Category: Training

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Why brain training for dogs?

Brain training for dogs

Brain training for dogs is important to maintain healthy cognitive function, as well as keeping your pet physically fit. It is especially important if you have a confused dog who is in need of extra help

It’s not only young dogs that may need brain training, senior pets can also be taught new tricks to support cognitive function. Like us, as pet’s age they can have senior moments and if you have a confused dog, it may mean they need extra training and cognitive support.

Dogs are also intelligent animals and if they get bored this could lead to a destructive dog. To keep your dog occupied whilst you’re out of the house, or to help keep an older dog’s brain active, there are some games that can help to maintain cognitive function in dogs, which include:

The Muffin Tin Game

This is a beginner brain game, which can be set up using things that you have lying around the house. Use an old muffin or cupcake tin and place some treats in a few of the holes, then cover all of the hols with balls or some kind of toy and let your dog figure out how to remove the toys to get to the treats

Hide and Seek

Let your dog use their ears and nose to seek you out. Reward them with a treat when they find you. You could also hide treats around the house and get your dog to sniff them out.

Treasure Hunt

Dogs are powerful sniffers and rely on their noses more than any other sense. To make the game extra fun for your dog, use something extra smelly that they love, like a treat toy full of peanut butter or their favourite old toy. Show them the toy then ask them to sit whilst you hide it.

The Cup Game

Line up three old cups in front of your dog. Take a favourite treat and put it under one cup. Let your dog watch as you move the cups around and give them the treat when they pick the right cup.

Toy Pick Up

Get your pooch to help you tidy up but training them to pick up things, like their toys. Once they pick up the object teach them to deposit it in a designated location.

Omega 3s to aid brain training for dogs

Omega 3s have been shown to aid the learning abilities of young puppies. Other studies linked to low blood Omega 3 with dog aggression, indicating beneficial applications of Omega 3s throughout the entire life of your pet to maintain brain health.

If you are looking for a natural supplement to aid brain training for dogs or have a confused dog, then Nutramind is recommended by vets throughout the UK for nutritional support for brain health in pets. Nutramind has been developed by vets to provide high strength nutritional support for cognitive function in dogs and cats. It includes the key nutrients for supporting ageing pets, whilst also benefiting younger pets in training and learning.

 

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Top tips for exercising your dog

exercising your dog

Regularly exercising your dog is important to ensure they stay active and mobile and it is important for their wellbeing and quality of life.

Exercising your dog not only relieves stress, it can also prevent weight gain and benefit their mental wellbeing. The amount of exercise your dog needs will depend on their breed, age and health. If you are unsure, speak to your vet who will be able to offer advice on this.

Bored dogs can be unhappy and may show their frustration through a number of ways, such as destructive behaviour, constant barking and toileting in the house. If your dog is left alone for the majority of the day, it is especially important to ensure that they get some exercise prior to being left and when you return.

To help maintain your dog’s health and wellbeing here are some top tips for exercising your dog:

Walking

Walks with your dog not only benefits them but can also help to get yourself active too. Varied walks can be good for you and your dog. This is where you speed walk for about 30 seconds, walk at a normal pace for about a minute and then speed up again. You can do this randomly throughout your walk.

Variation

Try to vary your walks by going on different routes. This will help to keep your daily walk interesting and exciting for your dog.

Let them sniff

Always let your dog have a good sniff around whilst out on walks. This is really important for their mental health.

Don’t throw sticks

When exercising your dog outdoors, try not to throw sticks for your dog to chase. They could splinter and injure your dog’s mouth and throat.  If you throw a ball, be sure it’s not too small so they don’t swallow it. You could use items such as a Frisbee, which are too big to swallow or get stuck in their mouth.

Interactive toys

Interactive feeding toys are a great way to help your dog burn extra calories. These can also keep your dog occupied and prevent boredom if they have to be left home alone.

Jumping

For more mobile dogs, you can use objects such as hula-hoops to get them moving. Hold it just off the ground and encourage your dog to jump through. Once they have mastered it you could increase the height off the ground. Be sure to give them lots of praise and encouragement.

Don’t miss a walk

If you are unable to walk your dog for some reason, ask a friend to take them or a professional dog-walker. Make sure your dog keeps up with his routine and does not miss out on their daily walk.

Consider their age

Younger dogs will be faster and more mobile than older dogs, so bear this in mind when on walks or during exercise, don’t push your dog too much if they are struggling. Older dogs may struggle with mobility and joint stiffness so may be better with shorter walks more often.

