So You Think You Can Dance?

In response to the many who e-mailed asking "what is freestyling?" that was mentioned in my post of January 1, it is a fun and relatively easy sport that that combines music, dancing, and a few basic obedience commands for poochy parents and pals.

For one of the absolute BEST routines ever, click here (and get ready to smile!).

Don't be intimidated by what you see... it takes lots of practice and patience to get that level of teamwork between Carolyn Scott and Rookie down pat. 15 years in their case!

Begin by teaching your fur friend 3-4 different "tricks" WITHOUT the music. You can get him or her to weave through your legs, spin in a circle, and even back up by luring with a favorite treat (hint: keep the treats small or you'll have a ballooning bow-wow!) and a consistent command (such as "weave", "spin", "back"). The all important "bow" at the conclusion of the routine is always a big crowd pleaser!

Once the two of you have reliably mastered the tricks, select a piece of music to work them into. Make it a short piece... and don't be afraid to repeat the tricks a number of times throughout.

For those of you who have two left feet (like your dog... and me!), don't try incorporating any fancy shmancy moves. But be sure to add in a few extra twirls of your own so the tailwagger isn't doing all of the work!

There are canine freestyle clubs across the United States... and even the world... but even if you don't have one near you or don't want to compete, it's a great way to spend time with your favorite fur baby!

Hanukah Treats: Poochy Potato Pancakes

Happy Hanukah to all you kelev (Hebrew for "dog") lovers out there! Here's a fun & easy recipe* that will help your fur kids feel part of the Festival of Lights celebration. And as you'll see, it contains all human ingredients so feel free to sneak a few for yourself!

Ingredients:

9 sweet potatoes (peeled and grated)
1⁄2 cup honey
3 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
2 tablespoons walnut oil
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1⁄2 teaspoon ground black pepper


Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400F. In a large bowl, toss together all ingredients. Transfer to a large cast iron frying pan. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven. Stir the potatoes to expose the pieces from the bottom of the pan. Bake for another 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized on the outside. Let cool before slicing into bite size pieces and serving

* Courtesy of Loews Hotels Executive Chef Mark Ehrler. as part of their “Houndly Holidays” package. This recipe is for treats and not intended for daily consumption or for pets with special dietary restrictions.

Despite your dog’s willingness --- or should I say insistence? --- about pulling up a chair to join you for your annual holiday meal, think twice about sharing… especially if they don't regularly get table scraps during the rest of the year. Most traditional holiday foods are far too rich and spicy for pets, triggering gastrointestinal discomfort, vomiting, and bouts of diarrhea.

Poultry and ham bones can easily splinter and lodge in the throat, gums or the roof of the mouth; they can also cause extensive damage to the stomach and GI tract, puncturing the small intestines and creating a life-threatening or fatal situation. A good rule to follow is: "If in doubt, throw it out"!

A satisfying portion of his regular food served just before your feasting begins should reduce your dog’s inclination to beg for food. Be sure to reinforce the “no people food” rule to your family and friends; don’t give in no matter how cute, hungry or deprived your pet looks… or how
“mean” you feel!

Who's Yur Daddy... and Momma?

My Tracey Pup, is one of the most distinctive looking mixed breeds I've ever seen. People are always asking what she is, and I confidently respond (with my best guess) "she's a Chow-ish, Aussie-ish, maybe Corgi-ish, we don't know what else but we love her" mix.

Well, all that's all changed since I discovered that I could determine what my K-9 Kids' heritage is through a simple, painless DNA swab test called Wisdom Panel Insights. I tried to pretend I didn't care, but inside, I was jumping up & down like a Jack Russell!

From the time I took the sample and mailed the swab to the lab, time seemed to slow down interminably. Like Chariots of Fire running on the beach slow mo. The packaging promised results in 3 weeks; it turned out to be the LONGEST 3 weeks of my life! I felt like one of those women holding a pregnancy test in her hand. COME ON... turn blue already!

Well, true to the manufacturer's word, the results did arrive on the 21st day. The mystery is now over, and I can report with ABSOLUTE confidence (?) that my Tracey Pup is a combination of... drumroll please...

• Cattle Dog (Heeler)
• Chow Chow
• Staffordshire Terrier
• SharPei

That's right! A bone-a-fide CatChowStaPei! One of a kind. 100% adorable. And all mine!

