Pork and Apple Sausage Treats for dogs by Lifes Abundance
Protein rich & satisfying
Great training treat
Grain & gluten free
No added nitrites, artificials or fillers
One of the most wonderful things about having a pet is the strong connection and bond we share with them. Have you ever talked to your dog, and watched as they seemed to listen intently, tilting their head and hanging onto your every word?
But do they really understand us - and what about when we speak to them in different languages? Is it possible for them to become bilingual?
Dogs and Human Language
Do dogs even understand human language? As it turns out, yes and no. Dogs process language similar to the way human children (up to the age of 14 months) do. That’s to say that they understand commands and familiar words, but have trouble distinguishing between commands, and words that sound similar. For example, if you tell your dog to “drop” or “bop” they may hear no difference between the two.
However, we do know that they do listen to what you say, and they comprehend at least some of it. As for how much, no one is quite sure- perhaps with further research, we’ll learn more about how much of their bedtime stories our furry friends are actually understanding.
Bilingual Dogs
Are dogs capable of understanding more than one language? Yes they are, as long as they’re taught from an early age - like human children. In a recent study, it was determined that dogs can tell the difference between their “native” language (the one in which they were trained) and other languages.
During the study, dogs were played recordings of the classic book “The Little Prince”, in their native language, and then in a language to which they hadn’t yet been exposed. During the study, brain scans were taken of each dog. The results show that their brains reacted differently to the unknown language, indicating that they can distinguish between various human languages.
This indicates that if you are bilingual, and you’d like your dog to be as well, it’s possible to train them to understand multiple languages, at least when it comes to common commands.
Training a Bilingual Dog
The keys to training a dog to become bilingual are consistency and repetition - just like teaching them how to sit. For example, if your dog is already fluent in English commands, use this as a jumping off point. Say the English command, and then immediately follow it with the same command in whichever language you’d like your dog to learn. Another key to training is to reward them with one of their favorite dog treats each time they correctly obey.
Be sure to use the same word to indicate a command every time, especially in languages that might have many word options that mean the same thing. Once your puppy reaches genius-levels of obedience when responding to commands in the second language, be sure to continue reinforcing that behavior with consistent treats for a job well done!
Aren’t our dogs amazing? Not only do they fill our lives with love, spread joy everywhere they go, and keep our lives exciting, but they also have the capacity to be bilingual (or tri-lingual, if you consider the fact that they’re already fluent in ‘dog’!) Learning a second language can be challenging for anyone, so if you succeed in training your dog to become bilingual, be sure to show them your support and admiration by constantly telling them how much you love them - in both languages, of course.
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Pets are always there for us, whether we're looking for a cuddle or a laugh to help us wind down after a long day. For all they do to make our lives a little brighter, our furry friends deserve the best of everything, and that’s why we love the variety of apps that have popped up to improve our pets’ lives. Whether you want to make sure you never miss a vet appointment, keep your shoes from becoming a chew toy, or find new ways to have fun together “there’s an app for that.” Here are five of the best apps to download today for those with fur babies:
PetDesk
PetDesk helps you keep track of your pet's veterinarian appointments, vaccinations and lab results. You can request in-person appointments and/or launch virtual care appointments, all within the app. PetDesk is a great way to stay organized and make sure your pet is up-to-date on their shots and medications - truly a must-have for any pet parent!
GoodPup
GoodPup is a top-notch pet app that offers 1-on-1 video chat sessions with experienced trainers, which means you can get custom advice and guidance in the comfort of your home. This app is great for anyone that needs a flexible schedule or wants to teach Fluffy not to jump on the counter without spending a fortune. It also has a 24/7 chat feature that allows you to connect with an expert whenever you need it- for those late-night puppy woes.
Pro tip: While using this training app, make sure to keep some delicious, healthy dog treats or cat treats on hand as a reward. Your furry friend is guaranteed to be on their best behavior!
