Is your dog getting his nutrients?

Animals are like humans in the sense that we rarely consume a balanced diet. The vitamins and minerals in pet food gets destroyed during the cooking process. Many dog foods contain a high percentage of artificial flavoring, preservatives, and sugars. The protein is of low quality usually consisting of meat by products and waste. Poor nutrition has been the direct cause of disease in our pets. As a result manufacturers have started to add in synthetic vitamins to pet foods increase the popularity and ability to sell their product. However, studies have proven synthetic vitamins to be potentially harmful. So why would we give our pets potentially harmful synthetic vitamins when we wouldn't take them ourselves?
To make sure your pet is getting all the vitamins and nutrition he needs, make a change in his diet. Check the ingredients on the dog food you normally buy. If one of the ingredients is a meat by-product more than likely this is the part of the animal that is usually thrown away as waste ie. feet, heads, eyes. We as humans wouldn't eat these parts of the animal so why would we subject our animals to eating such low quality protein. Usually our animals have a hard time to digest such by-products. Natural and whole foods are a much better alternative to supplement your pets diet.
There are numerous natural pet food manufacturers sprouting up, that use high quality meats, grains, vegetables, fruits and natural preservatives. The wholesome ingredients in natural dog food will aid your dogs immune system, allowing it to fight off bacteria, viruses, and parasites. You will see a difference in your dog. His coat will be shinier, glossier eyes, decreased mouth and body odor, less shedding, and less fleas.
In addition to changing your dogs food, adding vitamin supplements will also increase your dogs vitality. When finding dog vitamins again check to make sure there are no additives, or preservatives. Vitamin supplements should be natural and easily digestible. Supplements will increase your dog's longevity and overall happiness throughout his life.

http://amirbubba.blogspot.com

Pet Parenting

Most pet parents have no idea how to train or treat their pets once they bring them home. Unfortunately when you buy a pet there isn't an owners manual to teach us how to bring up an animal. Although we may make mistakes along the way there are ways to fix those mistakes.

1. Inconsistency with Rules-
When your pet doesn't do what you want, we normally will give up or yell at them. This is an incorrect action. Dogs get confused and frustrated at inconsistent commands. They may not even understand what you want them to do. Eventually your pet will ignore what you tell or ask him to do. The best thing to do when your dog doesn't do what you want it to remind him what he should be doing. Back up your commands. If you want him to sit and he doesn't, give him a tug on the collar. Only reward him if he acts correctly to the command.
2. Overfeeding-
The reward system is only one of several ways to train, however some parents misuse it. People think that by giving their dogs treats they are showing affection and love. Treats should be used when your dog follows the rules or does a correct action. However rewards should only continue until your dog is confident in the action. Then you should wean the dog off of treats.
Americans tend to overfeed their dogs at feeding time. Pet owners normally overfill their pets food bowl and re-fill it when its empty. Our dogs dietary systems are completely different than ours. Each dog breeds have different needs when it comes to eating. Make sure to be aware of your dogs needs ie. the amount of food, and how often to feed them. Never give scraps from the dinner table. This can cause problems for your dogs digestive track.
3. Boredom-
If you leave your pet at home all day while your at work, they will usually sleep or pace around until you get home. Their energy is bound up and will explode once you walk through the door. Dogs need mental activity and environmental stimulation. Keeping chew toys around for your dog while he is alone. Once you get home give him special attention. Playing fetch, and going for walks are good ways to burn off that excess energy.

http://amirbubba.blogspot.com

Follow my blog and I will send you my pugs pictures to download for free

Pugs Health Problems & Prevention

1. Did you know that fleas' life cycle is so short that a larva can become an adult in about a week in perfect conditions.
2. Female fleas can produce around 3500 eggs in only one week.
3. Fleas can cause damage to your pugs' skin from repeated scratching, especially if your pug has sensitive skin or is allergic to flea bites.
4. Did you know that pugs with fleas scratch their skin until they hurt themselves and spend most of their time annoyed.
5. Fleas normally live indoors and can wait on the floor, carpet and furniture until they can find a host.
6. Fleas can effect your relationship with your pugs.
7. Did you know that once fleas have matured they feed on your pugs blood.
8. Fleas can survive the worst weather conditions if they are feeding on a host.

