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How to get my dog under control

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:39:00 -0400

Question: How do I get this boy under control. He thinks he's the dominate one inthe family. He's 6 months old and big, likes to take me for a walk. Helistens to me sometimes, getting very frustrated because he's gettingso big and I won't be able to control him. Any advise.

Answer:

Yes keep him on a leash with you at all times. (this of course is when you are at home) I would even tie the leash to your belt loop and walk around the house with him attached to you. When you are watching TV, he is on the leash sitting or lying next to you on the leash. If you are in the kitchen, he is attached to you or to the table leg. When he is not being worked with you he is crated at night. You never give him a treat unless he sits for it at your command. Are you getting the idea of how to get him under control?

Sorry I am just getting back to you, I didn't realize you had asked me a question.

Dog food changes - What is a good food

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:22:00 -0400

The question was about changing from a Purina Puppy Chow to Purina Beneful, this was my answer

This is one food I tell my Puppy Families to stay off of. It is rated F on that list that Phrannie has. It is all corn.Did you read the ingredients? If you go to Walmart or DG Where ever it is least expensive for you. Read the ingredients and as long as the first 2 start with Meat and Meat by products the food is good, according to my Vet. He says he doesn't care what name it is or brand. He just wants to see the first two ingredients say meat of some kind.Chicken, Lamb, Beef, whatever and the byproduct of that.

If the first ingredients are Meat and Meat byproducts the dogs won't get fat. Purina Puppy Chow is corn and corn byproducts and it makespuppies fat. I don't use it anymore. My puppies look and do great sinceI took them off of it. Corn makes dogs fat.

My brother is on a limited budget and we went to Walmart and found alarge bag of food for a price he can afford and it was beef and beef byproducts. Just shop and read.

Now granted there are better foods than others but if your budget is limited (as many of ours are lately) you can still get a good food if you know what you are looking for.

Purina Beneful is that the brand you are asking about. If not Idon't know about Beneficial? If you still want to go with Beneful thereare some online coupons if you do a Google search for them.

If you change them Cold Turkey they may or may not get the runs. If you do Cold Turkey have some Kaopectate handy. This you can get the store brand cheaper too. They will not get sick they just may get a runny bowel for a couple of days. I guess that can be sickening

Having Problems with an Aggressive Older Dog

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 21:11:00 -0400

Question:

My american bulldog, ruby, is a little over a year old. we introduced anew american bulldog puppy to our home just yesterday. I have readseveral times that the dominate dog, which in this case is ruby, willexpress there dominance through aggression. this was to be expected,but ruby seems to be a bit overly aggressive. she will unexpectedlylash out at the little puppy. ruby has done this probably about 5 timesalready. during these times of aggression, treats and toys have beenabsent; it seems to be random, without even a growl of warning. notonly is there no warning for these attacks, but the puppy is mindinghis own business rather than pestering ruby when she lashes out. I haveto physically pull ruby off of the puppy. I become so frustrated that Iput her in her crate to remove her from the situation. I'm not surewhat to do with her or even the puppy after these bouts of aggression.what do I do with both dogs after this happens? how can I prevent itfrom happening? I would like these dogs to at least learn to tolerateeach other, what steps can I take to do so?

Have you watched The Dog Whisper on National Geographic. He worked with dogs doing this just last weekend.

Do the following only if your dog does not bite you!

You need to gain dominance over your older dog. Take her when shedoes this to the pup and push her over on her side and hold her downbetween the neck and shoulder. You are applying pressure that does notallow the dog to get up but does not hurt your dog either. She will tryto get back up but do not let her. Allow the puppy to come over andsniff her. If she growls or tries to get up say ATTT or SSSHHHwhichever word you use. I use ATTT Cesar uses SSS between the teeth.

The other thing you do is put your older dog on a leash. Put her ina heal position. Keep her in this position. Have your husband oranother family member bring the puppy over and allow the puppy to sniffyou older dog, do not allow your older dog to respond. Pull up on theleash or give your dog a side nudge with your foot (not hard) to stopthe reaction, also using the ATT or SSS noise (which is a NO command)

Putting your older Dog in the crate is not going to work. It onlycauses resentment. It will cause her to be more angry. She willactually start to be more aggressive.

