Medium Dog Blog

Teach your dog to beg no more

2010-04-11T02:48:00.000-07:00

It’s not uncommon: you sit down to a nice dinner, and before you know it your pooch is at your feet. Somewhere along the way someone handed him a bite of human food, and he hasn’t stopped begging since. A little begging can be easily ignored; but when the whining and whimpering starts, you have a full blown problem on your hands. No matter what stage of begging your pooch is in, it needs to be stopped; and stopping starts with you.

Even though slight begging may be cute at first, it can quickly become a real issue. It’s one thing to shush a whimpering pup when it’s just the family, but what happens when you have company over for a nice dinner? If your pooch is used to getting a bite of your meal, then a stranger or two won’t stop his insistence.

Unfortunately, you’re probably the one to blame for your dog’s begging. It’s very tough to resist those puppy dog eyes, especially when you know how good the food tastes. However, it’s important to realize that dogs have their own food for a reason. Dog food is made specifically for a dog’s diet. Eating large amounts of human food will cause weight gain and other medical problems with your pet. Stopping the begging is possible, but it does take time and persistence.

The first step to combat the begging is to simply say “no.” Every time your pet asks for food, firmly say “no,” and do not give in. Giving in one time can ruin any progress you have made up to that point. For the low-key beggar, a “no” may be sufficient in eventually solving the problem.

For the developed beggar, saying “no” may only cause the pooch to get louder and more obnoxious. In this case, you may have to remove the dog from the situation entirely. Placing him in another room during meal time can eventually break the habit if it is repeated at every meal. Synchronizing his feeding time with yours can make a difference, too. For instance, having food for him in his room while you eat your meal can help him forget what he’s missing.

If you have a well behaved dog that obeys your commands, then you may be able to welcome him back into the dining room sooner rather than later. Place a dog bed or blanket in the corner of the room, and command your pooch to “stay.” If he tries to inch closer to the table, then repeat the command. You may even need to distract him on the bed with a new toy that he can only play with during dinner. If he obeys, reward him with a treat that is made for dogs.

If you have a begging dog, then it’s important to try to break the habit as soon as possible. The last thing you want is for your dog to beg every time you sit down for a snack. It may take a long time to undo the begging, but you can stop it with a little patience and persistence.

Developed by Sarah of Pet-Super-Store.com Where you can find cool supplies like elevated dog feeders and dog beds.

Christmas Gift Ideas For Your Medium Sized Dog

2009-12-16T07:05:00.000-08:00

Christmas is almost here and Medium Dog Guide has some great gift ideas for our doggy pals.
(Affiliate links included below)

Personalized gifts for the one-of-a kind dog

Cratewear Pet Dreams Personalized 3-Piece Bed Set for Crates

This crate cover and bedding set turns a normal metal dog crate into a comfy haven for your pooch. The dog bed and crate pad are reversible for double the use. The best thing is that it can be personalized with your dog's name on the cover to make it your dog's very own home within a home.

Top Paw Double Layer Nylon Personalized Dog Collars

This sweet collar is made of heavyweight woven nylon. You can add your pet's name and a phone number on the collar as it allows two lines of personalization and 12 characters per line. Available in black, white or pink.

Gifts for the stylish pooch

Santa Claus Dog Suit with Adjustable Hat

Your dog will be look really stylish and festive in this adorable Santa Claus Dog Suit that comes with a really cute matching Santa hat.

Flower Nylon Collar in Purple and its matching 6 feet 1 inch Flower Nylon Lead

This lovely light purple collar and matching lead come in a sweet flower ribbon overlay that will look really stylish on your dog.

Gifts for the tough chewer

KONG Rubber Balls

Your dog will have hours of endless fun with this tough rubber ball, it is not only puncture resistant, it also has a hole through the center for treats. Your dog will love it.

The Almost Indestructible Ball

Want a ball that can stand up to the hardest chewers? Then check out this Almost Indestructible Dog Ball. It is as its name says, almost indestructible!

Tags: Christmas gifts for dogs, personalized dog gifts, tough dog toys, matching dog accessories.

Reduce Your Dog's Carbon Paw Print - 5 Eco-Friendly Pet Products

2009-11-03T02:35:00.000-08:00

The recent article by NewScientist on the eco-pawprints of our four-legged best friends has prompted much debate on the Net. According to the article, a single medium-sized dog has a carbon footprint of 0.84 hectares while a gasoline guzzling SUV's footprint is only 0.41 hectares, less than half that of a medium dog! And that's not all, the land required to feed the dog population for the top ten dog-owning countries in the world is equivalent to the size of six and a half New Zealands! Wow!

Knowing all this, what is a dog lover to do? Well, we could start by using eco-friendly pet products like these to reduce the carbon pawprints of our dogs :

1. Booda Eco-Friendly Plush Dog Toy
Made from 100% recycled stuffing on the inside and natural wool on the outside, even the hangtags are recycled paper. Eco-friendly yet lots of fun for your dog.

2. Hueter Toledo Doggie Dooley System Model 3800
Eliminate one of the major causes for pooch's high carbon footprint - doggie poo. The Doggie Dooley System Model use bacteria action to liquify pet waste for ground absorption. Simply shovel stool into tank, close lid and occasionally add water and digester for it to work.

3. West Paw Recycled Fill Bumper Beds L
The fill in this comfy bed is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles that are crushed and grinded down. Even the fabric itself is made from 85% recycled plastic bottles! A perfect match of comfort and environmental friendliness.

4. Fresh Licks Eco-Disposable Bowls - Medium (10 ct)
This disposable bowl is made from 100% bagrasse - the fibrous residue remaining after sugarcane stalks are crushed to extract their juices, this biodegradable bowl is perfect for travel, the beach, dog parks - even for use at home.

5. 6 PACK Wag Bags Doggie Clean-up Bags - 108 Count
With stylish colors - yellow, orange and green, a unique mitt-shaped design for easy pick-up, and most importantly biodegradable, the Wag Bags doggie clean-up bag is the perfect eco-friendly product to bring along on walks.

