Dog Training Denver by Bark Busters Dog Training

Nutrition and Behavior: A Vital Link to Optimal Canine Health

2010-04-27T13:01:00.003-06:00

Just as we humans need good nutrition to function at our best, your canine companion also requires a balanced diet for optimal health and well being. With proper nourishment, your dog can grow and develop to his full potential, enabling him to perform both physical and mental activities with vigor and joy.

The diet you select for your dog may affect not only his health but also his behavior. A clear link exists between a well-balanced, biologically appropriate diet and improved behavior. The right balance of good-quality nutrition can decrease your dog’s levels of stress, helping him be calmer and more relaxed. By providing the proper nutrition his body needs, your dog will have less of a tendency to exhibit unwanted behaviors.

Of equal importance to the basic nutrients a dog needs is the quality of the source of those nutrients. Most animal nutritionists agree that a well-balanced, healthy canine diet should contain only high-quality ingredients, with no extras like food coloring, unspecified animal by-product or chemical preservatives.

Basic Nutritional Needs
The following information provides the basics of nutrition for healthy adult dogs. Due to a dog’s age, breed, activity level, metabolism and health needs, it is important to talk with your veterinarian about determining the right diet for your dog. And remember, a higher quality food generally means a healthier dog and thus fewer visits to the veterinarian throughout the dog’s life.

Proteins
Called “the building blocks for life,” proteins are part of every cell tissue and organ and are thus essential to a dog’s health. Protein helps boost your dog’s energy and regenerate his muscles.

When food proteins are digested, they are turned into smaller sub-components of the protein called amino acids. A “complete protein” provides all of the essential amino acids your dog needs to maintain good health. Complete proteins are animal based and include meat, poultry, fish and eggs. Whatever the protein source in your dog’s food, the best quality food uses one primary source of protein, for example, “chicken” not “poultry,” “beef” not “meat.”

An incomplete protein is low in one or more essential amino acids. Incomplete proteins are found in vegetables, cereals and soy. Because these proteins are not “complete,” your dog’s body is being deprived of essential amino acids he needs for good health. Your dog is an opportunistic carnivore (meaning he prefers to eat meat but will eat anything to survive) and requires animal-based protein to thrive, unless your veterinarian recommends otherwise.

Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates, a general term for fibers and starches, provide the fuel that keeps your dog on the go. Carbohydrates (“carbs”) turn into glucose, a pure form of energy vital to your dog’s energy metabolism. As in humans, a dog’s body can use glucose immediately or store it in the liver and muscles for when it is needed. Also like humans, too many carbs can turn into fat.

There is much debate among animal nutritionists with regard to the canine’s need for carbohydrates. Canines in the wild eat a very small percentage of carbs. Most domesticated dogs today are fed manufactured foods, which are convenient and inexpensive. However, some manufactured dog foods contain ingredients for energy that are cheaper than meat—usually corn or other grains. Thus, today’s dogs get far more carbs than their wild ancestors did.

While carbs add bulk, variety and taste to the canine diet, some dogs do not tolerate a higher amount of carbs from grains, and can develop allergies or display signs of protein deficiency. The source of the carbohydrates and the way in which they are prepared are important factors in how well the dog’s system digests and utilizes the food. Bear in mind, though, some dogs do just fine with grains while others thrive only on a no- or low-grain diet.

Fiber
While not considered a nutrient, fiber for dogs is necessary to aid digestion. Too much fiber can cause loose stools or diarrhea, while too little can lead to constipation or dry hard stools. Fiber is derived from plants (fruits and vegetables) and grains prepared in a certain way (bran). In general, high-fiber foods are not good for dogs with high energy requirements, such as puppies and working dogs, as too much fiber may impede food absorption and not provide the correct nutrient balance needed to sustain their activity and growth.

Fats
Fats provide your pet with more than twice the energy of proteins or carbohydrates. Derived from both animal fats and vegetable oils, fats are essential to cell membrane structure, for the production of some hormones and for the absorption and utilization of some vitamins. Fats promote healthy skin and coat and provide the body with insulation and protection for internal organs. Finally—and most importantly, from a dog’s point of view—fats make food taste great.

Fats are composed of smaller units called fatty acids which contribute to a dog’s health in different ways. A group of fats called “essential fatty acids” must be provided in the diet because they cannot be synthesized by a dog in sufficient amounts. These include specific types of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which are sometimes given as supplements to help prevent inflammation, arthritis and dry skin.

