Roscoe n Stella

The post Hyaflex™ PRO Complete Joint Care Liquid Review 2024: Our Hands-On Test by Sara Seitz appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

When it comes to protecting your aging dog’s joints, you probably already know all about glucosamine and MSM. But did you know that there is more you can do to keep those old joints in top shape?

Hyaluronic acid is an important but lesser-known factor in joint health. Unfortunately, as dogs age, their bodies produce less and less of this substance. This is exactly why Hyalogic uses it as a base for their joint health supplements.

Their unique Hyaflex PRO Complete Joint Care Liquid contains this important compound as well as glucosamine and MSM for all-around better joint health. My two senior dogs have been testing this supplement for the last three weeks and I have already seen some pretty surprising results.

Keep reading to find out how this hyaluronic acid supplement has helped them and to see my full Hyalogic Hyaflex PRO Complete Joint Care Liquid review.

Overview

Our Experience

As the owner of two senior dogs, I am very familiar with the importance of joint support. My Dalmatian mix, Ragz, turns fourteen this month and has dealt with a bum shoulder since she was a youngster. My fifteen-year-old Chihuahua, Papyrus, is even worse off, with lifelong double luxating patellas that have left his whole backend sore and stiff.

Both of them have been on a glucosamine supplement for years. Thanks to those supplements and CBD, they get around fairly well with minimal pain. Still, I felt there was more I could do to support their joint health and prevent further damage.

That’s why I jumped at the opportunity to test Hyaflex PRO Complete Joint Care Liquid from Hyalogic. This unique joint supplement contains hyaluronic acid (HA), a compound that supports joint, eye, and skin health. I had never used HA for my dogs before and was excited to see how this supplement might help them.

What I Liked

This joint supplement is different from most in many ways. For one, it is a clear, viscous liquid. This makes it fairly easy to administer. I added a dose to each of my dogs’ breakfasts every day and they had no problem eating it up.

The easy dose bottle makes this process simple and prevents the mess that most liquid supplements leave behind.

I also like how pure the ingredients are. Each bottle contains HA, Glucosamine, MSM, water, and zinc citrate. There are no artificial colors, synthetic preservatives, or added flavors.

Of course, the most important aspect of any supplement is how well it works. Here, I was very impressed. It took a couple of weeks to see results, but once the changes started rolling in, I was amazed.

Ragz has always done fairly well on a simple glucosamine supplement, but nothing has been able to improve Papyrus’ backend mobility issues. But after two weeks of consistent use, his knees and hips started moving like they used to.

He still has the occasional hitch in his step from his luxating patellas, but the range of motion in his hips has improved drastically. At the same time, the pain in his lower back seems to have lessened, probably because the muscles in his back legs are less tense due to decreased joint pain.

Both dogs seem less stiff and are able to get up and down easier than before. All indications are that this supplement has provided more joint pain relief and lubrication than the glucosamine-based supplements I was using before.

Where I Saw Room for Improvement

One minor gripe I have about this product is that the easy-measure bottle doesn’t have markings for ⅛ oz servings. Rather, the instructions say to use the cap to measure out the doses (1/2 cap for small dogs and 1 cap for large dogs). But, because pouring straight from the measuring reservoir is so much less messy, I usually just eyeball Papyrus’ small dog dose.

In terms of more substantial issues, I think it is important to note that the amounts of glucosamine and MSM in this supplement are pretty small. Each large dog dose contains only 75mg of each. Since the recommended dose of MSM is 50 to 100mg per 10 pounds and the recommended glucosamine dose is even higher, this supplement doesn’t quite provide enough of each on its own.

However, I did still see substantial improvements in my dogs’ mobility while using this supplement. This tells me that the lubricating activity of HA is doing more in the short term for their joint health than glucosamine and MSM. To get the best of both worlds, I am going to add a separate glucosamine, MSM, and chondroitin supplement on top of this with the hopes that I will see sustained improvement for the long term.

Pros & Cons

Key Features

Contains Hyaluronic Acid

Research has shown that the amount of hyaluronic acid present in the space between joints decreases with age and joint disease severity (source). Because this compound is vital for lubricating joints, decreased amounts can lead to joint damage, inflammation, and pain.

Both injected and orally administrated HA have proven abilities to increase HA fluid concentration around joints and improve mobility (source). Each dose of Hyaflex PRO Complete Joint Care Liquid contains 25mg of HA to help keep aging and overworked joints lubricated to avoid damage and inflammation.

