The Dog Bowl Pet Supply and BARF Raw Food Blog

Answer: Dogs that jump on people can not only be annoying, they cancause injuries to children. How can you get your dog to stop? Push down on the bridge of his nose when he starts to jump up and say,"No", or raise your knee into his chest and say, "No". If you use the knee method, do not "Bash" the dog with your knee---doing so can rupture his spleen and or other internal organs. Merely block him from your body, if he is jumping from a standing position, and he will bounce off harmlessly.

Most dogs jump when they are first seeing their owner after a day away, or when first meeting strangers. Therefore, when greeting your dog, stand quietly, arms folded, and do not touch the dog until he quiets down. Only then should you pet and reward him. Instruct strangers to do the same when first meeting him and, in a short time, he will learn that he is only petted when he is quiet.

Dear "The Dog Bowl",

I just got home from my first visit to your store and wanted to say what a cool shop! You have some of the greatest gift ideas. And I am jazzed about feeding my dog raw meals. He deserves the best!

Keep up the good work,

AJM

There is no breed or type of dog that does well left alone for long periods of time. Dogs, being pack animals, have an instinct to live in a group. When humans bring a dog into their family, in the dog's eyes there has to be a pack leader. Humans need to be that leader, and it is the leader they long for. If you have your heart set on adopting a dog, but know the dog will be left alone for long periods of time on a regular basis, please seriously consider adopting a second dog. That way, while you are gone, the two dogs will keep each other company. Both dogs will still miss you and wait for you to return each day, but their days will be less stressful. And, as they will know they still have each other, their pack instincts will be satisfied.

One of the most important things you can do for your dog is invest time with him/her.

STEP 1: Have your pet vaccinated for rabies. Your veterinarian can advise when younger pets is ready for this inoculation.

STEP 2: Contact your local animal-control agency for licensing information.

STEP 3: Take proof of vaccination to the appropriate animal-control agency---typically, the local humane society, if you live within city limits.

STEP 4: Prepare to pay a fee. Fees are less for spayed and neutered dogs and are considerably less for dogs owned by senior citizens.

STEP 5: Affix the license tag to your pet's collar and place the license with your other legal documents.

STEP 6: Renew the license as required. The animal-control agency should notify you when it's time for renewal.

STEP 1: Collect supplies for your new pet: a comfortable bed or crate, dog food and treats, food and water dishes, toys, a collar, a leash and an identification tag.

STEP 2: Dog-proof your home. Check and repair any damaged fencing, gates, doors, windows or screens. Place poisons out of reach, remembering to check behind the fridge for small objects or forgotten rat or mouse poison

STEP 3: Pick up your pup at a time when you or someone else will be around the house for a couple of days.

STEP 4: Introduce the newcomer to other pets and family members, and then let him explore the house. Focus your attention on your existing pets as they may be anxious.

STEP 5: Supply a nice, plush bed or a cozy crate. Consider placing the bed or crate in an area where your new pet can keep an eye on you when he beds down.

STEP 6: Take your puppy outside to relieve himself after meals, after playtime, upon waking and, if necessary, every 15 minutes. Adult dogs can wait 2 hours or longer.

STEP 7: Listen for your puppy's cues that he needs to relieve himself in the middle of the night. It may take a while before he can sleep through the night without a potty break.

STEP 8: Play with your pet on and off throughout the day.

STEP 9: Take your pet to a veterinarian for a checkup and vaccinations as soon as possible.

STEP 10: Obtain a license from the proper agency

Note: Dogs will eat or drink anything---that's part of how they explore and learn---so be thorough in removing items that pose a risk to your dog.

STEP 1: Watch your puppy's behavior while relieving himself outdoors so you can detect the warning signs and intercept him when indoors.

STEP 2: Stay outside as often as possible during nice weather so your puppy can develop a preference for eliminating outdoors. Help him develop a liking for surfaces like dirt and gravel by taking him outdoors to eliminate after eating, playing and sleeping ' or, ideally, every 15 minutes.

STEP 3: When it's time, go straight to a predesignated area and don't leave until the puppy urinates.

STEP 4: Tuck your puppy into a cozy crate in your bedroom at night. Dogs are den animals and don't like to soil the area where they sleep.

STEP 5: Carry the puppy outdoors when he becomes restless in the middle of the night, and wait until he's finished relieving himself.

STEP 6: Supply an absorbant mat or litter box during the night, unless you plan on getting up every couple of hours to take him outside. If you do want to take him outside, set your alarm if you sleep too deeply to notice that your puppy has started fidgeting, and carry him outside at those times.

STEP 7: Carry the puppy outside first thing in the morning so he won't soil the floors as he walks outside.

STEP 8: Be consistent with training. Consult a pet behaviorist if you have problems.

STEP 9: Reward your dog with puppy treats and praise every time he successfully eliminates outdoors.

Note: Corrections and punishments for indoor accidents will only teach your puppy not to eliminate around you (even when outdoors), but won't stop him from eliminating indoors when you're not around. If you catch the puppy in the act, say 'No!' sharply and carry the puppy outside. Avoid giving your dog the message that relieving himself is wrong. Don't rub his nose in the mess, and don't hit him with a newspaper.

