Dogs in the News

Expectant Families Can Learn Dog Training and Dog Behavior Tips and Advice to Help Prepare For Life with Baby: WHS Brings Back Dogs & Storks

2012-02-23T17:46:00.000+01:00

The Winnipeg Humane Society (WHS) announces the return of the popular dog training and dog behavior based program, Dogs & Storks to its list of education programs. This news comes on the eve of the Baby & Kids Show beginning Saturday, February 25 at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.

Dogs & Storks is a trade-marked program that helps prepare the family dog for life with baby. Dogs & Storks is a two-hour workshop that provides essential information to help families prepare their dog for the dramatic changes that happen once a baby enters the family. Ideally this preparation begins as early as possible to provide as much opportunity for the dog to adjust.

“Many parents are looking for information about the best way to prepare their dog for life with baby,” says Renee Will, licensed Dogs & Storks instructor. “Typically attention is focused on the family pet before a baby is born. It is quickly re-directed once the baby enters the home. This shift may create behavior issues with the dog. Dogs & Storks is designed to make the transition much smoother for the dog, demystify the process for new families, and create safe boundaries for parent, baby and dog.”

Along with Dogs & Storks, The WHS offers a variety of educational programs for children of all ages such as Spring & Summer day camps, Pet Partners and Paws for Adventure. These programs teach children about animals and responsible pet ownership.

During both days of the show, WHS Meet and Greet dogs will be on-hand to meet with people and extend a paw to say hello. Volunteers will be available to answer pet adoption questions and provide information on how to adopt a WHS cat or dog. Families can also learn about the WHS Foster parent program and SNAP, the subsidized spay and neuter assistance program. These programs provide a temporary home for shelter animals before adoption and helps people on a limited income pay for spaying or neutering their pet.

The Baby & Kids Show begins on Saturday, February 25 at the Winnipeg Convention Centre and ends on Sunday, February 26. Doors open at 10:00 a.m. and close each day at 5:00 p.m.

About The Winnipeg Humane Society:
The Winnipeg Humane Society was founded in 1894 and has grown into the largest and most experienced animal welfare organization in Manitoba. Nearly 9,000 animals enter its shelter each year and are cared for by devoted staff and hundreds of volunteers. The Winnipeg Humane Society offers an extensive list of programs and services that contribute to its mission of protecting animals from suffering and promoting their welfare and dignity. The Winnipeg Humane Society strives to remain at the forefront of animal welfare throughout Manitoba.

SOURCE: Expectant Families Can Learn Dog Training and Dog Behavior Tips and Advice to Help Prepare For Life with Baby: WHS Brings Back Dogs & Storks

Give us an Uggie! How canine star of The Artist has found homes for rescued terriers | News

2012-02-23T17:34:00.000+01:00

The canine star of Oscar-nominated film The Artist has spurred an unprecedented surge in demand for rescued Jack Russells.

Battersea Dogs and Cats home said today it been inundated with requests for the breed since the success of the French silent film - which stars a
10-year-old terrier called Uggie as actor Jean Dujardin's sidekick.

Miracle Dog finds its way back home after terrible car accident

2012-02-23T17:23:00.000+01:00

Crews rescue family dog from demolished house

2012-02-23T17:11:00.000+01:00

Prince Lorenzo Borghese & Animal Aid Teamup For Free Spay/Neuter | Petside

2012-02-23T16:43:00.000+01:00

Although most famous for his stint on the TV series The Bachelor, Borghese’s heart is with his Royal Pet Club and the Royal Treatment Italian Pet Spa line of all-natural bath and body pet products—dog shampoos, conditioners and other pet grooming supplies—all made with organic ingredients.

He created the Royal Treatment line of products for his Black Lab Belle who’d suffered from severely dry skin. When Borghese couldn’t find any shampoos to help Belle he decided to take matters into his own paws. By using his family’s cosmetic industry contacts Prince Borghese created his own formula for an organic pH-balanced shampoo just for dogs and launched it on the Home Shopping Network. What began as a one-product company has transformed into the highest quality pet products line in the world.

