The Little Dog Diaries

Our mission is to help strengthen the bond between dogs and their people by opening up the communication lines.

What is Your Dog Saying?

Have you listened, really listened, to your pooch lately?

Wouldn't it be nice if you could understand what your little princess is trying to say before she resorts to eviscerating your custom made, silk covered, down stuffed sofa cushions?

Or before your little dog friend takes a bite out of your hand for no good reason (at least in your mind) because you didn't notice the warning signals.

Dogs communicate with us and not by conventional means. We call it Dog Speak. It is up to us to translate their behavior, actions and emotions into something we can understand.

Why Not To Give A Dog As A Gift

Dear Kitty: 

I'm not sure what to do. My 10 year old son has been asking for a new dog for over a year now. Christmas is almost here. Should I give him a dog for Christmas? I would like to find him a dog from a breed rescue or shelter instead of a pet store. Do you think this is a good idea?

A mom in Chicago

My Pawspective: 

Dear Mom in Chicago,

Actually, there are many reasons why it isn't a good idea to give a dog as a Christmas gift. Another great alternative to giving a pet is wrapping up all of the dog items with an adoption certificate for a dog from a shelter or breed rescue. The family can also adopt a dog beforehand with special arrangements with the shelter or rescue to have the dog enter the home after Christmas when it is less stressful. This way you can include a picture of the dog in a frame along with some background information on where the dog came from and where he is now. You could also say how excited he is to meet his new best friend. 

See the link below for an article on the many reasons it isn't a good idea to give a pet as a gift by Dr. Mercola on this topic.

Happy Holidays!

Kitty

Left With Yorkshire Terriers

Dear Kitty: 

Earlier this year, a friend of mine's ex-girlfriend left him with 2 full-bred Yorkshire Terriers. She just moved out and left her dogs behind.

His job takes him out of town on a regular basis, and it's very difficult for him to care for the dogs the way they deserve to be cared for.

He feels very guilty about spending such little time with them, but has been uncertain about putting them up for adoption (he doesn't want to "abandon them," or potentially leave them with people who wouldn't be a good fit for them or worse.

What would you suggest he do? 

A Helpful Friend

 

My Pawspective: 

If he is attached to the dogs and they to him, it is almost always best to keep the dogs at home.

Has he thought of other alternatives? If he can afford it, he could take them to doggy day care during the day. This is great for some dogs and it gives them lots of exercise and mental stimulation. There are also certified dog sitters that can come during the day and take them on walks.  

If the dogs were adopted through a breed rescue or a breeder there will probably be some sort of contractual agreement to return the dogs to the rescue or breeder.

 

 

Get Clean!

Dear Kitty: 

My dog hates taking a bath! Do you have any ideas on how I can help her enjoy a bath or at least help her get through the process without freaking out?

My Pawspective: 

First make sure you put a non-skid bathing mat in your sink or tub. If you don't have one of those handy you can use a dish towel or washcloth. This will make her feel better because it will provide her with stability while you wash and rinse her. Make sure the water is comfortable, not too hot or too cold. Test it on your inside wrist first. Spray nossles are best but if you don't have one of those use a large plastic cup to pour water over her.

Try singing or talking calmly to your dog as you are bathing her, avoid her face area for now (you can wipe it with a damp cloth later) and afterwards wrap her in soft cozy towel. Dry and fluff her coat by giving her a invigorating massage. If she struggles to get away let her go shake it off. Don’t force it.

Afterward reward her bath time with a treat and spend some time playing with her.

Believe it or not, most dogs like feeling clean but they don’t always like the process in getting there.

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