We’ve all seen them and felt sorry for them: overweight dogs who can barely take a few steps without stopping and panting for breath. It’s especially sad to see a young dog who’s grown obese, for his unhealthy condition makes him look and feel old before his time. Sometimes, such a sight prompts teasing and jokes, but a fat dog is no laughing matter, for he’s at risk of serious health complications that can reduce both the quality and length of his life. There are many things we can do to prevent obesity in our pets – and feeding an overweight dog the right kind and amount of food is the first priority.

Sometimes, we lose perspective on just how overweight our own pet may be: “He’s not fat, he’s my dog!’ But when we finally do realize that we have a dog in dire need of a reducing diet – perhaps a friend, family member, or passerby makes an offhand remark that gets our attention, or the veterinarian gives us a good scolding – the urgency of the situation sinks in fast. That’s the point at which pet owners must resolve to implement a new and improved feeding program for their dogs, because otherwise they are literally endangering their pets’ health.

Sadly, many factors conspire to sneak up on well-meaning pet owners, packing pounds on unsuspecting dogs. A diet that’s high in empty calories such as corn and grains… a few too many treats tendered just for looking cute (the fattening equivalent of overindulgent between-meal snacking in humans)… a reduced activity level due to an injury and/or surgery… the tendency of many pet owners to free-feed kibble for convenience.

There’s no greater act of love you can show your dog than slenderizing him if he’s grown fat. We all know that dogs love to eat, so many owners fear – wrongly – that it’s unkind to impose portion control on “chow hounds.” But don’t worry: slimming down an overweight dog isn’t about denying him food, it’s about feeding him the right food in the right way. Feeding an overweight dog so that he wins the battle of the bulge is a challenge, to be sure, but with the right pet food formula and a positive attitude, it can definitely be done. Your overweight dog can’t do this without you – you must become his coach and diet guru.

Whatever you do, don’t crash-diet your dog. Statistics show that one in every 400 dogs has Diabetes, and crash-dieting could put Fido at higher risk. Slow and steady wins the battle of the bulge, so begin by examining the ingredients of your dog’s kibble to make sure it contains nothing to pack on unwanted pounds or keep them there. Melting off unwanted pounds starts with selecting the right kibble. Too many pet foods on the market are loaded with carbohydrates and empty calories, which create a vicious cycle in which an overweight pet is doomed to never shed excess bulk. So the first ingredient to eliminate from your overweight pet’s diet is grain – any and all types of grain. The best formula to feed an overweight dog is high in protein and healthy fat, but low in carbohydrates, with no grains or gluten in the mix. An overweight dog is at higher risk of heart disease, so eliminating gluten from his diet is a top priority.

Skip corn, wheat, soy, sugar, salt, and artificial colorings and preservatives – while slenderizing, your dog might as well turn over a completely new nutritional leaf! Fiber is a critical ingredient of an overweight dog’s diet, as it helps lower the risk of heart disease and Diabetes. When selecting your overweight dog’s kibble, look for wholesome, high-fiber sources such as potatoes, yellow peas, broccoli, and blueberries. Dietary fiber keeps weight under control by delaying the return of hunger; just as it does for us humans, fiber actually makes your dog feel more full on less food. And when anyone – four-legged or two-legged – is trying to lose weight, that feeling of satiety is key, so that one doesn’t crave more than one should eat and wind up binging.

Speaking of binging, please do not free-feed overweight dogs; leaving a feeder out for them to graze at is simply inviting them to overeat. Instead, feed small, portion-controlled meals. Once you’ve settled on a premium pet food that meets the above criteria, cut the manufacturer’s recommended serving size by one quarter. Make up the difference by adding in freshly cooked (steamed or boiled) spinach, broccoli, and/or kale. If your dog likes lettuce, by all means add some shredded red leaves in there as well. At the same time, slowly increase your dog’s activity level; if your dog is up to it, walking up and down stairs is a great way to slenderize his physique. If you have a dog treadmill, use it to raise your pet’s heart rate; if not, go for longer walks, and make the most out of off-leash park playtime with games of fetch.

