Besty dog collars

Is Your Dog Dreaming?

2012-01-25T19:32:00.000-08:00

Dogs Dream About running, eating, sniffing, and chasing. Like people, dogs enter light sleep and intense REM cycles, when dreaming occurs. If you notice your dog flinch and twitch at sleep onset, that signals light sleep and you can easily wake him. Once dogs enter a deep, REM cycle, the brain is active and their body responds accordingly. Their eyes may move back and fourth, you'll see their paws shifting, scratching, and they may wag their tails. During Rem, dogs can pant, sniff, and murmur. Despite activity taking place in the room, a dog in REM is not easily awakened.
Dreaming is vital to a dog's health. It's a time for data processing and memory storage - for mental replenishment and brain development. For this reason, puppies require a significant amount of sleep. Excited owners that keep their puppies awake for too many hours a day to play are, in essence, robbing their pups of critical development time.
Older dogs also need a great deal of sleep to repair from daily activities and restore energy for basic functions: eating, walking, socializing, and so on. Dogs may spend up to fourteen hours a day in REM sleep.
Should you wake up your dog if he is dreaming? There are two schools of thought. One says, do not wake your dog, even if he is whimpering and pawing in his sleep. If startled, he may unintentionally respond with aggression. The other camp says to gently wake up your dog by petting him softly and speaking in calm, reassuring voice.
Will your dog remember that heated chase or great big steak when he wakes? Perhaps that sad look he gave you when you put out yet another boring bowl of kibble is a sign your dog is remembering his dream.

Dog Lover's Daily Companion
Wendy Nan Rees and Kristen Hampshire

Personalized Dog Collars

2012-01-16T13:39:00.000-08:00

Personalized Dog Collars

Try a collar with your name and phone number embroidered directly on it with no tags. The embroidered collar is great in case your dog gets out. Tags can be difficult to read, and your dog has to get close enough for the person to read it. With embroidered collars, the information can be read at a distance, making notification quick.

Laura Dorfman, CPDT-KA,

Kona's touch, Inc., Glencoe, IL

Top Tips from Top Trainers

Housetraining

2012-01-12T12:35:00.000-08:00

Lack of housetraining is a common reason that pet owners relinquish a dog or banish him to the backyard. Yet housetraining is a straightforward process, as long as you understand that your new pet is like a toddler without a diaper and needs to be housetrained appropriately.

Ann Allums,

CDPT-KA,Best Friends Animal Society, Kanab UT

When housetraining, be gentle, be patient, be consistent, and most of all, set your puppy up to be successful.

Trish McMillan, MSc, CPDT-KA, ASPCA Animal Behavior Center, Urbana, IL

Supervision and consistency are the keys to housetraining success.

Jim Barry, CPDT, CDBC, Reston Dog

Training, Reston, VA

Imagine this: Inside your house you have a wonderful bathroom-it's clean and temperature controlled, the toilet seat is heated, and there's a guy standing outside the bathroom door waiting for you to finish so that he can clean and sanitize the area. Outside about 100 feet away from the back door is an outhouse that's old and rickety, there are splinters in the seat, and you only have newspaper sheets for toiled paper. It stinks in the summer, it's freezing in the winter, and there are cracks in the walls; it's horrible. Now, how much would I have to pay you to get you to go outside and use the outhouse every time? Think about your dog in the same situation-he can go in an inside area where it's nice, soft, and temperature controlled with someone standing by at all times to clean up, deodorize and sanitize the area; or he can go outside to his toilet area where it's not sanitized, where it's dirty, wet cold in winter, hot in the summer, and it stinks. There is nothing nice about the outside toilet area. So how much do you think you have to pay your dog to use his outside toilet area?

Sandra L. Wire, K9 FunTime, LLC

Indianapolis, IN

It can be helpful to take a long weekend to devote to housetraining. Stay home with your dog and go out every hour, generously rewarding each success. If you can keep it up for three or four days, progress is often very rapid.

