Our Selection of The Best Dog Silencers

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The 15 Top-Rated Dog Muzzles

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When to Start Leash Training

Leash training can begin the minute you bring your puppy home. In fact, the earlier you start with them the better as it will not only teach them leash etiquette but will also help you bond with your puppy.

Typically, you can expect to bring a pup home when they have reached 12 weeks of age. At this age, they will pick up on training quickly as they will soak it up like a sponge. However, it’s important to acknowledge that this might not be the case if you have a breed that is known to be stubborn. Nevertheless, with the right attitude and resources, training will be a walk in the park. Pun intended.

Important Steps Before You Start

Before you get your puppy on a lead and take them straight outside, read the below information. Here, you can find everything you need to purchase and do before you head out of the door. It’s vital that you follow these steps to ensure your training runs smoothly.

What Do You Need When Leash Training Young Puppies?

Leash

Of course, a leash is the number one item you’ll need for training your puppy. However, to begin with, it’s recommended that you start with a non-retractable leash as they can encourage puppies to pull, lurch forward, and even jump. At a certain point, when you’re confident with your dog, you can always replace the leash with a retractable alternative.

Make sure you get yourself a leash that is around four to six feet in length, as this will give them space to explore whilst keeping them near to you.

As an added note, look for a leash with a comfortable handle. Your puppy will inevitably tug and pull as you’re walking so make sure that the handle is comfortable to hold and won’t likely cause any friction marks to occur.

Harness or Collar

A harness or collar can be used when practicing leash time but for stronger pups, a harness, or even a head halter, may be more suitable. Make sure that the harness or collar is suitable for the puppy and fits comfortably. If they are inclined to pull, a comfortable collar/harness won’t strain or injure them.

Treats

Using your puppy’s favorite treats is a great way to keep them engaged in their training. If they know there is a chance they might get a tasty treat, they’ll surely have eyes on you from the start.

Patience and Dedication

Dedication goes without saying as concise and consistent training will pay off massively. Showing your puppy patience is also vital, as most dog breeds respond well to positive reinforcement and will naturally push boundaries if you are impatient or harsh.

Other Tools:

Along with using treats, clicker training is also an effective method. The clicker concept is used to reward and acknowledge good behavior as opposed to only acknowledging bad habits.

A reliable GPS tracker may be something worth considering if your puppy is notorious for his disappearing act. If you’re nervous about puppy walking in the great outdoors, it may be something worth investing in for peace of mind. If they should go missing – you’ll be reunited in no time.

What to Do Before You Leash Train Your Puppy

As puppy parents, you may be eager to start the lessons, but your lessons will flop without considering the aspects below. It can seem obvious to buy a leash or harness when puppy training, but make sure you read into each category below to understand how to make the process run more smoothly.

Introducing the collar or harness

Once you have everything you need, it’s time to introduce the leash and collar to your puppy. Start by showing your puppy the collar or harness making sure to offer treats or praise when interacting with it. By doing so, your puppy will make positive associations with the items and be less likely to become anxious at the sight of them. This can also prevent them from biting or scratching at them when leash training.

Once your puppy is familiarized with the collar or harness, it’s time to try them on. Make sure you reassure and praise them when doing this. Once the collar is on, take it off instantly. After a few repetitions, you can start to leave the collar/harness on for longer if they are comfortable.

When leaving the collar/harness on for longer periods of time, engage your puppy in playtime. You can also put the collar on before training or meals, so they associate it with things they love.

Tip: When introducing the items to your puppy, ensure you do this at home to minimize distractions.

Introducing the leash

Once your pup is happy and comfortable in its collar/harness, you can now introduce the leash. Like the other items, let your dog sniff and approach the leash while offering praise and the occasional treat-shaped reward.

Allow your puppy to walk around the house with the leash attached. If the leash becomes the focus of their attention and they are constantly aware of it, distract them with toys as they will sometimes begin to gnaw or bite at it. This is a behavior you want to nip in the bud when they are young to prevent them from being difficult later on.

How to Train a Puppy To Walk on a Leash

So, after you’ve followed the steps above you may be wondering about the best way to get started. Here you can find valuable information and tips for successfully training your puppy on a leash.

Practice Walking and Basic Commands Inside and Outside

You can begin walking with them when you’re confident that your puppy has adapted well to their collar and leash time. To begin with, walk with them at home around your home and even in the backyard as these are areas they are familiar with that have little to no distractions. A distraction-free area will ensure they stay focused and won’t try to pull away to go sniff all of the new smells.

How to Start Leash Training

Taking small steps is the key to teaching your puppy to walk nicely at your side. First, call your puppy to your side and reward them when they arrive. The objective is to keep your puppy close to you so that when you take a step, they also take a step with you. You will also want to keep a short leash that isn’t as bad as you think. Keeping the leash short will prevent your puppy from getting tangled as they walk.

Each time you walk forward, make sure you pause and praise them when they are at your side. This will reinforce the importance of being close to you. In addition, dogs have a strong pack mentality, if they view you as the alpha, they will fall in line and listen to your commands.

