Toy Breed Expert

Are you entitled to your dog's prescription?

2011-11-26T13:25:00.000-08:00

If you hear snarling, snapping and whining at your veterinarian's, it may not be a patient but the vet reacting to the Fairness to Pet Owners Act (H. R. 1406) currently being debated in the U. S. Congress.

On one side is the American Veterinary Medication Association (AVMA) which is the vet's version of the American Medical Association. On the other side, are Wal-Mart and similar stores such as Target, chain drug stores, Costco, and Sam's Club.

The Pet Owners Act would require veterinarians to provide owners with a copy of their pet's prescription and a written disclosure that the owner may fill the prescription through the veterinarian or other pharmacy.

It would prohibit veterinarians from requiring purchase of the medication from themselves or for charging a fee to write a prescription.

AVMA Side

The AVMA claims the law is unnecessary because the AVMA encourages veterinarians to offer owners a prescription now and because the federal law may conflict with existing state laws that are in effect.

Of course, the bottom line is money. Veterinarians maintain that they would have to raise their fees if they lose the income from prescription medications. One online veterinarian claimed his fees would increase as much as one-third to cover the loss.

Chain stores offer cheap medications as a loss leaders to get you in the store where you also buy soda, snacks, clothes and cameras. Veterinarians don't have the luxury of making medications loss leaders.

There's also the concern that vets make sure you get the correct dosage and formulation for your small dog. Chain store pharmacists are not trained in animal physiology or pharmacology.

You get the medication right then and there at the vet's and don't have to make another trip to a pharmacy. There's always a concern whether people will make the effort to get their own medicines and take them properly, let alone make the extra effort for their dog.

Wal-Mart Side

Big box stores note that the law requires veterinarians to provide a copy of the pet's prescription because no federal law currently does. The 'encouragement' of AVMA to do so is nice but not binding. State laws are inconsistent (anyone know what their state law is?).

In a majority of states, a vet can say 'no' when asked to provide a prescription that the owner could fill at Wal-Mart or whenever.

You can reply, go to another vet and that works if you live in Houston or Las Angeles. That doesn't work so well if you live in a small town or rural area.

Someone with a chronically ill or senior dog may not want to change vets (and note that in most states vets, unlike human doctors, don't have to provide your pet's medical records). Those type of pets also are the ones that can't be covered by pet insurance. Owners pay through the nose for medications.

There's no reason veterinarians should be able to hold dog owners hostage. Consumers should be able to price shop for their dog's medications just as owners do for their own.

Without question, competition will cause prescription prices to be reduced.

Ongoing

When Walgreens started a “prescription savings club” about three years ago, it included pets under the family plan. For a $35 annual membership fee, families can obtain any of more than 400 generic medications for $4 per one-month dose, and discounts on a variety of other drugs.
http://www.walgreens.com/pharmacy/psc/psc_overview_page.jsp.

Walgreens fills veterinary prescriptions only for medications that it stocks for people. Even with that limitation, Walgreens publicized that it filled 400,000 prescriptions for Fido and Fluffy in just one year.

Note: Wal-Mart and other chain pharmacies offer $4 medications as well. Walgreens was the only one to publicize its volume of pet medications.

Walgreens is looking at expanding with a dedicated pet medication section. Target has been testing offering pet medications at certain stores as have Costco and Sam's Club.

It's inevitable

Veterinarians need to face the future. Even if the current bill is shelved, it's likely more consumer groups and pet owners will be demanding the right to fill Fido's prescription more cheaply.

With our bad economy and escalating pet care costs, owners need all the help they can get to control costs.

There's no reason veterinarians couldn't offer their own online prescription sales and provide the guidance pet owners need to safely medicate their pets.

My Recommendations

1. Ask your representatives to vote for H. R. 1406.

2. Comparison price any medications that your dog needs on a regular basis. When you go to the vet, ask if they can match that price.

3. Ask if the vet can write a generic version of the prescription medication.

4. Ask if there's a human version that you could use safely for your dog. You can pay a lot more money for the dog-version of bismuth subsalicylate or buy the generic version of Pepto-Bismol and get the same thing. Just be sure you know the correct dosage for your small dog.

Hold a Party for Your Canine Friends

2006-11-05T14:20:00.000-08:00

November through January are often a whirl of parties and socializing
for humans. Why not include your best friend in at least
one celebration? Early November is a perfect time to
host a party for your canine companion and his friends.

Here are some tips to help you plan a fun event.

Decide if it will be indoors or outdoors

Certainly if your weather is still nice, it's best to do it outdoors.
You have space in backyards and if a guest has a little
accident, it's easy to clean up.

If the weather isn't cooperating, do you have a basement
or could you empty a garage for the event? Maybe a local
dog training center or day care facility would allow
you to have a party there.

Develop
your guest list

Make certain your human and canine guests are compatible.
A group activity is not the time to introduce new dogs
and owners. Pick a group that already knows one another.
Decide how many humans and canines can fit in the area
where you're holding the party.

You may want to ask your friends not to bring children,
or restrict child guests to those at least in elementary
school. Toddlers and dogs may be difficult to watch
in a party setting.

Buy or make bone-shaped invitations and ask the humans to
RSVP.

Get
your food ready

Make or buy doggy treats. I offer several recipes at

http://www.toybreeds.com/treats.htm.

Don't forget to put out several bowls of water for your canine guests. Be sure to use non-breakable bowls and sit them
on rubber mats which prevent slips and slides and make
clean up easier.

Plan
some entertainment

Let the dogs play together if they're use to it. Try throw
and fetch with rubber toys if the dogs like that. It's
always fun to try to have a doggy race (although dogs
new to this will need a good deal of coaching).

Remember these are small dogs so don't
make the 'track' too long. Have a treat, such as a biscuit
or piece of cheese, for those who make it all the way
to the end.

If the weather is warm enough, have two buckets with water
and food. One will have apples for the humans to bob.
The other will have hot dogs or other meat that floats.
Both humans and canines will enjoy it.

If you want to play a version of musical chairs, put newspapers down on the floor or grass. Have the dogs sit on the
papers instead of chairs. It's fun once the dogs understand what they're supposed to do!

Invite someone take photographs or make a video

Maybe you have a family member who's
willing to do this. Older children or teens might be
willing to help (especially for a small fee). If you
do something really creative like have your pets in
costumes, you'll definitely want to remember the occasion.

Expect doggy behavior

Have poop bags, scooper, plastic gloves and newspaper on
hand. You'll need trash bags and if you're not having
the party at your home, know the nearest place where
the poop may be placed in the trash.

If you're indoors, be sure to have Urine Be Gone, Nature's
Miracle or other cleaning products and towels to prevent
stains and elminate lingering odors.

Mark off some areas for a doggy bathroom and if there are
areas where dogs should not go, be sure to mark those.
Use a black Magic Marker on cardboard to create signs.

Keep an eye on the dogs at all times. If you have more than
four dogs, I'd ask a friend to help with this. You need
to watch for impolite behavior that often is triggered
in pack behavior. Prevent or quickly break up any dog
fights before they get out of control.

One other thing - don't be afraid to ask for help to clean
up afterwards.

Have a great time.

P.S. Visit http://www.ToyBreeds.com
next month for a new edition of the Bone-Mot™.

Reduce Shedding

2006-11-05T14:14:00.000-08:00

FURminator®
deShedding Tool

Pperfect product or gift for owners of Pomeranians, Spaniels,
Pekingese and other dogs with long or thick coats. I
like to use it once or twice a week depending how much
my dogs are trying to shed.

This comb-like tool really reduces the undercoat and
removes loose hairs. The manufacturer says it reduces
shedding up to 90% and I believe it!

The stainless steel edge deShedding Tool does not cut hair;
it just gently pulls out the fluffy undercoat, leaving
the topcoat shiny and undamaged. Leaves coat shiny and
shed-free. It's also easy to use and my dogs love to
have their coats combed.

The patented design helps create a shed-less environment
by reducing the amount of dander and hair, making it
the ideal tool for allergy sufferers. Designed for use
on both long and short-haired pets.

The tool will work on all shedding dogs and even on some
traditionally "hair-cut-only" dogs, like Terriers and Spaniels to coarsen the coat and blend clipper tracks.
About $30.

