Bonnie’s parents have just bought her a new comfy dog bed.  As soon as they put down the dog bed, Bonnie tries it out, and is absolutely delighted with her new bed.  Bonnie is an appreciative dog, she jumps up to thank her parents, gets back to her new bed, and gets out again to thank them again.   Some dogs sleep with their owners, and some prefer their own bed.

How to choose a dog bed that your dog loves

Even for the dogs who share their owners’ bed, wouldn’t it be nice to have an option, especially if you have a large dog who likes to spread out across your bed?  According to Amy Brannan on Canine Journal, if you are looking for a dog bed for your friend, there are several factors to help you find the most suitable one for them.  Personality actually comes into play, as well as health, writes Amy.

For example, some dogs feel more secure if they feel nestled.  There are beds that offer that cozy, cave-like feeling that some dogs find comforting.  And if a dog has arthritis or joint discomfort, having extra support and cushioning feels good to them.  Be sure the cushioning is not the kind that squash down as soon as your dog lies on it.

And there are dogs with lots of fur that get overheat.  A mesh bed that’s off the ground would allow more air to circulate so your dog can stay comfortable through the night.  If you are concerned about the material, there are beds made entirely of organic material, with no chemicals whatsoever.  You can read more about this topic here.

Enjoy watching the excitement that Bonnie feels when she tests out her new bed.  If you like this video, here is another one of this Goldendoodle learning tricks quickly.

Article source:  Amy Brannan on Canine Journal

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How to take care of French Bulldogs

They have a wide range of vocabulary.  They’ll snort, bark, yodel, scream, or sound like the puppy in this video.  French Bulldogs are very social.  They have to be around people.  This is not someone to leave at home for a long time.  They love everyone, so you may not feel like they are yours and yours along, but they will love you best.

Do keep them away from heat.  Because of their flat face, heat stress can make their throat swell, and restrict air flow.  They can actually die from overheating easily.

The French Bulldog cannot swim because they are top heavy.  They’ll sink unless their feet can touch the bottom of the “pool.”  If you have a pool, consider another breed.  And if you have a Frenchie that is fond of water, put a life jacket on him and supervise him the whole time he is in the water.

If you are looking for a French Bulldog, consider adopting one from a rescue organization or shelter.  Many purebred dogs are there because their previous owners may not know what they were getting into, or a baby comes along, and they don’t know how to prepare the dog for the new arrival, and other reasons that have absolutely nothing to do with the dog.

Actually, adopting an adult French Bulldog would let you see what you are getting.  A puppy requires a lot more care and training.  You can read more about this topic here.  Enjoy listening to this talkative French Bulldog’s most amusing sound.

If you enjoy this video, here is another one of a French Bulldog wanting his bed back from a cat.

Article source:  Adopt A Pet

The post [VIDEO] This French Bulldog Sounds Almost Like A Human appeared first on Doggie Outpost.

This is actually an excellent habit if you can train your dogs to let you wipe their paws before getting inside your home. Just think of all the time you’ll save in vacuuming your house after a trip to the beach.  It’s understandable why these Retrievers are so well trained, the breed is known for its trainability, according to Dr. Becker of Healthy Pets Mercola.  They aim to please us.

What are Retrievers like?

Retrievers are great as service dogs, guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, and definitely a wonderful family dog.  They are friendly with everyone, so this is not a breed you want as a watch dog.

What kind of exercises do Golden Retrievers need?

When they reach maturity, Golden’s weigh between 50 to 80 pounds.  Do take them on a long walk or run everyday so they don’t become bored or overweight.  Even though “retriever” is in their name, some of them actually need to be trained to retrieve. Besides playing fetch, swimming and hiking are great for them. They appreciate nature, and would make wonderful hiking companions.

Do Retrievers shed?

Retrievers do shed.  They have 2 coats.  The top coat repels water and sheds year-round.  The undercoat is soft, and keeps them cool in the summer and warm in the winter.  The undercoat sheds in the spring and in the fall.  Puppies usually have lighter color coats than adults.  You can get an idea of their final color by looking at the color on the tip of the puppy’s ear.  You can read more about Golden Retrievers here.

Enjoy watching these polite and orderly Golden Retrievers wait to get their paws cleaned before entering the car.

Article source:  Dr. Becker on Healthy Pets Mercola

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Perhaps many call Shu a teddy bear dog because of her haircut.  A teddy bear dog is actually a hybrid of two breeds, usually between a Shih Tzu and a Bichon Frise.  Sometimes it’s a cross between a Bichon Frise and Poodle, according to Anne Woods in Pets The Nest.

Characteristics of Teddy Bear dogs

Teddy bear dogs may be especially to individuals who might be allergic to most dogs, and want a companion dog that is small, can live in an apartment or condo, easy to train, has a sweet nature, and can get along with everyone.

Teddy bear dogs shed very little, perhaps not at all.  This makes it ideal for those with dog allergies.  They might ask the breeder specifically about the hypoallergenic issue.

Why teddy bear dogs make good therapy dogs

Teddy bear dogs joined the dog world fairly recently, since around the year 2000.  At first they worked as therapy dogs for children with disabilities.  Look at that face that resembles the soft, cuddly teddy bear—big eyes, fluffy hair, short nose.  There is nothing threatening about this dog.  Unlike the stereotype of small dogs being yappy and hyper, teddy bear dogs are mellow and loving.  They are very smart and affectionate.  They get along with other animals and children.  They are not a one-person dog, so they’ll adore your partner equally.  These very same qualities make they great therapy dogs—ease around people, a mellow temperament, loving, affectionate.  Even people with allergies to dogs might do all right with a teddy bear dog.  You can read more about them here.

If you like this video, here is another one with teddy bear dogs taking a bath together.

Article source:  Anne Woods in Pets The Nest

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What are Chow Chow’s like?

According to Dog Time, some people think Chow Chow has a proud, independent spirit like a cat.  This dog is not that much of a cuddle buddy, but they are very loyal to you.  Chow’s mind their own business.  They’ll play with their family, and show no interest in strangers, unless the stranger approaches his home without his family’s invitation.  Then the Chow will challenge the stranger.  But if his family introduces him to a stranger, then the Chow will let the new person touch him.  A Chow Chow needs to be socialized a lot as a puppy so he feels relaxed and safe when he grows up.  You can do this by exposing a Chow puppy to new people, different dogs, new situations.

How are Chow Chow’s with children?

Chow Chow’s can be okay with children if they grow up with them.  It is best to place a Chow in families with older children who already understand how to treat a dog.  Chow’s are not very tolerant of children rough-housing with them.

Do Chow Chow’s need a lot of grooming?

If you have a Chow Chow, they need to be brushed around 3 times a week to keep their hair in good condition.  Get them used to being brushed as a puppy, and handle their paws often as a puppy to get them used to it, since dogs are funny about getting their feet touched.  Make it a positive experience when being brushed and getting their paws touched, so when they go to the groomers or vets, the transition will be much easier.

Where to adopt a Chow Chow

If you are looking for a Chow Chow, consider a rescue group.  Sometimes former owners may not understand what goes into caring for a Chow.  And sometimes their owners passed away, and they end up needing a foster home.  You can read more about Chow Chow’s here.  Enjoy watching these Chow Chow puppies going after a prized bowl.

Image source:  Mgzkun on Flickr

Article source:  Dog Time

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He puts himself on an exercise routine, dropping a ball down the stairs, then fetching it (dog’s version of stair master) pulling a rug filled with weights back and forth, following a television exercise program.  Swimming in the pool in the backyard.  He looks in the mirror again, satisfied with his progress.  He’s on the couch and heard a Volkswagen drive by.  He dashes out through the pet door, and chases after the car.  Love the humorous scenes in this story.

How to put our dog on a diet without feeling guilty

As dog owners, it can be hard on us to put our dog on a diet.  The guilt!  Those pleading eyes!  And just an old habit of “one popcorn for me, one popcorn for you” when we are sitting down to watch TV.   There’s a transitional way to do this.

Pets Web MD suggests that you figure out just how much food, including treats, your dog gets each day.  That includes the treats from you, other family members, neighbors, dog walkers, etc.  It is quite possible that just by cutting out the treats, your dog would be fine.

If that’s the case, here’s a gentle method so you don’t have to go cold turkey, and neither does your dog.  Pets Web MD suggests that you switch to healthier treats, and at the beginning of the day, to put the treats your dog may have for that day in a bowl.  When all the treats in the bowl are gone, that’s it for the day.  Another strategy is to gradually reduce the portion of their food, but after consulting with your vet to make sure your dog is getting the nutrition he needs.  You can read more about this topic here.

Article source:  Pets Web MD

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This is a smart dog.  So Dad shovels the snow from the stairs, and Jackson feels secure enough to bounce down the stairs.  His Dad lovingly teases Jackson, “Pardon me, Your Majesty.”  Yes, it is nice to have the royal treatment, especially when your legs are short and you don’t know how deep the snow is.

Characteristics of Westies

This is a good video to watch again on a hot summer day.  Just watching the snow will cool you off.  Westies’ fans have good reasons to adore this breed, M.K. Clinton writes in Pup Journal.

One of those endearing traits is their “talking to you”, not barking.  If you are someone who like to talk to your dog, you’ve hit the jackpot!  The Westie “talks back” and you’ll feel like you’re having a real conversation.

Another quality about the Westie is their confidence.  In fact, an over abundance of confidence.  No threat is too big for them.  If they encounter a big dog, they are in trouble.  This attitude is lovingly called the Westitude.

Another quirky quality about the Westie is that they have a LOUD voice.  There is a reason for this.  They were bred to hunt down vermins.  So they would get inside tunnels to chase after the vermins.  If they get stuck, they need to have a voice loud enough so their owners can pull them out of the tunnel.  It would be a good idea to teach a Westie how to use their “inside voice” from a young age.  You can read more about the traits of Westies here.  If you enjoy this video, here is another Westie video you might also enjoy.

Article source:  M.K. Clinton in Pup Journal

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Can You Afford to be a Pet Owner?

Owning a pet is something every child dreams of, and every parent hesitates about. While it may seem easy, owning a pet is a lifelong commitment that should be taken quite seriously. From planning out the budget to choosing the right pet for your family, there are plenty of things to consider when making such a decision.

Exactly how much does it cost to own a pet on average?

In the case of many dogs, the cost of pet ownership is much more than just the food and water provided each day. For example, breeds such as the English Bulldog can require additional care due to their unique characteristics.

That is not to say they are not outstanding dogs to have as a family member, but simply that they have their own specific needs that will need to be managed in order to give them the best quality of life possible. After all, we certainly want to provide the best possible care for our pets.

The average cost of owning a dog of any breed is approximately $1,000 annually. This includes food, shots, licensing, check ups, and an allowance for extras such as toys and flea collars. The first year cost, however, can be even higher, as it includes spaying/neutering, adoption fees, and more. Knowing these expenses is important, as many pet owners jump in without a plan.

Don’t adopt to satisfy Empty Nest Syndrome

One of the reasons many people choose to get a pet is that need to take care of someone or something. They do not care what or who, they simply need to fill that empty space. While this may be a viable reason to want a pet, it is not a reason to rush out and get one. Without proper planning and consideration, that pet could very well end up being an expense you were not prepared for.

When you do visit an adoption facility or breeder, be sure to ask questions about the dog, the breed, and any health related expenses there may be. For example, some adoption facilities have already spayed or neutered the adoptable dogs in their facility. Agreements are often made for puppies and kittens that may not be old enough for the procedure at the time of adoption.

Article source:  Thanks to Guest Writer Margaret Brooks, VP of Content at CertaPet.com

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In another scene, a little girl was in her high chair, feeding bread crumbs to her Boxer.  Watch how gentle he is when he took the bread crumb from her hand.  In several scenes after that, the Boxers want to kiss the babies.   Some were encouraged, while others were discouraged from doing so.  You can just tell from all the different scenes that these children are going to have a very good friend as they grow up.

What are Boxers like?

We can tell from this video that all the Boxers are very fond of their children, which is a trait of Boxer, according to Hills Pet.  They are famous for being loyal family pets who will guard their family against strangers.

Bred to be companions and guard dogs, Boxers are one of the first breeds to work as a police dog.  They also work as seeing eye dogs.  Boxers are very intelligent and high-energy.  They like to stay busy, so be sure they have sufficient exercise to let out that energy.  And they have a high need for human companionship.

This breed is best suited for families that have someone available to spend time with them, or a larger family that always have someone home.  Boxers cannot tolerate hot weather, so you need to take this into consideration. They also don’t do well in cold weather either because they have a short coat.  Boxers do not bark much.  When they do, you know that they have a good reason.  They do talk in their own way though, in something that sounds like a growl.  But it’s not an unhappy growl.  It’s just how they talk.  You can read more about Boxers here.  If you enjoy this Boxer video, you might also like this one.

Article source:  Hills Pet

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Lucky’s family is certainly exposing him to a lot of different activities.  He is being socialized very well.  He interacts with other dogs, taken to different environments, exposed to different sounds, sights, and people.  There is a difference between the American Labradoodle and Australian Labradoodle.

What are Australian Labradoodles like?

The American L. is a hybrid between Poodles and Labrador.  The Australian Labradoodle is bred in Australia, and they are bred with the intent of creating a purebred, according to Dog Breed Info.  They are bred to be family companion dogs and service dogs.  They are friendly, extremely smart, social, loyal, very trainable—all wonderful qualities needed to be a service dog.  And on top of that, the Australian Labradoodle is a joyful dog.

Some have found that the hair of the Australian Labradoodle is fine with people who have asthma or allergies.   They are quick in learning, including special or unusual tasks, which again, makes them great service dogs.  They are also very good with children.  They do need a lot of exercise.  A long walk everyday is excellent.  It is ideal if there is a yard for them.  But if you live in a condo or apartment, as long as you provide the daily exercise they need, it might work out.  You can learn more about Australian Labradoodle here.  Enjoy watching the puppy days of Lucky the Australian Labradoodle.

Article source:  Dog Breed Info

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