Pet Products Review - Neuticles

Ok, it's Halloween, so I thought I'd write about the greatest costume of all Neuticles. Neuticles? you ask? what are they?

Neuticles are testicular implants for pets. Neuticles are available for canines, felines, equine, bulls or any pet which is neutered. Go figure! Silicon isn't just for Hollywood babes anymore.  Here is want a Neuticle looks like:

Now seriously, animal population control is very important.  Bob Barker has been telling us that ever since we were little.  But according to the the folks at Neuticles, Over 80% of pet owners for various reasons hesitate or even refuse to neuter their pet.  We won't go into the "various reasons".  But, hey, more power to them.  If Neuticles makes them feel better about doing their small part to control animal overpopulation, I am 100% behind this product. 

Now what I don't understand is that you implant Neuticals years after the pet has been neutered.  This gap baffles me.  Does the pet wake up after surgery and say "OMG. I've got balls" and feel sexier?  I mean come on, that's like 14 years.  I think they've gotten used to space between their leg.

Now, I've never shopped around for implants; so I was surprised to find that a pair of canine Polyprophylene Neuticals starts at $109 per pair, feline Neuticles start a bit lower.  Obviously the price goes ups depending on the size and type of the animal.  Neuticles®ULTRAPLUS® Featuring ScarRetard and Epididymis for an XXL dog will cost $1299.  www.Neuticles.com has a complete sizing chart to reference.  Cost for Neuticles do not include the cost of surgery.

Also on the website you may download important brochures and get vet information.  There is a very interesting video that shows the simplicity and effectiveness of the operation.  I was going to post this video but thought it was too early in the morning for most readers. Do not implant Neuticles at home. 

On the website you will also find testimonials.  My favorite: "He's a guy and I wanted him to remain looking like one." Lane Hinderman - Metairie, Louisiana

When you do opt for the Neuticles lifestyle, don't forget to visit the Neuticle's Market Place.  There you will find gifts for the entire family, including:

earings:

BBQ aprons:

or casual beach reading:

I'm at a loss for words................  Happy Howl-O-Ween.

If you've got a product that you think will pass the Secret Shopper test, send an email to Secretshopperblog@gmail.com

I had to throw this in.  A friend of mine sent me what we each agree was the cutest Howl-O-Ween costume of the season.   Enjoy!

One of the things I love about dogs is that they teach us so much - about them, about ourselves, about responsibility.

If we give them love and nurturing, they will respond with undying loyalty. Prisoners at Pender Correctional Institution in Burgaw, N.C., are learning these lessons well, thanks to the Pawsitive Partners Prison Program that allows them to work with shelter dogs.

A new version of the program began in September at Pender, but the North Carolina Department of Corrections has conducted similar programs since 2004, according to a spokesman. There are now 18 state prisons running the programs.

Monty's Home, a canine rescue organization, is working with Pender officials to get the program on its feet. The prison system built kennels, and Monty's Home, through donations, is paying for vet bills, grooming and training.

Five rescued dogs (including the one pictured above) are currently going through eight-week obedience classes with about 10 prisoners, who work daily with the dogs. Once the dogs have completed the program, they'll be available for adoption by area families.

Given the stark, isolated condition of prison life, it's a good bet prisoners are learning a sense of responsibility - and bonding with their dogs.

"The unconditional love of a dog, there's nothing like it," Barbara Raab, founder of Monty's Home, told the Wilmington (N.C.) Star-News.

Dogs can be punished for naughty, rude or inappropriate behavior.  Punishments do not need to scare, hurt or intimidate your dog.  You can punish your dog by REMOVING REWARDS.  Removing Rewards is a humane way to communicate to your dog that you were displeased with their behavior and that such behaviors will have consequences.  

Consequences change behaviors.  Telling your dog, "No" is not a consequence;it is a marker, and unless paired with an action, "No" will mean nothing to your dog.  Most dogs respond to harsh words and handling with appeasement gestures (ears back, licking, rolling, cowering).  Appeasement gestures are your dogs way of saying, "Please stop."  It does NOT mean that they understand why you are upset!

There are several ways to Remove Rewards (humanely punish your dog), but before any punishments are given it is important to make sure that the following have been addressed.

1.  Has the dog had ample opportunity to learn what behavior(s) are appropriate?

Punishments only tell a dog how they got it wrong.  It is faster and more effective to spend some time teaching your dog what you expect.  Your dog will need you to help them get it right.  Management tools such as leashes, gates, toys and treats are often helpful.

