The Season of Winter

Blog # 27
Winter is here (well at least the month of winter is here)!

Some may experience cold weather, but we can't forget our fellow cainine companions. Even though they may not show signs that they are experiencing the cold weather, they could still catch a cold or pnuemonia- especially puppies or older dogs.

here are a few tips on keeping your dogs warm and safe during the winter season:

1) Try to let your dog sleep inside and avoid having him sleep outside

2) If possible, purchase them a doggie bed or crate to prevent them from sleeping on the cold floor

3)Feed your dog more food...extra food+ extra weight=more warmth

4) Buy them warm jackets (yes, jackets), booties or blankets so thay can have something warm to cuddle in

Pet Airways

Blog #26
Yes that's right, dogs can travel too!

Pet airways offers flights to:

Los Angeles
Arizona
Atlanta
Baltimore/Washington
Chicago
Denver
Fort Lauderdale
New York
and Omaha

And yes, there are departure dates and times as well!

There are a few pre-flight things that are required

Pre-Flight Checklist:

Health Certificate and a negative fecal exam dated within 14 days of travel

Vaccinations:

Dogs (Rabies, DHLPP, Bordetella) Cats (FVRCPP, Rabies)

Pet Height:

Please ensure pets are the height stated as we will not be able to take them if they are larger. We measure from the paws to the top of the head. There is a cost and it is $149. Im not sure where my dog would want to go but I think i'd rather her stay in California

Black Friday

Blog #25
It,s black Friday and yes, it's true.... Dog stores are having sales too!

Petsmart is offering 50% off all pet holiday brand toys, collars, raw hides and many more things. This offer only took place on black Friday, the infamous day where people crowd the doors before dawn to get the great discounts on items they have been waiting to get all year long.

Some people may think...why do dog stores participate in black Friday?

Well owning a dog is expensive so having a day were dog products are half off is something every dog owner shouldn't miss out on!

dailywordbuzz.com

Doggie thanksgiving

Blog #24
Today is a day to give thanks for everything we have and to be with our family and friends (yes, pets should be included)


Dog owners should also give thanks to the pet in their life. Be thankful that your dog is there for you and adds tons of joy to your day. You can also be thankful for your dogs health and wish for many more years of life for your dog.


So when your sitting with your family or friends, don't forget about the furry little dog that greets you at your dog

The national dog show presented by Purina

Every thanksgiving after the Macy's thanksgiving day parade on NBC, there is the popular dog show presented by Purina where dogs of all breeds strut their stuff to win the top prize.

This competition was filmed on Novemeber 14 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA.

There are currently 2,000 dogs in the competition, but who will take home the great prize.

These competitions are so interesting to watch. All the dogs are so well trained and in top notch condition.

nydailynews.com

I wish my dog would be able to sit still and compete in a pageant!

Famous Dogs

I was sitting here watching Glee with my cousins and the Tommy Hilfiger commercial came on featuring Beagle.

This got me thinking of all the dogs that are used to create or have been featured in TV or Movies.


 Bush Baked Beans commerical...


I am sure most people know who this dog is...or for that matter, have heard about these beans and the famous dog they feature. Ever Wonde what this dogs name is? Well his name is Paddington and the  Golden Retriever.


There are several other dogs that are famous.

How about about Snoopy from Charlie Brown?

Google.com

Everyone knows Lassie...

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 Who could forget Airbud

google.com



I have always wondered how these dogs become famous. After researching I found out there are some dog talent agencies.

One famous talent agency is Hollywood Paws.

Some of their credits include:

Legally Blonde

Hotel for Dogs

Several Disney films

and other tv shows.

Try thinking of some famous dogs you know of, there are a lot out there!

Dogs at Work

I came on a family vacation and I couldn't help to notice how some dog owners in Tennessee take their dogs to work.

I visited a flee market, and there was a dog sitting on it's owners kettle corn truck.

I strolled down Downtown Chattanooga and there was a dalmation sitting with the carriage ride owner waiting for a customer.

If only Los Angeles had this kind of lifestyle, where dogs are included in their everyday work life.

(Pictures to come soon!)

Guide Dogs

vegansoapbox.com

Who would have known that a dog could be something a person who is blind could confide in?

Around campus and the community you see dogs who accompany people throughout the day making sure they get to their destination safely.

It can't just be any dog. Extensive training must take place in order for a dog to participate in the guide dog
program.

