My Fetching Fido

All dogs love to run around, and the activity is essential for good health and using up all that dog energy. If you don’t have a fenced backyard or access to a park where your dog can run freely, your dog might not get the chance to run around very much. You can help remedy this by using a retractable dog leash in your backyard or while walking your dog. You can use it like a normal leash, or push a button to release several extra feet of leash so your dog has some leeway to run around.

A retractable dog leash is very useful for walks because you can let your dog run ahead of you at the touch of a button. You can also retract the extra leash length once you catch up with your dog, once again controlling him on a short length of leash. Why limit yourself to one length with a regular leash? A retractable leash is the perfect solution for even the most energetic dog. You can even buy them in three different sizes, depending on how big of a dog you have.

There are new innovative programs across Sonoma County in northern California that use therapy dogs to help kids learn to read. Animal trainers and educators are increasingly enlisting canines for the unlikely challenge of helping children read. This month, the central library in the city of Santa Rosa started teaming up with the Sonoma County Humane Society to entice kids to come by on select afternoons and sign up to “Read to a Dog” from 3 PM to 4 PM. Trained therapy dogs serve as patient ears for young readers who otherwise would be too shy or self–conscious to read out loud to an adult, parent, or peers in school. An important point is that dogs don’t criticize.

Kids who have experienced the feeling of failure around reading now can be “the tutor” when reading to a dog, said Kathy Klotz, executive director of Intermountain Animals. Dogs also are comforting and put children in a relaxed state, making reading more pleasurable, said Martin Smith of the UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Extension. Finding reading pleasurable is an important part of becoming a good reader.

Hooch, the therapy dog shown above, would look great in a safari dog collar, when he makes his rounds helping kids.

We all love taking our pets on long walks, hikes, or on camping trips with us. Here’s a great idea. With a dog backpack, they can carry their own supplies such as snacks, water, and toys leaving you with less to carry and worry about. This great looking, affordable backpack is comfortable for your dog and easy to attach and remove. It has large storage pockets and is very durable. There are 4 great colors in 4 sizes to fit all pets. Your dog will be happy to help with needed supplies, so you both enjoy your adventure together.

What: Dog Show and Sweepstakes: Tri–Angle Boston Terrier Terrier Breeders Club, Inc.
When: Saturday August 1, 2009
Where: Dog Training Club of Chester County, Exton Pennsylvania

Information about this breed:
The Boston Terrier has become a very popular dog breed over recent years, well known for its intelligence, gentle nature, and sweet attitude. These dogs have become known as the American Gentlemen of dogs, and have managed to secure a place high up on AKC league tables.

If you are considering this breed for your puppy, it is important that you first consider whether you are the right type of person or household to give these charming dogs the family life that they crave.
Bostons are dogs that love people and love to be part of the family, and this is why anyone that is considering one of these dogs should make sure that they have the time, dedication, and love to commit to their pet. If you can provide the right environment for these sweet natured dogs, they can make superb pets and fabulous companions that will be devoted, loving, and loyal to the end. If you like dressing your dogs and showing them off, these terriers look adorable in dog vests.

Contact a reputable breeder, and make sure that you familiarize yourself with Boston Terrier dog breed information and information on Boston Terrier dog rescue centers before you make your decision.

We have selected a lesser known breed called the Schipperke (which is Flemish for little boatman, or shepherd) as our current dog of the week. It can be traced back to Belgium, and reaches between 12 and 18 pounds.

Nicknamed the little boatman,  this breed is bright, active, and curious, all qualities that made it an ideal barge dog, ratter and carriage dog. Known for centuries in Flanders, the Schipperke’s origin is uncertain, but royal patronage brought attention to the breed in Belgium in the late 1880s when Queen Marie Henrietta acquired one.

Three years later, a specialty club was formed to promote the little dog’s interests, and it was officially christened the Schipperke. Except for its absence of a tail, it resembles the Belgian Sheepdog, but in miniature. The double coat is shiny and slightly harsh with a dense undercoat, and on the North American continent, the only acceptable color is black. It needs weekly brushing but no special grooming.

This long–lived dog is an excellent choice of pet for children, with its high activity level and playful, loyal, devoted temperament. Well suited to any accommodations, the Schip makes a good watchdog and enjoys moderate outdoor exercise.

This information is provided by www.barkingmart.com

Our dogs are some of the most influential forces in our lives, and because of this, should also be able to join in on an occasion as monumental as a wedding. No matter who is getting married, our dogs should be able to join in on the ceremony. But of course, just like all the other guests, our dog shouldn’t have to come to the wedding in just their fur. Let the dog come dressed to impress in a dog suit or dog dress. It’s possible to find dog suits and dog dresses online suited for dogs of all different sizes. In addition, these suits and dresses are available in several different designs, ensuring that our dogs can look great and express their own sense of fashion! Creative owners might even want to involve their dog in the wedding ceremony as a ring bearer or even as a flower girl!

Just remember to be aware of the dog’s comfort level, and know that it could be difficult for them to sit still while the ceremony is going on. Make arrangements for the dog to be entertained during the ceremony with a chew toy or treat, and they’re sure to be the perfect guest at such a wonderful occasion.

Petfinder:com reports that, across the country, there is a huge number (84%) of pets being surrendered to the 700 shelters and rescue groups due to job losses, home foreclosures, and other financial distress. People are struggling not only to take care of themselves, but their pets as well.

If you don’t want to give up your pet, there are ways to cut costs:
• Instead of paying to have your dog groomed several times a year, you can buy pet clippers and get tips online for cutting dog hair.
• Plenty of online shops offer discounts on pet fashion items; check out thrift stores, too.
• Use coupons for premium food or slowly transition your pet to a less costly, but high–quality brand. Buy food in bulk to save.
• Look for low–cost medical services. Many clinics offer low-cost vaccinations, spay and neutering services. It’s a good idea if a friend makes a recommendation to you.

Try as many ways as you can to cut pet expenses before giving up your beloved pet.

This information is provided by www.barkingmart.com

We all know our dogs need to wear collars with tags for identification purposes and inoculation information. So, why not also make sure they can be seen clearly in the early evening and beyond to keep them safe? Reflective safety collars provide a great solution to everything. They have full–length reflective taping down the entire collar and they even come in great color choices and different sizes to suit every dog’s personality and coloring. Your dog will thank you.