Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Letters to God From the Dog


TO:  GOD

FROM: THE DOG
Dear God:  Is it on purpose our names are the same, only reversed?
Dear God:  Why do humans smell the flowers, but seldom, if ever, smell one another?
Dear God:  When we get to heaven, can we sit on your couch? Or is it still the same old story?
Dear God:  Why are there cars named after the jaguar, the cougar, the mustang, the  colt, the stingray, and the rabbit, but not ONE named for a Dog? How often do you see a cougar riding around? We do love a nice ride! Would it be so hard to rename the 'Chrysler Eagle' the 'Chrysler Beagle'?
Dear God:  If a Dog barks his head off in the forest and no human hears him, is he still a bad Dog?
Dear God: We Dogs can understand human verbal instructions, hand signals, whistles, horns, clickers, beepers, scent ID's, electromagnetic energy fields, and Frisbee flight paths. What do humans understand?
Dear God:  More meatballs, less spaghetti, please.
Dear God:  Are there mailmen in Heaven? If there are, will I  have to apologize?
Dear God:  Let me give you a list of just some of the things I must remember to be a good Dog.
1. I will not eat the cats' food before they eat it or after they throw it up. 
2. I will not roll on dead seagulls, fish, crabs, etc., just  because I like the way they smell.
3. The Litter Box is not a  cookie jar.
4. The sofa is not a 'face towel'.
5. The  garbage collector is not stealing our stuff.
6. I will not play  tug-of-war with Dad 's underwear when he's on the toilet.
7.  Sticking my nose into someone's crotch is an unacceptable way of saying 'hello'.
8. I don't need to suddenly stand straight up when I'm under the coffee table .
9. I must shake the rainwater out of my fur before entering the house - not after.
10. I will not come in from outside and immediately drag my butt.
11. I will not sit in the middle of the living room and lick my crotch.
12. The cat is not a 'squeaky toy' so when I play with him and he makes that  noise, it's usually not a good thing.



 
P.S.  Dear God: When I get to Heaven may I have my testicles back?
  'Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened'

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Choosing Puppy Names Should Not Be Taken Lightly

Whenever a new puppy enters the household, the first major issue among its new family members is what is the best name for this new addition.  How to divvy up all the chores that come along with a new dog can wait until later.  Every child in the family will promise to feed, water, walk and pickup puppy poop in order to get the puppy into the house, and most will carry out these assignments dutifully for at least the first week.  But all of those issues can wait until later because right now we must answer the question of what do I name my new puppy.  The choice of puppy names cannot be taken too lightly.  This is your chance to use your imagination and to show your creativity.  After all, this little guy is going to be a member of your household for many years to come and it is said that you will likely use your tail wagging friend's name some 30,000 times or so in their lifetime.

While we all want to get the puppy named as soon as possible, consider waiting a couple of weeks and allowing the new puppy to show you what his or her personality will be like.  Is he going to be laid back and carefree, then a name something along the lines of "Fluffy" may be the perfect fit.  Or is he a holy terror that runs through the house at break neck speed for no apparent reason.  If so, maybe something closer to "Cujo" would be to your liking.  Whatever the case may be, when trying to decide what are some good puppy names, we know that the ones that are well thought out and not rushed always seem to be a better fit and more to everyone's liking.

Give some thought to the breed, looks and size of your new puppy.  Not all puppy names are appropriate for all dogs.  Do not give your dog a name that will later prove to be an embarrassment.  Something like "Poopy" may fit your dog's personal hygiene traits at first, but you will not think it so cute when you are trying to calm the dog when the preacher comes to visit.  Also, be aware of what your puppy's new name may rhyme with.  You do not want every kid in the neighborhood making up inappropriate little dittys about your cute little puppy.  Stay away from names that your dog could confuse with common commands.  Stop, sit, heel, stay, and come are things you want your dog to immediately recognize as a request, not something that could be confused with their name.  One way to avoid this is to use two syllable names.