Jim Barry, CDBC, CPDT-KA, Reston Dog Training, Teston, VA

Top Tips from Top Trainers

Naming your Dog

2012-01-11T08:34:00.000-08:00

What's in a Name?

Soon after you bring home your new puppy or dog, you'll begin the name game. What should you call your new friend? If you adopt a dog that has been previously named, you can teach him a new name, but it will take some training. In any case, consistency is key with training, so decide early what to name your dog and stick to it.

Here, we'll assume you are naming a new dog.

Name possibilities are endless, some of which you may not want to call out loud. (Do you want to yell, "Come home, Stinker!" every day?) While you may have the perfect pooch name picked out before you bring your puppy home, keep an open mind until you get to know your new friend. It's okay to wait a few days to name your pup. You may learn that her spunky nature disagrees with the name Grace. Or perhaps your pet's sly behavior suits the name Brutus but not Fido.

Brainstorm a list of possible names, and keep these pointers in mind as you select a winner:

Noah sounds like "no." Names that rhyme with no could be confused for the command no. A dog named Noah that hears "No!" will be excited you called his name and will not get the message to stop a bad behavior.

Keep it short. Two-syllable names are best. Practice saying the name and see how easily it rolls off your tongue. If you choose a name that is too long, you'll probably resort to a nickname anyway.

Test the name. How does your dog respond? Of course, he will not realize it is his name at first, but if you get an adverse reaction, you may wish to reconsider the moniker.

You can also search online for name ideas. You'll find typical names for your dog's breed, most popular names, Hollywood names, historical names, political names. Here is a list of prompts to get your creative juices flowing:

What physical characteristics make your dog special? (Why do you think there are so many dogs named Spot?)

What was your favorite childhood movie or book character?

Name your favorite flowers or plants: Daisy, Rose, Basil...The list goes on.

Can you think of foods that would make interesting dog names?

Consider your favorite hobbies and the jargon associated with them. Music, dance, crafts, and sports terms can double as inventive dog names.

Avoid naming your dog after someone you know personally, unless the individual has a great sense of humor and is fond of dogs.

Peruse baby name books, where you'll find hundreds of possibilities.

Dog Lovers Daily Companion

Quick Dog Treats

2012-01-10T08:42:00.000-08:00

Many of us can barely find the time to feed ourselves given our busy schedules, much less to make homemade snacks for our pets. When you don't have time for mixing, rolling, and cutting your own dog biscuits, try this quick and easy recipe, which uses just two ingredients. Wheat germ is a great source of Vitamin E, and organic baby food is widely available - try meat or vegetable flavors for variety. If time is not limited, you can puree your own organic meats and vegetables. We always kept a supply of these treats in a pretty glass jar on the counter for Gertrude and Jordan, since some experts feel that toxins from plastic containers can leach into food.

1 cup organic wheat germ
2 small jars organic baby food

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a baking sheet with butter or a little oil. Combine the ingredients and mix thoroughly. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on a baking sheet and flatten them with the back of a fork.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Remove and cool on a wire rack.

Variation: Try adding 1 tablespoon pureed garlic to ward off fleas, or 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed or flaxseed meal for a shiny coat.

eco dog

Hallowe'en Howlers

2010-09-18T00:20:00.000-07:00

Pamper your pet (and any other canine visitors who might turn up with the trick or treaters) with a flavorful oat, cream cheese and berry cookie. He will soon be looking forward to next year's festivities!

Makes 30-35

Preparation time 15 minutes

Cooking time: 10-15 minutes

8 oz (250 g) oats

1 egg, beaten

8 oz (250 g) low-fat cream cheese

4 oz (125 g) strawberries, chopped

3 oz (75 g) blueberries, crushed or chopped

For the frosting:

4 oz. low-fat cream cheese

1. Mix together all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl until well combined. Grease 2 baking sheets with oil.

2. Brush a decorative cookie cutter, such as a witch's hat, or crescent, with oil and place on to the cookie sheet. Spoon a little of the mixture into the cookie cutter and press down in an even layer. Carefully lift away the cutter. Repeat with the remainder of the mixture.

