Hello again. Just wanted to say that in one of my books, I said that when a person gets a dog, it’s for the dogs lifetime; a “forever home”…still true. But I further said, “because I never heard of renting a dog”. Well, I have to eat my words, because now they have places that rent dogs to those who don’t want the responsibilities of owning a dog or don’t have the space for one.
I do have mixed feelings on ‘renting’ a dog. In a way, the person or family that does rent a dog, has the chance to see what kind of fun/work/training/time/expenses, that goes into having a dog full time before they get one.
For those who may think they are ready for a dog… renting a dog helps the person by having this experience and knowledge, so they can make a better choice before they get a dog.
I’m just worried about what impact this has on the dogs that get “rented” and get returned again and again and again.
Dogs bark for many reasons. They may be lonely and bored or in need of attention. They also may be trying to tell you that they are hungry, afraid or just answering the call of another dog down the street.
When my dog barks, I first see if there is someone or something making him bark; something I can see…because dogs can hear things we can’t. If all is quite and no one is sneaking around; I tell him, “No bark, bad boy”. This may have to be repeated a few times if he does not listen. Each time I have to repeat it, I use a sterner voice.
If there is someone or something I can see or hear that is in our yard or walking down the street. I tell him, “Good boy,” for letting me know that someone is close by that could pose a danger. I praise him for that alert. After they pass…he quiets down.
Some say just to ignore your dog when he barks, but that just reinforces the bad behavior. If your dog is a barker, you have to show that you are in charge, and not him; otherwise he may not listen to you on any command.
When he listens to your commands, praise him. You can also give him a treat from time to time, but not to often, or he’ll get smart, and bark just to get a dog treat Dogs are smart and can learn quickly, but this must be done with plenty of patience on your part.
Also, make sure your dog has room to run and safe toys to play with, so he doesn’t get bored, thus causing barking. You can also take your dog for a walk or play with him for awhile, which will tire him out and he’ll be calmer and happier.
When you do things with your dog, he also feels more contented and loved. There are dog classes you can take your dog to…puppy kindergarten or adult dog classes. Obedience will also make your dog a better companion because he will learn to listen to your commands. Dogs love to please their masters and when he listens, and you praise him…he’s happy; which in turn, makes you happy.
Exercise – All dogs need some sort of exercise. This helps his muscles from breaking down so fast as he ages; keeps his heart healthy and also helps the dogs attitude.
Dog Food – Feed your dog good dog food. Ask your Vet what he recommends for the breed of dog you have. If you bought your dog from a breeder – ask what they feed.
Vaccines/worming medicine – Seems like a lot of people differ on how often a dog need these. Puppies usually have a certain schedule. It’s important to worm and give vaccines to puppies. The worming medicine has a schedule on the bottle. If you have a pup, your Veterinarian can set you up on a schedule for worming and vaccines. Adult dogs need vaccines/worming medicine, but not as often as puppies. Your Veterinarian can help you decide on how often.
Collar with dog tags – Although this is a good idea in case the dog gets lose, it can also be dangerous. Dogs collars can get caught on something and choke the dog. In my opinion microchip or tattoos are safer.
Socialization – Being a pup or an adult it is important to get the dog out to see other people, hear noises and see new things. This keeps the dog from being shy or aggressive. If your dog is shy or if you think he might be becoming aggressive, it is very important to get “nip it in the bud” as they say, for your dogs sake and yours.
Puppy classes and/or training classes – This is another way to socialize your dog and to help him learn how to behave better and to keep him safe.
Spay or Neuter – Unless it’s a show dog (because they can’t be shown if they are fixed), dogs should be spayed or neutered. This will help keep the dog population under control and the dog shelters from filling up with unwanted puppies or dogs from the irresponsible owners that just let their dogs run. If you get a dog for a companion, that’s great – But get him/her spayed or neutered. You can take him/her to your Veterinarian to get the job done … or look for spay/neuter clinic “bus” that travels around from place to place. They offer low prices for spay or neuter.
Give your time – Your dog loves every minute he can get with you. If you work, he can hardly wait for the moment you come home. Don’t just brush him off to the side and sit down to watch TV. Give him the one thing he has waited for all day – your time. Pet him, hug him, play fetch with him or brush him. Let him know you have missed him too.
