view your beloved pet as a complicated animal whose training will sap you of all your energy. Your dog is your friend and it does not require a lot of your time.

Lie #4: Puppy Schools Are the Best Way to Train Your Pet

People tend to believe that puppy schools are the best way to teach pets the proper behavior. However, the truth is that such institutions are not the best approach to tackle poor behavior in pets or even to instill a good habit.

One of the key reasons behind their ineffectiveness can be assessed based on how little effect the school has on dogs compared to the amount of fee charged. Moreover, the classes have a high demand among dog owners, which translates into overbooking of classes and, hence, wastage of time.

Since the most progress your pup will make in four weeks’ worth of courses is responding to sitting commands, you are better off training your pet at home. Not only will it save you a lot of money, but it will also allow you to train and bond with your loyal companion at the same time. Not to mention the fact that training your pet yourself helps establish you as the pack leader.

Therefore, don’t waste your energy and resources on puppy schools. You are better off without them. If you do wish to explore this option, you are at liberty to do so, but don’t expect drastic results. It is better to use such platforms to build a foundation and take up the role of being your dog’s trainer yourself.

Lie #5: You Can Only Have One Alpha in the House

Becoming the pack leader is immensely valuable. Dogs are biologically predisposed to stay in groups and follow a leader and when they don’t see anyone assume the role, they take it upon themselves to be the dominant and assertive one in the equation. Therefore, it is integral that you establish yourself as the pack leader early on in the relationship.

However, a common myth is that only one family member can be the alpha. This belief is flawed. A dog can view multiple people as pack leaders depending on their attitude and how they deal with things. How do you do this? By training them to respect all humans in your home or even in general. Such a process may be tardy, but it will prove to be effective.

A dog can have multiple masters and can realize that all of the family members are its owners. All you need to do is establish a leader like a persona. Know what you are doing, and a calm dog will welcome you. Failure to do so may lead to nasty bites and an aggressive dog.

Lie #6: Positive Reinforcement Is the Only Option

Many dog owners are of the view that dogs should be trained solely via positive reinforcement, i.e., by giving rewards when they exhibit a proper behavior or perform the right action. While there is no denying the effectiveness of such an approach when teaching your dog tricks and good behavior, it is wrong to assume that it is the only approach.

In reality, such an approach may not be as fruitful when teaching your beloved pet about the action it is not supposed to do. Just like when you teach a child, you reward them for their good actions and punish them for their bad ones, a dog is to be treated in the same way.

Mind you, this does not mean shouting at it. You need to earn your dog’s trust and respect. After you have done so, you can put your pets in timeout or deny them treats when they do something against the rules, like peeing in the house or breaking something. Once you adopt this approach, you will notice that your dog will become considerate and more unlikely to break the rules than before.

Hence, negative reinforcements are just as important as positive ones when teaching a dog the proper way to act. Make sure you don’t use either of these approaches incorrectly for they could, then, yield disastrous results.

Lie #7: Training Lessons Take a Huge Chunk Out of Your Wallet

One of the many misconceptions about training dogs is that the best training experiences and methods are always the most expensive ones. The foundation of such a myth is based on the amount of money dog owners are known to spend on puppy schools and pet behaviorists. If you consider such vessels to be the most efficient of all, you will naturally assume that the task requires a hefty amount.

External help may prove to be beneficial in laying the groundwork more smoothly than if you do not seek any help. However, the fact remains that as a dog owner, you can learn all the tricks of training your dog with the aid of videos available online and via an array of dog training sites which offer free advice on the matter. Moreover, if you train your dog without much external help, you get to cherish the memories while learning the art of leadership. It can be said that the best way to train your dog is not only the cheapest method of all, but it is also the most enriched with experiences and memories.

Therefore, if you are worried about how expensive owning a well-trained dog will be, don’t worry. You have been led on to believe in a false assumption. Don’t let it stop you from getting a dog.

Lie #8: Treats Should Not Be Used for Training

It is a popular belief that dog owners should not use treats at all to get their dogs to listen to them. While it is true to say that one should not become dependent on treats to get their dogs to listen to them, it is also true that treats are an excellent way to instill the basics of correct behavior.

A reward is always the best way to show a dog or even a person that their actions are welcome. While such rewards may not always be in the form of food, it is wrong to eliminate them out of the equation altogether. What you do need to learn, however, is to provide a reward when the need truly arises and not when it will not yield any benefit.

