MIA RachelAndDogs??

December 27, 2007 at 8:50 am · Filed under Introduction

Dear Friends and All Dog Lovers,

I must apologize for leaving the blog unpdated for weeks and weeks now. I had started work due to, very straight forward reason, I needed money!! I’m trying to adapt to the new environment and the new schedule for the time being. After 5 weeks now, slowly i’m blending to this new thing.

 I’ll start or rather continue my blog again from now as I have not write about my Wallace for long long time. He’s 4 month old now and is like a baby tiger. Very naughty, and mischievous most of the time. As normal puppy do, he likes to bite on my hand, chew my slipper and once a while accident happen, pee & poo at my newly bought carpet. He need a lot of attention and behaviour training, if not this dog is going to be unattractive and disastrous….

Will upload his latest photo tonight! Merry X’mas and Happy New Year 2008 to all~!

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Monday Blue~Let’s hear some dog humour!

November 12, 2007 at 1:11 pm · Filed under Dog Fun!, Sweet Dog Photo

Today’s Monday again, guess everyone will also face Monday blue like me, just hope the weekend is longer, more holidays, and can’t wait for Christmas to come!! Need something to cheer me/you up on this Monday, let’s see the below dog humor can cheer you up or not……

Things That Dogs And Puppies Must Always Remember

I will not play tug-of-war with Dad’s underwear when he’s on the toilet.

The garbage collector is NOT stealing our stuff.

I do not need to suddenly stand straight up when I’m lying under the coffee table.

I will not roll my toys behind the fridge.

I must shake the rainwater out of my fur BEFORE entering the house.

I will not eat the cats’ food, before or after they eat it.

I will stop trying to find the few remaining pieces of clean carpet in the house when I am about to throw up.

I will not throw up in the car.

I will not roll on dead seagulls, fish, crabs, etc.

I will not lick my human’s face after eating animal poop.

“Kitty box crunchies” are not food.

I will not eat any more socks and then redeposit them in the backyard after processing.

The diaper pail is not a cookie jar.

I will not wake Mommy up by sticking my cold, wet nose up her bottom end.

I will not chew my human’s toothbrush and not tell them.

I will not chew crayons or pens, especially not the red ones, or my people will think I am hemorrhaging.

When in the car, I will not insist on having the window rolled down when it’s raining outside.

We do not have a doorbell. I will not bark each time I hear one on TV.

I will not steal my Mom’s underwear and dance all over the back yard with it.

The sofa is not a face towel. Neither are Mom & Dad’s laps.

My head does not belong in the refrigerator.

I will not bite the officer’s hand when he reaches in for Mom’s driver’s license and car registration.

Cute Dog Photo

1. “Brother… can spare me some food or not?”

2. Yellow Lab:”Hey brother, you okay or not? Black Lab:”What to do, she need foot massage again!”

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Dog Boarding Tips

November 11, 2007 at 2:07 pm · Filed under Dog's Health, Dog Tips, Dog Care

I’ve been to a few pet shop and animal clinics here in Malaysia recently. I noticed that they do provide boarding services to pets. It’s unavoidable that sometimes we need to be away from home and no one is there for our pets. So, learning and checking out on boarding service is one of the important topic to learn for all dog owners.

Here are some tips on boarding your pets:

1. Start boarding your pets at kennel at early stage. They will have difficulty adjusting to kennel when they get older.

2. Do some research, check out different kennel and compare the price and environment before boarding your pets.

3. Check and ask who will be the one taking care of the pets. Talk to them and see whether do they give you a warm and fuzzy feeling and show knowledge and care for the pets.

4. Always leash your dog when check-in.

5. Make sure the kennel condition is good. The place must looks and smell clean indoor and outdoor. Check whether there is enough light and ventilation and if the temperature is comfortable.

6. Check with the kennel what are the necessary things to bring, for example treats, toys and food.

7. When check-in, bring together most recent vaccination certificate.

8. Provide the kennel staff as much information about your pet along with past health problem or any medication your pet might be on.

9. When check in time, try not to make your pet feel like he’s being left behind. Try not to have tears and guilty feeling as dogs can sense our feeling. Just to reassure him/her that everything is going to be all right.

