Dog Adoo (much adoo about dogs)

Dog quicklinks

• Click here for: dogs prints, photos, and posters.
• Click here to see all of our books on dogs.
• Click here to see all of our Video Games related to dogs.
• Click here to see all of our DVDs on dogs.

Dog lovers, you  are in luck! This page is for those who like and/or adore dogs.

So, you wanted a Dog....

Your one-stop shopping site for great dog gifts: http://www.bestbuddies.net/

Your kids are begging for a dog. You begin to feel guilty. After all, isn't it the right of each child to have a dog to love? Besides, it will teach them responsibility. So, when a neighbor has a litter available, you and the kids go "just to look" and come home with a bundle of fur that squirms all over your children, covering them with kisses.

 Sometimes this story has a happy ending and your pet provides years of love and devotion and is considered a real member of the family. Other times, however, the story does not end so well….

This cute little puppy grows up to be a huge dog that chews everything he can get his paws on. The kids seem to have lost interest and it's costing a fortune to feed him! So, after one last time of coming home and finding paper shredded throughout your house, you put on his leash, drag him to the car and off he goes to a dog shelter. Since he has a lot of competition, chances are he won't be adopted and within a week he will be put down.

How can you avoid this sad ending? The best way is to put some thought into what you really want from a dog. Each breed of dog has it's own basic personality traits. Sit down as a family and discuss what type of dog you want. What size? What sort of temperament? Go to the library or bookstore and research the different breeds available. Ask friends who own dogs what their breed is like. If you want a mixed breed, find out what breed the parents were and take that into account.

A dog is a long term investment and if you want it to be a good experience for your family and also the dog, put as much thought into the decision as you do when buying a house, a car or anything that you plan to have for several years. Your reward will be a devoted friend who would lay down his life for you.

by Candy McCullough, http://www.bestbuddies.net/

Here's a good pet care site: http://www.bestfriendspetcare.com/

From Ed Kane, we have these ten tips for keeping your dog lean:

Top Ten Tips to Putting Your Dog on a Diet

1. If your dog is overweight, work with your veterinarian to develop a proper weight-reduction plan. Your veterinarian can help assess the extent of your dog's obesity problem and determine whether there are any complicating disease concerns, such as diabetes. In some cases, a prescription type of diet may be recommended.
    
2. A drastic reduction isn't necessary. Except in special cases, most veterinarians recommend a moderate weight-reduction plan. Weight should be lost gradually, about 15 percent over a two- to three-month period for dogs. At maximum, weight loss should occur at a rate of 1 to 1½ pounds per week for dogs. In addition to a restricted diet, you need to provide your pet with gradual increased play and exercise. Make exercise fun, not strict or stressful.
    
3. Make sure that all family members stick to your dog’s weight reduction plan. One person can spoil the results.
    
4. If excessive food intake was the source of your pet's obesity, plan on feeding the proper maintenance amount. In general, a small six-pound dog requires 50 calories per pound, a 50-pound dog requires 30 calories per pound and a 100-pound dog requires 23 kilocalories per pound. However, there are no hard and fast rules; your pet may need less food if he's less active or more if he's very active.
    
5. To reduce your pet's food intake, feed his normal diet in reduced amounts or a diet of reduced calories in prescribed amounts. Feed smaller portions more often so that your pet doesn't feel that he's eating less.
6. Eliminate all treats, especially from the table. These are typically high in fat and calories. Praise and affection are important to offset your pet's feeling of “punishment.”
7. If dry food had previously been fed ad lib (left out free-choice), leave food out in portions instead of in unlimited quantities.
8. Feed some canned food to replace some of the dry food. It will be more palatable and is lower in caloric density (since it's over 75 percent moisture).
9. Use special foods. There are special foods available both by prescription and over-the-counter that is higher in fiber and lower in caloric and fat density. These are especially good since you can feed your pet the same “bulk amount,” while cutting back calories.
    
10. Tip #10 is from the editor. Correct your own perceptions. Until you realize that fostering obesity in your pet is a form animal abuse, you may not feel properly motivated to correct your behavior. It is not a kindness to "give in" to a poorly trained pet that begs for food. It is not a kindness to make sure your pet always has food available. If you and your pet both eat sensible portions and keep your body fat levels down, you will both be happier. Remember that pleasure does not necessarily lead to happiness, but a lack of discipline always leads to unhappiness.

In addition to a restricted diet, you need to provide your pet with gradual increased play and exercise. Make exercise fun, not strict or stressful. Fun, play and games will not only help in reducing your dog’s weight but they will simultaneously keep your dog happy, and distract his mind from thinking about his loss of food. If you keep your dog's weight at a normal level, he'll be happier and healthier in a svelte condition. He'll also run, romp and enjoy life more.