Paws and Affect

Pets, like people are products of "LEARNED" behavior. If your child throws a tantrum and it gets rewarded with a sucker, to quiet them, you've successfully taught them that their behavior was one you might like to see again. It's pretty much the same with your canine baby.

If you're going to the groomers, the pet store or to see the veterinarian and YOU'RE already nervous, your pet immediately picks up on your unusual body language, your tone of voice and is thinking "Ohhh noooo, somethings really wrong here"... this is when they begin to shake or act reluctant to go. Being concerned for them already, most owners will hug their fur baby even tighter, pet them a little longer, talking to them even more high pitched... saying "it's alright, baby, she's not going to hurt you"... when what your pet hears is "I have a real reason to be frightened of this person, or this place and when I get scared, they pet and love on me even more, so acting like this is a good thing".

Pets rely on human judgement a lot and they understand a great deal more of what we do and say, than they are given credit for. When I'm at work, lots of owners will hold their pocket pets for 20 min. while I'm trying to pry the dog out of their arms. They'll give them a bunch of extra kisses, leaving lipstick on their foreheads, saying "but he never shakes like this" and their pup is eating it up (ofcourse)... cause they're SMART animals and who wouldn't?!

This behavior is soon repeated, regardless of how you're handling the seperation, because they know they're going to get all those extra hugs and kisses for being so shaken up in a different enviroment. What's funny is... when the owner leaves, that bundle of nerves becomes our best friend, who's attached to us like glue. The only rule being... don't do it during drop off or there'll be no extra hugs. See what I mean? LOL

Picking your perfect PUP!

It is soooooo very important... everyone really must (should) read up on the breed they've considered as a potential pup for them. The perfect pup, may wind up homeless again, if the owners don't realize that all dogs are different and some are PERFECT for families; others are better suited for just one person, or families without small children.

Some require regular grooming, shed intensely; some require very little and shed hardly at all. There are really SMART breeds, eager to please and dim witted breeds; stubborn, aggressive, protective and territorial breeds... the list goes on and on and on... for what you might end up with and you really should know what you're planning on or even have already in your home.

Here is a link to help select the perfect pet! It also has other pet information. Check it out!!! http://www.dogs-universe.ro/directory_of_breed_of_dogs/directory_of_breed_of_dogs.htm

Let your groomer be creative

All groomers are different. Selecting one that both you and your pets love, who also does a good job making your pet beautiful, can be tough, but once you've found one, you should try to stick with the same groomer, especially if it's one your pet trusts. It is hard on dogs being passed around the room and we are all so completely different, that the routine of grooming could change dramatically from one person to the next, making it harder on your pet to learn what's expected when they are on the table, or in the tub.

Just like our personalities and abilities, we also try to have our very own creative flair and make our work a little different from one another, even when following a set a pattern. Not too many groomers do an identical top knot on a poodle, because one stylist may think short and tight looks great, while another would rather leave it on the longer side.

When you go to your pet stylist, my advice... is to trust their judgement. Ask them to do what they think would look best on your pet and if later you decide you don't like what they've done, you can go back to personal preference. The reason for doing this is to allow us to show you what your dog can look like in various styles. It's good for both you and your stylist to be open to ideas and change. If you come to me and say... "do what you think would look best", if it's a white poodle, it may go home with candy cane stripes. LOL

FUNNNN!!

Here's a link my friend and co worker, Renee, shared with me on pet horoscopes... HOW NEAT!!!!!http://a1096.g.akamai.net/7/1096/458/3f73e33c693685/g.astrology.com/dh/dog/header1.jpg

Bathing like a pro! Cats, dogs and YOU!!

HOW TO BATHE YOUR CAT (Stolen Humor and tooooo FUNNY!)

1. Know that although the cat has the advantage of quickness and lack of concern for human life, you have the advantage of strength. Capitalize on that advantage by selecting the battlefield. Don't try to bathe him in an open area where he can force you to chase him. Pick a very small bathroom. If your bathroom is more than four feet square, I recommend that you get in the tub with the cat and close the sliding -glass doors as if you were about to take a shower. (A simple shower curtain will not do. A berserk cat can shred a three-ply rubber shower curtain quicker than a politician can shift positions.)

2. Know that a cat has claws and will not hesitate to remove all the skin from your body. Your advantage here is that you are smart and know how to dress to protect yourself. I recommend canvas overalls tucked into high-top construction boots, a pair of steel-mesh gloves, an army helmet, a hockey face-mask, and a long-sleeved flak jacket.