When you begin to pick up the pace, taking a few steps at a time, you can begin to use loose leash walking. You and your dog must keep to a walking rate that you’re both comfortable with. As you may expect, the size of your dog will have an impact on their speed so bear this in mind when puppy training.

Remember

It’s important to remember to keep praising their good behavior when training. This goes especially when they are happily walking alongside you on a loose leash. Your puppy will inevitably become distracted so remain patient. If they lag behind, refrain from tugging their leash and remind them you have tasty treats.

Heel Training

As they get used to walking indoors and eventually outdoors, you can trust them to explore their surroundings more on a loose leash. Having said that, you will need to make sure that they are trained to heel and respond to your voice.

Heel training will ensure your dog remains close to you if you suspect something might pull their attention away. Similar to walking, you want to keep your dog close, specifically at your side. Moreover, it is recommended that you begin this puppy training indoors so that they cannot be distracted.

• Start by calling them to your side and rewarding them with a treat.

Tip: When you teach your puppy to heel at your side. Begin with picking either the left or right side but make sure they keep to the chosen side going forward.

• To keep them at your side, continue to praise them with kind words and treats.
• When taking another step forward, you will want to entice your dog to the same side again with a treat. Continue doing this making sure you have their focus on their favorite treat.
• If your dog begins to stray, refrain from scolding them and simply guide them back to where they need to be.
• When you feel confident that they have gathered these initial steps, pick up the pace a little. Try walking quicker and immediately stopping at random points. When your dog halts to your side – reward them!
• This is when you can introduce the command ‘heel’. When your dog follows and stops at your side, utter the command and reward them so they can associate the word with the action.
• It’s always worth assigning a release word or phrase so they understand that they can be left to their own devices. When you’ve chosen your word, at the end of your training, use it and throw a treat or toy in another direction.
• When these steps are completed, you can put them to the test on outdoor walks.

Stopping Bad Behaviors

Dogs will inevitably become distracted when they walk outdoors since there are hundreds of new sights, smells, and sounds to soak up. They will begin to pull at times, but it’s important to remain patient and use a few simple tricks to keep your furry friend paying attention.

When your puppy starts pulling, reign the leash in to give him less room to explore. If he continues to pull, stop walking and allocate a word to let him know he needs to stop. Before you continue, wait until you have a loose leash and for your dog to acknowledge your command. You can also use treats to reset their behavior.

Some dogs are naturally more stubborn or headstrong than others, so there’s no harm in seeking advice or help. Some very valuable tools online could put you in contact with a dog training expert that could help enhance your pup’s leash skills.

Leash Training Troubleshooting

How to Stop a Puppy from Biting a Leash

Leash biting or chewing can be a sign that your dog is excited, anxious, or overwhelmed. The best way to combat this is by resetting their behavior. Similar to when your dog pulls, when your puppy starts to gnaw the leash, stop walking. Pique their interest with a treat, but don’t immediately give it to them as they might think chewing = reward!

Have your puppy perform a trick or command. Have them sit first so you can get their full attention before requesting the trick. When the command and trick have worked, give them the treat and resume your walk.

Tip: Pay attention to potential triggers that could be causing your puppy to chew. Are there many dogs around? Maybe small critters scurrying into trees that have caught their attention? Stay alert so that you can devise a solution when you can pinpoint the trigger. For example, if other dogs or people seem to be the cause, find a quiet walking route.

How to Stop Puppy Pulling on a Lead

It can be infuriating when your dog pulls on their leash frequently, but there’s a simple solution. Refrain from tugging their leash as you could injure them. Instead, stop walking and call them back. When they come back to your side reward them and resume your walk.

If your dog is particularly energetic, you may need to exercise them more as constant pulling may signify that they need to burn off more energy. Dog sports are also a great option for pet parents as they can burn off energy, mentally stimulate them, and even strengthen your bond.

Happy walking!

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How Does it Work?

An electric dog fence has two parts. The first is a cable or a wire buried under the ground, marking the perimeter, and the second is a pet collar with a built-in receiver. The fence uses a digital radio frequency to operate the system. The control panel is responsible for broadcasting the signal, which travels along the cable or underground wire. The signal field is then created on the sides of the cable, creating a perimeter or boundary.

The underground wire will transmit a signal when the dog comes close to the perimeter. You will hear a beep, and a mild electric shock is applied to the collar. While it sounds dangerous, this will not harm your pooch at all.

Homeowners interested in purchasing an electric dog fence do not only get the paraphernalia required to operate it. Some of the better providers of these fences also offer dog training during the installation process. Your pet will be introduced to the process to condition it to respect the property’s boundaries. This way, your dog is already aware of where it should not go after the electric fence is up and running. You should not fear that your dog is getting zapped every 5 minutes.

It is also possible to have more than one dog in the system. Of course, the price will depend on the number of pets to be trained, as well as the size of the yard. Other factors include the equipment needed and how many training sessions are required. Even homeowners who have other kinds of pets can benefit from the system.

