Dogs We Luv!

Okay, so you decided to bring your pet along with you this holiday. After making all the necessary preparations about your flight, don’t forget to think about your accommodation. Here are some tips: Search for pet-friendly hotels online and make your reservations in advance. Know the hotel’s policy and restrictions when it comes to bringing dogs or other pets. Have your dog or pet checked by a vet to ensure that it is ready for travel. Make sure that an ID with your contact details is properly secured on your dog’s collar. Take with you some of your pet’s favorite things like his food bowl, bedding or toy. Bring a first-aid kit for your pet. Always leash your dog when taking a stroll. And remember, keep your pet with you at all times. If you’re vacationing in the UK , two pet-friendly hotels in London are The Langham Hotel in London and The Milestone Hotel & Apartments.   Pet-friendly hotels in Birmin...

If you have a dog or pet and you’re going on a trip, one of your concerns would be, will you take your pet with you or just leave him with a sitter? To be sure, consult your veterinary if your pet is suited for traveling. This is especially important if you’re going to travel by plane. For instance, some dog breeds are not suitable for traveling in cargo flight. Unless you plan to relocate, it is recommended to leave your pet at home in the care of a friend or a pet sitter. If you have a friend who is also a pet lover and who is willing to care for your dog while you’re away, then that solves your problem.   However, there are pet sitter services that you can hire as well. Just make sure that you’ll be hiring a pet sitter who has experience and genuine concern for pets.  If you do decide to take your pet with you, here is a travel guide for you: 1. Schedule a pre-trip health check up. General check-up and vaccination is very important since ...

Just like you, your dog also wants a comfortable place to rest and sleep on. Most dogs love to sleep on their master’s bed because they feel much more comfortable and warm in a human bed. However, although some people do allow their dogs to sleep beside them, it would be better to give your dog a bed of his own. Different types of dog bed can be bought in the market. However, when purchasing a dog bed, you have to make sure about two things --- Comfort and Durability. Of course, cheap dog beds are usually not meant to last very long. In this case, you’ll want to go with a trusted brand. Although, branded dog beds can be more expensive than others, you can be assured that they are made of high-quality materials that can withstand your dog’s lifetime. In order to be comfortable, the bed has to be just the right size. If your dog is still a puppy, consider a bed that will be big enough to accommodate him until adulthood. Make sure that there is enough space for him to s...

People are not the only ones who experience allergies. Even dogs can have allergies too. Just like humans, dogs can become allergic to different things such as food, dust mites, pollen, fleas, ticks and bacteria. A dog can also get contact allergies from things such as dog collars, food bowls, plants, beddings, and other surfaces. To understand better, let’s briefly discuss how allergies are acquired. What causes allergic reactions? Allergic reactions are triggered when a substance or an “allergen” enters the dog’s immune system. The dog’s immune system will treat a substance as harmful (even if it’s not) and will attempt to fight it to protect the body.   The immune system will produce antibodies which attach themselves in the blood cells. The cells will release chemicals including “histamines” which causes the symptoms we see in allergic dogs. ( The same explanation applies to humans with allergies .) What are the symptoms of allergy in dogs? Since your p...

We all know that dogs have extraordinary sense of smell. James Walker, the director of the Sensory Research Institute at Florida State University in Tallahassee acknowledged that when compared to humans, a dog’s sense of smell is 10,000 to 100,000 times more superior. Still, can dogs really smell cancer? That Wet Dog Smell. , originally uploaded by alifetimeatsingsing . In 1989, a woman was diagnosed of skin cancer when she had her mole on her leg taken out because her dog ( a border Collie and Doberman mix) kept sniffing on it. In 2001, the same case was reported by a man when his Labrador kept sniffing on a patch of eczema on his leg. In both cases, the cancer was detected just in time before it was too late for treatment. The dogs saved their humans' lives. These are just two examples but there have been a lot of dog owners who reported cases that their dogs have showed signs that there is something wrong with them, and it turned out that they have cancer....

