Dog Talk 101

Dogs and Snowballs

2012-01-28T16:48:00.000-08:00

Here in Olympia, Washington, we recently experienced well over a foot of snow. It overwhelmed our city which does not have the necessary amount of equipment to handle snow. Many people were without power for days and crews from all over came to help.

But, the kids and dogs took advantage of playing in the snow.

Here is a toy for dogs who cannot get enough snowball play. It is a snowball that lasts through the seasons. Dogs can chase it through the snowdrifts and never have it disintegrate in its mouth!

The Orbee Snowball has a fresh minty taste and smell. I wonder if it gets rid of "doggie breath"?

This chew toy is one of the most popular products from Planet Dog. (They donate 2% of every sale to worthy charities.) It is recyclable and durable.

Dog Shades

2012-01-21T16:18:00.000-08:00

They may look like an accessory, but sunglasses do more than make you dog look stylish.

Sunglasses have long been used to protect search and rescue dogs' eyes from smoke, fumes, and debris, but owners of nonworking dogs have come to recognize the need of canine eye protection.

Dogs that spend lots of time in the sun, wind, or sandy beaches; those with sensitive eyes; or dogs recovering from eye conditions have found comfort and protection with dog sunglasses.

Doggie sunglasses look more like stylish sports goggles than human glasses. The right fit is crucial in getting your dog to accept them. If you cannot find a store where your dog can try on a pair, find a website that enables you to print out a mock pair of glasses to help with sizing (www.doggieshades.com).

How to select the right sunglasses for your dog:

1. Look for lenses that are shatterproof, anti-fog, and offer UV protection.
2. The strap should be comfortable and adjustable.
3. The cup of each eyepiece should rest comfortably over each eye and be deep enough to accommodate eyes that protrude.
4. Color and frame design is up to you and your dog!

Do not just slip the sunglasses on your dog's head and expect your dog to adjust immediately. It takes some getting use to them. Never try them on indoors as your dog will not be able to see in the dark. Take your dog outside and let her sniff them. Then gently slide them on, carefully adjusting the fit. Offer a treat or two and casually walk around. If your dog is uneasy, take them off and repeat the process the next day, until your dog becomes comfortable.

Camp for Owners and Dogs

2012-01-18T19:00:00.000-08:00

Across the nation, outdoor adventures for both owners and their dogs are gaining popularity.

There is the choice between day and overnight camps, and each varies in scope. Some camps offer a sport or training-specific agenda, some run the gamut of canine fun, and others provide a place where guests can plan their own retreat.

Day camps tend to provide a jam-packed day of dog/owner activities which include a mix of sports and activities such as a canine first aid seminar, reading canine body language, managing canine stress, or something not tried before - such as, treibball, lure coursing, or canine freestyle.

Owners who are after more activities can seek out an overnight dog camp, usually planned around a one-week stay in a dorm or cabin. Dog/owner pairs can choose from a variety of dog-friendly events. Depending on the camp, sessions cover sports, training, and enrichment; activities such as paw-painting and leash making; and hikes and evening campfires. Human meals are usually included, but owners typically bring their dog's own food to avoid a change of diet.

A big draw to camp is the freedom of letting your dog be off leash. Camp provides a safe place for dogs, and there are no issues with people, so it becomes a haven of fun, comfort and excitement. It is fun to watch dogs unwind.

Here is a place to start your search for a dog camp.

Dog Aids Parenting

2012-01-16T16:52:00.000-08:00

This video is for all Mothers and Fathers who have dealt with a child who throws tantrums.

I do not think this is covered in parenting books.

Then again, I have not seen any dog training that covers this either.

Too Much Praise?

2012-01-15T15:27:00.000-08:00

"Praise your Dog!"

Have you heard those words often especially in dog training?

Praise provides feedback that tells your dog, "You did well," but it becomes meaningless if given without consideration for the behavior preceding it.

Ineffective accolades before discounts what should be an anticipated reward.

Consistency is the key to any good training method. It includes using properly timed praise to reward desired behaviors.

Withholding praise lets your dog know she missed the mark and must try again to earn rewards. A correction can be the withholding of praise, food, or a toy, followed always with the reward once the desired behavior is achieved. Use, "Try again," when withholding praise, so your dog learns that additional effort brings success and the highly valued praise that means a job well done.

Resiliency In Dogs

2012-01-13T17:22:00.001-08:00

Hallie is a little black and tan long haired dachshund that was adopted from an animal shelter by the artist, Dee Dee Murry.

Hallie is a constant companion to Dee Dee even when she painted. One day Dee Dee wondered if Hallie might like to paint. Hallie learned to pick up the brush out of the paint cup and go over to the paper to make strokes and dabs. Hallie has a website of her paintings for purchase. Since she is a rescue dog herself, the proceeds from her artwork are donated to Purple Heart Rescue of Centralia, Washington.

In April of 2011, Hallie went blind overnight from an autoimmune disease called SARDS (Sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome). After Dee Dee took Hallie to Iowa State for possible treatment, she found out that Hallie's blindness was irreversible.

After several months adjusting to her disability, Hallie re-learned to paint. By trial and error and some assistance from Dee Dee, Hallie once again repeats her routine motions of applying a brush stroke of paint followed by several dots of paint.

Dogs are so resilient and amazing in their positive adjustment to disability and Hallie is a shining example and inspiration to not fear our pets' disabilities, nor shy away from adopting disabled dogs.

Native Dog of Argentina

2012-01-12T18:33:00.000-08:00

In 1925, two ambitious young brothers in Argentina set out to create a new dog breed.

Antonio Nores Martinez and Agustin Martinez envisioned a dog that was fast with an excellent sense of smell to hunt big game like wild boar and mountain lions. They desired a dog that was fearless and tireless on the hunt, but a friendly family dog at home. More than anything else, the brothers wanted their breed to get along well with other dogs.

The brothers used 10 breeds to design their new hunting dog, starting with the now-extinct Fighting Dog of Cordoba. They then added the Boxer, Bulldog, Bull Terrier, the Dogue de Bordeauz, Great Dane, Great Pyrenees, Irish Wolfhound, Pointer, and Spanish Mastiff. Breed development took decades. Finally, in 1973, the Argentina Kennel Club recognized Argentina's first and only native breed: the Dogo Argentino.

Today the Dogo Argentino is rare in the United States.

In 2011,the American Kennel Club (AKC) accepted the breed into its Miscellaneous Class, the final step before full recognition.

The hallmark of the breed is its pure white coat - one dark-colored patch around the eye is allowed - which requires little care. Simply groomed once a week with a rubber curry brush. Dogos are prone to sunburn and must have access to shade during the summer.

Dogos are 23 to 27 inches tall and weight 80-100 pounds. These large, muscular dogs might look intimidating, but Dogos are friendly, affectionate, and devoted to their families, especially children.

916 Marathons

2012-01-07T19:28:00.000-08:00

916 marathons or about 916 miles is the distance an average owner walks with her dog during the dog's 12.8 years, according to a British study of 3,000 dog owners.

The average dog in this study was walked three times a day, totaling 107 minutes. That amounts to almost 6,000 hours of her life spent walking.

Do you think Americans walk their dogs as much?

Ebony and I have logged several hundred marathons already!

Probiotics and Prebiotics in Dog Food?

2012-01-07T19:05:00.000-08:00

Are prebiotics and probiotics worthwile food additives
in dog food?

Good question!

Probiotics are microorganisms that help tip the balance of bacteria in the digestive tract toward the types of bacteria that maintain a healthy internal environment in the gut. They are popular supplements in both the human and veterinary markets, and more dog food companies are adding them to their kibble.

Prebiotics are fibers that stimulate the growth and function of the good bacteria and also rank as popular additions to food and supplements.

According to most veterinarians, the problem with adding them to food is that they are hard to quantify. There is no way to know how many are in one diet versus another, or whether the bacteria have survived processing, storage, and stomach acid. Since the amount and efficacy of probiotics in food is hard to measure, pet owners who what to give their dogs probiotics may look to giving them in supplement form.

Sounds similar to our unregulated vitamins issue. How do you know what is on the vitamin label is what is in the bottle or in the right quantities as well as good quality?

Research from Nestle Purina suggest that probiotics boost immunity in young puppies and dogs under great stress, such as working and performance dogs in harsh climates.

Apparently, no one know for sure if the probiotics in dog food are effective.

Beyond the Daily Walk

2012-01-05T18:52:00.000-08:00

Do you walk your dog daily?

Several times a week?

The same route?

Here is an idea to make the walk more interesting.

On you walk, add something challenging along the way. When you pass a vacant bench, teach your dog to walk along the length of it, or duck underneath if you have a small dog. How about teaching your dog to climb on a tree stump and sit, or hop over a fallen log.

Giving your dog simple tricks adds to the fun and enhances her listening skills.

Be sure to bring plenty of treats!

Rally Sport

2012-01-04T18:31:00.000-08:00

No not cars, but with dogs!

In 2005, the American Kennel Club incorporated the sport of rally into its title competitions and has become extremely popular.

Rally is a series of 15 to 20 numbered stations, each with a sign and picture showing the obedience exercise you and your dog do at that station. The exercises incorporate heeling maneuvers, basic stays, and come.

It is said that rally proves easier than formal obedience because owners can communicate with their dogs, which is against the rules in formal obedience. Though exercises must be performed correctly, rally judges look for spirited cooperation between owner and dog over absolute accuracy. Timing is used only to break a tie score; the quickest time in a tie wins. In addition, the handler must concentrate on going to the next station correctly and not get lost in the course.

It is a great opportunity to develop a bond with your dog.

For more information, visit the website.

Heel Backward

2012-01-03T20:10:00.000-08:00

We usually think of heeling with your dog as a forward movement, but once your dog understands heel position, you can teach her to heel backwards, too.

How to teach heel backwards:

1. Start next to a fence or wall, with your dog between you and the barrier. This will help guide your dog to take straight steps.

2. Show your dog a treat in your left hand then heel forward several steps. While in motion, suddenly bend forward and hold the treat below your dog's chin so her chin tucks toward her chest. Let her nibble the treat.

3. Without halting, shift into reverse and take one or two small steps backward, pushing the treat toward your dog's chest to encourage her to move with you. When she moves any paw backwards, say, "Yes!" Let her eat the treat.

4. Repeat several time, until she gets the idea of stepping backward to get the treat. When she's easily taking one step, urge her backward until she moves another paw, then "Yes!" and another treat. Add a left hand signal, gesturing a back-up waving motion, and a verbal cue, "Back up," while making the hand gesture.

5. Phase out the treat; instead, tuck it between your thumb and forefinger, and release it to your dog when she steps back. Switch to signaling without a treat, still rewarding with one when she steps back. Gradually decrease the amount you bend forward when cueing, eventually not bending at all.

6. Increase to three backward steps or more. Gradually move farther from the wall until your dog does not need it to move straight.

Doggie New Year Resolutions

2012-01-01T14:40:00.000-08:00

As you know, New Year's is traditionally a time to reflect on our past, and more importantly, look forward to the changes we want to make in the coming year. In addition to your own New Year's resolutions, your dog might have a few, too.

The American Kennel Club® (AKC) reflects on some resolutions your dog might be thinking about for 2012.

If dogs could talk their top 10 Resolutions might include:

10. Owner on floor, dog in bed.
9. Stop begging and actually get a seat at the dinner table.
8. Give up the dream of ever catching my tail.
7. Bark like a big dog but still get cuddled on lap like a little dog.
6. Get back at cat for litter box incident.
5. Find every bone I ever buried.
4. No more haircuts! (Come fall, I can go as a Komondor for Halloween).
3. Become alpha dog in my house. Well, at least stop letting the cat push me around.
2. Invent goggles that allow me to see the electric fence.
1. Finally pass that darn AKC Canine Good Citizen test.

For Additional information on responsible dog ownership visit the American Kennel Club Website.

Shelter Birthday Parties

2011-12-29T15:35:00.000-08:00

Forget about MacDonald's and Chuck E. Cheese!

One of the hottest places today to celebrate a child's birthday is at the animal shelter. Not only do you support a good cause, but it is lots of fun. Several shelters nationwide offer birthday parties for kids.

At the Longmont Humane Society in Colorado, a two-hour party, held in the community room, consists of animal-themed games, an animal-safety presentation, a visit from kid-friendly dogs, and a tour of the shelter. Each guest also receives a special goodie bag to take home. The donation for this much fun is $150.

Instead of gifts, some children ask their friends to bring something on the shelter's wish list. The parties bring people to the shelter who might not do so otherwise, and the best part is that some families even go home with a new pet.

Pot for Dogs?

2011-12-27T14:55:00.000-08:00

In an effort to ease pain from arthritis, cancer, and other diseases in dogs, the Seattle company Medical Marijuana Delivery Systems is developing a "pot patch".

The product, to be called Tetracan, received patent rights in February of 2011 and could reach the market by the middle of 2012. This patch would be an alternative to pharmaceutical painkillers which have proven harmful, sometimes fatal in animals.

Maybe it will be sold with a box of milkbones?

Match for Pets

2011-12-18T10:25:00.000-08:00

Now I have heard everything!

A website for dog companions.......find your dog's perfect playmate.

You can open a free account and search for potential pals for your pet according to species, breed, and city. Most of the site's profiles feature information about each pet's personality and favorite activities, and also photos. It is a way to find a few potentially compatible pals not far from home.

While the site is mainly for pets to connect with other pets, owners may connect too!

The creators goal is about enriching dogs' lives by providing them with more opportunities for the playtime they crave. That invaluable one-on-one time with another dog provides socialization and exercise and ultimately makes for a better pet.

For more information: http://www.PetsDating.com

Ebony Toy Test

2011-12-16T17:58:00.000-08:00

Yes, Christmas time and time to spoil my dog.

Ebony loves soft, squeaky toys. But she destroys them. The last toy had "Chew Guard™" technology which claimed to be tougher, but Ebony had the stuffing out the next day. She still likes to play with the remains of the toy. In fact, I have seen at pet stores dog toys without stuffing.