NOTE:
A few Toy breeds that are typically not good candidates
for the FURminator Shed-Less Treatment are Poodles,
Shih Tzus, and Maltese.

For best results, use in conjunction with FURminator®
deShedding Shampoo and FURminator®
deShedding Solution
(both sold separately).

_______________________________________________

google_ad_client = "pub-1679110715446505";
google_ad_width = 120;
google_ad_height = 600;
google_ad_format = "120x600_as";
google_ad_channel ="";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_color_border = "CCCCCC";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "000000";
google_color_url = "666666";
google_color_text = "333333";
//-->

Blessing of the Animals - October 4

2006-10-01T15:23:00.000-07:00

One of the nicest celebrations a dog and owner can share is the Blessing of the Animals, a Catholic tradition that is duplicated by other denominations. Don’t worry, I’m not going to try to convert anyone!

I’m just going to describe this celebration and suggest that the church goers among my readers might see if their church offers something similar. Both our local Episcopalian and Lutheran churches have similar celebrations.

The Blessing of the Animals commemorates the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi (October 4) and his love for all animals.

St. Francis was born in Assisi, Italy around 1181 and founded the Franciscan Order of Monks.

He loved the larks flying about his hilltop town. He and his early brothers, staying in a small hovel, allowed themselves to be displaced by a donkey!

St. Francis wrote a Canticle of the Creatures, an ode to God’s living things. “All praise to you, Oh Lord, for all these brother and sister creatures.” He died in 1226.

In the celebration which usually takes place outdoors, a priest sprinkles holy water on your pet and says the following:

“Blessed are you Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters.

“We ask you to bless this pet. By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures. Amen.”

At the last celebration at my church there were about 30 pets consisting of guinea pigs, one goat, cats, dogs, birds and a small goldfish bowl. Incidentally all pets were well-behaved except for one cat who did not like being sprinkled!

This celebration has gained popularity especially in areas with large Latino immigration. Rural residents in Mexico and other Latin countries still depend on animals for their livelihood and are reassured by the priest’s blessing.

Whatever the spiritual benefits that result, this is a lovely way to celebrate the love we get and give our pets and our common relationship to the Creator.

P.S. If you'd like to send an electronic greeting card with a St. Francis Pet Blessing to a friend (human or canine), visit this website: http://www.catholicgreetings.org/PetBlessings/

Tips for a Safe Canine Halloween

2006-10-01T15:09:00.000-07:00

Halloween can be fun you and your dog, provided you take a few precautions.

1. NEVER leave Fido alone outside.

There are malicious youngsters (and adults) who could
do anything from taunting him to killing him as a Satanist sacrifice. Sorry to sound so grim, but this night does bring out the worst in many.

2. Patrol your yard and home for tin foil and cellophane
candy wrappers.

Dogs love these, but they can get stuck in his digestive
tract and cause serious injury.

3. If you have candles in a pumpkin, make certain it is
high enough to be out of Fido's reach.

It's easy for a swinging canine tail to knock one over.

4. If you put Fido in a costume make certain --

a) any mask has eye holes big enough so he has peripheral
vision;

b) his costume is not constricting his movement including his ability to go the bathroom;

c) he can breathe and bark in it; and

d) there are no breakable, chewable pieces.

5. No matter how much he begs for it, never give Fido chocolate.

It's poisonous. If your dog does pick up something he shouldn't,
call the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center at (888)
426-4435. It's open 24/7. The $55 fee may be applied
to your credit card.

6. If your dog is nervous, afraid of commotion or shy,
keep in him a separate room away from the trick-or-treaters
and other visitors.

Strangers - especially ones in weird costumes - can
frighten any dog.

If you do encounter strangers while he's with you, don't
baby him if he seems frightened.

Remain calm and friendly with the strangers and let your dog
sense that you are fine with the weird looking people
in front of you.

If you pick him up and try to comfort him, you are teaching
him to be afraid and get attention in that manner.

Remember all your emotions go down your leash right to your dog.
If you're calm, he'll be calm.

7. If you do have Fido with you, don't give him the opportunity
to bolt out the front door when you open it.

Hold him, leash him or keep him a crate.

Keep these few tips in mind and you'll both have a safe and
sane Halloween.

P.S. Visit http://www.ToyBreeds.com
next month for a new edition of the Bone-Mot™.

Easy to Put On Dog Cape

2006-09-01T10:37:00.000-07:00

Polarctic
Patchwork Cape

Attractive, a bit different and easy to put on a dog!

I hate, or rather my dog hates, clothing that has to go
on over his head. That's why I look for wrap-arounds
with Velcro.

A great choice for the hard-to-fit dog. Warm and lightweight,
Polarctic fleece provides maximum coverage, with adjustable Velcro closure.

100% polyester that can be machine washed and dried. Perfect
for rainy cold days of Fall and early Winter.

Available in Blue (8"-20") and Brown (8"-22")

To determine size, measure from neck to base of tail.

Madein U.S.A. $24.99

P.S. This weighs less than a pound and is fine for even
Chihuahuas.

For more information or to order, click on the photo above
or the link below:

Polarctic
Patchwork Cape

_______________________________________________

I Hate Dog Parks

2006-09-01T10:33:00.000-07:00

I hate all dog parks but I absolutely despise off-leash dog parks where dogs run at will.

Dog parks have multiplied around the country, from 20 in 1995 to more than 600 today. Rarely does a day go by that I don't read about another city being petitioned to create a dog park and owners clamoring for an off-leash park.

The results are what any intelligent dog owner would expect.

In Boulder, CO, and Central Park in New York City large dogs have killed smaller dogs at the parks. Pit bulls have been banned from dog parks in Nashville, TN., because they attacked other dogs. In Madison, WI an unleashed black Labrador killed a leashed puppy in front of the horrified owner and her two children.

Even well trained dogs can act like dogs. A 100-pound service dog killed a 4-pound Yorkshire Terrier at a Cape Cod, MA area dog show. The service dog was a Bouvier des Flandres who helped a woman in a wheelchair.

Don't take your dog to a dog park. I don't how to state it any stronger. They are horrible - let me count the ways.

The typical owner does not understand how strong the pack instinct is in their dogs and how readily it is triggered when a dog is taken into a park with other dogs. Owners often are not prepared for how difficult it may be to control their dogs.

Dogs will try to establish rank. Aggressive dogs will bully dogs that are more cautious or reserved. Those are often smaller dogs like ours who are unskilled in the ways of the canine jungle.

Dogs innately try to form packs and sometimes threaten incoming dogs. They love to congregate around gates and entrances. This can threaten and overwhelm a small dog - not to mention a small child - even when the dogs are not menacing.

If your dog is the victim of an attack, even if he successfully defends himself, you can expect him to suffer emotional damage that will be difficult to overcome.
Your dog may be too frightened to ever be around new dogs again and may not even want to go outside. If your dog turns out to be aggressive and attacks other dogs, he may transfer that aggression to your home and become difficult to control.

Your dog may pick up worms or worse diseases at dog parks. Many owners do not have their dogs vaccinated beyond rabies. They also don't bother to treat their dog for worms, even heartworms, and never pick up their dog's poop.

Communities rarely spend the money necessary to ensure a clean and sanitary dog park. It's pretty common to see parks with nothing but gravel and dirt. Who wants to work for the city and pick up dog poop? If your dog is attacked, good luck getting animal control if it's on a weekend or evening.

Owners who lobby for dog parks and use them the most are often the worst kind of owners. The ones who think their dogs are furry human beings and are shocked when their dog acts like a dog. Or, they're too lazy to make the slightest effort to train and control their dog. That's why they want an off-leash park.

At the end of the day, a dog will act like a dog. He may run away to chase a squirrel, he may jump up on a dog of the opposite sex, he may challenge another dog who offends him, he may chase after a smaller dog. These are normal doggy behaviors but ones that can result in damage to your dog or another owner's.

Yes, I recognize the benefits of socialization for dogs. I'm not saying keep your dog inside. Take him out on a leash, just not to dog parks. Let him meet other dogs but make play dates with dogs you know are mellow and trained. In large cities, owners of small dogs are using the Internet to make play dates only for small dogs.

Bottom line - dog parks are diseased ridden areas where a small dog will sooner or later be the victim of an attack. Stay out of them.