So your pet wants to sleep with you? Or ON you, particularly if the weather turns cool? Is your bed just too crowded at night?

Solution: a pet bed. Pet beds come in all shapes, sizes and prices, some with built in heaters and coolers, and are made of velvet, chenille, faux fur or sheep wool, etc. Some can be tossed in the washer and dryer, some require spot cleaning, some can be hung over the fence and hosed down.

Your pet’s breed should determine what type of bed you choose. There are two basic kinds of bed: pillow beds and nest beds. Pillow beds are large and flat and ideal for big breeds that need room to stretch out. Nest beds are smaller with a padded support wall around them, so they are great for petite breeds that like to curl up and feel safe and warm. A third, new type of bed is sold by The Dog Bowl and is sort of like a large, squashable, furry hatbox without a lid, made of faux mink-like furs of every color. Your pet can burrow down into its layers for maximum comfort and quiet. They are completely washable too. Check www.TheDogBowl.com for more info.

What if you buy the perfect bed for your pet and he won’t go near it?For cats, crush a little catnip inside. For dogs, place their favorite chew toy there. If getting your pet off the bed is the goal, start by placing the pet bed on your bed until your pet gets used to it, then place it next to the bed on the floor.
Of course, some of us prefer to be smothered by our pets in our sleep. But that’s another problem...

STEP 1: Enroll your dog in a basic obedience class to learn the 'Heel,' 'Sit' and 'Stay' commands. Check with your local humane society or community college to find out about obedience classes.

STEP 2: When your dog is learning a command, say 'Good' the instant she exhibits proper behavior, and then follow up quickly with a reward of treats and more praise. Be patient; your dog needs time to understand what you are asking.

STEP 3: Begin increasing your expectations very slowly. For example, lengthen by a few seconds the time your dog must sit before you shower praise.

STEP 4: Reward even the slightest sign of effort your dog is making to meet your increasing expectations.

STEP 5: Move on to other commands once your dog is comfortable with 'Heel,' 'Sit' and 'Stay,' and with training in general.

STEP 6: Train throughout the day, when you have free time, in a quiet area free from distractions. Limit each session to 5 to 10 minutes.

STEP 7: Train in a busier environment only after your dog understands the command entirely, but realize that you may need to start from scratch ' dogs are situational learners.

STEP 8: Reduce food rewards gradually, but always give an abundance of praise.

STEP 9: Teach your dog a release command, such as 'OK' or 'Free,'early on, so she will know when the task is over and it's OK to relax.

STEP 1: Begin inside the house, with you and your dog in the same room.

STEP 2: Have some dog treats on hand. Facing your dog, back up a few steps.

STEP 3: Call the dog by name, followed by the simple command "Come."

STEP 4: Immediately reward your dog with a treat and “GOOD” after he approaches you.

STEP 5: Slowly increase your expectations for your pup by calling him from another room.

STEP 6: Gradually move into the backyard, front yard on a long leash and so on.

STEP 7: Praise and encourage your dog as he comes to you.

STEP 1: Have your dog sit in front of you.

STEP 2: Kneel down and hold a treat in your hand right near his nose.

STEP 3: Give the command DOWN and slowly bring the treat straight down keeping treat near your dog’s nose.

STEP 4: Praise abundantly and give him the treat for any slight movement towards a down postion. Be sure to say the word GOOD when praising.

STEP 5: Release dog.

STEP 6: Repeat for 5 minutes.

STEP 1: Be sure your dog understands a release command, such as "free" or "okay," before teaching this command.

STEP 2: Have your dog sit or lie down in front of you.

STEP 3: Place your hand, palm open, in front of his nose and give the command "Stay."

STEP 4: Say "Good" at the exact moment your dog exhibits the behavior you want.

STEP 5: Give the release command immediately after (within 1 to 2 seconds), followed by treats and unlimited praise.

STEP 6: Reward your pet even if he only "stayed" for 1 second; and always offer rewards for even slight indications of understanding.

STEP 7: Lengthen the amount of time your pet remains in the stay position very gradually, and slowly move farther away.

STEP 8: Remember to give the release command after every successful "stay" as you increase the length of time your dog must remain in the position.

STEP 9: Avoid going into another room until he fully understands the command.

STEP 10: Train in 5-minute sessions.

STEP 1: Stand in front of your dog.

STEP 2: Hold a treat right near his nose, just out of reach.

STEP 3: Slowly move the treat over your dog's head and toward his tail.

STEP 4: Say your dog's name, and give the command "Sit."

STEP 5: Keep the treat at nose level. If the treat is held too high, he will jump.

STEP 6: Say the word "good" at the exact second the dog sits.

STEP 7: Praise abundantly and immediately give your pet a treat for any movement that resembles the sit position.

STEP 8: Release him from the sit position with the "release" or "free" command.

STEP 9: Repeat for 5 minutes.

With the cooler weather comes the challenge & fine balance between finding a dog bed that is warm, yet washable. Let's face it with the cooler weather we are more apt to take our dogs out for a long walk, to the dog park, or meeting up with fellow dog friends. This increase in activity also increases the exposure to the "dirt" factor.

