Country Living With Dogs

in Animals on the Farm

How we love our dogs! And with good reason...

Favorite Farm Dogs

Many dogs are suitable for farm life, but the most common are the Border Collie and Australian Shepherd breeds. These dogs have been chosen for their herding capabilities, their dedication to their owner and property, and their ability to learn quickly.

They don't say a dog is man's best friend for nothing. Think of your human best friend for a moment...

• Does he or she always greet you with excitement? Even when you've only been gone for 10 minutes?
• Is he or she always ready to go with you for a walk, or a car ride to the grocery store to pick up something you forgot?
• How about if you're tired and just want to put your feet up in front of the TV - is your human best friend always willing to sit beside you just keeping you company?

No?

I didn't think so.

But I'll bet your dog does all of those things and more.

Your dog thinks you're the best thing since sliced bread no matter what kind of a mood you're in. All your dog wants of you is to be fed and watered, and to be by your side in quiet companionship.

Your dog will never get annoyed with you for being late, or for speaking to him/her in an offhand manner. What more could you ask?

Dogs truly are man's best friend...

Dogs love to be inside the house with their owners, but they also like some outside space to run around in.

City and suburban dogs may or may not have a nice big yard to romp in, but country dogs almost always have this luxury. So if you're too tired, or not in the mood, for walking your dog, it's great for him/her to have a big open space. Even better is to take a long leisurely walk each day on your own country property, with your dog at your side (or running ahead, playing a game, or whatever).

If you're considering a move to the country, I'm sure you plan on taking your dog(s) with you.

Most dogs like a set routine, so a move may be initially upsetting for them. But they soon settle in. You can minimize any upset by (if possible) having your dog travel with you, and by keeping him/her inside your new home for a few days when you get there. Trips outside for toileting should be reasonably short during this period.

Mind you, if your dog seems excited by the new surroundings and wants to explore your new, big backyard, then that's fine too. Needless to say, it's essential that your yard, or at least some part of it, is properly fenced off and escape-proofed before you arrive at your new home.

A country dog has pretty similar needs to a city dog:

A healthy, natural, diet - A dog's diet is very important to his/her overall health. Raw food is best. A natural diet is a must. Commercial dog food is an absolute no-no if you want your dog to live a long and healthy life. There are very few brands of dog food which really contain all the nutrients your dog needs, and they're probably not the brands your vet recommends.

To be kept clean - by regular brushing and grooming (especially in dogs with longer coats) and by regular bathing - no more than once a month, and once every few months is generally acceptable. Long coats can become matted very easily, and benefit from daily brushing. Shorter coats may not seem to need brushing, but even short coats become dusty and grimy. A quick brush every few days is essential not only to your dog's coat, but to stimulate the blood vessels and nerve endings under the skin in order to keep your dog's skin and coat in tip top condition.

An annual checkup with your vet - Annual vaccinations for an adult dog are not necessary, and can be very harmful. But an annual checkup could save your dog's life. It's an absolute must. It's the reason why most vets in fact tell us that our dogs need annual vaccinations (which they don't) - it's to ensure that all dog owners take their dogs in for a full checkup at least once a year.

Visits to your vet in between times if you have any concerns about any health issues - If your dog is off his/her food for more than a day or two, or otherwise seems unwell, it's wise to get the problem checked. And if you've moved your dog from the city to the country, you may find that your dog picks up different types of ailments.

A good pet vitamin supplement - to reduce the likelihood of illnesses and extra trips to the vet. Your vet will likely tell you it's unnecessary - that's because conventional medical training for both human doctors and veterinarians focus on alleviating symptoms and disease once they arise - not on keeping the body health so illnesses don't develop. If you take or have taken vitamin supplements yourself, you no doubt know that they can help keep you healthy. Country air will go some way to keeping your dog healthier than may have been the case in the polluted city, but a pet vitamin supplement will make your dog even healthier.

To be kept free from fleas (and ticks) - You may find that fleas are more prevalent in the country than was the case when you lived in the city. This is because of all the livestock in the country. Fleas travel from animal to animal very readily - and direct contact is not always needed. You'd do well to use natural flea repellant measures all year long. I do not advocate chemical flea treatments as preventatives - imagine walking around with a chemical laden scarf around your neck all the time. But there are natural flea treatments that work, and that prevent fleas from becoming a problem in the first place. Ticks are also likely to be a much greater problem than in the city. And the good news is that ticks won't be interested in your dog if you use an appropriate natural flea deterrent. 

To be kept free from worms of all types - including heartworm. Again, worms are more likely to bother your dog in the country than may have been the case in the city. Again, this is because of the abundance of other animals in reasonably close proximity to your dog. As you know, most worms can be very uncomfortable for your dog, and heartworm can be fatal. Not an issue to take lightly! Most dog owners use heartworm and other worm preventative treatments which are actually fairly toxic. Most dog owners don't realise that there are natural alternatives to prevent worms - yes, even heartworm.

To be kept away from chemicals and toxins - which may affect the dog's health. Almost all homes use chemical cleaners and disinfectants to some degree. And outside the home, while city dogs are exposed to more airborne pollutants, country dogs are exposed to more pesticides. Almost every medicine your dog has ever had has left some toxicity in your dog's system.

Although we are also affected by these chemicals and toxins, it's to a lesser degree than our dogs. Dogs are closer to the ground than we are. And they always go barefoot! They absorb chemicals and pesticides not only through their mouths and noses (which are often right on the ground, but also through the pads of their feet. Even the airborne pollutants eventually settle on the ground where your dog continues to inhale and absorb them.

Medicating Your Country Dog

Medications given to dogs are often higher in dose per weight than the medications which are given to humans. And because your dog can't speak and describe what's wrong, your vet is often likely to prescribe drugs for your dog "just in case". End result? Our dogs are full of toxins which are actually shortening their life spans. Can this problem also be addressed by natural means? You bet it can!

A Dog's Life - In the Country!

A move to the country is often accompanied by visions of a healthier, more natural, lifestyle. And it can certainly be that. But dogs are often not as well off as their owners during such a transition.

With just a few minor adjustments to their diet, grooming, and general well-being, your dog will live a long and happy life in the country with you.

After all, doesn't your best friend deserve a healthy and more natural lifestyle as well?

For more information on improving your dog's health naturally, go to HealthyHappyDogs and request your special free report - "How to Improve Your Dog's Health Within 30 Days - Maybe Even Lengthen Your Dog's Life!"

Dog Training Supplies at Discount Prices

See these categories: hunting dog training,
companion dog (puppy) training, and
dog houses and beds.