September 03, 2010

Dog Saves Boy From Bee Swarm

 

Other than the part about the grandmother not letting the bee-covered dog inside to escape the swarm, this is a pretty cool little story. The boy clearly cares deeply for his dog, whom he’ll always consider his hero.

Dogsters, do you think the puppy somehow knew the boy would react severely to the bees, or was she just a curious pup who got her nose (and ears, and paws) in the wrong place at the right time?

Featured Dog Photo: Frankie & Friend


Check out Frankie! This sweet pup likes chilling out on the couch with his best buddy. Frankie is only 5 months old. What a handsome puppy.

September 02, 2010

Lions and Dolphins and Dogs, Oh My!

Talk about interspecies communication! Enjoy!

(My hard-working USA Today blog buddy, Janice Lloyd, recently ran these gems on separate days. I decided to save them for a Dogster double feature, because the title I came up with is so bad that it’s good. Well, I like it anyway! Jake just stares and shakes his head…)

A big thank you to Dogster reader Santiago, who sent me a reminder from Mexico about the wonderful dolphin video. Gracias, amigo!

Featured Dog Photo: Sally & Dora Snuggling


Meet Sally and Dora. These two gorgeous Greyhounds like to snuggle on the couch. Sally and Dora are sisters and they were just reunited three weeks ago. Isn't that sweet?

PS - Their cute Diva Dog Collars are awfully nice, too.

Happy Labor Day!

dpg pictures - newfies outdoors with owners

This weekend marks the unofficial end of summer. Do your plans involve your dog? While having fun is your goal, don't forget to keep your dog safe. Here are some some basic safety tips for you to brush up on:

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September 01, 2010

A Dog's Life

Just what constitutes a dog's life? Sociologist, David Blouin of Indiana University, recently conducted a study to find out. Blouin says that relationships between dogs and owners generally fall into three categories: humanist, protectionist and dominionist. 

According to Professor Blouin, in the humanist relationship, dogs are treated like close companions or family members. They are highly valued and possibly pampered. The protectionist relationship is one in which owners value animals in general. In this category, owners might be vegetarian or vegan and see themselves as benevolent overseers. In the third category, dominionist, owners have a more utilitarian relationship with dogs. In this category, owners might have hunting or other types of working dogs and rarely view dogs as members of the family.

Blouin found that these distinct orientations toward dogs and animals in general are informed by multiple, cultural influences including personal experience, family structure and demographic characteristics. 



Dog Breed of the Week: Brussels Griffon

Brussels Griffon Dog Breed Photo - Picture of Brussels Griffon Dog

The Brussels Griffon is a toy breed that, like many small dog breeds, has a big personality. At a glance, the smooth coat version closely resembles a Pug, while the ...

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Aversives in Dog Training

Bitter Apple Dog Spray - Dog Training Aversives

In dog training, an aversive is something used to discourage specific unwanted behaviors in dogs. It is something the dog finds unpleasant, usually involving a dog's senses. Some examples include shock collars, bitter apple spray and penny cans. The use of aversives with dogs is controversial topic. A lot of dog lovers consider some or all aversives inhumane (or unkind at the very least). Many others feel that the use of aversives can be highly affective in dog training.

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August 31, 2010

Featured Dog Photo: Ella At The Beach


Meet Ella. This sweet little gal is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Isn't she cute?

August 30, 2010

Featured Dog Photo: Louie & Friends


Meet Louie the pug. This adorable little guy looks surrounded by his best friends! What a cutie pie.

Featured Photo: Max The Westie


Meet Max. This cute Westie can be seen here just chilling out with his favorite little ducky. Hooray for Max!

Featured Photo: Duke The Bulldog Puppy


Check out Duke. This adorable puppy is brindle French Bulldog. He's only 120 days old. What a sweetheart.

August 28, 2010

Featured Dog Photo: Coby The Puppy


This is Coby. Coby is one adorable little pup, don't you think? He is a 1 1/2 year old Alaskan Klee Kai. What a sweetie!

August 27, 2010

Featured Dog Photo: Carbon The Cutie Pie


Say hello to Carbon. Carbon is a female siberian husky. Isn't she a cutie pie?

August 26, 2010

National Dog Day


Celebrate your canine companion today on National Dog Day! Started by animal behaviorist, Colleen Paige, to help bring awareness to  the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year. National Dog Day also acknowledges family dogs and dogs that work selflessly each day to save lives, keep us safe and bring comfort.

