Life With Dog As Training Partner: Eat Your Colors

When I decided to do this Project Happiness: Life with Dog as Training Partner, I had it all planned in my head as usual.... I was going to make this the perfect blog yet. So of course, same thing happened. I’m trying to come up with the perfect post.

And then I realized, that is what this is all about. I’m good at things when I just jump in. Most people are. You are too. It’s an old habit I have. Especially about something that I want to become really good at.

I’ve always been one of those people that jumps in and sets out to be the best I can be in things. And because of that fact, as life has gone on, I’ve gotten good at fewer things because I want to be make it perfect to start out with.

How many times does one need to jump in and learn the lesson? The best time to start being good at what you want to be good at is by starting with something and moving forward with it every day.

So here it is. Where I am today on Project Happiness: Life with Dog As Training Partner.

One of my Seven Personal Things is Eat Good Food. It’s something that I’ve told myself I do a good job at most of the time. And the truth be known when I started keeping a food journal, or at least continuing to be very mindful of what I was eating, I realized that ate pretty much crap most of the time.

I read a book call Food Rules which absolutely rocked. I highly recommend it. It makes knowing what to eat easy and almost fun.

So once again I have found myself ordering a big cheeseburger with fries more than once in the last few days. Seriously? This goes in the category Eat Good Food? No. It’s just an old habit.

It’s amazing how one really needs to focus on what you want and how making a conscious choice can change so much about how you feel. I picked up Food Rules again and the rule that came to me was Eat Your Colors. Today, I had butternut squash soap and added chopped up fresh broccoli. It was actually really good and made me feel better immediately. What’s so hard about that? Nothing really so I’m already planning the next good-for-me meal.

And once again the book Food Rules which has these simple rules that are usually a short page to read got me seriously motivated again. (That’s what this article is meant to do for you too!)

Heading to the Farmer’s Market tomorrow. Going to get more colors of vegetables and fruit to add to my Eat Good Food.

Life with Dog

This Eat Good Food thing got me thinking about what color food dogs eat. I write about healthy dog food all the time and get some interesting responses from people. Yesterday one came in where this women didn’t think it was a good idea to recommend different food to dog owners, especially those who have dogs that easily get stomach upset from a change in food.

Oh my. Wasn’t that the point? Poor dogs eat the same preservative laden food every single day. The only color they might get is the artificial dies some of the big pet food companies put in the chunks of kibble designed to look “beneful”, but are really a product of... uh.... down right gross nasty ingredients designed for profit.

Back to Eat Your Colors for the dogs too.... lots of research later I feed them a healthy dry kibble and add things to it that are good for the dog too. Today’s color for the dogs.... a little squash soup with some broccoli dribbled over the kibble. They are happy. And they are healthy. *Note not all the food we humans eat are good for the dog so do your research there as well... for instance, grapes can be deadly for dogs.

Start your own Project Happiness: Life with Dog as Training Partner by signing up for the Healthy Living Wag Report.

Dogs are the greatest on earth for keeping a smile on their face and a wag of the tail going. Follow along and keep updated on ways to get out and have fun with your dog, your life, your health and your happiness by signing up for the Healthy Living Wag Report!

Wag More!

©Jt Clough & K9 Coach Inc, 2010

Dog Food Recall - FDA Health Alert

January 14, 2010 - FDA Health Alert for Merrick Beef Filet Squares Dog Treats Packaged and Distributed by Merrick Pet Care
Products may be contaminated with Salmonella

The U. S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to use Merrick Beef Filet Squares for dogs distributed by Merrick Pet Care with a package date of “Best By 111911” because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The attention to dog health care is on the rise. As we look at our own health and fitness the trend is towards prevention and staying healthy with exercise and diet rather than seeking treatment after the damage has been done.

You are what you eat is true for dogs too. Not all premium commercial dog food marketed as organic are in fact what the packaging lets us imagine. It up to dog owners to do our due diligence in researching what the food we choose to feed our dogs is made up of.

Do You Really Know What’s In Your Pets Food?

A healthy diet for your dog should include protein and carbohydrates. Its important to know where those components come from type of ingredient to the way it is processed.

Watch this video Do You Really Know What’s In Your Pets Food for more information.

How would you feel physically if you ate the same exact thing every day without access to any whole vegetables, fruits or meat?

A healthy diet for your dog can include these foods: chicken, beef, fish, eggs, broccoli, peas, carrots and squash.  Don’t be afraid to give your dog some “real” food along with a kibble diet. Adding these unprocessed foods to your dog’s healthy dog food diet provides antioxidants and are all great thing for canine immune systems. There are certain whole foods that are not suitable for your dog but adding a little meat or vegetables to your dog’s diet will enhance the nutrition many fold compared to only feeding dry kibble.

