Keeping Kids Safe Around Dogs

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KEEPING KIDS SAFE AROUND DOGS

Dogs and kids can live together harmoniously, if the situationis properly understood and carefully handled. Friendships between dogs and kids are both wonderful and character building for the children.

Most dog bites inflicted on kids are by the family pet, or a neighbours dog. It is not that the dog is aggressive, it is just that Mums and Dads do not understand that children, and particularly babies, act very differently to adults, and it is this unusual behaviour that upsets the dogs.

My own children were brought up with German Shepherds, supposedly well know as aggressive dogs. The dogs were fairly anti-social to strangers but to the family they were totally trust worthy. I like to think that it was because I taught the kids to behave properly around and towards the dogs.

When dogs and kids are living together it is the kids that need to be taught to treat all dogs with the greatest respect, and to understand that dogs are not toys. As soon as babies are crawling they need to be told to be kind to the family dog. Puppies are never too young to learn, neither are babies.

If you have just acquired a new puppy do not let it chew you or play nip, good training for when it is a fully grown dog.

Dogs protect all things that they care about, whether that be the house, their diner, the car, their bed, kids have to understand to leave dogs alone at certain times or certain places. Some dogs are, by nature, herding dogs, so these may chase a child if it runs away. This could excite the dog to attack. Some dogs would get defensive if they are cornered or have someone standing over them. Kids should be taught to not scream, cuddle the dog tightly or pinch them. It should be remembered that as a dog gets older it could become less tolerant, so the family dog that has always been so good with the kids suddenly nips a child.

Old dogs get deaf so cannot hear a child approaching, so may nip out of surprise. It is not the dog’s fault!

Kids need to be told to never approach a strange dog, without asking permission. If the dog is out without it’s owner leave it alone. To always approach in a steady quiet manor. No teasing, yelling, hugging, pinching, pulling or chasing. Always leave mothers with young alone. Never try to stop a dogfight! If you are approached by a strange dog, stand still; let the dog sniff you, no wriggling fingers, put them in your pocket ifyou have one. Do not stare at the dog, and never run away. If the dog is barking or growling, slowly walk away, keepingthe dog in view. Be sure your kids understand the difference between your owndog and a strange dog.

It is wise to never leave a baby or very young children alone together, no matter how well you think you know the dog.

This all sounds a little forbidding but dogs and kids really can have lots of fun together.

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About The Author: I have owned dogs for 42 years. Learning totrain from my mother who trained to county level. Over the years I have found that the old ways of training are not always the best, that praise is the best form of training, and the younger the dog, the easier it is to train.http://www.dogtrainingproblems.biz

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Nutrition and Your Dog -- How to Raise a Healthy Dog

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Your dog depends on you for all his nutritional requirements. Proper nutrition is essential for a healthy pet to help resist disease and illness, to maintain a lean, healthy weight, and to give your furry friend a shiny coat.

Each dog is different, and your dog's lifestyle (active or sedentary? young or old? hunting dog? racing dog? lap dog? healthy? pregnant?) is the main factor in determining his individual nutritional requirements.

When to feed your dog is an important first question. Puppies need lots of calories every day because they are growing so quickly. It's best to feed puppies small meals several times a day at first. Most adult dogs only need to eat once a day to sustain their energy and nutrient levels. If you work all day and no one is home with your dog, it's probably best to feed him in the evening, so you'll be able to let him out after he eats. But a morning feeding schedule is fine if someone is home with your dog during the day.

Whatever time of day you choose to feed your dog, there are six basic nutrients that he must eat every dy to balance his particular needs: water, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and vitamins.

Water is key. Your new best friend needs plenty of fresh water daily...it is one of the most important things you can provide your dog. While a dog can go without food for a while, he will quickly dehydrate without water. This is especially important during the summer months when your dog is outside in the heat. We can't stress enough how important it is to ALWAYS have a fresh bowl of water available for your dog. (A medium size dogs requires about two quarts of water each day!)

If your dog is a normal, active, healthy dog, he only needs a small amount of protein daily. However, young and active dogs need more protein for growth, and older active dogs need more protein as well. The proteins you feed your dog need to come from an animal source.
Carbohydrates help provide your dog with energy, as well as help keep the intestines functioning properly. Most commercial dog foods use corn as their source of carbohydrates. As important as carbs are, however, they should make up no more than about 50% of Fido's diet.
Fats are an essential part of Fido's diet, but they need to be properly balanced with other nutrients. If you're feeding your dog the proper amount of a good, commercial dog food, he should be getting the right amount of fat in his diet.

Your dog doesn't really need a lot of minerals. As long as you feed him a complete, balanced diet, there is no need to supplement with minerals. Most commercial dog foods will provide him with all the minerals he needs.

Dogs require the same vitamins from their food as you do, except for Vitamin C (dogs are able to make their own Vitamin C). Vitamins that are water soluable (such as the B vitamins) need to be replenished every day. Fat-soluable vitamins (like A, E, K, and D) stay in your dog's system longer. It's important that your dog maintain a healthy diet to keep him from developing serious health problems.