You May Also Like: How to Stop a Dog From Digging in the Yard

Why Get An Electric Dog Fence?

Of course, the main reason and advantage of getting a fence are to keep your pets from roaming and getting lost. Even if a dog is not an expensive purebred, your pooch is part of the family and losing it will mean heartbreak.

Another value of this fence is that you can keep an open-style yard instead of being forced to build high fences that cover your view and your house. Moreover, you do not need to worry about zoning requirements or other bureaucratic paperwork by not installing a physical fence. You also will not need to think about fence maintenance or repairs.

However, your electric dog fence may prevent your pets from wandering out, but it does not stop intruders from breaking in. This is something that a physical fence can do.

Moreover, the electric shock does not physically keep your dog within your property. If your pet sees something it wants to chase, then the shock might not stop it at all. Some dogs might also develop a negative association because of the shock, making them de-motivated to return home once they break free.

Of course, these worst-case scenarios may not happen when the dog is adequately trained. Electric dog fences are normally successful in keeping pets in the yard, which is why it is a worthwhile purchase for families with pets. Our guide on the best electric dog fences will help you select the best product for your canine.

Sources:

1. Electronic Dog Containment Systems, The MSPCA–Angell

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In this guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at a Pit Bull’s attitude towards water and what you can do to make your dog happier around bodies of water like pools and the ocean.

Can Pitbulls Swim?

Provided they have been taught, Pitbulls can swim. Dogs have some innate swimming skills, which can help save their life if they can stay calm enough to stay afloat, but actual swimming lessons are the best way to ensure that your dog’s head stays above water when paddling around.

Even if you’ve owned other dogs who are natural swimmers, never assume that a pup is going to be able to swim when you introduce them to water. Instead, start with a small body of water – like a dog swimming pool – before taking that summer trip to the beach.

Do Pitbulls Like to Swim?

Once they’re happy and confident in the water, Pitbulls will enjoy swimming just as much as any other dog. Your pup will pick up on your emotions when you’re teaching them to swim or overseeing them in the water, so it’s important to stay calm while watching your dog. The more you enjoy the activity, the more your dog will enjoy it.

Pitbulls can be extremely good swimmers after they gain some confidence around water, and they will come to absolutely love spending time swimming around.

Do Pitbulls Like Water?

Pitbulls love water just as much as any other dog! What matters is how confident they feel around water. If your pup has any past water-related trauma, you’ll find that they won’t enjoy being near it. This will include baths, which are a good way to figure out how your dog feels about being wet before you invest in any pools or take them with you to the beach.

A scared dog will make it extremely difficult to enjoy a holiday. It would be best if you never forced a dog to face their fears without help from a professional dog trainer who deals with anxious dogs. For example, if you take your pup to a public beach and they get scared, anything could happen. Start bathing your dog if you’ve adopted an older pup that may have come from a negative environment.

Puppies are easier to handle in this case. They’re usually too young to have any trauma, so you can teach them to swim and tolerate large bodies of water without feeling scared. Then, again, start with a bath. A bath is easy to control – you can drain it quickly if you need to, and your dog can only run further into your house if they get spooked. This is much better than building up their confidence outside, where they might run off.

Caring for Your Pitbull After a Swimming Session

After any swimming session, it’s important to dry off your dog thoroughly. If you leave your dog’s ears wet, they might develop an infection, which will turn into a vet bill that could have been avoided by spending an extra minute or two rubbing a dog drying towel over your dog. If you believe your dog does have an infection, seek veterinary advice.

Be sure to dry every part of your dog – you can even use a hair dryer to ensure they’re as dry as possible.

If you’re currently training your dog to swim, offer them treats after their swimming lesson. Dogs react best to positive associations, so doggy treats post-lesson will ensure that they associate their swimming lessons with something good. A little bit of bribery goes a long way with dogs! Remember not to feed them too many treats, though, as tempting as it may be to offer them a handful for a job well done.

If you have one to hand, you could use a doggy treat toy. Not only will your dog get some extra playtime and mental stimulation, but it will also keep them busy while you clean up from their swimming session.

Bathing Your Pitbull

Giving your Pitbull their first bath doesn’t have to be a stressful situation. Before putting them in a low level of water, relax your dog by scratching them behind their ears, rubbing your dog’s belly, and giving them a treat or two.

Continue to pet them while you lower them into the water. Make sure the water level is low – for puppies, it should only cover their legs, while older dogs can have it a little higher. Remember that this is your dog’s first bath with you (and it may be their first bath in general!), be gentle with them and remain calm.

Your Pit Bull Terrier will appreciate being petted during their bath. If possible, ask another family member to help you bathe your dog so that you can focus on washing them while they keep them calm.

Keeping the bathroom door shut will help you avoid any excessive clean-up if your dog makes a break for it during their bath. The last thing you want to do is chase your dog around while they’re dripping wet.

Does your dog like listening to music? Try playing it out loud in the bathroom while bathing them and offer them a couple of bath-safe dog toys to play with.

