Information is Power

The Whole Dog Journal is a monthly publication that I've been subscribing to for a few months now. It comes in a colorful, well-laid out, binder-ready format. I've become such a fan that I ordered some back issues on subjects I'm particularly interested in and am keeping all the issues I've received to use as a resource.

One of the reasons I like this journal is because they accept no advertising. It's a 'consumer reports' for dog owners. They provide in-depth articles on holistic health care and non-violent training written by veterinarians and other certified professionals. Every issue provides ready-to-apply training and healthcare techniques.

When I decided to implement a homemade diet for my dogs, the Whole Dog Journal has been invaluable in my research. Even if you're not feeding your dog a homemade diet, you are provided with detailed reviews on the best foods (wet, dry and raw) and their nutritional specifics. I have learned so much and understand much more about how important diet is in the health and continued well-being of my dogs.

It's information that I think everyone should know which is why I'm sharing this. I believe in making informed decisions in regard to my dog's health and safety. The Whole Dog Journal has become an instrumental part of my decision-making process and is worth every cent I pay for my subscription.
If you'd like to check them out, go to their website,  www.whole-dog-journal.com

Remembering Paya

When  I first met him, he reserved his judgement of me until he had time to thoroughly check out my worthiness. He started by attacking my feet in bed in the middle of the night.  It wasn't long before he grew to know that I was good for a nice rubdown first thing in the morning and would follow me to my first destination to receive his massage.

Paya grew up with a lovable and saintly black lab named Buddy who was his best friend. He would rub on and lick Buddy for as long as Bud would put up with it which was usually longer than a lab should have to put up with. When Buddy passed, he was stuck with four small mixed breed rescues to amuse him. Being the silly pups they are, they thought that they were supposed to chase Paya at least once a day. Being the enlightened being he was, Paya would play their game briefly but would not suffer their foolishness for long. He had many safe places to go to but much of the time, he would just stop and look at them with a cool look on his face and they would be totally puzzled and go about their other business.

We had 14 years with Paya before it was time for him to join Buddy. We miss him daily and look forward to the day we cross the Rainbow Bridge and reunite with him and those who have gone before him.
For those who have not heard this wonderful piece written by an unknown author, here it is.

                                                               Rainbow Bridge

There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors.
Just this side of Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills, and valleys with lush green grass.

When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm Spring weather. The old and frail animals are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole again. They play all day with each other.

There is only one thing missing. They are not with their special person who loved them on Earth. So each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up! The nose twitches! The ears are up! The eyes are staring! And this one suddenly runs from the group.

You have been seen and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her in your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge again together, never to be separated.

Rossco at 6 months

I've had the pleasure to re-visit my young friend Rossco recently. If you check my 3/11/11 blog, you'll see a photo of us when he was 3 1/2 months old. Check him out now!

NATURAL FLEA CONTROL

HOME REMEDY FOR FLEA CONTROL

Source: http://www.grandmashomeremedies.com/fleas.html

There are a number of home remedies to kill fleas, but to make them lasting, it’s most essential to disinfect your home, so that these fleas don’t find a suitable environment to exist in. The favorite haunt of fleas in your home are your pet’s furnishings. So, wash your dog’s bedding regularly by adding eucalyptus essential oil to the final rinse. This oil is so effective it kills 99% of the house dust mites too! Also, by vacuuming the home thoroughly and sprinkling a fine layer of ordinary table salt over the upholstery and carpets, you can evict these unwelcome guests safely.

a. Citrus repellent:

You can make an effective flea repellent from lemon by cutting it into quarters and immersing it in boiling water. This is then steeped overnight to get you the repellent. By spraying this all over your pet, especially behind the ears and generally around the head, and also at the base of the tail and the ‘armpits’, you can rid it of fleas.

b. Aromatherapy repellent:

This repellent is made by adding lavender and cedarwood essential oils to pure almond carrier oil as the base. This is then shaken well and spread over the pet’s skin to keep the fleas away. You can also make effective flea collars by rubbing an essential oil of eucalyptus , tea tree , citronella , lavender or geranium on webbing, rope collar or even a doggy bandanna .

c. Essential oil bath:

If your pet is badly infested, it’d need an essential oil bath. So, draw the bath using a few drops of tea tree or lavender essential oils. An alternative is a herbal flea dip made from fresh rosemary leaf .

d. Internal flea repellents:

Garlic when fed to your dog works wonders. This is because its smell is excreted through the skin making it ‘inhospitable’ for the fleas. Consult your vet for the proper amount of garlic for your dog’s weight. Brewer’s yeast tablets also help in controlling fleas. Another good alternative is natural apple cider vinegar that makes the skin more acidic and unpleasant to fleas and ticks.

e. External flea repellents:

Sprinkling diatomaceous earth, generally in the filtration system for swimming pools, all over the yard is an effective way to keep the fleas at bay. You can also put cedar chips along your fence to keep the fleas out. Planting a herb, called tansy, around your pet’s pen will also keep the problem in check. All these external repellents are effective natural home remedies for fleas.

f. Fatal attractions:

Wrap a piece of card board with white masking tape (sticky side up) or a shallow plate or tray of water/soap solution and place on floor next to a night light. This traps many fleas over night.

g. Keep a flea comb handy:

The cheap plastic ones work great depending on your dog’s fur type. Keep a cup of warm soapy water handy to dip the comb in to drown the fleas you capture.

If you have a pet, total eradication of fleas is generally next to impossible, but if you’re diligent and persistent enough, you can control these pests and not only give relief to your pet, but also make your home safe for kids.

Housebreaking a Puppy

After spending time with my 3 1/2 month old Great Dane friend Rossco while his parents were out of town, I thought I should write something about puppy potty training.

The formula for how often a puppy needs a potty break is one hour per month of age plus one (i.e. a three-month old puppy will need to go out every four hours). At 6-8 weeks of age, he'll need to go out every one to three hours. That's why it's best to bring your new puppy home when you have a couple of days free to establish the routine of where you wish him to relieve himself. That being said, the best way to figure out what your particular puppy needs is to keep a journal of how often he goes during the first two days. His schedule will cue you as to what your schedule for taking him out should be.

Puppies will need to be taken out after eating, playing, training, being left alone and before bedtime. Scheduling your puppy's feedings and allowing him 20-30 minutes to eat before taking up his food will send him the message that he eats when you put his food down. The reason this is important is because he will have to eliminate shortly after he eats, you will be able to get him outside in a timely manner and you will reinforce this routine.

Puppies can generally "hold it" overnight because they're not eating, drinking or being active but that doesn't mean they can "hold it" while you're at work or away for longer periods of time. Housebreaking is a quicker, more reliable process if the puppy gets a mid-day break (or more depending on age/needs).

I am happy to be able to provide these breaks for puppy parents. Mid-day visits are important not just for housebreaking but also provides the exercise and stimulation that puppies need.

Bliss

Sienna and Katie love to shmooze when we get back from our walk! Okay, I'll admit that I love the post walk celebration too. Sienna is extremely smart but a bit reserved. She's starting to let her guard down and will sometimes offer her belly for rubbing. Katie is one of the happiest dogs on earth. She is true to her Lab heritage. She always has a smile on her face and loves everybody except people on bikes and skateboards. They are a joyful addition to the Leash Leaders family!

A Bird in the Hand...

Robbie is an adorable Caique with a great disposition. He likes to 'beak surf' in my hand and likes to chat with me as I learn to speak his language. He loves music and bobs his head up and down when he hears it. His favorite song is 'Coconut' by Harry Nilsson. What a treat to be able to hang out with him while his parents are out of town!