The excess pounds carried by overweight dogs puts strain on their joints, which were not designed to support this heavy load; if they grow seriously obese, dogs risk ligament rupture and spinal injury in addition to heart disease and Diabetes. The best pet food to feed an overweight dog contains joint support in the form of glucosamine, chondroitin, and Omega-3 oil to help keep overtaxed joints lubricated. These and other nutritional supplements will help support your dog as his body works to shed the pounds. To keep the dog’s digestion at peak performance, be sure that his kibble contains probiotics and enzymes, so he’ll be able to digest his food with maximum efficiency and derive all the nutritional benefit of his smaller, now-portion-controlled meals. An antioxidant immune booster, meanwhile, is another critical supplement for a dog on a reducing diet, as it will protect his body from the damaging effects of free radicals.

The inspirational success stories on TVs “The Biggest Loser” have motivated so many viewers to tackle their own physiques with impressive results; the process of feeding an overweight dog with the aim of downsizing just might inspire you to get busy slenderizing yourself! If you decide to do that, simply follow the same nutritional tips and supplement pointers outlined above. Once you do, when you and your dog step out to exercise together, everyone will notice a healthy new you – both of you.

We’ve all seen them and felt sorry for them: overweight cats whose bellies swing to and fro with every step. It’s especially sad to see a young cat who’s grown obese, for her unhealthy condition makes her look and feel old before her time. Sometimes, such a sight prompts teasing and jokes, but a fat cat is no laughing matter, for she’s at risk of serious health complications that can reduce both the quality and length of her life. There are many things we can do to prevent obesity in our pets – and feeding an overweight cat the right kind and amount of food is the first priority.

Sometimes, we lose perspective on just how overweight our own pet may be. But when we finally do realize that we have a cat in dire need of a reducing diet – perhaps a friend or family member makes an offhand remark that gets our attention, or the veterinarian gives us a good scolding – the urgency of the situation sinks in fast. That’s the point at which pet owners must resolve to implement a new and improved feeding program for their cats, because otherwise they are literally endangering their pets’ health.

Sadly, many factors conspire to sneak up on well-meaning pet owners, packing pounds on unsuspecting cats. A diet that’s high in empty calories such as corn and grains… a few too many treats tendered just for looking cute (the fattening equivalent of overindulgent between-meal snacking in humans)… the low activity level of most housebound indoor cats… the tendency of many pet owners to free-feed kibble for convenience.

There’s no greater act of love you can show your cat than slenderizing her if she’s grown fat. We all know that cats love to eat, so many owners fear – wrongly – that it’s unkind to impose portion control. But don’t worry: slimming down an overweight cat isn’t about denying her food, it’s about feeding her the right food in the right way. Feeding an overweight cat so that she wins the battle of the bulge is a challenge, to be sure, but with the right pet food formula and a positive attitude, it can definitely be done. Your overweight cat can’t do this without you – you must become her coach and diet guru.

Whatever you do, don’t crash-diet your cat. Statistics show that one in every 100 cats has Diabetes, and crash-dieting could put Fuffy at higher risk. Slow and steady wins the battle of the bulge, so begin by examining the ingredients of your cat’s kibble to make sure it contains nothing to pack on unwanted pounds or keep them there. Melting off unwanted pounds starts with selecting the right kibble. Too many pet foods on the market are loaded with carbohydrates and empty calories, which create a vicious cycle in which an overweight cat is doomed to never shed excess bulk. So the first ingredient to eliminate from your overweight pet’s diet is grain – any and all types of grain. The best formula to feed an overweight cat is high in protein and healthy fat, but low in carbohydrates, with no grains or gluten in the mix. An overweight cat is at higher risk of heart disease, so eliminating gluten from her diet is a top priority.

Skip corn, wheat, soy, sugar, salt, and artificial colorings and preservatives – while slenderizing, your cat might as well turn over a completely new nutritional leaf! Fiber is a critical ingredient of an overweight dog’s diet, as it helps lower the risk of heart disease and Diabetes. When selecting your overweight dog’s kibble, look for wholesome, high-fiber sources such as potatoes and yellow peas. Dietary fiber keeps weight under control by delaying the return of hunger; just as it does for us humans, fiber actually makes your cat feel more full on less food. And when anyone – four-legged or two-legged – is trying to lose weight, that feeling of satiety is key, so that one doesn’t crave more than one should eat and wind up binging.