Choosing the Right Shampoo

Though a generic dog shampoo from the pet store will do the job, if you want to care for your Pitbull’s skin and coat properly, there are better dog shampoo choices.

You’re unlikely to find a specific breed shampoo for Pitbulls. Still, there are undoubtedly veterinary standard dog shampoos and natural dog shampoos that may work better for your pup than drugstore brands.

Look for PH-balanced formulas, soap-free, good for sensitive skin, and ingredients that will help soothe and moisturize your pup.

How to Teach Your Pitbull to Swim

It’s time to get your dog’s feet wet and teach them how to swim!

Start in shallow water. Pitbulls have heavy muscle mass, and not all are naturally good swimmers. You’ll need to work with your pup from a young age to help build their confidence in the water. The more confident your dog is in the water, the safer they’ll feel, which means you’ll be able to take them to the beach and let them swim around in their life vest while overseeing their playtime.

When teaching dogs to swim, it doesn’t matter what breed they are. Always start in a bathtub or a small child’s paddling pool. Build their confidence by adding water a little at a time until there’s enough for them to float in. This may take several sessions.

Once comfortable, try a larger pool or take a trip to a local river where the water isn’t deep or fast. After that, you can try hitting the beach with your pup.

Everything You Need to Know About Pit Bull Swimming Activities

There are plenty of bodies of water that your Pitbull can swim in, so it’s important to have the correct equipment at home and when you’re on the go.

Between hiking near rivers and lakes and road trips to the beach, your pup needs more than a collapsible bowl and a sealed bottle of water when they’re out and about.

Choosing a Life Jacket

When selecting a life vest or life jacket for your dog, you must choose one that is an appropriate size for your dog. For example, a Pit Bull is a smaller dog breed, so your need to use each dog’s measurements to find the best life jacket or vest for them.

Next, look at the features. A handle on the back is perfect for swimming vests, but you also want an attachment for your leash on the vest. Some vests come with leashes, but dog owners often prefer leashes at home. You should also consider cooling features, the fabric used, and any additional items that come with the vest.

Buying a Dog Pool for Your Porch

If you have a porch or a little area in your garden that’s big enough for a small dog pool, consider buying one when teaching your dog how to swim and be more confident in the water. A small dog pool is the perfect step up from a bathtub (or an alternative if you don’t own a bathtub).

Be sure to measure out the footprint of the doggy pool you’re interested in within the space you have for it. The last thing you want to do is buy a pool, start putting it together, and then realize that it doesn’t fit on your porch.

Finding the Best Dog Floats for Your Pool

Like any online shopping you do for your pup, it’s important to shop around before buying anything. Sites like Chewy and Amazon are great for buying accessories like dog floats. You’ll be able to compare multiple items, check prices and reviews, and find the items you want that have the best features.

For dog floats, check weight limits first. Whether you have an American Pit Bull Terrier or another Pitbull breed, the float needs to be able to support your puppy.

What to Take with You on a Trip

• Sealed bottles of water. Cars can get incredibly hot, but the water that’s too cold can be worse for your dog. Have a cooler that can protect the water from your vehicle’s heat.
• Collapsible dog water bowl. Made of plastic instead of metal, which will heat in the sun. Add fresh water and keep the water and bowl on your person when walking around with your dog.
• A life vest or harness. For beaches, you’ll want a quality dog life vest or jacket with a handle. For hiking, purchase a harness jacket with pockets to clip your dog’s supplies and keep them cool during the walk.

Looking After Your Pit Bull While They’re Swimming

• Breathing. Pit Bulls are brachycephalic dogs, which means they are dogs with short skulls and short snouts that often have breathing issues because of their facial structure. The structure of their snout can restrict their oxygen flow, causing issues if your dog becomes ill or overexerts themselves. Be sure to watch your dog constantly while swimming and restrict the time they exercise in the water.
• Watch. Never take your eyes off your dog when they’re in the water. It takes seconds for something to go wrong. They shouldn’t be more than a few steps away if you aren’t watching them.
• Use a life jacket with a handle. Despite the heavy muscle mass of the Pit Bull, they are a compact breed that can be lifted out of the water quickly in an emergency.
• Hydrate. Cool water is best for your dog, not cold water. Avoid ice water entirely when it’s clear your pup is struggling. If you don’t have anything suitable, check into a local restaurant or café and ask for tap water.

The post Can Pit Bulls Swim? Helping Your Bully Breed Swim appeared first on .

How Much Water Dogs Need To Drink

It’s not necessary to physically measure how much water to give to your dog each day unless you are specifically requested to do so by your veterinarian. Since your pup can’t tell you when they are thirsty it’s important that they have access to fresh, clean water at all times. However, as a dog owner, you must observe your dog ensure that they’re getting enough water to stay healthy and hydrated.

Generally, an adult dog needs to drink about one ounce of water per pound of their body weight. This should be their daily intake however it’s worth noting that puppies will need to drink more depending on their size, activity levels, and age.

