'Tis the season.......

No, not THAT season. It's definitely not time to deck the halls, however these days the halls in my home (and every other room) are being decorated with something a lot less attractive than holly or pine cones.... dog hair!

Dogs shed on a regular basis - it's just one of the facts of life that we dog lovers accept. After all what's a little dog hair compared to all the love and loyalty that they share with us daily? Well, a little dog hair isn't a problem in my book, but a lot of dog hair is something else.

Twice a year dogs generally go through a major shed (also called 'blowing coat') and this happens when the seasons/temperatures are going through the biggest changes ie Spring and Fall. Unless you own hairless dogs, you'll know what I'm talking about! Picking hair off my clothes, bedding, furniture, carpets and so on is tiresome - fishing it out of my coffee cup, or plucking it out of the air currents caused by the A/C is just going too far. So it's time to redouble the grooming efforts and I'm guessing the scenario in your home is something similar.

I thought perhaps this may be a good time to share a few tips, and products, that can help you keep that free-floating (and sticking!) dog hair under control......

• If your grooming routine is a bit 'hit and miss', now is a good time to get serious about it. Brush or comb your puppy or dog daily, and take your time to really get all the dead hair out. 
• Use the right kind of tools for the job! Dogs with a thick, dense undercoat (eg. German Shepherds, Chows, Malamutes... and don't forget the small 'furry' ones such as Pomeranians..... need to be groomed using a Dematting Rake Dog Brush . If your pooch has long, silky hair try a Grooming  Comb for Dogs in Stainless Steel and a Slicker Dog Brush .
• Giving your dog a bath can really help to reduce dander and shedding, at least for a time. Brush/comb him thoroughly first and use Shed Control Shampoo for Dogs. 
• If your dog has a coat that can be trimmed, consider getting that taken care of. Less coat = less shedding :)

If you don't already own a dog, and want to minimize problems in this area, choose a hairless breed, or one who tends to shed less than others such as the Poodle (and poodle hybrids such as Labradoodles), Bichon Frise, Yorkshire Terrier or Afghan Hound, among others. These breeds are often also considered to be hypoallergenic dogs and therefore a good choice if you, or anyone in your family, has allergies.

And don't make the mistake of thinking that a short-haired dog will shed less than a long haired, or thick coated breed. My Rotties are among the WORST shedders and they're short coated. However, one grooming tool that I've found really helpful in reducing the amount of hair they lose is the FURminator Yellow deShedding Tool. 

I'd definitely recommend giving it a try if you are getting fed up with loose dog hair in your home. It gets a lot more hair off your dog than you could even imagine is there, and it lets you go a little longer between grooming sessions too.

To learn more about dog shedding, bathing your pup, and dog grooming tools in general, take a look at these pages...

• Dog Shedding 
• Dog Grooming Tools 
• Dog Grooming Info 
• Bathing A Puppy 

So now you're ready to tackle that hairy pooch. Good luck!

A Dog's Eye View?

 We all love our dogs, but I know I often don't take the time to stop and see a situation/event/action from their point of view instead of mine!

On many occasions, the world (and the humans in it) must seem quite confusing, not to mention  strange, to a our dogs. If you're like me, you tend to live your life on 'fast-forward' and taking a moment to stop and smell the roses just isn't on the 'To Do List'.

The following poem was submitted to my www.a-love-of-rottweilers.com website by a visitor and it really touched my heart... and the heart of many other visitors. I thought I'd share it here so that more dog lovers can hear it's message -



A MESSAGE FROM MAX:

My name is Max and I have a little something I'd like to Whisper in your ear. I know that you humans lead busy lives. Some have to work, some have children to raise.


It always seems like you are running here and there, often much to fast, often never noticing the truly grand things in life. Look down at me now, while you sit there at your computer.


See the way my dark brown eyes look at yours? They are slightly cloudy now. That comes with age. The gray hairs are beginning to ring my soft muzzle. You smile at me; I see love in your eyes.


