Sunday, May 2, 2010
The inside scoop on the inside of a dog's brain!
Ever wonder what really goes on in a dog's brain? What their sense of their space and "being" is all about? Can they really hear better than we do? (The answer is a definitive "no"...) Check out this article from ABC news.
Memorial Day
If you live in LA and your kids go to an LAUSD school, then you've recently found out that you now have a 4 day weekend. Due to furlough days, Friday, May 28th is now a holiday for kids! That means many of you will take advantage of the extra long weekend and head out of town. If you think you MIGHT be heading out, make sure to book your dog or cat care ahead of time so that you aren't left out in the cold last minute.
Happy holiday!
Happy holiday!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
My Review of Dream Baby Extra-Tall Swing Closed Security Gate with 2 Extensions - White
Dream Baby® Extra-Tall Swing Closed Security Gate with 2 Extensions - White. This EXTRA TALL (39.4") gate is great for climbing toddlers and large pets! It is loaded with features such as auto close, double lock that can be easily opened (by adults) with one hand, curved gate top for a s...
Baby Gate doubles as dog gate
Pooch Buddies Encino, CA 6/21/2009
Pros: Useful Application, Strong Construction, Easy Use
Best Uses: Dog gate
Describe Yourself: Pet Care Professional
I was looking for a product that could effectively barrier off part of my home for my boarding dogs. This is perfect. I had a very small doorway (28") and this did the trick. Easy to assemble and install. Solid and a good value for the price.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Springtime in Los Angeles
I enjoy spring time walking dogs. My team and I are fortunate to work in the San Fernando Valley, where, when spring explodes, it really explodes! Pet owners lament the fact that while they are at work, their pets are enjoying the great outdoors with a walker. And, me? 
Well, I love walking, love dogs and love watching the flowers develop their bloom every day. I wanted to share the beauty of the area, so a few weeks ago, I took some pics of the flowers starting to really bloom.
To the top left is a row of rose bushes that will be just gorgeous in full bloom. To the right is a California garden -- a mix of daisies, rocks and other flowering plants that do well in our arid climate. Below, again, are my favorites -- roses. Here in partial bloom. The difference between my experiences as a business executive and as a small business owner, spending a great deal of time in the outdoors, is that I've reconnected with nature in a way I hadn't anticipated. I was never much of a crunchy granola, but I've become extremely green-aware and I'm focused on conservation and being an active partner with nature, rather than a passive observer.
If you haven't taken the time lately to take off your shoes and curl up your toes in the grass, or sink your feet into the sand while absorbing the ocean breeze, then I highly recommend it. And the next time you take your dog for a walk, forget about the next bush. Look up at the trees, the sky and around at the flowers and birds and bees and remember your natural self.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
A greener way to poop and scoop
If you deal with lots of dog poop (I do!) then you have to deal with what to do with the poop, too. For a long time I was a believer in the biodegradable bag -- a great option if your garbage goes to a landfill where the bag will come into contact with oxygen. But in many locales, the bags never get to air and therefore will not degrade.
At your home, you can put the pickin's in the green bins where they will compost. You can also look into a pet waste composter -- ridiculously easy to build and your garden will thank you (do NOT use near your vegetable garden and you cannot mix in your veggie scraps -- it has to be dedicated to pet waste).
But lately, I've gone even more green than green should be. Living in LA, there is lots of ivy. And due to the sunny climate, some of the ivy leaves grow into gigantic salad plate size affairs. Coincidentally the exact right size to use as a poop grabber. I just take a few leaves with me on my walks and, after picking up the poop, deposit it into someone's green bin.
No fuss, no mess, and no footprint.
At your home, you can put the pickin's in the green bins where they will compost. You can also look into a pet waste composter -- ridiculously easy to build and your garden will thank you (do NOT use near your vegetable garden and you cannot mix in your veggie scraps -- it has to be dedicated to pet waste).
But lately, I've gone even more green than green should be. Living in LA, there is lots of ivy. And due to the sunny climate, some of the ivy leaves grow into gigantic salad plate size affairs. Coincidentally the exact right size to use as a poop grabber. I just take a few leaves with me on my walks and, after picking up the poop, deposit it into someone's green bin.
No fuss, no mess, and no footprint.
Monday, January 19, 2009
A different kind of dog wheelchair
You love your pet, but he/she has lost mobility or use of their hind legs. Some folks will put their dogs down, others will care for them as they would a child. It can be heartbreaking to watch a dog try to readjust to loss of mobility. Dog wheelchairs can tend to be cumbersome. Here is one company that has designed a fairly versatile dog wheelchair. http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handicapped-dog-chairs I haven't seen it in action, but it is appears to be highly portable and not too clumsy.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Your Dog's Activity Level
Some dog owners find themselves getting frustrated by the level of activity their new dog is exhibiting, especially when it is paired with destructive behavior (like chewing). If you are a parent, then you'll remember when (or be experiencing now!) the activity bursts that a toddler gets as soon as they figure out how to walk, and then, run. All that energy is part of their learning process. Large and small motor skill development. Balance. Muscle building. Teething.
Same holds true for your dog. They need to run, jump, crawl, climb, dig, search, hide and chew. The mistake some owners make is that they try to control this energy rather than help the dog expend the energy. A puppy will do well with two or three 30 minutes walks a day to burn off their excess energy, a mature dog with about two 30 minute walks a day, and an older dog with either two 15 minute walks, or one easy 30 minute walk, depending upon their hip and joint lubrication.
Once that energy is burned off, you'll find your dog will listen better, come back to the house pooped and rest for a few hours, become a better listener on the walks because, as creatures of habit, they recognize it as part of their daily activity. Even if you are time-strapped, as most of us are, find the time to take your dog out and you'll reap the rewards of a well-behaved pet. If you don't have the time, invest in the services of a dog walker, even if only a few times a week and you'll have a much happier home environment, with a dog who is HAPPY to see you come home, rather than ANXIOUS, waiting for your return.
Same holds true for your dog. They need to run, jump, crawl, climb, dig, search, hide and chew. The mistake some owners make is that they try to control this energy rather than help the dog expend the energy. A puppy will do well with two or three 30 minutes walks a day to burn off their excess energy, a mature dog with about two 30 minute walks a day, and an older dog with either two 15 minute walks, or one easy 30 minute walk, depending upon their hip and joint lubrication.
Once that energy is burned off, you'll find your dog will listen better, come back to the house pooped and rest for a few hours, become a better listener on the walks because, as creatures of habit, they recognize it as part of their daily activity. Even if you are time-strapped, as most of us are, find the time to take your dog out and you'll reap the rewards of a well-behaved pet. If you don't have the time, invest in the services of a dog walker, even if only a few times a week and you'll have a much happier home environment, with a dog who is HAPPY to see you come home, rather than ANXIOUS, waiting for your return.
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