The heart is the most crucial organ of the human body. This is because it circulates blood to all the organs of the body. Blood transports oxygen to the body organs, and this oxygen acts as a fuel for the human body to manufacture energy.

Additionally, the other organs of your body might give you time before they completely fail and leave you dead. However, heart failure rarely gives you time for any treatment. It might give you slight indications of reaching up to the failure, though.

You can either choose to acknowledge these signs and work on them to reduce any risk of heart diseases, or ignore them and give your life increased risk of heart disease. If you choose to acknowledge them, read on to know the lifestyle changes suggested by the best cardiologists in India.

• Eat Healthily – This is the first and foremost change that most Indian households need. We eat many types of foods that are poor in nutritional value and only add up to our calorie count without providing much of nutrition. This only increases the risk of high cholesterol and diabetes.

Instead, focus on eating healthy and just the right amount to match your physical activity so that you can use up as many calories as you eat. Foods rich in vitamins, minerals, fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients are good for our bodies. You can get these from foods like legumes, nuts, fish, low-fat dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and whole-grains.

• Exercise – According to few of the Best Cardiologist in India, you don’t always have to join a gym and have a rigorous exercise routine on a daily basis to stay fit unless you are a young adult who wants a six-pack-abs or a zero figure. However, walking 30-60 minutes every day helps lower high blood pressure, bad cholesterol, and unnecessary weight gain.

30-60 minutes of a brisk walk can do wonders for you. If you are currently inactive physically, you can start with a medium-pace walk for at least 15-20 minutes and gradually increase it as per your body’s capability.

• Control Your Blood Cholesterol – Simply put, cholesterol is fat stuck on the inner lining of your arteries. This fat makes it difficult for the blood to flow through your arteries efficiently. This results in blockages, and eventually, heart attack or heart failure.

Cholesterol is of two types – low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol or bad cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol or good cholesterol. Ideally, it is good to have low LDL levels and high HDL levels for a healthy heart.

To reduce your LDL levels, you should reduce the intake of trans fats and saturated fats. Alternatively, to increase your HDL levels, you can replace your processed vegetable oil with extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil. Also, foods like fatty fish, beans, whole grains, and flax help increase your HDL and lower your LDL levels.

• Control Your Blood Pressure – Higher blood pressure is almost symbolic of a heart attack or a brain stroke. Both situations put your life at risk. Hence, it is better to lower your blood pressure to the ideal reading of 120/80 mmHg.

You can control your blood pressure by managing your stress, cutting down on your salt and caffeine intake, regular walk, and a healthy diet. For people with high blood pressure, the best cardiologist in India would prescribe medicines to keep a tab on their blood pressure even after doing all of these.

• Manage Stress – Stress is one of the main reasons behind all the imbalances in your body. The current generation has no time to pause, relax, or meditate. Heart disease is, therefore, so common even in younger people today.

It is important to reduce stress in order to lead a healthy life. Take some time out for yourself. Relax, meditate, do yoga, go for a spa, meet friends, or spend some time with your family. De-stressing is that easy. So don’t wait for it any further.

• Quit Bad Habits – Smoking and consuming alcohol count as bad habits in relation to heart health. We all know it’s tough to give up these habits, but you should surely love yourself and your family more than cigarettes and alcohol.

Smoking and drinking take you way ahead than your non-smoker peers in the race of having a heart disease. Hence, it is better to quit them at the earliest. You can consult a doctor to help you with this.

The first thing that the best cardiologists in India will ask you to do is make these changes in your lifestyle when you visit them. Hence, we urge you to follow these steps beforehand so that you don’t even need to meet them at all in your lifetime.

 

Who doesn’t love a good beach read? Relaxing on vacation with a good book is one of the best subtle pleasures in life. Then what could be a better place for one of the biggest book fairs in America than Miami? The Miami Book Fair is a weeklong book sale and literary event held at Miami Dade College located at 300 N.E. 2nd Ave. It’s scheduled to take place November 17–24, 2019, and promises to be the event of the season for book lovers of all ages.

Hundreds of thousands of people attend the event that features authors who read and speak about the work they do. There are also special events held in Children’s Alley, such as arts and crafts, theater, and even work read by children’s authors. Comic books and graphic novels draw a crowd of young people each year.

The Fair opens with the Evenings With author series. For six nights, people can hear their favorite writers read and speak about the writing process. Authors like Ta-Nehisi Coates will dazzle and entertain with their wisdom.

