Boarding Your Dog For The First Time
From Krista Mifflin
Make It Easier For Both of You
The day has arrived, and you and your family (or just you) finally get to plan that trip you've been waiting for. Except for one small thing : you can't bring your dog with you, for whatever reason. A lot of dogs experience anxiety when they are boarded at a kennel, or even any place that's not home, for the first time. Their owners do too, and each feeds off the other's worry. These helpful hints will hopefully make this first-time a little less nerve-wracking and stressful.
If you need to vaccinate him before boarding, make sure you do so at least two weeks before he goes into the kennel. Not only will this be easier on your dog because he won't be feeling the effects of the vaccination at the same time as a stressful and situation (the kennel), but some vaccines need at least two weeks to take hold in your dog's system and be effective. Talk to your veterinarian about how much time each vaccine needs.
Try to be calm (hard, I know). While planning, packing, and on the day of departure, act as if it's nothing out of the ordinary.
Bring his favorite blanket, cushion, or if he hasn't one of his own, sacrifice a sweatshirt or something you wear frequently, unwashed, so it smells like you, to help him calm once you are gone.
Bring his own food, and his own dishes as well. Anything that came from home will help him adjust, minimizing the distressing changes.
Take any of his favorite toys with him; a Kong, a stuffed animal he likes to cuddle with, a squeaky cat, his brother.
Make sure you don't suddenly change his food on him, as the resulting stomach upset will just add to his distress.
Once you drop him off, leave. Do not drag out the good-byes, or make a fuss, or act like you are leaving for a week (even if you are). If you drop him off and make like he's just going for a play-date, he won't as stressed out, and your leave-taking will be much easier if you don't have deal with a freaked-out and screaming dog.
Be calm. One thing I've noted over time when boarding two dogs that are fairly close: mine prefer to share a kennel, rather than each have their separate rooms. Yours might like it better this way as well. Enjoy your vacation, and hopefully your dog will enjoy his at "Chez Puppy" or some other fun boarding kennel.
January 29, 2008
January 28, 2008
Healthy Breakfast for Your Dog (^o^)
Healthy Breakfast for Your DogHi, I'm Christie Shaver and I am the Healthy Pet Gourment, founder of The Healthy Pet Gourmet, for About.com Home. Today, I'm going to show you how to make a bugs-away breakfast for your pets. It's a simple meal that you can make to help keep fleas and other pests away from your pets during the summer. Healthy Dog Breakfast IngredientsTo make a bugs-away breakfast, you can use the same ingredients you might use to make a morning omelet:3 cups boiled potatoes 3 hard-boiled eggs 2 tablespoons tomato sauce (make sure there are no onions) 1 clove garlic 2 tablespoons sardines a few leaves of parsley 1/2 cup chicken stock To make chicken stock, I boiled some chickens, and the water that is left over is what I have here. You can also buy a chicken stock at your local grocery store; just make sure that it does not contain any onions. Add Vitamin and Mineral SupplementsIf you're going to make this more than an occasional meal for your pet, you do need to add vitamin and mineral supplements to make sure the diet is complete. Today for my dog hunter, we're going to be adding a multivitamin, a vegetable source vegetable calcium supplement, and vitamin C from dried cranberries. Now, I like to use powder form or liquid because they are more easily digestible than the ordinary tablet vitamins that pets can sometimes take. In order to make sure your pet is getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals, contact your veterinarian or someone like myself. Combine the Eggs and PotatoesI'm going to start by adding our hard-boiled eggs. I'm just going to chop them up. So once we have the eggs chopped up pretty well, you're going to want to add your boiled potatoes. You'll want to leave those skins on; the skins do have a lot of vitamins in them that we are going to want our dogs to have. Benefits of PotatoesA lot of people think that if their dog is suffering from diarrhea or other stomach problems, they should give them rice. But I am here to tell you that potatoes are a much better way to go. Potatoes bind much better in the stomach and will make the stool firmer than rice does, which is so easily digestible. Make the Parsley WaterThis is about all the parsley you're going to need. I've just pulled off a small amount from the bunch that I had and made sure to wash it. So we're going to add this 1/2 cup of chicken stock to our parsley to make what we will call a parsley water that