Hot Diggity

Watching you shine bright, I'll wave goodbye tonight

2011-06-08T19:43:00.012-06:00

I know each and every animal cruelty story is equally as gut wrenching and unbelievable, but sometimes certain ones weigh heavier on your heart for unexplained reasons.

I've been following the story of a dog called "Star". Star was found buried alive and had been shot in the head 40 times. I first learned of her about two weeks ago and even though she was not my dog, nor did I know her personally in any way, my heart felt like it broke in two after reading the following article.

Is this the worst case of animal cruelty ever?

I watched the video of Star at the bottom of that article and saw such defeat and brokenness in her gentle eyes. Still, her rescuers remained hopeful that she would survive and it wasn't long before she gained a huge following on her Facebook page, Star: The dog who lived

However, tonight I read an update that made my heart break all over again for this undeserving little soul.

"It is with great sadness that we just discovered that beautiful Star has passed away. We had such hope after she had been found and seemed to be surviving. R.I.P. Beautiful Girl. Let us hope that she gets justice and they find who had abused her. If anyone is in Malta, please spread the word for Star."

Star was appropriately named! If only she knew how much of a bright spot she was to thousands of people whose hearts were saddened, but at the same time, inspired by her; just like mine was. If only she knew how many people were rooting for her and happy that she was "shining" even after enduring such vicious and completely unjustified treatment.

For everything that she suffered through, and for the millions of dogs that are abused in similar ways each year, Star simply has to be our dog of the month this June/July.

Well this is not your fault
And if you have to go
Well always know that you shine brighter than anyone does
-Paramore

(Hot Diggity does not take credit for any photos used in this post)

Nameless has been named

2011-05-22T11:33:00.001-06:00

Last month we featured a yet to be named Russell Terrier puppy as April's Dog of the Month. Well, her owner Elizabeth Bundy wrote to let us know that she now has a name..."Willow"! I just love the name and of course love any excuse to post pictures of puppies on the blog.

Willow living (and clearly loving) life at her new home...

Willow with her "big sister", Kuma (Jack Russell Terrier) and "cousin", Roxy (Pug)

Looks like she fits right in! Thanks to Elizabeth for the cute pictures of Willow! We LOVE them!

Dog of the Month - Bella!

2011-05-08T16:11:00.004-06:00

Recently, my dog Gabe had a play date with my friend Connie's dog, Bella. It was my first time meeting Bella, but she was so easy to love, I could not resist featuring her on the blog! I was struck with how mild mannered she was, even for being an active breed, (a Labradoodle), and younger than Gabe is, too. I think Bella embodies all the best traits of the breeds she is mixed with, and I am glad we get to see her sweet face around here for a while!

Thank you Connie for getting us some great pictures of Bella to share with readers. A little more about her:

Photographer's Name: I took all of these pics

Dog's Breed: Labradoodle

Where did you get her? I got her from a local Nebraska breeder called "Diamond Country Dogs."

What made you choose her? I wanted something that had a temperament similar to a golden retriever that didn't shed as much. Originally, I thought I wanted a goldendoodle and did my research on breeders. I decided on a breeder and tried to be as patient as possible to wait for the next available litter of goldendoodles, but a litter of labradoodles became available first and I fell in love. I asked for more pics of Bella and asked as many questions as possible-- I just knew she was the one!

Describe her in three words. Most friendly puppy (ever).

Anything else you'd like to add? Sometimes I call her "Bella Bear" because she always gets the comment that she resembles a stuffed animal. She's the friendliest, most easy-going dog I've ever had. She would prefer to have people pet her at the dog park than to actually play with the other dogs.

Patrick's Law

2011-04-04T15:08:00.006-06:00

I saw this posted on another blog. My heart broke for Patrick and all the other dogs who have had to go through anything similar. It's a miracle he survived!

This is Patrick, the sweet pitbull puppy from New Jersey. He beat the odds by surviving starvation and being thrown down a garbage chute in an apartment building, wrapped in a plastic bag.

This is the chute where Patrick was originally found.

This was Patrick when he was first rescued on March 16, 2011.

Patrick on one of his first few walks, since being able to stand.

Patrick's Law on Facebook
"Our mission statement is to enact stronger animal abuse legislation at the Federal and State level. We will also work toward educating the public on animal abuse!"

Puppy of the Month!

2011-04-02T17:34:00.009-06:00

We are a day late with April's dog of the month, but here she is! And she's so fresh that she doesn't even have a name yet. She is just six weeks old and is still at her breeder's house, waiting for the day when her new owners Bob and Elizabeth Bundy bring her home. Bob and Elizabeth already have a Jack Russell Terrier named "Kuma" and recently had to say goodbye to their beloved Lab/Dalmatian mix, "Eclipse". So this little gem will once again make them a two dog family. Congrats you guys, she is adorable!

Photographer's Name: Janice Whitfield

Puppy's Breed: Russell Terrier (one of the foundation breeds of the Jack Russell Terrier)

Puppy's Breeder: Janice Whitfield, Valley View Farms

What made you choose her? Approximately 2 years ago in looking on-line at Jack Russell Terrier puppies (because we love Kuma soooo much - and we are Jack Russell Terrier people) I found Valley View Farms website & began to research the breed. We were in Spokane about that time and my sister & I needed something to do with her granddaughter for the day so we made an appointment and took her to the farm. When I met her dogs I immediately fell in love with this breed. They are smaller then the Jacks, have as much energy but are calmer. This puppy was reserved by someone else who decided the timing wasn't right - so Janice called and asked if we wanted her - The timing was right for us so I said "of course" - So maybe she was chosen for us?

Anything else you'd like to add? I am so excited and look forward to this new little puppy (yet to be named) and Kuma becoming fast friends

Thanks to Elizabeth and Janice for letting us showcase her! She is irresistible!

Readers: feel free to post your name suggestions for Elizabeth :)

The Job They Do

2011-03-23T20:07:00.003-06:00

Perhaps one of the greatest injustices in life is that our dogs live far fewer years than we do. Unconditional love, undying loyalty, and an unspoken bond all top the endless list of things that dogs offer to us as the broken people we are. Dogs become an integral part of the lives of families and individuals in one of the most fervently unique alliances to emerge on this Earth.

This profound documentary captures the beauty of that bond, and reminds us of everything that dogs do to enhance our lives from day to day.

Not the least hard thing to bear when they go from us, these quiet friends, is that they carry away with them so many years of our own lives.

-John Galsworthy

Satellite Heart

2011-03-20T22:44:00.011-06:00

Dogs are born with the desire to revolve around us. More than any other animal, dogs naturally want to please, protect, and be loved by humans. If you've ever walked into a room full of 8 week old puppies, you know what I mean. All of them (except maybe the shy one in the corner) will drop what they're doing and push and shove each other just for a chance to get close to you. As wonderful and interesting as other domesticated pets are, you probably aren't going to see this same ecstatic behavior with a group of baby horses, a litter of kittens or a bunch of baby birds.
Dogs want to belong to someone. They don't choose us; we choose them. We buy them and bring them home, and they adore us as if we were their number one choice for an owner. They quickly learn to anticipate fun with us, and how to adapt to our moods. It's always fascinating to me when I go to dog parks and each and every off leash dog there knows who they came with. They keep tabs on their person. They listen for their owner's voice. A dog's desire for us is uncomplicated and unconditional. Dogs want us.

Last night I was reading an article in Cesar's Way magazine about rescue organizations and shelter dogs. If anyone knows about giving dogs second chances, it's Cesar (also known as The Dog Whisperer) and a few main points and quotes in his recent articles really stood out to me. So I wanted to share them with our blog readers.

-This year alone, 4 to 5 million abandoned dogs and cats will be put down in Shelters across America.

- After three decades of declining numbers, experts say that the totals have begun rising in the past two years, largely because of the economic crisis.

- People have been leaving their dogs behind in their foreclosed homes. Many dogs have been found weeks after their owners left, tied to trees, or locked in garage or houses, starving and traumatized.

- Some cities are doing a better job at taking care of their strays. Austin, TX for example saves up to 90% of its strays, whereas Dallas and San Antonio euthanize 70 to 80%.

- The tight economy means fewer people are stepping up to adopt dogs.

Even though a great deal of dogs could be saved if more people would consider rescue, I believe it's equally a shelter's responsibility to make it as hassle free as possible for people to adopt. While it's good to do their best to ensure a dog will find a forever home, it's also important that potential adopters don't get turned away because they couldn't fill out a Q&A sheet exactly right. Too often it seems as though shelters lose their common sense and develop a counter productive system and even a cynical attitude toward would-be adopters. Of course, not all are this way by any means. But still, it's something to think about and it's why I couldn't agree more with the following quote, taken directly from Cesar's Way magazine:

"The municipalities that save the most dogs are the ones that allow the public to do the right thing", says Natahn Winograd. "They make adoption convenient, fun, exciting. The ones that fail have shelters that aren't clean, and customer service isn't great. They give people the third degree. Shelters have to understand that people looking to adopt have many other options"

Aside from the current economic state being a contributing factor to so many homeless dogs, I think another one is that sometimes people give up on their dogs a little too soon. Don't be afraid to ask for help. More often than not, there is a solution out there. If you're having trouble living with your dog, contact a trainer or experienced owner before you throw in the towel. Some things just take a little extra work and patience, but can pay off big time in the end. If you stick it out with your current dog, you may look back in a few years and wonder how you ever thought of giving him away. Taking responsibility for the pets already in our care can help greatly reduce the growing numbers of perfectly healthy ones being put down.

Also, doing research before getting a dog can literally mean the difference between life or death for him. Your neighbor's perfectly trained German Shepherd probably has more to do with the owner and the owner/dog chemistry than it does the breed, for example. In other words, just because a dog of a particular breed you know is wonderful doesn't mean that it's the breed for you. It just means it was a good match.

There are certainly circumstances where giving your dog away may be the best thing you can do for him and your family. And sometimes even after hard work people find that the dog they chose turned out to be a bad match. Even Cesar, who can fix almost any behavior problem and encourages people not to give up, will occasionally suggest that a particular dog be re-homed with a different type of person.

We are definitely lucky that there are so many no-kill rescues out there today, so if you find that you absolutely can no longer keep your dog, take advantage of these organizations.

"If you really feel you have to give up your dog because of foreclosure, don't wait until you're about to leave your home. Try to find a family to adopt him, or seek out a no-kill shelter. His chances of adoption will be much greater than if he's abandoned"

On that note, here are four dogs that are currently waiting for a new person or family to belong to. Each one really stood out to me and pulled on my heart strings, so I wanted to help spread the word!

Molly and Stella

(This beautiful photo was taken by Julie Austin Photography Also, check out Julie's blog, facebook, and twitter pages. She is wonderful!)

I saw Molly and Stella while casually looking on Petfinder.com. I can't explain why I was particularly touched by them, but I was! Stella is a Rat Terrier/Beagle mix and Molly is a Rat Terrier. They are looking to be adopted together and the description of them melted my heart for some reason, in fact, I could easily get teary eyed just looking at their pictures and video (which I watched several times!) I can just tell they are very special, loving little things who deserve a great home. You can find them at Motley Zoo Animal Rescue in Redmond, Wa.

Check out Stella and Molly's Petfinder pages for more information:

Stella
Molly

Tiger and Whitie

The other two are these guys, Whitie and Tiger; male Husky/Retriever mixes. I live a block away from Homeward Pet Adoption Center in Woodinville, and I see their volunteers walking adoptable dogs every day, rain or shine. For the past couple weeks I have noticed these two dogs were always being walked together, and they make such a striking pair. They look almost identical except for color and they are always walking so calmly side by side with whoever their volunteer walker is that day. I can't help but smile every time I see them. They have such a wise look to them, and it breaks my heart that they lost their home. Today I decided to look them up online and found out that like Stella and Molly, they are looking for a home together. They seem inseparable. I have a feeling they will make an excellent pair for the right family!

Check out their Petfinder pages for more details!

Tiger
Whitie

We would love to hear your rescue stories! Email them to TheHotDiggity@Hotmail.Com or post them here :)

I'm a satellite heart
Lost in the dark.
But no matter what you do
I'll be true to you.
-Anya Marina

Charlie Charlie Charlie

2011-03-01T11:36:00.006-07:00

Well, we've kinda been slacking on dog of the month lately, but hopefully the dog of March will help get us back on track...

This is Charlie, owned by Dan and MaryJane Young! Well, actually his full name is "Charlie Peter-Ninkumpoop Young" and he is a 2 year old Boston Terrier who already has his fair share of internet popularity. His human dad is the lead singer of This Providence and he often tweets photos of Charlie to his nearly 12,000 followers. He's also popular on MaryJane's facebook, but it's clear that his parents are his biggest fans ;)

I've known Dan and MaryJane for many years, and was pretty excited for them when they got their first dog together. I've been wanting to feature Charlie on the blog for quite some time and am happy that it worked out this month!

It has been been exactly 1 year since we featured a Boston Terrier. Her name was Penny Lane, owned by Sarah Orzechowski and her boyfriend Brendon Urie (lead singer of Panic at the Disco). I guess Boston Terriers are a popular choice for musicians and their gorgeous wives/girlfriends! Not that I can blame them; as fashionable, comical, and loyal as Boston Terriers are.

Now, for a little interview with MJ about this special little guy...

Photographer's Name: Dan Young

Where did you get Charlie? From a breeder from St. Helens

What made you choose him? Dan wanted a pug; he loves the smooshed-face look, but I wasn't a fan of them, so we did some research using Animal Planet's Dogs 101 and thought a Boston was a good compromise. We looked online through breeders and saw Charlie. It was instant love!

How did you pick his name? When we picked him up from the breeder (in the parking-lot of a JC Penny in Kelso; very classy), we hadn't chosen a name yet. When we were driving away, Dan asked "what are we going to name him?" I just said "Charlie?" I still don't know where it came from. Over time, we became fans of the TV show It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and decided to honor Charlie Day's character by making Charlie's middle-name the name of Charlie Day's horse, Peter-Ninkumpoop.

Describe Charlie in 3 words: Charming, chill, sweet

Ok, this picture is unbelievable. Is he edible?

I'm not entirely convinced that this isn't a beanie baby...and the cutest one I've ever seen for that matter

Such a dapper young dude!

Thanks so much to Dan and MaryJane for sharing Charlie with us! I've always loved this picture of him in the sun.

Dental Health

2011-02-11T07:59:00.010-07:00

Anyone who has a dog or has even been around a dog can probably agree that dog breath is a force to be reckoned with. In extreme cases, a dog's bad breath can serve as a red flag for more serious issues - infection, pain, and even possible organ damage. The good news is that a dog's dental health can be greatly impacted with preventative care and maintenance! February is National Pet Dental Health month, so at the suggestion of a friend, Tory and I thought it would be a good idea to feature this topic. Your dog's teeth (and possibly your nostrils) just may thank us for it.

Just like your own teeth, a dog's teeth are going to suffer decay without the regular removal of tartar build up. It is not necessarily natural for a dog to enjoy having someone poking around in his or her mouth. This is why it is extremely advantageous to teach your dog to have his or her mouth examined and worked with from day one. You may have to start simply by getting your dog used to having his or her mouth touched. Then, introduce the taste of the paste. Finally, introduce a soft bristled brush with the paste on it.

Just so we're all on the same page here - you must buy special toothpaste for your pet. Using regular human toothpaste is dangerous for your dog. One highly veterinarian-recommended brand of toothpaste for dogs is CET. The pastes come in several appealing flavors that are safe for your dog to ingest.

Brushing your dog's teeth is not the only way to enhance dental health, though. Providing toys and bones for your dog to chew on can also aid in the prevention of tartar build up.

Rag bones can serve as a sort of floss for your dog. (Just be sure to supervise while in use, as dogs can swallow string and this is often hazardous.)

Toys with texture and ridges, such as this one, stimulate gums and help break down tartar on the teeth.

Real animal bones such as these femur bones provide hours of chewing time for dogs. (They do pose a risk for wear and tear on dog teeth, however; so use with discretion.)

Using an additive to your pet's drinking water like this one can is an easy way to further promote oral health.

Having a periodic dental done by your veterinarian for your dog is also a crucial part of preserving your dog's healthy teeth. This is done while your dog is under anesthesia, and while it can be pricey, I can personally attest to the value of having this done. Gabe is a three-year-old healthy dog, but when I had a dental done on him several months ago, they discovered he had not just one, but two broken teeth! Thankfully, neither of the teeth were in need of a root canal because we caught it in time. They were able to seal each of them and prevent any worse pain in his mouth. I would much rather provide preventative care for my dog than needing a painful emergency procedure done later on down the road.

Many veterinarians offer discounts on pet dentals during the month of February, so now is an ideal time to have your pet's mouth checked out! We highly encourage you to help preserve your dog's 'smile'.

Gabe's First Trial! (and Error...?)

2011-02-08T18:57:00.003-07:00

This past weekend, Gabe and I competed for the first time in agility. It was a milestone for us because it's something I have wanted to work towards for several years now. However, due to moving around a lot, not having money to pay for classes, and my own lack of confidence, it took us longer than it should have to accomplish this.

The trial we entered was a NADAC (North American Dog Agility Council) trial. They allow both mixed breeds and purebred dogs to compete (as does the American Kennel Club now), and we only entered two classes, since I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into exactly. I decided on two 'Touch-N-Go' events, which focused on contact obstacles. These courses mainly consisted of the A-frame, the Dogwalk, hoops, and tunnels.

I didn't set unrealistically high goals for Gabe and myself; mainly, my objective was just to get through each course, and hoped that he would do more than just sniff the ground or run out of the ring completely. I had no idea what he would think of the trial environment (a horse barn - are you kidding me?), equipment different than what he was accustomed to using, and of course an audience.

The things I learned that day were:
1. Everyone makes mistakes. Especially Novice handlers.
2. If I ever reach the higher competition level classes, I never want to become condescending or arrogant (like some of the elite handlers unfortunately were.)
3. Gabe really needs some sort of a warm up run, to get rid of the squirrely tendencies he has.
4. Laughing at Gabe and myself is helpful.

I will post the footage from both of our runs. Please watch both, as he improved greatly from the first run to the second! (It is ok if you laugh while watching, too - he is slightly over-enthusiastic and had the time of his life. It is what I adore about him. :))

Run 1

Run 2

More trials to come, hopefully!

