Decoding Your Dog: How DNA Testing Can Change The Way You Care for Them

From the wag of their tail to the shape of their ears, our beloved dogs have unique traits that go back thousands of years. So, if you adopted a dog or looked at your mixed-breed pup and found yourself guessing their ancestry, you are not alone. Many owners get stumped when confronted with these questions: What is your dog’s breed? What kind of dog is that?

That is where DNA tests for dogs can help! DNA testing for dogs not only provides answers to those common questions that arise during your daily walks or café runs but also offers valuable information about potential health risks, behavior, training techniques, and more. Whether you already know your pup’s breed or not, it’s like unlocking the blueprint to their well-being.

Whether your pup inherited its curly tail from a Pug or its high energy from a Border Collie, knowing its breed allows you to tailor their care and training to suit its needs.

So, What Exactly Is A Dog DNA Test?

First, before we dive in, here’s a quick rundown of what DNA tests are and how they work. A dog DNA test could reveal your four-legged friend’s ancestry and genetic makeup. It involves collecting a sample, such as a cheek swab or saliva from your dog, and sending it to a specialized laboratory for analysis. Then, the DNA test analyzes the genetic material to identify specific markers that reveal the percentage breakdown of a dog’s breed.

It’s important to note some veterinarians have raised questions regarding the accuracy of these tests for your pet, as they are not regulated like human DNA tests. It’s hard to guarantee the exact reliability of the information you receive. But DNA tests for dogs are still beneficial (especially to us as dog trainers), and we recommend looking for well-reputed companies with positive reviews. If you’re curious about what others have to say, here is “The Best Dog DNA Tests of 2023,” according to USA Today.

Here are five ways dog DNA testing can help you care for your pet.

1.   Ensuring a Healthy Future

We all want our furry friends to lead long, healthy lives. Dog DNA tests lend a helping paw and give more insight into your dog’s ancestry. Many tests include health screenings that can help detect genetic mutations and potential predispositions to specific diseases. By uncovering these potential risks, you can work with your veterinarian, who can address concerns and offer guidance with regular check-ups.

2.   Decoding Your Dog’s Behavior and Temperament

As mentioned, dogs have been selectively bred for generations to exhibit specific behaviors and fulfill tasks. For example, Dobermans were bred to protect a hated tax collector, while Australian Shepherds were made to be skilled sheep and cattle herders. Fun fact, right?!

Although many people now own these dogs as lovable companions rather than for their original purposes, it’s important to recognize they still retain their instincts. DNA tests for dogs can provide insight into the breeds that make up your pup and give you the answers to why they behave the way they do. For instance, you may discover the reason for your dog’s independent nature could be that they are a mix of stubborn breeds.

3.   Better Nutrition and Exercise

Different dog breeds have varying exercise requirements and nutritional needs. By identifying the lineage in a mixed-breed dog’s DNA, owners can better determine appropriate exercise routines and suitable diets that cater to their dog.

4.   Personalized Training

As professional dog trainers, understanding your dog’s breed allows us to create a more customized training regimen for them. Different breeds have unique characteristics and traits that may influence their learning. Just like humans, dogs have all kinds of different personalities. The Myers-Briggs Company created its own personality Dog Type Table that reveals your dog’s personality type, making it easier to determine their training styles.

5.   Building a Stronger Bond

At the heart of Dog Gone Amazing, our mission is to help dogs and their people build a bond based on love, freedom, and adventure. So, we saved the best takeaway for last. Dog DNA testing can create a more meaningful connection between dogs and their owners. Just as understanding someone’s background helps us relate to them better, the same applies to our furry friends. By uncovering their genetic origins, we can learn how certain breeds and mixed breeds would like to be cared for, treated, and trained.

DNA tests for dogs provide valuable information that truly helps us take better care of our cherished pets. And we know one thing for certain – all dogs, no matter the breed, can benefit from dog training!

Click here to learn more about Dog Gone Amazing’s training services and packages.

How Dog Training Can Help You Prepare for Six Common Life Events.

The benefits of dog training can make a world of difference when facing the twists and turns in life. Big life events can be exciting but can also come with their fair share of challenges. So, when it comes to your dog’s behavior, it doesn’t have to be another source of stress during these moments.