we can put over the top of the rest of the meal. And this will give it a nice smooth texture. Some people call it parsley water, but you can call it whatever you like. All that matters is that we are able to really combine it and consolidate it really well. Benefits of ParsleyNow, you may be wondering why we're adding parsley to a diet for a dog, and I'll tell you it's because of the eggs. Now, eggs may be the most digestible of all proteins that our pets can eat, but just like for you and me, they can sometimes cause gas. So the parsley is going to help your pet prevent that, and it will also add a lot of vitamins to your dog's diet to help keep their immune system at its peak. Combine the Other IngredientsAll right, so that looks pretty good. Now, you're going to want to just grab one clove of garlic. Garlic is the reason this diet is so great to prevent fleas. They really don't like it. So now we're going to blend that up back with our parsley. I am also going to add the 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce that is onion-free. And I'm also going to go ahead and add the sardines. The reason they are so great is the Omega 3s and 6s that are in here really help keep your dog's skin and coat in the best condition. Add the SupplementsSo now that you've combined all the ingredients in the blender, you're ready to pour it over our mixture in the bowl. You are going to mix that thoroughly. Now you can stop here if you already have your pet on a great vitamin and supplement regimen. But like I said, to make this meal complete for my dog hunter today, I am going to be adding vitamin mineral supplement, calcium supplement, and vitamin C from cranberry. Serve Your Dog the BreakfastThis meal has about 730 calories, which is great for a dog that weighs about 30 pounds. My dog hunter only weighs about 15 pounds, so I'm not going to give her the full portion today. Thanks for watching. To learn more, visit us on the Web at homegarden.about.com.
April 13, 2007
WHY DO YOU WANT A DOG?
The first question you should ask yourself, honestly is . . . Why do I (we) want a dog?
If your answer is:
For my son/daughter/children . . . Trust me, this will be YOUR dog! After the 'honeymoon period', the kids may only play with the dog, occasionally. They may groan and grumble about any dog-related responsibilities, doing them, begrudgingly, only after significant prodding from you. As children's interests and activities change, over the years, their level of involvement with the dog will most likely be, inconsistent, at best. Additionally, your children, especially, young children, will need to be 'trained' in how to behave with the dog and will need to be supervised when with the dog.
For protection . . . I know some may disagree but, it is my opinion, that the only time is it a good idea to get a dog for the purpose of protection is in professional or agricultural situations and only when the owner/trainer is humane and knowledgeable of dog behavior and dominant dog training/handling. In all other situations - probably 99.9% - an alarm system, security fence, or other measures are much more appropriate and effective.
To breed puppies . . . If you've read the third paragraph of this piece and still feel this way, there is probably little I can offer to change your mind. But, just in case, let me restate the case a little more thoroughly. The breeding of dogs is a responsibility not to be taken lightly. If it is not your intention to remain responsible for all of your puppies for their entire lives, including being willing to take back and care for those who may find themselves homeless, do not enter into this endeavor. If you are planning on breeding for profit, understand that there are much easier, more profitable and ethical ways to make a buck. Dogs are living beings and dog breeding requires a significant investment of time, money, labor, knowledge, both academic and practical, patience, and emotional fortitude, to be done responsibly and humanely. Please visit a few of the shelter and rescue websites, or your local shelter, and witness the problem yourself. View the faces of the homeless dogs and talk to the volunteers and staff who, all too often, must take that 'final walk' with them.
Because BreedX is 'Cool', was in a movie you saw, is unique and exotic, is free/cheap, or other such nonsense . . . One of the WORSE reasons to get a dog, or any other animal, for that matter, is because of their physical appearance or popularity due to a movie, TV show, or other publicity. Often, these venues feature exotic, rare or unique breeds that are, in the overwhelming majority of pet situations, unsuitable as companions. This visibility may also draw out those 'breeders' whose primary motivation is profit versus health, temperament, structural soundness and the welfare of their dogs.