Jogging

Taking your dog along on your daily jog can be a great way to get them moving, as well as yourself. However, jogging is not recommended for puppies or larger breeds of dogs, as it can impact their joints.

Restrictions

Some dogs may need restrictive exercise. For example, if they have stiff joints they may require short frequent walks rather than one long walk. You may consider Nutraquin+ to aid and soothe stiff joints, as well as aiding your dog’s mobility and flexibility.

Stick to it

It’s important for your dog to stick to an exercise routine. This is particularly important for older and overweight dogs.

Mealtimes

Try to avoid exercising your dog immediately before and after mealtimes. A full stomach combined with walking or running may cause them to have a sensitive tummy.

Whatever the weather

Make sure you walk your dog no matter the weather. Most dogs are happy to go out come rain or shine. Just be sure to consider the weather when planning your walk, for example in hot weather, walk your dog at cooler times of the day.

 

If you are unsure about the amount or types of exercise your dog should have, speak to your vet who is best placed to monitor your dog’s health and offer advice dependent on their age and health needs.

To support your dog’s mobility, consider using Nutraquin+, which contains the necessary high strength natural ingredients that help to maintain healthy joint function in dogs, cats and horses, whilst supporting the natural systems that control inflammation. For puppies you could use Nutraquin, which supports joint structure and aids optimum joint heath during growth.

 

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Top tips for puppy training

puppy training

Puppy training can be extremely beneficial if started as soon as you bring them home. It not only helps to introduce good behaviour, but also allows you to spend quality time with your new pet.

Getting a new puppy can be an exciting time, but training will help them to settle and get used to their new environment. Most dogs love learning new tricks as they get lots of praise and attention.

Whether you decide to do the puppy training yourself or classes, there are still positive things you can do to help your puppy get used to their new routine.

Here are some top tips to help get your puppy training under way:

Be prepared

Make sure that you have everything you need for your puppy training, for example, toys and treats. You may use a crate for him to sleep in, or where he goes whilst you are out of the house.

Be consistent

Make sure that all family members understand the rules and do not deviate from the puppy training. It will confuse your puppy if the routine is broken. Be sure to decide the rules before your puppy comes home.

Be patient during puppy training

If you stay calm then your puppy will stay calm and be less excitable. Don’t let your puppy get bored – keep training sessions positive and short.

Set up a den

Give your puppy a den to sleep in which is not used by another pet. This will help to develop a routine for sleeping and any short periods that they are on their own. Use rewards to encourage your puppy to use the den, as well as when they are relaxed and quiet.

Don’t punish your puppy

They are still learning and it’s important to be patient with your puppy. Don’t shout at them if they get something wrong. Instead, show them how they should behave with rewards and give extra attention for good behaviour. Your puppy does not know what they should or shouldn’t do until they are told.

Speak to your vet

Your vet is best placed to monitor your new puppy’s health. They will be able to offer training advice and discuss your puppy’s vaccination schedule. Your vet will also be able to suggest when your puppy is able to go outside. Regular health checks with your local vet are important to ensure your puppy is receiving the best possible care.

Sign up to puppy training classes

These can be a great way to socialise your new puppy to help get them used to other dogs and people. It will also help them to learn certain attributes and how to behave around other dogs.

Walks

When your puppy has had their vaccinations and is allowed to venture outside, make sure you take your puppy on plenty of short mild walks to release extra energy. In their early stages, long walks or runs should be avoided.  During walks ensure that your puppy always walks by your side or behind you, as his pack leader you should always be ahead.

House training

Be consistent when house-training your puppy. Take your puppy out first thing in the morning and then once every thirty minutes to an hour. Always be sure to take them out after meals and they wake from a nap. Always reward your puppy when they go outside to help them understand that is where they should relieve themselves. Take your puppy to the same spot each time to do their business, as their scent will help to prompt them to go. Stay outside with your puppy until they go and reward them, so they understand this is what they need to do.

 

Speak to your vet about any of the above as they will be able to offer the best advice with regards to your puppy’s health needs. Speak to your vet about Nutramind, which is a high strength nutritional support product for brain and mental function and can aid training and learning.

Nutravet have a number of natural puppy supplements that can support your new pet during their early years, including Nutraquin, to aid optimum joint health during growth and Nutracalm to reduce stress and anxiety.