Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Dog Show Awards . . . Award Trophies


It was like watching my children in a Quiz Bee competition or enlisting my sons in a declamation contest. These dog shows do give me butterflies in my tummy.

Before the shows, we make preparations for the dogs. We check their size and weight so we can do some tinkering in the proportions of their food and supplements, whether to increase or decrease the quantity. We check on the condition of their coat, including the length. We look into the rest of the grooming requirements like the nails, ears, eyes, etc. We ensure they practice the correct parade stint during their morning walks, not just for exercise but more, so they can have that winning gait. Of course, we should have that positive attitude that they will win.

In case, they don't win, then joining the show is counted as additional practice and experience. This is good exposure for the dog. They must be made at ease at the ring with the other dogs, both of their breed and those of the different breeds, sizes and even sounds.

Here, my heart was bursting with joy as I watch Joaqui hurdle the competition and bag the trophy, haaay!

Monday, September 28, 2009

Crate Training

Crates . . .

Crates, I did not buy the idea at first. It felt like the dog will be inside a cage alone. I did not know better before. I have zero knowledge when I got my pet, remember.
I always picture cute dogs on top of the master's lap, inside a shiny red car. I even see this on TV, dogs peeping outside the window of a moving vehicle, the hair on their faces blown by the wind.

It is actually fun that way. My dogs have been crate-trained at a young age, more because of the need-basis.
This makes it easier for them to tag along when going somewhere, specially in dog shows or a visit to the veterinarian for their vet meds and immunization vaccines. My first dog was sick when we got him so we frequented the clinic of his pretty young vet.

They are also accustomed to riding vehicles for "not-so-short" drives (we live in the South), for we bring them go to pet-friendly places like Serendra, Eastwood and Tiendesitas for some exercise and socializing, both with dogs and human.

When they sense everyone has dressed up and with shoes on, they too are a bit excited. When we open the door of the crate, they go inside by themselves, cute in a way.

Lately, I put the crate inside the house. I observe that when they want some peaceful time, they go inside the crate. They just stay there a while to rest a little or sleep. One other thing they do? They go hide there when bath time comes.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Pet Care Plus


I wanna pet Mommy!!! I want one!!!

This is Jasper in a tee.

The Matrix . . .

One. Deciding
When you finally decide to keep a pet, it is just the beginning. There are many possibilities, you bought it, somebody gave it to you, it was a pet share, you adopted a stray animal, you became the new owner by default (it is your child’s pet suppose to be). My pets are my husband’s and you probably know how this sentence ends.

Two. Committing and Selecting
It is like having kids, once you have them, they become your responsibility. They can be your bundle of joy or thorns of sorrows, so to say, but they remain your children forever, if you know what I mean. So you better
decide with care before committing to owning a pet. Next is the selection process. What kind of pet do I take in? If it is a dog, like ours, what breed? What size? How many (oh pleassse). There are some important factors to consider. See my other post on this one.

Three. Giving a Name
Twin decision to the above is naming your pet. Spike, Cera, Ducky or Little Foot? Will you name it after a family member or your neighbor's? Shall you pick a name on a baby book or a calendar? Better pick a good one, for you will repeatedly be hearing that name, sweetly sometimes, or in a roar for other times, when the pet misbehaves. Giving your pet a name is synonymous to recognizing him, that is, giving him a life with you and your family.

Four. Answering Needs
You have to buy food, that's first and foremost, the food dish and water bottle included. Prepare his sleeping corner. If the kiddo will sleep outside the house, just check for protection from the rain, the sun and insects (and even dog nappers.) Think about where he will eliminate (toilet training), and where he can get his exercise, his training, even his playing activities and recreation. If your pet has a coat, then you must not forget about grooming. There are shops offering grooming services. The vet can do the nails and the ears, you can do the rest if you know how. By the way, provide for proper diet. Too much or too little food and water can be harmful, not to mention too much treats and toys as well. Don't be trapped with my mistake of giving too much. Good enough, I have learned to control myself. However, I must admit I still spoil them, and that makes my life more difficult, in terms of caring for the rascals.

Five. Keeping Supplies and Grooming Tools
On supplies, I can speak only for my dogs right now. Cats and other pets have different supply requirements. My dogs need bathing things like shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, including the containers and towels. It is handy to have supplies of alcohol, cotton, baby wipes, tissue, cotton swab sticks, ear cleaning solution. Optional things would be grooming chalk or powder or cornstarch, baby oil, waterless/rinse less type of shampoos, gel or spray net, a spray bottle with water, small doggie plastic bags for the poop.

For grooming, I keep combs (with and without handles), a slicker brush, a big hairbrush, a clipper, stripping knives, thinning scissors, a straight-edged barber scissors and other grooming sears, a battery-operated clipper, a nail cutter (one is battery-operated and another is a like a pair of big scissors) plus a nail file. I also provided for a grooming table, a heavy-duty blower, a hand held hair dryer and leash of all sorts. It's fun to buy silly dog clothes and accessories.


