xxxxxx

How to Put Muscle on Your Dog

If you want to learn how to put some serious muscle on your dog, you’ve come to the right place. Just like people, dogs can bulk up with increased muscle mass and strength. 

Want to help your dog bulk up?

Here at Bully Max, we produce some of the most effective and highly regarded dog foods and supplements intended to help dogs gain weight—so we know a thing or two about how to put muscle on your dog.

And in this article, we’ll share our 3 best tips to help your dog gain muscle.

Get Resistance Exercise

Just as you might go to the gym to gain muscle, your dog also needs resistance exercise to stimulate muscle building. But since your dog can’t exactly do bench presses, what kind of exercise should they do?

There are lots of exercises a dog can do, with running probably being the most obvious and common form of exercise. And while running is great, it’s typically considered more of a cardiovascular exercise—not ideal for adding weight. To build muscle, you need to find a way to add resistance to your dog’s exercise routine.

Here are 3 effective resistance exercises that can help your dog build more muscle:

Consider dog weight pulling. This is where you attach a harness to your dog and get them to pull a weighted cart with weight on it (often in the form of bricks or concrete). The added weight increases the resistance, helping to build stronger leg muscles in your dog.

Use a flirt pole for dogs. A flirt pole is an easy-to-build piece of equipment. Essentially, all you need to do is swing the pole and train your dog to run and leap after the toy at the end of the string. The goal is to get your dog to run and jump higher and higher. The jumping aspect, in particular, is what helps build powerful hind leg muscles.

Use a weighted vest for dogs. Similar to weight pulling, this adds resistance and makes it more difficult for your dog to run. A weight vest turns any movement at all into resistance training—you could do something as simple as playing fetch with your dog to help them build stronger muscles.

When doing these exercises, remember to take it slow and be careful not to overstrain your dog. Remember their bodies will need time to recover, so give them plenty of rest in between training sessions. The articles linked above contain more information about each exercise.

Want more ideas? Read more dog muscle-building exercises here.

Eat a High-Quality, High-Protein diet

Exercise is important to gaining muscle, but it’s not enough. Your dog will still need the raw materials necessary for actually building new muscle—and that means calories, nutrients, and protein.

Start by choosing an appropriate food. Our 30/20 High-Protein Dog Food is an excellent choice. It’s calorie-dense and contains a whopping 30% protein to help your dog repair and rebuild new muscle.

Next, make sure to give your dog a sufficient serving size. Remember that they’ll need extra calories to recover from their exercise and to build new muscle. Learn more about how to build muscle on a dog with food.

Add A Few Smart Supplements

Last but not least, high-quality muscle-building supplements can be a big difference-maker in helping your dog to bulk up. Good supplements will do just that: supplement your dog’s diet by adding essential nutrients their body needs to maximize its ability to build new muscle.

Here at Bully Max, we produce the highest-quality muscle-building supplements for dogs anywhere. Here are a few suggestions:

Give Your Dog Plenty of Rest

Last but not least, remember that muscle isn’t made during exercise—it’s made after exercising, when your dog is resting. So don’t push them too hard and make sure they get plenty of sleep. Let your dog recover in between training sessions so that they’ll have all the energy they need to perform at their best and gain the maximum benefit from their exercise.

Last but not least, always consult your vet before trying any strenous exercise regimens with your dog.

How to Train Your Dog to Herd Chickens

Want to learn how to train your dog to herd backyard chickens? Then read on!

If you own a chicken coop, training your dog to herd your chickens is a win-win scenario. First, it allows your chickens to range safely in the backyard. And second, it gives your dog much-needed exercise and stimulation. (Related: how much exercise does your dog need?)

The first question to ask yourself is:

Do You Have the Right Breed for Herding Chickens?

Learning how to herd chickens is no easy feat. And while any dog can potentially learn this skill, some breeds are born herders—while others are liable to struggle.

Chicken-herding dogs need high intelligence and the right instincts for this task. Common breeds that fit the bill include:

  • Collies and Border Collies
  • Australian Shepherds
  • Shetland Sheepdogs
  • Great Pyrenees
  • Welsh Corgis

Next, let’s talk about some of the skills you’ll need to teach your dog.

The Importance of “Leave It”

If your dog already knows the “leave it” command, congratulations—they already grasp one of the most important skills needed for chicken herding. If not, don’t despair; there’s still time to teach this vital skill.

“Leave it” is one of the fundamental skills your dog should know, along with commands like come, heel, lie down, sit, and stay. “Leave it” is important for herding because it helps ensure your dog has the discipline and self-control to do their job.

Gauge Your Dog’s Instincts for Herding

Pay attention to how your dog interacts with others—both other animals and with you. If your dog has a tendency to walk in circles around you, trying to influence you to move in a certain direction, congratulations: this is a sign that your dog could be a great fit for chicken herding.