Okay Cassie and Dizney... it's your turn! [To Be Continued...]

Happy New Year 2010!

My fur kids are always so happy when January 1 rolls around. They hear my resolution about taking better care of myself... exercising more... and of course, that means more walkees for them! This year, they seem a bit skeptical. And why wouldn't they be, considering I have broken my resolution each year of Dizney's 13, Cassie's 8, and Tracey's 4 years of life. The issue is that I simply don't enjoy walking, so it doesn't get done.

I've realized that the trick is to find activities that I look forward to doing, so they become a joy rather than a responsibility. So this year, I've selected specific "quality time" stuff to do with each of my fur kids... things that both they and I are sure to make time for (yeah, like they have a busy schedule to keep tabs on, right?!).

My wet & wild diver Dizney and I are going to be joining a dock diving club where she can bellyflop to her hearts content in pursuit of her beloved green bally. My velcro dog Cassie and I are going to do the two step... or in her case, the four step... through freestyle dancing. And my super social youngest girl Tracey and I will be making bi-weekly visits to those who need cheering up through pet assisted therapy.

What does your K9 like to do that you can help nurture, all the while spending quality time and enhancing the bonding experience? Chances are there's an outlet for it just waiting! Agility, flyball, disc handling, lure coursing, tracking... there is no end to the possibilities.

And for those of you who enjoy brisk walks with a willing fur friend, don't think about it. Do like Nike says: Just Do It!

Fur-Filled Holiday Video: December 13

Santa's strange encounter of the Pugliest kind! His boots were made for... well, you'll see!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLLmHzvxl04

Fur-Filled Holiday Video: December 11

HAPPY HANUKAH from Marley, star of today's fur-filled holiday video. I couldn't have sang it better myself!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Qhzle0Wp5M

Fur-Filled Holiday Video: December 10

And the fun just keeps on comin'! Check out Zsa Zsa the talking dog's holiday greeting. Hey, anything's possible at this magical time of the year!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9XGw9Gz654

Fur Filled Holiday Video: December 9

This naughty dog obviously knew Santa was not going to bring him anything this year, so he took selection of his Christmas gift into his own paws!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anDvU530g2o

Fur-Filled Holiday Video: December 8

For our friends who celebrate the Festival of Lights... not easy to find a good doggy Hanukah video, believe me, but Mazel Tov, I did it! ENJOY!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDrTkchQYt4

Fur-Filled Holiday Video: December 7

This one's in honor of my new friend Lesly and her Boston baby Pippy... altho he's not the one doing the crooning! You all know the words, so sing along!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJcZfsLBkvM

BONUS Fur-Filled Holiday Video: December 6

WOW! I was able to catch up with the big man himself, Santa Claus, and snag this exclusive interview... find out where he gets all those puppies and kittens the kids are asking for!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQnMcMfqbI4

HOWL-A-WEEN Pumpkin Treats

Here's an easy-to-prepare treat
you can prepare for your precious pooch
so he or she can join in the howliday festivities!

Ingredients
· 2 eggs
· 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
· 1/2 teaspoon salt
· 2 tablespoons dry milk
· 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
· water, as needed

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350F
2. Blend eggs and pumpkin; add salt, dry milk, and flour

NOTE:you will need to mix dough with your hands… it is too stiff for an electric mixer- add water as needed to make the dough somewhat workable- the dough should be dry and stiff (don't be concerned with crumbs being left in the bowl)
3. Roll dough to ½” thick
4. Cut dough into shapes
5. Place 1" apart on an ungreased cookie sheet
6. Bake for 20 minutes on one side, then turn over and bake another 20 minutes
7. Allow cookies to cool before serving

HOWL-A-WEEN Safety Tip #3

Keep holiday confections… especially those that are high in sugar or contain chocolate… out of the paws of your pooch. Ingesting even small quantities can cause gastric upset, pancreatic distress, and even more dire results. Ditto for those pesky wrappers which can get caught in their throats or intestines.

Don’t want your beloved bow-wow to feel left out? Splurge on a supply of seasonally prepared treats available from local dog bakeries and boutiques. OR… check out the fast & easy recipe that will be posted on October 29 and bake up a batch of your own!

