Ask and You'll Probably Find the Right Response

Hmmm . . .

Just looking back over the years from the time I got my puppies. What have been my toughest questions?

Maybe some of the readers out there have the proper answers. Seems like some things work for most of the dogs but not all. Basically, you have to get to know your dog very well so you will be able to do what is appropriate and right for your dog.

Some of the questions I encountered for my dogs and for those of my friends.

1. How to control barking
2. How to stop excessive marking habit
3. How to start socializing your dog
4. What are the basic shots needed by your dog, as a puppy and as it grows older
5. How to have your dog behave with other dogs and with children
6. What are the symptoms of a sick dog
7. What tools do you need for grooming
8. What's the best shampoo, soap and toothpaste for my dog
9. Cure for itches
10. Problem on chewing of the paws
11. Dealing with excessive shedding of coat
12. Things to remember when leaving your dog for a period of time
due to travel or some other reason
13. Addressing stained coat
14, Fast remedy for allergies
15. First aid for wounds

Sources of answers : doctors / vets, friends who are great dog owners, reading materials from books and from the internet

Home Sweet Home

This little mom went to market, this little son had roast beef, this little dog stayed at home . . .

Yup, yup, yup . . . this doggie stayed at home.

He loves the fun of just hanging around the house, though prefers not to be "home alone". He prefers to be with a "live somebody" especially when at play. He loves his favorite toys, his tennis ball and a shabby towel.

After his bath, he anticipates play time, where he is left just doing his thing. Enjoy!

Cross Breed

The Miniature Schnauzer is a breed of small dog of the Schnauzer type that originated in Germany in the mid-to-late 19th century. Miniature Schnauzers developed from crosses between the Standard Schnauzer and one or more smaller breeds such as the Poodle or Affenpinscher.

The affenpinscher is a terrier-like toy breed of dog. It has harsh rough coat and a monkey-like expression (Affe means monkey in German). Its coat is shaggier over the head and shoulders forming a mane, with shorter coat over the back and hind quarters. It is harsh and wiry in texture. The FCI and UK breed standards specifies that the coat must be black, but the AKC also allows gray, silver, red,and tan, and belge (not beige; belge is a mixture of red, black and white hairs); other clubs have their own lists of acceptable colours, with black being the preference. The affenpinscher is a dog with a shaggy, wiry-type coat.

Affenpinschers have a distinct appearance that some associate with terriers. They are different from terriers, however, in that they are actually part of the pinscher-schnauzer of group 2 in the FCI classification and so often get along with other dogs and pets. They are active, adventurous, curious, and stubborn, but they are also fun-loving and playful. The breed is confident, lively, affectionate towards family members and is also very protective of them. This loyal little dog enjoys being with its family. It needs consistent, firm training because some can be quite difficult to housebreak. The training should be varied because the dog can easily become bored. The affenpinscher has a terrier like personality.

Affenpinschers are somewhat territorial when it comes to their toys and food, so they are not recommended for very small children. This dog is mostly quiet but can become very excited if attacked or threatened and shows no fear toward any aggressor. It is best suited for a family who likes a show and has a sense of humor.

Source: Wikipedia

Pets

"You become, forever, responsible for what you have tamed."

"It is the time you have wasted for your rose that makes your rose so important."

"You must observe the proper rites."

All of the above quotes are taken from Antoine de Saint-Exupery's "The Little Prince", one of my favorite books.

These just show why we are so hooked up with our pets, whether dogs, cats, mice or roses. We have come to tame them and care for them. The time, effort and attention we have given our pets make them unique from the rest of the dogs, cats, mice and roses. They are OUR very own pets whom we have squeezed in to our lives.

We observed certain daily routines with our pets. In our case, we get up early so we can walk the dogs and feed them. The same things are done before retiring to bed. Of course there is bath time, grooming chores, buying dog food and supplies, taking them out to socialize and check-ups with the vet.

At times, when my schedule is so tight and faced with life's challenges, I ask, "why do I have dogs to take care of in the middle of all the things I have to do and fix?"

Well, it all boils down to being in love with these creatures and back to the quotes . . .

"You become, forever, responsible for what you have tamed."

"It is the time you have wasted for your rose that makes your rose so important."

"You must observe the proper rites."

PCCI Features Jasper's Win at the Show

One of those joyous, memorable days . . . qualifying for the challenging competition among other beautiful dog breeds and winning . . .

An added accomplishment is that "hubby" decided to take on the role of being Jasper's handler for that event. This is why he has this opportunity to be the one in the photo.

However, we have the official photographer of the PCCI (Philippine Cannine Club Incorporated) to capture the precious moment. A plus is the posting of these photos on the PCCI site.

As for me, I work behind the camera, grooming table and bath faucet. Cool!

PHILIPPINE CANINE CLUB, INC.

The Philippine Canine Club, Inc. was founded on March 21, 1963, as a non-stock, non-profit service-oriented corporation organized for the purpose of promoting and encouraging the love for pure-bred dogs. The Club's charter extends until year 2038 and authorizes PCCI to maintain a registry of pure-bred dogs or stud books and to conduct dog shows and competitions.

In addition to the studbooks, PCCI maintains a registry of regular and associate members, and of litters and kennel names. PCCI issues registration certificates and certified pedigree certificates of dogs, and confers championship titles, obedience and field trial titles to qualified dogs. PCCI issues dog show judging licenses to qualified members for individual breeds, groups of breeds and all breeds of pure-bred dogs.

As a federal member of the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI), an international organization of registering bodies based in Brussels, Belgium, PCCI is the only accredited registering body in the Philippines for purebred dogs. PCCI documents are recognized by the national registry organizations in all FCI-member countries and in the United States, by the American Kennel Club and Canada by the Canadian Kennel Club. PCCI is also one of the original members of the Asian Kennel Union (AKU) based in Tokyo, Japan.

Source: PCCI Official Website

Walkin' The Dog

Joaqui is always hopeful and looks forward enthusiastically to his daily walk in the morning before his breakfast.

It serves as an exercise for him and for me as well. In addition, the activity becomes a bonding moment and an opportunity to have him exposed to the environment, to people especially kids and to animals like other dogs, cats, birds and insects.


I read some interesting notes on dog walking:

Dog walking is both a pastime and a profession involving the act of a person walking with a dog, typically from the dog's residence and then returning. This constitutes part of the daily exercise regime needed to keep a dog healthy. It also provides exercise and companionship for the walker.

Dogs are walked with a collar around their neck, or a harness around their waist, which is less common, or by following their owner by familiarity and verbal control (where safe). Commonly the dog is walked by the owner, or another family member, but there are also professional dog walkers.

Grooming Time

Yup, yup, yup! Grooming time!

Clip, clip, clip! Cut, cut, cut! Brush, brush, brush!

Clean those ears, brush the teeth, clip the toe nails, take out sleepers from those beautiful eyes . . . and trim that coat and keep it shiny and healthy.

Joy to the World

By now, the doggies are accustomed to taking long rides in the car inside their crates. Going to the province is okay with them. They get to have a break too from the hustles and bustles of the city. Actually, they add to the noise of the city, heheh.

Here's Jasper (left) and Joaqui (right) looking curiously at cows. They love running around in the area but for now they're grounded here at the nipa hut for some rest (rest for me).

Taking care of these dogs are like looking after energetic little kids, but just like little children, they too are a bunch of joy. They do bring joy to my world.