by | Sep 14, 2021 | Pets |
For those who have a less-active dog and are left wondering if the dog is right for you (as you expected playfulness and fun), then there is a solution. Dogs are not born to be lazy. They are energetic animals who love to play. Therefore, somewhere deep down in your dog is their energetic and playful self. Of which, you might want to bring out of them to make them more active. On that note, here are some tips on how to make your lazy dog more active.
Image by Dan Fador from Pixabay
Use toys
If your dog is avoiding exercise and playfulness on walks or in the house, then you will want to use toys. Toys are there for dogs to be playful as well as healthier. Using a toy like Runball will promote better health for your dog by encouraging them to play and fetch when out on a walk. Taking a toy will engage your dog and enhance their need for play, which will promote better physical health.
Assess your dog’s health
Assessing your dog’s health will help you understand if something wrong is causing them to be lazy. There could be a hidden condition that you aren’t aware of, causing them to want to lie down and rest. Before you start to encourage your dog on more walks and runs, assess your dog’s health by talking to a vet.
Try various activities (other than walking)
Although a walk is an essential part of a dog’s routine, they might feel more encouraged to participate in other activities. The same routine and route might be the possible reason for your dog being lazy.
Instead, you could try agility. This is an obstacle course-style activity that will train your dog as well as make them more active. If you perform the agility training, it will create a stronger bond between you and your dog, and they will understand that you are in control.
Change their diet
Every dog has different nutritional needs and preferences. Thus, trying different foods will help you understand if their diet is making them fatigued and lazy. Ensure that they get plenty of vitamins and minerals, as this will provide them with energy. Vitamins A, D, and E are all essential for a dog’s health and growth. Incorporating calcium-rich foods will also promote bone growth and strength.
Mental stimulation
Sometimes, a dog needs mental stimulation before they get up and get active. They might lie around all day because they are not mentally stimulated.
Try playing hide and seek or test their command skills at home so that their brains can become active, which will encourage them to be playful and might even persuade them to go on a walk. Brain training will strengthen their mental state as well as their physical state. It will create a better bond between you and your dog and make them much happier, encouraging them to be more active.
by | Jun 23, 2021 | Pets |
Selective breeding has long been a big part of the dog trade. There is a lot of demand for dogs with a specific appearance, which often means that dog owners will choose their animals based largely on what they look like. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the best approach to take, often leaving owners with dogs that look wonderful but lack the personality that they wanted in the first place.
(Image Credit)
It makes a lot of sense to pick a dog based on how it will act down the line rather than the way it looks. While it would be impossible to guess exactly what a dog would be like down the line, there are a lot of different things you can look for to make sure that your new dog has the personality you want. Let’s take a look at some of these areas, giving you the chance to free yourself from the trap of vanity.
The Breed
There are many different dog breeds in the world, giving people ample options when they are choosing a dog based on the way it looks. The breed you choose can have a big impact on the temperament of your pet, though. For example, Labradors have a very good reputation for being good with children, and this is because they are naturally gentle dogs. On the other hand, other dog breeds are known for being aggressive, hard to control, and even downright naughty, though you have to be careful to ensure that this isn’t the only thing you consider.
The Background
Like humans, a dog’s personality will be partially shaped by its upbringing and background. Dogs that have received loads of love from a young age tend to be needier than others but will also be more receptive to the emotions you convey. Conversely, though, canines that have been largely neglected or even abused will be much harder to live with. Work and dedication can solve this issue, enabling you to give your pet a better life. This can make it well worth putting the work into your animal.
Your Lifestyle
It’s also essential to make sure that your pet suits your lifestyle. Dogs require a lot of time and attention. Some breeds are less demanding than others, as active working dogs need a lot of exercise, and lap dogs sometimes need more love and attention. If the dog has health problems, you must take care of it.
If you have a busy lifestyle and it’s challenging to fit a dog into your way of life, consider other options. Some people use dog-sitters and walkers to keep their dogs company throughout the day, which is an excellent option if everyone is at work or school for a long time.
Another option is to find a lower-maintenance pet. Cynthia Maro offers some suggestions to potential pet owners to help them find dogs or other kinds of pets that require less maintenance.