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Can Dog Talk?

November 8, 2007 at 10:51 am · Filed under Dog Fun!, Dog Videos

Sometimes we can sense that our dogs are trying to communicate with us, but they are trying hard to learn how we talk. They woofs, howls, moan, growls and whimpers. Ever wonder what they are trying to tell us?

Sometime we will know, like when it’s time for meals, or times to go for a walk, or time to play and time to pet. They do make different sound if you pay attention to it. My Wallace always do that, though he’s only close to 9 weeks now, but he make different type of sound sometimes amuse me and my boyfriend.

I also like to speak human language with my dog. Though you may thought they don’t understand, but I believe if you use the same sound, tone and expression to talk to him each time, eventually he will understand, cause dogs are amazing creature and they are man’s best friend always!

Let’s watch some fun Dog Talking video!

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Tips To Be The Alpha Dog

November 6, 2007 at 5:30 pm · Filed under Puppy, Dog Tips, Dog Training

What is Alpha Dog?

What does Alpha the word Alpha means? Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet. In general, it means the first one, or the strong one. Alpha Dog means to be the leader or the dominance over your dog.

Some history about dog

Wolf are the ancestor of today’s dog. Deep within the psyche of your dog lies instincts they have retained from their wild ancestors. Wolf are pack animal and they live by rules and have a social structure. You will often see that in the movies related to “werewolf” such as “Blood and Chocolate”. The entire pack will be lead under a single leader. The leader will enjoy and eat first, then only followed by the rest of the pack.

Take note: When your dog growls at you when he is eating, he is saying “I am the leader, and you must wait.” Dog owner must learn to train your dog dog not to have this behaviour.

Why is Alpha Dog important?

It is important that the owner be the Alpha Dog because you don’t want your dog to be overpower you and do not follow your command. This will lead to a lot of behavioral problem and training difficulties in the future. Start early to exercise Alpha Dog when you first bring home the puppy. Once you establish this relationship, your dog will seek you out. He will want to be with you and will treat you with respect and affection. After he learns to submit to handling, all other tasks such as grooming, nail clipping, cleaning ears, and medicating will be easier to accomplish. But first he must learn that you have the power to handle him, and that handling will not lead to any harm. He must come to trust you entirely.

How to learn to be the Alpha Dog?

1. Never let your dog start growling at your or your children. Growling represent their intention to be dominant over you.

2. Leader always walk through the door first - if your dog rushes out when you open the door, use leash and tell him “No” and ask him to “Wait”. You walk in, then only permit him to follow from the back.

3. Avoid to let your dog sleep on the same bed with you. This is important to conform your Alpha status. Place the dog’s bed on the floor beside your bed will be the best.

4. Increase socialize activities such as bring him to the park or introduce to the neighborhood who also enjoy dog’s company. Let you dog familiarize, respect and love to be around with people.

5. Try not to over baby your dog. He need to learn and explore himself and be independent. You may not be with him 24 hours. When he acts afraid of something that he should not be afraid of, tell him it’s okay and show him the object or person. Your confidence will make him a confident and dependable dog. If you feed his imaginary fears, he will become a snappy and untrustworthy dog. He may also develop fear aggression.

6. What is fear aggression? An example of fear aggression could be a dog that sits in its owner’s lap and growls at people or other animlas. He will continue to do that if you pet him and say “It’s okay” at this time. The correct method is to tell him no and put him down off your lap. If you do not handle fear aggression properly, your dog will become snappy when children or other people try to pet him. So it is very important to use the right method.

7. Do not play tug of war with your puppy. Play fetch and tell them to release the ball gently. Pass him a treat or another toy to exchange if he doesn’t drop.

8. Spend time to play with your dog. Train him and love him like of your own children. Once you decided to rear a dog, you have the full responsibility as the mother and raise a good child. Bad dog behavior is failure of owner’s proper training.

