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Dogs in General

Info, Tips, Health

In the Market for a Dog? Know the Code

Row of dogs and puppiesI’m helping a friend look for a new puppy. One of the breeds that made it to her short list was the Papillon.  With a little more research, it wasn’t long before the cute little Papillon got crossed off.

Why?

The Code.

What is The Code, you ask?

It’s the positive spin breeders put on their breed descriptions, endorsed by the AKC. And, I believe, it’s a major contributor as to why so many dogs wind up in shelters and … Read More

Best Way to Get Dog Hair Off Rugs and Furniture

Use a squeegee and spray bottle

Don’t waste your time vacuuming; there isn’t a vacuum on the market that gets all pet hair. I know because I’ve tried them all.  To pick up ALL dog hair, use a squeegee and a little water in a spray bottle. Mist the furniture or rugs with the spray bottle and use the squeegee to loosen the hair. You’ll gather every single pet hair, leaving furniture and rugs perfectly clean.

For rugs use a … Read More

Are Bark Collars Safe and Humane?

You have a barking dog that just won’t stop. You’re at your wit’s end and you’ll try anything. Or you’re looking for a quick no-training method. Are bark collars the safe and humane solution?

[Video was removed from YouTube.]

Nuf said about that.

Instead, take a couple of minutes and try this method to get your dog to stop barking. Works like a charm. If you don’t want to wind up with a neurotic dog, there are no shortcuts.… Read More

Australian Shepherd-Siberian Husky Mix–What Are You In For?

I’ve lived with and loved both of these breeds. So is getting a mix of these two breeds in one package — either by accident or by designer dog– a good idea? As one of my favorite dog trainers says, “It depends.”

My first thought is how much do you love vacuuming?

My next thought is how much do you love running, and training, and running, and training…?

And my final thought is how much money do you have to … Read More

5 Best Toys for Australian Shepherds

Aussies and Australian Shepherd puppies are very high energy dogs, which means they need a lot of stimulation to help keep them out of trouble. Here is my list of top 5 toys that will help tire them out, while ensuring their health and happiness (and your sanity).

1. YOU. That’s right. If you’re not prepared to devote yourself to your Aussie in the same way that she will devote herself to you, then you’re not ready for an Aussie. … Read More

Lyme Disease Season in Full Swing — The Best Offense is a Good Defense

Deer tick nymph stageSigh… Big sigh… Really big sigh…

I hate ticks.

Especially deer ticks–the carriers of Lyme disease.

And this tick season is as bad as I can recall. (Just to be clear–it’s never not tick season, because adult deer ticks don’t go completely dormant like the nymphs do, but they’re especially active during the Spring and Fall.) I’ve been picking several ticks a day off of each dog for a couple of weeks now. Even with using Frontline. It’s enough … Read More

Would an Australian Shepherd Be a Good Dog Breed for You

australian shepherdsI’ve been getting a lot of emails and comments lately on these two posts  Five Facts You Need to Know Before Choosing an Australian Shepherd and Bringing Home an Australian Shepherd Puppy: What You Need to Know.

There are many wonderful people out there who think their lives might be enriched by sharing their lives with an Aussie, and they’re asking my opinion.

So who would make a good match for an Aussie and vice vera?

I’m going to try … Read More