Showing posts with label Dogs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dogs. Show all posts
Necessities for a New Puppy
Now having our second puppy, I have learned a few things about what is a total waste of money and what is an aobsolute must-have when you get a new puppy.
1. Nature's Miracle - I have the nose of a blood hound. No seriously, I do. I can smell anything near or far. This talent is a blessing and a curse. Clearly I will never kick the bucket in a fire or checmical spill, but I also tend to get nauseous a lot from unpleasant smells. Having a new puppy with potty training issues is pretty much a nightmare for me which is why I invest in lots of this stuff. Regular carpet cleaners will not work. They don't break up the enzymes in animal urine and the smell will never really go away using anything else.
Here is what you need to do:
a. Use a paper towel to soak up any moisure.
b. Spray Nature's Miracle all over damaged area.
c. SCRUB!
d. Soak up any more wetness
e. Wait until it dries then come back and spray Nature's Miracle again.
f. If you are like me and can really smell stuff you may need to do this again the next day.
2. A cheap leash and a leather leash. Your new puppy is probably going to walk a little like a drunk sailor. Not to mention they are going to attempt to chew on their leash. Therefore, the first leash you get them should be a plain old cheap one from the pet supply store. You will probably only use this leash for the first month. Although it is cheap, make sure it is thick enough to keep from breaking.
After you have taught your puppy not to chew on the leash, you will need to start using a quality leather leash. Leather leashes aren't cute, but they are a kep factor in training your dog. First of all, they won't break like a cloth leash might and will last much longer. The longer you have a leather leash the better it gets because it's get softer and more broken in allowing you to manipulate it better. Having a strong leash helps you to be stronger and ensure that your dog knows you are in charge. When making leash corrections in training the leather leash makes a huge difference. Also, if your dog is a puller a leather leash will not burn your hands the way a cloth one would. They are a larger initial investment, but they will far outlast anything else and end up saving you money in the end.
3. A Travel Crate. Not all of my dogs have been escape artists, but it's better safe than sorry. I'm not opposed to wire crates, but it seems my dogs have preferred the coziness of a travel crate, plus they are useful when you travel. Duh. The travel crate is escape artist proof so you will never come home to any surprises or, even worse, an injured puppy who hurt temselves escaping their wire crate.
If you have a puppy you need a crate train them. Period. Crates mimick dogs dens and they provide safety and security for your puppy. Not to mention, they will keep you from losing your mind. when you are trying to potty train.
What can't your dog live without?
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1. Nature's Miracle - I have the nose of a blood hound. No seriously, I do. I can smell anything near or far. This talent is a blessing and a curse. Clearly I will never kick the bucket in a fire or checmical spill, but I also tend to get nauseous a lot from unpleasant smells. Having a new puppy with potty training issues is pretty much a nightmare for me which is why I invest in lots of this stuff. Regular carpet cleaners will not work. They don't break up the enzymes in animal urine and the smell will never really go away using anything else.
Here is what you need to do:
a. Use a paper towel to soak up any moisure.
b. Spray Nature's Miracle all over damaged area.
c. SCRUB!
d. Soak up any more wetness
e. Wait until it dries then come back and spray Nature's Miracle again.
f. If you are like me and can really smell stuff you may need to do this again the next day.
2. A cheap leash and a leather leash. Your new puppy is probably going to walk a little like a drunk sailor. Not to mention they are going to attempt to chew on their leash. Therefore, the first leash you get them should be a plain old cheap one from the pet supply store. You will probably only use this leash for the first month. Although it is cheap, make sure it is thick enough to keep from breaking.
After you have taught your puppy not to chew on the leash, you will need to start using a quality leather leash. Leather leashes aren't cute, but they are a kep factor in training your dog. First of all, they won't break like a cloth leash might and will last much longer. The longer you have a leather leash the better it gets because it's get softer and more broken in allowing you to manipulate it better. Having a strong leash helps you to be stronger and ensure that your dog knows you are in charge. When making leash corrections in training the leather leash makes a huge difference. Also, if your dog is a puller a leather leash will not burn your hands the way a cloth one would. They are a larger initial investment, but they will far outlast anything else and end up saving you money in the end.
