Stuff we LOVE!

The Tails family is passionate about good nutrition for dogs and a less is more with vaccines and chemicals. We love products that help dogs stay safe and happy.

One of my new slogans is “If you meet the dog’s needs, you won’t have too many problems”. What does this mean?  Well if you meet the dogs exercise and metal stimulation needs each day, you rarely will have behavioral problems. With a young athletic dog, this is a challenge, but it’s doable. Also meeting the dogs needs feeding them a variety of whole foods and minimal vaccines your dog will most likely not have repeated allergies, ear infections, hot spots, anal gland issues.  My plan with my dogs is to spend the money on food, not at the Vet.  Mick & Romeo at 5 1/2 & 7 or 8, are healthy, never have had a need to visit a Vet for being sick, their teeth are beautiful, their coats are shiny and soft and they are happy, well-adjusted dogs.

I work hard at meeting their needs so that can be the best they can be.  There are days that I miss the mark on meeting their exercise needs, Mick always lets me know by being a bit wild, but I do my best to get them out daily, for some kind of interaction with the world.

Here is a list that will help you understand our philosophy.

• Harnesses!  We love them!
• Ceramic and Stainless Steel Bowls washed daily.
• Food that is not cooked to death, does not have any products from China including the vitamins.
• We prefer food that is whole and not in kibble form.
• Rotating your dog’s food – there are very few animals on this planet who eat the same thing every meal of their life. If you do feed kibble (dry food), add something fresh to it each day.
• Comfy beds in every room of your house or in my case, RV.
• Treats. lots of them! Made from a nice company who has passion for their clients (pets)
• Chews – raw bones are great. Bully sticks or real parts of animals. Hide is not recommended due to the choking factor and lack of digestibility.
• Coats to keep dogs warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
• Enrichment toys like Kong, and others that you can stuff with food to keep your dog from being bored.
• Natural remedies to handle pests like ticks and fleas.
• Toys, toys and more toys! And yes, you need to play with them.
• Daily walks or adventures whether it’s urban or on a trail, your dog needs to walk and smell.
• Weekly fun adventures to somewhere new.
• Dog’s Naturally Magazine – spells it out for health and nutrition, get yourself a subscription.
• Whole Dog Journal – will give you great training tips and evaluations on all types of dog food in their monthly newsletter.

What can you do?

I used to say in my dog training classes. Feed your dog the best food you can afford.  So whatever that is, do that. If it’s kibble, so be it. Just add some different veggies, an egg, some broth, a little left over meat to your dog’s dish. Experiment with what your dog will eat. If you buy rotisserie chickens, cook the carcass down and make a yummy broth for the dogs, add some veggies too.  Yes, this will make a difference!

Walk your dog daily.  Even if it’s a short walk, it’s worth it to the dog.  Older dogs do better with daily short walks, rather than a long one every few days. Going for car rides is great interaction for many dogs. Adding some variety to your dog’s week will keep them happy and adjusted.

Thanks for reading and Take Your Dog Along (when appropriate)!