Vitamins and minerals
Vitamins and minerals are nutrients that every living body requires for normal growth and development. Minerals and most vitamins cannot be synthesized in the body and, therefore, must be provided in a dog’s diet. Dogs need a precise balance of vitamins and minerals for optimal health.

Vitamins are organic substances found in plant and animal sources. Minerals are inorganic elements that come from the earth. Animals acquire all the vitamins and minerals they need from the foods they eat, which is why eating a complete and balanced diet is essential for good health. Talk to your veterinarian about whether your dog needs a vitamin or mineral supplement for preventive health or to improve his current condition. In addition, consider rotating the types of foods you feed your dog, allowing him to ingest a wider variety of different nutrients from a range of foods.

Nutrition’s Effects on Behavior
Your pet's behavior can be greatly affected by the kind of nutrition he gets. Many animal nutritionists agree that an imbalance in a dog’s behavior can sometimes be linked to an imbalance in his diet. Just as with humans, a poor diet can result in poor health, which can lead to poor behaviors.

The following are some diet-related unwanted behaviors or conditions our dog behavioral therapists have observed over the years while working with dogs of all breeds and ages:

A dog on a poor diet may be underweight or overweight, have a dry brittle coat, dental problems or foul breath.
Poor nutrition may stress the dog’s body. A stressed dog does not digest foods well and can have intestinal problems like gas and diarrhea. He may also exhibit signs of separation anxiety or even pain.
Some dogs cannot digest high levels of incomplete proteins and thus don’t get the necessary amino acids they need to thrive. A dog deprived of high-quality protein or other nutrients may exhibit a number of unwanted behaviors, including:

         -“Counter-surfing”—stealing food from a counter or tabletop
         -Aggression over food, treats or toys
         -Digging and escaping—to seek out better nutrients he is lacking
         -Eating soil—sometimes linked to a mineral deficiency
         -Getting into the garbage
         -Coprophagia (eating feces)—whether his own or that of another pet
         -Chewing on wood (including furniture), rocks, and other objects around the house and yard
         -Devouring his meal and then vomiting it up again

Over-exuberance can be due to eating too many carbohydrates (starches).
Some dogs fed too many cereals from wheat, corn and corn meal may be hyperactive, unfocused, or agitated and difficult to train.
Too much of the wrong type of fat may result in obesity, lethargy, diabetes or heart problems.

In our experience, our trainers have seen marked improvement in dogs’ behaviors by switching them to a more biologically appropriate diet in conjunction with a sensible training program. A biologically appropriate diet includes considerations for a dog’s size, activity level, current healthy status, and age.

Three More “Essential Nutrients”
There are three more “essential nutrients” we believe every dog needs for a long and healthy life:

Water
Water is vital for life to exist—it is involved in every function of the body and is found in every cell, tissue and organ. Water makes up about two-thirds of an adult dog’s body weight. All dogs need access to clean, fresh water in order to maintain good health, which includes proper urinary tract function.

Exercise
To ensure the diet you so thoughtfully feed your pooch yields the best health, be sure he gets plenty of exercise appropriate for his age, breed, size, etc. Exercise is essential for your dog to maintain a balance of physical, mental and emotional health. Ask your veterinarian about the most beneficial exercise program for your pet.

Love
Dogs are social creatures and naturally need and seek a strong leader in order to feel safe and secure within their social structure. For your dog to regard you as “top dog” in your family unit, you must set rules and apply them consistently, and praise your dog’s good behavior. Dogs have a language of their own, and once you understand and learn to “speak” your dog’s language, you will enjoy many happy years of canine companionship.

All of us who’ve experienced the unbridled joy of a dog’s unconditional love want to do all we can to provide our canine companions with a full and healthy life. Understanding the vital link between nutrition and behavior is an important factor for all dog owners. Wholesome nutrition, along with proper care, exercise, training, and a healthy helping of love are all part of a holistic approach to animal wellness,

Brian Kornreich is a Bark Busters' dog behavioral therapist. Bark Busters, the world’s largest dog training company, has trained more than 500,000 dogs worldwide using its all-natural, dog-friendly methods. Bark Busters training is the only service of its kind that offers guaranteed lifetime support. With hundreds of offices in 40 states and 10 countries, Bark Busters is continuing its mission to enhance the human-canine relationship and reduce the possibility of maltreatment, abandonment, and euthanasia of companion dogs. For more details, call 1-877-500-BARK (2275) or visit www.dogtrainingdenvercolorado.com to find a dog trainer in your area, complete a Dog Behavior Quiz, or learn about becoming a Bark Busters franchise owner. Nature’s Variety, a pet food company specializing in natural, holistic dog and cat food contributed to this article.