So don't forget to give your pooch a little extra TLC today!

Featured Dog Photo: Molly & Her Friend

 

Meet Molly. This precious little puppy is playing with her friend, Pluto. Isn't she the sweetest?

August 25, 2010

Dog Breed of the Week: Bull Terrier

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If you were born before 1980, chances are the Bull Terrier will bring back memories of Spuds Mackenzie, the ...

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Does Your Dog Have the Back to School Blues?

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Most kids have already gone back to school, and the remainder will soon. After an exciting summer of playing and vacationing, you and your kids are easing back into the school routine. Have you considered how this time of year affects your dog? The change in schedule and absence of the children may be stressful for your dog. Before you know it, your dog might begin to develop health or behavior problems.

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August 23, 2010

The Best Dog Training Books

Have you ever searched for a book about dog training, only to find the vast amount of choices overwhelming? Whether you have a new dog, plan to get a new dog, or just want to work on training with your current dog, a good dog training book is a great place to start. However, there are so many dog training books out there that it can be nearly impossible to decide which ones are the best for you and your dog. Some dog training books are better than others, and choosing the right ones can make all the difference.

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Featured Dog Photo: Hobbie The Ori Pei Puppy

 

Meet Hobbie, also known as Lord Hobbit Baggins. This sweet little fellow is a 3rd generation Ori Pei puppy. Hobbie is 14 weeks old and he is the sweetest puppy around. 

The Ori Pei breed originated from a miniature Shar Pei and a Pug. What a cutie! PS - We think his Red Dingo 3D Dog Bone Tag is pretty cute too.

August 22, 2010

Dogs Promote Productivity In The Workplace

A recent study conducted by Christopher Honts of Central Michigan University affirms the benefits of dogs in the workplace. Honts and his colleagues found that when a dog was present in a group, employees were more likely to trust one another and collaborate more effectively as a team. 

According to The Humane Society of the United States the CMU study involved several experiments; one involving groups of four individuals, some with or without dogs. Each group member was charged with a fake crime, and surveyed to see if they would report their fellow group members. Groups with dogs present made employees 30 percent less likely to report each other, showing that canine co-workers make for a more cohesive and trustworthy workplace environment. 

August 20, 2010

Goodbye Rover, Hello Oscar

In the UK, as in America, more pet owners are ditching traditional pet names for popular children's names. The Mail Online, reports that many Brits are naming their pets Poppy, Molly and Alfie. A study conducted by British insurance giant ProtectYourBubble.com found nearly half of today's dog owners choose current or contemporary names for their puppies rather than traditional ones.

The main inspiration for four out of ten dog owners was the appearance of the dog, while 40 per cent said they drew ideas from television shows - or the characters in them.

A further 27 per cent name their pooch after their favourite pop star, 16 per cent look to children's movies for ideas and 25 per cent of dogs have been named after TV pets.

Incredibly, 21 per cent of dog owners reckoned it was just as hard choosing a name for a dog as it is a child.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1304422/Goodbye-Fido-Dog-owners-giving-pets-middle-class-childrens-names.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0x9Yg2f4e

August 19, 2010

Featured Dog Photo: Bella The Beautiful



Meet Bella, the beautiful black lab. There is truly something about black labs that melts the heart. Isn't she sweet? She will be two years old on August 28th. Happy birthday (okay so we're a little early) Bella!

August 18, 2010

Dog Breed of the Week: Pekingese

Pekingese Dog Breed Photo - Picture of Pekingese Dog Breed

The Pekingese is a bold and hardy toy dog with an independent spirit. With a long history as the pampered companions of nobles, it's no surprise that they act a ...

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Dog Training on a Budget

You probably hear someone talking about the economy at least once a day (if not more). Times are tough, and dog care can be expensive. Properly caring for a dog doesn't have to break the bank. Chances are, dog expenses can fit into your tight budget if you learn how to save money on dogs without compromising the quality of care.

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Dogs Detect Low Blood Sugar In Kids

Known for their great sniffers, dogs have been trained to detect everything from bombs to drugs and even cancer. Now, in an exciting new effort, special dogs are being trained to detect high and low blood sugar levels in children.

Created by the Dallas-based Diabetes Friendly Foundation, the "K-9 for Kids" program provides assistance in locating Diabetic Alert Dogs (DADs) while also providing funding for the training and placement of the animals for families in need.

