Dog breeds and personality types.
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Saturday, January 31, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Two of my favorite things, dogs and underwater!
Brooke Mayo’s Diving Doggies: A Celebration of Play Underwater
www.underwaterdogs.com
http://www.underwaterdogs.com/meetthedoggies.html
www.underwaterdogs.com
http://www.underwaterdogs.com/meetthedoggies.html
Monday, January 26, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Pick Me! Obamas Getting More Choices For First Dog
Rescue Experts Say Obama Dog Puts Spotlight on Adoption Movement...Like fellow candidates vying to be First Dog. Bear is a born networker. He doesn't just kiss babies, he plants big wet ones on anyone who crosses his path, and he likes to sit down (on your feet) and share a quiet moment. "There are probably a hundred shelters in the US that would
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
Tips for Running with your Dog
Tips for Running with your Dog | January 19, 2009
If you’re struggling to stick to your New Year Resolution to exercise everyday, look no further than your dog for motivation. Chances are he’s ready for a run even when you’re not. That’s because many dogs were bred for running and hard work. Some types, like working and sporting breeds, have enormous amounts of energy and even crave a good vigorous workout.
But before promoting your dog to designated exercise partner, it’s best to consider his qualifications for the job. Sure, running offers huge health benefits and can curb behavioral problems at home, but some dogs are better suited for running than others. Consider the breed, age, size and body type of your dog.
If you know you’ve got a dog that needs more action than the leisurely walk to the park, here are tips to consider before you lace and leash up.
Size Up the Pup. Consider your dog’s overall physical condition before embarking on an exercise plan with him. If he’s older or overweight, the stress of running may be too much pressure on his joints. Have your vet assess his health before deciding how far your dog can run and whether he should at all.
Get a Plan. Just like you, your dog needs to build up his endurance and strength over time to prevent injury and burn out. Start out slowly and watch him for signs of fatigue and overheating. Dogs lose a lot of heat through their mouths so keep an eye out for excessive panting. Become aware of signs of distress and pay attention to body language.
Pad Patrol. Since your dog doesn’t wear cushy sneakers, choose grass and dirt trails that are easy on his paws and check his pads periodically for cuts or injury. Concrete, asphalt and other hard surfaces can hurt your dog's paws and also impact his ability to dissipate heat through his paws. Also consider dog booties depending on your typical running surface.
Water Often. Bring along a collapsible water bowl and bottle so you and your dog can stay hydrated at frequent breaks on the run. They need more water than we do, so consider more breaks than you would otherwise.
Keep it Safe. Be conscious of the weather – not too cold, nor hot or humid. Use a leash to help prevent accidents and keep control, and make sure your dog has appropriate reflective gear if you plan to run at night.
The Scoop:
Additional tips for running safely with your dog
www.goodhealth.com/running
More about dogs’ attitudes toward exercise
www.petcentric.com/exercise
If you’re not a runner, check out these dog running services
www.runnersworld.com/dogs
If you’re struggling to stick to your New Year Resolution to exercise everyday, look no further than your dog for motivation. Chances are he’s ready for a run even when you’re not. That’s because many dogs were bred for running and hard work. Some types, like working and sporting breeds, have enormous amounts of energy and even crave a good vigorous workout.
But before promoting your dog to designated exercise partner, it’s best to consider his qualifications for the job. Sure, running offers huge health benefits and can curb behavioral problems at home, but some dogs are better suited for running than others. Consider the breed, age, size and body type of your dog.
If you know you’ve got a dog that needs more action than the leisurely walk to the park, here are tips to consider before you lace and leash up.
Size Up the Pup. Consider your dog’s overall physical condition before embarking on an exercise plan with him. If he’s older or overweight, the stress of running may be too much pressure on his joints. Have your vet assess his health before deciding how far your dog can run and whether he should at all.