If not, don’t despair. Your dog may just need to be shown the kind of behavior you’re looking for. Once your dog is able to remain well-behaved around your chickens, let them watch you as you fulfill the desired herding behavior. Once your dog is able to understand what you’re up to, there’s a good chance they’ll take the cue and begin to follow your lead.

Play Catch to Teach Obedience and Chasing Instincts

“Catch” is one of the simplest and easiest games for both you and your dog—but don’t let that fool you! This game can be crucial in your dog’s development as a herder. More specifically, it teaches the critical skills of:

  1. Obedience, and
  2. Chasing

These are two instincts your dog will need to have drilled into them in order to be an effective herder.

In order to make this game even more effective, try adding this simple twist: make your dog fetch the ball only on command. This ties in some of the self-control from the “leave it” command and combines it with chasing.

This, in a nutshell, is how you train your dog to herd chickens: by teaching them the basic fundamental skills (like “leave it” and “chase”) then combining those skills into higher-level functions.

Another way to train chasing in your dog with with a flirt polelearn how to build a flirt pole for dogs here.

Be Careful About Introducing Your Dog to Your Chickens

Don’t make the assumption that your dog will automatically be friendly to your chickens. Remember, some hunting breeds may see your chickens as prey! So be careful and watch your dog’s behavior around your chickens. If your dog seems anxious, nervous, or overly excited, consider introducing your dog to your chickens slowly and gradually until your dog becomes used to them.

Continue to Watch Your Dog’s Body Language

Obviously your dog can’t tell you what they’re thinking, so watch their body language instead to get an understanding of how they’re feeling with their new herding task. 

What you’re looking for is your dog to approach the chickens with their tail down, and then to run circles around them to keep them together and safe. If your dog seems confused, unclear, or distracted, they may need more training—or they may simply not be a great fit for chicken herding.

Don’t Force Chicken Herding on an Uninterested Dog

Training your dog how to herd chickens can be one of the most useful tasks for both you and your dog. But chicken herding isn’t for every dog. Depending on your dog’s breed, intelligence, and temperament, it might simply be a bad fit.

So if you seem to be getting nowhere, don’t try to force the issue. If, on the other hand, your dog appears to be picking up the task, have patience with them. It can take some time for them to completely grasp the idea of chicken herding, but once they do, it will be a rewarding experience for the whole household.

Average Pitbull Weight, Height and Size

Wondering if your Pitbull is at a healthy size? Understanding the healthy pitbull weight is important because knowing how to monitor and adjust your pitbull’s size appropriately could be vital to their longevity and well-being.

Pitbulls are genetically built for muscularity and size. Because pit bulls have a unique body type, you can’t necessarily judge their weight based on that of other breeds. Being one of the most muscular dog breeds, they tend to be a bit heavier for their height than many other dogs.

Read on, and we’ll describe the average weight and height that healthy Pitbulls should be at during the different chapters of their life.

Is My Pitbull Growing Properly?

Pitbulls typically stop growing and reach their full adult size between 12 and 18 months. The first 9 to 12 months will be a wonderful time of growth and development for your pup. We’ll provide you with guidelines and averages concerning the height and weight depending on your dog’s age.

However, keep in mind that monitoring healthy physical development isn’t just about rigid numbers. Every dog is different, and it’s essential to consider your dog’s appearance, behavior, and weight. Also, keep in mind that growth isn’t always linear. It’s pretty standard for a dog to have overnight growth spurts followed by periods of plateaus.

Here’s a tip to help judge your dog’s size: look at their paws. Younger dogs will grow into their feet, and bigger dogs will have large paws even as young pups. If your puppy’s paws still seem large in proportion to its body, she probably still has some healthy growing left to do.

How Much Should My Pitbull Weigh?

It’s crucial to monitor your pitbull’s weight to make sure they’re remaining healthy. Being underweight could signify a serious medical condition, malnourishment, or both. Obesity comes with a long, long list of negative consequences.

At the same time, consider that Pitbulls vary considerably in their ideal height and weight, more so than many other dog breeds. Some Pitbulls could hit 80 or 90 lbs. Others may reach a healthy adult weight of only 45 pounds or so. This is perfectly normal, so be mindful of appearance, body proportions, and weight.

At two months, 15 to 20 pounds is typically a good healthy weight for your pitbull. For a 4-month-old, 35 to 40 pounds is approximately average. When your pitbull reaches six months old, 40 to 60 pounds is an average ballpark. At one year of age, that increases to 50 to 75 pounds.

Males often weigh a few more pounds than females.

Pitbull Weight Chart 

pitbull_size
Pitbull Weight Chart Source https://pitbullpuppies.org/pitbull-puppy-weight-chart/

What Is The Average Pitbull Height And Size?

Though healthy Pitbulls do vary in height and size, there is an average range that they generally fall under.

Refer to the table above for some specific average measurements and weights for a pit bull.