Deanna Whitehead, a teenager with Type 1 diabetes says, "Without JD, my diabetes alert dog, I was afraid to do a lot of things but JD has given me the confidence to live my life now and to not be afraid anymore. I trust him to take care of me and it's an awesome feeling.  I love JD."

The Diabetes Friendly Foundation™ (DFF) was founded to create product awareness in the food industry and to empower consumers who are looking for healthy alternatives.

August 17, 2010

Baby+Dog=Love


Check out our adorable new onesies from Dogmom Productions, makers of the Sounds of Baby CD. Made with 100% organic cotton, these onesies will keep baby happy and comfy. Perfect for dogmoms everywhere!

August 15, 2010

Featured Photo: Sofie Being Sweet


This is Sofie. As you can see, she is a cute little gal with lots of personality. Hooray for Sofie!

August 14, 2010

Featured Photo: Mighty Max

 

Meet Max. Mighty Max is a four year old Havanese and according to his family, he's a big fan of PupLife Dog Toys. What a sweetheart!

August 11, 2010

Are Dogs Color Blind?

"Do dogs see in color?" This is a question we are commonly asked at PupLife. Since dogs can't tell us if they see in color or black and white, we are forced to rely on evidence from various tests and from reports that we have read. Most scientists seem to believe that dogs are not color blind (technically), however the colors that dogs see, and the way that these colors are intrepreted vary from the way that colors are interpreted by humans.

How do dogs see color? This is the key to understanding how dogs' vision differs from humans. Dogs have less cone cells in their retina than humans, so it is believed that they view colors in a lighter hue. In other words, a dark cobalt dog toy may be viewed by dogs as a light, powder blue. However, there is disagreement among many scientists as to how dogs see color and whether or not dogs lack the ability to see some colors (green and red are commonly mentioned).

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Do dogs see in black and white? While dogs have fewer cone cells than humans, it is thought that dogs have more rod cells than we do. Rod cells are the basic blocks for a seeing in black and white. Therefore, dogs may indeed see in black and white (contrasting stripes, etc) better than humans. Also, since dogs have more rod cells, they are able to intrepet slight changes in light, helping them to see better at night. In short, dogs have better night vision than humans.

Current thought is that dogs may be slightly near-sighted (things in the distance appear blurry), and that their intrepetation of colors may be incorrect, or simply different than ours. Again, since we can't ask a dog to respond to eye vision testing (as we do when obtaining an eyeglass prescription) this can't be proven 100%. However, it is widely accepted that dogs do see better at night. The ability to see better at night is certainly an advantage and one that helps dogs a great deal. 

Everytime that we have asked our dogs whether or not they are color blind, the answer that we always get (in our scientific testing) always seems to be the same: "Woof!" Until dogs can talk, we must accept the latest scientific majority opinion: dogs can see some colors (albeit differently than us) and perhaps not all. If your dog tells you differently, please let us know!

Dog Breed of the Week: Siberian Husky

siberian husky dog breed photo

I chose the Siberian Husky as the breed of the week in honor of Bear-Bear, the Husky fatally shot in a Maryland dog park last week. My heart goes out to all of those who knew and loved Bear-Bear.

Huskies are often thought of as sled dogs, and this is actually how they originated. But today's Husky is so much more than this. Overall, this breed absolutely loves to work, can sustain colder temperatures, and is quite skilled at companionship.

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Dog Breed of the Week: Siberian Husky originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Wednesday, August 11th, 2010 at 18:47:22.

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Grief After Pet Death

Dog Pawprints in the Sand

None of us wants to imagine the death of a beloved pet. Of course, when we decided to become pet owners, we knew we would most likely outlive our pets. But that doesn't make it any easier when they die. To make matters worse, some people cannot understand your grief - usually these people are not pet owners. When a relative or close friend dies, people understand that you might want to be alone or need time off from work. When a pet dies, this is not always the case. Sometimes, a grieving pet owner must find other ways to mourn.

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Grief After Pet Death originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Wednesday, August 11th, 2010 at 17:23:49.

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Featured Photo: Sweet Rosemary


Meet Rosemary. This sweet dog has the brightest smile we have ever seen. Isn't she adorable?

August 10, 2010

Featured Photo: Haileys Cabana


Check out Hailey. This precious pup can be seen relaxing in her own cabana. This dog knows how to beat the summer heat!

August 09, 2010

Featured Photo: Isa The Maltese-a

 

Meet Heloisa (Isa to her friends). This perky Maltese is one pretty puppy. She was about one year old when this photo was taken. Isn't she sweet?