I have been here and done this and this works the best. Confront theissue as dogs do. Watch NG Dog Whisper! Friday nights. Animal Planethas some good trainers and your local library is stocked full of bookson training and dog behavior.

Obedience Classes are great and should always be attended but I do not think will work in this situation.

Question About Milk?

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:37:00 -0400

Should I give my puppy milk? He is a Jack Russel

He is nearly 6 weeks old ,but he has been sick twice and ,always nipping ,

No milk! Milk will give that pup the runs! Puppies do not need cows milk. 6 weeks is weaned and he needs Puppy kibble. Milk will make your puppy sick and have severe diarrhea. Even older dogs can't drink it. I love milk and many times have some left over, but will not give it to my dogs. I do believe in giving my dogs some foods but milk is not one of them and puppies do not get anything but Puppy food.

I have had puppies that have allergies to some Puppy chows and need to go to another Puppy Chow.

Puppy chow has a mixture of a milk close to the Mother's milk. Many dog mothers have weaned their litters at 4 to 5 weeks? It is safe for the puppy to start kibble at the onset of getting teeth. I soften my kibble with water. I may grind it up in the blender if the puppies teeth are just starting in and Mom is trying to wean early.

Call your Vet's Office you can get this information over the phone. While you are on the phone make an appointment to get your puppy in for a check up and it's Puppy schedule of vaccinations. And a test for worms.

Puppy's are like babies and need to see their doctor on a regular basis the first weeks of their lives.

Do Dogs Dream

Thu, 07 May 2009 10:58:00 -0400

Good Morning all

Do I believe Dog's Dream

Yes I really do believe they dream of hunting or chasing balls or puppy stuff. I have watched dogs dream since I has old enough to lie on my baby blanket next to my Dad's dog's and I can watch them for hours. Dogs dreaming that is. I go and sit next to or in my puppy boxes at night and play with them or just stand there watching them sleep. I know they dream and I know with all my heart they are dreaming of things like hunting or chasing things or playing, maybe of you and the wonderful times you have had together.

I have watched the Hunting Dogs actually running as fast as their legs would go and their lips blowing in and out and actually doing their hunting songs while lying on their sides sound asleep.

Yes I believe dogs dream.

Theo, just like old people do when they are getting ready for their journey to cross over the bridge to the other side is dreaming of better days, friends and things he will once again be able to do when he makes that journey. This I believe with all my heart.

Ok on a lighter note, I also believe dogs and cats as with all of God's creations are spiritual beings. But that is just how I believe.

Andre Damrill

May 2009

Boston Terrier Popular Names

Tue, 05 May 2009 13:12:00 -0400

Courtsey of

Are you looking for that perfect dog name that just fits your Boston terrier? Naming a dog can be difficult.

We have gotten several emails from wonderful and dedicated Boston terrier owners over the years asking for their own article on Boston terrier name suggestions! Here are some suggestions from them!

We hope this list of Boston terrier names gives you an idea on naming your pup. Do you have a good Boston terrier name suggestion? Email us your dog name ideas and we will try to add them to our Boston terrier name list!

1. Baxter

2. Betty Boop

3. Beans (For Boston Beans of course)

4. Bodacious

5. Boody

6. Bosco

7. Boston Blackie

8. Bossy

9. Cooper

10. Corkie

11. Cream Pie

12. Gulliver ...And yes, Gulliver did travel...

13. Hank

14. Iggy

15. Lola

16. Mack ? like a Mack truck

17. Mugsy

18. Murphey- after the popular Boston band the Dropkick Murpheys. We like to makejokes that he is Irish Catholic and drinks Guinness.

Add your names to the list. I noticed Bailey is also popular.