For more specific information on the nutritional needs of your dog, talk with your vet.

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** Read more articles on dog care and training **
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Father's Day Gift Ideas for Dog Lovers and More!

I have come across some of the most amazing, unique Father's Day gift ideas!

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And, of course, if Dad loves DOGS, I've put together some great dog-themed gift ideas as well!

You can see everything here..... http://www.BarkTalk.com/fathersdaygifts.html

Happy Shopping!

Woof!

~Lisa

Choosing a Veterinarian for Your Dog

Choosing a vet for your dog is one of the most important decisions you'll make for him, so it's important to take your time and make an informed decision. You’ll want to find a vet you can connect with, since working as a team with your veterinarian helps guarantee that your pet will live a full and healthy life. When choosing, select someone who has the same level of passion about pet care as you do.

Referrals from other pet-owners is a good place to start when looking for a vet. Even though your friends may have different expectations than you, at least you'll have a list of good prospects to check out. And although advertisements supply information about vet services offered, a personal recommendation is always best.

You will want to make an appointment for a visit for your and your dog to meet the veterinarian and the staff. While you’re there, check for cleanliness, a relaxed professional atmosphere and staff members who are ready to answer your questions and give you a tour. Observe how the vet and the staff interact with your dog.

One very important thing to consider is how you feel once you're in the examining room. It doesn't matter how many diplomas the vet has, or how many credentials are framed and hanging on the walls of his office. While education and knowledge are important in a veterinarian, what really matters is that your dog -- and YOU -- feel comfortable. You should be able to sense the vet’s compassion for animals.

Make sure you can communicate well with your veterinarian, and that you feel comfortable asking any questions at all regarding your dog's health. If you feel that your veterinarian isn't taking the time to answer your questions in terms you can understand, it's probably time to look for a new vet.

Ask what types of services are available at his/her particular clinic. It's also important that you have a number to call in case of after-hours emergencies. If you plan to purchase pet health insurance, make sure the clinic you're at accepts it. (For links to pet health insurance sites that I recommend, click here.)

Some vets consider some vaccinations essential, while others don't. And some vets have a particular schedule for vaccinations, while you may have strong feelings about the extent to which your dog should be vaccinated. Be sure you and your potential veterinarian agree (or agree to disagree) on this important topic.

Ask if you can see the kennel area where animals are cared for. This area should be absolutely clean and odor-free. The air should be warm, dry, and comfortable. If it’s not, move on!

While it’s tempting to select a veterinarian based on location, it may be worth it for your and your dog to drive a little further to find the quality of care you’re looking for.

Finally…trust your instincts. If you don’t like the “feel” of the situation, it’s probably best to look for a different veterinarian.

** Read more articles on dog care and training **

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Much more information is available about

vaccinations and veterinary care at our recommended reading page.

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Dog-Proofing Your Home: Keeping Your Dog Safe From Household Dangers

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If you see something interesting on the floor, what do you do? Well, if you're a puppy, first you sniff it, then you pick it up in your mouth. Not a problem if it's edible, but what if it's a battery, or a piece of chocolate, or a small rubber ball? You might think your house is perfectly safe, but to a dog, it's full of fascinating (although potentially dangerous) attractions. This is especially true for a new puppy, since he'll be eager to explore (and taste!) everything in his new surroundings.

Dr. Robert Linnabary, D.V.M., an instructor at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in Knoxville, recommends using the same precautions for a dog that you would for children. "But remember that dogs are better at breaking open bottles and boxes."

Here are some suggestions for making (and keeping) your dog safe in his new home:

The Kitchen. Remember that dogs have very agile paws and determined muzzles, so keep your cleaning supplies locked away. A good idea is to install childproof locks on cabinets where you store your cleaning supplies, or move them to a high shelf. Also, keep the garbage can safely stored away, or buy one with a tight-fitting lid. Garbage (such as chicken bones) can be stored in the freezer until garbage day. And PLEASE REMEMBER, as much as we humans love chocolate, it contains a stimulant (theobromine) which can make dogs very, seriously ill. And you'll want to keep towels and dish cloths out of your puppy's reach, because if your dog chews on it and swallows a big enough piece, it could cause an intestinal obstruction.

The Bathroom. Dogs love to explore the bathroom, but they can discover alluring tastes they'll be unable to resist. Soaps and good-smelling bottles of lotions and shampoos should be kept out of your puppy's reach, as well as any children's tub toys. And sanitary napkins and tampons can be a bit problem, because of their high absorbancy, if they get inside your puppy's intestinal tract. And don't forget to move any cleaning powders and disinfectants up out of your puppy's reach. And remember to keep your toilet lid down to keep your dog from drinking the unsanitary water.

The Family Room. The family room in your home can be filled with dog-unfriendly objects as varied as each family. Any materials that you use for hobbies need to be kept up and out of your dog's reach. Paints, game pieces, children's toys, small pillows, any of these objects can be potentially dangerous to your dog. And check your electrical cords to be sure they're tucked out of sight.