Puppr
For those pup parents accustomed to a more ‘on-demand’ video service, the Puppr app is purrrfect. Puppr features over 100 recorded video lessons, and a live chat feature that connects you with trainers for a little extra help when you need it. There are other fun features like a progress tracker, photo entry challenge, and a built-in training clicker. If your pup could brush up on their manners, or you're looking for a fun way to bond, give Puppr a try.
BringFido
Love to vacation with your pet but find it hard to find pet-friendly getaways? With BringFido you can find pet-friendly restaurants, hotels, attractions, and more. Whether you're on the go or looking for local spots that welcome guests on two legs or four, BringFido is a great resource.
Buddies
Being a pet parent is one of the most rewarding experiences, but it's also a big responsibility. Now you can earn actual rewards every time you take good care of your furry friend, just by logging their exercise, diet, appointments, and food purchases. You can also take and share photos of your pets, write updates about their day-to-day lives, and invite your friends and family to follow along - even better, you can redeem points for treats for your pet to enjoy.
There are so many apps out there that can make our pets' lives better, and taking care of them a little easier - these are just five of our favorites. What apps do you use to improve your pet's life? Let us know in the comments below!
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What Does Your Dog's Sleep Position Mean?
Courtesy of Life's Abundance Blog 4/25/22
“How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” – Winnie the Pooh
Our pets are more to us than, well, “just” pets. They are loyal companions, joyful playmates, and reliable confidantes. They are members of our families who leave permanent marks on our hearts. But with all the love and snuggles inevitably comes the hardest part of pet ownership – loss.
Losing a pet is painful. There’s no way around it. Everyone who’s been through it knows what it’s like to have an animal shaped hole in their heart for the pets who’ve gone before them. And while there’s no way to circumvent the grief and sadness that comes from the death of an animal, there are some things you can do to help get yourself to the other side.
Acknowledge your loss
Before you can move forward, you need to acknowledge the loss you have suffered. Give yourself time to sit with your grief and try to absorb and comes to terms with what has happened. It’s important to know that there is no timeline, no “correct way,” to handle saying goodbye to a furry family member. The process looks different for everyone. Whatever it looks like for you, be patient, kind, and gentle with yourself.
Talk it out
For many, talking about their fallen four-legged loved one is an important part of the healing process. Whether this means confiding in a family member or close friend, reaching out to a support group, or even writing it out in a journal, talking about, saying the name of, and remembering your sweet pet can help you work through feelings, and ease some of the pain.
Find closure, ceremonially
While this may not be for everyone, many pet owners find comfort in saying goodbye through some sort of ceremonial practice. This can be as simple as lighting a candle and silently sending good thoughts to your deceased pet, or as elaborate as a full-blown memorial service. Regardless of the structure, a ceremony can be helpful in closing this chapter on you and your pet’s relationship and transitioning to one where they live in your heart, rather than by your side.
Memorialize their life
It may be comforting to find some way to memorialize your dear furry friend. This will look different for everyone but could include planting a tree in your pet’s honor, painting a picture of them, donating in their name, creating a scrapbook of your time together, or reserving a special place in your home to dedicate to their memory. This gives you and the others grieving your pet a concrete place to feel connected to them and their legacy.
Pay it forward
No matter the species, breed, or temperament, our pets all have one thing in common – they make our lives better. Sometimes, the best way to remember and honor them is to take a page out of their book. Reach out and help others. Volunteer at an animal shelter or senior center. Help a neighbor in need. Reach out to friends who are coping with their own losses. Brighten someone’s day, and as you do, remember how your cherished pet brightened yours. Volunteering and helping others gives you a place to channel anxious energy, occupies your mind, and helps you form new connections, all while improving the life of another. If our departed pets could tell us what they wished for us, we have to imagine this would be part of it.
Losing a pet is never easy. When they cross the rainbow bridge, we are left to navigate through grief, loss, and sadness. While the pain will never truly go away, eventually you will be able to look back on your lives together, appreciate the joy and love, and know that your memories will keep them forever alive in your heart.