How to Administer

Hyaflex PRO Complete Joint Care Liquid is a tasteless, odorless liquid, making it super simple to give to your dog. The easiest way to administer this product is to add it to your dog’s meals. Even the pickiest of eaters isn’t likely to notice it.

You can also dose this liquid directly into your dog’s mouth. I tried both methods and had success with each. However, adding it to their food was much easier and less messy.

When to Use

Hyaluronic acid supplementation is key to keeping joints lubricated as dogs age. Hyalogic recommends starting dogs on the supplement around the age of seven. Larger breeds that experience more joint stress should start the product even earlier.

In addition to senior dogs, working dogs and those recovering from stress or injury will also benefit from the supportive effects of HA.

In addition to supporting joint health, this product also lubricates the eyes and skin. This makes it a great option for dogs who suffer from dry eyes, dandruff, or itchiness.

About Hyalogic

Hyalogic makes a wide selection of HA products for both humans and pets.

Is Hyaflex PRO Complete Joint Care Liquid a Good Value?

There aren’t a ton of HA-based pet supplements on the market. And the options out there do not contain the added benefits of glucosamine and MSM or the quality guarantee that Hyalogic offers.

So, while this product may be more expensive dose for dose than other HA options, we believe it is still a better value for what you get.

How We Tested

I enlisted the help of my two senior dogs to test this product. I started by taking them off their normal joint support supplement and using HyaFlex Pro in its place.

I administered the liquid directly into their mouths and by adding it to their food to get a feel for its ease of use. While my dogs accepted both methods, adding it to their meals was a much easier option. Going forward, I added the appropriate dose to their breakfasts each morning.

I kept notes about their mobility, stiffness levels, and pain throughout the three-week testing period. At about the two-week point, I noticed a marked improvement in Papyrus’ hip mobility, followed shortly by a clear pain and stiffness reduction in his back end. At the three-week mark, there was a notable improvement in stiffness and activity levels for both dogs.

Additionally, I spent time reading research papers about HA use in pets and diving into the specifics of what makes Hyalogic different from other joint supplement options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does Hyaflex support joints?

Hyaflex PRO Complete Joint Care Liquid helps increase lubrication between joints to prevent damage and relieve inflammation.

Can I give this to my dog before they show signs of joint problems?

Yes. Hyaluronic acid concentrations diminish as our pets age and with increased stress on joints. Supplementing with this product can help support normal HA levels before damage occurs.

What is the dose of Hyaflex PRO Complete Joint Care Liquid?

Dogs under 25 pounds should get ⅛ ounce and dogs over 25 pounds should be given ¼ ounce. This dose should be given once per day.

Conclusion

If you’re like me and want to do more to protect your aging dog’s joints, I highly recommend adding Hyaflex PRO Complete Joint Care Liquid to their routine.

This unique supplement helps lubricate joints to prevent damage and reduce inflammation that may already be present. It contains MSM and glucosamine to support long-term joint health. And, best of all, it’s easy to dose and produces fast results.

The post Hyaflex™ PRO Complete Joint Care Liquid Review 2024: Our Hands-On Test by Sara Seitz appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The post An Emotional Reunion of Ssg. May and Hero Military K-9 Yyacob Thanks to American Humane by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Thanksgiving 2024 may be over, but the bond between U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Payton May and his retired military working dog Yyacob is forever. On Monday November 26, 2024, American Humane orchestrated a touching reunion in San Antonio, Texas, between Yyacob, an eight-year-old Belgian Malinois, and his former handler, Ssg. May. After two and a half years apart, the duo, who served together in Iraq, were finally back together, just in time for Thanksgiving—something the two of them are beyond grateful for.

Military Background

Staff Sergeant May’s History and Role with the U.S. Army

Ssg. May comes from a proud military lineage: his grandfather served in the National Guard, while his great-uncles were part of the Marine Corps, Air Force, and Navy. Following in their footsteps, Ssg. May enlisted in the U.S. Army at just 18 years old, driven by a desire to deploy overseas and serve his country. Initially assigned to the sniper section as an infantryman, he excelled in his role but soon discovered a new path that would change his military career.

While considering leaving the Army, Ssg. May learned about the K-9 handling program, a position he hadn’t known existed. As a lifelong animal lover who grew up with beloved family dogs, the opportunity to combine his passion for animals with his military service was impossible to resist. Referred to as a “unicorn job” due to its rarity and prestige, he eagerly applied and was thrilled to be accepted. After completing the K-9 handlers course in June 2020, Ssg. May met his prospective partner, Yyacob, marking the beginning of a remarkable partnership.

