Dogs We Luv!

Every pet lover should be concerned about making his home as safe and as friendly for both people and pets. If you have a dog, here are some tips on how you can create a comfortable space for your dog and your family: Choose durable furniture. Choose furniture and fixtures that are made out of durable materials. For example, leather is a suitable fabric for seats and table covers because they don’t stain, they’re easy to clean, and they hold up well to scratches (Check out dog trade show exhibits for a variety of dog-friendly furniture, seats, and table top display choices). Stay away from carpets and rugs especially if you have large, long-haired dogs that shed a lot. Give your dog some space . If possible, think about giving your dog his own special room. This way, you can train your dog about his boundaries inside the house, where he can stay and which rooms are off-limits.   For your dog's room, don’t forget to consider grooming. A tiled room where...

Every dog owner knows the importance of the leash and collar. What  important things must you consider when choosing a dog leash? Type of Leash. Standard dog leashes are usually 6 ft. in length and are great for walking your pets. For dog training, a retractable leash which can be extended up to 25 to 30 feet is advisable. Material. Leashes can be made from different materials such as cloth, nylon, leather, and chain. Most professional dog trainers discourage chain leashes because they can easily cause injuries on you or your dog. Nylon is an inexpensive and versatile leash material which can be used for walking and training dogs. Leather is stronger and more durable but it may not be the best leash material for dogs who love the water. Size. How wide or how long your dog leash should be depends on how big your dog is. Larger dogs may need a wider leash for more control and protection. Ornamental Leashes? Some dog leashes are embellished with fur, rhinestones...

Are you a dog lover? Are you allergic to dogs or pets? Is your condition keeping you from doing what you love most- take care of dogs? If so, here are some things you need to know about pet allergy: What causes dog allergy? People with allergies have very sensitive immune systems. Some people are allergic to dusts, pollen or dander while some are allergic to dog saliva.   Dog hair or pet hair itself is not the allergen but they do collect dander, dusts and pollen. Thus, larger dogs, long-haired dogs or dogs with thick fur collect more allergens and highly trigger allergic reactions to people with pet allergies. Reactions differ from person to person. The most common reactions of pet allergy are watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, itchiness, skin rashes, wheezing and coughing. Other more serious reactions include fatigue, shortness of breath and asthma attacks. When exposed to cats, dogs or other pets (carrying allergens), a person with pet allergy may exper...

Are you feeding your dog with the right kind of food? If you’re a dog owner, you should consider this question seriously, as what you feed your dog directly affects his health condition. How do you know which dog food is best for your pet? Here are some points to consider: The age of your dog. Dogs have different nutritional needs depending on how old they are. “Puppies” need higher levels of protein and fat than adult or older dogs do. It’s very important not to feed an adult dog with food that is especially made for younger dogs. Your dog’s breed. Specific dog breeds also have varying nutritional needs. Larger dog breeds such as German Shepard, Labradors and Great Danes need foods with high calcium content because they are more prone to bone and joint problems. Your dog’s level of activity. How active is your dog? Again, a dog’s nutritional need also depends on his level of activity. Obviously, work dogs or active dogs use up more energy than dogs...

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...

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...