My Cute Mutt-All About Dogs

Help Your Dog to Lose Weight

noreply@blogger.com (RJ) — Wed, 19 May 2010 10:53:00 +0000

Dogs are not that different from human beings in that if they eat too much of the wrong kinds of food and don't get enough exercise then they put on weight.. having put on weight they are even less inclined to take exercise and so put on even more weight.

Some dog owners like to give their pet snacks and treats to help in training, and some just to show their love for their dog. Too many treats of the wrong kind can upset a dog's natural dietary inclination towards high protein foods like neat and direct them increasingly towards an unhealthy diet that's high in carbohydrate.

An unhealthy diet and lack of sufficient exercise conspire to make a dog overweight with the same kind of health risk that overweight humans run. These risks include furring up of arteries leading to heart trouble, diabetes, joint and ligament problems, and premature death. If you over feed your dog with the wrong kind of food you will certainly shorten its life span and make its latter years miserable.

Dogs, like humans need a balanced diet with plenty of protein for growth and maintaining muscle mass, and also vitamins and fibre. They get energy from both fat and carbohydrate in their diet, although can even convert protein into energy if required. A healthy dog, like a healthy human, should have a diet as natural as possible with a minimum of processed food.

For the sake of convenience and practicability, it may not be possible to feed your dog on 100% home cooked food of course, but there are plenty of good quality dried foods that are available that can be mixed with meat to provide the right diet. Relying on canned dog foods is not a good idea because they often bulked out with too much carbohydrate, or are made from the lowest quality meat sources including animal organs.

If your dog is all ready overweight then you need to instigate a plan to gradually alter its diet to make it less reliant on carbohydrate and more protein rich, coupled with a gradual increase in the amount of daily exercise. Special weight reduction dried foods are a little more expensive than the ordinary but are higher in nutrition and lower in calories, so are worth the investment. A good idea is to cover kibble for ten minutes with hot water before serving, as this causes the food to swell and makes the dog feel fuller and be less likely to overeat.

In -between meal snacks should be curtailed as much as possible, and should be protein, not carbohydrate based. Do not allow your dog scraps from the table or any human junk foods like biscuits or cakes, as these are a sure way to put weight on your dog. It is a good idea to feed your dog first before sitting down to dinner yourself, as that will help minimise begging at the table.

Exercising your dog more can be fun and shouldn't be seen as a chore, although as a pet owner from choice, you do have the responsibility to see that your dog gets enough exercise. Provided you have a nearby open space, a medium or large dog can run up and down to fetch a ball or stick, a pastime that most dogs love. Some owners will jog with their dog, reaping the benefits of exercise for themselves as well. Unfortunately many people, when thinking of getting a dog, underestimate the amount of exercise that they need. If you doubt that you can walk or run a couple of miles a day, it is better to go for a smaller breed of dog that you can cope with.

It is all too easy to "kill with kindness" if you are a dog owner, but by sticking to a sensible healthy diet, and giving your dog the daily exercise it needs you will be rewarded with a fit animal that you can be proud to be seen with, and you will be giving it the quality of life that it deserves.

The author is a dog owner who wants to improve the lot of dogs generally. There is much more information about weight loss and nutrition for dogs at http://weightlossfordogs.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Esmund

Methods to Stop Dog Licking

noreply@blogger.com (RJ) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 07:07:00 +0000

Suggestions

One of the most crucial tips a dog owner should know is that from their first days of puppyhood and into their adult doggy days, it is vital that the owner remains persistent and trains their dog to act towards them as they would want them to behave towards other people. When an owner permits the dog to jump up on him, the dog will not realize that is is not permissible to do the same to visitors. Likewise, should the owner permit the dog to lick his hands or face, it will not comprehend that it is not allowed to lick the hands and face of another person. The secret to training a dog successfully is persistence, teaching the dog what behavior is acceptable and praising him for his obedience regularly.

While the owner may believe that it is a wonderful thing for the dog to lick him when he comes home, evidencing excitement and attention, there are many better behaviors besides licking which are more apropos for the dog to exhibit. One approach an owner could use to prevent licking would be to ignore and avoid their dog each time they attempt to lick them. An owner needs to avoid any eye contact with their dog and ought not to pay any attention to them until the licking has come to a stop. As soon as a dog regains a tranquil disposition, the owner can then offer their dog commendation and consideration for behaving so well. Lest a dog should be prone to licking people's hands, the owner needs to stop this by retracting their hand and avoiding the dog entirely, thus providing the dog with a chance to calm himself down.

With reinforcement of the correct behavior, the owner is at the same time training the dog to stop licking when visitors come into the home. When the dog understands that he will not receive attention from the owner by licking him, it is unlikely that it will attempt to lick others when they are in the house. The dog owner also needs to inform others who come into their home of how they should respond when the dog tries licking them, displaying and bolstering those same manners that the owner implements to prevent licking.

Learn more at: stop dog licking.

Dog training is designed to increase the pet owner's satisfaction with their pet. James is a consultant who specializes in dog training methods, as for example stop dog licking.

Additionally, he studies the training of puppies in depth. He has also has great tips and a free guide to help you start your dog training: http://www.puppy-training-advice.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_John_Johnson

Vaccinating Puppies - The Basics

noreply@blogger.com (RJ) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 14:35:00 +0000

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Along with "house breaking" part of raising a puppy is making sure they get their "shots".

We people often believe vaccines make our pets (and us) completely immune to specific diseases.

True or false?

Some of both. In reality it's complicated... and not precise.

How Do Vaccines Work?

