Free Books for New Dog Owners

March 2, 2009 by metrowestdog

Dr. Ian Dunbar, the scientist behind today’s positive dog training methods wants to make certain that as many prospective and new puppy owners learn about the availability of these two books and so, they are available indefinitely online for download – for free! Take advantage of these awesome resources! These books are a must for anyone thinking about getting a pup and for those people that just got one.

BEFORE You Get Your Puppy

After You Get Your Puppy

Doggie Slippers

February 20, 2009 by metrowestdog

Doggie Slippers - they’re just too cute. Definitely not something Fido would want the neighbors seeing him wear… Just too cute!

www.doggievogue.com

Weight Gain – It All Adds Up

February 19, 2009 by metrowestdog

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention over 44% of dogs a estimated to be overweight or obese. Does this really surprise anybody. First it’s widely known that about 50% of the people population is overweight. So it would make sense that if people consider their dogs part of the family that they too would be packing on the pounds. Second, it’s winter. It’s more difficult to get out there and go for that long walk or play outside. It’s cold out there! It’s harder to get around in all that snow.
We all know that added weight – whether you’re a dog or a person – is a leading cause of preventable disease like arthritis and diabetes (being the most well known). So now that winter is on it’s way out we can start psyching ourselves up to get out and get moving. The good thing about dogs is that they don’t think of it as exercise, they think they’re having fun.

“Don’t be left holding the bag.”

January 9, 2009 by metrowestdog

Keep at least one hand free when you’re out walking your dog with this wonderful little contraption. It’s called the Port-A-Poo! It simply attaches to most leashes. What a great idea! Visit www.portapoo.com.

UC Davis Human-Canine Social Interaction Survey

December 21, 2008 by metrowestdog

It’s always fun to take surveys that have to do with living with our dogs. Here’s a new one that’s pretty interesting!

The survey takes about 6 minutes to complete.

“Dr. Lisa Lit and Dr. Anita Oberbauer, of the University of California at Davis, are undertaking a Human-Canine Social Interaction study and have developed an online questionnaire to collect data for analysis. It is quite simple and easy to answer and should reveal potentially useful behavioral data that will aid both human and dog behavioral understanding

You are welcome to fill out one survey per dog. Please feel free to forward this link to other dog people.

Simply paste it into your browser, to fill out the survey. Thank you.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=b2bfZ2fLl_ 2f83xAed3B8AzsaA3d3d

Poo on Xmas?

December 15, 2008 by metrowestdog

Two funny or sad (I’m not sure) ways to decorate your tree. http://www.week.com/news/local/35427334.html?video=YHI&t=a
http://www.prankplace.com/yuledoo.htm

Doggies celebrate the Holidays too

December 10, 2008 by metrowestdog

Did you know?

56% of dog owners (and 42% of cat owners) bought holiday gifts for their pets last year.

70% of people sign their pet’s name on greeting cards and 58 percent include their pets in family and holiday portraits.

Really – what’s so surprising about that? My doggies send holiday – and birthday – cards out to family members, too!

Off Leash Dog Park in Newton

December 7, 2008 by metrowestdog

Newton just got their first off-leash dog park. Congratulations!  Thanks to Gary Lubin for letting us know.

http://www.dailynewstribune.com/homepage/x1720480087/Dogs-to-finally-get-their-day-in-Old-Cold-Spring

Several metrowest communities have either official or unofficial places for dogs to play together off leash. It’s can be a great experience for many dogs.

Stay Safe When It’s Dark Out

November 25, 2008 by metrowestdog

Well, it’s cold out again. And it’s dark – a lot! Here are a few safety ideas that you might find useful.

Bright Steps uses Fibralite, an illuminating fabric technology that allows pets and owners to be seen better in the dark. Check out www.fab4pets.com.

Visiglo uses battery power with options for flashy, neon or l.e.d. They offer only collars and leashes. www.visiglo.com

Another option is The Beacon from Ruff Wear which just clips onto the collar. It kind of looks like a small bulb. http://www.ruffwear.com/The-Beacon_2 or check out the under $5 Petsport USA’s Bling Bling Blinker at www.sitstay.com (click on collar and harness, then lighted and reflective). They have several varieties.

Stay safe!

November is Canine Cancer Awareness Month

November 25, 2008 by metrowestdog

As a person who has lost 2 dogs to cancer within the last 6 years it’s no surprise to learn that cancer is one of the top reasons for loss of a dog. Most reports say the reason is that dogs are living longer. I’m not 100% sure of that. Think about all the chemicals and poisons around us and them everyday. I think this has lots to do with it, too. These chemicals and poisons are things we don’t even think about and just take for granted as part of our everyday life like household cleaners, lawn fertilizer, car exhaust fumes and (over) vaccinating our dogs. Poisons like the flea and tick preventions we squirt onto their skin. These things are not natural to an animal (and they’re not natural to us, either!) I certainly hope cancer detection methods improve and cures are found for all of us.

http://www.fetchacure.com/cancer.html