Reasons Why Dogs Won’t Drink Water

There are a few reasons why your dog may reduce his water intake. Some of these are simple reasons and may be easy to resolve however others may need the assistance and care of a professional. You know your pooch better than anyone so narrowing down the culprit shouldn’t be difficult however if you’re still having trouble, you should always consult your vet.

Aging

Like humans, as dogs get older they may not feel the urge to drink a lot of water nor have a big appetite due to the decreased energy levels. Also, depending on their physical state, they may not go to quench thirst as getting up to find their water bowl may be too much effort. Regardless of their lack of thirst, it is still important to make sure they stay hydrated so it may be necessary to move them onto wet food.

Weather Change

Dogs will be more likely to drink water during the warmer months due to an increase in temperature. Although a dog has sweat glands in its paws it’s not enough to keep them cool as the release of heat will be slow so it’s vital to provide them with fresh water to ensure you don’t get a sick pup. Water not only aids digestion, bowel movements, and overall body functions but also helps to regulate their body temperature.

Unfamiliar Surroundings

Going to new places can often be exciting to some dogs however others may find the experience off-putting. Since dogs have a powerful sense of smell they may not drink water given to them because the smell is unfamiliar. The fact that it doesn’t smell like the water they’re used to can prevent them from drinking.

Lack of Physical Exercise

After a long walk, run, or play session you’ll usually find your dog running back inside to take a long drink of water. Although, if your dog is not getting as much exercise as it used to it’s completely normal for them to not drink as much water.

Past Negative Experiences

If your dog has had a few bad experiences in the past when eating or drinking it can create long-term negative feelings about taking the time to relax and gulp down some freshwater. As an example, this can sometimes happen when their paws or tails have been stepped on. Curious and mischievous toddlers or children can often disrupt dogs drinking or eating which can leave them feeling cautious.

This may also be a common issue in rescues so it’s important to keep an eye on your dog’s water intake and their eating habits to ensure you can make them comfortable.

Health Problems

Dog owners will often have a hard time getting their dogs to drink the water due to health issues. Urinary tract infections, diabetes, kidney disease, and even bladder infections may be the reason why your dog isn’t thirsty. If you notice additional symptoms and you suspect a health issue might be behind why your dog won’t drink, talk to your vet immediately.

Oral Problems

Sometimes drinking could cause pain or discomfort to your dog’s mouth due to an injury or dental issue. If your dog has a chipped tooth or wound in the mouth, tongue, or gum the sensitivity of it could mean that your dog will avoid drinking and eating.

How To Tell If Your Dog Is Dehydrated

When your dog won’t drink water or their intake is significantly low, it could lead to dehydration which can be a serious problem. Symptoms of dehydration in dogs can be found below:

• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Frequent panting
• Thick saliva
• Dry nose
• Dry or sunken eyes

Check Elasticity And Gums

You can also check the elasticity of your dog’s skin to check if they are hydrated or not. Loss of elasticity can be checked by gently pinching the skin then letting go. If your dog is hydrated the skin will quickly go back to its original position. In addition to this, you can also feel your dog’s gums. Sticky and dry gums will be a clear sign of dehydration.

Dehydration can be as dangerous to dogs as it can be in humans so it’s important to get them seen by a vet as soon as possible.

How To Hydrate A Dog That Won’t Drink

Keeping your dog hydrated when they’re not drinking as much can be a difficult task. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to encourage them to drink.

Change Their Water Bowl

Sometimes a dog won’t drink water because they don’t approve of their bowl. Water bowls come in a variety of materials and sizes so you may find that the issue is simply with the bowl itself.

Get More Water Bowls

The constant presence of fresh, clean water can encourage most dogs to drink. Placing water bowls in different rooms may also remind older dogs to take a drink as they move into another space.

Make Sure Their Water Bowl Is Clean

It’s especially important to ensure your dog’s water bowl is clean. Clean their bowls daily to prevent the build-up of bacteria. If you have multiple water bowls make sure you remember to clean them all and replace the water daily.

Water Bowl Placement

If the reason your furry friend won’t drink is that they experience negative feelings, try placing their water bowl elsewhere. If you offer them a quiet space to eat and drink they are likely to feel more comfortable and will quench their thirst.

Wet Food

If your dog currently eats dry dog food it may be worth looking for an alternative to help hydrate them and provide them with additional liquid. Switching to wet canned dog food or adding a food topper will help due to their high moisture content. An older dog may benefit from a wet diet as opposed to dry kibble as they may not drink as much but will still require a decent intake of water.

Some owners believe that crunchy kibble has more than just nutritional benefits as they can clean the teeth however wet food can still provide the same value whilst hydrating them.

Broth

Adding a teaspoon of chicken or beef broth to their water might encourage them to drink more. Dog owners can also use these broths to make ice cubes that will eventually disperse the flavor into the water as they melt. This particular method is effective when encouraging a sick dog to drink.

Change Their Water

Filtered, bottled, distilled, and tap water will have a different taste so if you’ve been giving your pet one of these, try changing it to another instead.