The Kyjen Invincibles Snake claims to be a long-lasting toy and has no synthetic stuffing inside. It is filled with squeakers. The huge rectangular squeakers inside this toy make up its entire body. So if your dog bites through the toy, there is no stuffing to swallow. Unlike other squeaker toys, your dog can bite right through the Kyjen Invincibles Snake and the squeakers will still work.

These guys will show you......

I will let you know if it passes the Ebony Toy Test

A New Sport!

2011-12-14T15:31:00.000-08:00

TREIBBALL

A sport new to the United States and quickly gaining popularity.

Treiball (pronounced, "Tryb-bal," which means "driving ball" in German)is a problem-solving game that keeps owner and dog thinking and moving together as a team. It is played with large, plastic balls.

The game begins when the handler sends the dog out into a playing field containing eight large colored balls. The dog has 10 minutes to roll the balls into a target in the order directed by the handler. It ends when the dog brings in all the balls and lies down or time runs out. In competition, the fastest dog-handler team with the fewest errors wins. Canine errors includes using paws or teeth to move the ball.

Any size dog or breed can play Treibball, but the dog should have, or be willing to develop, good listening skills. Because it does not need a wide-open field of a traditional herding course, it can be done in urban environments which has earned Treibball one of its many nicknames, "urban pool."

Because the sport is fairly new, you may not find a group in your area. You can still teach your dog the basics at home, referring to the association handbook for specifics found on the website.

If your dog craves physical activity and mental stimulation, and you would like to be a part of an up-and-coming trend, check out Treibball. Your dog may not be satisfied by chasing a tennis ball again!

Paw Print Stamp

2011-12-13T17:44:00.000-08:00

Here is a great idea for original wrapping paper and you will not have the mess of letting your dog walk all over wrapping paper with painted paws.

Make a paw print stamp!

What you will need:

1. Clay (regular modeling clay, modeling compound, or Play-Doh)
2. Petroleum jelly
3. Hot glue gun & glue sticks
4. Several small blocks of wood, a little larger than you do's paw
5. Sandpaper
6. Roll of plain paper
7. Nontoxic, washable poster paint
8. Paper plate
9. Paper towels

How to make it:

1. Work the clay with your hands until it is soft and pliable, then form several disks of clay, about 1/4 inch thick, a little larger in diameter than your dog's paw. The disks should not be very thick, so the paw print will be as flat as possible, to make a good stamp.

2. Press your dog's paw gently into each disk. The paw print should be shallow, while still being clearly a paw print.

3. Coat the inside of the paw print and the surrounding area of the clay with a think layer of petroleum jelly.

4. Plug in the hot glue gun. Fill the paw prints with hot glue, filling in each indentation, then covering the whole paw print and about 1/4 inch surrounding it with a thick layer of glue.

5. Gently place a wooden block on top of each paw print. This will be the back of your stamp. Allow the glue to dry for about five to ten minutes.

6. Gently remove the blocks and glue prints from the clay mold. If some of the clay has melted or stuck to the mold, just wipe it off.

7. Sand the glue to be somewhat flat, or rub it against concrete, such as a front step or your driveway. This will make for a better stamp.

8. Spread paint thinly on a paper plate. Dip your stamps in. Make a few sample prints on the plate to find which stamps make the best prints. Use the best ones for your wrapping paper project.

Stamp away on your wrapping paper or use the stamp to "sign" cards, seal envelops, or letterhead.

Be sure to treat your dog for helping you with this project.

Hypoallergenic Dogs A Myth?

2011-12-11T15:44:00.000-08:00

It turns out that the so-called "allergy-free dogs" are not so allergy-free.According to a study by a team of researchers at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit found that alleged hypoallergenic dogs, such as Poodles, Portuguese Water Dogs, and Labrador Retriever-Poodle mixes, do not have lower allergen levels in their homes.

People with pet allergies suffer bouts of congestion, coughing, sneezing, and red, itchy eyes. The harmless proteins, found in a dog's saliva and sebaceous, or skin, glands cause the adverse reactions. The proteins are then deposited on the coat through self grooming, or flakes of dead skin (dander) fall off the body, sticking to just about anything.....walls, carpets, and clothing.

For this study, Henry Ford researchers analyzed dust samples, collected from the carpet or floor of 173 homes, for the dog allergen Can f 1. In all, 60 dog breeds - 11 of which were widely considered hypoallergenic - were involved in the study.

Researchers found no significant differences in allergen levels between home3s with a "hypoallergenic" dog and those with other dogs.

The findings are published online in the July/August issue of the American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy.

A Dog Toy That Talks Back

2011-12-08T18:44:00.000-08:00

Are you still looking for that entertaining dog toy?

This one is entertaining for both you and your dog. Especially if you have a "ball loving dog", it could prove to keep him busy for a long time.

My dog, Ebony, had one of these when she was a puppy. I must admit that I got tired of the noise long before she got tired of playing with it.

Here is a funny video of a Border Collie and the Babble Ball.

Puppy Raisers Needed

2011-12-06T18:50:00.000-08:00

Do you love puppies?

Here is the perfect volunteer job.

Guide Dogs for the Blind, a San Rafael, California based organization that provides highly trained service animals to visually impaired people, needs volunteers to temporarily house and train its puppies.

Yes, the hardest part of the job is returning the puppy (between 13 and 18 months of age) for further training and placement with a visually impaired person.

Qualified volunteers receive their young canine charges - Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, or their mixes - around 8 weeks of age to teach them basic obedience, good house manners, and to begin introducing them to the real world. That means the pup goes with you everywhere to become familiar with life's sights and sounds.

Prepping puppies as future service animals is a lot of work, but volunteers do not do it alone. Local puppy raising clubs meet a few times each month to give volunteers guidance on proper training and socialization.

Guide Dogs is currently looking for volunteers in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington.

Are you ready to be a Puppy Raiser?

For more information about volunteering call Guide Dogs for the Blind at 800-295-4050 or visit them online.

Benefits of Pet Ownership

2011-12-03T21:32:00.000-08:00

Human interactions provide people with considerable social support and dog ownership can provide the social support, too.

Psychologists at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and Saint Louis University in St. Louis conducted experiments examining the potential benefits of pet ownership among people.

The findings?

Pets serve as important sources of social support, providing many positive psychological and physical benefits.

There was evidence that pet owners fared better, both in terms of well-being outcomes and individual differences, than non-owners on several dimensions.

People who own pets are more physically fit and conscientious, have greater self-esteem, and tend to be less lonely and fearful.

Pet owners were just as close to key people in their lives as to their animals, indicating that pet relationships did not come at the expense of relationships with people.

Does any of this surprise you?

Dog Treats From China - Warning

2011-12-02T20:15:00.000-08:00

Caution from FDA

According to the FDA, chicken jerky pet products that are imported from China are causing dogs to get sick and even die. According to the report, most dogs appear to recover; however, some have died. The report says,

"The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is again cautioning consumers that chicken jerky products for dogs (also sold as chicken tenders, strips or treats) may be associated with illness in dogs. In the last 12 months, FDA has seen an increase in the number of complaints it received of dog illnesses associated with consumption of chicken jerky products imported from China. These complaints have been reported to FDA by dog owners and veterinarians."

People should watch for the following signs:

decreased appetite
decreased activity
vomiting
diarrhea, sometimes with blood
increased water consumption
increased urination

If the dog shows any of these symptoms, stop feeding the chicken jerky and immediatley consult a veterinarian.

The report also states,

"Blood tests may indicate kidney failure (increased urea nitrogen and creatinine). Urine tests may indicate Fanconi syndrome (increased glucose)."

Not the First Warning

The FDA issued a caution to dog owners in September 2007 and December 2008. The number of complaints from dog owners and vets prompted the FDA to release this recent warning.

Read full FDA report.

We Love Our Pets

2011-11-30T17:35:00.000-08:00

Americans own 73 million dogs and 90 million cats. They become best friends, soul mates, family members, and even surrogate children. Relationships with cats and dogs are some of the longest and most intimate of our lives.

Why are we so attached?

Animal behavior experts, evolutionary biologists, veterinarians, and pet owners share insights and observations about these animals and their impact on us.

Four-time Emmy Award winner, filmmaker and director Ellen Goosenberg Kent kept the 10-month production of NATURE’s Why We Love Cats and Dogs on the right track. Ellen brings a strong visual sense to the art of storytelling and was able to illuminate the dynamic human-pet relationship, revealing how dogs and cats share our emotions in many significant ways.

Watch here: Video: Full Episode

C.L.A.S.S.

2011-11-30T17:02:00.000-08:00

Etiquette school for your dog!

A new national program called Canine Life and Social Skills uses positive reinforcement techniques to teach good manners, enabling owners to take their dogs with them to more places.

The C.L.A.S.S. program, taught by the association's members, focuses on using positive reinforcement when training to create a harmonious relationship between dog and owner. Through the use of fun games and exercises, some of the real-life skills participants learn include walking "nicely" on a leash, meeting strangers, and table manners. At the end of the six to eight week program, dogs are evaluated for certification.

For more information check out this website or call The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), a professional organization of individual trainers who are committed to becoming better trainers through education at 800-PET-DOGS

Adopt A Pet at Macy's

2011-11-28T16:36:00.000-08:00

How much is that doggie in the window?

It is that time again, when Macy's in San Francisco's displays hundreds of extremely cute puppies and kittens in its storefront window, tempting those passing through Union Square.

On November 18th Macy's unveiled their 2011 “Holiday Windows” with elaborately-decorated window displays featuring some adorable (and adoptable) cats and dogs to help benefit the SPCA and find these furry friends a new home.

Over the past six years, the Macy’s Holiday Windows have helped the SF SPCA raise over $320,000 and find homes for over 2,000 animals.

You have until New Year's Day to check out the display and adopt a friend for life or make a donation.

Save Your Fingers!

2011-11-27T17:04:00.000-08:00

Does your dog grab treats so that you fear for your fingers?

Here is a way to teach your dog "EASY" when offering a treat:

First, try to work this lesson when your dog is well-fed and somewhat tired.

Start with medium value treats that your dog likes but does not go crazy over. Visibly place a treat in your palm and close your hand.

Ignore when your dog paws and nips your hand trying to get the treat. Once the dog stops to figure out what might work, capture this moment and open you hand as you say, "EASY".

Repeat until your dog understands that that only calm grasps earn the treat.

Extend the behavior by holding the treat between your fingers and reminding your dog, "EASY".

Ball Game

2011-11-19T19:40:00.000-08:00

Is your dog ball crazy?

Loves to retrieve a ball?

Or is happiest with a ball or two in his mouth?

Try a different ball game; "roll a ball"

First use a ball too big to fit in your dog's mouth.

Tell your dog to stay while he watches you place a small treat on the floor by the ball. Then roll the ball forward to almost cover it.

Stand close behind the ball so it rolls toward you and release your dog to get the treat.

As he takes it, the ball will roll. Say, "Yes!" and reward by tossing a treat behind him. He will turn away from the ball to get that treat. Place another treat under the ball.

Repeat this several times, encouraging him to push the ball toward you to get the treat, rewarding with a tossed treat. He will expect a treat under the ball and will quickly return to push it again after collecting the tossed treat.

At this point, quit putting the treat under the ball and just encourage him to push it. Dog s are optimistic - he will look for the treat and the ball will roll. You might use, "Yes, roll the ball," and reward with a tossed reward treat. Soon your dog will understand that pushing the ball earns treats. Gradually stand farther back from the ball, and he will learn to roll it a longer distance.

Turkey Day Treats

2011-11-16T22:05:00.000-08:00

You can include your dog in your Turkey Day celebration with this canine-friendly sweet potato recipe.

These dog treats are not hard and crunchy; they are more like cookies in texture. You can keep them in an airtight container for up to three days; to store them longer, put them in a zip-lock bag in the freezer.

If you like, use 1 1/2 cups mashed, cooked sweet potato or pumpkin in place of the canned.

Sweet Potato Dog Treats

1 15 ounce can sweet potatoes, drained
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
blend in.....
2 cups barley flour
2/3 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup nutritional yeast

Turn dough out onto lightly floured counter, and knead two or three times if necessary to completely incorporate the ingredients. Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness, cut into shapes, and transfer to a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Scraps may be rerolled and cut. Score large cookies with a fork, if desired. Brush lightly with olive oil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes at 350 degrees until firm and lightly brown.

Makes about 12 large treats.

Tracking Missing Pets

2011-11-15T20:47:00.000-08:00

Kat Albrecht, a former police Bloodhound trainer and crime scene investigator, is teaching animal shelter volunteers how to find lost pets by using some of the same skills and tools employed by law enforcement in tracking down missing people.

The Shelter Pet Detective program at the Regional Animal Services of King County Shelter in Washington was started by Kat.

Helping owners find their lost pets is something most shelters do not aggressively or effectively do. Many pet owners give up hope due to lack of resources and support.

The pilot program was launched in July with about 35 volunteers trained to assist owners in finding their lost pets. Volunteers search the shelter for missing dogs by creating neon "lost pet" posters; use social media to broadcast lost pet information; and do physical searches armed with humane traps, DNA tests, and forensic tools.

Kat is trying to raise money to start the Shelter Pet Detective program in three other Washington state animal shelters and would like to see the program offered nationwide

For more information, visit the organization's website.

Why Adopt A Senior Dog?

2011-11-12T18:20:00.000-08:00

Yes, puppies are so cute, but another category of dogs can be just as darling; older dogs. In animal shelters, they often go ignored by potential future owners. Of course a senior dog is not going to live as long as a puppy, but she still has a lot of life to share.

Advantages of senior dog adoption:

1. Most senior dogs are house trained and obedience trained to at least a certain level, and do not need the intense socialization that puppies require.

2. It is obvious how big the dog is going to get.

3. Her temperament is known.

4. Depending on the dog's age, inherited diseases have probably surfaced.

5. Many older dogs are happy to set their pace to match yours.

6. They do not typically chew things.

7. Seniors' shorter expected life spans make sense for people whose kids are getting older and who are looking to a future with more travel in it.

8. Adopted older dogs are eternally grateful for the second chance.

A FEW disadvantages of senior dog adoption:

1. You will not get to live with your dog for the next 10-15 years (depending on breed).

2. A she ages further, she is likely to face senior-related health problems.

3. Mobility problems may arise. But as dogs' life spans have grown, so have available medications, treatments, and other tools to handle their health problems.

