Bully Sticks

Man’s best friend is now Dog’s best friend

Dog’s are one of the most forgiving and loving creatures on this Earth. They are also one of the most loyal and courageous, as this video shows.

Dogs have proven time and time again that they will risk their own lives in service to others, not for the reward of a dog bone or two, but out of fierce loyalty, love and the incredible giving nature bestowed upon them by their Creature.

This video will both shock you and inspire you.

And just so you know…. Both dogs survived:-)

Small Dog Breeds – Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Intelligent, affectionate and fun-loving the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is said to be naturally well-behaved.  Always eager to please, with an easy going manner and a small but hearty size the Cavalier is a favorite of apartment dwellers.

Size:  Weight: 10-18 pounds (5-8 kg)          Height: 12-13 inches (30-33cm)

Exercise Requirements:  They are moderately active and suited for apartment living or areas with a small yard, however Cavaliers are descendants of hunting dogs and will require a daily walk, they will also enjoy a good chase.  They should not be left alone all day, but should it be necessary … be sure to take them for a brisk walk before leaving.

Health:  There a number of health issues with the King Charles including eye and ear problems, some cases of hip dysplasia , and hereditary heart disease.  Dislocation of knees is another problem to consider.

Life Expectancy:  9 – 14 years

Grooming:  Requires frequent brushing and combing to avoid matting.  Ears should be kept clean to avoid infection and hair between toes kept trimmed.   Average shedding

Children and Other Pets:  Cavaliers are very social and get along well with older children and other pets, however like many small dogs they can attempt to be “pack leader”  when  treated in a spoiled manner.

Diet:  Feed a good quality dry dog feed along with all natural dog treats like bully sticks that promote good dental health.

 Rex – President Ronald Reagan’s King Charles Spaniel

Why you want your puppy to meet the neighbor’s cat…

The battle between dogs and cats is as old as time.  We all know that dogs hate cats….right?

Wrong!   Dogs that are introduced to cats at a young age will learn quickly how to not just tolerate cats but to accept them as part of their family/pack.

It’s well known that a child brought up in a household that is bi-lingual will easily pick up both languages.  A dog brought up in a household with cats will just as easily pick up a cat’s body language.  Your puppy will learn “cat” long before he learns “human”.

The sooner you expose your puppy to cats the better.  If you don’t own a cat then be sure to visit a friend or neighbor that has both cats and dogs.  You want to expose your dog to a cat that is already used to being around dogs.  This is also a good time to expose your pup to other dogs.

Studies have shown that dogs who are not acclaimated to other dogs and/or cats when they are puppies tend to be much more aggressive toward other animals when they are older.

If your older dog shows this aggressive behavior toward other animals you can, through patience, restraint and training with positive methods using rewards like dog bones convince your dog to accept cats as part of their pack.

Super Intelligent Dogs

My dog, Bonkers is not the brightest of animals… in reality, he’s as dumb as toast. But, I love him anyway.

Like humans, dogs come in a variety of gray matter. Some breeds tend to produce smarter dogs than others, and even within the breeds themselves, some lineages seem to produce smarter dogs.

There have been lots of studies on the intelligence of dogs with differing conclusions. My guess is that the reason it’s so difficult to determine the intelligence of dogs is that each individual dog is unique. It could also be that some dogs are smart enough not to “perform” for the researchers.  Other dogs will only “perform” on cue for dog bones.
I’ve seen a lot of smart dogs and a lot of performing dogs but the dog in this video, Skidboot seems to be way smarter then the average dog. You can almost see him thinking as he waits for the proper word.

I also think it’s interesting that in the beginning his owner was considering getting rid of him because he got into so much mischief. Smart dogs, like smart kids, do tend to find their way into trouble when they get bored.

Dogs and Cats

Are cats really smarter than dogs? Sometimes it appears that way, but have you ever seen a “seeing eye” cat?

The battle between cats and dogs and cat owners and dog owners seem to rage on, with strong arguments on both sides.

In my home, our cat seems to be the older wiser one, with our dog a bit on the slow of brain side. It also seem to take more to keep the cat entertained, with the dog …. it’s give him some dog bones and he’s happy all day.

If Dogs could talk….

Don’t you ever wonder what your dog would say, IF he could only talk? Wouldn’t it be nice if he could let you know what he was dreaming about?

Instead of jumping around like an idiot every time he wanted to go for a walk, wouldn’t it be nice if he just politely asked you to open the door?

I love to be able to ask where he hid my shoe and get an answer instead of a blank stare.

How about a “Thank you for the bully stick, Mom”?

After watching this video, I think it’s only a matter of time before dogs everywhere will be demanding more all natural dog treats and better sleeping conditions..

On second thought…. maybe it’s better they don’t talk.

Tips for preventing Dog Bites…

Dog bites are a common problem that sends more and more people to the hospital each year.  Many of these bites could be avoided by taking time to learn some basic dog behavior.