The Street Fair opens a few days later and offers plenty of things for people to get excited about. Over 250 publishers and booksellers have booths at the Fair. Some antiquarians deal with first editions of books, rare manuscripts, and other memorabilia for literary fans.

The Best Places to Stay in Downtown Miami

Now that you’ve determined that you’ll be attending the Miami Book Fair, it’s time to start thinking about where you’ll stay. Downtown Miami hotels vary in price, location, and room sizes. They also offer different amenities for you to take advantage of.

Some recommended hotels by the Miami Book Fair include the Mandarin Oriental Miami, Marriott Biscayne Bay, and the Hyatt Regency Miami. You can’t go wrong with any of them. The hotels are known for their world-class service, gorgeous views, spacious rooms, and premium amenities.

What to Do in the City When You’re Not at the Fair

No trip to Miami would be complete without sightseeing. When you’re not involved with all things book-related, you may want to go to one of the area’s many beaches. It’s not tourist season in November so they won’t be as busy as they are in the summer. You can layout in the sun, swim, jet ski, go boogie boarding, and even take a day cruise if you’re interested in spending more time on the water.

If you love going to museums, Miami is full of them. HistoryMiami Museum, the Philip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science, and the Perez Art Museum are some of the standout options available to visit in the city. Each showcase some of the most fantastic artists of all-time such as Pablo Picasso.

Cultural events are prevalent, making the city a fantastic place to experience other countries’ foods, dance, music, art, and customs. Little Havana is one location where visitors get a fully immersive experience. From watching a cigar rolled by a master to dining on authentic Cuban food, there is something for everyone.

Relax and Read Throughout Your Stay in Florida

Curl up with a good book this November. The Miami Book Fair provides you with plenty of reasons to read. You’re able to buy books in a variety of genres to sit and enjoy. Between sightseeing in the city, you can relax and read in the comfort of your downtown Miami hotel room.

You’ve got plenty to look forward to in the city. Compile your list of books to look for at the sale and decide which hotel you’ll want to stay in while in Miami. That way, you have a comfortable room to relax in with a thick stack of reading material.

 

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the many identified cannabinoids in cannabis plants. CBD is the second most prevalent of the active ingredients of cannabis. Unlike THC, it is non-psychoactive. This means that it does not affect a person’s state of mind when in use.

 

There are numerous ways of introducing CBD into the body, for example, orally using edibles, sublingually in the form of tinctures, topically, or by smoking. Cannabidiol also comes as CBD oil, which is CBD that has been separated from the THC. The use of CBD to enhance focus has been explored and proven successful. This is a great solution for people who suffer from a lack of concentration that has long term effects on a person like time mismanagement, procrastination, and poor performance.

Most people suffering from a loss of concentration and focus are affected by a medical condition known as clinical endocannabinoid deficiency. It is a condition where the body produces a lower level of its naturally occurring cannabinoids (endocannabinoids). Anyone with this condition that ingests CBD is likely to gain concentration and focus as the CBD slows down neurotransmitters, giving a little more time for the brain to concentrate and focus.

 

CBD and dopamine

CBD works in different ways to increase focus and concentration. It directly interacts with dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a chemical neurotransmitter that is in charge of mental awareness, focus, and memory. Dopamine levels associate directly with attention and focus: when dopamine levels are high, attention and focus are intensified, and vice-versa. An individual who suffers from reduced concentration and attention most likely has low dopamine levels. Cannabidiol increases the dopamine levels, hence enhancing focus.

 

Although smoking marijuana would increase dopamine levels, too, there is a risk of taking it in excess, which could harm memory and focus. Have a look at the different CBD products on berkshirecbd.com. CBD promotes the regular ascent of dopamine levels in the brain and does not come with the unwinding effects associated with THC. When seeking CBD as a solution to improve focus and overall performance, the right concentration and quantity extracted from the right strain will give the most positive and effective results.

 

CBD has no addictive effects

CBD is fortunately not addictive, so has no potential for abuse or dependency. Unlike THC and some cannabinoids, it does not contain any addictive substances. It is also non-psychoactive, so it does not interfere with the cognitive functions of the brain. Cannabidiol also has low toxicity. Research done has shown that it has little potential for adverse effects. It should be noted that this only applies in circumstances where other drugs are not present in the body or taken alongside it. Interaction between CBD and other drugs may have negative effects.

