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Do you think there is a difference between big and small dogs?

• Small dogs are more playful (they like to jump in your lap)
• Small dogs are fussier over their food (most big dogs will eat anything…..)
• Small dogs bark more (the yappy type)

Is this all true?
We get lots of emails and comments from dog owners which COULD lead us to the conclusion that small dogs are harder to train, fussier and generally more difficult.

But something that happened this last week has changed our view...We've recently taken over looking after a bichon frise, in addition to caring for our own border collie. Our dog (Molly) is a pretty quiet thing, but this bichon ...well...
…he would tear off along the beach and wouldn't come back when called...
…he tried to jump up on us all the time...…he barked at the slightest noise...
In general, he though he was in charge….

But in the last week there's been a big change in his behavior. He's stopped jumping up, doesn't run away at the beach anymore…In fact, he's behaving a lot more like a DOG rather than a toy.
So why the change? Well I don't think it's that we're such great dog trainers, but I do think the line above has everything to do with it….We treat him like a DOG rather than a toy.
Remember, dogs are pack animals. They don't like to make decisions for themselves. They would much rather YOU made their decisions for them. Honestly, it makes them feel a lot less stressed if they think they don't have to tell you all the time that they are in charge by barking, running off and generally doing the OPPOSITE of what you want them to do.

So WE decide for Toby the bichon...

• ... when he gets to jump in our lap for a cuddle
• ... when he eats (we put the food in his bowl and don't let him touch it until we say so)
• ... when he gets into and out of the car and in and out of the door (and it's always after us, not before)

The keys are:

• ...if he misbehaves he gets NO ATTENTION. Being ignored is the ultimate punishment for a dog; he won't know the difference between praise and a telling off which is why shouting at him for doing the wrong thing doesn't work. It's all attention in his eyes, which is GOOD.
• ...we don't allow him to make decisions. If he jumps out of the car without us saying he can, well it's get right back in and wait, thank you.

And the funny thing? He's a LOT happier and more relaxed - and so are we.

We've never had a small dog before but this got us thinking...Maybe it's not that small dogs are any different to big ones - maybe it's just that their owners TREAT them differently.
If you've got a small dog and it feels like he's running you rather than the other way around, you might find all this food for thought.

So what do you think? Do you think there is a difference between big and small dogs? What's been your experience? We'd love to hear from you. Please put a comment here.Have a good week,
Liam & Mal
 

We sometimes get asked if Pro Pac has a formula for working or high performance dogs. Without hesitation we would recommend the Performance Puppy formula for this. Although designed primarily for puppies of any size, it is also recommended by Pro Pac for pregnant and nursing adult dogs and any others that require the higher calories and protein.

More details here : Pro Pac Performance Puppy
 

We were really impressed by the comments we received about Pro Pac in our recent Facebook competition! It seems it's making a big difference to the health of a lot of dogs.

If you placed a comment THANK YOU. We appreciate you taking the time to give us your thoughts. It was extremely difficult to pick the best comment. However the prize of the $100 Pro Pac Gift Pac goes to:

Celina Lovejoy of Napier

Celina wrote:

"Everyone always comments on how soft and shiny my pups coat is, and what I do to make it this way. My answer is always the same, I feed Pro Pac! Riot absolutely loves both the Puppy Foods and is growing so nicely on them. She holds a perfect weight, great bone density and GORGEOUS coat!What makes feeding Pro Pac even better is that despite being such a high quality food, the price is affordable, and free delivery straight to the door is an added bonus!Riot will certainly be having Pro Pac food for the rest of her life!"

Thanks Celina, and again to everyone who placed a comment on our Facebook page. It certainly helps in spreading the word about Pro Pac.

Just letting you know that all the Pro Pac formulas are now available again, including:

• Adult Chunk (15kg)
• Senior (this is also a chicken and rice based sensitive formula suitable for all dogs)
• Low Fat
• Lamb & Rice
• Lamb & Rice Puppy

If you have been waiting for these we apologize for the delay. Please note we're still unpacking so your order may take a few days to get to you.

And by the way, THANK YOU again if you've put a comment about Pro Pac on our Facebook page. The response has been great and we're thrilled with the experiences people are having with Pro Pac.The comments even got the attention of Pro Pac's manufacturer in the US, who put up a comment as well!If you haven't already placed a comment we'd love to hear from you, and you're not too late to enter for the $100.00 Pro Pac Gift Pac. All comments placed before midnight tonight (Wednesday) are eligible - we will select the best comment to win this prize.
Here's how to enter:

1. Go to our Facebook page by clicking this link: click here( If you aren't already logged in to your Facebook account do so after you click the link above)
2. Click the Like button at the top.
3. Write a comment about why you like Pro Pac.
4. Click on the Share button.

Thank you all and have a warm weekend.

Liam & Mal

We've been delighted with how dogs and their owners are taking to Pro Pac, but we'd love to reach more people.

So that's why we're asking you a favour…… with a reward……We're asking if you will please spread the word by doing the following - and in return we'll put you in the draw to win a box of Pro Pac goodies (worth $100.00).
Please do the following now:

1. Go to our Facebook page by clicking this link: click here
   ( If you aren't already logged in to your Facebook account do so after you click the link above)
2. Click the Like button at the top.
3. Write a comment about why you like Pro Pac.
4. Click on the Share button.

We will select the best comment placed before June 15 and award the prize!

Thanks for helping us spread the word.