What do you see in mine? Do you see a spirit, a soul inside who loves you as no other could in the world? A spirit that would forgive all trespasses of prior wrong doing for just a simple moment of your time?


That is all I ask. To slow down if even for a few minutes to be with me. So many times you have been saddened by the words you read on that screen, of others of my kind, passing.


Sometimes we die young and oh so quickly, sometimes so suddenly it wrenches your heart out of your throat.


Sometimes we age so slowly before your eyes that you do not even seem to know, until the very end, when we look at you with grizzled muzzles and cataract clouded eyes.


Still the love is always there, even when we take that long sleep, to run free in distant lands.


I may not be here tomorrow, I may not be here next week. Someday you will shed the waters from your eyes, that humans have when deep grief fills their souls, and you will be angry at yourself that you did not have just "One more day" with me.


Because I love you so, your sorrow touches my spirit and grieves me. We have now, together. So come, sit down here next to me on the floor. And look deep into my eyes.


What do you see? If you look hard and deep enough we will talk, you and I, heart to heart. Come to me not as "alpha" or as a "trainer" or even a "Mom or Dad," come to me as a living soul and stroke my fur and let us look deep into one another's eyes, and talk.


I may tell you something about the fun of chasing a tennis ball, or I may tell you something profound about myself, or even life in general.


You decided to have me in your life (I hope) because you wanted a soul to share just such things with.


Someone very different from you, and here I am.


I am a dog, but I am alive. I feel emotion, I feel physical senses, and I can revel in the differences of our spirits and souls.


I do not think of you as a "Dog on two feet"--- I know what you are. You are human, in all your quirkiness, and I love you still.


Now, come sit with me, on the floor. Enter my world, and let time slow down if even for only 15 minutes. Look deep in my eyes, and whisper into my ears. Speak with your heart, with your joy and I will know your true self.


We may not have tomorrow, and life is oh so very short.


Love, Max

(on behalf of all canines everywhere)

Here are a few books that will take you a little further into the world of a dog - interesting reading....

• Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know 
• A Dog's Purpose 
• For the Love of a Dog: Understanding Emotion in You and Your Best Friend
• How To Speak Dog: Mastering the Art of Dog-Human Communication 

Over half the pet dogs in the USA are overweight!

I've just read an article where it talks about the results of a recent study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, which shows that around 50% of dogs in the US are overweight - and upwards of 20% are so fat that they're considered to be obese!

Considering how well most of us eat, and the ever-increasing number and variety of restaurants and fast-food joints across the country, the fact that a huge percentage of people are overweight or obese shouldn't really come as any big surprise. Food can be used as a bribe, a reward, a consolation prize..... 'food = love' for many people, and the term a 'healthy appetite' can be taken to the extreme, eventually leaving us anything but healthy.

Given how much pet owners (cats are in the same boat according to this study) love their four-legged family members perhaps it shouldn't be a surprise that many homes contain an overweight pet - or two. Overfeeding, using low-quality pet foods, giving too many treats, feeding 'human food' tidbits and so on all play a roll. Add to that a lack of exercise, too few walks and way too much 'couch potato' time and you have a recipe for all sorts of health problems which result from carrying too much weight - and that applies to both humans and pets!

Dogs who are overweight run a higher risk of conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, asthma, arthritis (and other joint problems)  and many more. We all know that veterinary care isn't cheap and the cost of treating obesity-related conditions is much more expensive than the  routine preventative care required by a healthy dog.

