Calling all chubby dogs!! by: the Mom lady

Eek! I admit it, I have a chubby dog. I never thought he was chubby, until my sister came over and said what a fattie he has turned into. Nice right? Now, chubby, is different than obese. Bernie, the should be 5lb yorkie mix, is chubby. For a while now, I was not sure what I was doing wrong. He is on Wellness Core (grain free, the reduced fat formula) plus home-cooked and loads of veggies, we walk a lot, and he gets healthy snacks in moderation! My sister, also happens to be a heath nut, very conscious of what she eats....and she asked my why I had so much fruit & bananas, 'they have too much sugar'. Ding ding ding! How could I forget? My dogs love fruit! And while I am sure some is ok, they probably get too much. Especially Bernie, at his size, eating about 1/4 of a banana every morning is not doing him any favors! Another culprit...my fiance gives him cheese! Yes, cheese is his absolute favorite. If you say 'Cheese" he gets all crazy excited and runs to the kitchen. But a one ounce piece of cheese for a dog, is equal to a cheeseburger to us! Yikes. no more cheese please. So I will keep you all updated on his progress. We are sticking to his diet this time, more exercise, less treats, and no more bananas or fruit for a while.

Snugglers

How many of you doggies out there are snugglers? How many of you are allowed to sleep on the bed? Some people think that allowing a dog to sleep in bed with their owners, creates a more dominant dog. I would have to disagree, but it really depends on the dog. The WDJ had an awesome article about bedroom behaviors and how to assess each situation. Basically, if your dog growls at you when it's sleeping, you decide to no longer let your dog sleep with you, you are not correcting the issue, rather you are just avoiding it. Which for some owners, is ok. But for those of you who like your furry companions to keep you warm, there are ways to work out the issues. Make sure your dog has a 'spot', a blanket at end of bed, or special pillow on bed. Make sure your dog knows "off" command, so when you want him/her off the bed, they respect & listen to you. And praise praise praise. I cannot say enough about using praise and positive reinforcement when with your dog on a daily basis. So many people only correct the bad behavior of their dogs, but you also have to acknowledge the GOOD behavior :) wags for now!

Chewers. Written by the lady I let live with me, aka 'Mom'

We all know one, whether it's our dog, or a friends dog....the dog that chews up anything and/or everything. We hear the horror stories, and usually we hear what a bad dog it is. Sometimes, we can even laugh about it later. Much later in some cases. I am here to tell you it's NOT the dogs fault, point that finger away from the dog, and right back into YOUR face. Yes, your face.
I was dog sitting for a friends lab mix, Edger. Cute, young, energetic dog, who was very much into toys and bones.
My dogs could care less to play much with him, so as I dozed off on couch for a good 30 minutes, I awoke to a stuffed animal massacre, stuffing, and animal limbs scattered throughout. But wait, one of my heels was chewed! Along with the inside soles of other shoes chewed to bits, some pieces on floor, others in Edgers belly I presume. All I could do was laugh, it was not his fault after all, he is just a pup, I was the one who fell asleep and left him to play alone. Imagine if you left a toddler to their own, while you napped? I wonder what walls would be colored on and what items broken in your home.
Dogs will be dogs, and a dog like Edger, needs attention and mental stimulation along with a lot of exercise. Or he gets bored, and finds his own things to play with. For the remainder of Edgers stay, I was sure to walk and job with him more, a tired dog is a good dog!

Somedays, I get it...we don't have time to walk our dog 30 minutes. Luckily, there are TONS of toys you can use to help on those days. Some of my favorite are the 'Busy Buddy' treat dispensing toys. The dogs have to work to get the toys out!

Meeting Dr. Patricia McConnell

My Mom and I were at the pet store one day, when she saw the flyer "Calling All Pets", promoting an event for a new organization in Naples, 'The Brody Project" an animal assisted therapy program, who was having a fundraiser and featuring the world renown animal behaviorist, Dr. Patricia McConnell. ( check out her blog too: theotherendoftheleash.com )...I know my Mom had read several of her books, and really looked up to her, so I agreed to accompany her to the event.
It was a spectacular time, lots of tails wagging and butts to sniff and I even was allowed IN the restaurant for the special party!
Here is my Mom and I with Patricia, she is even more gracious, and kind than I would have imagined:


Then I heard a lot of talk about Delta Training and therapy work. It was decided, my Mom would take the Delta training class and I would work on becoming a certified therapy dog! Everything happens for a reason.

**Update, my Mom completed her class and I will take my test in a few weeks, paws crossed I pass!

A post from my Mom...

I will never forget the day Stu & I decided "Bernie needs a friend". It was not that we necessarily wanted another dog at the
time, but we knew we didn't want to feel guilty going out to dinner, or out with friends and leaving our adorable 6 month old furball, Bernie alone. I know, I know...not exactly the best reason to get a dog. But that just so happens to be how Buddy came into our lives. I scanned the rescue sections, a lot of rescues wouldn't consider Stu & I, since I was still in college and we didn't own our own home.
So since Stu grew up with Cocker Spaniels, he brought home the paper one Saturday and we started calling ads for puppies.
One breeder was about 35 minutes away, puppies were priced low at $350, AKC registered and parents on site.
((**note, at this time, I had no clue about OFA/CERF/proper testing that breeders should be doing!**))
We pulled up to a smaller house, there was a kennel area outside in the back, with 6 or so Cocker Spaniels. One little buff runt rant around our feet barking, as the breeder led us into his house, explaining that that his wife would not let him sell the runt, she was over a year old, and was bottle fed when she was a pup because her mom rejected her for some reason.
Inside the house, there were 3 puppies left running around playing. A gorgeous deep red puppy, and two twin chocolate and tan pups. All from same litter. We played with them for a good 30 minutes and Stu peeled the red pup our of my hands and told me "we cannot jump into this decision, we need to take a day to think about it"
Well I was sold, my heart was sold. All I wanted was that adorable red puppy, and the next 24 hours, me nagging and pleading...Stu finally said "Ok, let's go get the puppy"
When we got there, my red puppy was no where in sight. "Where is the one I wanted" I asked the breeder? Sold. Gone. Bye-Bye.
"But wait he said, some folks had put this buff one on hold, when they got here they fell in love with the red girl, so the buff one is back for sale" as he took us upstairs to see the buff puppy. The little buff cocker pup barked softly at us and licked my face over and over as I lay on the floor with him. It was all fate. We were meant to have this boy, we decided to call 'Buddy'.
His name seemed to suit him perfectly as he truly is everyone 'Buddy'.
Buddy and Bernie were instant friends....and the rest is history. We now have a total of 4 dogs. Although I love them each, Buddy & I have a special, different connection :)

Digestive Health

Digestive Health is SO important for us dogs. And with commercial food cooked at high temps, a lot of good enzymes
and nutrients are lost.
In your dogs digestive track, (as they age) are probiotics (healthy bacteria) Also knows as: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifido-Bacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus bulgaricus. This healthy bacteria is VITAL for your dogs good health. They aid in the digestive process and provide enzymes and support an overall healthy immune system = healthy, longer-living dog!
But there are also not-so-good bacteria that live in your dogs digestive track, this causes weak stomachs, digestive upsets, and can ultimately lead to compromising the immune system, and disease.
In healthy pets, the preferred balance is 85% good bacteria to 15% bad bacteria.
So what makes your pet have an unhealthy digestive track? The most controllable is diet: IMPROPER DIET- Feeding a cheap, low quality dog food, is the fastest way to degrade your pets health. Look for a food that has no corn, wheat, soy or by-products in it. Human grade meat, and a company that stands by their product. Some premium brands I love are: Wellness, Merrick, Innova, Orijen, Solid Gold, and Timberwolf Organics.
Note- if your pet has been prescribed antibiotics, that can also change up their digestive track. Antibiotics are helpful when needed to get rid of infection, but they also do no know good bacteria from bad, therefor killing both the GOOD and bad bacteria. (other influences are: stress, too much exercise, and illness)

Your dog should have firm stools, and a healthy gut.
To strengthen your pets digestive health, consider putting him/her on a good probiotic supplement, giving fresh foods, feeding a high quality dog food, exercise & love :) I also like a tablespoon or two of Stoneyfield Farms plain organic yogurt with my breakfast!