The Bedrooms. Children's bedrooms are especially tempting (and especially dangerous) because of all the small, chewable toys lying around, like rubber balls or even small toys and balloons. Adult bedrooms can have stockings and neckties that can be easily swallowed. And don't forget your medications! Keep all medications out of reach (because the childproof caps won't stop your dog!). Also, don't keep loose change and jewelry within reach of your puppy or dog.

The Garage. Your garage can be one of the most hazardous places for your pet. Aside from items like paint thinner, insecticides, and fertilizers, the garage tends to be a place where screws and nails can be lying about. The best advice: make the garage off-limits to your dog. The potential for injury is too great.

Buy a book on dog care. Of course, the suggestions listed here are very brief. You may want to invest in a good book on dog care. It's always a good idea to have a reference guide handy in case you need a quick answer on caring for your dog. We offer many suggestions on our recommended reading page.

Healthy Companion Leisure. Natural supplement to assist in relaxing dogs. Ideal for traveling, extended kennel stays, visits to the vet, when houseguests arrive, or other times of stess or agitation

Greenies Dental Treats Greenies are a chewy highly nutritious treat proven effective in preventing buildup of dental tartar. Greenies are formulated with ingredients to diminish odors & bacteria plus strengthen gums and hence extend the life of your dog!

Zodiac Flea & Tick Spray For immediate relief without a mess or hassle. Kills and repels fleas, ticks and mosquitoes plus an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) to keep flea eggs from hatching.

Start a profitable Dog Bakery Business.

Click Here! Do you have at least one framed photo of your dog somewhere in your house... or maybe in your wallet? Is your dog pretty darn close to being the very center of your universe? Never will you find so many resources for FREE to spoil your dog! I Love My Dog! Electronic books for people who LOVE their dogs.

Dog Tired: Getting Through The First Night Home with Your New Puppy

Opinions vary over the best place for your dog to sleep. The best advice: start a puppy off in the room you eventually want him to sleep in. Want to let your new puppy sleep in your bed? Lots of people do, but be warned: This will very quickly become a habit! If Fido gets to sleep with you as a new puppy, plan on having Fido in your bed for life (unless, of course, you want to retrain a grown adult dog!).

Many experts recommend that your puppy sleep in a crate. To some, that may seem cruel, but a roomy crate that's the right size for your dog can end up being his favorite place. Janet Lalonde, D.V.M., a veterinarian in private practice in Alexandria, Ontario, believes that for a puppy, a crate really is the best sleeping place. "It dramatically reduces house-training problems and destructive chewing until the pup has grown into a dependable adult."
Your little guy is going to be terrified the first few nights -- he's missing his mother and siblings, and he hasn't bonded yet with you. So, yes, he's going to cry and whine, and there's a good chance neither one of you will get much sleep for a few nights!

One solultion is to try putting his crate next to your bed so you can put your fingers into his crate to calm and soothe him.

Another good place for your dog's bed is the kitchen because it's quiet at night. A basement is also a good place, especially if your puppy is going to grow into a large dog!

Wherever you decide will be the sleeping place for your puppy, be sure it's safe, comfortable, and warm, and that it's not near any drafts.

For more information on taking care of your new puppy, take a look at our recommended reading list. There you'll find lots of resources to help you be a terrific dog owner -- with a terrific dog.

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Tips for Keeping Safe Around Dogs

Dogs are our best friends. Our faithful companions. Our four-legged fur babies. Although most of us know that dogs communicate by wagging their tails, barking, licking, and whining, they also sometimes communicate by biting! In fact, every year dogs bite about 4.7 million people, most of them children. That’s why it’s important to know what to do to stay safe when you encounter a dog you don’t know, and even how to behave around a dog you are familiar with.

If you encounter a strange dog, and the owner is with the dog, first as for permission to pet the animal. Never approach a dog you don’t know, and don’t stick your hand out so he can sniff it! The dog may interpret your actions as a threat. Instead, stand perfectly still. If the dog’s owner says it’s okay to pet the dog, it’s best to pet him on his upper body, but avoid his head. A hand coming toward a dog’s head could again be perceived as a threat to the animal. Teach your children not to hug a strange dog. Dogs are pack animals, and a dog interprets covering another’s body with establishing dominance. Even a friendly dog could suddenly snap.

Many of us have been taught that a dog wags his tail when he’s happy. Actually, a dog wags his tail when he’s excited…..but the excitement isn’t always good. A low, horizontal wag that causes a dog’s entire back end to move is an indication of a friendly, happy, “good excited” dog. However, stay clear of a dog that is stiffly wagging his tail high in the air. He is nervous and could turn on you without warning.

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation where a dog begins to attack you, your size will help establish your dominance over the dog, so it’s best to stand as tall as you can and avoid direct eye contact. If you are knocked to the ground, however, stay as quiet as possible, and use your hands to cover your ears for protection. The attacking dog may see this position as a sign of submission and simply walk away.