Speaking of binging, please do not free-feed overweight cats; leaving a feeder out for them to graze at is simply inviting them to overeat. Instead, feed small, portion-controlled meals. Once you’ve settled on a premium pet food that meets the above criteria, cut the manufacturer’s recommended serving size by one quarter. Cats are notorious non-vegetarians, so don’t even bother offering them veggies – when in doubt, give them more protein and a loving half-spoonful of fish oil. Treat time is an opportunity for a morsel of meat, fish, or cooked egg. Soon, you’ll start to see impressive results simply by reducing your cat’s portion size and ensuring that the kibble you feed her is free of empty calories.

The excess pounds carried by overweight cats puts strain on their joints, which were not designed to support this heavy load; if they grow seriously obese, cats risk ligament rupture and spinal injury in addition to heart disease and Diabetes. The best pet food to feed an overweight cat contains joint support in the form of glucosamine, chondroitin, and Omega-3 oil to help keep overtaxed joints lubricated. These and other nutritional supplements will help support your cat as her body works to shed the pounds. An antioxidant immune booster, meanwhile, is another critical supplement for a cat on a reducing diet, as it will protect her body from the damaging effects of free radicals.

Do what you can to slowly increase your cat’s activity level. Install shelves on the wall for her to climb, and motivate Kitty to jump up there by enticing her with small morsels of her grain-free, gluten-free kibble. Use a laser pointer aimed at the floor (never directly at the cat’s eyes) to get her moving and pouncing after the light. Even an old-fashioned cat teaser toy will get Kitty to stretch her muscles; a tall scratching post, rubbed lightly with catnip, will encourage her to stretch upward, which helps whittle her waist.

Felines do enjoy wheatgrass, so provide them with pots of the green stuff for their nibbling pleasure. Wheatgrass aids digestion and prevents hairballs, which is especially important when feeding an overweight cat. now that she’s eating less, Kitty shouldn’t regurgitate her reduced food portions undigested, as her body won’t have a chance to absorb the vital nutrients they contain. To keep your cat’s digestion at peak performance, be sure that her kibble contains probiotics and enzymes, so she’ll be able to digest her food with maximum efficiency and derive all the nutritional benefit of her smaller, now-portion-controlled meals. Before you know it, your beautiful cat will regain her trim physique – and by sticking with her healthy new diet, she’ll keep her fabulous feline figure for life.

Valentines day is just around the corner. What are you going to get that special someone in your life? More importantly what are you going to get your four legged friend? Your pets are probably one of your best friends, they are with you through the good and bad, to lick the tears off your face, make you laugh when you have a bad day, most of all they are there for you because they want to be. Valentines day is a great day to show our pets how much we love them! Last While you are out shopping for your loved ones for Valentines day here are some great tips for gifts your pet would love to get!

- Treat Basket – Give your dog/cat a basket filled with all their favorite treats. From their favorite food, to their favorite snack your pet will love this!
- A New Toy – Find a toy you know your pet will like. Something with extra squeakers for your playful pooch or some of the mice that your cat loves to play with
- Quality Time – More than anything your pet would love to spend some extra time with you. Take your pooch for an extra long walk at the park, or spend the day hanging out at home with your cat. They will appreciate the extra attention.

Studies show that last year more money was spent at pet stores on Valentines day then was spent buying gifts for significant others. Make this a special day for your pet and show them how much you appreciate and love them!

The average lifespan of a cat who lives indoors is 12-15 years, for cats that are kept outdoors and have free roam the lifespan decreases drastically to an average of 3 years. There is no research or evidence that shows cats need to spend large amounts of time outdoors in order to lead a healthy, happy and satisfied life. The main things that cats need to be satisfied are; play, exercise, good diet, companionship and rest, all of which can be obtained indoors.

