Pups & Pulling and Feeding Guidelines
Why your dog "pulls"...I am NOT a trainer, but I do know one simple fact that can start you on the way to control of your beloved canine: dogs highest sensory stimulus is SMELL and, whether you have a hound or a toy breed, a walk or run is filled with scents (plus sights and sounds). They just can't wait to get to the next aroma! A 10 pound dog may not be able to pull you to the ground like a 150 pounder, but may seem just as hard to control. Ultimately, a small dog may be tugging so hard on its lead and collar that it will hurt itself rather than you. Neither you nor your pet should come away from a jog or stroll with an injury!!
We sell several styles of harnesses as well as beautiful and practical collars plus leads; however, we do not sell "chokes"- I state elsewhere on this site that I don't like aversion as a training technique because, for it to work, it amounts to (at best) discomfort or (at its worst) PAIN. You need to teach your pet that you are the ALPHA in your pack and, when that is firmly established, your dog will SUBMIT to your wishes and commands without inflicting pain or discomfort.
I do not know the man, have any interest in his success or sell any of his books, etc., but I will tell you that I believe in Cesar Millan, The Dog Whisperer, and that if you will watch his programs on cable or read what he has written...YOU CAN STOP YOUR DOG FROM PULLING!! If you bring your dog into my store, I will make a feeble attempt at copying his technique and may be able to show you a better way to become the ALPHA; but I suggest that, first, you go directly to the source- THE DOG WHISPERER- the man is amazing!
Feeding guidelines...I sell only premium foods! I obviously believe that you should feed your pet the highest-quality food available but, while I'd like you to buy it from me, I do not have the space to carry the nearly 50 brands from the Whole Dog Journal's "Approved List" (my guide to the best stuff). Maybe someday I'll have a huge store where I can...for now, you should buy a premium food wherever you can (that does NOT mean a box store- most quality brands WON'T sell to the big guys because of the crap they do sell).
When it comes to feeding guidelines, even printed on the good stuff, they're generally TOO HIGH. Let me qualify that...you SHOULD follow the guidelines for puppies, kittens and lactating mothers! Otherwise, unless your pet is VERY ACTIVE, you should probably feed at or slightly below the minimum portion suggestions. Using the mid- or upper-range will probably cause your adult pet to GAIN rather than maintain a healthy weight and as long as they're not LOSING weight, you should feed that amount no matter how much they beg. You're not going to starve your sweetie.
Once you've established the right amount for weight maintenance, the only reason they should ever lose weight is if they're sick and then you should get to the vet pronto. But remember, just like for us, it's not easy for your pet to lose excess weight on a diet and obesity will probably diminish their enjoyment of and shorten your beloved's life.