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My Miniature Schnauzer Puppy

November 4, 2007 at 9:35 pm · Filed under Puppy, Miniature Schnauzer, Puppy Wallace

I am not too sure about other Miniatures Schnauzer puppy out there, but my Wallace seems to be very “baby-like”. He can make those sound like small baby crying when I hold him after come back from outside a few hours. I will feel bad if I don’t hug him immediately, cause the sound is really like crying out for love and need a mom to pet him calmly. As I don’t really put him in the crate, he will follow me whenever I walk around the house. Luckily he get tired sometimes after running around, so that I can write blog and do other things at home….

Smelling my toe.

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Funny Dog & Cat Photo!

November 4, 2007 at 9:06 pm · Filed under Dog Fun!, Sweet Dog Photo

Cute isn’t it?

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Dog Grooming : Dog Ear Cleaning Tips

November 2, 2007 at 3:26 pm · Filed under Dog Care, Dog Grooming

Dog Grooming Pet Grooming: Dog Ear Cleaning Tips To Keep Your Dog Healthy

Regular ear check-ups and cleaning contributes to healthy ears, free of painful infections. We as owner are responsible to do regular ear health check-up for our dogs at home. If you are sending your pet to a groomer, ear inspection is one of the important area to care for. Did you notice that your dogs have hair growing inside the ear canal? Sometimes it can be quite smelly if not clean properly.

Basic Ear Cleaning Steps

1. Get ready the cleaning tools. Lift and expose the dog’s ear flap, using your thumb and index finger, remove hair as needed around the external ear opening.(Tips: Pull in the direction of hair growth and only small amounts of hair at one time. You can spray a light amount of medicated ear powder in ears and make the hair easier to pull)

2. If there is hair in the ear canal it should be removed when there are no signs of ear health problems. However, NEVER clean or remove hair more than one-half inch down into the ear opening, that area further down in the ear canal is best left to veterinary care.3. Using hemostats , carefully grasp small amounts of pet hair and pull outward toward you. Be very careful of their sensitive ears. Never probe further down than one-half inch into the ear canal opening. You must be extreme caution in order not to disturb or damage the ear drum. Clean the hemostats after drawing out hair and wax, and continue removing hair until done.4. Although you do not clean ears more than one-half inch into the ear canal, observe the condition of the pet’s ear beyond the cleaning limit and report any potential problems. You may see foreign matter, a discharge, heavy wax buildup or even a melanoma (tumor). Record your suspect observations so that you may accurately report them to the Vet.

5. Look for additional ear wax and matter to clean from the ear. Moisten cotton ball very lightly (absolutely no dripping) with a small amount of commercial ear cleaning solution, and swab and clean the ear canal area outward to the ear flap. Repeat as needed. This procedure may soothe irritated skin from the hair removal process depending upon the ear cleaning solution you use. Ensure you have removed all ear powder from ears.

6. Finally, it’s wise to sterilize tools and properly dispose of ear wastes and soiled cotton.Do not over clean your dog’s ear. If you over clean the ears, the result will be redness, or the dog may start scratching ears where it wasn’t before. Ears should be cleaned of matter as noted above, and reasonably freed of pet hair too. However, if you see the dog’s skin becoming irritated by the pulling, remove a reasonable amount of hair only and soothe pet’s ear with the lightly moistened cotton swab mentioned above.

As you clean ears you may uncover conditions that were previously not observed during the ear inspection procedure. You may discover a Hematomas, the swelling of the ear flap due to blood going into the tissue or serum under the skin, or foreign matter or swelling, etc. Discontinue further cleaning when you uncover any serious ear problem, and inform the pet owner that veterinary inspection is in order.

Water and excess ear cleaning solution must never get in pet ears. Do not use water in the cleaning process. Do not syringe pet ears; it is a veterinary procedure only. If you are uncertain how to proceed, don’t. Seek professional veterinary care. It is best to advise the pet owner to seek veterinary attention rather than your aggravating a condition. When you bathe any dog you should also place cotton in their ears to prevent water from entering the ear canal, and the ear area (especially on those dogs with ear flaps) must be completely dry so as not to provide a damp environment favored by bacteria and fungus.

Hope you’ve found this dog grooming tip useful !

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World’s Most Fierce Dog - Part II

November 2, 2007 at 1:34 pm · Filed under Dog Tips

6. Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff)

Country of Origin: French

Coat: Fine, short and soft to touch

Temperament: Strong, powerful, imposing, fearless, confrontational with stranger, consider first class guard and watch dog. Can be very aggressive with other dogs if not socialized well.

