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Online social networking for dogs?
4 Internet sites connecting dogs and dog lovers
Whether you live in Denver, CO or Dover, TN there is a group of dog lovers just waiting to meet you! From dog park meet-up groups to dog and human hiking clubs there is a myriad of social networking to be done and found right from your laptop. Socializing is an important part of keeping your dog healthy, and it’s good for us, too. Finding your neighborhood dog park is a great first step, but there’s other creative ways that dog owners are finding each other online.
Are You Ready to Adopt a Dog?
A checklist of consideration when thinking about adopting a dog.
Many people think that when they buy or rent a house with a big yard, “Well, now we need a dog!” but there are so many more important considerations than your yard size when adopting a dog. Here is a list of considerations when you feel the urge to add a dog to your family.
What is a rescue dog?
If you’ve ever heard the term “rescue dog” and had images of a canine dragging a human out of a burning building, you’re not wrong. If your neighbor with the cute little pure-bred shitzu proudly reminds you every time you see her that her dog is a rescue dog, you might be a little confused. Actually, both examples are correct.
While there are many heartwarming stories about service dogs all over the world who provide therapy, search and rescue services, and physical aid to humans with disabilities, the type of “rescue dog” we are referring to in this article is a little different.
A Case for the Big Black Dog (or BBD)
It’s a well known fact in the animal shelter community that black-coated medium to large dogs are the hardest to adopt. They are also the first to be euthanized in animal shelters, where they are assumed “unadoptable.” As the mother of 2 Big Black Dogs (BBDs), this is disturbing news. Whether it is due to superstition, misplaced fear, negative association or otherwise, the only cure for this malady (called Black Dog Syndrome) is education!
Mahatma Ghandi said, “Gentleness, Self-Sacrifice, and Generosity are the exclusive possession of no one race or religion.” and that goes for dogs, too!
Disaster Planning for your dog
Minimize stress during stressful times
Preparing for a disaster is an important action for every family to take. If your household also includes canines, be sure to create a plan for them as well. In the event of an emergency, there are some simple steps you can take to ensure that your dog will be safe , which will give you peace of mind in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
The Joy of Fostering a Dog
Whether you’re a family with a few dogs already, experiencing empty nest syndrome, or simply looking for something meaningful to do, fostering a dog can be a source of great joy in your life. There are many reasons why you should consider being a dog foster family that you may not have thought of.
Companionship.
Whether you’ve recently lost a canine loved one, or your human children have gone off to college, dogs provide outstanding companionship and love. You can work with a shelter to customize the personality type of the dog that you foster to ensure that you bring home a snuggler, a buddy, or whatever type of companionship you may be seeking.
Eat this, not that! Foods to avoid feeding your dog and safe substitutes
There are many whole foods in your pantry that are safe to share with your dog once in awhile. As a general rule of thumb, you should avoid feeding your dog table scraps, processed foods, and most food not in its original whole state. But treating with whole, nutritious foods straight from your kitchen can be fun, inexpensive and safe when you follow these guidelines.
Pet-Sitter Checklist Before Going on Vacation
Ok, so you’ve found the perfect dog-sitter and she’s available the week you need to take off for your niece’s wedding, you leave in 2 weeks, so now what?
With this handy checklist, you can be prepared, in advance, to make sure that you are relaxed and calm for your vacation, knowing that your dogs are being cared for well.
Before you hire a pet-sitter
There are so many details to plan for when going out of town on vacation. The one thing that you don’t want to have to worry about is whether or not your dogs are in capable, loving hands back at home. If you’ve decided that your dogs would be most comfortable at home while you’re gone, in their own environment, then you will be looking to hire a pet-sitter.
Here are a few considerations when looking for the perfect pet-sitter for your dogs. Use this list at least 2 months in advance of your vacation to avoid last-minute stress and frustration, and to make sure that your travel dates aren’t already taken by your first-pick candidate!
5 Things NOT to bring to the Dog Park
Well, you know that before you jump into the car and head to the dog park you should pack a few key items to ensure a successful visit. But, did you know that there things you probably shouldn’t bring also? Here is a list of 5 things to consider leaving at home when headed to the dog park.
5 Things to Bring to the Dog Park
Going to the dog park can be a rewarding experience for both dog and owner. Watching your canine loved one play with other dogs, get exercise, and socialize is a fun and free activity for you and your pooch.
Before you jump in the car and head off, remember to bring the following items with you to ensure a positive experience at the dog park.
Exercise with your dog through indoor play on a rainy day
We all need exercise to stay healthy, no matter what the weather forecast says, especially dogs! Here’s some indoor games you can play to get your pooch off the couch, get moving, and to keep him from being bored on dreary days.
- Hide and seek with favorite toys
This game may start with teaching your dog how to sit and stay. Start by having him sit and stay while you place a favorite toy (squeaky ones are a favorite in our house) where he can see it, but away from him (like across the room). Use your release word (ours is “OK”) and let him go fetch the toy, making sure to allow enough time to celebrate the reward of waiting patiently, by dancing around with his toy in his mouth. You can make this game more and more complicated, incrementally, by moving further and further away with the toy, around a corner, to another room, up a flight of stairs and eventually by hiding the toy in places where your dog could eventually find it. When hiding the toy, think about a child’s Easter egg hunt. Don’t make it too hard, you do want your dog to be successful, eventually! - Coffee grounds
- Chocolate
- Grapes
- Onion
- Chicken bones
- Rhubarb
- It reduces the risk of uterine infection and cancer (Breast cancer in female dogs and Testicular cancer in male dogs).
- It reduces the risk of straying from home in search of a mate, where running in the street and getting hit are a high risk.
What to pack when your dog is your copilot
The sun is finally out, birds are singing, flowers are blooming, and the open road is calling. Although it may sound fun to hop in the car with your dog, open up all the windows and just drive, you won’t get far before you wish you’d packed him a bag, first.
Packing for a road trip with a dog can be fast and easy, and will help keep your pooch safe and comfortable on the drive. Here’s a few things to grab on your way out the door for a day of fun on the road, or to keep in a bag near the door for those spontaneous road-tripping urges!
Common Household Items Harmful to Dogs
Every house has more than a few common items that should be avoided by its canine inhabitants to keep them safe. Some are obvious items, like cleaning supplies, but some aren’t. Here’s a handy room-by-room list of things to keep away from your dog.
Kitchen:
6 Reasons To Spay or Neuter Your Dog
Spaying or neutering your newly adopted dog is one of the first steps in helping them live a long and healthy life. It’s a minimally invasive day surgery that benefits their health, your home life, and the community at large. Here’s a few of the reasons why:
