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Archive for the ‘Doggie How To Guides’ Category

3 Things To Cheer Your Pooch Up During The Winter Blues

February 22nd, 2010 | by Sweetie The Papillon

Tibetan mastiff male by mastino0100.

Some dogs are experiencing less than pleasant walks this winter. With wet salted sidewalks, damp conditions and even icy temps, here is a list of alternative ways for your dog to get some exercise when the weather outside isn’t kind.

  1. Schedule a few hours of fun at a daycare center. Many offer half day special rates for dogs to meet others in a safe indoor area.
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Treat Your Pooch To Valentine’s Day And Make It Special

January 28th, 2010 | by Sweetie The Papillon

sweetheart by amy_b.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, don’t forget to involve your dog in the “I Love You” gift giving. Dog owners know it’s a big no-no for dogs to have chocolate. However pamper your pooch with a trip to your local dog bakery. Let him pick out a treat or two.

If your dog is on a strict diet, head to a local dog boutique shop where you can shower your unconditional four-legged lover with a new toy.
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Dogs Love Shopping But Also Can Learn Valuable Lessons

January 26th, 2010 | by Sweetie The Papillon

Papillon Ears by PuppiesAreProzac.

Instead of going to the park with your dog, try taking her shopping. There are some valuable skills to be taught when shopping. For instance, when checking out, your dog will need to be patient and not jump on the counter. Staying in a confined area, such as a dressing room can be an interesting experience for some pooches. Shopping introduces new sights and sounds.

You may want to carry a few treats to reward your pooch as you browse books or try on clothes. (more…)

3 Dog Tips To Surviving The Extreme Cold Weather

January 10th, 2010 | by Sweetie The Papillon

Big girl, you are beautiful !  by pfala.

With most of the country – excluding Los Angeles & San Diego – under freezing temperatures, be sure to bundle up your dog when heading outdoors.
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All Dog-Owners’ New Year’s Resolution: Brush Your Pooch’s Teeth

January 1st, 2010 | by Sweetie The Papillon

So happy! by paperladyinvites.

We all say to ourselves each day, this is the day we’re going to brush our dog’s teeth and then something inevitable happens. We get distracted by an email and we postpone this very important task for another day. Like people, dogs need their teeth cleaned daily. Left untouched, bacteria can build up to form periodontal disease. This can lead to organ damage in your dog, particularly in kidneys, liver and heart.

Here are 3 easy tips to prevent peritonitis in your dog:

  1. Brush your dog’s teeth daily. This task doesn’t need to take all afternoon. Make sure to use canine toothpaste, which can be bought for under $10 at your veterinarian’s office.
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Five Great Tips To Get Your Dog on the Treadmill

December 22nd, 2009 | by Ishmael

dog on treadmill by normanack.

Is the weather outside just a little too frightful to rock yourself off of the couch?

If you can’t manage to brush off the popcorn and tear yourself away from the Office reruns, now you can at least make sure your dog gets her exercise.

You know that treadmill that’s been gathering dust since you broke your New Year’s resolution on January 3rd with a half-liter of Jack Daniel’s and a overflowing sack of Taco Bell quesidillas?

Someone might as well use it.
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How Do I Prevent My Dog From Becoming A Beggar?

November 27th, 2009 | by Colleen

There is a very common misconception that feeding your dog “human food” will create a beggar.  This is just not the case. If you read your dog’s food bag, it clearly lists chicken, lamb, rice and numerous other typically human ingredients.  Granted, it’s not as aesthetically pleasing to us, but it’s still chicken, lamb and rice!

With the push towards feeding our dogs a healthy diet, it’s probably even human grade! Logically, you’d never think that feeding your dog his food (full of human ingredients) would create a begging habit, right? Right.

The food itself is not the culprit.

The routine and environment are the culprits. (more…)

I’m going to bring my dog to the in-laws’ for Thanksgiving. How can I make him behave?

November 24th, 2009 | by Colleen

This is actually something I go over in my dog training classes near holiday season each year. Changing your dog’s routine (particularly if he is a young puppy) can cause “regression,” in terms of housetraining, nipping/chewing and basic obedience.

This does not mean you should cancel your holiday plans, but be prepared to be a good puppy/dog manager and take this opportunity to help your dog successfully transition to new environments.

Dogs are not great at generalizing rules from environment to environment. Meaning, just because your dog understands not to potty in your home, does NOT mean your dog understands to “hold it” indoors everywhere. The same holds true for chewing on furniture and other new and novel items.

Why?

Because Dogs are very specific learners.
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Here Are 3 Sure-Fire Tips For Successful Vet Visits

November 17th, 2009 | by Sweetie The Papillon

Birkley and Henry by Zevotron.

For most dogs, a trip to the veterinary clinic isn’t a fun field trip. Here are a few tips to make vet visits less stressful:

  • Dog-owners should be prepared with questions to ask the vet. Have them written on a piece of paper and if you have to hand it to the doctor so that you can comfort your dog with you talk (potential question: what is the vaccine schedule for my new puppy).
  • (more…)

Doggie Sleepovers

November 12th, 2009 | by Sweetie The Papillon

ScreenHunter_01 Nov. 13 08.49

Hello Fido Friends!

This morning I bumped into a furry friend during my morning walk at Stuyvesant Park who invited me to a doggie slumber party this Saturday Night. This will be my first sleep over and I’m really excited. Here are a few tips to make your dog party a fun and safe one:
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