Grow Grass For Your Dog

2011-11-10T15:27:00.000-08:00

There is much debate about why dogs eat grass. Some dogs seem to act like mini lawnmowers, eating grass at every opportunity. Others dogs eat grass only occasionally, and throwing it up.

There actually appears to be two types of grass eating behavior in dogs. Some dogs take a few nibbles, while others eat quickly, barely chewing the grass. Unchewed grass often translates to near instant vomiting. Dogs that are careful grazers, on the other hand, may not get sick from grass.

The latter case suggests that some dogs eat grass because they enjoy it. Most dogs do not need it to supplement their diets, but because dog diets are primarily made up of herbivores, that grassy taste may be reminiscent of the cattle or lamb product they had for dinner. Some dogs also enjoy green vegetables like broccoli.

Although not all dogs like wheatgrass many will nibble on the stalks or enjoy the clippings in their food bowl. Growing weatgrass is easy, try it to see if your dog likes it. If your dog does like it, you can keep the grass growing or start larger trays. Maybe even juice some of it for yourself!

What you need:

1/4 cup organic hard red wheat berries
fine mesh strainer
glass jar with lid
two plastic trays with holes for drainage, about 6 inch square, and something to put them on, like a saucer or tray
1/2 cup potting mix
paper towels

How to make it:

1. Rinse the wheat berries in the strainer for about one minute, shaking to rinse will.

2. Pour the wheat berries into the jar and cover with about 1 cup of water.

3. Let the wheat berries soak for 8 to 12 hours. During cold weather, they may need to soak a bit longer. When you see tiny white sprouts on the ends of the berries, they are ready to plant. These may look like nothing more than white dots that were not there before.

4. Fill one plastic tray with the potting mix and put it on a saucer or drainage tray.

5. Drain the wheat berries into the strainer again, and gently rinse. Spread them evenly over the potting mix.

6. Put three layers of paper towels over the seeds and water the paper towels. Put the second tray on top, upside down, acting as a lid.

7. Water the paper towels as needed to keep them moist. After 24 hours, check to see if your wheat berries have sprouted and keep watering.

8. When the grass is about one inch tall (this should take about three days, depending on temperature), remove the paper towels and the lid and put the wheatgrass in a sunny window. Water daily.

9. When the wheat grass is 4 to 6 inches tall and bright green, set the tray where your dog can take a nibble. If your dog is not interested, clip off bits of grass with a scissors into his dog food.

Small dogs can eat about a tablespoon of grass clippings. Large dogs might enjoy up to about 1/2 cup with their regular kibble.

Daylight Savings Time and Dogs

2011-11-09T17:45:00.000-08:00

Daylight Savings Time officially ended.

For most of us that means we get an extra hour of sleep and relaxation before starting the day. Did you know that pets can be affected by the time change as well?

Dogs do not use watches, but they can tell when there is a change in their owner's behavior.

Much of a dog's behavior is linked to our schedules. Your dog might get up when you do, and learn to ask to go outside at a certain point in the morning routine. They might even learn other behaviors depending on yours.

Dogs thrive on schedules. When those schedules are disrupted it can cause changes in their behavior. An extra hour in bed for you might mean your dog wakes up at the same time needing to go to the bathroom or to eat breakfast. If you are not careful it can seem like you woke up to a dog who has lost all their training.

Keep a close eye on your dog for any changes in their behavior after the time change. If they seem to be more anxious or are having more accidents than normal, try getting up an hour earlier and seeing if the behavior continues. Of course, you might get lucky and have a dog who will appreciate the extra hour of sleep, too.

Dogs and Baseball

2011-11-05T16:41:00.000-07:00

Did you know that you can take your dog to the baseball game at several stadiums?

We missed the baseball season for this year, but that gives you time to find out about which stadiums in your area are dog friendly and when.

More than half of all Major League Baseball teams celebrate an annual event that allows fans to bring their dogs to the ballpark. These special events allow fans to sit with their dogs in a special section of the stadium and watch the game. All that is required to attend is a special ticket purchased in advance, and proof that your dog has a current vaccination record.

The fun is not limited to the stands. Many Major League Baseball dog day events include pre-game on-field parades, photo opportunities, contests, auctions, and special activities. Some events include prizes for best costume, best dog trick, and best smile. All these dog day events raise funds for local pet shelters and humane education programs.

Doggie-themed events have become increasingly popular over the years. The San Francisco Giants have held annual dog day events since 1996, longer than any other National League team.

Most teams have one annual dog celebration, but the Pittsburgh Pirates have more dog events than any other Major League Baseball team.

Owners can find events at stadiums across the country. Contact your local Major League Baseball team to find out what dog-friendly events are happening at the ballpark.

Miniature Sculptures of Real-Life Dogs

2011-11-04T20:36:00.000-07:00

I once introduced you to Julie Michels of Rock Art Imagery who paints amazing dog portraits on rocks.

Now you must meet Lucy Maloney of Designer Dog Miniatures who creates miniature sculptures of real-life dogs.

Her sculptures are incredible! They are truly hard to believe.

Lucy, although she continues to experiment with different materials for her sculptures, mostly settles on alpaca or cashmere for dog hair. She uses German-made glass eyes and leather for ears. The bone structure is done with wire armature.

These dog sculptures are definitely a one-of-a-kind.

Traveling Together

2011-11-03T19:28:00.000-07:00

Do you travel with your dog?

Take vacations together?

Here is one dog and human team that has been traveling together for nearly five years. Talk about bonding!

Ara Gureghian and his dog, Spirit have been traveling across America on a motorbike equipped with a special side car for his canine buddy. For this man and his best friend it is about the spiritual journey for there is no destination.

They like to travel slowing to take in all the sights. Ara has been posting stories and photographs about their travels on the Internet. His photography is awesome! Be sure to visit his website. You can also experience "the ride" as you watch the videos. The SPOT satellite tracker enables you to track their journey.

They seem to favor the big open spaces, the type of spectacular terrain found in Utah, Montana, and Wyoming. The last post was from Texas.

It sounds as if Ara and Spirit have developed a special relationship traveling the highways of America.

Dogs ready to travel:

See Spirit on the website.

State's Official Dog

2011-10-30T18:15:00.000-07:00

An Oregon sheep rancher successfully lobbied state legislators to introduce a bill to designate the Border Collie as the state's official dog. It was introduced last winter and if passes, it will be signed into law.

Dogs have long played a part in our daily lives, and some have played a part in history. Wanting to honor the Border Collies' role in Oregon's agricultural history, the breed may soon become Oregon's Official Dog.

Several states have honored canines by designated them as the official state dog.

Maryland was first in the state dog tradition in 1964 by naming its native breed, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, their official state dog. More recently, the Alaskan Malamute, the largest and oldest of the Arctic breeds, got its designation after an Anchorage kindergartner inspired a group of kids to lobby Alaska's state legislature. In 2009, the rare Chinook became the state dog of New Hampshire after a successful campaign started by a dog-loving science teacher and some enthusiastic students who got a civics lesson, too.

The honored breed often has a longstanding relationship with state residents and represents a part of the state's history. For example, Chinooks were bred by sled-dog driver and explorer Arthur Walden in the early 1900's.

Nine other breeds have been declared official state dogs:

The Catahoula Leopard Dog (Louisiana, 1979) is bred to handle cattle and hogs and has a reputation for size and strength. American settlers in the South developed this spotted breed.

The Boston Terrier (Massachusetts, 1979), bred from crossing Bulldogs and English terriers, was developed after the Civil War in Boston as a strong, smart fighting dog.

The Plott Hound (North Carolina, 1989) gets its name from the German immigrant who settled in North Carolina in 1750 with five Hanoverian Hounds. Plott bred dogs for hunting boar and bear.

The Great Dane (Pennsylvania, 1965) developed in Germany as a hunting and guard dog was widely used as a working dog during Pennsylvania's frontier days.

The Boykin Spaniel (South Carolina, 1985) is a hard-working bird dog which began with a stray dog who had a knack for retrieving waterfowl.

The Blue Lacy (Texas, 2005) was thought to have resulted from a cross between a coyote and a Greyhound, and was developed in Texas in the mid-1800s.

President George Washington bred the American Foxhound (Virginia, 1966) in the 1700s. Today, the breed participates in competitive field trails and fox hunting.

The American Water Spaniel (Wisconsin, 1985), bred to retrieve from boats, was developed in the Great Lakes region of the United States in the mid 1800s.

Endangered Species Helped by Dogs

2011-10-28T19:24:00.000-07:00

Dogs are using their powerful sense of smell to help in the fight to save endangered species.

Researchers at Auburn University in Alabama began using specially trained dogs a couple of years ago to sniff out scat (feces) left behind by black bears, weasels, skunks, and other wild creatures. Alabama is home to 117 endangered species.

Todd Steury, and assistant professor of wildlife ecology and founder of EcoDog, originally used the dogs to find out where certain carnivores were living in order to better protect those areas.

He believes that habitat loss is one of the biggest drivers of biodiversity loss today. He says that dogs are ideal for this type of work because more traditional tools that use bait might skew results by luring animals into an area they would not normally go.

Scat provides researchers with a wealth of information such as population size, fertility, diet, and stress levels.

Currently 11 Labrador Retrievers are part of the program and were all trained at the university's Canine Detection and Research Institute, one of the largest dog detection training programs outside of the federal government.

Training takes about eight weeks for the first scent,then about 10 minutes for additional odors.

The dogs can be "rented" for field studies in other states, and recently worked on finding invasive pythons deep in the Florida Everglades and right whale feces floating in the Atlantic Ocean.

"Advocate" Button

2011-10-26T16:23:00.000-07:00

Heartbreak, helplessness, and despair is what many animal lovers feel when they see a lonely pet at the animal shelter.

Ashley Owen Hill and Chris Hoar are on a mission to find stray dogs and cats forever homes. Together they founded Pet Pardons, a Facebook app that allows users to create online profiles for adoptable pets who are on death row or in no-kill shelters, and encourage adoption by clicking the "Advocate" button, which posts pet updates to their own wall.

The app helps shelter pets across the country gain exposure and offers a simple way for online animal lovers to connect and encourage adoption. Some users are willing to provide transportation from state to state, allowing people to adopt pets from hundreds of miles away.

The simple "Advocate" button is and easy way for users to spread the word and save the lives of thousands of shelter pets across the country. Over 3,000 pets have been placed thanks to the app.

Pet Pardons' ultimate goal is to end all euthanasia in American shelters by January 1, 2015!

To learn more, visit apps.facebook.com/petpardons or check out the Pet Pardons page at Facebook.com/petpardons

Watercolor "Pet of the Week"

2011-10-25T21:27:00.000-07:00

Graphic designer, Matt Tames helps homeless pets by creating pet portraits weekly and posting them on the Internet.

Since February of 2010, he has created a watercolor "Pet of the Week" to help bring attention to the problem of unwanted pets and to try to find a home for each of his subjects.

He believes that if he captured a picture of the animal looking happy or having a good time, that maybe people would be more inclined to adopt an animal in need.

He e-mails local animal shelters or searches on Petfinder.com for a dog, and sometimes a cat, to paint and posts it on his website.

Matt donates 20 percent of each 8" by 10" print to an animal charity and links to the animal's profile online. Some of the dogs have been adopted!

Be sure to check out Matt's website.

Here is a photo of my dog, Ebony.
This is a watercolor version done in PhotoShop.

Entertainment

2011-10-22T11:58:00.000-07:00

This video is entertaining as the dog entertains itself.

ENJOY!

Cancer Treatment Grants

2011-10-20T20:09:00.000-07:00

Here is a fabulous company that provides grants for cancer treatment.

Zuke's, the maker of natural pet treats located in Durango, Colorado, pledges a percentage of its profits to The Dog and Cat Cancer Fund which offers grants to owners of pets with cancer who might not otherwise be able to afford treatment. The criteria include the pet's prognosis and the owner's financial need.

The company was named after a chocolate Labrador Retriever belonging to the company founder and CEO Patrick Meiering, who co-founded the fund in 2007 with his brother, Christopher.

In 2010 they donated $40,000. So far, grants have gone to more than 70 families of dogs and cats with cancer.

This is wonderful! Thank you Zuke's.

More information here.

Costume Time?

2011-10-18T19:51:00.000-07:00

Dressing your dog for Halloween can be fun for you, but it could be stressful for your dog unless you spend a little time getting your dog use to wearing a costume.

Suggestions for teaching your dog to wear a costume.

If your dog has never worn anything but a collar and leash, start the costume experience with a simple bandanna knotted around her neck. Put it on and praise her verbally and with treats.

Add a "cape" by tucking one end of a scarf or towel under her collar.

Next step is to slip a T-shirt over her head and gently place her front legs through the armholes. Tie a knot in the bottom hem of the T-shirt, so it does not trip her.

Each time you put a new garment on your dog, encourage her, with treats, to follow you around so she gets used to the feel of the costume.

Put each new item of clothing on her for just a few minutes, then take it off. Soon She will be happy wearing her duds for longer periods of time. Any time she seems to be getting uncomfortable, take the costume off and let her relax.

When choosing costumes for your dog, keep safety and comfort in mind. Avoid anything that might hinder vision, hearing, or movement. Choose costumes that are fairly easy to put on and take off, with no dangling accessories she might swallow if she chews on them. If the costume extends out to the sides at all, making your dog wider than normal, walk her around furniture and other obstacles to get used to her new size.

Never leave your dog unattended when she is wearing a costume. She might decide to chew her way out of it or get it caught on something and panic.

Secrets of a Happy Dog

2011-10-16T20:31:00.000-07:00

What is it that makes a dog a truly happy dog?

Here are FIVE SECRETS:

Secret # 1

Happiness is getting a move on. Just like people, dogs feel great when they are in good shape.

Secret # 2

Happiness is preventing health problems. Dog's cannot tell you when they do not feel well, so be preventative about health issues.

Secret # 3

Happiness is mental stimulation. Give your dog plenty of opportunities to meet new people and dogs. Let your dog solve puzzles. Take your dog out in nature to sniff.