Get a Plan. Just like you, your dog needs to build up his endurance and strength over time to prevent injury and burn out. Start out slowly and watch him for signs of fatigue and overheating. Dogs lose a lot of heat through their mouths so keep an eye out for excessive panting. Become aware of signs of distress and pay attention to body language.
Pad Patrol. Since your dog doesn’t wear cushy sneakers, choose grass and dirt trails that are easy on his paws and check his pads periodically for cuts or injury. Concrete, asphalt and other hard surfaces can hurt your dog's paws and also impact his ability to dissipate heat through his paws. Also consider dog booties depending on your typical running surface.
Water Often. Bring along a collapsible water bowl and bottle so you and your dog can stay hydrated at frequent breaks on the run. They need more water than we do, so consider more breaks than you would otherwise.
Keep it Safe. Be conscious of the weather – not too cold, nor hot or humid. Use a leash to help prevent accidents and keep control, and make sure your dog has appropriate reflective gear if you plan to run at night.
The Scoop:
Additional tips for running safely with your dog
www.goodhealth.com/running
More about dogs’ attitudes toward exercise
www.petcentric.com/exercise
If you’re not a runner, check out these dog running services
www.runnersworld.com/dogs
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
The How & Why of Microchipping
The How & Why of Microchipping
It’s awful to even imagine, but it happens every day. Pets get lost. According to the American Humane Association, only about 17 percent of lost dogs are reunited with their original owners. But thanks to microchipping technology, you can help ensure your pup’s safety should his collar or tags slip off and he lose his way home.
Read on for details from our conversation with Adam Behrens, VMD about how the technology works to bring pets home.
Once in a Lifetime. A tiny microchip, no bigger than a grain of rice, holds all of your contact information. Just a quick prick of your vet’s needle and it’s inserted under the skin between your pup’s shoulder blades where it stays forever. If at any time your pet gets lost and turns up at a shelter, vet or animal control facility, the chip is scanned to access your contact information.
Better Access. The main microchip manufacturers in the US now offer universal microchip readers to humane societies and shelters and for free. This ensures that your dog’s information can be accessed, regardless of the chip brand you had implanted.
Easy to Update. If you move or change your contact information, just update your pet’s information via the online or phone-assisted microchip database. It’s open all day, every day so you always keep your pet’s information current.
Affordable. Unlike many medical procedures, this one is inexpensive. The cost ranges from $25 and $40, along with a small fee to enter your contact info into a database. Sometimes the fee is lower if it’s done with another procedure, like neutering or dental work.
Go International. If you think you and your pup may at some point move abroad, ask your vet to insert the new international universal chip so it’s recognized by scanners abroad.
Keep The Collar On. To protect your dog, make sure to keep his collar tag information updated and never let him roam free. Microchipping is just one more way you can help bring him home if all else fails.
The Scoop:
For more info on microchipping, talk to your vet or check out frequently asked questions from the AMVA.
www.avma.org/microchipping
Thank you to Bay Area’s Adam Behrens, VMD for assistance with this tip.
www.wanderingvet.com
It’s awful to even imagine, but it happens every day. Pets get lost. According to the American Humane Association, only about 17 percent of lost dogs are reunited with their original owners. But thanks to microchipping technology, you can help ensure your pup’s safety should his collar or tags slip off and he lose his way home.
Read on for details from our conversation with Adam Behrens, VMD about how the technology works to bring pets home.
Once in a Lifetime. A tiny microchip, no bigger than a grain of rice, holds all of your contact information. Just a quick prick of your vet’s needle and it’s inserted under the skin between your pup’s shoulder blades where it stays forever. If at any time your pet gets lost and turns up at a shelter, vet or animal control facility, the chip is scanned to access your contact information.
Better Access. The main microchip manufacturers in the US now offer universal microchip readers to humane societies and shelters and for free. This ensures that your dog’s information can be accessed, regardless of the chip brand you had implanted.
Easy to Update. If you move or change your contact information, just update your pet’s information via the online or phone-assisted microchip database. It’s open all day, every day so you always keep your pet’s information current.