If you have adopted your new puppy from a local shelter, the workers there may have already given your puppy a name.  Unless it is something that is totally inappropriate, consider leaving this as the name of your new puppy.  If you do want to change it, consider puppy names that sound somewhat similar since the puppy may already be responding to its present name.  Also, give some thought to how your puppy will look when it is a full grown dog.  The name "Cutey Pie" may be great for that bouncy little puppy, but when that puppy grows into 120 pound German Sheperd, the name just might no longer fit.

Again, as you can see, naming your puppy should not be taken lightly.  While all suggestions from family members should be considered and a consensus reached if possible, someone may have to be the final vote and that would be best left to an adult member of your household.  Whatever choice in puppy names lands on the head of the newest member of your family, it is one that you want to be unique and special to the puppy as well as other family members.  A good name, a good walk, a little discipline and lots of love and attention will make for a great and loyal dog that you will always be proud to call your own.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Preventing Kennel Cough is the Best Medicine

Each year, thousands of dogs unnecessarily are exposed and contract infectious tracheobronchitis, more commonly known as kennel cough.  This disease consists of infectious microorganisms that cause irritation and damage to a dogs upper bronchi and windpipe exposing the nerve endings.  As the dog breathes in out, the nerve endings are exposed to air causing a rough, dry, hacking cough in the animal about a week after being exposed to the infectious disease.  The majority of cases of kennel cough are mild and will usually subside within two to three weeks.  Veterinarians will sometimes prescribe cough-suppressant drugs to reduce the cough and treat the disease with antibiotics in an attempt to hasten the healing process and provide relief to the coughing dog.

Dog kennel cough is transmitted to dogs much like colds are transmitted between humans.  The germ is air-born and infects other dogs through inhalation.  The germ can spread quickly among dogs confined in a boarding environment thus the term kennel cough.  However, not all cases are contracted in kennels as the dog can be exposed to the disease anywhere they contact other dogs.  Not all coughing in dogs is a result of kennel cough.  Since some respiratory diseases can be serious, any persistent cough in a dog should result in a visit to the vet.

The best means of preventing kennel cough in your dog is to insure your dog is healthy and also to have him vaccinated against these infectious germs.  One way to be sure your dog is healthy is by maintaining a proper diet that includes a quality food and supplements such as Omega 3 Fatty Acids.  If you frequently board your dog, vaccination is an absolute must in order to lessen the chances of your dog contracting this disease.  If you are boarding your dog, there are a few things you can do in addition to vaccination to help reduce the chance your dog will contract kennel cough.  Ask the boarding facility about the following conditions in their kennels.

- Is the facility a member of the Pet Care Services Association or similar organization.  These organizations generally prescribe to some code of ethics ensuring your pup receives the loving care and attention they deserve.

- Is the facility climate controlled.  Cold temperatures increase the spread of kennel cough.

- Does the facility require proof of proper immunizations of all the animals it boards.

- Does the facility provide individual food and water bowls for each individual dog and are the bowls cleaned on a regular basis.

- Does the facility properly clean and disinfect the kennel area on a daily basis.

Following the few simple precautions above will greatly decrease the chances your prized pet will ever suffer an extremely annoying case of kennel cough.  In addition to these precautions, always keep your dogs toys, bedding, and other items clean and try not to let other unknown dogs use any of these items.  Doing these small things can help keep your dog safe and disease free and make him the wonderful pet your family has always desired.

Rottweiler Puppies - The Right Choice for You?

When many people think of a Rottweiler, an image of an extremely large, snarling and aggressive animal will immediately come to mind.  But people that have owned these dogs will quickly tell you that these animals are extraordinarily intelligent and loving.  The fact that Rottweiler puppies are born with better than average intelligence is something inherent in the breed in which few novice people are aware.  While they definitely present an imposing figure when encountered, their owners find their image to be just the opposite.  As a matter of fact, when you investigate the breed further, you will find the Rottweiler to have many endearing traits.