Secret # 4

Happiness is the right foods in the right amounts. Choose a well-known dog food, and do not overfeed your dog with too many treats or snacks between meals.

Secret # 5

All you need is love. Most dogs love to be petted; at least five minutes a day.

Howl-O-Ween Treats

2011-10-15T21:13:00.000-07:00

I came across an article on how to throw a Halloween paw-ty for dogs and a recipe for treats.

I will save you the details of planning the paw-ty. Instead, you can just use your imagination. Although the suggestion to schedule the party for a day or two before Halloween so as not to be disturbed by trick-or-treaters ringing your doorbell during the paw-ty was a great idea. The treats sound yummy for both humans and dogs, so I thought I would share.

Howl-O-Ween
Tricking Treats

2 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup canned pumpkin (real pumpkin, not pie filling)
1/4 teaspoon real vanilla
1 egg
4 cups whole-wheat flour
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup oats

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a bowl, mix water, pumpkin, vanilla, and egg thoroughly.
3. Combine flour, pecans, baking powder, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a separate bowl, stirring well.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix well, making sure no dry mixture is left.
5. Spoon batter into a greased muffin tin, filling each cup completely.
6. Sprinkle the top of each muffing with oats and bake for one hour and 15 minutes.
7. Cool completely and store in a sealed container for up to one week.

Makes 14 bewitching treats

The Gift of Life

2011-10-13T21:17:00.000-07:00

Just like humans, dogs can become blood donors.

Veterinarians can give a blood transfusion to dogs to improve their health or to save their lives.

If you have been looking for a way to help the canine community, enrolling your dog in a blood donation program is one way.

What canine blood donations entails:

Blood donor candidates need a physical exam, blood work, and screening for several conditions. Blood type is also tested, to screen for potential incompatibility. Once your dog enters a blood donor program, these tests are often performed twice yearly, and typically at no cost to you.

Blood banks have specific requirements for a dog to donate. Once dogs qualify, they are enrolled in the donation program. When they come in, they receive a physical exam and a blood test to check their red blood cell count. The actual blood donation only takes a few minutes. Then comes the reward.......food and treats! A dog can typically donated every two months, although this can vary with a dog's specific blood type and breed.

Enrolling in a canine blood donation program is a win-win situation. You and your dog receive some nice benefits, plus the satisfaction of knowing your dog will help save many lives over the years. One single donation can typically save the lives of four dogs!

Ask your veterinarian for information about the closest blood donation program.

Children as Dog Walkers

2011-10-12T21:26:00.000-07:00

Older children and teens can be the perfect solution to friends or neighbors in need of a dog walker. But like many areas of development, readiness to take on such a task varies greatly by the child.

Consider these issues before you decide if your child is ready for being a dog walker:

1. Is your child dependable, or will you be reminding him or her to visit the dog?

2. Does your child have control when walking your own dog, and will he or she pick up waste and avoid off-limit areas?

3. Will your child uphold his or her commitment, even if it means going out in the rain or declining a social opportunity?

4. Does your child remember details like locking doors, checking windows, and latching the fence?

5. Is your child patient with all canine personalities, from rambunctious puppies to slow moving seniors?

Once you feel your child is read, dog walking can be a great way for him or her to develop an early sense of responsibility and make some extra money in the process.

When Barking Violates Nuisance Laws

2011-10-11T20:44:00.000-07:00

How do you know if your dog is disturbing neighbors?

Although your dog may be on your property, if her barking disturbs others in your general vicinity, you may be in violation of either a general nuisance, noise, or a specific dog disturbance ordinance.

If a neighbor complains about your dog barking, an animal control officer may issue a warning. Fines may be imposed for repeat violations.

The conflict arises when neighbors' definitions of "loud or persistent" vary.An owner may think his dog's occasional barking is tolerable, or even beneficial as a warning, but a neighbor may contend the continued noise disturbs his comfort or sleep.

Typically, a reasonableness standard is applied. Some municipalities attempt to define "persistent." Tulsa, Oklahoma, defines barking repetitively for over 10 minutes as a nuisance.

What is the standard where you live?

Have you thought about a No-Bark Collar?

Breed Standard

2011-10-10T19:03:00.000-07:00

Each dog breed in dog registries and associations such as the American Kennel Club, has a standard; a set of guidelines written to ensure that the dogs conform to specific attributes. Each breed standard is different, but all share some similar characteristics:

1. Appearance Every breed standard addresses the outward qualities of the dog, and includes factors such as general appearance; size, proportion, and substance; head (including eye and nose color); neck, topline, and body; forequarters; hindquarters; coat; and color.

2. Gait This describes how the dog should move.

3. Temperament Qualities like behavior, adaptability, trainability, intelligence, playfulness, and energy level differ from breed to breed.

4. Disqualifications It is important to know what a breed should not look and act like. Disqualifications could include rare color or coat, or wrong ear size or shape.

Why is a breed standard important?

Along with helping to ensure that breeds maintain a consistent look and personality, the standard also ensures the dogs maintain the functions for which they were originally bred.

For example, according to the AKC, Rottweilers were originally bred to herd cattle in the field. With selective breeding, their protective, courageous natures are still prevalent in their temperament even today.

For more information about breed standards, and to see listings of the standards of your favorite breeds, visit the AKC website.

Stop, Drop, and Roll

2011-10-09T17:23:00.000-07:00

Sounds like a fire-safety demonstration.

Yet this is a fun and easy trick to teach your dog.

When you cue your dog to lie down, it will stop moving forward which makes this trick really only two parts: the drop (lie down) and the roll (roll over).

Drop: Teach this by luring from a Sit to a Down with a treat. Put the treat close to your dog's nose, then lower it slowly to just in front of its front toes. That hand motion becomes a silent cue for Down. Reward your dog with praise and a treat. When your dog drops quickly three times in a row, lured by treats, stop using treats and just lower your empty hand (open palm toward the floor). As soon as your dog lies down, drop a treat from your other hand.

Roll: With your dog lying down, put a treat close to her nose, then move it slowly past her shoulder and toward her hip. Reward with the treat. Do that again, but as she bends her neck, following the teat, move it a little farther so she rolls onto her other side, with her body curved. Reward. Repeat, then move the treat toward her spine, keeping the curve, so she rolls onto her back. Reward. Repeat, but move the treat in a half circle near her head so she rolls all the way over. Reward. When your dog confidently follows the treat lure, keep the treat hidden in your other hand and gesture with your empty hand (same movement as when luring) to signal to roll.

Stop, Drop, and Roll: When your dog can both lie down and roll over, put them together. Signal Down, the Roll. Reward after your dog rolls over. Gradually increase the speed of drop-and roll until your dog can do the sequence smoothly.

Tracking

2011-10-06T19:32:00.000-07:00

Dogs love to sniff the ground.

The American Kennel Club tracking allows your dog to indulge this passion as it follows a specific human scent trail complete with turns and "lost" articles to find. It also provides your dog with unparalleled freedom for in tracking the dog becomes the leader and you have to listen and trust the dog.

You do not just hold the leash while your dog tracks. You must learn how to handle the line, how much tension to put on the line, how to read the dog's body language, how to know when the dog is off the track, and how to encourage the dog back on the track.

The length of the track varies per the competition level, as does the number of turns, and general difficulty. The tracks may cross fields, near ponds, into wooded areas, and eventually over man made surfaces.

Tracking develops an incredible bond between owner and dog, due in part to the trust the handler must place in the dog's ability to follow something humans can neither see, hear, smell, nor feel.

Training involves using food and toys to direct and reward your dog's natural scenting ability. When approached in this positive manner, most dogs love tracking.

There are tracking clubs and obedience clubs with members who track. You can also contact judges to see if they do training, or they can refer you to someone in the area. Books and videos help, but do not replace the assistance of another tracker.

To track down mover information, check this out.

Dog Rocket

2011-09-05T20:43:00.000-07:00

I think most every parent has done the water rocket experiment with their child as an example of Newton's third law of motion. If not the classic water rocket, fireworks are a runner up for rocket launching experiments.

Have you seen the screaming pug rocket?

Now, how about a pug watching the screaming pug rocket?

Surfing Doggie

2011-09-04T12:30:00.000-07:00

Did you know that there is a surfing championship for dogs?

A rescue dog with a difficult past, Abbie got a sudden start in competitive surfing in 2008. She is an Australian Kelpie and has exceptional balance and a natural love of water that contributes to her talent on the board.

A rather long video, but really shows Abbie's love of the sport:

How Come No Chocolate?

2011-09-03T12:30:00.000-07:00

"No, No Fido!!!"
Have you every wondered why dogs cannot have chocolate?

We thought this information on chocolate and its toxicity may interest you:

Chocolate, in addition to having a high fat content, contains caffeine and theobromine. These two compounds are nervous system stimulants and can be toxic to your dog in high amounts. The levels of caffeine and theobromine vary between different types of chocolate. For example, white chocolate has the lowest concentration of stimulants and baking chocolate or cacao beans have the highest concentration.

Depending on the type of chocolate ingested and the amount eaten, various problems can occur. The high fat content in chocolate may result in vomiting and possibly diarrhea. Once toxic levels are eaten, the stimulant effect becomes apparent. You may notice restlessness, hyperactivity, muscle twitching, increased urination and possibly signs occur when two ounces per pound of body weight is ingested. This means that a little less than one pound of milk chocolate can be toxic to the nervous system of a 20-pound dog.

Types of Chocolate and Toxicity

Semi-Sweet Chocolate. Mild signs of toxicity can occur when 1/3 ounce per pound of body weight is ingested. Severe signs occur when one ounce per pound of body weight is ingested. This means that as little as six ounces of semi-sweet chocolate can be toxic to the nervous system of a 20-pound dog.

Baking Chocolate. Mild signs of toxicity can occur when 0.1 ounce per pound of body weight is ingested. Severe signs occur when 0.3 ounce per pound of body weight is ingested. Two small one-ounce squares of baking chocolate can be toxic to a 20-pound dog. This type of chocolate has the highest concentration of caffeine and theobromine and very little needs to be ingested before signs of illness become apparent.

Generally, within a few hours of ingesting a toxic amount of chocolate, signs of hyperactivity, tremors, panting and excessive urination are seen. Prompt veterinary care is recommended.

In the Garden

One uncommon but potential source of chocolate is in certain mulches. Cacoa bean mulch is made from the hulls of cacoa beans and when fresh has a rich, chocolate aroma. Ingestion of large amounts of fresh mulch can result in chocolate toxicity. To keep your pet safe, keep him away from the mulch until the chocolate aroma has gone. A thorough watering or heavy rainfall often reduces the potential toxicity.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing chocolate ingestion is generally based on the owner's witnessing or suspecting ingestion and on physical exam findings. Pets that have ingested toxic levels of chocolate are generally hyperactive, panting, have increased blood pressure and increased heart rates. Dehydration may also occur if there has been significant vomiting and diarrhea.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the clinical signs and may include continuous intravenous fluid therapy, medications to help control vomiting and sedatives to counteract the stimulant effects of chocolate.

Occasionally medication to reduce heart rate and high blood pressure is indicated.

Most pets treated for chocolate toxicity recover and return to normal within 24-48 hours of treatment.

Home Care and Prevention

Remove your dog from the source of chocolate and call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has consumed a toxic amount. Your veterinarian may recommend that you induce vomiting in your pet by oral administration of hydrogen peroxide. Transport your pet to your veterinarian immediately.

Home care for pets that have ingested toxic levels of chocolate is primarily aimed at reducing gastrointestinal upset and making certain that there is no access to additional chocolate. Once the nausea is gone, your veterinarian may recommend a bland diet for a couple of days.

Watch for tremors, hyperactivity or seizures. If your pet is not eating and drinking, continues to vomit, has persistent diarrhea or still seems hyperactive, consult your veterinarian for additional recommendations.

Shelter Dog For You?

2011-09-01T19:44:00.000-07:00

What could be more rewarding than giving a second chance to a homeless dog who is desperately seeking a loving home?!

You could help a dog whose family moved and decided not to take him along, or one who was born a stray in an empty warehouse, or give your love to a dog rescued from an abusive home... Whatever his story, there is a dog out there who wants to put his sad life chapters behind him and write a happy ending with you.

Most pets are in shelters for reasons that are no fault of their own - either their previous owners' issues or plain bad luck. So do not fear that by adopting a homeless dog you will be getting "damaged material". Shelter dogs are often extremely loving and eager to win your heart.

By adopting a rescue dog, you are not only giving a grateful pooch a new leash on life, you will gain a faithful friend who will brighten every day. As a bonus, rescue dogs are usually already spayed or neutered, vaccinated, licensed, and sometimes even trained!

How do you find a rescue dog who is perfect for you?

Here are some tips:

1.Research the shelter and rescue group options in your area. Check the Internet, talk to your veterinarian and pet-loving friends, and do not be afraid to call these facilities and ask questions. Most rescue groups are quite humane and clean, but you still should do your homework to be sure they are right for you.

2. Remember to think with your head. When you are looking at those adorable doggie faces, it is easy to make a decision based purely on what your heart feels. BEFORE, you go looking for the perfect dog, seriously think about the canine characteristics that will be best for your family and home, and stick to those guidelines while at the shelter.

3. List what you are looking for in a dog. Go to the shelter with a plan. Tell the staff why you want a dog, and they will help you find the right one for you. Do you want a jogging partner, a lap dog, a hunting dog, a companion for the kids.....? Do you want a puppy or would you like to rescue an old dog? Small, large? Long-haired, short-haired?...

4. Consider your finances and lifestyle. Pets are a lifetime commitment, and they deserve the best care possible. Will your pocketbook allow you to feed a dog a quality diet, provide him with the supplies his needs to nurture his daily life, and give him adequate preventative and emergency medical care? Do you have plenty of available time to spend with a dog? Do not adopt a dog only to find that you do not have time or money for him. This is never fair to any pet.

5. Take your time when making this big decision. Do not rush into pet ownership. Take the time needed to find the right dog and get to know him. Several visits to the dog at the shelter may be best before taking him home. Also, take the time to be sure your house is ready for the new family member.