Affordable. Unlike many medical procedures, this one is inexpensive. The cost ranges from $25 and $40, along with a small fee to enter your contact info into a database. Sometimes the fee is lower if it’s done with another procedure, like neutering or dental work.
Go International. If you think you and your pup may at some point move abroad, ask your vet to insert the new international universal chip so it’s recognized by scanners abroad.
Keep The Collar On. To protect your dog, make sure to keep his collar tag information updated and never let him roam free. Microchipping is just one more way you can help bring him home if all else fails.
The Scoop:
For more info on microchipping, talk to your vet or check out frequently asked questions from the AMVA.
www.avma.org/microchipping
Thank you to Bay Area’s Adam Behrens, VMD for assistance with this tip.
www.wanderingvet.com
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Monday, January 5, 2009
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Friday, January 2, 2009
Love Lessons from Dogs
Love lessons from dogs?
By Chelsea Kaplan
Though dogs have been labeled man’s best friend, when it comes down to it, Fido is probably more the type of buddy you’d seek out for a game of catch, not love advice. According to Harrison Forbes, professional dog trainer and author of Heart of a Dog: What Challenging Dogs Have Taught Me About Love, Trust and Second Chances, however, you might want to reconsider the notion that your canine knows nothing about matters of the heart. “Dogs do the types of things we should do more often, and the things they don’t get involved in—well, we should really skip them, too, if we’re looking for love,” he asserts. Puzzled by the notion that you may actually be able to get some romance pointers from your Pointer? Read on for five love lessons you can learn from dogs.
1. The reassurance of forgiveness
In order to have a successful partnership, letting bygones be bygones is crucial. An inability to get over issues and move ahead is a key roadblock to happiness. Dogs, Forbes notes, are always in the moment and therefore don’t hold grudges or hang onto resentment. “Dogs wipe the slate clean many times a day,” he explains. “If you are grumpy and yell at your dog, but then wait a minute and act like you never did, he will forgive you—many times over. If humans could let the little things go as easily as dogs do, their relationships would be better for it.”
2. The security of unconditional love
Forbes says that as a rule, when a dog loves his owner, that bond is lasting and real. “It’s interesting to note that celebrities are over-the-top pet lovers,” he says. “This is because their dogs really love them for who they are, not their A-list status; a dog will always treat you the same. Dogs offer truly substantive relationships in a way most people don’t,” he notes. When it comes to romantic relationships, humans should strive to emulate a dog’s focus on what a person really offers in terms of love, kindness and warmth, he advises.
3. The comfort of consistency
In a romantic relationship, consistency can be quite comforting. What’s not to love about a partner who is never moody or capricious? “We as humans understand there are different types of behavior, yet we crave consistency,” Forbes says. “With dogs, regardless of your animal’s personality, you pretty much get the same behavior unless he’s ill. A lot of people take comfort in that aspect of pet ownership, so you can only imagine how much similar behavior could add to a romantic relationship.”
4. The need to be playful
Forbes notes that most dogs want to have a good time, keeping things light and not so serious all of the time. “The easiest way to burn out a working dog is to work him all the time—that pretty much goes for relationships as well,” he says. In police-dog training, Forbes explains, training is balanced with play and fun. “The harder you go at it in a training phase, the more you have to counterbalance it,” he says. “It’s the same with a relationship—you have to relieve the pressure through play and good times.”
5. The importance of effective communication
While communicating with your partner is important in a relationship, it’s not merely the act of communicating that will ensure your relationship’s success, but finding the way to do so that best matches your partner’s needs. This is a skill that you can easily learn from working with dogs, Forbes says. “The different ways in which I communicate with my three dogs are suited to what works best for them… and for me with them,” he explains. You have to be willing to experiment and find the best way to communicate with dogs, and the same goes for your romantic interests, he says: “Just as a hot-tempered dog won’t respond to yelling and lots of commands, neither will a hot-tempered person. At the same time, some more sensitive types may need a gentler approach. Essentially, no one person or dog communicates the same way—each individual has a unique style, and taking the time to learn about your partner’s needs is the key to a strong bond.”
