I don’t agree with Casar Milan on many things but this is worth sharing. I also don’t like the term “pack leader” as I am not a dog. My dog and my children should all behave in inappropriate ways.That being said. Here’s what Casar Milan has to offer:
How can you tell if your dog is the pack leader? It’s simple: if she jumps on you when you arrive home, she is the pack leader. If she jumps on your guests, she is making sure that these new arrivals also know she is in charge. What can you do to stop this unwanted behavior?

•Establish yourself as pack leader. When a dog doesn’t have a clear pack leader, she tries to fill the vacant role, usually to disastrous results (for the owner and for the dog!) The pack leader leads by projecting a calm-assertive energy.
•Don’t shower your dog with affection when you walk through the door. This kind of attention is wonderful for a human child, but not for a dog. Remember dogs are animals, and the kindest thing you can do is to treat your dog like a dog and communicate in a way he’ll understand.
•Correct bad behavior. The dog’s mom, the ultimate pack leader, would never tolerate inappropriate activity. If she sees something she doesn’t like, she stops it by moving the puppy out of the way in a calm-assertive manner. The puppy learns an important boundary from the lesson, and her firm and unambiguous leadership balances the puppy’s submissive role in the pack.
•When your guests arrive, ask your dog to sit patiently. Your dog will follow your commands when he respects you as his pack leader. Remember, the animal pack leader doesn’t negotiate to get what he or she wants.
•You can’t be a leader only some of the time. Leadership is forever; inconsistency triggers confusion and anxiety in a dog. Animal pack leaders never waver from their leadership role, and neither should you!

Capture the Behavior – The “Down” Cue -
Most dog owners will agree that a calm, obedient dog lying quietly next to them as they watch TV, read a book, or have dinner with the family is far preferable to an in-your-face dog who just won’t relax. Getting your dog to lie down is usually a simple dog training/obedience cue to master; ABC’s method of teaching a dog the “down” cue is to food-lure the dog into position using yummy, potent-smelling treats and praising her when she gets in position accurately and in a timely manner. However, what if your dog will not allow you to lure her into the down position? What if she just does not seem to be catching on? Many dog owners would consult a dog trainer in this instance, though it’s relatively simple to train dogs (especially your own) on your own or with simple guidance from a professional animal trainer.

The best way to go about mending this dog training issue is to capture the dog’s behavior on a regular basis, whenever you “catch” her lying down quietly. ABC deems this the “opportunistic” or “natural” down. Capturing the behavior involves praising and treating the dog whenever you observe her lying in the down position. Since your dog trainer doesn’t live with you 24-7, it’s your responsibility to reinforce dog training cues such as the down behavior. Some owners will find that treats, toys, or praise – whatever the dog finds most rewarding – are sufficient for capturing the behavior. Some owners may choose to also use a clicker to capture the natural down.

To capture the down behavior, place a handful of food treats between your dog’s front paws whenever she is calmly resting in the down position. If she does not find food treats rewarding, try giving her a favorite chew toy or verbal praise (“Good!”). Remember to do this every time you find her in the down position. She will soon learn that lying in the down position is beneficial to her and will offer the behavior more often. After repeated captures and rewards for her good down behavior, you will be able to associate a cue, i.e. the word “down,” with the behavior. Your dog will soon become much easier to coax into the down position.

If you have any questions or problems, always contact your animal trainer or dog trainer for advice and tips.
Good advise from ABC Animal Behavioal College

As a dog lover, you know that having a dog means having to deal with doggy odor on a daily basis. Young dogs, sick dogs and even old dogs can make mistakes. It is not uncommon for some older dogs to accidentally urinate in the house, or to have an episode of vomiting or diarrhea.

I talk about doggy odor a lot – mostly because it’s a big problem for dog owners. Doggy odor from drool or from your dog’s wet coat can make everything smell like dog – your furniture, your bed, your pillows … even your car.

Sometimes younger dogs can get sick or have house training problems. Older dogs can become confused. Sometimes they just can’t hold their urine as well as they used to. They can have accidents or leak urine in their bedding. It happens all the time.

Once they urinate in the house, it seem like the smell never goes away. And if you’ve had problems with your dog urinating in the house, you know that this is a smell that can be especially strong.

What can you do? Here are some tips:

1. Make sure to give your dog PLENTY of opportunities to urinate. Don’t test your dog. Take him out even before you think he needs to go.

2. Wash your dog’s bedding and blankets every week. Some older dogs will have trouble with leaking urine or anal glands … and their bedding stinks. That musty “wet dog smell”, dirt, drool and other odors can also get sealed in to your dog’s bedding, so wash it weekly.

3. Wash your dog. Some dogs need to be bathed every week while others only need to be bathed every few weeks to a month. If you can smell your dog, he definitely needs a bath! Make sure to bathe your dog on a regular basis.

4. Promptly clean all odors. If your dog vomits, has diarrhea or if he has an “accident”, quickly clean up the mess. Use white paper towels and clean/dry the mess as best you can. You can also use water.

5. Neutralize odors. Yes, doggy odors can be neutralized. A product called Zero Odor works very well to do just that. This product bonds with the odor molecule and changes it so it doesn’t stink. It is the only product we’ve found that will actually take away pet odor – for good. You can spray the floor, bedding, furniture, carpets and any areas where your dog (or any dog) may have urinated in the house.

6. We make sacrifices for the dogs we love, but living with daily doggy odor can be a real challenge. When your house smells like dog, life can get pretty miserable. And who wants to expose “outsiders” to that smell? It’s enough to make you cringe every time someone comes to the door.

Thanks to Dr. Jon

The Holiday Season Approaches, Heed These Pet Tips From the American Humane Association
DENVER, Oct. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Gone are the green days of summer, replaced by the changing leaves of autumn — a reminder that it’s the perfect time to refresh your pet IQ before any holiday-related dangers come to haunt you! Most savvy pet owners know the usual pet-safety tips about poisonous items in the home, like poinsettias and chocolate. But, as many veterinarians can tell you, that is just the beginning.

Many holidays are celebrated between the months of October and January, meaning that extra food, guests and dangers for pets are right around the corner. Keep these tips from the American Humane Association in mind as you prepare your holiday festivities.

Ringing Doorbell = Nervous Breakdown?
Many pets are agitated by the sound of doorbells, especially since their hearing is much more sensitive than ours. If your dogs bark, run and jump when new people arrive at the house, or if your cat runs for cover, consider disengaging the doorbell and putting a sign on the door to ask guests to “knock please.” Provide an open cage large enough for your animal to stand and fully turn around in, and place it in a quiet room away from the hubbub so your pet can choose when to join your party. This will also help keep your pet from running away during the frequent opening and closing of your door if you keep the cage closed.
“No” to the Five-Second Rule
Sometimes we forget what can fall on the floor when we are cooking for a holiday crowd and there’s a pet around. Some of it may be OK, but other things, like bread dough, can cause problems. When an animal ingests dough, its body heat causes the dough to rise in its stomach, leading to bloat or worse. It’s best to let your pet snack on familiar favorites instead of unfamiliar holiday goodies like candy and other people’s food.
Baby, It’s Cold Outside
Cats and other animals may seek out your car engine for warmth during the winter months, so honk the horn or bang on the hood a few times before starting the engine.
Adjust Your Pet’s Diet
Most pets spend more time indoors during the winter, which means their activity level drops and they need less food. However, if your pet does spend a lot of time outdoors in cold weather, he will need more food as he burns calories to keep warm. Talk to your veterinarian for advice on the proper diet for your pet.
Ice, Snow and Salt
Your pet may like taking a stroll outside when the temperature dips, but many people use powerful salts on their sidewalks to combat the ice. Clean your pet’s paws after your outing to prevent its pads from becoming irritated and dried out.
Don’t Forget Your Feathered Friends
Getting ready for holiday gatherings usually means extra cleaning before guests arrive. Fumes from rug shampoo, furniture polish and oven cleaner can be fatal to a bird if they enter its delicate respiratory system. When using these products, keep them away from birds, and open your windows to let the air flow.
Just Because It’s Cold Doesn’t Mean They Can’t Catch a Bug
Mosquitoes and other bugs can be a year-round problem. Remember to keep your pets on their regular heartworm, flea and tick preventive medicines, even during the winter.
In Addition to Poinsettias …
Holly, amaryllis, mistletoe and pine needles can be harmful to your pet’s stomach. Go for the fake versions to keep your traditions, and your pet, alive.
If They Like Toilet Water, They’ll Probably Like Tree Water
Both cats and dogs may find Christmas-tree water irresistible, so if you add a tree preservative to the water, make sure it is pet friendly. Better yet, use a tree stand designed to prevent pets from accessing the water, which can harbor bacteria.
More Temptation Lies in the Tree
With its glittering lights and natural climbing area, the Christmas tree may offer a new place for your cat to play. Hang your most valuable or breakable ornaments near the top and cat-friendly ornaments on the bottom.
The American Humane Association wishes season’s greetings and a safe holiday season to all pets and their families. For more information on keeping pets happy and safe during the holidays, go to www.americanhumane.org/petholidays . Find us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/americanhumane and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/americanhumane . The information contained in this release can be reused and posted with proper credit given to the American Humane Association.
About American Humane
Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane develops policies, legislation, curricula and training programs to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The nonprofit organization, headquartered in Denver, raises awareness about The Link(R) between violence to people and violence to animals, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond. American Humane’s office in Los Angeles is the authority behind the “No Animals Were Harmed”(R) end-credit disclaimer on film and TV productions, and American Humane’s office in Washington, D.C., is an advocate for child and animal protection at the federal and state levels. The American Humane(R) Certified farm animal program is the nation’s original independent certification and labeling program for humanely raised food. American Humane meets the strong, comprehensive standards of the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance , has been awarded the Independent Charities of America’s “Best in America” Seal of Approval, has met the stringent standards for financial efficiency and accountability required by the American Institute of Philanthropy to qualify as a Top-Rated Charity, and has received a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s premier independent charity evaluator. Visit www.americanhumane.org to learn more.
SOURCE American Humane Association

Feature: Protect Your Dog From Those Cold Winter Months: 9 Tips
That Can Help.