Visit http://www.ToyBreeds.com next month for the Bone-Mot™

Stop Dog Attacks

2006-09-01T10:26:00.000-07:00

I don’t even like dog parks, let alone off-leash areas. Too many irresponsible owners don’t have their dogs vaccinated or treated for worms (which all dogs can get). There’s also the problem of aggressive dogs and owners who can’t or won’t control their dogs.

Anytime you’re out in public, you and your small dog run the risk of being attacked by a dog. That doesn’t mean keep your dog at home but instead take some preliminary cautions to make the outing safe.

1. Stay out of harm’s way.

Last month’s Bone-Mot discussed how to keep your small dog from provoking an attack. Some of the same tips apply to humans.

Do not make eye contact with a strange dog.
Do not disturb a strange dog who is eating, drinking, with puppies or sleeping.
If a strange dog approaches you, stay still and let him sniff you. If you don’t react, the odds are he will leave you alone.
If a dog seems aggressive or you’re unsure, use your ultrasonic device (see #2) or find something to place between you and dog. That can be taking off your jacket and putting that in front of your body or picking up an object even a rock.
Depending on your personality, if a dog starts to attack you or you small dog, you can yell NO in a loud, stern tone of voice and see if that stops the dog. If you have pepper spray or ultrasonic device, use that.
NEVER, NEVER turn your back on a dog and run. That will trigger his prey instinct and he’ll hunt you down – with bad results.

2. Carry a pepper spray and/or the Dazer Ultrasonic Dog Deterrent.

Dazer is the only brand I like and it even it won’t work on every dog. Dazer and other ultrasonic devices emit ultrasonic sound bursts which dogs don’t like. A cheaper version is to carry an air-horn, such as the type boaters have, and try it.

I think pepper spray is effective on more dogs than ultrasonic devices but only if you spray it in the attacking dog’s eyes and nose.

Nonetheless, I recommend the Dazer because 1) under stress, it may not be possible to aim the pepper spray and spraying the dog’s side or back won’t stop it and 2) if the other dog’s owner is a moron, he may be incensed at what he perceives as YOUR attack on his dog. The Dazer can be used so that the other dog owner doesn’t see it. Dazer is great – when it works.

Either product can be found in stores or ordered over the Internet at amazon.com.

3. Rescue your dog – carefully.
If a dog grabs your dog, resist the natural urge to get in a tug-of-war with your dog and the attacker. Your pulling motion will only inflame the attacker and cause him to tighten his grip. Even if you were successful in
pulling your dog away, expect his coat and skin to remain in the attacker’s mouth.

Do NOT try to grab the dog’s collar and pull him away. All you’re likely to do is get badly bitten by one or both dogs. Instead,

Lift the attacking dog by his legs and sway him back and forth as you back away with the dog’s leg paws in your hands. That may stop the attack. You’ll need to hold the dog until he hopefully calms down or you can turn him over to his owner or other person.
An alternate is to blind the dog. This can be a clothing article that you can put over his face and tie around him, but that’s going to be difficult to do. Or, more effectively, find a object (key, shovel, rock, whatever) and poke his eyes as hard as you can.

Yes, this is brutal but it may save your dog’s life. Hitting an attacking dog on the head, between the ears, as is so often requires many strong blows. You need a shovel and the strength to swing it forcefully for this technique to work. Anyone – man, woman or child – can poke a dog’s eye.
What is unlikely to work is spraying them in the face with water or even vinegar. One or both dogs may be well beyond being aware of having something thrown in their face.

4. Save yourself if you’re the one attacked

Some of you may feel you’d rather be mauled to death than try this technique: stick his finger up his butt! That will create a physiological force that makes the dog gasp and thereby release whichever of your appendages he was biting. Then roll the dog over and put all your weight on a knee which you put on his ribs. Hopefully you can hold him down until help arrives or you reach some weapon that you can use to quiet the dog.

Hopefully, you’ll never have to use that one. Avoid areas where dogs run free and stay still and calm if you’re ever approached by a menacing dog.

Get Ready for Fall

2006-09-01T10:24:00.000-07:00

Depending on where you live, you may have another month of summer or you may find that the weather in September can turn cool or wet very quickly.

Here are five tips to help you be prepared for sudden changes.

1. Check your dog's coat after walks when you venture in rural or wooden areas.

It's easy for burrs to get stuck in long coats. Also check his feet and ears - the dense coat there can hide these little boogers.

2. Keep old towels by the door.

You'll want to dry your dog and especially wipe his feet. You should teach you dog to sit at the door both before and after you two venture out. That will give you time to ensure your dog is ready for the climate outside and give you a chance to ready him for the inside and your carpets and furniture.

3. Clean up or replace winter clothing.

Now's a good time to make sure any winter clothing still fits either one of you. Your dog should have boots to wear and a jacket or rain slick. See my favorite products for ideas. Make sure wool items don't have insect or odor problems.

4. Get your car ready for your dog.

As the weather gets wetter, make sure you have some waterproof covers for car seats if you take your dog for rides. You'll want to protect your seats and flooring from muddy paw prints.

5. Watch for an abnormal amount of scratching.

Fall is a perfect time for mite and other insect infestations. If your dog starts scratching more than normal, he could have picked up some unwelcome guests. Key areas for attack are the skin around the armpits, head, stomach and between the toes.

Take your dog to the vet if you suspect he has been infested.

Debarking - the Surgical Option

2006-08-16T16:32:00.000-07:00

What It Is

Debarking is a surgical procedure that reduces (but doesn’t remove)
tissue in the vocal chords. The surgeon, in effect, nips the muscles
on each side of the voice box, which reduces the volume of the dog’s bark.

Your dog will still bark but the sound will be a low, raspy one that
you will be able to hear if you’re in the same room with your dog. It’s
very unlikely his ‘bark’ would be heard by your neighbors.

Is It Cruel?

I’m sure you’ll hear from hysterical people claiming that this is a cruel procedure or asking how would you like it if someone nipped your larynx.

The answer to the second question is that I wouldn’t like it because I have ognitive abilities that exceed those of a canine. Dogs are not furry human beings. They are dogs. If you have your dog debarked, he will never know! He will be just as happy as he was before you had him debarked.

This surgery takes about 20-minutes to perform if the surgeon is experienced. It’s less invasive and has less after-effect than having a dog spayed or neutered. There’s nothing ‘cruel’ about this surgery.

It amazes me that the animal rights cultists become hysterical about this procedure but constantly advocate neutering. Removing a dog’s sex organs and permanently changing his hormone production has far more lasting (some positive, some negative) effects on a dog than debarking surgery will.

It's Not My First Choice

I don’t recommend debarking as a first choice because it is a surgery and especially if you have a small dog, the risks of surgery and anesthetic remain.

You should make an effort to train your dog to stop barking on a
command. You might use "Stop" or "Quiet." Teach it as you do
any command. Example - reward him with praise and/or treat
when he stops barking, turn your back on him if he keeps barking
or spray him in the face with a water spray. Reward him as soon
as he is quiet.

Most Common Reasons Dogs Bark Incessantly

Boredom is number one. If you leave your dog home alone with
nothing to keep him occupied or put him outside in your back
yard, he's going to bark his head off. That's the only way
he can communicate to you. (He can't write you a poison pen
note for leaving alone!).

Give him things, such as Kong toy stuffed with peanut butter,
to keep him occupied and leave a radio or TV on at a low
volume while you're gone.

Right after boredom is Mother Nature. She spent generations
instilling the barking action in dogs. Some dogs, such as
Yorkshire Terriers, are always going to bark no matter what
type of training you use.

Don't beat yoursefl up if you can't stop chronic barking.
You're fighting against your dog's innate nature.

If your training hasn't worked, barking collars haven't worked
and your neighbors/landlord/police are about to insist you
give up your dog, look at debarking.

Summary

You can try all the training techniques, collars and
electronic corrections that you want but some breeds will always
bark. This surgery is an option when other things fail.

Citronella Dog Bark Collar

2006-08-05T12:17:00.000-07:00

NOTE: No one collar will work on every dog. Barking is a common
problem because so many dog breeds, especially small
dog breeds, have an innate love of barking.

Mother Nature spent generations developing a barking mechanism
in dogs. Don't be surprised if you find that behavior
difficult to stop.

If your regular training isn't working or you have to leave
your dog alone and your neighbors complain of his barking,
see if one of these collars may be the answer.

This type of collar works better for some dogs and appeals
to owners who consider electronic colars cruel and a
form of shock treatments.

Features:

Has a battery-operated, electronic bark-sensing unit.

Releasesan all-natural citronella spray when your dog barks.

Citrus smell os harmelss but the quick action of the spray
mist startles and confuses your dog'ss highly developed
olfactory sense. That may cause him to stop barking.

Unit includes spray control receiver and collar, citronella spray refill (additional refills sold separately),
battery, and operations manual. Manufacturer provides
a lifetime warranty.

Collar adjusts to fit necks up to 25". The collar will
be large on most Toy breeds so you may need to manually
shorten it. Any sewing skills you have will be handy.

Spray will not function at temperatures under 25 degrees
F.

$89.99

Possible problems with citronella collars:

They are not as precise as the electronic collar reviewed
on the previous page. Barking sets them off but it
may not be your dog barking. They only use sounds
to trigger the spray.

I've seen collars, especially the cheaper ones, emit the
total supply of citronella in one blast. That stops
the dog for a minute but once he resumes barking,
there's no more citronella.

If you want an all-natural bark collar, this is a good
one to try. Again, neither the electronic nor the citornella collar is going to work on all dogs.

For more information or to order, click the photo above
or use

this link: Citronella
Bark Dog Collars by Premier Pet Products

Click
here to read about electronic collars

_______________________________________________

Electronic Dog Bark Collar

2006-08-05T12:06:00.000-07:00

NOTE: No one collar will work on every dog. Barking is a common
problem because so many dog breeds, especially small
dog breeds, have an innate love of barking. Mother Nature
spent generations developing a barking mechanism in
dogs. Don't be surprised if you find that behavior difficultto stop

If your regular training isn't working or you have to leave
your dog alone and your neighbors complain of his barking,
see if one of these collars may be the answer.

Finally, an electronic collar small enough for Toy breeds!
This collar can be worn by dogs as small as 4-5 pounds.

Put the collar on and when it senses barking, it emits a
harmless static electrical impulse.

Features:

PetSafe is the most reliable brand I've found because it uses
both vibration from your dog's throat and sound sensors
to detect barking.

The collar has 10 levels of correction. If excessive barking
continues after the first low level of correction,
the intensity will increase with each bark until the
barking stops.

Once your dog has learned to reduce the barking, the initial
warning corrections are reduced.

Collar is waterproof and has a low battery indication.

Safety feature will shut off the correction for 3 minutes
if the dog barks more than 15 times in 30 seconds

WARNINGS - don't use longer than 8-hours at a time and don't
use on puppies less than 6-months of age

My Note - the batteries don't last long. Always have
a replacement on hand.

$89.99

For more information or to order, click the photo above
or use

this link: PetSafe®
Deluxe Little Dog Bark Control Collar

Click
here to continue to Citronella collar

_______________________________________________

Review of Cesar's Way

2006-08-05T12:05:00.000-07:00

The New York Times best seller lists contains one book on training dogs: Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems by Cesar Millan. (234-pages for $14.97 at amazon.com) As I write this, the book is #6 on Amazon.com's best seller list.

Many of you may know Mr. Millan as the Dog Whisperer from the National Geographic television show. Although many of the popular dog trainers are not well regarded among dog business professionals, Mr. Millan is the real deal. Someone well regarded by his peers and someone who offers realistic advice to dog owners.

Mr. Millan was born in Mexico and writes that he had an innate ability to relate to dogs. I'm not surprised. The truth is many dog trainers become dog trainers because they have communication skills with dogs that elude so many. He doesn't mention it in his book but that's one reason dogs often do well in classes but act like brats at home.

Things to be aware of before buying the book:

Although the book's subtitle states 'correcting common dog problems,' this is not a how-to manual. It's philosophy and canine psychology more than practical steps.
The chapters on famous people he's dealt with, such as Oprah Winfrey, may or may not appeal to you.

There's a good deal about Mr. Millan's personal history.
A key recommendation for having a well adjusted, obedient dog is EXERCISE. There's an old saying: 'a tired dog is a good dog' and Mr. Millan is a firm believer in that. This may not play well with couch-potato owners.

You're not Cesar Millan. He does things like running and feeding his dogs in packs that can be tricky for average owners. This won't be an issue for the owner with one or two dogs but if you have more than that, I'd be leery. There's a reason he's getting rich training dogs and you're not.

Things I like about the book:

One reason there's such a demand for dog training books is that too many people see their dogs as furry human beings and never discipline them. Mr. Millan's approach is that a dog should be allowed to be a dog. Placing unrealistic expectations on a dog is going to make the owner and the dog unhappy.
His stress on being a calm-assertive leader will prevent many problem behaviors from developing. If you're Mr. Millan or other innately gifted dog communicator, you may be able to retrain a dog with bad behaviors but most owners won't have the time or patience to do this. Listen to Cesar Millan and prevent bad behaviors.
This book is worth reading but it isn't the how-to manual many owners want and need.

Why this book

Not everyone is a fan of Mr. Millan and his methods. Some people claim they are out-of-date and we now know so much more about dog psychology now.

The out-of-date claim reinforces the fact that his approach has been around a long time. That's because it works and has worked for years. Lassie and Rin Tin Tin never attended a clicker class!

It's funny how after the 'enlightenment' that the critics claim has happened in the canine world that there is such an explosion of dog training books, tools, training aids and even drugs for dogs (doggy Prozac).

I concur that he does not stress all the popular approaches such as all-positive training or clicker training. I'm not opposed to those but Mr. Millan's way works with real dogs and real problems. As he states "I rehabilitate dogs - I train owners." If you have a dog with a problem behavior, you need to correct it - not ignore it.

One last thing as to all the knowledge we supposedly have. I subscribe to Tufts and Cornell University newsletters for dog owners. They both get asked questions such as 'why does my dog eat grass?' Know what the most common answer is to those questions - 'we don't really know why a dog does that.'

They're dogs, not people and if you persist in treating them as such, it's unfair to the dog, unfair to people and other animals who have to be around the dog and unfair to you when the dog can't meet all YOUR emotional needs.

Be a good owner which also includes being a realistic owner.
Get the book at Amazon.com's.

Avoid Little-Dog Aggression on Walks

2006-08-05T12:04:00.000-07:00

A neighbor of mine is concerned about her Yorkshire Terrier. A widow, she sold the family farm and moved into our urban area. When she starting taking her dog for walks, Arthur, her Yorkie, would growl and bark at bigger dogs.

Fortunately, all the dogs have been on leashes so the owners were able to restrain them and no dog fights ensued. There’s no way to know if Arthur will always be so fortunate.

This is not an uncommon problem. Some dogs like Arthur have not been exposed to many other dogs and don’t understand canine etiquette. Other small dogs may be fearful of larger dogs and react aggressively as a defense. Trying to get the first bite, so to speak.

This is dangerous behavior for small dogs! A larger dog attacked or challenged is liable to bite. That is normal behavior in dogdom. A bite that might not harm another Labrador could snap the neck of a 5-pound dog.

For puppies

If you have a puppy, it’s important to establish play dates for your puppy with older, big dogs that you KNOW are mellow and won’t harm your puppy. The ideal situation is that your dog learns how to behave with other dogs from other dogs.

Limit the play group to only one big dog although you can have other small dogs. It’s never a good idea to let one small dog alone with two or more big dogs – no matter how well trained the big dogs are. If one big dog in the pack becomes aggressive to the small dog even in play, all the other dogs are likely to join in. That’s instinctive pack behavior Remember, bites that wouldn’t harm a big dog can kill a small dog.

Four tips for any dog walker

1. If your dog is inclined to growl, stare or lunge at other dogs, especially big dogs, distract him before he reacts. Use a command, a toy or a treat to get your dog’s attention before encountering the big dog. Carry with you a ball or squeaky toy that your dog likes. Use the toy to make your dog watch you instead of other dogs.

2. Another alternative is to put your dog on your side away from the other dog so they don’t look at or pass one another. Do whatever you have to do so that your dog can’t stare at or make eye contact with the big dog. In dogdom, eye contact means challenge.

3. I don’t recommend picking him up unless the other dog seems aggressive. Picking up your dog all the time will teach him to be afraid. It’s also no guarantee the other dog won’t attack you as well as your dog.

4. If you’re amused when your 6-pound dog challenges a big dog, you should plan ahead on where you want to bury your dog when the inevitable happens. Don’t let your dog be the aggressor. That’s a death sentence for small dogs.

Next month we’ll discuss how to stop dog attacks.

P.S. Visit http://www.ToyBreeds.com next month for a new edition of the Bone-Mot™.

Safe Way for Small Dogs to Enter and Leave Pools

2006-07-01T08:38:00.000-07:00

Stop Your Dog from Digging in Your Yard

2006-07-01T08:35:00.000-07:00

Summertime often means that dogs are outside for longer periods of time and that often results in their innate desire to dig becoming a problem.

You're probably spending a good deal of time and money to grow and maintain an attractive lawn or garden and having mounds of dirt and holes in your yard will not increase the value of your property.

Unfortunately, many dogs love to dig and stopping this behavior can be difficult. You can try to give him commands to "stop" but it's often difficult to be outside with your dog every minute so I like to offer ways to stop his behavior that don't require your constant supervision.

I have three suggestions that have worked well for me over the years.

1. Make it undesirable

If there is a certain area of your lawn where your dog loves to dig, make that area unappealing to him. Bury something your dog hates to smell in that area.

For many dogs, pepper - ground or cayenne - does it. One snout full of pepper is often enough to make that area off limits. You may enhance its aroma with hot sauce.

Some owners have success burying some of their dog's poop in the area. Dogs often do not like to dig up their own excrement; however, this also may turn that area of your yard into his new bathroom. Dogs do like to go in the same spot over and over. Be careful not to switch one undesirable behavior to another!

If you can't find anything he doesn't like to smell, then go for sounds. Find a toy or noise maker of some type that he hates and bury that. When he pulls it up and it makes a horrible sound, he'll learn to stay away from that area.

Obviously do not use something like a mouse trap that could harm your dog especially small dogs with small paws and do not use moth balls. Many dogs will try to chew moth balls and these may have harmful, even toxic, side effects.

2. Create an alternate

Digging is instinctive doggy behavior. Instead of fighting it, build a sandbox for your dog where he can dig to his heart's content.

This is sandbox similar to what small children use. Bury one or two of his toys as well as favorite treats in the sandbox and then let him dig. If you catch him digging where you don't want him to dig, just pick up and put him in his sandbox.

3. Wear him out

Digging also can be sign of a bored dog. Take him for a walk at least once a day and play fetch in the backyard while the weather is warm and daylight enables you to be out longer.

One of the oldest rules of dog training is "a tired dog is a good dog."

Dogs on Boats Need Life Jackets

2006-06-17T07:19:00.000-07:00

Even if you consider your dog a good swimmer, a life jacket is very important if you take him with you on a boat.

If there's an emergency on your boat or even at a marina,
your dog could be hurt, disoriented or in shock and
unable to swim to safety. This vest could save his life.

Lightweight, comfortable vest style closes with Velcro and adjustable locking straps at the neck and belly. The design means the size can be adjusted easily for a comfortable fit.

The material it is made from provides warmth and protection from abrasion.

It also features a convenient grab handle to help fish him out in the event he heads overboard, and a leash loop.

This jacket also is suitable for hydrotherapy pools if your dog is getting some type of treatment in a pool.

Bright safety orange color.

Product Information:

$15.99
Life Jacket X Small (fits weight up to 18 lbs., Girth 15-19")

$17.99 Life Jacket Small (fits weight 15-25 lbs., Girth 19-24")

To measure girth, use a tape measure and measure around
the body (the rib cage) behind the front legs.
Rated Four Paws" (top rating)for pet floatation
devices by the Whole Dog Journal, July 2003

For more information or to order, click the this link: Life
Jacket by Outward Hound

P.S. Visit http://www.ToyBreeds.com
next month for a new edition of the Bone-Mot™.

Tips to Help Your Dog Enjoy the Summer

2006-06-17T07:15:00.000-07:00

There's no reason your dog can't stay happy and safe all summer long. Here are some tips to help you both cope.

1. Identification - You're both likely to be outside more and may be traveling to strange places. Does your dog have a microchip (see http://www.toybreeds.com/microchips.htm) or a tattoo or at least a collar with your name and phone number on it?

No one expects to lose their dog but it happens to thousands of owners each year. Increase the chances of being reunited with your canine companion back by ensuring he has identification. And, if you have a microchip (I highly recommend it), make sure your service has your current contact information.

2. Temporary placement - Start looking NOW for a pet sitter, kennel or boarding facility if you're going to be on vacation this summer without your dog. Commercial facilities and pet sitters get booked quickly. Don't wait any longer to start looking for a place.

At the same time, get all his medical records in order. Commercial boarding places will want to know he's had his shots and is dewormed. If you have pet insurance, be sure to provide the care givers with the information they need in case your dog gets ill.

3. Fleas and Ticks - Protect your dog from both these menaces with regular medication. I use Frontline on my dog but other owners like Revolution or Kiltix. Ask your vet for a recommendation. You can buy medication from the vet or get it through an Internet pet pharmacy. It's much, much, much easier and better for your dog to prevent fleas and ticks than try to treat them once your dog has been infected.

4. Protect him from cables - Those electric cords of mowers, trimmers, and other gardening tools can easily tempt a dog who loves to chew. Keep your dog indoors or contained in a safe area (such as crate) when you're working outdoors.

5. Protect him from the grill - Don't let your dog run lose around a barbecue grill. He could bump into it and be severely burned by falling ashes or hot scraps of food. NEVER give him meat hot off the grill. Let it cool a bit. After you clean your grill, keep the hot ashes in a place he can't reach while you're letting them cool.

6. Keep him away from the plants - It's a good idea to use organic yard and garden products for your dog's sake as well as the environment's. At a minimum, keep products out of his reach and keep him away from the garden or lawn while they're being treated with any chemicals. While you're outside and he's inside, also check your fence for holes that he could crawl out.

7. Keep up his grooming - Just because you're on vacation doesn't mean your dog's needs go on holiday. Comb and brush him daily especially if he's outside more than usual. This also is a good way to examine him for injuries or insect infestation. Better to treat problems when they're minor rather than let them grow into major problems.

8. Buy or create a pet first aid kit - If your dog is going with you on holiday, be sure to have first aid materials for him. For less than $30, you can an excellent kit from Medi+Pet First Aid Kits.

If your vacation will be on a boat with him, be sure to look at the Dog Life Jacket at Product of the Month.

9. Get him ready for the trip - If you're going to take him to a place where he'll get more exercise or be outdoors more than usual, get him prepared. Start increasing his daily walks either in duration or frequency. Your dog needs to build his stamina just as you do before undertaking major physical exertion.

Take him out for brief periods to strange places with unfamiliar people and sites before you leave your hometown. Expose him to a new experience but then take him back to the safety and comfort of his regular home. You'll gradually increase his ability to remain calm and collected in new settings.

10. Travel with some of his favorite things - If you're going by your own vehicle, you can take his bed and favorite toy as well as his regular food. If you can, take the water he usually drinks. Many dogs are sensitive to minerals in water and his stomach could be upset by unfamiliar water.

If you can't take much with you, either something he normally sleeps with or a favorite toy is good. After all, you're the most important element in your dog's happiness. As you as you're there, he'll be fine.

Have a great summer and a wonderful vacation.

Neutering - Will this Fix Your Dog?

2006-06-17T07:11:00.000-07:00

There's so much propaganda today about having male dogs neutered that owners sometimes have unrealistic expectations about how neutering will affect a dog's behavior.

Animal rights activists have done a great job co-opting the mainstream media so that owners never read anything positive about leaving male dogs intact. Yet, many intelligent, educated and experienced owners do just that.

Many animal rights groups do not believe dogs should be subjugated to serve humans as pets. Restricting the population of dogs is one way to curb our ability to have pets. That's one reason why animal rights groups are such vocal advocates of neutering.

Neutering means the surgical removal of the reproductive organs of a dog which for males means that both testicles are removed.

The following are some considerations for you in making your choice.

1. Show/Breed - Show dogs in American Kennel Club sanctioned events may not be neutered. This is a long-standing rule that probably derived because show dogs usually turn into studs once their show career is over.