The Training
Whether you’re adopting a dog or buying one from a breeder, training will be crucial to their personality. Some dogs are harder to train than others, but this doesn’t mean they will be impossible to set on the right track. It makes sense to plan to train your new dog while also looking for dogs that have already been trained if you want to adopt. This doesn’t affect their appearance, but it can make a huge difference in a dog’s personality.
Spending Time With Them
It can be challenging to know how a dog will act when you bring it home. This makes it challenging for new dog owners to feel confident they’re choosing the right pet. Most adoption organizations and even breeders will let you spend time with the dog you want before committing to taking them home. This gives you a great chance to learn about their personality while also making it possible to start building a bond with them. For puppies, it can be just as valuable to meet their parents.
Getting A Beautiful Dog
While a dog’s personality is significant, many people also care deeply about their dog’s looks. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with this, and it can make a lot of sense to go for an animal that you like the look of, especially if you have kids. It’s always worth keeping in mind that this approach can come with some challenges, though. It could also be unfair for the dog you choose if you don’t take the right steps.
Many of the most popular dog breeds in the world are breeding practices that most people would consider unethical. This is usually because the dogs themselves will end up with health issues when bred to have a certain appearance. A blue-eyed pitbull is a beautiful dog that will be largely free from health issues, but a pug could be a very different story. It’s always worth researching the dog breeds you like to ensure that they won’t face issues down the line.
As you can see, personality is far more important than appearance when you’re choosing a dog. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t pick a dog that you like, but you should definitely consider more than just the way they look.
by | May 12, 2021 | Pets |
Pets are good for the soul! Honestly, you’ll be amazed at how many benefits a pet dog or cat will bring to your life. If you suffer from mental health problems, getting a pet can help you calm your symptoms and feel less anxious or depressed. If you have kids, pets can form bonds with them and become friends for years. Generally, there are no major downsides to having pets – a least, none that will outweigh the positives!
Image Location (CC0 License)
With that in mind, let’s talk about styling your pets. Dressing your pets up can be highly popular, and it’s a fun way to make them more unique and cute. However, there are safe and unsafe ways to style your pets. Below, we’ll list some of the main safety tips to know before you switch up your pet’s style:
Be careful around their neck
Collars or stylish chains are both popular accessories to add to your pet’s style. Nevertheless, it would be best if you were careful when putting anything around your pet’s neck. If you’re opting for a collar, be sure that it fits your pet and isn’t too tight. You’ll know if the latter is the case as your pet will visibly look like they’re struggling to get out of the collar. Chains are also popular – you’ve probably seen a French bulldog with chain before, as this is a common pairing to come across. Again, ensure the chain isn’t too tight and be sure that it’s not heavy. You want to reduce as much tension and stress on your pet’s neck as possible!
Be cautious of choking hazards
You can get plenty of pet outfits or clothing that are unsafe. Mainly, they’re unsafe as they include loads of choking hazards. For example, anything with buttons is a no-go. The buttons can easily come off, and you best believe that your pet will attempt to chew on them. As a result, there’s a severe choking hazard if they swallow anything small like this. Remember, your pet is much smaller than you to choke on things a lot easier than you. Steer clear of any outfits or pet clothes that contain small pieces that might fall or be ripped off.
Ensure your pet can move freely
Lastly, please pay attention to your pet to ensure they can move freely when dressed in anything. Even if you have a little waterproof jacket when it rains, be sure that your pet can actually move around in this without any problems at all. It is potentially dangerous and harmful for your pet to be restricted in their movements, possibly even causing injuries or physical problems. Again, you can notice this by watching their body language and seeing if they are physically struggling. If they are, take the item off right away!
There’s nothing wrong with dressing up your pet or giving them a few accessories to improve their style. However, always keep your pet’s safety and wellbeing at the forefront of your mind. These three tips will ensure you can style your pet without putting them at risk.
by | Mar 27, 2021 | Pets |
Pexels – CC0 License
Owning a pet is a gratifying experience. If you want to be happier and healthier in life, owning a pet is something everybody in the family can benefit from. But it’s not as simple as this, and it’s about making sure that you are ready for this new addition to your home. Of course, we can go for a cat or a dog, but any pet is welcome to any family, just as long as you choose the right one for you. Let’s show you how you can choose the right pet.