I love you more than I could ever promise

2011-02-02T13:01:00.003-07:00

Saw this video today and felt it was definitely worth posting. Of course, anything with a Dachshund melts me. But that's beside the point. This is just sweet.

Friends

2011-01-01T20:47:00.018-07:00

I took a few pictures of my dogs (Mud & Cinderella) playing in the snow the other day. Unfortunately, Mud ran outside before I could get his matching blue sweater on him. He was like a little boy overly excited about the snow with his mom calling after him "don't forget your jacket!"
But in the end I couldn't interrupt his fun to dress him up. So just imagine he is wearing a wintry outfit to match Cinderella's. (And at least he had his Harley Davidson collar on that he got for Christmas from my mom!)

(click pix to enlarge)

I'm going to be cliche and title this post "Santa Paws".

2010-12-24T21:45:00.009-07:00

Just a quick post to say Merry Christmas from Hot Diggity, and also from Izzie, a 3.75 year old Cairn Terrier owned by Trevor Gibson! These pictures of Izzie, taken by Trevor, were too cute and festive not to share on the blog!

A little more about Izzie...

Where did you get her? At a small breeder in Arlington, WA.

What made you choose her? She was small and cute, with a lovable and bubbily personality.

How did you pick the name Izzie? Not really sure. Her full name is Isabella, and we originally called her "Bella". After her full personality bloomed, we decided that "Izzie" was a more fitting name.

Describe Izzie in three words: Peppy, confident, loving.

She sounds like everything a Cairn Terrier should be :)

Trevor is a professional photographer from Seattle, WA. Check out more of his work here at www.prosightmedia.com (Yes, he works with pets, and yes, you will find more adorable pictures of Izzie on his website!)

(click to see larger!)

Thank you Trevor for letting us show off Izzie! (And your photography skills).

Meet Gallagher

2010-12-16T23:43:00.005-07:00

Great Danes are eye-catching dogs. Their giant size alone makes them an impressive breed; even before getting to know their delightfully gentle spirit! So, when I saw this picture of a friend's Great Dane with the loveliest black spots and red bow decked out for Christmas, I knew it needed to be shared on the blog. Thank you to Kevin Claussen for sharing Gallagher with us, and to his sister-in-law Jada for taking the photo!

Name: Gallagher
Breed: Great Dane
Age: 1 year 2 months
Where did you get him?: Got him from Moffit Colorado. Took about 10 months to find "the perfect Dane."
How did you pick him?: I picked him because of his unique markings of black and white and knew it was a decision I would not regret.
How did you name him?: Picked the name Gallagher because it fits perfectly for gentle giant.
Use three words to describe him: Unique, friendly and playfull.

Gallagher was an adorable puppy - so easy to see why he was picked by Kevin!

Thanks again for sharing Gallagher with us - he is the perfect dog to feature this month!

Dog Sports - Agility

2010-12-10T08:49:00.021-07:00

My favorite dog sport is, by far, the sport of agility. Created in the 1970s as a 'half-time' performance at the Crufts dog show, it has now rapidly gained popularity world-wide in just a few short decades. Although some athletic breeds (many herding breeds like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds) are most prone to excelling at agility because of their speed and intelligence, it is enjoyed by people and dogs of all shapes, ages, and sizes. And, as the owner of a mixed-breed dog, I have always appreciated agility because it presents many opportunities for dogs of all kinds, not just registered purebreds (depending on the trial and the organization.) And, Gabe LOVES agility!

The main objectives of dog agility are speed (each team is timed) and accuracy on the obstacles, which are set up in various patterns to form a course. Faults in agility can include things like knocking bars off of jumps, missing contact zones (to be discussed below), missing an obstacle altogether, or running a course out of order. Dogs take both verbal cues and body cues from the handler (but no touching is allowed), so it is definitely a team effort between handler and dog.

Courses are set up by a judge or teacher, so each handler has a chance to walk the course and memorize it before running it with the dog. Trials can take place indoors or outdoors. This is an example of a course map, each handler-dog team starting at 1 and following the numbers in order:

Possible obstacles that can be seen on any agility course include the following:

1. Jumps or hurdles (can be a panel jump, broad jump, bar jump, double or triple jump, or tire jump.)

Gabe with a regular jump.

Gabe with the tire jump.

2. Tunnels (regular, or chute)

Gabe running a regular tunnel.

3. Pause table (dog must be in a 'down' position for five seconds)

Gabe on the table.

4. Weave poles (five to twelve poles the dog must weave through, always entering with the first pole on the dog's left shoulder.)

The poles, minus Gabe.

5. A-Frame (a contact obstacle in which the dog must make contact with the brightly-painted areas while both ascending and descending.)

Gabe on top of the A-Frame.

Approaching the contact zone.

Coming down the A-Frame.

6. The Dogwalk (another contact obstacle)

Making his way across the Dogwalk.

Approaching the contact zone.

7. The Seesaw or Teeter-Totter (the most difficult of the contact obstacles)

A slowed-down look at the Teeter and making the contact zone.

Whether it be for fun, or for competition, dog agility can be a great way to build confidence in your dog and provide much-needed mental and physical stimulation! For more detailed information on how to get involved in this sport, check out:

NADAC (North American Dog Agility Council)
AKC (American Kennel Club)

I wanna thank my mom and dad...

2010-10-09T12:46:00.004-06:00

Well, we don't know why or how, but apparently we won a "PetsDirect.co.uk blogger award". To be honest I didn't even know that kind of thing existed, but...I'll take it! I guess we will be receiving a personalized "award" graphic soon. Until then, here is what we got...

Award From PetsDirect.co.uk

DOG COLLAR &
DESIGNER DOG COLLARS
SUPPLIER UK

PetsDirect.co.uk Ribbon Award

DOG LEADS &
STYLISH DOG COLLARS
SUPPLIER UK

Awarded For..
A Unique Blog From A Whole New And Interesting Perspective.
A Useful And Unique Blogger Resource
Great Literature And/Or Informational Quality
Helping The Preservation And General Well Being Of A Specific Breed Type.
Showing A True Love For A Specific Breed Or Pet Type.

We are also now added on the PetsDirect.co.uk links page!

Thank you to John at PetsDirect, the nice guy who contacted us and "approved" our blog :) I am not really even sure what that means, but it sounds cool and we appreciate it!

Uncommonly Colored

2010-10-07T10:10:00.004-06:00

Bentley, our current dog of the month, inspired me to do a post on some of the lesser known colors in various dog breeds. Of course, it's important to remember that just because a particular color is advertised as "rare" does not make it anymore valuable. Many backyard breeders use this tactic to gain interest in their puppies and raise the prices on them too. But truthfully, the term "rare color" starts and ends there. It simply states that a certain color is less common. And beware; some breeders will even use the word "rare" when it is really not rare at all.

Some colors of dogs may be in higher demand than others. Take the English cream Dachshund for instance. Right now, English creams go for anywhere from $800 - $2000. The color English cream is unique to the longhair Dachshund. A true English cream can only be a longhair. But many Dachshund breeders will coin their dilute reds (lighter than normal red) as creams in hopes of getting more money from them, even if they are smooth or wirehair varieties. These people are either being deceptive or they are naive to the facts about their chosen breed, which is another reason why it's important to do your research before buying a dog. Many people get ripped off big time by the false marketing of an irresponsible breeder.
There may not be anything wrong with pricing a particular color higher if that's the going price. Still, be wary. The bottom line is, you are really only paying a higher price for looks. If you are comfortable paying more for a look you love, that is your preference. But don't buy a certain colored puppy just because you're talked into believing it's a gem.

Color trends in dogs come and go. Another thing to keep in mind is an ethical breeder will not breed their dogs for profit. Their priorities should be health, temperament, conformation (the way the dog is built and moves), and then color.

All that said, it is still interesting to me that some breeds will occasionally produce colors that you aren't used to seeing. So, here are a few of those!

Albino Doberman Pinscher

The first recorded albino Doberman was born in 1976. All albino Dobermans registered since then are descendants from this single dog. As most people know, albino is not the same as white. Dobermans that are born albino lack any pigment, whereas white Boxers for instance usually have pigment on the face as well as spots somewhere on the body. The genes that control white and albino are separate. Albinism is always associated with eye problems and skin problems. Albino Dobermans are susceptible to sun burns and may be sensitive to bright light. There are many in depth articles to be read on the albino Doberman Pinscher, so if you are interested in acquiring one of your own, I suggest doing as much reading as possible!

Silver Labrador Retriever

Some rare colors of breeds have a lot of controversy surrounding them, and silver Labs are one of them. Occasionally, a color will start popping up in excess when history shows no sign of that color being present. This gets people wondering if there is something fishy going on. Are they really purebreds? Some Lab fanciers believe that silver Labs are a product of introducing a Weimeraner (known for their light gray coats) to the gene pool. After extensive DNA testing performed by investigators from the AKC, they concluded that "there was no reason to doubt that the dogs were purebred Labrador Retrievers". Even so, this is still a highly debated topic among Lab people. There is no telling when or if anyone will come to a solid agreement, as there seems to be evidence supporting both sides. Regardless, silver labs, whether they are truly purebred or not, are gaining in popularity.

White German Shepherd Dog or American White Shepherd

Most people know that German Shepherds come in white. But white is a disqualifying fault in the sport of AKC conformation. That is, they cannot be shown. This hasn't stopped fans of the color from breeding them however, and they are beginning to be known as a separate breed. The American White Shepherd is a purebred white German Shepherd, but by making them into a distinct breed, they could eventually be accepted into the AKC. Yes, politics definitely exist in the dog world as well! See the American White Shepherd Association website for more information.

White Pug

The existence of white pugs dates back to the 1800's. White pugs are not the same as albino pugs, which lack pigment. And a true white pug will only show fawn coloring where black is shown on fawn colored dogs. Also, the only two colors recognized by AKC are fawn and black. Any other color is a disqualification. Still, pugs are also seen in brindle, blue, silver fawn and silver gray.

Red & White Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Greater Swiss Mountain dogs are only accepted in one color pattern, as demonstrated in the dog on the right. But occasionally, red & white puppies pop up in purebred litters. GSM's are not all that common to begin with, so the number of red & white Swissies is scarce, making them all the more unique.

Blue Beagle

The color "blue" in the Beagle is nothing more than a recessive dilute gene, causing the normal black markings you see on a hound to come out looking paler. Although beautiful, unfortunately dilute coats are prone to skin problems such as alopecia, a skin disorder that causes bald patches, dry skin and thinning hair. If you buy a dilute color of any breed (isabella or blue are most common), it's important to know the health of the puppy's parents or of other dilute relatives.

Red Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers come in a color called "seal" which is defined as "black with some brown hairs visible in sunlight." To be a true seal, the dog must have black pigment on the eyes, lips, nose, paw pads, and ears. The dog shown above is a more clear chocolate/red color and also has blue eyes, which is a disqualification in the AKC's breed standard. Still, these incorrect colors can and do show up in purebred Boston Terrier litters...and are undeniably cute!

Black & White Bulldog

The AKC recognizes many colors in the Bulldog, with a specific order to preference. Black isn't exactly on the list of preferred colors. The standard states: "Solid black is very undesirable, but not so objectionable if occurring to a moderate degree in piebald patches." Surprisingly, black & white was one of the original colors seen in Bulldogs. It wasn't until the AKC standard stated that the color was undesirable that they started to diminish in popularity. Some say black & white seems to be healthier than other more common colors of Bulldog as they have less skin and immune system disorders. Black & white bulldogs are no exception to what I said in the introduction of this post about rare colors sometimes being sought after. This color typically goes at a much higher price than their already expensive "normal" colored relatives. Right now, it is nearly impossible to buy a Bulldog puppy for less than $1,000, with some going as high as $3500!

Merle Chihuahua

Like the Silver Lab, the merle Chihuahua has stirred up quite the controversy within the breed. Not only did this pattern experience sort of a "boom" in popularity some 10 ten years ago, a good majority of merle Chi's are slightly larger and bigger boned than Chihuahuas are supposed to be. This has caused breeders of the more traditional coat colors question if they were recently mixed with Miniature Australian Shepherd or some other commonly merle breed to achieve this color. On the contrary, merle Chihuahua breeders argue that this color has been present in the genes for the last 50 years or so and even if another breed was introduced into the gene pool at one time, by now they are breeding true. Even more interesting, the AKC breed standard states that Chihuahuas can be "any color - solid, marked or splashed". So, merle Chi's can be shown. The reason you don't see them in the show ring very often is mostly due to their poor conformation. However, the size of them is also improving. I've noticed they are getting smaller and more refined than they were 10 years ago. Even so, I don't see the general contention over this subject ending anytime soon!

Blond Schipperke and Brown Schipperke

In the US, the Schipperke is recognized best by its prick ears, docked tail and of course, its solid black coat. But the original Schipperke came in brown and blond (sometimes called cream or white). Still, today's standard only accepts black dogs. The American Kennel Club states "The outercoat must be black. Any color other than a natural black is a disqualification." In England however, they aren't quite as strict regarding color. The Kennel Club's (UK) standard says, "Usually black but other whole colours permissible".
The brown Schipperke pictured above also has a "natural" tail, meaning it was not docked. To be shown in the AKC, Schipperkes must be "tailless" but in the UK, tail docking and ear cropping are banned for cosmetic purposes and only allowed on some working dogs.

Biewer Yorkie

Everyone recognizes a Yorkie by it's long blue & tan hair, the ony color accepted by the AKC. Well, the "Biewer Yorkie" or "Biewer Terrier" is actually a separate breed from the Yorkshire Terrier. The white, black and tan color is said to be a piebald recessive gene that showed up in a litter of purebred Yorkies only 26 years ago. From there, a selective breeding program was started to create a new breed. Still, as far as I know, no new breeds have been introduced to the Biewer gene pool. So color is still what truly separates them from a purebred Yorkie. That being said, a test was done on over 30 different lineages and Biewer fanciers claim that "we have been able to show that the Biewer Terrier is a distinct breed of its own."
Some say that calling these little dogs "Biewer Yorkie" is incorrect, because it suggests they were bred back to a Yorkshire Terrier and breeders of this new breed only want them bred to other Biewers. (Wow, that's a lot of B's in one sentence!) Whatever the case, I have a feeling they will grow quickly in popularity. I am already seeing plenty of them advertised in the local newspaper!

Some people prefer the classic colors, others may enjoy looking at something a little more unique. Either way, a dog doesn't know or care about the color or pattern of his coat. He'll spend his entire life never recognizing himself in a mirror, and never knowing what he missed. Aren't we dog owners thankful for that, in a world where the superficial is often emphasized over character?

(Hot Diggity does not own the rights to any of the photos used in this post)

Black dogs are sort of like black cats...

2010-10-02T23:32:00.012-06:00

October's dog of the month is "Bentley", owned by Thomas and Kayla Bloom! We picked Bentley because of his strikingly handsome looks (seriously one of the cutest dogs I've ever seen!) and of course, his color couldn't be more appropriate for the month of Halloween.
I imagine most people mistake Bentley for a black lab or lab mix, but he is actually a purebred German Shorthaired Pointer. Shorthairs are usually only seen in solid liver, or a combination of liver & white (ticked, patched or roan). Black shorthairs are disqualified from the AKC conformation ring, but can be registered and compete in other sports. Although rare in the US, in Germany black shorthairs are slowly growing in popularity. Up to 20% of GSP puppies born in Germany are black or black & white, compared to only 5% a decade ago. I wish they were more common around here. I absolutely love their floppy, shiny, happy look!

Photographer: Thomas Bloom

Breed: German Shorthaired Pointer

Age: (pictured: 4 1/2 months) Currently 5 1/2 months

Where did you get Bentley? A breeder in arlington whose name I can't remember.

What made you pick him? We love the breed's energy and intelligence and the short hair was a plus as well. There were only two left in his litter (both black) but he seemed so eager to please and be with people.

How did you pick his name? Actually Kayla suggested it as a possibility, because she knew a dog named Bentley before, and I was excited about having a dog named after an amazing car (even though technically he's not named after the car).

Describe Bentley in 3 words: He is cuddly, loving, and energetic

Bentley living life...

Thank you Thomas and Kayla! I can honestly say I will be a bit sad when October is over and we have to switch dogs. I love looking at his smiling face!

Beautiful Miracle

2010-09-01T10:04:00.003-06:00

Well, here she is, the winner of September's dog of the month contest! Mira Bella the Dachshund! Obviously I'm not the only one who was touched by this little dog's story. And I would never complain about getting to look at another Dachshund at the top of our blog for the next month...

Here is an interview with Mira Bella's owner, Terri VonderHeide. Terri, be watching for your $25 gift card to PetSmart in the mail!

Photographer's Name: Terri VonderHeide

Where did you get your dog? Rescue, I flew to New Orleans to save her from being euthanized.

What made you choose her? I could not let a dachshund die just because it was paralyzed. She deserved a chance at life.

Describe her in 3 words: miraculous, determined, amazing

Terri wrote a little extra about her special dog:

"I have to add that Mira is special needs, she was paralyzed when I rescued her, because she had suffered a traumatic injury to her spine which crushed it. Not only was she paralyzed, she is completely deaf and partially blind as is the case with the majority of double dapples. We have overcome her paralysis in spite of her veterinarian in Louisiana saying it would take a Miracle for her to walk again, and after examination by my vet being told that the damage was so extreme that most likely she would never walk again but to go ahead and try because you just never really know for certain. So we spent 8 hours a day 5 days a week on different physical therapy techniques, and now she walks and runs with all her dachshund brothers and sisters that live here. Because the damage was so extreme she is still incontinent and while I have learned her potty schedule well enough that during the day I let her go what we call ‘nakeybutt” she does have to wear diapers if she has to be crated for any length of time or not allowed access to outside for any length of time. She doesn’t like to wear her diapers so I put baby onesies over the top of them so she can’t tear them off. Since she has joined our family, Mira has been a constant inspiration and has been a wonderful spokesdog for rescue and for disabled dogs. Her example has saved 5 dogs in the past year from being put to sleep because of back issues. She has gone to two elementary schools as an advocate both for rescue and for acceptance of someone being different.

