Hounds Corner

To prevent your dog from dragging you down the street, there are a number of measures you can take to successfully train them to walk in stride.  For larger dogs, a choke collar is advisable.  This collar gives the dog a small pinch whenever they pull on the leash too hard.  For smaller dogs, nose collars and dog harnesses are advisable because they will pull back on the dog’s head (nose collar), or front legs (harness) whenever they pull too hard, and train them gradually to walk with you. 

In addition to these methods, praise and treats following a tug on the leash or when the dog walks with you in stride will go a long way.

Whether boating with the family, or alone, there are a few rules to observe in order to stay safe out on the water.  Lifejackets should be worn by all children and adults on the boat.  In addition, if Fido comes along for the ride, a dog life vest is a good idea.  It is also advised all occupants stay seated whenever the boat is on hydroplane, or going more than about 20 MPH. 

You will also want to observe the rules of the water, keeping an eye out for buoys marking shallow water, and giving the right of way to other boaters when applicable.  Never boat at night unless you have no other choice.  Should you have to, turn on all your lights and remain observant.

Unlike people, it’s unrealistic for a dog to brush its teeth twice a day or visit a dentist every six months.  Thus it’s essential for dogs to clean their teeth through other means.  There are a variety of products which can assist in doing this.  Certain brands of pet treats and even pet food will bolster dental hygiene.  There are dog chew toys and special bones which when gnawed on will remove and prevent plaque and decay.

Without proper dental care, a pet can develop many of the same dental problems as humans, including cavities, gum disease, and impacted molars.

As one of the largest dog breeds on the planet, the English Mastiff can be a handful for its owner, but the Mastiff is also one of the most loving and fun breeds to own.  Despite their size and appearance, Mastiffs tend to be calm, affectionate, and good with kids and small children.  When put on the defense, Mastiffs can also act as guard dogs; they are fiercely loyal to their masters.  Mastiffs do not require excessive exercise, but do require regular exercise throughout their lives.  Because of their size, Mastiffs will require a great deal more food than a standard medium size dog.

Items like thick leather leashes, special order collars, and raised dog bowls may be necessary to accommodate the dog’s size, and can be purchased through specialty stores or online.

I have watched my friend’s toy fox terrier seek out the one squeaky toy in her overflowing toy basket so she can squeak it every few seconds.  Squeak, squeak, squeak!   It made me ask the question, why do dogs like squeaky toys so much?  I discovered, after doing a little bit of research, that dogs like squeaky toys because it satisfies a prey drive.  In the wild, injured prey, such as field mice or birds, will emit squeaks and cries similar to those high-pitched sounds dog squeaky toys make, revealing their condition and location to the dog on the hunt. 

Dogs also enjoy squeaky toys because they are more interactive than other toys.  It feels good for them to chew, and they enjoy the sound the toys make.  Larger breeds may be able to destroy a squeaky toy and pull out the squeaker quickly, so match the toy to the dog and invest in tougher rubber toys for larger breeds.  The squeaking mechanisms, when removed, can also present a choking hazard, so keep your eye out for them. Squeaky toys are usually rubber or plastic and can go from indoors to outdoors, which also makes them an enduring canine favorite.

Some people put bandanas on their dogs to distinguish them from other dogs in a group.  Many people just think it looks cool, especially with all the dog bandanas available these days.

There are lots of doggy print bandanas depicting bones and paw prints, or your dog can proudly wear the Harley-Davidson logo.   He can also be dressed for the season in a patriotic or Santa bandana.  A dog bandana is a good way to show off Fido’s style without trying to put clothes on him.

Open
All exercises in the open class are done off-lead, including a heeling pattern and figure eight, drop on recall, retrieve on the flat and over a high jump, a broad jump, and group exercises (three-minute sit-stay, five minute down-stay) with the handler out of the ring. Read the rest of this entry »

This Wild Tail is the ultimate toy for cats, ferrets, and small dogs. Just add one AA battery, turn it on and watch it jump and dart around. The soft tail and sturdy ball are perfect for biting or batting around. The constant motion will keep your pets attention. Catnip can be easily added to the tail for increased feline enjoyment. Cats, Ferrets, and small dogs will love chasing WILD TAIL! Check it out.

Novice

This is the first level of competition where the dog is judged on his ability to walk at heel with the handler on and off leash, stand and stay for a cursory examination by the judge, and come to the handler when called.

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If your like I was, going to a dog obedience trial was fun but I did not understand what I was actually looking at. We will start with an  introduction to the sport and add on over time. Explaining the exercises and what is expected of the dog and trainer. Good boy, lets get going.

Introduction Read the rest of this entry »