When you think about it.... Wouldn't it be nice if you could wash your sofa or mattress? How old is that fabric? And what is living in the fibers? Obvious dirt & stains aside, dust mites at the least! Yuck!

The Dog Bowl offers several washable options for your pet (cat & dog), small & large dog options are available. The Buddha bed is a favorite for cats and dogs under 10 pounds. This bed can be un-folded to create a sack-like effect for the burriers, or fold over the edges to create a round warm retreat. (It can also be used as a blanket for your pet over the bedding, sofa or cold floor area.) Warm and completely washable - perfect for our little pets!

For the dogs that are over 20 pounds The Dog Bowl offers a completely washable bed option (click here to see details & pricing). This bed is filled with fleece scraps that can be removed & washed separately - imagine just like a load of socks! Easy and durable, warm and washable!

The Dog Bowl has these items in stock & available to view in person at the storefront if you are in the Houston area: 2431 Sunset Blvd.

1. Make sure the collar fits. Once buckled, you should just barely be able to slip two fingers inside. Puppies grow fast so check the fit often to see if it needs to be loosened. Breakaway collars are best as pups can get hung up on things as they romp and run.

2. It is natural for your puppy to whine, roll, squirm or pull on a collar when first introduced to it. Rather than punish, distract him with a favorite toy or treat. Before long, he won’t even notice the collar.

3. After the collar is accepted, hook the leash to it, sit and watch. This should be done in the house or a confined outdoor area. Let your puppy drag the leash around for a few minutes at a time to get used to the pull of it. Keep an eye out to make sure the leash does not catch on anything. If he seems very fearful of the leash, place it next to the food bowl awhile to let him get used to it. Eventually, he will come to understand that it is nothing to be afraid of.

4. After the puppy is comfortable walking around the house wearing the leash, briefly pick up the end. Don’t try to walk him yet; simply hold the end of the leash and follow the puppy as he walks around. Avoid allowing the leash to become taut.

5. Play games with the collar and lead. Back up and encourage the puppy to walk toward you. Don't drag him forward; urge him to come to you. When he comes at the slightest pressure, release and praise him. Always strive to make the time spent on the leash as pleasant as possible.

6. After your puppy is comfortable being lead indoors where there are few distractions, try it in a small, enclosed, outdoor area like a fenced yard. Then, progress to places where there are more distractions. Walking around the neighborhood is a good way to introduce your neighbors to the new puppy while giving him valuable experience and socialization.

7. Puppies sometimes develop bad habits like biting or chewing on the leash. Try correcting him first and praising him the moment he stops. If that does not work, apply bitter apple, lemon juice, Tabasco sauce or a similar, non-toxic substance to convince him that chewing the leash is a bad idea.

The Dog Bowl carries a lead that is a collar & training lead all in one! (shown). Simply slip the lead around the puppy's neck & adjust the leather piece close to fit (two finger gap) and positioned right behind the dog's ears. (Like you see the handlers leash the dogs in the professional show rings.) Think about it as a "control the head" = control the pup. Usually where the dog is looking is where the attention is being paid & you want this attention to be aimed at you!

Ever wonder if your dog or cat likes a certain food, likes to be walked a certain place, likes clothes, hates certain weather... likes your boyfriend? Well now is your chance for your pet to tell you! Myra Logan can confirm any questions you may have!

Myra Logan is now doing psychic readings over the phone. (Gift Certificates are also available - this makes a great gift!)

Click here to purchase sessions & Gift Certificates online now!

Pets & People are welcome too!

ABOUT MYRA LOGAN: After 35 years in the corporate world, Myra is now a full-time Intuitive Consultant. Her business encompasses animal communication, Feng Shui and personal intuitive consultations. Her clients include businesses as well as individuals in several states and countries. Myra often works in conjunction with veterinary clinics. In addition to consultations, she conducts seminars on animal communication, and she is a frequent guest speaker for various groups. Myra has been retained as the Animal Communicator for the annual Iron Dogs Training Camp in Kerrville, and she makes frequent public appearances sponsored by various businesses. Myra's abilities have been featured by the media, including NBC Channel 2, Fox 26, WB 39, Houston PBS, and in several publications, such as, The Pasadena Citizen Newspaper and The Sun. She is one of three psychics retained by Channel 2 Houston to speak with Radar The Weather Dog. Please visit www.MyraLogan.com to learn more about Myra & her work.

We know you love your pets, but did you ever wonder why you don't really have a good photo of them? I know you own a camera.... but when do we ever take the time to capture the personalities of our beloved pets? Seems like the time is never right.

Well the time is now!

The Dog Bowl is hosting pet photo sessions with professional photographer Farrah Braniff. We have two dates for the sessions: November 18th & December 2nd. The appointment times are limited & are now being set, so get your spot now!

Click here to pay for a session & pick a preferred date. You will be contacted to confirm an exact time. (Please plan to arrive 10 minutes early for your appointment time.)

**The photos will be ready for the holidays too!**