When properly introduced and socialized, Rottweiler puppies can grow to become an extremely loyal companion for the entire family.  These puppies tend to endear themselves to children and it is most necessary that you teach your children the proper way to interact with this, as well as any breed of dog.  A Rottweiler, along with any other breed of dog for that matter, should not be unnecessarily startled.  Not because he is an aggressive animal, but because he will grow to be a large and powerful dog and could unintentionally injure a small child.  For this very reason, small children should be closely supervised when in the presence of this or any large dog.  Many people will tell you that a Rottweiler is actually great with children and you have no more reason to be concerned with this breed than you would any other large breed of dog.

Rottweilers were bred originally back in the roman empire days to serve as guard dogs.  Due to this breeding Rottweiler puppies will grow up to be extreme protective of their environment and the members of your family.  This potentially makes these animals extremely wonderful watch dogs and guardians.  The Rottweilers nature also makes them extremely courageous and they will face any danger in order to protect the ones to which they are loyal.  This loyalty is what endears these animals to their owners in a way that very few other dog breeds can approach.  They are also very athletic dogs and tend to make impressive show dogs when displayed by an able handler.

Before choosing to bring one of these Rottweiler puppies into your home, think about the true type of dog owner you will be.  A Rottweiler, along with any breed of large dog, must be disciplined to know that you and your family are the pack leaders.  You want to be sure you have the time to properly exercise your dog and professional obedience training should be something you should consider if you are not equipped to do so yourself.  However, with the proper attention to their health and well-being, exercise and training, your new Rottweiler puppy can grow to be a loyal and loving companion to your family for many years to come.

Puggle - The Best of a Pug and Beagle?

Welcome to the modern world of dog breeding.  Breeders are out to create the perfect hybrid breed of dog and one of the best they have come upon to date is the puggle.  By breeding a female pug with a male beagle, breeders have created a hybrid breed of dog that has all of the best traits of each of these well known breeds.  While this combination has eliminated the breathing issues commonly found in pugs and the howl of the beagle, there are still issues with this breed that people should be aware of prior to picking up one of these little guys.  Even though these dogs are truly adoring and lovable, they do tend to be a little excitable and high strung.  However, you should not let this put you off if you have a little patience and take the time to exercise your new companion.

Some people have been somewhat misled into thinking that these dogs just stroll around without a care in the world.  While the puggle does make for a loving and cuddly dog, they can also be a holy terror if you fail to give them the attention that this bouncy breed requires.  Failing to recognize these facts can result in quite the surprise when this little dog strolls through your door for the first time.  While they do require lots of exercise and attention, this is nothing that cannot be overcome with the proper routine.  As with any dog, a good start to the day is a good brisk 30 to 45 minute walk to burn off some of the natural energy your puggle possesses.  In addition to being good exercise for your dog, a daily walk helps in the bonding process between canine and human.

Once you learn to control his or her higher energy level, you will find this little 15 to 20 pound giant to be a great family dog.  Puggles grow to be somewhere around 10 to 15 inches tall and have a short coat of hair.  Commonly, you will find they are fawn, black, beige or any combination of these colors and usually have the black face of the pug.  If you are familiar with an English Mastiff breed, a puggle looks like a miniature version of the Mastiff.  Their skin tends to appear loose on their bodies, and their tail is curly along with a wrinkled face.

Along with playtime and exercise, the best way to ensure the health of this breed, or any dog for that matter, is good preventive health care with a good veterinarian.  Also, remember when feeding your puggle that they are small dogs and even though they are quite active, one cup of food per day will usually be adequate to keep your dog fit and trim.  This is just a rule of thumb mind you and you may need to alter the amount based on the type food you feed your pup and the manufacturers recommendation for the dogs weight.  Watch your puggles and be sure they do not get too slim or too plump and, of course, consult with your vet for their recommendation also.

