Cbtopdog: Agustus 2010

Selasa, 24 Agustus 2010

National Dog Day - August 26th

I'll bet you always wondered if such a day existed...now you know! –Kim

How to Celebrate National Dog Day – August 26
by M. Kaye Hash & Verjh

August 26 is National Dog Day. It seems very appropriate that such a day has been established. Dogs play an important role in the lives of so many people. One day isn't long enough for the celebration of dogs, but it's a great way to get the celebration started.

If at all possible, celebrate this day by adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue group. There are so many wonderful dogs in need of a home. If adopting isn't an option for you right now, then commit to some volunteer time working at a shelter. That is one way to celebrate dog day that can extend throughout the year. Perhaps you could open your home and heart and do some foster care for a shelter or rescue organization.
Donate money to your local animal shelter. Many shelters are in need and are struggling to care for their animals as well as helps these animals become adopted. Even just donating five dollars for National Dog Day will help.
Gather up your extra pet supplies, or those you are no longer using, and take them to your local shelter for National Dog Day. Crates, bedding, food, leashes and just about anything else is needed.
Give your time for National Dog Day if you have nothing else to give. Shelters need volunteers who are willing to bathe and brush the animals and help clean out the kennels. If nothing else you can help walk the dogs. This helps keep them socialized and lets them expend some of the pent up energy from waiting to go to a good home.
There would be fewer dogs in shelters if people would act responsibly and have their dogs spayed or neutered. In celebration of dog day, help promote spay/neuter programs in your area.
Service dogs make the world accessible for many disabled people. Donate to a program that trains service dogs. Your contribution to such a cause can make a difference in someone's life.
If appropriate, consider entering a dog therapy training program with your dog. Therapy dogs are a wonderful source of encouragement and delight for the elderly, the terminally ill and for children in hospitals.
Look out for the dogs in your neighborhood. Offer to water the dog next door while the owners are at work or take the elderly lady's dog from down the street for a walk so she doesn't have to. Watch for strange dogs in the area and call Animal Control if necessary for the safety of the people and pets in your neighborhood.
Hug your own dog. After all, it is National Dog Day so make sure you spend some extra quality time with your own pooch. Buy a new toy or bed, take him for a ride in the car just for the sake of it, or let her play fetch until she decides she's done.
Today would be a good day for you to check the veterinarian records for your dog, just to make sure everything is current. Your dog depends on you to take care of his/her physical needs, as well as to fulfill his/her desire for love and attention.

Sources:
http://www.ehow.com/how_5288646_celebrate-national-dog-day.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_5239397_celebrate-national-dog-day-august.html
Copyright ©2010 eHow, Inc.

Also, see:

Every Dog is a Hero!
Send a picture and quick story to PetPac in celebration of National Dog Day!
If your picture and story is selected, PetPac will showcase your "best friend."

The Animal Miracle Foundation & Network
This organization is home to National Dog Day!
Here are more ways to Celebrate the day in meaningful ways!

Minggu, 22 Agustus 2010

Dancing with Your Dog

Here's a great article that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it interesting! –Kim

The Sport of Dancing Dogs
by KarenC

In the early 1990's the sport of Dog Dancing began. Since then, it has only gotten more popular. Women play the primary role in the sport. Some men are catching onto the fun and beginning to really strut their stuff. The sport of Dog Dancing practically screams out the necessity of wearing costumes.

The pair do their dancing to music performing intricate moves. It is a fun sport for the performers and the spectators. The dog handler chooses their music and choreographs their movements based on basic obedience. The training is excellent for the dog and fun for the owner, bringing the dog and owner into a closer relationship.

#1 Dog Dancing Team in the World:
Carolyn Scott & Rookie

When I First Saw Dog Dancing!

When I saw Dog Dancing for the first time on video, I got chills. It was so inspiring. You could tell the team, dog and handler, had a long standing relationship. They could never have done such an exciting routine without time and patience getting there. It was wonderful to see.
After watching these Dancing Dogs, I wanted to learn to dance with my dog. Both the owner and the dog looked like they were having loads of fun.

I use to show in dog obedience trials. There is a lot of training involved. In the more advanced levels, the dog has to jump, sniff out articles, stay in place with the owner out of sight and many other accomplishments. But,it's so stilted compared to Dog Dancing.

I'm also familiar with musical freestyle with horses. Dog Dancing is very much the same. Both, canine dancing and equine musical freestyles remind me of ballroom dancing. There's a lot of feeling and expression when it's done right. This is great teamwork. What a relationship they must have. Enjoy the videos below.

Gladiator Dog Team – Canine Freestyle

What is Canine Freestyle?