Besides using eco-friendly products, the best way to reduce the pooch's carbon footprint is to think and do "natural" as much as possible, for example, feed foods that do not contain articificial preservatives or additives and try to use only grooming products that do not contain chemicals that will harm the environment. Remember, a little effort goes a long way :-)

Tags: carbon footprint, medium-sized dogs, pet products.

Smartest Medium-sized Dogs

2009-09-07T00:41:00.000-07:00

We all know that dogs are very intelligent but which breed is the smartest? Without accurate and scientific ways of measuring a dog's intelligence like our IQ tests, we can only deduce a dog's intelligence based on the observations and experiences of dog trainers and dog owners. Based on research by Stanley Coren, the renowned author of The Intelligence of Dogs,

- the average dog can understand about 165 words, including signs, signals and gestures. They can also count to about 5...
- The smartest dogs, he calls them the "super breeds," are on par with a 2½-year old, recognizing up to 250 words...
More in article.

And what are these "super breeds", the answer below:

1. Border Collie *

2. Poodle *

3. German Shepherd

4. Golden Retriever *

5. Doberman Pinscher

6. Shetland Sheepdog

7. Labrador Retriever

8. Papillon

9. Rottweiler

10. Australian Cattle Dog *

* medium dog breeds

Four medium-sized breeds have made it into this list including the No. 1 smartest dog breed of all - the Border Collie. Guess it's good to be medium-sized isn't it :-)

However, dogs that do not make it into the super smart club do not need to be disheartened, some are simply too independent and have too much personality to learn and obey commands readily. And since canine intelligence is typically measured by how easily the dog is able to master commands, it is little wonder that such canines are labelled as "unintelligent", when they are not.

Source:
http://www.petmedsonline.org/top-10-smartest-dogs-in-the-world.html, http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/personal/08/07/smart.dogs/index.html,
http://www.stanleycoren.com/e_intelligence.htm

Tags: smartest dog breeds, medium dogs, medium-sized dogs, intelligence of dogs.

Cool Summer Products For Your Medium-sized Dog

2009-07-13T01:56:00.003-07:00

Summer is here in the Northen Hemisphere and summer trips, swimming and keeping cool in the heat are now the in-things. Here are a few products that will make this summer for you and your medium dog even more relaxing and enjoyable.

TRAVEL-tainer (7"H X 5"Diameter)
This handy TRAVEL-tainer (below) will keep your canine pal's food fresh and clean in an an airtight plastic container that can hold 1 gal. capacity of food. Just remove the carry handle and pull off the food/water dishes. Twist off the top and just pour! Perfect for summer trips! Comes in blue and pink colors.

Paws Aboard Doggy Life Jacket in Yellow (Medium; 14"Length; Yellow)
During the summer months, your dog enjoys swimming and having a fun time by the beach or pool as much as you do. With the Paws Aboard Doggy Life Jacket, you can make sure that he is safe while in the water. This doggy life jacket is quick draining and drying. The high-contrast colors and reflective strips ensure visibility in low light. A handy handle on top makes it quick and easy to pull your pooch out of the water if needed. The medium size fits Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, Border Collies, Welsh Corgies and the large size is ideal for Bulldogs, Collies and Retrievers.

Caddis Black Big Thirst Automatic Waterer for Pets (11"L X 7"W X 12.5"H; Black; No-Tip)
Your dog will need more water in the hot weather. The Caddis Big Thirst Automatic Waterer for Pets makes sure that your dog is never thirsty even when you are not at home. The strong plastic base prevents tipping or spilling. It automatically refills the reservoir bowl without over flowing. Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

Lixit Dog Waterer (3.5"Length)
If you have an outdoor faucet or garden hose, the Lixit Dog Waterer can turn your faucet or garden hose into a self-waterer that never runs dry or spills! Just attach it to your outdoor faucet or end of garden hose to make it work. It's like a water bottle with an unlimited tank! Your dog simply licks or nudges the lever control and refreshing, clean, sanitary water flows directly into his mouth. Steel nozzle attaches to outdoor faucet without tools. Can be permanently installed in the supply line with a thread adapter.

Mighty Breeze Battery Operated Pet Cage/Kennel Cooling Fan (3"L X 5.5"W X 6.5"H)
Keep your dog cool in his kennel by just hanging this kennel cooling fan on the outside of any cage or kennel. Cools for up to 100 hours on just two D-cell batteries! Feature two speed adjustment for high or low air flow.

Water-LESS Pet Bath Towel - As Seen on TV
Summer months mean more baths for your dog, and now finally.... there is a way to bathe your dog without getting him soaking wet! Just dampen this specially designed premium quality microfiber pet towel then rub down your pet gently and effectively to remove oil, dirt, dust, dander and more. Keep your dog healthy, clean, and happy without the stress of using of harsh shampoos and irritating chemical cleaners. Finish by spraying your pet with a pet deodorizer.

PetZoom Self Cleaning Grooming Brush - As Seen on TV
And besides bathing, a good grooming brush is essential too. This soft, ultra-comfortable brush is so comfortable that it has won numerous awards for its gentle grooming and one-touch cleaning. With just one pass you collect all the loose hair, dirt and dander right into the PetZoom. When finished, get rid of all that unwanted pet hair from your PetZoom with just one touch. Grooming your dog has never been this easy. Perfect for both wet and dry grooming.

Tags: medium dogs, medium-sized dog, summer dog supplies, dog brush, bathing dogs, doggy life jacket, food carrier, waterer.

Take Your Dog To Work Day

2009-06-24T06:09:00.000-07:00

The annual Take Your Dog To Work Day will be held on June 26 this year.

This special day was created by Pet Sitters International in 1999 so that employees could bring their pets to their workplace for at least one day in a year and employers can experience the value that pets bring to the workplace. Pet Sitters International hopes that the event will also encourage co-workers who do not have a pet to adopt one when they see how well their colleagues bond with their canine pals.

It's a great cause so spread the word and register your support for this fantastic event here.

