Finding Time with your Furry Friend

Finding time to actually spend with your dog can sometimes be a challenge. Dogs can need a lot of exercise, attention and stimulation to get them through the day and between work and/or kids it can be extremely hard to fill those needs. Not having time for a pet is also a big reason people place their pets for adoption but think of some of these alternate methods before making a choice such as that.

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Before getting a dog do research about the breed and the requirements that they will need, some dogs need more exercise than others and if their requirements are not met they can turn into "problem dogs". Make sure the dog you get suits your family. Not all dogs live up to their breed reputation but most research you do will give you a good guideline to follow.
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1. Schedule them into your free time - Whether that is once you get off work or during nap time, try and take them on a walk (for those moms that dont mind a napping child in a stroller). Taking them to a nearby park in the afternoon, after work or maybe when your significant other comes home, so that they can run around and play fetch is a great way to get some energy out and let them settle down before bed time. If your yard is big enough to throw a ball around back there that will also work and would be extra convenient for you! My husband will usually watch the kids when he gets off work so I can take the dogs on a walk or have some uninterrupted training sessions and it is an excellent little break for me!

2. Wake up a little earlier than normal - If you wake up at three because you work incredibly early or have a really long commute then you should probably disregard this option. If you work around 7,8 or 9 try waking up early enough to get them on a walk around the block or at least twenty minutes earlier to spend some time with your dog working on or refreshing basic training cues. Dog training is a simple way to give your dog some mental stimulation and can actually wear them out so after a quick little session in the morning they should be ready for the first nap of their day! I try to get out of bed before the kids so I can do some morning exercises and have a quick training session with my dogs. 

3. Find more "Dog people" to get together with - You can meet "dog people" at local parks or out on walks (assuming their dog is "dog friendly"). Dog people love their dog (or dogs) as much as you do and if you get a long (and your dogs of course) then try and schedule a time to get together with them for playdates or walks. This helps get you motivated to actually get you out of the house at a certain time to meet up with them. This choice is a great option since it also gives you an opportunity to make new friends. Having two dogs and two kids and a husband who works from before the sun rises until 4 daily, also throw in a couple days of him going to school during the week and not coming home until 8 at night, turns our little family into a lot on my plate, taking care of the kids, house maintenance, taking care of the dogs, while building a business! Im surely not wonder woman so there is definitely days where Im not as peppy as others, a lot of the friends I had been meeting since our move were absolute wonderful people but werent "dog people" and it almost made me feel like my dogs were more of an inconvenience than anything when they came around. That was until I met another person that loves dogs as much as I do, they made me remember why I got into dog training and how passionate I was about it. Dog people who understand your situation can be especially uplifting and help you find that time to spend with your dogs! Friends are always a must, but when youre a dog person, "dog people" friends are just as, if not more, important! ;)

4. Include them in your weekend plans - Even if your "weekend"(or any day you have off) is at some point during the week then plan a walk to the park or go to a dog friendly hiking trail, a lake or the beach! Bring a lunch and turn it into a picnic! This is something your whole family can do and a great way to get out and enjoy the weather and enjoy some family time!

5. Dog training daily - I used dog training in a lot of the previous recommendations but this really is a good way to bond with your pet and spend some time with them. It is also important! Dog training isnt just a one time deal, you have to continuously work with them and refresh their cues so that they continue to know what it means so even if your dog is fully trained it never hurts to refresh on the basics. When working with a dog trainer they usually have different cues you work on each week, say you spend a maximum of twenty minutes a day working on these cues you should break that training session up during the day, a few minutes in the morning a few minutes at night. Personally, I get into training with my dog and I lose track of time but you dont want to over do it, dogs can get tired and confused if you persistently work on a single or set of cues.

Along with the aforementioned, here are some alternate tips you can do for them while youre busy or away.

1. Give him toys while youre away - Toys that cant be destroyed easily (anything not stuffed) or that take a little bit of time during the day for them to figure out will give them something to play with while youre away or busy. I use the beehive shaped Kong, stuff it with some wet and dry dog food mix top it off with peanut butter and freeze it over night. This gives your dog something that will keep him busy while youre away and also lasts for a few hours. Another option is to hide treats throughout your house or backyard (if your dog does not stay in a kennel all day), they will either go hunt them down all at once after you leave or  every once in a while pick up the smell and go search for them.
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2. Hire a dog walker or find a doggy daycare - Finding a dog walker/daycare is a little like hiring a babysitter except for dogs, you can hire walkers to come daily during the week while youre working or busy, or even just a couple times during the week, whichever you decide to set up. Most dog walkers charge by hourly rates so if you can work out something you can afford with them then this is a great option to get them out of the house during the day, just be sure to stick to a budget. Websites such as care.com have access to dog walkers in your area and also allows you to post an ad that you are in need of a dog walker. This website can also do background checks for you but of course you will want to schedule an interview with the potential dog walker first and ask for references and experience to make sure they are the right fit for your family and needs. Search your area for reputable daycares and find out if your dog would be a good fit for that instead.

