The Dog In Your Home
Dogs are and always have been pack animals. They naturally know how their hierarchy is structured. They know their place and they are very good pack members. But when their pack consists of humans who don't understand the pack mentality, the dog is often confused about where he is in the hierarchy. When the household is chaotic to a dog (which means the humans aren't properly placed in the hierarchy), the dog believes he must take control and become alpha since nobody else is stepping up to the plate. However, because he is a dog and it is highly intimidating for him to lead a pack of humans, his leadership position isn't exactly compatible to ours. And that's when the humans believe the dog is the problem. If the dog was instead a child, the only differences taking place would be the type of "acting out" the child would have and the end result of the situation. A dog would usually be dumped at a shelter while a child would never be given up.
Without enforcement of rules, children go absolutely crazy. Don't they? If there is no discipline in the home, the children believe they can do whatever they like whenever they like to. Parents pull their hair out in frustration. If, however, rules are enforced, discipline is consistent, and the relationship is balanced with healthy acts of love, children are very successful and even though they will make mistakes, they always come back to center. All of this is the same for the dog in the home.
Understanding your dog's language, speaking to him in that language, and working with him to maintain his place in the pack will plant in him that security he needs as a pack member. Set your dog up for success by doing these things. So many dogs end up in shelters because their humans were ignorant to the fact that dogs do in fact have their own language and it isn't English.
I received training through Bark Busters, which made a difference in my perspective of the dog in my home. Check out the following video to see what I'm talking about.
Say What?? You Home-Cook For Your Dog????
Those of you who home-cook or raw-feed your dog know the funny looks, sarcastic remarks, and even looks of disgust (either for the raw idea or just the mere fact that you don't feed kibble). These reactions come from friends, family members, and strangers alike. The food people feed their dog is their choice, but I've noticed that whenever we discuss the topic a lot of the time we can be judgmental towards the other person's feeding choice. I've seen raw-feeders shake their heads at kibble-feeders in dismay. At the same time, I've also seen raw-feeders shake their heads at home-cookers. I've seen kibble-feeders rant and rave about the health and sanitary concerns that accompanies raw-feeding. And a mix of all feeders quibbling over who's wrong and who's right. Here's the deal: Find what works for both you and your dog! |
| Chicken, carrots, brown rice, veggie pasta. Add an egg, cottage cheese, and herbs to complete it! |
I've found home-cooking to be lots of fun. I always make sure to mash the veggies either when it's cooked or prior to mixing with the cooked meal.
I still get the funny looks. But it's okay. It's my choice. And if you find yourself feeling a little embarrassed when strangers think you're weird or maybe feeling not-enough when others think you're not feeding the "best," just remember: As long as your dog is getting what he needs to live a happy, healthy life, it's probably the right choice.
Health tip: Did you know that omega-3 fatty acids reduce lactate levels and have the ability to reduce or eliminate metastatic disease? Cancer cells thrive on sugars and create lactate as a waste product. Lactate poisons the animal by depleting its energy, thus weakening it.
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| Bruce watches me prepare his food with a look that says, "Why must you punish me by taking forever?" |
Belly Problems? Use Pumpkin!
Pumpkin puree (you can get it canned as long as it is 100% pure and not mixed with other ingredients) is a great stabilizer for an upset digestive system.Daily Dose
10 lb dog - 1 tblspn
20 lb dog - 3 tblspn
40 lb dog - 1/4 cup
60 lb dog - 1/2 cup
Make It Yourself
You'll need 1 (3-4 lb) pumpkin- Preheat oven to 350F
- Wash outside of pumpkin and cut into quarters
- Scoop out the inside and discard the fibers
- Place pumpkin quarters flesh side down in the bottom of a large roasting pan or on a rimmed baking sheet
- Roast for 45 minutes until flesh is tender
- Allow the pumpkin to cool
- Scoop out flesh and discard the skin
- Puree the pumpkin in batches in a food processor for about 30 secs until smooth
- Or mash with a potato masher
- Use immediately
- Or store in fridge for up to 1 week
- Or store in freezer for up to 6 months
Yields 2-3 cups
You can drain this mixture and use the liquid to pour over dog food.
Book Highlight
In Dogs We Trust is a collection of true stories written by a multitude of authors. Don't scroll past this one--click on the link to check it out!
Description from the site:
The Hardcover Edition of In Dogs We Trust is an Autographed Special Edition: Includes More than 10 new stories from celebrated authors.
“If you love dogs…..and even if you haven’t yet been touched by one, you will understand how magical they are….as Angels, healers of traumatic wounds, teachers, therapists, heroes, saviors, and friends.”
A book by world class writers with all proceeds going to the Lt. Michael Murphy Scholarship Fund, Freedom Service Dogs, The Warrior Dog Foundation and National Mill Dog Rescue….
“The stories will make you laugh and cry and put you in touch with your inner dog…”
Movie Must-See
The Dog Fighter is movie that leads us on the journey through MMA Fighter, Gordon Shell's mission- the fight for the dogs. Despite a serious medical condition that ended his MMA career, he has chosen to risk his health, maybe even his life, fighting to rescue dogs in need. What an amazing story. You MUST see this.
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