Cold, frigid weather presents the same problems for pets as it does
for some humans. If your dog is uncomfortable in the cold, expect
him to shiver or hold up his paws as he walks. Left outside for
extended periods of time, your dog can experience frostbite or
hypothermia.

Look for discoloring of the skin, especially on the ear tips and
other extremities. If you find any signs, contact your veterinarian.
Salt or other ice-melting chemicals as well as antifreeze can be
extremely hazardous and life-threatening for the dog that ingests
them. Road salt also can cause sores if it becomes lodged between
your dog’s footpads.

Dogs at risk from the cold and winter-related hazards, whether they
live indoors or out, need special care.

Here are a few tips:

1. Place a flannel sheet over your dog’s bed for extra warmth.

2. To keep warm, your dog may like to sleep on floor heating vents
that can catch the identification tags attached to his collar. If
your dog likes to snooze over a floor vent, put his tags in a Pet
Pocket, which attaches to his collar.

3. In cold weather, your dog will need more energy to fight the cold
in the form of extra calories, so don’t be afraid to offer him
additional food in the winter.

4. Be sure to wipe off your dog’s paws when he comes in from the
outside to prevent salt and other chemicals from sticking to his feet.

5. Keep antifreeze out of your dog’s reach, and be sure to clean up
any that may have spilled in the garage or driveway.

6. If your dog is accustomed to living the good life indoors, don’t
allow him to stay outside for extended periods of time in cold weather.

7. Make sure your dog has a warm, draft-free place to sleep. Since
warm air rises, offering him a bed off the floor will add extra
warmth and comfort for winter dreaming.

8. Don’t allow your dog to be off leash in a snowstorm or ice storm.
If he gets lost, he will not be able to use his sense of smell to
find his way home.

9. If your dog is short-haired, elderly, or sensitive to the cold,
even for short walks, consider purchasing a sweater for him to wear
in cold weather.
These are great tips from Adam Katz. You probably won’t need these if you live here in SoCal unless you travel to some place like Big Bear, but it’s good to know if you’re traveling with your dog to colder parts of the country.

Here is a list of Top 10 Dog Breeds in the US (2008 American Kennel Club)
1.Labrador Retriever
2.Yorkshire Terrier
3.German Shepherd Dog
4.Golden Retriever
5.Beagle
6.Boxer
7.Dachshund
8.Bulldog
9.Poodle
10.Shih Tzu
That being said, where should you go to find one of these “Top 10″? I recommend that you rescue a dog. You’d be surprised at how many pure bred dogs are up for adoption. If you’re like me than it doesn’t matter what mix you choose as long as you’re saving a dog. You’re choosing a companion that will love you unconditonally does it really matter if it’s a pure bred? If you’re really set on a certain breed make sure that you don’t buy from a puppy mill. When going to a breeder make sure they show you the mother and the dog’s living conditons. I have a client that bought from a breeder that would not allow her to see the mother or the living conditions. A red flag should have gone up. As long as people support puppy mills the abuse of dogs and puppies will continue. Do your research. Help stop puppy mills.

By the way November is “Adopt a Senior Dog Month”. That’s always an option. They need love too.

Via Will My Dog Hate Me. Via my alert pal Constance B. Riggs, a dietitian who focuses on human diabetes at her excellent Eating Soulfully blog, I just discovered that November is Pet Diabetes Month. I’d always wondered who comes up with those designations and now I know: Drug manufacturers who want people to use their products. Yes, the trail through various tweets and blogs led me to discover that the designation had been made by Schering-Plough, the manufacturer of Vetsulin which, the FDA announced in early November, is defective. I blogged all about it a few days ago; see The Vetsulin Crisis: Cold Comfort.

I guess once you declare a month dedicated to a disease, you can’t take it back.

The holiday season is often the most joyous time of the year. However, joy can turn to tragedy if simple precautions are not taken to ensure the safety of your pets. Pet sitter, Debbie Floyd, offers advise that could, potentialy prevent a tragedy.

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Offering pet sitting, dog walking, & overnight pet sitting among other services for your pets. Bonded and insured pet sitters available in Huntington Beach, Ca and surrounding cities. Members of the BBB, HB Chamber of commerce & Pet Sitters International.

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