These events can be overwhelming, from moving to a new home to welcoming a new family member to traveling with your pup. Having a well-trained dog that can adapt to different situations and environments will reduce stress while making these moments more enjoyable for you and your furry friend.

This is why it is never too late to invest in dog training and prepare for anything that may come your way. Here is how dog training can be beneficial when faced with our list of six everyday life events.

 

1. Moving to a New Home: Home Sweet Home, Stress-Free

Moving to a new home or environment can cause a whirlwind of emotions. It can be a chaotic and exhausting time for both humans and dogs with changes in your routine, environment, and exposure to new sights and sounds. Dog training before a new move helps your pet feel more secure, confident, and comfortable in the new environment, which can reduce anxiety, fear, and undesirable behaviors that may arise during the moving process. We recommend crate training, basic obedience commands, and desensitization. That way, your pup will be ready for the big day and settle into its new sweet home.

 

2. Welcoming a New Baby: Preparing for a Pawesome Arrival

Introducing a new baby into a household with a dog requires careful preparation and training. Dogs need to learn appropriate behaviors around babies, such as not jumping or nipping and must be comfortable with the baby’s presence. Gradually exposing a dog to baby-related sounds and smells while rewarding calm and relaxed behaviors can help them associate positive experiences with the baby’s arrival. With time, patience, and proper training, you can be confident that your pup will be the best fur sibling for your new addition to the family.

 

3. Traveling with Your Dog: Adventure Buddies on the Go

Whether a road trip or a vacation, traveling with your dog can be an exciting adventure. But it also requires proper training to ensure a safe, stress-free, and enjoyable trip for you and your pup. Training your dog to be comfortable in a crate or carrier, to obey commands in unfamiliar environments, and to have good leash manners can make traveling together a breeze.

You might still be wondering if dog training is that effective when it comes to being on the go with your four-legged friend. If so, you can look at one of Dog Gone Amazing’s success stories from one of our very own clients. Kristi and Penny’s journey is a prime example of how proper training can lead to a well-behaved and joyful dog during trips, making your life much easier!

 

4. Introducing a New Pet: BFFs in the Making

We understand the excitement of adding another dog or a new pet to your home. After all, who wouldn’t want their dog to have a bestie and keep them company when you’re not around? However, if your pup hasn’t received proper socialization training, it could leave their first interaction and ongoing relationship with other animals up in the air and at risk. That’s why our facility offers services with socialization training to help your pup feel comfortable around fellow canines and ensure you feel confident adding new members to the fur fam.

 

5. Managing a Busy Schedule: Multitasking Made Easy

Life can get busy, and sometimes juggling work, family, and other commitments can leave you with limited time for your dog. This can cause unwanted behaviors, such as separation anxiety. It’s a complex yet common problem among owners that can cause substantial distress and frustration. But no need to fear. It is possible to create a positive association with being away from your pup by following simple training practices. If you’re looking for more information on how to deal with dog separation anxiety and how Dog Gone Amazing can help, check out our 10 Helpful Tips here.

6. Handling Visitors

If you enjoy hosting friends and family for holidays and gatherings, having a well-behaved dog can make these occasions less stressful and allow you to focus on being present during these events. Dogs can often become overly excited or anxious when visitors arrive, leading to undesirable behaviors such as jumping on guests, nonstop barking, or other bad manners. Proper dog training can ensure your pup learns good habits and behaviors when guests are present, making your hosting experience more enjoyable for everyone!

Dog training can benefit you and your furry companion, especially during significant life events. By investing in training, you can prepare your pet for any challenges that may come your way and develop a stronger bond with them in the process. So, whether you’re facing one of these six everyday life events or any other changes, remember that dog training can help make life easier and stress-free.

Click here to learn more about Dog Gone Amazing’s training services and packages.

 

At Dog Gone Amazing, we hear many questions about how to keep doggos happy, healthy, and well-behaved, and a common one is, “What should I feed my dog?”

We love to focus on training, but your dog’s overall health and wellness are a big deal, and nutrition plays a big role. What you feed your pup today can affect their health later in life.

Like most dog owners, you want to provide the best food for your pup. What’s the best way to do that? By understanding canine nutrition! This guide will discuss what dogs should and shouldn’t eat and give tips on choosing the right food for your dog. So whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been feeding your dog kibble for years, this guide is for you.

