The special things we look forward to as a family and the everyday routines we abide by such as the time we get up, feed the dog, walk and socialize the dog at the park are traditions that bind a family together.

A strong  family has a commitment to one another and keeps increasing in strength because of the time we spend together. Samples of traditions that we need to recognize are:

Celebration Traditions. These are things we do for special occasions such as holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. and we can celebrate these events for a very special member of our family, our dog.

Family traditions. Having the family cook and eat dinner together and lets not forget the family evening dog walk.

Families that have the strongest ties have the most traditions of rituals in their life. Rituals provide a sense of continuity, understanding and love that strengthens families.

Why else do we need traditions and rituals?

Time to relate or communicate with each other.
Help in adapting to new stages of development, crisis or the flow of events. Things like learning a new hobby or caring for our pet

A time to heal and from a loss or disappointment in life. Using this time to talk about good times and pull together in times of loss of a loved one or a pet.

Time to affirm family values. The craft projects we do for the holidays or special family events.

The time we celebrate together. Special events in our lives including holidays and birthdays.

There are many reasons that some families feel disconnected. For example, moving out of the area, family separation and divorce, loss of a loved one are some factors that cause the family not to be as close as before. As we grow older our needs stay the same and so does our desire to share information with those who are younger. As you recognize the traditions and rituals in your families, take time to recognize the strength you gain from them. They make your family unique and provide understanding, continuity, closeness and appreciation for one another.

Start today, by realizing that daily things you do that make your family special. Realize that those little things done together are really memories in the making. Always include our four legged friends in these memories and traditions.

Our Books

You like your neighbor and do not want to argue with them, so there must be a way to solve this annoying problem.

First, is to try and have your neighbor invite you over so the dog becomes more familiar with you. This way when you go out to get the morning paper or the mail, the dog will get use to seeing you.

Second, you can walk over to your neighbors house to check on the dog and the neighbor. There may be something wrong and the dog is trying to tell you something. In the event of such an occurrence, praise the dog for its good work, positive reactions are always the best for training. Ask if you can give the dog a treat, like humans they maybe allergic to some treats.

Next, suggest to your neighbor that they give their dog some toys to play with. Dogs like humans get bored and may need something to keep them distracted and entertained.Keep in mind some dogs may get sick with rawhide chew toys. The toy should also meet the size of the dog to avoid choking hazards.

Barking is the way dogs communicate. By you walking over and talking to it in a calm and pleasant manner, may help to calm the dog down and keep him them from barking. Show the dog you are his friend. Remember with animals it is not what you say, but how you say it. Always talk in a non threating voice.

<a href=”http://www.playmorepublishing.com/ebooks.html”>You can view our book on dog training.</a> A humorous view on dog training from your dogs eyes.

Wheatless Tuna Biscuits – Dog Food Recipe

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup oatmeal
• 1/4 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 small can tuna in oil , undrained
• 1/3 cup water

Grind oatmeal in processor to make a coarse flour. Set aside in small bowl. In food processor, blend tuna with the oil, and water then add all the rest of ingredient. Pulse until mixture forms a ball, Pulse to knead for 2-3 minutes. Knead on floured surface till it forms a soft ball of dough. Roll out to a 1/8″-1/4″ thickness. Cut into shapes. Bake on lightly greased cookie sheet, at 350 for 20-25 minutes. Cool completely.