If you do want to give your cat some outdoor time to allow them to see the world and get some fresh air there are some tips you want to follow to ensure your cat is safe.
1) Make sure they have identification on
2) Must be vaccinated
3) Have them spayed or neutered
4) Leash train your cat so the two of you can go on walks together (this is also great for bonding with your cat)
5) Create a controlled outdoor environment. There are many products on the market that will provide you cat with a safe outdoor play area. Cages and pens work, Cat outdoor play systems (these allow your cats plenty of space to roam and lay without being able to wonder off.)
6) Purchase a carrier – putting your cat in a carrier and taking him/her with you places protects them from other animals and allows them to go to new places and see lots of great things.

If you are going to let your cat roam freely remember that cats are curious creatures, they love to investigate and snoop around everything. By doing what ever you can to keep your cat safe when outdoors you can be adding years on to their lives.

Dogs are social animals by nature, they need to get out, do things, meet people and of course interact with other dogs.
For some pet owners this is easier said then done. If you have ever had a dog who lunges when it comes near other pets, or barks as it walks by a cyclist or another person on the sidewalk, you become nervous to take your dog out into crowds or to parks.
The aggression or fear that your are seeing from your dog is not untreatable. This happens to many dogs and they just need to be worked with to cure this problem.

If you have a puppy you can curb this problem before it even starts. Begin with bringing them into small groups or introducing them to one dog at a time. But make sure they know that they are safe. Act confident and calm and your dog will feed off that energy. When introducing your dog to another person make sure that the person doesn’t overwhelm them, they need to approach the dog when the dog is ready. This means that your dog is in a calm state, they are not stressed or afraid. Knowing if your dog is in this state of mind takes time.
Once your dog is in the calm state the person can approach them.
When introducing your puppy to another dog or a group of dogs, again you must act calm and confident. Allow them to sniff each other out before you allow them to go run and play, this will help them to get to know each other before play time.

If your dog is an adult and has socialization issues you want to work with them progressively. Have a specific goal in mind, this can be to overcome their fear of people on roller blades, or with other dogs, but whatever you do don’t try to cure all of their fears at once. This can be to overwhelming for your dog and can in some cases make the problem worse. Knowing what is write for your dog, or how to address the main problem I recommend seeking out the help of a dog trainer. Once you address the issue and get started on a course of treatment you will begin to see your dogs confidence rise.

The key with any dog that is fearful or shows aggression to make sure that you are confident. You dog will always feed off your energy.
Like I said before, this is not an untreatable problem. By constantly working with your dog you can have a happy and well socialized pooch!

As our pets enter their senior years, we must revise our routine in taking care of them. One of the most important things to consider is their diet. The following outlines how to properly feed your senior dog and cat.

Feeding a Senior Dog

Unlike automobiles of a certain vintage, also known as gas-guzzlers, older pets require less fuel intake for peak performance than they did in their salad days. The goal here is not to over-rev an old engine, but to treat it very gently. Senior dogs may still want to inhale large servings of kibble, as they did when they were youngsters, but they definitely should not get their way on this point. “Less is more” is always the golden rule, and it’s an especially important maxim to remember when feeding a senior dog. Follow the basic guidelines of feeding a senior dog, and your canine friend will enjoy the best possible quality of life, thriving like a silver-haired pup through his golden years.

Sometimes, pet owners aren’t exactly sure about how old their dogs really are. Perhaps the dog was adopted at “a certain age” that was never precisely determined, or perhaps his exact age is known, yet he isn’t showing significant signs of slowing down. Due to varying life expectancy among breeds, different sizes of dog may be considered “senior” at different ages. A five-year-old gentle giant – a Saint Bernard, say – hits his senior years at age 5, while a 10-year-old small dog is middle-aged yet still sprightly. What type of dog you have can also determine at what point s/he is correctly classified a senior. Purebred dogs, for instance, often show signs of aging sooner than their mixed-breed cousins. Whether you call them mongrels or mutts, mixed-breeds are renowned for their “hybrid vigor” – an energetic demeanour that lasts well into their senior years, and helps them to look, feel, and act younger than their chronological age.

