Be On The Dog's Page

Today was a beautiful fall day. The sun was shining, the air fresh.
My older dog is considered a bomb proof dog. I can bring him anywhere and he will be 100% comfortable with that. I can go out, and regardless of where I go I am confident that there will be no issues. I can walk down the busiest street, sirens blaring, children yelling, and my boy will walk happily, tail loose and waggy, enjoying his time with me.
My younger dog, Joey, is the total opposite. He is now 4 years old and has had "issues" since the day I brought him home. There is not a single outing that we go on without taking into consideration the environment and how he may react to it. There are times when I will choose to simply leave him at home because I don't have the time to deal with the unknown. Instead of looking forward to an outing, I am often anxious because I know there will be "work" involved and I don't always know if it will be successful. We can't just hop out of the car at the destination and go.

Today, my husband, both dogs and I went to see an outdoor exhibit. It was held in a courtyard on a very busy street with lots of traffic passing by. I knew I couldn't just park and walk.
This very simple outing required planning beginning before ever leaving the house. I never walk Joey on his flat collar when going somewhere new. He is always on his front clip harness because I know at some point he will pull in the opposite direction.
I always have food on me: although he doesn't always want it - a sign of anxiety and a good gauge for me.
We parked in a lot on a side street. As soon as we exited the car the work began. Joey was on alert, head up, sniffing, hesitant.
I expected this and from that moment I was on my dog's page. I didn't know how long it would take to cross the street, to walk down an unfamiliar path, to walk up unfamiliar stairs, to cross a courtyard, to pass by tents.
I have always allowed him to take his time when encountering anything unfamiliar. I have never forced him to move forward but follow his lead. I move away when he wants to and closer when he says okay.
What Joey has taught me is that it is always necessary to "be on the dog's page".

By being on the dog's page, taking time, allowing him to move forward as he felt more comfortable, we were eventually able to make it all the way across the lower courtyard, past children running and dancing to the music of a live band, up 2 sets of stairs to the exhibits on the upper level adjacent to a busy street.
To be honest, at one point I called my husband, who was at the final destination, to say I didn't think I'd be able to get up to the top level.
Joey kept looking back towards the direction from which we came.
We were on the lower level for probably 30 minutes. I would go two steps in the direction I wanted to go and 10 steps back.
I called my husband again and told him to come back down because this wasn't working.
As he approached, Joey got excited and started to walk towards him. I happily followed!
With the help of a hot dog in my husband's hand and the desire of Joey to follow my other dog, he eventually followed them up the stairs. This was huge progress!!

The upper level required work as well but it was a lot easier and quicker. With another hot dog and patience we were able to make it up and down the stairs one more time.
It's not always easy to be on the dog's page. It's tiring and requires planning as well as changing plans in the moment based on the dog's comfort level.
The outcome could have been very different if I forced him to go where I wanted when I wanted. I choose to be on his page because I believe it fosters trust and builds a strong relationship. I like to think he knows I will do my best to not force him into what he feels is an unsafe place.
I also believe by allowing him to do things at his own speed, he is building his confidence to explore the unfamiliar. I hope over time it will take less and less time for him to adjust.
There may be a day when I have no choice and I will have to force Joey to go somewhere he doesn't want to but I am hoping trust will trump apprehension.

Your Dog and Dealing With Arthritis

Similar to aging humans, a common issue to beset elder canines and some younger dogs as well, is arthritis. Though it can be characterized by inflammations, swelling and stiffness in muscles and joints, the question, what is canine arthritis?
This progressively degenerative disease causes a severe loss in cartilage and can worsen over time as your dog's joints continue to deteriorate. The symptoms of arthritis can range from a very mild pain to extremely painful, primarily effecting the hips, this disease can also occur within the neck, shoulders, legs, and back. For many dogs, it can seriously impact their quality of life, making it especially difficult to climb stairs, run and exorcize, or just walk.
The dogs that have a higher risk of developing this disease are middle-aged to elderly dogs that have become or are inactive, overweight, or both. Many large dog breeds can me more prone to arthritis, including Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Newfoundlands and St. Bernards. 90% of these breeds will typically show symptoms in older age.
Though much rarer, younger dogs can be afflicted by arthritis caused by abnormal bone or joint development, hip dsyplasia, varying diseases, injuries, stress, damaged muscle, tissue, or ligaments can cause joint instability in young canines and can lead to arthritis in later years.
The most obvious clue will be shown in the behavior of your companion. If they begin to slow down, doesn't want to walk or play as they normally do, they appear stiff, they begin limping, it could be more than old age. If you believed your dog could be suffering from this painful ailment, have your vet checj them over. Your vet can perform tests to determine what the culprit may be.
Depending on the type of arthritis, there are a variety of anti-inflammatory medications that can control pain and inflammation. That said, it's important to have your veterinarian properly diagnose your dog's condition and provide appropriate medications and dosage levels. Do not medicate your dog on your own!
Natural and homeopathic treatments, alone or combined with medication, can be very effective in treating arthritis. Ask your veterinarian for advice and/or the name of a reputable practitioner.
Overweight/obese dogs typically suffer more severe symptoms because there's more stress on their joints, so an exercise and weight management program is critical. Although it seems counter-intuitive, low-impact exercise (like swimming and walking) helps maintain muscle strength and keeps joints lubricated. Your veterinarian can advise you of an appropriate weight management and exercise plan.
Home measures: Most dogs sleep 12 hours a day. Ease your pet's pain by adding extra fleece or blankets to her bed, and be sure to keep her bed away from windows and other drafty locations. If your dog has shoulder or neck pain, raise up her water and food dishes so she doesn't have to bend over.
Prevention trumps a cure
Preventing or minimizing arthritis in an older dog starts when she is young.
Keep her trim and know that ideal weight is based on breed, height and bone structure. Make sure she gets plenty of exercise to build bone and muscle.
Regular well-visit checkups will keep tabs on her weight and help to identify problems before they escalate.

Isaac Macalister is a frequent contributor for Hartz and has written many articles pertaining to cat and dog needs. Including anything from dog training to summer fun with your dog including tips on Hartz UltraGuard Flea Control.

5 Lovable Small Dogs That Are Half Havanese

The Havanese is a small dog that gets extremely high marks in many categories. They do no shed and are hypo-allergenic, they love children and other pets, and they are easy to train. What more do you need? There are several popular hybrid dogs that are created with the Havanese. This way you can possibly have the better of two breeds.
We tend to like small dog breeds because they are easy to transport, less costly to care for, they don't need a lot of exercise, they are easy to travel with, and they can sit on our laps. Many people prefer mixed breed dogs because they tend to be healthier, live longer and they can be found in shelters, rather than paying a high price to a breeder. Designer dogs are very popular right now, it seems like everyone is trying to find the next best breed.
The Havanese is a breed that originates in Cuba. They were often found in the homes of the wealthy during the 18th and 19th centuries. In the 1960s, when Cubans were migrating to the US, they brought their dogs. In the 1970s, Havenese began to be bred in the US. They come in many colors: cream, gold, white, silver, blue and black. They have a long reputation of being circus dogs because they are intelligent and easy to train. Havanese dogs love to be with people. They have dark eyes and a long silky coat that is easier to maintain when kept short. They are alert watch dogs, but only occasionally bark. They tend to be prone to skin diseases and cataracts. Other favored small dog breeds, mixed with the Havanese make a new, adorable dog.
The Cavanese includes a King Charles Spaniel and produces a dog that is 12-17 pounds. They can take on different looks; some have short, curly hair while others have long hair. They do not bark a lot, are patient and loving, do not shed and are easy to train.
The Havapoo or Poovanese includes a Poodle. They tend to look like a Havanese with extra curly hair. Sometimes they are found with a short, docked tail like the Poodle. They don't shed, are easy to train, love people of all ages and need moderate exercise.
The Havashire includes a Yorkshire Terrier. They tend to be a little taller than they are long and will have a medium to long tail. Their coat is usually long and straight, but some do have the wavy hair of a Havanese. Their beard and eyebrows are well-defined. This hybrid has been very popular for the last 10 years. They are good with children, but take a little while getting used to other pets. They have a high-pitched bark, and usually weigh between 5-13 pounds.
The Havapeke includes the Pekingese, of Chinese origin. This combination usually yields a 7-14 pound dog that requires a good bit of brushing. They need a minimal amount of exercise, are confident and pleasant and friendly with people. They tend to be difficult to house break and are prone to eye and breathing problems.
The Havamalt includes a Maltese. This dog is loyal and affectionate, gentle and sociable, and easy to train. This hybrid has become more popular over the past few years. They don't bark much and are alert watch dogs. This dog doesn't usually shed, but this is not true for all. They grow to be between 9-12 pounds.
Any of the above mentioned breeds mixed with a Havanese will produce a lovable, loyal family dog. You have to make sure you find a reputable, trusted breeder, or aim for the rescue organizations to adopt a needy animal.

Cecelia Brown is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has an interest in mental health benefits of pet ownership. Please visit her website: http://www.PerfectPetStroller.com to find out more about Pet Strollers, Pet Bike Baskets and Trailers and Pet Wheeled Carriers.

Find The Right Dog Treats For Your Pet

There are a number of different types of canine treats available and all have slightly different benefits and uses, so making the right choice may seem like a bit of a stab in the dark. However, by taking just a few important factors into consideration, owners will be well on their way to picking the perfect treat for their canine companions.
First, the intended use of the dog snacks must be considered. Will you be using the treats as rewards during dog training, as entertainment when you aren't in the room or to improve dental hygiene? Or perhaps for a completely different purpose entirely. It is also important to consider how often you will be giving treats to your pet. If this is a frequent occurrence, you might want to consider using smaller, low calorie treats so that your dog still stays healthy. Whilst dog treats are certainly better than table scraps when it comes to your pet's health, owners should bear in mind that snacks should only make up 10% of their dog's diet and calorie intake a day; they shouldn't be a substitute for food.
Similarly, it is advised that pigs' ears and snouts are avoided as a snack for canines because of their high fat content and the problem of them being processed with chemicals that could potentially be dangerous when ingested. If in doubt, consult a vet for advice on what foods are safe to give your dog.
If your intention is to find a snack for use when training your pooch, then soft chews are not only a tasty treat, but the perfect aid. Ideally these should be mini chews, because this way, they take no time at all to eat so there is an instant response as well as a great taste. Because time is not spent getting through the snack, using these treats as positive reinforcement won't hold up training and will be more effective. One way of ensuring a particularly good reaction to learning is to use a treat that is specific to training. Ideally you should opt for a chew that your dog particularly enjoys and keep this solely for use when training so that it remains associated with reward. Coloured soft chews are available and owners may find this useful during training sessions because they are easily spotted when laid out on the ground, for example if your dog is required to follow a particular route or course.
Another factor to take into account is your dog's age; older dogs generally have more sensitive teeth and may prefer softer chews. Additionally, think about whether your pet is suffering from any medical conditions, because, depending on the problem, snacks are sometimes targeted to combat this specifically. For example dental chews can be used against poor dental hygiene. There are even hypoallergenic dog treats for those pets with particular food sensitivities or allergies.
For owners concerned about their pet's dental health, vets sometimes advise that using targeted dental chews can help. Just like us, dogs can in fact suffer from many oral problems, such as plaque and tartar build up, bad breath and gum irritation. It is important to keep these under control and if possible, avoid them completely. One way to help is to use chews specifically designed for dental hygiene. Many have a 'knobbly' texture and are resistant to crumbling, which causes a scrubbing action on your dog's gnashes. Not only do dogs love chewing, but this sort of treat is often longer lasting and because it takes a while to get through, it will keep pets entertained as well as being of benefit orally. There are natural snacks available which help to clean a dog's teeth; these are vegetable based and have a very low fat content. This means that owners can keep caring for their dog's teeth without worrying about health problems associated with feeding their pooch lots of snacks.
Sometimes, rawhide snacks are used to reduce plaque and tartar, but because they are similar to bones, if you do choose to use treats like this then take a lot of care. There is an associated risk of choking, gastrointestinal blockage and irritation and dogs should always be supervised when eating this sort of snack to ensure that they are not harmed.
The final consideration when choosing a dog treat is your dog's preferences. No matter how carefully selected, if your dog doesn't enjoy the taste then the treat won't be eaten.
By following these few guidelines, owners will be on their way to finding the dog treat that's just right. Keep things varied and try something new every once in a while so that your pooch stays interested and happy with its doggy treats.

Laura Smith is a partner in The Waggy Tails Store, which sells dog accessories online and at country shows. They stock Antos dog treats and snacks, which include Antos natural toothbrush chews for healthy teeth and Antos mini bones snacks that are perfect to use when training your dog.