 

This naturally-occurring chemical has great effects on the body and mind. A relaxed mind can easily concentrate and focus on things that you want to achieve. Its benefits are numerous as it also helps with anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. The unique effects that CBD has on the brain and the lack of negative effects associated with its counterpart, THC, are the keys to expanding concentration and enhancing thoughts and focus.

 

 

Owning a rental property is tough work. In addition to understanding the legalities of leases (which requires a detailed knowledge of laws such as the Fair Housing Act), you need to make sure your tenants are a good fit for the property.

Every landlord has a screening process designed to ensure two things: that their tenants are able to afford the space, and that they won’t leave it looking (or smelling) worse than they found it. Both of these can usually be ensured through a criminal background check and a credit check, but even the most thorough of landlords may end up dealing with problem tenants.

Unfortunately, this issue can become greatly exacerbated when said problem tenants are your friends. Let’s take a look at three major reasons why you shouldn’t rent a room, an apartment, or a house to your buddy from college or your best friend from high school.

Maintaining a professional relationship becomes impossible

Tenant-landlord relationships are, first and foremost, professional. As the owner of a rental property, you are responsible for setting the rules and your tenants are responsible for following them. After all, leases exist to ensure that both parties stick to their end of the bargain.

When you rent to a friend, you’ll find that that professional boundary gets muddled. Your pal might start asking for extensions on rent payments, or begin blatantly ignoring the rules of the rental agreement because they believe your history together means you’ll give them a pass. Re-establishing those boundaries is hard at best and impossible at worst, and may lead to the next bullet point.

It could cost you your friendship

Being a landlord means being an authority figure. Your friend may struggle with that interpretation, especially if you’ve known them for a long time. At the end of the day, this can cause a serious rift.

If they continue to disregard your rules, you’ll be forced to lay down the law in a way that won’t sound so friendly. In such cases, you won’t just be losing a tenant when the lease ends — you’ll be losing a friend.

You’re the one has to pay in the end

Loss of friendship aside, you are still running a business. If your rental agreement states that no pets are allowed, and your buddy thinks you’ll be fine with his German Shepherd because you go way back, you’re the one who’s going to be left with a mess.

If your friend has a smoking habit, they may be inclined to light up regardless of any non-smoking clauses in the lease. From the cost of a complete deep clean (which can cost even more if cigarettes are involved) to general repairs, you’ll find yourself out of more money than you ever made from their presence.

Being a landlord is difficult enough as it is; you don’t want to add to the pile by putting a couple of your closest friends under a roof that you manage. Fortunately, you have plenty of tools at your disposal to help you find respectable strangers instead. Innovative software options like Turbo Tenant are uniquely designed to do all the digging for you — no muss, no fuss. Compared to the alternative (and all of its potential costs), renting to newcomers is always a better choice.

Rather than run the risk of a ruined apartment and a ruined friendship, establish one simple rule: no friends allowed. No matter what landlord-tenant resources you rely on, you’ll be grateful you chose John Doe over your favorite drinking buddy.

To read more on topics like this, check out the lifestyle category.

Fall means pumpkin spice lattes and leaf piles, but it also means something else: weddings.

Autumn is now the most popular season for getting married. If you’re a bride or groom planning a wedding for September, October, or November, you’re likely attracted to the cooler weather and lovely fall colors. The oranges, yellows, and browns will really pop in your wedding photos.

But while you should invest in a good wedding photographer, that’s not your only option for getting great photos. You can also ask guests to take their own photos for at least part of the wedding day. Here are some of the best ways to crowdsource wedding photos from your attendees.

Make your photo policy clear

Before the wedding starts, you should let your guests know when and how they can take their own photos.

For example, your photographer might have a clause in their contract stating that nobody else can photograph the ceremony. That means your guests can take photos after you and your intended say “I do” and walk back down the aisle. So you’ll want to say something like, “Please refrain from taking photos during the ceremony, but we’d love for you to use your camera to get some candid moments during the reception.”

This is necessary because wedding guests will often go one of two ways regarding photos. First, there’s the group that assumes they can’t take any photos at all. You’ll have to encourage them to take out their phones at certain times. If you want, you can even go old-school and leave disposable cameras on tables at the reception.

Then there are the people who you need to rein in a little on photos. If you don’t set some parameters, they might post unflattering photos or spend the whole reception taking photos. You want to enjoy the day with your guests, not feel like you’re being hounded by the paparazzi. If you think a couple of guests might go too far, try to gently pull them aside and go over some wedding photo etiquette tips.