Tag: Take Your Dog To Work Day

Hairless Medium-sized Dogs

2009-06-04T03:19:00.000-07:00

There are some medium dog breeds that are naturally almost hairless. These make them ideal pets for people who are allergic to fur or dander (Note: No dog is completely 'hypoallergenic'. Do spend time with the dogs to see if there are any allergic reactions before you adopt any of these so-called hypoallergenic dog). Although they have little or no fur, make no mistake, they are just like regular furry dogs, they are just bald! As they do not have fur, they will need more protection from the cold than normal dogs and like us humans, will need sunscreen during sunny days and moisturiser when the weather is dry.

For more information on these unique and rather rare breeds, check out the links below:

Hairless Khala

Peruvian Hairless Dog (or Peruvian Inca Orchid) (picture)

Xoloitzcuintli (or Mexican Hairless Dog)

Tags: hairless dogs, medium dogs, medium-sized dogs, Hairless Khala, Peruvian Hairless Dog, Xoloitzcuintli, Xoloitzcuintle, Peruvian Inca Orchid, Mexican Hairless Dog, hypoallergenic dog breeds, Hairless dog breeds.

Great Air Travel Tips For Dogs

2009-05-10T23:38:00.000-07:00

This article has some great information on how to make that plane trip as comfortable and safe for your canine pal as possible. Here are some especially useful tips:

If you are flying during the summer and your pet is traveling in cargo, try and schedule the flight in the early morning or evening, when temperatures are lowest. If you're heading out in the winter, aim for a midday flight. Because the temperature in the cargo areas can be extreme, most carriers only allow pets on board if the air temperature is greater than 45 degrees or less than 85. That excludes a lot of the peak summer and winter travel season, so it's best to keep an eye on the forecast before going to the airport.

Don't feed your pet two hours before departure to ensure it will be comfortable with the lack of potty breaks ahead. Try freezing water in a dish to fit in the carrier, so it will melt gradually during flight and avoid spillage.

Exercise with your pet a couple hours before flight to tire them out and help them relax. Adam Goldfarb, Director of Pets at Risk program at the Humane Society, recommends against the use of sedatives because the pet won't be able to protect itself if the carrier shifts during flight. Pets can also have reactions to the sedatives that may not be caught during flight. Sedation can be especially dangerous for those breeds already prone to breathing problems.

Check out the article for more great tips. The article also provides some of the latest rates that airlines are charging for in cabin traveling and cargo traveling.

Source: http://www.mercurynews.com/travel/ci_12309700

Tags: travel with dogs, air travel for dogs, fly with pets, travel tips for dogs.

Very Funny Trailer (With A Cute Medium Dog)

2009-04-28T00:32:00.000-07:00

With all the bad news these days, we could all do with a little more laughter. Count on dogs, being our best friends, to bring on a smile even when we are in our "crabbiest" moods. Yes, even CGI dogs like this talking Golden Retriever in the trailer for the new Disney/Pixar movie Up.

Hilarious!

It's Confirmed - Medium-sized Portuguese Water Dog Is First Dog

2009-04-14T01:13:00.000-07:00

After months of speculation, the choice of First Dog has just been announced - and it is a Portuguese Water Dog! The new First Dog, a 6-month old black and white Portie, will be named Bo and will officially move in to the White House on Tuesday.

The absolutely adorable Portuguese Water Dog is a fun-loving, highly active, intelligent and hypoallergenic medium dog. We are sure he will make a great First Dog and a wonderful companion to the Obama family. For more information on Portuguese Water Dogs, check out Medium Dog Guide and our earlier post here.

Tags: Portuguese Water Dog, Bo, First Dog, medium-sized dog, medium dog.

What Is Bizkit Dreaming About?

2009-04-05T21:47:00.000-07:00

This video is so funny and sweet that we just wanted to share it with you :-)
Hmm... just what is he dreaming about? If only dogs could talk...

Interesting Facts & Video Clips About Beagles

2009-03-21T03:23:00.000-07:00

One of the most most-loved medium-sized dog in America is the Beagle. When we think of the Beagle, it's natural to think of Snoopy, the lovable Beagle in the Peanuts comic strips. And Snoopy captures the highly intelligent, charming and playful spirit of the Beagle perfectly. Sure a real Beagle cannot do many of the things that Snoopy does, like fighting an aerial battle with the Red Baron, writing a novel or acting as Charlie Brown's attorney (;-P) but the ingenious Beagle can do many thinks that we cannot imagine that dogs are capable of doing... like climbing high fences like cats and escaping from the most secured of places (check out this video for proof!).

And besides being master escape artists (Houdini would be proud!), they are extremely vocal dogs. They bay, howl and bark when they are bored, excited, lonely, sad, happy, nervous etc.... So if you have neighbours that do not take too kindly to noise, a Beagle may not be all that suitable as a family pet. An example of a Beagle's "musical" howling can be experienced in this video:

Although Beagles like to explore and wander to wherever their powerful noses take them, they also need constant companionship, a bored and lonely Beagle is prone to mischief and destructive behaviour. So do plan time to exercise and play with your Beagle a few times throughout the day to keep him feel happy and loved.

One of the best videos about Beagles on the Net is this Animal Planet video on Beagles. This video shows the basic characteristics of Beagles in a fun yet informative way.

For more information on Beagles, check out Medium Dog Guide.

Tags: Beagles, medium dog, medium-sized dog, dog breeds.

Cocker Spaniels - American And English

2009-02-22T23:34:00.000-08:00

The recent win of Stump the 10-year old Sussex Spaniel at this year’s Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show has generated much interest in spaniel breeds. The most popular Spaniel breed in the U.S. now is the American Cocker Spaniel (based on the latest AKC Dog Registration Stats). But there have been much confusion on what makes the American Cocker Spaniel (popularly known as just the Cocker Spaniel in America) and the English Cocker Spaniel different. Medium Dog Guide has compiled a list of the differences between these two medium-sized dog breeds:

American Cocker Spaniel
Smaller in size
Smaller, more dome-shaped head.
Longer, more profuse coat
Shorter muzzle
Shorter legs
Buff (light cream) colored coats common
Rounder, prominent eyes

English Cocker Spaniel
Larger in size.
Larger, flatter head.
Shorter, less profuse coat
Longer muzzle
Longer legs
Do not have buff colored coats
Less rounded eyes.