Fleas are bloodsucking insects that have the ability to leap. I own two pugs and the only problem that made me bring my pugs to the vet was for fleas. In my opinion, pugs worst enemy is fleas. Make sure you check your pugs all year long for fleas, especially in warm parts of the country where fleas can live year round outdoors. Fleas can live in the worst possible environments if they have a host to feed on. So if you see one flea on your pug, don't be surprised to find thousands more because one female alone can produce up to 3500 weekly. Eggs can be anywhere on your floor, the furniture or even on your clothes waiting to become an adult and find a host. They make your dog scratch unnecessarily when he could be playing and giving you joy.
Preventing your pug from getting fleas will save you money, time, and help you offer your dog a happier life. Take preventative actions such as bathing your dog, avoid tall grasses where fleas can attach to your dogs hair, and regular vet checkups.

How to Prepare for your New Pug

Its a lot of fun to have a pug at home, but you need to make sure you are ready for your new baby. Here are some important elements that you need to check on before bringing home your new pug.

1. Choose a good breeder: You need to shop around. There are too many breeders out there and some of them are not very decent. Many pug breeders inbreed their pugs which can cause future health issues with their pugs, so beware of devious breeders. A good breeder will want to make sure that their puppies are going to a proper home. So they will want a little bit of background on you. If the breeder isn't concerned about this information then they are probably just in it for the money. Remember pug breeders are Pug lovers too or else they wouldn't be breeding. A good breeder will not send the puppies home prematurely. All puppies are technically not supposed to be sold before they are 8 weeks old. If the breeder is willing to let you take the puppy home before 8 weeks then again they are just in it for the money. The dog breeder will normally allow you to see the puppy before you bring him/her home. I would beware if they breeder doesn't allow you to see the puppy previous to when you are supposed to take them home. Good breeders are up front with their puppies' recipients about the details of the puppies first few weeks of life.
Our breeder made us aware that the puppies had a cough and she was willing to hold on to the puppies, take them to the vet and make sure they weren't sick before we brought them home.
Check out the breeder before you make a permanent decision.
2. Veterinarians: It is important to find a veterinarian who has a good reputation. Someone who will be their for your pugs every time they need help. My veterinarian loves pugs a lot. Our pugs are lavished with affection every time we bring them to the vet.
3. Emergency: It will be helpful to know the location of an emergency vet. I personally didn't think about it before and when the time came I had to find one quickly. Our pug Bubba became very lathargic one evening and had a rash on his stomach. My girlfriend and I didn't know what was wrong with him and we had to find the first emergency vet that was available. Its good to locate one before hand for any emergencies that come up.
4. Control of the home and yards: Depending on the size of your house, you will need to find a spot for your pug. Pugs are comfortable in a big or small environment. If you crate train your pug make sure the crate is big enough for you dog to sleep comfortably.
Pugs like to play a lot. Make sure you are aware of harmful products that could hurt your pugs. Some plants can be dangerous for your pugs. They can be poisonous so make sure you clean your yard. Make sure to check your fence for any holes or nails that are sticking out.
5. Pug Supplies: It will be helpful to you if you can spend an hour in any pet store to read their product labels and decide which one you need for you new pug puppy.
If you are crating your pug, make sure you realize that your pug will grow. To avoid having to purchase numerous size crates once your pug grows make sure to purchase a larger crate at the start to save yourself the money. Pugs normally only get to about 20 lbs so you have a better understanding of what size crate you need.
Pug puppy training is not complete with out treats. Try out a couple different kinds to see which one your puppy likes. Treats are crutial in training your pugs to loading up on them will avoid numerous trips to the pet store.
Other items you will need include shampoo, food bowls, puppy food, water bowls, collars, leashes, and toys.
6. Pugs & Kids: Pugs love kids. It is important to prepare you kids for the new puppy. Kids can intentionally or non-intentionally hurt the puppy, this will depend on your childs age. Younger kids don't know that certain actions can hurt the puppy. Explain to your kids how they need to act toward the puppy, what they can do and what they can't do with the puppy. This will allow the pug to adapt easily to it new environment.
7. Pug Accessories: Depending on how you want your pug to look, you can purchase different items online or in the stores for you pug. You will definitely need a collar and a leash. Pugs like to chase cars so make sure you always have your pugs on a leash when you take them outside. If I knew that my pugs wouldn't chase after cars, squirrells, or people, I would allow them outside without the leash. But it is safer for them to be on the leash so that they won't get hurt running in front of a car. Its for their own protection that I keep them on the leash outside. I love my pugs and would never be able to forgive myself if something like that happened.

Why does my dog do that?