Get Them A Water Fountain

Moving water can often encourage dogs to drink as they can sometimes turn their nose up at bowls that have been sitting for a while. If this is something you are considering, take a look at our handy guide on dog water fountains.

Buy A Travel Water Bowl

To prevent dehydration, owners should encourage their dogs to drink water when out and about. Take a cool dog water bottle and a travel bowl for your dog on walks and days out.

Keep Them Cool

In warmer weather, your dog may take to drinking water regularly, however, you’ll need to ensure that you keep them cool as the high temperature will mean they will lose water quicker. Owners can do a few things to keep their pet cool during the summer including getting a cooling vest or doggie pool, making frozen treats, adding ice cubes to their water, keeping them in the shade when outside, etc.

If you need more tips on how to keep your pet cool, take a look at our guide available here.

Can Dogs Drink Milk If They Won’t Drink Water?

Older dogs will lack the enzyme needed to break down lactose which can often lead to lactose intolerance in canines. Although many dogs can tolerate lactose, it’s not recommended that you give your dog milk if they are not drinking water regularly.

Signs Of Lactose Intolerance:

• Flatulence
• Diarrhea/loose stools
• Itchy/red skin
• Stomach aches
• Bloating

Related Article: Can Dogs Drink Milk?

Summary – How To Make My Dog Drink Water

As we mentioned previously, as a general rule, dogs need around one ounce of water per pound of body weight. To get your dog drinking water there are a few useful options to consider however you must ensure that you take into account their current situation.

If the weather is warm or if your pet dislikes their water bowls there are many simple solutions. Although, if you find your dog is experiencing other concerning symptoms and odd behavior they could be struggling with a health issue. In any case, if you’re perturbed, always consult your vet and keep a close eye on their water consumption.

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In this blog, we explore the reasons why you may want to help your dog build muscle and show you the best way to bulk them up naturally in just four easy-to-follow steps.

Reasons to Build Up Your Dog’s Muscle

We all know how important exercise and playtime are for dogs. For some dogs – working dogs or sport dogs, for example – strength and stamina training is key. But even companion dogs who don’t have the same activity levels need to be in good physical shape to not only maintain their health but also enjoy a long, happy life.

Here are the four key reasons why you should work to ensure your dog has good muscle tone:

To Maintain Muscle Mass in a Senior Dog

As a dog ages, they will naturally lose some of their muscle mass. Sarcopenia is the name given to the loss of muscle that occurs with age, and this can be for several reasons, including lower activity levels, weaker or arthritic joints, and age-related inflammation in the body. Weaker muscles in older dogs, particularly in their hind legs, can also lead to balance issues and potential injury.

Keeping senior dogs active in their old age will not only support their muscle strength, slow down muscle loss, and keep them mobile but it can also positively impact your senior pooch’s mental and general physical health.

To Help Recovery After Surgery or Injury

Muscle weakness or loss – also known as muscle atrophy – can be a consequence of surgery, injury, or illness in dogs as they experience an extended period of rest and recuperation. Prolonged pain as well as transferring their body weight can also lead to localized muscle wastage.

As part of their rehabilitation, your attention should focus on re-building your pup’s muscle strength to ensure a faster recovery and regained mobility.

To Enhance Performance

Working dogs can benefit from a muscle strengthening program to improve or maximize their performance out in the field or in the arena. Strong muscle condition not only improves a dog’s performance and energy, but also boosts their flexibility, balance, and speed, while also helping to reduce the chance of injury.

Muscle strengthening can also benefit your pet if they are a high-energy or particularly active dog.

To Support Their General Health

All dogs can benefit from some form of strength training in their daily exercise routine for building lean muscle. Canines with strong muscles are less likely to suffer an injury and can more easily maintain a healthy weight.

With healthy muscles, their overall health will also benefit, and they will have more energy and stamina to enjoy the things they love to do.

When You Shouldn’t Try to Build Muscles

One exemption to any muscle-building strategy is puppies or young dogs under the age of two. As puppies grow at different rates, they need the time to naturally and healthily develop into adult dogs so only need exercise to support their growth. In fact, unless advised by your veterinarian, any muscle-building program for puppies is discouraged as it can negatively impact their early years’ development.

Excessive strength and muscle-building exercises can also lead to potential permanent damage to their still-developing bones and joints.

Your Four-Step Plan to Building Muscle in Your Dog

Whatever the main reason you have for building your dog’s muscles, taking the time to plan their new routine will give you and your pooch the best results for their health and wellbeing.

To get you started, here is our four-step plan to safely and naturally building muscle in your dog:

Step 1: Assess Their Muscle Condition

Before embarking on a muscle-building schedule, it is a good idea to assess your dog’s current muscle condition so you are starting with the right body awareness. If you are in anyway unsure or concerned, consulting your veterinarian is a good place to start as they will be able to rule out any medical issues that may be causing muscle wasting and give you targeted advice.