As they say, a picture tells a thousand words. So here are two side-by-side pictures of an American Cocker Spaniel and an English Cocker Spaniel, can you spot the differences?

Tags: American Cocker Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel, Medium-sized dogs, Medium Dogs, Dog Breeds.

All About Portuguese Water Dogs And Labradoodles

2009-01-13T00:55:00.000-08:00

As reported in the news, President-elect Obama's choice of "First Dog" will likely be either an active Portuguese Water Dog or a bouncy Labradoodle, both medium-sized hypoallergenic dog breeds.

Portuguese Water Dog (or Portuguese Water Hound)

Appearance
The Portuguese Water Dog is robust and sturdy. Their single-layered and low-shedding coat can either be curly or wavy and needs regular trimming. They can be black, white, brown, or a combination of black and white. Unlike other dogs, they have webbed toes that aid in swimming.

Size
18 inches to 25 inches at the withers and 40 to 60 pounds.

Origin
Coastal areas of Portugal. Known as the Cao de Agua (dog of water) in Portugal. Portugese Water Dogs are excellent swimmers as they were originally bred to help fisherman in their fishing activities (e.g. to herd fish into nets or to retrieve broken fishing nets).

Temperament
Portugese Water Dogs are hardy, affectionate and energetic dogs. They are well-known for their keen intelligence and are easily trained. Although they have a strong retrieving instinct, unlike other retriever breeds, Portuguese Water Dogs like to stay in close proximity to their owners most of the time. As they are very active, regular outdoor exercise is a definite must for this breed. They usually get along well with other dogs and pets. They make good watchdogs due to their loyalty and bravery. They are notorious chewers when they are bored and they can be easily bored. They may also bark excessively and may have a tendency to jump on people when excited. As they are very affectionate and crave companionship, they should not be left alone for long periods of time, thus they are generally unsuitable as pets for busy professionals who are seldom home.

Exercise
Be prepared to put on your jogging shoes or swimming gear more frequently than usual if you are the lucky owner of this active and highly energetic dog. This canine needs to channel his exuberent energy into rigorous physical activity on a daily basis to prevent boredom induced mischief. As is befitting of a "Water Dog", the PWD loves water and is most fond of swimming and other fun aquatic activities.

Life Expectancy
10 to 15 years on average.

Grooming
Grooming is a must for the Portugese Water Dog. Like human hair, the non-shedding coat of the PWD never stops growing and requires regular trimming and clipping every two months or so to keep it in a manageable condition. The PWD does not have an undercoat and should not be left in places where temperatures are very low without adequate protection. The two most common "hair styles" for PWD are the "Lion Clip" and the "Retriever Clip". Consult a professional groomer for more details on these two clip styles. Daily brushing or at the very least brushing a few times a week is required to prevent the hairs on the coat from becoming tangled and matted.

Suited For
Active outdoorsy people who like regular vigorous exercise (with the PWD in tow) and who are able to spend a lot of quality time with their dog. Must not mind having to brush their dogs daily, bathe them regularly and take them for grooming sessions every other month. Needs to be confident and firm during training as the PWD is independent and has a mind of his own. The PWD can tolerate apartment living as long as he has sufficient daily exercise outdoors.

Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is a breed that was developed from a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle.

Appearance
As the sweet Labradoodle is a relatively new breed that has not firmly settled into a breed standard yet, their appearance could vary, sometimes looking more like their Poodle ancestors and sometimes looking more like their Labrador ancestors. Their coats could consist of tight poodle-like curls or be straight like the Labrador's. And they can come in all the range of colors of the Labrador and the Poodle: Black, Cream, Gold, Apricot, Red, Brown and White.

Size
There are three sizes of Labradoodles:
Miniature (bred from crossing the miniature poodle and the labrador): 14 to 17 inches at the withers.
Medium: 18 to 21 inches at the withers.
Standards: 22 to 26 inches at the withers
Medium and Standard Labradoodles weigh between 40 to 70 pounds.

Origin
The Labradoodle was first bred in the late 1980s in Australia by the Guide Dogs Victoria Association. Their aim was to create a dog that has the low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat of a Poodle and the gentle temperament of a Labrador Retriever to serve as guide dogs for people who suffer from allergies.

Temperament
Labradoodles have the best of both worlds from their Poodle and the Labrador Retriever families resulting in a dog that is lively, friendly, good with children, highly intelligent, very trainable, protective and generally calm and relaxed. Like the Portugese Water Dog, Labradoodles love to swim too. As they are so smart and have such a great sense of humour, they may try to outsmart their owners from time to time ;-)

Exercise
The Labradoodle requires moderate levels of exercise on a regular basis. A brisk daily walk or a slow run will be sufficient to keep your Labradoodle fit and active.

Life Expectancy
13 to 15 years on average.

Grooming
The Labradoodle's coat will need to be trimmed and brushed regularly. But the amount of grooming needed will depend on the type of coat the Labradoodle has. There are basically three types of Labradoodle coats: Wool (tight curls, like a Poodle's coat), Fleece (soft wavy curls) and Hair (similar to a Labrador's coat). Hair coats require the least grooming and do not need clipping but may shed more than the other types of coats and are therefore least likely to be "hypoallergenic". Labradoodles with fleece coats need only light grooming until they are between eight and fourteen months old when they need more grooming to strip out their puppy coat so that it does not become tangled and matted with the adult coat layer. When their adult coat is fully developed, clipping once or twice a year and regular brushing will be sufficient. Wool coats which are similar to a Poodle's are the least shedding but need the most grooming, i.e. clipping several times a year and regular grooming is absolutely necessary.

Suited For
The Labradoodle is great as a family pet. Like Labrador Retrievers and Poodles, they love to be with people and seek human companionship so the owner of a Labradoodle will need to be able to spend quality time on a daily basis to bond with this loyal canine pal. They do best in a house with a yard but are also happy staying in an apartment as long as they have daily exercise.