2. It's an operation - Although neutering is widely performed and is generally considered a safe operation, it is an operation and does require a general anesthetic. There is always a risk when small dogs are subjected to anesthesia. You should not unthinkingly decide to have your dog neutered.

Talk to your vet and understand what type of anesthesia and pain medication s/he will give your dog. Ask about the risks and chances of complications as a result of the the surgery. Understand the after care you should provide your dog until he heals.

3. Cancer - You often read that neutering will help your dog avoid getting cancers associated with reproductive organs. This is true to the same degree that having a hysterectomy or being castrated will prevent cancer associated with reproductive systems in humans.

If you look beyond the old wives tales, you'll find that veterinarians disagree on the best practice.

For example Veterinary Oncologist Keven Hahn writing in Veterinary Practice News said that after reviewing studies over the last 30 years, he's not sure what to recommend to his clients. There is a higher incidence of testicular cancer unneutered dogs, but also a higher incidence of cancer of the blood vessels in neutered males. This issue is whether there is a cause and result relationship to any of these.

4. Behavior changes - Owners often look at neutering as cure all for unwanted behaviors. Sometimes undesirable behaviors such as marking territory may be decreased if not stopped altogether. Other times, behaviors such as humping go on because they are instinctive in a dog.

Neutering will ameliorate unwanted behaviors directly related to the influence of testosterone levels such as behaviors related to sexual frustration. It will not magically correct all behavior problems.

According to a study by Dr. Benjamin Hart of University of California at Davis:

"with urine marking in the house, mounting, and roaming, one can expect a resolution in 25–40 percent of dogs neutered. Aggression toward strange dogs should be resolved in 10–15 percent of dogs. ...There is no way of predicting in advance which dogs will respond the most to neutering."

Contrary to old wives tales, an aggressive dog may be just as aggressive after neutering. He could even be worse because testosterone levels often give male dogs a higher level of conference than they would otherwise have. Fearful dogs are often aggressive and bite in defense; i.e., striking the first blow to prevent being attacked.

5. Behaviors that supposedly get worst - Almost everyone agrees that it's nothing more than old wives tale that dogs get fat after neutering. Dogs get fat for the same reason we do - they eat too much and exercise too little. I personally know slim neutered dogs and slim intact dogs.

However, there is a significant population of dog professionals who believe neutering often has an impact on a dog's personality. I'm sure some of you read that and are outraged that I would be writing something that everyone else has told you is poppycock. I agree there is no scientific evidence (how would you measure a dog's personality?) and the evidence is purely anecdotal.

But use your common sense. Hormones matter. We accept that hormonal changes in human females during menstruation and menopause affect behavior. Doesn't it make sense that hormonal changes caused by removing a dog's reproductive organs might have an impact on a dog's personality?

If you are seriously into something like agility or dog dancing, talk to other people at shows about the benefits and detractions of having your dog neutered. The most common problem I hear is that a neutered male loses his edge and becomes more complaisant.

If your dog is purely a companion, this shouldn't be an issue in making your decision. The change apparent to professionals who work seriously with hundreds of dogs may be imperceptible to regular owners. As your dog ages, he will be "losing his edge" anyway.

6. Remaining behavior - If you leave your male dog intact, you run the risk of his impregnating any female dog within his reach. Females dogs in heat give out a scent that no intact male dog can resist.

If you have a male dog, you must keep him confined at all times - either in your home, in a fenced yard or on a leash. Your neighbor could turn ugly - not to mention litigious - should your dog create a litter of puppies with his female dog.

7. Age for neutering - It's standard practice in America for dogs to be neutered at very early ages (even as early as 8-weeks!). I believe the reason for this is that it's easier for the vet to operate on a young dog. There is no definitive answer to this question of what age is best. Your vet will have his/her own preference and you're at his/her mercy.

Keep in mind that spaying and neutering are the most frequent veterinary surgery in America today and for many dogs, the only surgery they will ever have. It's only prudent to be aware that a vet's encouragement to have your dog neutered is a financial benefit to him.

8. Genetics - no dog with a genetic disease or hereditary defect should be bred. If you get a dog from a shelter or rescue group, he probably will already be neutered but if not, I do recommend these dogs be neutered. There is no way to know their medical history and there's no reason to take chances on the health of any offspring. Any dog with significant personality disorders such as extreme aggression evidence by attacking other animals or humans should not be bred.

I am not advocating either neutering or not neutering your dog. My goal is to present realistic information that you are unlikely to find elsewhere on the Internet.

Do your own investigation using the Internet to read veterinary journals from veterinary schools. You'll find that the evidence on the benefit of neutering is not 100% positive! You'd never know that if you didn't look for it.

If your vet offers an opinion, it's appropriate for you to ask if this is based on some study or his/her personal opinion. Exercise your right to analyze your choices and make an informed decision.

Good luck.

Illegal Immigration - the Canine Version

2006-05-01T06:55:00.000-07:00

The problem

News media is full of reports about immigration issues and smuggling of humans from Mexico into the United States.

You may not be aware, however, that this problem extends to our canine population.

Dogs are being smuggled into the United States from Mexico at such a growing rate that both the federal government and several states are enacting legislation to curb the problem.

The problem is so acute in California that the state has a task force on this at the border crossing near San Diego.

Here are some articles from the Associated Press:

--More than a dozen puppies were seized from a motorist who tried to smuggle them into the United States from Mexico in his minivan, authorities said.

--Many of the 28 puppies were infested with parasites, dehydrated and too weak to stand, said Dawn Danielson, director of the San Diego County Department of Animal Services.

--Mark Goldstein, a veterinarian and president of the San Diego Humane Society, estimated that 10,000 puppies are brought into Southern California from Mexico each year and that more than 8,500 of them die.

--Sometimes the animals are hidden in car trunks or inside car doors. Recently Border Patrol agents discovered 26 puppies in a pillowcase.

If this wasn't bad enough, drug traffickers are using puppies to smuggle heroin and other drugs. The illegal substances are implanted in the puppies’ stomachs and removed by crude operations once they reach the United States.

Eastern European smuggling is increasing not just for puppy sales or drug smuggling but also to breed dogs to strengthen dogs used for dog fighting. Repulsive as it is, dog fights remain popular in many areas of the world.

Why this problem exists

There are several reasons why puppy and dog smuggling continues.

--Demand is high. Many people want puppies, small dogs and chic designer dogs (poodle crosses such as Maltipoo). U.S. spaying and neutering campaigns are so successful; there are not enough puppies available at shelters. Individuals and shelters are willing to sell imported dogs to meet demand.

--It pays well. A smuggler can generate profits of more than $10,000 a month, the California task force reported. Puppies sell for $300 to $500 and sometimes more apiece.

--Mexico doesn't stop it. As with human smuggling and illegals working in the U.S , the only policy the Mexican narcoacracy has is to dump its problems on the U.S. Plus the money made in the U.S. comes back to Mexico.

--U.S. federal government is weak on all immigration enforcement. It's not illegal to bring dogs from Mexico into the U.S. but the law requires the puppies to be isolated until vaccinated for rabies at four months of age. Since there is no animal-quarantine facility at the Mexican border, however, the honor system is used. You can imagine how well that works.

--States have only awakened the last couple years. Although initially a California problem, sick smuggled dogs are now appearing in many states. Massachusetts enacted legislation after six residents had to take rabies shots because a shelter imported a puppy too young to have completed its rabies shots.

--Some shelters and animal activitists will peddle any canine. When dogs are imported from one area to another, you have no idea what problems they carry with them. There are parasites that the U.S. may never have seen that come into this country from dogs. A shelter with its many dogs is an ideal breeding ground for every illness.

There's also the question on dog temperament. Often the same people who champion dog socialization will take any puppy or dog from a foreign country no questions asked. Unfortunately, the stray living on the street in a foreign country may exemplify survival of the fittest and breed puppies but those survival skills are not necessarily the ones you want to transfer to puppies who wind up in a U.S. family home.

Some people who smuggle canines into the U.S. from Mexico are so arrogant and self-righteous, they believe they are doing a good thing. What diseases they may be unleashing on other dogs or humans is not something they consider.

Unlike commercial pet stores, not-for-profit shelters are relatively unregulated and the individuals who sell puppies from cardboard containers at parking lots have no constraints.