Pets (and humans) have an immune system. It's function is to defend against invaders. It's a survival mechanism. Without one your pet would quickly be overwhelmed by diseases that would ultimately kill it.

The purpose of vaccines essentially is to "teach" the immune system to defend your dog against specific germs.

Vaccines contain "antigens" - foreign invaders. When the immune system detects invaders, it responds by producing "antibodies". Antibodies attach to the foreign invaders making them inactive.

Vaccines use a small enough amount of antigen to illicit a defensive response but not overwhelm the immune system. This process forms a "memory" in the immune system that allows it to quickly recognize that germ in the future by mounting a strong defense. The ability to defend against a particular antigen is consider "immunity".

The Downside of Vaccinations

This process is neither precise or individualized.
You give the puppy a dose - all be it a small dose - of a virus. Maybe he can defend against it, maybe he can't.

Next, vaccines can contain "adjuvants". Adjuvants are foreign proteins that stimulate a general immune response. Adjuvants are used as "insurance" - if there isn't a strong enough specific immune response to defend against the vaccine, a general immune response may be enough.

Next, preservatives such as thimerosol (very high in mercury) and aluminum are used. These are carcinogens.

Last, vaccines tend to come in "cocktails"... multiple vaccines in one dose. With multiple antigens hitting it at one time, the immune system can become overwhelmed and confused.

Decrease vaccination risks by:

- Don't vaccinate a puppy when their immune system is compromised which is the case if they are sick or having surgery (such as spay/neutering).

- Don't vaccinate if they're receiving pharmaceuticals especially steroids

- Minimize the number of vaccines at one time.

- Only vaccinate against diseases your dog is at risk for.

- Decrease stress before and after vaccination.

- Maintain good nutrition.

Learn the history of vaccination for dogs and cats, the risks, the current science and recommendations from leading Vets at DogAndCatZone.com Get the best information to make the wisest care choices for your companion.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patti_Clark

All About Dog Toys

noreply@blogger.com (RJ) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:47:00 +0000

Just like children's toys, dog toys can also be harmful, easy to destroy and may end up being very costly. Below are some helpful ideas for purchasing dog toys that your pets will enjoy and will not put a strain in your wallet.

Safe Toys Your Dog can Enjoy

For large dogs who have a lot of 'chew power', it's better to invest your money in toys like 'Kong' toys because they come in all sizes and tend to be very durable. Besides being very safe, dogs love them! Tennis balls are very good to fetch with but again take care that the size is suitable for your dog. Another popular toy are "rope" toys that you can play tug-a-war with your dog. Bones and raw cow hide can also be a form of toy because they can keep your dog content for hours by themselves.

Safety Tips for Buying Dog Toys

When you purchase toys, buy them according to the size of your dog and any habits they may have like chewing, fetching or pulling. Avoid toys with parts your dog can swallow or choke on. Examples are price tags, ribbons, staples or strings. Stuffed animals seem like a good idea but keep in mind they can be dangerous because of the eyes can be chewed off and the stuffing can be eaten. This is the same idea if you buy toys that are too small for big dogs who may end up swallowing them,

Home-made dog toys

If you are a crafty person, especially one that enjoys sewing, perhaps making your own home-made dog toy is something you'd be interested in. Toys can easily be made by gathering some old tough material and cutting them into any shape you desire. Make sure to cut two of each shape. Be careful for the size of your dog and make it big enough for them to play with without being able to swallow. Sew the edges of your duplicate and cut shapes then stuff the toy with padding. Once the stuffing in in, sew closed with a needle and thread the open end. If you are not so crafty and can't sew if your life depended on it, then another good idea is to take that same old tough material, loop and tie it in a knot before giving it to your dog. Remember, dogs don't care how pretty the toy is, they just want you to play with them.

To a dog, a toy can be anything as long as they can chew it, tug it, fetch it, and destroy it. If your looking to avoid spending too much money on toys, a good kind to buy for large to medium sized dogs are 'Kong' toys. These are durable and dogs love them! Making dog toys are also inexpensive and very easy to do with an old sweater or sweatpants. Just remember to buy toys that are safe and the proper size for your dogs. No matter what kind of toy you decide to bring home, your dog will love it no matter what as long as it can keep them entertained and allows you to play with them as well.

Learn more about dog car seat covers and pet car seat covers

Anna Sandpakdee owner of a pug and a mother of two and who loves to cook and eat Thai and Laotian food.

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Maggie Fishing - A Feather

noreply@blogger.com (RJ) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:21:00 +0000

How About Those Irresponsible Dog Owners Who Don't Clean Up After Their Dogs?

noreply@blogger.com (RJ) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:04:00 +0000

I live in a rather large apartment complex. One of my neighbors is a young man in his 20s that has a mixed breed dog of medium size. He is the WORST dog owner I have seen in a long time. The poor dog, who is only about 1 to 1 1/2 years old gets very little exercise. The owner, who by the way is home all day and night long, only takes her outside long enough for her to do 'her business' and then he drags her back inside again.
I hate to watch this as I feel SO sorry for the poor girl. She is young and wants to walk and explore and of course, run. He practically has to drag her back inside. Now to my point. This guy is very lazy and refuses to clean up after his dog. Here in Sweden it is the law that you must pick up dog poop from public places. They sell black 'poop bags' in every store and they are very cheap. There are also special doggie doo-doo receptacles placed all around and we have several here in the area that dog owners drop the bags into. This guy did, in the beginning, pick up the poo, but now he simply does not.
My partner ran into him a week or so ago while out with our dog Maggie and told him directly that he must pick up the dog poop. He only stared at her and turned and went back in with his dog. It was mentioned also to him that if we saw this habit continuing that we would call the apartment complex to complain. Our point is that since it is a privilege to be able to have a dog here in a rental building, his negligent behavior could jeopardize things for every dog owner who rents from this company.
Well, as the days passed, the dog poo piles outside that entrance door have grown. He simply is too lazy to pick up after his pet. So...today a call was made to the main office of the rental company. The woman on the other end of the phone said that she would call him and give him a warning.
We hope it changes things. Not only is it unsightly to look at, it could end up putting all dog owners who rent from this company in danger of not being allowed to keep their dogs in the apartments.
What do you think? I personally feel that this person's dog should be taken away from him. He only does the bare minimum with the dog. He is NEVER seen out walking or playing with the dog.

