Lianne

Website: http://www.dreamdogs.co.uk

When I was young, like most kids I wanted a dog – but it wasn’t until I was 11 years old that we got our first dog, a beige and white shih tzu called Benji. Benji was soon followed by Whizz, Bomber, Hovis, Ching, Pod and Lady – for the next ten years I was surrounded by these little puppies and I took them to dog training classes regularly.

As an adult, I worked weekends at a dog groomers where I learnt all sorts of things about dogs – many of which you wouldn’t want to read about whilst eating. There are a lot of dog breeds I’d love to have an opportunity to own at some point, including a Bull Mastiff, and I did own a pug for a short period called Jack, but for now my best friend is a shih tzu called Bailey. She’s been with me for six years now, and if anything ever happens to her my mum is emigrating, my lodger is moving out and my friends will probably steer clear of me for a long time.

Training difficult dogs

It can sometimes be hard to stay positive when trying to train your dog, particularly if they have a stubborn or unruly character. Trying to win a battle of wills with this kind of dog can often be disheartening. Try to stay positive and understand your pet. If a dog misbehaves do not assume that they are trying to dominate or be the leader of the pack and that they need to be punished. Try to resist the urge to punish your dog when they begin to misbehave and try to understand the reason why the dog might be acting up. For instance, if your dog is prone to barking, try to understand (more) Share» Post Ad Purchase:  Intext Link  Read More →

The gift of independence

Canine Partners is a national charity that provides highly trained assistance dogs to people who have disabilities (www.caninepartners.org.uk). Stephanie Read, who comes from Torquay, has Ehlers Danlos and is registered as blind. Stephanie received her dog, Vegas, from the charity in 2006 and three years later in 2009, Vegas received additional training from Guide Dogs so she could become a dual-purpose assistance dog and be able to safely guide a visually impaired person in an electric wheelchair. Stephanie spoke about how much of a difference Vegas has made to her life: “Before getting Vegas, I was virtually a prisoner in my own home. I lacked confidence and felt isolated from the outside world. I needed help to get dressed and carry out the most basic domestic tasks, from answering the (more) Share» Post Ad Purchase:  Intext Link  Read More →

Being a responsible dog breeder

Most people have genuine reasons and good intentions when thinking about becoming a dog breeder. A good breeder should be judged on their concern for the dogs and for the decisions that they make when it comes to breeding dogs, rather than necessarily for the calibre of dogs that you breed. Of course, you will be judged on this but being a responsible dog breeder is much more than that. A responsible dog breeder should take all the care possible to ensure the dogs they breed end up in good homes. As well as caring for the puppies in your own home and ensuring that time is invested in making (more) Share» Post Ad Purchase:  Intext Link  Read More →

Staffordshire Bull Terrier survives poisoning after blood transfusion from fellow dog

Almost two weeks after her encounter with rat poison, Mo is recovering incredibly well thanks to her fellow pooch, Molly. Mo is a four-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier and, due to her curiosity and mischievous nature, a day of playing turned into a catastrophic event. Residing in the Somerset area, Mo’s owner Debbie Perry allowed her pet dog to roam around outside, but a second of leaving Mo to explore meant that she was faced with a near death experience. An outhouse near Mo’s home was laden with rat poison, to deter any vermin from the area. Despite this being a useful tool to maintain the location’s cleanliness, Mo was intrigued by the poison and made the bad (more) Share» Post Ad Purchase:  Intext Link  Read More →

Your puppy’s first year

With all the excitement of bringing home a new puppy, you probably cannot think past the first fun filled few days as your puppy gets used to you and its new home. However, the first year of living with your puppy is important if you want to train your dog properly. Of course, most homes just want a fun loving loyal companion, but all dogs need to be taught a few commands in order to fit into family life and avoid chewing the furniture. Teach your puppy that good behaviour is not always rewarded with a treat. Of course, it is nice to give your puppy (more) Share» Post Ad Purchase:  Intext Link  Read More →

Open evening calls for dogs & owners

For many dog walkers, it’s important to have a large space to walk a pet companion. Dogs need plenty of fresh air and space as a way of escaping the indoors and keeping fit. The Parks Trust, based in Milton Keynes, recognise this and are planning an open evening for pets and owners to attend. The main purpose of this evening will be to discuss options for the dogs and all related details surrounding the park itself. The opinions of many dog owners will help The Parks Trust expand their facilities (more) Share» Post Ad Purchase:  Intext Link  Read More →

Wookie the Pomeranian tries out dog leads and attends dog competitions

On the 11th February 2011, Wookie the Pomeranian dog will have his chance to steal the limelight, as he shows dog lovers the newly designed dog leads created by Promofix owner, Kathryn Holloway. Wookie is the pet dog of Kathryn who lives in Bridgnorth, Shropshire. Kathryn has recently been asked by show organisers if she would assist them with the promotion of an event in the near future. With Promofix being a relatively successful company specialising in promotional merchandising, it is clear to see why Miss. Holloway has been chosen to help with the event. Despite the fact that her pet Pomeranian did not manage (more) Share» Post Ad Purchase:  Intext Link  Read More →

Toys for your dog

Dog lovers love to treat their pets as one of the family. Buying gifts for the dog at Christmas, birthdays or just because you love them, none pet-owners can often wonder why the dog needs so many treats! However, dog toys are not just to give pleasure to the owner who wants to treat their beloved pet. Toys can be essential for many reasons including helping to exercise your pet, stopping their boredom (more) Share» Post Ad Purchase:  Intext Link  Read More →

Should you re-home a dog?

So you have taken the plunge and decided to give one of the UK’s numerous homeless dogs a new start. If you are worried about taking on a rescue dog read on: Just because a dog is in a rescue shelter doesn’t necessarily mean that he or she is a problem dog, dogs are taken to shelters for any number of reasons, often to do with family breakdown, financial pressures, or death of the owner. Rescue dogs in most cases, are used to being pets and know how to interact within the family. Talk to the staff at the dog’s home, sometimes they will have some knowledge of the dog’s (more) Share» Post Ad Purchase:  Intext Link  Read More →

Poodle works alongside priest

An intelligent 5 year old poodle named Donovan is proving to be more than just a companion to his owner. Donovan has shocked and impressed all that know him by detecting any problems that arise with his owner’s health. Due to Donovan’s owner, Rev. Joel Marable, previously suffering a number of strokes, his pet poodle has become aware of any health related issues in a bid to protect his life. Rev. Joel Marable has the role of curate at his local church in Newport, Virginia in America. Although the priest is rather anxious about his health deteriorating due to prior difficulties, he trusts in his poodle to alert him and stabilise him should anything happen. When Donovan discovers there is a blood pressure drop, he amazingly instructs (more) Share» Post Ad Purchase:  Intext Link  Read More →