I am also attaching one picture of Mira in her wheelchair that she got shortly after she got here with me. Now she no longer needs her wheels but she does still need her doggles sun glasses because part of the genetic issues of being a double dapple her pupils do not expand and contract in the varying light and bright light hurts her eyes."

Thank you Terri! And thank you to everyone who entered and voted!
Once again, you can read all about Mira in her blog at www.mirasmiracle.blogspot.com

Pick your favorite!

2010-08-20T17:49:00.030-06:00

Just four dogs are in the running for September's dog of the month. But once again I am glad choosing the winner isn't up to me, because I think they are all deserving of the title and the prize! ($25 to PetSmart).

Review each of them below, and make your vote! Voting closes on September 1st!

Olive

Olive is a 10 month old Cane Corso owned by Auston and Molly Sligh! The Cane Corso is still relatively unknown, being one of the three newest breeds to be recognized by the AKC. Being rare also makes them hard to find. Olive was shipped to Washington from a breeder in Kentucky! Auston and Molly write about what made them choose a Cane Corso: "We both wanted a big, girl dog. Auston wanted something that looked scary, and I wanted a dog that looked like a pitbull, but without the stigma. Cane Corsos were the middle ground. She is lazy, loyal and snuggly. I can’t think of having anything else now, she’s perfect for us."

Lloyd

Lloyd is a Vizsla/Lab mix puppy owned by Kyle Crommett! Kyle rescued Lloyd from PAWS and writes that as soon as he saw him, he knew there was no way he was leaving without him! It sounds like a perfect match. "LLoyd is such an awesome dog. He is ridiculously smart. He was basically housebroken the first night I brought him home at just under 9 weeks, and he has picked up basic commands (Sit, Stay, Down) after literally just a few minutes on each command. He is very loyal, and pretty much spends the whole day attached to my leg. He'll wake up from a dead sleep just to follow me into the kitchen and pass back out on the floor at my feet while I cook."

Mira Bella

Mira Bella is a 5 year old Miniature Dachshund owned by Terri VonderHeide! Mira Bella is completely deaf, partially blind and was even paralyzed when Terri flew to New Orleans to rescue her from a neglected situation. Her name is truly fitting, Terri writes: "Her name was Honey when I rescued her but she is such a Miracle dog in so many ways and she is so beautiful both physically and in her spirit that Miracle got shortened to Mira and Bella for beautiful because she is my Beautiful Miracle."

I'm positive that if Mira Bella could talk, she would call Terri her miracle as well. Thanks to her determination and faith, Mira Bella is able to walk again despite the fact that vets told Terri there was no way she would. Mira Bella's example has saved 5 rescue dogs in the past year alone from being euthanized because of having back problems.

You can read all about Mira Bella's inspiring story by visiting her blog:

www.mirasmiracle.blogspot.com

Tully

Tully is a 3 year old Cairn Terrier owned by Jeff and Rachel Bundy! This was an impulse buy that really worked out. Rachel says "It was a compulsive purchase but I am so glad I got her. She is affectionate, devoted, and cute". She is also named after Julianne Moore's character in "The Forgotten", but she goes by a variety of awesome nicknames including Dinger, Trikemaster Tom, Smerf and Danger, pronounced Dang - Er.

The upside to having fewer contestants is it will make your decision easier. Then again...maybe not?

You are the best thing that's ever been mine

2010-08-10T20:53:00.029-06:00

A few years ago I started collecting dog related quotes that I liked. Here are some of those quotes, along with some of my favorite dog photos I have saved overtime...(and do not own the rights to :)

"Only my dogs will not betray me."
~Maria Callas

"His ears were often the first thing to catch my tears."
~Elizabeth Barrett Browning, referring to her cocker spaniel, Flush

"… none are as fiercely loyal as dog people.
In return, no doubt, for the never-ending loyalty of dogs."
~Linda Shrieves

"If you get to thinking you're a person of some influence, try ordering somebody else's dog around."
~Will Rogers

"To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring - it was peace."
~Milan Kundera

"We long for an affection altogether ignorant of our faults. Heaven has accorded this to us in the uncritical canine attachment"
~George Eliot

"We never really own a dog as much as he owns us."
~Gene Hill

"Old age means realizing you will never own all the dogs you wanted to."
~Joe Gores

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."
~Anatole France

"A person who has never owned a dog has missed a wonderful part of life"
~Bob Barker

"Old men miss many dogs."
~Steve Allen

"Dogs' lives are too short. Their only fault, really."
~Agnes Sligh Turnbull

For the soul of every living thing is in the hand of God.
Job 12:10

Edging. To Put Dog Owners on Edge.

2010-08-07T17:19:00.008-06:00

Remember when I mentioned how my dog Gabe is prone to accidents? Maybe I should've knocked on wood, because he got into some MORE trouble just a few months ago. (And if you do not recall, maybe this will refresh your memory.)

Here's what went down most recently.

I got to the end of another work week, woke up later than normal, and let Gabe outside before I did anything else. I left the back door open so he could come back inside when he was done. After being outside for literally 1-2 minutes, he did come back into the kitchen momentarily. Then, he wandered back outside on the deck. Shortly after, I noticed a spot of what appeared to be blood on the floor. I followed Gabe out to the deck and then saw that there were LOTS of spots of blood all over the place, and Gabe was vigorously licking one of his paws.

Some choice language flooded into my mind, and I stooped down to see what was causing the mess. His entire front left paw was pooling with blood between the pads. I could not stomach the thought of investigating it too closely (that is why I am a dog trainer, not a doctor), so we immediately went to the vet to have it assessed.

I had NO idea what could have caused such a gruesome gash in such a small amount of time, but upon arrival to the vet clinic, three different people asked us: 'Do you have any metal edging in your yard?' And come to find out, we do.

Tangent: At this time, I should probably mention that I didn't even know what edging WAS before this happened. When I heard what it is called, I pictured it to be somewhere on the fence. You know, on the edge of the yard. In all actuality, edging is the material that borders flower beds, gardens, etc. to prevent different landscaping materials from mixing. Just in case you live under a rock like I do and don't realize what edging is, this is what it looks like:

End tangent.

A few stitches later and armed with a batch of antibiotics and Rimadyl, Gabe was returned to me. He was lucky to not have cut any tendons in his foot. Come to find out, he was also lucky that the cut was between the pads of his foot, and not on the pad (because the pads are made up of dead skin, which is harder to grow back, go figure.) Nonetheless, Gabe had a long couple of weeks ahead of him. No walks. No unsupervised trips to the backyard. No being rowdy, or getting his foot wet. He also occasionally had to wear the dreaded CONE OF SHAME so he wouldn't eat his bandage off. (But we will spare him from being further embarassed on the internet by keeping the real pictures to ourselves.)

After weeks of watching Gabe like a hawk, bagging his foot every time we'd go outside in wet grass, un-bagging it every time we came in the house, excluding him from all outdoor adventures, making sure he got his pills twice a day, and watching him pitifully hobble, I was ready to tear the edging out of the yard with my bare hands. One small piece of metal had a huge impact on my lifestyle, peace of mind, and bank account.

Dad went to Home Depot to buy some type of guard for the top of the edging. As it turns out, they don't even sell metal edging any more, because of how common it is for people and animals to be cut by it! It was good news in one sense, but bad because he couldn't get any sort of protective covering for our edging any more. He ended up using duct tape to cover all jagged corners. (We also got the suggestion to cut a garden hose in half and use that to cover all of the edging.)

So, if you have metal edging in your yard, and your pets or kids ever play out there, I would highly recommend replacing it, or at least covering it. It might seem tedious or pointless, but it will spare you money and heartache in the long run.

Shiloh - Winner for August's Dog of the Month!

2010-08-01T10:37:00.006-06:00

The votes are in! Congrats to Shiloh for winning Hot Diggity's first ever photo contest! Shiloh is crowned August's dog of the month and will be receiving a $25 gift card to PetSmart in the mail!

Shiloh is owned by Sarah Sandberg (also the photographer of this winning photo). Here is a little interview with her about this sweet little guy:

Dog's Breed: Double Dapple Dachshund ( tsk tsk I know )

Dog's Age: Approx 5 yrs

Where did you get your dog? Shiloh's story is slightly long and posted on my blog

What made you choose your dog? I believe he was chosen for me at a time in my life when my heart cat Tigger of 15+ years was passing on. He came to heal my soul.

How did you pick your dog's name? Shiloh means God's gift and he is certainly a gift to us. ( also explained within the blog posting )

Describe your dog in 3 words: Intelligent, Love & Perfection

Thank you to everyone who voted! You can start sending in your entries for September's contest.

To Enter:

Email us up to 5 photos of your dog along with the following info:

Owner's Name:
Photographer's Name:
Dog's Name:
Dog's Breed:
Dog's Age:
Where did you get your dog?
What made you choose your dog?
How did you pick your dog's name?
Describe your dog in 3 words:

Email All Entries to: TheHotDiggity@hotmail.com

There are no right or wrong answers to these questions. We just want a little info to include in the post that features your dog if he/she wins :)

Rules/Tips:

- Send all entries in by August 21st
- People are awesome. People in your dog picture entries are not quite as awesome. No people please!
- Pictures with more than one dog in them are fine. Just make sure to answer the questions for each dog (if they are all yours)
- The higher quality photo, the better! (Pixely or blurry shots won't look too cute supersized.)

I'll Follow You Until You Love Me....

2010-07-20T19:51:00.043-06:00

Thank you so much to everyone who entered our first photo contest! We were so excited each time we would see another entry and loved reading about each dog. To those who sent more than one picture per dog, let it be known that we had a tough time narrowing it down to just one!

Man, I have to say, I wasn't expecting it, but each one of these dogs melts my heart. I am just glad that Becca and I don't have to choose the winner ourselves. It would be way too hard for me, I would probably end up choosing them all which would result in an extremely cluttered blog header. But that won't happen because choosing the winner will be up to you guys!

After you've reviewed each contestant, you can vote for your favorite by name at the top of the blog.

- If you don't already have a google account, it will prompt you to create one
- Next, you will have to follow our blog in order to vote in the poll. Don't worry, you can always unfollow it after you vote!

Voting will be open until July 31st, so rally up your friends to vote for your dog, or your favorite.

So, here they are...the 12 candidates for August's dog of the month. (As always, click pictures to view them up close.)

Yogi

Yogi is a 3 year old Pomeranian/Chihuahua mix owned by Patia Eaton! Not many dogs can say they were named by someone other than their owner.
Patia writes: "I didn't name him. My boss did because everyone was sick of me calling him "Puppy."

When asked to describe Yogi in 3 words, Patia said: " Best. Dog. Ever. ;)"

Beesly

Beesly (pictured at 3 months) is a Beagle owned by Christina and Kevin Klas!
Christina and Kevin were warned not to get a beagle for various reasons, but they had always wanted one and decided to get one anyway. I have a feeling they don't regret it!

Christina writes that "She's named after Pam Beesly from 'The Office' tv show"

Macy Mae

Macy Mae is a 1-1/2 year old Miniature Dachshund owned by Jami Manning! Jami found her dream dog in Macy Mae; "Wanted a female LH doxie horridly bad so my husband surprised me when we went down to TX to see his family last Feb and I picked her out for my birthday." Personally I can't think of a better birthday present than a Dachshund puppy. But hey, I'm a little biased.

Lucy

Lucy is a 2 year old Shetland Sheepdog owned by Becky and Lewis Jones! Becky says that Lucy acts as her alarm clock, waking her up everyday during the summer at 6am to go on their morning walk.
"She is by far the best workout partner I could ask for! She has become my shadow, never leaving my side. Someone said a quote once, "My little dog...a heartbeat at my feet." That is truly Lucy. Always faithful, loving, and a wonderful friend."

Shiloh

Shiloh is a double dapple Dachshund owned by Sarah Sandberg! Shiloh is blind, as double dapples often are, and Sarah included this sweet message about him in her entry:

"I'd like to give a quick explanation of why I chose my blind boy over my 3 perfectly healthy and to many people much more photogenic. I wanted to share with people that special needs animals ( of any kind ) can be "perfect" too. Although Shiloh can not see he is an amazing boy who came into my life rather suddenly and has quickly taken my heart over in a matter of just a few weeks. I went into the rescue of him with thoughts of fear, "what ifs" and how can I care for him as I knew nothing of blind dogs. HE is teaching me that there is nothing to fear, there are very few "what ifs" and I think if anything he's caring for me right now."

To find out more about Shiloh's story, visit Sarah's blog by clicking Here

Chachi

Chachi is a 4 month old Chihuahua owned by Natalie Arias! Natalie describes Chachi as being "Shy, loving and playful"

Chester

Chester was a 5 month old Chihuahua owned by Natalie Arias. Natalie rescued this little guy, who sadly passed away on June 4th after battling parvo.

Natalie writes "Found him at one in the morning in my neighborhood, he was just seven weeks, put my car on park in the middle of the street and went after him and took him home. He was amazing, young, energetic"

Even though his time here was cut short, I think Chester was lucky to have found Natalie.

Chochi

Chochi is a 9 year old Chihuahua also owned by Natalie Arias! His picture seems to be an accurate representation of his character ;) Natalie describes him as: "aggressive, angry, loving"

Chula

Chula is Natalie Arias's 4th Chihuahua, a two year old who was rescued from Rancho Cucamonga Animal Shelter. Natalie writes: "I really wanted to adopt this time from a shelter being that I had a horrible experience with a back yard breeder. I saw this cute white chihuahua and I fell in love right then and there. We had a little difficulties looking for a name to suit her, and my mom said "Es muy Chula" which in Spanish translates to "Shes so Cute." From then on, we called her Chula, which means Cute or Cutie in Spanish."

Chitluk

Chitluk is a husky/malamute mix owned by Kelsey Lamar! He will be 3 this August and was rescued by Kelsey when he was still small enough to fit in the palm of her hand. Literally.

Kelsey writes "I got my dog while living in an Eskimo village in Alaska. He was born in a dirty old train car and I picked him out the day after he was born. Due to the horrible living conditions, he came to live with me when he was just 2 weeks old"

Killian

Killian is a 7 year old Longhaired Dachshund owned by Michelle Duckworth! Michelle spared Killian from a potentially bad situation. "I always wanted a chocolate dachshund and this Amish Backyared Breeder was about to purchase him and I quickly bought Killian out from under him. I didn't want to see this dachshund being used as a breeder only living in a kennel....it's been a love affair ever since!"

Penny Lane

Penny Lane is a 7 month old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel owned by TJ and Shannon Bolan! They write that Penny is "Friendly, Silly and Loving".
Penny Lane's name was chosen long before she was: "My husband and I love The Beatles and have always loved the song Penny Lane. We decided years ago that we would name our first dog that name (well assuming she looked like a Penny Lane!)" Which, I definitely think she does!

Ok, now go vote!

There's a first for everything...

2010-07-05T12:51:00.014-06:00

We've been featuring a new dog of the month on Hot Diggity since we started in February, all chosen by us. But this time we decided why not have our first ever photo contest for the dog of August?

Depending on how many entries we receive, we will either have an open vote contest or we will pick the winner ourselves. More entries = open vote. Less = we pick. So feel more than free to tell your friends and get them to send in their pictures!

If your dog wins, he/she will receive a surprise prize in the mail, and of course major bragging rights for being featured at the top of Hot Diggity for 31 days. Heh.

TO ENTER:

Email us up to 5 photos of your dog along with the following info:

Owner's Name:
Photographer's Name:
Dog's Name:
Dog's Breed:
Dog's Age:
Where did you get your dog?
What made you choose your dog?
How did you pick your dog's name?
Describe your dog in 3 words:

Email All Entries to: TheHotDiggity@hotmail.com

There are no right or wrong answers to these questions. We just want a little info to include in the post that features your dog if he/she wins :)

Rules/Tips:

- Send all entries in by July 21st
- People are awesome. People in your dog picture entries are not quite as awesome. No people please!
- Pictures with more than one dog in them are fine. Just make sure to answer the questions for each dog (if they are all yours)
- The higher quality photo, the better! (Pixely or blurry shots won't look too cute supersized!)

If you have any other questions, just ask!

And He Kisses His Mom With That Mouth.

2010-07-04T11:07:00.006-06:00

Anyone who knows me or is even acquainted with me knows how much I love Gabe. I love every dog that I've ever had, and have wanted to take in numerous others, but he is one of those special, once-in-a-lifetime dogs. He is easy to love, even for visitors that come to the house, or people he meets on the street. Gabe is lucky that I love him as much as I do, because he has been one of the most high-maintenance dogs I've ever owned. Scratch that - THE highest maintenance dog I've ever owned. But, I've learned from the experiences he has thrown my way, and I figured it would possibly be helpful to pass some of the information along in case anyone else ever finds themselves in a similar spot.

In his short three years of life, Gabe has already been to the emergency vet - twice. To put a little perspective on this: in all the years of owning dogs prior to Gabe, not one of them ever went to an emergency clinic. (Emergency vet clinics are open to provide assistance and care for pets that have a medical issue after traditional office hours.) And, dog owners like me are grateful that they exist!

The first situation that warranted a trip to the animal ER was the night that Gabe found rat poison in the house I was renting at the time. The manufacturers of rat poison create it with an enticing taste (so that, you know, rats will eat it.) The problem is that household pets and other animals find the taste just as appealing, and will likely eat it if they have any chance to come near it. Since we were not the people who left the rat poison at the house, there was no way of knowing just how much there was to begin with or how much he may have consumed. Depending on the size of the dog and how much poison they eat, there can be different outcomes. But, the effects of the poison can take days to set in, and I was not about to wait around to find out.

It had been more than an hour since Gabe got into the poison by the time I found him, which meant that his stomach had already begun to absorb whatever he ingested. As I spoke with the emergency clinic a few times that night, it was apparent that coating his stomach with charcoal (to stop absorption) was likely one of the only ways the effects could be stopped by that point. I finally caved at 3 AM and took him in to have the procedure done. They did get him to throw up (as a precautionary measure), coated his stomach, and sent him home with some medications to continue coating the stomach. Thankfully, Gabe never showed any signs of being poisoned and I felt like my money was well-spent.

About a year later, the second incident happened when a roommate left a chocolate cake sitting out on the edge of our counter-top. I went to a barbecue, and when I came home, there was an empty cake pan sitting on our kitchen floor. Gabe had consumed an ENTIRE chocolate cake in one sitting. I knew that the chocolate was harmful to dogs, as many people do. I was not sure if a chocolate cake was less of a threat than being in its pure form, but the sheer amount of what he ate would likely be bad news. So, to the ER we went again. This time, Gabe was showing signs of toxicity with a racing heart. He had to stay overnight, threw up a bunch, had his stomach coated again, got an EKG taken of his heart, and was hooked up to fluids so that his system could get flushed out completely. I applied for a Care Credit account so that I could even pay for the hospital bill (both of these incidents happened while I was unemployed, go figure) and he got to come home the following morning. The bottom line to me was that Gabe would be ok, but it was a traumatic night of worry, tears, discouragement, and feeling like I had let a best friend down.

Gabe with freshly shaved legs (from where the IVs were placed).

Both of these situations prompted me to learn more about other hazardous things dogs can ingest. Some of the items on this incomplete list may surprise you!

Onions
Garlic
Antifreeze
Visine
Grapes/raisins (seriously!)
Mushrooms
Chocolate (common knowledge, but what some of you may not know is that the darker the chocolate/closer to the natural form of it, the more of a threat it poses to dogs.)
Coffee/tea (due to caffeine)
Macadamia nuts
Poinsettia and mistletoe plants (beware during the holidays!)
Avocado plants
Yeast dough
Potato skins

These are just some of the more common household foods and substances that pose a risk to your pets. A veterinarian or Google search will yield additional information on toxic threats for dogs and cats; this list is made up of things that I feel are often in an average home and should be noted.

Furthermore, as a person who will likely move around more than once in the years to come, I would recommend doing a sweep of any new household your pet may live in before moving everything in. You never know what past renters/owners may have left behind (such as poison), and this could prevent a potential tragedy. Additionally, confining your dog when you leave can keep him or her safe from the various temptations that may exist in your house, especially if it is a messy environment (as it often is when multiple roommates live under one roof.)

For any Grey hair Gabe has caused, he is still worth more than every penny I've spent. Author John Grogan sums the relationship up pretty well:

"A dog has no use for fancy cars or big homes or designer clothes. Status symbol means nothing to him. A waterlogged stick will do just fine. A dog judges others not by their color or creed or class but by who they are inside. A dog doesn't care if you are rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull. Give him your heart and he will give you his. It was really quite simple, and yet we humans, so much wiser and more sophisticated, have always had trouble figuring out what really counts and what does not. As I wrote that farewell column to Marley, I realized it was all right there in front of us, if only we opened our eyes. Sometimes it took a dog with bad breath, worse manners, and pure intentions to help us see."

Squanto

2010-07-01T10:27:00.013-06:00

It's July 1st and this month's dog is a mixed breed who lives in Africa with his owner, Caroline Peixoto. I saw some pictures that Caroline's friend, Megan, had posted on facebook and fell in love with his unique looks. I knew we had to use him for dog of the month at least once :)

I know Megan Swanson through my good friend Hilliary Anderson. They both currently live in Africa where they started a children's home for street boys. It's pretty amazing what they do!
To find out more, go to www.HopeForLifeMinistry.org

This photo was also taken by Hilliary, who is a fantastic photographer and artist. You can see more of her work here: www.hilliarysart.com

I wasn't able to get in direct contact with Squanto's owner, so Megan gave me her best guesses to my questions about him! Thanks Megan!

Breed: Mixed

Age: 6 months

Where did you get Squanto? Squanto's mom was rescued off of the streets by a local veterinarian who was unaware that the dog was pregnant. Squanto was the runt in that group of puppies.

Why did you choose him? Caroline and I were both immediately drawn to Squanto. He was a beautiful color as a puppy, was very playful, yet when we picked him up, cuddled into our arms. We were also drawn to him because he was the runt of the bunch and we wanted to be able to provide a good home for him.

How did you pick his name? Caroline has always wanted to name a pet Squanto. When she first learned about the Native American, Squanto, and how he saved loads of people by teaching them how to farm, she knew she wanted to name her future pet that!

Describe Squanto in 3 words: Full, Of, Poop. (Or you may want to use these: Energetic, Curious, and Gullible)

Because I can steal pictures from facebook, and I think this dog is unbelievably cute, I've added a few extra of him living his life in Africa...

Megan stuffing Squanto into her backpack. This picture makes me want a Squanto of my own.

Post bath time

He doesn't look loved at all....

Baby!

Perspective

2010-06-16T15:28:00.007-06:00

"Think of your dog as having come into your life for a reason – to make you a stronger, confident, more assertive person."
- Cesar Millan

I'd like to add to that also a more selfless, committed and compassionate person.

:)

photo by tory

Meet Theo

2010-06-04T08:54:00.005-06:00

My newest foster puppy is a Heeler mix named Theo. He's about 8 weeks old, and came to the rescue with his whole litter, covered in ticks. They're all doing much better now, and he has been a blast to have around this week!

Theo is one of the most inquisitive puppies I've fostered. He watches the TV, looks straight at you when you talk to him (with the most serious face - so cute :)), and loves to explore anything and everything. True to the Heeler breed, he already goes after everyone's ankles. He's also got an independent nature - loves to lay his head on your feet when he sleeps, but is not very interested in being held in one spot.

It's been so cute to see how Gabe and Theo have gotten along this week - maybe having just one puppy around is less overwhelming to Gabe. I'm hoping someone with some dog experience adopts Theo tomorrow, because he is cute, he is sweet, but he is also full of it!

Austin - June's Dog of the Month

2010-06-01T11:57:00.002-06:00

The Olde English Bulldogge is a breed not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club. However, the popularity of these guys is still increasing for many reasons. This can be attributed to their greater chance to live a life unaffected by health issues (as compared to the more commonly known English Bulldog), their playful, outgoing personalities, and of course, their exceptionally cute faces! (You've got to love jowls like these.) They are also a very strong, athletic breed. Kyle and Miranda Carbaugh's dog Austin is no exception to all of these things. Tory and I decided it would be fun to share a little about Olde English Bulldogges by featuring Austin as our Dog of the Month for June!

Age: One and a half years old.
Breed: Olde English Bulldogge
Where did you get Austin? Pell City, Alabama (we flew him here).
What made you choose him? The breed because he has all the bulldog looks but not as great of a risk for the health problems of the standard English Bulldog. He is very athletic, that is also why we chose this specific breed. We chose Austin specifically because when we contacted the breeder, they mentioned that Austin had recently jumped in their pool at 8 weeks and had to be retrieved. We thought he sounded adventurous!
How did you choose his name? It just fit him.
Describe Austin in 3 Words:
1. Carefree
2. Animated
3. Loving

Thanks so much to Kyle and Miranda for letting us show Austin off this month. And thank you to Abbey Bernhardt for allowing the use of this awesome picture she snapped of him!

(Dog) Parks and Recreation

2010-05-16T16:16:00.044-06:00

Cinderella (above) and I have pretty much been addicted to the off leash dog parks in my area. In fact, I didn't even realize how many there were in close proximity to where I live. Off leash dog parks seem to be getting more and more common throughout the US. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that the majority of dogs kept as pets in this country are city dogs, or suburban dogs at best. It is rarer and rarer for a dog to go to a home where he has ample space to run without a leash. For this reason, it seems that a little bit of guilt tends to motivate owners to take their dogs to off leash parks; guilt that their dogs are often cooped up in the house or crated most of the day while they work. In this regard, off leash parks are a dream come true for dogs and owners alike.

Attractions at dog parks vary. If your dog has a particular interest, chances are you can find a park that accommodates. Some have agility equipment set up, some offer fenced in wooded trails, some have access to water either by a beach, pool or lake.
Of course, where there are few boundaries, there is also potential for chaos. But as long as you follow a few simple rules, dog parks are fun and relatively stress free, even if you don't bring your dog! (Ok...maybe that's just me).

For starters, females in season or dogs that are not up to date on their vaccines are definite no-no's at dog parks. The same goes for dogs that have ever shown aggressive tendencies toward people or other dogs. Walking into a dog park with an unpredictable dog is asking for a lawsuit.

Most vets will administer the bordetella (or kennel cough) vaccine if you let them know that you plan on taking your dog to public places that other dogs frequent. But it may also depend on your area. The topic of vaccines has become somewhat controversial in the animal world lately, so be sure and run it by your vet to get their opinion.

Some parks have different rules than others. It's always wise to check the website of the specific park before you go, so you don't make a wasted effort. A good website for finding off-leash parks in your area:

Dog Fun Directory

Know your dog
An off leash park is not the place to experiment with your dog's temperament and behavior around other dogs. If your dog doesn't get out of your yard or neighborhood often, don't throw him into a situation where you're not sure how he'll react. Start by walking your dog in more public places, or taking him/her to some kind of supervised play group held by a training facility. A play group will have a trainer on staff who will be there to monitor behavior and break up any fights should they start, whereas at a dog park, you're on your own. Know what type of behavior is normal for your dog and get a sense for whether or not he would be comfortable and safe for others at an off leash park. It's also helpful if you feel confident that you can control your dog. A reliable recall and a trusting relationship goes a long way when it comes to letting your dog off his leash.

Know Dog Behavior
Dogs have their own language. Learn the difference between a dog that is saying "please leave me alone" and one that is aggressive/dominant. It is not unusual or unacceptable for a dog to snap at another dog to tell them to leave him alone. However, a dog that is actively seeking out confrontation is another story. Generally you can tell the difference by reading body language. A dog that just wants to be left alone will usually have his tail down or in a neutral position and may snap and bark, but quickly retreat. If your dog does this, don't scold him. Most likely the offending dog is the one who needs to learn proper manners. However, a dog that reacts this way every time he meets a new dog, regardless of the other dog's politeness, may be overly nervous and insecure and not a good candidate for off leash parks.

Watch For Bullies
A problem you will run into often at off leash parks are dogs that are being bullies with no one to hold them accountable. But it's equally important to recognize aggressive behavior in your own dog as it is in others. Many owners mistake dominance for playfulness. Be observant. If a dog your dog is playing with begins to appear fearful with tail tucked between legs, snapping, or crying, it's time to re-direct your dog's attention. Don't be the one with the bully dog! Likewise, watch for other dogs that may try to heckle your own and stop it before it escalates. The most effective way to stop a behavior from getting out of control is to simply re-direct the attention of one or both of the dogs. Don't contribute to an intense situation by screaming or yelling.

Monitor Group Play
Surprisingly enough, fights rarely break out at dog parks. But there certainly are horror stories of smaller, more timid dogs getting injured or even killed by a group of more aggressive dogs. If your dog is nervous, he may be a target for getting ganged up on. So it's important that owners keep their dogs from grouping together and trying to intimidate others.

Have fun!
It might sound silly but walking confidently, not over-babying your dog, and generally being happy will greatly impact the way your dog behaves at an off leash park. If you're nervous, your dog will be too. If your dog is very afraid the first time at a park, don't give up just yet. Most dogs are anxious at first and calm down with time. Others may need to come back to the same park several times before they begin to feel comfortable, but even very shy dogs can surprise you and break out of their shell if you're willing to practice some patience. Even better, most dog parks have a "shy dog" or "small dog" area for those that are new or less outgoing than the majority.

Remember, you're the leader. Focus on being the cool and collected role model your dog needs!

Do Bring
- Treats, in case you need to re-direct a behavior or entice your dog back to you if he doesn't come when called (but I have yet to see a dog that doesn't keep check with its owner!)
- Extra bags! Most dogs eliminate themselves more than once at an off leash park!
- Water, especially if you plan to stay for a while

Don't Bring
- Toys. Toys can actually be a source of stress for a dog in a group environment. Dogs that have their own toys at dog parks will be more likely to become possessive and unsociable. There are exceptions to this rule however. If your dog is a focused retriever for instance, a ball or frisbee can be a great thing to bring to an off leash park. Just keep in mind that other dogs may take your dog's ball, so you may want to bring extras!

Lastly, as demonstrated by the first picture in this post, expect your dog to be a bit messy after a trip to the park. It's not a bad idea to bring towels for the car ride and plan on bathing your dog when you get home!

The benefits to the dog parks far outweigh the potential hazards for me. The socialization aspect alone has been great for my dogs. It's also excellent for burning off excess energy. Cinderella is always more content being in the house after spending a couple hours at an off leash park. She gets twice as much exercise there than she does on a walk with me. But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a bit selfish in taking her to the dog park. Truthfully, I'm not sure who enjoys going to them more; me or her.

(All photos taken by Tory Cobrea)

Clicking With Your Dog 3

2010-05-04T18:43:00.007-06:00

Sitting is not the most natural position for a dog to be in. If you observe dogs or wolves in the wild, they are most often standing or lying down. Because of this, teaching your dog to lie down is a useful command, especially when you need your dog to hold the position for an extended amount of time. Your dog will be much more comfortable than if he or she was required to hold a sit stay for the same amount of time.

As I stated in my previous clicker post, there are various ways you can go about teaching your dog a new command. For a 'down', luring typically works the best. Most dogs naturally follow a bit of food with their eyes and nose. Therefore, by using a treat to lure your dog's face towards the ground, that alone is most often enough to achieve the proper result. As with any clicker training session, immediately click and reward a successful down. I never advocate forcing a dog into a position. However, if luring does not seem to be enough, you can also mold your dog by gently massaging his or her shoulder blades to help encourage them to lie down. The leash can also be a gentle guide to pull your dog in the right direction, if extra help is needed. It is important to keep in mind that a 'down' is the most submissive position for a dog to learn, so it is best not to start with this command until some other training has happened and the bond between dog and handler is established.

One problem that people frequently run into with luring is that they have trouble moving away from it. Meaning, their dog will not perform a command unless the lure is there. The key to getting rid of a lure is to do it gradually! So, if you have been holding the treat all the way near to the ground and your dog is consistently lying down, try holding it an inch or so above the ground instead. If your dog can still lie down consistently, hold the lure two or three inches above the ground. As your dog becomes consistent at each modified way of luring him/her, you can add more and more space between the lure and the ground. The ultimate goal is that, eventually, your dog will lay down on command, even when you are standing up straight.

Do not attempt to increase the duration of your dog's down stay for more than a moment until he or she is really grasping the concept of the word. If you try to step away from your dog too soon, they will surely get right up, and it is easy to become frustrated. Focus first on the simple concept of what a 'down' looks and feels like for your dog - and allow their muscle memory to kick in as well. You always, always want to set dogs up for success!

Luring Gabe at a beginner's level

Luring Gabe at an intermediate level.

Excuse my very unprofessional pictures - I had to use a self timer and also hope that Gabe's timing would be accurate!

Abby - May's Dog of the Month

2010-05-01T01:06:00.004-06:00

My friends Laura and Jeff are such a great couple. They are two of the nicest people you'll ever meet, and their hearts reflect that in how they care about each other as well as the people around them. Their loving nature was also made apparent when they picked out their first dog together - a rescued mutt named Abby.

Abby was not a clean slate when they adopted her - other people had already shaped her in certain ways or neglected to nurture her in others, leaving her in great need of stability and patience. And yet, Jeff and Laura opted to give her a chance at living out a happy and full life. With that time and patience, Abby has made great strides! That in itself is reason to celebrate Abby and other dogs like her. So, for the next month we will get to look at Abby's smiling face and her radical ears! Thanks for sharing, Jeff and Laura!

Age: is TWO
Breed: Mutt (we think Basenji, Lab and something else.)
Where did you get Abby? We picked her up at Wayside Waifs. She was a two time pound puppy where she had been brought back by a former owner. Poor thing.
What made you choose her? We picked her because of her stupid big ears and her huge tongue. We also liked her high energy and her playfulness. I have always loved mutts and talked Jeff into getting away from the pure breed dogs. We went to the pound and fell in love at first sight.
How did you name her? Her name at first was Jolie but we thought that was dumb and Jeff named her Abby. It seemed to be just right. When she's bad we call out Abigail and she puts her head down and her tail down. It's pretty pathetic. Her top three favorite things in the world are 1. Squirrels 2. Other dogs 3. Jeff and me!
Describe Abby in 3 words: Smart, Strong, Energetic

Meet Miranda, Charlotte, & Carrie.

2010-04-30T11:42:00.008-06:00

I have been terrible at posting lately, and a small reason why is because I have not one, not two, but THREE foster puppies this week! It's a little bit of an experiment, and not something I will likely do very often, but it's been a joy to have these three girls stay with us for a few days. They are a special bunch of puppies - every one of them is very affectionate, playful, and adventurous. It's hard to pick a favorite! I know their small, squatty bodies, soft coats, and kisses will win everyone's hearts over when they are up for adoption tomorrow. They appear to be some kind of Cocker Spaniel/King Charles Spaniel/Retriever/Corgi/other-short-legged-breed type of mix.

Miranda:

Charlotte:

Carrie:

All the girls together:

If I was at a better point in life to add a second dog, I would possibly consider one of these girls. They're some of my favorites that I've had! (And, after having had three all at once, one would probably feel like a piece of cake).

B & G

2010-04-20T12:27:00.006-06:00

Just wanted to post this quick picture taken by Abbey Bernhardt of my co-blogger, Becca and her awesome blond Gabe. It's hard to believe I haven't met Gabe yet. I feel like I know him!

One day I will make the trip to CO. Either that or convince Becca to fly Gabe with her to Seattle...and fly home without him.... What?

Meet Ruffles and Totsy

2010-04-16T13:26:00.006-06:00

It's a foster week again! After many weeks of being unable to take in foster puppies, I got to pick up two precious little ones this morning. They appear to be some kind of German Shepherd/Collie/Chow mixes, but have reminded people of bears, foxes, groundhogs, and guinea pigs too. Needless to say, they are very unique looking, cute puppies! I have been melted to the core by these guys, wishing they could stay for longer than one night! If anyone would like to adopt one and then conveniently give him/her to me, that would be ok :)

Ruffles:

Totsy:

So cute you could eat them, right? I don't think these two will have any trouble charming the masses tomorrow. As always, hoping that only good and responsible people will be the ones to take them home.

7 Tips For Raising A Puppy

2010-04-10T12:49:00.044-06:00

I can't lie, getting a new puppy is one of my favorite things in life. I love everything about it from researching and choosing a breed, to visiting breeders, shopping and training. And with each puppy I raise, I try to correct mistakes I made the previous time. Sometimes reading books and magazines gives you good ideas but very little real life experience. So for this post I thought I would make a list of things that have worked well for me when raising my own dogs.

Puppies are a blank slate, ready to be molded. Some unwanted behaviors are easy to spot from the start; jumping on guests for instance. If you don't want your adult dog doing that, don't ever allow it as a puppy. Pretty self explanatory, right? But other formed behaviors aren't quite as obvious to spot the connection between cause and effect. I want to hopefully help point out some of the not-so-obvious things that make a huge difference in how your puppy turns out, beginning before you even see him or her for the first time.

8 week old Lab mix

1. Develop a vision before you even bring your puppy home

I don't know anyone who buys a puppy hoping it will become a problem dog that they eventually turn over to an animal shelter. Sadly though, that happens far too often and the evidence is in the millions of dogs abandoned at shelters each year, or worse, abused and neglected in someone's backyard. I believe the majority of these cases are the result of not enough planning.

It all starts with choosing the right breed for you and your family. So first, make a list of all the qualities you want in a dog, then find someone who can help you choose a breed that lines up with your expectations. Even if you choose to go the adoption route, having an idea of what breeds suit you will help point you in the right direction at a shelter.

Some tactics I have learned when it comes to finding the right breed:

-Read, read, read. Buy books, read everything you can on the internet about the breeds you are interested in. Something that helped me greatly was finding breed specific message boards online and reading over the conversations amongst the owners of that breed.

-Ask questions. I have found that breed specific message boards and mailing lists are some of the greatest places to get my questions answered.

-Watch videos of the breeds you are interested in on youtube and on AKC.com

-Go to meetup.com, do a search for a breed, find out where the local meetup groups are and visit them. Most of the groups are happy to have visitors even if you don't have a dog of your own. It is one thing to read about a breed and an entirely different thing to see them up close and watch how they interact with each other and with people. I went to a Dachshund meetup group before I got Mud and it was one of the most helpful things I did when narrowing down breeds.

-Go to dog shows! www.akc.org has an "Events" search where you can find upcoming shows in your area.

Getting a puppy is not a race and I promise you that taking your time will be completely worth it. Once you have selected the breed with the traits that line up with your own, you now have the task of developing a more detailed vision.

Before deciding on a dog, something I learned for myself is to go through my daily life imagining that I do have a dog. Imagine your dog there when you go to bed at night, when you wake up, when you get ready for the day, when you go to work, when you come home, when you go out with friends on the weekend, when you run errands etc. What will you do with your dog and how do you expect him to behave throughout your daily routine?

Vision is important when it comes to getting a dog not because you hope to turn your dog into a robot, but because it will be much easier to train and mold your puppy when you know very clearly the goals you are working toward. Choosing the right breed will help you develop goals that are realistic. In other words, you will always need to keep in mind that your dog is a living being with his own likes, dislikes, instincts and personality, and there will need to be room for compromise as well as structure. You will figure out with your own dog that sometimes letting him be who he is can be more freeing than trying to force something that is simply not there.

"Kelly" 8 week old Lab mix

2. Habits and Consistency. Two words to write on your forehead.

Training begins the moment you pick your puppy up from the breeder's. Every new experience is a learning experience for him. Take advantage of this. If you don't want your adult dog on your furniture, don't let your puppy on the furniture either. It is much easier to form behaviors than it is to correct them, so keep that in mind from day one. This also applies heavily to house training. The goal in house training is to get your puppy in the habit of eliminating himself in the right spot. If you take your puppy to the desired location at key times --after eating, sleeping, playing, or as a general rule every 2 hours-- soon enough it will become habit.
I usually teach my puppies how to sit on their first or second day home with me because I want them to grasp the concept of learning as soon as possible. It is rewarding to watch a 7-8 week old puppy's light bulb go on when they realize it's actually beneficial for them to pay attention to your voice. Once your puppy figures out that words actually mean something, and are connected to a reward, he will be on the right track to being attentive to you in the days to come.

When your puppy has learned how to sit on command, you can start having him sit before eating, before going through an open door, when guests arrive etc. If you practice these consistently (meaning every time you feed your puppy, every time you open a door, every time a guest arrives) they will eventually become default behaviors for your puppy and that's how good manners are formed.

Make sure that you are being consistent in ways that make sense to your dog. Chasing your dog in a game and chasing him in an emergency are totally different scenarios to you, but to your dog, they are the same thing. This is why it's a good idea to only play chasing games that reinforce the recall command. For instance, wait until your puppy's attention is diverted from you, then whistle and run backwards in the opposite direction. Reward once your puppy reaches you. This is a chasing game that promotes the right idea. It's also equally important to never, ever punish your puppy for coming to you. If you need your dog to come to you for an unpleasent experience (nail clipping for example), go to him, with some sort reward in hand, and calmly pick him up. Otherwise you will end up with a dog that weighs his options and decides whether or not it's worth it to come when called!

8 week old Golden Retriever/Husky mix

3. Focus on only rewarding calm behavior

If you want to help curb separation anxiety and over excitement when you come home, don't make a big deal out of your coming and going. When you leave the house and put your puppy in his crate, toss a treat in, shut the door calmly and walk away without saying a word. Although tempting to say things like "Bye bye" and "We'll be back soon", remember that dogs don't understand English, they only hear words as cues, and saying these things consistently will only become cues for your dog to become anxious or nervous that you are about to leave. The same rule applies when you return home to your puppy. Running to his crate first thing and speaking to him in a high pitched voice will only intensify his already natural instinct to be excited about your return and will contribute to anxiety of all sorts. Overly excitable or submissive puppies have a tendency to urinate when greeting a visitor or when their owners return home. Almost always, the cure is to simply ignore your puppy (or have your guests ignore your puppy) when you come home. Give him time to settle down on his own before you pet him, give him eye contact or talk to him. (As Cesar Millan calls it; no touch, no talk, no eye contact). Once your puppy has calmed down, ask him to sit and then calmly pet and talk to him all you want. By doing this, you are rewarding calm behavior rather than anxious behavior.

"Bentley" 8 week old Pug

4. Socialize, socialize, socialize

Socialization is one of the most important aspects of raising a puppy. And it's equally important to do it right. A good majority of behavior problems arise from lack of socialization at an early age.
Get your puppy accustomed to as many people, situations, and experiences as possible, particularly before the age of 16 weeks. But take care not to overwhlem your puppy. Puppies should be around a lot of kids for instance, but it is incredibly important that you supervise every child/puppy interaction to make sure the child never does anything unfair to the puppy. Kids are unpredictable in their movements and their moods and can easily hurt a puppy without realizing what they are doing. One traumatizing experience with a kid can make a dog forever uneasy around them, especially the smaller breeds. That being said, make an effort to get your puppy out in the world. Take him to outdoor malls, pet stores, puppy play groups, on walks, to friend's houses etc. Really anywhere that will allow your dog and is safe; go! Bring treats with you everywhere you go and hand them to strangers. I have done this with my puppies and most people are more than willing to give a treat to a cute puppy! If you see a kid or dog that looks too rambunctious for your puppy, steer clear until you are sure your dog is mature enough to handle it. You are the leader, but you are also your puppy's protector and it's detrimental that your puppy learns he can trust you to keep him safe.

Use common sense. There are times when your puppy will be frightened of things that are not dangerous. Even though our natural human reaction is to pick up and cuddle a scared puppy, what that does is actually affirm to your puppy that there is something to be afraid of. This is why it's best to respond with patience and not force your puppy into doing something he is truly afraid of. But at the same time, encourage him to get over his fears. Never sound frustrated, rushed, or sorry for your puppy when he responds to something in fear. Let your body language and tone of voice be matter of fact. If you find yourself in a situation where your puppy is in real danger, do your best to rescue him from it without panicking.

I also highly recommend enrolling your puppy in puppy kindergarten. Not only will it be a great place to socialize your puppy on a consistent basis, but it will also be a great place to learn and get your questions answered on training and behavior. Most puppy classes work on obedience basics such as sit, down, stay, come etc. and practicing these things in a class setting is excellent experience for your puppy. Plus, you might find that you love working with your puppy so much that you would like to pursue competitive events and puppy classes are the perfect place to get connected.

Socialization is one of the most fun parts of owning a puppy! So don't forget to have fun!

8 week old Golden Retriever/Husky mix

5. Crate train

Crate training, if done right, is going to be one of the best things you do for yourself and your new dog. I say this because I have lived with dogs that are intolerant of crates and it's much easier living with a crate trained dog.

The most effective way to crate train is through a combination of freedom and assertiveness. What I mean by this is, it's good to start out slow. Throw a toy or a treat in your puppy's crate several times a day without closing the door behind him. Let him go in and out of his crate on his own. Another good way to speed up the process is to feed your puppy in his crate for the first several months of his life. When you feed, close the door and gradually increase the time you leave it closed after he has finished his meal. At first you may want to let him out right after he's done, and the next time, try keeping it closed for a few extra minutes.

On the contrary, you also need to be a little head strong when it comes to crate training. When it's time to put your puppy to bed for the night, don't give into his whining, even if it turns to screaming! Make sure your puppy has eliminated himself directly before bed. The goal is to teach your puppy that crying does not get him out of his crate. Which leads to the next crate training tip; only let your puppy out when he's being calm and quiet. Do your best to never reward anxious behavior. Very young puppies may need to be let out once or twice during the night, so if your puppy is still whining 4 hours after you put him to bed or wakes up and whines, let him out again and put him back in his crate once he has gone potty. This way, you will at least know that his whining is not because he is trying to tell you something.

Crate training is also an invaluable housetraining tool. This is because puppies naturally do not want to soil their bedding, so you can use that to your advantage, but be careful not to abuse it either. Puppies can only hold it for so long, generally 4 hours at most for 8 week - 6 month old puppies and 2 hours for puppies younger than that. Put your puppy in his crate when you can't supervise him and when you fetch him out of his crate, take him to his potty area first thing. This will speed up the house training process immensely.

Never, ever, use your puppy's crate as punishment. You always want your puppy to associate his crate with good things. Also, dogs don't respond to "time outs" because they live in the moment. Your timing has to be perfect in order to correct a behavior, otherwise your dog will simply not connect cause and effect. Yes, your dog will learn to perceive when you are angry with him and will react accordingly, but that does not mean he understands WHY you are mad.

Make sure you get a crate of the proper size. A crate that's too large may cause your puppy to use one side as a toilet area and one as a bed. But you also want it to be big enough for your dog to be comfortable in when you leave him for long periods of time.

"Mud" 7 week old Miniature Dachshund

6. Don't give up

Too many people give up when it gets hard. Dogs are most commonly relinquished to shelters between the ages of 1 and 3. This is the adolescent stage when dogs are no longer irresistible puppies, and their owners either lose interest or don't want to put the extra work into dealing with a teenager. But take it from me, it will get easier.

Whatever it is that you have decided you want your dog to learn, don't give up and don't give in. Certain behaviors will take longer to become habits for your dog and will require more patience from you, but hold on.

As an example, my Dachshund, Mud, despised being confined to any sort of crate or play pen from 7 weeks through about 6 months of age. He would scream at the top of his lungs to the point where I would actually think something was physically wrong with him. I almost gave up hope, thinking he was just going to be one of those dogs that can never be crated, but knowledgeable dog friends of mine encouraged me not to give up and I am so glad I took their advice! Today Mud has 2 crates; one he sleeps in and one in the car and he happily goes into both on his own and will stay there with no problem even with the door closed. It definitely comes in handy when we take him to friend's houses and when we have to leave him home alone!

Some things may take more time than others depending on your individual dog and your previous training experience. But that's not a reason to quit prematurely!

8 week old Lab mix

7. Accidents will happen

...and when they do, don't be too hard on yourself. If your puppy makes a mistake on the carpet, learn from it, clean it up, and move on!

"Ruby" 10 week old Yorkie

Lastly, here are a few book and magazine recommendations! All of these have helped me in one way or another!

How to Raise the Perfect Dog by Cesar Millan

Cesar's Way by Cesar Millan

Popular Dog Series Magazines

Family Dog by Richard A. Wolters

(All photos taken by Tory Cobrea)

Angie - April's Dog of the Month

2010-04-01T08:30:00.005-06:00

I've known my friend Emily since we were toddlers. We grew up crazy about dogs, involved in 4-H and volunteering for the local animal shelter. Her own dog is a Miniature Australian Shepherd named Angie. 'Mini Aussies', as they are sometimes called, draw attention from people everywhere they go. This is because they are still relatively unknown as a breed, are highly intelligent (and athletic, as our picture above shows), and come in a variety of eye-catching colors - all in a smaller package than the more well-known Australian Shepherd breed. Tory and I love this picture of Angie doing what she loves more than just about anything else - chasing and catching frisbees. And, because today happens to be Angie's 9th birthday, we couldn't think of a better dog to feature for the month of April! Here's a little more about Angie:

Age: 9 (as of April fool's day!)
Breed: Miniature Australian Shepherd
Where did you get Angie? My family was on vacation in Florida, and Angie was from North Carolina. We picked her up somewhere in the middle.
What made you choose her? My family (I was in high school at the time) has another mini aussie, and we love the breed - they are lovable, very smart, great mountain climbers, and a convenient size. :) I chose Angie initially based on her adorable pictures - I loved her fuzziness and her spottiness. I knew she was the one when the breeder said she loved to "snuggle." Her breeder was definitely not lying... To this day, she prefers to be as close to people as possible!
How did you name her? She came with the name "Angel." I didn't want to keep this exact name, but it was very fitting because of the healing that she brought. I was devastated since my previous dog, Hayley, had recently been hit by a car. Angie really was a little angel in puppy form, and she continues to make my life happier all the time. So, instead of "angel" I just changed it to Angie.
Describe Angie in 3 words: cuddly, attentive, goat-like (she is very agile, and her ears look like goat ears)

Here's an additional close-up of Angie since the other picture is so far away. And, thank you to Emily Clader for letting us share Angie's picture this month!

Clicking With Your Dog 2

2010-03-22T09:30:00.005-06:00

A few weeks ago, I wrote an introductory post about clicker training - a popular, humane method for molding, luring, and capturing desirable behaviors from your dog. Time slipped away from me, but I am finally back to expand on that!

If your dog is not yet conditioned to associate the clicker with a reward, you must first accomplish this. If you know what motivates your dog (food is often the best), it will likely not take long for the association to take place. You simply click once, then reward your dog (and remember your timing and consistency!) After this is repeated various times, there is a great chance your dog will be really excited when he or she hears that click. Don't worry about trying to get your dog to do anything in this stage. Your main objective is to simply teach the dog that a click merits a reward. Once you have this under your belt, you can move on to teaching a command!

I will start with the very basic objective of teaching a dog to sit since that is a good place to begin with training. I mentioned a few approaches above that are commonly used to teach a dog how to pair a word with a movement. I'll talk about molding first. Molding is essentially using physical assistance to guide the dog's body to the position you are desiring. So, in this case a hand applying some gentle pressure to a standing dog's rear end would assist in guiding him or her to the sit position. This may or may not be a helpful approach, as some dogs will resist the pressure and because forcing a dog into a position is never desirable.

Luring a dog is simply using a treat or toy to guide your dog to the correct position. With the 'sit' command, it is most common to hold the reward slightly over the dog's head. This typically will cause your dog to look upward and elicit a natural response of sitting. I find that by combining both molding and luring, it provides a dog with ample guidance and successfully induces a sitting position. This would involve using one hand to hold the reward slightly above your dog's head while the other hand applies the gentle pressure on the dog's backside. Often, this combination of efforts will provoke a very successful sit!

Oh, but don't forget - the clicker ALSO needs to be in one of your hands. Because I am right-handed, I typically use my left hand to apply the pressure and hold both a treat and a clicker in my right hand. As soon as the dog successfully gets into position, click first and then reward! If you are anything like myself, you will likely feel like having four or five arms (and maybe a couple of brains) would be helpful for something as theoretically simple as this. Allow yourself some time to also get 'trained' in the art of timing, consistency, and motivation. It does get easier with practice! And, as if you aren't already thinking about enough things, you should refrain from pairing a command with the action until your dog shows signs of 'getting it'. In other words, don't set out to teach your dog a brand new command like this: 'Sit, Casey. Sit. Sittttt, Casey. Sit? Casey, sit. Ok, goooooood sit! Good sit!'

Sound familiar at all? It might look silly to read in text, but many dog owners are guilty of the above 'conversation'. While I am definitely an advocate for being encouragers to our dogs, the excessive number of times the actual command is given will unfortunately only muddy up your dog's brain. Think about it - your dog is standing and hears the word 'sit'. Your dog gets distracted by a noise outside, turns his/her head to look around, and hears the word 'sit'. Your dog hears its name and again hears the word 'sit', then finally does sit and once more hears the word 'sit'. They will be left having no idea what that 'sit' word really meant since it was paired with so many different things in the span of just a few seconds! A better approach is to rely on the molding and luring to 'communicate' with your dog initially. Dogs need time to become familiar with muscle movement before also having a foreign word paired with it. The bottom line is: wait until your pup is showing signs of sitting rather fluidly before pairing a verbal command. Then and only then, you can give the 'sit command right before they begin to move into the correct position and eliminate a lot of confusion for your dog!

Another effective way of using the clicker is to capture behaviors your dog does on its own. For example, if you come home from some errands and your dog greets you by sitting politely, you can click and reward this good behavior. Of course, not everyone cares if their dog jumps all over them when they come in the door, but for large dogs in particular, it can be very helpful to teach them to greet humans in your home properly. This is because not every person who enters your home will be a dog lover, or even if they are, they may not be able to handle the boisterous welcome clobbering that your 75 pound friend offers (i.e. small children and elderly people). If you do not start from an early age with your dog, capturing desirable behaviors may not be enough to fix a problem behavior that has already been learned. But, it can be a great additional way to reinforce good behavior as you are in training, or to start with on a puppy as soon as you bring him/her home.