Do you ever wonder why your dog acts the way he does? Humans have been able to study animal behavior for quite a while. If pet owners paid more attention to their pets actions they would come to understand why they act the way they do.
Does your do run through the house frantically for what seems to be absolutely no reason? Well there is a reason. If your dog is left in the crate all day long while your at work, or stays in the house all day with nothing to do, then your dog's energy is builds up inside. Once released from the crate or let out they seem to go ballistic. They run rampant because they are releasing all that pent up energy. Dog owners can avoid their dogs sprinting around the house by taking their dog for a walk, playing fetch, frisbee or ball with their dog, or taking them to the dog park to play with other dogs. This will allow your dog to release all their pent up energy and tire themselves out before you take them home. Smaller dogs such as the pug, are easier to tire out. When I take my 2 pugs to the dog park, they tire out in about 20 minutes. Once I get them home they just sleep. Larger breeds will need longer time to play because of their bigger stature.
Have you ever witnessed your dog chasing his own tail? Although funny to us, this is your dogs way of amusing himself. Dogs like to play. If your dog is bored he may stimulate himself by running in circles, or chasing his own tail. To avoid this keep lots of toys around for your dog to play with. Raw hide bones, rubber toys that you can put peanut butter in the middle or stuffed animals will keep your dogs occupied for hours. Taking your dog for walks or playing fetch will also keep your pooch stimulated.
Does your dog bark or whine insessantly? This is your dogs way of communicating with you. Why does your dog bark when he sees a cat? Because he instinctively wants to play with the cat. If your dog sits at your feet and whines, he wants some attention from you. My pugs sits on the windowsill and whine and bark. They see squirrells, birds, cars and people that they want to chase and play with. When my pugs want to play they bring me a toy and bark or whine until we throw it for them.
Next time you don't understand your dog just pay attention to their actions. The answer may be right in front of you!

http://amirbubba.blogspot.com

My Pugs Amir and Bubba

Pug's Training Tips

1 - Teaching your pug puppy to play with toys:

This will help your puppy to be happy, develop strong muscles, don't try to bite people, develop its intelligence and finally don't chew on your furniture.

2 - Use the Classic Methods of Training:

I suggest that you train your pug properly. This will make it easy for you when it gets older. I also suggest that you use the classic training commands that most people use. This will make it easy for your pug to adapt just in case it has to live with an other family. These methods were developed over the years by experts and dog owners from their own experiences.

3 - Be the Boss:

Make sure you make the rules while playing with your pug.
Your dog will challenge your instructions. You need to insist and win. This is the only way your pug will listen to you in the future and learn easily.

4 - Use treats:

Pugs love to eat, they love treats. Use treats in your pugs training and you will be surprised with the results.

5 - Use the Leash outside:

Please, make sure you use the leash every time you take your pug outside. Pugs like chasing cars, so please use the leash to protect your pugs.

Pugs and Food

Pugs are small dogs with an ideal weight ranging between 14 and 18 pounds.The female pug is usually smaller than the male, but don't be surprise if your male pugs weight is under 18 pounds or smaller than the female pug.
Pugs never refuse food. They will be with you at the table while you are eating and try to get some of your food. They really act like they are hungry all the time which makes their nutrition very hard.
Try to be on top of your pugs nutrition by avoiding giving them any kind of human food that will make them gain too much weight. It's hard for a pug to loose weight after gaining too much.
Avoid giving your pugs chocolate or any food made from chocolate. This can make them sick.
Finally, nutrition is very important. To keep your pug happy, try to manage a schedule for your pug where you determine the amount and kind of food your pugs need. This should be associated with daily training sessions as taking your dog for a walk. You will need to play with your pug too, besides the daily exercise. Pugs are different than other dogs and they like to be loved and played with all the time. I'm one of the owners who call their pugs kids or little people.

Pugs can swim

My pugs Amir and Bubba swim, so every pug can.
Most of people say that pugs can't swim , it's true because the shape of their body but they aren't all the same.
If you want your pug to swim, you need to start taking it to the beach at an early age. I used to take my pugs to the beach twice a week and now, a year and half later, they like the water.
It's true that they swim for a short time, but I don't believe that it's because their body however it's because of their breathing capability.
Take your pugs to the water more often, let them play in it, get used to it, play with other dogs in it and they will eventually learn how to swim. It's natural for them like for every dog, but it's also their quick learning from seeing other dogs doing it. Pugs are a very smart dogs and they pick up new things quick.
There are always exceptions to every rule, forget what people can tell you and start teaching your pug how to swim. You will have to go in the water with your pug at first to make them more comfortable but eventually they won't need you to go in with them. They will start going in by themselves.
Don't let your pug around your pool or hot tub, again not because their swimming capability but because their breathing capability.
A pug can swim, but supervision is necessary.