6. Visit with the dogs outside their cages. A shelter is a stressful environment. The other animals and all the noise may make a dog nervous and unsocial or over-exuberant to win your attention. Taking a dog outside or to a private visiting room will give you the opportunity to get to know the dog's true personality.

7. Interact with the dog. Do not just say, "He's cute, I'll take him." If the staff will allow you, walk him, play with him, find out if he knows any commands or tricks, give him a snack... Get to know the dog, and let him get to know you.

8. Allow the dog to meet all members of the family. Bring Mom, Dad, kids, even other pets if the shelter allows it. Be sure the dog you are considering for adoption is comfortable with the whole family.

9. Talk to the staff. The staff members are handy tools for helping you learn more about the dog, his likes and dislikes, his quirks, his health, etc. The staff members spend a lot of time with these rescue dogs and have gotten to know them well.

10. Evaluate the dog's health and body condition. Check for discharge from the dog's eyes and nose. Is the dog coughing, sneezing, etc.? Note the dog's gait. Is the dog overweight or underweight? Check for fleas and ticks. Check the condition of the teeth. If you see any issues in these areas, talk to your vet and/or the shelter staff about them. Learn what you can do to resolve any health problems, and think about whether you are willing to do so.

11. Bring needed supplies on adoption day. Be prepared, and help your dog feel welcome. Bring a collar, leash, blanket for the car seat, and possibly a toy on the day of adoption. Try to make your dog's transition as stress-free and calm as possible.

12. Do not expect everything to go perfectly. There will be struggles. Remember your dog will be a little nervous in his new home, and he will not immediately know your expectations. The rules and ways of his previous home probably were not the same as they are in his current home. BE PATIENT as your dog adjusts.

13. Show him your love. Give your new dog abundant time, attention, and affection. This is especially important during his adjustment period. Help him feel wanted and comfortable.

Shelter Volunteer, Is It For You?

2011-08-31T20:19:00.000-07:00

Have you considered becoming a shelter volunteer?

Shelters and humane societies around the world depend on volunteers who come in each weekend for several hours. Their job is to find out what sort of pet a person is looking for and carries a sheet with the location of all the different breeds – and the temperament. Because volunteers work with the animals daily, they know what type of family is suited to each pet. The volunteers are vitally interested in making the right fit, because they do not want to see an animal returned.

Becoming a shelter volunteer is not for the faint-of-heart. Taking care of hundreds of dogs and cats is possibly one of the easier aspects of the job, but the hardest part is the knowledge that many animals will have to be put down after a certain amount of time, or if they pose a threat to other animals or people.

The most common feeling most new volunteers go through is the overwhelming desire to rescue them all. That is why shelters normally do not allow volunteers to adopt any animal for the first 6 months; without that rule, the temptation to fill one's home with otherwise hard-luck pets would be just too great. There is always that one special kitten or puppy.

Instead, volunteers rejoice over singular victories connecting pets with people.

Volunteers perform a plethora of services. They help feed the animals, clean the cages and, of course, help people find lifetime companions. Volunteers also help transport animals between shelters and clinics to perform veterinary services. Some volunteers help educate children in the importance of responsible pet ownership. A few volunteers will "foster" animals that need special care and cannot be housed with the general pet population.

Shelters are very flexible in the hours. Every extra hour donated is helpful, but many volunteers have a tough time staying away.

People become volunteers for different reasons.

Volunteering is a good way to encourage a lifetime of community service. Shelters accept volunteers at different ages, but usually a person must be at least 14 or 15. Teenagers can also earn community service credits by volunteering at shelters.

Finally, volunteering at a shelter is an excellent family activity. Each member learns the importance of kindness, responsibility and how even one person can make a difference.

National Dog Day

2011-08-28T14:25:00.000-07:00

Did you know that yesterday (August 26th) was National Dog Day?

This special holiday was created in 2004 for two special purposes: to honor dogs and to rescue dogs from homelessness and abuse.

I honored my dog by taking her and her two girlfriends (and mine) to the beach. We all had a marvelous time as it was one of Washington's perfect sunny and warm day at the coast.

Dogs are an important part of our lives. Not only do they give us unconditional love, loyalty, companionship and comfort, they also help us in so many ways. They are trusted watchdogs that keep our families safe. Police and military dogs, bomb-sniffing dogs and search-and-rescue dogs put their lives on the line every day to help save human lives. Guide dogs are devoted to serving their blind companions. Service dogs assist disabled.

Dogs give so much to us - so honoring their noble efforts is a really nice idea.

But as much as dogs help us, there are also so many dogs out there that need US to help THEM. That's why the second goal of National Dog Day is to help save dogs from homelessness and abuse.

• Rescue a dog if you can - If you're thinking about rescuing a new dog, here are some good tips:

1. Research the shelter and rescue group options in your area. Check the Internet, talk to your veterinarian and pet-loving friends, and do not be afraid to call these facilities and ask questions. Most rescue groups are quite humane and clean, but you still should do your homework to be sure they are right for you.

2. Remember to think with your head. When you are looking at those adorable doggie faces, it is easy to make a decision based purely on what your heart feels. BEFORE, you go looking for the perfect dog, seriously think about the canine characteristics that will be best for your family and home, and stick to those guidelines while at the shelter.

3. List what you are looking for in a dog. Go to the shelter with a plan. Tell the staff why you want a dog, and they will help you find the right one for you. Do you want a jogging partner, a lap dog, a hunting dog, a companion for the kids.....? Do you want a puppy or would you like to rescue an old dog? Small, large? Long-haired, short-haired?...

4. Consider your finances and lifestyle. Pets are a lifetime commitment, and they deserve the best care possible. Will your pocketbook allow you to feed a dog a quality diet, provide him with the supplies his needs to nurture his daily life, and give him adequate preventative and emergency medical care? Do you have plenty of available time to spend with a dog? Do not adopt a dog only to find that you do not have time or money for him. This is never fair to any pet.

5. Take your time when making this big decision. Do not rush into pet ownership. Take the time needed to find the right dog and get to know him. Several visits to the dog at the shelter may be best before taking him home. Also, take the time to be sure your house is ready for the new family member.

6. Visit with the dogs outside their cages. A shelter is a stressful environment. The other animals and all the noise may make a dog nervous and unsocial or over-exuberant to win your attention. Taking a dog outside or to a private visiting room will give you the opportunity to get to know the dog's true personality.

7. Interact with the dog. Do not just say, "He is cute, I will take him." If the staff will allow you, walk him, play with him, find out if he knows any commands or tricks, give him a snack... Get to know the dog, and let him get to know you.

8. Allow the dog to meet all members of the family. Bring Mom, Dad, kids, even other pets if the shelter allows it. Be sure the dog you are considering for adoption is comfortable with the whole family.

9. Talk to the staff. The staff members are handy tools for helping you learn more about the dog, his likes and dislikes, his quirks, his health, etc. The staff members spend a lot of time with these rescue dogs and have gotten to know them well.

10. Evaluate the dog's health and body condition. Check for discharge from the dog's eyes and nose. Is the dog coughing, sneezing, etc.? Note the dog's gait. Is the dog overweight or underweight? Check for fleas and ticks. Check the condition of the teeth. If you see any issues in these areas, talk to your vet and/or the shelter staff about them. Learn what you can do to resolve any health problems, and think about whether you are willing to do so.

11. Bring needed supplies on adoption day. Be prepared, and help your dog feel welcome. Bring a collar, leash, blanket for the car seat, and possibly a toy on the day of adoption. Try to make your dog's transition as stress-free and calm as possible.

12. Do not expect everything to go perfectly. There will be struggles. Remember your dog will be a little nervous in his new home, and he will not immediately know your expectations. The rules and ways of his previous home probably were not the same as they are in his current home. BE PATIENT as your dog adjusts.

13. Show him your love. Give your new dog abundant time, attention, and affection. This is especially important during his adjustment period. Help him feel wanted and comfortable.

Dogs and Motion Sickness

2011-08-24T17:33:00.000-07:00

Did you know that motion sickness could also affect your dog?

Motion sickness is an illness associated with motion – as in a car, a boat or an airplane. Since vacations typically involve traveling, dogs prone to motion sickness do not always enjoy the trek to the final destination.

The cause of motion sickness is stimulation of the vestibular apparatus located within the inner ear. When this apparatus is stimulated, your dog feels dizzy and nausea may develop. Usually, the signs of motion sickness stop when the vehicle stops moving. Pets afflicted with motion sickness begin drooling, feel nauseated and may even develop vomiting or diarrhea. If your pet is known to experience motion sickness that is not easily treated, you may want to reconsider bringing him/her along on vacation.

Treatment

There are various ways to treat and even overcome motion sickness.

Frequently, the signs of motion sickness can be overcome by conditioning the pet to travel. Slow, short and frequent trips in the vehicle, gradually increasing length of the ride, can help condition your dog.

Some dogs cannot be conditioned and medication is necessary. Commonly used medications to help reduce the nausea associated with motion sickness include diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), meclizine (Bonine®) and dimenhydrinate (Dramamine®). These medications are available without a prescription but should never be used unless specifically recommended by a veterinarian. Proper dosage and use are crucial to treating and diminishing the signs of motion sickness.

For some pets, the motion sickness and anxiety associated with travel is so severe that sedatives are necessary. Commonly used sedatives include acepromazine and phenobarbital. These are available by prescription and should be used with caution in animals traveling by airplane because of the possibility of side effects. In a cargo hold, there is little direct supervision of animals, so side effects may go unnoticed. In addition, there is little chance that a pet can receive medical help while the airplane is in the air.

Previous blogs discussed both traveling on an airplane with your dog and whether or not to sedate your dog.

Sedate or Not?

2011-08-23T18:46:00.000-07:00

Ready for vacation with your dog........question is should you sedate your pet for the trip or not?

If you were going to be stuck in a dark, cool cargo area near a roaring airplane engine, you would want to be sedated. So it would be natural to assume your pet would prefer this as well. Unfortunately, what you and your pet prefer may not be what is safe or even necessary.

Sedatives have been used for years to calm pets and reduce nervousness, usually in association with thunderstorms or fireworks. Sedatives have also been used to reduce fear that may develop during air travel. Sedatives are commonly used to calm extremely fearful pets, those prone to severe separation anxiety and overactive pets. In these situations, sedatives reduce the potential for self-injury.

Disadvantages

For most pets, sedatives are not highly recommended by veterinarians. Even nervous pets, once they are in a carrier in a quiet dark place, typically calm down and most even go to sleep. The primary disadvantage of sedating pets for air travel is that there is no one to check on them nor offer medical care if problems arise. As with any drug, sedatives have side effects. The most profound and potentially life threatening problem associated with sedation is the effect on blood pressure.

Most sedatives lower the blood pressure which can make your pet groggy and cold. Cargo cabins are not heated and, in cold weather, are quite cool. This cool environment, accompanied by lower blood pressure and a colder body temperature, can result in hypothermia. If left untreated, hypothermia and low blood pressure can be fatal. Another concern is that the effect of high altitude on the action of sedatives is unknown. What is known is that sedative use has been implicated as a contributing factor to many pet air travel deaths.

Even for those pets that may benefit from sedation, the owner must be thoroughly aware of all the complications, side effects and risks of using a sedative. You and your pet would probably be safer and have a much more pleasant vacation if sedatives were not included.

For airline restrictions and guidelines check previous blog.

Thinking of Flying with Your Dog?

2011-08-22T18:31:00.000-07:00

Each airline has separate rules for flying with your dog. Some have pet embargo rules, which result in times during the year that pet travel is not allowed. Some airlines no longer accept pets and rely on special pet carrier or animal transport companies.

Make sure you check with the airline well in advance regarding their pet travel rules, as they can change without notice. The following are some of the rules of individual airlines:

Continental Airlines

As with most airlines, Continental allows small pets to travel in the cabin. For those pets traveling alone, Continental has brought in a new program called PetSafe QuickPak Cargo. Under their program, you reserve space for your pet well in advance and reconfirm those reservations 24 hours before flight time. Pets should be checked in as cargo from a special QuickPak Desk near the ticketing counter, one hour prior to flight time. The 24-hour help-desk will create an itinerary for your pet (depending on origin and destination temperatures). If your pet does not fly as reserved, you get your money back.

Continental has no specific pet embargo dates. If the temperature of the destination or arrival airport is over 85 degrees or less than 10 degrees Fahrenheit, your pet will not be allowed to fly cargo that day. For pets over 7 years of age, Continental strongly recommends a heart examination and bloodwork to make sure there is no underlying liver or kidney damage prior to flying.

If your pet is small enough to fly as carry-on, the charge is $75 each way ($150 round trip).

Delta Airlines

Delta has instituted a pet embargo from May 15 to Sept. 15. This means that no pets are allowed to fly cargo during these dates. Pets are still allowed as carry-on anytime throughout the year, but the kennel must be able to fit under the seat in front of you. If your pet is transported as carry-on or is traveling with you as cargo, the cost is $75 each way. If your pet travels by plane alone, there is a substantial cost difference. You will be able to pre-book a maximum of 7 days in advance and a minimum of 1 day of the desired flight. Upon arrival in the destination city, pets will be delivered to the Delta cargo facility within 60 minutes.

United Airlines

As with other airlines, pets are allowed as carry-on anytime during the year but there are size and number of pets limitations. If your pet travels as carry-on with you, the charge is $75 each way. Pets can also be shipped as cargo. United has no specific pet embargo dates. If the temperature of the destination or arrival airport is over 85 degrees or less than 10 degrees Fahrenheit, your pet will not be allowed to fly cargo that day.

American Airlines

American also has a pet embargo from May 15 to September 15. As with other airlines, small pets can accompany you as carry-on. If traveling with an owner, the cost is $8each way. Prices vary if your pet is traveling alone. Exceptions will be made for service animals and official bomb-and drug-sniffing dogs (with documentation).

There are temperature restrictions. According to www.aa.com, "Pets can not be accepted when the current or forecasted temperature is above 85 degrees Fahrenheit at any location on the itinerary (75 degrees Fahrenheit for snub-nosed dogs and snub-nosed cats). Pets can not be accepted when the ground temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit at any location on the itinerary unless the pet has a veterinarian's statement of low temperature acclimation (see www.aa.com) When temperatures fall below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, pets may not be checked even with a statement of low temperature acclimation."

