DIY Dog Treat

This two-ingredient recipe on Curbly will get you started with something quick and easy:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups any kind of flour
• 2 (4-oz) jars of organic baby food. Beef, chicken, blueberry, and sweet potato are all good choices.

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350°
• Mix ingredients to form a stiff dough, adding extra flour or water as needed
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to about a 1/4 inch thick. Cut with cookie cutters for fun shapes, or a pizza cutter for bite-size cubes.
• Bake for 20 – 25 minutes. Allow to cool completely before storing in a paper bag (storing in an air-tight container will make them soft, but they’re still edible)

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider including grated carrots, apple, or sweet potatoes, a bit of mint or parsley (which can help with bad breath), dried blueberries, or even a touch of nut butter. Almost good enough for people, right? Here are tons more DIY dog food recipes. There are gluten-free, special-occasion, and even vegetarian options here—something for every pup.

Why dogs tilt their heads?

Besides how it's absolutely adorable (like everything else about dogs), we know little about why dogs tilt their heads, though we can't help but melt a bit when they do it. Though if you ask some people, that's exactly why they do it.

Dogs are man's best friend for a reason, and part of our connection with them comes from their emotional intelligence being off the charts. One suggestion of why they tilt their heads is that they're reading our emotions and looking for the positive response they usually get when they do it. (That's right, your dog is trying to make you smile. Granted, it might be in hopes of getting out of trouble, but kudos for ingenuity.)

An Illustrated Guide to Dog Behavior

Home Remedies for Anxious Dogs

• White Noise

Use a fan, white noise machine, or radio to distract your dog from startling noises. Try playing classical music—it’s known to have a relaxing effect.

• Check Your Stress Level

Dogs are sensitive creatures and your anxiety can increase their anxiety. Try yoga or other relaxation techniques to decompress and find your own inner calm.

• Exercise, Exercise, Exercise!

A tired dog is a happy dog. Plus, exercise releases serotonin, a feel-good chemical that we humans also get when we work out.

• Give Your Dog a Massage

Giving your dog a ten-minute massage every day can help relax your four-legged friend, and is a great way to bond. There are many different techniques you can try. Just remember to be gentle and make sure your pet enjoys it.

Why Do Dogs Lick Their Lips?

Your dog might not have Kardashian lips, but when he licks his chops, he is likely sending a message. So just what does it mean when dogs lick their lips? There’s more to the story than meets the eye.

Dogs lick their lips for a variety of reasons:

• Anticipation of food
• Fear
• Anxiety
• Nausea, physical pain, or oral discomfort
• An appeasement mechanism

The most obvious reason your dog might lick its lips is in anticipation of food. According to Patricia McConnell, an applied animal behaviorist, dogs generally lick to the side of the mouth when they’re expecting a meal. She adds that licking in anticipation of food can also be linked to increased salivation.

“We humans tend to do the same thing when anticipating something wonderful about to pop into our mouth,” she writes.

Find a new sport for you and your pet

There are a variety of activities that, depending on the breed of or mix of your pet, can help meet their exercise needs. Don’t be put off by the competitive aspect of trials and certification. Yes, you can work your way up through the rankings, but simply learning a new activity for fun can be a great bonding experience for dogs and owners.

• Dock-diving: This is exactly what it sounds like. Dogs leap from a dock into a regulation pool to see how high or far they can go. Facilities around the country offer classes that build up your pet’s confidence in the water long before they get into competition. There is a lot you can do outside of class, if you have a body of water to practice in. Ultimate Air Dogs explains how to gradually teach your dog to swim and retrieve toys in the water.
• Herding: This teaches a dog to use its basic breed instinct to control livestock. You can start by teaching a puppy how to chase things and stop on command.  Then take them to a place that has livestock and get them used to listening to you, despite the obvious distractions.  From there, a training facility like Ewe-topia in Roy, Washington can take you and your dog to the next level.
• Agility: Over time, dogs learn to negotiate obstacle courses made up of jumps, tunnels, weave poles, and more, at the direction of their owners.
• Fast cat: An AKC event where dogs compete in a straight race of 100 yards by chasing a lure.
• Field trials:  Dogs compete in four components based on hunting breed characteristics; pointing, flushing, retrieving and scent, trailing.
• Earthdog: This type of  training lets those little diggers use their natural abilities to hunt for prey underground.