Oh, and in case you weren’t sure: to determine your pitbull’s height, measure from their shoulder (rather than the top of their head). When your pitbull is all grown up, the average size of its shoulders will be approximately 15 to 20 inches. It’s also pretty standard for males to be an inch or two taller than their female counterparts.

Factors That Can Stunt My Pitbull’s Growth

There are several ways a pitbull’s growth can be stunted. Some of the common causes include:

  • Intestinal worms
  • Internal parasites
  • Malnutrition
  • Liver shunt
  • Canine dwarfism

The good news is that stunted growth is usually treatable. If your pup shows a small change, you should talk to your veterinarian about it as soon as possible. A medical diagnosis is beyond the scope of this article.

What Should I Do If My Pitbull Is Underweight?

Understanding the different factors that determine your pitbull’s weight and size is essential. Monitoring your dog’s growth is part of responsible puppy rearing.

Besides, if your dog does have some medical condition, knock on wood; you want to determine that as soon as possible. Often it’s nothing too serious, and it might just be that your pup could benefit from putting on a few pounds. But putting it off could potentially lead to a much more difficult situation. 

Of course, there are dietary means to bulk up your dog. If your pup is underweight, ensure you provide plenty of healthy proteins and fats.

You can increase the portion sizes at mealtime. Just take care to do so gradually and thoughtfully. For more details, check out our guide on how much to feed your dog.

And if you’re looking for a high-calorie food full of healthy ingredients (no filler), check out our best-selling high-protein dog food. It’s an excellent choice for any pitbull—or any other breed, for that matter—that needs to gain a little weight.

We also produce an extremely popular weight gainer for dogs. It’s full of Natural with added vitamins, minerals, and trace nutrients, healthy ingredients, and has proven to be a safe and effective way to help even the pickiest eaters to reach a healthy weight.

Finally, check out our personalized nutrition plans if you’re not sure what foods and supplements you need to meet your dog’s unique health and weight goals. We created them based on shared goals to help make it easy for you to give your pitbull the healthy nutrition they need to grow and stay fit.

Why Do Dogs Guard Their Food and How to Treat It?

Have you ever wondered why some dogs guard their food and if there is anything you can do about it? When was the last time your little best friend became protective or aggressive at the food bowl? Does he growl, lunge, or even bite at anyone—human or animal—who gets too close to their kibble?

Possessive Aggression - Dogs Guard Their Food
Dogs Guard Their Food – “Possessive Aggression”

It doesn’t have to be just food, either. Dogs can exhibit resource guarding—also called “possessive aggression”—over anything: a treat, a toy, or even a human. Some of the body language cues to watch out for include stiffening, growling, hard staring, and baring their teeth.

Dogs guarding their food can be alarming behavior. But there’s good news: over time, and with the right techniques, you can train your dog to relax and stop freaking out when people get too close to their dinner.

We’ll tell you how in this article.

What Makes Dogs Guard Their Food?

We don’t know for certain, but experts believe that most dogs guard their food due to a combination of two reasons — genetic predispositions and learned behavior.

If your dog was raised as part of a large litter that had to eat out of a single bowl, for instance, your dog may have learned as a puppy that they needed to compete for food and defend it from others.

Medical conditions are another possible cause. If your dog has pain—such as from a cavity or broken tooth—that could cause them to cry out while eating. If you suspect this could be the case, take your dog first to the vet to rule out any medical causes.

How Not to Treat Food Guarding in Dogs

So how do you stop your dog from guarding their food bowl? First and foremost, don’t try to punish them by taking the food away. This might seem like an effective strategy to you, but it’s only liable to increase your dog’s anxiety and exacerbate the food-guarding behavior.

Similarly, don’t yell, scream, or hit your dog to try and exert dominance or “teach them a lesson.” These behaviors will also make dogs guard their food more.

But at the same time, don’t retreat from your dog’s guarding behavior. This might send the signal that their aggressive behavior is working, thereby reinforcing in them the idea that they should continue barking and growing to keep people away.

How to Change Your Dog’s Food Guarding Behavior

For starters, if you ever become concerned about your safety over fears that your dog might attack, get in touch with a veterinary behavior specialist. These experts have experience in canine food guarding and will know the proper steps to decrease your dog’s aggression. In more extreme cases, they might even recommend medication to help reduce your dog’s fear and aggression. Situations like these should be handled by a licensed or certified veterinary professional.

Otherwise, one step you can take at home is to consider putting your dog in a closed room to eat. If they’re locked away from other people and pets, they’re liable to feel more secure and stop being afraid that someone else is going to take their food away from them.

Another thing you can do is to gradually desensitize your dog to having others close to their food. You want to do this gradually, however, and with sensitivity to your dog’s feelings.

Start by standing a few steps away from your dog’s bowl. Talk to your dog in a friendly voice, and toss them a few treats. The goal of these treats is to teach your dog that they have nothing to fear by you being close to their bowl—and in fact, having you near can even lead to more food.