Before you can move on to teaching more complex tricks, it is very helpful to master the basics. In the future, I will aim to explain how some fun tricks are taught, but it is important to ensure that you have a good foundation with your dog before moving forward. Keep training sessions short and fun and frequent! It can be a lot of fun if you approach it with the right mindset. And finally, allow your dog and yourself time to make progress together! There is no 'quick fix button' with dog training, and it will take patience and repetition to see lasting results.

Overview on Weight Part 2

2010-03-16T20:24:00.048-06:00

Yesterday's post was focused on overweight dogs. Today, I will go over underweight ones.

Dogs that have a lighter frame than most include the sighthounds:

-Greyhounds
-Italian Greyhounds
-Salukis
-Afghan Hound
-Borzoi
-Whippets
-Ibizan Hound
-Pharaoh Hound
-Scottish Deerhounds

With possibly a few exceptions, these are really the only breeds where it is not always a bad thing if you can see their ribs easily. On a Greyhound for instance, you should be able to see a little rib (1 to 3). Allowing a sighthound to gain too much weight is very unhealthy for them because their bone structure and body frames are not designed to withstand a lot of weight.

That being said, sighthounds are anything but weak. These are among the most athletic of dogs and are built for speed and endurance. Think of these guys as the jocks of the dog world. They are light on their feet but are also muscular, powerful and very fast. Whippets can run up to 40mph, and Greyhounds can reach 45mph in three strides. Some think that a fast dog must translate to an active one, but that is a misconception. Although sighthounds love the chance to run on occasion, most are actually very mellow indoors and are known for making excellent house dogs; content to lounge around. Greyhound owners say their dogs are playful and will sprint a few laps around a yard, but after that they are done. This is also something to take into consideration because even breeds built for athleticism can be low key and won't require the same amount of calories as a more active dog.
For instance, retired racing Greyhounds generally only require 2-4 cups of food a day and they weigh 60-70lbs.

Even though sighthounds are narrow, they can still become too thin.

Emaciated Greyhounds

Severely underweight Greyhound

These Greyhounds are in the proper weight.

Salukis often appear even lighter than Greyhounds, but they too can be terribly underweight.

Healthy Saluki

Dogs that require extra calories aren't limited to breeds but rather activity level.

Dogs are the same as people in the sense that how much they eat depends entirely on the individual and their activity level. In my experience, sometimes when a dog is overly hyper, it can actually be an indication that it needs more calories and is suffering from stress. For instance, have you ever been so hungry that you begin to feel anxious or shaky?
It's fairly safe to say that a dog with a daily job to do (hunting, herding, competetive sports etc.) will on average require more calories than one that simply watches TV all day with its owner. But there are many busy, active dogs that expend a great deal of energy even if they are kept in the house all day. If your dog does a lot running up and down stairs, uses your furniture as a jungle gym, gets anxious, cold, or nervous, he most likely uses more energy than an average dog and it's possible he should be fed more than a laid back dog of the same size. At the same time, it should be noted that giving an already energetic dog extra calories can create excess energy and lead to behavior issues.

When a dog isn't getting enough to eat, his focus will be on his next meal, which can make for some behavior that is annoying to us but is a desperate attempt to our dogs. Behavior such as running to the bowl every time you get up, becoming overly possessive of food, stealing food when he never used to, and obsessively licking an empty bowl are all signs that your dog may need more food. On the opposite end, these behaviors can also be seen as dominant, bad habits your dog has formed. So again, it depends on the individual dog. If you are unsure of why your dog is acting this way, get a second opinion.

Horses for example will "fret" when they aren't getting enough to eat. This means that the hungrier they are, the more they move, which is most likely a panic driven instinct to get moving and look for food. And it becomes a vicious cycle.

Severely underweight dogs are sick in more ways than one. They aren't getting the proper nutrition to keep everything functioning properly and it's only a matter of time before they begin suffering from health ailments. They are also not in a proper mental or emotional state and will begin to rely on their survival instincts more and more.

Dogs also put weight on differently depending on their age. A 6 month - 1 year old puppy is going to be lankier, whereas a 4-5 year old is going to appear more "filled out". But neither are necessarily underweight or overweight for their age.

If you feel that you are feeding your dog plenty and he/she is still not putting on weight, there could be an underlying health problem such as parasites, bad teeth, diabetes or the brand of food you are feeding may not be right for your dog. Consult a veterinarian if this is the case.

Picture examples:

Healthy Vizsla. Vizslas have a thinner than average body type, but notice how this dog's ribs are not showing and the muscles are visible.

Severely underweight Dalmatian.

For dogs with long hair or thick coats, it can be hard to tell just by looking if they are underweight. So if you have a breed like that, make sure you can feel the ribs easily through a thin layer of fat and make sure hip and back bones are not protuding. This Malamute mix is unfortunately past the point of not knowing.

Underweight Boxer

Boxer in excellent condition

Underweight Italian Greyhound

Healthy Iggy (as their owners often refer to them :) )

I honestly don't know very many dog owners who don't want the best for their dog. The problem clearly doesn't always lie in uncaring owners but rather owners who are unaware, for whatever reason, that their dog is too thin or too heavy.

When deciding if you need to cut back on food or be more generous with it, it's extremely important to not just go off of what you read, but to get the opinion of your vet or someone who knows your dog personally.

Lastly, here is a weight chart by Purina to compare your dog to.

Dog Weight Chart

Thanks for reading!

(I do not take credit for any photos used in this post!)

Overview on Weight Part 1

2010-03-15T10:53:00.055-06:00

As if weight isn't discussed enough in the human world, it can be a pretty hot topic in the dog one too. People seem to take their dog's weight personally. For some of us, it's insulting if someone says our dog is too fat or too thin. I can understand why. Dogs depend entirely on us for everything, and food is no exception. Which means their weight is most often a direct reflection of us. And since they do rely on us for food, it is up to us not to take it personally when we're told our dogs are too fat or too skinny. Being underweight or overweight is just as unhealthy for dogs as it is for humans, in some cases more so. But sometimes it is hard to tell if they are at the proper weight!

I want to talk a little about which breeds are most prone to obesity, which breeds should never get overweight, which breeds are meant to appear thin and which breeds require extra calories on average. I also want to use some examples of what a healthy weight looks like. Of course, every dog in its breed can be an exception. So my best advice is to know your dog and be honest in your evaluation. After all, your dog doesn't know if he's too fat or too skinny. All he knows is if he feels his best or not -- and an overweight or underweight dog is not feeling his best.

Obese Lab compared to healthy Lab

Overweight dogs are more likely to develop a variety of issues including:

-Diabetes
-Arthritis
-High blood pressure
-Skin problems
-Decreased immune function
-Digestive disorders
-Heat intolerance

...and almost all of these will shorten the lifespan.

Breeds that are prone to obesity include but are not limited to:

-Corgis
-Dachshunds
-Labs
-Golden Retrievers
-Pugs
-Beagles
-Lhasa Apsos
-Shih Tzus
-Cocker Spaniels
-Bulldogs

Most of these breeds are prone to obesity due to a combination of healthy appetites and the way their bodies naturally store fat. I bet it also has to do with these dogs being pretty cute beggers that their owners simply can't say no to! But most dogs will eat when they aren't hungry at all. They eat for a variety of reasons including instincts to preserve, instincts to horde, and instincts to put anything that entices their noses into their mouths.

If you have a dog that seems like a bottomless pit, and is gaining excess weight because of it, don't buy into feeling sorry for him or think he must not be getting enough to eat. A lot of people feel that feeding their dog is a way to show love, which is also a misconception and a bad habit to form. Don't try to buy your dog's love by giving him a million options, either. Laying out a variety of treats that your dog can eat any time he wants or switching your dog's food every so often will usually create a finicky, picky eater, not to mention cause stomach upset.
We give food to our friends to express emotions. Pies for the new neighbors, dinners for those who are mourning, cakes for birthdays. But honestly, a walk with your dog or a training session would mean more to him emotionally than a cookie!

For some breeds, being overweight is especially a health hazard. Aside from the normal complications that can come along with extra weight, these breeds have certain physical characteristics that make being overweight very dangerous for them.

Breeds that are especially in danger if overweight include:

-Dachshunds
-Corgis
-Pugs
-Basset Hounds
-Lhasa Apsos
-Pekingese
-Bulldogs
-French Bulldogs
-Boston Terriers
-Boxers
-Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Dachshunds, Corgis and Bassets for example are "achondroplastic" or "dwarf" dogs, meaning they have the skeletal frame of a larger dog on short legs. They have elongated bodies and broad chests for their size. For these breeds, even being 5-10lbs overweight is a massive amount. Put simply, extra weight means extra stress on their already sometimes fragile backs and joints. Really, it is self explanatory to see why a dog of this stature should never be overweight. Most of these breeds are already prone to inter-vertebral disc disease (a spinal condition that can often lead to paralysis) and carrying extra pounds makes them much more likely to have problems with IVDD. Some breeds that aren't dwarfs are also at risk for IVDD including Beagles, Pomeranians, Cocker Spaniels, Bulldogs, Lhasa Apsos and Pekingese.

Not sure about all breeds, but I do know that for Dachshunds, 1 in 5 end up with IVDD and statistics show that being overweight is a contributing factor. Also, being muscular and in shape can help prevent and also heal the problem should it arise.

Pugs, Boston Terriers, Lhasa Apsos, Boxers and Pekingese for example are "brachycephalic" or short nosed breeds. Difficulty breathing is probably the most common health problem for breeds such as these. Heat stroke and hyperthermia can occur much quicker for a dog with a flat face than it can for a dog with a regular or long muzzle. Being overweight will certainly increase the risk of breathing complications and restrictions and will most definitely cause your dog to be much more uncomfortable than is necessary.

For dogs that are flat faced and have "cobby" bodies, (such as Pugs and Bulldogs) it is important to remember that you should still be able to see a waistline when looking at your dog from above and the ribs should be felt easily. Many adult dogs of breeds that are prone to weight gain will need to be fed lower calorie diets.

Here are some picture examples of overweight and healthy dogs.

Obese Bulldog

Bulldog at the correct weight

Overweight Jack Russell Terrier

Healthy and fit Jack Russell Terrier

Morbidly obese Dachshund

Dachshund in ideal shape

Obese Beagle

Healthy Beagle!

Tomorrow I will go over underweight dogs, so check back!

(I do not take credit for any photos used in this post!)

Meet Bam Bam

2010-03-11T14:41:00.004-07:00

Bam Bam is my latest foster puppy. She is about 11 weeks old and appears to be a Lab mix, possibly with Boxer. She's been great to have around! While she does have a set of lungs that she utilizes to the max whenever I have to leave her in her crate, she has slept very well through the night and is one of the most easy-going puppies I've hosted. Gabe likes to play with her and she's reciprocated that despite their size difference! It is my hope that she will go to a home that will help her build confidence. She has probably not been exposed to many life experiences, so cars, strangers, and even geese have frightened her a little. Still, she quickly warms up once she feels comfortable. She is up for adoption this Saturday along with her sister and many other puppies!

Snow and Tell

2010-03-07T16:16:00.005-07:00

Some friends and I spent the weekend in Winter Park, Colorado. Gabe got to come with us, so that made things pretty much perfect! We took a hike in fresh snow and Gabe did his best to cover his entire body in it. Just sharing a few photos I took...

-Becca

Clicking With Your Dog

2010-03-03T16:47:00.009-07:00

For some dog owners,'positive reinforcement' training methods are a relatively new concept. Long-gone are the days of using a rolled up newspaper or shoving a dog's nose in its own excrement to try and punish an undesirable behavior (and for this I am very thankful, as are dogs everywhere). Positive reinforcement training takes a different approach to shaping dogs' behaviors: simply presenting your pup with a reward immediately following a good and desired behavior.

Think about it. If you were given an unexpected bonus at work simply for doing a good job, wouldn't you be more prone to keep up the good work in hopes that another bonus may be granted further down the road? I would surely stay with a company that treated me in this fashion as opposed to one that was constantly nagging me for what I didn't do well or scared me into maintaining a certain performance. In a similar fashion, a dog trained with positive reinforcement methods will trust its owner more and even desire to please more. Some dogs become so savvy in this method of training that they will begin to offer behaviors without even being asked. It is for these reasons that positive reinforcement is a most humane, effective training philosophy.

Perhaps the most well-known tool for aiding in positive reinforcement training is the clicker. Chances are you've seen (or probably heard) clickers if you have ever been in a pet supply store. Their name is not misleading - clickers are a small, hand-held tool that produce a clicking noise when the button is compressed. Some dog owners scratch their heads in wonder at these little contraptions, wondering how in the world a clicker will get their dog to perform (as if it is some sort of remote control for magically controlling a dog). In actuality, the sound of the click is not an inherent stimulus to a dog. Rather, it must be paired with something the dog is very motivated by (i.e. food, a toy, or physical affection) to be effective. With enough time and repetition, the clicker itself can become like a reward and you can cut back on the other reinforcement. But, you should always sporadically use different forms of motivation to keep it interesting for your dog.

All of the above may lead many of you to wonder: 'why not just use my voice?' The reason the clicker is preferable is because it is so consistent. When you talk to your dog, any number of things can vary - the volume of your voice, the inflection you speak with, the words you use, etc. Dogs are certainly not born understanding the human language, so the clicker is a more simple way of communicating. On a similar note, be sure that every person in your household agrees on which commands to use when training. If one person says 'down' and one person says 'lay' and one person says 'lay down' and all three of those people expect the same action from the dog, you can see how confusing it could get for your pup. Once a dog understands that with a click comes a positive reward and it follows a certain action paired with a certain word, they will definitely be tuned in.

Another important thing to keep in mind with clicker training is that timing is crucial. Think of a clicker like a camera. When you see a behavior you like, the click can be likened to 'taking a picture' of that behavior. It takes dogs less than 2 seconds to associate cause and effect. Meaning, if your dog sits on command and you need to reinforce him for it, you better have that treat (and clicker!) ready so he receives it within seconds. Otherwise, your 'picture' is off and you are not able to capture the exact moment that you wanted to. In this case, if your dog breaks the sit command and rises to stand, you have now captured that behavior instead.

In summary, the most important things to remember when clicker training are timing, consistency, and motivation. In future weeks, I will expand on more specifics regarding the use of clickers and plan on demonstrating these techniques with my own dog, Gabe. So check back!

Penny-Lane is in my ears and in my eyes

2010-03-01T10:42:00.004-07:00

As you might've noticed, the picture at the top of our blog has changed. Meet the new dog of March, "Penny-Lane", owned by Sarah Orzechowski!

Each month we will be featuring a new dog on our blog as "dog of the month".

I think this picture is great. What can I say? I'm a sucker for high quality photos, abnormally cute puppies...and dog tongues. So naturally this photo was a winner. And Becca agreed.

Here is a little interview with Sarah about the adorable Penny-Lane. (Love that name!)

-Tory

(Photo credit goes to Shane Valdés for taking this fantastically awesome photo.)

Age: 6 months old

Breed: Boston Terrier

Where did you get Penny-Lane? We got her in Arcadia, CA...bought her from a crazy breeder lady.

What made you choose her? We chose her because I loved her markings, and she had the sweetest face! It was also because we needed to find a partner in crime for my bf's Jack Russell that would be able to keep up with him and his enormous amount of energy. She was the perfect size and breed to become his new best friend!

How did you name her? Named her after one of our favorite Beatles songs.

Describe Penny-Lane in 3 words: She is extremely lovable, playful, and pretty sneaky.

Thanks again Sarah and Shane for letting us look at Penny-Lane for the next 31 days!

American Dog Part 4

2010-02-26T17:30:00.018-07:00

Rounding off the top ten dogs of 2009, we have the Dachshund, the Shih Tzu and the Poodle!

(All photos courtesy of www.AKC.org)

#8. Dachshund by Tory

My dog Mud is a Dachshund. So naturally I can see why this breed is in the top 10! They are loyal, playful, good watchdogs, somewhat lazy, and relatively low maintenance. They have very expressive eyes and can be incredibly hard to stay mad at :)

In my experience they are far more trainable and willing to please than people say. That being said, they also have a very determined, stubborn side. We joke that Mud takes himself too seriously and is very political at times. The biggest drawback to this breed for me would be the fact that they are prone to disc disease and spinal injuries. You really do have to be careful to not let them jump off furniture, run down stairs, or become overweight.

No doubt about it, they are always up for an adventure, but don't require a crazy amount of exercise and are not very active indoors. Most of the time they adapt to your mood. If you want to sit and watch TV all day, so be it. If you want to go on a 3 mile walk, they will do that too. They were bred to be athletic, but if you are looking for a daily jogging companion, another breed might be a better choice. They make great family pets but they do become extremely attached to one person. Their biggest concern is being with you, no matter what you're doing. It is important to socialize this breed from an early age. Some Dachshunds have never met a stranger and others are naturally suspicious of people they don't know. (Shyness is considered a fault in the AKC standard).
They also have a very big bark for their size. An intruder would have no idea that the dog behind the door was 10lbs and not 40!

The Dachshund originated in Germany where they were bred to hunt badgers. They come in three coat types; Smooth, Longhair and Wirehair. Wirehairs were developed by mixing smooth Dachshunds with terriers. There are two theories on how Longhairs came to be. One says that smooth Dachshunds were mixed with Spaniels, which would explain why they often have a softer temperament. The other says that it was all done by selective breeding; breeding two Dachshunds that had slightly longer hair than others, and repeating this until they had a steady line of Dachshunds with long hair. Either way, all three have slightly different variations in temperament. Smooths are the most tenacious, Wirehairs are the most clownish and Longhairs are the most mellow. They also come in two sizes; Standard (16-32lbs) and Miniature (11lbs and under) and a multitude of colors.
Whichever "style" of Dachshund you choose, he will truly be your dog and friend for life!

#9. Shih Tzu by Becca

Believe it or not, these little companion dogs were originally bred to resemble lions (and the name Shih Tzu can be translated to 'lion dog'). I myself liken them more to fictional Ewoks with their large, round eyes and endearing under-bites. Regardless, the Shih Tzu's temperament does not typically reflect that of any wild animal, fictional or otherwise. Historically, they were raised as lap dogs for Chinese royalty, and today they remain a very popular companion and pet. While they are not ones to be pushed around, Shih Tzus are also friendly, affectionate, and playful dogs. Their hypoallergenic coats and lesser need for strenuous exercise make them a good candidate for apartment dwellers and those simply looking for a buddy.

