The Dog Bowl Pet Supply and BARF Raw Food Blog

As we experience on a daily basis here at The Dog Bowl, not everyone has the same "house rules" for their dog(s).

Whatever your house rules/training rules are for your dog one thing is certain - your dog will not succeed unless you (and the whole family) are consistent.

We are currently helping out a friend and client of The Dog Bowl with the training of her Jack Russell Terrier named Dylan (shown on the left with Jennifer). He was a rescued pup and she adopted him approximately 3 years ago... We think he is around 5-6 years old. If you have come into our retail storefront recently you have had the "pleasure" of having us beg you to pet him. (He will be staying with us until tomorrow, Saturday.)

Dylan has A LOT of anxiety... Which many of you know is usually expressed as aggression. In Dylan's case he always needs a "job" and a place to just "be". Many dogs are like this - large or small! So even if you think a smaller dog breed is "easier" guess again! Dylan, for example, has proven to be a challenge, but we are working through it. Every day brings an opportunity to train and work with him (and his visitors/friends). To quote Cesar Millan "Rehabilitate dogs.... train people." Because dogs do behave the way we want them to - this includes the good or the bad.

In our quest to assist Dylan we had to first learn how to best communicate with him and react in an appropriate manner with any negative or inappropriate behaviors "in our pack" we came across Training DVD's as well as Breed Specific DVD's (now offered at The Dog Bowl Online Storefront). These were very helpful in his rehab!

We also took in a few of Cesar Millan's videos & would like to share a few of our favorite points from his show on National Geographic:

• Don't let them climb on you.... You tell them where to be.
• One of the most important things Cesar wants to get across is that dogs are dogs—not humans! (So they communicate differently than we do.)
• Often the solution we would use for a human is totally wrong for solving a dog’s issues.
  
• Nose/Eyes - claim your space If you reward dominance YOU become a part of HIS pack. His tail is up - checking you out with dominance.
• Discipline is not about being mean it is about being a great dog owner, the greatest.
• Discipline vs. releasing frustration on an animal is not good. It is not good with being angry and then touching anybody (much less your dog). Being calm & assertive to protect yourself.
• When a naturally submissive dogs lives with a human that does not lead, he or she will attempt to right the pack balance by filling what they see as a vacant pack leader role. This is how behavior problems develop.
  
• If dog is aggressive - Do not touch, no talk, no eye contact with dog. Agression is NOT a breed thing. Aggression is a state of mind.
• No one has ever challenged him - he has gone to "the red zone". Dominant needs to challenge him in the red zone. Challenge in a calm & assertive state.
• 2 dogs - 1 touch the other 1 touches.... 1 is going to win.
• Aggression is a result of 1 or 2 things: (1) Animal that is controlling the situation. (2) Animal that is the pack leader.
• If the animal that is the pack leader. Aggression is NOT what happens right away the OUTCOME (behavior) of insecurity, frustration, anxiety, tension... We don't know what the exact source is.
• Dog is more powerful in their own environment - neurotic behaviors come out in that environment.
• Once they feel how good it feels to be a balanced dog they feel good & say "hey let's do this more".
• Improve your relationship with your dog! Learn how to achieve balance and establish pack leadership with practical tips and techniques.
  
• Easier to influence calm submissive mind than excited submissive mind. Practice NO talk, can touch & can look at him, but sound brings excitement.
• Consistent with expectations of the dog & consistent with behaviors that we allow & with what we do not allow.
• The more you learn about dog psychology, the better you will be able to connect with your canine companion!
• Remember, there are no quick fixes; pack leadership is a year-round 24/7 commitment.
• Prioritize what is best for the dog.

Labels: Behavior and Training, Breeds of Dogs, Dog Leash, Traveling with your dog

The Dog Bowl has two wonderful solutions if you have to walk two dogs at one time! We offer a nylon rolled double dog leash and also a leash coupler (coupler works with your current leash).

The Double Dog Leash (shown to the left) is our most popular leash for walking two dogs.

The patented SlideLok Coupler creates the distance you desire between both dogs. It also allows one dog to have a shorter or longer leash that the other - this is great for the one that like to walk faster or slower!

The Dog Bowl is now offering free shipping for the Double Dog Leash (shown top left). This makes a great gift for anyone who struggles with walking two dogs! It also is a great way to train a dog along side a dog that walks well - adjust the SlideLok down to keep both dogs close to each other. They will begin to work and walk as a team and the SlideLok will take all the pressure and tension of their battle!

This double dog leash is available in seven different colors and a handy key ring (shown) which allows a quick exit from your house with the pups! Oh... and we almost forgot to mention the Double Dog Leash also comes with a cushy grip handle (shown) - which makes walking two dogs even more comfortable for you!

The second option we offer at The Dog Bowl is the Leash Coupler (second photo, bottom left). This option comes in seven colors and works with your leash. It simply allows you to modify your one leash.

The coupler is an easy addition to any leash because the leash coupler allows you add a dog anytime you want - this is a great option if you are a foster home for a second dog.

Professional dog walkers also love this option - it is a handy addition for adding a second dog to your walk! Ordering two couplers will also allow you to walk four dogs at once and you will only have to have one (or two) leashes. (Please note: Choosing the number of leashes to use with the coupler is up to you of course & depends on your dog walking skill level, but most people have no problems once they work with their dogs for a little while.)

