Pet-Friendly Places in the UK

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 Birmingham are the Airport Holiday Inn, Marriott Hotel, Express by Holiday Inn, and the Holiday Inn, Birmingham.  

If you’re looking for pet-friendly hotels in Manchester, Four Points by Sheraton, the Radisson Hotel and the Holiday Inn Express are some of the hotels worth checking out.

Travel Guide for Pet Owners

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 a health certificate from a certified vet is required to obtain legal travel pass for your pet. In some cases, a tranquilizer or sedative may be prescribed. Never attempt to give your pet any medication without a vet’s prescription.

2. Prepare your pet’s travel documents. Make sure that you are aware of the laws and regulations of the State or country you’re traveling to. Some countries require a quarantine certification aside from the health certificate issued by your vet.

3. Choose the right travel carrier. Make sure that there is enough ventilation and that your pet will be comfortable in his travel carrier. If you’re traveling by plane, there should be food and water included in the carrier.

4. Prepare your pet before the trip. Let your dog or cat get used to his travel carrier weeks before your trip. You can do this by putting his food bowl inside the carrier and letting him stay inside for a few minutes, increasing the time of confinement with each day.

5. Give your pet an ID tag. The ID tag should contain your home address and your contact numbers. Make sure that the tag is securely placed so it will not be detached from your pet.

6. Don’t overfeed. On the day of your travel, feed your dog with a light meal. Just let your pet sip a small amount of water to quench his thirst to prevent an upset stomach that can be caused by traveling.

7. Carry a photo of your pet with you at all times. It will be invaluable in case your pet gets lost at your destination.

8. Find a pet-friendly hotel. Make sure that you have made your reservations with a hotel that accepts guests with pets. Don’t forget that some hotels have a "no-pet" policy so you’ll want to verify this before making a reservation.

9. Make sure that the airline allows traveling pets. Some airlines have a no-pet policy so you’ll also want to confirm in advance if you’ll be able to take your pet with you on board or be transported as cargo. Ask for the airline’s complete rules and regulations for traveling pets so you’ll have enough preparation time.

10. Travel on a direct and same flight with your pet. If possible, it’s best to travel on a direct flight rather than one with stopovers to ensure your pet’s safety. It is also recommended to choose the same flight as your pet to avoid possible problems.

Where does your dog sleep?

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 stretch and move in when he’s asleep. Your dog may not enjoy sleeping on his own bed if it’s too small or too narrow. Choose a mattress that is well-cushioned, soft yet durable enough to withstand your dog’s weight. Also, make sure that the surface of the bedding is soothing to your dog’s fur.

Once you’ve taken home your dog's bed, put it in a place where your dog enjoys sleeping the most. It is important for your dog to know his permanent place in your home. Dogs usually spend 13 hours each day sleeping so giving your dog a comfortable bed will not just make him sleep better but will also make him happier.

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Help Your Dog Cope from Allergies

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 pet won’t be able to tell you how he’s feeling, it’s important to observe your dog closely whenever he’s introduced to a new food or a new environment. Symptoms in dogs include:

• sneezing
• coughing
• loss of appetite
• a discharge in eyes or nose
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• difficulty in breathing
• itching
• rashes or red patches
• constant chewing and licking
• hair loss

How do you know if your dog is allergic?

If you notice any of the above allergy symptoms in your dog, take him to the vet for check up. Your vet would need to do some allergy tests (such as skin test or blood test) on your dog to find out exactly what kind of substance he is allergic to.  

Remember that the “allergen” or the substance your dog is allergic to may be found in several types of food or things. Once the cause of allergy is confirmed, your vet may prescribe an anti-histamine, a special shampoo, or allergy shots for your dog.  Hypoallergenic dog treats are best.

Some dogs are allergic to beef, chicken, pork, eggs, wheat or dairy products which are the same ingredients used in most brands of dog food found in the market. If your dog has a food allergy, it is not advisable to buy processed dog food. To be sure, ask your veterinarian about a recommended food suitable for your dog.

Do Dogs Know the Smell of Cancer?

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. Are these all coincidences?

Scientists believe that tumors or cancer cells inside our bodies do emit certain chemicals that are beyond the range of our senses. However, it is possible that dogs can distinguish these scents.

A study was done to find out if dogs can detect bladder cancer from smelling urine samples of both healthy and cancer patients. The research was conducted through a collaboration of researchers from the Amersham Hospital in England and the organization of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. Although the dogs weren’t able to come up with one hundred percent accuracy, a 41% success rate proved that dogs can be trained to recognize the smell of bladder cancer more accurately.

In March 2006, a more recent scientific research headed by Michael McCulloch of the Pine Street Foundation in California was published in the Integrative Cancer Therapies, reporting that dogs can detect breast cancer and lung cancer just by smelling a person’s breath. In this study, there was a remarkably 88% and 97% accuracy in both types of cancer respectively.

These true-to-life accounts and scientific studies give a promising hope that dogs can help us in the early detection and therefore, early treatment of cancer. Certainly, this is a life-changing feat for all of us.

What is Dog Agility Training?

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 actual competition, dogs are expected to complete obstacles with only the support of their handler. The most common obstacles used is the A-frame, the dog walk, the teeter-totter or see-saw, the crossover, tunnels, jumps or hurdles, the pause table, pause box, weave poles, swing plank, sway bridge and others.

Handlers are not allowed to give treats to the dog through-out the obstacle course. A handler can only give direction and encouragement to help the dog finish the obstacles. A dog must not be distracted by other things or smells around him as to let off from the course.  

Thus, the competition not only tests a dog’s physical strength and intelligence, it is also a test of the dog’s ability to focus on the task at hand. Training a dog for a competition requires patience and a lot of practice. Still, winning a competition can be a really fulfilling experience for both the dog and his handler.

I had a wonderful surprise yesterday when I visited Johann’s blog. She made a post just for me, I feel so special. Johann has been training since 2005 and has competed in both the USDAA and AKC agility competitions. He is a 2007 Cynosport World Games Dog Agility Grand Prix and Steeplechase Qualifier! Yup, that’s Johann right there training! Way to go, boy! If you have more questions about agility training, ask Johann! He'll know!

A Dog's Compassion

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.

Some Things to Remember on Dog Training

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 train a dog for a few days and then give up. Different dogs learn differently. Some dogs maybe more easily distracted than others. Some dogs can take a lot time to learn than others. If you really want your dog to learn, be patient. Continuous practice is the key to perfecting any trick or command.

Reprimanding your dog more than what is needed. Correcting a dog when he's done wrong should be done while your dog is doing it or immediately after. Reprimanding your dog for a wrong deed he committed 5 minutes ago will be useless. This will only confuse your poor dog about what you're angry about.

Do not confuse your dog. Consistency is the key to dog training. A dog can only understand two types of commands - Yes and No. A dog cannot decipher between "Yes sometimes" and "No sometimes". So if you don't want your dog jumping on you when you're all dressed up, don't let him do so even when you're wearing pajamas.

Using too many training methods. Dog trainers use different methods in canine training. However, trying to mix them all up is not the proper way of training. Find a technique that will work for you and your dog, and stick to it. Study your chosen method and focus on it.

Never hurt your dog. Whether your dog is not paying attention to your training or is not getting your commands, never punish your dog by inflicting pain. Physical injury is not the way to help your dog learn.

Always reward a dog that does well. A dog responds to positive reinforcement. A dog normally wants to please his human, he wants to know if he's doing the right thing. So, praise your dog and give him the treats he deserve if he's performing a good job.

Your Easy Guide to Dog Grooming

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 you to strengthen your bond with your dear pet.

The exact amount and type of grooming needed depends on what breed of dog you have. Some dog breeds require more grooming than others. Thus, a dog's needs is one of the things you should consider before choosing a breed. If you're a busy person, don't choose a breed that has sensitive grooming needs.

Here are some simple dog grooming tips:

• Always do a complete check on your dog's body parts -from his paws, nails, ears, nose, hair - check for any scars, bumps, allergies, fleas, ticks and any signs of infection.
• Trim your dog's nails at least once a month.
• Brush your dog's teeth using a dog's toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles at least twice a week.
• Clean your dog's face using a damp cloth every day.
• Brush your dog's coat to prevent tangles and get rid of dead hair especially for dogs who shed a lot. Brushing your dog's coat encourages new hair growth.
• Bathe your dog regularly (depending on the breed) using a mild shampoo for dogs and lukewarm water.

Remember to start grooming your dogs early so that when they grow older, you will not have a hard time. Every dog owner must remember, "A clean dog is a healthy dog and a healthy dog is a happy dog."

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Do Dogs Look Like Their Owners?

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 mongrel, it's a lot harder to tell how they would look like when they grow older.

According to US Scientists, there is a remarkably large number of cases where dog owners really do resemble their dog's features. For instance, big-haired people with big haired dogs, tall people with tall dogs, big people with big dogs, and so on. However, the similarity can be far more than just the more obvious physical features.

Do you look like your dog, too?

The Hardscrabble Chronicles

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 Boy and George Allard's Dog; Each Year is Seven and Lost. It has been almost four years since I read that book and some of the stories I can't recall as detailed as I want to. All the dog stories in the book has truly touched me and brought me to tears. I intend to read it again one of these days. Kat loved it so much that I gave it to her when she went back home to Manila.