One of the defining features of the Shih Tzu is its long, silky coat that can and will grow all the way to the ground. It is important that their coats be combed often or otherwise trimmed down to the popular 'puppy cut' for easier maintenance. They are also known as a brachycephalic, or short-nosed breed. For this reason, Shih Tzus must be monitored carefully when exercising or exposed to excessively hot temperatures to avoid over-heating. While they are not known for being stellar in the obedience ring, Shih Tzus are charming comrades that fit the mold for anyone desiring a dog simply to accompany them in every day life.

#10. Poodle by Tory

I wanted my own poodle for a long time when I was a kid. I dreamed of dying its hair different colors and naming it "Popcorn". But I soon realized I might not be up for spending a lot of time and money on grooming! And unfortunately, Poodles can have a wide range of health problems including heart issues, patellar luxation, dental problems, PRA...in fact...just go here for the full list.

Poodle Health Problems

But just because there is a wide range of health issues in this breed doesn't mean they are sickly by any means. It's just good to be aware of the risks and choose a puppy from a breeder who screens her dogs for health problems.

I think the Poodle personality is one of the best there is, and they are much hardier than their fancy haircuts might imply. They were originally bred to be water dogs and retrievers and are unofficially the second smartest breed in the world (the Border Collie is ranked first).

These are active and atheltic dogs that require daily exercise but are not quite as high energy as some of the other super intelligent breeds. Where they really shine is the obedience ring. They are highly trainable and many were used as circus dogs, as they are capable of learning and performing complex tricks.

The AKC breed standard sates that "the Poodle has about him an air of distinction and dignity peculiar to himself". They come in three sizes. Standards are especially a good choice for families with children. Toys are great for apartment dwellers or travelers. Miniatures are a nice in between size; more robust than the Toy and more compact than the Standard. All three sizes are great for people who are allergic to dogs, as they have a hypo allergenic coat that does not shed.

American Dog Part 3

2010-02-25T18:39:00.022-07:00

Three B's: The Beagle, Boxer and Bulldog are up next in the top ten most popular breeds of 2009!

(All photos courtesy of www.AKC.org)

#5. Beagle by Tory

The Beagle is a highly sociable, friendly, playful, clever, merry, and good natured little Hound. They generally get along well with everyone and everything, seeing as they were bred to live and hunt in large packs of other hounds. That social nature is wired into them, and can be seen as a positive or a negative depending on your lifestyle. Beagles do best with people who are home during the day or who are able to take their dog with them when they go places. A family with children that includes their dog(s) in outdoor activities would be a Beagle's dream home.

Beagles come in two sizes, 13" and 15". They have a short, easy to care for coat, but it does shed. Their tails are thick, carried high, and have a white tip on the end. It acted as a "flag" for hunters to easily spot them when out hunting. They also have a very loud, "baying" bark and like to express themselves vocally, especially when excited. This was a very helpful trait when hunting; hunters always knew where they were and could tell by their bark if they were on a trail. However, it might not be the best thing if you have sensitive neighbors! Although social, they have an independent mindset. It's not that they aren't trainable, you just have to convince them that they want to do what you're telling them.

As mentioned earlier, they are clever, and if not given enough exercise, they will make up their own games as an outlet for that energy. (Digging, chewing, stealing food and other items for example). Most Beagles would eat until they explode, so it's important not to let them get overweight. Beagle people joke that this breed is "a nose with legs". Their curiosity combined with their excellent sense of smell means that a fenced yard is a must.

The Beagle is overall a hardy breed, but they can be prone to disc disease, several eye conditions (glaucoma, cherry eye, cataracts, PRA) and various other problems. Overall they make fun, extraordinarily cute, compact sized pets and it's easy to see why they are so popular.

#6. Boxer by Tory

Boxers are one of my favorite large breed dogs. They are striking just to look at, but I also love their playful energy, their sense of humor, their wash and wear coats, and the fact that I know I would feel safe walking one! Although willing and capable of defending their owners from danger, most Boxers are anything but aggressive! (But shh...don't let the bad guys know that.)
Boxers were developed in Germany and are so called because of their tendency to play standing on their hind legs while using their front legs to "box", similar to that of a boxer in the ring.

This is a determined, courageous, energetic, intelligent, happy dog that is known for its love of children. They make excellent pets for active families and playful, protective, patient friends for kids. The boxer needs an owner capable of showing strong leadership from the beginning. If a Boxer can't take you seriously, he will find ways to outsmart you. Boxers should be socialized from puppyhood to help prevent dog aggression. They are protective of home and family, bond closely with those they love and are highly trainable, as long as they are treated fairly. They are strong, both in body and spirit, so maybe not the best dog for the timid. This is not a dog to sit at home all day or tied up in the back yard. They crave human companionship and should be included in daily activities.

Because of their pushed in muzzle, care needs to be taken that they do not overheat. They also snore and sometimes drool.

Boxers are prone to bloat, various eye problems, cancer, skin allergies, and hip dysplasia. It is a good idea to meet the parents of your potential Boxer puppy to make sure they have stable temperaments and are free of health problems.

#7. Bulldog by Becca

Whether they own one or not, I'm not sure there is a more popular dog amongst guys in their 20's than the English Bulldog. Maybe it's because of the priceless, goofy face of this breed. Maybe it's because of their happy, playful Bulldog personalities. Maybe it's because they give off some kind of manly image, often serve as the mascot for sports teams, or are owned by numerous celebrities. I personally find the Bulldog's short, compact stature to be very endearing and provoking of hugs. Whatever it is that gives the Bulldog its popular reputation, they have come a long way from the reason they were first bred - to bait bulls in a brutal gambling sport of the past. Today, that sport has thankfully been abolished and the aggressive streaks have been bred out of Bulldogs (although be aware that their stubborn tenacity still prevails, which can make training one of these guys quite the adventure).

They are now most commonly found as household pets. Their medium size and amiable disposition make them a good choice as a companion, but believe me when I say that a Bulldog is not for everyone. First and foremost, Bulldogs are one of the most expensive dogs to purchase as a general rule. This is partly because a female Bulldog rarely delivers her puppies naturally. Due to the aforementioned structure of a Bulldog's body, puppies often have to be delivered by Cesarean section (meaning extra vet bills and risk of the dog's health, etc.). Even if you are able to pay the costs up front for a Bulldog, also be prepared to spend a chunk of change throughout his or her lifetime. They top the list of breeds prone to hip dysplasia, with over half of all Bulldogs suffering from it (and many dogs facing a hip replacement at some point in their life). Allergies, respiratory problems, skin infections (if their wrinkles are not cleaned regularly) and protrusion of the inner eyelid (or 'cherry eye', as it's commonly referred to) are all frequent, if not typical, health issues that can affect a Bulldog. They are also prone to putting on extra weight if not exercised enough, which can lead to other health problems as well. Bulldog owners must also be vigilant about making sure their dogs do not overheat due to their compact facial structure (the official term being brachycephalic).

If you are still confident a Bulldog is what you want after reading the above information, rest assured that not everything about them is negative! They are a popular breed for a reason, and are known for being some of the most loyal companions in the dog world. As you should with any other breed, just do your homework before bringing one home, and support breeders who do the best they can in preserving the health and welfare of their dogs.

Meet Minny & Madeline

2010-02-25T15:28:00.004-07:00

I am interrupting our breed countdown to announce that I have new foster puppies this week! Although they look a lot like previous puppies Marvin and Wiley, they are from a separate litter that was found in an abandoned house. Aside from needing time to recover from some health issues that came from their neglect, these girls are full of happy spirits and love to play. They will be up for adoption this Saturday along with a few other littermates.

Minny:

Madeline, or just plain 'Mad':

American Dog Part 2

2010-02-23T17:49:00.008-07:00

Meet the #3 and #4 most popular breeds of '09: The Yorkshire Terrier and The Golden Retriever.

(All photos courtesy of www.AKC.org)

#3. Yorkshire Terrier by Tory

Yorkies have sky rocketed in popularity, probably partly due to the number of celebrities who own and adore them. They seem to make good surrogate children for a lot of people. My sister has a Yorkie named Ruby and her personality is typical for the breed; she is feisty, outgoing, confident, extremely affectionate, cuddly, brave and devoted. Although small, they are not lacking in big dog attitude and even though they are favored by women, it isn't uncommon for men to fall in love with this breed. The exact origins of the Yorkie are unknown, but they are definitely a tiny terrier, and were bred to kill rats and other small rodents. They retain their terrier like instincts; this is a dog that thinks it's bigger than it really is. The AKC breed standard states that a Yorkie should not exceed 7lbs, however, there are plenty of larger Yorkies out there, and it wouldn't surprise me if sometime in the far off future, the two strains divided into separate breeds.

They are adaptable, and love to go everywhere with their owners, but can be self willed and won't tolerate being ignored. The most important thing to remember when owning a Toy breed is to not let them get away with behaviors you wouldn't allow with a bigger dog. As fun as they are to hold, carrying them absolutely everywhere will more often than not produce a nervous, overly protective animal. It's important to let them be dogs while also watching out for their small size, since they are naturally courageous and may not realize the danger they are in! This breed can do well with kids, but I wouldn't recommend the tiny ones for families with young children simply because they are more fragile and might become snappy in order to defend themselves.

Yorkies are known for their long, silky hair. Most pet Yorkies are kept in a more easy to care for "puppy clip". The extra grooming required for this breed is probably the main thing that would scare me off, but that is a matter of personal preference! Health wise, they are prone to dental problems, heart disease and pateller luxation, among others. They are active, and love outings, but can get most of their exercise indoors and are good for apartment life.

#4. Golden Retriever by Becca

Another popular retriever in the United States is the sweet and affectionate Golden Retriever. Goldens are known for their willing-to-please attitudes and unbeatable companionship, making them an outstanding pet. However, their affection does not stop within the confines of the people who own them - they will likely make friends with anyone who crosses their path. They typically get along with other types of animals as well. Additionally, Goldens are highly trainable, intelligent dogs that thrive in diverse jobs and lifestyles. Golden Retrievers are prevalent service dogs, scent-detection dogs, therapy dogs, and competitors in the ring as well as pets. Their roots as a hunting dog give them many similar characteristics to a Lab - sound nerves, a soft mouth, a love of swimming, close companionship, and the drive to retrieve.

Golden Retrievers also hail from a few different backgrounds, causing variation in size and stature. The English-type of Goldens are stockier with broad heads. They can be any color of gold or cream but shades of red and mahogany are not permissable. Breeders in the states desiring to preserve the wonderful temperament and health of the Golden Retriever will often import dogs from English lines. American-type Golden Retrievers are less stocky and tend to be darker in color. Unfortunately, Goldens have long been a target for puppy mills, back yard breeders, and pet stores, resulting in horrendous over-breeding and carelessness for their health. The outcome is that Golden Retrievers are prone to many health issues, including cancer, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye, skin, and joint diseases. This is extremely unfortunate, as Goldens are one of the absolute best companions to have but do run a high risk of physical ailments. For this reason, it is of the utmost importance to choose a reputable breeder when purchasing a Golden Retriever.

American Dog

2010-02-21T22:22:00.009-07:00

If dog breeds were put on a TV show and voted on the same way American Idol contestants are, these would be your top ten for 2009:

2009 Most Popular Dogs in the U.S.
1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Yorkshire Terrier
4. Golden Retriever
5. Beagle
6. Boxer
7. Bulldog
8. Dachshund
9. Poodle
10. Shih Tzu

From the large and versatile German Shepherd Dog to the small and lovable Shih Tzu, I think it's interesting how diverse the list is. It illustrates how different we are as people and yet there can be a breed for just about anyone who is looking for a dog. Of course, just because a breed is popular doesn't mean it IS right for just anyone, so it's important not to assume that a breed will be a good match for you or that it's easy to keep just because it's common. And unfortunately, many of the breeds in the top ten are suffering from overpopulation. The availability of these popular breeds makes it easy for people to go out and buy the first puppy they see without learning about what that dog was bred to do and what it means to own one. The result is that many, many of these dogs end up in shelters and breed rescues by no fault of their own. At the same time, these 10 breeds are well known and liked for a reason! They are all remarkable in their own way, and being an owner of the #8 breed this year, I can't help but feel a little proud that so many other people feel the same way I do about Dachshunds!

Research is everything when it comes to choosing a dog which is one of the reasons Becca and I thought we would write our own reviews on each breed in the top ten. The other reason would be that we take any excuse to discuss dogs. ;)

We'll be posting two or three at a time over the next week, so feel free to check back!

-Tory

(All photos courtesy of www.AKC.org)

#1. Labrador Retriever by Becca

The Labrador Retriever has reigned supreme as our nation's most popular dog for 19 years. Not only is this breed exceptionally common in the United States; many people also consider Labs to be the most common purebred dog in the world! As the owner of a Lab mix myself, I can certainly attest to many reasons why they are so popular.

The Lab is a very versatile dog. You have likely seen them serve roles as hunting companions, service dogs, therapy dogs, drug and bomb-sniffing dogs, competing in obedience and other types of competitions, and also as a family pet. Their high food drive and typically happy-go-lucky nature make them a gem to train (although they may require firm handling, as little will faze the jolly Lab - both a blessing and a curse, as far as the breed is concerned). They are playful, friendly, and, as a general rule, have a solid nerve structure. Due to their original purpose as a hunting dog, a typical Lab has a high pain tolerance (as they were bred to run through the brush), a gentle mouth (to better retrieve and carry a kill), and an indifference to loud noises (such as gunfire). Such a winning combination of traits makes the Lab a wonderful family dog, working dog, and companion. But, keep in mind that not all Labradors are created equal (and this is the case with many breeds). Field-line Labs are bred to hunt. They often make better working dogs than pets as they will have an abundance of energy and the drive to work all day long. Show-bred lines are not created with the sole intent to use them as hunting companions, therefore they may better suit families looking for a more laid-back family member. As I have learned firsthand with Gabe, Labs and Lab-mixes love to put anything and everything in their mouth. This is ideal when training your dog to retrieve a toy. However, Lab owners must be vigilant in supervising their dogs; otherwise, they run a high risk of ingesting all sorts of objects and foods, and this can pose a risk to their health.

The earliest Labradors were black in color, but the American Kennel Club now recognizes yellow and chocolate as acceptable coat colors as well. The size of a Lab can vary greatly, ranging anywhere from 55 pounds to over 100 pounds (although the AKC considers anything over 100 pounds to be a major fault in this breed). This is partly due to the existence of the two lines of Labs discussed earlier. Field-line Labs have a lighter frame with longer legs and narrower faces than their show-line counterparts. Show-line dogs are stockier in stature with broad heads and often have a thicker coat. Labradors of both lines have webbed feet and a water-resistant topcoat, making them excellent swimmers. Due to the breed's extreme popularity, potential Labrador owners should take great care in selecting a dog due to the health issues that come with over-breeding.

#2. German Shepherd Dog by Becca

The German Shepherd is said to be one of the most intelligent breeds that exists today. This intelligence, combined with athletic stature, strong protective instinct, and a loyal nature has skyrocketed German Shepherds to immense popularity as both household dogs and as working dogs in the military and police forces. Originally used for herding sheep, they are skilled scent-detection dogs and have also been used as guide dogs for people who are blind. In the intricate protection sport of Schutzhund, German Shepherds prevail. I have even seen German Shepherds become avid swimmers and retrievers. These things truly make them one of the most multifaceted breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Like any other working dog, German Shepherds can vary in appearance depending on what they are bred for. Those bred from show-lines are most commonly tan or red with a black saddle and tend to have a sloped back like the dogs you often see in the show ring. Dogs hailing from working-lines may differ in color from show-lines (such as a more rare color of sable or solid black), and their drive levels and energy can far surpass dogs from show stock. Regardless of background, German Shepherds are highly active dogs that require plentiful exercise. They are also known for being rather vocal, a trait commonly seen in herding dogs as well as something that is desirable when doing protection work. Additionally, due to their protective nature, German Shepherds require diligent socialization and training as they can otherwise become over-protective of their families and territory. Over-breeding of these dogs has unfortunately resulted in some nervous, skittish specimens of the breed. It has also contributed to a high incidence of hip and elbow dysplasia. For these reasons, it is crucial that potential German Shepherd owners select a reputable breeder who strives for healthy dogs with sound nerves.

People are dogs too. Kind of. Hypothetically.

2010-02-15T23:19:00.006-07:00

While talking on AIM tonight, I suggested that Becca take this "What breed of dog are you?" quiz at the same time I was. If you take the quiz yourself, feel free to leave your result here. Here are ours!

Becca's:

Mine:

Meet Marvin & Wiley

2010-02-12T13:19:00.011-07:00

Recently, I made connections with a rescue called 'A Puppy's Voice' based in Fort Collins, Colorado. Although it is relatively common knowledge these days that adult dog over-population is a major issue our country deals with every year, it might surprise some of you to know that there are shelters where even young puppies face euthanasia on a daily basis. These facilities are poorly funded and yet filled to the brim - literally a lethal combination. So, the volunteers that run rescues like A Puppy's Voice drive to New Mexico every single week to redeem the lives of some of these puppies. They load up as many puppies as they have foster homes for; that is, people who are willing to open up their homes for a few days at a time and host a puppy until they are adopted. The volunteers also hold adoption events every Saturday at a local PetSmart, and they truly have had a wonderful success rate at placing these little guys and giving them a second chance at a happy life.

Upon learning about A Puppy's Voice, I immediately felt compelled to help out with this cause. Fostering is done on a weekly basis, typically for only two or three days at a time. Furthermore, it's a great way for me to get my 'puppy fix' now and then. It gives Gabe a chance to have some other dog interaction while still allowing him to feel like he's number one in my life (not that he's spoiled or anything...). And, he himself came from a situation very much like the ones these puppies are coming from each week, so it's neat to be able to contribute to saving amazing dogs like him. I love being able to give back to the community in this way and hopefully blessing someone else with a best friend and family member.

So, without further ado, meet Marvin and Wiley - two red heeler mix puppies that were plucked from an unfortunate circumstance and now are up for adoption tomorrow!

Marvin:

Wiley:

Here's hoping these little guys are adopted by responsible, caring people tomorrow. (orelseiwillhavetoadoptthemandthenmyparentswillkillme).

