Body Shape More Important Then Weight

It's important to keep our dogs and cats in good mental and physical health.  Exercise, play and well balanced foods go a long way to keeping them on track.  Knowing your pet's weight has value, but the shape is more telling.  Like most of us we tend to spoil our pets.  However, keeping them in shape causes less stress on the joints and organs.  And, less stress with the vet bills.  We love our pups and cats and want them to have a long life with us.  The charts below will help guide you on your pet's condition. 

Teaching Your Pup a Thing or Two

Dogs need rules.  They are pack animals.  And, in that pack there is a pecking order.  You must be the alpha dog.  You must teach what is expected from your pup.  The rules help your dog to understand boundaries.  And the one thing dogs always love is "praise."  Every time your pup does something right, turn on the praise.  It's just as good as a treat.


For me the first most important commands a dog should know are: 1) Come, 2) Stay, 3) Sit.  Perhaps the command "Come" is the most important of all.  If this command is well instilled in your pup you will be able to avoid many mishaps and tragedies.  This command will stop your dog from running off to explore, or from dogs that may be too aggressive.  And, preventing the fear we all have; running into the street.  With the command "Come" well obeyed, all else is possible.


Keep in mind, this command has to be the best word your dog knows.  It must mean praise.  It must mean a treat.  It must mean, "I am good."  Never, ever, call your pup only to scold it.  Dogs are smart.  They will quickly learn "come" really means "I'm in trouble."  When you call your pup you can only offer praise and perhaps a treat.  Being told to "Come" must be the greatest word to your dog.  Nothing should be more important then running to you.


I practice and reinforce "Come" almost on a daily bases.  If I'm in a different part of the house I will call my pup to me.   When he comes I give him a low-key praise.  to start training your dog, put about 10 to 12 feet between you and your dog.  Call your pup.  Then offer gentle praise.  Repeat this.  Eventually put 20 to 30 yards between you and offer generous praise. and perhaps a treat.  If my dog is 40 or 50 yards away I want him to run to me at top speed.  And he will because he knows something great is about to happen.  To heighten your pup's expectation, crouch down and spread your arms.  This is a wonderful visual cue for your pup.  You are communicating, "All is right with the world."  And, at the risk of being redundant, never scold your dog after obeying your command to "Come."  No matter how bad they might have been.  Never.


"Sit" and "Stay"  pretty much go together.  "Sit" is the fancy part of "Stay."  Dogs almost teach themselves to "Sit" because there is usually a treat coming.  Whenever I plan to cross a street I always make my dog sit.  It is my hope should we ever become separated he will "Sit" at the curb until told to cross. (Well, I said it was my "hope.")   Again, commanding your pup to "Sit" or "Stay" you are teaching rules and boundaries.  These are not as important as "Come."  Gentle praise should be the norm.


From here you can teach anything you wish.  "Shake," Lay Down," "Play Dead," Take the car and get a pizza," anything.  What you are teaching is respect, boundaries and that you are in charge.  But, if you only teach one command, let it be "Come."


Dog training classes are great for two reasons: To learn how to communicate with your pup, and for socializing.  Dogs need to be around other dogs, big dogs, small dogs, young and old.  Dogs have a way of teaching each other.  they learn to play and to respect or be put in their place.  The dog parks are another good place to socialize.  Keep in mind, you are the adult.  You must always keep an eye on your pup. Liken your dog to a 2 or 3 year old child and you'll be fine.  "Play nice with the other kids, or have a timeout."  The more exposure to other dogs the more socialized and comfortable your pup will be.  Even going on walks or hikes with other dogs is beneficial.


The bottom line, the more you interact with you dog the more your dog will obey and face the world with ease.  After all, your dog only has one purpose in life, to make you happy.  Now, go show your pup some love.  Praise for no reason is the best praise of all.