Please read before you decide to get a puppy

I wrote this on October 30 but seems like it needed to be said again!!

 

Choosing a dog is a big decision, one that is likely to require a 10- to 15-year commitment. In order for you and your pet to have the best possible life together, you should consider such factors as your lifestyle and personality, the dog’s needs and personality, and the question of mixed breeds versus purebreds.

Lifestyle

• Do you live in a large house with a backyard, or a small, fourth-floor apartment? Do you live in a city, small town or a rural setting? Will the animal be left alone a lot? Do you enjoy outdoor activities and would you take the animal with you? Do you have children? For example, a golden retriever is not the best choice for a single person living in a small, fourth-floor apartment and who works full time outside of the home, but this breed would be a good choice for a family living in a house with a backyard.

Personalities

• You need to make sure your personality matches well with the dog’s. Do you like quiet and reserved pooches, or active, bouncing breeds? Do you want your dog to be outgoing or shy, ready to take on any outdoor challenge or a homebody, cuddly or aloof? Do you have the time and patience to train a puppy, or would you be better with an adult dog? You need to make sure you’re willing and excited about living with and caring for this animal for the rest of its life. A Jack Russell terrier, for instance, is a small dog with boundless energy, while a Basset Hound is more laid back.

Dog Needs

• Dogs come with needs. Are you able to afford veterinary care, food, any needed medical attention, flea and tick treatments, spaying or neutering? There are many costs to consider, and the Pet Education website has a helpful table in determining general expenses.
  Also consider the age of your dog. If you are adopting a puppy, consider costs of training, toys, pet care when you are away and vaccinations. If you are adopting an older dog, consider what that dog may need; will it soon need old-age care, or is the animal in the prime of its life?

Purebred or Mixed Breed

• There are advantages to both mixed and purebred dogs. Purebred dogs are predictable in terms of growth, development and general personality characteristics. Mixed breeds are also fairly predictable, especially if you can identify the dominant breed genetics, but there is always an element of mystery. While general personality can be determined (such as if the dog is good with children), other unexpected issues may crop up–like growing a little bigger than expected. Mixed breeds, however, tend to be free of the genetic disorders purebreds are known to have. Purebred boxers, for instance, are notorious for being prone to a variety of eye, ear, intestinal and heart problems, while a mixed-breed boxer may have none of these issues.

Visit With Your Dog Candidate First

• The Humane Society of the United States recommends getting a shelter dog. Between four and six million dogs and cats are euthanized every year due to lack of space and resources, but many of these animals would have made great pets. Shelters often offer mixed and purebred dogs, and give individuals (and families) opportunities to visit with the animals before deciding to take them home. Shelters will usually have histories of their animals as well: why they are in the shelter (strays vs. abandoned pets), possible behavioral issues and whether or not they are compatible with children.
  If you choose to adopt from a dog breeder, still make arrangements to spend time with your potential pet first.

Can a Dog’s Stomach Turn Upside Down? AKA Twisted Bowel Syndrome in Dogs

 

A dog’s stomach has the ability to twist in a painful and often deadly condition called bloat. Medically known as gastric dilatation/volvulus, bloat can occur when a dog eats a meal too quickly. Fast action is required to re position the dog’s stomach, or your pup could suffer a host of medical consequences. It is possible for a stomach to turn completely upside down during a case of bloat. Twisted bowel syndrome in dogs, is the second largest cause of canine death, often killing within an hour of onset. Because the bowel is twisted, food cannot be digested and toxins cannot be eliminated from the body. Surgery is most likely and highly successful if treatment is sought immediately.

Causes

• There are no clear answers as to cause, although it is seen more in larger, deep-chested dogs. Gas swells the stomach so much that it twists.

Symptoms

• When the bowels twist, the stomach appears distended and the skin on the dog’s belly area is taunt. The dog may refuse to lie down

Shock

• Weak, rapid heart beat, pale gums and loss of body heat are signs that the dog needs emergency help.

Hazards

• Some tissue may die from a tight twist, and toxins and bacteria may be released when the tissue is untwisted. Medication can reduce the effects, but some dogs will not survive.

   

  What Happens

  • If a dog eats his food too fast or vigorously exercises right after consuming a meal, he may develop bloat. The stomach muscles twist and turn on themselves, cutting off the flow anything in or out of the organ. The stomach may twist only slightly, or in severe cases, turn completely upside down. The food continues to be digested in the stomach, and the gaseous buildup literally bloats or swells the stomach during the process. The condition becomes painful for a suffering dog. As the abdomen may quickly swell, he may attempt unproductive vomiting or coughing, or show signs of shock such as shaking.