Happy 1st Birthday to Zoe!!

Lipomas And Other Canine Lumps And Bumps -Treatment

 

My choice of treatment for fatty tumors is to first stop supplementing the toxins by avoiding those mentioned above. Next, you must help your dog to remove any existing toxins and aid his body in its detoxification and healing process.

I recommend a natural diet, filtered water, no drugs, chemicals, herbicides, pesticides or vaccines on or around my patients. Treatment choices include classical homeopathy, gemmotherapy, aromatherapy, bovine colostrum, fatty acid supplementation and glandular therapy.

All of these modalities will complement the body’s healing capacity.

Remember that surgery is a suppressive treatment and will only drive the toxins and disease deeper into the patient. It should be used only as a last resort in any dog, no matter what issue you are dealing with.

Lipomas And Other Canine Lumps And Bumps - Causes

A lipoma is a growth of fat cells contained in a thin capsule, usually found just below the skin. Lipomas are most often found on the torso, neck, upper legs and armpits, but they can occur almost anywhere. Lipomas are the most common noncancerous soft tissue growth, although other lumps and bumps may appear on your dog, especially as he grows older.

I’ve been observing lipomas, lumps and bumps on dogs for 40 years and I’ve made some observations I’d like to share with you.

First of all, I want to make it clear that these growths are a sign of chronic disease and not an acute issue.

Lipomas and other fatty tumors are the body’s way of ridding itself of toxins and other unwanted material but, because the body is out of balance, it can’t eliminate toxins through normal channels such as the kidneys, liver or intestines.

10 Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Dog Owners

Welcoming a dog into your life is one of the greatest joys on earth. But with great joy comes great responsibility, especially if you’re looking to adopt a puppy. Deciding which dog is a good fit for you is a daunting task, and shouldn’t be based on looks alone. The following breeds are known for their easygoing personalities and, often, trainability. In addition to a reputable breeder, you can also adopt from breed-specific rescue groups or find wonderful mixes at shelters.

1. Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, and it’s no secret why! They’re adorable, affectionate, and eager to please. Their personality and intelligence make them easy to train and even easier to love. Golden retriever owners have a reputation for being absolutely obsessed with their dogs. Just look up #golden on Instagram for proof.

2. Papillon

Papillons have a high chill factor for such a small dog. As the number one toy breed in obedience competitions, they’re known for being highly trainable. Although their coats are quite fluffy, they’re actually easy to maintain and have minimal shedding. Papillons love children and live well into their teens, making them a great addition for families with young kids.

3. English Bulldog

Colleges all around the country want you to believe that the Bulldog is a fighter, a force to be reckoned with! This couldn’t be further from the truth. Bulldogs are some of the laziest and kindest dogs you’ll ever meet. As an extremely loyal dog, there is nothing a Bulldog loves more than their person… well, except maybe sleeping. Bulldogs are a great companion for anyone looking for a lounge-around-the-house buddy.

Dog Speak: Understanding What Your Dog is Telling You

Our dogs communicate with us every day! To help you get in on the conversation, we’ve created a handy list of dog sounds and what they mean. Dogs use their voices to communicate with us as well as their surroundings, and it’s helpful to get a full picture of what each sound can indicate. Don’t forget to combine this information with what you know about dog body language, and you’ll get the whole story your dog is trying to tell you.

Your Guide to Dog Vocalizations

We’ve got the scoop on barking, howling, whining, yelping, and growling. Learn what your dog is trying to tell you with each of these distinct noises.

Bark

Barking is a common sound, but what do the varieties mean? Depending on their duration and pitch, barks can be an alert, a distress signal or a friendly hello.