3. A Travel Crate. Not all of my dogs have been escape artists, but it's better safe than sorry. I'm not opposed to wire crates, but it seems my dogs have preferred the coziness of a travel crate, plus they are useful when you travel. Duh. The travel crate is escape artist proof so you will never come home to any surprises or, even worse, an injured puppy who hurt temselves escaping their wire crate.
If you have a puppy you need a crate train them. Period. Crates mimick dogs dens and they provide safety and security for your puppy. Not to mention, they will keep you from losing your mind. when you are trying to potty train.
What can't your dog live without?
Kennel Sign
I'm so excited to finally have another girl in the house and be able to buy some girly puppy things. I decided to make Stella a little sign for her crate and it only cost me $1! Cute huh?
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Meet the Newest Loop
Stellaaaaaa!!!!
Meet Stella. She was found wandering the lonely streets of South Carolina scavenging for food and wandering a busy road. Luckily she was picked up by a local shelter and then transported to Maryland so she could get off of death row.
We were lucky enough to adopt her. Rolly LOVES his new little sister. She is so smart it's kind of scary. Although she seems to be afraid of the dark, which I didn't think was possible for a dog.
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Meet Stella. She was found wandering the lonely streets of South Carolina scavenging for food and wandering a busy road. Luckily she was picked up by a local shelter and then transported to Maryland so she could get off of death row.
We were lucky enough to adopt her. Rolly LOVES his new little sister. She is so smart it's kind of scary. Although she seems to be afraid of the dark, which I didn't think was possible for a dog.
Collies are Awesome
So I may be a little late on posting this, but it is awesome. It just shows how intelligent and amazing dogs can be when properly trained. Check out these Border Collies herding the sheep into a light show.
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Doggie Paddle
Rolly's puppy group and I have been going swimming recently. Rolly seems to really like the water, but he is mostly interested in hanging out with his friends.
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Oh Yes I Did
I ordered a painting of Rolly! It was pretty cheap so I just decided to go for it. I have no idea where I am going to put it, but I think it's fun.
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Cutest.Bakery.Ever!
This past weekend the hubs and I made our annual Easter pilgrimage to Ohio. We flew in to Columbus then drove the the Nasti (Cincinnati). The weekend was pretty low key with movie watching over my Aunt's and a visit to John's Grandpa. On our way back to Columbus we stopped at the Outlet Mall where I made a serious score (I'll post later) and found the cutest bakery of all time.
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Three Dog Bakery is a chain of pet bakeries located all over the country. They create treats for dogs and cats that look and smell like something you would want to eat yourself. They looks seriously yummy and are so creative! The best part is Rolly loved them!
It was so fun to see him try all the different parts of the treat. Sadly there is no Three Dog Bakery here in Maryland, but luckily I can shop from their Dogalog online. One of the best parts is that their prices are very reasonable. Other all natural homemade dog treats I have tried have cost me much more.
Here are a few of my favorites!
A personalized dog bone. I wish I had had this for Rolly's birthday!
Spring Themed Cookies
Variety box that includes carob dipped peanut butter sticks, "doggie bagels," and Paw Print Biscotti.
Visit Three Dog Bakery to find one near you or order online.
Isn't She Wonderful?
I ordered some chalkboard labels via Groupon from Wonderfully Wordy and I went to town with them this weekend. I am loving anything chalkboard right now. I made a little treat jar for Rolly.
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Happy First Birthday Furry Baby!
Rolly turns one tomorrow. I can't believe it! I'll be posting pics from his "puppy party" on Tuesday. Doesn't he look like such a big boy?
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Happy National Puppy Day!
I had no idea it was national puppy day! How exciting. Check out this list of the Top 50 Ways to Celebrate!
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Make Your Own Frosty Paws!
Frosty Paws are pretty pricey when you buy them from the grocery store. They usually run about $5 for 6 treats. Fortunately, they are super simple and super affordable to make yourself.
I always feed my dog natural peanut butter to avoid any sugary additives. I also use plain nonfat yogurt as a special treat.
1. Take 1/2 cup of peanut butter and place it in the microwave for about 30 seconds to get it warm and melty.
2. Then mix in 1/2 cup of yogurt until well blended.
3. Place mixture in silicone baking cups and freeze.
4. You can also add a little honey, but I don't think my crazy puppy needs anymore sugar.
National Pet Poison Prevention Week
The ASPCA has a great article on common pet poisons lurking in your garden. You can go here to read it or below. I really want to plant a garden this year, but Rolly is very nosey so I want to make sure everything is safe in case he eats it. Not that he would do that or anything.
Happy National Poison Prevention Week! As pet parents honor this week by assessing animal toxins in their homes, the ASPCA wants to remind folks to take care when planning (or planting) their springtime gardens, too. Whether you’re blessed with balmy weather already or are patiently awaiting the first day of spring (March 20, holla!), please be mindful of the season’s toxic obstacles for our furry friends.
Last year, the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center fielded tens of thousands of calls related to pets who accidentally ingested or came in contact with garden-related products, including insecticides, weed killers and pet-toxic plants. Don’t let your furry beloved become a victim of your green thumb—read our expert tips below.
When designing and planting your green space, keep in mind that many popular outdoor plants—including sago palm, rhododendron and azalea—are toxic to cats and dogs, and may cause liver failure or heart problems.
When walking your dog, take care to keep Fido off the grass and away from toxic lawn and garden products. Cocoa mulch—a byproduct of chocolate—is especially problematic because it attracts dogs with its sweet smell and can cause them gastrointestinal distress or more serious neurological problems if consumed in large quantities.
Always store pesticides in inaccessible areas. The most dangerous forms of pesticides include snail bait with metaldehyde, fly bait with methomyl, insecticides with the ingredients disyston or disulfoton, mole or gopher bait with zinc phosphide, and most forms of rat poisons.
Unattended garden tools may seem like no big deal, but rakes, tillers, hoes and trowels can be hazardous to pets and cause trauma to paws, noses or other parts of a curious pet's body. Please leave all unused tools in a safe area, not haphazardly scattered on the ground.
For a complete list of tips, check out our online guide to Pet-Safe Gardening. Now, get thee to a nursery and have a safe spring season!
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Happy National Poison Prevention Week! As pet parents honor this week by assessing animal toxins in their homes, the ASPCA wants to remind folks to take care when planning (or planting) their springtime gardens, too. Whether you’re blessed with balmy weather already or are patiently awaiting the first day of spring (March 20, holla!), please be mindful of the season’s toxic obstacles for our furry friends.
Last year, the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center fielded tens of thousands of calls related to pets who accidentally ingested or came in contact with garden-related products, including insecticides, weed killers and pet-toxic plants. Don’t let your furry beloved become a victim of your green thumb—read our expert tips below.
When designing and planting your green space, keep in mind that many popular outdoor plants—including sago palm, rhododendron and azalea—are toxic to cats and dogs, and may cause liver failure or heart problems.
When walking your dog, take care to keep Fido off the grass and away from toxic lawn and garden products. Cocoa mulch—a byproduct of chocolate—is especially problematic because it attracts dogs with its sweet smell and can cause them gastrointestinal distress or more serious neurological problems if consumed in large quantities.
Always store pesticides in inaccessible areas. The most dangerous forms of pesticides include snail bait with metaldehyde, fly bait with methomyl, insecticides with the ingredients disyston or disulfoton, mole or gopher bait with zinc phosphide, and most forms of rat poisons.
Unattended garden tools may seem like no big deal, but rakes, tillers, hoes and trowels can be hazardous to pets and cause trauma to paws, noses or other parts of a curious pet's body. Please leave all unused tools in a safe area, not haphazardly scattered on the ground.
For a complete list of tips, check out our online guide to Pet-Safe Gardening. Now, get thee to a nursery and have a safe spring season!
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