This post is dedicated to my pal Jaspee, who gets an upset tummy very easily. Take it easy pal, and start on those probiotics!

My Family

Snack on this

Feeding high quality treats is just as important as feeding a high quality dog food!
Wellness WellBites are the #1 choice around my house. Made of healthy ingredients such as: lamb, salmon, sweet potatoes, apples, blueberries and flaxseed...these soft treats are perfect for training or snacking!


Also made by Wellness are the oven-baked crunchy WellBars, made with real ingredients like Whitefish, Oatmeal and Sweet Potatoes. And packed with vitamins E, C and Beta-Carotene. Join the WellPet club for coupons & special offers!
http://www.wellnesspetfood.com/talktous_join_our_wellpet_club.php

Some Great finds

Who doesn't like to shop? I am always on the hunt for new toys, tags, bedding, treats, you name it.

A few items I really dig are:

These Honey Bee ID tags from wagginggreen.com (they also have TONS of other cool Green products!)



I also love these beautiful hand stamped ID tags from etsy seller: PoochyCouture www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7190224


Lastly, Hide-A-Toys are a MUST have for all dogs. These interactive toys will have your pups entertained and happy.

Show off your **BLING**

We pups need a little bling too don't we? We got a very special package from our Friend Amy in Norway. It was full of the most beautiful, hand-beaded collars! They are durable, stunning and addicting! Check out her site at: pawfectlypawsh.com

Bring back the FRESH foods

While there are some great kibble diets on the market, we should still get some fresh food in our diet. Kibble is cooked at very high temps and a lot of the nutritional value that raw veggies and fresh meat contain, is cooked out.
So what can you add? Cooked chicken breast, lean turkey, whitefish, salmon, lean beef, or lamb. As for fruits & veggies, green or red peppers, unsalted green beans or sweet peas, carrots, broccoli, baby spinach, cauliflower, bananas, apples, blueberries, etc. Just be careful not to feed onions, macadamia nuts, raisins, or grapes = toxic.
I also add all natural garlic granuals to meals. Garlic is a controversial herb that many people think is toxic to pets. BUT many holistic vets say it is not. It supports a healthy immune system and is a natural flea deterrent. Add some fresh to your pet's food, they will thanks you :)

Holidays are exhausting

Well the Holidays are finally over....long over, I have just been too lazy to up-date. Just a quick note to say 'Woof' and show you all my Holiday Card photo.
lubs,
Mr. Buddy

Yappy Howlidays!!!!

Holidays are here

I am counting down the days until Santa Paws visits me! I have been pretty good this year, so I should get almost everything on my list. Besides presents and delicious food, holidays can also be stressful for some dogs. Shopping, baking, wrapping gifts, rushing, parties, etc. Lots of different people in and out of house, mysterious shiny boxes, crazy lights all over, some pets just don't get excited about this time of year.
What can you do to make sure we are as comfortable as possible? Stick to our routine, it's what we know! Keep all sweets and chocolates OUT of our reach. Make sure there are no ornaments in grabbing range. If there are a lot of people over and we feel crowded, put us safely in another room, and in our crate.
AND if you insist on putting the dreadful Elf, Santa or Reindeer costumes on us, be sure to take them off after pictures. They can be uncomfortable and if too tight, cause circulation problems.

So back to the fun stuff, here is my list: I would love to know what's on yours!
I LOVE these smart toys...interactive, fun and if you buy from this site: www.ihelppets.com it helps shelter pets!!

