For the love of large dogs.
Posts tagged First
Putting family exercise first is so important
Aug 26th
A Mom’s daily calendar is almost always overscheduled. Each day usually starts early and ends late. It may include lots of running in circles (at least it can feel that way). But, probably is lacking any real physical activity. With children returning to school, the schedule gets even tighter due to school requirements and events.
It may seem an insurmountable task to get your family into the healthy habit of regular exercise. Yet, with the disturbing recent obesity trends, it’s an extremely important habit to adopt. Studies have indicated that children are 40% less active than they were just 30 years ago. This has negative effects for kids in physical, psychological, and social areas.
So, being an active family needs to become a priority. Fortunately, it’s actually easier than you may think. With a little planning you can find ways to incorporate workouts into the time you spend with your children. Regardless of your children’s age, there’s a way to find time to workout (often even with your kids)! Here are some tips organized by age, which will add to your family time together and help to keep the whole family active!
Age: Infant through pre-school
Play a game of keep-away or tag.
Occupy them for even 15 minutes with a video or toy while you do some toning exercises like squats and tricep dips.
Grab your stroller and go for a brisk walk. Or, buy a jogging stroller for more flexibility. With a jogging stroller you can walk faster, jog or even run at a fast pace. And, for veteran rollerbladers, you can even use the stroller for some skating time. Don’t forget the kid helmets.
For younger children, you can use a back carrier to transport them while walking. This can burn even more calories as the extra weight makes it more challenging.
Turn on some music and dance together. Toddlers love dancing, especially when their parents join in.
Play hopscotch – yes, you will work up a sweat.
Push your kid on a swing. And, after every push complete one squat.
Use an infant carrier or bike trailer to enjoy a bike ride together.
Age: Grade School
Try rollerblading or skating together.
Spend an afternoon at a park with a playground, but don’t spend the whole time relaxing on the sidelines – join in on the fun. Spend some time swinging to help workout your legs. Try making it across the monkey bars – even just once (it’s a great upper body workout and you’ll be amazed that your kid does it with such little ease). Try some pull-ups using a bar on the playset. Do some tricep dips on a nearby park bench.
Get a small group together for a kickball or softball game.
If your child can ride a bicycle at a moderate pace, jog alongside of them.
Involve your kids while you strength train. Let them count your reps out loud for you and/or clock your rest time in-between sets.
Try a game of marble pick-up. Set up a circle (or more than one) of marbles. Compete with each other to see who can pick them up quicker following certain rules (e.g. not being able to bend from the waist but instead using a squatting technique to grab them). Adults will get an extra workout if they squat while balancing on just one foot.
On rainy days that force you inside, walk or run up and down the stairs. You might even make it a contest to see who can finish 5 complete rounds first.
Age: Teenagers
Register for a fun run (or walk) event and spend time together training for the event.
Set up an obstacle course in your back yard. Then try such things as quick sprints back and forth between two objects, hopping over a line of sticks, and running zig-zags around a line of cones.
Play tennis or basketball together.
Consider joining a community volleyball or softball team that includes enthusiasts of all ages.
Don’t just sit and cheer your kids at their sporting events. Every few minutes do some walking or jumping jacks or squats.
Learn how to do strength training exercises that require partners. There are dozens of options that work both individuals’ bodies. For example, partner squats where two people stand facing each other, grasp each other around their forearms and squat simultaneously as if sitting in a chair.
Implement a daily family walk each day before or after dinner.
Work together in the yard raking leaves, planting flowers, trimming trees.
Sure, you may have a very full plate but isn’t it time to throw out the “I’m a parent – I don’t have time to workout” excuse. Don’t focus on the frequency or irregularity of your workouts. Take the opportunities for physical activity when they arise. If you implement these above activities for just 30 minutes three times per week, you can easily burn an extra 450 calories or more!
Plus, working out sets a great example for your children that will teach them at an early age how important (and easy) it is to make physical fitness a part of daily life. Exercising with your kids also provides the extra bonus of spending quality time together.
Learn about angelfish habitat and black angelfish at the Angelfish Care site.
Our first moments with our little baby Chamallow – The sweetest Great Pyrenees
Aug 23rd
Our first meeting wiht our new puppy, Chamallow. Chamallow is a Great Pyrenees. We went to get her to Stephanie and Len at the Hitching Post Farm in Fairmount Indiana. Stephanie and Len are wonderful and they breed several X-large dogs. Take a look at their website : www.thehitchingpostfarm.com A video by Natacha LC
Thinking About Getting a Dog? Read This First
Aug 11th
If you are considering adding a dog to your household, you should stop and consider the long term expenses involved. Don’t misunderstand me, I think a dog is a great addition to a family, but it should not be an impulsive decision. Even if you choose to adopt a puppy or a dog from a shelter or rescue, there will be costs, both at the start and throughout the life of your new furry friend. Long term costs will vary depending on the size and type of dog you choose.
A pet store is not a good place to buy a puppy because many of these pups come from puppy mills and may have serious health or behavior problems. Adopting a dog or puppy from a shelter or a rescue can cost between $100 and $250. This usually includes shots and spaying or neutering. A small dog will obviously need a small crate and it is cheaper to feed a small dog. Other initial expenses include, bowls, leash, collar, tags, license and toys. This can range in costs from $35 to $50. For a small dog, routine veterinary care, flea and tick control, and heartworm medicine can cost as much as $300 to $500 a year. Training and boarding will be additional costs and certain breeds of small dogs require regular professional grooming.
For a medium to large size dog, 50 pounds and over, it can cost as much as $500 a year for a high quality kibble. Most of the other required expenses are higher for bigger dogs, including a bigger crate, bigger collar, bigger dog bed, higher dose of flea/tick and heartworm medicine…you get the idea.
If you choose to buy a puppy from a breeder, you will spend anywhere from $800 to $2000 depending on the breed, with the average cost being around $1200. This may sound like a lot of money to spend on a dog but there are advantages to buying from a reputable breeder. You will be guaranteed a physically sound, healthy pup with a stable temperament. You will likely be able to see the pups parents and see a record of the pedigree. If you want to buy a pure breed dog, make sure to do your research. There are many things to consider before you decide if a certain dog is right for you or your family. There are shelters and rescues full of pure breed dogs because the owners didn’t do their homework.
If you and your family decide to make the commitment, you will be happy to do whatever is needed to keep you new family member happy and healthy. Owning a dog or dogs is so rewarding and such a positive, beneficial experience it is worth the price, no matter the actual dollar amount. You will be paid back in unconditional love, devotion and fun for many years. You will have a best friend and protector for your children and you will have a furry family member that will lift your spirits, no matter how down you may feel.
Joseph M. Sabol is a world class Doberman breeder. Please go to http://petvitamins4u.com or to http://theroadhousedobes.com for further information
First Dog Vet Visits: How To Avoid A Nightmare
Aug 6th
Taking your dog or puppy to the vet doesn’t have to be traumatic provided that it is handled and managed well right from the very first encounter. Most puppies will already have been to the vet at least once, about a the six to ten week stage to get their first set of vaccinations and to have a quick physical examination. However, some breeders may do their own vaccinations depending on local regulations and laws regarding the sale of some of the vaccinations.
Even if the puppy has been to the vet with the breeder it is still important to start your puppy or dog’s relationship with your vet as positively as possible. This can be done by following a few simple steps and avoiding any trauma or stressful conditions while in or at the veterinarian’s office.
To prepare your puppy for the vet visit first:
· Take your puppy or dog for a good long walk prior to going to the veterinarian’s office. If you are concerned about worms, and with a puppy this is definitely a concern, try to bring a fresh stool sample in a small zip lock plastic bag. The vet needs the sample to check for microscopic worms, eggs or larva in the stool. Just a small amount is required but it will speed up the process and prevent you from having to make another trip on at a later date.
· If your puppy or dog is used to a crate be sure to put them in the crate both for the ride over as well as to go into the vet’s office.
· If the puppy or dog is not crate trained or is too large for a crate be sure to have them on a lead or a leash. Even well trained dogs may become frightened and run, or may become aggressive with other animals in the vet’s waiting room.
· If you know that your dog is aggressive towards other pets leave them in the car, notify the staff that you are there, and then wait to bring the dog in until the vet is ready.
· Stay with the dog in the examination room and pet and talk to the puppy or dog in comforting tones.
· Bring a few treats and let the vet give the treats to the dog or puppy. Most vets will have their own “healthy” dog snacks and this is a great way for the dog or puppy to enjoy a trip to the vets.
Be aware that the vet will weight the dog or puppy, take a rectal temperature reading, check the dogs ears, eyes and skin, check the genital areas, palpitate the abdomen and listen to the dog’s heart and lungs with a stethoscope. In addition the vet will check the dogs teeth and gums and may also take samples of skin cells, blood or other body fluids if they are concerned with issues such as mites, heartworm or other parasites.
These examinations do not cause the dog any pain, and even the vaccinations are just a slight needle prick, not anything painful. By making the first visit positive and enjoyable for the dog or puppy you are establishing a great relationship between the dog and the vet that will be ongoing. Always make a big fuss and give lots of praise to the dog for a good trip to the vets. On the way home consider a stop at the park for an extra bit of exercise or play as a great way to wind up the trip.
If your puppy behaves nicely at that first trip to the vet, reward him with a cool looking dog bed or dog feeder from Oh My Dog Supplies!
First Aid For Dogs
Aug 6th
First aid training for dogs is a vital skill for a pet owner. Dog owners are some of the most caring people in the world. Many would come close to a nervous breakdown if harm should come to their dog. Unfortunately, part of the tremendous love owners feel for their dogs involves seriously overestimating the dog’s ability to understand the risks around it and avoid injury. Even more troublesome, most dog owners would have no clue what to do if their dog becomes injured.
The first step an owner should take to prepare to provide first aid for their dog is to put together a first aid kit and keep it somewhere handy. Among other items this first aid kit should include day and night contact numbers for the dog’s veterinarian, directions to the veterinarian’s office and the number for the local poison control center. Locating these numbers quickly in the event of an emergency could save your dog’s life.
Other items which should be included in the first aid kit mirror much of the contents of a normal kit for humans such as bandages and gauze of different sizes, scissors, tweezers, cotton balls, cotton swabs, a rectal thermometer, and disposable gloves. For dogs, it helps to have a thick towel handy in case you need a stretcher. You should also include a rehydrator such as Pedialyte and a dense high calorie supplement designed for dogs. Medicines you should have available include diphenhydramine hydrochloride (An allergy medicine safe for use in dogs. You should clear the proper dosage with your veterinarian ahead of time), antibiotic ointment, eye and ear wash, sterile saline, hydrogen peroxide, cortisone spray and activated charcoal. Having the tools you need handy can make the difference between an emergency and a tragedy.
Some of the most common pet injuries involve insect bites – Stings from bees, hornets, yellow jackets or fire ants. Dogs can not tell us how badly a bite may be bothering them so we have to be vigilant when the dog has been anywhere a bite might have occurred. A reaction to a sting normally happens within 20 minutes. Any dog that has a strong reaction to a sting should be monitored closely for the next 24 hours. There is a danger of anaphylactic shock.
If you notice your pet start scratching excessively, or biting at a particular area you should check for an insect sting. You should give the dog first aid as soon as possible. Find the location of the sting and attempt to locate the stinger. Insect stingers often break off and remain attached to the victim. Pulling these stingers out with tweezers often causes more venom to inject into the sting so you should gently scrape with a credit card, driver’s license or some similar piece of plastic to dislodge the stinger. A paste of baking soda and water can be applied for quick relief. If that does not work, diphenhydramine may need to be administered in the proper dose.
Another major source of pet injury is chocolate poisoning. Dogs love getting into chocolate, yet a dose as small as 1 oz. of milk chocolate or .1 oz of baker’s chocolate per pound of bodyweight could easily be toxic. At the least, lower doses can cause difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, vomiting, diarrhea and increased body temperature. If you suspect that your pet has ingested a large quantity of chocolate, you should induce vomiting by administering 2 teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide with a syringe and get the dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
These are just a couple of potential dog emergencies in which preparation can make the difference between recovery and death. Knowing the right action to take in case of an injury to your dog can save you a world of unnecessary grief. Talk with your veterinarian and make sure you are prepared before the danger presents itself.
Get the latest dog news at CoCo the Blogging Dog This blog is updated daily with information on dog health, training, animal events, dog food and toy recalls, dog food recipes, breed discrimination, animal welfare laws, and anything else a savvy dog lover might be interested in.
First Aid – Safely Transporting an Injured Dog
Jul 31st
If a dog has been injured and needs to be moved to assure its and your safety you will need to follow a few pointers to safely remove it from danger. You will need to first assess the injured dog’s injuries to determine how to keep from causing further damage.
A lot of severe injuries occur by dogs getting hit by vehicles. You will need to try to take the dog away from traffic or if it is walking or running, you might need to try to slow or stop traffic to keep the dog from becoming reinjured by a vehicle. Also, keep in mind an injured animal may bite so take precautions to prevent injury to yourself or others. A towel loosely wrapped around the muzzle, or even a shoestring will help keep the mouth closed.
Spinal and Head Trauma
A dog with a possible spinal injury or head trauma will exhibit the following signs: unconsciousness, different sized pupils, shock, blood in the ear, nose, mouth, or anus, and/or paralysis. If you suspect these types of injuries you will need to find an object with a solid, flat surface (such as plywood, a sled, or a stiff piece of cardboard) that is large enough that the entire animal can comfortably fit.
Gently ease the dog onto the top surface, making sure he is lying on his side. Try not to twist the dog’s body or neck as you move him. If you are unable to find a solid surface you can use a towel or blanket. Gently ease the dog onto the material. In both cases, try to secure help to transport the animal onto the surface and into your vehicle.
Pelvic and Leg Injuries
An injured dog with a pelvic fracture or leg injury may show the following signs: limping, swelling, or extreme pain. To safety transport the animal to the veterinarian’s office you will want to prevent further limb injury.
If the dog can stand, but doesn’t bear weight on the limb you can try to create a simple splint to prevent further swelling or dislocation of any broken bones in the leg. If the dog allows, you can gently wrap the leg in a large, folded towel to prevent bumping of the leg as the dog walks to your car. A towel can be placed under the stomach, and then you can hold the two ends above the back to make a sling to assist the dog in walking.
A dog with a fractured pelvis or one which is unable to stand should be transported as with a spinal or head trauma. Be extremely careful when trying to ease your dog onto your transport device as he may be extremely painful and try to bite or escape due to pain.
Safety on the Ride to the Veterinarian
Your dog will need to be restrained in your vehicle once you are able to get him inside. Large dogs should have someone sit near them, to protect them from any sudden turns and to keep them still. Small dogs should be placed in a kennel which is securely fastened in your vehicle. Keeping the animal still at all times is paramount to prevent any further injury, and to keep both you and the dog safe.
Article by Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies, check for current specials on dog outdoor wear online.
Mayor’s Cat Gets First Feline License
Jul 22nd
Mayor’s Cat Gets First Feline License
OFFICIAL. Noah the cat, owned by Mayor Bob Foster (left), receives the first feline ticense tag last Friday. It is being attached by Animal Care Services Manager John Keisler (center) as Nancy Foster looks on.
Read more on Downtown Gazette
So the Family Wants To Choose a Dog as the New Family Pet. What You Need To Know First
Jul 11th
We will assume there are children in the family. This time of year many choose a puppy as the new family pet. A reasonable question is then, how old should the children be when their first pet comes into the home? Some experts say 6 to 8 years old. A more common sense approach is simply that the children should be old enough, mature enough, to understand the word no. Notice your children around dogs belonging to friends and relatives. How do they relate to those dogs? If this is all positive then it will be a parental decision. Parents should remember that the child needs to be mature enough to take on the responsibility for care and feeding because if the do not, you know who will be doing it, sometimes for years.
Should you go ahead and choose a pet begin immediately teaching by example. Let the children know and understand that the pet is now a family member and should be loved and cared for, not simply played with then tossed aside when something new comes along that may be more fun.
Puppies require lots of physical attention and training. Consider how much time you as the adult can be at home then how much time you can devote to the care, feeding and training of your pet puppy. If you bring a puppy into the home an amount of training will be required. It will pay dividends year after year. You need to be at home often to do that. You will also need to do dog crate training. One expert suggests that if your family is out of the home for 8 hours or more each day, you probably should not be trying to find a pet for your family.
Will you choose a dog that will be affectionate and cuddly or will you choose a dog that will be an outdoors type? It is important to choose a breed with the nature to become the type of dog you are looking for. This requires some time and reading to make a list of outdoors active dogs or indoor cuddly smaller dogs. Do your homework. The decision to bring a pet puppy into your home is a huge decision.
What color or appearance do you want in your puppy? Many do not care but if you do, again, do your homework. The American Kennel Club does a good job defining each breed. Don’t follow the leader and choose a breed that seems to be the breed of the month or whatever is popular. Do your homework.
How large do you want your puppy to be when he or she becomes a fully grown adult dog? Do you have your own home and property or do you rent? If you are a renter I suggest a smaller dog. It will be easier to find a willing landlord if you have a smaller dog.
You will want to have your children involved in caring for the family pet. It will teach them responsibility and bonding with the puppy which will make a big difference as the dog grows to adulthood. For smaller children their involvement can be as simple as selecting dog food while shopping, assisting with a shampoo or helping out when it is time to feed the puppy.
As the adult you are the key to teaching your children how to relate to and to take good care of their puppy. As soon as puppy joins you set rules for the family and especially the children regarding puppy care and individual responsibilities as well as how to treat a dog, what to do and what not to do. Take the leadership position and stay firm.
Please know that a great is a trained pet. This means crate training and hopefully obedience training. How far you go with training your dog will depend on your expectations of your pet.
Making good choices when choosing a pet can change your quality of life and provide a fun life for your pet as well. Bad choices lead to pets being let loose on the street or becoming another statistic down at the Humane Society. Make your choice a great choice for you, your pet and your family.
Seeds: Safety first for dogs and diners on holiday weekend
Jul 3rd
Seeds: Safety first for dogs and diners on holiday weekend
Sunday will be a doggone bad day for many local residents.
Read more on The Sacramento Bee
Willamalane’s First Dog Park on KEZI-TV
Jun 30th
Springfield’s first dog park complex designed for small and large dogs opened May 20, 2010. It includes a 0.75-acre park for small dogs and two 1.5-acre parks for large dogs. A small dog is defined as any dog less than 25 pounds. The dog areas include splash pools for cooling off, shade trees, benches and gravel paths that surround the lawn areas. In addition, the fenced complex includes a shelter with picnic tables.
