How to choose a breed?Like a man, like a dog. But how to choose the right dog that fits you exactly? And where to find it? We will advise on the ideal breed of dog for beginners and what to look out for when buying. Genetics only affects somethingSometimes you just open a dog atlas. Sometimes you meet the canine love of your life in the park and sometimes you search for a long time and can't decide. At the outset, it should be noted that each breed has certain temperamental predispositions, but a large part of what kind of dog it will be is made up of the upbringing and training you give it. Even a Bernese mountain dog can be a great defender and watchdog. You have to know what you wantFirst you have to realize what you expect and want from the dog . Feel free to write it down on paper. Do you want to go to the mountains? Or are you looking for a companion on the couch who can last long hours at home alone? Maybe you want to change something in your life and start moving more, so you want to try some dog sports. It is important to realize if you want a partner for a family with children (and if you want a puppy for a small child or the children are already older), what experience you have and time options. If you work more than 10 hours a day, you probably won't feel like combing the fur of a high-maintenance breed for several hours a week... The perfect dog for beginnersThere are breeds that are so friendly and understanding that they are suitable even for dog walkers with minimal experience. These include, for example, a golden retriever, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, a Yorkshire terrier, a poodle (although the latter requires regular coat maintenance) or a Bichon. According to the latest research, smaller dogs have a more trainable brain if you want to jump into training and training. But larger breeds are more balanced. A few breed tipsIn general, it can be said that shepherd breeds love to work and need keep your head busy. As well as the most intelligent collies, with whom it is important to do something (like herding sheep) so that they do not try to come up with stupid things. Hunting breeds (including the popular Weimaraner) are not happy being cooped up at home for x hours, and when they are out, their natural hunting instinct often forces them to chase whatever they can. The latest research shows that all terriers are stubborn and stubborn, and more suspicious of people and may not trust them 100%, like other breeds. Bull dogsTerriers include the American Staffordshire terrier and the Staffordshire bull terrier. Although they are bred for their boundless love for people, this often means that they are not so friendly with other dogs or potential "pack breakers", so you need to be able to work with them on socialization and communication between dogs (so that you don't have a problem walk around the fence with the neighbor's dog). For that reason, greater self-discipline and consistency are required. Tip: If you are looking for a great treat to start with, take a look ours. In addition to its beautiful design, its front pocket is leak-proof and fits perfectly on the body, so treats do not fall out. they are not at all suitable for inexperienced dog walkers. Such as Saarlos wolfdog or Czechoslovakian wolfdog, Rottweiler, Caucasian, Cane Corso or Akita inu. These are breeds with very specific genetic predispositions and a complex nature , so they require a great deal of empathy and a willingness to work with them from their owners. If you are attracted to these breeds, try to talk about them with their breeders first. A dog with pp versus one withoutWhatever breed you decide on, try first find breeding stations in the Czech Republic and contact them. Talk to them about the breed. It will give you much more advice than any encyclopedia. Dogs with PP meet the genetic prerequisites in terms of character and physicality. They are fostered. They are true members of their breed. If you buy a dog without PP, you are not sure of the breed's prerequisites or health predispositions. A dog without PP is always perceived as a "crossbreed", even though the owner claims that the puppy's parents were with PP. However, the owner either did not take the trouble to keep the dog (and violates the contractual terms and conditions of the club by breeding it) or his dog has a character or genetic defect that makes it impossible to let him into breeding and continue to spread his genes in the name of the breed. Breeders?Breeders most often respond to the demand for "cheap breeds". They produce quantities of puppies in unsuitable conditions, which they then sell as a specific breed for little money. Unfortunately, there are still people who buy such puppies. They pick them up from the breeder at gas stations, they don't see the puppy's parents at all, they don't worry that their dog doesn't have PP and they're happy to have their dream breed. But they no longer see that they have just financially supported the