The World Canine Freestyle Association defines canine freestyle as follows:

"Musical Freestyle is a choreographed musical program performed by handlers and their dogs. The object of musical freestyle is to display the dog and handler in a creative, innovative and original dance, using music and intricate movements to showcase teamwork, artistry, costuming, athleticism and style in interpreting the theme of the music. Heelwork-to-Music incorporates traditional dog obedience and the art of dressage with the inclusion of musical interpretation, dance elements, and costuming with an emphasis on non-standard obedience movements. Both Musical Freestyle and Heelwork-to-Music routines should create a visually exciting display which is enjoyable to watch and which is equally enjoyable to dogs and handlers executing the programs. Canine freestyle is a showcase that truly demonstrates the joys and fun of bonding with your pet."

Getting Started in Canine Freestyle

It all starts with basic obedience training, only with a twist. In basic obedience, the dog heels only on one side. With Freestyle the dog needs to be trained to heel on either side. Also, with all other routine training, the dog should perform on one side as well as the other.

It is best to train your dog to have his attention on you. During the dance routines, your dog will need to take his cues from you.

Other beginning training should include backing in a straight line, pivoting in place, and side stepping. Remember to practice both directions and both sides as well as in front of you. The aim is to show off your dog's grace, beauty and athleticism.

Once the basics are in place, start practicing to music. Experiment with the different moves seeing how much distance you cover together in a side pass.

You want to make good use of about a 40 X 50 foot area.

Get your dog happy. Move with the beat. You will find your relationship with your dog growing. There's nothing like Freestyle to improve your dog's attitude and attention.

Find out what Canine Freestyle events are coming soon. Visit the Canine Freestyle Federation, Inc.

More Dog Dancing Videos

Attila – Canine Freestyle

Some Required Moves

The art of Dog Dancing has quite a few classy moves for dog and handler to practice. Here are some of the basic required moves:

Heeling: the dog stays by your side.
Turns: When you turn your dog stays at your side.
Pivots: Turning in place with your dog at your side.
Frontwork: The dog is in front of the handler with his body straight and centered on the handler.
Side Pass: Moving to the right or left with dog and handler remaining parallel, dog remaining straight from head to tail.
Distance Work: Moving with at least 6 feet between dog and handler.
Pace Changes: Walk to run to walk are pace chenges.
Various Other Movements: Stepping in place, Weaving, Rollover, Crawl, Jump and Spin.
Make Up Your Own: There's always room for innovative thinking. Make up a new dance step.

Cas – Canine Freestyle

Creative Potential in Dog Freestyle

In Dog Freestyle, there is a huge potential for creativity. The possibilities are limited only by you and your dog. The idea is to show your dog off to advantage. The dog performs a variety of tricks and other obedience abilities. The trainer's dance abilities and creativness are key points in freestyle. It's very important the routine flow with the music chosen.

The main focus is to be on the dog. If the handler does most of the movements to the music, the focus moves to the handler and is taken off of the dog. This is frowned upon in canine musical freestyle because this is suppose to be a dog sport.

It's important that the dog look graceful and comfortable in the movements. Between changing speeds, varying movements and adding different jumps, twists and turns, you can create different routines.

Don't forget your dog can have a say, too. If you watch how your dog acts, you may pick up on some cute, funny or absolutely fantastic moves. It's a partnership. Let your dog be as creative as you. Have fun!

Source: Dancing Dogs Squidoo

Also, see:
Doggy wanna learn merengue :-)

Rabu, 18 Agustus 2010

Tips on How to Find a Lost Pet

Here's a great article that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it interesting! –Kim

How to Find a Lost Pet Quickly

By Rose Alexander
May 7, 2008

It can be very difficult to find a lost pet. Pets hold special places in our hearts and it is distressing to think of them being lost and alone. Even with all the preventive measures a responsible owner takes, pets can still run away and get lost quickly.

If your pet disappears, don't panic. The following steps will assist you in finding your pet or can help you assist someone in finding their lost pet. The earlier you take action, the better chance you have of finding a lost pet. Keeping calm and acting quickly is a much safer and more effective method than standing around in shock and disbelief. Many people have lost a pet and, through quick thinking, found it soon after it went missing.

Search the Neighborhood: If your pet runs away, drive around the neighborhood and pause at areas your pet is likely to be; call out its name. If your pet has favorite toys that make noise, bring those. Rattle the pet food bag or do anything noisy that would get your pet to come to you.