Have you thought about enrolling your dog in agility training? Why not? Agility training doesn’t just teach a dog how to respond well, it also enhances a dog’s physical and mental capacity. Furthermore, agility training strengthens the bond between a dog and his human. Dog agility started in the United Kingdom at the “Cruft’s” dog show in 1978 when dog trainer Peter Meanwell demonstrated a dog’s ability to take on an obstacle course in front of a big audience. It became such a hit that official dog agility training and competitions were started. Dog agility competitions have become a popular sport among dog lovers and dogs alike. In the US, several dog organizations such as the American Kennel Club(AKC), the United States Dog Agility Association– just to name a few- host these prestigious competitions regularly. National championships are held annually by the USDAA and AKC to award the best dog for the year. What is agility training and how is it done? During the...

I have not the least doubt in my heart that dogs are capable of showing the bravest compassion and unconditional love. The photo shows a dog who bravely crossed a street to save his fellow who was hit by a car. After realizing that his friend was dead, he tries to move it away from the street and since he was unable to do so, he chose to stay by his side in the middle of this busy street to keep his friend company. Isn’t this marvelous? Found this post called Why Are Dogs A Man’s Best Friend from Mindchic’s blog.

Dog Catching Frisbee , originally uploaded by cindyinnc . Every dog owner wants a well-behaved dog - a dog who responds to your commands and does not give you a problem. But all dogs need proper training. Here are some things to remember when training a dog: Keeping expectations real. A dog owner training a dog for the first time can have too much expectation. Seeing other dogs who have been properly trained behave so well and do a lot of tricks can affect your perception. You may also expect your dog to do the same especially if it's the same breed as your neighbor's well-trained dog.  Always remember that training a dog takes time and effort. Don't expect your dog to learn a new trick right away. In addition, different dog breeds have distinct personalities, strengths and weaknesses. Don't expect your dog to do something that he isn't capable of or isn't in his nature. Patience is a virtue. Canine training is a serious commitment. You can't just...

Grooming your dog affects not just his physical but also his psychological well-being. Sure, grooming your dog may require time and attention but as a dog owner, it is a responsibility you accepted when you agreed to keep a dog. Still, dog grooming doesn't have to be an annoying experience for you and your pet. Dogs that are trained to be groomed since they were puppies respond to bath time or nail-clipping time without any problems. However, if you adopted an older dog who is not used to bathing, you may need to exercise more patience and attention. Not to worry. In time, an older dog can also learn to behave properly. If you are too busy to groom your dog, you can take him to a professional pet groomer, but be sure that you will take him to a groomer who genuinely cares for dogs. However, if your dog requires a lot of grooming, it is practical to spend a few minutes of your time each day to attend to your dog's needs. In fact, it can be the perfect time for...

Most dog owners choose a purebred dog that have resemblance to them, this is according to the May 2005 issue of the American Psychological Society 's Psychological Science journal. The study was conducted by researchers of the University of California in San Diego where judges were given photos of dogs and humans, and were asked to match each dog with his owner. Judges were able to match 16 purebreds with their owners out of 45 pictures of dogs which includes 25 purebreds and 22 mongrels. Judges found a harder time matching mongrels to their owners. Why are they having a difficult time matching mongrels? Because mongrels or mixed breeds have more unpredictable appearances compared with purebreds. The theory disproves claims that dog owners came to resemble their dogs after years of being together, as do with married couples. In contrast, people seem to pick a dog that "they feel" or "unconsciously think" matches their looks of personality. With a mo...

Me and my friend Kat shared a common love for a lot of things. One of those things is a book called The Hardscrabble Chronicles by Laurie Bogart Morrow. I bought it on a sale for only 30 pesos, if I remember right at Booksale Baguio. To my surprise, it was really a wonderful, nostalgic, heart-touching book. The author tells about life in the town of Hardscrabble somewhere in New England. It tells about the challenges of moving in a new and small town, anecdotes of the townspeople, and finally being part of a community that learned to love. The book is a continuation of Field & Stream columnist Corey Ford who named the town Hardscrabble. Although it is a fictional name, the town itself is where Corey Ford and Laurie Morrow has actually lived. What made this book so close to our hearts are the stories that tell about dogs that have been part of their lives. There's Jet of Huntress Bridge who faithfully waited for his master up to the very end; The Legend of Big ...