And, remember to incorporate the same thoughtful consideration on whether or not to get a dog, and which breed or mix, when your friend, coworker or relative offers you one of Fluffy's puppies. Dogs are never really 'free' or 'cheap' and, in reality, require significant financial, physical, time, and environmental resources. At a minimum, none of these, or other such reasons, are sound selection factors for getting a dog and selecting a particular breed or mix. And, remember, if it is difficult for you to find information on a particular breed, or a breeder of the breed, it follows that you will most likely also have difficulty finding local support services that are familiar with the training, health care, and maintenance needs of that breed.
THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF DOG OWNERSHIP
However, if you are interested in getting a dog for the RIGHT reasons, please ask yourself the following 10 questions, prior to selecting a breed and breeder or visiting your local shelter or rescue facility:
1) Are you, and all those who live with you, committed to spend 12+ years providing health care, food, grooming, training and attention to a dog? Do the people who live with you also want a dog?
2) Do you have the time and/or resources available . . . To take your dog for walks and to the vet? To bath, brush, clip, and, otherwise, groom your dog as often as necessary? Will you want to play and, perhaps, work on training daily, with your dog? Are you willing to take your dog to puppy socialization, kindergarten, and basic obedience classes?
3) Are there lifestyle-altering events that could occur in your foreseeable future? - A baby, caring for an elderly family member, a divorce, job uncertainty, etc. And, how would you deal with these changes as they impacted your ability to care for a dog?
4) Is your personality conducive to dog ownership? Do you often feel 'stressed out'? Do you like to have total control over your environment or 'space'? Are you a 'neat freak'? Are you flexible? Patient? Answer honesty - nobody but you will know AND, more importantly, nobody but you will have to live with the results of your trying to 'fit' your personality to a dog.
5) Are you physically able to care for a dog? Are you economically able to provide care for a dog?
6) Is your environment prepared for a dog and/or are you willing to make the investment of time and money necessary to insure that it does? Is there a yard or park-like area for your dog to walk and relieve him- or her- self? Is your yard, or a portion of it, fenced? If your dog will be outside for any period of time, will you provide a secure and comfortable shelter for your dog? Although you may have a secure and comfortable location for your dog while it is outdoors, dog should not be left outdoors, unattended, for extended periods of time. They can be taunted, released, stolen, or worse. Tethering can cause serious physical harm or death in the event of an entanglement or other such accident. Further, prolonged tethering can cause undesirable behavioral and personality traits to surface. Additionally, garages may contain chemicals, tools and other items that can be dangerous and/or harmful to your dog.
7) Will your dog be alone for long periods of time, daily? Can you arrange for the dog to be let out for a romp, given water, medication, and playtime, as necessary, during the day? Or, will you become angered and frustrated by behavioral issues that may arise due to the fact that your dog is alone for long periods of time? (i.e., relieves him or herself indoors; chews up a blanket, your shoes, your favorite chair cushion; barks incessantly, causing your neighbors to become angry or, perhaps, even call animal control on you; etc. Do not plan to leave your dog outdoors or in a garage all day while you are away! If this is in your plans, I suggest you revisit the question "Why do I/We want a dog?"
8) Are you willing to spay/neuter your dog, as soon as possible, to reduce the chance of an accidental breeding?
9) Do you travel frequently? Will it be difficult for you to find quality care for your dog when you are away?
10) Do you really LOVE dogs? If you are truly motivated by your love of dogs, or a particular dog, you most likely don't need this page. You've done your homework and are ready for a lifelong commitment. You will train and play with your dog, provide appropriate veterinary care and nutrition, you will bath and groom him or her, happily, and the occasional behavioral problem won't throw you for a loop. If this is the case, please visit the other related sections of the library for helpful articles on breed or mix selection, puppy or adult?, adoption or breeder, finding a breeder, preparation for your dog, training care, and more.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
While there are a few breeds, especially exotic or rare breeds, which I would not recommend to people considering dog ownership, there are several shared traits and needs that are basic to all dogs. All require socialization, training, a secure, comfortable and safe environment, grooming and health maintenance, professional health care, a quality diet, companionship, attention, and love. All dogs are canines and think like canines. It is important that you educate yourself through books, training classes, etc., so that you will be able to interpret and understand their behavior and respond appropriately.
Additionally, with regard to "non-shedding dogs", while there is no such animal (except for hairless varieties which present greater maintenance and care challenges), some do shed considerably less than others (i.e., several terrier breeds, schnauzers, poodles, etc.). However, understand that if it is an allergy or asthma that you are concerned with, it is likely not the shedding of hair that causes the reaction in humans, it is proteins in the saliva, dander or contact with urine, that will often trigger allergic reactions. Non-allergenic breeds of dogs or cats do not exist. Animals tend to shed dander at different rates and hair length is only a minor factor in the amount of dander an animal makes. Animals may also be more allergenic at certain times of the year as they go through dander-shedding cycles. The characteristics of a person’s allergies can also change over time. Purchasing a so-called "non-allergenic" breed usually does not work out. Getting rid of a pet after emotional attachments have been made is hard for all involved. Additional recommended online materials includes: Cindy Tittle Moore's Allergy FAQ and the Pets and Allergies: Minimizing the Reaction by Clifford Bassett, M.D., FAAAAI.
However, if it is the 'mess' you are concerned about, while you can minimize the amount and/or length of the hair/undercoat shed via breed selection and proper grooming, dogs can and do make messes having nothing to do with shedding. So, if muddy coat and paws or a bit of doggy 'fragrance' are going to throw you into a tailspin, please reevaluate if this is the best time for you to get a dog.
Thoughtful breed and breeder selection can improve, to some degree, the odds that you will find a healthy, well-tempered, dog that meets your expectations in a family pet. Deciding to get an older adoptable pure or mixed breed dog can eliminate a few 'unknowns' (See "The Virtues of an Older Dog" by Valerie Macys) but, may, on the other hand, present alternative concerns. In any event, at some point during your dog's life, you will face some 'surprises' or 'issues' that will require some flexibility and out-of-the-ordinary amount of patience, time, and effort on your part. Even when dealing with the most reputable breeder, rescue or shelter, and being extremely diligent and thorough, in your research, your ability to predict you and your dog's future, is limited. Therefore, just as in marriage or parenthood, you must be willing to be somewhat flexible and sincerely committed to responding, responsibly, to deviations from your expectations.
And, finally, while doing some research on weight pulling, I came across a great, practical, primer/warning, by Amy Gerson, on what life with dogs can be like. While, specifically, written for Malamutes, these 'issues' can be found in any dog breed or mix and are examples of what you must be willing to deal with when you decide to get a dog. It is true, that many behavioral issues can be solved through training and sufficient activity and exercise; some of these traits are inherent enough to be recurring and frustrating to owners. If digging, chewing, etc. are likely to result in your packing your dog off to a shelter, please reconsider your decision to get a dog.
Continue on to Part 2: An Introduction to Research & Finding the Right Dog for You
Please go to http://www.doginfomat.com/b4ugetadog.htm
If your answer is:
For my son/daughter/children . . . Trust me, this will be YOUR dog! After the 'honeymoon period', the kids may only play with the dog, occasionally. They may groan and grumble about any dog-related responsibilities, doing them, begrudgingly, only after significant prodding from you. As children's interests and activities change, over the years, their level of involvement with the dog will most likely be, inconsistent, at best. Additionally, your children, especially, young children, will need to be 'trained' in how to behave with the dog and will need to be supervised when with the dog.
For protection . . . I know some may disagree but, it is my opinion, that the only time is it a good idea to get a dog for the purpose of protection is in professional or agricultural situations and only when the owner/trainer is humane and knowledgeable of dog behavior and dominant dog training/handling. In all other situations - probably 99.9% - an alarm system, security fence, or other measures are much more appropriate and effective.