So, what can you do to make sure your dog, or cat, doesn't become a 'fatty'? Here are what I would say are the most important steps to take:

• Take a close look at the food you are feeding to your pets. Low quality/generic brands tend to be low in nutritional value and packed with fillers, additives and so on. As a result your dog needs to eat a lot more of it to get the nutrition he needs, too much fat or carbs will pack on the pounds and his body can't digest all the 'junk' so some of it sticks around, the rest is expelled in the form of large, smelly and frequent, stools!  Premium dog foods may be more expensive initially, but you will need to feed  less and your dog will be much healthier overall, which is actually LESS costly in the long run. Here are links to a few pages that will help you to choose the best food for your dog... About Dog Food; Dog Food Comparisons , 10 Best Dog Food Choices 
• Also look at how much and how often you're feeding your dog. Puppies up to around 16 weeks can be fed three times a day, between then and the time they reach adulthood (approx. 1 year old for tiny/small breeds, and up to 2 or 3 years old for large/giant breeds) two meals a day are best, and once fully mature one meal a day is fine. Except for very small breeds, who often still need to be fed at least twice, sometimes three times, a day to prevent hypoglycemia (sudden drop in blood sugar). Use the info. on the bag of dog food that you are using as a guideline only, all dogs are different - don't encourage your pup/dog to eat more than they want by 'doctoring' their meals with gravies, tidbits etc. Overeating is NOT healthy.
• Make sure your dog gets enough exercise. If he's sitting at home all day, then spends the evening dozing on the sofa he's going to get out of shape - in more ways than one. If possible walk him for 10 - 15 minutes twice a day, and join in at least one 'play session' daily (this can be playing fetch in the yard, or with his ball/toys indoors etc.). Tiny dogs need a bit less, large dogs a bit more, and the working breeds such as Collies and other herding dogs, Retrievers and hunting dogs etc. NEED to have a job to do so regular training and activity is a must. Small dogs aren't necessarily low energy either, so bear that in mind. Many terriers are whirlwinds of activity and can get nippy and destructive if they don't get enough exercise and stimulation.

Your pet relies on you to keep him happy and healthy, so even if he WANTS that slice of pizza in your hand, or to sleep 24/7 it's your job to make sure that doesn't happen!

What do YOU think about overweight pets? Please share your thoughts, tips and insights by commenting on this post.

Fleas and ticks on your pets already?

Every year it seems that flea and tick season starts earlier! Living in the midwest USA, we actually don't really ever have an 'off season' for these annoying and disgusting little critters.... but there are a few months when I don't have to worry about them quite as much.

Using a reliable flea and tick preventative is the best way to get peace of mind in this department, but last year I found that I had to use both Advantix AND a Preventic collar on my dogs :(  I blame the extra humidity last year and the creek on our acreage for the increase in the number of ticks I saw, but unfortunately laying blame doesn't cure the problem.

With our daily temperatures rising and falling with the speed and unpredictability of a roller coaster, this year the ticks seem to have raised their heads already and the Advantix has been applied! If you haven't started your annual battle against fleas and ticks (or if you have a new puppy and didn't even realize that war was about to be declared), it's time to start.

Frontline and Advantix are the most popular preventatives, and used regularly they're also the most effective. Don't be tempted to use over-the-counter products as they don't work nearly so well and tend to have more side effects, some of which can be very serious. I've used Frontline Plus Flea & Tick Medication for Dogs  for years but last year I tried K9 Advantix Flea Control for Dogs  which worked well - it also has the advantage of killing/repelling mosquitoes which abound in our area during hot weather. In mid-summer I also added the Preventic Collars as a 'back-up' and the dogs were all parasite free.... and very happy about it.

If you want a crash course in fleas and ticks including instructions on how to remove a tick, what type of diseases can be transmitted by these types of parasites, safety tips to bear in mind when using these medications and much more, visit this webpage... <b>Fleas and Ticks - what you need to know!</b>

Did you choose your puppy.........

...... Or did he/she choose you?