keeping of dogs in small cages with inadequate hygiene, where bitches usually give birth like on a treadmill until they are completely exhausted. For maximum profit for the owners. In the vast majority of cases, such a puppy will cost you much more at the vet than a genuine puppy of the breed with PP. And quite often a rat dog eventually grows into a Doberman. Help the abandonedIf you no longer want a dog with PP, go to a shelter , where thousands of abandoned "crossbreeds"wait, who can surpass many human expectations with their gratitude. Shelter employees usually know their charges well and can advise you on which dog suits your lifestyle. Whatever new companion you choose, if the beginnings are more difficult for you, don't hesitate to ask for help from the nearest dog trainer in your area. Sometimes it only takes a little to make your life together with your dog one hundred percent better, so it's better to entrust yourself to an expert. In the end, you too will become experts in dog training and temperament, and you will be able to dare the more complex breeds.Tip: You can easily find most of the basic equipment for a four-legged member of the family with us ;)

Types of collars and their benefits The most basic equipment for dogs includes collars. Did you know that there are different types and that a different one is suitable for each fur? In our article, we will introduce you to what you can find at 4dox and why they are irreplaceable. In the menu we have a total of 4 types. Classic collar The first and at the same time the most popular type of collar is classic. It is suitable for almost all breeds, it is less suitable for dogs whose neck circumference is as large as their head circumference. They can take it off so easily. A semi-retractable collar is safer for such companions. The classic collar is easy to unfasten and fasten thanks to the strong plastic buckle with a high resin content. The buckle lasts even in the dead of winter, even at -20 °C. The rings we use on them are stainless steel. Such a ring will not stretch or crack. You can easily adjust the dog's neck collar with the plastic slider, always tighten so that you can freely insert 1 to 2 fingers under it (depending on the size of the breed). We also offer a metal buckle and slider for those who don't want plastic for whatever reason. Semi-collar Another type is a collar semi-retractable. It is suitable for fearful dogs and for dogs with the same head and neck circumference. You could easily pull off the classic collar. Don't worry, thanks to the sophisticated cut, the collar will not strangle your partner. It is very safe. It is pulled over the head and classically attached to the leash. You can again adjust the size on the neck using the slider. We definitely recommend the slider for this collar for younger dogs/puppies or for dogs that change their coat or condition significantly. Closed Collar Furthermore, you can find a collar closed. It does not have a buckle, which is its great advantage. It is very strong and safe. The disadvantage is slightly worse handling. It is put on around the neck by loosening it as much as possible, putting it on and tightening it again. It is suitable for permanent wearing, as constant putting on and taking off is more time-consuming. It is also ideal for guard dogs or service dogs. Collar for hunting dogs The last type is a collar for hunting dogs. It is suitable for dogs with complete growth. A strong, flexible rubber is sewn between its ends. There are 2 rings at the ends of the collar to which the leash is fastened. The idea is to easily pull it out in case the dog gets stuck behind it somewhere in the woods. It is not possible to sew it with a slider, so it cannot be loosened. It is therefore suitable for adult dogs. Ideal for hunting dogs, dogs working in the forest or rescue (rescue) dogs. On ALL OUR COLLARS, we can embroider your name, phone number and symbols, such as paws, upon request. In order for the fur to be visible in the dark and in winter, a reflective edging can be sewn onto all types of collars, which reflects light up to a distance of 200m. Universal label If you do not want to embroider the name and phone number on the collar, we can offer a practical label. You can easily attach it with Velcro to anything your four-legged friend wears (collar, harness). Thanks to this, your dog is safely marked and will not get lost. Why a collar from 4dox? → We sew using flat, safety seams, which consist of several stitches. If you break any one or even several dozen stitches, the collar will never fray and will remain strong. → We only use reliable components and rings. They will not rust, stretch or crack. They will stay with the dog for its entire life. → We will embroider the name of the furry person on the collar, and especially the phone number. This will ensure that if he gets lost, he has a chance to get back to your home as soon as possible. → Straps are Czech-made, tested for tension and market.