Adopt a Shelter Dog and Save a Life

noreply@blogger.com (RJ) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 12:37:00 +0000

Many dog owners turn their pet dogs over to local shelters for a variety of reasons. Sometimes when people re-locate they are not allowed to keep pets in their new homes or apartments, while others discover that family members have become allergic to the dog and they are forced to find a new home for their beloved pet. There are some dog owners out there that just do not feel they have the time and/or the resources to keep the dog any longer and feel forced to give it to the nearest shelter for re-adoption. Whatever the reasons, the fact is that there are tens of thousands of dogs sitting in shelters today all across the United States who are waiting to be adopted.
If you have been thinking of getting a dog, instead of looking through your local newspaper for puppies for sale, consider giving a shelter dog a home instead. Sadly, most shelters are extremely over-crowded which means that the if the dogs are not adopted within a couple of weeks, the shelters will be forced to euthanize the dogs. I took a tour through a large dog shelter in Michigan a few years back and the tour included a peek inside the 'freezer room'. This room was nothing more than a walk-in freezer which contained dead dogs and cats, wrapped in plastic, stacked as high as the ceiling, awaiting burial somewhere in a mass grave. Although that scene stuck in my head for many years, I totally understand why shelters are forced to put thousands of dogs asleep each year-they simply do not have the room to keep the dogs nor the resources available to build bigger shelters. Dog shelters are faced with rather strict budget restraints and they often get their funding from volunteer donations. Most of the folks that work at the shelters are donating their time and are caring for these abandoned pets out of the goodness of their hearts. Shelters all over the U.S. are overflowing with adult dogs that only need a second chance in life. The dog shelters do their best in assessing the dogs they take in to see if they are used to being around other dogs and pets, if they are good with children and whether or not they are housebroken and trained to walk on a leash. You may be surprised to find out that a great many of these dogs would indeed make outstanding pets and that they were abandoned by their original owners for reasons well beyond the dog's control.
Adopting a dog can save you an incredible amount of money compared to buying a purebred from a breeder. Often shelters will charge you for only for the cost of vaccinations and the basic care they have provided. You can often walk away from a shelter with a wonderful and deserving dog for less than $100 and sometimes for less, depending on the circumstances. You may be pleasantly surprised too that the shelter has micro-chipped your dog to ensure that he or she will be returned to you if it happens to wander away from your home or yard.
So, instead of looking online at young puppies for sale, please do consider getting in your car and driving to your nearest dog shelter. The dog shelter that I visited told me that whenever new people come in to view the dogs that are up for adoption that the shelter staff does not allow the visitors to look at the puppies until they have viewed all of the adult dogs up for adoption. This is done for obvious reasons as people find puppies irresistible and won't even consider looking at a full grown dog when there are puppies up for adoption at the shelters.

Shelters in California Have Overflow of Chihuahuas

noreply@blogger.com (RJ) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 08:13:00 +0000

The state of California has more Chihuahuas then it knows what to do with and workers at shelters are blaming Hollywood. There are so many Chihuahuas at the shelters in Oakland that the shelters are being forced to send the dogs to shelters in neighboring states. The tiny breed makes up at least thirty percent of the total dog population at shelters across the state. Experts say we can blame the likes of Paris Hilton and Miley Cyrus as well as other celebrities for the problem as people have rushed to buy Chihuahuas to tote around and to use as a status symbol of sorts.

Thankfully, at least for now, the problem seems to be specific to the state of California as Chihuahuas are the most popular breed in Los Angeles and thus has become the breed that is abandoned the most. Some shelters report receiving an average of ten Chihuahuas every single day. The reason given by the owners who bring the tiny dogs to the shelters range from statements saying that the dog has become “too old”, or that the dog is “too yappy”. Many of the owners also state that their dog has nipped or bitten someone in the household.

California has also seen a rise in the number of backyard breeders who are trying to cash in on the popularity of the Chihuahua. Unfortunately, many people have no problem in kicking a Chihuahua, and due to the small size of the dog, many Chihuahuas are mishandled by children and adults alike.

Now, back to Paris Hilton. In September of this year a news story came across the wires saying that two of Hilton's Chihuahuas were killed by coyotes. Neighbors as well as paparazzi had reported that they have often found some of her dogs roaming the streets after they had gotten out of her compound--due to not being watched. It was reported that Hilton did not even find the bodies of her two dogs until the day after she discovered them missing. We can only hope that she does not buy more dogs to replace those two. The Hollywood heiress was the first person to use her Chihuahua Tinkerbell as a fashion accessory, toting the poor thing around with her from nightclub to nightclub in a handbag.

Thankfully, most of the shelters who are getting the overflow of Chihuahuas from California report that they are having success placing then often abused and neglected dogs into new and loving homes. In my opinion, it's time for people in California to wake up and quit looking at Chihuahuas as 'fashion accessories'!!!

