New Best Friend? / Dogs are not just for Christmas!

Getting a dog is a major decision and shouldn’t be made lightly. There are too many people who want a cute and cuddly pal but get a destructive petulant puppy. Or adopt a dog and find they are not perfect. I am not saying that this is always true and you should run and hide; there are ways to cope. Just make sure you have done your research!!!

First decision, buy or adopt; my personal preference is adopting. I want to save the world one dog at a time. In my mind, unless you want a specific breed for a specific reason (i.e. showing) adopting is the better choice. Even if you want a
specific breed, there are always ways to find a lost soul.

Tip:try contacting breeders to see if they have a dog they
aren’t going to sell; if they are decent people they will want to
find the dog a good home.

Second decision, puppy or adult dog; my
preference here is adult dog. Not all rescues will be house trained, but if you adopt an adult dog the chances are bigger and so is the bladder. If you do have to train an adult dog, it should be faster because they can usually hold it longer.

Third decision, what breed; there are so many breeds to choose from you need to narrow it down.

You could start by looking at the seven groups as they sometimes have similar characteristics.
Gundog Group - locate game
Hound Group - chase game
Pastoral Group - herd animals
Terrier Group - vermin hunters (larger breeds today don't fit underground)
Utility Group - non sporting (traits vary greatly)
Working Group - wide variety of jobs/personalities
Toy Group - miniature dogs (ancestry can be traced back to larger breeds)

Some other important questions to ask are:
What size dog fits my lifestyle? It’s obvious if you live in an apartment a Great Dane is the wrong choice. Also, bigger dogs eat more and medication sometimes costs more, so if you don’t want to spend a lot of money, stick with the smaller breeds.
How much exercise am I expecting? Breeds like Border Collies and Springer Spaniels need a lot of exercise and in the case of Border Collies, mental stimulation. Why else do you see so many Border Collies at Agility competitions?

Am I allergic? There are some breeds, like Poodles which are said to be better for people with allergies. If you do have allergies and a dog; vacuum frequently with a HEPA vacuum cleaner and get a HEPA room air cleaner.

Do I want to clean up hair 24/7? Some breeds shed very little (e.g., Schnauzer, Cairn Terrier) but you have to consider if the dog isn’t shedding it may need more grooming. Groomers can be very expensive if you can’t do it yourself.

How good am I at training or taking charge? There are breeds that train easily and ones that are a little tougher. If you are looking for a wilful breed the Cairn Terrier comes to mind. If you want a dog that trains easily,a Bernese Mountain Dog is a good choice. If you choose an aggressive breed you better make sure the dog is well trained!

Are children around? Temperament is probably one of the most important things to consider.  It’s not to say that a particular breed couldn’t turn if provoked, but the chances are slimmer. I know from experience that Samoyeds and Labradors are softies. If you have a child, are expecting to have a child, or will have children in your home...really do your research!!! This also applies if you have other animals or lots of guests over; there is nothing more stressful or embarrassing as having a pet attack someone.

How long will you have your pet? As a general rule of thumb the smaller the dog the longer it will live, but look into the breed you are interested in to be sure. Also, check to see if a particular breed is known for specific medical conditions; this way you can be prepared and possibly take preventative measures.

Fourth decision, where to look; there are so many websites with all kinds of information on rescue centres and breeders, you will be spoilt for choice. The first place I would look is a Pet Directory. I quickly found http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/, which was easy to navigate, but you don’t have to take my word for it. When you find a rescue or breeder you like... do some more research; make sure you can trust them.
Tip: The more reputable places will ask questions and may want to see where the dog will live. It’s o.k., because the more checking on everyone’s part, the more chance the dog will find their forever home.

There are lots of other things to do, like getting your home ready and having all the right bits and pieces, but I’m sure by now you have researched that too.

Finally, if you have problems with your new dog, don’t be shy... get help. There’s a lot of info out there, pet forums, training centres, vets and friends. The more you understand, the easier it will be to resolve.  Just be prepared and enjoy; animals can really make you a better person. I haven’t met an animal lover I didn’t like.

Illustrations by DJ Art: www.imageenvision.com/portfolio/djart

Search Engines and New Product

In the past two weeks I’ve loaded over 100 products to my website. I was hoping that my web traffic would pick up, but it’s the same. I can’t get to the top of Google or any other search engines. When people search on keywords specific to my product, I’m on page 4 or 5; that’s if... I haven’t paid for Adwords. There’s so much advice out there about how to improve SEO but I’m not sure any of it works. In my opinion, people who get on page one pay for it. Either they pay search engines for advertising or a consultant to work the system. From my experience with Adwords …..paying for it just isn’t profitable.

