Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Top Dog Toys
If you are a new dog owner or even an experienced one looking around the pet store, you may be overwhelmed by the selection of dog toys. Bones and pull ropes or squeaky balls and boomerangs, which one to choose? Depending on the breed and age, your dog will have different needs. I have compiled a list, from experience, that will be appreciated by your dog, as well as your pocket book. (Note:this list is based on the needs of a Retriever and Sporting type dog).
1- Balls! A must have. It is worth while to invest in real tennis balls of the almost indestructible ball, $10.
2-Plush Toy
A plush toy to a dog, is like a little friend. Sooner or later, your dog may take it upon themselves to choose something from your personal items (slippers, socks children's toy) that suits the purpose of chew toy, companion and bed time buddy. This is one of those hard choices. With such a variety, be careful to choose one that does not have small pieces, like eyes and noses, as they are chocking hazard. The best choice in this category, are the ones that are flat, or without fuzzy insides, for obvious reasons. The now offer faux squirrels, beavers, ducks, etc, that have a velcro opening to insert squeakers(below $12 @ PetSmart). These are machine washable and the only thing you need to replace is the squeakers , which you can find for $3.
Vote:Is this a squirrel or a beaver?
3 - Bones
The allure of a bone is not easily understood to humans, but this simple things can keep your pup busy for hours. Whether its a real bone from the butcher shop (I suggest a Shank Bone), rawhide chews, an edible or non-edible Nylabone, it will help clean their teeth and provide entertainment. Consult with your Vet regarding the proper type of bone depending on your dogs age. Especially careful with the choice for your puppy. I suggest a variety of edible and non edible bones. Buy in bulk and put some away for a rainy day.
If teeth cleaning is of top concern, Greenies make a nice green toothbursh version. Check out this link for a free sample
http://www.greenies.com/en_ca/FreeSample/
My personal favorite, for a treat, is the DentaBone or BusyBones.
The Chilly Bone. Dogs love chillin' out with the chilly bone! This is perfect for puppys and last well into their adult life. A good investment.
4 - Indestructible Rubber
The Hol-ee Roller
This is a great indoor/outdoor toy. a Must have. It has a variety of uses. Chew toy, fetch toy and challenge toy. Put some large dog biscuits in here and amuse your K-9! Its light weight is perfect for the retriever type. Available in variety of colours and diameters of 3.5" to 8", up to $14.
Also
Dogs in Action Rubber Dog Toy for Large Dogs
Great for chewing or tug-o-war, $10.
5 The king of all dog toys..
THE KONG
Kong has been around since 1976 and claims to be the best. Time has proven this true and today they have such a large selection of great dog toys, you can't beat investing on one. They even have a bird kong!
Thanks to the durability, Kongs are safely used in a variety of ways. You can put a treat or peanut butter inside and it can be used to help your pup learn to use their paws for holding.
Kongs range from Puppy to Extreme.
Puppy Kong is softer for their delicate needs.
They also offer Squeakers, Wubbas, Kongs on a rope and more, price ranges $3 to $15.
Check out this chart to determine your needs. I would call ahead to make sure the store has what you want, because I found certain items to be quite popular and not in stock. But wait, with online shopping, who goes to the store anymore? Me and my dog, thats who!
View another Kong chart here:
http://www.kongcompany.com/KONGSizeChart.pdf
Note on Top Dog Toys.
Toys can be fun for both you and your dog. Playing together is an important part of your relationship, so do it well. Your dog doesnt need at 5 of his toys at once, he'll get bored regardless of how fun they once were. Rotate his selection and re-introduce them seasonally to maximze their effectiveness.
Though I list items in a decent price range, I wish to remind all of you that the best things in this life are free...
Now grab a stick and play fetch!
Mouth Etiquette
Dogs express themselves in a variety of ways. Some of which are misinterpreted by humans. Im not talking about wagging tails or howls and barks, or those big brown eyes saying it all. We undoubtedly understand that, thanks to ESP. Im am referring to the way dogs express themselves through their mouth.