If you don’t know what kind of treat to give your dog, consider our delicious 9-in-1 Total Health Vitality Chews. Your dog is sure to love the meaty flavor, and the extra nutrition will help keep them strong and healthy.

Do this for a couple of days, until your dog is comfortable having you at that distance from their food bowl. Then take a small step closer, put a treat on the floor, and step away. Continue doing this for a few more days. As your dog becomes more comfortable, step even closer to the bowl. Eventually, you’ll be able to drop your treat directly into the food bowl while your dog is eating.

If your dog becomes comfortable with that, you can graduate to having your dog eat the treat from your hand. Eventually, you should be able to touch and move the food bowl with one hand while your dog eats the treat from your other.

How to Prevent Your Dog’s Food Guarding Behavior from Coming Back

If you get to this point, congratulations! You’ve successfully desensitized your dog to having you near its food bowl.

But you’d still be wise to remain sensitive to your dog’s feelings. Remember that most dogs guard their food once they’re afraid of having their food taken away. Keep that in mind, and don’t do anything that might cause their old anxieties to flare up again.

 

Read also an article about common feeding mistakes that millions of dog owners make! 

Best Dog Food for Pitbulls (2023 Guide)

best dog food for pitbulls

The dog food you feed your pitbull matters. It can mean the difference between a happy, healthy dog that’s full of energy and vitality…and a skinny, lethargic dog that secretly wonders why his food tastes like cardboard.

But with all the different brands and marketing out there, how are you supposed to know what’s the best dog food for pitbulls?

We know it’s confusing, and that’s why we wrote this article. We’re going to cover some of the most important elements of pitbull nutrition, explain some things to keep in mind when feeding your dog, then dive into a comparison of some of the best dog foods for pitbulls in 2023.

Ready? Then let’s get started!

Pitbull Nutrition 101

It pays to start by understanding a little pitbull nutrition. What sort of nutrients and ingredients should you make sure your dog is getting? What kind of things should you be looking at when you evaluate a new pitbull dog food?

Here are some of the main things to keep in mind to help find which dog food will provide the best value for your pet.

Label Ingredients

The first thing you want to do when evaluating a dog food is to read the ingredients on the label. Ignore all the marketing-speak on the website and the front and sides of the label; the ingredients list is the only place where you can really, truly get the real measure of what’s in this dog food. And remember that ingredients are listed in order by weight, so the first ingredient is the one that’s present in the highest amount.

Protein

Your pitbull is primarily carnivorous, which means they need a lot of protein to build muscles so they can stay active. The best source of protein, not surprisingly, is real meat. And for dry foods, we highly recommend looking for a “meat meal” as the first ingredient on the label. (Find out why meat meal is actually the best protein source for dry dog food.)

Natural Fat

After protein, the next most important nutrient to look for is fat. Fat gets a bad reputation, but it’s a vital nutrient for dogs and people alike. Unfortunately, some dog foods use cheap vegetable oils. Instead, you want to look for an all-natural fat like chicken fat as a healthier choice.

High-Quality Nutrients

Your dog also needs vitamins and minerals, just like people, so scan the label for some of these too. Sometimes they can be hard to pinpoint because they often have scientific-sounding names like “ascorbic acid” for vitamin C or “niacin,” “thiamin,” and “biotin” for vitamin B, and so on.

Avoid Fillers and Questionable Proteins

Keep an eye out for common dog food “tricks,” like calling attention to a handful of healthy ingredients while ignoring the other filler ingredients. You also want to make sure your dog’s protein comes from real meat sources, and preferably from a “meat meal.” Keep an eye out for substandard proteins, like Pea Protein.

Avoid Overfeeding

This is an important point that many owners miss: you shouldn’t just feed your dog as much food as they want, or they’ll gain weight and develop joint problems. Instead, it’s your responsibility to make sure you’re feeding your dog the right amount of food for their breed, age, and size.

Most dog foods include a helpful table telling you how much food to give your dog based on their weight—but it’s also smart to check this for yourself to make sure. For more help, check out this weight chart to determine your dog’s ideal weight.

Health Problems

Certain ingredients can exacerbate health issues in dogs. Here are some of the most common problems and their offending ingredients:

Allergies

You might think only humans get allergies, but nope—dogs do too! And just as humans are allergic to some foods, dogs can also have a reaction to certain ingredients in their food. Not surprisingly, the best dog food for pitbulls with allergies is one filled with all-natural ingredients and lots of real meat. Fillers like corn, wheat, and soy, along with artificial flavors and preservatives, can wreak havoc on some dog’s allergies.

Bloating

Bloating isn’t just an inconvenience. Gastric torsion can actually be fatal to pitbulls! That’s why it’s important for dogs to separate their meals and stick to foods that are high in meat-based proteins.

Joint Problems

Pitbulls are an active breed, which means joint problems can often rear their head (especially as your dog gets older)—but a high-quality food with all-natural ingredients can really help. For more details, read about some common areas of joint pain in dogs.