It’s important to remember that even your family dog could bite. While it’s unusual, it’s not unheard of. It’s best not to leave young children alone with a dog. Because of their smaller size, children are not perceived as dominant to a dog, and a child’s sudden movement could cause even the kindest, gentlest dog to snap.

Dogs are our best friends, without a doubt. However, they are animals. By taking precautions, we can keep ourselves, and our children, safe.

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Want to read more articles about dog care? Check out http://www.BarkTalk.com/articlesandinfo.html where you'll find articles on dog care and training.

Got a new puppy? Send New Puppy Announcements and tell the world about your new baby PLUS read about the basic pet supplies you're going to need. These aren't just optional extras, these are the basic supplies every new dog owner should have before you even bring your dog home.

Puppy Housetraining Made Easy!

Without a doubt, the most sought-after advice regarding puppy care has to do with housetraining. There are almost as many theories as there are breeds of dogs.

Well, after much searching, as well as personal trial and error, I've finally found what I believe to be the most comprehensive plan for housetraining a puppy. This isn't an e-book I'm selling, it's just a great, free article that you can read.

Here's the link: http://www.BarkTalk.com/puppyhousetraining.html

~Lisa

Got a new puppy? Send NEW PUPPY ANNOUNCEMENTS and tell the world! BarkTalk.com has the largest selection available on the internet. http://www.BarkTalk.com/adoptioncatalog.html

Traveling By Car With Your Dog

Tomorrow is May 1st. In only a few weeks, the kids will be out of school, and we'll all be planning our summer vacations.

If your summer travel plans include car travel, why not take your fur baby with you? He is, after all, a member of the family!

To make sure the trip is enjoyable for everyone, there are a few things you'll need to consider, and some things you'll want to do in advance to prepare.

I've written a comprehensive article filled with tips, hints, and ideas for traveling by car with your dog. Here's where you can find the entire article Traveling By Car With Your Dog.

Hope you find this helpful!

~Lisa

How to Choose a Good Boarding Kennel

What to do with Fido while you're on vacation this summer...

Summer time will be here soon. Now is the time to start planning! If you're planning a trip this summer and need to leave your dog behind, you'll want to read BarkTalk's article How to Choose the Best Boarding Kennel for Your Dog for excellent advice on how to prepare NOW so your dog will have the best care while you're away. Here's what you'll find:

• How to find a good dog boarding kennel
• How to evaluate a good kennel
• What certifications you should look for
• What trade organizations should your kennel owner belong to
• What to look for when you visit the kennel
• What information you need to provide the kennel owner
• What to pack for Fido
• How to say good-bye

Read the entire article here: How to Choose the Best Boarding Kennel for Your Dog

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~Lisa

http://www.BarkTalk.com ~ Where Dog Lovers Gather

BarkTalk.com now proudly carries Urban Hund fashions for your dog. Check out the new SPRING LINE of Urban Hund Dog Collars and Urban Hund T-Shirts for a dazzling collection of upscale dog apparel and accessories.

Lessons My Children Have Taught Me

Okay, so this isn't about dogs. However, many of these "life lessons" are taught to us by our pets, too!

LESSONS MY CHILDREN HAVE TAUGHT ME.

I consider myself an educated person. I attended and graduated from college. I own my own business. I’m an avid reader. Yet, as a mother of six children, I find myself continually amazed by how much my children have taught me. And I honestly I think the world would be a much better place if we all followed the simple life lessons our children teach us.

Love your body. Have you ever tried to catch an 18-month old running naked through the house? My son’s new favorite game is to slip from my grasp after his bath and run, laughing, through the house. He’ll even turn and face me just long enough to do a little dance, before running off to another room, always keeping just out of my reach. He loves his body. He loves his bowed legs and his protruding little baby belly. He loves his stubby little arms that barely reach over his head. Too many of us are ashamed of our bodies. And while I don’t recommend running naked through the house (at least while the kids are home), I think we can all learn a lesson from a gleeful, naked toddler.

Take time to recharge. I’m a busy person. I’ve got six children and I run my own business. It’s not uncommon for me to get up at 3:00 a.m. just so I can get some work done before my children wake up. But I find that when I keep a schedule like this, I tend to be more than a bit crabby by about 6 or 7 p.m. Not long ago, I strapped my toddler into his high chair and turned my back to prepare his lunch. When I turned back around, he was sound asleep -- sitting up in his high chair. And just last week, he was walking through the living room, walked up to the ottoman, laid his little head down on it, and went to sleep. Standing up. Well, he was tired. And when we’re tired, we need to rest. It doesn’t get any simpler than that, does it? I now find time during each day for a 20 minute “power nap.” It does wonders for my patience factor when my older kids all come home from school each afternoon!

Get back up. Have you ever watched a child learning how to walk? Or even a child who’s been walking for several months, who isn’t really steady on his feet? His determination wins out over his pride every time. And that’s why he succeeds…because he never gives up. So you fall down. Big deal. You can’t just lie there! Stand back up and start walking again. And if you fall again, get up again. Eventually, you won’t fall as often, and you’ll get where you were heading.