As I'm writing this, the Bee Gees are playing as the storm rages outside. Miss you, Kat! I miss your company!

Bugging "Johann" the dog

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.

Small Dog Breeds I Love

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 because these buddies are fun-loving, friendly and simply dogs who love people.

However, dachshunds do have a temper so they can get easily become annoyed being with small children. If you have other dogs in your home, you should also be aware that Dachshunds have a tendency to get jealous and stubborn. However, when properly treated, dachshunds can be the sweetest dog breed you can ever have.

Chinese Shar-Pei

Isn’t he cute??? This wrinkled buddy is an intelligent, calm, very devoted breed which makes it great as a family dog. Despite the size, a Shar-pei is a very alert and reliable guard dog. A Shar-pei is a strong breed so they must not be left alone with children. Shar-peis also need proper training as they can be stubborn, shy, or overprotective when not handled correctly.

Goldendoodle

As its name suggest, the Goldendoodle is a combination of two breeds –the Golden Retriever and Poodle. This breed is an intelligent, loving, friendly dog both to children and other animals. This breed does not shed so much and is easily groomed. Goldendoodles love to learn and they respond to training very well. They also love water when trained at an early age. Awwww…. how adorable!!!

Do Dogs Love Too?

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?

A Journey of One Dog's Battle to Cancer

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.

A Closer Look at Dogs and Anxiety

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 lots of pats and praises after every practice.
• Work at your dog’s phase.
• Practice with your dog every day. 
• Conduct short training sessions with your dog each day instead of long sessions that are done sporadically.

In some cases, it maybe necessary to give medication exclusively for dogs. These are called canine anxiety reducers. It is absolutely important to seek an expert’s advice on these matters. If trying to desensitize your dog on your own does not give out any progressive result, it is best to see a veterinary or an animal trainer for further advice and assistance.

Ultimately, we do love our pets and we want to care for them as best as we can. The one thing every dog owner must always remember is that dogs with anxiety problems can get well. Through consistent practice, accurate information and support, your dog will surely learn to get over these fears. Don’t give up on your dog just because he’s not one hundred percent worry-free. After all, dogs are family too.

How to Help Dogs with Anxiety or Behavioral Problem

"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 cars or a separation anxiety, it may take a couple of weeks until he gets over this fear completely. If you have a day job, you might need to ask a friend to practice with your dog for you or perhaps each member of your family can take turns in practicing the dog. Of course, desensitization takes time. It needs to be done slowly and with patience. Each step taken will greatly depend on the dog’s response.

A frequent mistake that owners do when their pet is afraid is to try to reassure them. While we may have the best of intentions, this does not help at all. The dog will only recognize this as a sign that he has reason to be afraid and therefore, the reinsurance you give reinforces his own fear.

The important thing to remember when desensitizing your dog is never ever try to reassure your dog if he shows signs of fear. If there is any shakiness or whimpering, it will be better if you don’t acknowledge it. Instead, simply ignore it. When giving instructions, talk to your dog in a calm, normal tone.

Also, keep in mind that this method is to be done gradually depending on your dog’s progress. Practice should last only a few minutes, everyday. Never force your dog to instantly get over his fear. Work at your dog’s phase. Don’t punish him if he’s not immediately responding.

Don’t forget to reward your dog by the end of each practice session especially if he’s done well. Give him his favorite treat, lots of pats and praises for each accomplishment. Let your dog know if he’s doing a great job.

If your dog is suffering from anxiety, take heart and be ready to take the steps to make him a healthier and a happier dog.

Is Your Dog Afraid of Riding Cars?

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 able to relax in the presence of the vehicle.

Next step? Let your dog inside the steady car. Coax him gently by putting his favorite toy or treat inside the car seat. Just let him get used to the feel of being inside the unmoving car until he can stay calm entirely. At first, do not close the car doors so your dog can go out freely in case he feels any tension. After some practice, you can have the engine running without moving the car and see if your dog can maintain his composure.

When your dog shows completely no sign of tension getting in the car and staying in, that’s the time to take your dog for a short ride. A ride around the block will do, just so your dog gets the feel of riding without the pressure of having to go somewhere. Remember that the dog thinks a car ride will take him to a place that he doesn't like. Eventually, when your dog is really ready, take him to a place where he can have fun and play.

Make sure that you take your dog to fun places as often as you can. Take him to the park or a nearby beach. This way, your dog will realize that riding a car isn’t such a bad thing after all but on the contrary, can be something fun and wonderful.

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Help for Dogs Suffering from Separation Anxiety

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 instance, checking on your door locks or taking your car keys, putting on your shoes or picking up your bag on your way to the door may be obvious hints for your dog that you are about to go out. These routine gestures give you away. To help your dog, you need to help him get used to these clues.