We are getting a new dog Are you thinking about a new household member? Maybe you have a senior canine companion at home and you would like to get him a friend. We have tips for you on what's trending now, what to buy to start with, what will make your first days easier and what not to forget. Whether it's a puppy or an adult furry. Having something to eatThe basis of the equipment is a bowl for water and feeding, proportional to the size of the puppy. An ordinary plastic one may be enough for you, but for the future it is certainly better stainless, ideally with a stand against shifting. Otherwise, most dogs will go around the entire room with the bowl before they lick it to their satisfaction. For adult, larger dogs, there is a practical bowl on a pedestal, which is placed higher above the ground (appropriate to the height of the dog). A ceramic bowl is recommended for water, because ions are released into the water from the metal bowl, which can change the taste and properties of the water. Don't forget to get bowls for travelling, which are storable and very practical. They will come in handy. Having a place to sleepAnother essential point is comfortable bed. Think carefully in advance where you will place it. It should provide a sense of security and peace for the newly arrived dog. So it shouldn't be in the middle of everything, not near the heater or in a draft, and at the same time it shouldn't be tucked away in a dark corner. Some dogs are more stressed and will appreciate a kennel-shaped bed where they can hide (especially if you have other dogs or small children at home). The bed should be easy to wash and large enough to fit the dog lengthwise even if it stretches out comfortably while lying down. Feel free to get two beds and place them in different places around the apartment. For example, one for the bed and one for the living room. Even if you want your partner to sleep in your bed. Even so, he will appreciate his own nest, where he can crawl when he wants peace. You will appreciate it, for example, when traveling, when the fur will be clear about where it belongs. Getting started with a leashLittle puppy on leash is usually not yet fully used. We definitely recommend not leading the dog on a stretchable flexi leash to begin with - thanks to the self-retracting feature, the dog will not realize when it is pulling and you will teach it to pull beautifully in the future. A longer leash is great for exploring the world, on which the dog has more freedom, but you do not lose control over it (ideally a tracker). For more experienced furries, there is a great switchable leash that you can easily adapt to the situation - for a shorter distance at your feet in the hustle and bustle of the big city, it can be adjusted to a different length (2m or 3m) if necessary. Never jerk with a leash! The dog will associate the negative experience of jerking with the leash and in the future will stiffen with stress whenever you attach it to the leash. You will destroy his trust and teach him to pull away to safety "before the leash". Collar or harness?For very small puppies it is ideal collar suitable size. As soon as he grows up a bit, get your partner a harness, which is gentler on his cervical spine. A correctly chosen harness does not harm the dog and does not hinder its development. However, it must not restrict the movement of his shoulder blades or compress his breathing tube. It is best if the dog is used to a collar and a harness and can walk nicely on both. Toys and bitesJust like people, so do puppies changes milk teeth to permanent teeth. This period (between 4 and 7 months) is usually accompanied by an intense desire to bite something. That's why puppy toys are great, which will provide them with relief. Attention, until strong, permanent teeth grow, play with the puppy very gently and carefully. Regular regimen is importantDogs need regular mode. Making sure she gets up at the same time, goes out first, then breakfast (or vice versa), then the master goes away. He comes, does the same things and brings order to the day, which is extremely calming for the dog. It helps both adults and puppies. After arriving home, immediately start operating the chosen order. Take your little puppy out first, even at night, so that he really understands walking outside, and repeat all the other actions with iron regularity. A small puppy usually needs to be fed 4-5 times a day. Take him for regular walks, play at the same time. You will see that he will quickly get used to you. Don't forget to gradually accustom the puppy to solitude from day one. Gradually increase the time alone, minute by minute. In this way, you will prevent the burning problem of most dog owners - separation anxiety, which, when it arises, is difficult to eliminate. Ridding a dog of separation anxiety is often a process of several months or years.