• “Who’s out there?”- Alert barking is the soundtrack to the mailman’s day. If you hear your dog barking rapidly, it’s a warning that someone is entering their territory.
• “Where are you?”- Nonstop barking can be a sign of separation anxiety. If your neighbors reach out to you because they can hear your dog barking incessantly when you’re away, your furry friend is probably a little lonely and wondering if anyone is there.
• “Hello! I’m happy to see you”- If a dog greets you with a couple of happy barks, they’re saying hello. It may even be an invitation to play!
• “Knock it off!”- A single short bark is a way that dogs tell others to stop what they’re doing. This can often be heard during rough play when one dog is overwhelmed.

Three Critical Problems With The Kennel Cough Vaccine

 

I’m willing to bet that …When your dog’s daycare, training facility or kennel asks for a kennel cough vaccine, you vaccinate your dog … am I right?And why wouldn’t you? You want to protect your dog (and other dogs) from illness and you trust your vet or daycare provider to have your dog’s best interests at heart, like any caring dog lover would.But I’m here to tell you some things that will make you question whether the kennel cough vaccines your dog has been getting are actually in his best interests …… or all just a lie.

What You Should Know About The Kennel Cough Vaccine

Bordetella, also known as kennel cough, is a vaccine that’s been required by groomers, boarding kennels, training facilities and veterinary hospitals for years. It’s become a routine requirement for any dog that spends time with other dogs (which is nearly all dogs).

The fact that a vaccine exists is surprising in itself. Kennel cough is almost always a self limiting disease that’s about as dangerous to your dog as the common cold is to you. So it’s not really much of a problem for your dog … but it can be a problem for any facility that has a case of kennel cough go through it.

Or at least they think it is. I’ll get to that part in a bit.

What Are the Benefits of Having Two Dogs?

When you're not home and can't provide entertainment for your pooch, another dog in the household can be a comfort. It also can often prevent boredom and resulting behavioral issues. Although owning multiple dogs can work well for some households, it's not suitable in all situations.

Canine Companionship and Socialization

If you have a busy work schedule and spend a lot of time out of the home, having two dogs can help your peace of mind. Your dogs can play with each other, which can be effective for keeping boredom and lack of stimulation at bay. Boredom and inadequate stimulation can trigger destructive canine behaviors such as chewing, pacing, digging and excessive barking. Not only can constant companionship help prevent behavioral troubles, but it can help to eliminate or minimize separation anxiety.

Being a guardian to two dogs also can be advantageous from a socialization standpoint, particularly in the cases of younger animals. Socialization can be excellent for their emotional development. When dogs spend a lot of time around each other, it can help them learn how to deal with other animals and humans.

5 Dog Breeds Vets Worry About the Most

1. GOLDEN RETRIEVERS

Goldens have had more than their share of breed-related health issues, the most common and most tragic is cancer. Our family has been lucky enough to escape this diagnosis, but countless other owners will be getting bad news about their dogs today, and many of those dogs will be young. Many of us veterinarians not-so-secretly call this breed "The Cancer Retriever," which is why I'm so excited about the Golden Retriever Lifetime Project, a huge and important step in helping to save many of these dogs down the line. And many people too!

2. BULLDOGS

The Bulldog is the beloved breed of the advertising world, today more than ever. There's no denying the adorability factor here, and I'm as much in love with the look of the Bulldog, French Bulldog and Pug as anyone else. But the exaggerated features of the Bulldog and other related breeds have produced a perfect storm of health problems that diminish the quality of life for many of these dogs, and often make them extremely expensive to own. Many need surgery to shorten their soft palate and enlarge their nostrils just so they can breathe somewhat normally. Much as I love them as individuals, as a veterinarian these problems make me hurt for these dogs and their families.

Times Dogs Helped You Procrastinate

Sometimes, the best way to not do something is to not do it with dogs. Be honest—if you weren’t going to do it anyway, you may as well have fun with dogs instead, right?