At guidedogs.com they list the different programs that a dog is able to go through to become a guide dog. Before doing that, a dog must meet a certain criteria to even be considered to join the program.

Dogs are not only a joy ot have, but they can be company to those in need.

Dog Grooming Made Easy

Grooming can be EXPENSIVE and a hassle for the groomer if your dog dislikes baths.

Save some money and try these 4 easy grooming tips:

1) Spray on dog coat conditioner.

This will help avoid all the tangles your dog will get while playing or running around.

2) Develope a brushing pattern.

You won't miss a spot when brrushing your dog.

3)  Brush your dog before bathing.

His coat will be easier to wash.

4) Give your dog a treat!

Leila after a bath

Target, the Aghan Hero Dog

Facebook.com

It was reported that Target, a dog who was adopted by  Sgt. Terry Young, 37, an Army medic after being rescued for stopping a homicide bomber in Dand Aw Patan; was accidently euthanized.

This past week, Target went out of the backyard and was picked up by a stranger who decided to drop the dog off to the pound so Sgt. Young would be able to find him.

Luckily, Sgt. Young found his dog online and paid the fee to recover her over the weekend.

Monday came too late. By the time Sgt. Young got to the pound, he had found out his dog had accidently been euthanized (the employeet picked the wrong dog out of the pen and mistakenly adminstered a lethal injection).

A dog who had gone through a war and saved soldiers lives ended his life too short. Surviving the war and being adopted was a joy for Target and for Sgt Young. Accidently being euthatnized is a horrible thing, especially when the dog has made an impact on the Sargent's life so quickly.

Sgt. Young is planning a candle light vigil at one of Target's favorite park.

Target even has his own facebook page ( alt. facebook page) where followers were able to see and follow Target's life after returning home from the war in afghanistan.

If only the employee would have been paying attention to what they were doing Target would still be alive and able to celebrate Thanksgiving with his family.

Dogs Waiting For Their Flight.

I am sitting here waiting for my flight to Atlanta and I see a dog waiting for his flight too.

I am wearing nothing special, just sweats while the dog is wearing a nice little coat with fur. He sure knows how to make an impression. (I wish I could have taken a picture but I was waiting to go through security.


I have had small dogs on several flights I have been on before, but doesn't it hurt their ears when they reach the highest altitude? Or don't they have to go to the bathroom? The small dogs are the on the ones who are placed in the airplane with the passengers, while the bigger dogs are placed with all the suitcases.

How sad.:(

Dog Parks

There are parks in every city, but only a few cities have dog parks.


Doggeek.com gives us a list of dog parks throughout California. They not only give the name and city of the dog park, they also give a brief description of the dog park.


I have taken my dogs to San Dimas dog park and the dog park in Claremont. These are both good parks to take your dog. In my opinion, I prefer taking my dog to the Claremont dog park. They have plenty of seating and it is easy to keep an eye out for your dog.

Some people think...why should I take my dog to a dog park when there is plenty of yard space in my backyard. Well, its to socialize your dogs with other dogs!

Leila and Tyson socializing with other dogs

Puppy Mills

This video blog is for my Comm 435 Opinion Writing class with S. Scauzillo

Dogs need a License?

After getting a dog, some people think that just getting their dog a tag with the basic information on it ( name, phone number and address) might be enough to prevent a dog from ever being lost. In reality, it isn't.

Dogs need to be registered through the Los Angeles Animal Care and Control . The purpose of the dog license is to promote animal safety while promoting and protecting human safety.

Depending where you live there is a fee when registering your dog through animal care and control. The fee ranges from different amounts and it is determined by the city you live in, or whether your dog is spayed/neutered. Think of it as registering and re-newing your car tags. Dog license is similar to that.

Once your dog is registered through the LA Animal Care and Control, your dog will be microchipped. The microchip can be extremly helpful if your dog ever looses its id tag.

Some people believe their is no reason to register their dog and it is just another yearly fee they have to pay. They soon realize that once Animal Care and Control comes knocking on their door looking for unregistered pets, it is more than what they thought.

Image of dog license tags provided by Wikepedia

Agility Courses

Dog agility or a dog sport is where a handler and its dog go through obstacles while being timed for speed and accuracy.

I took my dog to an agility course in Yorba Linda for 8 weeks, and boy oh boy was it exhausting! Leila went through tunnels and jumped over bars, she even went on a teater totter. Its a great workout, not only for the dog, but for the owner as well.