Both the PWD and the Labradoodle are considered "hypoallergenic" dogs but do keep in mind that for people with allergies, it is important to spend time with the dog that you are planning to bring home first before making any decision, as some people may still be allergic to these hypoallergenic dogs.

For a list of other medium-sized hypoallergenic dog breeds, check out our earlier post here. For additional information on other types of medium dogs, check out Medium Dog Guide.

Tags: hypoallergenic dogs, labradoodle, portuguese water dog, first dog.

10 Great Christmas Gifts For Your Medium Dog

2008-12-14T20:08:00.000-08:00

Christmas is almost here and Medium Dog Guide has compiled a list of 10 of the best Christmas gifts for your medium-sized dog this Christmas. In no particular order:

1. Santa Paws Spa Collection

The happytails Santa Paws Spa Collection containes four luxurious spa products that smell simply marvelous and are a perfect gift for your dog this holiday season. Consists of:

1. Comfy Dog Oatmeal Shampoo for Dry & Itchy Skin. A peppermint shampoo that will soothe your dog's skin with oatmeal, aloe vera and frankincense.
2. Fur Butter. A super rich conditioner to nourish tired fur and rejuvenate a lackluster coat. Contains shea butter, colloidal oatmeal and botanical extracts.
3. Dog Smog Remedy. This special formula contains peppermint and fennel for bad breath, while ginger, papain and bromelain, help to eliminate gas.
4. Fur Breeze (Citrus Vanilla) A freshen up spray with a great scent.

2. PetBuckle Travel Kit

Keep your dog safe while on the roads! This PetBuckle Travel Kit contains everything you need to safely protect your dog in your car. It allows freedom of movement while your dog is safely secured and prevents your dog from distracting you while you drive. Your dog will still be able to watch out the window or lie down and sleep. Protect your four-legged friend from sudden stops, starts, and mild collisions with this PetBuckle Travel Kit.

3. Pet Tube Pet Travel Station
The Pet Tube Pet Travel Station is a great invention that will keep your medium dog safe while still keeping your car squeaky clean. The Pet Tube can be adapted to both your pet's size and your car's loading situation thanks to its unique liquid-proof and scratch-proof fabric. It can be opened completely or partially and takes up very little room when folded.

4. Zoombak Pet Gps Dog Locator

Give the gift of safety to your dog! Know where your dog is at all times and bring him home safely should he ever get lost or stolen with this all new GPS Dog Locator. The device is light-weight, water-resistant and can be comfortably attached to your dog's collar. Includes continuous tracking, real-time updates and 24/7 toll-free live customer service. The battery lasts for up to 5 days on standby or 150 location requests before it needs to be recharged.

5. Tuffies Ultimate Dog Toys

Looking for a REALLY tough toy? You've found it! Tuffies toys are known as the world's most durable soft dog toys. These extremely durable soft toys are great for indoor and outdoor interactive play with your dog. Machine washable (air dry) and floatable! Although it is as "tuff" as can be, it has soft edges that won't hurt your dog's gums. Your dog will love to play with these tuffies :-)

6. My Dog's Health and I.D. Records Passport

Track all of your dog's important information in his own "passport". Vet exams, services, and supply information are just a few of the things you can keep track of using this Passport. When traveling with your dog, you can also get this Passport signed and stamped by your veterinarian and it can act as proof of immunizations, rabies shots, and other vaccines for airlines, hotels, and even doggie day care facilities. If you leave your dog with a friend or family member, this passport is a convenient go to guide should any thing arise while you're away, and if you're moving, handing this passport over to your new vet is a great way to make sure all of your dog's health records and history are transferred to their files.

7. Belted Dog Coat in Navy

Keeps your dog warm and cozy in these cold winter months with his own smart navy blue coat. A belt is provided to keep the coat nicely secured at all times.

8. Muttluks Dog Booties

And do not forget that paws neeed to be protected too. Protect his paws with these Muttluks booties which are not only breathable and waterproof, they have adjustable Velcro straps and reflective strips too.

9. Lighted Red, White and Blue LED Dog Collar

Make sure that your dog is safe at night. This bright and striking collar ensures that your dog can be easily even on the darkest night. This medium-sized collar will fit the following medium dogs: Bichons, basset hounds, daschshunds, beagles, terriers, etc. Collars are adjustable.

10. Outward Hound Excursion Dog Backpack

Your dog will love having his very own backpack! Made from durable and lightweight material, this doggie backpack attaches to your pet with a comfortable, secure padded torso strap. Plenty of pockets and zippered pouches allow you to carry food, water, treats, keys, and anything else you may need while you and your dog are out on your adventure. It even has a pickup bag dispenser, which makes cleaning up waste a breeze. Reflective accents help motorists see you and your pet in the dark.

Tags: Christmas gifts for dogs, medium dogs, medium-sized dogs, Christmas presents.

Hypoallergenic Medium Dogs

2008-11-11T02:34:00.000-08:00

With all the interest in hypoallergenic dogs recently, Medium Dog Guide has compiled a list of hypollergenic medium-sized dogs (between 16 and 22 inch at the shoulders) for readers who are interested in having a medium-sized hypoallergenic dog as a family pet. It should be noted that there are no 100% hypoallergenic dog breeds, only breeds that are comparatively less prone to provoke an allergic reaction in humans as they produce less allergens either because they have little or no hair or because they do not shed much. Also, some people with allergies might not be able to tolerate even such hypoallergenic dog breeds, so if you have allergies, it is important to spend time with these dogs first to see how your body reacts before deciding to get a hypoallergenic dog.

List Of Medium-sized Hypoallergenic Dogs:

Airedale Terrier
Basenji
Bedlington Terrier
Goldendoodle
Irish Water Spaniel
Kerry Blue Terrier
Labradoodle
Peruvian Inca Orchid
Portuguese Water Dog
Puli
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Standard Poodle
Standard Schnauzer
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Tags: hypoallergenic dogs, medium-sized hypoallergenic dog breeds, medium hypoallergenic dogs, medium dogs, medium-sized dog.