Once you’ve decided that your dog is, indeed, a senior, the first rule of feeding him right is to select a high-quality kibble that’s especially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of older dogs. As our animal companions age, their dietary needs change too; the food formula(s) that worked for them during puppyhood, young adulthood, and middle age must be modified to accommodate their older bodies’ requirements in their senior years. But that doesn’t mean senior dogs have lost their zest for eating – far from it! A premium senior dog food must be palatable, or your pet won’t want any part of it.

High-energy puppies require high-quality protein, and lots of it, at each meal; but too much protein can negatively impact the health of a senior dog, whose digestive system has slowed down with the years, making it more difficult for the body to absorb important nutrients from food. Protein from meat takes time and effort to digest even in young animals, and too much of it puts a huge strain on senior pets’ digeston. So, while the quality of the protein should remain at the same high standard, the quantity must be reduced to moderate or low, for maximum nutritional benefit without harmful side effects. Probiotics aid in digestion at any life stage, and the premium pet food you select should contain these as a digestive aid, so your best friend misses none of the nutritional benefit of his meals.

To further support digestive health in senior pets, all grains must be eliminated from their diet so it’s absolutely gluten-free. So as not to overtax the aging pancreas, a senior dog should be fed a low glycemic index diet to prevent Diabetes. Additionally, phosphorus and sodium can lead to kidney and heart problems in senior pets, so these are carefully controlled in a high-quality diet customized for canine seniors. Fiber, on the other hand, is ideal for senior pets to eat, as it helps lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, and Diabetes. What’s more, dietary fiber keeps pets’ weight under control by delaying the return of hunger; just as it does for us humans, fiber actually makes your dog feel more full on less food. While selecting your senior pet’s kibble, look for such high-fiber ingredients as potatoes, yellow peas, broccoli, and blueberries.

As your dog grows older, his oral health will require extra attention, so that periodontal disease doesn’t shorten his life. Not only does Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) help prevent oral disease, it also supports heart, liver, and kidney function, and is an important ingredient of a healthy older dog’s diet. As the body ages, it needs all the support it can get to keep those three vital organs going, so look for the presence of this supplement in the canine kibble you choose.

When feeding a senior dog, quantity really is every bit as important as quality: Smaller meals play a big role in maintaining optimal health and vitality in senior pets. Please exercise portion control by carefully measuring out each serving. Don’t eyeball it; use a measuring cup and feed precisely the amount suggested by the manufacturer on the package. Sticking to this routine will ensure that your dog gets the correct amount per meal – no more and no less. Because they are exercising less and their joints are experiencing stiffness due to arthritis, senior dogs depend on us to exercise strict portion control at each meal. Seniors that are overfed really suffer; they are forced to carry excess weight on their tired, old joints, and if they grow seriously obese, they risk ligament rupture and spinal injury in addition to heart disease.

To further support your senior’s tired joints and improve mobility, his diet should be supplemented with glucosamine, chondroitin, and Omega-3-rich salmon oil at each meal. Consistency is key in supplementing and feeding a senior dog. To ensure that the correct dosages are routinely administered, and none are accidentally skipped, the supplement should already be found in your senior dog’s premium custom pet food, where it’s an absolutely essential ingredient for longevity and vigor. You’ll know it by the spring in his senior step.

Feeding a Senior Cat

Unlike automobiles of a certain vintage, also known as gas-guzzlers, older pets require less fuel intake for peak performance than they did in their salad days. The goal here is not to over-rev an old engine, but to treat it very gently. Senior cats may still want to inhale large servings of kibble, as they did when they were youngsters, but they definitely should not get their way on this point. “Less is more” is always the golden rule, and it’s an especially important maxim to remember when feeding a senior cat. Follow the basic guidelines of feeding a senior cat, and your feline friend will enjoy the best possible quality of life, thriving like a nimble kitten through her golden years.

Sometimes, pet owners aren’t exactly sure about how old their cats really are. Perhaps the cat was adopted at “a certain age” that was never precisely determined, or perhaps her exact age is known, yet she isn’t showing significant signs of slowing down. What type of cat you have can also determine at what point she is correctly classified a senior. Purebred cats, for instance, often show signs of aging sooner than their mixed-breed cousins; a 16-year-old “domestic shorthair” tabby adopted from an animal shelter may appear much faster on her feet than some 10-year-old pedigreed Persians! Whether you call them mongrels or mutts, unpedigreed cats are renowned for their “hybrid vigor” – an energetic demeanour that lasts well into their senior years, and helps them to look, feel, and act younger than their chronological age.