Laugh from your toes. There’s nothing better than a room full of laughing children. One of my favorite things to see is my husband lying on our living room floor with our children, rolling and tickling and laughing. A child’s belly laugh is a sound to behold. We all need to remember to lighten up a little bit. Laugh a little more often. Laugh all the way from our toes!

If you can’t reach it, build a ladder. Yesterday, I watched with amazement as my toddler built the most elaborate ladder of pillows so he could reach his sister’s sippy cup that was sitting on the kitchen counter. You see, he knew it was there. He could see it. And he WANTED that sippy cup more than life itself. He tried reaching. He tried standing on his toes. He stretched and stretched and stretched! But when even stretching didn’t give him the desired results, he walked to the living room, got a pillow off the couch, and placed it on the floor next to the counter. Yes. He GOT that sippy cup. And even though it belonged to his sister, and even though it had more sugary juice in it than a good mother should allow her 18 month old to drink, I let him have that cup. He earned it.

Don’t take no for an answer. Anyone who has children will agree with me that kids are the most strong-willed creatures on the face of the earth. In all the years I’ve been raising children (my oldest is now 18 years old), I’ve never ceased to be amazed that “No” never seems to really mean “No” to a child. We should follow that counsel. “No” might just mean “not today” or “not exactly that way” or even “Okay, okay, yes, I’ll buy it!!!” So don’t ever take no for an answer.

What you say is not always as important as how you say it. My 18-month old has a very limited vocabulary. Mainly “mama,” “dada,” and “no.” But somehow, we always seem to know what he wants. He smiles and coos and snuggles and points and, usually, he gets whatever it is he wants. So I try to remember when I’m dealing with my employees, and when dealing with my customers, that what I say isn’t always as important as how I say it.

Kiss it better. One of the most amazing parts of being a mother is when my children come to me, with tears in their eyes, and ask me to “kiss it better.” No, I’m not happy that they’re hurting, but it’s astonishing to me that a simple kiss from someone who loves you can make the hurt go away. Just knowing someone cares about us goes a long way in determining how we feel. So I take my friendships very seriously. Because when I’m down, or having a bad day, or something hurts, it’s great to have someone to kiss it better.

Jump in a few puddles. My 5 year old is my puddle jumper. She is my mud magnet. She doesn’t care what she’s wearing, or where we’re going, if there’s a mud puddle, she’s going to find it. I’m learning to follow her guidance. I’m teaching myself to lighten up a little bit. I’m learning that life’s too short to never jump in a puddle.

This article was written by Lisa Pallardy. You are welcome to reprint it on your website, newsletter, or blog, provided the following bio is included:

About the Author: Lisa Pallardy is the mother of 6 children and lover of 3 dogs. She owns http://www.BarkTalk.com, a website featuring articles and information on dog care and training, plus a gift shop full of great gifts for dogs...and the people they own. BarkTalk.com - It's Where Dog Lovers Gather.

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If you've got a dog, you've got to check out www.BarkTalk.com. It's filled with lots of articles on dog care and training. Plus, we now carry clothing and accessories by Urban Hund, THE upscale dog boutique.

Euthanasia: The Difficult and Humane Decision

Unfortunately for us as dog lovers, it is really quite uncommon for a dog to just die peacefully in his sleep. Rather, as your dog ages and begins to suffer some combination of disease and disability, including pain, depression, and distress, you will most likely be forced to choose between two humane options.

First, you can care for your dog as you would a beloved family member, working with his veterinarian to do whatever it takes to keep him alive -- and pain free -- until he dies of natural causes. Choosing this path, however, can lead to the use of extreme measures that could actually result in more pain for your dog, in addition to fear and isolation in his final days.

Or, as a second option, you can choose to work with your dog’s vet to do whatever is necessary to keep your dog alive, but only as long as there is hope for his recovery, or at the very least a reasonable quality of life for him.

Once your dog has reached the point where there is no hope for recovery or a reasonable quality of life for him, you will probably be advised to choose to end both your dog’s suffering, as well as his life.

When deciding whether euthanizing your dog is the best choice, consider the following:

*Is your dog’s condition worsening, despite continued medical treatment?
*Are you and your vet no longer able to keep your dog pain free?
*If your dog does recover, will he be unable to care for himself?
*If your dog does recover, will there be a considerable change in his disposition and/or personality?
*Will continued care of your dog create serious hardships for you and your family, either financially or emotionally?

If you answer yes to one or more of these questions, you need to understand that euthanasia is a humane -- and painless -- way to bring an end to your beloved dog’s suffering. An overdose, usually of the anesthetic phenobarb, is put into your dog’s vein. Within only a few seconds, he will lose consciousness, and only seconds later his vital functions will stop.

It’s very important to discuss your decision with your family before proceeding, since this will affect all of your dog’s human relatives, including your children. Don’t try to “shield” children from the truth about the seriousness of your dog’s illness, or the very real possibility that their beloved companion may die. Rather, explain the situation in age-appropriate terms, and give your children the opportunity to express their feelings about it.

The biggest drawback to euthanasia is that it is usually performed in the veterinarian’s office. Unfortunately, this can be stressful for both you and your dog. If possible, when discussing the option of euthanizing your dog with your vet, ask him for medication that you can give your dog before you leave the house on the date of the procedure. This should make your dog more relaxed, as well as ease some of your apprehensions.

Euthanizing your dog at your vet’s office, unfortunately, doesn’t generally allow you much time or privacy to say your final good-byes. However, just the fact that you can be present should help to at least reassure you that his passing was pain free and peaceful.

The disposal of your dog’s body is another important matter you will need to consider. It’s best to discuss this subject with your vet in advance, if possible, including the cost of each option.

Different states have different laws as to how a dog’s body may be disposed of. Some states only have the option to cremate, and most vets will routinely cremate, unless you live in a state where burial is an option. You may be able to choose a “private” cremation and have your dog’s ashes returned to you, rather than a communal cremation, where your dog’s body is cremated with other pets. While you need to consider the cost of a private cremation when making your decision, many pet owners find comfort in having their dog’s ashes in an urn in a special place in their home.

If your state law allows burial, and you choose to bury your pet, two things are important to remember: First, make sure you place your dog’s body in an enclosed, biodegradable container. Secondly, be certain the grave you dig is deep enough so that wild animals can’t dig it up.

We love our dogs so much. For many people, the love of their dog can be compared to the love of their children. Many dog owners are utterly surprised by the depth of their feelings after their dog dies. Fortunately, pet loss and grieving are beginning to be more recognized by human doctors as a legitimate concern. If you feel that your feelings are excessive, and you find yourself unable to return to finding joy in your everyday activities, you should know that there are support groups available, and even specialists who can help you if you feel you need extra support.

Grieving is normal and your feelings can last for a long time (a year is not unusual), evolving from disbelief through acceptance. The emotional pain we feel when our dogs die should not be underestimated. However, a peaceful and dignified death may be the kindest and most loving way to say goodbye to your faithful companion.

___________________

About the author: Lisa Pallardy is the owner of http://www.BarkTalk.com, an interactive site filled with information about dog care, as well as a wide selection of gifts for dogs and dog lovers. For links to non-profit resources for dealing with the grief of pet loss, including information specifically for children and pet loss, read Children and Pet Loss. For permission to use this article, please e-mail this author at Lisap@BarkTalk.com .

Do you own a dog-themed website?

I'm always looking for quality sites to exchange relevant text links with.

If you own a dog-themed website, shoot me an e-mail and let's trade links!

Want to take a look at my website? Here's the URL: http://www.BarkTalk.com

You can grab my text link from here: http://www.BarkTalk.com/contact.html

Great way to help each other out on the search engines!

Woof!

~Lisa

How to Choose a Veterinarian

Choosing a vet for your dog is one of the most important decisions you'll make for him, so it's important to take your time and make an informed decision. You’ll want to find a vet you can connect with, since working as a team with your veterinarian helps guarantee that your pet will live a full and healthy life. When choosing, select someone who has the same level of passion about pet care as you do.

Referrals from other pet-owners is a good place to start when looking for a vet. Even though your friends may have different expectations than you, at least you'll have a list of good prospects to check out. And although advertisements supply information about vet services offered, a personal recommendation is always best.

Want to learn more about choosing a vet for your dog? Read my entire article Choosing a Veterinarian for Your Dog.

While you're there, you'll want to take a look at the BarkTalk Gift Shop. Lots of new items are being added daily -- from gifts for your dog, to gifts for any dog lover in your life. You'll find cool things like personalized custom dog blankets and bandanas, dog jewelry, custom charm bracelets for dog lovers, and lots more.

There's also a great article about How to Start a Pet Sitting Business.

Woof!

~Lisa

Children and Pet Loss

Yesterday I had the honor of speaking on the telephone with Dr. Wallace Sife, who is the founder of The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement, a non-profit organization that deals specifically with the unique topic of grieving the loss of a pet.

Dr. Sife was gracious enough to allow me to post an excerpt from a chapter of his book The Loss of a Pet. This excerpt, entitled Children and Pet Loss is a must-read for any parent. There are links included in this article that will take you directly to Dr. Sife's non-profit website. The APLB is a nonprofit association of volunteers who are trained or experienced in the tender subject of pet death. Its members are professional counselors as well as pet-loving people from all other walks of life. They are all concerned with helping pet lovers cope with this unique and very intimate kind of loss.

You'll really want to read this article...Children and Pet Loss.

~Lisa

http://www.BarkTalk.com

Where Dog Lovers Gather

Kids and Dogs and Teaching Responsibility

It's no secret that most families end up as pet owners as the result of the constant begging and pleading of a child, and that's not a bad thing. However, while the child will promise ON HIS LIFE to take care of the dog, in reality, we know that as adults, we will be ultimately responsible.

HOWEVER...Owning a dog is a terrific opportunity to TEACH YOUR CHILD RESPONSIBILITY. I've written an article titled "Kids and Dogs: Teaching Responsibility Through Pet Ownership" and you can find it here.

Woof!

~Lisa

The Freshest Dog Treats You'll Find -- Anywhere!

I am sooooo excited! I have found someone who makes made to order dog treats! I'm telling you, dogs go CRAZY for these things!

I don't know how she finds the time, but when you place your order (and choose from the yummy selection of Liver Training Treats, Peanut Butter Biscuits, Doggy Donuts, Cheezy Biscuits, and more!), she heads to her kitchen and bakes up these delicious concoctions, and ships them to you within 72 hours. She uses NO preservatives, so you'll need to refrigerate the biscuits when you get them, but they'll keep for up to 3 weeks (or longer if you freeze them).

If you want to see some pictures, just go to BarkTalk Dog Treats

As an added bonus....if you sign up to receive my newsletter during the month of March, I'll sell these delectable treats to you for $3.00 off!! Once you've signed up, and confirmed your subscription, just shoot me an e-mail and I'll give you instructions on how to get your discount.

WOOF!

~Lisa

Start Your Own Doggie Day Care Business!

Are you serious about making money in The Pet Care Industry?

There has never been a better time to start a business in the Pet Care Industry. Pet popularity is at an all-time high, and Americans spend thousands each year on boarding, breeding, grooming, pet sitting and retail accessories. Industry experts say this trend is on the rise. Here are just a few statistics:

• Pet businesses are the fastest growing home-based business

• 40 million US households own at least one dog

• Americans spend $34 billion on their pets each year

• 47% of all US households own more than one pet

The My Pet Business Video Series has developed a comprehensive video series featuring the fastest growing segments of the Pet Care Industry. These categories are: the Boarding Kennel, Doggie Day Care and Grooming Businesses. All are available on dvd.

If you've thought seriously of opening your own pet business but weren't sure if it was right for you, these videos will help you evaluate this exciting opportunity and provide you the tools to get your pet care business started today.

In our videos, you'll hear from the experts. They'll show you what you need to get started with your own pet care business today. And they'll provide you a candid look into what you can expect your lifestyle to be like as a pet care professional. You'll see incredible footage from successful facilities all over the country.

You'll learn:

• How much you can expect to earn owning a pet care business

• Day-to-day operations

• Proven marketing techniques

• The most important skills you must know to succeed

• How to avoid costly mistakes

• How to get through the zoning process

• How to make sure your business is profitable

• Valuable resources not found anywhere else

• And much, much more!

If you love pets and dream of combining your love of pets with a Pet Care business, these videos are for you. Click here to purchase your Pet Care Business Video Series

Read what our customers are saying:

I just received the new Dog Day Care dvd and watched it twice, back to back, taking copious notes. I had to take the time to write and tell you how informative and inspiring this dvd is. I have researched this business for a year and am currently taking my last small business class in order to get in preparation to launch this exciting business. I thought I learned a great deal in college, but the information from the consultants was priceless.They covered so much information that I was very interested in like: start up costs, location, marketing/advertising, mistakes to avoid and the "pack" concept. I loved "going into" the various dog day cares on the dvd for decorating and remodeling ideas. This is an awesome dvd. I give it 2 thumbs up!

--Gwenda E., Cleveland, Ohio

I received the Doggie Day Care video and already watched it. I thought it provided great insight into what it takes to open and run a doggie day care center. The practical information and advice shared by current doggie day care owners will be invaluable to anyone considering this venture. Thanks for releasing such an enjoyable and informative product.
–Mary C., West Mifflin, PA

The My Pet Business Doggy Day Care video has provided us a very important step in assessing our ability to run a Doggy Day Care centre, and in clarifying what we need to do next to get our own business up and running. If you are considering this type of venture this DVD is an excellent starting point.

–Paul B. , Port Melborne, Australia

Order your DVD today!

~Lisa

Princess Dog

More dog apparel!

I only wish I had a tiny little dog that could wear something like this Pink Dog Coat with Matching Bone Toy (again, my apologies for the teensy image. Just click on the pink blur and -- trust me -- you're gonna die!)

Tooooooo cute!

~Lisa

For your child's room...

I just keep coming across the cutest dog-gone stuff!

I'm in the process of redecorating my 7-year old daughter's room. She's a dog fanatic (imagine that?), so we're going with a dog theme. Anyway, I was looking at Target.com and found this ADORABLE coat tree:

Dalmation Dog Clothes Tree


I'm getting one!!! (Sorry, the image is kinda teensy, but just click on the black and white spots and you can see a larger image :)

~Lisa

I love purses!

I love handbags! My closet is overflowing with them.

