Archive for January, 2010
Housetraining Tools: Great Products That Make Housetraining A Breeze (2)
Posted by: | CommentsHousetraining Tools: Great Products That Make Housetraining A Breeze (2)
Brand New Bag
If you live in a big city it's likely that you have a "pick up the poop" ordinance. If so, you know that there's a pretty steep fine involved if you don't clean up after your dog. Or, perhaps you have kids and you want to keep your yard or neighborhood free of "landmines." Whatever the case, you're going to need to carry poop bags.
Sure, it's easy to use a plastic grocer bag, but imagine the day that you put your hand inside of it, reach down, and find yourself with a handful of feces because there was a hole in the bag - YUCK! Not a pleasant experience!
If you have a small dog you can use clear sandwich bags from the grocery store, but if you have a larger dog, you might want to invest in a leash dispenser for dog waste bags. There's even a cute leash pouch available to store the poop bag (with the poop inside) until you can find a trash can.
The benefits of dog waste bags are:
1) Most are colored, opaque plastic; no one has to see what you're carrying.
2) Some are scented.
3) Many come in tightly rolled, easy-to-use bundles. 4) Many bag dispensers have cute designs and attach conveniently to the leash.
5) Some are made of recycled plastic and are biodegradable. Even flushable poop bags are available.
The Scoop On Scoops
If you have more than one dog and you let them use the backyard to do their doo, you're going to want a pooper scooper. You'll not only save your back, but you'll also find that the chore isn't so loathsome if you have an easy tool to do it with.
Choose a scooper that's easy to use with one hand. You can find a scooper that has a place for a bag attachment on the scooper end so that the scooper never gets dirty. Just remove the bag and toss the waste away.
In-Ground Digester
If you have a bunch of dogs (or a really big one) and a backyard, think about using an in-ground digester to dispose of dog waste. These products are kind of like compost bins, but you don't use the contents for compost. For less than $100 or so, you can get a digester, bury it in your backyard and never worry about what to do with the waste again.
Be sure not to bury the digester near a vegetable garden because the waste eventually ends up in the soil, and only use this product if you intend on maintaining it, which is as easy as adding powder to it once a week.
Maltese Dog Breed
Posted by: | CommentsThe Maltese dog has been around for thousands of years. In fact, these dogs were specifically mentioned in writings that date back to as early as 300 B.C. The Greeks also have artwork that depict Maltese dogs from as early as the 5th century. This information tells us that this breed is the most ancient of all European Toy dog breeds.
Maltese dogs were exported and distributed throughout many parts of Europe and the Asian countries. However, even though they reached so many different areas of the globe, the majority of the original Malta remained in a relatively isolated area, away from other dogs. Because of this, pure breeding over centuries kept the distinctive and noble look of this small dog.
Today's Maltese is white colored but throughout history they came in various other colors besides white. Regardless of the color changes, these dogs always kept their beautiful, long silky coat that dazzles the eye.
Maltese dogs were brought to England by the early 14th century. Here they became practically worshiped by the upper-class. Adored and pampered, wealthy families had Maltese dogs as pets to show off their nobility. Although popular at that time, it is suggested that this breed was close to extinction sometime during the early 1800s.
Soon after this time period, two Maltese dogs were brought to England from the lands of Manila to be given to Queen Victoria as a gift. However, the animals did not make it to their destination and were passed on to other people. The offspring of these two dogs became the first of their kind to be exhibited in England. They were referred to as "Maltese Terriers" even though they were not related to Terriers.
The Maltese dog breed finally made its way to the United States sometime during the late 1800s, probably around 1875 or so. At this time they were referred to as "Maltese Lion Dogs." The AKC recognized the Maltese in 1888 and has become one of the more popular dogs breeds of today.
Personality
If you are looking for a beautiful lapdog, then the Maltese should be your #1 choice. A dog to be admired and pampered, the Maltese makes a perfect pet for somebody that enjoys holding and petting their dog often. And do not let its innocent look fool you, these dogs can also be very feisty and bold. Oftentimes they will challenge dogs that are much larger in size, which makes them great watchdogs.