3. Give them a friend - Although this sounds like a step back in the whole "spending more time with your dog" ordeal, this can actually be a great option if you are too busy to give your dog all the attention he needs during the day. Giving your dog someone to hang out with while youre gone or busy can prevent them from feeling bored or lonely. If another animal fits your budget then it would definitely be something to consider. Also consider smaller dogs if you do have a big dog already, or maybe even a cat (if your dog is ok with cats).

If worse comes to worst and you absolutely need to rehome them because having a dog just doesnt work for you, give them the chance to find a real home instead of resorting to putting them in a shelter first. Ask family and friends to help spread word that you need help with them being rehomed. Use websites such as petfinder.com to post an ad or use your local newspaper or penny saver and do thorough checks on the home they could be potentially going to. Dog shelters are too over populated so we need to do our part to keep them out of there!

Also dont forget to spay and neuter!

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Tomorrow - Adapting Training into your Daily Routines.

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Finding A Decent Commercial Dog Food Part One Ingredients First

The phrase "healthy dog food" means a lot of different things to different people. Dry dog food is by far the most common and easy to use, but also is the most processed, and carbohydrate-heavy dog food you can find. Personally, I home cook a balanced diet for my dog, Dexter. This allows me to truly customize his dietary needs, and he receives a healthy, fresh, preservative-free meal at every feeding. You too can learn how in, Whats For Dinner, Dexter?

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Today, I want to help you make the best dog food decision for your dog and your lifestyle. One that makes sense for you. This dog food blog is just meant to shed a little light on how to choose a commercial pet food if thats your choice. I will cover a raw diet, canned dog food, and dry dog food. My food recommendations will provide you with some ideas, and companies to look into, it is by far not a complete list. But, hopefully, my tips, and what to look for will teach you how to read and understand pet food labels.

So, here we go. First up, the ingredient list. This is such a crucial part in determining the actual meat portion of your dogs food. So often, people are swayed by the images of the pet food bag, celebrity endorsements or their friends. But, Im asking you to put those images, and endorsements aside, and flip over the bag and read the ingredient list.

The label. Dogs need meat. Dogs need a good portion of meat. When I home cook Dexters meal, I shoot for 70% meat, 15% fruits and vegetables and 15% healthy grains or beans. If you are reading a pet food label, and looking for a high-quality, meat-rich diet, minimally the first 3-5 ingredients listed should be a named meat source such as salmon, turkey, chicken or beef. This can be followed by a few fruits, veggies, and grains. Remember, a label is listed by weight, so you want your meat up there at the top. If you have a meat source or two, followed by a potato or grain, you are losing your meat.

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Heres an example taken from Primals Duck Formula: Duck, Duck Necks, Duck Wings, Organic Kale, Duck Hearts, Duck Gizzards, Organic Carrots, Organic Squash, Duck Livers, Organic Broccoli, Organic Apples, Blueberries, Cranberries, Organic Pumpkin Seeds, Organic Sunflower Seeds, Montmorillonite Clay, Organic Parsley, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Salmon Oil, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Quinoa Sprout Powder, Dried Organic Kelp, Alfalfa, Vitamin E Supplement, Mixed Tocopherols (natural preservative).

Heres an example of Merricks Duck Formula: Deboned Duck, Duck Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Potatoes, Pea Protein, Duck Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Potato Protein, Organic Alfalfa, Salt, Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Amino Acid Complex, Sodium Selenite), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Thiamine Mononitrate), Choline Chloride, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract.

Can you see how one ingredient list is much heavier in meat? Then take a look at the squash, potato, pea list. Not that any of those items is bad in themselves, but the shear quantity of Merrick vs. Primal. That means there are a lot of carbohydrate foods vs. meat.

Lets look at yet another pet food label. This dog food doesnt even have meat as the first ingredient. There are also lots of potatoes and peas.

Natural Balance Potato and Duck Formula: Potatoes, Duck Meal, Duck, Canola Oil (preserved with natural mixed tocopherols), Potato Protein, Potato Fiber, Natural Flavor, Dicalcium Phosphate, Sodium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Salmon Oil, Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Natural Mixed Tocopherols, L-Carnitine, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin (Vitamin B-2), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Folic Acid

Finally, we can view one of the worst dog foods out there, Beneful. You might be shocked when you read the ingredient list and, unfortunately, there are plenty of other low-quality, dog foods out there, just as bad.