August 08, 2010

SENSE-ation Harness Named Dog Product Of The Decade

SENSE-ation Dog Harness Named Dog Product Of The Decade

PupLife is proud to name the SENSE-ation Harness as our Dog Product Of The Decade.

Since opening PupLife in 2003, this wonderful product has helped more dogs (and dog owners) than any other product we carry. Simply put, this no-pull dog harness gently discourages your pet from pulling, making walks a better experience for dog and dog owner. Walking with your dog provides benefits for both pet and “parent” and the quality of the SENSE-ation Harness is truly outstanding.

This is not the first award for SENSE-ation. The SENSE-ation Harness (sometimes mistakenly called the Sensation Harness) was awarded the Gear of Of The Year Award by the Whole Dog Journal in 2003, the PupLife Dog Product of The Year Awards in 2004 and 2005, and The Journal of Applied Companion Animal Behavior Top Rating 2007.

Congratulations to the SENSE-ation Harness. Here’s to another decade of enjoyable walks with our pets.

August 07, 2010

Featured Photo: Huckleberry & Olive


Meet Huckleberry and Olive. These two pups have one track minds: find the bunny! Aren't they cute?

August 06, 2010

National Assistance Dog Week


National Assistance Dog Week (NADW) was created to recognize of all the devoted, hardworking assistance dogs helping individuals mitigate their disability-related limitations. This year we celebrate National Assistance Dog Week August 8th through August 14th.

Assistance dogs transform the lives of their human partners with debilitating physical and mental disabilities by serving as their companion, helper, aide, best friend and close member of their family.

National Assistance Dog Week was established due to the efforts of Marcie Davis, a paraplegic for over 35 years and CEO of Davis Innovations, a consulting firm based in Santa Fe, NM. Davis is the author of Working Like Dogs: The Service Dog Guidebook, a resource book that captures personal stories, checklists and practical tips to provide the reader with an A-Z guide about service dogs and she is the host of the Internet radio program, Working Like Dogs, at petliferadio.com. As a member of a service dog team, she founded Working Like Dogs to honor assistance dogs around the world and is sponsoring National Assistance Dog Week.

August 04, 2010

The Nose Knows

Researchers in Paris successfully trained a Belgian Malinois to sniff out prostate cancer in urine samples. This amazing canine correctly detected the presence or absence of prostate cancer 63 out of 66 times during a presentation to the American Urological Association. Doctors hope the study will help to identify men most at risk for the disease.

August 03, 2010

Featured Photo: Sabre Loves Ice Cream


Say hello to Sabre. This adorable Akita was lucky enough to sample some delicious frozen custard on a hot summer afternoon. What a sweetie!

August 02, 2010

Featured Photo: Patches Loves The Pool



This is Patches. This sweet dog is a rescue from the Humane Society and he is super smart. He can open doors both inwards and out. He loves living life to the fullest. He loves to float in the pool and play with his family and friends. Isn't he adorable?

July 31, 2010

Featured Photo: Duke The Beach Boy



Meet Duke. Duke is a big fan of the beach. In fact, this cute Toy Fox Terrier loves anything outdoors: the beach, trail walks or even just hanging around in the sun. He's one cute doggie, don't you agree?

July 30, 2010

Featured Photo: Meadow the Angel


Meet Meadow. This sweet dog is such an angel that she wore these cute wings last Halloween for trick or treating. Who cute resist that adorable face?

What a cute dog photo!

July 28, 2010

Dog Meets World

We read about this organization recently in the LA Times. Created by self-styled phodographer, Carolyn Lane, Dog Meets World aims to reach out to underprivileged kids around the world by having travelers take photos of them with a little stuffed dog mascot, named Foto. This ambitious project is an effort to put photos in the hands of all kids and families in need, often for the first time. 

To learn about about Dog Meets World watch the video below and check out their website: http://www.dogmeetsworld.org/


July 27, 2010

Featured Photo: Dixie Dog


Meet Dixie. This cute dog is relaxing in style. What a sweetie!

July 26, 2010

PupLife Road Trip: North Carolina

The PupLife team recently took a road trip to North Carolina, with Scout and Rita (the Chief Canine Officers) along for the ride. Traveling with pets is always fun, and we thought we would share some of our experiences.

Of course, whenever you travel with your dogs, you need to keep them comfy. We had plenty of dog harnesses, dog mats and blankets, not mention travel bowls and pickup bags. When you are on the road with pets, it's not a bad idea to bring your pet's favorite toys as well. In general, it's better to overpack when it comes to your pets.