If you have another pet (especially a dog), bring it along as well in case it would pick up a scent. Depending on how soon you notice that your cuddly friend is gone, it may still be in the area. If you walked your pet outdoors, check the paths and routes you took before. If possible, try to keep a cell phone handy in case someone finds the animal and calls the number on the collar. It wouldn't hurt to call the neighbors you're friendly with and ask them to keep an eye out for your pet. Also have someone stay at home. Some pets return home shortly after leaving.

It's not that uncommon to have one wander off and then make its way back home later. Remember to call its name out from the yard, some animals don't want to stray too far from familiar places.

Posting "Lost Pet" Signs: If a pet is lost, there's always a chance that someone will find it. Create lost pet signs using weather-resistant paper and markers. It helps to make the print large enough for people to read easily while driving by. You should include basic information like the type of breed your pet is, any distinguishing features and contact information – usually just a phone number. As added incentive, some people offer rewards for finding their pet.

Before posting signs around town, find out where you can legally post signs. The next step is to find places with good visibility and where many people can pass by it. Most grocery stores have bulletin boards near the entrances to serve this purpose. Another good place to leave a sign is at the local veterinarian's office. If neighbors are having yard sales, drop by and leave a sign there as well. Try to inform as many people as possible that your pet is missing. They or someone they know may have seen or found the animal.

Check the Local Animal Shelter: Some people, upon finding a pet, may not have a place to keep it until the owner comes to claim it. These people resort to calling the local animal shelter and having them hold the pet.

It wouldn't hurt to call or look for your pet at the local animal shelter. If your beloved pet isn't there, ask an employee whether any pickups were requested to make sure your pet doesn't arrive after you leave. You may want to call or check in every few days to see whether it was dropped off. This is an important step to make sure your animal doesn't stay too long and get put up for adoption. It wouldn't hurt to call the veterinarian's office afterwards to see if it was brought in following an injury.

In the Meantime... You can try calling local veterinary offices in case it was brought in with an injury, but there is only so much you can do while looking for a lost pet. It's difficult, but try not to dwell on the subject any more than you need to. Do as much as you can to continue your daily routine. Should you feel sad and are unable to stop thinking about it, try a craft of some sort to make the time pass quickly. If you're trying to console a friend who has lost a pet, remind that person of all the positive things that can happen, like someone finding the animal and returning it promptly. Let that person know that some pets only go so far and then come back home or that a neighbor may find it soon.

Helping your friend scour the neighborhood not only increases the chances of finding the lost pet, but also helps your friend when he or she is going through a difficult time.

Little-used Methods: Some people will only put forth so much effort in finding their lost pet. These next few tips and ideas are not as commonly used, but could be helpful. These tips are geared toward getting the information out to more people.

Some folks will go through the trouble of ordering business cards at a local store and having them printed with information similar to the content on the lost sign. You can do several things with these cards. You could personally pass them out in public or receive permission to set them at store check out counters and registers. You also can leave a few stapled to your signs so people could take the info. The cards can be left on doorsteps and tucked into the windshield wipers of car windows.

Other people sometimes contact a lost pet service for additional search assistance and ideas. Some organizations will even send out voluntary search groups. They offer tips on how to find a lost pet, hold seminars with experienced speakers and a few even have dogs that are trained to track and find lost animals. There are pet detectives that are waiting to help you search for your lost animal. Try running searches on the Internet to find an agency near you.

Depending on the size and location of your neighborhood, if the police patrol the area regularly, you might contact the department to see if a stray pet has been reported. Local shops and stores might have overheard customers speaking of a lost animal.

The lessons learned in losing a pet can be painful, but helpful. You probably want to invest in collars that have information engraved on the tag so you can be contacted if someone finds your pet. A regular yard fence, whether wooden or metal, also helps to keep your pet at home. Invisible dog fences are popular for keeping dogs from wandering. For harder to contain animals, outdoor pets are having microchips implanted that emit radio signals when activated (see Registry Services listed below). Another idea is to use a GPS unit attached to your pet. If a pet should run away or get lost, the implanted chip or GPS can lead the owners to the pet's exact location.

Figuring out the best method to find a lost pet involves a lot of time, effort and energy. Do your best while searching and think positively. Half the battle is emotional. Don't panic and do everything possible to stay positive. If you are sad and anxious, call a friend. Don't think you have to worry alone. If you use the tips above, you could very well find your lost pet within a day or two.

Source: http://www.lifescript.com/Life/Family/Pets/Tips_On_How_To_Find_A_Lost_Pet.aspx
Copyright © 2008 – lifescript.com

Also, see:
Finding a Lost Pet – Where to Start

Lost Pet Sites & Services

Lost Pet Notification Service

Cold Note Investigators

Found Pet Sites & Services

Pet Registry Services

Missing Pet Partnership

USAR Plus

Other Helps

Free iPhone App

Lost Your Pet? Up to 85% Success Rate.

