UPDATE: This dog has happily been adopted!!!!
UPDATE: Some people came over last night to look at this dog and see if they wanted to adopt. I'll update the blog once we know anything further...
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BarkleyAndPaws
Blogs!
#1 - Go for walks
If dogs could speak, going for walks would probably be their number one activity. Dogs love walks and love going for walk with their human.
I leave on a fairly large property with 3 dogs. if I do not take them for a walk they just sit and lay around.
Walks is a great way to observe your dog body language, how he interacts with his environment and get to know him better.
- Is he shy when you meet other dogs?
- Is he forth coming and may be even aggressive?
- Is he inquisitive or just walking beside you acting bored or disengaged? May be something is hurting?
Observing your dog regularly will help you notice change in his behavior, gate or personality. Dogs do not always react to pain the way we do.
Walking is a low key exercise accessible by anyone dogs or people regarding of age and fitness.
#2 - Play more
Dogs are one of the few adults animal that play into adulthood and senior years. Most dogs love playing. The play might change with the breed, the age or the fitness of the dog. It does not have to be something rowdy all the time.
Timba my Sherman Shepherd is crazy about balls, while Tara, Rottweiler cross is crazy about sticks. Bear on the other hand prefer a calmer game of hide and seek.
Play can happen outside or inside. As long as it is fun for both of you.
#3- Learn New Things Together
Learning new tricks or sports is a great way to keep your dog engaged emotionally and physically. For some dogs it might be agility or fly ball while other will prefer an inside play such as learning how to balance a cookie on their nose or wrap himself in a blanket.
#4 - Take Your Dog with You
Whenever you can take your dog with you. Always remember they are pack animals and more than anything love being with you. Dogs love car rides, going to the stores and running errands, meeting new people and feeling they are a part of the family routine. It will keep them stimulated and be part of training.
You do not need the in depth assistance dog training to have your dog laying by your feet while you do your banking or mailing a parcel at the post office.
You might be surprise at how many stores keep cookies behind the till and welcome dogs in the store.
#5 - Relax together
A good book or a good movie by the fire with your dog at your feet is a great way to spend some quiet relaxing time together. No words need to be spoken.
#6 - Massage
Massage is not only for people anymore. Massage is a great way to bond together. Help your dog relax if he is high strong, soothe stiff muscles and joints. Same with human, massage will boost the immune system and bring more oxygen in the body. The result is a healthier more relaxed and happier dog
#7 - At home grooming
Beside the obvious health check, brushing your dog is very calming and soothing for both. It is a great way to also check out the body for bumps or unusually feel under the fur or skin or inside the hear.
Bathing should not be needed more than a few times a year. Few dogs like to have their nails clipped. If you are uncertain it is best to check in with a groomer. You do not want to hurt your dog and turn the grooming session into a bad memories.
Bottom line, there are plenty of opportunity to spend some quality time together. Of course training is also a time of bonding and connection. Training should be short, fun and always followed by a play time session.
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I was only able to catch the last few minutes of this story but it appears as though this has been a major problem in the UK and it is being fully exposed in a BBC special tonight. The problem, as it was stated, is with breeders now inbreeding dogs to the point of bother / sister - Father / sister - Mother / son, etc.
This is causing huge health risks and problems for these dogs and people that purchase them are not being told of the increased risk. It is also not healthy and normal for the dogs.
I'll try and watch the special this evening if I can and report back what I learn here tomorrow. This is why we have pushed SO hard for people to adopt. First of all pets need to be adopted so that they can be saved from certain death at the shelter. Second, mixed breed pets seem - for the most part - to be better adjusted and healthier.
We were eating dinner last night and Wheel of Fortune came on. During the introductions we noticed that Pat was asking everyone about their pets. We thought that was kind of strange for the show (one person has chickens so that added to the strangeness!!).
As the show progressed they continued to talk about pets and dogs and we finally learned (yes were we're paying very close attention) at the end of the show that this is "Pet Lovers Week" on Wheel.
I need to check further but I believe they must be making some donations to various (or maybe just one) pet association (ASPCA???). Anyway - its cool that they are raising the awareness of pets and will be featuring them all week.
We watched the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, "A dog named Christmas" last night. It is a heartwarming story about a runaway dog that befriends a family and teaches the father in the story to finally let go of his past and learn to love again.
Its not that he doesn't care or love people. The father in the story is portrayed as a loving
Dad, devoted to his family. His problem comes from the loss of two dogs that were very important in his life.
The first is from his childhood and learns about the death of the dog while he is fighting in Viet Nam. The second is the separation from a dog he finds and bonds with him while he is in Viet Nam.
Champion Roundtown Mercedes of MaryScot, also known as Sadie, captured her 100th Best in Show at The National Dog Show Presented by Purina in 2009.
America’s top-ranked, all-breed showdog by a wide margin throughout the year, Sadie is owned by Amelia Musser of Mackinac Island, MI.
She is only the third Scottish terrier to win in the Kennel Club of Philadelphia’s 130-year history. In February, 2009, Sadie won the Terrier Group at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and has dominated the sport ever since.
A little puppy was found Friday August 22 here in the Greensboro, NC area. The dog had been badly burned, suffered several broken bones and was covered in maggots. The little girl had been fighting to stay alive for probably two weeks before she was discovered.
Fortunately this story has the beginnings of a good ending. Ember (her new name is Susie) is going to recover and there have been numerous people in the community stepping up to either adopt her or pay for her treatments.
Doctors and her foster parents report that she is a very special puppy and will lay next to you have just snuggle. She is a loving as can be for a dog that has been through so much.
Summer vacation is almost over--taking our son back to college tomorrow and school starts in a week. UGH
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i dread going back to work in a week and leaving my girls at home. My girls are a boxer mix and a border collie. they are great dogs and have been my best friends all summer. :(
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I saw an interesting article the other day discussing a small German company that is now making contact lenes for animals, including your favorite pet! The company now has offices here in the US and is looking to promote the products.
These lenes can be used on dogs, cats, horses, and even zoo animals. The company claims it helps with a variety is problems with the animals including protection from UV rays that can help horses impacted with "head shaker syndrome".
I have provided a link the the article here. It doesn't say how much something like this might cost to give good old fido his sight back!
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Dr. Edwards
Featured writer and veterinarian Dr. Mark Edwards lives in Auckland, New Zealand and is a small animal veterinarian in Auckland, New Zealand focusing on canine and feline medicine and surgery.