Alternatively, if you know your pet is in good health, you can check their body condition yourself so you can ascertain whether his muscle condition is poor and whether he is over or underweight. A dog that is overweight will need a different exercise and diet regime to a dog that is under their optimum weight for their breed and size.

And remember, some dog breeds such as Dobermans, Rottweilers, Greyhounds, and the Bully types will have more of a natural athletic shape that makes them easier to bulk up.

Step 2: A Healthy Diet

A proper diet with the right nutrition is essential for healthy muscles, so you need to feed your pet high-quality dog food that supports their energy levels and muscle mass. The ideal healthy dog’s diet for building muscle should include all the essential carbs, amino acids, good fats, vitamins, and minerals. And it should be protein-rich with high-quality animal meat that is the ideal muscle food. Protein is needed not only to feed their muscles but also to support their energy levels.

It is also important to ensure the protein in their dog food is not bulked out with fillers as your pooch needs to stock up on essential amino acids that form the building blocks for lean muscle mass.

If your dog is underweight, look for dog food for weight gain that will also support the development of lean, healthy muscle. You should also read our guide to how to put weight on a dog if you are unsure how to adapt their diet. Weight gain supplements can also be a good idea if your pooch is particularly underweight.

When embarking on a muscle-building program for your pet, it is a good idea to start adjusting a more high protein diet around six weeks before you introduce an increased exercise regime. And when you do start their exercise program, make sure your pet has access to plenty of fresh, clean water to ensure they stay sufficiently hydrated.

Step 3: Exercise

Daily exercise should be an important part of your dog’s life, whether that’s a walk around the block, a hike in the hills, or a blast in the local park. But to make their muscles work harder and build up more mass, you also need to add some targeted strength and resistance exercises to their routine.

Depending on the size, breed, and age of your pooch, he will need between 20 and 60 minutes of exercise at least once a day. You can use this time to add in extra muscle-building exercises or tailor their playtime to include strength, resistance, and aerobic activities.

Resistance training exercises such as using a tug toy, weight pulling or a weight vest used for weight training work particularly well in building up your dog’s muscles by causing tiny tears in the muscle fibers. This is not something to worry about as the body heals quickly, rebuilding the muscle tissue to be larger and so protect against future damage.

Other forms of exercise that build muscle in your dog include:

Swimming

A fantastic form of exercise that works for all the major muscle groups, swimming also puts less pressure on your dog’s joints so is a good strength exercise to build muscle in arthritic or senior dogs. Most dogs love water but do use a dog swimming vest for safety and make sure the swim area is not too challenging for your pet.

Treadmill or running

Yes, it is possible to buy a doggy treadmill! These are great pieces of all-weather exercise equipment for your pet, if they are calm and you start slow so they can get used to the way it works. And it means your pet can get the muscle-friendly cardiovascular exercise they need each day, even if it is raining outside!

Alternatively, work in bursts of running to their daily exercise which you can gradually increase to get your dog’s heart pumping, or join them for a power run so you both get the health benefits. You could also add a weighted vest, adjusted for light weights for more intense training and an extra muscle builder.

Spring poles

A knotted rope attached to a spring-loaded pole that works as an anchor, spring poles are a good way to play tug of war with your dog and ensure he gets the right amount of resistance as he gets to grip with his toy.

The strong resistance of tug of war with a spring pole is great fun for your pet and works to strengthen and build their muscles, particularly in their neck, back and hind legs as well as giving them a mental workout.

Don’t forget to prep

Before any form of exercise sessions to build muscle, you must make sure your dog warms up properly, with five to 10 minutes of walking, with senior dogs needing a little longer. And after their fun muscle-building session, always spend another 10 minutes walking to allow your dog’s body to sufficiently cool down.

You can also give your dog high protein treats can also be used as a reward for a muscle-building exercise session well done.

Step 4: Rest

Any new forms of exercise or training should be introduced gradually, especially if your dog is older, underweight, or out of physical condition. Make it fun, don’t over-exhaust them, and slowly build up the time or amount of exercise they do.

Sufficient rest days between each exercise session are also vital if you want to build your dog’s muscle condition as their muscles need enough time to recover. And, just like humans, your dog’s body will need a time out from his strength training in-between sessions.

This down dog time is where his muscles will destress and repair themselves after exercise, ultimately enabling you to achieve the goal of adding more muscle mass and strength as well as boosting your dog’s health.

Get the Right Balance

The key to maxing out on your dog’s muscle building is to get the balance between diet, exercise, and rest just right and always take it slowly. You want to maintain the challenge to their muscles and that means building up the type and duration of their exercise slowly, so your dog’s muscles don’t get fatigued out.

Go too hard too soon and you will more likely see muscle strains in your dog, even injury, rather than lean and healthy muscle mass. And this includes building muscle in sporting, working, or athletic dogs too.

It is also important to match your muscle training program to your dog’s breed and don’t try to change their natural shape or form. For example, whippets are meant to be lean and lithe so adding too much muscle mass can cause problems as they will be carrying excess and unnatural weight.