We drove from Michigan to Asheville North Carolina. The dogs slept almost the entire way there. Luckily, the PupLife pups are good travelers. Frequent potty breaks and short walks at rest areas made the drive easy for all of us.

We stayed for four days at one of the coolest dog friendly resorts around, Barkwells. Barkwells is a pet friendly mountain retreat like no other. Luxury dog friendly cabins are safely fenced in, so your pet can come and go as he pleases, while still remaining inside your own designated area. If you like, you and your pet can explore outside of your cabin area. There is a wonderful pond and rolling hillsides. The entire Barkwells resort is safely fenced in, so your pet can't get lost. Our dogs loved it.



Above: Our cabin at Barkwells



Above: Rita after a swim in the pond



Above: Scout after playtime with his favorite toy

Of course, any visit to North Carolina must include a trip to the Biltmore Estate. Dogs are allowed on the estate grounds (on a leash, of course) but due to the extreme heat, we decided to leave the pups back at the air conditioned cabin. This proved wise, because it was just too hot for our furry friends to be out in the blistering sun. But, we loved the Biltmore, and highly recommend touring the estate. We also spent time exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hiking trails abound for outdoor enthusiasts. The dogs loved the fresh mountain air and the views were simply amazing.



Above: The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains

If you are planning a trip to North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains, we highly recommend Barkwells pet friendly lodging. The cabins are dog friendly, beautifully decorated, and the hosts could not have been nicer. Your dogs will love it and if you and your dogs enjoy it as much as we did, you won't want your trip to end.

July 23, 2010

Curly Interlude

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Scout and Rita have been begging for a little “face time” on the blog (or maybe they just want some treats…)

In any case, here are a few shots of the Curlies in the midst of their morning routine!

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Tips On Choosing A Dog

The Examiner.com shares some terrific tips on picking an appropriate canine companion for you and your family. Here are some things to consider:

Decide whether you want a puppy or an adult dog. Many wonderful puppies and adult dogs have been abandoned or given up to animal shelters or breed rescue groups. By adopting a pet from one of these sources, you will be saving a life.

Decide whether you want a purebred or a mixed-breed dog. If you want to show or breed your dog, then a purebred is for you. If not, keep in mind that mixed-breed dogs are just as loyal and lovable.

Assess your family dynamic. Do you have young kids in the house? If so, be sure to choose a breed that generally gets along well with children.

Talk to a veterinarian. Vets can provide beneficial advice on a specific breed’s behavior and temperament in addition to any medical problems that are common. A vet’s opinion is unbiased. He or she will want the best for you and your new dog so their advice will be straightforward as opposed to that of a breeder, who is selling a particular breed.

Go to a Dog Show. Dog shows are a great way to meet lots of dogs, watch specific breeds in action and chat with owners and breeders. Representatives from shelters, breed clubs and rescue groups are also in attendance so you can research a variety of options.

We also have great article entitled Choosing The Right Dog For Your Family that has great tips on how to select the perfect pet for your family.

Have Dog, Will Travel

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It’s a great time to be a dog. What with all the organic dog food and healthy dog treat options, super cool collars and ID tags and dog parks galore – the K9 set have really got it made. And, if that weren’t enough to set your tail wagging, Honda and Toyota recently unveiled two new dog friendly vehicles.

The 2009 Honda Element EX and the 2009 Toyota Venza were designed with dog lovers in mind. The Honda Element features a built in dog bed, dog-bone themed floor mats, a spill-proof water bowl and pet ramp. The Toyota Venza features doggy seat mats, a pet barrier and pet ramp and spacious rear cargo capacity with hatchback. In addition, Venza owners can choose to have their vehicles outfitted with Kurgo Car Safety products for dogs right at the dealership.

Don’t yet own a Venza or an Element? Not to worry. You, too, can snaz up your existing auto with Kurgo's terrific line of dog safety products. Now that’s something to woof about!

Turbo Charged

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We’re big fans of Nina Ottosson’s interactive toys for dogs. These unique wooden puzzles are designed to enrich your dog’s mind and foster a stronger relationship between you and your pet. The Nina Ottosson Turbo Dog Toy is one of the more challenging variations and is perfect for dogs that like using their paws to play and interact.

Featured Photo: Lola Is The Cutest


Meet Lola. Lola is the cutest girl around - just look at her sweet eyes. Isn't she just adorable? 