Why is nutrition essential to a dog’s quality of life?

Nutrition is vital to a dog’s quality of life for many reasons. First and foremost, good food is essential for keeping your dog healthy. A well-nourished dog is less likely to suffer from illnesses or diseases. Good nutrition also helps keep your dog’s coat shiny and healthy and can even help improve their behavior. There is a direct connection between your dog’s gut health and overall health and their ability to learn. Studies have shown that nutritionally starved dogs are more reactive.

A poor diet can hurt a dog’s health and well-being. For example, dogs fed a diet of junk food are more likely to suffer from obesity, heart disease, and other health problems. Poor nutrition can also lead to nutritional deficiencies, which can cause various health problems.

That’s why providing your dog with a nutritious diet is so important. You can help your dog stay healthy and happy for years to come by feeding your dog the right foods.

Getting to the bottom (of the bowl) when it comes to dog food quality

Many types of dog food are available on the market, and it can be challenging to know which one is right for your pup. There are three main types of dog food: kibble, canned, and raw.

• Kibble is the most common type of dog food. It is made up of dry pellets designed to be mixed with water before being fed to a dog. Kibble is affordable and easy to store, making it a popular choice for pet owners.
• Canned dog food comprises soft, wet pellets usually served as a complete meal. Canned food is more expensive than kibble but contains more nutrients and is easier to digest.
• Raw dog food is made from unprocessed meat, bones, and organs. It is the most nutrient-rich dog food but also the most expensive.

All three types of dog food have pros and cons, so it’s essential to do your research before deciding what to feed your pup.

Regarding grading dog food, there are two main factors: quality and ingredients. Food quality refers to how well the ingredients are processed and how much nutrition they contain. The ingredients refer to the specific proteins, carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables used in the recipe.

Foods that contain high-quality ingredients and are processed using minimal methods are of high quality. These foods typically cost more but are worth the investment, as they provide your dog with all the nutrients they need for optimum health.

Foods with low-quality ingredients or excessive fillers are of low quality. These foods are often less expensive but can damage a dog’s health over time.

So, what’s the best way to choose high-quality food for your pup? By reading the ingredient list. Here are some tips on how to do that:

• Look for foods that list whole proteins as the first ingredient. Proteins are essential for dogs and should make up much of their diet.
• Avoid foods that list grains or fillers as the first ingredient. Grains can cause digestive problems in dogs and are less nutritious than proteins.
• Avoid foods that list sugar or artificial additives as ingredients. Sugar can lead to obesity and other health problems in dogs, while artificial additives can be harmful if ingested in large quantities.

By reading the ingredient list, you can be sure that you’re feeding your pup a high-quality food that will provide them with all the nutrients they need for optimum health.

So…What Should I Feed My Dog?

When it comes to dog nutrition, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. But we recommend human-grade food for all the reasons above.

But we also know that providing raw food for your dog can be expensive and inconvenient. That’s why we use The Honest Kitchen, a human-grade pet food you can buy locally with our buddies Natural Paws.

Your veterinarian can also help you find a high-quality dog food that fits your budget. There are many affordable, high-quality foods on the market that will provide your pup with all the nutrients they need without breaking the bank,

Now that you know a little bit more about dog nutrition, you can decide what to feed your pup. By investing in high-quality food, you can help them stay healthy and happy for years to come.

Want to learn more about the best ways to care for your dog? Our dog trainers speak canine fluently! Click here to learn more about our dog training programs and more.

10+ Helpful Tips for How To Deal With Dog Separation Anxiety

If Fido shows some of the classic separation anxiety symptoms in dogs whenever you reach for your shoes, you’ll want to know how to deal with dog separation anxiety.

Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, but what happens when they start to get anxious when you leave them alone? This is a common problem known as separation anxiety. But don’t worry, there are ways that you can help your furry friend deal with this issue. Keep reading to learn more about how to deal with dog separation anxiety, common dog separation anxiety symptoms, what causes separation anxiety in dogs, how to prevent dog separation anxiety, signs of separation anxiety in dogs, and separation anxiety dog training near you.