Taking Care Of Your Maltese
Like all pets, the Maltese must get in a bit of daily exercise. These requirements can easily be met with a quick run through the yard or a short walk on the leash. They are not outdoor dogs and are best to be kept indoors when not exercising outside. They love to be held and pampered. Grooming requirements consist of constant brushing to keep the coat clear and clean. Monthly clipping may also be needed depending upon how long you want the hair to grow.
Health Information
Maltese dogs have a lifespan of up to 15 years, with 12 to 13 being the average. There are no major health concerns to worry about, however minor issues that occasionally come up are portacaval shunt, entropion, patellar luxation, hypoglycemia, open fontanel, distishiasis, hydrocephalus, and dental problems.
Dog Travel: More Helpful Tips When Traveling With The Family
Posted by: | CommentsDog Travel: More Helpful Tips When Traveling With The Family Dog
When you're planning your next family trip, everyone is likely to be thrilled and will have more fun if you take the family dog along. Whether you are planning to travel by car, plane, train, or ship, in hot or cold weather - traveling with your dog doesn't have to be difficult for you or your canine pal if you follow these simple pet travel tips:
1. Are you traveling outside of your home state or to another country? Make sure that you obtain an up-to-date canine travel document from the places you plan to visit. Most states and foreign countries require a health certificate from your vet including a statement that your dog has had his rabies shot. If you are going out of the country, you will also need these papers from a vet to get him back into a United States. And find out early about quarantine rules.
2. Advanced training in car etiquette will keep your dog safer, which means more pleasant traveling experiences for you and the other passengers on any car trip you take. It's best to start him out on short drives, if possible, when he is still a puppy. Hold him on your lap or on the seat beside you to give him confidence. Right from the start, do not permit leaping in the car or any chance of jostling the driver. Helping your dog get accustomed to the sensation of motion in short stages will help greatly in preventing car sickness.
3. Your dog should have on his collar, a license tag, and identification plate which gives his full name, address, and contact number of a trusted person in case your pet is lost. However, you should take precautions against his straying and keep him on a leash in strange areas. Never let him run loose without supervision, regardless of how well-behaved and well-trained he is. Do not leave him alone in a hotel or motel room - it is easy for a room attendant to open a door and accidentally let your dog out.
4. Your dog will feel more at home, while in strange places, if you take along some familiar items like his favorite toy, his own grooming supplies, and feeding bowl. A small kit or suitcase for carrying these supplies is a great idea. A large plastic container is useful for carrying drinking water. He will also appreciate his own dog bed or blanket when you stay in a motel or hotel (and you can bet the proprietor will be grateful too).
5. Feeding while traveling doesn't have to be a problem these days. Purchase soft-moist dog food, which is ideal for the traveling dog, since these foods do not require refrigeration and are easy to take along and serve. With his favorite food along, it will be easier for your dog to become used to the routine of traveling.
Special Diets For Dogs: The Overweight Dog
Posted by: | Comments"Should I put my dog on a diet?"
The answer to that question is Yes, but only if your veterinarian recommends it. The same care, consideration, and advice should be taken when your dog needs to be put on a special diet program, as you yourself would get from your personal physician if you were put on a diet. You cannot diet your dog properly without expert advice, and in this case, as in most problems with animals, your pet's best friend is always his veterinarian.
Your veterinarian has at his disposal many compounded special diets. There is one for the overweight dog as well as the dog with heart trouble or kidney disease. Manufacturers also supply him with prescription dietary foods for puppies, pregnant dogs, the allergic dog, and dogs with intestinal upsets.
There are dry, as well as canned, diet foods. The canned foods come in various sizes to meet the needs of the small dog and the large dog. Your pet's doctor may recommend mixing several foods together. Special diets are often fortified with mineral and vitamin supplements. So if your veterinarian suggests that you put your dog on a dietary program, you know that he will be getting the best nutrition possible.