As a dog owner it is your responsibility to keep your dog under control, either on a leach or safely confined.  But what do you do when you encounter a strange dog?  Are there steps you can take to avoid being bitten?

According to the American Kennel Club, following these principle steps will lessen the chances of a dog attack.

• Do not run away from the dog and do not yell or make loud noises.
• Stand very still like a tree. Cross your arms over your chest, as if you are giving yourself a great, big hug. (This shape forms the trunk of your tree.) Look away from the dog. Dogs sometimes think direct eye contact is a challenge for power and control. You do not want to challenge the dog. You want the dog to go away.
• Toss an object away from you and away from the dog. This should attract its attention toward the object – and away from you. The dog should move toward the thrown object to sniff and investigate it. This will give you a chance to slowly turn and walk away.

Never try to feed a strange dog… this is not the time to pull out the bully sticks and dog chews.  Some dogs can become very aggressive when it comes to food.

Tips For Keeping Your Dog Happy

Just like humans, dogs can be happy or unhappy based upon a number of factors. Thankfully, making sure that your dog is emotionally content is easier than doing the same for people. In other words, your dog has simple needs. If you meet those needs, he’ll be happy. Unfortunately, millions of owners neglect their dog’s emotional state. As a result, their companions become lethargic and despondent. In this article, we’ll give you 3 easy tips for making sure that your dog is happy, healthy, and sociable.

Tip #1: Give Him Exercise

Your dog requires daily exercise. While the physical exertion is critical for maintaining the strength of his bones and muscles, exercise also plays a key role in his contentment. A quick walk allows your dog to escape the confines of the home or backyard, and explore the world beyond. In so doing, it strengthens the bond that exists between you, making him infinitely happier.

Tip #2: Maintain Good Nutrition

Diet and nutrition also play a major role in your dog’s emotional state. Similar to people, dogs have specific nutritional needs. He should enjoy a regular diet that includes essential vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Most commercial dog food is formulated to provide all of these, so ensuring his dietary needs are met is low-maintenance. Like people, if your dog doesn’t receive the food he needs, it will affect his emotional state.  A treat or chew like a bully stick is always a great option for your dogs.  Dog chews will not only help to keep your dog(s) happy but they will also keep teeth and gums healthy!

Tip #3: Offer Mental Stimulation

Your dog’s happiness, or lack of it, is also a reflection of the mental stimulation that he receives on a regular basis. Dogs become bored easily. If your dog doesn’t have the opportunity to apply himself to tasks throughout the day, his boredom will eventually cause him to become depressed. For example, imagine someone who watches television for several hours. It doesn’t allow for active participation and can often lead to a subtle melancholic state. Your dog experiences the same emotions. Stimulate him mentally and he’ll be happier.

Happy Equals Healthy

Doctors often claim that a patient’s likelihood of overcoming a disease or physical impairment is often associated with their emotional state. In short, the happier they are, the better their health. Your dog’s happiness and health are similarly linked. Fortunately, much of his emotional state is firmly within your control. Provide a regular outlet for him to exercise, maintain a diet that meets his nutritional needs, and offer him a source of mental stimulation.

In the process of meeting his physical and emotional needs, you’ll also strengthen the sense of companionship he feels. And that companionship can yield dividends for a lifetime.

Pet Peeves – Dogs gone Wild

Roxy was a cross between a German Shepard and a Pit Bull.  Every morning she would wait with the kids at the bus stop making sure each child was safely off to school, then she would trot on down to my house where the lone home schooled child slept.

She arrive on the front porch, rap on the door and wait for me to bring her dog bones.  Most of the time she would hang around my house all day waiting for Billy to come out and play, then off she would go to the bus stop waiting for the other kids.

The entire neighborhood was her territory and every child her pup.  I loved Roxy and always kept a bowl of water on porch just for her, but when our town finally adopted a leash law…. I rejoiced.

Although Roxy was kind and loving to children and the adults that were kind to her, Roxy also had killed one small dog and seriously injured two others.  She terrorized the cats and squirrels and chased cars.  She was extremely over protective of her territory and could be dangerous.  She would even attack smaller dogs that were being walked on a leash and frighten their owners.

I can’t blame Roxy….. She was only doing what came naturally.  This was natural dog behavior.  She was Alpha female and guarding her hood.  Her owners, were responsible for allowing her to roam and not setting boundaries and when the town finally started enacting fines they  finally began keeping Roxy safely at home.

I missed Roxy stopping by every day but knowing she was no longer running wild was much nicer.

The Greatest Dog Escape Artists

Dogs are known for being very resourceful when it comes to finding their freedom, especially when there is food or fun on the other side of that fence. Most of the time it entails digging their way out, but the dogs in this video were forced to try a different route.

Had these pooches known they were being watched, they probably wouldn’t have attempted their phenomenal feats.

The moral is… Never underestimate the power and determination of a dog to get to those bully sticks.