Separation Anxiety Symptoms in Dogs and How To Spot Them

 

Dog separation anxiety can be a problematic condition in loving pet owners. Typical signs of occasional separation anxiety include barking, whimpering, howling, trying to escape the house or yard, or destructive behaviors. Still, anxiety can pose a significant challenge for pets and their owners when it becomes severe.

To identify how to deal with dog separation anxiety, it is essential first to understand how to spot the symptoms. The key signs of clinical separation anxiety in dogs include:

• Anxious panting
• Destroying objects in the house out of frustration
• Howling
• Pacing back and forth
• Refusal to eat or loss of appetite

Other subtle symptoms may include excessive licking and whining when you leave the room or try to leave your home altogether. If you notice your pup exhibiting any combination of these behaviors regularly, it may be time to consult your vet about managing their stress. With the proper love and attention—not to mention plenty of physical exercises and proper training—your pup can learn how to better cope with their fears!

 

What Causes Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Separation anxiety in dogs is a common problem among owners that can cause substantial distress and frustration. The root cause of dogs’ separation anxiety is complex and multifaceted. Still, it commonly stems from the lack of proper training, situational changes within the household, health problems, or abandonment.

Dogs will often display howling, barking, and crying when left alone, which is a direct sign of distress stemming from their insecurity. This feeling can also be exacerbated if an owner gives too much attention to their pet at home and then neglects them once they go out. As a result, owners must create routines for pets to help them adjust positively to being alone or in less familiar environments. Proper training is also essential in helping a dog understand that being away from their owner does not always bring negative connotations.

 

How To Deal With Dog Separation Anxiety

It is possible to create a positive association with being away from your pup by following simple practices. Start small, getting used to being out of the house for short periods of time while leaving your dog alone indoors. Reward them with small treats upon returning or offer them a special toy to play with during the time away so that they associate positive behavior when left alone.

You can also plan activities where you spend more time together before leaving, such as playtime or a training session, and then part ways on a high note. Lastly, how you feel when going can play an important role in how your dog reacts—staying calm and confident will help prevent distress and separation anxiety. Following these steps, pet parents and their furry friends can build healthy habits that help create positive associations when apart.

How To Prevent Dog Separation Anxiety

Treatment options are available to help bring your furry friend some much-needed calm. Providing plenty of companionship and positive experiences is important to distract your pup from feeling anxious when alone. A few change-of-pace activities that you could try include:

• Having play dates with other doggy friends
• Short grocery store visits with your pup
• Taking them on more trainer-rated walks around the neighborhood 

Regular exercise often helps reduce pets’ anxiety and provides an outlet for their energy. Providing comfort items such as toys or blankets can help reduce fear levels as these objects can help remind the dog of its owner’s presence even when apart. Through implementing all these steps, owners can support their beloved pet and make strides towards successfully reducing separation anxiety in their dog.

If the symptoms persist, consider consulting a dog trainer, behavior specialist, or veterinarian who can offer advice tailored to your dog’s specific needs. With patience and dedication, it is possible to turn things around and help manage how to deal with your pet’s separation anxiety in a caring manner.

Separation Anxiety Dog Training Near Me

Pet owners can use several separation anxiety dog training techniques to help their pup overcome this issue. To start, regularly exposing the dog to shorter periods of separation is important. Start by leaving them alone for five minutes at a time and gradually increase your time away from your pet until they become used to it. Positive reinforcement can also be an effective tool in managing separation anxiety. Make sure to reward your pup with treats or praise whenever they stay quiet while alone.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional trainer. Dog trainers offer specialized separation anxiety dog training that can help you quickly teach your pup how to cope with being left alone safely and comfortably. With patience and consistency, your pooch will learn how to stay calm when apart from you and enjoy more stress-free moments together!

How to deal with separation anxiety  

If your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, there are several things you can do to help them feel better. First, it’s important to understand the symptoms and root causes of the condition. Then, you can begin working on creating a positive association with being away from your dog. Training techniques such as counterconditioning and desensitization can also help overcome separation anxiety. If you implement these suggestions, you should see an improvement in your dog’s anxiety levels over time.

Googling “separation anxiety dog training near me?” At Dog Gone Amazing, we believe that every dog deserves a chance to learn, and we know that every dog has the potential to be amazing! Click here to learn more about the types of dog training in Reno that we offer.