Beneful Original Formula: Ground yellow corn, chicken by-product meal, corn gluten meal, whole wheat flour, animal fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols, rice flour, beef, soy flour, meat and bone meal, propylene glycol, sugar, tricalcium phosphate, salt, phosphoric acid, potassium chloride, animal digest, sorbic acid (a preservative), mono and dicalcium phosphate, dried spinach, dried peas, dried carrots, L-Lysine monohydrochloride, calcium propionate (a preservative), choline chloride, zinc sulfate, Vitamin E supplement, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, Red 40, niacin, Vitamin A supplement, Yellow 6, Yellow 5, copper sulfate, Vitamin B-12 supplement, calcium pantothenate, Blue 2, thiamine mononitrate, garlic oil, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin supplement, Vitamin D-3 supplement, calcium iodate, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of Vitamin K activity), folic acid, biotin, sodium selenite.

I honestly want to cry when I read that list. Some of those ingredients are not only unhealthy, but actually toxic! Look a few up for yourself. You can start with propylene glycol. Beef is the only real meat in there, and that is so far down the list. I highlighted animal, meat and bone because they are not named items. Meaning, animal, meat or bone is very likely your neighborhood dog that was euthenized! Yes, that is a true statement.

Here are 10 ingredients that are never in any of Dexters food or treats.

1. Flavors of any kind, natural or artificial- No artificial or natural "flavors" of any kind.  If it says "flavor" in the ingredient list, back on the shelf it goes.  Its not real food guys.  And if its not a real food ingredient, it  has no place in my dogs treat, or dog food.
2. Added salt, regular or sea salt- Nope, no reason to add salt in my dogs treat.  Every living creature needs sodium in their diet, but too much can cause problems such as seizures, diarrhea & extra water intake.  A lot of foods have natural occurring sodium, so you do not need extra salt added to treats.
3. Sugar or any kind including high corn fructose, corn syrup or cane sugar- I shouldnt need to tell you this.  If we add sugar or high corn fructose we are truly just adding empty calories.  Not only are these ingredients bad for our dogs health, they will also hop them up & they can become hyperactive. 
4. Sorbitol-A sugar commonly found in berries, but prepared synthetically.
5. By-products or digest- Ewww  I want to make sure my dog receives healthy food not what is left on the floor of some meat manufacturing plant.  Or carcasses from veterinarian practices!  Scary, isnt it?  Again, I want to know what is in that bag of treats.
6. Coloring, artificial or natural- Why?  Why would a pet treat manufacture put dye or coloring in my dogs treat?  To please the consumers eyes of course.  Especially when we are talking about artificial food coloring.  Artificial anything is a chemical process & has a long list of possible side effects.  And dont be fooled by "natural food coloring".  Natural can be made by things like bugs & rocks!
7. Animal fat or anything "animal" "meat"- What kind of animal or meat?  Again, what the heck is in there anyway?  When I read it, I should have a very clear picture of what it is.
8. Chemical Preservatives - Chemical preservatives of any kind should be avoided.  Healthy does not equate to chemicals.  No BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene), BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole), Ethoxyquin, TBHQ (tertiary butylhydroquinone), Propyl Gallate, Propylene glycol, Sodium Nitrite.  BHA, BHT & Ethoxyquin  are banned in human foods.
9. Corn, wheat or soy-A lot of our dog friends are allergic, or have a low tolerance to these ingredients.  According to PetCareRX, that excessive soy may contain estrogen that might provide some estrogen-like activity in your dog & contribute to slightly lower thyroid hormone levels.
10. Glycerin, vegetable glycerin or glycerole-Glycerin or glycerole can actually be produced as a by product of diesel fuel!  It will be unlikely you will know the difference from reading the ingredient list (although vegetable glycerin is plant based, not from fuel).  This is an ingredient in dog treats that helps make a treat soft & sugary.  It is not uncommon for dogs to get a big case of diarrhea from eating treats with this product.  Dexter is one of them.

Food for thought, for sure. Stay tuned for my next installment, which will cover the processing of dog food. Dont miss out, sign up for my newsletter and follow me on Facebook.

Do you need extra dog training help?  I offer in-person,  phone consultations, weekend dog retreats and public seminars.  Contact me today for details.

Tonya Wilhelm-Global Dog Training http://www.globaldogtraining.com

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