Both dog leashes mentioned are made of rolled nylon material (not cotton) so they will last & do not stretch out or fade. These leashes are proudly made in the U.S.A.!

Labels: Behavior and Training, Dog Leash, Dog Style, Traveling with your dog

For a limited time The Dog Bowl is now offering free shipping on our best selling dog leashes! We are proud to say ALL made in the U.S.A. and wonderful quality!

We are offering free shipping for the following dog leashes:

• The American Dog Leash
• Quick Hitch Dog Leash (shown) - (#1 training leash and no collar needed)!
• Sequoia Dog Leash
• The Alpine Dog Leash - Single
• The Alpine Dog Leash - Double (walk 2 dogs at once)!

Free shipping for all US destinations. **FREE SHIPPING for these items when you order ONLINE NOW! (U.S.A. - Ground/UPS Shipping only) (Canada - Ground/UP Postal svc and will be charged $6.00 handling fee at the time of order processing.)

Please double check your order selections when making your order (since we are offering free shipping these items will not be returnable).

Labels: Behavior and Training, Dog Collars, Dog Fashion, Dog Leash

Looking for a good quality dog leash?

The Dog Bowl offers the Rolled Alpine Nylon Dog Leash (shown to the left). (The nylon is rolled/round - not flat like typical leashes. Please read the sizing details carefully as you want a larger diameter size nylon roll for a larger dog. Click here for more details and to order the alpine nylon leash shown.)

The Alpine nylon dog leash is made in the USA. Features an exclusive foam rubber grip handle for exceptional comfort and control. Each nylon dog leash comes with a "key fab" that allows you to attach a spare house key so you can be out the door with your dog in minutes!

Available in 7 colors: Forest Green, Blue (shown), Purple, Red (shown), Pink, Black & Maroon.

Choose a built-in "traffic" handle option. This gives a built in handle (one piece & not removable) near the connector, as shown. This option is great for situations where you need to "grab" your dog and pull him close. (Please note the "traffic option" would not be a good idea for dogs that are close to the gound or small (i.e. a chihuahua)). The added traffic option would be great option for a tall dog, such as a golden retriever or lab.

Since this is our most popular leash The Dog Bowl is NOW offering a special: ***FREE shipping with a purchase of 3 or more! The Dog Bowl processing dept will remove the shipping/free shipping when we process & ship your order! (This applies to all US destinations. All orders outside the US will have a handling charge.)***

This popular leash makes a great gift for any dog walker - buy 3 or more & give them as gifts for the holidays (shipping is free)! (You might want to keep more than one for yourself! Makes a great extra to have handy in the car; for example, in case you forget to bring your leash; or find a stray dog.)

Labels: Behavior and Training, Dog Leash

The Dog Bowl offers the ultimate item for a casual biker who would love to bring the pup along for a ride - The Bike Leash!

This leash walker attaches to your bike!!!

The is one of the best ways to really give your dog a work out - especially with the beautiful weekends we have had lately. You and your pup can both burn some calories!

Walky dog leash comes everything you need to attach to a bike (as shown): leash & jaw/clamp to attach to bike. (Bike not included.)

Color available as shown: Silver

*Please note if you are biking with a dog that is lower to the ground (not like the large German Shepherd shown) we suggest ordering the Biking Lower Rider Connection for this Biking Leash.

This makes the perfect gift for anyone who just got a new bike, or anyone complaining about how hyper their dog is... Let's get some exercise! (If you own a small dog and want to take him/her with you The Dog Bowl offers a Sport Wagon that attaches to your bike - click here to see the EG Sport Wagon.)

Labels: Dog Fashion, Dog Leash, Energy and Environment

Labels: Behavior and Training, Dog Leash, Dog Style

Finally found a dog leash that is easy on my hands!

Labels: Dog Leash

If you have an unruly dog, or a very large breed, you may feel compelled to purchase a metal choke collar to minimize the strain and pulling you have experienced. However, you may be doing your dog more harm than good.

Metal choke collars are not necessarily the appropriate answer to excessive pulling or aggression in your dog.

First of all, these collars may contain lead which is poisonous to you and your dog. While you may not see any effects today, lead poisoning is extremely detrimental and could leave your pet with irreversible health problems, not to mention the heaps of money you’ll end up paying in visits to the vet!Another danger that presents itself with choke collars is the fact that a dog’s anatomical structure is different than that of humans, and their esophagus is very close to the surface of their neck. All of the pulling and tugging directly puts a lot of pressure on their esophagus. One strong tug, and your dog could end up with a collapsed esophagus or trachea which can be immediately deadly.

Instead of purchasing a choke collar that they are walking directly into, try one of The Dog Bowl’s nylon leads that are a modified choke collar. These collars adjust to fit your dog’s neck size, but instead of fitting around the neck, they go up higher around the ears. With this modified choke, you pull up instead of out, which minimizes the strain you put on your pets vital airway and food passage. These leads come in a variety of lengths and thicknesses, so you can walk your unruly Chihuahua comfortably, or even your massive Great Dane!

Proper training and commands will also help in reducing the amount of tug of war that occurs when walking your dog. Perhaps attending an obedience class or two, or asking your vet a few training questions will help you as well. To see the variety of modified choke leads that The Dog Bowl offers, click here! Now you and your pet can literally breathe easily with these more comfortable, safe leads!

Labels: Dog Leash