Doggie Sit-Ups

Ideal play or training sessions with your dog end with the dog feeling both tired and successful. One method that accomplishes creating a sense of accomplishment in both you and your dog, as well as enforcing obedience, is doing a session or two of doggie sit-ups. It helps to have a lot of small treats on hand for these. At first, you may have to give a tiny bite after each part of the exercise. Eventually, your goal will be to complete the entire set before a treat is given.

Start by having your dog sit. Once sitting, have him lay, then sit again and finally stand. This is one sit-up. The ideal session will be to have your dog repeat this sequence of moves a total of ten times, but at first you may only be able to get him to cooperate for one or two. That is fine. Every few days add an additional turn before he gets his treat until he is doing the full ten.

This exercise reinforces the basic commands of sit, down and stay. If your dog has yet to learn these commands, you will have to work on them at the same time. This allows you to accomplish two things at the same time. Keep in mind, however, that trying to learn a new command is tiring in itself. Adjust the number of sit-ups accordingly or you are bound to have a very frustrated dog.

Dogs love to feel they have made their people happy. Allowing your dog to combine some of the simplest commands into your play session will make him feel he has accomplished this task and he will be all the more eager to do whatever else you have in store for him during this time.

Doggie First Aid Kit

As a dog owner, you may find yourself needing to give your dog first aid. Dogs are curious creatures and sometimes get into dangerous situations. When they get into trouble, it will be your job to help. Many of the problems a dog faces are similar to those of our own. Until you can get your dog to a vet, he will depend on you. Having the supplies you need on hand will really help you to be effective.

Rolls of gauze and tape are handy to slow or stop bleeding and are necessary in your doggie first aid kit. You can also find some great blood-clotting topical products too. Hydrogen peroxide is important for cleaning wounds. An old clean blanket is essential for wrapping a dog in shock. A first aid kit should also include an antihistamine for bee or wasp stings, an antibiotic gel and an eye wash. Also, absorbent cotton, gauze rolls or pads, scissors (preferably with rounded tips), tweezers, a rectal thermometer; syringes (without the needle) for giving oral medications, elastic bandages.

Take time to learn the basics of first aid. Keep your vet's phone number handy in case you need him. If you think your dog may need professional care in the middle of the night or on a weekend, consider calling your vet and advising him. He may have some good advice or instructions to help you reach him. Many cities now have pet emergency centers. It is advisable to keep their number in your first aid kit as well.

Keep in mind that an injured dog is scared and may bite. If you feel this is possible, a muzzle is another addition to your kit. Avoid giving your dog Tylenol. Ask your vet before it is necessary what kind of pain medication is okay and keep some of that with the rest.