Living in the city with a BIG, BIG DOG!
I've heard it before,
I've said it myself,
and I am repeating it again.
Dogs are time intensive, NOT SPACE INTENSIVE.
A big dog can be just as happy in a city as a small dog. Honestly, I think they may even be easier to provide exercise and stimulation for than some of the smaller, more active dogs.
Not all SMALL dogs are LAP dogs. Lap dogs were selected and bred for their companionship (aka: Toy Breeds) They include dogs like the Pug, Papillon, King Charles Cavalier, Brussels Griffon, Pekingese, Shih-Tzu, Maltese, Japanese Chin, and Silky.
This does not mean that I have not had the pleasure of meeting a marathon Pug or that there aren't Yorkies out there that can fetch for hours. But in general, these breeds enjoy their snuggle-time, like napping and being pampered.
More importantly, there are plenty of small dogs, like terriers, that prefer active lifestyles. Breeds that come to mind are the Jack Russell, Fox Terrier, West Highland, Boston and Manchester Terrier.
Again, not to discount the testimonies form those with Scotties that snuggle with kittens or JRT's that act act like 50's housewives on valium, but generally speaking the consensus would be terriers need ACTIVE PEOPLE & MORE EXERCISE THAN a newly-single gym rat.
SO, DOES SIZE MATTER?
Not really. I have seen just as many frustrated, under-exercised, under-stimulated, small dogs as I have big dogs. If you are thinking a small dog might be happier in your urban apartment, think again.
I know many Akitas, Danes and Sighthounds that are content to chew on bones, eat their breakfasts from Kongs, and snooze away the day while waiting for their afternoon walk. And, I know many Jack Russels, Dachshunds, Corgis and Fox Terriers that would sooner pull all the stuffing from your couch (for the third time) than to take a nap!
There are plenty of big dogs that could care less about riding in elevators, busy streets, and loud noises. And, there are plenty of small, fractious dogs whose nerves are shattered by the thought.
There are also many large dogs that could easily take food from a counter and don't. And, small dogs that leap, launch, pounce and propel themselves onto the tallest surfaces.
The only thing I know for certain...Big dogs, will always have bigger poops!
But, size is just one factor. Tthere are other more important considerations. Stay tuned for more information on Choosing The Dog For You.
Although I don't normally watch kids' movies, I've been interested in checking out "Beverly Hills Chihuahua," the Disney film that opens nationally this week. But after reading some experts' concerns about the film's possible impact, I might have to pass.
Let's call it the "Paris Hilton Factor." It was Hilton who notably began carrying her Chihuahua "Tinker Bell" in her purse, making the tiny dog little more than an accessory as she walked red carpets and posed for photographers. Her pet often looked nervous and frightened.
I don't know if Hilton is a responsible pet owner; I can only hope so. But you have to wonder if the attention she's given the breed, combined with the likely blockbuster status of the movie, will create a rise in the popularity of Chihuahuas among people who don't realize that dogs (or cats or any other animal) require a time and emotional commitment they might not be prepared to make.
You can bet that many people will want to buy a Chihuahua for their kids after seeing the movie. I usually advise against purchasing a small dog if people have small children; my recommendation is almost always a Golden Retriever or Lab, both great family dogs.
Small dogs, such as Chihuahuas and Dachshunds, are best with adults and older kids. Smaller dogs require more attention and should never be considered play companions for kids. Most of all, they are not ornaments.
Lisa Peterson, a spokeswoman for the American Kennel Club, told the Chicago Sun Times, "Dogs are not accessories. And Chihuahuas, in particular, can live to be 20 years old. It's almost like a mortgage."
Think of them as long-term commitments. Don't buy one because you think it's cute. Buy one because you love dogs and enjoy the companionship.
Pet Products Review - Drinkwell The Original Pet Fountain.
Do you snuggle up to a potty mouth? Seriously, a potty mouth. If your cat or dog is anything like mine, they drink out of the toilet - yuuuuuck!
Both my pets love the toilet. I can flush the toilet, and they have it timed until the old water is gone, and the new water has trickled in. It's got to stop! So, like Ponce De Leon, I'm on the search for the right fountain.
My local pet store guy said, you have to buy the Drinkwell! Out of the 3 varieties of fountain bowls he sells, the Drinkwell was the most popular, and worked the best. Considering Drinkwell is "the original pet fountain", and the box says "a waterfall of health for your pets" I said sure, why not, but let me start with the small version, not the big one.
This is a cool little product. The Drinkwell takes a reservoir and pool of water, about 6 cups, circulates it through a filter and literally creates a fountain! Yes, with a free falling waterfall. The idea is that the water is aerated and adds oxygen and freshness to the water. Thus bad odors and tastes are removed. A veterinarian actually invented the Drinkwell and recommends the fountain to reduce urinary disease in cats. You see, cats instinctively like to drink fresh running water so the idea is they drink more water and pee more often.
Day 1, both my cat and dog looked at the Drinkwell like some spaceship and me a Martian. Day 2-7 my pets still will not go on the side of the kitchen floor where the Drinkwell sits. On Day 8 I figured the best I had was a $46 Zen water feature for my bedroom. Then I quietly spied Stinky lapping up the water with delight.
This is a great little water bowl and my animals have learned to love it. Just give it some time for them to get used to the noise and flowing water.
If you have a pet product you think will pass the Secret Shopper test, send an email to: secretshopperblog@gmail.com
A confession: When I drive, I let my dogs sit on my lap. I know this is probably wrong, not to mention potentially dangerous, but it's not illegal.
Two of my Dachshunds, Scooter and Sadie, love to ride up front and stick their heads out of the driver's side window. I don't know why; maybe it's just a need to see all the activity outside. Maybe it's simply inherent in most dogs.
I don't feel this impairs my ability to drive safely, but I fear what might happen if I were to have an accident, setting off the air bags. My dogs and I might all be severely injured, and one of them could be killed from the impact of the air bag.
A bill in California was going to make it illegal to drive with a dog in your lap - it would have been a $35 fine -- but Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed it Sunday. With the state in a budget crisis, the governor said he only wanted to sign bills of a high priority, and this didn't fit in that category.
So my dogs and I safe. But I still worry if I'm doing the right thing. There are companies that make car seats and seatbelts for dogs, and some people keep a crate in their back seats.
I'm going to look into one of those options. I just don't know if I can convince Scooter and Sadie that the view is just as nice from a crate.
Or...
Just Bored?
Bad behavior can stem from boredom. A really easy solution is to feed your dog their meals through interactive food puzzles. Food puzzles are rapidly filling pet store shelves as new product compete to be claimed the most challenging, the sturdiest, the most fun for your dog.
When introducing a new food puzzle to a dog, follow these simple rules to ensure your dog's safety and pleasure.
- Always supervise the dog's first few sessions.
- Always give a new puzzle to a very hungry, well-exercised dog.
- Always make new food puzzles extra tasty.
- Never make a new food puzzle too hard -simple success will ensure your dog likes the new puzzle.
- Allow your dog a set time to try the new food puzzle, if they aren't interested, take it away and try again later when your dog is hungrier, or you have added better incentives.
Once the dog has used the food puzzle several times and discovered that it is easy and tasty, then you can start making it harder or using more of their food and less tasty treats.
Some of my favorite food puzzles include:
The Original Kong -Great for mixtures of wet & dry food.
Tricky Treat Puzzle Ball -Great for dry dog food, rolls quietly.
Busy Buddies (Saucer) -Great for kibble & for dogs new to food puzzle.