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Courtesy of Life's Abundance Blog Post 4/11/2022
They give us snuggles, keep us busy with walks and playtime, and entertain us with their adorable antics. Our dogs are bright spots in our busy lives, and once in a while, they deserve to be rewarded for their love and loyalty. What better way than with a spa day? Read on to learn how to pamper your pet with a DIY at-home spa day that you can both enjoy.
Brush It Out
First things first! Before any bathing or pampering, your dog needs a good brushing. Regular brushing helps remove dead hairs, prevents matting, and keeps your pup’s coat healthy and soft. There are a variety of brushes, combs, and tools available to use, and you can choose accordingly based on the length and texture of your dog’s hair.
Suds It Up
Whether they love being shampooed or run away from water like it will melt them, every dog feels better after getting a bath. Not only will a good shampoo like our Revitalizing Shampoo get your furry friend nice and clean, it will also leave them smelling delicious, looking silky, and totally tangle-free.
After shampooing, it’s a good idea to give your dog’s ears some love. Because let’s be honest; we love our dogs, but sometimes their ears can smell… less than amazing. This is a sign that there may be dirt, debris, or wax building up inside their ears that needs to be removed. Using a safe, gentle product like our Ear Care Formula can keep their ears healthy, clean, and odor free.
Treat Problem Areas
Every dog has their quirks. It’s part of why we love them so much! But they also have their own health and grooming concerns, and it’s our job, as their loving pet parents, to stay on top of any issues and keep them feeling healthy and happy.
For dogs prone to skin irritation, for example, a spa day is a great time to implement a regular treatment plan. For many, it’s as easy as using a topical spray, like our Soothing Mist, to soothe and protect their skin and nourish their coat.
Towel Time
When your furry best friend is brushed, cleaned, and thoroughly pampered, it’s time to dry them off. Wrap them up in a soft, fluffy, freshly cleaned towel, and rub some of that water away. Snuggle in and cuddle your squeaky-clean companion. It’ll help them dry off faster and give you both some quality bonding time together. For some dogs, this will be the best part of spa day – getting to spend time snuggled in with you.
Quick Alternative
Sometimes, no matter how much we want to be able to spend a whole, uninterrupted afternoon with our dogs, our schedules just won’t allow it. Life gets in the way. And that’s okay. We get it. If you find yourself short on time, there are still ways to pamper your dog and keep them healthy and clean without eating up your valuable time.
A spray-on formula is a great way to end a spa day, use in between baths, or even use as a substitute for bathing when you’re in a rush. Our Bath Fresh Mist will protect your dog’s coat, absorb and neutralize odors, and keep your canine companion feeling fresh and clean.
At the end of the day, a dog spa day is as much about carving out some time to bond with your pup as it is about keeping them healthy and clean. Even if you only have a few minutes, your attention, care, and love will make a difference in your dog’s day and let them know they’re loved and appreciated. After all the joy and laughter they bring into our lives, it’s the least we can do to remind our four-legged friends that we’ve got their (squeaky-clean, shiny) backs.
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The Secret Ingredient To A Sweet Smelling Pet
If you’re a fan of dog kisses, then you might be taken aback when you get a hint of foul breath. Bad breath can be a sign of numerous problems including periodontal disease, which is the result of inflammation of the gums and bones in your dog’s mouth. More than 85% of pets have dental issues, so it’s an overwhelmingly common concern.
In order to prevent disease and other dental issues, it’s important to take care of your pet’s teeth. Waiting too long for a dental cleaning can result in more damage such as problems in the heart, liver and kidney. One of the ways you can support oral health is through nutrition. First, your pup’s daily diet should be full of nutrients and vitamins that maintain their overall dental health. Here are a few you should be looking for in the ingredients:
Antioxidants: Look for an antioxidant system that includes vitamins A, C and E. These vitamins offer anti-inflammatory actions. Folic acid can also help support the gum tissue warding off the likelihood of periodontal disease.