While many of the breathing problems associated with the pug breed have been bred out of these animals, your puggle does have a short compact snout and breathing problems could occur if you over exercise your dog during extremely hot weather.  Outside of this issue, puggles are no more susceptible to any other health issues than other breed of dogs.  Keep in mind that routine checkups and following good common sense will keep your dog healthy for many years to come.

While a puggle is definitely not born the perfect dog, attention to their characteristics can go a long way towards making him one.  If you are willing to give your dog lots of love, attention, walks and other other forms of playtime and exercise, I think you will find that this rambunctious little ball of fur will make you and your family a great and loyal companion for a long, long time.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Is Your Favorite Breed of Dog Really the Best?

It is definitely no doubt that most dog lovers have a favorite breed. I guess maybe I am the exception to the rule when it comes to this. I do not really have a certain breed that I would call my favorite. As a matter of fact, some of my favorite dogs have been mixed breeds. Someof dogs if you will. Some of this and some of that, that is. One of the more common breeds that you could say was my favorite would be the beagle dog. Outside of that, I think if I had to choose some favorite breeds, they would likely be some of the breeds not commonly thought of when you mention dogs as pets.

Come to think of it, one of my favorite breeds is not really a single breed after all, but again a mixed breed. The puggle is a cross between a female beagle and a male pug. Some of these puggle puppies look just like someone took the head off of a pug and attached it to a beagle dog. They resemble a miniature version of a English Mastiff and parade around like they truly own the place.

Another breed that catches my eye and is not appreciated by every dog lover is the rottweiler. Watching a rottweiler puppy attempt to stand his ground is really an interesting thing. Rottweiler puppies are born with the instinct of the breed that originated in the roman empire where they served as guards. They, of course, make excellent watch or guard dogs as their appearance is a definite deterrent. However, I have known many people who say the rottweiler makes a wonderful pet.

One of the more common breeds of dogs I do find interesting is the cocker spaniel. This is a smaller sized spaniel that is known for its almost endless energy and love of humans. They make wonderful family dogs and cocker spaniel puppies almost always get along with other family pets including the cat. My family has always been very active and high energy dogs such as the cocker spaniel do great in highly active environments.

I once owned a Siberian husky that was really a beautiful animal. He loved to play with my son. The only problem was that my son was two years old at the time and one day the dog chased him through the backyard and knocked him down. I am sure the dog was playing with him but I do not think my young son was convinced of that. He was quite scared of the dog after that and his mother, as well as I, felt it best this frisky animal find its way to a new home. The dog was grown when we got him and we would have probably been better served had we chosen one of those cute, little Siberian husky puppies instead of the full grown model.

I have never owned one before, but dobermans have always intrigued me. Doberman puppies are one of my favorite puppies. I guess its those floppy ears those little guys have. It almost seems a shame to me to crop those ears and make them stand up like they do. But I guess that is what helps to make the doberman the imposing figures that they are. I cannot imagine anyone that could stand their ground against this medium sized, squarely built dog with its compact muscular body and not feel intimidated.

Now on the complete other side of the dog spectrum are havanese dogs and the ever popular cockapoo. My wife can hardly pass a litter of cockapoo puppies without trying to scoop up two or three and take home. There is something about either one of these breeds that appeals to my need to want a fluffy dog with a cute face. Of the two, the havanese dogs are my favorites, but if we were to have one, I am sure my wife would win out and we would have a couple of cockapoo puppies roaming the estate.

As you have seen, I have soft spots for lots of different breeds of dogs. But, as I stated earlier, the two best dogs I have owned are mixed breeds. The mixed breed we have now is not necessarily anything special to look at but she is a definite loyal companion. Whenever I grab my keys to head out the door, she is right beside me to keep me company on whatever journey I choose to take. If she does not go with me, she is the first one to meet me at the door and greet me with her constantly wagging tail. This is really what you should look for in a dog anyway. There are lots of different breeds that are truly beautiful animals, but none of that means a thing without the bright eyed gaze and the wagging tail that is the first thing you see when you arrive home and open the door.