K-9 LifeSavers

With warmer weather coming some of us may be noticing a little added winter weight, not only on ourselves, but on our favorite K-9s as well. With a greater opportunity to get outside and go for walks together or play ultimate frisbee, the weight should melt away, but you can help it disappear faster with these low cal mini-bones.

Ingredients for Mini Bones

• 1/4 cup brewers yeast
• 1 ½ t active dry baking yeast
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup dry milk
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup soy flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1 tbsp dried parsley
• 1 egg, beaten

Mix all ingredients together using either a mixer with a dough hook or a bread machine.

• If using a bread machine: place everything in machine on the dough cycle.

• If using a mixer or by hand:  Dissolve yeast into water, add mix and chicken broth. Mix in dry milk, flours, cornmeal, parsley and egg. Mix all ingredients together kneading dough into a ball, cover and allow to rise for 30 minutes.

When dough is ready, use a rolling pin to roll it out to 1/8" thick on floured surface.

Use a 1" mini bone cookie cutter to cut the bones out and place them on a greased baking sheet.

Bake at 275 F for 20 minutes or until lightly browned.  Leave cookie sheet in the oven, but turn off oven and allow them to remain several hours or overnight.

Store the bones in a cool, dry place.

*Remember just because these are mini bones, doesn't mean you should give your dog more of them! They are a great way to allow for a small treat when you are trying to help your dog shed a few pounds.

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Dog Whisperer Cesar Milan says that new puppy owners often make the mistake of endlessly worrying about finding the right puppy treats or bed. They spend little or no time worrying about how or what they will teach their new puppy. Here are some tips from Cesar to help you establish your role as pack leader:

•  When getting a new pet, make sure to set aside time every day to provide mental exercise by maintaining rules, boundaries and limitations. When these needs are met the affection you give to your dog will be channeled as a reward.
• Create a schedule that includes a daily 45-minute power-walk in the morning. This is critical for your dog's health, both physical and mental.
• Enlist your whole family in the process of bringing a new dog home. Discuss what their responsibilities will be before the puppy arrives.
• Make sure you find a breed that fits your lifestyle. For example, more active breeds, like hunting and herding dogs, require more physical exercise to stay physically and mentally content. 
• Always walk out the door ahead of your dog when leaving the house. This will show your dog who is in the leadership role
• On walks, make sure that your dog is not in front of you, pulling you down the street. Instead, keep your dog to your side or behind you. This will also demonstrate to your dog that you are the alpha figure.
• Give the puppy something to do before you share food, water, toys or affection. This way the dog earns his treat. For example, have your puppy perform the Sit or Down command. 
• Set aside a budget for unexpected circumstances, like medical bills and training classes. A healthy, well-trained dog makes a wonderful pet.

A puppy will be set up to fail if his new family doesn't learn these lessons before he arrives. Remember, puppies don't crave a fancy treat or bed; they need you to become their stable pack leader to demonstrate love in a way they understand.