Bully Max 30/20 High Performance Dog Food

Simply put, Bully Max 30/20 High-Performance Dog Food is the best dog food for pitbulls on the market. We pack it full of 100% natural ingredients and no fluff, resulting in the highest calorie density you’ll ever see for a dog food this healthy and delicious.

And we’re not the only ones who think so! Ours is the only performance dog food with a 5/5 rating from DogFoodAdvisor, and it’s also been rated the best dog food for pitbulls by Spruce Pets!

Features

  • Price: $44.99 for 15 lbs., with 25% savings with subscribe & save! And because Bully Max is so calorie-dense (535 calories per cup), you can feed your dog less each day…which means it lasts a lot longer than other brands.
  • Quality: 5/5 We pack Bully Max full of the highest-quality dog food ingredients we can find…only natural, healthy ingredients, with no filler or substandard proteins.
  • Adult or Puppy: Puppies and adults.
  • Protein: The number-one ingredient in our formula is chicken meal, which is exactly what we recommend looking for in a dog food.
  • In addition to its high protein count, we also include healthy fats and carbs from sources like flaxseed, fish meal, brown rice, beet pulp, dried kelp, and many more.
  • Main Feature: Bully Max is the delicious, calorie-dense, high-protein dog food that gives your pitbull the energy they need to stay happy and healthy for years to come.

Features

  • Price: $51.99 for 28 lbs makes this the priciest food in our list, and with only 400 calories/cup, it’s middle of the road in terms of calorie density.
  • Quality: 4/5. Solid choice with several proteins and a good variety of fruits and vegetables including blueberries, cranberries, apples, spinach, and carrots.
  • Adult or Puppy: Puppies and adults.
  • Protein: Number-one ingredient is bison meal—finally, a dog food that gets it! Points there…although we’re not sure why they also felt the need to include pea protein as the #3 ingredient. Seems like a strategy to inflate their protein percentage.
  • Main Feature: When you strip away the marketing, you’ll find a fairly solid dog food choice with a good range of fruits and vegetables.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, there’s no “right” or “wrong” dog food for your pitbull. The best dog food for pitbulls is going to be a nutritious food whose taste your dog enjoys. That said, you definitely want to make sure to choose a healthy dog food that delivers enough high-quality protein from meat sources.

Keep a lookout for tricks like using non-meat meals and adding pea protein to inflate the protein count, and remember that the total price tag doesn’t tell the full picture. Only by factoring in the calories/cup can you really find out how much you’re really paying to feed your dog each day.

Of course we’re biased :-), but we hope you’ll consider our Bully Max 30/20 High-Performance Dog Food. It’s the top-ranked food by many dog food experts, and if you give it a try, we’re confident you’ll find out why.

Dog Training: 2022 Costs Analyzed

Are you wondering whether dog training might be a good investment for your pet? Obedience training can prove beneficial for most dogs and for various reasons. Dog owners may choose to engage in private training or in group training depending on their goals. 

Some pet owners just want the socialization aspect of having their dogs interact with other people and pets, while others may want to teach their dogs specialized skills to assist with specific needs at home — such as nighttime security or alertness to a family member’s status. 

In this article, Bully Max breaks down the costs associated with dog training in 2022 and what you can expect when you enroll your pet. 

General Dog Training Costs in 2022

The following breakdown shows what you can generally expect to pay for various age-specific dog training:

  • Puppy courses: $70-$125 per private hourly session
  • Comprehensive adult in-home obedience course: $200-$350
  • Advanced adult in-home obedience course: $400-$550
  • In-home behavioral modification packages:
    • 5 classes: $300-$375
    • 10 classes: $500-$700
  • In-home aggressive behaviors packages: 
    • 5 classes: $400-$650
    • 10 classes: $800-$950

Always check with dog trainers in your own area for the most up-to-date pricing pertaining to your location and your pet’s needs. It’s also wise to research dog trainers before enrolling in a course. Consider consulting your veterinarian for references and the most appropriate courses for your dog. 

Factors Influencing Dog Training Costs in 2022

labrador dog in training

The good news is that dog training is highly customizable to your dog’s needs. Several factors will determine how much you can expect to pay for dog training, including your dog’s age and your reason for seeking professional assistance. You may also decide to have your dog complete more than one type of training.

Another factor is whether you want to enroll your dog in group classes or take private lessons. Typically, private sessions are a bit more expensive than group classes. This also includes whether your dog stays with the trainer for a set period or you pay for classes in a more day care-style setting. 

You’ll need to be mindful of the number of sessions your dog requires and whether any materials are provided, such as specific learning or exercise tools. The cost of dog training may also go up for puppy training and other forms of learning where special skills are taught (such as vehicle or family assistance).

Where you live will have an effect on dog training costs, as well. For instance, dog trainers in Brooklyn, New York, might be slightly more expensive than those advertising similar services in more rural areas. 