July 21, 2010

4H For Kids & Animals

At the upcoming Knox County 4H Show near Galesburg, Illinois, 4H'rs will gather to show off their latest projects which range from livestock, to dog training to rocket science. 4H participants attend dog obedience classes with their best furry friends through the year, then show off their work at the show. Dogs learn to walk by the side of their handlers, weave in and out of cones, come when they’re called, sit and stay. It's great learning experience for kids and pets. In addition to showing dogs, 4H kids can learn to show livestock including goats, cows, pigs, horses and rabbits.

But the 4H Organization isn't just for future farmers. This youth group is a great way for kids of all backgrounds to participate in fun, hands-on learning activities, supported by the latest research of land-grant universities. The 4H mission focuses on 3 broad areas:

Science, Engineering and Technology
Healthy Living
Citizenship

“Our goal is to help kids learn life skills and become contributing, productive members of society,” says Cheryl Geitner, 4-H youth development educator at the University of Illinois Extension. “Take rocket-building: A person has to make decisions on what kind of rocket, build their organizational skills, make it accurate. They’re building their decision-making skills and leadership skills. In the future they may not be a professional model rocket builder, but they’ll still have those skills.”

Learn more about 4H here: http://4-h.org/4hstory.html

July 20, 2010

Featured Photo: Sonny Bear



Check out Sonny Bear. What a sweetie. Here you can see Sonny glimpsing his first sight of the ocean. He seems amazed! By the way, Sonny is proudly sporting his very cool Rockin' Doggie Dog Tag. Isn't he stylish? 


We love you Sonny Bear!

July 19, 2010

July 16, 2010

Featured Photo: Mylee Maigh The Sleeping Beauty



Meet Mylee Maigh. This little girl is one sleeping beauty! Isn't she cute?

July 14, 2010

Featured Photo: Zuffa Is Born To Run


Check out Zuffa. This sweet doggie loves to run, run, run. And, according to her guardians, she also like antagonizing her sister, Dyna. We still think she's super cute. Zuffa is only a couple years old, so she has lots of "puppy playtime" ahead of her.

Hooray for Zuffa!

July 13, 2010

Dogs & Suds


Hello Evansville, Indiana! You're invited to the Sixth Annual Dogs & Suds 5K Fundraiser hosted by the Warrick Humane Society on August 14th. 

Dog owners are encouraged to run with their dogs. Water stations will be available along the route. Dog walkers can strap on their harnesses and raise money for Warrick Humane Society, too. Pledge forms are available on the WHS Web site or at the facility, 5722 Vann Road, Newburgh. WHS manager, Andrea Taborn said if you need a dog for the dog walk, she'll loan you one of the adoptables.

There will be inflatables for the kids, and other kids' activities are in the works, including a fun run for youngsters.As usual, WHS volunteers and staff will offer dog baths, nail trims and microchipping.Diners can have their choice of pulled pork or barbecued chicken with side dishes. Advance order tickets for curbside pickup are available now at the WHS Web site, at the shelter, or from board members. The beer garden will begin at 5 p.m.

Also on tap for the evening will be a pet parade with prizes for the winners and a dog/owner look-alike contest. Dogs & Suds has been the major fund raiser for the Warrick Humane Society for the past five years.

For information about Dogs & Suds, call 858-1132. Warrick Humane Society is a no-kill pet adoption facility that is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, from noon to 4 p.m.

Featured Photo: Velcro The Golden Retriever

 

Meet Velcro. This adorable little boy is six years old. He is one happy golden retriever, and the fact that he is a rescue dog makes his story all the brighter. Velcro has a loving family, in fact they say he is the light of their life!  Isn't he the cutest?

Bird dog afraid of bird

I had an interesting client last week. These people had a very fine lab that I had worked with before for various issues and have always been quite pleased with it.

The issue was that in the past this pup had ‘eaten’ a couple of the family birds, and had been corrected (as it should have been) to the point that it was now scared of any bird in the house. She was fine with birds outside but in the house, not so much. In any case a new Solomon Island Eclectus arrived in the home two weeks ago and I was called to work on the fear issues.

When working on something like this the basic starting point is plain old behavior modification and desensitization works. Getting the dog to ‘do it’s commands’ when it gets nervous is a fabulous way to start.

So, after about 5 days of training here is the note from the owners:

“We all seem to be getting along! ”

Mission accomplished for the dog trainer.