Enough complaining; let me tell you about the new additions. I’ve added Miniature Frame Magnets to the collection; they are the most adorable things I’ve ever seen. They are only £3.99 each, which I think is a bargain for what you are getting. They hold a small picture; can be displayed on flat surfaces or used as a magnet. I’m sure when I go to shows they will sell well; don’t think people will be able to pass them up. Unfortunately the manufacturer has discontinued them, so if you like them, get them ASAP.

I’ve also added more Large Frames, which are a much bigger version of the miniature ones and can hold 3 ½” x 5” or 4” x 6” photos. These are excellent to display a regular sized coveted photo. One customer bought the frame for a pet that died and put his photo in it. I thought that was a lovely way to remember them.

As for Christmas Ornaments; there are five varieties: the Dog Kennel (my favourite), Santa Pals, Dangly Legs, Personalisable and Soldier Dog. 

Santa Pals are little dog heads peeking out of material stockings, they are lightweight and make great stocking fillers. Personalisable ornaments can be hung year round; these are the least Christmassy. Sizes vary slightly depending on the dogs head. I like them because you can put add a message. Maybe something funny like ‘Who farted?’ if it’s a pug, ’It wasn’t me’, ‘Walkies?’, or ‘When’s Dinner?’.

Dog Kennel ornaments are the most versatile, there is a magnet on the back and it has a flat surface so it doesn’t only have to be hung. There is a place for personalisation but it’s small; I would leave it blank or put a memorable date there. If they don’t sell this Christmas they are going on my refrigerator; I’m sure my husband will be pleased.
Dangly Leg ornaments are comical; the dogs head is really big and the little hanging legs are hilarious. Someone suggested cutting off the legs, but I think that's a bit harsh.  Don’t know if these are for everyone so I only got a few breeds.
Soldier Dog is the most expensive at £9.00 and I only sell the Pug and Dalmatian right now. Even if you don’t have a Dalmatian this ornament is Fa Bu Lous.  They stand on flat surfaces, so they are multifunctional, but they might be more popular in America.

This isn't a sales pitch (well I guess it is really)....If you like them BUY Early because I don’t have a lot of stock and don’t know how often I will order more. Shipping from the US is very expensive so I have to make huge orders; won’t restock if I only need one or two things. Also, if you like something but I don’t have it in your breed let me know so I’m prepared next year!

Dogs in Need

Every so often I think that we should adopt another dog. My husband and I work from home so we would be around to keep them company. But Lenny and Nancy are getting old and it might be too disruptive for them; there is also the expense.

Anyway, once in a while I look on rescue sites to find a perfect match. It is so upsetting to see all the animals needing new homes. On the oldies club for instance there are many pets over 10 years old. WHAT IS GOING ON? What has happened to the previous owners? How can anyone leave their pet after all those years? I keep seeing Change in Circumstances....I JUST DON’T GET IT!!!!!!
Am I missing something? If you want to see the oldies in need for yourself visit
http://www.oldies.org.uk/

Other than dying there is no excuse.
If you are physically unable there is help http://www.cinnamon.org.uk/
If you are homeless there is help
http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/az/v/veterinaryentitlementcard/default.aspx

The Berlin Zoo and Knut

Visited the Berlin Zoo last week, the weather was beautiful and the animals were sunning themselves. At the side entrance on the right were alpacas and elephants.

It wasn’t until leaving that we noticed the rhinoceros laying in the sun on the left. The zoo aesthetics were beautiful; there were no bars and it looked like you could walk up to the animals. It had been a long time since I visited a zoo so at first glance it appeared pleasant.

Around the corner the elephant house smelled awful and the enclosure was small but today they were outside.  One of them was separated from the rest, it was sad. Signs were in German so it wasn’t clear why the zoo had done this; maybe it was to make the elephant easier to photograph. Poor thing just walked around in circles; even though I felt bad, I took some photos. The giraffes also had a small space, these large and gentle creatures are my favourite.

The goats probably had the nicest enclosure, they were happy to climb and chase each other around. Generally the smaller animals appeared to have more room, maybe because they are smaller.  The lion cages reminded me of a Circus, they were all in separate cages pacing back and forth like crazy people. It was feeding time so and watching them made me feel really terrible, so I got out of there. Couldn't find their outside so can't comment.

                    This otter seemed to be enjoying his food.

Don’t know what this bird was but he wasn’t moving and I got a lot of pictures.


It was hard to find everything because the zoo was spread out and signs were scarce; sorry to the apes, bears, monkeys and all the others not mentioned.