Red Dingo Partners with PetHub to Bring Digital Pet ID Tags to Retailers

2012-02-23T15:59:00.000+01:00

PetHub (http://www.pethub.com), the company that provides the fastest and safest way to get lost pets home, today announced that Red Dingo (http://www.reddingo.com) has selected its patent-pending digital ID tag technology to include on its newest line of pet ID tags. Red Dingo, known for using high quality materials that are designed for durability and long lasting good looks, selected PetHub based on its unique ability to add Quick Response (QR) codes, GPS email notifications, shelter alerts, and consumer-friendly Web profiles to its stylish tags.

“We’re in the business of creating amazing accessories for dogs and cats, but needed a partner with the right software expertise to help us add the latest and greatest digital ID technology to our tags,” said Craig Chalk, CEO at Red Dingo. “With PetHub, not only do we get the best digital ID technology to identify pets, we also get to help our customers feel good that they can protect their pet.”

With PetHub, anyone with a Smartphone can easily scan a QR-code on a pet’s tag or use a unique Web address on the front of the tag to access a pet’s critical information and immediately take proper action to help a lost or injured animal. The new Red Dingo tags will include a free PetHub account which will provide immediate, one-scan access to critical information such as emergency contacts, necessary medication, allergies, immunizations, vet and insurance providers, dietary needs, and much more. Pet owners can update the information anytime, anywhere from any browser or mobile device.

“We envision a day when every family dog or cat will be protected with a digital ID tag,” said Tom Arnold, CEO and founder of PetHub. “Partnerships with quality manufacturers like Red Dingo will help us accomplish this even faster, ensuring that our beloved lost animals are never on the streets with only a name and number.”

The new Red Dingo tags powered by PetHub are currently available at 50 designated retailers and will be completely rolled out in the United States and Canada by the summer of 2012. In addition to the retailers, the new tags can also be purchased directly on PetHub.com starting at $15.90 (USD). Red Dingo customers will receive free unlimited storage data as well as access to educational articles, relevant event listings, and local destinations added by the PetHub community and experts. Pet owners can upgrade to the Silver subscription ($3.95 per month or $39 per year) which not only helps owners notify local animal shelters if the pet gets lost but also sends owners an email with the exact location of where the tag got scanned with a GPS-enabled phone. The Gold subscription ($4.95 per month or $49 per year) includes all the benefits of the Silver subscription as well as a collectible PetHub ID tag each spring and $3,000 emergency insurance that covers the pet for injuries sustained while lost.

Special launch promotion for Groupon Members
As a special launch promotion from Feb 28 - March 5, Groupon members can purchase the new Red Dingo digital ID tags plus a one-year silver subscription service for only $14, which is more than 60 percent off the standard annual price. For more information, be sure to watch for next week’s Groupon email that will arrive on Feb 28.

Global Pet Expo
If you’d like to see the new Red Dingo digital ID tags in-person, PetHub will be in Booth 3176 and the New Products Showcase at Global Pet Expo in Orlando, Florida from February 29-March 2, 2012.

About Red Dingo
Red Dingo (http://www.reddingo.com) is a young and progressive Australian company that was formed for the sole purpose of designing and marketing quality pet accessories. Red Dingo pet products are built to outlast any pet adventure. Like our namesake the Dingo, a bush dog native to Australia, Red Dingo products are robust in design to complement every pet’s active lifestyle. The extra effort incorporated in the design, materials and quality of each Red Dingo product means we can guarantee with complete confidence that our pet accessories will outperform all others. At Red Dingo, “near enough simply isn’t good enough.”

About PetHub
PetHub, Inc. (http://www.pethub.com) is focused on getting lost pets home faster and safer than ever before by utilizing current and new technologies, including QR code pet ID tags, GPS mapping, and real-time notifications. PetHub’s products and services were recently recognized in the December 2011 issues of both Dog Fancy Magazine and Pet AGE Magazine, where the company was honored with an “Editors’ Choice Award” as well as a “Silver Seal Retailer Select” award. The company has multiple software patents pending. Facebook users can become a PetHub fan at http://Facebook.com/PetHub or follow updates at http://Twitter.com/PetHub. See also a recent YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjR4YJbuabs.