Summer parasites in the dog Parasites in summerThe ticks attack in full. They almost seem to jump out of the grass when you're out for a walk, and despite good antiparasitics, you often brush flocks of black dots off your dogs when you get home. Are you thinking about choosing another product? And what about the other parasites that lie in wait for your dog in the summer? Ticks leadOf course ticks are the number one topic. They lie in wait in the grass for a warm-blooded animal to pass by, to drink blood and transmit terrible diseases to humans and dogs. Only after drinking is the female able to lay up to 4000 eggs. They hatch into larvae that also suck on warm-blooded animals, but they are so small that you usually don't notice them. Next come the nymphs, which also suck the blood of larger mammals. They then turn into adult ticks. This entire process takes up to 3 years. In our country, the common tick is most abundant. It loves humid and warm weather and can climb up to 1 meter. It will definitely not fall on your head from a tree. It is said that it does not feel well in a very short mowed lawn. They are really only sporadically found in it, because they don't have a chance to attach themselves so low to a larger mammal. And if you feel that ticks only transmit diseases and are not useful, then it should be added that, for example, chickens feed on them. Spotted ticksOn the subject of ticks, there is another thing to mention drinker. You may have already found it on your partner. It looks pretty much the same as the others, but it's significantly larger and you can make out the fine, black speckling on its bottom. It is becoming more and more widespread in the Czech Republic and transmits the dreaded babeziosis – a small parasite that attacks red blood cells and manifests itself in weakness, fever or vomiting in the dog, usually accompanied by a dark can. In most cases, the infection ends with the death of the dog (if you do not visit a veterinarian immediately). MosquitoesMaybe only when you're about to go on vacation abroad with your dog, you will come across the topic of mosquitoes and how to protect yourself from them. Here, mosquitoes also sometimes suck the blood of dogs, but this is not a serious problem. Abroad, mosquitoes can carry the dreaded heartworms, which can even cost your partner their life. That's why it's a good idea to discuss suitable antiparasitics with a veterinarian before going abroad, to administer them on time even after your return, and to equip yourself with a good repellent. Kloshes and repellentDeer closhes are a nuisance pest, which is hardly talked about. That's because few people know the name of this tiny animal. At the same time, almost everyone has already seen "a tick-like, flying, annoying insect". It really looks like a tick with wings. But they fall off after being sucked on. And it stings really likes and very unpleasantly. Most dogs bite furiously, often to the point of blood. The cloche itch itches a lot and for a long time. And some dogs even have allergic reactions to it. But it is difficult to defend against him. Most repellent manufacturers do not think about cloches or do not work on them. Or the owner doesn't use repellents on the furry ones at all when they are about to go into the forest. All you have to do is buy a really good repellent and use it really often. Octomilks are bad for the eyesFew people have heard of the connection with eye disease, while every other person has apple cider vinegar at home. A special type of fruit lover, which you meet most often in the forest and feeds on tears, can transmit dangerous parasites. They are tiny nematodes thelasia that live under the third eyelid and cause conjunctivitis, itching, discharge from the eye, irritation of the cornea. If your pet has eye problems, visit a veterinarian immediately, who may remove the parasite mechanically. Thelasia can equally spread to all dogs in the household, to cats and people. Lice and othersAround the muzzle and ears you can sometimes you can also find lice or mange mites (these are often transmitted by stray cats), which cause itching, mainly around and inside the ears. In late summer, autumn velvets also appear, looking like tiny orange dots. All these parasites cause severe itching or even skin disease. If you discover any of these parasites on your four-legged companion, don't hesitate to seek veterinary advice before it's too late. It's quite possible that the antiparasitic you choose will work for ticks and fleas all season, but that's not all. Think about quality repellents for dogs.

Dogs and water - summer risks The sun. Finally, there is too much of it. The dog walkers were a little unsure if their companions were burning their paws. Older Hafans walk half the usual walk in this heat. Who wouldn't let them cool off in the water? What to wear watch out for, so as not to harm or even endanger your dog's life? Swimming in natureIt is probably the most popular pastime of ladies and their dogs. Go for a walk and then cool off in a cold river or a clear lake. Do not underestimate the choice of water. It often contains cyanobacteria and bacteria, thanks to which the partner develops skin problems, fungi and dermatitis. These can be really hard to get rid of and the treatment is time-consuming and expensive. Before you enter the water, carefully examine its bottom (if it is within reach) to see if there are sharp stones lurking on it, on which the furry can injure its paws. Tip: Paw pads can really bleed a lot. Better take disinfectant and a flexible bandage called koban with you, you never know what can happen. In such a case, even the shoe that protects the paw will not be lost. Because you will definitely need to get home successfully. Water