Brief History: The Dogue de Bordeaux was known in France as early as the fourteenth century. Dog fighting was popular in the nineteenth century, particularly in southern France in the region around Bordeaux. Hence, the city lent its name to these large fighting dogs.

7. Dogo Argentina

Country of Origin: Argentina

Coat: Short white coat

Temperament: Excellent guardian dog, extremely loyal to the families, have high pain tolerance.

Brief History: In 1920’s, Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez developed a dog, which combine to be the family pet, a guardian dog and also good in hunting. He started with a now extinct mastiff-type breed called the Dog of Cordoba. He crossed breed with Great Dean, Spanish Mastiff, Boxer, Bull Terrier, Boxer and French Mastiff.

8. Japanese Tosa (Japanese Mastiff)

Country of Origin: Japan

Coat: Dense and harsh short-haired coat
Temperament: Patience, composure, boldness and courage. It is a quiet and obedient dog. They are calm but vigilant demeanor. They are quietly affectionate with its owner but somewhat aloof with strangers. Can be aggressive to intruder of animal or stranger.

Brief History:

Japan has a long history of dog fighting, begining in the 14th century. This breed was produced as a hybrid of Shikoku-ken and Western breeds. They were name after the area where they were bred. Breed used to create Tosa include Bulldogs, Bull Terrier, Great Danes, etc. The Tosa’s established features of stamina and fighting instinct typically found in Mastiffs may be attributed to the involvement of such breeds.

9. Italian Corso (Italian Mastiff)

Country of Origin: Puglia (South of Italy)

Coat: Short, smooth and dense coat

Temperament: Strong, active and protective to the owner. Have even temperament and quite easy to be trained.

Brief History: The breed was originally to be found mostly in the south of Italy, Puglia, and also similar dogs were found throughout Sicily. It was a farm dog, used for big game hunting, guarding, and many other purposes throughout its history. Recovered from near extinction through the efforts of a group of enthusiasts in the 1980’s, now the Corso is becoming a very popular breed globally.

10. American Pitt Bull Terrier (APBT)

Country of Origin: United States

Coat: short-coated dog with smooth, well-defined musculature

Temperament: Courages, loyal, full of energy, their natural aggressive tendencies are toward other dogs and animals, not people mostly

Brief History: Sometime during the nineteenth century, dog fanciers in England, Ireland, and Scotland began to experiment with crosses between Bulldogs and Terriers, looking for a dog that combined the gameness of the terrier with the strength and athleticism of the Bulldog. The result was a dog that embodied all of the virtues attributed to great warriors: strength, indomitable courage, and gentleness with loved ones. Immigrants brought these bull and terrier crosses to the United States. The American Pit Bull Terrier’s many talents did not go unnoticed by farmers and ranchers who used their APBTs for protection, as catch dogs for semi-wild cattle and hogs, to hunt, to drive livestock, and as family companions. Today, the American Pit Bull Terrier continues to demonstrate its versatility, competing successfully in Obedience, Tracking, Agility, Protection, and Weight Pulls, as well as Conformation.

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World’s Most Fierce Dog - Part I

October 30, 2007 at 7:08 pm · Filed under Dog Tips

Need a guard dog to protect you? Some of them look really scary….

Find out what are the most fierce dog in the world that will scare your enemy away, and if you have anyone of the breed of your own, feel free to share your thoughts about them.

1. Tibetan Mastiff

Country of Origin: Himalayan Mountains, Tibet and China (QingHai)

Coat: Long and thick coat, can stay in very cold environment and sleep soundly in snow land

Temperament: The native strain of dog, which still exists in Tibet, and the Westernized breed can vary in temperament. The native Tibetan breed can be ferocious and aggressive, unpredictable in their behavior, and very difficult to train. But the dogs bred by the English are obedient and attached to their masters. They are fearless, strong, powerful, defensive towards stranger and protective towards the owner, a fierce family protector

Brief History: This breed has the name for “Dog of God” or “Dog of Heaven”. The breed from western country is more used as a village guardian and protector of flocks, the Tibetan Mastiff was introduced in England in the mid-1800s, when one was sent to Queen Victoria. One hundred years later two of these dogs were sent to President Eisenhower. The breed was registered with the AKC in 2005.