Greyhound Dog Racing-The Dirty Truth

noreply@blogger.com (RJ) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:55:00 +0000

The national greyhound protection group called GREY2K USA ran a successful ballot campaign against greyhound racing in the state of Massachusetts in 2008 and this year they took the battle to the state of Florida where they are out to close down the thirteen dog tracks in that state.
Christine Dorchak, president of the group, says that dog racing is cruel and inhumane and that the dogs live miserable lives in confinement. The state of Florida does not require race tracks and kennels to maintain published records of injuries or deaths.
GREY2K USA shot video footage showing two greyhounds who died as a result of injuries they received while racing. One of the dogs was a two year old greyhound who suffered two broken legs while racing at the Palm Beach Kennel Club.
Dogs live in small cages that are barely big enough for them to stand up or turn around in and most greyhound race tracks house one thousand dogs in warehouse-like structures. The general public is unaware of the fact that thousands of greyhounds are seriously injured every year while racing. These injuries include broken bones, heart attacks, broken necks and paralysis due to spinal cord injuries. Greyhounds are forced to race in the most extreme weather conditions, both on the hottest summer days and in sub-zero temperatures during the winter months.
When greyhounds are no long pulling in a profit, they are killed. It is estimated that at least 5,000 greyhounds are unnecessarily killed every year across the United States. In Wisconsin in 2002, a greyhound trainer was videotaped injecting several greyhounds with an anabolic steroid and in Florida, over 100 dogs tested positive for cocaine between the years 2001 and 2003. The state of Florida did nothing to find out how the dogs had ingested the cocaine. To add insult to injury, greyhound racing dogs are fed low quality and cheap meat-often diseased and dead livestock.
The greyhounds need to be protected and greyhound racing needs to be shut down. Until dog racing is outlawed, these dogs will continue to be sentenced to inhumane treatment and living their lives in small cages. It is time people stood up and told their state legislators that greyhound racing should be illegal--in every single one of the sixteen states that allow greyhound racing today.

Walking Your Dog Should Be Pleasant

noreply@blogger.com (RJ) — Sat, 30 May 2009 06:27:00 +0000

Walking your dog on a leash should be a pleasant experience for both your dog and for you. It is important that you take your dog out for regular walks if you don't have a fenced in yard. Dogs need exercise and it is in their nature to explore the environment. I have a neighbor who owns three dogs, two Chinese Crested dogs and a Standard Poodle. The owner has no control whatsoever over his three dogs and allows them to jump and bark at people and other dogs that they pass on the street.
The poodle is absolutely hysterical on the leash. He jumps and barks constantly and when the owner tries to stop this behavior, the dog stands on his hind legs, and his owner allows the dog to do this. It is very obvious that the owner is embarassed by the dog's behavior and that he has no control over any of this three dogs when they are out walking.
As a dog owner, you must always remember that your dog looks to you to give the directions. Dogs are pack animals and need to have a leader, and the leader is you, the owner.
When you are out on a walk with your dog and another dog is approaching, if your dog starts pulling, barking, jumping or exhibiting any other undesireable behavor, immediately shorten the leash and turn the dog away from the approaching dog. Do not allow your dog to win this small 'battle'. Simply turn the dog away from what it is that he is overly interested in, and then move along.
Walking your dog should be fun, relaxing, and a pleasant experience. If you feel that you need help in training your dog how to behave while walking on a leash, you can take a short course that will teach you and your dog how to enjoy a walk. Most cities offer dog training courses and it would be well worth the time and the small amount of money the course costs.
Best Dog Supplies Online

The Importance of Having Your Dog Wear an ID Tag

noreply@blogger.com (RJ) — Mon, 04 May 2009 08:12:00 +0000

If you own a dog, there is little doubt that your dog is a part of your family. He goes places with the family, is always by your side and depends on you to take care of his needs. You could not even imagine how terrible you would feel if you were to lose him.
No matter how careful you are, there is always a possiblity that your dog could slip away from you. It could happen in a variety of ways and under differing circumstances, but you must know that is is in fact a possibility. To give you peace of mind, you should always have an ID tag on your dog's collar that shows his name, and your phone number. If you wish, you can also get your dog implanted with a tiny identification microchip. This microchip is injected under the surface of your dog's skin by your veterinarian and contains your information, such as name, address and phone number. If your dog should become lost, and is found by someone, local police forces have a reader that they use to scan your dog's body to see if he has an identification microchip. Then the information comes up on the computer and the police can contact you to tell you that your dog has been found. The actual microchip is very tiny and it causes absolutely no pain to your dog to have it injected.
So whether you choose a dog tag that your dog wears on his collar or an microchip, it is up to you. The important thing is to be sure that your do have your dog identifiable so that you and he will never be separated.
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Meet the World's Biggest Dog!

noreply@blogger.com (RJ) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:09:00 +0000

We met this big Irish Wolfhound male dog when we were out walking this week. He was huge and a 'gentle giant'. The woman in the picture is his owner and she is of average height. The top of his back came up to the top of my hip! Maggie was with us and she ignored him as she is mostly only interested in people. The 'entire Maggie' is the size of his head! I looked up the Irish Wolfhound and found that this breed is 'probably' the biggest dog in the world. They were used for hunting wolves, wild boar, bear and deer. One thing I can say for sure is that he is the biggest dog in Sundsvall, Sweden!
I look forward to meeting him again on future walks. He only lives a couple of blocks away.