Also, be sure to create a wedding hashtag that people can use to post wedding snaps on social media. Put the hashtag on wedding invitations or, even better, on wedding programs. It can be as clever or as straightforward as you want.

Give them a place to share photos

While a hashtag is helpful, some brides and grooms want to go even further and look over as many photos as possible. But that can be risky, especially if people are posting those photos on social media before you can look at them. They might post a photo of the bride or groom with their mouth open eating cake, for instance, and that’s not flattering.

Luckily, there are ways to share photos online privately. A smart home device that manages your photos also lets you create shared photo albums that other people can contribute to. So you can create an album called “Smith-Jones Wedding 2019” and then let other people upload photos to it. You can then sort through those photos and pick out which ones you want to have framed or otherwise preserved.

This also gives you more control over any photos that may be compromising. We’re not just talking about photos of you eating; sometimes wedding receptions can get a little wild. The bride or groom may not be jumping in in-ground swimming pools at the country club, but some of your guests might, especially if they’re drinking a little too much of that special wedding cocktail.

There’s nothing necessarily wrong with that, at least as long as no one gets hurt or damages the property. But that doesn’t mean those photos need to be shared far and wide. An exclusive online photo portal offers both you and your guests more privacy.

To read more on topics like this, check out the lifestyle category.

Americans like to break records. Unfortunately, we’ve been breaking stress-related records lately. In 2017, the American Psychological Association found that people’s reported stress levels had gone up significantly from the prior year. Something must be going on. People are working hard and trying to make enough money to get by, but the cost of living makes it hard to keep up. You don’t have time to get stressed out by things that should be easy. Those things include figuring out the best ways to decorate your home. Here are some tips on finding home decor without increasing your blood pressure.

Don’t feel pressured to meet a ridiculous standard

If you’ve ever read a celebrity magazine, you’ve probably seen a future about a celebrity showing off a palatial estate on the beaches of California. That’s nice to look at, but it doesn’t mean you have to try to imitate that celebrity. In general, you shouldn’t try to model either your diet or your home after a celebrity. Both of those standards are unrealistic and, in some cases, unhealthy.

Celebrities are famous for a living. Sure, they work hard at jobs such as acting and singing, but a big part of their personal brand involves looking a certain way. They can pay interior designers six figures to tell them that they should buy throw pillows that cost $1,000 each. You wouldn’t do that. Even if you could, you likely wouldn’t want to.

Focus on simple home decor that brightens up your house and gives off a welcoming vibe. Photos of you and your loved ones are a great way to do that. If framed photos are a bit too ordinary for you, head to a site like Simple Canvas Prints and get that photo printed on an elegant canvas. It will look a lot more expensive than it actually is, and that’s always a plus.

Look for home decor online

Some people love shopping. For others, though, it can be a real act of emotional labor. You may have heard of emotional labor as something that tends to disproportionately affect the female partner in heterosexual relationships. But it can be exhausting regardless of whether you’re married, single, or somewhere in between.

Shopping for clothes and groceries is one thing, but shopping for decor that fits with your home can feel even more intense. If you see a lamp or other appliance that you like, you have to wonder whether it will fit into your car. Then you have to make sure that it matches your home, and that can be hard to do unless you have a photographic memory.

When you shop online, you can look around your home and be sure the colors will complement each other instead of clashing. Even better, you don’t have to worry about stuffing it in your trunk and hauling it all the way from the car to your front door (or farther, depending on where the item is going in your house).

Make it personal

Sure, photos of flowers and landscapes are traditional home decor, but you should feel free to mix it up and make things more personal. You want your home to feel like it belongs to you. It shouldn’t resemble a random hotel room in the Midwest.

Your career or interests can guide you to decor that feels more like a statement than just something random you found on sale. For instance, maybe you’ve long been interested in the legal field, and now you’re finally going back to school and getting an online criminal justice degree. Why not find artwork that represents Lady Justice? If that’s too far out, fill your bookshelf with true crime books. Thinking of what you’re passionate about will make decorating your home feel much more natural.

To read more on topics like this, check out the lifestyle category.

People of any age can enjoy bicycling as a hobby. There is something thrilling about purchasing the best e bike and taking it for a spin around town. However, there are plenty of bicycles for seniors to help people over the age of 60 stay active in their golden years. Not only is a lot of fun for seniors to get out in nature, but it provides a host of health benefits that will let you enjoy life to the fullest for years to come.