3. Use the element of surprise. Pick up your cat nonchalantly, as if to simply carry him to his supper dish. (Cats will not usually notice your strange attire. They have little or no interest in fashion as a rule.)

4 . Once you are inside the bathroom, speed is essential to survival. In a single liquid motion, shut the bathroom door, step into the tub enclosure, slide the glass door shut, dip the cat in the water and squirt him with shampoo. You have begun one of the wildest 45 seconds of your life.

5. Cats have no handles. Add the fact that he now has soapy fur, and the problem is radically compounded. Do not expect to hold on to him for more than two or three seconds at a time. When you have him, however, you must remember to give him another squirt of shampoo and rub like crazy. He'll then spring free and fall back into the water, thereby rinsing himself off. (The national record for cats is three latherings, so don't expect too much.)

6. Next, the cat must be dried. Novice cat bathers always assume this part will be the most difficult, for humans generally are worn out at this point and the cat is just getting really determined. In fact, the drying is simple compared with what you have just been through. That's because by now the cat is semi-permanently affixed to your right leg. You simply pop the drain plug with your foot, reach for your towel and wait. (Occasionally, however, the cat will end up clinging to the top of your army helmet. If this happens, the best thing you can do is to shake him loose and to encourage him toward your leg.) After all the water is drained from the tub, it is a simple matter to just reach down and dry the cat. In a few days the cat will relax enough to be removed from your leg. He will usually have nothing to say for about three weeks and will spend a lot of time sitting with his back to you. He might even become psycho ceramic and develop the fixed stare of a plaster figurine. You will be tempted to assume he is angry. This isn't usually the case. As a rule he is simply plotting ways to get through your defenses and injure you for life the next time you decide to give him a bath. But at least now he smells a lot better

Grooming supply links.

http://www.naturesspecialtiesmfg.com/cgi-bin/index.php5

http://www.petedge.com/sdx/H17175.jsp

http://www.petedge.com/sdx/108360.jsp

Grooming your DOG: If you've ever bathed your pet at home and have also been to see a professional groomer, you may have wondered what it is we'd do differently or why going to see a pet stylist with a beagle, would be something you'd do. You can do what we do in your own home and if you invest in the equipment to do it, you'll save yourself money. Here are the TRICKS to making your dog look, feel and smell fabulous for not just ONE day, but for 2-3 wks.

What you need and I'd recommend
...
A larger fine toothed slicker brush, greyhound steel comb, for full coated breeds, grey dematting blade, nail clippers.
Plum Silky Shampoo, Quicker Slicker, Aloe Re moisturizing Conditioner, Plum Silky Cologne (All Natures Specialties products)
Fresh and Clean or PAWS are good colognes too. You CAN buy cheap shampoo at your pet store, but none are as good as Natures Specialties, in my opinion.
Cotton swabs and rubbing alcohol.
2 to 5 large towels, depending on your dogs size.
A Bucket, or shower spray attachment.
A safe, elevated flat surface, to save your back when trimming nails, cleaning ears and brushing.
A place to attach your slip lead when in the tub and outside too.
A High velocity force dryer, which blows out dead coat, drys, straightens, separates and makes hair feel soft.
Last but not least... a good back, cause bathing your pet at home, means you might be sore afterwards.

1. First you'll want to get cotton swabs and rubbing alcohol to clean the ears, Alcohol evaporates quickly and is a degreaser, to break up wax build up. Water in the ears will cause ear infections (never intentionally put water in your pets ears) and also try not to accidentally get water in your pets ears while bathing. You can pack the ears with cotton, or just tip their heads back while washing the top of their head, to avoid soapy water running into eyes or ears. Brush and COMB coat thoroughly. Trim nails, using diagram in earlier blog post. (This is called roughing in your pet)

2. Have towels handy beside your tub and one on the floor to prevent you or the pet from making a mess. A slip lead. A Bucket or a high power shower spray works best. Have your pet shampoo "made especially for pets" (NEVER use human shampoo, our PH balance is different and it will cause them dry skin, while pet shampoos and conditioners will leave our hair looking and feeling greasy) and be prepared to get wet! If you have something to attach the leash to in your tub, this is always best, but if not, you'll have to step on the lead, so that you can use both of your hands.

3. First saturate your pets coat with luke warm water, head last, because they will inevitably shake once you've wetted their head and sometimes that never... ever... ends. LOL

4. Apply shampoo in a long strip down the middle of their back and rub into their coat. Be sure to get it evenly rubbed in everywhere, especially around the most stinky parts... which are in the same spots on dogs as they are on people, just about. Full coated breeds need special attention payed their face and neck, because of drool and sloppy water drinking habits.