Think About Your Lifestyle
You might have already thought about the type of pet you want. If you are thinking about getting a dog, you’ve got to consider the lifestyle choices for you and the dog. If you work a lot, can you take care of them during the day or give them that suitable environment? Also, there’s the financial side of things to consider, especially if you need to purchase items like a dog cage, a kennel, a bed, not to mention the extra provisions like food and grooming equipment. The most important thing for you to realize is that it’s not just about the financial aspect but about making sure that your pet has the stimulation they need to live a happy life. It’s important to research the size, exercise requirements, health, and temperament of different types of pets so you can guarantee they are the best choice for your family.
Don’t Think You Know it All Before You Buy
Sometimes, we let the idea of window shopping get the better of us. You might like the look of a certain pet, but this doesn’t guarantee that they are right for you. It’s not just about the breed, but it’s about their personality. And if you’re choosing a pet like a dog, some will have stronger personality traits than others. For example, a Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming, or a breed like a Jack Russell will need a lot of stimulation to stop them from getting bored. You’ve also got to think about your children’s needs. Many people think that small pets are great for children, but if your child wants a hamster, they are nocturnal creatures, so if your children want to play with them, they will not appreciate being disturbed. Consider what you want, and conduct the research.
Consider a Rescue Animal
Thousands of unwanted and abandoned pets need a supportive home. You can go to many organizations to find pets that you can give a good home to. Rescue pets could be a great choice for a family, as many have grown up, and their personalities are already established. You can go via a breeder, but you need to find a responsible one. You can get recommendations from vets or breeding clubs. When you meet with a breeder, it’s important to make sure that you get all the relevant documentation, such as health screening certificates.
Ensuring that you find the perfect pet for your life is essential, but it’s about making sure that we are a good match for them and are a good match.
by | Jan 28, 2021 | Pets |
If you’ve decided that the time is right to buy a dog to add to the family, it is very important to do a lot of research first, so you can be sure that you are bringing the right dog into your home. If you have young children, this is even more important, as it will be essential for you to prioritize taking on a dog that can behave safely around children. Here’s how you can make sure you choose the right dog to join your family.
Image – free for commercial use
Look Into Child-Friendly Breeds
The temperament of the individual dog is obviously very important if you are bringing a dog into a house with children, but you can start on the right tracking by choosing a breed that is has a reputation of being better with children. You need a dog that will be friendly, patient, tolerant, and good with loud, sudden noise. A playful dog is also likely to do well with young children in the house. Retrievers (especially Golden and Labrador) have always had great reputations as family dogs, thanks to their loyal, devoted, easy-going natures. Newfoundlands, beagles, boxers, and bulldogs also have a reputation for doing well with children.
You should also consider a breed that a child will be able to handle themselves. If you want the children to be the ones who walk the dog, for example, then you shouldn’t choose a large, strong breed, as they won’t be able to control it without your help. You might have always wanted a husky, but this strong dog can’t be walked by a young child. Instead, choose a trainable, smaller breed. Dog harnesses give more control than a standard lead, making these a good option for kids walking dogs. Training also helps to teach your dog to walk well on the lead, so look into puppy training here.
Miniature breeds like toy poodles are not ideal dogs for homes with young children. You don’t want too small a dog, as they may not respond well to the rough play from excited kids and are more likely to be hurt accidentally. A dog that can handle some rough play is a better choice.
Choose A Breed That Suits Your Lifestyle
As well as a dog that will live well with your children, you need to think about choosing a dog that will fit in with the lifestyle of your whole family. If you’re a family who loves to keep active and spend your weekends on activities like walking and cycling, you can take on a more active, energetic dog, like a Collie, as they’ll get the exercise they need. If, however, you’re busier and work long hours, you need a dog that is happier to stay inside alone, like a bulldog. All dogs need a good walk every day, but some breeds need a lot more exercise than others. If you buy a dog that needs hours of exercise every day, and you only have time for a quick walk on a weekday, and a longer walk at the weekend, the dog won’t be happy. Remember that a dog is for life, and needs to fit in with your routine.