Boost in Brain Power

Exercise of any kind has been linked to brain health. People who exercise regularly typically see a reduction in negative cognitive changes that can lead to dementia later on. Cyclists get in a lot of physical activity during a ride with blood flow toward the brain increasing by as much as 28%. It can even increase. Up to 70% to certain areas of the brain. Riding for 45 minutes four days a week can do a lot of good in helping seniors stay sharp and focused.

Gain Spatial Awareness

Even with comfort bikes, you can enjoy the health benefits of bicycles. There are numerous technical elements associated with cycling, such as cornering, descending and climbing. To master each one, you have to gain excellent spatial awareness. You know exactly what is going on around you, and you can expertly dodge anything out of the ordinary that comes up in your path. Seniors can bring these new skills into their everyday lives and react accordingly to stay better prepared at all times.

Strengthen Immune System

Any kind of exercise will help boost your immune system. Even mild exercise can boost your body’s production of necessary proteins, and it strengthens white blood cells. If you decide to bike to work, then you will also avoid germs you may find on trains and buses. Your immune system will lower when you are exercising at the moment. With adequate sleep and rest, your immune system will go back to normal, and it will be even better than it was before.

Increase Your Circle of Friends 

Cycling is one of the most sociable sports out there. You can find groups to join where you all ride a few days a week. You can search for cycling groups in your city to find one that specifically focuses on senior citizens. You do not have to go on intense bike rides either. You can spend a few hours of your Sunday morning going for a leisurely ride at a slow enough speed to talk to your fellow riders. As you get older, it is still critical to maintain friendships. Having a large support circle will keep you feeling youthful and vibrant for quite a long time.

Bicycling is not just for young people anymore. No matter how old you are, you can enjoy the benefits of riding your bike along trails in your city. It all starts with finding the right bicycle to own, and fortunately, you can find a wide array of products online. With the right store’s help, you can find the perfect bike for your needs.

 

Back to school can be both exciting and stressful for college students. While you get used to your new course load, you’ll spend time with friends and set up a new routine. And as your calendar fills up, be sure to make time for health and wellness. It can be tricky to stay healthy while your schedule is packed, so feeling your best can take some extra attention.

Here are some basic tips for prioritizing your physical, emotional, and mental health during college. Whether you’re a new freshman or expert senior, focusing on your health can help you thrive during these formative years.

DO create a routine.

Your college schedule is packed with classes, study sessions, activities, and social time. When you’re this busy, making time to exercise, plan meals, and care for your mental health can be tricky. This is especially true if your days aren’t organized. By creating a daily routine, you can make wellness a regular part of your schedule. For example, you might go to the gym on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the same time each week, or spend Sunday afternoons preparing healthy snacks. Eventually, your routine will feel like second nature, and you won’t have to give wellness much thought.

DON’T overlook the importance of sleep.

It may seem like college is all about all-nighters and late-night study groups. But this doesn’t need to be true. Sleep is an essential part of your health. When you’re well-rested, you can focus in class and even perform better on exams. If your friends or roommates are night owls, try to avoid synching to their habits. Establish your own nighttime routine and set boundaries when necessary.

DO make better choices in the dining hall.

The dining hall offers basically any food that you can dream of. And while it may feel like a victory to finally be able to eat pizza every night for dinner, this habit won’t benefit your health. You can support your wellness and feel your best by making healthier choices in the dining hall. Try to fill your plate with vegetables and protein, while avoiding processed items. Get creative at your school’s salad bar and try out some fun soups. If you’re concerned about your nutritional intake during college, talk to your doctor about taking vitamins from trusted supplement manufacturers as well.

DON’T go to class sick.

When you’re feeling the pressure from your professors, staying home sick might feel impossible. However, pushing yourself through a cold or the flu can prolong your sickness. If you’re ill, try to stay home and rest. You should also visit the on-campus clinic to get a diagnosis from a doctor if you think you have an illness worse than a common cold. Most professors have a policy for sick days, so be sure to ask or check your syllabus. You can catch up on material once you feel better, and your classmates will thank you for not spreading germs.

DO make time for self-care.

As you focus on your classes, activities, and social life, it’s easy to feel burnt out. You need to take time to recharge on your own and take care of yourself during college. This could mean reading outdoors between classes or getting coffee with a friend. It could also mean staying home to watch TV while your classmates head to the liquor store or a party. Setting boundaries will help you recharge, so you can handle your busy schedule with ease.