Yyacob’s Vital Role in the Military

Yyacob wasn’t just any military working dog—he was part of the elite Patrol Explosive Detection Dog – Enhanced (PEDD-E) program. You may have heard of this program before when we shared the story of Sgt. Michael Fletcher’s reunion with his now retired K-9 partner Dasty.

Dogs in this program are trained to identify ammunition and explosives from up to a football field away. It’s gruelling and is only taught three times per year with space for only 10 military working dog teams, but it creates highly effective teams that operate with a unique level of trust and independence.  Yyacob’s work was critical in safeguarding military personnel and civilians in high-risk areas, and he saved countless lives throughout his seven years of service. But beyond his professional contributions, Yyacob was a loyal companion to Ssg. May throughout their deployment.

Building a Bond Through Trust and Hard Work

The connection between Yyacob and Ssg. May didn’t happen overnight. In fact, upon meeting Yyacob for the first time, Ssg. May recalls thinking “This dog is nuts!” But, that didn’t stop him from adoring him. While boisterous, he could immediately see how hardworking and highly driven Yyacob was, and he was incredibly easy to train and get along with, making him the ideal canine counterpart. Ssg. May also loved Yyacob’s keen sense of when it was time to work and when it was time to play. While off duty, he was an affectionate “cuddle bug.”

The two became a certified team in December 2020. “After a while of working with each other, going on Secret Service Missions, and going on deployment, we were able to come together. We built that trust with a hard work ethic and came to a happy medium with each other. That’s why, when it comes to our personalities, we mix together well,” Ssg. May shared.

The two were deployed to Iraq from July 2021 to April 2022, and the pair’s mission was patrols, scanning vehicles, and checking all base entrants for ammunition or explosives. The deployment was Ssg. May’s first time out of the country, and Yyacob was able to help Ssg. May cope with the austere environment and loneliness that deployment can bring. Yyacob and Ssg. May were together 24/7, shared a room, and even a twin bed (and it sounds like the cuddle bug Yyacob liked to take up most of the little space they had), so their bond continued to strengthen.

A Heartbreaking Separation

In June 2022, Ssg. May was reassigned to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Forced to leave Yyacob at Fort Drum, he was devastated. “Coming back from a nine-month deployment and then not seeing him… it was really heartbreaking,” Ssg. May shared.

Yyacob struggled too, unable to bond with a new handler, so he was assigned a carer and was not on active duty. Knowing that Yyacob wasn’t working made the separation even more difficult for Ssg. May, and he was persistent in his requests for the military to retire Yyacob so that he could rest and enjoy the rest of his life. This fall, his efforts paid offl when Yyacob’s retirement was approved.

A Long-Awaited Reunion

Ssg. May immediately reached out to American Humane for assistance upon hearing about his retirement. He first became familiar with the nonprofit organization when they helped his friend, fellow K-9 handler Isaac Weissman, reunite with his military dog earlier in May. American Humane quickly stepped in to support Ssg. May’s request, arranging for Yyacob’s journey from Fort Drum in New York to Texas. Yyacob received VIP treatment during his travels, with an American Humane handler personally escorting him and ensuring he had his own seat on an American Airlines flight to San Antonio.

On Monday, Nov. 25, Ssg. May and Yyacob experienced a heartwarming reunion in San Antonio. Thrilled to officially adopt Yyacob, Ssg. May is committed to providing the well-deserved, restful retirement the canine veteran has earned. He’s particularly excited about traveling with his best friend and “giving him the couch he deserves,” while focusing on keeping Yyacob healthy and nurturing their special bond. Their next adventure will take them to Vicenza, Italy, where Ssg. May is set to be stationed. In addition to facilitating Yyacob’s transportation, American Humane will also provide free veterinary care for the dog for the rest of his life, ensuring his well-being in retirement.

About American Humane

American Humane handles the complex process of transporting and assisting former handlers in adopting their K-9 counterparts when they retire. The organization covers the travel costs for transporting the dog and provides lifelong veterinary care for the retired K-9s.

Like human veterans, K-9 veterans often retire with medical conditions that require extensive—and expensive—veterinary care, but the government does not cover these costs. That’s why American Humane steps in to cover all medical bills for the working dogs they bring home, ensuring these K-9 veterans receive the comfortable and dignified retirement they deserve.