The Overweight Dog
Now let's look at the most common reason why a diet is typically instructed by the veterinarian: the overweight dog. There are no "crash diets" for the obese dog. If your dog is overweight, you are the one who is responsible for it. The overweight dog is very much like a fat person. He is short of breath and is often called a lazy dog. Exercising is just too much for him. All the energy he can muster is used carrying that extra weight.
One also must remember that it is the fat on the inside of the animal that causes the most trouble. The last time I spoke to a veterinarian about this issue, he explained to me what excess fat can do to the body. There may be fatty tissue surrounding the heart, the lungs, or the digestive tract which could cause these organs not to function properly.
The overweight dog needs low-calorie food for weight reduction. Your veterinarian will weigh your pet and determine how much he needs to lose. He will then prescribe the amount and type of dietary food he needs. Your full cooperation is needed if the diet program is to be a success. Do not feed him snacks in between his allotted meals, or any tidbits from the table for that matter.
What is RF-1 Super Nutrition for Dogs and where can I find it?
Posted by: | CommentsI googled this and came up with nothing. Does anyone know anything about it? Thanks in advance.
Lhasa Apso (Non-Sporting Group)
Posted by: | CommentsThe Lhasa Apso is an elegant yet sassy member of the Non-Sporting Group. The appearance of this dog cannot be mistaken. With its long flowing coat and small stature, the Lhasa Apso makes the perfect companion for individuals that enjoy a small house pet, yet one with the personality and boldness of a guard dog. They weigh from 13 to 15 pounds and stand from 10 to 11 inches.
The temperament of the breed is that of a bold, independent watchdog. Like many smaller types, the Lhasa Apso is as stubborn as it is affectionate, which makes it an excellent watchdog. They enjoy the company of the rest of the family - perfect for indoor living. The Apso is moderately friendly towards other pets, less so with other dogs, and absolutely weary of strange people.
A Brief History Of The Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is an ancient breed with its roots from Tibet. It's history is mixed in with the Buddhist beliefs that the souls of the Lamas would enter the bodies of these dogs immediately after death, thus creating high respect and reverence for the little canines.
These dogs were also used as dependable watchdogs in the monasteries. They would sound off the alert through barking when visitors approached. This service gave rise to the nickname "Abso Seng Key", which means the Bark Lion Sentinel Dog.
When the breed made its way to England they were known as the Lhassa Terrier, even though it was not a terrier in any way, shape or form. The name Lhasa Apso is the breed's western name, said to have been derived from its native name.
The first Lhasa Apso dogs made their way to the United States sometime during the early 1930s. In 1935, the breed became recognized by the AKC as a member of the Terrier Group, then changed officially to the Non-Sporting Group in 1959.
Upkeep Requirements For The Lhasa Apso
Despite the small size of the Lhasa Apso, this dog needs a moderate amount of daily exercise to keep it happy. These exercise requirements can be met with several brisk walks on the leash or simply running around the living room. Play sessions outdoors are also acceptable so long as the area is safe.
This breed is not meant to live outside. They were originally bred for companionship and should stay that way. Apartment living is best suited for the Lhasa Apso. Grooming requirements consists of a thorough brushing every other day to keep its long coat neat and clean.
Health Concerns
The average lifespan of the Lhasa Apso is between twelve and fourteen years. The only major health concern in the breed is patellar luxation. Minor health issues include distichiasis, entropion, renal cortical hypoplasia, and PRA. Rarely seen is vWD, CHD, sebaceous adenitis, and urinary stones. Veterinarians suggest that the Lhasa Apso dogs get specifically tested for knee and eye problems.
Housetraining On The Go (4)
Posted by: | CommentsRest-Stop Etiquette
If you're driving for any major length of distance, safety experts say you'll stay more alert if you stop at least once an hour to get out of your vehicle and walk around. Not only is it good for driver safety, it's a perfect time to take your dog out and walk him around as well.