Fitness and nutrition bring more wag to you and the dog. Go out and have some fun at a dog friendly event, and eat whole foods. You and your dog. Wag.

©Jt Clough and K9 Coach, Inc. 2010 www.SitK9Sit.com   DogTrainingofSanDiego.com

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Training Companions: Running with Dogs

Studies show that training with a companion, training partner, buddy... whatever you want to call it increases your chances of sticking with an exercise program more than two fold.  So why not pick a training companion you know you can count on?  Your dog is always ready to go, on your schedule and happy to be your best supporter every single day.

That being said there are a few considerations to take into account when choosing your dog as your running partner.

As with you, make sure that your dog is healthy and physically able to run with you.  A check at the vet is recommended.  Holistic veterinarians are always on the side of health versus medication and exercise is an area they know well.

Puppies and dogs less than a year old are still forming bones and ligaments so make sure to refrain from a full training regime.  Don’t confuse that statement with get no exercise for your young dog.  This can also turn out to be bad for development and behavioral problems.  Just don’t plan on making the puppy a running partner until after reaching a year old.

There are dogs better built for running than others.  The list is long and many times the combined traits of a mixed breed dog are ideal for running.  A few breeds that are most excellent as running partners are:

Labrador Retriever
Australian Shepherd
Portuguese Water Dog
Weimaraner
Vizsla
German Short Haired Pointer
Golden Retriever
Standard Poodle
Labradoodles
German Shepherd Dog
Belgian Malinois
Rhodesian Ridgeback

You can find many more breeds and information about dogs that make great running partners at www.DogBreedInfo.com

Acclimation is key to gaining fitness and avoiding injury.  Make sure to start your dog off like you would start yourself in a new program.  Start with shorter runs and gradually increase your distance.

More is not always better, especially in the beginning.  Long time runners coming back to the game sometimes go with the 1 mile, 2 mile, 10 mile program.  If your dog is new to running “muscle memory” is simply not there.  Do the gradual build up and you’ll have a running partner in time that will always be willing to go the distance and be completely healthy doing it.

Trails are a better option to run long term for you and the dog.  Pavement can be very jarring and the joints and ligaments do much better with the give of trials and soft surfaces.  Check your dog’s paws frequently especially early on in a new training program for cuts, scrapes, or cracks and make sure to keep the nails trimmed.  Dog boots are a great option if you are acclimating your dog to new terrain.

Use common sense regarding time of day you take your dog running.  During warm weather the morning or late evening is best.  Cold weather on the other hand may require that you let the day warm up a bit before hitting the daily running route.  For those dogs that don’t have a lot of extra fur or aren’t acclimated to the cold, providing a dog coat has become a very stylish option to keep your dog warm.
Upscale Dog Supplies

Hydration is a huge factor for you and your dog.  To feel good hydration is a must.  Dogs sweat differently than we do, with moisture leaving their bodies through their nose, tongue and paw pads. Ignoring the signs of dehydration early on is easy since the physical signs of sweating are absent.  Make sure to bring water for you and the dog.

No matter how much you train or exercise if your nutrition is bad you still are dealing with health issues.  Make sure to feed your dog a holistic balanced dog food.  The type of food and the amount are as important as a consistent exercise program.

For more dog running tips and canine cross training programs subscribe to Dog Blog Web Fitness Training below.

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©Jt Clough and K9 Coach, Inc. 2010   www.SitK9Sit.com   www.GoTrainYourDog.com

Holiday Dog Food - The Good and The Bad

Just plain dog food kibble, especially the same kind of dog kibble every day can get a little boring. Since we love our dogs so much, we tend to give them a special treat during the holidays. Usually something from the more than fabulous holiday dinner being prepared to share with friends and family.

The truth of the matter is a little “real” food isn’t a bad thing for your dog. Most commercial dog food is REALLY scary and knowing the facts on some premium dog foods quickly explains why our dogs are getting fat, acquiring health problems and dying younger.

That being said, not all food good for humans is good for the dog either. In fact there are some very common foods that can be harmful, even deadly to our dogs’ long and short term health.

Because these foods are so common and many of them a good healthy choice for humans yet not well known to be harmful or toxic for dogs here is a list to help spread the word to dog lovers. *Send this article to all your dog people friends so they know!

• Turkey Skin - Tis the season for this food item in most households. A little turkey for the dog. What a great idea. Just remove the skin first. Turkey skin is known to cause pancreatitis dogs.
  