American Humane is the USA’s first and largest humane organization. Please note they are just known by two names – American Humane – and do not include ‘Society’ in their organization, that is a completely different organization.

They have a specific program for military dogs to help protect and recognize their heroic contributions to their country. The work includes bringing retired dogs home to reunite with their handlers, like in Ssg. May’s and Yyacob’s case, and providing veterinary care and financial support to ensure the dogs have the comfortable retirements they deserve.

How Can I Help?

If you’d like to support American Humane in reuniting retired military dogs and their handlers, you can find out more about how to donate here.

Photos supplied by American Humane

The post An Emotional Reunion of Ssg. May and Hero Military K-9 Yyacob Thanks to American Humane by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The post 15 Rules of Dog Park Etiquette: Vet-Approved Guide by Dogster Team appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Dog parks are a great way to let your dog have outdoor fun, get socialization time with other pups, and form a better bond with you. However, before you head out, these 15 rules will help you and your dog stay safe, keep the dog park nice and tidy, and ensure that all guests enjoy their time there equally. You should have a basic knowledge of these expectations before you go, for the best possible experience.

What You Should Bring

In the event that your dog gets dirty, you may also wish to have dog wash wipes on hand so you can clean them before they get back in your car.

If you are looking for the perfect product to clean your dog’s sensitive areas or would benefit from an on-the-go option, Hepper’s Wash Wipes are our recommendation. These premium wipes are thick and durable enough for the toughest of paw messes, while still being soft enough to use on your dog’s ears or eyes. Formulated with pet-friendly, hypoallergenic ingredients they are the ideal product for all dogs of all ages, skin conditions, or sensitivities. 

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The 15 Rules of Dog Park Etiquette

1. Always Keep a Leash on Hand

Many people go to the dog park because it is a safe and acceptable place for a dog to run around off-leash. But that doesn’t mean you can leave the leash at home. You should always have a leash on hand so you can grab your dog if you need to. This can help prevent your dog from getting into a fight with another dog. It also gives you a way to quickly leave the park in the event of an unpleasant situation. You may not need to keep your dog leashed at the dog park, but you do need to always have a leash with you.

2. Never Bring Food or Treats Into the Park

It is okay to have food or treats in your car, but you should never bring food or treats into the dog park. The presence of food can upset other dogs. It can activate resource-guarding behaviors in your dog or other dogs, which can lead to conflict or even fighting, which can be dangerous and disruptive. Food can also bring unwanted attention to yourself from strange and unfamiliar dogs, which can be uncomfortable. This rule applies to both dog food and human food, so don’t bring any food for yourself either.

3. Reconsider Bringing Small Children

For their health and safety, as well as the dogs’, you may not want small children to accompany you to the dog park. Kids can excite other dogs, and they also do not always have the knowledge, experience, or socialization skills to interact with unfamiliar dogs. Many small children think all dogs are safe and friendly, which may not be the case. Small kids may be at risk of being injured at the dog park, and they can be a distraction and cause other owners to be wary or anxious about their dogs.

If you want to bring your child to the dog park when it is just you and your dog and no one else, that is okay, but you may not want to bring your kid if there are other people and dogs around, as it can create an issue.

4. Always Pick Up After Your Dog

Most dog parks have waste disposal stations that include poop bags and a waste basket. Use those stations. Don’t leave your dog’s poop on the ground where other dogs can get into it or where people can step in it. Picking up after your dog is not only courteous, but it can also keep the dog park clean and free from parasites and other illnesses. Even if no one else is picking up after their dog, you should still pick up after yours and set a good example. If your local dog park does not have dog waste stations, you should bring your own dog poop bags and remove your waste and throw it away in the nearest trash can.

5. Always Keep a Collar With Proper ID on Your Dog

It’s unlikely that your dog will escape from a dog park, but it is possible. Many dog parks are fenced with a gate system to keep dogs from escaping, but not all of them do. Regardless, it can only take one careless person leaving the gate open for your dog to accidentally run off. If your dog does get loose, you want to make sure your current information is on their collar. Collars also help people grab your dog more easily so they can return them to you. Don’t go to the dog park without a collar with your current information posted on it, just in case.

6. Obey All Posted Rules

Dog parks often have a sign at the front with a list of rules that they expect all guests to adhere to. Please follow all the posted rules. Even if you think they are silly or frivolous, the rules are in place to ensure that everyone can enjoy the dog park equally. Some municipalities can levy fines against people who do not follow the rules. Private dog parks can ban you and your dog from returning if you knowingly break the rules. For these reasons, you should make sure that you know the rules ahead of time and that you are following them.