Chelsea Kaplan’s blog, “The Momtourage” can be found at www.themomtourage.com.
By Chelsea Kaplan
Though dogs have been labeled man’s best friend, when it comes down to it, Fido is probably more the type of buddy you’d seek out for a game of catch, not love advice. According to Harrison Forbes, professional dog trainer and author of Heart of a Dog: What Challenging Dogs Have Taught Me About Love, Trust and Second Chances, however, you might want to reconsider the notion that your canine knows nothing about matters of the heart. “Dogs do the types of things we should do more often, and the things they don’t get involved in—well, we should really skip them, too, if we’re looking for love,” he asserts. Puzzled by the notion that you may actually be able to get some romance pointers from your Pointer? Read on for five love lessons you can learn from dogs.
1. The reassurance of forgiveness
In order to have a successful partnership, letting bygones be bygones is crucial. An inability to get over issues and move ahead is a key roadblock to happiness. Dogs, Forbes notes, are always in the moment and therefore don’t hold grudges or hang onto resentment. “Dogs wipe the slate clean many times a day,” he explains. “If you are grumpy and yell at your dog, but then wait a minute and act like you never did, he will forgive you—many times over. If humans could let the little things go as easily as dogs do, their relationships would be better for it.”
2. The security of unconditional love
Forbes says that as a rule, when a dog loves his owner, that bond is lasting and real. “It’s interesting to note that celebrities are over-the-top pet lovers,” he says. “This is because their dogs really love them for who they are, not their A-list status; a dog will always treat you the same. Dogs offer truly substantive relationships in a way most people don’t,” he notes. When it comes to romantic relationships, humans should strive to emulate a dog’s focus on what a person really offers in terms of love, kindness and warmth, he advises.
3. The comfort of consistency
In a romantic relationship, consistency can be quite comforting. What’s not to love about a partner who is never moody or capricious? “We as humans understand there are different types of behavior, yet we crave consistency,” Forbes says. “With dogs, regardless of your animal’s personality, you pretty much get the same behavior unless he’s ill. A lot of people take comfort in that aspect of pet ownership, so you can only imagine how much similar behavior could add to a romantic relationship.”
4. The need to be playful
Forbes notes that most dogs want to have a good time, keeping things light and not so serious all of the time. “The easiest way to burn out a working dog is to work him all the time—that pretty much goes for relationships as well,” he says. In police-dog training, Forbes explains, training is balanced with play and fun. “The harder you go at it in a training phase, the more you have to counterbalance it,” he says. “It’s the same with a relationship—you have to relieve the pressure through play and good times.”
5. The importance of effective communication
While communicating with your partner is important in a relationship, it’s not merely the act of communicating that will ensure your relationship’s success, but finding the way to do so that best matches your partner’s needs. This is a skill that you can easily learn from working with dogs, Forbes says. “The different ways in which I communicate with my three dogs are suited to what works best for them… and for me with them,” he explains. You have to be willing to experiment and find the best way to communicate with dogs, and the same goes for your romantic interests, he says: “Just as a hot-tempered dog won’t respond to yelling and lots of commands, neither will a hot-tempered person. At the same time, some more sensitive types may need a gentler approach. Essentially, no one person or dog communicates the same way—each individual has a unique style, and taking the time to learn about your partner’s needs is the key to a strong bond.”
Chelsea Kaplan’s blog, “The Momtourage” can be found at www.themomtourage.com.
The 10 Users You’ll Meet on Twitter
Twitter is undoubtedly becoming one of the fastest growing social media tools in existence. As it continues to expand, so too does the diversity of its user base.Whether you’re new to Twitter, a veteran user, or someone that is just interested, here’s a list of the 10 people you meet on Twitter.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Thursday, January 1, 2009
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