  Life and Death

  • Large-breed dogs are most susceptible to suffer bloat, as are deep-chested pups and elderly dogs. The degree of torque varies from one dog to another. A dog with an upside-down stomach can quickly suffer fluid loss and electrolyte imbalance, causing damage to other organs in as little as 20 minutes. Dogs who get prompt treatment have about an 80 percent survival rate.

  Veterinary Treatment

  • A dog suffering from a twisted or upside-down stomach must be seen by a medical professional immediately. In rare instances, a vet can reposition the stomach from the outside of the dog’s abdomen, but surgery is required in most cases. Failing to untwist the stomach and return it to its original position can restrict blood flow and lead to heart damage. If your dog has surgery, the vet may opt for a secondary procedure called gastroplexy, whereby he tacks the stomach to the abdominal wall to reduce the potential for it turning upside down in the future.

  Preventative Precautions

  • Talk to your vet about the best way to prevent against future instances of bloat in your dog outside of surgery. He may suggest diet changes, such as eliminating fermented carbs and grains from you pup’s diet. You may also opt for small, frequent meals. If the dog’s a fast eater, spread the food along a baking sheet or use a feeding bowl with a raised center to encourage your dog to slow down and enjoy his meal.

Why Do Dogs Chew Their Nails?

Nail chewing and biting is not standard dog behavior and could be a cause for concern, according to Dr. Page Wages at the Oberlin Animal Hospital. Boredom, anxiety, poor grooming, allergies and infections are common causes for the chewing habit, and should be addressed quickly to ease the dog’s distress. Some causes can easily be resolved by a trip to the pet store for allergy sensitive food and toys, while other conditions will require a prescription by a veterinarian.

Allergies

• Food and outdoor allergies can lead to nail biting in dogs. Allergies to grass, pollen and other outdoor items may be irritating the dogs paws and nails. Additives to the dog’s diet may also be causing discomfort, including corn. Chewing the nails is a way dogs relieve their itchy sensation. Allergy sensitive foods, including those without corn, are available at large pet retailers. Veterinarians can provide a prescription to ease the symptoms of outdoor allergies.

Infection

• If a nail is injured, and the wound is exposed, infection may result. If the area around the dog’s nails appears red, swollen, tender to the touch or is seeping, it may be infected. Dogs will chew the area to relieve the pressure and itchy feeling. An antibiotic is required to cure the infection, so a trip to the vet is necessary

Anxiety

• Leaving dogs alone can cause anxiety behaviors for some. Chewing nails, defecating in the house and destructive behavior are common signs of anxiety. Crate or kennel the dog when he will be left alone in the home. Dogs are den animals by nature, and need to feel secure. Consider leaving a radio or TV on so the dog can hear human interaction, and supply him with a few chew toys to ease his need to gnaw.

Boredom

• Stimulating a dog’s senses is essential. Exercise, playtime, talking and training are all essential. A bored dog will become destructive to himself and his surroundings. Nail biting is a common sign of boredom. Supply the pet with interactive play toys when dog or human interaction isn’t possible.

Poor Grooming

• Some dogs chew on their nails simply because they need to be trimmed. Visit the vet’s office, a grooming salon or invest in a dog nail clippers. The nails should be kept trimmed to just above the quick. Have a vet or grooming salon show you how to do this task if you wish to maintain the dog’s nails at home. Overgrown nails lead to cracks, chips and more nail chewing from your dog.

QUICK UPDATE ON ABBY-ROSE

Abby and her new friends

Just a quick little update on Abby-Rose, when she arrived she was a very shy and unstable little girl who would bite you rather than be your friend. Abby didn’t like to be near other dogs (she would bite) didn’t want to be brushed (she would bite) could not touch her feet (she would bite) absolutely could not cut her nails (she would bite) do you see a pattern? Well Abby has been here now four days and I am very proud to say we can touch her feet, got the back nails cut, not the front yet, she loves to be in with all the dogs, and she now likes to be brushed! We still need to work on a few things and still attempt to cut her front nails (she does not like that) we will try later today. I am very proud of little miss Abby she has come such a long way in a short time, still has some hills to climb but we will get there!