I would advise for anyone to take this class, you learn a lot about how to train your dog and how to enforce positive behavior.

Congrats Leila

AKC

dogs4hclub.com

The American Kennel Club is best known as a registery of pure bred dogs in the United States. Along with that, the AKC also promotes different events such as: show dog competitions, agility course competitions and conventions. They also partner with Eukanuba to produce the Eukanuba National Championships which is higly televised on national tv.

When someone purchases a full bred dog, it is registered with the AKC to verify its authenticity. Some people choose not to register their dog with AKC. If they don't the owner and their dog won't get the special perks that the AKC provides.

Perks include:

An authentic AKC cerficate.
Complementary trial pet health care and visit to the vet
Eligibilty to register for AKC dog shows
and much more...

Yes, there are some fees...but lets not think about that.

When purchashing your puppy, asking for AKC papers verifies that you are getting an authentic and healthy dog. Asking the breeder for these papers verifies that you are recieving a pure-bred healthy dog.

Travel Tips

With the thanksgiving holidays approaching and travel plans under way, taking a furry little friend could present a problem. follow these safety tips to ensure a safe and fun trip:

Tip 1: your pets health must be in top notch condition, take pets to a vet no less than two weeks before departing. The ASPCA states that pets should eat at least three hours before departure with periodic snacks at rest stops. Do not feed your dog during the car ride!!!

Tip 2: invest in a quality crate or carrier before leaving for travel; these devices can act as a familiar bed while staying at an unfamiliar location. 

Tip 3: don’t let your dog ride in the front seat, and instead place him in a crate for the ride.

Have a safe trip!

Leila and Ty going on a car ride

Trick- or-Treats

The idea of dressing up a dog is in no way a custom of modern times. Ancient Greek drawings provide evidence that dogs were in fact domesticated by this point in human history. Not only do these drawings depict dogs as a close companion to humans, but also, show dogs dressed in elaborate collars and costumes. The Ancient Egyptians even depicted their god Anubis with a dog-like head on a human body dressed in sacred garments.

leila wearing her hat

In order to keep this tradition of human and dog camaraderie, I chose to dress my dog up for Halloween. I believe this tradition not only helps to express mine, but also my dog's personality.

walking your dog

Its always nice to see owners have a pleasent walk with their dogs. The owner is the alpha male and the dog..well its just the dog. It is horrible to see dog owners struggling because there dog just simply wont cooperate.

It took me awhile to get my dog to start walking right. I am not going to lie but she does have her days where she is a little terror but for the most part im thankful that I am even able to let go of her leash and she knows that she needs to walk right next to me.

Crate Training

When dogs sleep in crates the dogs have their own territory and place of comfort.

My dog is crate trained and knows that the words "time for bed" "sleep" or "crate" are the cues for her to go to bed.

She sometimes even goes in on her own. Everyone should crate train there dog so they can have a place of reassurance and comfort

Hiking by the Hollywood Sign

On New Years Day this past year, my boyfriend, sister, and her fiancee decided to take our dogs on a hike to the hollywood sign.

It was jammed packed but we parked the car at the Griffith Osbservatory, had a picnic and off we went into the hills.

It was a tiring walk but it was well worth it and we enjoyed every minute of it. If you don't have a dog, go with a friend. It is well worth it!

Dog Beach

Huntington Dog Beach is a great place to take your dogs.

They interact not only with other dogs, but with water as well. That may sound silly that dogs are interacting with water but some dogs are scared of water.

My dog enjoys it!

I am able to let her off the leash and she will come right back to me. She runs into the ocean and digs in the sand.

It's the perfect place to take your dog on a sunny day!

Dogs 101

This show on the Animal Planet called "Dogs 101" is a show that is a little mini crash course on dogs. Each episode, they focus on one breed and talk about its health, training, breeding and issues that this type of breed may have. It is a show aimed at people who are looking to buy a dog, but don't know which breed to get. I have seen this show a few times, and have found it really interesting.

Dog breeders have come out to criticize the show for giving false information on certain breeds.

An owner needs to know what kind of issues come with the dogs and how to deal with them. People mainly just want a dog to take on a walk or to have as company. This show is good for those kinds of people. If a person is looking to breed the dog, then maybe this show isn't for them. Everyone can be critical of one show or another but if your just looking to own a dog by yourself or with your family, and don't feel like reading books,then this show is a good crash course on dog breeds.