So when I came across this fabulous Sherpa Pet Tote, I just knew I had to have it! It's classy and sleek and looks like a real alligator bag...only YOU know about the precious cargo inside ;-)

Sherpa Montreal Pet Tote - $ 82.95 The Montreal Pet Tote from Sherpa is an elegantly discreet carrier that easily looks like an expensive handbag. The faux alligator outer shell adds richness while the carrier features standard elements that makes it perfect for travel: mesh panels for ventilation, a padded bottom board for comfort and stability, two exterior full length pockets and an inside leash ring. Measures 16" x 12" x 7.5" and is recommended for pets up to 10lbs with a max. length of 13" and height of 8".

If you're looking for some terrific gifts for your dog (or for the dog lover in your life), you've simply got to check out DogDecor.com Gift Shop for Dog Lovers for the largest selection of dog-themed purses I've seen (plus lots of other really cool dog stuff!)

Have you signed up for my BarkTalk News newsletter yet? It's easy to sign up, and I'll send you coupons for discounts on great dog supplies you need at places like PETCO, PETsMART, PetCareRx, and more!

Do you dress your dog?

Some people love it, some people hate it...Regardless, I don't think I've seen dog apparel this cute in my life!

American Pup Sweatshirt - Violet/XX-Small - $ 28.99 Hooded "PUP" in pink fleece with matching rib trim.

Is that just to die for or what? It makes you want to go out and buy a little tiny dog, just so you can dress it up like that!

Don't have a tiny dog? That's okay!! These adorable sweatshirts come in sizes from xx-small to x-large (American Pup Sweatshirt - Pink/X-Large
)!

I'm in the process of building a page on my site featuring some of the cutest dog apparel you've ever seen. Check it out (and check back, because I'll be adding more!).

Have you signed up for the BarkTalk News? Great informative articles, plus discount coupons from PetSmart, PETCO, and more! But you have to subscribe!!!

Woof!
~Lisa

Looking to Make a Dog-gone Lot of Money?

As a work-at-home mom who finally found my niche, I know how frustrating the search can be for a good work-at-home business. If you're here, then no doubt you have a passion for dogs. So if you're in the market for starting your own home biz, here are some ideas:

Here's another one:

BakeADogBone.com - Discover the secrets to starting your own, outrageously profitable pet bakery business on a shoe string budget.

I've also just added a new article on my website called "How to Start a Pet Sitting Business"

Perhaps you'd rather sell information, instead of a product? I was just talking with a work at home mom the other day who has run a profitable pet sitting business for the past 7 years, yet it hadn't occurred to her to sell her knowledge of this unique talent. I suggested she write an e-book about how she succeeded to teach others how they can do the same.

If you've got some great insider info (on any topic), writing and eBook would be an awesome way to capitalize on that knowledge, while sharing your love for whatever the topic is that you specialize in.

Not sure where to start? Here' s a couple of eBooks that will TEACH YOU how to write an eBook!

How to Write Your Own E-Book in 7 Days!!

eBook Secrets Exposed How to Make Massive Amounts of Money In Record Time With Your Own eBook - Whether You Wrote It Or Not!

Good luck!

~Lisa

Pet Insurance...?

A friend of mine told me yesterday about her recent trip to the vet...

She took her dog in to the vet to have her teeth cleaned. (I've had dogs all my life and have never heard of this before.) She was told it would cost $196.00. (YIKES) The vet called and said they needed to pull 2 teeth that were bad, so, not knowing any better, she said okay. When she picked the dog up, the bill was $421.00!!!!. (YIKES! YIKES! YIKES!).

Anyway, I got to wondering....you know how people doctors and hospitals "reward" those with health insurance by charging them less? This practice seems blatantly unfair to me. Anyway, do you suppose, with the increased popularity of pet health insurance, that vets are now getting in on the "gouging" action?

You know, pet health insurance is REALLY, REALLY inexpensive, and definitely something pet owners should seriously consider. Here's a couple I recommend:

PetCare Pet Insurance - the first month is just $1. After that,
plans start at less than $11 a month. Check it out at PETCO.com!

Petplan - Medical Insurance for Canadian Pets. Pet insurance from Petplan covers routine medical, dental, rehabilitation, and emergency care for your dog. Policies for dogs start as low as $12/month. (Available in Canada only.) www.petplan.com

It doesn't cost anything to fill out an application....and you MAY save some $$$.

~Lisa

Cleaning up after puppy

I've gotta tell you, this stuff is fabulous! Even if you don't have a dog, if you've got kids (especially little ones that aren't yet potty trained), check this out:

Capture® Carpet Cleaning System Pet Pak

My 16 month old son escaped my grasp the other day and ran naked and laughing through the house, finally stopping in the living room, where he apparently decided this would be a great place to go potty. Psssssssssssssss. All over my (just 2-days-prior-professionally-cleaned) carpet!

I got to thinking, pee is pee, right? So I grabbed my Capture® Carpet Cleaning System Pet Pak and waa-laaa. Bye-bye urine stain and smell.

Good for dogs. Good for kids. Talk about an all-purpose cleaner!

~Lisa