And always give your pup time to sufficiently cool down after their resistance and strength exercises and build in plenty of rest time to enable their body and muscles to repair.

The Final Word on Making Your Dog More Muscular

Whether your dog is fit and active, your average pooch, or on the more senior side, working on building and maintaining their natural muscle tone can improve their health, wellbeing, and longevity. But when it comes to dog muscle building, you should not be aiming for an unnaturally pumped canine but a lean, strong, and defined dog that is in tip-top condition and enjoying his best life.

Whatever your dog’s current fitness level, you need to gradually build up their dog muscle-building routine and also focus on their cardio, mobility, and strength to ensure the very best muscle growth.

Coupled with a high protein, well-balanced diet as well as plenty of time for rest you can naturally improve your pooch’s muscle mass as well as his overall health.

Sources:

1. Dog Muscle Building Exercises, BullyMax
2. Post-Workout Cool-down for your Dog, PetMD

The post The Best Method for Helping Your Dog Build Muscle appeared first on .

A Quick Overview of the 12 Best Dog Training Toys

Editor's Pick

Pros

Cons

Bottom Line

Specs

Rating

Monster K9 Dog Toys - Ultra Durable ChewRing

Best Chew Toy for Training

Lifetime replacement guarantee, virtually indestructible

Larger dogs may chew through it

With its replacement guarantee, it won't matter if your large dog's teeth do manage to tear it apart.

Brand: Monster K9 Model: ‎Rassen2046 Weight: 12 ounces

4.7

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KONG Classic Dog Toy

Best Treat Dispensing Training Toy

Great treat dispenser Works well for teething puppies

Not chew-proof

Though small pieces of treats may fall out, this toy would be great for treat pastes or peanut butter.

Brand: KONG Model: T2 Weight: 2.56 ounces

3.9

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Sedioso Dog Plush Toy

Best Plush Toy for Training

Cute design Soft squeaky toy  

Not great for aggressive chewers

A great squeaky toy for older dogs who are more gentle with their belongings.

Brand: Sedioso Model: B0859S5QFY Weight: 4.23 ounces

4.4

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GoughNuts Tug Dog Toy

Best Tug Training Toy

Floats Designed for heavy chewers  

Only for dogs less than 70lbs

A great toy for playing tog of war with small to medium-sized dogs.  

Brand: Goughnuts Model: B01CRRJW16 Weight: 13.6 ounces

4.2

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Outward Hound Tail Teaser

Best Teaser Toy for Training

Easy to use Suitable for children and adults  

It may not last long  

Put some distance between your playful puppy and your hands by using this great chaser toy.  

Brand: Outward Hound Model: 41001 Weight: 7.2 ounces

4.4

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Chuckit! Ultra Ball

Best Fetch Training Toy

Durable rubber ball Great for a fetch training session  

Not 100% chew-proof  

An inexpensive ball that will provide mental stimulation while you're training your dog how to fetch.  

Brand: Chuckit! Model: 17001 Weight: 6.6 ounces

4.8

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Benebone Bacon Flavor Wishbone Dog Chew Toy

Chew Toy Runner-Up

For aggressive chewers, also available in chicken flavor

Possible choking hazard  

Good fun for a pet who has supervision, just in case they bite pieces off.  

Brand: Benebone Model: 828500 Weight: 3.88 ounces

4.5

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Nina Ottosson By Outward Hound Treat Tumble Puzzle Game

Treat Dispensing Toy Runner-Up

Different levels available Easy to clean

Only suitable for smaller treats or kibble

An interactive puzzle that will expand your dog's mind and let them be rewarded while they play.

Brand: Outward Hound Model: 67326 Weight: 5.12 ounces

3.9

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ZippyPaws Burrow Squeaky Hide & Seek Plush Dog Toy

Plush Toy Runner-Up

Interactive puzzle toy Great for working dogs  

Not chew-proof

An amazing toy that has multiple uses and will entertain your dog for hours.

Brand: ZippyPaws Model: ZP109 Weight: 10.23 ounces

4.7

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KONG Tug Dog Toy

Tug Toy Runner-Up

The simple design provides interactive play

Not very durable

A more comfortable tug toy that won't give you any rope burns when playing with your dog.

Brand: KONG Model: KG1 Weight: 10.56 ounces

3.7

Buy on Amazon

Interactive Flirt Pole Toy for Dogs

Teaser Toy Runner-Up

Great training tool, easy to put together

Not for rough play

A great teaser toy for smaller dogs and puppies who won't play too aggressively with it.

Brand: Dewonch Model: B086L77P6B Weight: 1.19 pounds

4.4

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KONG Wubba Dog Toy

Fetch Toy Runner-Up

Great for large dogs, suitable for fetch and tug

Not chew-proof

If you're looking for a quality product that's more than just a ball to throw, here it is.

Brand: KONG Model: 43831 Weight: 7 ounces

4.3

Buy on Amazon

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The Best Dog Whistle

The post The Best Dog Whistles To Train Your Dog in 2022 appeared first on .