Toys – When you take your dog to the pet store, pick out toys that “fit” your dog. If you have a small dog you obviously don’t want large toys that the dog can’t even get his mouth around to play with it. A large dog will need toys that can withstand his “bite or jaw” power. Soft rubber toys shouldn’t be given to large dogs because they can chew them up within minutes; and of course you don’t want them to swallow any pieces. Be wise in your selection of toys
Love - Most important thing you can give your dog is love. Taking care of him, keeping him safe and healthy shows you love him, and he knows that. He doesn’t ask for much…just your love. After all, he loves you with all his heart. You can see it in his eyes. He is your friend, companion and protector. Because he loves you, he will unselfishly lay his life down for you if needed.
Howdy! ~ Sorry for letting this site go for so long. I’ll try to write a little more often now
Since my last post, one of my brothers passed away…and I had to put down 2 dogs…one in March and the other one this month. They were brother and sister. (would have been 14 years old on July 4th).
Anyway…life goes on… and so will this blog.
Thank you all for the nice comments about this blog. I had many since I have been away. I hope you will visit me again and tell your friends.
Hi everyone! As you may know…Thanksgiving Day is fast approaching here in the USA.
I can almost smell turkey baking…pumpkin pie smell in the air…kids running all around with family and friends talking in the background and good old football on the TV.
Yes, it can be a good time of year – but also a dangerous one for our four legged friends. Yes, I mean our dogs. As you know, they are great “beggars” when it comes to human food.
I just want to remind you, (and for those who don’t already know): Do NOT feed your dog any turkey skin. Left over foods aren’t really good for your dog anyway, and turkey skin is so unhealthy for him because it has a high fat content in it.
Now I don’t want you to be scared of feeding your dog table scrapes…. YES I DO !! If you want to treat your dog at Thanksgiving or any special occasions – just keep dog biscuits handy. You can still feed him some of these at the dinner table while you eat.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day – and remember to keep human food out of the reach of your dogs. You don’t want your turkey missing do you? Gooble Gooble
For more tips on safety and health for your dogs…check out this:
The heat from the summer sun can be almost unbearable for us at times. We can turn on fans or even air conditioners to keep us cooler, but what about the dog? How can you protect your dog from the summer heat when the temperature keeps climbing?
Below I have a few suggestions that may save your dogs life from the blistering heat of summer.
1. Air Conditioner – For people who own a kennel, the best thing for the dogs would be to have an air condition building that you can keep your dogs in when the temperature keeps climbing. After the heatwave, than they can go outside in their kennel runs so they are able to enjoy the cooler breeze of summer. (Note: I have kennel runs inside my building and kennel runs outside as well. I do bring my dogs inside the building every night around 9 pm. or so; no matter what the weather is. I feel the dogs are safer and it keeps the neighbors happy because they don’t hear any noise from the dogs during the night).
2. House dogs -If you only have house dogs and live in a super hot place during summer – having an air conditioner is a real plus for your dog(s) as well. During the hottest part of the day, the dog needs to be in the house. If the dog needs to go “potty,” make sure that the dog is not outside for too long. The dog can not survive without shade and plenty of water during a heatwave. (Note: I have a doggy door installed in my backdoor. This way the dog can go out when he needs to potty and can come back in when he is done).
3. Fans -Use fans or a “gel pack” fan covers over the fans. There is a product that fits over the round plastic (or medal) cover of the fan, (that protects the blades from being touched). It’s a thin netting type material, that holds a “gel pack” in the middle. This gel pack can be frozen and put in place on the fan cover. When the fan is turned on, it forces the air to blow on the “gel pack,” and it instantly produces a cool breeze.
4.Garden hose -Use your garden hose to wet down the “underside” of the dog, (belly, inside back legs and up to his chest. Also soak the dogs feet. This helps keep him cooler.
5. Make a pool of water -I fill the front of my kennel runs with water so they can run around in it and stay cooler for a little bit, (until the water leaks out). I do this several times a day, (along with soaking the dogs underside thoroughly each time).
6. Fresh drinking water –Always change the dogs water daily. The dogs love the taste of cold water.
7. Swimming –Take you dog swimming when you go the lake or swimming hole. One of our friends has a very large pool that she uses just for the dogs. ? Swimming is a great way to cool down your dog and it is also great exercise for him/her.
8. Use a sprinkler – Turn on your sprinkler and let the dogs play in the water, or get a child’s plastic swimming pool and fill it with water and let them jump in and out of the pool. They love to splash the water everywhere. Try to keep the kids pool in a shaded area if you can.
9. Your yard – Soak a large section of your yard that is in the shade, so they can lay in it and/or roll around in the cool wet grass.
10. Shade – Don’t let your dog(s) outside in the direct sun for very long. They need shade, (and water). Dogs can get “heat stroke” just like humans can and they can also get sunburned; (especially the light colored dogs and/or dogs with a white nose).