Once you’ve decided that your cat is, indeed, a senior, the first rule of feeding her right is to select a high-quality kibble that’s especially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of older felines. As our animal companions age, their dietary needs change too; the food formulas that worked for them during kittenhood, young adulthood, and middle age must be modified to accommodate their older bodies’ requirements. But that doesn’t mean senior cats have lost their zest for eating – far from it! A premium senior cat food must be palatable, or your pet won’t want any part of it.

High-energy kittens require high-quality protein, and lots of it, at each meal; so do senior cats. The quality of protein in a cat’s food should remain at the same high standard at all stages of her life. As obligate carnivores, cats absolutely must be fed a diet that’s high in protein, fat, and oil. Not only is this type of food formula better for her, it will also ensure that she eats all her meals with enthusiasm. So as not to encourage too much enthusiasm at meal time, take care not to free-feed senior cats; they will happily gorge themselves on food all day long, resulting in unhealthy weight gain. For best results, feed senior cats smaller meals throughout the day.

Unlike her appetite, a senior cat’s digestive system slows down with the passing of years, making it more difficult for her body to absorb important nutrients from food without some assistance. Protein from meat takes time and effort to digest even in young animals, and can put strain on senior cats’ digeston. Fish is an ideal protein source for senior felines, as it takes less time and effort to digest than meat. The fringe benefit is that most cats adore fish, especially salmon, and the Omega-3 in fish is exceptionally good for them as they age. Probiotics aid in digestion at any life stage, and the premium cat food you select should contain these as a digestive aid, so your best friend misses none of the nutritional benefit of her meals.

To further support digestive health in senior cats, all grains must be eliminated from their diet so it’s absolutely gluten-free. So as not to overtax the aging pancreas, which can result in the onset of Diabetes, a senior cat should be fed a low glycemic index diet containing no fruits. Additionally, phosphorus and sodium can lead to kidney and heart problems in senior pets, so these are carefully controlled in a high-quality diet customized for feline seniors. Fiber, on the other hand, is ideal for senior cats to eat, as it helps lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, and Diabetes. What’s more, dietary fiber keeps pets’ weight under control by delaying the return of hunger; just as it does for us humans, fiber actually makes your cat feel more full on less food. While selecting your senior cat’s kibble, look for such high-fiber ingredients as potatoes and yellow peas.

As your cat grows older, her oral health will require extra attention, so that periodontal disease doesn’t shorten her life. Not only does Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) help prevent oral disease, it also supports the function of the urinary tract and kidneys; it’s yet another key ingredient of a healthy older cat’s diet, so look for the presence of this supplement in the kitty kibble you choose. CoQ10 also supports the vitality of the heart and liver, and protecting the integrity of these vital organs is critical as the body ages.

When feeding a senior cat, quantity really is every bit as important as quality: Smaller meals play a big role in maintaining optimal health and vitality in senior pets. Please exercise portion control by carefully measuring out each serving. Don’t eyeball it; use a measuring cup and feed precisely the amount suggested by the manufacturer on the package. Sticking to this routine will ensure that your cat gets the correct amount per meal – no more and no less. Because they are exercising less and their joints are experiencing stiffness due to arthritis, senior cats depend on us to exercise strict portion control at each meal. Seniors that are overfed really suffer; they are forced to carry excess weight on their tired, old joints, and if they grow seriously obese, they risk ligament rupture and spinal injury in addition to heart disease.

To further support your senior’s tired joints and improve mobility, her diet should be supplemented with glucosamine, chondroitin, and Omega-3-rich salmon oil at each meal. Coenzyme Q10 is another vital element of a senior cat’s diet, for it promotes kidney and urinary tract health as Kitty ages. Consistency is key in supplementing and feeding a senior cat. To ensure that the correct dosages of these supplements are routinely administered, and none are accidentally skipped, the supplement should already be found in your senior cat’s premium kibble, where it’s an absolutely essential ingredient for longevity and vigor. You’ll know it by her pounce – and her purr.