Six. Providing for Medications and Vaccines
Better that you ask your veterinarian on this one. For my doggies, the vet keeps records on a dog health book for all their vaccinations, and that could be a lot, including booster shots and the periodic shots. For medications, these again depends on your vet, he can prescribe vitamins and pet meds for the usual concerns such as, no appetite, skin irritations, coat issues, ticks and fleas, etc.

Seven. Having Fun
Let you and your pets have fun together. Expose the pets to human and other animals as well. Socializing, for my dogs, keep them a little more tamed, than when they are in their pens and crates. Yes, don't forget to get hold of crates for mobility. You can have your pets tag along with you during travels when you have pet crates available. There are pet-friendly venues like Serendra, Eastwood and Tiendesitas. You can even find air-conditioned restaurants and vacation houses willing to accommodate your little critters.

There are different languages of love you can select from to use for your pets. So choose wisely.

This is Jasper at 2 months (ears uncropped).














I used to look at (my dog) Smokey and think, 'If you were a little smarter, you could tell me what you were thinking,' and he'd look at me like he was saying, 'If you were a little smarter, I wouldn't have to. Fred Jungclaus


I have a great dog. She's half Lab, half pit bull. A good combination. Sure, she might bite off my leg, but she'll bring it back to me. Jimi Celeste.

Don't make the mistake of treating your dogs like humans, or they'll treat you like dogs. Martha Scott

When you leave them in the morning, they stick their nose in the door crack and stand there like a portrait until you turn the key eight hours later.Erma Bombeck

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Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Dog as Pet, Naming your Dog

Dog as Pet, Naming your Dog
You may
want to check the 101 names given to some of the dogs we know (my pets and myself, that is), because this may trigger you to think of whatever to lovingly call your own pet when you get one (or two).

AA
Aiko
Alexa
Ali
Aramis
Bice
Blitz
Blue

Bogart
Brandy

Brix
Budji
Cali
Cassandra
Chuchay

Cayene
Chickisie
Chikoy
China
Cola
Cooper
Copper
Crazy
Daphne
Dino
Disney
Dodger
Duchess
Duke
Einstein
Enya
Favorite
Fido
Floyd

George
Greta
Harry
Heidi
Henry
Hitler
Hugo
Hyro
Ingga
Jap Jap
Jasper
Jelly
Joaqui
Jon Jon
Juca
Junior
King
Kranchy
Kring Kring
Krypton
Logan
Lulu
Marley
Max
Maxx
Mei Mei
Melo
Micah
Miggy
Milan
Million
Millionette
Mojo
Mon Mon
Mulan
Nadja
Nori
Odie
Oscar
Pachuchay
Peanuts
Pontice
Poochie
Princess
Ringo
Roxie
Sandae
Scooby
Shakespeare
Shakira
Sharpy
Shashy
Shiro
Snooky
Snoopy
Snowhite
Snowy
Snyper
Sparky
Spirit
Syner
Teemee
Trixie
Tutay
Whitey
Zen
Ziggy
Zoe

Legend:
Green - MS friends
Blue - Other MS (miniature schnauzers)
Violet - Pekingese
Gold - Other friends

Note: 15% of the names start with the letter "S", 13 % with "M" and 11% with "C"
We have 1 cat friend, Totoy Bibo in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

How about you, what's your pet's name, want to share with us?
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Saturday, September 19, 2009

Hobbies and Interest . . . Hubby and Babies

In this video, featuring the "Best in Show" qualifiers, are the following dogs:
a Cocker Spaniel, a Beagle, a Miniature Schnauzer, a Pomeranian, a French Bulldog and a Boxer.


Dog shows? I have been to just one in my entire life until I got myself my own dogs recently and became an element of these events.

Well, love thy husbands. Because of him I attend bonsai shows, one of his hobbies, then tennis matches, where on my own volition, I got hooked. Finally, I came into being in these dog shows because of my little babies as adopted by my husband. Soon, our house will be a Fauna-Flora Home.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Dogs as Pet, Anyone?


Love pets? Dogs specifically?

I don't! Surprised? Here are my stories as I journey into becoming a pet dog lover. By the way, meet Teemee. She's so cute. She's living with my high school friend in California. She's three years old. She let's her parents dress her up once in a while when the guys get a little crazy (over her). She's so adorable, lovable, (seems to be endlessly hungry, spoiled but obedient).
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Click for short Video clips:
Pets at Play
At the Dog Show

Pet Cares, Listing of Contents, Fun Stuff to Read


Want to have a Pet?

One.Deciding
When you finally decide to keep a pet, it is just the beginning. There are many possibilities, you bought it, somebody gave it to you, it was a pet share, you adopted a stray animal, you became the new owner by default (it is your child’s pet suppose to be). My pets are my husband’s and you probably know how this sentence ends.
Read Two to Seven ...