and this SNUGGLY soft dog bed, I can just see myself curled up all nice & cozy in it! 'Ring O' Rosies Dog Bed'

and of course BULLY STICKS!!!!! bestbullysticks.com

what I choose to CHEW

My gums and teeth need exercise too. A good way to keep yo grills clean is chewing! But are you chewing on the right stuff? There are a few chews I just cannot live without.
1. Kong - I love my kong! Fill it with peanut butter, then freeze for longer lasting treat! Or yogurt, pears, apples, the possibilities are endless.
2. Bully Sticks - made up of dried bull tendon and penis, this long lasting tough chew is 100% digestible! Now I know many people just love rawhide, but it does not digest. Especially if you have a heavy chewer, watch very carefully. And if you DO buy rawhide bones, please only made in USA.
3. Marrow Bones- right from the butcher at local meat shop. Cut off all excess meat (if there is anything left) and freeze for at least 48 hours to kill off any bacteria (just in case!) I can spend hours trying to get all the mineral rich marrow out.
4. Himalayan Chew- Made by boiling yak and cow milk and then dried for several weeks to create a hard chew. DELISH! and long lasting.
Check out bestbullysticks.com for great prices and chew selection!

Fleas, Ticks, Bugs, OH NO!!!

Nothing I hate more than creep crawly bugs on me. But I also hate putting those burning chemicals onto my skin every month too! However, living in SW Florida, and being as hot, tropical and humid it is down here, it is bug season 365 days of the year!
So I try to use as little of the frontline plus as I can, but what I really love is GARLIC! **now, don't panic....A lot of people think that garlic is toxic to dogs, ANYTHING in extreme is toxic. And do NOT give garlic to cats. But it is actually very safe for dogs. I get garlic every morning in my breakfast. World renown holistic vet, Dr. Marty Goldstein (drmarty.com) also is an advocate for garlic as a natural bug deterrent. I order the air dried garlic granules from SpringtimeInc.com. Quoted from their site:

-Garlic Provides a 24-hour shield against flies, ticks, mosquitoes, gnats, etc.
-Safe, effective alternative to chemical products,
-One of the world’s most powerful antioxidant foods,
-Promotes friendly bacteria in the digestive tract,
-Provides four times more organic sulfur than any other food,
-Contains natural MSM,
-Stimulates immunity – antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral, & anti-parasitic.

http://www.springtimeinc.com/product/148/2

What do you wash with?

We went to dog beach this past weekend, what that means is we always have to get a bath right after.
What you bathe your pets with is more important than you might think. Like many corporate pet companies, cheap ingredients fill the labels and little or no concern to pet's health is considered. One common harmful ingredient in pet shampoos (and in human shampoos too!) is Laurel Sulfates. Sodium laurel sulfate is a surficant, or an agent that loosens the bond of things like oil to other objects such as skin or hair. It is used as an industrial degreaser and to clean factory floors of grease and grime. Studies have linked it with causing cancer, and eye problems, and the severest claim is leading to blindness. Laurel Sulfates are found in 99% of dog shampoos. They dehydrate skin cells, causing dryness, itching, redness, inflammation, irritation and they are proven carcinogens. They build up in vital internal organs to cause complications in later life. Most skin conditions in dogs come about from Sulphates in shampoos. And yes, all they do is make the shampoo bubbly.

Find a shampoo that is environmentally friendly, non-toxic and safe. Some of our favorites are: Earth-Bath http://www.earthbath.com/shampoo_pints.html and also PetPromise

What do you eat from?

Obviously a bowl, but what kind? It matters more than you humans think. There are numerous choices. Plastic, ceramic, stainless, etc. Here is the breakdown, Plastic bowls- scratch and harbor bacteria. The bacteria lives in the scratches in the plastic and can cause infections, chin acne and stomach issues. To stay on the safe, hygienic side, choose stainless steel, ceramic, porcelain, or stoneware, but make sure the glaze is for human consumption and lead free.
Also, don't buy an over sized huge bowl, this temps you to fill it with more food, and results in us dogs getting fatter.
I ordered personalized ones for my pack from Cindy, at http://spanielbowls.com she is a great lady, and she uses a non-toxic, lead free, tested for human consumption glaze on all her creations.

Happy 3rd Birthday TO ME :)

August 16th was my third Birthday. The world has been lucky enough to have me for 3 whole years. I had some friends over, drank a few brewskie's, Mom made some great treats, and I got some spectacular gifts..... Many more good years to come :)

Abuse of Authority!!

This story outrages me! These police officers had NO reason to shoot these innocent labs.
"Cops raid Mayor's home, shoot his dogs, on a misguided drug raid'

read full story:

http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/WireStory?id=5536184&page=1