If there are other dogs at the rest stop, try not to intrude on their space. They're there to do business, too, and taking your dog up to them will distract them from their job. Also, you have no way of knowing how friendly the other dogs are so don't tempt fate by getting too close!
Pet areas at many highway rest stops are littered with dog poop that irresponsible dog owners didn't bother picking up. Don't add to that disgusting problem - always clean up after your dog when he defecates.
Special bags are made for this purpose, and some rest areas and parks provide them from free baggy dispensers. However, poop bags probably won't be provided at most of the places you stop so always bring a few bags with you.
You don't need special poop bags - any plastic bag big enough to slip over your hand will do. To clean up after your dog using a bag put your hand inside the empty bag, pick up the poop using the bag like a glove, turn the bag inside out to surround the poop and tie it off. Then dispose of the bag in a trash can. If a trash can isn't available, take the bagged poop with you and dispose of it when you find one.
Motor Homes & Boats
If you'll be taking your dog on trips in your motor home or boat, these are special potty-time considerations. Each RV park or harbor has its own pet-related rules. Often, they're posted where visitors can easily read them. If you don't see the local dog rules posted, ask the person who checks you in when you pay your camping or slip fee.
If your dog is small, you might consider litter box training him. When your dog needs to relieve himself, he'll be able to use the litter box and you won't need to interrupt your trip. This can make it much easier on the dog and on you.
Low-sided plastic storage boxes that are made for sliding under beds make good travel litter boxes. They're a good size for most small dogs and you can put the lid on it between uses. This will keep the litter from spilling and will also prevent any stinky odor from drifting. Your dog can learn to tell you when he needs to use the litter box, just as he asks you to open the door at home when he needs to potty.
Adopting An Older Golden Retriever
Posted by: | CommentsThose of you who want a Golden Retriever but aren't ready to go through the trials and tribulations of a puppy, should look into adopting an older Golden. Older Golden Retrievers are mature, and prove to be great in homes where they need to spend a quality amount of time by themselves. They are a very adjustable breed, being good tempered. No matter how old the Golden may be, he will quickly become a valued member of your family in little to no time at all.
Many times, breeders will have older dogs for sale. There are several reasons for this, which include show dogs that have lost their potential, studs that have been used for breeding, female Golden's that have been bred a few times then retired, or other types of special conditions where a breeder is helping a friend get rid of his Golden Retriever. There are other reasons as well, although whatever they may be - the adult Golden Retriever will be available for anyone who wants him.
Most older Golden Retrievers are already housebroken, and known a lot of behavior patterns and how to adapt to a new and loving family. Although it will be a little hard on your new dog at first, if you give him plenty of love, attention, and patience, he'll be just fine. You need to keep reassuring your new Golden on a regular basis, and let him know that you are his new owner and that you love you and you are glad he's a member of your family.
If you have been thinking of adopting an older Golden Retriever, you should make sure that you learn everything you can about him. You should also determine his temperament, and whether or not it's compatible with your family. You should also learn important things as well, such as his diet, likes, dislikes, daily routine, and his habits. Before you decide to take him, you should always make sure that the members of your family meet him as well, so you can talk it over and decide whether or not everyone wants the dog to be a member of your family.
With an older dog, you need to take care of him for the first days, and let him know where everything in your home is. You'll need to show him where he sleeps, where he should use the bathroom, and where his food is. Take your time and be patient with him, as will normally take him a few days to learn how things in your home work.
You should always give your new Golden Retriever at least a month or so to get used to his new environment, before you start his new obedience training. Even though your new dog may have some prior obedience training, you should still enroll him in a new class. This way, he can brush up on training and you can work with him to help him understand. Once you have finished training, he'll understand your commands better and you and him will get along just fine.
All Golden Retrievers, regardless of their age, love attention. Older Golden's on the other hand, may have medical problems that you aren't aware of. You shouldn't let this stop you from getting one though, simply because the rewards that you'll find are far greater than any cons that may come to mind. Although many people don't give a lot of thought to getting an older Golden Retriever - they are perfect for families who don't want to put up the time and troubles of raising a puppy.
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