Calcium and phosphorus: Calcium is a vital nutrient for dental health as it promotes healthy bones and teeth. It works together with phosphorus which helps maintain the strength of the bones. It’s important that the nutritional balance of these two minerals meet a dog’s needs throughout their life stages - whether they’re rapidly growing puppies, or entering their senior years.
Probiotics: Probiotics are great for your pet’s gut health. But have you considered that the oral cavity is part of the digestive tract? By supporting your pet’s gut health, this can help in supporting their dental health as well.
While the kibble they eat is important, you cannot forget about their snacks. Look for treats that allow them to chew such as Water Buffalo Bully Sticks. This chewing action helps reduce tartar and maintain their dental health. You can also choose a Gourmet Dental Treat that contains ingredients like calcium and phosphorus for strong teeth and bones. Plus, the added parsley helps with doggie breath!
In addition to taking care of their teeth through nutrition, you can also monitor their dental health at home. Just like us, pets need daily teeth brushing too. This can sound like a daunting task but it can save your furry friend’s oral health and your bank account in the long run. If your pet allows it, frequently check their mouth by flipping their lip and taking a look at their teeth and gums. Ask your veterinarian for a tutorial on what signs to watch for, like bumps or swelling on the gums, as well as tartar or chipped teeth. Pay attention to how their breath smells too. This could indicate unfriendly bacteria in their mouth.
The bottom line is to remember the importance of oral health to overall health. Plan on regular, proper cleanings by your vet. Even if you’re brushing their teeth daily, they will still eventually need a deep cleaning which usually includes x-rays. Between these regular checkups both at home and at the vet, and robust daily nutrition, your pup will enjoy a happier, healthier life while you enjoy those sloppy kisses.
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Dogs mark their territory outside as a way of communication. Think of it like social media. Each time your pup stops and sniffs, they’re learning about the dog that was in that spot before. Then, your dog might pass over it or urinate in that same area to claim that territory as their own. However, if your dog is marking inside your home, there could be a multitude of reasons as to why.
Reasons Your Dog Is Marking Inside
One of the biggest reasons your pup might be marking inside is due to stress or anxiety. This includes leaving them home alone, unsupervised. Dogs can start to feel lonely and stressed which leads to this unwanted behavior. Sometimes, even stressful situations outside, such as seeing another dog, can result in urinating in the house. This can happen when dogs hold off on marking outside because they don’t want to announce their presence, therefore leading to an accident inside.
Another reason your furry friend might be marking is because of a change in routine. This could be anything, such as moving to a new home. This unfamiliar atmosphere could cause them to mark inside, essentially claiming it as their own. Even something as simple as rearranging your furniture can stress them out and cause a change in behavior. What about when you have guests over? Have you noticed a change in marking habits? Having someone out of the ordinary staying over can also trigger marking. Dogs are basically telling your guests that any object that is in their house is theirs.
The presence of other furry friends in the house could be another reason why your dog might be marking. Your pup might see the others as competition and will mark inside the house to show who is the “pack leader” in their home. They may also urinate when they are competing for your attention, toys, treats or food. This can be very stressful for insecure dogs leading them to mark to relieve this stress.
Sometimes, lack of training could simply be mistaken for urine marking. This is especially common among puppies and small dogs. You’ll know if your pup is properly house trained if they are not having accidents for about 1-3 months. You may want to talk with your vet to rule out incontinence in an older dog.
How To Stop Your Dog From Marking:
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Bison Liver Freeze Dried Dog Treats |
Irresistible flavor
Source of Vitamin A, Vitamin B12 and iron
Freeze-dried to lock in nutrients
Zero fillers or anything artificial
Sized for training or snacking
Each resealable bag contains approximately 65 treats.
Click here now to order/more information
Bison Kidney Freeze Dried Dog Treats |
Irresistible flavor
Source of five B Vitamins, plus Vitamins A & C
Freeze-dried to lock in nutrients
Zero fillers or anything artificial
Sized for training or snacking
Each resealable bag contains approximately 160 treats.
Click here now to order/more information