Selasa, 17 Agustus 2010

Federal Police Officer Shoots Dog in Park

Family Demands Justice for Shooting
August 4, 2010

Authorities in Anne Arundel County say they won't file charges against a federal officer who entered an off-leash dog park with his leashed German shepherd and shot a Siberian husky, whom he thought was playing too roughly with his dog.

Bear-Bear, a 3-year-old brown and white husky, was playing in the Quail Run dog park at about 6:30 p.m. Monday when the officer and his wife arrived with a German shepherd, who was kept on a leash.

According to the Baltimore Sun, when the dogs began to play roughly, the federal officer asked Bear-Bear's guardian – the brother of the dog's owner – to call off the dog. Then, seconds later, he pulled out a gun and shot Bear-Bear.

Bear-Bear died of his injuries a few hours later.

Anne Arundel County police, astonishingly, have not named the federal officer, and – equally astonishingly – say no charges will be filed against him. No further investigation appears to be planned at the time of this story.

"I've been bawling my eyes out since 7 p.m. last night," Rachel Rettaliata, Bear-Bear's owner, told the Sun. "It's grief mixed with anger. We're so angry this guy was able to take our animal for what we feel was no reason at all…We still don't believe that he's gone. We just want so badly to be diligent about this. [The officer] has to pay some sort of consequence for his foolishness."

Rettaliata adopted Bear-Bear about two years ago from a husky rescue. He'd been seized from a Delaware home where people had tied him up outside and neglected him.

"JUSTICE FOR BEAR-BEAR" window
cling stickers are showing up on cars
in the Arundel County area.

Bear-Bear was a regular at the dog park in Quail Run, a community of townhomes. Neighbors say the park is generally an easygoing place where well-mannered dogs play with one another.

"I've never personally seen him be aggressive toward any dog or human or anything, for that matter," Tarnna Hernandez, who lives two doors down from the Rettaliatas, told the Sun.

"I have not seen that dog hurt anyone. Or snarl. He's never even barked," she said. "His only way was to get out a gun out and shoot him? Uh-uh. It's completely unbelievable."

The manager of the homeowner's association, Dorothy Pearce, called the shooting "tragic... A community of homeowners with children playing around should not have gun-crazy, off-duty policemen shooting in their area – especially, a dog in a controllable situation."

According to Rettaliata, Bear-Bear didn't cry out when shot. "He just went and laid down," she said.

Carolyn Kilborn, chairwoman of Maryland Votes for Animals, based in Annapolis, said the case should be further investigated.

"The killing of the dog in Severn is a sad situation that should be investigated carefully to determine if the incident was caused by a dangerous dog or a dangerous person," she said.

A "Justice for Bear-Bear" Facebook page has been established, encouraging concerned citizens to contact county authorities through this email address.

Jumat, 13 Agustus 2010

What's Really in Dog Food?

Here's a very informative article that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it helpful! –Kim

The Ten Worst Commercial Dog Food Ingredients
March 17, 2010

The ingredients of dog food remain a mystery, with most of us not really wanting to know the truth about what our beloved pet is feasting on.

But just as it's important to read the labels on the food you bring into your kitchen, the same goes for your dog's food. When it comes to properly reading the labels on most commercial dog food packages, you need to know the inside scoop on what is actually meant by terms like "meat and bone meal" and "poultry by-products."

Here is your guide to decoding ten of the worst commercial dog food ingredients.

What's Really in dog food?

Wheat: Wheat is the number one allergy in dogs and because of its high carbohydrate content, is a contributing factor in canine obesity. Label may refer to wheat flour, wheat germ, wheat mill run, middlings or mid.
Corn: Corn is the number two allergy in dogs and another source of heavy carbohydrates because of its high sugar content. While corn can be source of certain nutrients, the corn used in commercial dog food contains the entire corn plant, including the root to the stems.
Soy: The number three allergy-provoking food for dogs, soybean meal or soy flour is a highly processed form of soybeans that are void of the essential fats, antioxidants and minerals naturally found in the soybean.
By-Product Meal: In reference to meat, poultry or beef, by-products refers to any part of the animal other than the muscle tissue. By-product refers to the head, feet or feather parts of the animal.
Digest: Referred to as "poultry digest" or "meat digest," this term actually refers to roadkill animals and euthanized pets.
Ethoxyquin: This deadly preservative is banned for use in human foods, but is commonly added in commercial dog foods.
Egg Product: While whole eggs are extremely nutritious for dogs, "egg product" refers to egg shells, eggs that have gone rancid or those that have spoiled.
Brewer's Rice: Refers to rice sections that have been discarded from the rice kernel. Brewer's rice is broken shells of rice that lack nutrients and have been discarded. They are either going to get swept off from the floor and tossed into the garbage or added into the dog food mixer.
Preservatives: Additives like BHA are meant to prolong the shelf-life of the dog food or improve the food's appearance, but they offer no nutritional value to your dog's food and may actually harm your pet.
Cellulose: This pulp left over from fibrous plants is just another name for sawdust.

