Dogs We Luv!

Found these vintage pet-themed books over at Etsy today.  This set of three vintage books is on sale for only $24 at GrannyPantyDesigns . The set includes the following titles: "All About Pets" 1945 edition, "Training You to Train Your Dog" 1952 edition  "Bob Son of Battle" 1898 first edition

2 months ago , George came home with us and finally, I got my long time wish to care for a dog . I knew from the start that it will not be easy, that there will be challenges, that I will have more chores to do, that having a dog is a BIG responsiblity. Now that George is here, I had to go back to everything I researched about dog training. Obviously, actual dog training is a whole different thing from theory. It was even more difficult than I expected. George was not exactly the easiest puppy to train. Like most puppies, he is energetic, curious, impatient, naughty, and sometimes he does things that can really try your temper. In two months, George has managed to destroy at least 6 (if i'm counting right) of our slippers, there are 2 large holes on the wall, and the kitchen counter has been badly chipped and chewed on. I am so thankful that my husband is supportive about it and helps me out in every way he can. Although he wasn't too enthusiastic about bringin...

Every dog owner must learn about dog-proofing. Dog-proofing means making your home a safer place for both you and your pet. Here are some tips: Use doggie doors and gates (with security) for entrances or spaces that you want to block off. Make sure that there are no choking hazards (screws, paper clips, rubber bands, coins, needles, and other small things) lying around on the floor especially if you have puppies. If you have a lawn, make sure that there are no hazardous chemicals or materials on the ground or within reach. If you’re going to have a party at home, don’t forget to consider both your guests’ and dog’s safety especially if there will be kids. You may want to confine your dog or hire a dog sitter for the day. Give your dog his own toys that he can safely play with. If your floor is carpeted, vacuum daily to get rid of fur and dander. Groom your dog regularly. For furniture, choose materials that are durable and easy to clean. Use slipcovers t...

Notice how untrained dogs pull on the leash as their human helplessly tries to make them stop? Dog walking can be a lot of fun, but if your dog isn’t following your lead, it can be very strenuous and frustrating. How do you train a dog to walk properly and follow your lead? Here are the steps: Before putting on the leash, let your dog sit and stay * * . Dogs love to go out for walks and seeing you with that leash in your hand can make him ecstatic. Never put on that leash until he sits and stays. If you do, he’ll get used to jumping around and would never stay still as you put on the leash on his neck. If he continues to jump around, put the leash away and repeat the command “Sit”. Make sure that your dog understands that unless he does as told, he’s not going out for a walk. If he sits and stays, and waits for you to put on the leash, praise him, give him a pat and assure him that he’s done a good job. Walk him to the door. After putting on the leash, your dog may...

Teaching a dog about discipline is very important and meal times are the perfect time to teach your dog a few tricks about good behavior. Here are three important lessons on dog feeding: Use feeding time as trainin g time. Because you are the one providing food, your dog should learn to recognize you as the leader of the pack. Never tolerate barking, jumping or growling as you prepare his food or as you put down his feeding bowl. Your dog should patiently sit and wait for you and not the other way around. Say the command “Sit” and wait for your dog to do so before letting him have his food. If he refuses to obey your command, ignore him. Don’t give his food until he stops barking or jumping. When he’s quiet, say the command “Sit” and observe. If he’s done well, praise him and give him his bowl. Soon your dog will learn that if he wants to be fed, he must behave properly. *If your dog isn’t trained to “Sit”, you can start the lesson on How to Teach Your Dog to Sit a...

One of the most annoying things that dogs do is rolling in smelly stuff like poop, garbage, mud and dead animals. Is this a natural thing? Is there anything you can do to stop it? Why Do Dogs Roll in Smelly Stuff? According to zoologists, this is natural dog behavior. In fact, even Wolves (canis lupus) do the same thing. The theory behind this instinctive behavior is that animals roll in stinky stuff to camouflage its own scent. Thus, when it’s time to hunt for food, their dog smell won’t send an alarm to their prey. How to Stop Your Dog from Rolling in Funny Smelling Things Catch the act. If there’s anything you want to stop your dog from doing, you need to catch him in the act. If you’re going to reprimand your dog a few seconds after the BAD DEED was done, he won’t understand why in the world he’s being reprimanded for. You can set up poop on your garden or backyard so you can watch him and catch him on the act.  Remember, you need to be watchful and catc...

Dogs and puppies are playful creatures. They love to bounce, jump, run and move around. But sometimes, you need for your dog to just sit still and not go anywhere. The Sit and Stay command is one of the basic and most important commands that all dogs must learn. Obeying these simple commands isn’t just for your safety but for your dog's safety as well. How can you train your pet to sit and stay? Here are some tips: Teaching Your Dog the SIT Command Prepare small treats in your pocket. Hold a nibble in front of your dog and slowly raise your hand until it’s out of reach. Your dog should naturally take a sitting position (with its rear body lower to the ground). As he takes this position, say the command (“SIT”) once, before letting him have the treat. You can also tap your pet and gently lower his rear body to the ground. Say the command SIT as he takes the sitting position. If he’s done correctly, give him a treat and praise him for a job well done. Remember ...

 How can you teach a dog good behavior?  Here are ten tips: 1. Use positive reinforcement. When a dog isn’t behaving well, don’t yell or say NO! Instead, reinforce a positive action such as “Sit” or “Stay”. Help your dog to understand your command and if he’s done correctly, praise him for his good behavior. 2. Be realistic with your expectation s. Not all dogs are the same so don’t expect your dog to be as behaved as your neighbor’s dog is. Some dog breeds are really active while others are not. Learn to be more tolerant about certain behaviors that are normal or “expected” for dogs like digging the ground or being playful. When a certain dog behavior is not agreeable for you, try to give your dog his own space where he can do what he wants without invading yours. 3. Be consistent with your rules. A dog understands only a YES and a NO. It doesn’t understand the gray line. If you don’t want your dog to jump up on you when you’re wearing your best...

For the longest time, I’ve been wanting to take care of a dog but because of two personal reasons (lack of space & insufficient budget), I decided to postpone my plan and get a dog when I’m really ready. Are you ready to take care of a dog? Ask yourself these questions before making a BIG decision: Do you have time? If you don’t believe that dogs need love and attention, then you should not get a dog at all. If you find it hard to keep up with your schedules and you’re not home most of the time, it wouldn’t be right to have a dog and just to leave it lonely and bored at home. Dogs that are often neglected can develop behavioral problems. Like people, dogs need to socialize too! Do you have the budget? Taking care of a dog can be costly, especially for larger breeds. You need to set aside enough budget for your dog’s daily food consumption, dog supplies (dog soap, dog shampoo, toothpaste for dogs, dog toys, dog treats, etc), vaccinations, and regular medical check-ups....

Dog training can be an exciting, enjoyable and rewarding experience for both the owner and his pet. It allows the dog and master to bond closer. Most importantly, the dog learns how to behave well and the owner is relieved of unnecessary stress and trouble that a bad behavior may cause. The simplest tricks that you can teach your dog are the Sit and Stay commands. These are also essentials of good behavior. As your dog progresses, more complex tricks can be introduced. But before a dog owner can successfully train his pet, he must first educate himself. Here are the essentials of dog training: Essentials of Successful Dog Training Teach the Right Tricks Give the Right Rewards Practice, Practice, Practice Stay Positive Teach the Right Tricks An important point to remember is that different dog breeds respond differently to training. Also, not all dogs like to do the same tricks. Some dogs love to entertain people but some dogs prefer to be left alone. Some dog...

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...