HOWL-A-WEEN Safety Tip #2

You may think the constant stream of neighborhood children dressed as superheroes and aliens arriving at your door is cute, but your fur friends will most probably be in a heightened and perpetual state of arousal as the result of unremitting doorbell ringing and strange voices. Such unfamiliar commotion can easily cause extreme anxiety, door dashing, and perhaps an uncharacteristic nip or bite from even the most even tempered of dogs.

Do Fido or Fluffy a favor by safely secluding them in a room far removed from the hubbub of the holiday. Soothing music, a favorite chew toy, and periodic reassuring visits from their beloved family will make this year’s Halloween a REAL treat!

HOWL-A-WEEN Safety Tip #1

If you’re planning to costume your canine (oh come on, you KNOW you want to!), be sure to strike that all important balance between “adorable” and “appropriate”. Beware of those parts of the outfit that may obstruct movement, hinder breathing, or entice chewing. Ease him into the idea by practicing the dressing process and ensuing activity over the course of the days prior to Halloween; some encouraging words and extra treats might help make the process more tolerable for them.

But the bottom line is, if Fido or Fluffy look or act miserable in their holiday attire, they probably are. ‘Nuff said?

BE KIND TO ANIMALS WEEK 5/3 - 5/9/09

Four Simple Steps for Being KIND To Animals:

K = Karmic:
what goes around comes around, what you give is what you'll get... studies show that those who treat animals inhumanely are more likely to ultimately abuse people!

I = Interactive:
find and pursue activities that bond and delight both you and your pets... it doesn't have to be strenuous, just fun and consistent! And remember, if your pet is overweight, YOU'RE not getting enough exercise!

N = Nutrition:
there is no one "right" food... take your pet's breed, age, and health conditions into account at all times... keep in mind that all of the above are subject to change, so keep your eyes open

D = Devotion:
pets are a lifelong commitment, they are NOT disposable! Take the time to determine what species, breed, age, and activity levels you can realistically handle (both now and in the future). And when you've got it narrowed down, remember that adoption is the best option!

BE KIND TO ANIMALS WEEK 5/3 - 5/9/09

Monday, 5/4

What a blast this morning on FOX10 with Corey McCloskey was! An animal lover and pet partent himself, Corey definitely had as much fun with the four-leggeds as they had with him! I tried to cram a lot of different Be Kind To Animals topics in our three brief segments but to do them justice, each should be covered in more depth. And that's just what I'll be doing through TheTopDogsBlog over the course of this week! So be sure to visit daily!

I've already had LOTS of contacts from FOX10 viewers about the fabulous summer safety products I showed & told in this morning's last segment. All of them... and a whole lot of others... are available at Travel Hounds USA at 3375 E. Shea Blvd. in Phoenix. Be sure to stop in between May 4 - May 9 for their week long Be Kind To Animals event which features lots of different fun & fur-filled activites and products. PLUS every day, a percentage of all proceeds will be donated to a different animal welfare organization!

Bark Park Etiquette

Picture it: dozens of adorable kids joyously interacting in a beautifully landscaped fenced park with their beaming parents standing by to proudly point out their little darlings. Listen carefully: You’re bound to hear statements like “My Maggie… isn’t she just the social butterfly?” Then there’s “since he’s turned two, Petie loves playing with the other big boys”. And “Emma & Tess… play nicely and share your toys!”. Look closer: More and more, these scenes involve kids of the canine persuasion. Maggie, Petie, Emma and Tess? They’re the names of typical patrons that strain at the leash to visit the increasingly popular socialization arenas known as Bark Parks!

These manifestations of our changing society are increasing in number throughout the country. They are usually well lit to accommodate early morning and evening visits, segmented into areas for dogs of different sizes, and offer both poop pickup and water stations. While the concept seems idyllic, there are frequently issues that arise which can turn fur-filled frolic into a doggone bad experience for four-legged and two-legged alike. Bark Park visitors can help keep it happy, safe and sane by following --- and reminding others about --- these simple but important “rules” of Bark Park etiquette:

• Be realistic about your dog’s personality and behavior. Bark Parks are not testing grounds to see IF your dog is social, or for him to “get over” a bad experience. Aggressive, anti-social, and toy-possessive dogs are not appropriate visitors; neither are unsprayed females in season.
• All playing pooches should understand and respond to basic verbal obedience commands, especially “come”, “stay” and “no”.
• No doubt that Bark Parks have become enjoyable social opportunities for humankind as well, but an owner’s primary responsibility is to make sure that his or her dog is behaving appropriately. Keep an eye on, and control the actions of, your dog. Excessively rough play, overt dominance posturing or deep-throated growling is not acceptable even if you are convinced that your dog “doesn’t mean anything by it”. And, just as importantly, only bring as many dogs as you can realistically handle.
• It is inappropriate and unacceptable for anyone to leave a dog at the Park and come back for him later (for those of you squinting in disbelief, this really does happen… far too often).
• Make sure your dog is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations. While fun for fur kids, nose-to-nose contact, nose-to-butt introductions, and the sharing of water bowls and toys are potential breeding grounds for upper respiratory infections, viral mouth warts, and parasites.
• If a particular dog is causing a problem, politely ask the owner to leave; if he or she won’t comply, don’t stand on ceremony… have your dog say good-bye to his poochy playmates and end that day’s visit.
• Leave the park the way you found it. Most Bark Parks are not supervised or maintained by their city or municipality, so it is up to visitors to keep them clean and desirable to visit. All too often, visitors go home with a souvenir or two on the bottom of their shoes… or paws. Bring your own poop bags just in case the park has run out. Pick up all solid wastes and dispose of them in designated containers. And if you managed to dodge a land mine or two, be courteous and pick them up too!

The bottom line? Use common sense and respect whenever socializing your dogs. Here’s wishing you and your dogs a great day… and a Ruff Life!

Getting 2009 Off On The Right Paw

In Western culture, annual New Year’s celebrations are traditionally accompanied by well intentioned resolutions. As humans, we historically vow to lose weight, stop smoking or spend quality time with the family.

Did you ever wonder what your dog’s resolutions would be? Perhaps “I’ll stay out of the cat box”. Maybe “I’ll beg at the table less”. Or the difficult but ever popular “I’ll put paw in hand, not snout in crotch, when meeting new humans”.

My doggy daughters? Well, Cassie might very well affirm “I’ll refrain from barking at the mailman”, although this would be particularly difficult to keep since her self-esteem gets a hefty boost each time she initiates his hasty retreat (shhhh… don’t tell her he was about to leave anyway!). Dizney’s could rightly be “I’ll share my toys with my sisters” but that one would go quickly by the wayside as soon as her treasured green binky ball was involved. And Tracey's? "I'll finish one nylabone before starting another... and another... and another!" (My "the world is my oyster girl... she wants it all!).

Regardless of what our canine companion’s intentions are, there are some simple but important New Year resolutions that YOU can make on their behalf to help your four-legged family members live happy and healthy all year long.

• Resolve to feed your dog a healthy diet. Not all pet foods are created equal, nor are they all suitable for all dogs. Puppy formulations typically have higher levels of protein than would be needed or desired for senior dogs. Some dogs are allergic to chicken or beef, hence the increase in alternative protein sources such as lamb or fish. Be sure your precious pet gets an appropriate blend of high quality protein, vegetables, fats and vitamins. Diets rich in antioxidants can reduce disease, inflammation, premature aging, and degeneration. “Human” food is often too rich in fats or sugars; emotionally difficult as it may be, deposit table scraps into the garbage pail, NOT your doggy disposal.


• Resolve to reduce your pet's exposure to harmful substances. The toxins found in common fertilizers, pesticides and household cleaning agents have been linked with increased incidences of pet cancers. Rather than using products with warning labels stating they are unsafe for animals, seek out the increasing number of available "green" --- environmentally-friendly --- products.


• Resolve to schedule regular visits to the veterinarian. Since illnesses that are caught early are often treatable, regular exams and immunizations to protect your fur kids from doggy diseases and maladies are your best weapon. Regular professional teeth cleaning will keep germs and bacteria in check, while giving your Poochy Pal consistently kissable breath and a pearly white smile.


• Resolve to give your pet lots of exercise. Insufficient exercise can contribute to behavioral problems including chewing, digging, hyperactivity and unruliness. A regular schedule of exercise can help prevent obesity and illness for both you AND your dog!
  

Last but not least, if you have not already done so…

• Resolve to spay or neuter AND microchip your dog!