January 25th, 2012 | 
Author: If you’re part of the UK dog community, you know there are many theories out there on how we should feed our dogs. The most common diseases that vets see in dogs is diabetes. How did our dogs get to be so unhealthy? Some people believe that the reason our dogs are getting so unhealthy is because we are not feeding them what they were meant to eat. One of the many theories about how to get your dog eating healthy again is feed him bones and raw foods (BARF).
BARF is supposed to give your dog fresh breath again, white teeth and healthy gums. It can also help improve their digestive systems and give them firmer stools. Giving your dog bones and raw food also means that you are feeding him food without chemicals, and preservatives which are not natural to their digestive systems.
While it’s hard to believe that our dogs evolved from wild dogs and wolves, their digestive systems are still designed to eat the same way their ancestors did. You don’t see any wolves with gingivitis or yellow teeth, do you? Many of our dogs’ health problems are due to poor nutrient food being fed to them. If your dog’s dog food is being cooked in any way, the nutritional content dramatically decrease. 70% or more of the nutritional value, including vitamins, proteins and fats is lost during the cooking process.
Many health problems, including dry, itchy skin, dull coat, and digestive disorders, can arise if your dog is unable to break down the food you are feeding them. Nervousness and aggression can also be caused from the food you are feeding your dog.
The principle behind feeding your dog raw food and bones is to feed him what he was evolved to eat. It may help avoid and cure conditions that he may already have. Find out more ways to keep your dog healthy with the UK dog community.
With so many dog treats and snacks available to the UK dog community, it is hard to choose one that you know is truly healthy for your dog. Preservatives are usually added to dog treats, as well as artificial flavors, which are both not healthy for your dog. What kind of dog would actually “like” artificial flavors? Making homemade dog treats for your furry friend is the only way to go. Not only will you know that your dog is getting healthy ingredients, but it’s also a great way to do something special for him.
Homemade dog treats only take minutes to make, and usually have simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. All you need to get started making dog treats is a kitchen, a recipe and basic ingredients. If you’ve got a little time to spare, you could save money by not purchasing store bought treats and make your best furry friend very happy.
One of my dogs favorite homemade treats are tuna bars. All you need for this recipe is a couple of 6 oz can of tuna in water, 2 eggs, a cup of flour and parmesan cheese. Mash the tuna and water in a bowl to get all the clumps out of it. Next add the flour and stir. Then you simply spread the mixture on a greased pan and sprinkle parmesan cheese on top of it. Put the pan in your oven for about 15 minutes at 350 degrees and pull it out. The texture should be like putty. The only thing left to do is to slice it into tiny squares for your dog. I guarantee he will love his new treat.
Try out this recipe and find many more with your UK dog community. You’ll love doing something a little extra for your dog, and he’ll love his new treats. Homemade dog treat are simple, easy to make, and are healthy for your dog.
Flyball began in the ‘60’s when a group of dog trainers created a scent hurdle race. Someone would stand at the end of the jump line and throw tennis balls to the dogs as they came across the jump line. It didn’t take long for the trainers, one of which was Herbert Wagner, to create a ball launching device, and that is where the flyball box was created. Wagner appeared on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and the flyball sport was introduced to the rest of the dog community.
Flyball consists of two teams competing against each other with four dogs on each team. They race side-by-side over a 51 foot long course. The race is run in relay fashion where each dog must go over the jumps, trigger a flyball box, retrieve the ball that was thrown and then return back across the jumps. Each dog must do this course, but the next dog in line can’t start until the previous dog has returned back from completing the course. The first team to have all their dogs finish the course in the fastest time wins.
The jump height of the hurdles is determined by the smallest dog. He is measured at the withers, and that measurement is rounded down to the nearest inch and subtracted by 5 inches to get the correct jump height. The maximum jump height cannot be greater than 14 inches.
Timing for flyball is determined by the Electronic Judging System. This system uses lights and infrared timing sensors. Before electronics timing devices, all times were done by a stop watch. Technology has given flyball competitors the ability to track their dogs’ times to the thousandth of a second. Most team run all four of their dogs through the flyball course in less than 20 seconds.
If you have an energetic dog that loves to play fetch, is extremely intelligent and could use a little energy burnt off of him, flyball should be your sport. Flyball can be a great bonding experience and a lot of fun for you and your dog.