It is crucial to learn the art of slowly removing the need of treats after a given action is performed. One way of doing so is by giving these treats sporadically once a positive behavior is established so that your pet doesn’t form any expectations about being giving one every time it performs the action.

Use dog treats, but don’t use them in abundance. Be smart about the system, and you will have no issues.

Lie #9: Destructive Dogs Are Dumb

Another popular notion deeply engrained in the minds of dog owners is that dogs that indulge in destructive activities, like gnawing on furniture, breaking vases, or being chaotic in general, do so because they can’t get the hang of the training you are trying to provide them with.

The truth is the very opposite. Destructive dogs or those who don’t comply with your wishes are, in reality, smarter than dogs who do. The cleverer they are, the more difficult it is to make them give up which, in turn, serves to be a source of a headache for the trainer.

If your dogs portray such behavior, it is your cue to drop whatever practice or approach you are following and try something new. Remember that the key to working with smart dogs is to be smarter than them. Try to understand the reason behind their behavior before you change things up.

Don’t give up on your pup. It will learn and you will find out more about dealing with troublesome teenagers while training your dog. Hence, it’s a win-win for all.

Lie #10: Work Hard. Repeat.

People seem to think that if they put enough energy into the act of training their dogs, it will yield a fruitful result. While that may be the case with some dogs, the key to effective dog training is not how much hard work you put in but how smartly you approach the situation.

If you persist with a wrong approach and work day and night in changing your dog’s behavior in a way which would reflect your hard work, you are in for a rude awakening. Training is not just about putting in your energy. It is about putting in your energy in the right place. For example, if you work hard in trying to teach your dog to pee outside rather than inside the house by giving it a treat every time it pees outside, you are not doing anything to discourage the bad behavior of peeing in the house. In your dog’s eyes, it isn’t faced with a consequence if it does pee in the house. In such a case, regardless of how many times you treat it, the chances are that you may still walk in one day to a stain on your favorite sofa and a dog that doesn’t look guilty about it.

Therefore, make sure that although you work hard, you do so while being smart about it. Don’t repeat a flawed training method day after day and expect fantastic results.

Conclusion

All in all, the fact that such lies exist shows that you should not believe everything you hear, regardless of how firmly a given statement is accepted by many. It is not wise to let such opinions come in the way of providing the best form of training to your dogs.

Always look up the facts when you hear about them from a source which is not credible. This act will help you avoid practices which, at the end of the day, may yield unsatisfactory results.

Train your dogs and provide them with rewards. Be smart and strategic about the time you spend teaching your pup the do’s and don’ts of life, and play your part in shaping an obedient dog.

Decided to add a furry fellow to your family? Great idea! Having a pooch could be a very rewarding experience. Dogs are a joy to have around; they are loving and loyal. They add to the happiness and tend to feel down if their owners are feeling low, but at the same time, are always ready to cheer them up.

However, there are downsides of owning dogs as well. Sometimes, it can get annoying. For instance, one gets no free time for themselves if the dog is a heavy shedder or has many issues. All the time goes into chasing after the dog. And not many people are up to that kind of constant devotion as everybody has a busy life.

This is why some people prefer low-maintenance dogs. Everyone has a different definition for low-maintenance when it comes to dogs, though there are some key points to it. A low-maintenance dog, in general, is one that does not have many requirements.

What makes a dog low-maintenance?

A dog that is easy to train

Some dogs are very tough to train and take a long time to get a grip on what they are being taught. Whereas, others are quick learners. This makes it convenient to train them in doing basic things like visiting the washroom, not wandering into unfamiliar territories, and eating at proper timing etc.

A dog that keeps pooping and peeing at every spot in the house could be vexing. No one wants to be tied down cleaning everyday. A dog that enters places where it is not allowed to go could be an issue as well. But a low-maintenance dog that follows its training will not make such mistakes and thus is not a problem to have around.

A dog that is easy to groom

Another factor that counts is to groom the hound easily. Some dogs need a lot of attention in this regard, but those who are low-maintenance just require weekly baths and brushing of fur, daily brushing of teeth and fortnightly trimming of nails.

These dogs do not shed much hair, and that makes for convenience. A dog that sheds too much fur means it leaves behind a trail of hairs from place to place calling for the need of constant cleaning. That is troublesome particularly for people who lead an already busy routine and do not have maids to take to the broom.