• Bones - Cooked bones can be a real problem for your dog. Small or large they become brittle once cooked, causing the bone to splitter and lodge in the throat or even worse yet the intestines. Bad news. Uncooked larger soup bones are not a bad thing for the dog and can be gotten from your local store meat counter.
• Grapes/Raisins - This is one that is not commonly known and surprises most dog owners. This fruit is extremely toxic to dogs. Grapes and raisins contain an unknown toxin and as little as a handful can cause kidney failure in dogs.
• Nuts - Macadamia nuts are known to cause tremors, weakness or paralysis in the hindquarters or your dog. The good thing it isn’t deadly and the symptoms wear off after a short while, still not a good thing even short term. Walnuts are considered poisonous to dogs and can cause gastroenteritis.
• Chocolate - Bakers chocolate or dark chocolate contains the substance Theobromine. The substance is similar to caffeine and is described as poisonous for dogs but the most common toxic effect is heart attack.
• Nutmeg - Is a hallucinogen in dogs. Some may have the thought cross their mind... “cool”.... However your dog might not think the altered state is that cool really!

Enjoy your holidays. Get some exercise with your dog, and drink lots of water.

©Jt Clough and K9Coach, Inc. www.SitK9Sit.com www.GoTrainYourDog.com

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Dog Bone Treat Recipe - Perfect Christmas Dog Gift

The holidays are upon us and the shopping malls are a bit crazy these days. For those of you with dogs on you Christmas shopping list here’s a great idea that’s cost effective and the dogs will love.

Everyone knows chocolate is not good for the dog. A fact not well known though is carob is a substitute that dogs can eat and it makes us humans feel so sweet to give that special bonus dog treat.

Carob information: The carob tree is cultivated for its edible seed pods. Carob, dried or roasted has a slightly sweet taste. It's used in powder or chip form as a substitute for chocolate in cakes and cookies. Carob is used as a non-toxic alternative to chocolate in dog treats, as the theobromine in chocolate is toxic to most dogs.

Carob Dog Bone Treat Recipe

Dough Ingredients

1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup canola oil
2 eggs
3 tablespoons peanut butter (non sweetened)
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/4 cups unbleached flour
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup rolled oats

Keep additional flour ready to roll dough without sticking to the rolling pin.

*Personally I flattened the dough using my hands and additional flour.

Mix water, oil, eggs, vanilla and peanut butter with a wire whisk. Add flour, cornmeal and oats using a mixer or by hand mixing.

Divide dough in thirds and place 1/3rd on floured surface. Flour top of dough and gently knead, adding more flour until dough is pliable enough to roll. (Or flatten evenly using your hand)

Roll to 1/2 to 3/4 inch thickness and cut using a bone shaped cookie cutter. (Another shape of your choice will work too!)

Preheat oven to 400 F. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes depending on thickness.

Carob Dip

1/2 lb carob chips
1/4 cup milk

Melt carob chips in microwave at half power for 1 minute. Stir in milk and microwave at half power for 1 more minute. Stir to smooth consistency.

After bones have cooled dip one end in warm carob mixture. Place on surface to cool.

Store these dog treats the same way you would homemade cookies. An airtight container is best. Since there are no preservatives in these treats refrigeration is best or if the treats are not used within a couple of weeks freeze them. Thaw completely before feeding.

Your dog will love the treats. It’s a great idea for all of your dog owning friends and family as a holiday gift.

Enjoy, and don’t forget to go outside and get some exercise with your dog. Its good for you. It’s good for your dog.

©Jt Clough and K9 Coach, Inc. 2009 www.SitK9Sit.com www.GoTrainYourDog.com

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Thanksgiving Dog Food Fitness & Health

The holidays are here. Time for food, drink, friends, family (including the dog), and good times.

Thanksgiving tends to center around food. Not all the food we eat on this type of holiday is the best for our health, but never the less we eat it. The same is true for our dogs. Food that we eat that is bad for us tends to take effect over time. The difference with dogs and the food that is bad for them at Thanksgiving is that it can be detrimental to their health quickly.

There are common foods that most dog owners know are bad for dogs like chocolate, but the list of foods that are commonly prepared for a holiday feast that could cause serious health issues for your dog may surprise you.

Read the list of foods that can cause health issues that may not be reversible such as pancreatitis here: Thanksgiving Dog Food

Make sure to reduce the amount of stress the holiday can bring for yourself and your dog by getting out and getting some exercise first thing Thanksgiving morning. Not only will it offset the amount of food that might be consumed, but the unusual commotion with friends and family can not only be stressful for your dog, but you as well.

Exercise is the best way to dissipate these type of feelings. Just watch a dog run and see the look on their face and it becomes pretty clear!

Have a great Thanksgiving.... make sure to keep the foods that could hurt your dogs health permanently inaccessible to your dog, get some exercise and enjoy your family, friends, and your dog.

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Thanksgiving Wag! Dog Safety Training Tips.