gamesGarden and hose is the best fun for many owners of hyperactive border dogs or bull breeds. These breeds (and many others) can Catch water and jump in the reflections of a gentle rainbow for a really long time. The problem lies in when the waters get too muddy in the heat of the game. They don't know when they've had enough. They're just having a good time. But then they can start to be lethargic, tired, disoriented, they can vomit, writhe in convulsions. These are clear signs of impending water intoxication. There is no time to waste important seconds, go to the vet immediately. An excess of water in the body changes the pressure in the cells and brain swelling can occur, which is often fatal. It is better to try not to overdo anything and turn off the water supply in time. Adding electrolytes (e.g. Nutrisal in a little water) can work as a quick aid before you get to the vet, when the pressure in the cells starts to adjust back. Tip: If you want to treat your dog to a swimming pool, better get him his own dog pool. Keep a close eye on the furry ones in human classic swimming pools, because they usually can't leave them and can end up drowning from exhaustion! Therefore, do not leave your dog alone and unattended by the pool. What about the sea?Some dogs have it lucky that they will look to the sea with their master in their lifetime. Sea water can be healing for humans, a little less so for dogs. If she drinks a lot, it can mean digestive problems, vomiting and diarrhea. Residues of salt are also not good for the coat, and after a bath in the sea it is good to allow your partner to rinse with fresh water. so that his skin does not suffer. How to recognize overheatingWhen the sun is too much, easily the dog's organism starts to overheat. Especially in means of transport, where the temperature rises faster to an unbearable level. This is also due to the fact that the dog does not have classic sweat glands and cannot sweat, i.e. cool down by evaporating water. His only option is to cool himself by inhaling air through his wet tongue. As soon as the outside temperature rises above 25°C, it is no longer enough for them to cool down. The dog begins to breathe heavily, has a dry and warm muzzle, glassy eyes, red eyes, is apathetic. At such a moment, it is important to place the dog in the shade as soon as possible and cool it from the paws. It is ideal to attach a moistened towel. By suddenly pouring cold water on him, you will cause him a shock, which will only make things worse! It will also help to fan the dog with something and then offer him drinking water. Then seek veterinary help as soon as possible. Dog swimmerThere are dogs who love water, and then there are those who are afraid to leave the safety of the bottom. In both cases, you should get your partner a life jacket, comfortable and safe. Swimming consumes a lot of energy, and those who are not trained swimmers can easily run out of energy in the middle of the lake. Don't risk it. With a life jacket, even dogs who are afraid of water will eventually learn to swim carefree. How else to cool down the dog?In addition to the beneficial water, it provides a cooling pad for your partner, for example. The dog must be able to choose whether he wants to lie down and cool off or he wants to be off the mat. In a warm household, it sometimes helps to throw a damp towel over the fan or you can try frozen dog lick pads. The main thing is to wait out the heat in good health. It's not a good idea to mess with water and it can go awry very easily. Enjoy everything in moderation so that you can enjoy the summer peacefully side by side and without worries.   

Holiday with a dogShared experiences with a partner are priceless. If you are going on vacation with a dog or even a whole pack of dogs, take a look at what to watch out for abroad. We will also advise you on what not to forget. Traveling in the Czech RepublicIf you are planning a trip in nice Czech, there are plenty of "dog friendly" places. Whether you are drawn to the mountains or corners of big cities. The most up-to-date list of hotels and friendly locations will be provided by enthusiasts in dog travel groups on social networks. Always make sure in advance when booking your stay that they will also accommodate a dog and for how much. Will you go by train? Research well which carrier transports dogs. Some don't allow larger four-legged companions and you definitely can't put a Rottweiler in your bag. You should always have a suitable muzzle for your dog, in which he will feel comfortable during the journey (definitely not a fixation muzzle!). A blanket or perhaps a crate pillow (or a crate directly) is also suitable for the train. So that the furry one knows where his place is and has a quiet place to rest. Cycling holidayAre you sporty? Go on a road trip around the Czech Republic! But you will certainly need a wheelie cart. If you don't have a racing husky, sooner or later his paws might hurt and his pads might suffer from running next to the bike. It is better to plan the route in smaller sections, where you will all have enough rest in the end. Experiences beyond bordersBut few people want to sit at home . There is nothing easier than driving a car around the EU. You need a vet issued pet passport, valid vaccination against rabies older than 3 weeks but not older than 1 year and a working microchip. Attention only if you have more than 5 dogs. You will already need a permit to travel to a competition or exhibition so that you are not accidentally stopped as a breeder across the border. Inform yourself beforehand on the websites of individual embassies, where you can find out what the rules are in which country. France and Germany, for example, do not like bull breeds without PP and