Bully Sticks

Positive “Dog” training?

There’s something “weird” about the dog in this video but I think it proves that by using all natural dog treats, you can train any “dog” to do tricks.

I hope Kizzy motivates you to train your pup… after all, we have a reputation to protect…

David Letterman’s Stupid Pet Tricks

Watch this video and see the power of positive training in action. The second dog is completely focused on his handler and feels secure. His handler uses her voice along with some all natural dog treats to keep his attention. The first dog is frightened and easily distracted by the music and audience.

If you take the time to be “top dog” in your dogs eyes, he/she will be much happier, feel more secure and will be a joy to be around.

My dog has more facebook friends than me…

Thanks to a Facebook application called Dogbook, my dog is fast acquiring more online friends and having more virtual dog bones than I get virtual coffees and sheep tosses.

If you don’t know what I’m talking about, stop by and visit the Social Networking site phenom, Facebook.com and get a good look at the virtual silliness.

Facebook is not the only place to take your dog in the world of Web 2.0,  Dogster.com and Catster.com are both available for your pet’s personal web space.

Creating a webpage for your pet is quick, easy and free.  It’s a great way to connect with other pet owners to share pictures, stories and favorite places to find those all natural dog treats.

Holiday Pet Warning

Just a quick reminder …. Keep those Turkey scraps away from your dog. Load up on all natural dog treats, dog bones and bully sticks instead.

Too much poultry fat can be dangerous, especially to older dogs or those with pancreatitis.

An another reminder…. Skip the tinsel on the tree. Very dangerous for your pets if ingested.

Wishing a Safe and Healthy Holiday Season to you and your pets.

Finding your lost dog…

It’s late and your dog still hasn’t returned from his afternoon romp, or you come home only to find your beloved Rover has managed to get out.

What do you do?  What is the best strategy for finding a lost pet?

Follow these steps for the best chance of retrieving your dog.

1. Call all Animal Shelters within a 60 mile radius of where your pet was last seen.
2. Check with local Police Departments for reports of stray pets
3. Check with all local Veterinarians for reports of stray animal injuries
4. Make fliers using a recent picture of your pet.. be sure to point out any special features
5. Post fliers EVERYWHERE… including schools, churches, grocery stores, parks
6. Check local schools, parks and playgrounds anywhere your dog might go to hang out with other dogs and kids
7. Check with neighbors especially those with pets of their own
8. Check Gas Stations and Convenience stores
9. Check with your local radio station… many will do community service bulletins reporting your missing pet
10. Drive the neighborhood using a dog whistle or shake a bag of dog bones, anything that will be a familiar sound to Rover.
11. With the popularity of the New Social media online, it’s also worth posting to sites like Twitter, facebook, Myspace.
12. Start a Find Rover Website

The best thing to do is to remain calm and hopeful and to act quickly.

2008 Pet Comedy Challenge Winner

Purina’s 2008 Pet Comedy Challenge Winner is….. Chris Coccia

Congrats Chris!

I wonder if he’ll get a lifetime supply of dog bones for his effort?

Romy’s Dog Tricks

Love this video…. not so much for the dog tricks, although Romy is adorable, but more for the obvious love and affection this guy has for Romy. He’s like a proud papa showing off his new born.

I also like that he uses a positive training method using a reward system, although again he might want to switch to an all natural dog treat.

It’s nice to know that Romy was a rescue dog with some house training issues but through love and some positive training she has become a member of the family.

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

Mortgage Meltdown causes Dog Crisis…

The US Mortgage Meltdown and subsequent financial fallout is causing another crisis and it’s victims are left out in the cold, hungry and scared.  As more and more families lose their homes and are forced to move to rental units, more pets are being abandoned.

Many apartments  do not allow pets or require high premiums on pet units, leaving families forced to find alternate homes for their four-legged friends.  The lucky ones find new homes with owners that are willing to help the animals through a difficult and stressful adjustment.

The not so lucky ones find themselves in overcrowded Animal Shelters.  The worst cases are those pets left behind to starve locked in foreclosure homes.  The numbers are rising as Animal Control officers continue to get ever increasing number of calls of abandoned animals.

I can’t imagine any situation that would cause me to leave my dog or cat in such cruel jeopardy.

My advice to anyone facing the possibility of foreclosure and not being able to take your pets to a new residence is to first do everything you can to find a good home with family and friends for your pet.  If that fails, seek out a “No-kill” or rescue shelter.

For those who are finding it difficult to pay for food or medical services for their pets, contact the Humane Society of America.  Most shelters offer Spay/Neutering, Vaccinations and medical care at a fraction of the cost of your local Veterinarian.

Some large Pet Centers will donate their “scratch and dent” food and torn bags of dog bones.

Remember …. Your pet is relying on you for their well-being.

Presidential Pooch - Grits, the Impeached First Dog

After all these years, it still remains a mystery.  Why was First Dog, Grits Carter impeached and replace by of all things a Siamese cat named, Misty Malarki Ying Yang.

The dog had been a gift to young Amy Carter from her teacher, but soon after a meeting recorded in the Presidential diary on June 8th, 1977, the dog was abruptly returned to Amy’s teacher.  What happened in that meeting?  In attendance were, President Jimmy Carter, his daughter Amy, Mr Herbert Ford, a respected dog handler, Mrs. Herbert Ford and the infamous Grits.  All we know is that soon after this meeting, Grits was impeached.

Did he chew the President’s shoes instead of his dog chews, or did he just stink up the place?  Seems unfair…. We’ve all see more “stink” in the White House from the Presidents that should have caused impeachment then this cute pooch could ever produce.