Owners usually pat their dogs or give them a hug just before they walk out the door, and although this is a sweet and endearing gesture, it is unhelpful for dogs with a separation issue. Your departure has to be as low key as possible. Don’t draw attention to yourself when leaving. Don’t even say goodbye.

Go through these gestures frequently even when you’re not really leaving the house. At the start, focus on just one of your ready-to-go signs and do this particular action over and over for a few days, even when you are not going out of the house until you see that your dog is not responding to this certain action anymore. Then go on from one action to the next. It could take a while especially if your dog has already recognized your “going away” rites well enough.

Another trick is to leave the house for a few minutes. Just when your dog is starting to panic, immediately go back inside the house. Don’t try to do anything special before you go out and also when you’re getting in. Just act like everything is normal. 

The moment your dog starts to get impatient, surprise him by going back in the house right at that instant. Start with short absences such as five minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, increasing the length of your absence as your dog progresses. You might need to practice this repeatedly in a day and continuously until your dog can’t tell the difference any more. It can really take days, even weeks, so if there is no way you can stay home for a long period, you will need someone to practice your dog for you.

Dogs get bored too. So give your dog something to do. Give him something which he can focus his attention on.

They can get really depressed if all there has to do is watch the door waiting for you to walk in every minute.

Some toys available in the market are the Kong, Buster Cube, Squeaky toys, Floatable, etc. But before you go out and buy one, find out which you think will work best for your dog. Not all dogs like the same things. Each dog has a different toy that he likes to play with. It is up to you to decide which toy is best depending on your dog’s personality.

It is also worth mentioning that just like humans, dogs need enough exercise to be healthy, both mentally and physically. They need to get out, play, and run, to interact with objects. They need to socialize with other people and other dogs too. If your dog only stays inside the house all the time, he may get depressed. 

Walk your dog and you’ll be surprised that it has double benefits. You and your pet will get good exercise at the same time! Also, if you’re dog is tired from walking or running, he can spend the rest of the day sleeping while you’re away.

Bugging Spencer (the dog) and gosmelltheflowers!

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??!!!

Do Dogs Dream Too?

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.

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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.

My Favorite Dog Breeds

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.  Golden Retrievers can get bored very easily and boredom can lead to behavioral problems.

Because of their affectionate temperament, Golden Retrievers are extremely friendly even with strangers, so if you want a dog who will protect your home, you may want to get another breed. If you want a loving companion to spend most of your days with, a Golden Retriever will never disappoint you.

German Shepherd

Our neighbor has three German Shepherds and each time I pass by their gate, I dare not breathe. Such big dogs! Such commanding presence! Oh, how I’d like to have one of my own.

German Shepherds are intelligent, active, sociable and loving breed. Because of their size, appearance, strength, and intelligence, this breed is usually used for police and rescue operations but they are also great as family dogs. 

In fact, they are ideal as family protectors especially when given a professional training. However, they need to be trained early, starting in their pup years.

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed. Back in the 17th century, Labradors were used as fishermen companions. They are big, strong, and fine-looking dogs that will capture anyone’s attention. 

Labrador Retrievers are instinctively fond of water too!  They love to swim so it’s best for them to live near the water. They are very playful and have lots of energy.  Just like Golden Retrievers, Labradors are gentle, friendly, kind and very generous. Because of their loving nature, they are affectionate with everybody- children, other animals, and even strangers.

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Are You Ready to Be a Dog Owner?

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:

 

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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 carefully. Some dogs get very lonely when left alone. If you can't walk your dog on a daily basis, choose a small breed so that it can at least get a daily dose of exercise while indoors.

Consider Dog Adoption

Where should you get your dog? Don't forget to pay a visit to your nearest rescue center and see what types of dog they have. Adopting a dog from a shelter may take time. It's important to know the dog's history before adopting one. Some of these dogs may have had behavioral issues that needs to be properly addressed. Animal adoption centers do offer basic training for rescued dogs. If you are ready to care for a dog, it would mean a lot for these loyal human friends in shelters to finally find a loving, forever home.

Being a Dog Owner Is A Commitment

Be realistic. Don't get a dog just because you think it's cute to have one around. Seriously consider if you can live up to the commitment. If you really do not have the time and the resources to take care of a dog, you may need to wait until you're ready.

Too many dogs have ended up in the pound or were abandoned because their humans initially thought they were prepared for the responsibilities of having a pet when they're not. Having a dog with a behavioral issue is not a justifiable reason to just get rid of it, especially without making sure that you have done all possible solutions to help your dog.  Giving up a dog is sad but at least see to it that the poor animal will have a good home.

Being a dog owner is a serious responsibility and when problems arise, you must be there for your dog in the same way it will never abandon you.