Click here (video) to see more about the benefits of making your own dog food.

Source: http://www.k9criticalcare.com/news/26/The-Ten-Worst-Commercial-Dog-Food-Ingredients.html
Copyright 2010 BirkDale Medicinals Store

Rabu, 11 Agustus 2010

How to Litterbox Train Your Dog

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Continued - Click for more information, plus some BONUSES....

Jumat, 06 Agustus 2010

Remove Ticks from Your Pet

Here's a timely article that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it helpful! –Kim

How to Remove a Tick from Your Dog, Cat or Yourself

Have you ever tried to remove a tick from your dog, cat, or even yourself? Did you try to remove the tick by grabbing and yanking it off?

Maybe you grabbed a bottle of alcohol and tried to smother it or even burn it to make it turn loose. These methods of tick removal are not effective. They can even do more harm than good.

When you find a tick on your pet or yourself, it does need to be removed as quickly as possible. However, there are correct and safe ways of tick removal without risking further exposure to the tick's saliva, which is often infested with disease.

What are Ticks?

Contrary to popular belief, ticks are not insects. They are disgusting little 8-legged mites who live only to suck the blood of their host. Any warm-blooded creature will do; ticks are not selective.

There are many different types, sizes and colors of ticks, which make it very easy for them to blend in with your pet's fur or your own hair for that matter. Weighing virtually nothing, ticks navigate the body undetected until they attach and begin to feast upon a blood meal. Some ticks, such as the deer tick, are so small you can barely see them until after they have fed and started to swell.

The Do's and Don'ts of Tick Removal

DO:
Use rubber gloves to avoid direct contact with the tick.
Use tweezers or a "Tick Key" to gently remove the tick.
Use all-natural flea and tick control, such as TripleSure Natural Flea and Tick Spray, which will kill the tick on contact without the use of any chemicals or harmful additives.
DON'T:
Grab the tick bare handed.
Squeeze the tick's body when removing.
Twist or wiggle the tick.
Try to smother the tick with alcohol or Vaseline.
Attempt to kill the tick using a match or other device for burning.
Drown your pet in harmful, chemical-based flea and tick-killers.

The Correct and Safe Way to Remove a Tick

Because ticks carry infectious diseases, it is important to have the proper tools handy, prior to attempting to remove a tick. Items you should have include:

An all-natural tick-killer product
Rubber gloves
Fine-tipped tweezers or a "Tick Key"
Cotton swab
Alcohol
Soap and water

With these items at hand, the proper way to remove a tick is:

Put on rubber gloves. If you have an all-natural tick-killer product such as TripleSure, spray the tick, which kills it on contact. Do not use a match, Vaseline or alcohol in an attempt to kill the tick.
Firmly grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible using fine tipped tweezers or "Tick Key".
Pull the tick straight backwards to remove it. Do not use too much pressure or a twisting motion, or you may inject more of the tick's saliva into the bloodstream, which increases the chance of an infection.
After you have removed the tick, kill it using alcohol if it is not already dead. Make sure the tick is disposed of in the garbage or by flushing it down the toilet.
Clean the site of the bite with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol. Then clean it again with soap and water.

Prevention

There are virtually dozens of products on the market to help combat tick infestation. Most of these products, however, are heavily laden with chemicals that easily penetrate your pet's skin, causing potentially serious side effects and health problems. When looking for a reliable yet safe product, be sure to choose one that is all natural and chemical free.

Ticks are carriers of disease. Dogs are highly susceptible to Lyme disease in particular and, without proper treatment, can suffer devastating effects to their overall health, including heart, joint and neurological problems.

Humans can also become infected with Lyme disease and suffer serious and sometimes irreversible effects if left untreated. Although pets do not directly infect humans, the ticks they carry can. By moving from the pet to their human owners, ticks can bite and infect humans with disease. Remember to do regular checks and remove a tick immediately from your pets, as well as yourself, to safeguard against potential illness and allergies, and to avoid unwanted guests.

Source: http://www.natural-wonder-pets.com/remove-a-tick.html
Copyright 2007-2010 Gary Le Mon

Also, see: