Doggone It

The article written by Victor Flowers

I have a very bad dog. Mac, my twelve year-old lab/pit mix, has, over the years, become the source of many stories within my circle of friends and in my classroom. He provides endless material for status updates, and maybe one day, he will be the inspiration for the book that been simmering inside my soul for quite some time. Mac was a rescue from a job-site that my husband had delivered some pieces of heavy equipment to when he worked for a large equipment company. Based on his size and weight, he was probably no more than a few weeks old. We loved this dog as he was our “first baby.” And, like the birth of a first born-child, there is a period of bliss that overcomes new parents when they meet that sweet baby that can do no wrong. In a blink, something happens- call it sleep-deprivation, insanity, or demonic possession- something happens to shake you from this blissful slumber into the stark reality that you have a being that is dependent on you now and for the rest of your god-given life. At month two, Mac at the ball out of our computer mouse. Shortly thereafter, he ate an entire pack of cigarettes, a bar of soap, and an advertised “indestructible” dog toy. Each of these ingestions landed us at the emergency vet with the bills piling like a blizzard. This pattern has not stopped, and he is entering the latter part of his life. Many days, I have tuned in to Cesar Milan, “The Dog Whisperer” on Direct tv for some guidance and direction. Cesar Milan can surely perform miracles with canine-behavior, and I often wonder what our life would be like with his help. Maybe this month we would not be replacing the staircase he has gnawed to bits or the sofa pillows he annihilated into piles of feather and down.

50% Off Select Dog Toys

DogToys.com has a great clearance and sale section (check out their website for all the special sales and deals).

Right now you can save 50% off select ShopByBreed items. You'll find rope and plush dog toys at unbelievable prices!

Add if you use the coupon code in the previous post you'll save even more!!!

Latest News from DogToys.com

The latest DogToys.com newsletter hit email boxes today with a 10% off savings coupon good off your entire order!

Head to DogToys.com today to take advantage of this great savings. Expires 10/31/08

They also have the autumn and halloween toys available now. What better time to buy?

If you don't receive their newsletters you can also check back here on a regular basis, but you may wish to go ahead on over to the site and sign up for their newsletters. That way you'll get the sales, specials, deals and other information first hand. (Plus they'll email you another coupon good for 10% off.)

This newsletter featured the Talking School Bus, Talking Tyler Turkey, Halloween toys, Doggy Backpacks, Dog Houses, Portable Dog Crates and much more.

They are also extending their free toy with a $35+ order until the end of the week. Hurry ends 9/5/08.

New contest was also added to go sign up to win $25 from DogToys.com!

10% Coupon expires 10/31/08 Coupon Code: DTCJSEP

Pet Food Fest in Exton, PA

If you are in the Exton, PA area on June 14th you might want to swing by the ShopByBreed store on route 30 near the Exton Square Mall. They are having a food festival and you'll get your chance to grab samples and speak directly to the people that make the food you give your pets.

But if free stuff is what you're after and samples aren't good enough for you they are also running a contest to win a years supply of cat or dog food! You must register in person, but you don't need to be present to win.

For directions and more information about the ShopByBreed system check out their website at www.shopbybreed.com

Dog Bite Prevention Week

This week is National Dog Bite Prevention Week, and we (along with the fine folks at DogToys.com) would love to give you some tips on how to avoid a bad experience with any dog, especially one that you do not know or does not know you. Dogs are a beautiful species with a lot of faithfulness and loyalty to offer to their owners, however, they are a different species then we; however hard you may try, your dog simply just does not understand those waving arms and clapping noises you mistake for communication, whether it be playtime or punishment. Dogs are naturally wild animals, and while many have been domesticated, there are still some simple steps you can take to ensure that you do not have a run-in with an unfamiliar dog. Like many species of animals, dogs must feel comfortable with you before they let their guard down. A lashing out will most likely be out of fear, so you must remember to give a dog a kind and respectful greeting, even let him come up to you first. Let a dog sniff you out, let them get acquainted with your scent; scent is a very important sense to a dog. It gives him a chance to be comfortable around you.

There are many people who are afraid of dogs. You hear stories about dogs growling and becoming hostile around people and wonder why we have them around. However, in most cases, it is simply a problem of etiquette. That is to say that combined with the first paragraph about how to greet a dog, there are a few things that you should not do when encountering a dog, some more obvious than others. Never physically try to hurt a dog, whether it be kicking, hitting or even teasing. No matter your intentions, a dog will see it as a sign of aggression, wouldn’t you? This goes hand in hand with screaming and running around dogs. Again, it doesn’t matter why you are doing these things, a dog will not understand that. Nor will he understand why you are taking his favorite treat or toy away from him. To a dog, these are challenges; they are signs of aggression.

When dealing with strays, there are a few more things to remember, the first being to stay away from them. A stray may have diseases harmful to you, or may just be hostile towards humans. Without constant human contact, one cannot expect strays to be completely domesticated. Never try and bring a stray home. This not only applies to dogs, but any animal. If they are in the wild, that’s where they want to be, that’s where they should be. If, for any reason though, you are bitten or scratched by a stray animal, be sure to tell a doctor right away.

Dog’s really are a man’s best friend. They are loyal and fun and they brighten your day! One should not be apprehensive or scared of dogs as long as the correct actions are taken. Always remember to ask the owner before petting a dog, and treat them with constant respect. There is an obvious communication gap between dogs and humans, but if you are careful and considerate, you should have no problems. Love your dog, and your dog will love you!

Head on over to DogToys.com for more information on National Dog Bite Prevention Week as well as to save 10% off your orders (expires 6/15/2008) Code: DTCJAPR

Additional Resources:

• Human Society: Preventing Dog Bites
• PreventTheBite.com
• CDC: Nation Dog Bite Prevention Week
• DogToys.com: Dog Safety Tips

PetSaverCoupons.com Exclusive Offer for Gentle Leader

Only from PetSaverCoupons.com! Save now on the Premier Pet Products Gentle Leader Headcollars or the Gentle Leader Easy Walk Harness.

Save $2 off the purchase of the Gentle Leader Headcollar or Gentle Leader Easy Walk Harness at DogToys.com. Use coupon code: PSGENTELEADER .

Check out the review of the Gentle Leader Headcollar for more information about this great collar.

Gentle Leader HeadCollar Is The Best

Here is a review of the Premier Pet Gentle Leader Headcollar by Regina M.

My Golden Retriever, Sandy, would always make a walk around the block a tedious and somewhat painful chore. She has zero sled dog blood in her, but she does a convincing job at pulling me around the block as we go for our nightly walks. I have come to dread this activity as Sandy's pulling has given me lower back pain as I try to anchor my feet into the ground when we walk. I hate feeling like a bad parent. I know people think it's my fault the reason Sandy pulls; I must not have trained her, but I did take her to puppy classes and she passed with flying colors. When she has to go out she even rings a bell. My girl is so smart!

I had just about given up my dream of taking Sandy for nice, peaceful walks, when my friend Michal recommended the Premier Gentle Leader. This miracle device is made of nylon and comes in several colors and sizes. The collar is not traditional, but rather an innovative play on a horse halter-"where the nose goes the body will follow." The first part of the collar goes around the snout of the dog, the second goes around the back of the head.

You actually clip the leash under the chin of the dog and when they pull, their head turns and the pulling stops. At first Sandy didn't like the feel of the Gentle Leader, but after a few minutes she didn't even know it was there! Sandy is a changed dog. Gone are the days of her pulling me around town; she now walks next to me without an ounce of force. Gone are the days of my lower back pain. As the packaging states, "Consumer Digest Best Buy," it is my best purchase ever!

With such high praise we felt we needed to pass that on to you folks. Don't forget to use the link to the right to get 10% off your order when you purchase at DogToys.com!