The holidays are officially upon us. Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks, a time for friends and family, and a time for great food. With our dogs being part of our families there are some very important things that you should know about inclusion and what is good for your dog and what is not.

Read Thanksgiving Dog Safety Tips for information on a very common Thanksgiving feast fixing your dog should absolutely not have because it can cause pancreatitis.

Included in the article is a recipe for a special Holiday Kong Treat your dog will love.

Thanksgiving Dog Safety Tips

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Dog Food: The Good, The Bad, and The Easy

How do you think your body would do if you ate the same exact food for every single meal of your entire life? Probably miss out on a few things on the nutritional end as well as get a bit bored and look for something else to chew on, right?

Dogs don't get that choice and usually don't complain but it can show up in their long term health. The old adage "you are what you eat" applies here as well.

Not all dog food is the same. Kibble is a great staple given its a quality dog food but adding some regular real food can improve your dogs health over the long term. After all the current worlds oldest dog’s owners attribute his long life to giving him a bit of real food every day!

Read Dog Food: You Are What You Eat for some easy tips on how to improve your dog’s diet with some very simple additions that you already have in the kitchen.

©Jt Clough and K9 Coach 2009

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Dog Tail Chasing Linked to High Cholesterol

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High cholesterol is proving to be a marker for behavioral problems such as obsessive compulsive disorder and panic attacks. The Journal of Small Animal Practice published a study done by a team of veterinarians that has linked high cholesterol to tail chasing in dogs.

Though the studies on behavior disorders and cholesterol have done mainly on humans, the thought that it could be connected to the behavior disorders in dogs as well is quite feasible.

It is an interesting study and health should certainly be an area to be thoroughly checked out when a dog shows unexplained behavior problems. The dog study took blood from dogs that otherwise appear to be healthy and found that those with higher cholesterol also had a tendency to be tail-chasers.

Dogs who obsess on something usually have problems with stability. Owners and friends of dog owners many times focus on a dogs obsession as amusing and sometimes actually encourage the behavior. This in itself could be causing the unbalanced nature of that particular dog to progress faster than need be. Considering that it could be a health issue can easily become completely overlooked.

Dog food that contributes to high cholesterol isn’t easy to track down due to labeling and ingredient regulations are much different than human grade food products. Just like the human race, a well balanced dog should get plenty of exercise and a healthy diet.

More information on healthy dog food: Healthy Dog Diets

Read the full story: Dog Tail-Chasing Linked to High Cholesterol

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Hydration and Dogs: How Much Water Does Your Dog Need?

Many dog owners spend a lot of time researching what kind of diet to feed the dog, how much to feed, and even what nutrients in dog food are actually the best. Yet of all the nutrients in your dog’s diet, water is the most important and tends to be not even on the radar of the owners attention.

Exercise, Climate Temperature, or Anxiety Are Cause for More Water

A dog can lose 6% of body weight before the idea even occurs to them to drink. Like humans who exercise drinking water before exercise, during exercise, and after exercise is necessary to keep proper hydration. Unlike a human, dogs don’t appear to be losing hydration because they do not sweat like we do. They do not have sweat glands in their skin, instead they lose water through their nose, tongue, and paws.

Keeping this in mind, it makes sense that a dog who is exercising, or has high anxiety loses hydration since panting is sweating in dog form. You’ll also notice that a dog who is stressed or is showing signs of anxiety will leave a dog paw print on the floor. That’s another form of sweat leaving your dog’s body.

How Much Water Does You Dog Need?

The amount of water your dog needs daily depends on the size of your dog, the amount of exercise, the climate your dog spends time in, and what kind of dog food you are feeding. Considering these variables the amount can change from day to day.

Don’t consider these cold hard numbers but as general guidelines the amount of water your dog should get on a daily basis might something like this:

A 7 lb adult Maltese with activities consisting of one 20 minute slow walk and some light indoor activities, would need approximately 1½ cup of water throughout the day to maintain a proper level of body fluids.

A dog weighing 65 lbs would require approximately 7 cups of water depending on exercise, anxiety, and diet.

How Should I Keep My Dog Hydrated?

The challenge in keeping your dog hydrated is that they don’t know when to drink, and most of the time in more strenuous activity or exercise, won’t think to go drink on their own. Here are some things you can do to encourage your dog to drink water, stay hydrated and get out and have some fun.

•Make Sure Your Dog Drinks Before a “Workout”
•Take Water & a Frisbee (to use as a water bowl) On Outings
•Give Ice Cubes as Treats
•Put Ice Cubes in the Water Bowl
•If You Are Thirsty During Activity; So Is Your Dog
•If You are Hot; Your Dog is Hotter
•Put More Than One Bowl of Water Out in Another Location
•Put a Treat in the Bottom of the Water Bowl
•Play Water Games While Teaching To Drink from the Hose

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