Always working on the Potty Training

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 23:47:33 -0400

Born 02/03/2009

This is were I just cleaned the puppies box this morning. I have started putting half fabric material and half newspaper. It is helping with the potty training much better (I think) because right off they started pee peeing on the paper and not their cloth areas. I use pieces of old clothing, table clothes and material I got at garage sales for the material side. This way the puppies don't have their white all gray from the newspaper being all over the box like I had in the past. Our Puppies are always paper trained by 8 weeks.

I found out that old shirt cover that doggie bed really well and I don't have to kept washing it all the time. The puppies are 5 weeks old now and they are so cute. Tippy and Jerry did a good job on these cuties. They are smart and alert and so sweet.

To Breed or not to Breed

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 19:20:36 -0500

To Breed or not to Breed

Run for the Roses - Dan Fogelberg

Born in the valley
And raised in the trees
Of Western Kentucky
On wobbly knees
With mama beside you
To help you along
You'll soon be a growing up strong.

All the long, lazy mornings
In pastures of green
The sun on your withers
The wind in your mane
Could never prepare you
For what lies ahead
The run for the roses so red --

And it's run for the roses
As fast as you can
Your fate is delivered
Your moment's at hand
It's the chance of a lifetime
In a lifetime of chance
And it's high time you joined
In the dance
It's high time you joined
In the dance --

From sire to sire
It's born in the blood
The fire of a mare
And the strength of a stud
It's breeding and it's training
And it's something unknown
That drives you and carries
You home.

Uuummm a beautiful song about breeding.

Maybe we should put a ban on people breeding, they had a Movement back in 1973 where the birth rate equals that of the death rate, controlled population.

'Kingsley Davis (1973) 'Zero population growth: the goal and the means' in The No-Growth Society.'Some people took this so seriously they actually got sterilized. Some government offices took liberties and sterilized (without consent, people they thought to be un-fit parents)

There was another part of Zero population, that goes something like this, suppose to be more palatable, that the birth rate will not exceed the death rate!! Wait a minute what does that say!! What will we do with babies born without a death??

I remember people wearing Zero Population buttons. I also had friends that had no children that became sterilized. If you tried to argue with on of these people they would end up making you feel like crawling in a hole for ever bringing a child into this world. This group was it seemed, everywhere at the time. At least it seemed that to me being a young mother, that had friends that felt I had exploded the population and would now contribute to the death of the planet.

Sound extreme, well it was very real. I wonder what happened to all my childless friends as I enjoy all the love my grandchildren give me.

This argument about to breed or not to breed sounds the same to me. You may say there is no comparison, but isn't there? I feel it still, the sting of the Zero Population people and their words. I am so glad I was right and they are lonely and I feel they were so wrong. They with no children or grandchildren.

Now they want no breeding of dogs or animals, YES! These are the same people! They are always the same people, they are always out there. Lonely, angry people. Have you ever noticed that? These are never happy people. Their focus on death not life. Infringing on other peoples rights. Control it is all about control.

Peta have you heard about their latest big flop. It cost them their follower's money, but will not air on the Super Bowl. They are now using sex to get people not to eat meat, but vegetables. Showing a sexy woman rubbing veggies all over her. These people border on stupid! If they had their way all people would be perished from the planet. Ask them. What I was here is true. They are extremist.

There is no arguing this point with someone that is an extremist. As you focus on life and bringing life into the world, feel sorry for those that only focus on death. It is so sad to live that way.

Top Ten Holiday Pet Hazards:

Thu, 25 Dec 2008 00:20:00 -0500

Top Ten Holiday Pet Hazards:

What to Know

Winter holidays are a busy time for the nation’s vets. That’s because holiday pet hazards overlooked by busy owners can spell disaster for your dog, cat, or other pets.

Even if you’re the ultra-careful type, keep the contact number for your vet handy, suggested Jim Cook, DVM, the president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and a practicing veterinarian in Lebanon, Ky.

Next, check how savvy you are about the top ten holiday pet hazards—and how to reduce the risks.

Holiday Hazard #1: Chocolate
Any chocolate is off-limits for pets. “Baker’s chocolate is the most [toxic],” Cook said. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is to pets. Theobromine and caffeine are the toxic ingredients. Click here for other foods that are toxic to your pet.