Yesterday, I was visited by Johann,the dog . I checked out his blog and learned that he was rescued and adopted in 2004. He was named after Johann Sebastian Bach. Johann has been competing in agility training since June 2005 and he is a 2007 Cynosport World Games Dog Agility Grand Prix Qualifier! Congratulations, Johann! Your mum must be so proud!!! If you want to care for a dog, please visit Johann's Rescue Me blog. Everyday, a dog is featured who has been rescued through the help of the following shelter and rescue organizations. 1-800-Save-A-Pet AnimalShelter.Org Dogsblog.com Petfinder.com Pets911 PupForum.com If you love dogs, please show your support and help save a dog's life.

Beagle Beagles are energetic, fun-loving dogs, and great around children which makes them a wonderful family companion. A very smart dog that is easily trained with a highly sensitive sense of smell. Beagles have short coats which makes grooming easy. However, because Beagles have a natural flare for hunting, and have a tendency to follow the nose, they should be kept in a well-fenced home. In addition, because they are very active dogs, they need to be taken out for walks at least twice a day. Dachshund Dachshunds come in three different kinds – the smooth haired, wirehaired and the longhaired dachshund. Its coat ranges from cream, tan, grayish, red, black and a combination of these colors. There is a miniature dachshund and a larger one. In Germany, Dachshunds were used as Badger hunters. It got its name from the German word “ Dachs ” which meands Bader. These dogs have long body and short legs which give it a fun, clownish appearance.  Quite appropriate becaus...

Many scientists would argue the point that dogs are able to feel love. Nevertheless, for many dog lovers in the world, to say that dogs do love does not need a scientific explanation. That dogs feel love is an undeniable truth that you can only experience from building a bond with a dog of your own. Ask anyone who has dog.  This person will tell you how much he/she feels love from a dog who does not ask for anything in return. Unconditional love- no other way to define it. It does not matter if you're grouchy on some days or sweet on others; if you're beautiful or ugly; if you're not in the mood- at any time of the day, whenever you need a friend, you can count on your dog to be there for you. Well, maybe not to solve your problems... just to make you smile, cheer you up, make you realize that you're not alone, forget your troubles even for a moment, make you feel special. But if that isn't love, what is?

One of the hardest things about taming a friend is saying goodbye. Losing a friend, a loved one to sickness is such a painful and unbearable loss. It is true, "One runs the risk of crying when one allows himself to be tamed." - The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint Exupery) I planned to skip a post today, tired from work. But I found the Red Dog Diary:A Dogumentary and met Raja , an 8 year old Golden Retriever who have been diagnosed with bone cancer. I knew when I read the blog caption that watching the trailer would make me cry. But I did anyway, and I just had to share this. Visit the blog and see the inspiring trailer of one dog's battle with cancer .

love sitter , originally uploaded by oceanoaloha . When dogs are not responding to us in their best form, they may be suffering from anxiety or fear on their own. Remember that there is always an underlying cause for a dog’s behavioral problem and it is up to us humans to find out what it is. Whether it is from a traumatic episode in the dog’s life or a genetic issue, there are ways to deal about it correctly. The most important things to bear in mind are: Never re-assure your dog if he is afraid. Re-assurance only reinforces fear. Do not force your dog to get over his fear instantly. It takes time and practice. Do not punish your dog if he is not behaving well because of his fear.  Do not add to the tension that your dog already feels. Instead, introduce relaxation, calmness, ease. When desensitizing your dog, never forget to Give your dog the reward he deserves if he’s done well. Dogs respond best when their deeds are appreciated. Give lots and lot...

"Dogs are really people with short legs in fur coats" -anonymous Dogs have always been part of the human family since the earliest of times. They play with us, guard our homes, and amuse us with their tricks. They are our furry friends who give us unconditional love any time of the day. But just like any friend, even dogs sometimes may feel stressed out. Yes, dogs experience anxiety too. This may be caused by a traumatic experience, a lack of proper training, or a genetic predisposition. Some dogs may be afraid of just one thing while others suffer from more than one fear at the same time. If you’re dog suffers from anxiety, don’t feel hopeless. There are ways to help your dog get over his fears. Animal experts advise “desensitization" or simply put, allowing your dog to get used to a situation until he realizes that it is a non-threatening situation after all. This method can be done for different types of dog anxiety. If your dog has fear of c...