Teaching your dog to stay is a key command in training. Learning how to stay can be useful when you encounter a new situation that you don’t want your dog to rush in to, or when they want to chase after a rabbit.
Teaching command is actually fairly simple. By following these 10 easy steps you can have your dog sitting in no time!!

1) Make sure that you have a short leash for your pet. Start indoors as there are less distractions.
2) Tell your dog to sit, praise them with a treat!! Then hold out your hand (palm out) and tell them to stay, make sure to use their name as well ex: “Fido Stay” and walk backwards two steps. If your dogs stays reward them with a treat and praise!
3) Continue doing this by gradually increasing the amount of space you put between you and your dog
4) Once your dog understands this, it is time to remove the leash!!
5) Walk around the room, circling your pet. If they stay in the same spot make sure to praise them and give them a treat.
6) The next step is to leave the room while your pet is on a stay. Call them to you and reward them!
7) After you have mastered the stay indoors, take your pet outside but make sure you are in a fenced area.
8 ) Try without a lease at first to see how your pet does. It is important to continue to use the same command “Fido Stay”. Make them stay for at least one minute. Gradually increase the amount of time they are on a stay for.
9) Always end your session on a positive note and make sure to not overload your dog. You want this to be fun for both of you.
10) Once you have mastered this technique make sure to continue to regularly practice this command with your pet. You can start to phase out the treat reward and just give them praise!!

Good luck and happy training!!

Everyone loves this time of year! Decorating the Christmas tree, buying poinsettias, mixing the eggnog and the constant nights of entertaining! But what some of us tend to forget are the dangers that surround your pet during Christmas.
In order to keep you and your pet safe and happy this holiday season here are a few simple tips to keep your animal out of the vets office!

1) Christmas Tree Safety- Although they are beautiful to look at, and every pet owner thinks it is cute to see your pet sniff the lights on the tree, it can also be a cause of danger to your pet. First off when decorating our tree keep ornaments that are breakable or pointy higher on the tree. This will keep your pet from knocking them off to play with them. Also many people enjoy hanging candy canes or tinsel on their tree both items can easily fall off the tree and could harm your pet, so I would recommend to stay away from both of those items! Secondly, monitor the tree water, if your pet begins to drink the tree water that could ingest dangerous bacteria that can hurt them.
2) Electrical Cords – During Christmas we all tend to have more electrical cords, for our tree, lights in the house or fun ornaments. Make sure you tap these cords to the ground. This will keep your pet from trying to chew on the chords and electrocuting themselves. It will also prevent your pet from tripping on the cord and knocking down whatever it is attached to.
3) Christmas Wrapping – Pets love to get into things, wrapping paper and ribbons are no exception. Make sure to supervise dogs when they are around the present under the tree. I recommend not putting the presents out until Christmas morning. When you are wrapping them keep an eye on your pet to make sure they can’t get into anything. Try wrapping the presents on the kitchen table to keep it out of their reach.
4) Keep on eye on the flame - We all love to light a big fire and curl up on the couch with a glass of hot chocolate, or light a yummy smelling Christmas Candle. When having the fireplace going make sure your pet cannot get into the fireplace, you also want to keep an eye on were they are laying in proximity to the fireplace. Animals love to lay by the fire but they do have a tendency to get to close and fall asleep. You don’t want your pet to be burned so make sure there is a safe distance between them and the fireplace. If you are the type to light a candle, make sure it is out of reach from your pet, you don’t want your cat jumping on the table and knocking it over.
5) Christmas Plants are Christmas Toxins – They may look pretty but a lot of the Christmas Plants we like to buy aren’t safe for our four legged friends. Poinsettias for example although not one of the more toxic plants can still cause a stomach irritation if your pet decides to munch on a leaf! Make sure you keep an eye on lilies, holly and mistletoe, according to vets they are all highly toxic and can actually cause kidney failure.
6) Bad Foods- As pet owners you always love to slip your pet a little scrap of something under the table. And although most of the stuff you give them is okay in moderation there are a few foods that should not be given to your pet. Certain types of nuts, alcohol and turkey bones are just a few of them. One of the most dangerous is that box of chocolates sitting on the table. Chocolate can be lethal for pets. If your animal ingests any chocolate make sure you call the vets right away for further instructions.
7) Enforce Time Outs- This may seem kind of silly. But pets are by nature highly social. They won’t show when they are nervous, stressed or tired. Make sure to monitor your pet and put aside some time for him to go into your bedroom or their kennel so they can calm down have a drink and unwind themselves.