Location will also impact your dog training in one more way: whether the training classes occur at your home or in a studio. Some professional dog trainers choose to work in a studio where they can exert the most control over what the dog is seeing, smelling, and experiencing. Others may work in highly public areas or come to your home where the dog is most comfortable.

What Goes Into Dog Training Classes?

While training methods are as varied as dog breeds, most reputable training classes focus on positive reinforcement to help your four-legged friend learn boundaries and basic commands. Adult dogs who haven’t been handled much may need to go through additional exercises to socialize them. 

If you have a puppy that you intend to use as a therapy dog or canine good citizen, more advanced training in “people skills” may be mandatory. Any animal going into service dog training will require a far more lengthy and in-depth boot camp, including exposure to crosswalks, loud children, door buzzers, and more. Ultimately, your dog’s training will be determined by what new skills you hope for them to learn at the training facility. Naturally, the more your dog learns and is able to do, the higher the average cost of the training programs.

How to Assess Whether Dog Training Is Right for Your Pet

Are there habits you would like your dog to pick up? Perhaps you’ve noticed your pooch is suffering from separation anxiety when you leave home each day and has begun to chew the rugs to cope. These reasons and more can help you assess whether and what kind of dog training may be right for your pet. 

The American Kennel Club (AKC) lists dog training as a fundamental part of responsible dog ownership. Think of dog training as being like crate training — sometimes time-consuming but generally necessary. In particular, rescue dogs benefit immensely from having a professional dog trainer teach them basic obedience. In many cases, this may be the first time a rescue dog has seen a kennel or been freely touched by humans. Imagine being thrown into an office job when you had no educational background or work experience; the effect of going from hard circumstances to a stable home can be very similar for many rescue dogs without dog training.

However, all sorts of dog owners may choose to educate their pets via some type of training. Pet parents who want their dogs to participate in AKC sports may find that private sessions, teaching everything from new skills to advanced training in endurance, are necessary. By the same token, you may not have any competition plans for your pup but just want them to stop barking in the middle of the night and need some professional assistance dealing with this type of behavior. 

You might also be a new parent who wants to ensure that your adult dogs learn gentleness around children and basic commands surrounding all the changes in your home due to the child’s environment. The old saying is not true: You absolutely can teach an old dog new tricks.

Remember that it’s not just your pet that can pick up new skills in a dog training class. Many private sessions and group classes encourage owners to participate so the dogs get more familiar with the sound of their master’s voice. Dog trainers often emphasize that the most important socialization any dog goes through is that with their owner. 

With this in mind, some dog owners may choose to glean what they can from online dog training courses and teach their pets basic obedience themselves. They may then seek professional assistance with more complex commands. Whatever path you and your pooch take toward dog training, it should always be one you’ve paved together.

Benefits of Hiring a Dog Trainer

german shepherd dog trainer

Whether you’ve got a new dog, an older dog, or need puppy classes thanks to your last trip to PetSmart, there is a dog trainer out there for you. The benefits of enrolling your pet in professional dog training are extensive. 

From increased sensitivity to basic obedience to learning how to behave well around other dogs in day care, dogs can better respond when they’ve had some kind of training. The following list provides some of the more immediately visible benefits of engaging your pet in basic obedience classes:

  • Increased adaptability in public situations
  • Heightened alertness to human tones of voice and facial expressions
  • Leash and ground manners
  • Responsiveness to potty and crate training
  • Ability to make other desired behavior modifications in the future

Set Your Dog Up for Success

No matter what type of training you decide on for your canine companion, don’t forget to feed them well. Bully Max’s high-quality dog food provides the foundation your pet needs when exercised. For example, Bully Max’s High-Performance Dog Food has 30% protein and 20% fat to keep your dog energized and full during any of their training sessions. The 535 calories per cup will be much appreciated after a long day at doggie school, and the fact that our meat-based formula is packed with replenishing vitamins and minerals means you can feel good about what your dog is eating while they’re learning.

While you’re at it, check out our other products to keep your dog healthy — whether they’re working hard in class or playing in the backyard.

Introducing New Bully Max Chews

Looking for Best High-Protein Dog Treats? Introducing New Bully Max Chews

It took us nearly 3 years of research and development, but we’ve finally managed to improve on our best-selling Bully Max formula. Now, we’re excited to announce the introduction of 3 new Bully Max chews:

Our philosophy is that dog treats should be as nutritious as they are delicious. Not only does our new range of high protein chews hit those two crucial marks, they’re also made from human-grade ingredients. You can have peace of mind knowing that our range contains absolutely no additives or artificial colors or flavors.

Whether you’re trying to put some weight on your dog, help them recover from a grueling workout, or just want to make sure your puppy grows up strong and healthy, these chews are a great choice!

The Best Dog Treats and Chews for Muscle Gain

Bully Max Performance Chews have always been our most popular treats, but now we’ve taken them to the next level. Not only will these snacks help your dog stay strong and healthy, they’ll also taste great, and they’re made from completely natural ingredients with no additives or preservatives. So get your order in today—these new treats are sure to fly off the shelves!