7. Always Supervise Your Dog

When you are at the dog park, you should always supervise your dog. Don’t be distracted by your phone or get too deep in conversation with someone else. You should be focused on your dog and make sure they are having fun and staying safe. Many problems at the dog park start because people are not paying attention to what their dog is doing before it is too late. You should always keep your dog under close supervision at the dog park, especially if they are off leash and roaming about.

8. Keep Your Dog Under Voice Control

Some dogs go wild at the dog park. This can be a good way to burn off some excess energy, but you need to make sure your dog remains under control. If your dog starts bothering other dogs, jumping on people, or not listening, you need to have a way to calm them down. It is a good idea to ensure that your dog has great recall so you can call them to you when they are getting a little too hyper so you can calm them down. Overactive and hyper dogs can ruin the fun for everyone.

9. Never Bring an Aggressive Dog

If you know that your dog has aggressive tendencies, you should keep them home. If your dog has ever bitten someone or another dog, you should not bring them to the dog park. They can be a liability. Dog parks can trigger aggressive dogs. The presence of other dogs and strangers can make aggressive dogs anxious or protective, which can cause them to become a risk to other guests at the park.

10. Never Bring a Dog in Heat

You should never bring a female dog to the dog park if they are in heat. A dog in heat may excite or upset other dogs nearby, which can cause them to act up. Male dogs might chase and pursue your dog. Some male dogs might even start fighting among themselves because of the presence of your dog. There is even a small chance your dog could get pregnant at the dog park from an intact male. The bottom line is that there are more risks with intact dogs than fixed dogs. If your dog is in heat, you should leave her at home until she is no longer in heat.

11. Be Courteous to Other Dog Owners

Be nice to other dog owners. Be kind. Be polite. Be accommodating. The dog park should be a safe and fun place for everyone. Keep your dog under control. Be proactive before problems start. Don’t be rude to people even if their dogs are a little uppity. If you have a question or concern, approach the other people with kindness and humility. Don’t come at people and start trouble. Don’t curse or yell at anyone at the dog park. If your emotions start to rise, it can cause the nearby dogs to become anxious, aggressive, or protective. If you cannot coexist with someone else at the dog park, it may be best to go home.

12. Make Sure Your Dog Is Current on Vaccinations

Before you go to the dog park, you should ensure that your dog is up to date on all of their vaccinations. This will help protect your dog and other dogs that might be at the dog park. Your veterinarian should have a shot record for your dog, and they should be able to tell you if your dog is current on all their vaccines. In many cities, vaccinations are required for your dog to lawfully enter a public dog park, so make sure your dog is up to date.

13. Never Bring a Sick Dog to the Dog Park

If your dog is ill or sick, you should leave them at home. Sick dogs can spread illness to other dogs at the dog park, such as viruses or parasites, which can hide in the soil and infect other dogs. If your dog has any signs of illness, you should not go to the dog park. Playing or overexerting themselves when sick can also make their illness worse, which can increase the time it takes to recover fully.

If you’re concerned about your dogs health, we recommend you speak with a vet.

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14. Young Puppies Should Stay Home

Young puppies should not go to the dog park for a number of reasons. First, puppies typically do not have all of their vaccines and immunity to common diseases, which can be dangerous. Second, puppies do not always have all of their manners. They need to learn how to interact with other dogs and people, and young dogs might not know how to behave properly at a public dog park. Lastly, puppies are typically small, and they may be more at risk of injury from large or rambunctious dogs. For these reasons, you should wait until your dog is at least 4 months old, preferably 6 months old, and fully vaccinated before bringing them to the park.

15. Always Keep Your Dog Within View

Some dog parks are quite large and can contain large trees, water features, rocks, agility equipment, and other objects. Even if your dog is safely confined within the fence of a dog park, you should always keep them within view. You don’t want your dog to be out of sight because they can get into trouble. If your dog ends up fighting with another dog or bothering an owner when they are not within eyesight, you could end up being liable for their behavior.

Not All Dogs Are a Good Fit for the Dog Park

The truth of the matter is that not all dogs are cut out for a trip to the dog park. Some dogs simply cannot meet the etiquette expectations for a good trip. Aggressive dogs, unfriendly dogs, anxious dogs, unhealthy dogs, and puppies should avoid the dog park most of the time (if not all the time). If you don’t think that your dog can meet these basic etiquette requirements, they might need more training or lifestyle changes before they can go out and participate. Don’t force your dog to go to the dog park if they do not like it or if they are not cut out to handle it.