What you should do

--Use your head. Many of the complaints the California task force had were from people who bought puppies from a stranger operating out their car at shopping malls. The seller claimed the puppies were purebreds and healthy. They weren't.

I don't know what these buyers expected but use common sense. Don't pay hundreds of dollars for a puppy from a stranger. (Especially one with a car with a foreign license plate.)

--Visit the websites of organizations that import canines from foreign countries. Use Google or Yahoo to find them. Look for the names of shelters who accept their dogs. Then AVOID THOSE SHELTERS like the plague.

Also check the website of any shelter or other group you might consider. Many of them boast of the imported dogs they offer.

Ask any shelter or rescue group about the source of their puppies and never buy or donate to a shelter that imports foreign dogs.

--Support legislation to ban imports. Sadly, importing dogs only encourages the irresponsible breeding of dogs in foreign countries and ensures the problem will continue to grow.

Shelters are full of adult dogs. If you're an experienced dog owner and have the time to deal with any dog problems, adopt an older American dog from a shelter. That's a sensible act of charity.

Importing dogs with unknown diseases and unknown temperament strains is not an act of charity; it's an act of irresponsibility.

P.S. Visit http://www.ToyBreeds.com next month for a new edition of the Bone-Mot™.

Hot Crosses - Why the Rise in Designer Dogs?

2006-05-01T06:54:00.000-07:00

Do you recognize these dog breeds?

Puggle (Pug + Beagle)

Matltipoo (Maltese + Poodle)

Yorkiepoo (Yorkshire Terrier + Poodle)

Cavoodle (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel + Poodle)

They're four of the most in-demand puppies among Toy cross breeds. In fact almost every dog breed is being crossbred with Poodles to find that winning combination of size or temperament with the minimal-shedding and intelligence of the Poodle.

Although we've had Bone-Mot™ articles before on the technical aspects of cross breeding, I'm going to explore the subjective aspects of why these dogs are so popular.

--Explosion of allergies in adults and children. Almost any doctor will provide anecdotal confirmation of this, but it's difficult to quantify. We may just be keeping better records, or our affluent population is more likely to visit a doctor for something like sneezing, scratching and rashes than we did in the past. Or, there may be more man-made items that we're exposed to and at a pace and quantity faster than our bodies can tolerate.

Whatever the cause, people are searching for dogs that won't trigger allergic reactions and Poodles, with their minimal shedding, have a good reputation in this regard.

--Hereditary health issues in purebreds. There's no denying that many breeds have been overbred for appearance so that their health has sometimes been jeopardized.

One of the goals of the wildly popular Puggle is to avoid the breathing problems that have been bred into Pugs. A purebred Pug has a flat, squashed-in face with small nasal openings, narrow windpipe and long soft palate.

All these breed characteristics limit breathing, contribute to airway obstruction and result in wheezing and snoring. The Beagle strain is intended to improve the Pug's head but retain the Pug's happy and easygoing nature.

--Modern life is increasingly busy and urban. Many established breeds, such as Labradors or Golden Retrievers, require more room to run and time to exercise that today's owner can accommodate. The growing retirement community with their move to permanent RVs and smaller garden/patio homes has no room for large or active dogs.

Even smaller dogs such as Terriers take more time to train and require more exercise than many owners are able or willing to accommodate.

--Owners want more from dogs. On one hand, I'm delighted to see so many people, especially childless ones, getting dogs and treating them as their children. On the other hand, this has created a rise in unrealistic expectations people have on dogs.

I've yet to meet a breeder who hasn't had a puppy returned because he chewed too much, dug in the yard, shed or barked. Dogs have been so glamorized and humanized in the media that people are shocked when dogs act like dogs.

Worse, many of the established breeds have breed characteristics that are not acceptable to these owners. For example, any Border collie is going to herd (animals, children, adults) whatever is around because that's the way he has been bred for generations. Not all owners understand this before they get a working or herding breed of dog.

None of this is the dog's fault but it is clear that some breeds have outlived their ability to fit in our contemporary lives.

--Designer dogs are popular. There is a certain amount of faddish behavior in the demand for these dogs. Puggles are selling for $1,000 and more because they're so popular.

None of the above means that a designer dog can't be a great addition to your family. The problem is that no one can guarantee that the cross bred will get the best qualities of both breeds.

I've yet to see an ad on the Internet for a cross bred that doesn't explicitly or implicitly lead you to believe that you always get the best of both worlds. In fact, anyone who has bred dogs will affirm that you can get the worst of both worlds.

Far from avoiding the genetic problems on one purebred, you can end up with the genetic problems of both purebreds!

Cross breeds are first generation dogs. You not only have no guarantee on adult size but you also have no guarantee on temperament. There are no recognized breed standards yet for any of these cross breeds. We can guess at how large a cross bred puppy will be when he's fully grown but no one knows for sure yet.

That brings me to my suggestion that the dog community should be willing to recognize cross breeds and encourage dog breed clubs to form and establish breed standards.

As usual, the American Kennel Club (AKC) is mired in yesterday and attacks the popularity of these dogs as being nothing more than high-priced mutts.

There is truth to that but the unwillingness of the AKC and dog community to support the lengthy process of creating an official dog breed is the reason for that.

I'm sorry but the reality is that many dog breeds don't have a place in urban American any longer.

People want the size, minimal shedding, and trainability of Poodles without their high-energy and sometimes high-strung temperaments. Many people just do not like the looks of a Poodle. Cross breeding a purebred Poodle with a purebred of another breed may be the way to create a healthy urban dog.

People want these cross breeds. Instead of fighting it, let's join in and encourage responsible breeding that creates recognized breed standards.

P.S. Visit http://www.ToyBreeds.com next month for a new edition of the Bone-Mot™.

Dog Agility - Growing by Leaps and Bounds

2006-04-03T08:06:00.000-07:00

What's the fastest growing dog sport in the USA? Agility! Any dog, even Toy breeds can participate and win. A Havanese took first place at a recent trial (the term for a match or competition) I attended.

Agility is a fast-paced sport where dogs run through a course with obstacles such as tunnels and bridges or jump over hurdles much as a horse steeplechase.

Speed is important but so are control and accuracy. Dogs are scored on how they navigated the course (no faults such as knocking down a pole) as well as how much time it took them to complete the course.

It's fun to watch a Chihuahua leap a hurdle or a Papillon fly through a hoop. I'm one of the dog owners who has fallen in love with this sport for four reasons:

1. It's a perfect way for owner and dog to bond. You have to learn to work together and trust one another to be successful at this sport.

The dog is not wearing a collar or leash. He must respond to the owner/handler's commands without the use of treats or toys to reward performance. Voice commands and body language are the only methods permitted. Owner/handlers are not allowed to touch the dog.

2. It's great exercise for both of you. Until you see a trial, you may not realize how much the owner moves as well as the dog. Generally, any healthy dog can compete and there are Master's or Veteran's trials for senior dogs. Usually, only pregnant dogs and puppies (because their body and bones are fully formed) are ineligible.

3. It's mental stimulation for your dog. Today's dogs, like their owners, are often overweight, lethargic couch potatoes. Learning agility events is a perfect way for your dog to engage his mind and body.

Some of the Agility events are not instinctive behaviors for a dog and require patience and practice to master.

4. Agility events are segmented so that a Chihuahua is not trying to leap over the same size hurdles as a Border Collie does. As you and your dog become more adept, you can move up into more complex courses.

The best way to see if this sport might be right for you and your dog is to watch Agility trials on television, such as on Animal Planet, or attend a live trial in your area. See the resources at the end of this column for websites that list events.

There are two negative aspects to this sport:

1. It requires considerable training (for you both). Your dog must have good obedience skills to begin with and then you train in the movements required on an Agility course.

2. The sport requires its own equipment and course. Although you can practice one or two movements in your backyard, a full Agility course is about 100 foot by 100 foot with a multitude of equipment such as tunnels, dog walk, hurdles, hoops, poles and see saw.

To overcome both problems, I recommend joining a local Agility dog or dog club that offers Agility training. Professional training for you both is required at least in the early stages. See the resources at the end for websites that list various applicable clubs.

There are more than 2,00 trials in the US this year. This is amazing considering that that this sport only began in England in 1978 and that the American Kennel Club (AKC) only started trials in 1994. The growth of this sport speaks well of how much fun it is for dog and owner.

The United States Dog Agility Association allows any dog, purebred or mutt, to compete in its sanctioned events although dogs do have to be registered. The American Kennel Club is based on purebred competitions but does allow non-purebreds to compete provided they have a Indefinite Listing Privilege (ILP) number.

This is great if you adopted a dog from a shelter or don't have registration papers for your dog but want him to compete in AKC events including Agility. It only costs about $35 (as this is written) to obtain an IPL. Get the forms and rules at the AKC website: http://www.akc.org/reg/ilpex.cfm?SEARCH_BUTTON.X=18\&SEARCH_BUTTON.Y=13

For more information, visit the United States Dog Agility Association, Inc. (USDAA),
at http://www.usdaa.com/ or American Kennel Club Agility at http://www.akc.org/events/agility/index.cfm

P.S. Visit http://www.ToyBreeds.com next month for a new edition of the Bone-Mot™.

Should Dogs Be Allowed in Restaurants?

2006-04-03T08:05:00.000-07:00

The state of Florida may become the first in the USA to allow dogs in restaurants. A bill making its way through the legislature would establish a three-year experiment allowing people to bring their dogs with them into restaurants with outside eating areas.

The Florida Representative sponsoring the bill said many restaurant owners are interested in meeting their customers' growing demands to take their pets with them on outings.

This would make Florida the first state to stray from federal standards that prohibit animals, except for service animals, in public eating areas.

It's not a free pass, however. Dogs must be on leashes and employees must clean up dog waste immediately and ensure that dogs do not come into contact with serving dishes. The bill also requires hand sanitizers for tables in areas where dogs are permitted.

While the law will permit dogs, it does not require restaurants to accept canine patrons. Local governments will be allowed to issue permits to restaurants and charge a fee.

Restaurants that want to accept dogs must carry $1M in liability insurance based on the concern of some lawmakers about the potential for dog bites.

Not everyone is supportive of this legislation.

Florida state health department officials objected and claimed that the dogs in restaurants increase the risk of food-borne illnesses transmitted through dogs both directly and indirectly as a result of unsanitary conditions and that dogs can carry "disease causing organisms" which may be transmitted to humans, especially the elderly and the young.

Cat owners objected because they were excluded. Some protestors asked if horses would be the next group of animals allowed in restaurants.

The most pervasive and serious objection was from people with allergies. The bill does require signs to be posted to warn dinners of areas where dogs may be present.

I'm in favor of this especially as it is being done a trial basis. If problems do arise, the experiment may be terminated.

However, in most European countries it's quite common to see dogs out with their owners in pubs and restaurants. Paris is notorious for dogs in every public place including bakeries and restaurants.

People who don't want to sit in a dog-friendly area will have the option of sitting inside the restaurant or patronizing a restaurant that does not permit dogs.

The Florida law seems a sensible initiative that meets the desires of today's dog owners while protecting the public from the potential of problem dogs.

And no, dogs won't be allowed to lick off a customer's plate or sit in a chair! The bill is expected to pass the legislature.

P.S. Visit http://www.ToyBreeds.com next month for a new edition of the Bone-Mot™.

How to Take Your Dog's Temperature

2006-03-01T18:24:00.000-08:00

There are times when you can't miss the fact that your dog is in distress; i.e., he's bleeding, unconscious or having convulsions.

But what about when he seems too tired or isn't eating or just isn't his normal self. The most accessible way for you to tell if something is wrong is by taking his temperature.

There are other indicators of illness that are recommended such as checking your dog's pulse, feeling his nose or looking at the color of his gums. While these will work, I've found that clients have trouble evaluating them.

When you're under stress because you think your dog is ill, it's going to be difficult for you to tell if his gum color is normal or if it bounces back to its normal color quickly after you press it.

The nice thing about temperature is that you use a measurement tool to take it so it's not subjective or dependent on your experience with dogs. There are not many things that will be wrong with your dog that won't effect his temperature.

A dog's normal temperature is 100 to 103 degrees. Temperatures above or below the normal range necessitate a trip to your veterinarian.

A high temperature could mean your dog has an infection or heat-related illness. A temperature below normal may mean your dog is in danger of going into shock.

I highly recommend you measure his temperature when you know your dog is well so you know what's normal for him and you learn to use a thermometer before you really need it.

The hard way to take his temperature

The hard way is use a rectal thermometer. You can use either a mercury or digital one. A human or baby rectal thermometer is fine to use but do NOT use a human oral one as it is too easily broken.

Your dog won't like this any more than you do and it may be necessary to have a second person holding your dog. Then:

If using a mercury thermometer, shake it until the mercury is below 94 degrees
Lubricate the thermometer with Vasoline, KY jelly or mineral oil
Have your dog in a standing position and keep him standing until his temperature is taken
Start talking gently to your dog and keep it up during this whole ordeal
Lift his tail and insert the thermometer slowly and carefully into his anus with a twisting motion
Insert the thermometer about 1 inch
Hold thermometer in place two minutes for mercury thermometers or until the digital thermometer beeps
Remove the thermometer and read the temperature
If you should break a thermometer in your dog, do NOT try to remove it. Call your veterinarian right away.

The easy way to take his temperature

Use a thermometer made for pets. A human or baby's ear thermometer isn't designed to reach deep enough in the dog's ear canal to measure well.

I've used the Pet Temp model, about $50, for three years. It's easy and clean to use, then toss the disposable lens cover.

Even the most timid dog usually tolerates this (compared to rectal thermometer!).

Dog's can't tell us when they're in pain or suffering an infection and may not have readily identifiable signs. Learning the correct way to take a temperature could be the difference between life and death for your dog.

P.S. Visit http://www.ToyBreeds.com next month for a new edition of the Bone-Mot™.

What You Should Know Before You Make Your Dog Vomit

2006-03-01T18:22:00.000-08:00

If you discover the remains of a household plant on your dog's mouth or discover him licking the remains of spilled household bleach, your first reaction may be that you should make your dog vomit.

That, however, isn't always the best practice. While that may be appropriate for the houseplant, it's a bad idea for bleach, and other caustic products such as drain opener. Those will burn your dog's esophagus and mouth while the poisonous substance is coming up and make his condition even worse.

Best way to know what to do

The safest response if you believe your dog has ingested some poison is to call

1) your veterinarian, or
2) the Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 (available 24/7 but will charge you a $55 fee).
Tell either one what you think your dog ingested and they'll tell you how to treat him.

When not make a dog vomit

Never induce vomiting if your dog is any of the below:

having convulsions
in shock
ingesting a caustic substance
unconscious
already vomiting
has ingested the poison some time ago. After two hours,
the substance is likely in his small intestine and he won't be able to vomit it back up.
How to make your dog vomit

If vomiting is the appropriate treatment, the easiest method is to use 3% hydrogen peroxide.

This is NOT the type used for your hair dye but the type used to clean wounds. Despite warnings on the bottle, this is safe to use with a dog for this purpose because it induces vomiting and doesn't stay in his body - that's why it has the poison warning.

The rule of thumb is to use one teaspoon for every 10-pounds of dog weight.

Your dog is unlikely to willingly take it so you may have to use a syringe or turkey baster to get it in his throat. Make sure the bottle indicates that the hydrogen peroxide has not expired. An expired dosage won't do your dog any good.

Vomiting should occur within 15 to 20 minutes. If no vomiting occurs, you can safely repeat the three percent hydrogen peroxide once. If that doesn't work, take your dog to the veterinarian right away for stronger medication.

What not to use

Despite the old wives tales, I've never seen Syrup of Ipecac, salt or mustard seed water work well on dogs.

One final note

Small dogs can easily become dehydrated after vomiting and decline into a state of shock. Once you think your dog can keep liquids down, give him a few sips of water or let him lick some ice cubes or crushed ice. Don't force it and don't give him too much water or he's likely to start vomiting again.

If you want to replace nutrients more quickly, Pedialyte, a water and electrolyte product sold for infants, may be given to dogs as well. Do NOT give him any of the sports drinks made for human athletes.

If he isn't able to keep water down or won't drink, get him to a veterinarian immediately. He may need to to have an IV to regain the proper amount of fluids.

P.S. Visit http://www.ToyBreeds.com next month for a new edition of the Bone-Mot™.