A dog that is active in a balanced way

Agile and fun-spirited dogs are fun to hang out with but not for people who do not have the time or energy to keep up with a dog that needs constant fun. A low-maintenance dog is one that is easily satisfied and eager to please his owner. It does require playtime and regular walks but is not constantly hyped. On the other hand, neither is it such a dog downright too lazy to even get up from where it is lying.

A dog that doesn’t get sick easily

Some breeds of dog catch allergies quite quickly. Such dogs make constant trips to the vet and have many needs. With age their problems grow and handling them becomes costly because of the unique requirements. However, a low-maintenance dog is just the opposite. It does not get sick provided proper care is taken. It remains healthy and does not even eat too much.

A dog that gets along with others

Another factor that counts is how welcoming a pooch is. Some canines are aggressive, and that makes them hard to manage. The low-maintenance ones can be described, in a way, as those who are friendly to kids. So, if you are a person with children, then you should feel relaxed with the thought that your children’s safety will not be compromised with a doggie in the house.

Some dogs do not get along with strangers. They start misbehaving when they notice a new person interacting with their owner or getting too close. That could be troublesome. Similarly, if the pooch is aggressive toward other dogs, that could be a problem too.

Low-maintenance breed of dogs

Whether you are a new pet parent or one who has experience with dogs; and want to get a new one that does not require much maintenance, you must be aware that taking in a pet is a huge responsibility. It is not a toy that can be played with for some days and then discarded. It is a breathing mass with requirements. Anyhow, if for that very reason, you want a pooch that is low-maintenance then you should be able to decide which factor of low-maintenance you are most concerned about.

There are many breeds of dogs, out of which some are excellently easy to groom and are low-maintenance in that way, whereas there are some difficult to train as well. Some kinds meet all the standards of a low-maintenance dog. You need to be sure about which breed behaves how so that you can make your decision with certainty.

However, do not fret because pooches are usually super affectionate and loyal companions. Here are 13 breeds of dog that are low-maintenance in their ways. These are the easiest to handle dogs. You can choose whichever you think would suit you best.

Chihuahua

These dogs are small but ferociously loyal. They like to snuggle into dark places like a hump of cloths as they feel secure doing so. The short-haired Chihuahuas hardly require any grooming, and even though they have long ears, you would not have to check those constantly.

The dog is so small that even if you get a long-haired one, its grooming does not take much time. Even a senior Chihuahua does not get any bone or joints problems. Considering their size, they eat only in small or mediocre amounts.

The only downside is that since they are small, their necks are delicate hence you have to be careful with the leash and collar. They are mostly indoor pets, but they like to have regular walks like all other pets do.

Labrador Retriever

Labs are the most loved dogs around the world and that also for a solid reason. This breed of dogs knows how to spread joy. They are low-maintenance despite their large size. They are not temperamental but rather fun-loving dogs. They are active in a balanced way; not too jolly nor lazy either.

They do shed hairs but not much, and overall have fewer requirements. They are easy to train and friendly to children as well. They do not need that much grooming. These dogs are easy to satisfy.

Beagle

This breed of dog is happy with a walk, and it is not always excited. The Beagle is not lazy, and nor active either. It does shed hairs but not too much. Its short fur coat just needs to be brushed and bathed occasionally. They are not quiet and make a lot of noise. They love cuddling with their pet parents and regular play sessions.

With these dogs, you do not have to fret over getting an appointment booked with a groomer. They are small, social, and adorable. They are also great with kids, so it solves your safety concerns for your child. However, the one con is that these dogs are rather hard to train. Training a Beagle could be challenging.

Greyhound

Contrary to popular belief, Greyhounds are couch potatoes. One might think that given they run fast, they would be having a lot of energy; and the owner would have to take this pet for runs rather than walks. But that is not the case. The Greyhound is an indoor animal who likes snuggling into a cozy place like a sofa.

These dogs are low-maintenance as they are clean and quiet. Their short fur is easy to maintain, and their sleek body makes them convenient to have at home. They are calm and tolerant, so they are not a problem to have near kids.

This breed needs to be kept on a leash because they have the urge to run. This might get them hurt or lost and scared. Though they are well-behaved, they need to be taken out for daily walks.

Miniature Pinscher

If you are a lonely fellow who needs a friend, then this is the dog for you. Min Pins are loyal and fun, but they are not tolerant of visitors. Neither are they good to have around kids. They do not require much grooming; their small hairs do not shed a lot and can be handled with regular brushing.