Practically Perfect Products

2010-02-09T14:33:00.017-07:00

In the United States, the number of homes that own dogs is growing. According to the American Pet Products Association, over 45 million U.S. homes own at least one dog. This equates to roughly 77 million dogs living in our homes with us!

As this growth has happened, the industry that provides dog owners with products to help care for them has grown too. There are entire Wal-Mart-sized stores dedicated strictly to selling pet products now, and for good reason; last year, Americans spent an estimated 45 billion dollars on pet care and supplies.

So, it’s needless to say that taking a walk around one of these big stores can be overwhelming, especially for a new dog owner. I am going to share about some of our favorite and most useful dog products in hopes that the information will come in handy for some of you.

Starmark toys – I am sure I am slightly biased about these toys, as I know the people who designed and created them. But that is all the more reason to believe me when I tell you how fabulous they are!

Many of the Starmark toys are what is referred to as interactive – meaning they are designed to keep your dog occupied for an extended amount of time and in turn help prevent boredom or anxiety-related behaviors. This is usually achieved by putting some sort of treats or food inside of a toy and then letting your dog figure out how to remove them. Many Starmark products come with an ‘Everlasting treat’ already fixed in the toy, but once your dog has removed that successfully you can opt to buy a re-filler or simply opt to put a different sort of reward inside of it. And, for those of you with dogs like mine that like to destroy their toys, know that these are very durable and puncture resistant!

A turn-off to some dog owners is the price of Starmark – they run more expensive than your average dog toy. But I would much rather spend money up front for something my dog will enjoy that lasts than buy cheap products that are destroyed within minutes (and trust me, it has happened).

Canyon Creek Meat Blasts – If you need another chewing outlet for your dog, this product provides just that. They are made out of chicken liver wrapped in pork skin, therefore being gentler on the stomach than a rawhide. Another plus is they seem to unravel as they are chewed, so choking is much less of a hazard than it is on a bone that comes apart in chunks. Plus, they are very affordable! Tory has found them in a package of ten for $6.00. Her smaller dogs work on one Meat Blast for upwards of 40 minutes – but keep in mind that a larger dog may devour one much more quickly.

Charlee Bear treats – For a trainer like myself, or for anyone working on new behaviors with their dog, a healthy, convenient food reward is essential. I discovered Charlee Bear treats while I was a student at Triple Crown Academy. They are small enough that you don’t have to break them apart for your dog before rewarding. Furthermore, they are only three calories a piece – crucial for the initial stages of training when you are constantly reinforcing desirable behaviors. The only thing that would make these treats better would be if they came in a soft form, so that dogs did not have to chew them even for a moment (which is also helpful while training). Charlee Bear treats come in three flavors – and Gabe has enjoyed every single one.

Furminator – I am a sucker for furry dogs. I am also a sucker for blond dogs. Gabe fits the mold perfectly, but most of the time I end up completely covered in his light-colored hair. Thankfully, a craze called the Furminator hit the nation a few years ago and has provided a very effective way to groom and de-shed your dog from home. It’s borderline insane how much hair this brush helps remove from the undercoat while still leaving the topcoat intact. Probably the only thing I don’t enjoy about it is that it causes fur to become filled with static, and then that hair sticks to everything once it’s removed. But hey, if it’s going to fall out anyway, you might as well get it in one attempt!

Buddy Wash Dog Shampoo and Conditioner by Cloud Star – This is a recommendation from Tory. It is an all-natural product that has never irritated her dogs’ skin in any way while also eliminating any static, dry skin, or leftover residue. She suggests the conditioner as well, even for a short-coated dog. Her favorite feature about this product is how it smells – particularly the Lavender & Mint scent. Its pleasant fragrance lasts for several days after a bath and she could not imagine using a different product to bathe her dogs with!

Kuranda Beds - If you have ever had the 'pleasure' of trying to wash some of the various plush dog beds that exist out there, you've likely realized that: a. they either do not fit well in a washing machine or b. they have a removable cover that is nearly impossible to re-fit to the bed once washed. Kuranda beds are easily washed off with a rag or a hose. Their elevated design provides optimum support for dogs' backs, and they are a lot more difficult for a dog to chew up than a plush bed. Furthermore, if your dog is ever boarded or left outside during the day, this type of bed is excellent to keep your dog warm (or cool) and dry. They're slightly awkward to assemble (although, let's be honest here - when have I ever been good at assembling things?); however, if I can do it, anyone can. Don't let it scare you away from trying one.

I hope this information has been helpful. And, we would love to hear about any other products that you and your dog cannot live without!

I am the Jonas Brothers

2010-02-05T18:13:00.042-07:00

I know I can speak for Becca when I say my dogs inspire me daily ('dog' in Becca's case). They motivate me. From the simplest things such as getting up in the morning to more "challenging" things like getting exercise, not being afraid of the dark, and putting someone's needs before mine. They make me smile and laugh and think outside of myself.
In fact, I really don't get how people get through the day without at least one dog of their own. If you are dogless, you are missing out on having someone who is always excited to do the most boring errands with you. You probably don't feel like the coolest person in the world just for walking in your house after being gone for two minutes. You don't have a valid excuse for talking to yourself when you're home alone. Sorry, but you don't. I bet you don't have a friend who is ALWAYS as equally eager to go for a walk with you as they are to take a nap with you. You don't have a personal bodyguard (aka 'alarm system') that is constantly watching out for your safety (even when you don't need it). Most importantly, when you spill food, you actually have to go to the closet, get your vacuum cleaner out and clean it up yourself. If you weren't dogless, that job would be done for you in less than 10 seconds. No hassle of a vacuum required.

A dog of your own would make you feel 10 times more talented, loved, popular, heroic and better looking than you feel now.

You see, if you had a dog, you would be more famous in his eyes than the Jonas Brothers...just because he's your dog.

So, here is an introduction to our #1 fans; our dogs. We'll start with Becca's Gabe, followed by my two, Mud and Cinderella.

-Tory

Dog's Name: Gabe

Breed: Lab mix with a little bit of Husky, Chow, and German Shepherd

Age: 2.5 years

Sex: Neutered male

Where did you get Gabe? He was rescued from a kill shelter in Sedalia, Missouri, taken care of in a foster home, and then adopted by me through Second Chance Rescue in Kansas City.

What made you choose him? It was an interesting situation. I had been looking for a puppy for some time, but I was only interested in a female and I wanted a herding breed. The dog I would adopt and raise was going to be my 'demo dog' that I would take to dog training school with me and use as sort of a walking business card. So, I wanted to be sure to get an active, friendly, smart dog that people were drawn to. I had been given some advice not to get a dark-colored dog, as some people are scared of them and you want a demo dog that is easily approached by others.

Gabe and his brother were the most beautiful blond color, and something immediately melted inside of me when I saw them for the first time. I knew a lot less at that time than I do now about choosing a dog, but if you honestly want to know what I think, God was on my side, even in something like choosing a puppy! My criteria of 'female herding dog' flew out the window, and I decided to choose one of those boys. I observed the two of them playing together, and Gabe seemed to be less assertive out of the two. And, he had the most precious little flopped over ears! I was sold, and went home with a male retriever mix - something totally unexpected but that turned out to be the BEST thing for me!

How did you name him? Since I had originally been searching for a female puppy, I didn't have very many male dog names that I had been considering seriously. But, once I had signed the adoption papers and we were on our way home, I started to think through names that might be good. I wanted something that was not common for a dog and that wasn't too many syllables. 'Gabe' came to mind in the midst of that and it just kind of stuck.

What's your favorite physical feature on him? I think Gabe is perfect from tail to nose (I am SO incredibly biased, sorry) but his ears are definitely a winning attribute. They are extremely expressive; as my dad puts it sometimes, Gabe's ears 'tell a story'. There is the most awesome crimpy hair that grows from behind his ears, too - I get asked from time to time if I am the one who crimps it! Let it be known that Gabe is all-natural :)

What's your favorite personality trait? I'm not sure I have ever owned or even met another dog as goofy as Gabe. He's an absolute clown. Even though it got us into trouble on a few tests at school and even in daily life from time to time, he brings a smile and a laugh to my day unlike anything else in my life. I call him my sunshine.

If Gabe was a person, what would he have been like in High School? Definitely the one stirring up the classroom. The ring-leader. A bit of a show-off that gets away with it because he's funny and charming.

What advice/tips would you give to someone who wanted a breed similar to Gabe? Gabe is a pretty high-maintenance dog. He thrives on daily exercise - I usually try to walk him 60 minutes on most days. His mind is also very active, so he needs a lot of training to fulfill that area of his personality. And, if you have a hard time keeping food up high and locked away, a dog like Gabe will constantly be finding handouts that were not meant to be his. And, while all dogs need a lot of attention, dogs similar to him are certainly on the top of that list. Gabe is very pack-oriented and doesn't really care where he is as long as it's with me.

Dog's Name: Mud

Breed: Longhaired Miniature Dachshund

Age: Almost 4

Sex: Male

Where did you get Mud? From a breeder in Oregon.

What made you choose him? I had wanted a Dachshund for a long time. I was still living at home and was dating my now husband, Phil, who was in a touring band at the time. I had been wanting a purebred puppy of my own to possibly show and had narrowed it down to a Longhaired Dachshund because they are supposedly the calmest and sweetest of the 3 coat varities. Phil and I planned on making this "our" puppy, the one we would take with us when we eventually got married. So we visited several breeders and saw many puppies. I kept searching until I found an ad for Mud on the internet. My parents and I drove 5 hours to visit Mud and the rest of his litter when he was 6 weeks old. The breeder was great and Mud was the most curious and confident in the litter without being overly dominant. We paid for him but couldn't pick him up for another week. It turned out to be perfect timing because Phil happend to be home from tour the day we went to pick up Mud, and he was home for Mud's first week of life with me, so they completely bonded. To this day, Phil is Mud's ultimate favorite.

How did you name him? After we paid for him at the breeder's in Oregon, my parents and I stopped at a restaurant on the way home and I ordered a mud pie dessert. The colors of it were just like the puppy I had just picked out and my mom suggested naming him Mud Pie. I also used to have a stuffed animal dog I called "Mud" when I was little, and he totally reminded me of that! So floppy and cuddly. So it stuck.

What's your favorite physical feature on him? His big paws and blue cartoon eye top the list

What's your favorite personality trait? I love how chill he usually is. I've never had a dog so mellow and soulful. He is also somewhat dramatic at times. I honestly love everything about him, he is my dream come true dog.

If Mud was a person, what would he have been like in High School? I think he'd be the mysterious loner. People would like him, but he wouldn't give them a whole lot of attention, unless they were his closest friends :)

What advice/tips would you give to someone who wanted a Dachshund? Because they are prone to back injury and disc disease, you must be willing to change a few things about your lifestyle. You cannot let this breed jump off of high surfaces (no couches or beds) and you cannot let them get overweight. Make sure you really want a dog that centers his life around you. They are intensely devoted to the ones they love.

Dog's Name: Cinderella

Breed: Cocker Spaniel/Miniature Schnauzer Mix

Age: 6 months

Sex: Female

Where did you get Cinderella? We got her from an ad in the online paper. She was an "accident" but accidents will always happen and every dog needs a home! So I didn't have a problem buying her, because I knew I wasn't supporting someone trying to make money for the wrong reasons.

What made you choose her? We wanted a friend for Mud and after researching and researching, there just didn't seem to be any purebreds that were perfect for our situation. Something of a certain size, trainable, healthy, calm enough to fit Mud's energy level, easy to groom etc. So I was keeping my eyes open for some kind of mix to come along and saw Cinderella. Neither the cocker or the schnauzer would've fit into our lives at this time as well as the mix of the two would!

How did you name her? We actually changed her name about 5 times during the first 3 weeks of her life with us. It went from Eclair to Tar to Shelby and others. We were embarrassed each week at puppy class to admit we had re-named her again. We finally settled on Cinderella for.. some... reason? I guess partly because it doesn't fit her at all :)

What's your favorite physical feature on her? Her eyes are lighter brown than a lot of dogs, so they are interesting to me. And her coat because it's non-shedding and easy to groom!

What's your favorite personality trait? Her gullible, happy side. She doesn't take herself seriously at all, which is a complete contrast to Mud...

If Cinderella was a person, what would she have been like in High School? The bashful, yet bubbly girl who asks a lot of questions. Maybe even a cheerleader.

What advice/tips would you give to someone who wanted a breed similar to Cinderella? Schnauzers and Cockers are sensitive to voices and moods. If you get a breed that likes to learn, be prepared to fulfill that side of them! She loves learning tricks and is extremely food motivated..which also means we have to be very careful not to leave things out that she will eat. She puts everything in her mouth, which I'm sure is a Spaniel trait, as they are often retrievers. Make sure you won't mind a dog that is very curious and wants to be involved in absolutely everything you do!

Let's Start at the Very Beginning...

2010-02-01T13:05:00.013-07:00

I'm not known for being an opinionated person. Rather than take sides on many issues, I tend to stick with the middle ground or represent diplomacy.

However, when it comes to dogs, I find myself with a lot to say. Frequently, there are stories, advice, and ideas pertaining to dogs that I feel like I could talk about for hours - at least, if anyone is out there to listen. So, you can imagine how delighted I am to have friends like Tory; friends who share in my passion and interest and never get sick of talking about it! Even though she lives far away from me, we frequently connect to share our common ground with one another.

It is for these reasons that we decided to launch this blog. A project to work on together, a way to share with others while furthering our own knowledge of dogs, and a tribute to the creatures that we both love so much. We hope you will read and learn along with us too!

For starters, here's a little about us - in the form of an interview!

Tory's interview:

1. Describe your first dog: I was actually born into a family of 4 Australian Shepherd mixes. They were a mom, dad brother and sister. The two puppies were only 1 when I was born so I grew up with them as if they were my siblings! Most of the time I thought I was one of them. I would get in their dog houses with them, eat cereal in a bowl on the floor next to them when they would eat dog food, come running when my mom whistled etc. They all lived to be at least 18.

2. How did you first get involved working with dogs? Really just from being raised with them. I've had a total of 13 dogs in my life so far. My mom taught me most of what I know, as well as books. I was into dog books from the time I could read. I got enrolled in dog 4-H when I was 10 and that's where I got more formal training on how to handle dogs.

3. Do you have a favorite breed? Why? I like different breeds for different reasons but overall I'd have to say Dachshund. Why? Because they turn me to putty.

4. Describe your current dogs: Mud is loyal, devoted and mellow. Cinderella is happy, curious and playful

5. What would be your dream job? I don't really know, I have too many interests. Someday I think being a stay at home dog mom would be pretty ideal.

6. In your opinion, what is one piece of advice every dog owner should adhere to? You can never know everything about dogs, so always be open to learning

7. What's your favorite dog sport? Conformation. I have always been totally fascinated by purebred dogs. I love the art of conformation showing, the way it feels to gait a dog around a ring and free stack. I just have so much appreciation for purebreds and I love very "typey" looking dogs. I love that when you go to a dog show, the popular breeds like goldens and labs look completely different than the ones you see just walking down the street!

8. What do you envy most about dogs? Their athletic ability and the way they can defend themselves. I wish I could be really scary when needed!

9. Who is your favorite celebrity dog? I think it's a tie between Old Yeller and Chance.

Becca's interview:

1. What's your favorite breed of dog?: It's so hard to choose! But I am a sucker for Retrievers and a lot of herding breeds. My purebred dream dog would be a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, but I am pretty crazy about dog rescue, so the chances of owning one are somewhat slim since they are relatively rare as a breed. Additionally, I LOVE mutts! I love how one-of-a-kind they are and some of the perks of owning one.

2. What's your favorite dog sport?: Definitely agility. It's super fun to watch and also to do! It's especially neat when you see a dog competing that really loves running a course. Really, to see a dog doing anything they love is a joy.

3. Tell me about your first dog: She was a Dalmatian named Princess. It was a dream come true for me, since I totally went through a 'Dalmatian phase' like so many kids do. But knowing what I do now, I'll probably never own one again. She was very high-strung, territorial and did suffer from being half-deaf, a common trait seen in Dalmatians. Didn't stop us from loving her though.

4. What was the most eye opening thing you learned at Triple Crown Dog Academy?: Again, almost impossible to choose just one thing. Probably one of the most fundamental things I took away from my experience was simply knowing how crucial baby steps are when you are training a dog. If you want your dog to hold a down stay while you are standing 30 feet away and your friends are doing cartwheels and throwing tennis balls for other dogs, you have a lot of baby steps to work up to that point. Initially, your dog may only stay in position for 2 seconds with little or no distractions. You have to first focus on rewarding for those successes, no matter how small. Then, maybe the next time around you aim for 3 or 5 seconds. You can't skip a step, because you have to build off of the block you previously conquered with your dog in the last training session. It's definitely a great way to practice patience!

5. What do you envy most about dogs? I think the amount of sleep they get is to die for! I would love to be able to lounge and nap all day, and also to be able to fall asleep so quickly like a dog! Then again, it would also be great to have their energy and stamina when they go for a run...

6. Who is your favorite celebrity dog? That depends on what we're basing it off of! I've always thought Murray from 'Mad About You' was a really cute dog. But sentimentally, Benji and Lassie get me every time. There's also a dog named Kuma that's in commercials and movies that looks a lot like my dog, Gabe. It automatically gets him about 2 million points :)

7. How did you first get involved working with dogs? I was always crazy about dogs, volunteering at the animal shelter, pet-sitting, and teaching our dogs the tricks I could think of off the top of my head. My formal learning started by enrolling in dog 4-H. I gained some further experience training and learned some of the ropes of showing dogs.

8. Describe your dog, Gabe, in 3 words: Cute, loving, goofy.

9. What would be your dream job? There are several jobs that sound pretty appealing to me - training service dogs is high on my list. There is something so beautiful about the way a dog can give a person with a disability a better independence in life, not to mention an unbeatable companion. I would love to be a person who facilitates those matches.

10. In your opinion, what is one piece of advice every dog owner should adhere to? A dog needs physical stimulation, mental stimulation, and communication to live a fulfilled life. A dog's owner is responsible to provide these things!!

Tory is going to introduce our dogs in the next post, so be sure to check back!