3. Bake in a preheated oven, 325 degrees F (160 degrees C, Gas Mark 3) for 10-15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

4. Place the cream cheese in a small bowl and beat with a fork to soften, then transfer to a piping bag fitted with a fine nozzle. Decorate each of the cookies.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tips 'n Tails

Oats are a good source of dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates. They make a comforting filler if feeding raw or cooked with meat and vegetables. Pour 5 oz (150 g) of oats into a saucepan and cover with boiling water. Leave to soften and cool. Mix the softened oats with meat or fish and a handful of blended vegetables to create a warming winter dinner.

PUPSNACKS

Stephanie Mehanna

Robert S. Goldstein, V.M.D.

Veterinary Consultant

Hero Dog Saves Other Dog

2010-08-21T08:58:00.000-07:00

Basset Hound

2010-08-21T07:58:00.000-07:00

Let sleeping dogs lie.....
Charles Dickens

All about me.

My name - Basset Hound (in French that means "low set")

My average height - 14 inches

My average weight - 45 to 65 pounds

My coloring - Black, tan, white - in no particular order.

What I'm Trying to Say is........

It might be a little hard to tell when we Basset Hounds are bowing down - you know, with our back legs up and our front legs flat on the ground - but with most dogs it's pretty easy to see that they're saying. "I want to play!" (We Basset Hounds usually just take naps instead.)

Woofs of Wisdom.

Put on a happy face! (Or if that seems like it might take too much energy, you might just want to take a nap. Sweet dreams!)

Fur Fact.

We, the Basset Hounds, cannot tell a lie. The father of our country, President George Washington, was a great man - and an owner of Basset Hounds.

Four - Footed Funnies

Why did the Basset Hound bury his bone in the yard?

Because he was too short to put it up in the tree.

In the Doghouse....

Keep your head low and your nose to the ground. Trouble will sail right over your head! (Although you might also end up somewhere you've never been before by accident. That happens to us a lot and that's why our humans try not to let us wander away.)

Food, Fur and You....

Always wash your ears....especially if you've recently stepped on them,

Artlist Collection

THE DOG

Guide to life

Boat Safety fot Dogs

2010-08-18T22:28:00.000-07:00

Some dogs are natural swimmers. They'll plunge into the water without coaxing. Other dogs are landlubbers that tiptoe around the smallest puddles during walks. Regardless of your dog's tolerance for swimming, he should always wear a "float coat" on a boat. Dogs that fall overboard accidentally can tire quickly, especially in a strong currant. They can drown before you notice they are missing. Shallow water or deep, it doesn't matter.

Boating with your dog is pure enjoyment----bonding on the open water, or lazing around on the deck of a docked vessel. Before you cast off, consider these important safety measures.

Make sure there is adequate shade for your dog, and ensure that the floor is not too slippery or hot for him to walk on both common with fiberglass-bottomed boats.)

If you anchor your boat in open waters and let your dog swim, attach a lightweight doggie boat ladder to the diving platform (at the stern). This will make helping your dog out of the water much easier.

Consider purchasing a boat alarm, which comes with a remote dog collar that sounds if the dog falls overboard.

Monitor fishing gear. Dogs will smell bait and be tempted to nose through dangerous tackle boxes that contain hooks and other items they can choke on.

Helpful hints from Dog Lover's Daily Companion
Wendy Nan Rees and Kristen Hampshire

Dog Adoption

2010-08-18T20:27:00.000-07:00

After one of our beloved dogs passed away we went on a search for a new member to add to this family. We found our Marley. She was about one year old they told us. So I guess she is about three years old now.

She is one of the sweetest girls I have ever met. I do have to admit a little odd looking at first. She also came with an odor unrecognizable. The car ride home now gives us laughs. I think we were all a bit uncomfortable mostly Marley. We just rolled the windows down.

I'm not sure what kind of life she had before joining our family. She gets scared when I sweep. I don't think she likes brooms. That's O.K. it just makes me want to hug her more.

After having her for a year I don't know what came over me, but I said Marley sit and she did. This beautiful girl that came into our family was already trained and I didn't even know it.