PetHub and their respective logos are trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks of PetHub. Other products and company names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective owners.

SOURCE: Red Dingo Partners with PetHub to Bring Digital Pet ID Tags to Retailers

Thailand Floods: SPCAI Rescue Mission Reveals Animal Emergency

2012-02-22T18:27:00.000+01:00

http://www.spcai.org/

Backyard Dog

2012-02-22T17:40:00.000+01:00

When your dog gets injured, what do you do to pay for his vet bills? You make a funny music video and post it on YouTube!

Backyard Dog - An Original Song About My Dog

Will Your Dog Watch DOGTV?

2012-02-22T15:14:00.000+01:00

(PET TV) Animal-loving entrepreneurs in San Diego have launched a new 24-hour channel for dogs, DOGTV. Daily programs include dog’s-eye-perspectives from within a moving car, dogs playing with balls, and nap time. All programming is run with the hope of helping dogs, often lonely at home, from boredom, or developing stress and separation issues problems. Read on for this new channel catered to canines. — Global Animal

Shelter stories: A mighty dog named Lil Man

2012-02-22T15:06:00.000+01:00

Shelter life can be hard on dogs, especially the ones who aren’t adopted quickly. For one dog at the Bergen County Animal Shelter, the wait has been a particularly long one.

Meet Lil Man, a 4-year-old who’s been waiting for his forever home for more than a year:

FDA Issues Cautionary Warning About Chicken Jerky Dog Treats

2012-02-22T14:40:00.000+01:00

The FINANCIAL - Quality of life of obese dogs improves when they lose weight

2012-02-22T14:31:00.000+01:00

According to the University of Liverpool, it is estimated that approximately a third of the UK dog population is obese. Obesity is a serious disease and can lead to many other health disorders including diabetes, heart disease and arthritis.

Caring for aging dogs

2012-02-22T14:22:00.000+01:00

As dogs age, they need increased attention and care. When your canine companion reaches his senior years — for most breeds that’s after age 7 — follow these tips.

Provide quality  veterinary care. “Ideally, senior dogs should be evaluated by a veterinarian every six months throughout their senior years” says veterinarian Stephanie Sosniak, of the Northwoods Animal Hospital in Minocqua, Wis. Each exam should include blood tests to monitor organ function, she says.

Establish a dental  care program. Periodontal disease and other dental problems can plague older dogs, yet “many pet owners are unaware that their dog has a tooth problem,” Sosniak says. A veterinarian can perform a dental assessment, professionally clean your dog’s teeth and teach you how to care for them.

Watch for changes in behavior. “Make sure that you keep an eye on your dog’s level of activity,” Sosniak says. “Continually watch for changes in behavior, appetite or thirst.” If you notice something unusual, schedule a checkup. Early assessment and diagnosis of problems can be vital to your dog’s health and happiness during his golden years.

Closely monitor  your dog’s weight. Obesity is common in elderly dogs. Unnecessary additional weight causes increased wear on joints and can accelerate the development of arthritis.

Keep exercising your pooch. Your senior dog may not have the boundless energy she had years ago, but that doesn’t mean she should become a canine couch potato. Daily exercise — in the form of a walk or a gentle game of fetch — will promote strong muscles and general

SOURCE: Caring for aging dogs

Fur real: Weavers use dog hair for yarn

2012-02-10T15:02:00.001+01:00

Each yarn they spin has a tail of its own.

Sometimes it’s from the soft undercoat of the family dog or sleek fur from a beloved cat.

The 40-member Inland Empire Handweavers Guild, more than 60 years old, welcomes pets of all species, purebreds or mutts, as donors to the expanding field of fiber arts.

“It’s yarn with personality,” said guild member Carol Acton, 65, of Corona.

Pet matchmaking service creates successful love connections

2012-02-10T14:48:00.000+01:00

They say that beauty is skin deep.

Apparently, the same goes for cuteness, which is why the ASPCA’s Meet Your Match pet pairing program — designed to match pet and human personalities — has been such a success.