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Fire Safety Tips for Dog Owners

2010-03-06T18:27:00.002-07:00

Your pets are treasured family members and need protection as much as your own family in the event of fire. Sadly, some 500,000 pets are affected by fires each year, and over 40,000 of them die. Most fire victims die from smoke asphyxiation. A fire needs oxygen to burn, so lack of oxygen or inhaling smoke is more often the killer than the fire itself.

Following are some tips to help you know what to do to prevent fires and if a fire breaks out in your home.

Be sure you have working smoke detectors on every level of the home.

Place detectors near bedrooms and in the kitchen, either on the ceiling or 6–12 inches below the ceiling on the wall, well away from air vents.
Be sure detectors are in good working order. Mark your calendar to remind yourself to check the batteries regularly (for example, at the start of a new season).
Another smart home safety measure is to install a carbon monoxide detector in your home. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that can cause severe illness or death to both people and pets.

Have an emergency exit plan that includes your pets, and practice the plan regularly. Once a fire starts, it spreads rapidly, so everyone should know what to do to escape.

Affix window decals around your home so rescue workers know there are pets inside. Decals can be obtained from your local Bark Busters trainer, the ASPCA or your local fire department.
Fire experts report that many dogs perish in fires because they are confined in a crate or room and cannot escape. Be sure your fire plan accounts for crated dogs.
Keep leashes at hand so you can leash your dog to prevent him from escaping in panic.
Keep pets on a ground floor of your home to make rescue easier.
Keep hallways and exits free of clutter to allow you to get out of a burning house more safely.

Make sure pets always wear current identification. Consider subscribing to a service like 1-800-HELP-4-PETS, whose Pet Protector System will help to reunite you and your pet if he becomes lost (www.Help4Pets.com).
Research a safe place to take your pets. Ask friends or relatives if they can shelter you and your pets, and check with local pet-boarding facilities, humane societies and animal shelters.
Assemble a dog disaster kit with dog food and his medications, copies of his health records, your veterinarian’s phone number and list of facilities you can take your pet, recent photo taken of you with your dog, favorite toy or bedding, and extra leash and collar affixed with the pet’s I.D.
Give a key to a trusted neighbor, and make sure he knows where the dog might be located within the house so he can inform firefighters.
Ask your local fire department if the fire trucks carry pet oxygen masks. If they don’t, ask neighborhood pet owners to join you in making a donation to buy masks for the fire department.
Listen to your dog! Canines have a keen sense of smell and can detect smoke long before humans. If your dog is acting strangely, look into the situation promptly and be prepared to gather your family and follow your evacuation plan.
If you must evacuate and can’t find your dog in the house, leave an outside door open and then call your dog’s name once you get out. He may be able to hear you and escape.
If your dog was in a smoke-filled building or if you can smell smoke on his fur, take him to your veterinarian. Toxic fumes can be deadly.

Prevent fires from happening by ensuring your dog doesn’t have access to dangerous combustible items.

Keep electrical wires and batteries out of your pet’s reach. Chewing or biting anything electrical can cause him shock or burns, or could start a fire.
Don’t leave lighted candles unattended. A lit candle knocked over by a swinging tail can burn your pet or cause a fire.

Bark Busters Home Dog Training Offers Tips for Responsible Dog Ownership

2010-02-20T11:22:00.001-07:00

Become a responsible dog owner during February—“Responsible Dog Ownership Month” — with tips from Bark Busters, the world’s largest dog training company. Dogs need order and leadership from their “pack leader,” which means that good canine manners start with you. During Responsible Dog Ownership Month, Bark Busters wants to help the dog owners be the best possible by offering Tips for Responsible Dog Ownership.

“Making the decision to become a dog owner brings a lot of responsibility,” said Liam Crowe, CEO and master dog behavioral therapist of Bark Busters USA. “These tips will help you build a great relationship between you and your dog and help your canine companion live a long, healthy and happy life.”