SUCCESS BAILEY

Congratulations Bailey,

Bailey has had a complete turn around, Bailey came to boot camp with a few issues such as barking, jumping, attacking the vacuum, barks at the salad spinner and much, much more. Bailey finished a mini boot camp as he was here five days and what a remarkable change in just his five days. He is a very tiny Yorkie but his personality is equal to a 200 pond dog, he is very charming and lovable and really just a sweet heart. Bailey was a little challenging at times and put up quite the fight but simplicity and consistency prevailed. Bailey is no longer barking to hear his own voice, he now just lets out a quick bark to inform me of the intruders he hears, lol. He no longer goes after the vacuum, and you are now safe to make a salad for lunch, he has learned not to bark at kids, bikes, cars or simply anything else that moves. Bailey also had some food aggression, this too is no more. Bailey has done a great job and is a happy and balanced little dog. I would like to thank all the people who helped in Bailey’s recovery, you are a great bunch and could not do it with out your support. Bailey is now back at home and doing very well, he is still working on a few things but you can’t build Rome in a day! Keep up the great work and you will have great success. Thanks everyone.

EDUCATION WEEK IS OVER

So it was brought to my attention that many of you were missing my personal blogs, and pictures of my happy brood so education week is over and here are what my bunch is up too. This week we were building our back deck and along with many good looking men, there were 10 dogs helping. ( not so much! ) As we were digging the new deck post holes and trying to level the post this very helpful bunch of dogs thought that our holes needed to be bigger, and the post looked much better in the middle of the yard, they were taking them out faster than we could put them in.

Once I sat the dogs down and had a conversation with them explaining why we needed the posts in the holes and things would move much quicker if they would leave the building to the men,( they seemed to understand what I was telling them)  they went and laid down. I realized that when 10 dogs are quiet it’s never a good sign, What I thought was 10 dogs laying in the sun and staying out of our way was really just a fake out! Yes they were out of the way, Yes they were laying in the sun, Yes they were all quiet, Yes they were chewing as a group my new deck boards!! Moral of the story, a quiet dog is not always a good dog! I had to laugh and lucky for them I ordered extra boards just in case!!These are pictures with the deck we were tearing down that day!

JUST WANTED TO SHARE

I like to share smart money saving tips when I can so here is one for anyone that has multiple dogs or big dogs which I own both. My dogs like to sleep in a pile and on top of each other so I went to a few pet stores to see about purchasing a large bed that would allow multiple dogs on one bed, not much out there, actually nothing. The largest bed I found was $96.95 on sale and it was foam with a flannel type covering, although very pretty to look at not actually functional for my needs. The covering is washable on the dog bed but if someone vomits or has an accident the liquid will seep into the foam which is not washable so if this happens now you have to trow away this $100.00 bed and purchase a new one. I thought this was ridiculously  expensive considering I have puppies who still from time to time have accident. ( as I am cleaning up a pee off the floor ) I have come up with a way that will serve my purpose without breaking the bank, I went to a local second hand baby store and for $20 bought a baby crib mattress and then for $6.00 bought the fitted sheet to go over it so it can be washed. I love this, my dogs can pile on it and each other and if there is an accident I rip off the fitted sheet, wash it and because the crib mattress is vinyl I can simply spray it with lysol and wipe it up! No more pee or vomit soaking into the foam of the dog beds! Also because it is covered with just fitted sheets you can buy many sheets in many patterns to suit your decor! Practical  or what?   now I love the fact that this is not only practical but also very hygienic as this will not smell like dirty dog after a few weeks of them laying on it, also no mites or ticks can make new homes in the foam like they can with a standard dog bed. Woot woot! Looks to me that they like it! I love it!

How to potty train your puppy in 6 days!!

This our newest addition ” Sookie ” she is 11 weeks old and on day one of potty training!

Pay Attention

One of the easiest ways to potty train a puppy is to simply pay attention and watch for signals. Make sure your puppy is always where you can see him. You may need to use baby gates or close doors to keep your puppy from wandering off and going potty in the house. When you notice the puppy sniffing around or if you see him start to squat, quickly scoop him up and take him outside.After the puppy eats or drinks, take him outside to go potty within about 10 minutes. A puppy will always need to go to the potty shortly after eating or drinking. Control when the puppy eats, as well. He does not require a full bowl of food available at all times. Check with your vet or breeder regarding how much and how frequently your puppy should eat.

When you take the puppy outside after eating or drinking, do not use this time to play. Simply stand or sit off to the side and wait until he finally goes.

Consistency and Praise

If you are occupied and unable to keep an eye on him for extended periods, consider crate training your puppy. While it may feel like you are imprisoning him, puppies who are crate trained begin to appreciate the safety and security of their crate, as it is much like the dens their ancestors lived in.Choose a crate that is large enough for the puppy to stand and turn around in; never use the crate as punishment, such as a “time out” corner. It should be a place where the puppy feels safe and comfortable. Take the puppy outside to go potty before putting him in his crate. He can be safely crated for three to four hours; puppies rarely use the crate as a potty and will learn to hold it while he is in the crate. Take him outside to potty as soon as you let him out of the crate.

