My Fetching Fido

Now that spring has finally arrived, our pets are enjoying the sun and fresh air again after a long winter. It’s still a little brisk in many parts of the country, so a dog sweater might be a good idea to keep your pet comfortable. I’ve found a great site for fashionable sweaters at really affordable prices. Check it out! You dog will not only look adorable but feel great.

Whether walking at morning before first light or in the evening after sunset, it’s important to ensure that you and your dog are safe.  This means that both you and your dog should be wearing reflective vests, especially if you’re walking in an urban or suburban area that is well traveled by motorists.  If you don’t want to wear a reflective vest, several jackets and coats come with reflective bands, and there are even reflective shoes (though having a reflective surface above the waist is better than below).  You can find a reflective dog vest at most locations that sell dog apparel.  In general, reflective dog vests come in a number of sizes to suit individual dogs.  You might have to do some searching to find one that fits just right.

When walking during darkened hours, it’s also a good idea to inform someone about your path and general information about the location.  Should something happen, you will have a much better chance of receiving aid if someone knows your whereabouts.

Three Dog Shows – All on One Weekend!

Clarion Hotel & Conference Center
1450 ROUTE 70 EAST
Cherryhill 08034 New Jersey
Phone: (856) 428-1177

Click on this link for more information.

• Bulldog Club of Connecticut
  Friday, April 3, 2009
• Lower Susquehanna Bulldog Club of Pennsylvania
  Saturday, April 4, 2009
• Bulldog Club of Philadephia
  Sunday, April 5, 2009

Is Fido running the roost?  Does your precious pup beg at the table? Are you losing sleep because you don’t want to move your pet’s leg that is on top of you (in the bed!)?  Does he insist on attention from the moment you sit down to read the newspaper after a long day?

According to pet behavior expert Bruce Fogle, there’s nothing wrong with showing your pooch they are loved; what does matter is not how you express your devotion but when you choose to do it.  If you reward your dog even once for undesirable behavior, the cause and effect learning cycle begins. To change your pet’s bad behavior, you and your entire family must commit to making a change.

First and foremost, give up your own bad habits cold turkey. Everything you’ve been doing to pamper or accommodate your pet’s whims must stop immediately–no exceptions. Limit your praise and rewards to times when your pet has done something praiseworthy. Make your dog obey commands and exhibit positive behaviors to earn all of their privileges, even dinner. Consistency and repetitive training techniques are a must. Do not give in, or there won’t be permanent change.

The Olde English Bulldogge is our featured dog of the week. Notice the spelling. This breed is a recent and contemporary recreation of the Old English Bulldog which is extinct.Not AKC recogized.

Temperament:  The Olde English Bulldogge is loyal, trustworthy, and stable. They are docile and friendly but highly capable of protecting their family and property if threatened. They are extremely sensitive and bonds closely to their family and do well with children and other dogs.

This information is provided by www.barkingmart.com

Dog owners are usually active people. Because of this, you can often find people riding their bikes, running, or rollerblading with their dogs. But just because these people are active doesn’t mean their dogs can go without leashes. Dogs that aren’t put on leashes are far more susceptible to getting hit by a car and other dangers than dogs on leashes.

For avid bike riders, use a bicycle dog leash to secure dog to owner. This type of leash ensures the dog will stay safely by his owner’s side. No every time you go for a ride around town, puppy can come too!

Taking a good photo of your pet requires a combination of luck, timing, and bribing with items such as snacks and toys. Patience is a good quality to have, also. Here are some tips from the professionals.

• First off, don’t be afraid to take lots of photos!
• Have the frame filled with your pet. Many people photograph their pets from too far back.
• As we know, animals move around quickly and photos can  be blurry. To combat this, raise the ISO (shooting speed) on your camera or use a flash to stop motion.
• To feature the eyes of a dark–furred dog, use the sun at your back to illuminate these areas with golden light. Or use your flash even in the daytime
• Tire out your pet before starting to take your photos
• Use treats or toys to lure your dog’s focus toward you and the camera.

Good luck! This information is provided by www.barkingmart.com

Products made of hemp are the latest trend for green-minded pet owners. Hemp has been used for generations to create rope, fabric, and now, really durable dog collars and dog beds. The hemp used in reputable animal products is grown pesticide free. 

Hemp was used to make paper before wood pulp became widely available. An interesting fact is that the original Declaration of Independence was printed on hemp paper.

This information is provided by www.barkingmart.com

The Kunde Winery in Sonoma County, California is presenting an Eco-Tour Hike, described as moderately strenuous, on May 9, 2009 at 9:00 AM. Seventy dogs and their humans participated in the first Dog Walk in May of 2008.These dogs would look super in a colorful, print bandanna on their hike.

The $45 per person fee includes wine tasting and a picnic lunch for the humans and a water bar and treats for their canine pals. Call 707 833-5501, Ext. 334 to make reservations and to get more details.

Jeff Kunde and his wife have three Labradors and a Queensland blue heeler. The dogs spend their days swimming in the pond, riding around in the back of trucks checking out the vineyeards or hikin on the 1,850 acres. The blie heeler helps with the 350 head of cattle.

You love taking your dog along on your camping trips or long hikes especially now that spring is approaching. This good looking, practical dog backpack is perfect for your dog to carry its own supplies and some of yours, too. It has large easy to access large storage pockets. Your dog will also love its comfort.