2. Caucasian Mountain Dog

Country of Origin: Russia and Caucasus

Coat: Has a double coat consisting of longer, coarse outer guard hairs and dense undercoat made up of soft, fine hair

Temperament: Strong-minded, powerful and massive, this breed can prove to be a difficult breed for an inexperienced owner. It respects and obeys only those dominant members of the family that it deems superior to itself. The dog develops a strong bond with its owner but will rarely be completely submissive and blindly follow orders, for this is truly a thinking dog which relies primarily on its own instincts, sometimes even disregarding its master’s directions in certain situations. They are territorial and suspicious of strangers, and will protect their flock, family, and property from danger–real or perceived–with lightning-quick speed. The breed is said to have an uncanny ability to discriminate between true threat and benign interference. In other words, the Caucasian Mountain Dog is able to exercise good judgment provided he has been given the proper socialization, training, and experience on which to base this judgment.

Brief History: Living in herd for the past few decades in Caucasus. The breed has existed since ancient times. This large sheepdog is most likely one of the most direct descendants of the Tibetan Mastiff, which was introduced in Russia during the Asian invasions. Their job is to guard the flock and sheep from enemies and other animals.

3. Neopolitan Mastiff (Neo)

Country of Origin: Italy

Coat: Short, hard, shiny, usually not longer than 1 inch

Temperament: Steady, loyal, calm and watchful. This breed is definitely not for the first-time dog owner. Though the body can be quite big for an adult dog (can go from 2 pounds to to 150 pounds in 2 years!). However, they can move real fast and agility that anyone can hardly escape if he wanted to attack. Whereas another breed of dog might simply just bite the arm of a perceived intruder, the Neo might leave with the arm!

The Neo is a guard dog by breeding and is protective by nature. He is a working dog originally bred and utilized as a guardian and defender of the owner, family and property. Although originally bred as a protection dog he has a steady temperament and is loyal.

Brief History: One of the oldest dog breeds recorded in written history. Traced back to the end of the first century in Italy.

This breed has little changed in almost 2000 years, whereas other dog breeds have died out, or been cross bred to keep the breed alive, the Mastiff has undergone very little change other than coat color.

In ancient Roman times, Mastiffs were used as both guard dogs, and fighting gods. Although little documentation exists to support it, it is believed that the Mastiff was pitted against leopards, as a blood spectator sport. With their huge heads, strong necks and muscular bodies, the Mastiff often succeeded in destroying the leopard. First described by Columella as a guard dog with ‘amplissimus corporis’ which literally meant the dogs head was bigger than its body. In ancient times this large head signified that the Mastiff was an excellent guard dog and in fact they are still used for that purpose today.

4. Fila Brasilero or Brasilian Mastiff

Country of Origin: Brazil

Coat: Smooth and short coat

Temperament: Courageous, powerful, extremely loyal and protective to owner. Some can be quite dominant and have their independent mind. Same with above, they need a confident, experienced owner. They can show aggression to stranger.

Brief History: The Fila Brasileiro’s ancestors were brought into Brazil by the Portuguese conquistadores. The breed was created in the 19th century through existing mastiff and bullenbeisser stock, crossbred with Bloodhound. Reportedly, they are also excellent tracking dogs and were used to track Brazilian slaves and fugitives. When the Fila finds its quarry it does not attack, but rather holds it at bay until the hunter arrives.

5. Perro de Presa Canario

Country of Origin: Canary Islands, Gran Canaria

Coat: The ideal coat is medium length and “rustic,” that is, slightly coarse to the touch.

Temperament: They can be aggressive towards strangers and other animals. They have strong character and are dominant animals requiring early socialization and obedience training. Quite challenging to be trained and required firm and confident owner.

Brief History: There has been no clear history of the origin of the breed. However, it could have been crossed with the Mastiff and other English dogs brought to the Islands by visitors and colonists, creating the foundation for the modern Presa Canario.

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