Those Are NOT your shoes! Destructive Chewing

If you don't give your dog his own personal things to chew, he will be forced to satisfy his natural instincts by chewing the things around him. And trust me, he'll find plenty of things that are pleasing to chew ... like your favorite shoes, those new throw pillows or the living room sofa! Bummer.

Destructive chewing behavior can really test your undying love for your four-legged pal..

But did you know that it could also cause a lot of serious health problems for your dog? Eating the stuffing in those pillows and sofa cushions can lead to serious gastro-intestinal problems. Painful splinters from chewed wood can cut your dog's gums or become deeply lodged in his paws or gums. Once swallowed, those buttons from your favorite cardigan sweater can become stuck in your dog's throat, causing him to choke.

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Pull Up A Chair

Some dogs need the stimulation of another dog hovering over them in order to eat. Others are just glad for some human company. If your dog is picky, pull up a chair and see if that doesn't restore his appetite.

How to Teach Your Dog To Fetch

Teaching your dog to fetch is a wonderful activity. A dog that retrieves tends to get more exercise than a dog that doesn't. With a retriever, it's easy for you to just stand in one spot and throw a ball for your dog. A lot of dogs like to chase after the ball and bring it towards the owner. When the dog gets close enough he/she starts to play keep away. You can get your dog to give you the ball by having two tennis balls with you.

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Puppy Mills

I really detest the idea of puppy mills and the way pet stores contribute to their success. The puppies in all pet stores are from puppy mills, although you'll never find a store that will admit to that. If you want to help end the suffering of the breeding pairs in puppy mills - and the horrible institutional beginnings of the poor pups in the window - you cannot simply go in and start an argument with the store owner. You need to get information and proceed in a legal orderly way. Look at the action list from the Humane Society of the United States to guide you in helping to end the suffering. Read more about it. (PDF)
Interested in taking action online to help animals? Then join HSUS's online community! Go to: https://community.hsus.org/humane/join

R.I.P. Natasha Richardson

How sad that Natasha Richardson met such an untimely death. Mommy had the privilege of meeting her a few years ago at a Broadway luncheon. She was truly a remarkable woman. We offer our deepest sympathy to Mr. Neeson and their boys.

A Pet for the Obama Kids

Okay - now - At first our president said they would prefer a shelter dog or "a mutt like me" - and I went HOORAY - while I'm a "designer dog" - I'm really just a "mutt" - but that's okay - cause my human mommy loves me to pieces anyway - she says - "hey, I'm an adopted mutt too! nobody wanted me when I was born" - I'm rambling and getting "off topic" - Anyway, it looked like the Obamas would be getting a shelter dog and a mutt - then we heard they were getting a Portuguese Water Dog - now that was okay - I'm assuming that this little guy/gal would be coming from a rescue of some type. BUT - now here is a report out there that some folks want to give him a Peruvian Hairless - YIKES! I'm just not buying into that one! I mean - I'm sure they are very nice dogs - but come on folks - this is going to be the doggie for 2 little girls - I realize one of them is allergic - but a hairless dog? No, no, no........little girls need to have something cuddly and fuzzy to cuddle up with. LIKE ME - I'm good for allergy sufferers - I don't have an undercoat! I don't shed - AND I'm a terrific sized little fellow. Don't get me wrong I dont want to go personally because I have a terrific family here - but I think those little girls need a cute little guy like me.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

About Puppy Care and Training:

Links to Articles on Other Web
Sites

Children's Role in Pet Care

First Vet Visit

Puppy Proofing

Puppy Necessities

A Great Training Website

Andrea Arden's Training Website

Find A Certified Trainer

Children's Roles In Pet Care

First, it's great that you want to share the responsibility of pet ownership with your children. However, it's important that you assign age-appropriate tasks. Here are a few examples of what you may expect: KEEP READING

Just saying hi today

Today - I'm just choosing to say hello - we've had a terribly rainy few days so I'm a little blah! Livy, my best buddy, spent the week-end here - I got to sleep with her - see our pic