10 Spooky But Super Cute Halloween Costumes For Medium Dogs

2008-10-27T02:39:00.000-07:00

Boo! Halloween is almost upon us. Medium Dog Guide has compiled a list of some of the most unique and cutest Halloween costumes that we could find online for your medium-sized dog.

1. Peter Pan Halloween Pet C ostume

Super cute costume that turns your dog into the canine version of Peter Pan. Looks a bit like Robin Hood to us too ;-)

2. Cowboy with Horse Spooky Sidekick Halloween Costume (Medium; Brown; White)

Yee Haa ! Your dog will love to be your loyal sidekick in this unique costume of a horse with a quirky cowboy sitting atop. Made from 100% polyester and machine washable.

3. Halloween Spider Scrunchy Collar (One Size Fits Most; Black; Purple) and Halloween Bat Scrunchy Collar (One Size Fits Most; Black)

If your dog does not like to wear clothing, how about just wearing a spooky collar to get into the Halloween mood? And these two scrunchy collars (left: spider and right: bat) are not only spooky, they are also extremely adorable. Simply slip over your pet's head. The elastic collar stretches for a comfortable fit.

4. Halloween Witch Hat with Orange Bow (One Size Fits All; One Size Fits Most; Black; Orange)

Cackle cackle! This witchy hat is made with felt and comes with a bright orange bow. It is so cute that your medium dog will be proud to step out in style wearing this for his annual trick-or-treatin.

5. Skeleton Halloween Pajamas (Medium; Black)
This snuggly skeleton PJs is absolutely perfect for cool Halloween nights. It can be worn as a Halloween costume or as a cute and comfy pajamas that your dog can wear to relax after a long night of trick-or-treating. And shhh... it actually glows in the dark!

6. Companion Road Little Devil Dog Costume

Wa ha ha! This demonic costume looks especially depraved with details like black horns and a forked tail! The printed flame on the back will set your Halloween party on fire! 100% new-material only polyester. Machine wash in cold water.

7. Companion Road Devil Dog Bat Hat

This cute hat with those diabolical red bat wings is so striking that your dog will be the center of attention this Halloween. Playing pranks on your dog is fun, but when he wears this Devil disguise, watch out! He'll turn the tables and you'll end up being the one chasing your tail around and around!

8. Companion Road Ye Scurvy Dog Pirate Hat

Shiver Me Timbers! Captain Hook will be proud of having this most trusted shipmate on board with him when your canine pal dons this cool pirate hat.

9. Halloween Pumpkin Costume

This cute Halloween Pumpkin Costume is great for dress-up, parties, photo opportunities, or get togethers. This is a two piece suit that features an adjustable, elastic Velcro tab, making it easy to put on and take off.

10. Wild Things Bumble Bee Halloween Costume (Medium; Yellow; Black)

OK, this is more cute than spooky but we love it too much to leave it out of this list! Your little bee will be all the buzz this Halloween with this oh-so-cute Bumble Bee Costume! Features a glittery nylon wing design and fabric hook-and-loop straps at the neck and belly. Includes an antennae head piece.

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Tags: Halloween, dog costumes, pet apparel, medium dog, Medium-sized dog.

5 Great Ideas To Calm A Nervous Dog

2008-09-26T00:14:00.000-07:00

Dogs, whether big, medium or small-sized, can become anxious and jumpy (yup even calm, placid ones) when there is a thunderstorm or when they are left alone or when they are in an unfamiliar environment.

Here are some great ways to calm a nervous dog down:

Play relaxing classical music at a soft volume. Soft classical music has been proven to have a calming effect on humans and now research has shown that this kind of music has the same effect on dogs too. As quoted in this post on Cesar Milan's blog
When researchers polled rescues and shelters, they found that classical music calmed the dogs far more than pop or rock and roll. Dog owners who play classical instruments claim that when they practice, their dogs will fall into a relaxed state.
So keep some relaxing classical music at home, and try to play it whenever your dog feels tense or starts to get nervous.
Give your dog a good doggy massage. A gentle massage can be as relaxing for your dog as for us humans. To learn more about home massage for dogs, check out this site . There are also some great videos on YouTube that teach us all about dog massage here.
If your dog is nervous because of thunderstorms, close the windows and curtains to lessen the effects of the noise and flashes of lighting, keep your dog close to you and keep calm. Your dog will sense that you are relaxed and this will lessen his aggravation. You can also give the Storm Defender cape a try. From the Storm Defender website:
The cape has a special metallic lining that discharges a dog's fur and shields him from the static charge buildup reducing his sensitivity to the charge. The dog gets relief, and after a few storms begins to learn that the secondary triggers like rain, wind, thunder, barometric pressure and smells are no longer to be feared. With the cape on, the dog feels as though he has found a safe place.

Try using aromatherapy products that are specially catered for dogs. Some scents like lavender not only relax us, they also have a relaxing effect on dogs. To find out more about aromatherapy for dogs, check out this site or better yet check with a professional aromatherapist on what essential oils are the most effective in relaxing a nervous dog.
Last but not least, take your dog out for regular exercise so that he can burn off all that nervous pent up energy. And exercise also produces feel good vibes that will make your dog happier, more confident and ultimately more relaxed.

Tags: dog massage, anxious dog, nervous dog, calm dog

Great New Inventions For Your Medium Dog

2008-08-26T07:19:00.000-07:00

While surfing the net for some the latest information on medium-sized dogs, we came across a few new products that were really very interesting...

1. Treadmill For Dogs
Is the hot summer weather affecting your dog's exercise schedule? Fret no more because according to this article, a new treadmill especially designed for your canine pal is now on the market. You need to stay with your dog while he is on the treadmill and I suppose it may take a little time for your dog to get used to exercising on the treadmill but this really is a cool gadget that is especially useful for those hot summer days or freezing winter days when bringing your dog for walks is truly a chore for both yourself and your pet.

The current model is only for small sized dogs but a medium-sized model for medium dogs will be available in October. Check out this website for more details on this new product.

2. Canine Heritage Standard Breed Test
If you are not sure of the breed of your dog, help is on the way with the Canine Heritage Breed Test. This is a DNA test kit that will allow you to find out exactly what breed your dog is. Just take a cheek swab, send it to the lab in the pre-paid return mailing evelope and just wait for the results which will take approximately 4 weeks. This really adds a new canine twist to the old DNA test :-P If this looks interesting to you, check out this website for more info.

3. Ringtones For Dogs Only?
Hmmm why would a dog need to hear a ringtone that humans can't hear.... Still, this is really one of the wackiest invention that we have ever come across. More details here.

Until next time!

Tags: inventions for dogs, medium dog, medium-sized dogs, dna test for dogs, treadmill for dogs, ringtones for dogs.

Hybrid Medium Dogs - Labradoodles And Goldendoodles

2008-07-23T00:28:00.000-07:00

Designer or Hybrid dogs are all the rage now and many of these designer dogs are medium dogs. Two of the more popular medium-sized hybrid dogs today are the Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle.

Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Standard Poodle. The Labradoodle has the gentle temperament of the Labrador and the hypoallergenic* and low-shedding coat of the Poodle. As the Labradoodle is a relatively new breed, characteristics of the breed are still rather uncertain, sometimes more of the Poodle is dominant and at other times, more of the Labrador is present. For example, unlike well-developed breeds which have only one kind of coat, Labradoodles have three kinds of coats - Wool (tight curls, like a Poodle's coat), Fleece (soft wavy curls) and Hair (similar to a Labrador's coat) and their coats can come in all the range of colors of the Labrador and the Poodle. Labradoodles have inherited the best characteristics of the Poodle and the Labrador Retriever, being friendly, gentle, lively and highly intelligent.

Goldendoodle
The Goldendoodle is a cross between the Golden Retriever and the Standard Poodle. Goldendoodles are also known as Golden Poos or Goldie Poos (such cute names!). Like the Labradoodle, the Goldendoodle has a light shedding coat like the Poodle's. But as the Goldendoodle is a relatively new hybrid breed, coat types and coat colors can vary widely, their coats can be curly, wavy or straight, and coat colors can vary from white to tan to brown and even black. The Goldendoodle a great family dog, affectionate, joyful, smart, loves to swim and has a high energy level.

Designer dogs or hybrid dogs are great companions and are as loyal and sweet as their purebred cousins but do consider some factors before buying a hybrid dog: make sure they come from a reputable breeder and note that as the hybrid dog is a combination of radically different breeds, sometimes unpredictable results may occur!

For example, as quoted from this article in the Chicago Tribune:

But these high-priced "designer dogs" also are increasingly exploited by abusive breeders at puppy mills and unscrupulous sellers, leading to more sick puppies and unhappy owners, according to the Humane Society of the United States.

Pet-store workers told Jennifer Tvrdik that her $900 puggle puppy (pug and beagle) should weigh between 15 and 30 pounds as an adult, she said.

Two years later, Rocky is 51 pounds."He just kept growing," said Tvrdik of Indian Head Park. "He has a very enormous head, big jaw, big mouth."

And from this article in the K9 Magazine:

“Oh what’s that unusual dog you have there?”

“It’s a Pomapekeapatador” (quite obviously a Pomeranian mixed with Pekingese and a little Patterdale and Labrador thrown in)

“Incredible, I’ve never heard of them. Where would I go about finding one?”

“The Internet. But be warned, they’re very rare” (and therefore expensive, desirable and I’ve got one and you haven’t)

See how this works?

The Pomapekepatador is what many generations refer to, rather cruelly, as a Heinz 57 (a bit of everything). A cross breed, a mix, a mongrel, a mutt. And they are as important, as clever, as giving and as worthy as any pedigree breed and there’s more than likely a rescue shelter near you chock-full of them. But don’t be fooled, ALL dogs are designer dogs. They all have the same ancestors remember!

Until next time :)

* Not completely 100% hypoallergenic

Tags: hybrid dog, designer dog, medium dog, medium-sized dog, breeds, labradoodle, goldendoodle

Summer Care Tips For Your Medium Dog

2008-06-30T00:40:00.000-07:00

Summer is a time for picnics, swimming and lots of other fun activities but because of the sweltering heat, it is still necessary to take certain precautions to ensure that you and your medium-sized dog stay happy and healthy throughout this great season.

1. Do not leave your dog in the car even for a short time as temperatures can easily reach conditions which may cause heatstroke within minutes, even if the car is parked in the shade. Puppies, older dogs or short-nosed breeds like bulldogs are especicially succeptible to heatstroke.
2. Do not take your dog for walks during late mornings or afternoons, limit exercise to early mornings or evenings when it is cooler. Your dog may easily succumb to heat exhaustion in the sweltering heat (especially breeds with thicker coats or short-nosed breeds as they are less able to dispel hear from their bodies).
3. Provide more cool drinking water to your dog during this period as he will need more water to keep cool in the heat.

And check out these other important tips on keeping your pets healthy during the hot summer months in this article by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Tags: summer pet care, dog health, medium dog, medium-sized dog

Best Dog Crates For Medium Dogs

2008-05-25T08:57:00.000-07:00

A crate is your dog's own private room, a den all of his own, where he can have some well-deserved R&R (rest and relaxation). A crate should not be too big, just big enough for your dog to stand up straight, turn around, stretch and lie down comfortably.

Here are some of the highest-rated and most popular dog crates for medium-sized to large-sized dogs that Medium Dog Guide has found that are available from some of the best online pet accessories stores today.

Mahogany Pet Crate by Richell USA

This good looking crate has a study wooden frame that matches well the interior of a house and has a cosy and comfortable feel just by itself.

Precision Pet Products 2-Door Great Crate (48" L X 30" W X 33" H; Black; For Pets Up To 110 lbs.)
This durable wire kennel does not require any assembly, just unbox and use. It also includes a handy divider panel that can be used to resize the crate to fit growing puppies.

Midwest Lifestages Double Door Fold & Carry Crate (42" L X 28" W X 31" H; Black)
This convenient fold and carry crate has rounded corners for maximum protection and comes in a handsome satin black finish. Also comes with an easy-to-clean ABS plastic pan and divider panel.

Precision Pet ProValu Dog Crate (42" L X 28" W X 30" H; Black)
This rust-resistant and affordable crate comes with a free divider and crate training guide.

If the above do not meet your needs, you can easily find many other good and affordable crates and kennels for medium dogs on trusty old eBay.

And to make your pet's crate even more cosy and comfortable, consider adding bedding and crate covers to the crate.

P.S. Don't forget that your dog needs his favorite toys in his "room" too ;-)

Tags: crate, kennel, medium dog, medium-sized.

History Of Medium Dog Breeds - American Cocker Spaniel

2008-04-23T01:31:00.000-07:00

The American Cocker Spaniel is arguably the best looking and most popular medium-sized dog breed in America, frequently topping the registrations on the American Kennel Club from the 1940s to the late 1980s. Although, no longer as popular today as before, we are sure this beautiful breed still holds a special place in everyone's hearts.

The American Cocker Spaniel came from the same family tree as the English Cocker Spaniel. But after years of different breeding practices (the American Cocker Spaniel was developed as a show dog and the English Cocker Spaniel was developed as a hunting breed), the differences between the two became more and more evident. They were regarded as the same breed until the 1940s when the English and American Cocker Spaniels were officially recognised as two different breeds with their own traits and standards. Although they still look very similar, the American Cocker Spaniel is smaller, lighter, has a more rounded head, a shorter muzzle, and a longer, denser coat.

The very first English Cocker Spaniel was said to have arrived in America in the 1600s on the famous ship - the Mayflower. Originally bred to hunt small birds, the American Cocker Spaniel still has a bit of the hunter in him but they are now mostly regarded as loving family pets or show dogs.

And here is a wonderful tribute to the American Cocker Spaniel on YouTube. These dogs really are the sweetest and most endearing medium dogs that we have seen.

Tags: American Cocker Spaniel, breed history.

How To Stop Your Dog From Jumping On You

2008-03-26T02:04:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has lived with a dog who jumps on you whenever he or she sees you would know the frustration, if only they would stop doing that! Help is at hand, Cesar Milan gave some tips over the weekend on how to get your dog to stop jumping on you in his latest post. Check it out.

And here are more tips:

Turn away and ignore your dog when he tries to jump on you. Remember, he is trying to get your attention so do not give him any attention or even eye contact when he is doing this and he will gradually learn to ease off on this bad habit. It is difficult to ignore him when he does this but try this first for a couple of weeks every time he jumps.
If he also jumps on other family members, advise them to ignore him as well when he does this. Make sure that everyone around him ignores his bad behaviour.
If he still jumps on you when you ignore him even after a few weeks, calmly push him down from you, hold him down gently so that he can't try to jump again, look him in the eye and say "NO" loudly and firmly. Then just continue to ignore him.
Jumping may be a sign that he has too much nervous energy, exercise your dog to work off his high energy levels (but not to exhaustion!). Gradually increase the distance of his walks or bring him to the dog park for a good run if possible. Hyperactive behaviour such as jumping should lessen when he is well exercised.
If his behaviour still does not improve, bring in the professionals - consult a good professional trainer or dog behaviorist for this problem.

Remember, consistency and patience are the keys to changing a bad habit. And always be calm and firm when interacting with your dog during his training.

Find Dog Parks On The Internet

2008-02-12T22:36:00.000-08:00

Thinking of taking your medium dog to a natural habitat where he is welcome to enjoy a good run without anyone complaining or giving you the evil eye ;-) Well, then you have to check out these great sites that let you find the nearest dog park as easily as clicking on a link :-)

Sites That List Dog Parks in the United States

Find the nearest dog park with this interactive map:
http://animal.discovery.com/features/dogpark/map/map.html

Find the nearest dog park by state and zip code:
http://www.animalshelter.org/dogparks/states.asp

Print out a list of dog parks in a handy PDF format:
http://www.dogpark.com/content/Dogpark.com_USA_2006.pdf

Sites That List Dog Parks in Canada

Find the nearest dog park using this interactive map or by state:
http://www.pets.ca/index-dogparks.htm

Another good site:
http://www.canadasguidetodogs.com/clubs/parks.htm

In PDF format:
http://www.dogpark.com/content/Dogpark.com_USA_2006.pdf

And here are some info on dog parks in other parts of the world that we found on the Net:

Dog Parks In Europe:
United Kingdom - London:
http://www.cintads.com/ldoa/maps.htm
France:
http://www.intransit-international.com/moving_france_pets.html
Italy:
http://www.italymag.co.uk/italy_regions/liguria_emilia_romagna/2007/lifestyle/genoas-beach-for-all-pets/

Dog Exercise Areas In Australia & New Zealand:
Gold Coast:
http://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/t_standard2.aspx?pid=7011
Melbourne:
http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/info.cfm?top=25&pg=630
Sydney:
http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Residents/Animals/OffLeashAreas.asp
Perth:
http://www.gooddog.info/
New Zealand:
http://www.dogstuff.co.nz/dog-services/christchurch/dog-parks/halswell-quary-dog-park/

Dog Parks In Asia
Singapore:
http://www.timeout.com/sg/en/aroundtown/feature/run-spot-run
Taiwan:
http://english.www.gov.tw/TaiwanHeadlines/index.jsp?categid=11&recordid=90424
China - Beijing:
http://english.cri.cn/811/2006/05/02/272@84246.htm
Hong Kong:
http://thechinascoop.cn/20070818/Special_dog_park_opens_on_April_1_in_HK_1951.html

Although being at the dog park with your dog is great fun, you have to remember that there are a lot of other dogs there too, so good "doggy" etiquette is very important to have a safe and fun time at the dog park... And a good way to find out how ready you are to take your medium-sized dog to the dog park is to take this fun informative quiz:
http://animal.discovery.com/features/dogpark/etquiz/etquiz.html

Until next time ;-)

Technorati tags: dog park, dog parks in the U.S., dog parks in Canada, dog parks in Australia, dog parks in New Zealand, dog parks in Asia, list of dog parks.