All wet!

Most dogs hate bath time usually due to the confined space, the scrubbing and the water. Below is some tips for dog bathing.

Bathing tips for dogs.

1. Use Lukewarm water and a soft spray of water.
2. Use soap made for dogs, its less harsh on their fur.
3. Give direction to your dog in a soft mild voice.
4. If possible be silly, try to make it fun for your dog.
5. Get some help if needed. An extra hand can make the experience quicker.
6. Wash the face last.
7. Have some some treats on hand and praise your dog when finished. It's a good idea to have a playtime or a good snuggle after bath time.

Is your dog your child?

Many individuals are having a dog instead of having children. 

Some are calling their dog their child? Is your dog your child?

It has been found that the relationship between dogs and their owners is very similiar to those of a parent and child. Parent is the caregiver in both situations. Also the researchers found that the same hormone,oxytocin, spikes in both human and canine brains when a dog is gazing at its owner. So both dog owner and your dog benefit of living together.

But dog and child are treated different. My dog, Charlie is treated like a dog. Yes he does get our love and attention but he is still a dog. We put a leash on him when we go for a walk. He eats from a bowl on the floor, not on the table. Charlie is a important member of our family. He is involved in most of our daily activities but we all know he is not our child so he is treated as our pet.

As you can seen in the photo above Charlie is a happy, content dog :)

Dog Park Rules you should follow.

There is some rules every dog owner should follow when bringing your dog to the dog park.

1. Make sure your dog is vaccination is up to date.

2. Don't try to get dog excited before he gets to the dog park. No one wants to deal with a hyper dog. So enter dog park in a calm approach.

3. Bring one of your dog's toys. Can't expect your dog to play with other dog's toys. Its good to share too.

4. Monitor your dog. If he is being a bully take appropriate action

5. Poop and scoop.

6. Have some fun with your dog!

Dogs go into the snow with their snowsuits already on!

Most dogs like the snow. Check out Charlie, you can see he is loving it!

Even though your dog loves the snow make sure his ears don't freeze, especially if they are small or pointed. Also all that salt on the sidewalk and roads can irritate your dogs paws. If your dog licks his salty paws he could get sick. Try washing your dogs paws with some warm water when he comes in the house.

(Keeps your house cleaner too)

Dogs regulate their body temperature in part through their paws, so make sure your dog isn't exposed to the ice and snow more than a few hours at a time. Always keep an eye on your dog. Not all dogs are the same.

Dog Parks City of Ottawa

Below are some guidelines from the City of Ottawa-Dogs in Parks website.

Parks can provide a pleasant and safe environment in which to exercise dogs. Safety for other park users is also a consideration however. The Animal Care and Control By-law provides for a variety of park usages or "designations" for dogs (below) and there is a Dogs-in-Parks Designation Policy (DIPDP) that applies.

Click link above to get a map of dog parks In Ottawa

• Dogs Allowed: Dogs may be off leash

• Dogs on Leash: Dogs are allowed but must be on leash at all times

• No Dogs: Dogs are not permitted

Don't try to rescue your dog if falls in the cold water.

Dogs are clever but many times a dog has run on a frozen river and fallen through. And I know that some people will instinctively try to rescue their dog in trouble. Before you do anything, think first. Are you prepared to die trying (many have).

So keep your dog on a leash when walking near a river or other bodies of water in the winter for you and your dogs sake.

Chase!

Charlie loves to have the ball and if he doesn't have the ball he chases the other dog till he gets it. Charlie also chases everything he sees especially squirrels and cats. The main reason Charlie chases the wildlife is because it's enjoyable. He loves it! 

It was recommended that we hide treats for Charlie to sniff and find them at home to curb his chasing. Charlie loves this game, but it has not stopped Charlie from a good chase.

Another recommendation was to keep my dog on the leash whenever he is in a situation where there may be animals he may give chase. In my neighbourhood there is many squirrels.

So how do you stop your dog from chasing? I would appreciate any tips!

 

Who's got who?

Hope Mom buys treats for me when she is in the grocery store.

Dogs need friends too!

Wow look at me!

Dogs do need to hangout with other dog friends now and then. Dogs learn from each other, learn what is acceptable and not acceptable behavior in the dog world. Play also allows dogs to form strong friendship bonds with other dogs they play with on a regular basis.

Second Heaven-on couch snuggling with Mom