Do you remember the olden days when we fed our dogs table scraps? Nowadays most people believe it is a bad thing to feed your dog food from the table. Many now believe that this idea was originally encouraged by the makers of commercial dog food, as a way to sell more of their canned and dried pet food.

Photo: naturalfoodforpets.com

Lately, especially after the pet food scare of early 2008, when hundreds of cats and dogs died after eating pet food tainted with poison, more and more people have returned to feeding their dogs more foods eaten by humans.
 
If your dog has special dietary needs, such as being diabetic or obese, the commercial dog foods simply do not offer good choices that are healthy and nutritious and meet the needs of your dog. They tend to be filled with ingredients that are not healthy at all, and also have many preservatives to extend their shelf life. We do not know for sure where the ingredients have come from because the government does not regulate packaged and canned pet food as it does food for human consumption. This alone is a powerful reason to stay away from commercial dog food.
 
I have been feeding my dogs homemade food for four months now. My dachshund is diabetic, so I was searching for a way to give him a diet higher in fiber and protein. I have now come to the conclusion that it is best to prepare his food myself. I also have three other dogs, a Maltese and two Yorkshire terriers, and they were beginning to put on weight and had become very hyperactive. After eating my homemade food for the past few months their behavior has changed, their weight has stabilized, and my dachshund has not had to have an increase in his daily insulin dosage. I am also saving money at the same time.
 
I prepare chicken by boiling or baking it, and then combine yams or sweet potatoes. These vegetables have a low glycemic index and are particularly good for diabetes. I also prepare lentil soup each week, and add this to the food as well. Finally, I prepare long grain brown rice, and my homemade food is complete. I only do this once a week, so it is not like I have to prepare my dog food every day. I encourage you to learn more about preparing healthy and nutritious food for your dog, to reduce the risk of disease and help to extend their lifespan.

And now I invite you to find out more about healthy dog food recipes by visiting http://www.TrainingYourSmallDog.com where you will see why it is best to prepare your dog’s food using your own ingredients.
 

Get started right with a Shih Tzu puppy and you will enjoy a long and happy relationship with your dog. A Shih Tzu dog has a regal background since the breed developed as companion dogs in the Chinese Emperor’s palace. These are very popular dogs partly because of their lively and intelligent dispositions. Get your puppy started off right with these tips.

photo: imageshack.us

1. Choose your puppy carefully.

Pick a breeder with a good reputation. Some breeders sell especially small dogs called tea cup dogs. Be sure you want an extra small dog since these dogs can have some really serious health challenges just simply because of the small size.

2. Vaccinate properly.

Consult with your veterinarian to choose vaccinations that will protect for diseases found in your area. Timely vaccinations can protect your puppy from several diseases that can result in even fatal diseases.

3. Parasite protection.

Especially for an inside dog, be sure you carefully choose a program to protect your puppy from fleas and ticks. Be sure to consider protection from other problems like heart worms which are contracted form mosquito bites.

4. House breaking a Shih Tzu puppy.

An inside dog must be quickly house trained or the dog often goes to a different home. A Shih Tzu puppy is usually easy to train. Close attention to your puppy after the pup is old enough for training will quickly get results. After just a little observation, you can tell when your puppy needs to go out. Just consistently get your dog out for elimination and house training will be done quickly,

5. Obedience training.

Since a Shih Tzu is a lively dog, obedience training can make your puppy much more pleasant to be around. An undisciplined dog is a possible pest and certainly is no fun for guests to your home.

Your Shih Tzu pup will quickly become an important part of your family. With just some basic training and care, your dog will be a valuable family pet for many years to come.

Would you like more tips on Shih Tzu puppy training?
Please visit http://www.shihtzudogs.net and get more free resources.