US Airways

US Airways also has no specific embargo dates. Pet travel is prohibited when the outside temperature is over 85 degrees or under 10 degrees Fahrenheit. US Airways does not allow pets to travel in the cargo hold anymore because of extreme temperatures in Phoenix and Las Vegas, where they have two large hubs. The exception is shuttle routes between New York LaGuardia, Boston, and Washington National Airport. They do not allow pets to travel to Hawaii due to state agricultural rules. Pets traveling as carry-on cost $75 each way. For pets flying cargo, costs are based on weight and destination. Complete details are at usairways.com. US Airways (480) 693-5754.

Northwest Airlines

Northwest has no specific embargo dates and determines if pet travel is allowed by daily temperature. Pet travel is prohibited when the outside temperature is over 85 degrees or under 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Pets traveling as carry-on cost $80 each way. For pets flying cargo, costs are based on weight and destination.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest does not allow pets to fly at any time.

Next question: to sedate or not to sedate?

Pros and cons next blog....

Entrepreneur of the Dog World

2011-08-20T21:10:00.000-07:00

I came across a very clever entrepreneur in the world of dog products. Molly put her idea to action and created the dog duvet.

Check out her story....

Be sure to visit Molly's website and blog.

Pets Help People

2011-08-18T21:38:00.000-07:00

Tests have shown that owning a pet can help people attain a better level of physical health. Petting your animal, be it dog, cat, rabbit or ferret, can lower your heart rate and your blood pressure and even promote healing. So can riding your horse or watching fish in an aquarium. Also, recent studies show that having pets at work lowers stress levels and makes employees more productive.

But pets can help us in other ways, too. They help us to relax and focus on things other than our problems. No matter how depressed you might be, and no matter how much you want to curl up on your bed and stay there for the day, your pet can coax you out – even if only to feed him and let him out the door. When you have a pet, you cannot drop out of the world; you have to stay involved.

Pets fulfill the natural craving we have for emotional relationships. Whenever we do something for another living thing, we feel better about ourselves. Here are some other ways pets make us feel better:

A Cure for Loneliness

Pets can help us to feel less lonely and isolated. Feeling needed also works to foster positive feelings. Ask the many elderly citizens or people living alone. Pets give a sense of purpose; they always need something – food, a walk, a stroke and a kind word, and they are usually appreciative. As an added benefit, if you leash up your dog and take a walk through the neighborhood or through a dog-friendly park, more than likely someone will talk to you. Studies have shown that people walking with a dog talk to new people far more often than if the dog was not with them.

Coming home to your pet gives you something to look forward to. Dogs may score highest in "greetings," but most pets are delighted to see their owners walk through the door and will show it in some way. If you have a pet, you are not alone.

Someone to Love

If you love your pet, that love comes back to you tenfold. And it is love of the best kind – unconditional and enduring. Animals offer this love, along with reliable companionship – often for a lot less trouble than having a relationship with a human. No matter how cranky you get, your pet always forgives you and continues to show affection.

Physical Contact

When your purring cat sits cuddled in your lap, all is right with the world. Cuddling and stroking your pet is good for you and helps you to forget about your bad day at work or your boredom. Your bird perched on your shoulder, your puppy licking your face, or stroking your horse's mane help to promote a sense of pleasure and calmness.

Someone to Talk To

It is a known fact that talking things out relieves a lot of internal pressure, but just having someone to talk to makes a difference, too. Talk about anything – your pet will listen, and, even better, he will not disagree. Share your thoughts, feelings, troubles, worries – or say something stupid – your pet will still love you. You may find that by talking things out, you may come up with your own solutions.

Sense of Security

Certain animals promote a sense of safety. Your dog will bark to warn you of impending danger, and even your cat will wake you if there is smoke in the house. But the sense of having someone with you is often enough to make you feel less anxious and more secure.

Motivation to Move

If your pet needs to be walked every day, you will be exercising – whether you want to or not. Walking with your dog also helps you to deal with the physical stress reactions you have acquired during your day. Walking gives you an opportunity to get outside and breathe fresh air. Let your pet teach you how to appreciate the outdoors.

The Human-animal Bond

The strength of the human-animal bond is not a myth. Although life with a pet is not always easy, the joy of pet ownership can be a wonderful experience. A snuggle from your cat or a slurpy kiss from your dog promotes very special feelings and creates a human/animal bond that can last for many years.

Dogs Help Heart-Disease Patients

2011-08-17T19:04:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is true that dogs can help heart-disease patients according studies conducted in 1980 and 1995 at Brooklyn College.

Pet ownership ranked highest – above even such factors as a spouse or a supportive family – in determining the patient's prognosis for long-term survival, according to a study of how psychological factors contribute to recovery rates for heart-disease patients.

"The effect of pet ownership on survival was independent of the severity of the cardiovascular disease," said Dr. Erika Friedmann, who worked on the study. "That is, among people with equally severe disease, pet owners were less likely to die than non-owners."

Second Study Replicates First

Fifteen years after the first results were in, Friedmann and her colleagues replicated the original study, this time extending it to a larger number of subjects. Researchers studied 369 patients who had experienced myocardial infarctions and had ventricular arrhythmias (life-threatening, irregular heartbeats), and divided them into two groups: those who owned dogs and those who did not.

Friedmann found that 19 of the 282 patients who did not own dogs died within a year after having a heart attack. Of the 87 patients who owned a dog, only one died. The researchers concluded that dog owners were approximately 8.6 times more likely to be alive in one year as those who did not own dogs.

As in the first study, the association of dog ownership with survival could not be explained by differences in the severity of the illness. Nor could psychological, social status, or demographic characteristics account for the difference in recovery rates, Friedmann noted.

"One could argue that because dog owners exercise their animals, they are generally healthier than non-dog owners," she said. "However, when we compared physiological profiles of dog owners and non-dog owners, there were no significant differences, suggesting that the relationship itself with the animal was the key predictor of survival rates."

Researchers believe there is also evidence that pets can act as anti-arousal agents in some kinds of moderately stressful situations, that they help lower cholesterol levels, keep blood pressure down, and also help promote positive interactions with others.

For heart attack patients,
that may be just what the doctor ordered.

Relax

2011-08-16T20:54:00.000-07:00

Now I know why all I wanted to do today was to
relax in my hammock and read.

Today is National Relaxation Day!

For those history buffs....

It was first celebrated by the British in 2001. They called it "National Slacker Day". Over the past several years the idea has caught in the United States. Instead, we call it "National Relaxation Day" and its purpose is to promote leisure and wellness activities.

Dogs definitely know how to relax!

Happy Dog Secrets

2011-08-11T21:26:00.000-07:00

What is it that makes a dog a truly happy dog?

FIVE SECRETS

1. Happiness is getting a move on. Just like people, dogs feel great when they are in good shape. Different dogs require different amounts of exercise, but giving your dog a daily chance to run will help your dog stay happy and healthy.

2. Happiness is preventing health problems. Be sure to prevent problems before they start as your dog cannot tell you when he/she does not feel well. Take your dog to the veterinarian regularly.

3. Happiness is mental stimulation. Give your dog plenty of chances to meet new people and dogs. Take your dog out into nature to sniff. Give your dog puzzles to solve.......such as finding a toy or treat.

4. Happiness is the right foods in the right amounts. Choose a well-known dog food, and do not overfeed your dog with too many treats or snacks between meals.

5. All you need is love; most dogs love to be petted. Give you dog at least five minutes of your full attention and lots of petting daily.

Way Too Hot!

2011-08-09T20:33:00.000-07:00

I am sure most of you know about not leaving your dog in a car in the summertime, even for only 10 minutes.

Here is a video which not only talks about the dangers, but also suggests what to do if you find a dog in a car on a hot day.

Children Learn From Dogs

2011-08-07T21:19:00.000-07:00

Parents often bring a pet into the family to teach kids a sense of responsibility, or perhaps to provide an only child with a playmate. But children often learn something more fundamental about themselves and the world: how to empathize with others, how to understand subtle feelings and how to look at the world from a vastly different perspective.

Children learn how the world and living things are interconnected because pets stimulate curiosity and build empathy. On the emotional level, pets can teach children many things:

Communication: Children learn the subtle cues their pets give them to indicate their feelings. They can later apply this lesson to human interaction because they are more attuned to watching for body posture.

Empathy: Children often become curious about the emotions their pets feel. This curiosity will extend itself to others. Animals offer an avenue for children to explore their curiosity which can lead to hope and to greater engagement with the world around them.

Nurturing skills: If properly supervised by adults, a child learns how to take care of another living being, and take pleasure in keeping the pet healthy and happy.

Confidence: Children go through life under constant evaluation. They are rated by their behavior, grades and athletic performance. This is especially true of middle school children. Pets have no such expectations; they are delighted that the child is with them. Pets give children the sense of unconditional acceptance, no judging or rating is involved.

Resilience to change: Children who undergo traumatic experiences often cope better when they have a pet to confide in. Loneliness is very challenging to children, and having an animal companion can make them feel a part of something.

A study published in 2000 explored the relationship between pets and children. Specifically, the study, conducted by a child psychologist in New Mexico, looked at the effect dog ownership had on 10- to 12-year-old children. The researcher, Robert E. Bierer, Ph.D., was surprised at the difference in empathy and self-esteem between preadolescents who owned a dog and those who did not.

Bierer's conclusions support the growing body of evidence that shows dog ownership has "statistically significant" impact on self-esteem and sensitivity toward others. He noted that teachers, parents and other children have expectations for a child to fulfill. A pet has no such measures of success or failure; acceptance is total, which provides a sense of self worth.

Pets also teach children about the importance of taking care of themselves. When they understand the importance of taking care of their pet, taking care of themselves becomes a natural transition.

This does not necessarily mean that all children are ready for pet ownership. Parents should first make sure their child desires a pet before rushing out to get one. Together, they should decide what type of pet is best. Moreover, do not assume your child will take care of the dog. The ultimate responsibility usually falls on the parent, not the kid, to make sure the pet is healthy.

Another Idea on Dog Training

2011-08-04T17:19:00.000-07:00

Here is another dog training idea to correct unwanted behavior:

NOISE

Noise can be a powerful deterrent. Snakes and geese use hissing sounds to scare predators away. Other animals (including domestic pets) have an instinctive sensitivity to this hissing sound – when they hear it, they stop dead in their tracks.

The Corrector™ is a favorite behavioral product in Europe, and now it is available for American dog owners. It uses that natural hissing sound as a training tool that can stop problem behaviors

The Pet Corrector is an aerosol can that emits a blast of compressed air – and like a snake’s hiss, that unwelcome “hiss” of air will interrupt your dog’s undesirable behavior.

It is really easy to use. Just spray the Pet Corrector near your dog when it does an undesirable behavior. It will automatically disrupt the cycle if used repeatedly and consistently while it sends a message to your dog that his actions are not acceptable. Once your dog complies, reward him by saying “Good dog” and you might also give him a treat in the beginning.

Here it is in action....

It is inexpensive and might be something to try first in dog training for unwanted behaviors.

If this training tool is not effective, try one of these collars at Training Collar Source that are proven safe, and highly effective.

Doggie IQ

2011-08-02T17:04:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered how smart your dog really is?

Do you question if your pet understands the words you are saying, or if he is simply reacting to your tone of voice?

Most dogs have the mental abilities of a two-year old child. They can understand up to 150 words and can count to 4 or 5. If you compare this to most other animals, this is considered pretty smart in the Animal Kingdom.

Just like in humans, there are different kinds of intelligence. For dogs, there are two basic kinds: Instinctive and adoptive intelligence. Instinctive intelligence comes with the breed and the type of dog, so certain dogs and dog breeds have inherent differences in natural ability.

But there is also a learning ability, and this can include environmental learning, social learning, language comprehension, and task learning. This is similar to humans - some human beings are better at math or logic questions, and others may fare better at creative solutions to problems or interpersonal relationships.

But these strengths are not better than the other - they are simply different types of intelligence. The same theory works for different dogs - so while your dog may do well at one kind of test or another, it may not be due to intelligence as much as the dog's natural ability to achieve those results as well as their own way of looking and thinking through a problem.

Here are some standard tests you can do with your dog, as well as a scoring system to keep track of intelligence. Make these tests fun for your dog - treat them like games. Do not try them all in one day! No matter how high or low they score - give them lots of love and positive attention afterwards.

Towel test:
Take a large towel or blanket and gently place it over your dog's head.
If he frees himself from the towel in less than 15 seconds, give him 3 points. If it takes 15-30 seconds, 2 points. Longer than 30 seconds earns 1 point.

Bucket test:
Place a dog treat or a favorite toy under one of three buckets placed next to each other. Let the dog know which bucket the treat is under, than turn the dog away for a few seconds. Then, let her find the treat. If she immediately goes to the correct bucket give her 3 points. If she takes two attempts, score 2 points. If your dog looks under the other two buckets first, score 1 point.

Favorite spot:
With your dog out of the room, rearrange the furniture. When he re-enters the room, if he goes directly to his favorite spot give him 3 points. If it takes him 30 seconds to investigate before he finds his spot, give him 2 points. If he decides on a new area completely, score 1 point.

Chair puzzle:
Place a treat under a table or chair low enough so your dog can only fit her paw and cannot fit her head. If your dog figures how to reach the treat within one minute, score 3 points. If she uses her paws and nose, score 2 points. If your dog gives up, score 1 point.

Go for a walk! On a day or time you normally do not walk your dog, quietly pick up your keys, and his leash while he's watching you. If he gets excited immediately, score 3 points. If you have to walk to the door before he knows it's time to go out, score 2 points. If he sits and just looks confused give him 1 point.

Barrier test:
Construct a barrier from cardboard that is 5 feet wide and taller than your dog when she's on two legs, so she cannot see over it. Attach two boxes to either side as support structures. In the center of the cardboard, cut a 3 inch-wide rectangular aperture - it should run from about 4 inches from the top to about 4 inches from the bottom. (This way, the dog can see through the barrier but cannot physically get through.) Toss a toy or treat to the other side of the barrier, or have someone stand on the other side. If your dog walks around the barrier within 30 seconds, give her 3 points. If she goes around the barrier between 30 seconds and one minute, give 2 points. If she gets her head stuck in the aperture trying to get through, give her 1 point for effort!