Since 2008, when the Richmond Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals became one of the first organizations to try out the novel program, they’ve seen adoptions increase 20 percent and returns drop from 13 to 10 percent.

He Wags His Butt: A funny dog song by Bryant Oden

2012-02-10T14:40:00.000+01:00

Journalist on how handlers cheat in dog shows

2012-02-10T14:31:00.000+01:00

Paw Prints: Brush up on your pet's dental needs

2012-02-10T14:05:00.002+01:00

February is National Pet Dental Health Month. This is a good time to increase awareness about our pets' dental care.

As Fido and Fluffy age, they have many of the same oral issues as their human counterparts. They can suffer from gingivitis, periodontal disease, tartar, broken teeth, root abscesses and a whole host of other painful conditions.

What about when pets are babies? Puppies and kittens have special dental considerations, just as children do.

Lab rescues his canine buddy from snare trap » DogHeirs | Where Dogs Are Family « Keywords: dog rescue, Labrador Retreiver

2012-02-02T18:21:00.000+01:00

Kevin Roth was outside his house in Hillside Lake, Kansas, cleaning his truck when his dog Sammy ran up to him barking. Thinking the chocolate lab perhaps wanted to go with him early on their regular evening bike ride, he took out his bike and set out with Sammy. But, along the way, Sammy continued to bark and ran off in a different direction than their usual route.

Roth quickly cycled after Sammy who had bolted towards a small bridge over a creek where he then stopped and wimpered and waited for Roth to arrive. Sammy then guided him down the embankment where Roth saw what Sammy had been trying to tell him.

A series of snares set along the creek. One had a dead skunk, another had a possum, and the third had his neighbor’s dog, Peaches! Peaches is a Schnauzer-terrier mix belonging to Roth's neighbor Carolyn Ludwig and a canine buddy of Sammy's. Roth looked closer and saw that the wire loop was tightening around Peaches’ neck as she struggled.

Roth tried prying the wire off with his fingers, cutting himself in the process. But he couldn't loosen the noose. He knew he didn’t have time to go home for help as the snare was strangling Peaches. "Another minute and a half, and she would have been dead," Roth said.

That's when he spotted one of his neighbors driving across the bridge. He needed to get his neighbor’s attention, but he couldn't leave Peaches' side. Sensing what to do, Sammy scrambled up the embankment and ran in front of the car. The neighbor stopped and got out to check on the barking and distressed Sammy, and that's when he heard Roth calling from the creek.

Thankfully, the neighbor had a cutting tool with him and together they were able to free Peaches. Both men suffered a few cuts and small bites in the struggle, but they were both relieved that they had managed to free Peaches, who stood up after a few minutes no worse for wear.

Justifiably proud of Sammy, Roth gave him a food reward. "We cooked tacos that night. He got to have some of the meat."

Of how Peaches got into the predicament Roth thinks Peaches and Sammy were playing together when they may have got a whiff of the dead animals and went to investigate. The local game warden has since removed the traps and Roth hopes they are kept clear of the homes in his rural neighborhood in the future.

Sammy and Peaches still enjoy playing together since their misadventure, although Peaches' owner says she's a bit 'gun shy' about going outside since her ensnarement. And of Sammy’s efforts in saving her dog? Ludwig said, "I owe Sammy a big bone."

SOURCE: Lab rescues his canine buddy from snare trap » DogHeirs | Where Dogs Are Family « Keywords: dog rescue, Labrador Retreiver

Serial dog killer strikes Socorro Co.

2012-02-02T16:36:00.000+01:00

Jack Russell terrier: Meet the breed

2012-02-02T16:33:00.000+01:00

Photo: Emery_Way/Flickr

Jack Russell terriers have been getting plenty of attention lately, thanks to a scene-stealing pooch named Uggie, who starred in Oscar-nominated film “The Artist” as well as “Water for Elephants.” In preparation for the annual Westminster parade of dogs, we offer a little background on a popular and precocious breed.