Conclusion

These rules will help ensure that you nail every aspect of dog park etiquette. Dog parks can be hectic places filled with people and pets, so you should have a firm grasp on these basic rules to ensure that you get along with everyone and easily fit into the potential chaos. You don’t want to be a distraction or a nuisance, and you don’t want to be known as the person at the dog park with the bad or stressful dog. Dog parks are there for your enjoyment, but you also have to make sure your behavior ensures that everyone else can enjoy the dog park as much as you and your dog.

• See Also: Should I Take My Dog to the Dog Park?

Featured Image Credit: Anne-Kitzman, Shutterstock

The post 15 Rules of Dog Park Etiquette: Vet-Approved Guide by Dogster Team appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The post 10 Essential Dog-Training Supplies & How to Use Them by Dogster Team appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

It may be a copout to say we’re only as good as our tools, but there’s no denying that the proper arsenal can make us more efficient in any given task. Dog training is a perfect example, and the supplies we choose help us deliver better rewards, swifter punishments, and more control to enhance learning and shape our dogs into well-behaved canine citizens.

With the proper equipment, you’ll always be ready for effective training. Prime your dog for success by learning the ten essential dog-training supplies you’ll need and how to use them.

The 10 Essential Dog-Training Supplies

Walking and Outdoor Supplies

1. Leash

A reliable leash is crucial when training and socializing your dog. It allows you to keep everyone calm and safe in uncertain situations. You can explore new environments and meet new people while controlling your dog and stopping their reactivity from creating a negative experience.

Your everyday leash is usually a 6-footer. While options like retractable or adjustable leashes offer versatility as your training progresses, an inexpensive standard leash like the PetSafe nylon dog leash provides a sturdy hold and keeps your dog close to make loose-leash training effective.

When using a leash as a training tool, a central goal is to get your dog to focus on you and not try to pull and runoff. You can reward the loose leash and give your dog treats or the opportunity to sniff around when they check in with you. The lead also lets you train your dog to heel, desensitize them to different environments, and condition positive responses to various stimuli, all crucial steps toward allowing them off-leash.

2. Long Leash

A long leash is a transitional tool to train behaviors outside before letting your dog operate leash-free. With a long leash, you can give your dog the sensation of freedom and a chance to explore away from you while keeping them in control, safe, and unlikely to engage in unwanted behavior.

A straightforward option like the Frisco training dog leash gives you all the durability and effective performance to take your dog’s training to the next level. Long lines over 15 feet are ideal for keeping dogs outside their tolerance threshold for various outdoor stimuli, allowing us to desensitize them and reward calm behavior.

They’re also enormously helpful when progressing through recall training. You can increase the distance between you and your dog in different settings and with various distractions while ensuring they stay successful in their sessions.

3. Harness or Collar

A dog harness or neck collar provides a place to display ID tags in case your dog gets lost and to clip your leash while outside. Collars give handlers better control over the head and reduce pulling, but they may cause pain and potential injury.

Many owners use harnesses as a welfare consideration, giving their dogs a more comfortable and secure leashing point. Harnesses are especially helpful when you transition to long-line training. If your dog takes off too quickly, you don’t want them to accelerate into a full sprint before suddenly stopping by their neck.

Harnesses can be a safer option in more places, with front-clip varieties like Chai’s Choice Premium Outdoor Adventure front-clip dog harness helping to prevent pulling.

Rewards

4. Training Treats

Training treats are instrumental in most positive reinforcement strategies. A tasty treat is the primary reinforcer, showing our dogs that their behaviors result in rewards. Treats can charge marker words or clickers to enable more efficient training. We can offer treats when capturing or shaping behaviors or luring dogs into desirable actions.

For purely positive training methods, it’s almost impossible to make forward progress without a tantalizing food reward. Treats have different levels of value, ranging from low-value kibble to high-value hunks of cheese or boiled chicken. As trainers, we must choose treats appropriate for the occasion and the importance of the behavior.

They should offer at least enough appeal to draw your dog’s focus over any other rewarding stimulus and be adequately valuable to emphasize how crucial the behavior is to perform. For everyday training to teach new behaviors, bite-sized and healthy treats like Blue Buffalo Blue Bits training dog treats offer the irresistible taste and nutritious ingredients you can deliver in abundance.

