Top Dog Questions searched in 2014 according to Google are:
What question did you Google about dogs this year?
While many pool owners are understandably concerned about keeping children safe around their pool, they aren’t the only ones who must be monitored. We also need to watch our four-legged friends around water. To keep our beloved pets (and any other critters that might wander into the yard) safe around the pool, consider the following tips:
Although most believe all dogs know how to swim, this isn’t true. Certain breeds of dogs have trouble swimming, Petwave reports, as do elderly dogs and those with health issues like blindness or hearing problems. Just like you watch your kids closely when they are swimming, keep a sharp eye on your precious pooch. Never assume that he or she will know what to do in the water. Even puppies who liked to swim may grow up to be arthritic dogs who are frightened and unsure in the water.
If you have two-legged kids, chances are good your pool is already fenced. But if you are the proud parent of only four-legged kids, you might not have considered putting a barrier around the pool. Pet parents should keep their pool area safe and secure too, and you may wish to purchase some products that can assist getting your pets out of the water should they fall in. As Specialty Pool Products notes, a pool alarm is the number one safety product for pool owners. If anything that weighs 15 pounds or more falls into the water, a loud alarm will sound inside the house. Another great product is called Safety Turtle; this pet-specific alarm features a turtle-shaped device that goes on your pet’s collar; if the turtle gets submerged in water it will sound a loud alarm on the base station (not near your pet’s sensitive ears). This is a terrific safety feature that can be left on your pet’s collar at all times.
Even though the pool’s surface might look solid to dogs, they should be shown it is not something they can just walk on. Introduce your puppies or dogs to the water and then show them how to get out. Although they cannot typically see the steps, they can learn where to exit the pool. A great way to teach them how to get out is to keep a couple of small planters filled with flowers on the pool deck near the steps—this will give your dog the visual cue he or she needs to know where to get out of the pool.
Dogs are not the only animals that can end up in your pool; birds, frogs and even deer can end up in the water. As the Humane Society notes, smaller wild animals can usually be scooped to safety with a large pool net or even the bristled end of the broom. If a larger animal like a deer manages to somehow get past the pool fence, you can use a chaise lounge or a pool float as a ramp that will assist the animal in leaving the water. Of course, you don’t want to get too close to wild animals to prevent getting bitten or scratched.
Robbie the dog, trying to play fetch with the statue of Alan Turing (the father of modern computing) in Manchester’s Sackville Park.
Pets truly enrich our lives with unconditional love and loyalty. Though we do our best to keep their tails wagging, balancing work, family and household responsibilities can leave your furry family members wanting more attention. Of course, nothing replaces giving your pet your undivided attention but, for times when multi-tasking is a must, you can still entertain Fido while getting things done around the house. Combine your daily tasks and your pets’ play time with the help of these innovative games and toys:
There’s something about a freshly stacked pile of clothes that just begs to be burrowed in—at least, your dog seems to think so. When your pup just can’t wait to rub his fur all over your crisp, clean clothes, distract him with something far more enticing, like an automatic fetch toy like iFetch. The device enables pet owners to train their fetch-loving friends to play on their own. The device works by loading it with a tennis-like ball that then shoots out up to 30 feet. Trained dogs can fetch and reload the ball for hours of fun; or, you can help your pet out by loading it for him.
Working from home has many advantages: no more sitting in traffic, clothes are optional, and best of all, no more office distractions. Or so you thought. Sure, your co-workers aren’t around to interrupt your flow, but your four-legged colleagues can prove far more demanding. Pets seem to find the most inopportune times to make their needs known. Perhaps they’re putting in their two cents during an important client call or jumping on your lap to join a virtual meeting. When the distractions become overwhelming, its time to set some boundaries. Since you’re now home to monitor your pet’s behavior, invest in some interactive toys that can keep them occupied while you work. For instance, a food puzzle game or treat dispenser will keep your pooch mentally stimulated while you tend to work matters.
You’ve had a long day at work, the kids are occupied playing video games and Fido is begging for attention. Make your two-legged and four-legged kiddos happy with hands-free gaming that allows them to interact with their furry siblings while still allowing for some virtual fun. The hands-free capabilities of gaming consoles like Xbox One enable users to enjoy their virtual experience while multi-tasking real-world duties, like playing with Fido.
Whether you’re making dinner or eating it, your pup will likely be standing guard. It’s never pleasant trying to eat with a pair of puppy dog eyes on you. Some pets take it to the next level and implement whining and scratching to get what they want. Giving in only encourages bad behavior. Treat-stuffed toys offer a great way to keep your pet both occupied and satisfied. Next meal time, try using a treat game like a Kong Classic that enables your pet to chase and chew his wobbly toy in search for treats.
If you are a teen from the 90s then you remember ‘Dawson’s Creek,’ and now the cult show has been re-invented with dachshunds. Sally Turner has the adorable video.
Neville Longbottom the corgi, not the Harry Potter character, took it upon himself to annoy his dog brother Lou, and Lou has no qualms with showing everybody how he feels about it.