How Much Protein Do Dogs Need?

Protein is crucial for building and maintaining muscle mass in dogs. Excess protein can be harmful, however, so it’s important to strike a balance between not enough and too much.

On average, adult dogs need around 0.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight daily; puppies need closer to 1 gram per pound.

To meet your dog’s protein needs while limiting calories, Bully Max Chews are a great choice—one serving of 2 chews contains 10 grams of crude protein—the building blocks of lean, healthy muscle in your dog.

Bully Max High Protein Chew Range

Why Bully Max?

There are many good brands of dog treats out there, but very few—if any—deliver 100% of the vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids your dog needs to grow healthy and strong.

This is important because when you feed your dog the same thing day after day, even a small nutrient deficiency will compound over time and compromise your dog’s health. Our Bully Max Muscle Gain Chews also work as high protein dog treats and help to supplement these lack of nutrients in dog diets.

And it gets better: All Bully Max products are 100% US made and owned! The perfect treat to keep your pup happy and healthy. It’s a win-win situation for your furry friend and you! Give them a snack from Americas’ number one pet food brand today.

Dog food calculator (How many cups per day)

By using the dog food calculator below, you can determine exactly how many cups of food your dog will need per day.

Plus you can also determine how long a 15 lbs. bag of dog food will last.

Step 1) Calculate your dog’s ideal weight.

Step 2) Calculate how much your dog exercises.

Step 3) Add up the number of calories from your chosen brand or food.


What does this dog food calculator do?

  • Accurately displays how much to feed a dog per day in cups
  • Accurately displays how much you should feed your dog by their weight & activity level
  • Accurately displays how many days a 15 lbs. bag of dog food will last
  • Calculates the correct amount of food to feed your dog for weight loss
  • Calculates the correct amount of food to feed your dog for various activity levels

NOTE: This dog food calculator is designed for adult dogs only. For puppies, pregnant, and nursing dogs, please refer to the recommended feeding amounts that are printed on the bag of dog food.

Announcing the Revolutionary Bully Max Pro Series

We’re excited to announce the launch of our newest best quality dog food: the Bully Max Pro Series.

Bully Max Pro series is one of the tastiest and best quality dog food ranges ever created. We can’t wait to see how they transform the way your dog eats, feels, and performs.

In the 10+ years that Bully Max has been in business, we have always been passionate about raising our pups the right way—from their very first meal. We know what goes into building a strong and healthy dog, and that’s why we’re so excited to share this new line of products that will help your dog grow up strong and stay healthy.

Best Quality Dog Food

Why is Bully Max Pro the Best Quality Dog Food?

We have always been known for our high-protein dog foods and supplements, but with the Bully Max Pro Series, we’re taking things to the next level. Bully Max Pro products are developed with the involvement of professionals based on their years of experience and contain only the best ingredients to ensure maximum efficiency.

Pro Series is a perfect choice for both professionals and enthusiasts who want the best quality dog food to keep their dog’s health and performance at peak levels. This means:

  • All the protein and nutrients needed to grow strong and healthy
  • Energy to power through training sessions and competitions
  • Protein with high biological value for rapid muscle growth
  • Rich source of omega-3 fatty acids to promote better health and fur shine

Full of Best Quality Ingredients

With a meat-based formula boasting 31% protein and 25% fat, heart-healthy flaxseed, and 19 essential vitamins & minerals, Bully Max Pro Series is a maxed out version of our previous (already industry-leading) dog food.

We can’t wait to hear from you and our other loyal customers just how much more muscular, energetic, satisfied, and happy your dog is with Bully Max Pro Series. While it’s designed for dogs that are getting ready for competitions or need optimal energy for training sessions, it’s the best quality dog food to give any dog that needs a high-protein, healthy diet.

bullymax_pro_series

How Much Will It Cost?

The retail price of Bully Max Pro will be:

  • $29.77 for 4lb bag ($7.44/lb)
  • $45.95 for 8lb bag ($5.74/lb)
  • $76.99 for 16lb bag ($4.81/lb)

👉 You can order Bully Max Pro Food here 👈

Causes of Low and High White Blood Cell Counts in Dogs

Pitbull Laying on Rug

If you recently discovered that your dog has a low or high white blood cell count, you may be feeling scared or confused. What does this mean? Is your dog sick? What can you do to fix it?

The first thing to understand is that white blood cells are used to defend the body against infections and other germs. So if your dog is sick, a vet might order a blood test to measure their white blood cell levels. The results of that test will give more information about your dog’s health, which the vet can use to get a better picture of their condition and make sure they get the right treatment.

In this article, we’ll start by explaining what it means for a dog to have a low or high white blood cell count, then talk about what the most likely causes are, and finally dig into what treatments can help treat your dog’s low or high white blood cell count.

What are White Blood Cells (WBC)?

White blood cells (WBCs) are a type of blood cell that defends the body and fights against infections. Anytime your dog gets sick, has a virus, or gets an infection, their white blood cells come to the rescue.

Normally, a dog will have a WBC value that ranges from about 4.0 to 15.5. If your dog’s WBCs are lower than that, that’s called leukopenia, and it means they have too few white blood cells. If their levels are higher than that, it’s called leukocytosis, and that means your dog has too many.

Both of these conditions are a sign that something isn’t quite right with your dog’s health, so it’s important to follow up on an abnormal WBC. It’s also important to take your dog to the vet for a regular checkup, including a blood test, to make sure they’re staying in a healthy range.

There are actually five different kinds of white blood cells: neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes. Each type of white blood cell has its own job, and normally, these five types exist in a balance. But if there’s an imbalance in the type of WBC in your dog’s blood, that could signal a problem too.

Most of the time, if your dog has a problem with their WBC levels, it will be regarding their neutrophil or eosinophil levels. These two types of cells are produced in the bone marrow and play a crucial role in fighting against bacteria.

Next, let’s dig in and explore some of the differences between a high white blood cell count in dogs (leukocytosis) and a low white blood cell count in dogs (leukopenia).

What Causes High White Blood Cell Count in Dogs?

As we said earlier, having a white blood cell count (anything over 15.5) is called leukocytosis. If your dog has leukocytosis, it most likely means that their body is fighting off some kind of infection, bacteria, toxin, or other conditions.

Knowing which type(s) of WBCs are elevated can help pinpoint the cause. For example…

  • Viral, bacterial, or fungal infections can cause increased neutrophil levels.
  • Parasites can cause increased eosinophil levels.
  • Chronic diseases and inflammatory conditions can cause increased monocyte levels.
  • Allergies can cause increased eosinophil levels.
  • Cancers can cause increased lymphocyte or monocyte levels.
  • Autoimmune disorders can cause increased neutrophil or lymphocyte levels.

Other potential causes of elevated white blood cell levels in dogs could include Cushing’s disease, certain medications such as corticosteroids, and even stress. These are all clues your vet can use to help narrow down the cause of your pup’s condition.

The bad news is that illnesses and symptoms associated with a high white blood cell count tend to be more severe. The good news is that catching these conditions early, and working with your vet to find and treat the cause, can go a long way in helping your dog to recover successfully.

What Causes Low White Blood Cell Count in Dogs?

We’ve covered the causes of high WBCs. Now, what could cause the opposite—a low white blood cell count in your dog, also known as leukopenia?

  • Chronic conditions. It’s important to realize that your dog’s body has a finite ability to manufacture new white blood cells. Very often, when your dog has a chronic condition, their WBC count will initially spike as their body tries to fight off the illness. But over time, their system can get depleted from the constant effort of creating new WBCs—and that can lead to leukopenia.
  • Viruses. Viruses—including coronavirus and parvovirus infections—are also known to decrease WBC levels.
  • Autoimmune disorders. Some autoimmune conditions can cause your dog’s body to destroy their own white blood cells.
  • Medications. Drugs such as trimethoprim, dipyrone, and methimazole have been known to decrease WBC levels.
  • Tumors. If a tumor is growing near the marrow, it can interfere with the body’s ability to produce white blood cells.

Treatment Options

Now that you understand the differences between low and high white blood cell counts in dogs, the next thing you’re probably wondering is: how do you treat these conditions?

The best treatment will ultimately depend on your dog’s breed and the underlying illness causing the abnormal WBCs. Since this is not something you should try to figure out on your own, the first step is always to visit your vet, get a complete blood count test done, and work with your vet to identify and treat the underlying cause.

How to Treat High White Blood Cell Count in Dogs

So what should you do if your dog has a high white blood cell count?

Once again, there are many possible causes of this condition—and so there are also many different treatment options. The important thing to keep in mind is that your goal should always be to treat the underlying cause of the elevated WBC. If you do that, the blood count should eventually return to normal. Again, your vet is the best person to ask for advice on the best treatment plan.

How to Treat Low White Blood Cell Count in Dogs

The same idea applies to treating low blood cell count in dogs. Talk to your vet and narrow down the root cause, and follow your vet’s treatment advice to help solve the root issue causing your dog’s low WBC.

Conclusion 

If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by all this information and the potential causes of your dog’s low or high WBC levels, don’t feel bad. Health issues like this can be complicated, which is why we have vets to help make sense of it all and choose a treatment option that makes the most sense for your dog’s situation.

Of course, at the end of the day, you should always go with your vet’s recommendation. But it’s also a good idea to make sure your dog gets adequate nutrition from high-quality food. We’ve heard from many Bully Max customers like Bumpy, whose dog’s health improved significantly when he switched to Bully Max:

Bully Max Review

If you want to help keep your dog feeling happy and healthy with a nutritious food that dogs love, check out our High Protein Dog Food. It’s an especially great option when your vet proposes switching to a higher protein diet.