To breed puppies . . . If you've read the third paragraph of this piece and still feel this way, there is probably little I can offer to change your mind. But, just in case, let me restate the case a little more thoroughly. The breeding of dogs is a responsibility not to be taken lightly. If it is not your intention to remain responsible for all of your puppies for their entire lives, including being willing to take back and care for those who may find themselves homeless, do not enter into this endeavor. If you are planning on breeding for profit, understand that there are much easier, more profitable and ethical ways to make a buck. Dogs are living beings and dog breeding requires a significant investment of time, money, labor, knowledge, both academic and practical, patience, and emotional fortitude, to be done responsibly and humanely. Please visit a few of the shelter and rescue websites, or your local shelter, and witness the problem yourself. View the faces of the homeless dogs and talk to the volunteers and staff who, all too often, must take that 'final walk' with them.
Because BreedX is 'Cool', was in a movie you saw, is unique and exotic, is free/cheap, or other such nonsense . . . One of the WORSE reasons to get a dog, or any other animal, for that matter, is because of their physical appearance or popularity due to a movie, TV show, or other publicity. Often, these venues feature exotic, rare or unique breeds that are, in the overwhelming majority of pet situations, unsuitable as companions. This visibility may also draw out those 'breeders' whose primary motivation is profit versus health, temperament, structural soundness and the welfare of their dogs.
And, remember to incorporate the same thoughtful consideration on whether or not to get a dog, and which breed or mix, when your friend, coworker or relative offers you one of Fluffy's puppies. Dogs are never really 'free' or 'cheap' and, in reality, require significant financial, physical, time, and environmental resources. At a minimum, none of these, or other such reasons, are sound selection factors for getting a dog and selecting a particular breed or mix. And, remember, if it is difficult for you to find information on a particular breed, or a breeder of the breed, it follows that you will most likely also have difficulty finding local support services that are familiar with the training, health care, and maintenance needs of that breed.
THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF DOG OWNERSHIP
However, if you are interested in getting a dog for the RIGHT reasons, please ask yourself the following 10 questions, prior to selecting a breed and breeder or visiting your local shelter or rescue facility:
1) Are you, and all those who live with you, committed to spend 12+ years providing health care, food, grooming, training and attention to a dog? Do the people who live with you also want a dog?
2) Do you have the time and/or resources available . . . To take your dog for walks and to the vet? To bath, brush, clip, and, otherwise, groom your dog as often as necessary? Will you want to play and, perhaps, work on training daily, with your dog? Are you willing to take your dog to puppy socialization, kindergarten, and basic obedience classes?
3) Are there lifestyle-altering events that could occur in your foreseeable future? - A baby, caring for an elderly family member, a divorce, job uncertainty, etc. And, how would you deal with these changes as they impacted your ability to care for a dog?
4) Is your personality conducive to dog ownership? Do you often feel 'stressed out'? Do you like to have total control over your environment or 'space'? Are you a 'neat freak'? Are you flexible? Patient? Answer honesty - nobody but you will know AND, more importantly, nobody but you will have to live with the results of your trying to 'fit' your personality to a dog.
5) Are you physically able to care for a dog? Are you economically able to provide care for a dog?
6) Is your environment prepared for a dog and/or are you willing to make the investment of time and money necessary to insure that it does? Is there a yard or park-like area for your dog to walk and relieve him- or her- self? Is your yard, or a portion of it, fenced? If your dog will be outside for any period of time, will you provide a secure and comfortable shelter for your dog? Although you may have a secure and comfortable location for your dog while it is outdoors, dog should not be left outdoors, unattended, for extended periods of time. They can be taunted, released, stolen, or worse. Tethering can cause serious physical harm or death in the event of an entanglement or other such accident. Further, prolonged tethering can cause undesirable behavioral and personality traits to surface. Additionally, garages may contain chemicals, tools and other items that can be dangerous and/or harmful to your dog.
7) Will your dog be alone for long periods of time, daily? Can you arrange for the dog to be let out for a romp, given water, medication, and playtime, as necessary, during the day? Or, will you become angered and frustrated by behavioral issues that may arise due to the fact that your dog is alone for long periods of time? (i.e., relieves him or herself indoors; chews up a blanket, your shoes, your favorite chair cushion; barks incessantly, causing your neighbors to become angry or, perhaps, even call animal control on you; etc. Do not plan to leave your dog outdoors or in a garage all day while you are away! If this is in your plans, I suggest you revisit the question "Why do I/We want a dog?"