No matter what you feed your dog, treats should only account for no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake, so be careful to monitor how much you reward your pet.

5. Balls, Ropes, and Other Toys

Balls, flying discs, ropes, flirt poles, and countless other toys give owners fun activities to share with their dogs. The exciting play lets us bond with our dogs and supply exhausting exercise, helping them stay relaxed, docile, and easier to train. At the same time, toys can be training tools to teach commands like “drop it” or act as primary reinforcers to promote desirable behaviors.

Safe, durable toys are ideal. You want toys that will last because they can become hazardous for your dog to chew when they start falling apart. A toy like the ultra-bouncy, water-friendly Chuckit! Ultra rubber ball features rugged construction and fun interactive qualities to entertain your dog through countless uses.

6. Chews and Feeder Toys

Chews and feeder toys provide mental enrichment to ease stress, prevent boredom, and exhaust your dog to keep them relaxed. When training, a chew may be a jackpot prize for excellent behavior. You can also use it to take your dog’s mind off alternative unwanted behaviors, like gnawing on the furniture or your shoes.

The KONG Classic dog toy is one of the most popular toys to keep your dog happy and healthy when you’re busy elsewhere. Fill it with their favorite treats, and they have a lasting source of engagement to help them stave off separation anxiety and keep them focused on healthy outlets for pent-up energy.

Training Facilitators

7. Clicker

A clicker is a secondary reinforcer in positive reinforcement training. You charge the clicker by clicking and giving a treat immediately. Click, treat, repeat. Eventually, your dog will see the click as rewarding, giving it value while training. You can then use the clicker to mark your dog’s actions and tell the dog, “You’re doing good, and I approve of this behavior.” With repeated use, it reinforces the association between their behavior and rewards.

By marking desirable behaviors, you can make them more likely to happen later. Although clickers aren’t necessarily more effective than other markers, the consistent sound and simplicity of hitting a button make them a practical addition to an efficient training toolkit.

You don’t need anything fancy. A no-frills, low-priced clicker like the Downtown Pet Supply clicker is more than enough to quickly and accurately mark behaviors and promote the manners you want.

8. Treat Bag

A treat bag makes training much more convenient, offering a hassle-free area to securely hold your treats and make them readily accessible so you can promptly reward your pup. Bags fit comfortably around the waist and include added features to keep your other tools in an easy-to-reach spot.

Products like the PET N PET treat pouch can store your phone, waste bag, keys, and anything you might need for a successful training session or neighborhood outing.

Indoor Training Supplies

9. Dog Crate

An appropriately sized and sturdy crate like the MidWest iCrate fold and carry single door collapsible wire dog crate is one of the most helpful tools for housetraining a dog. It gives your dog a secure and comfortable space, a solution for controlling your dog indoors, and an ease of stress when they’re alone.

Dogs don’t like to potty where they sleep. When they’re young and have trouble controlling their bladder, keeping your dog in a crate during naps and downtime can significantly decrease the chance of indoor accidents. Your house stays cleaner, and your dog learns to potty outside much faster.

Crates must be rewarding if they’re to be effective. You can’t throw your dog into their crate as punishment. It must be a relaxing den they are excited to use. Give your dog treats and praise when they enter it and supply high-value toys they can only get in the crate to give it a positive meaning.

10. Enzyme Cleaner

Accidents are bound to happen during potty training, but if you want to keep them as one-off occurrences, you must clean them as thoroughly as possible. Dogs like to pee in places they’ve gone before, using the scent to find previous potty spots.

With powerful noses, they only need the faintest hint of a past stain to encourage repeat behavior. While many cleaners can make the smell and stain go away to our satisfaction, most can’t remove every last trace.

You need an enzyme cleaner like the Hepper Advanced bio-enzyme cleaner. The targeted formula uses bacteria and enzymes that actively degrade any urine compound they touch, continuing to work until the stain is gone. The smell never returns, and your dog has a more challenging time finding their once-favorite indoor potty spot.

At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool pet company!

Nice-to-Haves

Some training supplies are non-negotiable and necessary to make your dog’s education progress smoothly. Other items aren’t essential but can have unique benefits at various training stages. Although you may not need these tools, you can appreciate the convenience and efficiency they offer.

Conclusion

A proper assortment of tools will keep your dog safe, focused, and willing to learn, making training faster and more enjoyable for everyone. The best part is it doesn’t have to be expensive!