It's funny out of all my four dogs she gets the most compliments. She is the mutt, oh what a beautiful one she is. Inside and out. She has a heart of gold. She loves to cuddle and sleep on my bed. She is also a great watch dog. She protects our family by barking only when people are outside our home. Thank you Marley. I sleep good at night knowing you are on the lookout.

I just wanted to share my pet adoption story with you. We are so very blessed to have our
Mar Mar. She has a home for life and our hearts for life. We love you Miss Marley.

Kathy Chermak

When looking for a new puppy or dog please search your local animal shelters first. You'll be amazed at how many types of dogs are there and how great they can be. Many dogs living in shelters are already obedience trained. Of course, other sources (like breeders) can have great dogs, but to be able to give a home to a shelter or rescue animal is very special. All they want is a little companionship and a lot of love. The next time you are thinking about getting a new pet, give your local shelter or rescue agency a try - there's a dog waiting for you.

The association of pet dog trainers - top tips from top trainers

Johnny Carson - Jimmy Stewart - Beau Poem

2010-08-15T21:51:00.000-07:00

Making Your Own Doggie Greeting Cards

2010-05-01T18:04:00.000-07:00

Homemade Greeting cards from your dog to your friends and family and their pets are a cute way to show you care at the holidays or for a special occasion. These memorable cards will stick out from the pack of generic greetings, and they make a great family activity.

Even the least creative of us can make a fun card by starting with a ready-made kit from the craft store. These usually include card blanks, envelopes, and embellishments for creating your card, and often include a theme, such as dogs. Everything you need is in the package --- sometimes even the adhesive!
If a kit is too restrictive for your imagination, you can get blank cards and envelopes and decorate them with paper, stencils, stamps, stickers, photos, ribbons, glitter, decorative pens, and other embellishments you collect on your own. The scrap booking aisle of your local craft store will give you tons of ideas. When I see cute paper, card stock, ribbons, stickers, hang tags, or anything that is dog related, I often buy it and tuck it away for another time so I have a ready supply of materials to work with. If you are artistically talented, you can draw or paint on your card too.
Advanced crafters can even fold their own envelopes out of decorative paper, using a template, or attach embellishments with special decorative eyelets.
If you want to send out many copies of your card, your local print shop or copy center will be able to make color copies and sometimes even fold them. Just be sure the size you choose fits in the envelope you select.
Sign the card from your pet (and you, if you like) add a "paw print" with a rubber stamp or sticker in that shape.

Old dog magazines make fun, inexpensive wrapping paper. After you're done reading them, store them until you need them. When you have a small gift that needs to be wrapped, tear an appropriate page out of a magazine and use it to wrap the gift. For example, use a picture of a Labrador to wrap a gift for a Labrador. For larger gifts, glue or the images onto larger paper, then wrap with that. This special wrapping will personalize any gift.

Dog Lover's Daily companion

Practice, Praise and Positive rewards - Dog training tips

2010-04-25T11:42:00.000-07:00

The old saying "Practice, Patience, practice" is key when it comes to training your puppy or dog. They learn by repetition and reward for positive behavior.

Practice a little at a time, but often. Several five or ten minutes training sessions spread through out the day are more effective than one long session. Just like small children, puppies have short attention spans, and a board or distracted puppy won't learn anything at all.

Who doesn't love to get a reward for work well done? Your dog is the same. Reward your dog with treats while saying, "Good boy/girl" in a high pitched, affectionate voice. Always reward immediately. Never wait to give an obedient dog a treat - you want to teach him that this is what you want and to keep up the good work. The more you turn the lesson into a positive and rewarding time, the better your puppy will learn.

Always end the session on a good note, going back to something your puppy has previously learned if necessary. This will encourage both of you to look forward to the next session.

Dog Lover's Daily companion

Magic Muttballs

2010-04-25T11:10:00.000-07:00

Who said you can't teach an old dog new tricks?

