Dogs We Luv!

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...