For more information on how to keep your dog safe all year around, take a peek right here!
1 ¾ Cups Flour
¼ Cup Sesame Seeds
½ Cup Brown Sugar
½ Tbsp. Butter
½ Cup Ground Walnuts
1 Egg Yolk
½ tsp. Vanilla Extract
2 Tbsp. Toasted Wheat Germ
Combine in given order. Knead until thoroughly blended. Cut into strips or squares. Bake at 375 degrees on un-greased cookie sheet for 12 – 15 minutes. Cool. Store in an airtight container. Keeps for 2 weeks.
If your dog gets sprayed by a skunk, its almost an unbearable smell. You have to get that smell and thiols out of the dogs coat as soon as possible. ( Thiols: a yellow oil that the skunks spray, which is stored in the two glands at the base of their tail). If you live in place where your dog may come into contact with a skunk, you’ll need to know what to do.
Grab some rubber gloves and be sure to protect your eyes, should your dog shake himself off. You don’t want any skunk spray in your eyes. (Try “safety glasses” or “goggles”).
Now you need to get the oily spray off the dog as soon as possible. Grab some paper towels or old absorbent towels and wipe off your dog, to get whatever you can before it has a chance to soak in, as this will help reduce the effect of the skunk odor.
Before shampooing the dog, get a wet warm washcloth and clean the face and eye area. Skunks usually spray their predictors in the face with their spray. This spray can cause momentary blindness if the liquid gets near the eyes. To clean the eyes…try to keep the dogs eye open with one hand and gently pour the lukewarm water into the eye. Then do the same with the other eye. (Keep the dogs head turned sideways and down a bit so the water can run out).
I have been told that a drop of mineral oil in each eye, will protect the dogs eyes from the soap during his bath. Then use little saline solution after the bath because that will rinse most of it out so your dog can see again without a film.
“Old Standbys” that are commonly used
1. Tomato juice – Pour the tomato juice over the dog , keeping it away from the eyes, nose and mouth, and rub it into the dogs coat. Rinse well. When washing the face area, be careful not to get any in the dogs eyes. Depending on how much of the skunk spray got on the dog, you may have to repeat with more tomato juice. Then after rising off the tomato juice again, wash dog with his shampoo in lukewarm water and rinse thoroughly. Again, this may have to be repeated until the smell is gone. This is one of the “old standbys,” but does it really do the job well enough? I have learned that tomatojuice only masks the odor.
2. Vinegar and water – This is another home remedy that really doesn’t do all that well. The smell of the vinegar may mask the skunk smell, but it doesn’t to much else.
Now…I will list what I was told, works a lot better.
(Note: Although this solution does work well, the coat and skin will get verydried out. This dryness can be counteracted by using a good quality creme rinse that replenishes moisture. It is NOT recommended to use conditioners during the de-skunking process). Now…
Mix the following in an container
1 pint Hydrogen peroxide
½ cup Baking soda
1 teas. Dawn dish washing soap (Dawn cuts grease/oil)
After you have mixed it well, now fill the bathtub with lukewarm water and carefully lift the dog into the bathtub. (If your dog will jump in, it will be easier on you). Once the dog is in the tub start applying the mixture to the dog that you just made, rubbing it in generously over his whole body down deep into the skin. Let this solution sit on the dog for a 5 – 6 minutes. Important:DO NOT get any of this solution in the dogs eyes, nose or mouth.
Now rinse your dog thoroughly and drain the tub. Rinse the dog again. Once you are done rinsing the dog well, then use a dog shampoo with a good pH balance to thoroughly wash the dogs coat. You may have to wash the dog several times, depending on how much the dog got sprayed by the skunk. ( if you have any lavender oil, add a few drops to the dogs coat as you are giving the dog his last lathering of shampoo). Rinse well to make sure there is no residue left on the dog. (Again – keeping the shampoo away from the dogs eyes, nose and mouth. You can wash the dogs head and muzzle with a washcloth, but rinse it off right away so it doesn’t get into the dogs eyes, nose or mouth). Use warm water to wash your dog.
Supplies you’ll need:
paper towels
safety glasses or goggles
rubber gloves
dog shampoo
washcloth
De-skunking Mixture:
1. Tomato Juice
or
2. Vinegar
or
3. Hydrogen Peroxide
mixed with: Baking Soda and Dawn dish washing soap
There are over-the-counter solutions that are said to work very well, but in a pinch, you can make up any of the three solutions mentioned above. Good luck.
Dogs are smart and can learn quickly, but this must be done with plenty of patience on your part. 