The market is full of unique tech to improve life with pets, but sticking with these essential dog-training supplies is all you need to transform your dog into the social, well-behaved companion you’ve always wanted.

Featured Image By: Duncan Andison, Shutterstock

The post 10 Essential Dog-Training Supplies & How to Use Them by Dogster Team appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The post Can Dogs Tell When You’re on Your Period? Vet-Verified Senses & Behavior Insights by Matt Jackson appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

When you’re on your period your body goes through hormonal fluctuations that manifest differently. From tiredness and cramps to mood swings, there are a lot of changes that dogs might sense. So, do dogs know when you’re on your period?

Dogs can smell menstrual blood and changes in your body’s scent, which means that most dogs can probably tell when women are on their period, however, we rely on anecdotal reports and have no scientific data to back this up. Your dog sensing that something is different can lead to a change in their behavior, including sniffing and your dog wanting to cuddle and get closer to you.

A Dog’s Sense of Smell

Dogs have very powerful senses of smell that are far more powerful than those of humans. They are especially capable of smelling blood and some of the best sniffers can outperform the most advanced scientific equipment when detecting blood on surfaces and items that have been washed multiple times.

As such, they don’t have a problem smelling menstrual blood when your period starts.

Hormonal Changes

To date, the dogs’ ability to detect women’s hormonal changes has not been scientifically proven. Still, there are reports of owners claiming that their dog can sense their period, ovulation, or pregnancy. Dogs do seem to be able to sense these hormonal changes, however, it’s not clear if it’s related to a change in body scent or changes in your behavior.

Emotions

Dogs can also detect emotions, so if your period is making you feel lousy and stomach cramps are making you tetchy, your dog will be able to detect these psychological changes. This is one of the reasons why dogs are so good as therapy animals, and it is also why they make such great companions. They know when we need extra affection and are typically only too happy to provide it.

The 4 Common Changes In Your Dog’s Behavior

When they do sense these changes, whether because they can smell menstrual blood or detect hormonal changes, dogs tend to act differently. These changes can manifest in different ways.

1. Comforting Behavior

Dogs are our companions, and they are said to be our best friends because they instinctively know when we need attention or affection. This may be true of your dog when you are on your period. You might notice them curling up on your lap more often, giving you kisses and pats, or even just popping in to check on you.

2. Excessive Sniffing

If your dog can smell your period, they may be inclined to try and get a better smell of the scent, primarily to check what’s going on.

If you’ve been comfort eating, you may also find your dog is sniffing you because you have crumbs on you, or because they can detect the odor of whatever you were eating.

3. Licking

One of the ways dogs may show affection is by licking. It is an instinctive action that is meant to mimic the feeling of comfort they received as puppies when their mothers licked them. If your dog notices that you’re feeling down or are in pain, they may be more likely to lick you as a way of showing they care.

4. Neediness

When your dog detects a change in your hormones, they might act differently around you. This might mean your dog becomes more attentive, but it might also mean they show signs of neediness. Your dog is likely trying to comfort you and help, and you might notice them wanting more cuddles and more petting.

Can Cats Tell When You’re on Your Period?

Like dogs, cats have very sensitive senses of smell. As such, many owners also report that their cats can tell when they’re on their period, too. Some cats may become more clingy or needy and might show you more attention, but many cats are indifferent to the changes, so you might not notice any changes in behavior.

What About Other Animals?

Whether an animal acts differently around you when you’re on your period depends primarily on their senses of smell and their reaction to scent changes. Rats and other rodents have a very good sense of smell and they may react differently if they smell anything on the person who picks them up.

On the other hand, birds’ sense of smell varies among species and their reactions can vary depending on this.

Conclusion

Dogs are attentive and attuned to our emotions, and they perceive the world primarily through their senses of smell and hearing. As such, they can detect changes in our body scent, and they can smell period blood. This can lead to dogs acting differently when you are on your period.

Changes include neediness, comforting behavior, and a greater likelihood of them sniffing and licking you. It isn’t usually anything to worry about, although you can discourage your dog from sniffing you while making the most of the opportunity for an extra cuddle on the sofa.

• You may be interested in: Can Dogs Sense Pregnancy? What the Science Tells Us (Vet-Verified)

Featured Image Credit: savitskaya iryna, Shutterstock

The post Can Dogs Tell When You’re on Your Period? Vet-Verified Senses & Behavior Insights by Matt Jackson appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.