Crate Training

Repetition and consistency are two key factors that will help your puppy learn to let you know he needs to go potty. Whenever you take the puppy outside to go potty, always take him through the same door and to the same area of your yard. This will help to train him to go to that door when he needs to go potty.Consider using potty training pads, as well. These lined pads have a scent that attract puppies to go potty on them. Leave a clean potty training pad near the door that you want the puppy to use to alert you when he needs to go potty.

Every time the puppy goes potty or when you are waiting for him to go, use the word you want to associate with training him to go. For example, you might repeat, “Go potty, good boy! Good potty!” This will train him to understand what you want him to do, which is go potty in the designated spot.

Finally, it is crucial you praise your puppy every time he goes potty in the appropriate area. Even if the puppy started to go inside, carry him out, let him finish and praise him for his good potty training session. Dogs want to please their owners and will be encouraged to repeat the action that caused him to be loved on and praised.

How to potty train your puppy in 6 days!!

This our newest addition ” Sookie ” she is 11 weeks old and on day one of potty training!

Pay Attention

One of the easiest ways to potty train a puppy is to simply pay attention and watch for signals. Make sure your puppy is always where you can see him. You may need to use baby gates or close doors to keep your puppy from wandering off and going potty in the house. When you notice the puppy sniffing around or if you see him start to squat, quickly scoop him up and take him outside.After the puppy eats or drinks, take him outside to go potty within about 10 minutes. A puppy will always need to go to the potty shortly after eating or drinking. Control when the puppy eats, as well. He does not require a full bowl of food available at all times. Check with your vet or breeder regarding how much and how frequently your puppy should eat.

When you take the puppy outside after eating or drinking, do not use this time to play. Simply stand or sit off to the side and wait until he finally goes.

Consistency and Praise

If you are occupied and unable to keep an eye on him for extended periods, consider crate training your puppy. While it may feel like you are imprisoning him, puppies who are crate trained begin to appreciate the safety and security of their crate, as it is much like the dens their ancestors lived in.Choose a crate that is large enough for the puppy to stand and turn around in; never use the crate as punishment, such as a “time out” corner. It should be a place where the puppy feels safe and comfortable. Take the puppy outside to go potty before putting him in his crate. He can be safely crated for three to four hours; puppies rarely use the crate as a potty and will learn to hold it while he is in the crate. Take him outside to potty as soon as you let him out of the crate.

Crate Training

Repetition and consistency are two key factors that will help your puppy learn to let you know he needs to go potty. Whenever you take the puppy outside to go potty, always take him through the same door and to the same area of your yard. This will help to train him to go to that door when he needs to go potty.Consider using potty training pads, as well. These lined pads have a scent that attract puppies to go potty on them. Leave a clean potty training pad near the door that you want the puppy to use to alert you when he needs to go potty.

Every time the puppy goes potty or when you are waiting for him to go, use the word you want to associate with training him to go. For example, you might repeat, “Go potty, good boy! Good potty!” This will train him to understand what you want him to do, which is go potty in the designated spot.

Finally, it is crucial you praise your puppy every time he goes potty in the appropriate area. Even if the puppy started to go inside, carry him out, let him finish and praise him for his good potty training session. Dogs want to please their owners and will be encouraged to repeat the action that caused him to be loved on and praised.

How many dogs does it take to change a light bulb?

GOLDEN RETRIEVER: The sun is shining, the day is young, we’ve got our whole lives ahead of us, and you’re worrying about a stupid burned out bulb?

 

BORDER COLLIE: Just one. And then I’ll replace any wiring that’s not up to code.

DACHSHUND: You know I can’t reach that stupid lamp!

ROTTWEILER: Make me!

BOXER: Who cares? I can still play with my squeaky toys in the dark.

LAB: Oh, me, me!!!!! Pleeeeeeeze let me change the light bulb! Can I? Huh? Huh? Can I? Pleeeeeeeze, please, please, please!

GERMAN SHEPHERD: I’ll change it as soon as I’ve led these people from the dark, check to make sure I haven’t missed any, and make just one more perimeter patrol to see that no one has tried to take advantage of the situation.

JACK RUSSELL TERRIER: I’ll just pop it in while I’m bouncing off the walls and furniture.

OLD ENGLISH SHEEP DOG: Light bulb? I’m sorry, but I don’t see a light.

POINTER: I see it, there it is, there it is, right there……..

COCKER SPANIEL: Why change it? I can still pee on the carpet in the dark.

CHIHUAHUA: Yo quiero Toco Bulb.

AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD: First, I’ll put all the light bulbs in a little circle………

GREYHOUND: It isn’t moving. Who cares?