The chewing! Oh, the chewing!
A dogs mouth serves more purposes than simply eating. They chew and carry things. They use their mouth like human use their hands. They feel with their mouth. They clean with it and they use it for pleasure. Though we may not appreciate it fully, its a good step towards thinking like a dog.
Dont take it personally.
At some point, a new owner may be tempted to return the chew-crazy fur ball, believing it to be defective. But its perfectly normal. And its not you, its them. Really. (at this point at least. After they mature, if they are still chew-crazy, than yes, its you) They dont want to eat you, only to satisfy a natural urge to express all their built up puppy energy.
Puppy Think
Im happy =Chew
I miss my mommy =Chew
Im excited = Chew
Im confused in my new house = Chew
I finally caught the bouncy ball = Chew
I dont understand a word you're saying = Chew
I love my bone = Chew
my bloody teeth!=Chew
you're my favorite person = Chew
Take this picture for example. This is a classic case of puppy play. At 3 months, teething is a main priority. Sharp puppy teeth are worse than adult teeth, especially considering they dont yet have coordination or know their strength. Doggy mouth etiquette is in its beginning stages and owners should be patient.
1-Relax. They will pick up on you energy. It may complicate the matter.
2-Direct their attention to an approved chew object.
3-Repeat.
Proper, safe chew toys are strongly recommended, or else they will chose (chew-se) for themselves. This is a great time to introduce them to the wonderful world of ice cubes.
Minutes later...
Teaching "Mouth Etiquette" is about patience, understanding and persistence. Puppy chewing and biting is frustrating, but manageable. Eventually, it will all work out. But if you have bit off more than you can chew, please consult a professional, for the sake of yourself, your dog and/or their victim.
Continuing on with Mouth Etiquette, this is a great time to introduce your puppy to proper oral care. Beef toothpaste and their own special brush could become a treat for them. Start by treating the tooth paste like a special snack, offering a few licks at a time. Work with the brush, start by allowing them to chew on it a little, in a short session, working up to brushing fully. This takes time. Months, depending. Be sure to rinse the toothbrush after every use and let dry properly. Keep it in your bathroom with your own (I suggest separately), as a reminder. It is recommended to brush twice a week. Your vet will be impressed. As will all the people who your dog decides to get close with.
The chewing! Oh, the chewing!
A dogs mouth serves more purposes than simply eating. They chew and carry things. They use their mouth like human use their hands. They feel with their mouth. They clean with it and they use it for pleasure. Though we may not appreciate it fully, its a good step towards thinking like a dog.
Dont take it personally.
At some point, a new owner may be tempted to return the chew-crazy fur ball, believing it to be defective. But its perfectly normal. And its not you, its them. Really. (at this point at least. After they mature, if they are still chew-crazy, than yes, its you) They dont want to eat you, only to satisfy a natural urge to express all their built up puppy energy.
Puppy Think
Im happy =Chew
I miss my mommy =Chew
Im excited = Chew
Im confused in my new house = Chew
I finally caught the bouncy ball = Chew
I dont understand a word you're saying = Chew
I love my bone = Chew
my bloody teeth!=Chew
you're my favorite person = Chew
Take this picture for example. This is a classic case of puppy play. At 3 months, teething is a main priority. Sharp puppy teeth are worse than adult teeth, especially considering they dont yet have coordination or know their strength. Doggy mouth etiquette is in its beginning stages and owners should be patient.
1-Relax. They will pick up on you energy. It may complicate the matter.
2-Direct their attention to an approved chew object.
3-Repeat.
Proper, safe chew toys are strongly recommended, or else they will chose (chew-se) for themselves. This is a great time to introduce them to the wonderful world of ice cubes.
Minutes later...
Teaching "Mouth Etiquette" is about patience, understanding and persistence. Puppy chewing and biting is frustrating, but manageable. Eventually, it will all work out. But if you have bit off more than you can chew, please consult a professional, for the sake of yourself, your dog and/or their victim.
Continuing on with Mouth Etiquette, this is a great time to introduce your puppy to proper oral care. Beef toothpaste and their own special brush could become a treat for them. Start by treating the tooth paste like a special snack, offering a few licks at a time. Work with the brush, start by allowing them to chew on it a little, in a short session, working up to brushing fully. This takes time. Months, depending. Be sure to rinse the toothbrush after every use and let dry properly. Keep it in your bathroom with your own (I suggest separately), as a reminder. It is recommended to brush twice a week. Your vet will be impressed. As will all the people who your dog decides to get close with.
Golden Retriever Puppy Growth Rate
7 wks. - 8-10 lbs.
9 wks. - 10-14 lbs.
12 wks. - 15-17 lbs.
16 wks. - 25-26 lbs.
20 wks. - 32-43 lbs.
6 mos. - 40-50 lbs.
12 mos. - 65-70 for males, 55-60 for females
2 yrs. - 65-80 males, 55-68 females
Some people "guestimate" the adult weight by doubling the weight at 4-5months(for large breeds).
ALSO, see my previous post with a great DOG AGE COMPARISON CHART.
Track your puppys growth with this chart!
Health and Ideal Body Weight
9 wks. - 10-14 lbs.
12 wks. - 15-17 lbs.
16 wks. - 25-26 lbs.
20 wks. - 32-43 lbs.
6 mos. - 40-50 lbs.
12 mos. - 65-70 for males, 55-60 for females
2 yrs. - 65-80 males, 55-68 females
Some people "guestimate" the adult weight by doubling the weight at 4-5months(for large breeds).
ALSO, see my previous post with a great DOG AGE COMPARISON CHART.
Track your puppys growth with this chart!
Health and Ideal Body Weight
Dog Age Comparison To Human
Age comparisons between dogs and humans are always a matter of debate. After the first year of life, a dog is equivalent to sixteen human years. After two years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old, at three years a 30 year old, and each year after, add 5 human years to determine a dog's age. Enjoy the below chart!
Life Expectancy
The life expectancy for this particular breed is 10 – 12 years. Personally, my boy dog lived until 15 years, but with limited mobility in the last year. He could have kept going if he didnt have to deal with stairs.
Life Expectancy
The life expectancy for this particular breed is 10 – 12 years. Personally, my boy dog lived until 15 years, but with limited mobility in the last year. He could have kept going if he didnt have to deal with stairs.
Information, Facts & Origins of the Golden Retriever Dog
The Golden Retriever comes from England (1800's) and was bred originally to hunt small game - retrieving. This dog is classified as one of the Sporting Dog Group. The Golden Retriever was first Registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1925.
Often referred to as the Gold Retriever although Goldenretriever and Golden Labrador Retriever is also used. The word Retriever is often mis-spelt as Retriver, Retrever and Retreiver.
The Golden Retriever is believed to descend from the old Black Wavy coated retriever which is known to occasionally have produced yellow, or gold, puppies. Much of the improvement to the breed can be attributed to Lord Tweedmouth at the end of the 19th century, the breed drew considerable attention when they were first being exhibited in 1908. There is believed to be elements of the Newfoundland, setter and spaniel in this breed. There is a story that the Golden Retriever actually originates from 8 Russian Sheepdogs who performed in a Circus Troupe - although it is impossible to find any historic evidence of this legend.
Often referred to as the Gold Retriever although Goldenretriever and Golden Labrador Retriever is also used. The word Retriever is often mis-spelt as Retriver, Retrever and Retreiver.
The Golden Retriever is believed to descend from the old Black Wavy coated retriever which is known to occasionally have produced yellow, or gold, puppies. Much of the improvement to the breed can be attributed to Lord Tweedmouth at the end of the 19th century, the breed drew considerable attention when they were first being exhibited in 1908. There is believed to be elements of the Newfoundland, setter and spaniel in this breed. There is a story that the Golden Retriever actually originates from 8 Russian Sheepdogs who performed in a Circus Troupe - although it is impossible to find any historic evidence of this legend.
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