Dog tested. Dog approved - Subaru

2012-02-02T16:19:00.001+01:00

Watch all 14 videos for this cute campaign at Subaru YouTube channel HERE

Drew Barrymore adopts a shelter dog | MNN - Mother Nature Network

2012-02-01T18:14:00.001+01:00

The 36-year-old reportedly has adopted a shelter dog named Biscuit from the Los Angeles rescue store "Bark 'N Bitches." Barrymore and Kopelman apparently took a liking to one of the pups being fostered by "Twilight" star Nikki Reed. According to Contact Music, Reed and her husband, former "American Idol" contestant Paul McDonald, took in a litter earlier this month after the animals were dumped at a shelter in Los Angeles.

Hollywood dogs get recognized at this year's Golden Collar Awards - phillyBurbs.com : Pets

2012-02-01T18:11:00.000+01:00

Hollywood dogs get recognized at this year's Golden Collar Awards - phillyBurbs.com : Pets: The past year was a big one for dog stars. With canines playing major roles in award-winning films and television series, it seems only fittin…

Talking Dogs: Stay calm around dogs on the loose - Pets - MiamiHerald.com

2012-02-01T18:02:00.000+01:00

By LISA MOORE

McClatchy Newspapers

Responsible dog owners know how important it is to obey ordinances by walking their dogs on a leash, as well as picking up after them.

Dog lover or not, no one likes stepping in the "deposit" left by a dog. Perhaps more frustrating and possibly dangerous, however, is encountering loose and unsupervised dogs while enjoying a walk with your own dog.

Preventive measures are often the best approach regarding this situation. Although it takes a bit of extra effort, it may be wise to drive to a location where you can walk with your dog without fear of encountering dogs on the loose. A quick drive through a neighborhood or park area where you plan to walk can give you a good idea of whether or not unleashed dogs are around.

If you notice a loose dog at a distance, change direction and quietly move away and out of sight. Don't run, as this may draw attention to you and your own dog, but be willing to alter your walking route to avoid loose dogs.

If you are surprised by the presence of an unfamiliar and unrestrained dog, remain calm and quiet. Having a solid sit/stay behavior on your own dog can come in handy in these situations. Most dogs are just curious and want to get close to sniff at your dog, but if your dog remains in a sit/stay with you, there is no invitation given for the loose dog to come in for a close inspection. If your dog is out of control, on the other hand, barking, lunging or just pulling you toward the other dog, then the loose dog is more likely to move in for interaction. Teach your dog a solid sit/stay and proof it around a host of distractions, so that it is useful to you when encountering a loose dog.

Carrying a black pop-out umbrella can be of great benefit when encountering a loose dog. You can stop walking, place your dog on a sit/stay, pop open the umbrella and use it as a physical and visual shield. By standing still and moving the umbrella as the unknown dog moves around you, you can prevent him from getting a good look at your dog. If the unfamiliar dog comes in close, you can also use the umbrella to abruptly "push" the dog away, often without making physical contact.

Although dogs are curious, they do lose interest rather quickly. If the unknown dog attempts to check out your dog but is thwarted at every turn by the umbrella, it is highly likely that he will lose interest and move on to something more interesting and attainable. Remain still and quiet until he is quite a distance away before resuming your walk.

Carrying pepper spray may increase your comfort level, but this product should be used with caution. Under breezy conditions, the spray can come into contact with you or your own dog. While pepper spray doesn't do any permanent damage, it can be quite uncomfortable to bear.

In any of these situations, once you and your dog are safe, be sure to report any loose and unsupervised dog you encounter to your department of animal services. Whether the unfamiliar dog is unfriendly or not, loose dogs represent a hazard to pedestrians and drivers, neighborhood children and cats. On New Year's Day, a woman was attacked by a neighbor's three loose boxers as she walked in her almond orchards near Hughson. She spent more than eight hours in the emergency room being treated for the bites.

Report any loose dog you see, and perhaps save a life - dogs properly contained can't do harm to others, or get hit by a car themselves.

Irresponsible owners who are unwilling to properly supervise and confine their dogs are the real offenders in these situations, and should be held accountable.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/02/01/2618705/talking-dogs-stay-calm-around.html#storylink=cpy

SOURCE: Talking Dogs: Stay calm around dogs on the loose - Pets - MiamiHerald.com