For example:  When I am working with a friendly puppy who jumps on guests, I often set up a gate near the entrance or attach a leash to a nearby banister or door.  When the doorbell rings the dog is put on the leash or behind the gate so they can't jump on the guest.  When the guest enters the puppy will have the chance to practice sitting for a cookie or toy.  If the puppy is too wiggly or excited to sit, then everyone walks away for 5-10 seconds.  When we return the puppy is allowed to try again try.  This type of system is error-proof.  The puppy can't get it WRONG (jump) and the failure to get it RIGHT (sit) is punished by having the guest and owner/guardian leave.

2.  Are you certain you know what your dog wants?

Knowing what your dog wants in any given situation is critical.  How YOU want to reward your dog is not always WHAT YOUR DOG WANTS.  Inadvertently giving your dog what they want when they are naughty is a sure way to create frustration.  I have often found that dogs can be rewarded with the strangest things:  access to sniffing; permission to tree a squirrel; returning to a favorite spot or person; being let out or into a yard or car; being given more playtime.  These are all "Real-Life" Rewards.  The trick to using them as rewards is being able to prevent free-access to them so that you can GIVE them when the dog is behaving.

For example:  On the way to the dog park your dog might pull.  If you are trying to use treats to get your dog to walk next to you, you might or might NOT be successful because what your dog wants is TO GET TO THE PARK!  Penalty yards away from the park might be a reward-removal that effectively reduces pulling if your dog is not responding to food rewards for walking nicely.

3.  Is your dog scared or upset?

If your dog is growling, snapping, biting, or lunging they may be scared or upset.  Although these are dangerous and inappropriate behaviors, punishing fear-based behaviors is NOT a solution.  Contact a certified trainer.

For Example:  If my dog is chewing a bone and growls at me when I approach, my dog is upset!  Growling is a communication that says, "No, I don't want to give up the bone."  I do not want to be growled at, but punishing my dog for growling (a reaction, not a planned behavior) will only prove to my dog that he SHOULD be upset when I approach him chewing a bone because I predict a punishment.  Classical Conditioning is a better solution.

HOW TO REMOVE REWARDS

1.  Prevent access to stuff your dog wants with doors, leashes, gates.  

At the front door if my dog pushes his nose into the crack before I am ready to let her out, I shut the door.  Only when she is sitting and waiting will the door open, or will she be released "free-dog" to leave.  Until then, I keep shutting the door.  No yelling, no screaming, no commands --the door just stays shuts.

2. Removing Access to stuff your dog is enjoying.  

If you call your dog at the park and they are too busy playing with their dog friends to come to you.  Say "Too-Bad!"  Then go get your dog, leash them and either clip them to a post, put them in the car, or walk away from the doggie play-party zone.

3.  Ending the fun.

If you are playing TUG with your dog and your dog does not drop the toy, then let go of the toy (no fun to tug alone) and walk away.  If your dog is rude at the park, say "Too-Bad" and leave.

4.  Time-Outs.  

If your dog is barking at you while you are on the phone because they want attention you can give a time-out by: 1. walking to the another room and shutting the door (opposite of what dog wanted).  2. You can take the dog and put them in a Time-out space (the former puppy confinement area works well).  

If your dog jumps on a guest, you can say, "Too-bad" and clip your dog to a leash which is attached somewhere away from fun stuff/people, or put them behind a gate that creates a no-fun space.  

NOTES:

"Too-Bad" is a marker.  It must be used at the exact moment your dog commits the offense & you MUST be willing to carry out the Reward-Removal!!!

Pet Products Review - Solid Gold Green Cow Tripe Canned Dog Food.

If you're like me, and the 80's were your most formidable years, say Solid Gold.  What immediately comes to mind?

It was a Saturday night ritual.  You'd count down the top ten with Rick Dees or Dionne Warwick and vicariously watch your favorite dancer bust out the moves.  Oh those were the days.

Now.... Solid Gold has taken on a different meaning; high quality all natural pet pet food.  I'm always on the look out for premium all natural food that is enjoyably tasty.  Since I'm one of the 1% of people who likes eating tripe, I thought, hey "let's try it".  The Solid Gold Green Cow Tripe Canned Dog Food certainly had a distinctive aroma but the consistency was perfect to mix in with dry kibble.  Well, my dog Champ really liked this product.  He ate everything.  

It's important to me when Champ finishes his entire bowl.  It makes me feel good.  I also feel good when I buy a premium product at $2.59 per 13.2oz can that it is enjoyed while part of at least 2 meal servings.  So I do recommend this product. 

Since cans are heavy to carry around, I recommend ordering them online from an eRetailer like www.petfooddirect.com, or direct from the Solid Gold.  When you order, ask them if there really are such creatures as green cows.

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