do not have to let them cross the border (or even send them to quarantine). In Russia they don't like to see Rottweilers. And in Finland they don't allow all breeds that come from the wolf. Car with a dogThink about safety and the dog safely fasten with a special seat belt. Either behind the harness, or in a kennel on the seats, or in the trunk of the car separated from the rest of the car by a partition. If your partner can't tolerate car rides, it's better to choose a crate over which you can throw a blanket. This way the dog can feel more secure. Be sure to try calming medications so that he doesn't suffer so much on the way. Either aromatherapy, Bach drops, something stronger after an agreement with the vet or a gradual habit a few weeks before the trip Watch out for burns! If the dog is exposed to a lot of sun during the trip, it can get sunburned. And this despite the fact that you ventilate the car well or have the air conditioning on. Airplane for experiencesThere are places you cannot reach by car . You can try the plane. Just make sure you know how each airline transports dogs. Most companies do not allow dogs on board, only in a standardized cargo carrier. Such a container must meet IATA certification standards, such as replaceable water without opening the door. Always let the flight staff know that you have a four-legged companion in the back so they can keep an eye on him and monitor his temperature and pressure there. Purchase a ticket for furry friends by phone, web reservation systems cannot book it. For less stress on your partner, look for non-stop flights. Or choose two flights with a longer break between them, so that you can check the dog during the transfer and take it out. Tip for you: Are you going to the sea? Also pack care products for the dog's skin and fur (if he will be swimming in the sea) and a life jacket might also come in handy. What to pack for travel?There are a few things which you should never miss. Feed is a matter of course (most often dried substitutes or a temporary bag of granules for barfarers). Also a travel bowl for water and a water bottle. Don't forget the first aid kit for the dog. It should contain: -        something for diarrhea -        paw treatment -        disinfection -        bandages -        medications to relieve allergy (if it occurs) -        eye and ear drops. -        Antiparasitic drugs are also suitable. You certainly don't want to bring uninvited guests or some insidious disease with you from your vacation. It is also great to have a bed for your partner, a mattress or a blanket. It will be useful calm toy and for fun when rest. And of course firm leash and a comfortable harness or even collar. Ideally, choose equipment that is embroidered with the dog's name and a telephone number with the international area code of the Czech Republic for you so that the furry one can easily return to you if he wanders off somewhere abroad . Final tips: ✔ Before traveling abroad, check the validity of your partner's vaccinations and chip ✔ Carefully study what they require in which country, ideally at the consulate ✔ You should have a well-equipped first aid kit for your dog with you throughout the Czech Republic and abroad ✔ Don't forget a solid leash and a harness/collar with embroidered contact in international format in case the dog runs away

What to do to prevent your dog from becoming a stray or a stray dog? Even if we do our best, there may be times when a dog just runs away. Whether it's a firecracker, a deer, or a snarling bitch (for love, dogs really are masters of escape). We can advise on how to ensure that he always finds his way home in the end. Compulsory chipping of dogs Mandatory chipping has been in force in the Czech Republic since 2020. The aim of the regulation was to reduce the number of stray dogs whose owner is unknown. However, due to the fact that there is no centralised chip registry yet, it is still a bit of a mess. In addition, there are still breeders of dogs who have never seen a vet in their lives, let alone been chipped.  Even with a chip, however, you're not out of luck. If the dog runs off, the police will only come to the scene if it is possible to "contain" the dog. Only then will they check the chip number with a scanner and if they hit the register where you have registered the dog, they will call you to come and get the dog. Otherwise, he'll end up at the pound. Make sure you get your furry friend back to you as soon as possible. Clinking address stamps Some towns give owners stamps with the number and name of the town after they register their dog. They can serve as a clue to return home. However, you can also have the stamp engraved on request, simply stating the dog's name and your contact information. You can also get a variety of miniature collar boxes in which you can store the address, but there is always the risk that they will break off the collar and the dog will find it difficult to find its way home. A contact that won't get lost Fourteen years ago, the founder of 4dox had her beloved dog run away. Moments of terror followed when he was in danger, and she knew she never wanted to experience that again. That's why 4dox was created, to make sure your four-legged pet is perfectly marked so that everyone clearly knows where he belongs and can return home. A label for the journey home Your furry friend won't lose our tag from his collar or harness. We will embroider your phone number and the dog's name on the info tag so that the information cannot be overlooked. Shelter staff will see it, as well as passersby who may see the stray running around for just a moment. Don't let your four-legged friend become a stray or a stray dog. Always help him or her get back to where they belong. Home.