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Long-Haired Dogs Need A Spring Beauty Treatment

noreply@blogger.com (RJ) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:17:00 +0000

It's springtime and if you own a dog that has thick fur or long hair, it would be a good idea to make an appointment at the local groomer to have a spring makeover. Dogs, if they live in places with changing seasons, need their long hair for protection from the cold weather. If the summers are hot it is a good idea to have your dog's fur trimmed or thinned out a bit so that he is more comfortable in the hot and humid weather.
Dog groomers become very busy in the spring and early summer months, with their customers bringing their dogs in for a yearly trim. The groomer usually will begin with brushing and combing through the thick fur and using special grooming tools that are designed to remove tangles and matted fur. Many long haired dogs get quite matted behind their legs, at the base of the and on the undersides of their body. Once the initial combing and brushing is done, it's time for a bath with a good quality dog shampoo. After the shampooing, it's back to the grooming table again to be dried with the dog hair dryer and start clipped and shaving away old, dead fur or hair. The groomer will also clip the long hair that has grown between the dog's pads, as this hair can twist and pull, causing your four-legged friend discomfort and pain.
Your dog will feel much better with this thorough grooming and will most definitely be much more comfortable in the hot summer months and especially if you dog is outdoors a lot in the summertime. So, do your dog a big favor and schedule a grooming appointment to get your dog prepared for the warm weather.
I am sure you have seen dogs with tons of heavy, matted fur panting as they walk alongside their oblivious owners in the summer months. These dogs are miserable, hot and very, very uncomfortable, that i borders on animal cruely. Dogs depend on us humans to care for them, and getting your dog groomed regularly is a part of the very basics of carring for a dog.
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Dogs,Dogs Wonderful Dogs!

noreply@blogger.com (RJ) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 07:35:00 +0000

If you are reading this article, then I would guess that you are a person like me in the fact that you love dogs! Perhaps more specifically, your own dog or a past dog that was a big part of your life. Dogs are without a doubt the most popular type of house pet in the entire civilized world. And for good reason.
I cannot imagine my life being 'dog-less'. I grew up with dogs. All of my childhood memories involve the family dog that we had at that time. I have fond memories of our Wired Hair Terrier that we four children got as a suprise Christmas present from our parents when I was nine years old. She came into our lives on Christmas morning with a red satin ribbon tied around her nine week old neck. My mother christened her 'Chrissy Noel' in commeration of the day she joined the family.
Then there was Lizzy, the wonderful Collie pup that we rescued in a blizzard. Some horribly mean spirited person had driven the entire litter of puppies into our small town early one morning, in hopes, we assumed, that the towns' people would take pity on the poor, shivering puppies and give them homes. Thankfully it did happen, as every one of the six puppies were adopted by people doing their banking or shopping that cold winter morning. Lizzie was a fixture in our home for 14 years. We got another dog when Lizzie was about 8 years old-a scruffy black 'mop' named Archie. Lizzie immediately saw to it that Archie would not drink out of the in-ground swimming pool, as he loved to do. When he bent down and leaned over the edge of the pool, Lizzie would run over to him, walk in between him and the pool and force him away from the water!
Dogs. Such fine memories. I plan on always having a dog in my life as long as I am mobile and have the capacity to care for him or her and provide the necessary daily exercise that dogs need. I never get tired of meeting a new dog when I'm out on a stroll with my little Papillon, Yorkie mix. I love watching young puppies romping and play in the fall leaves, or tire when being walked on the leash, and just simply sit or lay down because they are 'pooped out'.
Dogs. Gotta love 'em! I have yet to meet a dog that I didn't like. Unfortunately I cannot say the same about people! I never really 'get it' when a person says that they don't like dogs. How could that be? Why? Dogs love us no matter what. They are loyal until the end. They look to us for everything and depend on us to feed and care for them and love them. What's not to like about that?
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The Importance of Grooming Your Dog

noreply@blogger.com (RJ) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 06:28:00 +0000

If you are the proud owner of a dog, (and I say proud because I know that all people who own dogs are very proud of their four-legged friend), then it is absolutely essential that you keep your dog clean and healthy.
Dogs need to be groomed on a regular basis. This includes regular brushing which will keep the fur from matting or tangling, and will also remove the dead hair from your dog's coat. You can purchase a good quality dog brush at any pet store. Be sure you get a brush that is made for the type of hair or fur you dog has. You can ask the shop attendant for assistance in choosing the brush if you are unsure.
Dogs do not necessarily need to be bathed so terribly often. This all depends on how dirty your dog gets. I own a mixed breed between a Yorkie and a Papillon and she only requires to be bathed every few months. We live in the city and walk mostly on groomed trails and sidewalks, so she stays relatively clean.
Do use a shampoo that is made specifically for dogs. These too can be found at pet stores. Dog shampoos are created with your pet in mind and will not irritate their skin like some shampoos that are made for humans can. Be sure to put some cotton swabs just inside the dog's ear cavity when giving him a bath, to stop water from entering the inner ear, which could lead to an inner ear infection.
Part of a regular grooming routine for you dog should include regular clipping or trimming of the claws. Keeping the claws trimmed will, for one, be more comfortable for your dog, plus it will prevent the claws from curling and possibly growing into the pads of the paw. Some breeds have an extra claw a bit higher up on the front legs. These are called 'dew claws' and it is essential that these be trimmed also, as a long dew claw can easily grow into the skin of the leg of your dog.
You must be very careful when trimming your dog's claws so as not to take off too much of the tip, for if you trim too far down, it will create pain and some bleeding. There are some really great claw clippers/trimmers available in pet stores that make the job easier. If you do not feel comfortable trimming the claws, call your local dog groomer and make a quick appointment. You need not pay more than around five dollars for this service. Ask your groomer to show you how to safely trim the claws.
Dogs like to be clean and well cared for, just as we humans do. Your dog depends on you to keep him clean and healthy, so do not neglect the hygiene of your best friend!
Written by Cin Rupp. Come and visit my blog and see some really cute photos of Maggie!http://mycutemutt.blogspot.com/