Holiday Hazard # 2: The Tree
Curious dogs may sniff and paw and pull the tree over on themselves; cats like to get up and try out this strange indoor tree. Anchor it, Cook said. You can use wire to secure the top of the tree, then run the wire up to the ceiling or the wall and secure it.

Watch out, too, for the tree preservative often put in the water around the tree trunk, so your dog or cat doesn’t lap it up. It can cause gastrointestinal problems.

Holiday Hazard #3: Seasonal Plants
Poinsettias get the bad rap as the most poisonous when actually they are fairly low on the toxic scale. But eating them may still cause some gastrointestinal upset, according to the journal Veterinary Technician.

Other problematic holiday plants to keep out of reach: Christmas cactus, mistletoe, holly, cedar, balsam, and pine.

Holiday Hazard #4: Table Scraps
Rich, fatty foods are often holiday favorites, but they can result in life-threatening pancreatitis, Cook said. Anything salty, spicy, or greasy qualifies. Bones from chicken or turkey can splinter in the stomach. Keep table scraps out of reach, and be sure the garbage isn’t accessible to your pet.

Holiday Hazard #5: Ornaments
Tinsel can be too fascinating for a cat to pass up as a snack. Small decorations hanging low on the tree can be gobbled by both dogs and cats, and intestinal blockage can result.

Holiday Hazard #6: Holiday Cheer
Slipping a dog, cat or other pet alcoholic beverages to see how they act when inebriated isn’t funny, and could be very dangerous, Cook said. “It can make them very sick, with vomiting and diarrhea.”

Holiday Hazard #7: Dangerous Foods
Certain foods on the dangerous list all year may be more plentiful around the holidays—or your guard may be down. Be sure your pet has no access to coffee grounds, grapes, raisins, onions, chewing gum, or mints with Xylitol. This sweetener, also used in baked goods and candy, is associated with liver failure and death in dogs, according to the AVMA. View a full list of dangerous foods here.

Holiday Hazard #8: Socially Shy Pets
Some pets simply aren’t comfortable around a lot of people. Some get scared; others get hostile. Whatever way your pet’s party-shy personality tends to turn, put it in a spare bedroom with food and water, out of the way of guests, Cook suggested.

Holiday Hazard #9: Escape Artists
Pets “can be like little kids,” Cook says. “They like to get out, too.” So you’ve got company—maybe guests who aren’t used to keeping track of pets—and someone leaves the door open and out they go.

Besides alerting guests to your furry escape artists, “make sure you have a way of finding your pet,” Cook said. That means either a microchip, or at the least, a rabies tag or ID tag with your contact information, the vet’s contact information, or both.

Holiday Hazard #10: Aluminum Foil
Crumpled up with food sticking to it, aluminum foil can be irresistible to a pet. If swallowed, though, it can cause puncture wounds in the gastrointestinal tract, Cook said.

The holidays can be a busy and stressful time, but it’s also a time to reconnect with your family, friends, and of course, pets. So be sure to take the proper precautions to ensure everyone has a safe and happy holiday season.

How to groom my toy poodle

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 20:43:57 -0400

I just got a toy poodle he is a little guy but the lady I got him from did not do very good with keeping up with him I would like to know how to groom him from bathing to brushing to ears and teeth and how do I get rid of the redish color under his eyes and off his feet.

It doesn't take much to have a groomer do them the first time and less if you take them back to keep them up. Call around and get some prices, check the newspaper for coupons. Petsmart and Petco have online coupons, for grooming products and free shipping for products to groom your pet

If you go to the library, I have found some great books on clipping poodles and their up keep. I just so happened to check out a book today called "Poodles for Dummies" that was on the new book shelf but the copyright is 2007 so it has been out for awhile.

Got another that looks good called "It's a Dog's Life but It's Your Carpet" everything you ever wanted to know about your four-legged friend.

Libraries are great sources for information and every pet owner should have at least one good reference book on your dog. Look them over at the library find one you like and then purchase it on eBay or Amazon to have for reference.

Just don't let this stay out of control because your poodle can get skin diseases from being unkept too long