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39 Secrets Your Dog Won't Tell You  

Posted by — Kim in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Here's a great list that I thought I would pass on...very interesting! –Kim

39 Secrets Your Dog Won't Tell You

We asked animal behaviorists, nutritionists, veterinarians and pet groomers to shed some light on what your furry friends would tell you if they could.

By Michelle Crouch
Reader's Digest Magazine
May 2014

1. You think my tail wagging is always an invitation for you to pet me more. Wrong!
Italian researchers found that dogs wag their tails slightly to the right when they see something they like and to the left when they're confronted with something they want to back away from.

2. You might buy any old dog-grooming brush at the pet store...
...but you should really pick the right one for my coat. A rubber brush will promote circulation and loosen dirt. A bristle brush removes dead hair.

3. You're giving me too much food.
How can you tell? I don't seem motivated by food treats when you're trying to train me. Cut back, and I'll start to pay attention.

4. Grooming day means you bring out the big blow-dryer. Don't!
To make dogs like me look fluffy, shake a little cornstarch into the base of the fur and then brush. It will absorb oil and grease and detangle matted fur.

5. Please don't rush me when I'm going to the bathroom.
There's a reason dogs circle around before getting down to business: We have an instinct to be aligned with the earth's magnetic field before we poop. In fact, researchers watched 70 of us engage in 1,893 defecations over a two-year period just to figure this out.

6. You may think it's nice to let me sleep all day, but too much nap time can affect my personality.
A lot of behavioral problems can be solved by just taking your dog on a daily walk or by playing with your cat for 20 minutes every day.

7. Since I'm an old dog, I get to eat whatever I want, yes? No!
If I have arthritis, I'll be much happier if you give me a daily supplement that contains glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, which protect joint cartilage. And switch me to a food formulated for an animal my age.

8. If you lose me...
...the first thing you should do is call every animal shelter within 100 miles of home, and visit the nearest shelters every day if you can. Many animal control bureaus euthanize animals if they go unclaimed for a specific amount of time. (For good measure, be sure to get me a microchip when I'm young.)

9. If you're getting me spayed...
...ask your vet if she can remove just my ovaries, not my uterus. A much less invasive procedure, it's the way cats and dogs are spayed in Europe, and many U.S. veterinarians have already made the switch.

10. Because I'm a creature of habit, even a subtle change in my behavior is a red flag that I might be sick.
So if it takes me an hour to eat my food instead of 60 seconds as usual, if I'm tiring out faster when we play, if there are more urine clumps in the litter box than usual, or if I seem to be drinking more water, call the vet right away.

11. There's no question that if you keep me inside and don't let me wander the neighborhood...
I'll have a better chance of living a longer life. I won't get hit by a car, stolen, or just plain lost. But once I've been allowed to roam free, it'll be hard to change me.

12. Please introduce me around when I'm young so I'm not afraid of strangers.
Some experts say I should meet 100 new people of different sizes, genders, and ethnicities in my first 100 days at home, even if it's just a quick greeting. Make sure you include people wearing hats and sunglasses, since those accessories can look awfully scary to me.

13. You may think it's cute when I rub my butt on the carpet...
...but it probably means that I'm itchy and would like to see a vet.

14. When you're choosing a new furry friend, ask a vet or trainer for simple tests you can do to gauge temperament.
For example, you can try rolling me over on my back to see how I handle it. If I really struggle, I'm probably going to be tougher to train than an animal who lies there placidly.

15. Forget the Milk-Bones!
If you want me to really pay attention when you're training me, use a treat that's moist, something so gross, you don't even want to hold it in your hand, like a piece of greasy chicken.

16. While some of us gulp down grass only if we've eaten something that doesn't agree with us and we're trying to regurgitate it...
...others of us just love to munch the lawn. So let me graze – just make sure the grass I'm eating is free of pesticides.

17. Beware, Mom, because I will eat your underwear...
...especially if they've been worn. Veterinarians surgically remove hundreds of pairs from dogs' bellies every year.

18. Please, please can I choose my own bed?
The most comfortable one will depend on how I sleep. Let me try out a few in a pet store. If I usually sleep with my legs sprawled out, I'll be more comfortable on a flat bed without side bumpers. But if I like to curl up, I'll probably love a bumper bed.

19. You say I'm great with kids, but...
...if I'm licking, pulling my ears back, turning my head away, or yawning (all signs of anxiety) while they play with me, I'm probably just barely tolerating them. If you keep letting them pull my tail, one of these days, I might lose it.

20. Hold those clippers!
No matter how high the mercury climbs or how long my hair is, I don't need to be shaved. My undercoat actually insulates me from heat, so it helps me stay cool. Just make sure you keep my coat brushed and mat-free to promote good air circulation.

21. If you leave me in the backyard when you're not home...
...don't fool yourself that I'm going to run around and have fun. The truth is, I'm probably going to sit in one spot and wait for you to return. Dogs are den animals, and many of us prefer to be inside, ideally with you.

22. I love to fetch and would like to learn how to catch a flying disc...
...but those hard plastic FRISBEEs can hurt my teeth and gums. Instead, look for a soft one at a pet store.

23. If I'm not used to strangers and you reach out toward me when you first meet me...
...your hand may as well be a meat cleaver. Instead, crouch down on one leg and look slightly away. Then let me approach you and give you a sniff.

24. Let's get one thing straight: Declawing is not the same as cutting our nails.
It's a hideous, painful surgery that's much more like amputating the last two knuckles of your fingers. If my scratching is really bad, try glue-on nail caps.

25. If I'm spraying "outside the box," I'm not being spiteful.
Something is stressing me out. It may be a new person, a new pet, or even a new piece of furniture in the house that seems to be encroaching on my territory.

26. I'm confused. When I jumped up on you earlier...
...you gave me such a nice pet. But now you're mad at me for jumping on Aunt Martha. Am I allowed to jump up or not?

27. If you let me on the furniture now, while I'm young and cute...
...I will always think it's OK, no matter how big I get.

28. What do you mean you can't teach an old dog new tricks?
My owner taught me to fetch the newspaper from the driveway and take it to him when I was ten.

29. Remember when I was little and you shoved my nose in a puddle of pee I left?
I have no idea why you did that. Instead, get me outside as quickly as possible and praise me whenever I pee outdoors.

30. Want me to learn to walk by your side on a leash?
Well, give me some incentive. As soon as I start to pull ahead, stop walking. When I turn and look back, offer me a treat right next to your leg. I'll quickly figure out I need to stay next to you in order to keep doing what I love most: moving and exploring.

31. If you're tired of finding pet hair on your sofa and want to keep me off...
...try a Scat Mat, which gives out a small, harmless electrostatic pulse when it's stepped on. Or buy a car mat and turn it upside down on your couch, so the little rubber prongs are facing up. I hate those.

32. When I bark, jump, and grab the towel off the countertop...
...I'm not trying to be bad. I'm just bored! I want your attention! Please, get off your smartphone and play with me.

33. If I'm a dog who is scared of thunderstorms or loud noises, get me a snug-fitting Thundershirt.
Or you can make your own. Wrap an Ace bandage across my chest, cross it over the top of my body and then back under, going over and under until it's midway down my back, and then secure it. The constant pressure against the middle of my body will help ease my anxiety and calm me down.

34. Remember, my digestive system is very different from yours.
Raisins and grapes can shut down a dog's kidneys. Other dangerous foods include chocolate, coffee, macadamia nuts and avocado.

35. Want my coat to be thick and shiny?
Make sure my diet has plenty of essential fatty acids. Most high-quality commercial pet foods have enough, but pets on low-quality foods or homemade diets that aren't balanced may develop a dull coat.

36. Every bag of pet food has an Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) statement on the label...
...although you might need a magnifying glass to read it. Look for one that says the food has undergone animal feeding trials rather than one that's been “formulated” by a computer. The trials are expensive, but they indicate that real dogs actually ate the food for six months with good results.

37. Check with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist before giving me a homemade-food diet.
Researchers at the University of California, Davis, who examined 200 recipes last year for home-prepared dog food found that 95 percent had some serious nutritional deficiencies.

38. Did you hear the hype about grain-free cat and dog food?
That's what it is: hype. There's nothing wrong with feeding me grains – they can actually be an important part of a balanced diet. Before you make any change, talk to your vet.

39. If you switch me to a raw diet, I may end up with cracked teeth or a bacterial infection.
Also, exposure to my feces could put anyone with a weakened immune system at risk. That's why the ASPCA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other institutions all strongly discourage raw diets.

Sources: Brian Hare, PhD, codirector of the Canine Cognition Center at Duke University; Rebecca Remillard, PhD, DVM, DACVN, a veterinary nutritionist at North Carolina State University and founder of petdiets.com; Jorge Bendersky, a groomer and pet stylist in New York City; Spencer Williams, owner and president of West Paw Design, a company that makes pet toys and beds; Nancy Kay, DVM, author of Speaking for Spot: Be the Advocate Your Dog Needs to Live a Happy, Healthy, Longer Life; Jennifer Coates, DVM, veterinary adviser to petmd.com; Victoria Schade, dog-training and behavioral expert at pet360.com and author of Bonding with Your Dog: A Trainer's Secrets for Building a Better Relationship; Sophia Yin, DVM, a veterinarian and animal behaviorist and the author of How to Behave So Your Dog Behaves; K. C. Theisen, director of pet-care issues at the Humane Society of the United States; Amy Farcas, DVM, DACVN, a veterinary nutritionist at the University of Pennsylvania; Marilyn Krieger, cat behavioral consultant and author of Naughty No More; Karen “Doc” Halligan, DVM, author of Doc Halligan's What Every Pet Owner Should Know; Jackson Galaxy, cat behaviorist and host of Animal Planet's My Cat from Hell; Stephen Zawistowski, PhD, animal behaviorist and adviser at the ASPCA.

Source: Reader's Digest
©2014 The Reader's Digest Association, Inc.


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Teach Your Dog to Catch a Frisbee  

Posted by — Kim in , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Here are some more great videos by trainer Heather & the amazing Jesse! –Kim

How to Teach your Dog to Catch a Frisbee®


Amazing Dog Trick: Double Dutch Jump Rope

More Useful Dog Tricks

NOTE: Heather (the owner/trainer) trains Jesse (the Jack Russell Terrier) with 100% positive reinforcement....

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Quotes & Queries  

Posted by — Kim in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Here's a great collection of facts that I thought I would pass on...hope you find them interesting! –Kim

Interesting Dog Facts - Part 1

A puppy's eyes do not open until it is 10 to 15 days old. Its vision is usually not complete until it is about four weeks old.

At birth, puppies are deaf, blind and have almost no sense of smell. They stay near their mother and siblings because of the warmth.

Puppies should remain with their mother until they are at least eight weeks old. During this time, she will teach them not to bite and how to get along with other dogs.

Dogs are submissive to those they feel have higher pack status.

Train your dog from day one, so she will think of you as the leader of the pack. Dogs instinctively want to earn the pack leader's approval.

The most confident puppy in a litter often makes the worst pet because he sees himself as the pack leader.

A dog can suffer from a poor self-image, just like humans. Bolster self-esteem with praise, affection and rewards.

To a young dog, exercise and play are the day's most important events. As a dog gets older, he lives for dinner time.

Even after your dog is old enough to be fed only once a day, he should be given a morning snack just to calm his rumbling tummy.

Family dogs who growl when family members are roughhousing aren't upset, they're just asking to become part of the game.

Give your new puppy its own sleeping den, even a simple cardboard box will do; this will make her feel more secure.

Ignore your new puppy's whining when you first isolate it for sleeping. If you don't you will only encourage it to whine more.

Sign up your dog for obedience school.

The most important thing you can teach your dog is to sit and stay on command. Anytime you are having behavioral problems with your dog, begin your training by reteaching him to sit and stay.

The time to start teaching your dog to sit and stay is the day you bring her home.

Don't attempt to teach your dog anything else until he will sit and stay on command for at least one minute.

When teaching a puppy to come, begin by getting down to his level so he will not be encouraged to jump up on you.

A dog needs to work off excess energy every day.

Mixed-breed dogs usually have behavioral traits similar to the breed they most resemble in appearance.

When a small dog is aggressive toward people, don't pick him up. This only reinforces the behavior since he will see it as a reward.

Teach your dog to play catch.

Anyone can buy a dog, but it takes a kind owner to set its tail wagging.

Although a dog might be jealous of a new puppy in the beginning, this usually passes quickly since dogs are social animals.

Dogs become loyal, not because you feed them, but because of the companionship you give them.

Give your small or short-haired dog a sweater for winter walks.

Most dogs don't like to be left alone, so they howl. Leave the radio or television on to keep your dog company when you are away.

Dogs have twice as many muscles for moving their ears as people.

Housebreaking a puppy is just like toilet-training a child. First, you learn to recognize the signs; then, you react every time you see them.

Man could learn much from his dog: to be a true friend, to be faithful and to appreciate those who love him.

When a puppy is removed from its mother, don't make it spend the first night alone. Its loss of family is enough for one night.

As soon as your new pet is comfortable with its new home, move it to the location where you will want it to sleep for its lifetime.

A dog's nose is not just used for smelling, but also to keep him cool. That's why a dog pants. The longer the dog's nose, the better his cooling system works.

Dogs that chase cars have learned that cars run away. This behavior is reinforced each time he chases one away.

Teach your dog to fetch.

Never wake a sleeping dog by poking or shaking it.

Dogs are perfect companions. They never quarrel, fuss or fight with you, and they listen with great interest any time you speak in their direction.

A dog's smile runs from the depth of his eyes to the tip of his tail.

If you're finding it difficult to teach your dog to catch a ball, try tossing something soft like a knotted piece of fabric instead. Some dogs find softer items easier to catch.

Dogs love rituals and routines.

Anyone who says he works like a dog obviously doesn't own one.

Staring directly into the eyes of a strange dog may be interpreted as a challenge and may actually encourage the dog to bite you.

Dogs and cats turn in circles before lying down, because in the wild, this instinctive action turns long grass into a bed.

When walking your dog, put a few plastic bags in your pocket; they make great "scoopers." Slip one over your hand, pick up the pile, flip it inside out, tie and discard.

The average dog's mouth exerts 150 to 200 pounds of pressure per square inch. Some dogs can apply up to 450 pounds.

Puppies can't control their bladders overnight until they are at least four months old. Until then, cover the floor around the puppy's bed with newspapers.

Dogs are omnivorous. They need more than just meat to flourish.

People with more than one dog shouldn't try to treat them all as equals. Because pack position is important to a dog, this only encourages jealousy games.

All dog owners should buy a long-handled pooper-scooper. It makes keeping the yard clean a breeze.

Dogs chew up your underwear because it smells like you.

You don't have to put up with your dog destroying flower beds or digging up the yard; simply fence off a separate section just for him.

Always say your dog's name before you give a command.

One in every three US families owns one or more dogs.

Choke chains can be dangerous.

A one-year-old dog is physically as mature as a 15 year-old human.

Dogs' internal clocks are really magnificent. They know when it's time for you to arrive home, feed them, or go to bed if you are normally on a schedule.

Brush your dog 3 times a week in the spring, and you'll have a summer free from shedding.

If someone in your household is allergic to dogs, bathe your dog every week. He will shed less dry skin. You can also add a teaspoon of cooking oil to your dog's dinner.

The only problem with loving a dog is that they live for only a short time.

If your dog reacts anti-socially toward visitors, put her in another room until she calms down. When you let her out, ignore her. This forces your dog to go to the visitors to get their social activity.

When a dog bays at the moon, it is following a basic urge to call the pack together.

Rituals are a basic part of canine behavior. Greeting, feeding, hunting and sleeping all include social performances.

The burying of bones is part of a dog's instinctive feeding ritual; shaking things viciously is part of the hunting ritual.

Source: http://www.dogquotes.com/dogfacts.htm
Copyright © 2001-2008 Australian Media Pty LTD


See Part 2: http://topdogblog1.blogspot.com/2010/04/quotable-quotes.html

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Basic Breed Information - 10  

Posted by — Kim in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Here's a great series that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it interesting! –Kim

Basic Breed Information – Part 10

Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is a very special dog breed that has many incredible characteristics and personality traits. However, these very same wonderful characteristics are what can get you into some decent trouble down the road if you don't undergo proper Rottweiler training. Before you start training your Rottweiler, you have to understand their specific traits and personality, so you can properly stimulate them.

  • The Rottweiler is a very loyal dog that needs to always be close to their family. Like most German breeds, they seem to become closer to one particular member within the family more than others. The individual who becomes closest to their Rottweiler (the "master") should be the one that is engaged in training most heavily.
  • Because the Rottweiler is so loyal and family-oriented, it is always very eager to please its owners. This makes Rottweiler training far easier than many other breeds, and the owner can take advantage of this trait and increase the success rate of the training. The Rottweiler is a breed that can be very aggressive and dominate if it does not undergo proper training. Rottweilers, by nature, are dominant dogs and need to be put in place (never by force) by a dominant and assertive owner. This breed is not recommended for timid individuals.
  • The Rottweiler is very protective of its family and home, and it's because of this trait that, if not trained properly, it can become far too protective, aggressive and wary of any people other than family in its home or even on walks. It is very important that this breed be properly socialized at a young age and it be taken out into public settings often. It should also be mentioned that if you don't usually have guests in your home and socialize your Rottweiler among them, they may be okay outside the home, but not within it.

Like any other breed, the Rottweiler needs to undergo specific training to ensure that it grows up to be a great family pet and well-mannered dog. Too often throughout my career as a trainer and breeder have I seen people try to train their Rottweilers like their Labradors, and of course, pay the price in the long run. Make sure that you are armed with the proper knowledge and resources to make sure that this doesn't happen to you during your Rottweiler training.

For more in-depth Rottweiler training info, check out: Sit-Stay-Fetch or Secrets to Dog Training.

It's hard enough trying to find the needed information for Rottweiler training; it's even harder finding information that is specific for this breed. Don't waste your time and energy looking in the wrong places...your Rottweiler is just sitting there wagging its tail and waiting! Visit Rottweiler Training Tips.

Shiba Inu

In general, the Shiba Inu is considered to be a sturdy and healthy dog. As a result, shibas can easily survive in the outdoors, but also enjoy the indoors, as you can imagine. They do not require special diets, and in most cases you can get away with serving them any good commercial dog food. They enjoy activities, such as playing catch, and you can even take a Shiba on a daily run since these animals can seemingly run forever non-stop. In saying this, the Shiba Inu is a relatively easy dog to manage and raise.

However, like any animal or person, the Shiba Inu breed is not without hereditary defects. For example, they are known to suffer from patellar luxation, which essentially means they have loose knee caps. The condition is not considered severe, but surgery can be done to correct this and let your Shiba Inu lead a complete productive life. Another condition from which they can suffer is hip dysplasia; although it is not as seriously as in larger dogs, it still seems to be a common issue among the Shiba Inu breed.

In addition to hereditary issues, as with any animal, you can sometimes find your healthy Shiba Inu "under the weather," so to speak. There are numerous illnesses that can effect your Shiba, but there are certain health problems for which you should always be on the lookout. For example, if you find your Shiba running around in circles consistently, this may be a sign that he is under high stress levels. It may also be a sign that your Shiba needs to relieve himself. You may find that the circling is increased if your dog is confined to small places or a crate, but if the behavior persists, you should consult your veterinarian to see if the circling could be indicative of a health problem.

Another common concern for any dog, but especially the Shiba Inu, is allergies. More specifically, allergic reaction to fleas. However, with all the flea products on the market today, your dog should have no issue with this. But if you do see your Shiba itching from the shoulder back, there is a good chance they are having a flea problem and you'll probably need to get some flea medication to relieve their itching.

Lastly, Shiba Inus sometimes develop a health condition known as a heart murmur. This sounds very serious and can be, if it goes untreated. However, with the appropriate treatment, this issue can easily go away in most cases. Health factors of your Shiba Inu is nothing to take lightly. Often, the family pet is considered just that, part of the family, and when it comes to family, you always need to take care of the ones you love.

For more in-depth Shiba training info, check out: Shiba Training Secrets or Secrets to Dog Training.

Tom Worthington is a caring and loving Shiba Inu dog owner. He also owns and maintains Shiba Inu Secrets.

Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky, as the name suggests, was first found in northeastern Siberia. They were originally used as sled dogs. These medium sized, very strong dogs are not very difficult to take care of and are practically maintenance-free dogs. When they get dirty, they clean themselves. There is hardly any grooming required. You just need to brush their coat occasionally and take care of their nails, clipping them periodically.

The Siberian Husky is a very friendly breed. Even though the Siberian Husky has a lot of positive qualities, training this dog can be quite a challenge. Siberian Husky obedience training should start at a very early stage. Training them as an adult is a difficult task. The dog should understand in the very beginning who is in charge. During the process of Siberian Husky obedience training, intimidating or frightening the dog is not a solution to get the dog to obey. The best time to start Siberian Husky obedience training is soon after the pup reaches your house. Find a good training school and enroll your pup. If you are dissatisfied with the trainer or if you feel that he or she is very rude to your dog, it is best to find another trainer.

Siberian Husky obedience training is not an easy task in any sense. Since this breed is very intelligent, it has a brain that is thinking all the time. There have been instances where the dog is very well-behaved at the training school, but just the opposite at home. This is because they assess the situation and behave accordingly. During this time, it is very important that you exercise control and not be lenient. If you fail to lead, the dog will assume that any situation can be altered and it will take advantage of your leniency.

Since these dogs are basically hard-working, it is necessary to keep them occupied and give them enough exercise. They also have a slight predator instinct that they are likely to show toward other small animals. This should be controlled in the very beginning of the Siberian Husky obedience training.

Having an obedient dog is important, so that it becomes easier to handle the dog and he will be well-behaved in the company of other people and animals. If you find it difficult to find a class for your Siberian Husky, it is always possible to learn the basics from a good book and teach your dog yourself.

Siberian Husky obedience training is not only necessary to present your dog at a dog show, but basic training is essential for any dog even for the day-to-day functioning at home. Even though training this dog is a difficult task, a little patience can go a long way in making it extremely obedient. A little effort on your end would make you a very proud dog owner.

This article was brought to you by Sean Green at Online Dog Training (©2008 Dog Obedience Training).

For more in-depth Husky training info, check out: Siberian Husky Training Secrets or Secrets to Dog Training.

Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier, also known as the Yorkie, is one of the most adorable members of the toy dog category. They are a mixture of England's finest terriers, the Clydesdale terrier, English terrier, English black and tan terrier, Waterside terrier and the Paisley terrier. This breed of dog derived its name from their place of origin which is the Yorkshire, England.

Yorkies first made their way to America during the late 1800s, but it was only during the early 1900s that the Yorkshire Terrier made its exclusive name, because there were so many different sizes. It was during this time that most dog enthusiasts preferred the smaller-sized Yorkshire Terrier.

Though it falls under the category of a toy dog, this breed is a bold, confident and courageous animal. Their behavior towards others vary. Just like other small-sized dogs, they are always outgoing and eager for fun and adventure, but they are sometimes a bit aggressive and aloof towards other small animals and strange canines. That old rough-edged terrier spirit still lingers on.

Dogs need plenty of exercise regardless of the breed. For Yorkshire Terriers, exercise is not a concern, because they stay physically fit by running around the house or small apartment. But this does not mean that they should stay indoors all the time. Actually, they will also enjoy and appreciate going out for a brisk walk with their owner from time to time. Just ensure the dog's safety by walking him on a leash to avoid problems with other small animals.

Although they may enjoy going outside to take a walk, they are not meant to live outdoors. Like any other toy breeds, Yorkshire Terriers prefer the companionship and warmth of its family and human contact. If Yorkies really need to be left outside, this should only be done for a short period of time. And be sure to provide a comfortable and adequate shelter and bedding for them to utilize.

Yorkshire Terriers grow very long hair, but they do not shed as much as other short-haired breeds do. Grooming needs depend on the style of the hair. Three to four times a week, a thorough brushing is needed, while frequent grooming is needed for those with untrimmed long hair so that it does not tangle and mat.

The life span of a Yorkshire Terrier is up to 16 years, provided it is living a healthy lifestyle in a positive environment with its health-minded and caring owner. Though there is no major health concern that can affect Yorkie, they are still susceptible to other minor health issues such as patellar luxation. It is always best to seek out your veterinarian's help and have your Yorkie specifically tested for eye problems or knee dysplasia and have a liver ultrasound.

For more in-depth Yorkshire training info, check out: Yorkshire Terrier Training Secrets or Secrets to Dog Training.

Richard Cussons is an avid dog lover. Find out more about Yorkshire Terrier dogs.

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How to Prepare for a Puppy!  

Posted by — Kim in , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Thought you would enjoy these! –Kim
Before You Get Your New Best Friend...

  • Pour cold apple juice on the carpet in several places and walk around barefoot in the dark.
  • Wear a sock to work that's had the toes shredded by a blender.
  • Immediately upon waking, stand outside in the rain and dark saying, "Be a good puppy and go potty; hurry up, now; come on, let's go!
  • Cover all your best suits with dog hair. Dark suits must have white and light suits must have dark. Also, float some hair in your first cup of morning coffee.
  • Play catch with a wet tennis ball.
  • Run out in the snow in your bare feet to close the gate.
  • Tip over a basket of clean laundry, and scatter the clothing all over the floor.
  • Leave your underwear on the living room floor, because that's where the dog will drag it anyway (especially when you have company).
  • Jump out of your chair shortly before the end of your favorite TV show and run to the door shouting, "No, NO! Do that OUTSIDE!" Miss the end of the program.
  • Gouge the leg of the dining room table several times with a screwdriver.
  • Put chocolate pudding on the carpet in the morning, and don't try to clean it up until you return from work that evening.
  • Take a warm, cuddly blanket out of the dryer and immediately wrap it around yourself. This is the feeling you get when your puppy falls asleep on your lap.


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List of No-kill Shelters and Rescues

List of No-kill Shelters and Rescues: 
NATIONAL SEARCH
Find local shelters near you! LOCAL SEARCH
You can adopt or foster from any of these shelters or donate to support their efforts. Be sure to confirm that they are a "no-kill" shelter. Then, be a part of the solution!

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