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Want Companionship? Get Yourself a Pet!

noreply@blogger.com (RJ) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:28:00 +0000

If you want a companion or a little company in your home, consider buying a pet. There are many types of pets to choose from and you should choose your pet to fit into your lifestyle and the size of your home.
If you live in an apartment building, getting a dog may not be your first best choice. Dogs must be taken outdoors several times a day, and if you leave home to work, your dog will be left alone in your apartment and will become lonely, may disturb the neighbors with barking, plus you will need to hire someone to come and take your dog out for walks while you are away.
There are several other pets that would do well living in an apartment. A cat can live happily indoors all it's life and can be left alone for longer periods of time. Having a hamster or other some animal is also an alternative. Birds make great pets for apartment dwellers as well, and provide company. It is nice to start the mornings off with a sweet bird song!
Having an aquarium filled with colorful fish is cheerful, and it is said that an aquarium provides a calming affect to people. Aquariums come in all sizes and shapes, so an aquarium would be a perfect choice for a person living in an apartment.
If you live in a house or share part of a house, a dog or a puppy would be a good choice. Dogs need space and adore being outdoors, so if you have a little patch of grass, your dog will be very pleased.
It is known that pet owners live longer then people who do not own a pet. Pets provide company to people and they depend on you to take care of their basic needs. Once you have chosen your pet, visit your local pet store to buy the necessary pet supplies tailored to your new friend.
Written by Cindy Rupp

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Choosing Treats For Your Dog

noreply@blogger.com (RJ) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 13:25:00 +0000

We usually feed our dogs the same dog food every day. Dogs enjoy having a bit of variation in their diets, and there are an lot of dog treats available on the market. It can be a bit confusing choosing a good treat for your dog.
Many supermarkets offer dog treats in their pet aisles. If you check the ingredient list on the package, this may aid you in deciding what treat to choose. You want to give you dog only treats that are healthy and should avoid low priced treats, as the quality is often on the low end.
Many of these cheaper dog treats that are for sale in grocery stores and discount chain stores, unfortunately contain a lot of artificial ingredients and chemicals. It may be a wiser choice to shop online for a high quality dog treat that contains only natural ingredients. Pet shops also have top quality treats and the shop owners or clerks are well-informed and can assist you in choosing a good treat for your dog.
If your dog is older and not as active as he or she used to be, it may be wise to choose a treat that is low in fat. Another dog treat option is finding a 'chew stick' that is made to clean the dog's teeth as he or she chews. Dogs have a tendency to get a buildup of plaque on their teeth just like humans do, and if you do not brush your dog's teeth (many dog owners do not) then most vets will advise dog owners to provide this type of chew treat to their pets.
Your dog will be happy getting a bit of variation and you will be happy knowing that you made a wise choice.

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WALKING THE PUP ON A LEASH

noreply@blogger.com (RJ) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:00:00 +0000

It is important from an early age to put a collar on your pup to get him/her used to it. Do not, however, leave the collar on the puppy if she is un-attended to to avoid the risk of an accident. If a dog is startled or becomes upset, they can sometimes ‘choke’ on the collar by getting it caught in their mouth or accidently get it caught on something which could cut off their air supply. We would attach a lightweight leash to our 9 week out while she was in the yard with us and simply let her drag it around for a few minutes to get used to having something attached to her and then approach and gently pick up the leash handle and gently lead her around the yard, enouraging her to come with us. We then began slowly leaving the yard with Maggie on the leash and taking walks around the complex. We used an harness for walking-we felt that since she was so small that a harness provided security and we didn’t really feel comfortable using a collar on that tiny neck. We bought a ‘no pull’ type harness on Ebay. The leash clip is on the front of the harness, so when Maggie would begin to pull ahead and the leash became taunt, it automatically forced her to turn around to face us-hence stopping the pulling. Note that this type of harness is for training purposes only (as it could easily slip off) to teach the dog to break the pulling habit. We highly recommend this type of harness. It proved to be very effective while training our small dog not to pull. There were times when we would use the training harness again as she sometimes would revert back to trying to get ahead and pull on her regular harness. Only after a day or so with the no-pull harness training it was back to the regular harness once again!
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Picking The Right Food For Your Pet

noreply@blogger.com (RJ) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 18:04:00 +0000

