Making your dog "carry their weight"

     Well, I recently purchased a doggie backpack for Rage my GSD and yesterday we tried it out for the first time.  I put it on her for the first time and she didn't even seem to notice that she was wearing it. I only put a few light items in each side pocket to give her a little wieght.  At first I did not have the underbody straps tightened enough and the pack slid to one side slightly.  Once those were tightened up we were off and hiking.
     Rage managed to go through the woods just fine.  She did get slightly snagged a few times, but it barely slowed her stride.  This first adventure did have some learning curve to it.  The dog and I kicked up a turkey and she charged for about 10 yards at it, right into a flooded swamp.  Leason learned:  Rage's backpack is not waterproof.  I had my camera in there, but it did not stay submerged for more than a few seconds so just the surface was wet.  It dried out nicely within a few minutes and works just like normal.  Next time, anything that I need to stay dry will go into a ziploc before being put in her pack.
     I originally purchased the packs for her because my husband and daughters take her on day long walks sometimes and she could carry the water supply for them all.  So far, so good.  On the next walk I take her on I will add a little more weight and gradually continue to increase it.  From all of the research that I had done prior to purchasing the backpack, everyone suggested starting with small amounts of weight and slowly adding to it as the dog adjusts.
     Another reason that I purchased the backpack for Rage, was that it gives her a job when we are out.  Research has shown that providing a dog with a job can prove to be rewarding not only to your dog, but to you also.  The benefits to me are obvious in that she can carry items for me.  I am looking forward to benefitting from this when the kids and I take her geocaching with us.  The benefits to the dog is that you are fullfilling a need the dog has for a job, thus positively impacting their all around behavior.  Don't forget the exercise value to your pal.  Having a doggie backpack can prove to be beneficial in many ways.

Rats!

When I was a young girl I had a pet mouse that was black.  There was only one problem,  my mother hated mice and wouldn't let me keep it at the house.  Luckily my friend down the road had her own and let me keep it at her house.  Over the years my mother did not soften in her feelings towards mice.  To that I say, her loss.
When my daughter asked me about getting a kitten for her birthday I was rather hesitant.  We just put an addition on the house and I did not want a cat peeing all over it.  I started to research small pets that are easy to care for and ended up deciding on a rat.  Did I forget to mention that I never talked any of this over with my hubby?  I figured Iwould be the one that was responsible for them so full steam ahead I thought. 
The day before her birthday I went out and found a wonderful brown rat that I knew my daughter would fall in love with.  When I got home I hid him in my closet so no one would find him.  That night when the girls went to bed I brought him out to show the hubby what we were giving her for her birthday.  I must say that I was surprised at his reaction.  He thought it was kind of cool. 
Needless to say, my daughter loved her birthday present as did my other daughter.  So when it was our youngest birthday she too received a pet rat.
These are wonderful pets for children as they are easy to care for and are gentle.  Our 2 rats have total different personalities just like my daughters.  They have since put in requests for some more friends for their rats, but for now I believe the 2 we have will do just fine.

Pet Adoptions vs. Private Breeders

This is a hot topic these days.  You have the people who are die hard animal right activists that say "it is immoral to be a breeder" because of some puppy mill's that have been exposed.  On the other hand you have good breeders that want to improve on their breed and continue the lines.  And then there are the people who are way out in left field that run puppy mills.

I personally don't take a strong stance either way (adoptions vs. breeding), but I do not condone the running of puppy mills.  Educating the public on how to have their pets spayed/neutered is wonderful.  Being a responsible owner of an intact animal is a must.  But there should not be laws mandating the spaying/neutering of your pets.

I personally have adopted animals from shelters and have purchased purebred animals from reputable breeders.  In my honorable opinion, it depends on what you are looking for in an animal.  Pure companionship, protection, hunting, etc. are a few things you should think about when you decide to get an animal.  This may help you narrow down the decision on where to get your new animal from.

If you do purchase an animal you need to decide what your plans are for the future in regards to do you want to have offspring or not, and what impact keeping an intact animal will have on your life.  Everyone should have the right to chose as long as you are a responsible owner.  If you prove otherwise, your rights to keep an animal should be revoked.

Our local shelters are filled with lots of animals that need love.  I have heard people say that "shelter animals were given up for a reason" and "why would you want someone elses cast offs?"  Well, you know what, not all animals are given up because of something that they did.  Most of the time it is the owners that are to fault.  Someone who didn't want to be responsible with an intact dog, who drops a litter and can't find homes for the pup's.  Loss of a job.  Having to relocate.  Loss of intrest.  Theses are more common reasons to why animals are in shelters than the dog having problems.

On the other hand there are reputable breeders out there that want the best for their animals and their lineage.  It has been shown over the years that certain breeds accel in certain talents and may be more desirable for a specific job over a mix breed.  It all depends on what you personally are looking for.

