Bully Sticks

Presidential Pooches - Barney and Miss Beazley

Scottish Terriers, Barney and Miss Beazley have achieved almost as much recognition as their owner, President George W. Bush and First Lady, Laura Bush.

Barney has starred in 7 Movies and has dozens of websites devoted to him.  Miss Beazley, aka Beazley Weazley, has been Barney’s co-star in several of those films and has her own legion of fans.

When not busy creating movies, Barney enjoys his ball collection, including a golf ball, tennis ball and soccer ball or his new favorite pastime … horseshoes.

Meanwhile, Miss Beazley can most often be found devouring a favorite dog chew.

Barney and Miss Beazley follow President George W. Bush along the West Wing Colonnade Wednesday, July 23, 2008, on the way back to the Oval Office at the White House. White House photo by Joyce Boghosian

Presidential Pooch, Spotty - Born to be First Dog

Born March 17th 1989 at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, DC, Spotty was born to be First Dog.  Her mother, Millie was the Presidential Pooch of George H.W. Bush had her litter of pups on the White House grounds.  Little did she realize that when her daughter went to live with Presidents Bush’s son, George W,  that  she would be returning to her birth home a few short years later.

The spotted Springer Spaniel traveled frequently with the President and was known to love a good game of tennis ball throwing.  It seemed that tennis balls were her favorite dog chew.

She was known to sleep on a chair in the Presidential bedroom until her death at the age of 15 in February 2004..  She has been greatly missed.

Even if you fill your pet’s food dish, he might still be hungry. Just as people need to eat to keep up their energy, dogs that are frisky and playful may also need to take some dog snacks between their meals. This will ensure that he gets enough fuel for his, and your, playtime.

Dogs that eat too much and exercise too little are also prone to obesity and all the health problems that the condition brings. That is why pets can also benefit from nutrition advice given by their veterinarians. Following a good health plan will ensure your pet lives and long and healthy life.

The trend of dog treats seems to be going more towards bully sticks because of their inclusion in the all-natural category. These treats are also easily digested and don’t pose any choking hazards.

Dog chews bully sticks come in various flavors and sizes that will suit every size and breed of dog. Because of their increasing demand, it is likely that bully sticks will take the place of rawhide in various pet supply stores around the country.

Presidential Pooch, The sad tale of Buddy

Chocolate Lab, Buddy joined the White House Staff as First Dog in December of 1997 in the midst of the impeachment controversy of President Bill Clinton.

From the start it was a rocky road.  First there was the constant battles with Socks, the cat and then the allegations  from the press that poor Buddy was only added to the family as a media diversion.  After spending a couple hours playing for the cameras, Buddy was shipped off to a trainer and seemed to appear whenever the President’s Public Relations needed a boost.

Unfortunately, the sad tale ended when on January 2nd, 2002, Buddy was struck and killed by a car outside of the Clinton’s home in New York.

Hopefully, Buddy is spending his days chomping on bully sticks in a happy heavenly place.

Presidential Pooch, Millie the Children’s book Author

By far one of the most talented Presidential dogs has to be George H.W. and Barbara Bush’s beloved Springer Spaniel, Millie. Not only did she write her very own children’s book but she was also a role model for other working dog Mom’s.  While in office she had a boisterous brood of bouncing puppies, one named Ranger became President George H.W. Bush’s constant companion and another, Spot took over as first dog with President George W. Bush.

I’m sure Millie was well compensated with plenty of all natural dog treats for her successful writing endeavor.

Beware of traveling by air with your Dog

Unless your dog is small enough to be allowed in the passenger compartment of an airplane, you might want to reconsider having your dog fly the not so friendly skies.

Airline cargo holds are not designed for transporting “living” things and can cause serious physical and emotional harm to your pet.

Consider traveling by car instead and be well prepared with water, all natural dog treats and a sturdy pet carrier.

Get a Dog, Dude

After watching this funny video called “Mean Little Kitty” all I can say is

Get a Dog!

and while you’re at it give him a dog bone to chew on and unlike mean little kitty, he’ll stop chewing on you.

Obama’s Presidential Pooch Elect

Every since President Elect Barack Obama mentioned getting a new puppy for his daughter, speculation has been high and opinions ramped as too the best choice for Presidential Pooch.

A dog that is easy on the allergies is a must along with one that is kid friendly, good looking and mild mannered enough to put up with the pushy reporters and protective secret service agents that will surely follow presidential puppy’s every move.

There have been offers of adoption from as far away as Peru, who sent a message offering a cute non-allergic and toothless four month old Peruvian  hairless puppy named Ears direct to the U.S. Embassy.   Suggestions keep pouring in to the new First Family with recommendations, advice and even best foods and all natural dog treats.

Of course President Elect Obama has joked that he is likely to get a “Mutt like me” and of course the best place to find the perfect pooch for adoption would be the local dog shelter.  What a great way to set an example not only for his children but also for the Country.  Save a pet…Adopt.

Adoption from a shelter does not however, mean that you must accept a mutt.  There are plenty of breeds available through your local shelter and I would highly recommend you research the individual characteristics of any breed before you adopt.

What breeds or types of dog would you recommend as First Pooch

Not to be left out, Dog Maven has decided to offer her own advice….. Can you say Shih Tzu and bully sticks?

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.