Scoring and results
16 points or higher - Brilliant!
13 to 16 points - Well above average
9 to twelve points - Average
5 to 8 points - Below average
1 to 4 points - Not the brightest kibble in the bag, but we still love 'em!

This testing can be fun, and can give you a general idea about your dog's intelligence, but wise pet owners maintain their own criteria. Your dog may not win the Nobel Prize, or even first place at a dog trial - he may even lose his favorite ball once in awhile - but when it comes to making us happy and feel good, most of our pets are just downright brilliant!

Exercise, Exercise, and More Exercise

2011-07-31T20:51:00.000-07:00

The opportunity to get adequate exercise is arguably one of the most important aspects of environmental enrichment for your dog.

Exercise is not only fun but it also generates mental dividends that last daylong.

Most people think they are doing the right thing for their dog if they take him for a mile walk every day, or turn him out in the back yard to sniff around when nature calls, but that is merely scratching the surface.

Twenty to thirty minutes of aerobic (running) exercise is minimal for a healthy dog.

This can be provided by throwing a tennis ball or a Frisbee for the dog to catch, or by taking him for a jog or an off-lead hike over open terrain. Even this level of exercise may not be enough for some young, highly energetic, athletic dogs.

As long as a dog is physically capable, the more exercise he gets the better.

Remember, a tired dog is a good dog! Exercise generates mood-stabilizing serotonin within the brain producing a feeling of well-being and mental stability.

Ways to Beat Doggie Boredom

2011-07-28T18:44:00.000-07:00

Many people wonder if their dogs can get bored and the answer is YES, they can. Imagine if you were locked alone in a house all day with nothing to do! Boredom is very real and it is a very big problem for dogs today.

Here are five ways to defeat boredom-for good.

1. New Tricks - One of the best ways to show love and spend quality time with your dogs is to teach them new tricks. It will take some time and practice, but it will provide great mental stimulation and help keep your dog engaged.

2. Physical Exercise - Running and playing with your dog is another great way to fight boredom. Fetch, wrestling, or racing are simple ways to tire out your dogs before you leave so they will take a long nap when you go instead of pacing around an empty house.

3. Puzzle Games - You can find lots of puzzle games that will keep your dog entertained. But, if you want to save some money, you can simply put some food or treats into a box that your dog must open to eat.

4. Socialization - Meeting new dogs and new people is quite an interesting experience for your dog. Boredom is easily defeated when your dog is making a new friend: canine, human, or otherwise.

5. New Toys - New toys are a great way to keep your dog entertained.

Changing of the Guards

2011-07-26T14:55:00.000-07:00

This video gives new meaning to the concept of the
"changing of the guards".

What a clever dog!

Wonder who trained who?

Is Your Dog a Cuddler?

2011-07-25T11:48:00.000-07:00

Some dogs are sort of aloof, and others are lap dogs or real "cuddlers". What is it in their personality that makes them different? This is somewhat of a mystery.

What makes one dog standoffish and another dog extremely affectionate? It probably has a lot to do with their genetic make-up as well as their socialization skills. From an early age, your dog's breed and socialization skills (both pet-to-pet and pet-to-human) have an impact on his behavior.

This makes sense when you think about people - no two are alike. Some families and cultures are more "touchy-feely" than others. Some people like to cuddle and others don't.

The reason a dog likes to cuddle with you or with his toys probably has a lot to do with both bonding and comfort. Puppies cuddled with their mothers and littermates for warmth, and undoubtedly this gave them comfort. Dogs that are submissive are often more apt to cuddle and be near their gentle leader.

Make sure any cuddle toy that you give to your dog is also durable and safe. Supervise your dog's play and make sure that he does not ingest any parts of the toy that can cause a life-threatening gastrointestinal obstruction.

Dog Power

2011-07-24T17:42:00.000-07:00

There are working dogs that herd sheep and cows. But there is also a very cool piece of equipment called Dog Power.

Animals have been used on farms worldwide for millenniums. Horses, mules, donkeys and oxen were by far, the favorite species for most animal powered equipment. However, tucked away in American small farm heritage is a contraption that harnessed the power of the dog.

This rare but useful piece of equipment, known as the "dog power" allowed the family dog to earn its keep around the farm. The dog power was invented to help with daily chores like pumping water from a well, washing clothes, separating cream from milk and churning butter. Think of the dog power as a "doggy treadmill" that converts the dog's walking motion to power the equipment.

Maybe it is time to bring back this contraption?!

Cheer Up The Lonely

2011-07-11T23:06:00.000-07:00

Did you know that July 11th is National Cheer Up The Lonely Day?

Pets bring such joy into people's lives. One of the Comfort Care Therapists on the team at Providence Hospice in Olympia, Washington, Anne Howie takes her trained dogs to various locations to make this connection between dogs and humans.

There is something very special about how the presence of a dog melts the heart and soul of those who come into contact with them.

Today, bring a smile to someone who is lonely.

The Chase Is On.....

2011-06-23T19:55:00.001-07:00

Did you ever wonder why dogs like the game of chase?

My dog, Ebony, will do whatever she can to get another dog to chase her. It is her favorite game. But she also likes to chase the cats, which DO NOT want to play and scatter out of sight.

Dogs chase cars for the same reasons they chase kids on bikes, cats, small animals and other dogs...they are either playing a game or they are hunting.

To some degree, chasing involves a dog's natural prey drive. In most socialized, well-adjusted dogs, the prey drive expresses itself as a canine tag game in which the dogs take turns being "it." The object is not necessarily to catch the other dog; the real fun is just running around.

Chasing balls or Frisbees is another good outlet for dogs' prey drive. Do you know a dog who is obsessed by chasing balls?

Here is Brinkley who must have two ball with him at all times. Who knows who will be the next softy to throw one of his balls?!

Puppy Power

2011-06-21T21:15:00.000-07:00

When gas prices overwhelm you, try alternative power.

Hope you had a good laugh!

Dogs At Work

2011-06-20T20:37:00.000-07:00

Friday, June 24th is the annual Take Your Dog To Work Day event. The event was created by Pet Sitters International which has been celebrating dogs napping in cubicles, lounging on office chairs, and assisting with keyboarding since 1999. Take Your Dog To Work Day (TYDTWD) is celebrating its thirteenth year!

TYDTWD encourages businesses to experience the joy of pets in the workplace for just one day to celebrate the great companions dogs make and to promote the need for pet adoption. It is ment to be a fun day, an opportunity to show off your dog, but the event also has a purpose. The idea behind TYDTWD is that when dogs are allowed into the workplace for this special event, people without dogs will see the loving bond their coworkers have with their pets, and will consider adopting orphaned pets of their own.

Participating businesses report that the opportunity to give back to the pet community and the fun employees have participating are key reasons they partake in the event.

Pet Sitters International and its 2011 campaign partners encourage businesses, shelters and pet lovers interested in celebrating their dogs and promoting pet adoption to visit the website to register support, download a free 2011 TYDTWDay Action Pack and enter the official 2011 TYDTWDay Photo Contest. You can find a "Win Over Your Boss" list on the website. Site visitors can also search for adoptable pets in their communities.

The Reverse Slurp

2011-06-16T19:58:00.000-07:00

Water is important to dogs.

A dog's body is comprise mainly of water as are we humans.

Water is the substrate in which all the chemicals of the body are dissolved, all cells are bathed, and all cell contents are suspended. It is also the essential vehicle of the circulatory system.

Check out this video which shows how a dog drinks and takes water into his mouth in slow motion. Very cool!

The reverse slurp.......

What Is Your Dog's Blood Type?

2011-06-14T20:29:00.000-07:00

In honor of World Blood Donor Day, which is today, I learned that dogs have blood types similar to humans.

What is blood typing?

Blood typing is a test that determines the blood type of an animal. Like people, dogs have different blood types. Blood typing can be crucial prior to a blood transfusion and determining the blood type can help reduce the risk of transfusion reactions. Since blood types do not change, this test is only needed once in a pet's life, as long as the results are recorded and readily available should future transfusions be needed.

Blood types in dogs.

In dogs, DEA 1.1 (Dog Erythrocyte Antigen) has been found to be the part of the blood type most likely to cause a transfusion reaction. The blood type in dogs is either DEA 1.1 positive or DEA 1.1 negative. There are however, other parts to the canine blood type, including DEA 1.2, DEA 3, DEA 4, DEA 5 and DEA 7. In order to determine the full blood type, blood needs to be submitted to a special laboratory.

How to determine blood types?

In order to perform a blood typing, your veterinarian must draw a blood sample. One drop of blood is placed in a well on a special card, impregnated with certain proteins. A drop of blood typing fluid is placed on the blood drop and mixed, and the fluid is rocked on the card for about one minute. The fluid is then examined for agglutination, which appears as clumping and resembles ground red pepper. In dogs, if agglutination is present, the dog is DEA 1.1 positive.

Some diseases and disorders result in agglutination of the blood. In these patients, it is not possible to determine the pet's blood type in a hospital setting. Their blood may need to be submitted to a special laboratory able to detect the blood type despite the presence of naturally occurring agglutination.

For dogs, a more extensive blood type may be needed. Since dogs have multiple parts to their blood type, the blood is submitted to a specific laboratory that is able to determine the dog's entire blood type.

Very interesting........

Dogs Shed

2011-06-12T20:36:00.000-07:00

Shedding is a continuous process. This is a normal event in the life of a dog and it is largely influenced by daylight.

There is a word for this phenomenon: photoperiod. The number of hours a dog is exposed to sunlight in a day (photoperiod) triggers the shedding process.

It is more noticeable in outdoor dogs in the spring and fall. Indoor dogs shed more consistently but in lesser amounts because of the artificial light inside the house.

Dogs tend to have heavier coats in the winter months than they do in the summer.

Stress and illness can cause excessive shedding. A chronically ill dog that is shedding may also suffer skin lesions, as well as scaling and thin and abnormally wrinkled skin.

What can you do about shedding? Providing your dog is just a normal shedding dog, here are some tips:

1. The first thing you can do to reduce the amount of hair in your home is to brush or comb your dog on a daily basis. This will help more than anything to reduce shedding. You are basically controlling the shedding.

2. Feed your dog a good quality dog food. Do not skimp. Stick with one of the premium brands.

3. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise. Healthy bodies promote a healthy haircoat.

4. Do not let your dog get fat. Keep your dog at an ideal weight. Obese dogs have difficulty grooming.

Dogs shed. Nothing will change that. But regular grooming will make the biggest difference.

Travel Ideas With Your Dog

2011-06-11T18:52:00.000-07:00

Vacationing with your dog?

Here are some travel ideas...

Throughout North America, many inns, lodges and Bed & Breakfast places allow pets. Some even have pet vacation packages available.

Once you have decided on a place to stay, you have many activities to chose from. Some people include their pets on walking tours through towns or historic areas. Hiking is also a popular activity. Some national parks allow pets but some do not. Make sure you check with the park service before planning your vacation.

Camping with your pet is another alternative. Again, if you plan to camp at a national park, check with the park service to make sure your dog will be welcome. Biking vacations are becoming more common and the number of people including their pets is growing. Even if you do not bring a bicycle with you, most towns have bike rental places that can supply the necessary equipment.

Water sports are yet another activity in which you can include your pet. Swimming, boating and fishing as well as traveling in canoes or pontoon boats are all possible. Depending on the breed, this may be the best vacation possible for a water loving dog.

And finally, for the wild at heart, you can even include your pet on a gondola tram ride over treacherous canyon or attach your dog to your waist, slap on some skis and go skijoring!

There are many activities available that you can enjoy with your pet. Remember, the most important part of any vacation is to have a wonderful relaxing time!!

Rescue Dog Check List

2011-06-09T20:27:00.000-07:00

Considering adopting a rescue dog?

Here are some tips from rescue experts for the best chance at a successful forever adoption:

1. Do not look at this a saving a dog, so much as looking for a lifelong pet. The rescues main concern should be to fit the dog to the family.

2. Find out whether the organization is a registered 501(c)(3)non-profit. If it handles any volume of dogs, it should be.

3. Call your local humane society to see it it is familiar with the rescue.

4. If you want a particular breed, contact the local breed club or go through the American Kennel Club national breed club's rescue coordinator or network.

5. The dog should be spayed or neutered and receive appropriate vaccinations before you take him/her home. Many rescued dogs also have microchips for easier identification.

6. If the rescue does not ask you plenty of questions, move on to another organization. They want to put each dog into a home for the rest of his/her life.

7. Your adopted dog should come with a written contract that says if for any reason you cannot keep him/her, you will return the dog to the rescue. Also, the rescue should offer a written record of where the dog came from, why it was surrendered, and any known health or behavior problems.

8. It is best if the dog you want to adopt has been in a foster home. The foster family has a chance to find out the dog's temperament and training level, and to identify any behavioral issues. This is not always possible.

9. Ask for references from people who have adopted from the rescue, then check them. If the organization will not put any of its previous adopters in touch with you, move on.

10. Take a good look at the dog to see if he/she is healthy and social.

Remember, it is worth all the work to have the right dog as a new member of your family.

Barbecue Bites

2011-06-06T21:49:00.000-07:00

Treat your dog to summertime barbecue with this tasty treat from Bubba Rose Biscuit Company where you can find handmade, all-natural, corn, wheat, and soy free dog treats using locally sourced organic ingredients.

Bubba Rose Biscuit Company Pawlickin' Chicken

Ingredients:
1 cup oat flour
1 cup brown rice flour
1 cup cooked ground chicken
1/2 cup oat bran
2 tablespoons barbecue sauce (one without onions)
1 egg
1/2 cup water

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2. In a bowl, combine all ingredients except water
3. Add water slowly and mix until a dough forms. (If the dough's too dry, add more water; too wet, add a bit more flour.
4. Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
5. Use cookie cutters to form biscuit shapes. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper (for easy clean up), and place the biscuits on the sheet. (The biscuits can be arranged fairly close together as they will not expand much during cooking.)
6. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer the biscuits to a wire rack and let cool completely. Store the biscuits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

South Beach Going to the Dogs

2011-06-02T20:02:00.000-07:00

It may be a winter destination due to the heat, but South Beach Florida has definitely gone to the dogs.