5. When you've finished. RINSE really well! Then... one of the tricks to making a long lasting impression. REPEAT these exact same steps again!

6. Applying a conditioner is optional, but it always makes a huge difference and you'll be glad you did, no matter their length of hair or the condition of their coat.

7. RINSE WELL... I can't stress that enough, cause if you don't your pet will have itchy skin and you shouldn't leave any kind of soap OR conditioner in their coats.

8. Towel dry as much as possible, before letting your pooch out to shake.

9. SECOND TRICK! QUICKER SLICKER... is a must have and pet cologne of any kind. Saturate the coat with both after towel drying.

10. Take them outside, tie them to whatever seems most sturdy (cause dog hair will be ever where, if you try to do this inside your home). Get out the high velocity dryer, look for a near by outlet and then force their coats dry, while at the same time brushing to remove dead hair. This is called fluff drying and if you take your pet to the groomer, always ask that they fluff dry your pet, because some groomers will skip this step and it makes a HUGE difference what your pet looks, feels and smells like. WET DOGS... when left to dry naturally, smell a lot like WET DOG once they are dry. LOL

Waaaaaa LAAAAAAA... You're done! You might smell like the dog did, be sopping wet, have dog hair in your mouth, pet shampoo all over your clothes, bathroom floor and you're a little sore, but your dog is all brand new again!!

Fun! :)

Blogroll Me!

Who's in charge anyway?

Pet Tips :As many times as I try to convince myself my pets aren't in charge, I know they have me wrapped around their paws (luckily I picked submissive breeds)... but sometimes this gets out of the human hand and can be a BAD thing. If you look up wild pack behavior and the subtle signs of your pet trying to prove their alphaness in your home, you'd be shocked to know that half of what we perceive as friendly PET gestures is them trying to prove they are in charge.

When your pet leans on you, shoves it's head in your lap, nips at you for attention, begs to be fed FIRST, humps your leg "ewwww"... these are NOT as simple, sweet or even funny as they may seem... once you know why they act this way. This IS ordinary pack behavior and their way of proving they are in charge. If allowed to go on, these behaviors can turn to aggression, especially when children are involved. Dogs do their best to make humans their pack, but we are in charge of the order. To resolve or prevent this problem, you shouldn't pet your dog when it solicits attention, without first saying... sit, (lay) down, shake (any command your pet knows) this way you have made it clear you're not petting or feeding them because they've told you to. If you have children, more importantly than YOU as grown ups, they need to be taught this, because if your dog does not respect children like grown ups, they will try to treat them like pups... biting them to teach them their place in the pack, which doesn't mean the dog is bad if it has no clue the order of things and if everyone makes light of it humping the toddlers leg. It's never excusable when a pet injures a person, but more often than not it is our fault, whether we know it or not and in most instances, it's for lack of us humans not knowing that this is their way of communicating with us that they are the ALPHA... Not US!

LOOK up your favorite breed before you buy a pup and know as much as you can about what you have, because all dogs are different, temperament wise... and buying a chow chow puppy because it looks like it's a cute cuddly teddy bear is just asking for a problem later.

Not really wanting to pick on any particular breed... I will anyhow, because unlike some this one has maintained a disposition that makes it the only breed I wont groom. Over 90 % of stylists WONT touch a Chow Chow and even the vets with tranquilizers will send them away... saying so thoughtfully "find a pet stylist who will", when the owner says they've been told NO by 5 other pet grooming shops. If you have a Chow, you must learn to groom them yourselves, because the breeders have chosen to NOT breed out the aggression that makes them unacceptable by most people who'd pride themselves on accomplishing such a task.
It is totally up to breeders what the dogs maintain as far as their personality is concerned. With Dobies, Rotts, Boxers, English Bulldogs, and even some Pits, the aggression has been removed and most noticeably in the breeds well known for it, like Dobermans that were bred for the purpose of protecting us and had a reputation that was wicked a decade or so back. They are now a much tamer version and a much safer one for the strangers they encounter.

I personally am not afraid of any breed besides the Chow Chow. Pits are awesome pets and I'd defend them whole heartedly, because I've never met a people aggressive pit. Pits are known for their aggression towards other small animals and they were bred to be this way. Anyone owning a pit should not have children or other pets and if they do, it's only pure human ignorance that is making innocent animals get put to sleep on a daily basis and also the breeders who insist on maintaining this as one of the breeds negative features, all of which can be bred out by choosing to breed 2 non aggressive pits repeatedly, rather than the 2 most aggressive.