As I looked around at my 'fur family' (oops sorry, forgot the feathered one) today, I wondered how on earth I put together such a mis-matched bunch!
The Rottweilers are understandable, they're my favorite breed, but what about my daughter's wolf hybrid pup, the chubby Olde English Bulldogge pup, the little stray black and white cat that terrorizes the whole family and the infuriatingly noisy Quaker Parrot who is a security system, alarm clock and potential reality TV star, all rolled into one?
All I can say is .... I grew up on James Herriot and Gerald Durrell books (did anyone else ever read those?). If there's a stray cat, an injured bird, a directionally-challenged turtle or anything even vaguely similar, just know that it ends up at my house.
However, when it comes to picking a puppy, it doesn't always have a happy ending if you're new family member just doesn't 'fit' well with your lifestyle, accommodations, personality and so on.
If you love long hikes and camping outdoors in all weathers, a tiny chihuahua is probably not going to last long with you. Similarly, if you're more the 'sofa, popcorn and a movie' type, a high energy Border Collie is going to drive you nuts, and you're going to make him feel the same way.
So, the moral of my story here is.... stop and think for a little while before you rush out and purchase that new puppy you've been planning on. Try really, REALLY hard not to buy on impulse, and thoroughly research the breed/s you're attracted to before making a commitment. Anything less can lead to heartbreak all around.For tips on choosing exactly the right dog for you, check out Choosing The Right Breed. It will give you lots of great advice and point you in the right direction.
 It's also a VERY GOOD idea to read a couple of well written books on puppy and dog care in general, and any breeds you are especially interested in.....  'forewarned is forearmed' as they say :)  Here are a couple of suggestions that you might want to look at:

• The Original Dog Bible: The Definitive New Source To All Things Dog   (One of my all-time favorites)
• Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds
• The New Encyclopedia of the Dog
• Dog Breeds: Dog Breed Profiles and Tips for Buying a New Dog (Smarter Living Shorts)
• The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds
• The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Dogs, Dog Breeds and Dog Care

Don't rush this choosing part, it's a lot of fun!

How To Prepare For A New Puppy!

There's a ton of advice on what to do to prepare for the arrival of a new puppy in your home, and I'll give some real-life pointers in one of my following posts.
But I recently came across this humorous version and couldn't resist sharing it.......

• Jump out of your chair shortly before the end of your favorite TV program and run to the door shouting "No, No! Do THAT OUTSIDE!" (Miss the end of the program )
• Put chocolate pudding on the carpet in the morning; don't try to clean it up until you get home from work in the evening.
• Gouge the leg of the dining room table several times with a screwdriver. ...it's going to get chewed on anyway.
• Have a backhoe come in and dig random giant holes in your yard. Then go out in the early am and step in a few. Try not to break anything.
• Take a warm and cuddly blanket out of the dryer and immediately wrap it around yourself.
  (This is the feeling you will get when your puppy falls asleep on your lap).

-Author Unknown

This may not be very practical, but it does give you just a taste of what you're going to be up against :o)

That 'New Puppy' craving!

If you're thinking about adding a furry, four legged child (canine one that is) to your family, you're probably already in the grip of that craving I'm talking about!

Puppies are just so irresistible that my kids have to literally drag me (with hands over my eyes) past the puppies you so often see being offered for sale, or even free, by the side of the road. In fact, I've been known to be the person other drivers are honking and making rude gestures at, as I swerve across two lanes of traffic to get a closer look at that wire pen set up on the grass verge.

Now, it's not that I need a new puppy to add to my menagerie, I've got several dogs, cats, rats, birds (not to mention a puppy) waiting for me at home, it's just that I love everything about puppies!

I love their short little legs, fat little tummies, cold noses and sweet breath! I love the way they wag their whole rear end and erupt in a frenzy of licking when you pick them up.

I have to tell you that if my kids fail in their attempts to distract me from those puppies we're talking about, although I'll "oohh and aahhhh" with the best of them, I won't be going home with one, or two (but yes, I've considered it in the past I'll admit).

If I love puppies so much, you may be asking, why won't I take one home? Simple, I know how much work, time and effort, not to mention cold, hard cash, will be involved in raising that puppy. So, no matter how strong that 'new puppy craving' may be, I'll resist it until I know the time is right to add another furchild to our family.

If you're in the grip of this craving yourself, and puppy ownership is uncharted territory for you, before you take the plunge, check out this guide to  new puppy care. It will give you a good idea of what's involved in taking care of that adorable ball of fur that's so tempting!