Dog Shoes

dogswearingshoes.com

With the weather being hot and humid, dogs get dehydrated, tired and their appetite seem to change. Us humans, are always trying to find a way to cool down our dogs whether its giving them a fan to sleep with, giving them ice or letting them indoors. The heat also makes the floor really hot for dogs to walk on, making their paws really sensitive. What some dog owners do is, they provide their dogs with dog shoes. Yes, that's right, dog shoes.Now I think this is a bit silly. I am not going to lie but at some point I did try to put shoes on my dog (when she was in the snow) but it did not work. Let dogs be dogs, let their paws experience hot and cold. Their paws are apart of their adaptation. Dog shoes look silly (and I am pretty sure dogs find it really uncomfortable) Look at this poor dog in the picture, he looks miserable or that could just be his sad puppy eyes. We can just assume the dog doesn't like the shoes. All I think is, let dogs be dogs and run around with naked paws.

dogswearingshoes.com

Pet Health Insurance... who would have known?

One day my sister and I decided to take her dog Tyson to the dog park and while we were there, we noticed his eye started twitching and rolling back. Tyson had the most bizarre eye I had ever seen and as a first time dog owner my sister took him to the emergency room. When we left my sister walked out of the emergency room twenty mintues later, with a small dose of eye drops and with $100 less in her wallet. This was the day my sister finally decided to purchase pet insurance, and she is glad she did.

I knew from the start if I was going to have a dog, that I would not hold back on buying pet insurance and I love recieving my checks in the mail after my medical claim has been processed. There are many pet insurance companies out there, ASPCA, VPI Pet Insurance, PurinaCare, Trupanion, Embrace Pet Insurance; just to name a few. Just like finding the best car insurance; you have to shop around to get the best deal.

I decided to purchase my dog the premium policy at VPI Pet Insurance and it cost me $45 a month. I pay more, but it covers more. It depends on many factors on how much your pet insurance would cost. Pet inurance, the price varies on whether its a dog, cat, reptile, breed etc., policy you purchase, what and how much it covers. This is similar to car insurance. If you have a teenage driver, accidents, the kind of car you drive, the number of tickets you get from cops then of course your insurance would vary from comany to comany.


Embrace Pet Insurance Policy Plans





The way most pet insurance companies work is 1) After looking around for quotes, chose the Insurance comany and policy that you feel besst fits you and your dog. 2) take your dog to the vet and have them fill out an insurance form and last but not least, 3) mail the form in along with the reciept and wait for your check to arrive. It only covers a portion of the bill but hey, anything is better than nothing!

Pet insurance is one thing people should try out. After my sisters lesson, she did not want to fork over $100 for a little bottle of eyedrops. Im glad I purchased my dog pet insurance. Try out any pet insurance company for any pet, shop around until you find the right plan. You could be really saving alot of money!

A doggie in a car seat

We all know babies use car seats, but dogs do too?  I think this is taking it a little too far. You can love your dog and treat it like a baby as much as you want but dog seats are a little too much. If statistics can be proven that dogs are safer in the car when they are in these little square boxes known as car seats, then maybe i'd research in getting one; but as of now my dog will continue to stick her head out of the backseat window and enjoy being a dog.


Carseatsfordogs.com



Should people own dogs?

Most people think that having a dog is a mess and it is a waste of time and money. People think dogs are too needy and require too much attention. People say "Dog's are dog's" and people should treat them like dogs.

I believe people should have dogs. Yes, dogs may be mischievous and at first, a lot of work. It is just like having a kid. When a baby is born you have to nurture it, care for it and teach it right from wrong. Same things with dogs at first you have to train your dog and in training them, there are memories created.
 
Dogs are there for you whenever you need them. If you are having a bad day, they will always be there for you no matter what. Forget about the money, just think about the memories you will have with them.

I had always wanted a dog, ever since I was younger. When my sister came home with her dog Tyson, that made me want a dog even more and it has been the best decision of my life. I didn't tell my dad I was getting a dog (sorry dad) because I knew he would say no for the same reasons I listed above, and on December 19th I brought Leila May home. Yes my dad was upset, but now he loves her and is always playing with her and giving her treats. My dog is always there when I need her to be.

She greats me at the door, wags her tail until I play fetch with her and will never be mad at me if i don't play fetch with her. She is always there to greet me at the door.

Maybe dogs are not for everyone, try babysitting one. It may cause you to change your mind!