Pets are great to have and to share our lives with, and they require just as much care as humans do in order to be healthy and happy and to live a long life. All pets need to be fed properly, and we often have the question of what is the best food for our pets to get from us. There are many people who give their pets human food, while others believe this is wrong and only feed their pets with pet food. We will concentrate on dogs here since this is a dog related blog. Is it wise to feed your dog human food?
Dogs are related to the wolf family which are strictly carnivourous, which means they eat mostly the flesh from other animals. This does not mean, however that human food is the correct food for them. It is best to find a dog food product where the first ingredient is meat. Make sure it is real meat and not some kind of a meat substitute. Feeding your dog only human food is not really a great idea because it can be too greasy for them and can block their arteries and they need a well balanced diet. A good dog food has a great balance of meat, grains, vitamins and fiber.
Dogs have very sensitive digestive tracks and can get diarrhea quite easily and upset stomachs if there are changes made to their diet. It is best to find a quality dog food that is healthy for them. Your vet can recommend a good food for your dog if you find it confusing.
It is also a good idea to keep them on the same food as changing food too often can cause problems for your dog. If you feel you need to change food, you should slowly mix the new food in with the old until you have fully replaced the old over a few weeks.
Dogs should get varying amounts of food each day, depending on their activity level and their size. Most dog food packages have guidelines regarding this.
Choosing the correct food for your dog is important to ensure that your dog will live a long and healthy life.
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Teaching Kids And Pets To Co-Exist Peacefully

noreply@blogger.com (RJ) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 15:58:00 +0000

It is possible for children and pets to coexist together under the same roof? Many people believe that small children and dogs are not a good combination. They fear that the dog will not get along with the new child and that the dog may hurt the child in some way. This need not always be the case, and if you take the time to correctly introduce your dog to your children, your kids and pets can live in harmony and become the best of pals!
One of the biggest concerns that many parents have when it comes to dogs in the home is how it will react to a new baby. The fact is tha most dogs readily accept a new child into the home and become loyal and very protective over the baby, as they view the child as a part of the family unit.
You should introduce your pet to your new baby slowly and be sure that you are always in the room. Allow your dog to sniff your child at his or her own pace. Make the introduction pleasant for your dog. Sometimes the dog will not give a new baby a second thought!
Allow your dog time to adjust to the new family member on his or her own terms. When a baby comes to the house, it is an adjustment for everybody. It is a good idea too to be sure your dog's nails are trimmed properly to avoid any accidents, as dogs like to put their paws on people at times.
It is a good idea to keep your dog well-groomed too. If you keep the dog clipped and brushed it will certainly help your home stay a little bit cleaner and lower the risk for allergy problems. Studies have shown that children who are around dogs and cats from early in their lives, actually have less trouble with allergies.
Make sure that your dog does not have access to your baby’s room when you are not there..such as at naptimes.
Be sure that you are still spending quality time with your dog and giving him or her attention, as dogs can become jealous easily. Do what you normally did before the baby arrived such as playing in the yard and going for walks.
Teach your child from a young age that they should never play rough or pull on the dog's fur or tail. They must learn to respect the dog. It is also important to teach your child to respect your dog and his or her space in the home.
There are many things you can do to ensure that your kids and your dog can live together happily in the same home. Your children and and your dog need to learn to respect each other from the very beginning. Children and dogs do make great bonds and having a dog in the family greatly enriches the household.
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Abandoned Dogs-A Different Way To Rescue a Dog!

noreply@blogger.com (RJ) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 18:38:00 +0000

When I was a kid of twelve, there was a big blizzard in the small town I grew up in. My father had walked home for lunch that particular day, and told us that someone had dropped off or 'dumped' a litter of four puppies in the center of town. He told us they looked like Collie puppies.
My younger sister and I, being total animal lovers, immediately put on our winter outerwear and ran into town to see for ourselves. Sure enough, the poor, wet and cold puppies were trying desperately to get into the local banks' front door whenever customers would enter or exit!
We lured the five puppies away from the town center into a neighboring lot. They appeared to be no more than 6 or 7 weeks old! We played with them for a bit, then started walking the two blocks back home. We were just hoping that some adults in town would gather them and take them home so they would be safe. As we started walking away, all of the puppies ran after us for a few yards or so, then turned back and started wandering as a group back toward town. One female puppy however, looked back at us, then looked at her litter mates, then back and us again, and came running to us and followed us home. We knew that very instant, that she was going to become a member of our family!
When our mother saw the wet, muddy and very cold puppy, she took her upstairs and gave her a warm bath and towel dried her. What a beautiful puppy she was!
When our father came home from work later that afternoon, he had heard that all of the puppies were adopted by sympathetic people that were in town that day.
We took the female pup to our veterinarian that week and upon examining her, the vet told us that he was quite convinced that she was a full-bred Collie! She was the sweetest, prettiest dog I have ever known! Lizzie lived a very happy life with our family until she died at the age of fourteen. She was loved by all and is still missed.
How on earth could a human being gather up a whole litter of young, innocent puppies, put them in his or her car, drive to the nearest town, and just release them in the middle of a snowstorm? We never found out unfortunately, who had abandoned those puppies that cold winter day. Dog abandonment is a crime which is punishable by law most everywhere and is an inexcusable act.
Written by Cin Rupp. Come and visit my blog and see some really cute photos of Maggie!
http://mycutemutt.blogspot.com/ Best Top-Quality Pet Supplies!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cindy_Rupp

Dog Clothing-Is It Right Or Wrong?

noreply@blogger.com (RJ) — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 12:30:00 +0000

Now, this is just WRONG!