Get your dog spayed or neutered. Spayed/neutered pets not only live longer and healthier lives, but they also make better companions. The best age to spay/neuter a dog is around five to six months old, at the beginning of puberty. Talk to your vet about the right time for your dog.
Provide proper identification. Your dog should always wear an I.D. tag with your name, address and phone number. Getting your dog microchipped gives an added layer of protection and increases the chances that he will be returned to you if he is lost or runs away.
Get training to help you understand your dog. Knowing your dog’s unique temperament and tendencies will help you to better control how he behaves. A well-behaved dog is less likely to upset people and other pets in public places, will be more welcome at gatherings, and will enjoy a better relationship with everyone he meets. Plus, his good manners will reflect positively on you, his responsible owner.
Schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian. Choose a veterinarian who shares your medical philosophies and beliefs; then follow his/her recommendations for vaccinations, diet, spaying/neutering, annual check-ups, and other care.
Make time for your dog. Owning a dog is a big responsibility that takes time and discipline. Make time daily to pet, play with, take on walks, or do other activities with your dog that are fun for both of you.
Provide regular exercise appropriate for your dog’s breed, age, size, and other unique characteristics. Whether it’s a short walk or a rousing game of fetch, exercise is essential to your dog’s physical and behavioral health.
Provide shelter for your dog. A crate or doghouse is an ideal place for your dog to rest, sleep, and feel safe. The enclosure should be large enough for your dog to sit, stand and turn around comfortably, but small enough to retain his body heat inside the shelter.
Travel safely. Keep your dog safe in the car by using a crate or by attaching the dog to a seat belt with a harness. Never let your dog ride free in the back of a pickup truck (he could be thrown into traffic) or allow him to hang his head out of the car window (a danger to his eyes).
Watch for temperature extremes. Never leave your dog in the car if it is extremely hot or cold outside. Your car is like an oven under the blazing sun and a freezer in the bitter cold.

Fun Ways to Share Valentine’s Day With Your Pooch

2010-02-11T20:42:00.000-07:00

February 14th is a special date to express our love for our sweethearts with flowers and candy or a romantic dinner, but this year, Valentine’s Day has gone to the dogs. Bark Busters, the world’s largest dog training company, offers helpful tips to help make the day of love even more extraordinary and unique by including your treasured canine companion in the day’s festivities. Here are a few tips to help you spoil your pooch this Valentine’s Day.

Spend quality time with your pet. Schedule a "pet spa day" and indulge your pooch. An aromatherapy spa treatment will relax your dog’s cares away. Start with a warm bath and blow dry, and finish with a well-deserved massage. Your dog will return home rejuvenated.
Try a night away for two. Getting out of town with your dog is a fun way to bond outside of the home. Whether you go down the road or somewhere exotic, there are many dog-friendly hotels that are more then happy to accommodate you and your pup.
Get some exercise. A spirited walk and a picnic in your local dog park is a great way to get exercise and spend some quality time together. Who knows; maybe your canine will find a valentine, too.
If outdoor therapy isn’t for your dog, maybe a little retail therapy is! Spend time together on a shopping spree at your favorite pet retailer or boutique. Clothing and accessories aren’t the only things that will spoil your dog. How about a luxury pet bed that will send your dog to an ultra comfortable dream world? You both will sleep easy knowing this purchase was meant to pamper.
Remember this special day forever by having a one-of-a-kind pet portrait made of your dog. You will appreciate the elegance and joy that this artwork will bring for years to come.
Give your pampered pooch a new toy. Nothing says “Be My Valentine” like some pink and red heart-shaped toys. Your dog will get hours of enjoyment out of these new toys. Plus, those cute little toys scattered throughout the house are just little reminders of how much you love your pup.
Dinner and a movie are a fun way to spend Valentine’s Day with your beloved pooch. Pick your favorite animal-related movie, and curl up with your pup and your favorite snacks. What’s better than a good movie, fun food, a blanket and a best friend?
Cross off your annual vet check-up from your list. An annual vet visit for a thorough check means extra peace of mind on this special day.
Bake some homemade dog biscuits for your pooch. If baking isn’t your forte, pick up gourmet treats at a local pet boutique. Even our furry friends deserve to have their tummies pampered on Valentine’s Day.