Dog Blog | Dog Treats & Dog Supplies

Afghan hounds are sight hounds and this means that they love to chase things. A stroll through the neighborhood after dinner is not going to be enough exercise for this dog. Also, they don’t do well in small areas and really need a large yard to romp and play in on a daily basis. They can jump very high so a fence around your yard is an absolute necessity to prevent them from chasing your neighbor’s pets.
If you live in an apartment or have do not have access to a large area for exercise an Afghan hound probably isn’t the best choice for you. These dogs are so energetic that if they aren’t given a chance to work off some of that excess energy unpleasant and even neurotic behavior can develop.  They always need proper dog leashes to help them walk as well.

There is no getting around the fact that these dogs require regular grooming in order to look their best. They will need to be brushed thoroughly at least two to three times every week. Brushing the Afghan hound isn’t a quick job as their coats are thick and can be difficult to manage. Skipping this task will result in a mess that may require a professional groomer to clean up.
Baths cannot be skipped for long periods of time and should be given a minimum of twice per month. If your dog is young and loves to play outdoors, as most Afghans do, you will probably need to give a bath more often. When you do take them outside after a bath, make sure you use proper dog leashes to walk him around the neighborhood.

 Most of the time, dogs disobey their owners because they’re not sure what is expected of them. In order to get your dog to be consistently obedient, you have to spend lot of time training him. Obedience training should start when the dog is still a puppy and be reinforced throughout the years. Some owners can train their dogs without any outside assistance; however, most will need to enroll themselves and their dog in a local obedience school. You and your dog will enjoy your time together much more once you can communicate effectively with each other.

Remember, when the dog obeys a command or an order, make sure to give him healthy, rewarding treats like greenies, to show him how much you care. You can buy greenies at www.gibdogpetsupplies.com

You might think its adorable when your big dog greets you at the door by jumping up on you and licking your face, but most of your guests probably won’t get the same kick out of this behavior. When a small puppy jumps on you it’s cute because you can control him and he’s not heavy enough to knock you over. Not so with adult dogs. Having a large dog hurl himself at you is not an experience that most people, even dog lovers, enjoy. So, how do you get your dog to stop jumping as a way of greeting you and your guests? Consistent training is really the only way. Ideally, you should begin discouraging this behavior when the dog is still a puppy. If you are unable to get your dog to stop jumping up onto people, then a stint at obedience school is highly recommended.  Be sure to tell him that he will be rewarded for his training, with many treats like greenies for his hard journey ahead.

 Think about the precautions that you take to prevent yourself from sunburn and UV exposure. You stay out of the sun at the peak hours like noon to 3PM, use sunblock and cover up, don’t you? Those same suggestions can work for your dog.

Here’s more dog health advice: Be sure that your dog is inside the house or in a shaded area during the sun’s peak hours, even on overcast days. Apply sunblock to the bridge of the dog’s nose, ear tips and other small, sensitive areas whenever the dog is outside for more than a few minutes. Consider some sort of covering for your dog.

Some veterinarians say that the most important and effective protection is a type of bodysuit for dogs, which is designed to block ultraviolet rays and prevent sunburn. Our dogs give us hours of pleasure and years of unconditional love. In return, all we must do is love, keep them healthy, and give them treats like greenies. It’s still good dog health advice to let your dog play outdoors. But spare your “best friend” the pain of sunburn and its consequences.

 All dog owners are familiar with the problems caused by pesky fleas. Fleas are very small wingless insects, brownish red in color, and have sharp mouths by which they obtain blood from their canine hosts. Flea bites usually cause your dog to scratch at affected areas and some dogs are more sensitive than others and can have allergic reactions to flea bites. In general, fleas do not transmit diseases from dogs to humans, but the potential for this exists and they can and do bite humans as well as dogs and cats. Fleas and flea larvae live in warm climates and will live until the ground freezes in cooler climates. They can live on in your home well past this time also.

If you suspect that your dog has fleas, you should take him to your veterinarian. Your veterinary staff member will first use a flea comb on your dog. Flea combs are wide tooth combs and “flea dirt” or dried blood flea excrement is what they are looking for. If this is found, your veterinarian will recommend treatment. Most veterinarians recommend preventive treatment for fleas as it is much easier to prevent them than to treat them.

 After taking your pet to the vet, always make sure to give him a nice treat, like greenies, to rid him of his woes!
 

 For many dog owners, how to keep their dog warm during the cold winter is a big concern. Luckily for them, there are many ways to do this.

If your dog is small, has short hair, or is older, you may want to consider purchasing a jacket to help keep him warm. In some climates, it is appropriate to choose a sweater for the fall months and a heavier jacket for the colder winter months. When choosing outerwear for your dog choose something simple that is easy for you to put on. You may need to acclimate your dog to wearing a coat as some dogs do not like to be dressed up. To do this, simply put the coat on for short periods each day making sure to give lots of good treats. Your dog will learn to associate wearing his coat with yummy treats like greenies making it much easier for you to dress him.