Once you have decided to get an animal, please do your research before getting something.  We do not want to add to the shelter populations and unneccesary deaths because of a seat of the pants decision to get a pet.  Also, unless you have a valid reason for keeping your pet intact, please consider getting them spayed/neutered to prevent accidental offspring. 

Preparing for Spring, Summer and Fall for Your Pets

Spring is right around the corner.  Have you thought about your pets heartworm or flea & tick control for this year? 

Dogs and Cats both should be on some sort of flea & tick control.  Flea's and Tick's can be around all year, not just during the warm weather months.  It is very important to your pet and your household to have these pests under contol.  There are many varities of flea & tick control products on the market today.  Some of the most popular products come in a liquid form that you place on the back of your cat or dog and can last up to a month.

Heratworm pills are also a must for your pets.  I had a dog who developed heartworm because I had forgotten to start his pills one spring and watching him go through those evasive treatments was heartbreaking. And keep in mind  that not all pets survive these treatments.   Do your pet and your pocketbook a favor and make an appointment for your pet today to be tested for heartworm.  Another thought would be to keep your pets on heartworm protection all year long.  That way giving your pets their monthly protection will be easier to remember.

For flea & tick products click HERE!

On a Rant

Okay, I am getting up on a soap box right now, so be prepared.



On Saturday I had some of the locals who run dogs on coyotes stop by the house to pick up their dogs who were on the property behind mine. Generally I have no problem with this, they are being responsible and collecting their dogs, but where my problem comes in is the condition of thier dogs feet.



They scooped up 2 dogs behind our house and when they brought them to the truck to load up I noticed their paws. I was just horrified. You could see blood around each toenail! Well, of course I couldn't keep my mouth shut when I noticed, so I said something to the guy about how bad the dogs feet were.



Guess what the response was that I got. Any idea's?



Here it was: "The snow is really crunchy today."



What kind of bologna is that? Ever hear of mushers wax? I don't think so. If only they would condition their feet with that and maybe pull the dogs if the "snow is too crunchy"? Just a thought.



And the sad thing for those dogs is, if the weather was cooperating the next day, they would be running them again.



Now, I am all for hunting with dogs and all, but what about taking CARE of them?

The nice thing about mushers wax is that it can be used all year long.  It helps paws on hot pavement, in sand, snow and salt.  Your dog would thank you if it could for protecting their paws.

To buy mushers wax - Click Here!

Potty Training Tip for your dog

I would like to share with you a very useful technique that I used for potty training my puppy.


When we brought Rage home she was 3 months old and not potty trained. At some point I had heard from someone about putting a bell on the door to train your dog to signal you that they need to go out. This idea appealed to me because some dogs just don't know how to signal their owners to what they need and this idea would give Rage a distinct cue to give us for the sole purpose of going out to do her business.

I went to the store and picked up one of those peel and stick hooks and a small cowbell. When I got home I measured what would be a good height for her to reach it with her nose and installed it there. From then on whenever anyone let her out to use the bathroom they would make her touch her nose to the bell and ring it, then she would be put outside.

It took less than a week for her to have it mastered and we haven't had an accident since. Rage is now 2.5 years old.


I hope this helps anyone with potty training issues.



Good Luck!

The Importance of Therapy Dogs

Over the years researchers have found that using animals in therapy has helped their Patients or Residents significantly. Some facilities have house dogs that live there and are utilized when needed, while other places have visiting therapy dogs. Either way there is going to be a positive response from the clients.

The versatility of therapy dogs makes it possible for them to be utilized in multiple types of therapy. Examples of these would be:

• Speech Therapy - talking or giving the dogs commands
• Physical Therapy - walking the dogs, throwing balls, or brushing
• Residents with difficulty communicating show increased signs of interaction when dealing with a therapy dog.
• Helping Alzheimers patients with distracting them and easing aggitation. Also, they help to break the sense of social isolation by listening to the patient even if it is a rambling, repeating story.
• Therapy dogs have helped reduce stress and anxiety by showing unconditional love for all.

The above listed examples are just a fragment of what positive affects a therapy dog can have. For anyone who handles a therapy dog I would like to thank you for your service to all of those whose lives you made a little brighter by your visits. Too many times it is overlooked what kind of time and dedication it took to recieve the Therapy Dog Certification.

I personally work with Seniors and bring my german shepherd with me to work sometimes and the response if overwhelming. I visit an assisted living facility with her and the smiles she puts on their faces are priceless. My office is located in a Senior independant apartment building and when the dog is in we get lots of visitors. Especially people who used to have dogs and don't anymore. She is spoiled rotten there. One of my Residents who doesn't have a dog has my dog trained to go to his apartment door to get a treat and then return to the office.

Something as small as a visit from a dog can make a huge difference to someone who can't for one reason or another have one. If you think your dog could make a difference in someone elses life, I suggest you check out getting them certified and start volunteering.