8) Are you willing to spay/neuter your dog, as soon as possible, to reduce the chance of an accidental breeding?
9) Do you travel frequently? Will it be difficult for you to find quality care for your dog when you are away?
10) Do you really LOVE dogs? If you are truly motivated by your love of dogs, or a particular dog, you most likely don't need this page. You've done your homework and are ready for a lifelong commitment. You will train and play with your dog, provide appropriate veterinary care and nutrition, you will bath and groom him or her, happily, and the occasional behavioral problem won't throw you for a loop. If this is the case, please visit the other related sections of the library for helpful articles on breed or mix selection, puppy or adult?, adoption or breeder, finding a breeder, preparation for your dog, training care, and more.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
While there are a few breeds, especially exotic or rare breeds, which I would not recommend to people considering dog ownership, there are several shared traits and needs that are basic to all dogs. All require socialization, training, a secure, comfortable and safe environment, grooming and health maintenance, professional health care, a quality diet, companionship, attention, and love. All dogs are canines and think like canines. It is important that you educate yourself through books, training classes, etc., so that you will be able to interpret and understand their behavior and respond appropriately.
Additionally, with regard to "non-shedding dogs", while there is no such animal (except for hairless varieties which present greater maintenance and care challenges), some do shed considerably less than others (i.e., several terrier breeds, schnauzers, poodles, etc.). However, understand that if it is an allergy or asthma that you are concerned with, it is likely not the shedding of hair that causes the reaction in humans, it is proteins in the saliva, dander or contact with urine, that will often trigger allergic reactions. Non-allergenic breeds of dogs or cats do not exist. Animals tend to shed dander at different rates and hair length is only a minor factor in the amount of dander an animal makes. Animals may also be more allergenic at certain times of the year as they go through dander-shedding cycles. The characteristics of a person’s allergies can also change over time. Purchasing a so-called "non-allergenic" breed usually does not work out. Getting rid of a pet after emotional attachments have been made is hard for all involved. Additional recommended online materials includes: Cindy Tittle Moore's Allergy FAQ and the Pets and Allergies: Minimizing the Reaction by Clifford Bassett, M.D., FAAAAI.
However, if it is the 'mess' you are concerned about, while you can minimize the amount and/or length of the hair/undercoat shed via breed selection and proper grooming, dogs can and do make messes having nothing to do with shedding. So, if muddy coat and paws or a bit of doggy 'fragrance' are going to throw you into a tailspin, please reevaluate if this is the best time for you to get a dog.
Thoughtful breed and breeder selection can improve, to some degree, the odds that you will find a healthy, well-tempered, dog that meets your expectations in a family pet. Deciding to get an older adoptable pure or mixed breed dog can eliminate a few 'unknowns' (See "The Virtues of an Older Dog" by Valerie Macys) but, may, on the other hand, present alternative concerns. In any event, at some point during your dog's life, you will face some 'surprises' or 'issues' that will require some flexibility and out-of-the-ordinary amount of patience, time, and effort on your part. Even when dealing with the most reputable breeder, rescue or shelter, and being extremely diligent and thorough, in your research, your ability to predict you and your dog's future, is limited. Therefore, just as in marriage or parenthood, you must be willing to be somewhat flexible and sincerely committed to responding, responsibly, to deviations from your expectations.
And, finally, while doing some research on weight pulling, I came across a great, practical, primer/warning, by Amy Gerson, on what life with dogs can be like. While, specifically, written for Malamutes, these 'issues' can be found in any dog breed or mix and are examples of what you must be willing to deal with when you decide to get a dog. It is true, that many behavioral issues can be solved through training and sufficient activity and exercise; some of these traits are inherent enough to be recurring and frustrating to owners. If digging, chewing, etc. are likely to result in your packing your dog off to a shelter, please reconsider your decision to get a dog.
Continue on to Part 2: An Introduction to Research & Finding the Right Dog for You
Please go to http://www.doginfomat.com/b4ugetadog.htm
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