Clothing for dogs has become a very lucrative business for many canine lovers. You can now buy dog clothing with ease, both online and in boutiques; especially in larger cities. Owning smaller dogs is very popular these days, partly due to the fact that they are easy to take along with you, and also because so many people live in smaller living spaces and can accommodate a smaller pet.
I must admit that I do own a few dog jackets for my small Yorkillon mixed breed. When it's raining heavy, I put a lightweight raincoat on her as she absolutely hates to go outside in the rain. When it becomes really cold outside (below zero Fahrenheit) I slip a fleece-lined red jacket on her, which keeps her belly warm and prevents the snow from 'balling up' and tangling her fur. This is as far as I go with dressing my dog.
I have seen numerous websites that sell all kinds of clothing for dogs. Everything ranging from t shirts, hooded sweatshirts, boots and even pajamas! I know that the media shows many celebrity women carrying around their small dogs dressed in outfits, and it somehow became 'hip' or 'posh' to dress dogs up in all kinds of hideous outfits. To me, I get the impression that they look at their dogs as toys or dolls in some respect. Fun little things to play with and make fashion statements to the world!
I cannot even imagine putting a pair of pajamas on my dog at night! Talk about un-natural! I know there are many people out there who totally disagree with me. They think that they have the right to dress their dogs if they please to do so, with which I agree, but I honestly do not think that the dogs who must endure the changing of clothing several times daily are the happiest creatures on earth.
Now I also know that there are those people out there that do not think that a dog should ever wear any type of clothing-not even a rain or winter jacket. I can say that I think dog outerwear has become quite acceptable for some of the practical reasons I stated earlier. I have never spoken to a dog owner who has closets full of clothing for their four-legged friends, so I really cannot say what their justifications are for this behavior. All I can say is that I personally find it a bit disturbing and totally ridiculous. What do you think?
Written by Cin Rupp. Come and visit my blog and see some really cute photos of Maggie!
http://mycutemutt.blogspot.com/ Best Top-Quality Pet Sypplies!

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White House Puppy?

noreply@blogger.com (RJ) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 13:12:00 +0000

Well, there are only two days left until the Obamas move into the White House and we all have heard that he promised his daughters a dog when they moved into their new home. When asked what kind of dog he was going to get he replied 'Probably a mutt like me!'. So of course, everyone is wondering and waiting to see what kind of pooch gets to occupy the big house on Pennsylvania Avenue! Offers poured in from all across the US and around the world, offering puppies, making suggestions and on and on! I personally don't care if he gets a mixed breed or a pure bred. It's the family's choice. No one can make the choice for them, but it will be interesting to see what kind of dog they get, as it will be an instant celebrity! What do you think? Will it be a pure bred or a mutt?
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Dogs and Fireworks-Not a Friendly Combination

noreply@blogger.com (RJ) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 10:56:00 +0000

We humans love fireworks. They are a part of many culture's celebrations across the globe. In the United States, most towns and cities put on an incredible fireworks display on Independence Day. In Europe, fireworks are used to celebrate holidays the year round. As an American living in Sweden, I was not aware that Swedes shoot off fireworks on New Year's Eve with total abandon gusto! There are no restrictions regarding the sales of these air-born rockets to the average citizen, believe it or not.
I am the owner of a dog. She is now three years old. She is a wonderful, small female mixed breed between a Papillion (her mother) and an Yorkshire Terrier (her father). She is a very well-balanced dog. She loves and trusts everyone and loves to go along with me whenever she can.
The sale of fireworks begins here in earnest in early December. You can hear the occasional one here or there being fired at any time in December, as it seems some people are too anxious to save them until New Year's Eve. My dog hates fireworks. If we are out for a walk and one goes off, she will immediately turn toward home and pull on the leash in that direction and nothing I say or do will convince her that 'it's ok'. As you can imagine, the closer to the big holiday, the more often we encounter this when going out for a walk.
This past New Year's Eve I was home alone with the dog. I took her out at around 8 pm because I knew it would be pointless to try and take her out much after that time. She was hesitant to leave the front step, but I convinced her to at least take a few steps away from the building so she could relieve herself.
When midnight came, our neighbors from downstairs came out the door with their party guests and were carrying four full cases of fireworks! They did not even have the consideration to go several dozen feet or yards away from the apartment building; rather they set up their makeshift 'launching pad' only fifteen feet from the building!
They proceeded to fire off some pretty impressive rockets, complete with the 'whooshing' noise and the smoke. My poor dog was frantic! She saw the bright flashes in the front windows and tried to leave the apartment. I closed the blinds, turned up my music a bit, but nothing could damper the incredible noise coming from just outside the windows. I talked calmly to her, held and reassured her, but to no avail. She was shaking with fear! She finally took refuge in the shoe rack at the front door. She literally crawled onto the shoe rack and cowered there in the corner until the celebrating was over an hour later.
Next year, sadly, I will have to make a visit to my vet to get her a tranquilizer so she can endure the long night. I know that there are countless pet owners out there that feel, as I do, that there should be restrictions on the sale and use of fireworks.
Written by Cin Rupp. Come and visit my blog and see some really cute photos of Maggie! http://mycutemutt.blogspot.com/ Best Top-Quality Pet Supplies!
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Just some thoughts....

noreply@blogger.com (RJ) — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 09:47:00 +0000

The weather remains cold here in Sweden and I see on the news that most of Europe is in the deep freeze too. This cold weather sure makes you appreciate having a roof over your head and a warm bed to sleep in. I see that Russia has stopped the supply of natural gas to it's neighbors during this cold snap. Very bad indeed. And for the conflict in Gaza--now Lebanon has fired rockets into Israel. I sure wish somehow this could be resolved, but it seems that it is just an ugly, endless cycle of violence. I wish Obama all the best when he takes office! He will have his hands full and will be the first US president elect to have such a full plate of messes to handle! I am going to be sure to be around the tv on inauguration day to watch history in the making! I never dreamed that I would live long enough to see a black man be elected to the higest office in the US! I know the amount of bigotry and racism that runs across the land, and have experienced it first hand personally on several ocassions in my lifetime. I am proud to be an American. Always have been, but now so more than ever.
Keep the comments coming and I promise to reciprocate! Cin

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