How much space do you have available for a dog to run or play in? A large dog won’t fit well into apartment life, for example, and will need a large garden to run around in to keep their energy levels under control. If you have a small house, pick a smaller, less energetic dog, so it won’t take up the entire house or take out all your ornaments when it tries to play.
Consider the climate you live in too. For example, if you live somewhere where the weather is generally hot, you’ll want to avoid a dog with thick fur, like a Newfoundland.
Think About Age
It might seem obvious to get a puppy as your first dog, but if you have very young children in the house, a puppy might not actually be the best choice. Puppies need a lot of care which takes up a lot of time, and they can be a lot more prone to nip small children until the puppy has been properly trained. If you’re already up at night with a baby, you don’t want to add a puppy who cries at night too and needs hours of dedicated training time. Puppies use their teeth in play until they learn that it hurts, so don’t get a puppy if your children will be upset by this.
You also want to avoid very old dogs. They’ll be harder for you to train if they’re set in their ways and will have a lot less patience for the rough and tumble of living with younger children. If the children don’t understand that an older dog doesn’t like loud noise or rough play, you run the risk of the dog becoming agitated or even turning aggressive. You’ll also want to avoid bringing home a dog that is already very old and won’t live very long, to put off the inevitable upset children when the dog dies. With a younger dog, you should get a good few years together before you have to face the problem of losing it.
Choosing a family dog is an important choice. Do your research and get a good idea of the temperament and age you’re looking for, and a shortlist of breeds you think would be suitable. To choose the individual dog, speak to the breeder or rescue you intend to use and discuss your needs with them. Whether you need a small, quiet dog to live in an apartment but can live well with toddlers, or you need an energetic, playful dog to join your teenagers on their daily runs, the breeder or rescue can help to match you to a dog with the right kind age, temperament, personality, and needs. Take their advice and be prepared to learn, so you can give the dog the best possible home.
by | Nov 28, 2020 | Pets |
Image by Gerhard G. from Pixabay
Dogs are great; they are cute, they are fun, they love you no matter what, they always make you feel wanted, and they provide you with endless entertainment. There will likely be more people than ever before planning to get a dog this Christmas as so many people have spent more time at home this year and will still have some element of this next year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so they feel they have the time to dedicate to training a puppy or getting a rescue dog settled. However, you do need to remember that a dog is for life and not just for Christmas, so here are a few tips and considerations if this is what you’re thinking for this year’s family present.
When is the best time to introduce your new addition?
It might seem like the ideal Christmas morning to have a puppy waiting under the tree with a ribbon around it, but in reality, you should introduce a dog to its new family in a quieter period as the visitors, the excitement, the decorations, and lights can hurt your new dog. You must have the time to spend with them one-on-one to get them settled. If you are set on getting a pup over the Christmas period, then try to keep it as calm as possible for them, and there are plenty of great products from Pet-Ness which will help you to keep them calm and relaxed.
Remember, it’s a big responsibility.
Not every dog fits with every family, so it’s important to choose the right one for your lifestyle. And remember that if your lifestyle has been different because of lockdown, this won’t last forever. While this may be the perfect time to get a dog settled with the kids off school and you at home all the time, you need to think about what happens when things go back to normal. Will, the dog be left at home all day alone? Will you have time for a dog then? They will still need walks and attention, and you’ll have to help them adjust to things changing as they won’t understand what’s going on. Do some research to see which breed and temperament will best fit with your family and make sure you have considered all the pros and cons.
A dog will change your life, and so if you want to get one, then it doesn’t matter when you get it because it’s not just for Christmas. So, think about it carefully and do it right, take your time, do your research, and you could always consider adopting a rescue pup who is in dire need of a home. This might mean you get an older dog who doesn’t need training or one who has had a bad experience and will take a while to trust you but a good rescue center will help you find one that is the perfect family pet. Just make sure that your Christmas present doesn’t end up being one of these.
Follow!