The Miniature Pinscher does not even require much rigid training. They are easy to train and are snugglers. They are small and joyful but not very active. All you need to do is just regularly walk and play with them.

Pug

The Pug is another low-maintenance pooch. It does not shed many hairs and is a joy to have around. All it wants from you is to make it rest on your lap and spoil it by feeding it food. Pugs are not a problem to have around children. These lazy animals consider walking from one couch to another exercise.

They shed a moderate amount. All you get to do to keep them managed is regularly bathing and brushing them. They have a cute sense of humor. These affectionate animals are indoor dogs that cannot stand too much heat.

Dachshund

The Doxie is another dog that does not require much maintenance. They are intelligent, jolly, and amusing to have around. The Dachshund needs less grooming because it has a smooth fur coat that does not shed much.

They love to hang out in packs so if you are looking forward to having more than one; say two dogs roaming around your house then this breed is the right choice. Training could be challenging if done incorrectly, so be careful about that.

Other than that, these food hunters need to be kept an eye on. Because if found a snack lying around they are sure to eat it.

American Staffordshire Terrier

This dog is an active one that requires long walks. If you are a lazy person, you might not be able to keep up with an American Staffordshire Terrier. However, they need minimal grooming. All you need to do to keep it clean is give it baths now and then.

They are fun-loving fellows who get along with everyone. They are eager to please those they love, and that is why you would adore them. They are always ready for an adventure. They love meeting new people as well so they would not trouble near visitors.

They love spending time with their folks and are relatively easy to train. If you need a buddy who is as energetic as you, then this hound would be the right choice.

Boxer

This breed of dog quickly mingles with the family and becomes an active part of it. They are also low-maintenance as weekly brushing of the fur coat keeps them from shedding much. The Boxer is a fun-loving, agile dog that is not aggressive and is rather loyal.

They do not need too much exercise, just regular short walks. They like snuggling with their members and giving wet smooches. They drool and snore while sleeping just like all other dogs. They are not tough to train, but they need to be in consistent practice.

Vizsla

The Velcro Vizsla dogs are very close to their owners. They are very affectionate and love to be around people. They make sure their opinion is being heard by constantly whining and moaning. These dogs are more indoor animals than outdoors. In the winters, they should be kept warm as they do not have an undercoat.

However, this breed of dog is smart and easy to train. They should be kept in control because they can be obstinate and tend to get excited easily. They are low-maintenance as they do not require regular baths and do not shed much. More like cats, they keep themselves clean.

Their odor is not smelly so those who are bothered with dogs because of this reason can rest assured. Weekly brushing is enough to keep their fur from shedding too much. Their nails need to be trimmed once every two months. These dogs are warm-hearted, so they are not a danger to children.

Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkie is a hypoallergenic breed that is very friendly. Though it is small, it is an alert dog. It is cute and fun to have around. This breed of dog is not any harm for children. You do not need to keep a check on them. As these dogs are small, their requirements are less.

If their fur is cut short, it does not need much grooming either. Even if the pooch’s hairs grow, it can be cut at home every two months. The hairs do not shed much, but they get tangled, so brushing is necessary.

They are miniature and therefore do not require much exercise. Their training is also trouble-free. These small furry buddies can be your partners on the go wherever you head. They are well-behaved and kind to everyone they meet.

Rottweiler

The Rottweiler enjoys hanging out with its owner quite a lot. This breed loves spending time and doing everything with its pet parents, from watching television to sleeping with its owners.

They are easy to train and keep in mind what they are taught. This makes them intelligent. These are not very noisy dogs. Until they are two or three years of age, they cannot even bark.

This breed of dogs is easy to maintain as well. Brushing its coat twice or thrice a week would keep the shedding to a minimum. If you are looking for a consistent companion, the Rottweiler would be an incredible choice.

Bolognese

This breed of dog may be one of the cutest. For people who are lazy and cannot handle the work a pooch requires, but at the same time desperately want a dog, the Bolognese is an ideal choice. The little fellow can be a constant companion and does not require much. It is easy to train as it is smart and catches tricks quickly.

It takes up very less space as it is small. It is playful but not too bouncy and active. A mediocre amount of exercise in the form of occasional walks would suffice. It gets along with other hounds and kids as well but is reserved toward strangers.

Its white hairs are long but do not shed much. So, it requires moderate grooming. Also, it is a hypoallergenic pooch which makes for another pro. It does not particularly have any genetic health issues. All this makes convenient for you to have it around as it does not make you work too much.

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