Cookie ride... , originally uploaded by simplycute becka . Some dogs are terribly afraid of riding cars. Dogs with this fear associate the car with a terrible place or situation. Most likely because the only time these dogs get to ride a car is to go to the vet, an animal shelter, or places where they encounter stress or pain. Thus, the thought of riding a car makes them sick or afraid. For these dogs, a car can only mean one thing – being taken to a dreadful location. If your dog is afraid of riding cars, he thinks of the vehicle as a means to take him somewhere awful. Thus, your dog needs to see the car in a new light. In this case, the car is the threat and there needs to be a re-introduction. The first step is to allow your dog to familiarize himself with the car from the outside. Walk him around the car and let him sniff, sniff and sniff his way to familiarize himself with an unmoving vehicle. This could be done for a few days until your dog is ...

Foofer... , originally uploaded by LukeDaDuke . One of the most common fears in dogs is being left alone. Dogs are pack animals and naturally seek companions. While most dogs will just sigh and wait when their humans leave home, other dogs can show uncontrollable behavior. The moment their master leaves the house, these dogs will incessantly bark, howl, drool, urinate, defecate in the house or destroy things. In extreme cases, some dogs even starve themselves or go through self-mutilation.  Also known as separation anxiety, this type of fear is true, especially for some dogs who came from shelters or dogs who have been passed around from one owner to another. These dogs have a tendency to be overly dependent and are extremely afraid of being abandoned. The best way to help a dog with separation anxiety is to not give any emphasis to your departure. Undoubtedly, your dog had already identified hints from your actions when you’re about to leave. For ins...

Spencer is a nine year old, Golden Retriever and volunteers as a therapy dog at Northridge Hospital, CA. What a sweet fellow, don't you just love you him??!!!

Watch a dog sleep and you may notice that occasionally its eyes or legs twitch. Is it dreaming? Despite the fact that there is no scientific proof that dogs dream, there’s really no reason to believe that they don’t. photo Do dogs dream? In fact, when dogs sleep they also go through the two stages of sleep- the rapid eye movement (REM) and the slow wave sleep (SWS)- as humans do. Just like in people, the REM is the deeper sleep and during this stage, the body completely relaxes, while the unconscious mind becomes active. This is the point where the eyes move rapidly, thus the term REM (Rapid Eye Movement). On average, an adult dog spends about ten to twelve percent of its sleep time in the REM stage while younger dogs and puppies spend more of their sleep time in the REM mode. It is possible that dogs can see images or "dreams" in their REM sleep although they are not able to tell us about these dreams when they wake up.

Here are three large dog breeds that I would love to have. I know, they're all big and active dogs and right now, I'm just not ready for them. But when I get to live in a bigger house, it will have a spacious lawn and I will have a Labrador Retriever, a Golden Retriever or a German Shepherd! Golden Retriever The Golden Retriever is the second most popular dog breed (next to Labrador Retriever) in the world. We are all familiar with popular movie heroes like Shadow (from the movie Homeward Bound) and Air Bud (from the movie of the same title). When I saw Homeward Bound, I instantly wanted my Golden Retriever puppy. Do you remember that scene when Shadow almost didn’t make it? Golden Retrievers are gentle, friendly, handsome, intelligent.  The breed is a hunter’s loyal companion and a genuine family dog. However, they are energetic dogs who crave for physical activity. They don’t like to mope around doing nothing. They yearn for company, for something to do.  ...

Some years ago, a friend asked me in his email what breed of dog I want because he intended to send me one. I replied that any breed would do. BIG MISTAKE! Back then, I was only thinking that I love dogs so much that any breed will do fine. I now realize the importance of choosing a dog breed that is most compatible with my personality and lifestyle. So, are you ready to be a dog owner? Here are some things you should consider when choosing a dog:     source Choosing the Right Dog Breed Are you a morning a person? A dog's temperament and energy level varies depending on its breed. Some dog breeds are more energetic than others and they require more physical activity. If you're the type of person who jogs daily in the morning, you should definitely get a dog who can run with you. If you're more of the adventurous type, work dogs who have really high energy would make great buddies.  On the contrary, if you have full time work, choose your dog very carefu...