Dogs have been helping humans procrastinate since the great homework eating pact of 1905 was signed by undisclosed representatives of each species. This special arrangement continues to this day, and has only been fortified by the creation of technical advances such as the television and the laptop computer.

Since there’s something you probably ought to be doing right now besides reading this article, we’re pretty sure the act of opening this post counts as the 13th time dogs have helped you delay some boring chore.

 

Alternatives to the Classic ‘Cone of Shame’

Looking for post-surgery options more comfortable than the plain old plastic cone of shame? We’ve got some great options for your dog.

If your dog has a surgery scheduled or suffers from hot spots, you may be frustrated with the plain old Elizabethan collar from your local vet. The cone of shame certainly gets the job done, but sleeping, eating, drinking, and just generally being a dog can be tough while wearing a giant white lampshade. As if healing up from an injury wasn’t painful enough, right?

Soft collars, neck braces, and even onesies may help make your pet comfortable as she heals. Just make sure your cone alternative adequately protects the injury site, and that your dog can’t sneak out of it when you aren’t looking. And don’t forget that even when wearing the cone, dogs need supervision after surgery. So book an experienced pet sitter or find a dog lover to drop by during the day if you can’t be around to monitor.

Now, on to our cone of shame alternatives! Click here.

Preventing Dog Escapes

Secure Outdoor Spaces

• Check your fence for any holes or new escape routes.
• Make sure all gates are closed before taking the dog outside.
• Check on your dog frequently when she’s roaming around the yard.
• Don’t stack furniture or firewood next to the fence—dogs can use it as a springboard.
• If you can, dig a trench around the fence line and fill it with concrete to prevent under-the-fence escapes. If you’re unable to do so, use bricks or large rocks to block off the dirt directly below the fence.

Secure Entry Doors

• Place a second barrier around doorways to the outside, such as an exercise pen.
• Use a baby gate to block off the room or hall that leads to the front door.
• When you’re coming or going, use your body to block house or car doors so a dog can’t give you the slip.
• Put signs on the gates or doors for guests, explaining that there’s a dog inside.

Staying Safe on Walks

• Make sure you can’t fit more than two fingers under a dog’s collar.
• Keep your dog’s collar and tags on at all times.
• Use a fixed-length leash instead of a flexi-lead, which can snap.
• Try a properly-fitted harness instead of a collar to add extra security.

Paws Plaza's Doggles Days of Summer

   

 

Meet Our Trainers: Mike and Robin

Clever Canines at Paws Plaza, we all passionate about understanding the language of dogs. Our goal is to help people live happily and peacefully with our companions. Jean Donaldson, founder of the world renowned San Francisco The Academy for Dog Trainers and author of The Culture Clash and many other books is our mentor.                  

                           

What our clients say about us:

“Let me tell you that after several months of living in fear and loneliness, I adopted a dog, Roxy. I wanted a middle-sized, adult female who was “trained.” What I got was a 60-pound adult, puppy-like female who was sweet but powerful and uncontrollably energetic. She was soooo happy to see you; she practically stood on you and if she bolted, you got whiplash. Then along came Robin! Now Roxy is a sweet, nearly perfectly behaved companion!
— Donna

“We were aftraid to walk our four-year-old dog, Cuba, where there was the potential to meet other dogs, because of her dog aggressive behavior. However, after some focused dog training with Robin, our dog, Cuba, can go anywhere! She also learned to walk on a leash without pulling, come when called, and stay. It has made our life with our dog more enjoyable and a lot less stressful. Now, we feel free to go for hikes and take her to the dog park. Most importantly, the sessions taught us how to communicate with Cuba so that we teach her positive behavior even when Robin is not around.”
— Andrea and Fredric

“I couldn’t have done it without her. She came to my house to show me how to train my new puppy in my own surroundings. It’s much better than a group environment. In just a few sessions, Frances Kipper was doing sit, down, stay, high five, and leave the cat alone!”
— Cheryl