Lincoln Road is the "sit-stay" destination on South Beach for dogs. It is a 14-block-long outdoor pedestrian mall that is dog friendly. Every place to eat has an outdoor space where dogs are allowed to dine with their owners. Almost every bar, restaurant, and shop has a dog bowl outside, and the local Starbucks has a doggie "tie-out" station.

Most shops on Lincoln Road welcome dogs inside; ask first and use a leash. For fancy treats and organic food, walk your dog to the Dog Bar at the corner of Lincoln Road and Jefferson Avenue which has become known as the South Beach canine institution.

Ocean Drive bordering the Atlantic Ocean has become the neon epicenter of South Beach doggie culture. The famous News Cafe caters to some celebrities and their dogs.

Gansevoort Hotel at the north end of South Beach boasts of providing excellent service to its canine customers. Both the Loew's Miami Beach Hotel and The Ritz-Carlton on South Beach have pampered pooch programs. The Standard is the most dog friendly and swanky lodging on the island.

In addition, Flamingo Bark Park in Flamingo Park is where many dogs gather.

Sounds like a great place for doggie and me time.

Dock Diving Dogs

2011-05-31T20:24:00.000-07:00

A new craze.

Dock diving is growing in popularity.

DockDogs, the sport's ruling organization, sponsors events in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Competitions are divided into three categories:

Classic dock diving is known as the original Big Air long jump and requires the dog to run a 40-foot dock covered in safe footing material and dive out as far as possible. The distance is digitally measured where the dog's rump hits the water.

The Extreme Vertical requires the dog to vault into a high jump to snatch a target-toy hanging from an extended rod.

The Speed Retrieve requires the dog to swim a 40-foot-long pool and retrieve an object. The fastest garb wins.

For consistency and safety, rules state docks must be 8 feet wide and rest 2 feet about the minimum 4-foot deep water's surface in an area free from underwater obstructions and boat traffic. For landlocked locations, special pools are assembled to allow completions and demonstrations.

This video gives you and idea of the sport.

Notice the Golden Retriever has a different way to do it.

Dog Eating With Chop Sticks

2011-05-30T20:06:00.000-07:00

How are you at eating with chop sticks?

I found this video quite amusing and thought it worth sharing.

ENJOY!

Prison Dog Program

2011-05-29T15:56:00.000-07:00

In Washington in 1981 Sister Pauline Quinn help start the first prison dog program in the nation. The prisoners help train shelter dogs for adoption and service.

Sister Pauline Quinn had a very difficult life as a youngster until she developed a relationship with a dog. That is when her life changed dramatically.

Her original prison dog program, at Washington State Correction Center for Women, now trains 60 dogs a year, and many of them get advanced training to become Service Dogs and Seizure-Alert Dogs, changing the lives of those who need assistance. Equally important, the prison says that in the past three years 100 percent of the inmates in the program who have been release have found jobs.

Now there are prison dog programs all over the world. Stopping recidivism, ending the cycle, is one of the programs main goals.

Learn more about Pathways to Hope, see available dogs, and find out how you can help through this link.

Swimming Lessons For Dogs

2011-05-28T15:27:00.000-07:00

Not all dogs naturally take to the water. Some breeds such as Bulldogs, Dachshunds, and Basset Hounds need help propelling themselves through water.

A growing number of aquatic centers nationwide now give dog swimming lessons. Swimming, of course, helps arthritic dogs regain mobility, helps keep dogs in shape, and also loose weight. The facilities are designed with a dog's safety in mind, complete with slip resistant decking to wide pool steps for easy exit and entry. They do not even use eye-stinging chlorine, instead is a high-tech filtration system. The water is kept warm for puppies and older, arthritic dogs.

In northern California your dog will find a pool with jets at The Swimming Dog; outside Chicago the Carriage Hills Kennels opened a new indoor dog pool, and near Baltimore the Canine Fitness Center has two large dog pools.

What To Bring To The Kennel

2011-05-26T18:42:00.000-07:00

If you kennel your dog, what should you bring?

It is always a good idea to bring your dog's own food to the kennel. Abrupt changes in food commonly lead to diarrhea in many animals, especially when they are in a more stressful environment (i.e. away from home). In dogs that tend to get diarrhea when stressed, a high fiber diet while boarding may help. If your dog is on a special diet or has special dietary needs, make sure the kennel is aware of this, and that they follow your specific instructions.

If your dog has a special bed or favorite toy, ask if you can bring them with your pet. Familiar items from home will make your pet feel more comfortable while you are away.

The kennel should have several contact numbers available so, if needed, the appropriate people can be contacted in the event of an emergency. First, provide the number (if possible) where you can be reached while you are away. If you are unavailable, a friend or relative's number should be accessible. This person should be able to make any emergency decisions if needed. Discuss your wishes with this person prior to your leaving. The kennel should also have your veterinarian's number in case there are medical problems. This is even more important if there are any on going medical problems with your pet.

If your dog typically receives medications at home, they should be continued while boarding. Bring the medications with you to the kennel, and make sure the kennel is aware of the specific problem being treated.

If you do not feel that kenneling is appropriate for your pet, you may want to consider hiring a pet sitter. These animal loving people will come to your home to care for your pet. Some may even spend the night.

Kennels and Requirements

2011-05-24T20:00:00.000-07:00

Will you kennel your dog this summer?

Here are the requirements of most kennels

1. All dogs that are to be boarded should be healthy and free of contagious diseases. If your dog has a medical problem that is stable or currently under treatment, let the kennel know prior to boarding to make sure they are comfortable boarding your dog.

2. A kennel may require a health certificate from your veterinarian and proof of your dog's most recent vaccinations.

3. If your dog has fleas or other external or internal parasites, he or she should be treated prior to arrival or on admission to the kennel.

4. Certain kennels have very specific requirements regarding vaccinations. Do not assume that your dog has had all of the vaccinations required without checking with the kennel first. For example, some veterinarians are not routinely vaccinating each year for DHLPP (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus). This may be the veterinarian's general policy, or for specific health reasons of the individual animal. Other times, only one part of the DHLPP might be given. There is no generally accepted rule regarding vaccinations in dogs. In all cases, check with the kennel so that any discrepancies can be addressed prior to boarding. Sometimes, a letter from your veterinarian will be all that is required. Other times, additional vaccines may need to be given.

5. A kennel cough (bordetella) vaccination is a common vaccine required by kennels that may not be routinely given by your veterinarian. It is a vaccine that offers protection from bordetella bronchiseptica, a contagious infection that causes upper respiratory signs (mainly coughing) in dogs. The vaccine is given either subcutaneous or intranasally (via the nose). It is usually administered yearly, but some kennels may additionally require it shortly before boarding.

6. As a general rule, most kennels require DHLPP and kennel cough vaccinations to be given yearly, and rabies vaccines administered according to individual state law.

Next blog will give you some ideas of what to bring to the kennel

How to Pick a Kennel

2011-05-23T17:43:00.000-07:00

Traveling this summer?

If you must kennel your dog, kennels can range from the barebones to the ultra-fancy. What is most important is the general safety and the friendliness and competence of the staff.

What to Look For in a Kennel:

1. The first thing you should do is visit the kennel before you board. Most kennels welcome these visits, and it gives you a chance to see their facilities and ask specific questions. Your questions should be answered to your satisfaction, so that you will feel comfortable leaving your pet when you are away.

2. The kennel should be clean inside and out. Proper sanitation is one of the most important aspects of preventing the spread of contagious diseases. The cages and runs should look and smell clean. Animals that are currently boarding should be clean and appear well cared for. Look at the outdoor area where the dogs are walked. Waste material should be routinely removed, leaving the area relatively free of fecal material.

3. Getting a certain amount of exercise is important for each animal, but how much and how often depends on the individual dog's need and the ability of the kennel to offer these services. Discuss this with the kennel. Find out how often dogs are walked, or if they are allowed to run free in an enclosed area. Some kennels will give dogs extra walks or exercise time, but often at an additional charge. Still, the added activity may be well worth it for the active dog.

4. Indoors, the boarding facility should have adequate cage and run sizes, with larger cages for bigger dogs. Natural light from windows is great, but if not available, indoor lighting should adequate. The air should circulate well and not smell stagnant. Proper ventilation will significantly decrease the risk of disease transmission.

5. Find out how many animals are routinely boarded at a single time and the number of staff taking care of the animals. More people and fewer animals may mean more attention for the individual animals.

7. Some kennels have associations with specific veterinarians either on the premises or working nearby. Find out how sudden illness is addressed. The kennel's veterinarian may be the one contacted for treatment, or it might be your regular veterinarian. If you have a specific preference, discuss this with the kennel owner.

8. If your dog is on medication that is given several times a day, make sure that the kennel personnel are able to administer it appropriately. Some kennels may not be able to give medication as often as your pet requires.

9. Some boarding facilities offer an added benefit of grooming services. Consider having your dog groomed the day he or she is scheduled to go home. It is always nice for your dog to come back from the kennel smelling clean, fresh and newly groomed.

Next blog will focus on the requirements of a kennel.

New Travel Trend

2011-05-21T19:09:00.000-07:00

Travelers can be provided with dogs for companionship while staying at certain hotels. It is one way to meet people and also to be alone without being lonely.

At the Bedford Hotel in San Francisco, for many years Bill Kimpton has been visiting every day with his Collie Chianti. It has prompted about 15 hotels in the Kimpton Hotels & Restaurant chain to keep well-trained dogs on staff. The dogs (many are rescue dogs) live full-time with employees who bring them to work each day. The dogs welcome guests with their enthusiastic wag, help the concierge make suggestions for pet-friendly spots, host the complimentary evening wine hour, sniff our potential pet amenities and services, and make guest appearances. Other hotels known to have dogs on staff include the Fairmont and Ritz-Carlton.

The Aspen Animal Shelter has run a very popular rent-a-dog program where tourists pick a dog to take with them around town or on trails. This program is about 10 years old and is FREE. Sometimes the dog even gets adopted!

Second Chance

2011-05-17T19:09:00.000-07:00

Beneful® brand dog food has announced its second Dream Dog Park Contest. Dog owners are invited to share ideas for the ultimate dog park for their community.

The contest challenges dog owners to dream big and get creative. What if you had $500,000 to spend to create the ultimate dream dog park, what would you do? It can be functional or just plain fun. The lucky Grand Prize Winner’s idea will help serve as inspiration for a half-million dollar makeover of a dog park for the whole community to enjoy.

Dog owners can enter the contest from now through June 21.

Watch this video with Jason Cameron to learn more.

Cancer Sniffer

2011-05-16T19:08:00.000-07:00

A specially trained black labrador retriever, Marine, has been trained to sniff out cancer with stunning accuracy.

The nine-year-old female successfully identified people with bowel cancer more than nine times out of 10 after being given samples of their breath or feces to sniff. The discovery suggests that chemical compounds associated with specific cancers circulate in the body, opening up the prospect of developing tests for a range of cancers that could be applied even in the early stages of the disease.

Marine was trained at the St Sugar Cancer Sniffing Dog Training Centre in Chiba, Japan. She began in 2003 as a water-rescue dog – trained to save people from drowning by dragging them to the shore – but in 2005 was switched to cancer detection. Over four years she learnt to distinguish the smell of a dozen different cancers including breast, stomach, prostate, bladder and skin cancer.

In a study published this year in the medical journal Gut, Marine completed 74 tests in which she was given five breath or stool samples from patients to smell. In each test, only one of the five samples placed in front of her was cancerous. When she smelled a cancer sample, she would sit, alerting her handler.

According to the study, when Marine was smelling breath samples, she was 95 percent as accurate as a colonoscopy in detecting cancer. With stool samples she correctly identified 98 percent of samples with cancer.

If the odor is identified, they say that it could lead to the development of new methods for early detection of colorectal cancer, the most common form.

Pet Poison

2011-05-15T15:22:00.000-07:00

Every so often I come across a video which I feel is important to pass along to all pet owners.

This is one.......

Handy phone number: Pet Poison Helpline 800-213-6680

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

2011-05-14T19:41:00.000-07:00

Dogs sure know how to sleep!

The amount of time spent napping varies from dog to dog and depends on the dog's age and personality. Counting little naps and longer snoozes, most dogs sleep about fourteen hours a day. Nobody is sure why dogs sleep so much. The amount of sleep that an animal needs depends upon its species.

The various breeds of dogs also seem to have different sleep requirements. Some very large breeds of dogs, like Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards, and mastiffs, often spend a great deal of their lives sleeping – perhaps up to sixteen or even eighteen hours.

Dogs sleep more than us, but they wake more frequently than we do. How much and when they sleep depends on the level of activity in their environment.

A dog living as a pet in the home is likely to sleep more than a dog that works for a living, such as a search and rescue dog or a dog working on a farm. Dogs are lucky – they are able to adjust their sleep pattern.

Dogs have the same sleep patterns as humans. When your dog first goes to sleep, he enters the slow wave or quiet phase of sleep. He lies still and is oblivious to his surroundings. After about ten minutes, your dog enters the rapid eye movement (REM) or active stage of sleep. He rolls his eyes under his closed lids, he may bark or whine, or may jerk his legs. Incidentally, adult dogs spend about 10 to 12 percent of their sleeping time in REM sleep. Puppies spend a much greater proportion of their sleep time in this type of sleep, no doubt compacting huge quantities of newly acquired data.

You may think your dog will sleep anywhere, but some dogs are very particular about where they sleep.

Tug-Of-War

2011-05-13T20:47:00.000-07:00

Does your dog love to play tug-of-war?

Why do dogs like to pull and tug on their toys?

Some behaviorists think that tug-of-war is a way for dogs to practice behaviors such as pulling meat from bones that were once useful to wild canines. Others have suggested tug-of-war games allow dogs to play without the normal pack rules; it is the canine version of "goofing off." Still others think that tug-of-war is simply a way for dogs to release energy and get exercise.

Dogs can play tug-of-war with almost anything. You can be creative and make a toy for your dog or find many tug-of-war toys to choose from at a pet store.