Try baking up a batch of these yummy rewards.
Makes 50 Preparation time 15 minutes
Cooking time 15-20 minutes

1 lb minced chicken
5 oz dried breadcrumbs, made with wheat - and gluten - free bread
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 egg

1. Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl. Roll into 1 - inch balls and place on a greased baking sheet.

2. Bake in preheated oven, 350 degrees F for 15 - 20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove the balls from the oven and leave them to cool.

3. Transform to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. Alternatively, place in resealable freezer bags and freeze for up to 6 weeks until required.

It's fine for your dog to eat the muttballs frozen.

Pupsnacks

Make your own dog bar soap

2010-04-17T21:52:00.000-07:00

Here is an all natural soap recipe to use on your own doggie, or it makes a great gift.
Materials
All natural, unscented, 100% olive oil (castile) soap
Microwaveable container, such as a large glass measuring cup
Essential oil(s) of your choice
Exfoliants (optional), such as citrus peel or steel-cut oatmeal - anything that is all natural, nontoxic, and not sharp
Clean soap molds (generally available from soap suppliers in standard or fun shapes, or use your own plastic containers)
Kitchen thermometer

What to do

Chop the soap into chunks and place in the microwaveable container.
Melt the soap in the microwave oven. Each device behaves differently, so start at half power and heat for 2 to 4 minutes at a time, stirring between stages. You do not want to overheat or burn the soap, so check often until you know how quickly it melts. The soap base should be completely melted and at a temperature between 155 degrees F (68 degrees to 74 degrees C). Once you have reached this temperature, stir it again slowly to make sure it is uniform, then let it sit for a few moments, allowing any air bubbles to rise to the top.
Add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance and stir slowly, avoiding creating more air bubbles.
Add exfoliants, if desired. Again, stir slowly to avoid introducing air bubbles. It is recommended that all your additives, including essential oils and exfoliants, not exceed 2 percent of the entire soap solution.
Pour the soap into the molds. Best results will be obtained if the soap is poured into molds at 150 degrees to 155 degrees F (66 to 68 degrees C). Pour very slowly to avoid creating air bubbles. Once poured, the soap bars should be handled carefully and left to cool completely, about 24 hours.
Remove the bars from the molds and wrap them immediately to retain an attractive appearance. The soap bats should be stored at temperatures between 40 degrees and 86 degrees F (4 degrees and 30 degrees C).

Dog lovers Daily companion

Herbal flea powder

2010-03-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

A safe effective way to stop the fleas this year.

Combine as many of the powdered herbs below you can find.
Mix together equal parts of each herb in a shaker top jar.
Brush your dogs coat backward with your hand or comb while sprinkling the powder onto the base of the hairs. Apply sparingly, paying special attention to the neck, back and belly.
Put your pet outside for a little while afterward, so his pests escape into your yard, not your carpet.

Eucalyptus

Rosemary

Lavender

Fennel

Yellow Dock

Pennyroyal

eco dog

Heathly organic dog treats

2010-03-20T08:16:00.000-07:00

I found this healthy, fast and easy dog treat recipe that my doggies love. You'll feel great knowing you are giving your best friend some home made goodness that's also organic and healthy for them. Have fun and hope your doggies enjoy!

Ingredients
1 cup organic wheat germ
2 small jars organic baby food

Preheat the oven to 350.
Grease a baking sheet with butter or a little oil. Combine the ingredients and mix thoroughly. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on a baking sheet and flatten them with the back of a fork.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Remove and cool on a wire rack.

Variation:
Try adding 1 tablespoon pureed garlic to ward off fleas, or 2 tablespoons ground flax seed or flaxseed meal for a shiny coat.

From eco dog

About dogs

2010-03-13T19:50:00.000-08:00

Does your dog know when they get something new?

It's so neat what my customers tell me after they receive their personalized dog collars. I want to share part of a really cute email I received.

Helloooo Kathy,

Aila and I were so excited to open the package yesterday when it came...I kid you not I put your beautiful art work around her neck and she walked over to my body mirror and checked it out for herself-I KID YOU NOT!!!

I'm thinking they do. :)