Sit... Stay.. and Shake

Select an UGLIEST dog wallpaper for your desk top with the Animal Planet link below! I chose Elwood, who is up top and I ummmm... think he's truly the most ADORABLE ugly dog I've ever seen! LOL

http://animal.discovery.com/convergence/ugly_dog/wallpaper/wallpaper.html

Ohhh... I'm so very THRILLED! I sent ALL of my pet pics to "Who Let The Dogs Out" and so some of my puppy pics are there as well now! Fanny Mae's daddy needs to know she's on 2 seperate blogs now. She's such a CUTY and was chosen by them TWICE out of a large group of dog pics! Here's the link and make sure you check out the "Dog Burgular" video at the bottom of the page, cause that's a real riot!

http://whosletthedogsout.blogspot.com/

Things Dogs Must Try To Remember....

I will not play tug-of-war with Dad's underwear when he's on the toilet.

The garbage collector is NOT stealing our stuff.

I do not need to suddenly stand straight up when I'm lying under the coffee table.

I will not roll my toys behind the fridge.

I must shake the rainwater out of my fur BEFORE entering the house.

I will not eat the cats' food, before or after they eat it.

I will stop trying to find the few remaining pieces of clean carpet in the house when I am about to throw up.

I will not throw up in the car.I will not roll on dead seagulls, fish, crabs, etc.

I will not lick my human's face after eating animal poop.

"Kitty box crunchies" are not food.

I will not eat any more socks and then redeposit them in the backyard after processing.

The diaper pail is not a cookie jar.

I will not wake Mommy up by sticking my cold, wet nose up her bottom end.

I will not chew my human's toothbrush and not tell them.

I will not chew crayons or pens, especially not the red ones, or my people will think I am hemorrhaging.

When in the car, I will not insist on having the window rolled down when it's raining outside.

We do not have a doorbell. I will not bark each time I hear one on TV.

I will not steal my Mom's underwear and dance all over the back yard with it.

The sofa is not a face towel. Neither are Mom & Dad's laps.My head does not belong in the refrigerator

Some of my groom babies talk to me! Briggs is a coonhound, who has a brother named Rufus, an adorable Bassett hound. You can't miss em when they are at Happy Tails and I'm sure rabbits for miles go into hiding, because these 2 boys were born for the hunt and make sounds that carry super long distances! LOL

Howwwwwwwuuuuuuuu.... are YOU too???? This is Duke, one of my most talkative boys and he asks all day long howwwwwuuuuu I'm doing. This is an Alaskan Malamute mix, with a much needed shave down. Why they added "mute" to the breeds name has to be humorous I think, because this breed... along with the huskies, is never MUTE. LOL

I took these shots at work the other day. Little Fanny Mae is a client of mine. She's 16, in perfect health and is one of the happiest little girls!

I always LOVE seeing her, so I'll share her with you all as well!

Now.. for a GROOMING tip!!

This might be the ugliest drawing of a dog's paw I've ever seen... but hopefully you'll get my point and not so much of theirs, if you cut according to this funny looking picture.

Always keep Quick Stop handy (you can buy it at any pet store) or Baking powder, just in case you miss and quick the vein that is just behind the curve in the diagram above.

Most dogs will put up a little battle when trimming nails. Some will even SCREAM at the top of their lungs like you've ripped their foot off and you haven't touched them with the nail clippers yet... but this is not unusual and your dog is not really bad. The most important thing to remember when trimming your pet's nails is do NOT LET GO, DO NOT GIVE IN especially not because they've yanked or screamed, but if you are going to give up, WAIT till they've stopped pulling, or they will think that doing those sorts of things was the reason that you stopped. This means they will do it EVERY TIME expecting the same outcome and that's not what you want them to learn.

Most dogs know their owners so very well that they act even worse with them then they do with an unpredictable stranger they've never met, in an unfamiliar place, because they aren't certain what's happening and so your pet may be 100 times better for their groomer then they are when you attempt it. This shocks lots of people and the dogs too, when they meet someone who isn't afraid of them and doesn't listen to their arguments. It's important that you convince them you aren't afraid of them, you are boss and you'd never hurt them.

If you seem at all jumpy or nervous, dogs can sense it and they read that as a feeling of guilt or a plan to hurt them. Dogs can't understand human language, but read our body language extremely well, so if you seem even slightly unsure; holding their paw for too long and act as though you believe that your own pet would bite you, you've made them wonder why they should trust you, since it's obvious you're worried.

Keep yourself calm and confident and they will be more likely to cooperate with your efforts.

So much for getting to the point quickly! HeHe! :)