Choose your Pet
What else can we talk about regarding pets? How about the challenging task of selecting your pet? Because you sure have to think about this first before plunging into the world of pet care. A dozen (12) of things to consider when choosing a pet. Read list ...

Name your Dog
You may want to check the 101 names given to some of the dogs we know (my pets and myself, that is), because this may trigger you to think of whatever to lovingly call your own pet when you get one (or two). Read list ...

Go to the Dog Show Prepared
My little schnauzer, so innocent yet so naughty and playful. Trying to walk with a graceful gait to please me in these dog shows.
Easy to look at, but a little challenging to get through with these dog shows. Much preparation is placed and much caring for the show dog needed. What are the basic things your dog must have to join and at least be competitive with the rest of the entries. See video, read more ...

Let the Dogs have Fun
Whoa!!! Young, yes. My dogs are young and have stayed very playful. I have to confess I love watching them at play at their free form, so to speak. What is good about having two of them is seeing them tag (or shall I say pull their teeth off) over a prey. I provide them with a toy, a hand towel with a knot at the middle. See video, read more ...

Socialize your Dog and Yourself
So how's your pet dog doing? It is good to do pet comparison with other owners, especially if you have observed something is kinda different with your dog lately or when you are encountering a specific problem, whether it be on food, on bathing, on behavior, concern on your pet's coat, skin, ears, nails, teeth, etc. Read more ...

Introduction (Homepage)
Do you have a pet? You probably are doing better than I am. These are my stories as I learn the ropes of caring for my dogs. You may even have some good insights to share.My pet-loving husband of 21 years, brought home a dog. For Heavens sake, I have never owned a pet or took care of any kind of living thing, a plant, an animal, not even a Korean bug. Never! I don't intend to start now in my later years.But things do happen for a reason (oh come on). So, I willingly took in the little breathing creature into my home and started learning to care . . . Read more ...

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Dog Show Information, Video


My little schnauzer, so innocent yet so naughty and playful. Trying to walk with a graceful gait to please me in these dog shows.

Easy to look at, but a little challenging to get through with these dog shows. Much preparation is placed and much caring for the show dog is needed.

What are the basic things your dog must have to join and at least be competitive with the rest of the entries?
  1. The dog must have the needed documents and registered with the PCCI (Philippine Canine Club,Inc.).
  2. He must have the required updated (not expired) vaccinations, for rabies.
  3. He should be in pink of health because upon registration, the PCCI staff checks the dog physically.
Physical appearance:
1. How about pearly white teeth and fresh breath, now that would impress the judges.
2. The coat must be:
  • With a well-cared for look (at least not too much discoloration especially for the white ones)
  • has the appropriate cut and grooming for the specific breed
  • Just the right length
  • Shiny and fresh-smelling
3. Check for nails, ears and behind if clean.
4. Hopefully your dog is not too lean nor too fat.

Behavior inside the ring:
The dog:

  1. Must have a handler that can maximize the good movements of the dog during the parade in the ring. Other dogs need to bond with their handlers. The handler often uses a bait or a treat to have the dog follow his instructions.
  2. Should have enough exercise and training to look good in the ring and feel good as well, when the judges hold the dog's body during inspection.
  3. Is able to walk straight and with the head up, with the handler successful in directing the dog as requested by the judge (usually in a triangular path). Preferably does not eliminate inside the ring, especially when it's his turn to parade.
  4. Should not quarrel or bark endlessly on other dog competitors.
  5. Should not bite the judge when he is touched, especially when his mouth is being opened for inspection. Ouch! Grounds for disqualification.
Tips:
  1. Socialize your dog with humans and other animals. Have him for long walks. That will be good exercise as well (not to mention it is more of a need than an option.
  2. Have the dog trained by the handler himself before the date of the show for bonding and practice.
  3. Don't forget to have fun in these dog shows. Even if your dog does not win this time, it's still good exposure for the little angel (or little devil, lol).
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Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Dog as Pets, Video



When the Mouse is Away, the Dogs will Play

Whoa!!!

Young, yes. My dogs are young and have stayed very playful. I have to confess I love watching them at play at their free form, so to speak. What is good about having two of them is seeing them tag (or shall I say pull their teeth off) over a prey. I provide them with a toy, a hand towel with a knot at the middle.

I shall repeat what I have mentioned in my other post. You have to have fun with your pets, but the way you handle them will dictate how easy or difficult it would be caring for them. There may be pets that are by nature well-mannered or the opposite, but in-house training is a must for all pets.

Basic would be that they know their names when called, even if you're already yelling, at least they recognize their names. Good for your vocal chords.

I re-arranged the house to be pet-friendly, no delicate decors to destroy or demolish. I just ensure that my house is in tack after their play, lol.

When the mouse is away the dogs will play, that is, when my lap top mouse is at rest and I'm not blogging, I let my dogs play while I watch their show. Of course, there should be an end to the show, unless you have the whole day free and the house can take all that beating.

Click here to see them at stand still, good boys when not in motion.

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