Modern dog training revolves around rewards. Many a dog owner is struggling to find the best one. Do you want to know? There is no universal best reward. It will be different for every dog. What's more, for most dogs this best reward will change often. He or she will tire of even the best treat, best game or other great reward after a while. Therefore, if I were to recommend a reward, I would say, "Be creative." Notice what your dog likes, what might please him. For treats, don't just rely on the commercially produced ones. Try cooked meats, offal, canned food mixed with kibble, hard cheese... You don't have to just give them to your dog either. You can toss them or throw them on the ground so that he has to look for them. You can clasp them in the palm of your hand and let the dog chase them for a few seconds, as if he were chasing a mouse. With toys, sometimes it's even harder. First you have to get the dog used to playing outside together. This is not a problem with puppies, but during the puppy's growing years many owners stop playing outside with their dog and later it is very difficult to reward them with a toy. But it's just a matter of training. There is a plethora of toys on the market today and even here it is true that every dog appreciates something different. Most people, however, appreciate long ropes, with which they can handle tug-of-war without unnecessary bending. You can also get them in a variety of designs, including an added toy with a squeaker or braided rabbit skin. But there's also a great choice in throwing toys and something for every dog. But of course these are not the only rewards that can be used. Many dogs will also appreciate some really warm, heartfelt praise or cuddles. Be careful though, it must not be too much. You need to make the dog genuinely happy. Most dogs will also appreciate your activity. Run around with your dog, hide behind a tree, give him a chance to perform a favourite trick. You can also find rewards around you. Try showing your dog a frog. (Just don't let him hurt it.) This will get most dogs excited. Let him jump into the pond or poke mice. Let him loose for a while as a reward, or let him run after a canine friend. And above all, be creative! Look, notice, try. And take turns. For many dogs, it's not so much what reward you use, but whether you can surprise them.

Have you heard of Flavonoids or Bioflavonoids or Vitamin P? Maybe yes, maybe no. Bioflavonoids have many positive effects, they act as antioxidants (thus strengthening the overall body) and also have an effect on protecting the elasticity of blood vessels. They are a welcome addition to the diet, especially during convalescence, during flu season, or to support immunity during autumn and spring, for example. Especially during these times, the risk of Covid-19 disease is needed to work on supporting immunity. However, not only in humans, but also in dogs. Just like humans, dogs are also prone to weakened immunity, acquiring different types of viruses (e.g. Covid-19 has been described in some dogs), so it is good to support the health of the organism through quality food or supplements. But back to flavonoids. What exactly are they and where do they come from? Flavonoids are substances of plant origin, so they are found in almost all plant cells. Large amounts have been described in citrus fruits (e.g. grapefruit), rose hips, olive oil and milk thistle. Bioflavonoids are described as the most effective antioxidants in the plant kingdom. Thanks to their antioxidant effect, they help to protect the body from the action of free radicals and thus prevent damage to vital substances such as proteins and fats, which radicals otherwise react with and destroy.

The word "ash" can be found on every food package. More than one of us wondered why such ash is added to the feed in the first place? Do the feed manufacturers want to save money on us, do they add residues to the feed as part of the production process, or do the chimney sweeps sell them soot from the chimneys? Or what is it really like? We've all come across this term at some point and been puzzled by it, but eventually we waved it off and figured that since this value is everywhere, it probably isn't dangerous and bought the feed. A few of us then sat down at home and started "googling" what the ash actually was. You who know = BINGO. And for those of you who aren't quite familiar with the word, we'll try to clarify the term for you.  "Fly ash, coarse ash, etc." is the term that tells us how much mineral matter is in the feed. So why ash? It's simple. The mineral value is obtained after a certain amount of feed has been completely burnt. As we all know, you can't burn iron in a conventional fire. And therefore other minerals are not burnable either. Therefore, if we take, for example, 100 g of pellets, let them burn (under clearly defined conditions - see below*), and after burning we are left with 7 g of ash, the feed contains 7% ash (this value is then indicated on the packaging). So what can be included in the ash? For example, the already mentioned iron, but also calcium, sodium phosphorus, copper and other minerals. In conclusion, ash is not added to the feed, but is part of the raw materials used in the feed. And as well as the protein content, we should therefore look at the ash content, which should not be high, but not low either (around 6-8% is the most common value today). * The determination is done by flamelessly burning the sample in a ceramic crucible. The sample is first dried at 103°C for 24 hours and then burned at 550°C. The combustion is carried out until the sample is light grey to white in colour = ash appearance and hence the name "ashes".