The holidays really are a joyous occasion, and by following these do’s and don’ts you can ensure that both you and your pet enjoy the holidays together!!

With the snow falling and temperatures dropping we tend to do less outside with our pets. But even with the cold temperatures we have to do our best to keep our pets active even indoors.
I have compiled a lists of fun games and activities that you can do with your cat and dog during these cold winter months!

Activities for Dogs

Dogs love to go outside and play, but in the winter months we still need to give them that much needed play time! Here are some easy solutions to tire your pooch out.

1. Hide and seek – this is a great way to keep their minds stimulated, keep them active as well as increase the bond between the two of you. There are two ways to play this game. The first is to put your dog on a stay and then go and hide some where in the house, you will then call them and wait for them to come find you. The second way to play is to leave a trail of treats for your pet to follow until they find you.
2. Doggy Day Care – Bringing your pet to a day care is great for socializing them as well as giving them play time with other dogs. It also makes for one tired pooch when you pick them up at night!!!
3.Play Dates – Just as you would do with your children you can invite friends over to bring their dogs. This is great for both pet and owner as you get to socialize with your friends and they get to play with theirs.
4. Road Trip! – Taking your dog on a car ride may not seem that exciting to people but for a dog it’s great!! They get to spend time with you as well as get out of the house and they have something to look at which stimulates their mind
5. Teach a Trick – Work with your pet at night to teach them fun and new tricks. This will again stimulate them mentally which can be just as good as physical activity
6. Playtime – Set aside an hour each night to play with your pet. Throwing a ball down the stairs or down the hallway or playing tug-a-war with their favorite toy is great for bonding with your pet as well as a fun activity.

Activities for Cats

Some cats are lazy by nature so they don’t need much more for activites in the winter. But outdoor cats will need a little extra attention in theses cold months. Here are a couple great ways to entertain your cat!

1. Get Down and Roll Around – get down on the ground and roll around to play with your cat. Most cats will enjoy the extra time with you, as well as chasing your fingers and toes!
2. Toys – They may not like toys as much as dogs do but they still like to chase a good mouse or a stick with a toy on the end. Set aside some time each night to play with your cat and their toys
3. Teach tricks and commands – Cats are smart, so spend some time with them to teach them tricks and even commands. They may not learn to play fetch but they can learn commands like roll over or play dead!! This is a fun thing for you and your cat to do together!

These activities will all help your pet to beat the winter blues, as well as giving them the one thing your pet likes the most, time with you!!

With only 25 days left until Christmas, shoppers are hitting the malls and scouring for the perfect gifts for their loved ones. With everyone putting together their wish lists for this Christmas we have a few ideas for what to get your furry friends!!

Gifts for Dogs

1) Everlasting treat ball
2) New plush dog bed
3) Slobber-Wick Squeek Buddy
4) Kong
5) Organic Dog Toys
6) New boots for winter
7) The Drinkwell Pet Fountain
8 ) Collar-mounted GPS Device
9) Any kind of squeeky toys
10) All natural bully sticks

Everlasting Treat Ball

Gifts for Cats

1) Play-N-Squeak Thrill of the Chase
2) Cat Livin Rat Toy (100% wool, organic catnip)
3) Outdoor play pen
4) New scratching post
5) Cat Nip
6) Cozy kitty cat beds
7) Cute and crazy toys for cats
8 ) Cozy perches for cats
9) Tunnels O’Fun
10) Practically Purr-fect Cat Collars

Cozy Cat Perches

So when you hit the malls this holiday season don’t forget to show your pet how much you love them by getting them the perfect gift!!