College are some of the most vibrant and busy years of your life, so it can be easy to get caught up in the day to day. However, by slowing down and caring for your health, you can thrive during this time rather than drag. As with most aspects of college, your wellness routine is unique to you. So, forget what others are doing and try out routines that work for you.

To read more on topics like this, check out the lifestyle category.

Being in a long-distance relationship has its ups and downs, and when it comes to your partner’s birthday, trying to give them a meaningful gift when you can’t be with them can be hard. You don’t want to lose that personal touch that shows you care, but don’t worry! It’s easy to make your loved one feel special even if you can’t be there in person. Here are our favorite 3 birthday gift ideas for long-distance relationships.

Switch Up Your Card

Of course, every gift needs a card, but what can you find that is a little bit different to the everyday, mundane, store-bought card? Well, there are plenty of options – birthday certificates are a little bit unique and are a lot easier to personalize than birthday cards, as you can add different pictures, patterns, text and messages to suit you best. They come in all sorts of styles and can be anything from lovey-dovey to hilarious – whatever you think is best for your partner! You could even go one further and personalize it by adding photos of the two of you, giving you something adorable, heartfelt and cute, too.

Custom Music Box

This is a great, personal gift for anyone of any taste, and if you’re looking for something really special, a custom music box is perfect. Sites like Etsy offer a service in which you can choose an engraving for the lid of the box (your partner’s name, a cute quote or an anniversary date) as well as the tune that plays when open. If you have a song that’s “your song” or just want to remind your partner how much you love them, it’s a really unique and thoughtful gift that is bound to put a smile on their face. You can even fill the box with gifts or little objects – maybe little things that remind them of you, photos, messages, small comforts. It’s very versatile and can be personalized down to the last detail.

Long-Distance Lamps

Something a bit different is to get you and your partner a long-distance lamp each. These are genius – you keep one and send the other to your partner. Not only is it a lovely addition to their room and perfect for reminding them of you, but you can also communicate with it. If you touch your lamp, theirs will light up and vice versa. There are many that come in lots of different colors, so you can personalize it to their favorite. Some even have an inbuilt speaker that allows you to send songs to your partner, whether that’s a love song to show that you’re thinking about them, a happy song to cheer them up or a song you can both dance to together. It’s great for connecting the two of you in a unique way, making it easier to be apart until the next time you meet.

These are just 3 of our favorites, but there are plenty more out there! Remember that whatever you decide to get, what makes it special is you and the thought you put into it, and your partner is sure to love it because of that alone!

 

Your dog seemed to be making excellent progress in their training – so why aren’t they responding to commands now? The following article discusses the reasons why your dog has stopped obeying your directions.

It’s always exciting when your pup starts responding positively to their training. A once unruly puppy is now sitting, staying, heeling, and returning to their bed with a single, firm command! However, after a few months, you’re noticing that they are not exactly as enthusiastic about following your directions. Are they just forgetting? What’s going on? Why didn’t the training stick?

You’re expecting your dog to work for free.

It’s actually fairly simple – you stopped providing behavior incentives. You praise your dog all the time! What you stopped doing is giving them the treats they really, really love in exchange for their service. So – why should your dog sit if you’re not paying them? How often would you go into work if all you got in return was a pat on the back?

You’ve devalued their reward.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, if you give your dog treats every day just for being cute, they’ll stop working for them. If you haven’t been giving your dog treats strategically, they’ll stop thinking of them as “treats,” and start thinking of them as “tasty things I get no matter what.” To use the work analogy again – if you got a salary from an organization regardless of whether you did any work or not, you probably wouldn’t feel particularly compelled to put in the hours.

Naturally, you want your dog to feel loved – it’s perfectly understandable that you want them to be happy. Nevertheless, if you demonstrate your affection by giving them daily treats without having to do anything in return, they’ll feel entitled to them without any effort on your dog’s part, and you’ve effectively derailed their training.

If you want your dog to yield to your direction, they need something they value in exchange. Only give them the most loved treats when they respond to your commands positively. Once you get back on the reward – or “payment” – track, you’ll be surprised by how quickly they remember their training!

Did you know…

A wide variety of canine medical conditions can be addressed and controlled through nutritional intervention. A few highly nutritious dog food brands that have specific formulas for different breeds, ages, and health needs include Castor & Pollux, Nutrish, and Zignature dog food. DCM, obesity, pancreatitis, and diabetes can all be managed with the proper diet and exercise programs.

Join the discussion on this topic with Family Ever After by visiting our contact page.