One of the biggest draws for the Zoo is Knut, the polar bear. Today people were watching the bear and mourning the second anniversary of his care taker Thomas Dorflein’s death. Flowers were left in the bushes by the enclosure with a picture of Knut and Thomas.  Born in captivity at the Berlin Zoo, December 2006, Knut quickly became a world famous and much talked about bear. His parents were moved to the Zoo from a Circus in East Berlin after the fall of the wall and they produced two offspring. When his mother killed the female cub, the Zoo assigned Mr Dorflein along with other zoo staff to nurse the bear. Dorflien was the first person to be seen in public with Knut and was his primary care giver putting him in the public eye. Ironically, his mother is now in the enclosure with Knut, she is in the back and doesn't seem to like the well wishers.

It was a wonderful day and I enjoyed walking around and watching the animals; but I have to wonder if Zoo’s are good for the animals.  It would be nice to get some other opinions, for more zoo pics go to Dogs Etc on Facebook

Richmond Dog Show at Loseley House

We went to the Richmond Dog Show to check out the competition and compare a Championship show to the Open shows we normally attend. When I’m not working I like to wake up late so it was 12:30 by the time we got to Loseley House. I was surprised to see there was no charge for parking or for entering the grounds. I believe there were fees in the past; maybe it’s a sign of the times that it was free. We enjoyed looking around but it was late in the day so I’m not sure we got the full experience. By coincidence, I saw one of my customers in the ring with his Afghan, and was able to take pictures and talk to him afterward.

Later my husband and I of course had to get something to eat. That’s normal for us; we walk around for an hour or two and then have to break for food. I was surprised to see a large number of food vendors; we were really spoilt for choice. Richard had fish and chips with mushy peas, which he thoroughly enjoyed and I had a ham and cheese toasty.

While we were eating we started talking to two ladies from America. They were travelling around England and the continent in a camper van and had entered their Papillion in the show. The dog travelled in a cool looking back pack kennel that I have never seen before. They said compared to US shows this one was big. I’m not sure if they were comparing similar type shows but I was definitely surprised. I have to check out an American show the next time I’m there.

It would probably have been better if we went earlier, but it was fun none the less and I will seriously consider selling Dogs Etc product at the show next year.

 

Proposed Dog Chipping Law

I am seriously upset by the thought of all the dogs destroyed in shelters every year. There is a simpler solution to the ones I have been reading about.

A law that every dog needs to be chipped and the owner put on file in a national database. Vets & Kennels will need to check that every dog is chipped and in the database.

If a dog winds up in a shelter, the owners can then be found and notified.

• If the owner no longer wants the dog and cannot find a new home for the animal; the shelter will determine if the dog needs to be put down.
• The owner will then be fined and have to sign away the right to ever own a dog again.
• If they are caught owning another dog there should be legal consequences.

All other legislation makes only dog breeders responsible; but every human being should be accountable. The real problem is the person who gets a dog without taking responsibility for their actions. With this law people will come to realize a pet is not a toy.

Microchipping is not dangerous and it can help save animals lives read this article http://www.vethelpdirect.com/blog/2010/09/28/microchipping-molly/

If you want to have your pet microchipped you can do it for free with the RSPCA
http://www.rspca-london-se.org.uk/events.html

Trip to Beaulieu

Two weeks ago I took my niece and nephew to Beaulieu in Hampshire. They allow dogs and although I could have brought Lenny, I thought it wasn’t a good idea. Lenny is friendly but not used to being in public places and not the best behaved dog in the world. Unlike Lenny all the dogs at Beaulieu were obedient. Two Border Terriers were in the queue when we came in. Then passing the restaurant, I saw what I think were a large Belgian shepherd and Tibetan Mastiff snoozing under a picnic table. All I got was a butt shot so I didn’t include it.

The kids were on the formula one simulator ride and while I was waiting, I saw a beautiful golden retriever and three Shih Tzus. I wanted to take pictures but figured people would think I was crazy. In the motor museum there was a covered space where you could tie your dog up to wait. I managed a picture here but it looks like a scene from the ‘Green Mile’.

If Lenny was there, I know he would have barked his head off. Before we left, I got one more picture of a cocker spaniel waiting outside the abbey.

I promise I didn’t only look at dogs; there were many other things to do. I went on the tram, toured the museum, had a lovely meal and took in the view of the town from the stately home. Inside the house you could walk through some of the rooms and encounter actors in costume as well. They portrayed staff and family who would have lived in the house; they answered questions and entertained everyone. I thought it was a nice touch and haven’t seen it done before.

If you want a nice day out with the family and your dog try Beaulieu. They also had scooters available so my father who has trouble walking had a good time as well.