Chinese Crested - Small Dog Breed

One of the endearing attributes of the Chinese Crested dog is its sweet and affectionate disposition. It makes a wonderful and entertaining companion dog for someone who is a more sedentary type, or who doesn't have time to take long vigorous walks with their dog.

This exotic little dog comes in two coat varieties - one is hairless except for around the feet, head and tail. Obviously the hairless dog has quite sensitive skin that needs to be protected and can also benefit from wearing a softer and hypoallergenic collar, such as found in hemp dog collars.

There are more interesting facts about the Chinese Crested toy dog breed, if you are curious to learn more.

Brussels Griffon - Small Dog Breed

If you've never seen a Brussels Griffon before, when you do, you'll be struck by his distinctive and unusual appearance. And what you see is the result of a co-mingling of several breeds during his development. Some of those responsible would include the Pug, Affenpinscher, and some English Toy Spaniels. Subsequently when the breed standard was set, he was assigned to the toy dog group.

Formerly a ratter in his working days, he is now a charming, though sometimes hard-headed little companion dog who gets very attached to his master and doesn't like to leave his side.

If you're so inclined, you can learn more about the
Brussels Griffon here.

IMHO, he is a charming little dog, as many would agree.

Blogging News

I'm evaluating a multi-media course on blogging from the folks at Simpleology. For a while, they're letting you snag it for free if you post about it on your blog.

It covers:

• The best blogging techniques.
• How to get traffic to your blog.
• How to turn your blog into money.

I'll let you know what I think once I've had a chance to check it out. Meanwhile, go grab yours while it's still free.

Maltese - Small Dog Breed

The Maltese dog has ancient origins as is evidenced by early depictions of its likeness found in artifacts from the Roman era.

This small dog also did a fair amount of traveling on the high seas during this period, keeping company with sailors as they made their long voyages to trading destinations.

There are a lot of interesting facts about the Maltese, which is just one of the small dog breeds assigned to the Toy Dog Group.

A Little Dog Quiz.

Here's an easy dog quiz for you. What breed of dog do you associate with the island of Cuba?

If you said the Havanese, you got it right. This handsome little, though sturdy, dog is the national dog of Cuba and was brought there by colonists after the island was discovered by Christopher Columbus.

The Havanese, a member of the toy dog group, was at one time called the Havana Silk Dog, apparently in association with its coat texture which is very silk-like. It is also interesting to note that the coat apparently developed over time in response to the tropical weather and enabled the dog to be protected from the hot Cuban climate.

This sweet dog has been much admired by the aristocracy over the years and has an interesting historical background, as well as some lovable features you might want to learn more about IMHO.

Anyone for Shih Tzu?

No it's not something on the menu - it's an adorable little dog. But don't let the little fool ya, this dog is sturdy, and tries to live up to the meaning of his name - Lion Dog!

The Shih Tzu thinks he's a big dog and is quite assertive, but he can usually get by with a lot because he is so cute. And, he'll give you back oodles of attention for every bit he gets.

If you are looking for a dog that is easy to take care of and one that has lots of personality, you can't go wrong with a
Shih Tzu, IMHO.

Think You Spoil Your Dog?

Some pampered dogs are really going to have the spa experience of their lifetime at a new dog resort in Florida.

After pets check into their luxury suite, lucky dogs who get to stay there will be able to enjoy television on several flat screen plasma televisions positioned around the facility, or romp to their heart's content in a special playroom. On the other hand, if they feel like just kicking back, they can schedule a first class massages along with a complete grooming session.

Pets also get to enjoy holistic feeding, a complete wellness center and turn-down services at bedtime. And, for the pampered pooch who may have forgotten his diamond studded tiara, designer accessories are also available at the hotel.

Pet friendly hotels all over the country are now welcoming dogs and offering them a dazzling array of services. So, there's no reason to leave Rover home anymore, IMHO.

Is Your Dog A Tugger?

Many dogs resort to tugging when you're trying to leash train them - some continue to do this, making it a frustrating tug of war every time you go on a walk.

What many new dog owners don't realize is that this pulling can cause damage to a dog's spine and trachea when they pull too hard on a collar. Breeds with short necks are even more at risk for this type of injury.

So what's the solution? A dog harness. Unlike a dog collar, a harness fits around the front legs and low on the torso, taking the pressure off of the neck area.

Owners report they have much more control with aleather dog harness than a regular collar. Yet at the same time, this is a much more gentle way to teach your dog his walking manners IMHO.

A Dog's Christmas Stocking

When you're making out that Christmas gift list, don't forget faithful old Rover.

This week I've been boning up on what dog toys make a dog smile. One that popped right up, is something to chew. Dogs need to chew and if there are no chew toys around, they may just take a fancy to your shoes to satisfy this natural instinct.

In addition to chew toys, there are many other fun dog toys to amuse Rover and keep him out of mischief when he's left alone. So if you're feeling generous when it's time to fill your dog's stocking, load them up and you'll make him smile!

What's In Your Dog's Dinner?

This has been the year for dog owners to become concerned about what's in the commercial dog food they buy.

Even if their dog food was not one of the pet foods that were recalled, there still remains some serious doubts about the nutritional value of most commercial brands.

These doubts can easily be put aside when a dog owner opts for home made dog food, IMHO.

And, it's not a difficult thing to do - you can find how to make home made dog food and recipes here.

Hopefully, if we get the word out, more dogs will get the quality of food they deserve from now on.

The Magnificent Greyhound

I felt compelled to write about the Greyhound today. A very kind lady and also a neighbor, died recently. She was strong supporter of the Greyhound rescue and had a beautiful rescued dog of her own until he died, not too long before she became ill. This post is in her honor.

The Greyhound is an elegant dog with high intelligence. He makes an excellent companion dog, both loyal, very loving and gentle.

This ancient breed has been immortalized in murals dating back thousands of years, where their likenesses have been found decorating the walls of caves.

The Egyptians revered the Greyhound and often his images have seen in the tombs of kings.

It's been said they dwelt in the court of Cleopatra, where they were revered for their coursing skills.

Sadly, in my opinion, because of their incredible speed, they have also been exploited and abused by the racing industry.

Find out more about the Greyhound, an amazing dog!

Are you thinking of a Christmas puppy?

At this time of year, when many families are considering a new puppy, I'd like to urge everyone to consider all the the responsibilities that come with owning a dog, before they decide.

If I had a wish, step one would be that everyone must read this article, before they get a dog.

Puppies are wonderful, but they grow up very quickly into adult dogs. They need a forever home where they will be loved, nourished and nurtured into old age. It's a big commitment and one that deserves a lot of thought. Way too many healthy dogs and puppies wind up in animal shelters with nothing but grim prospects.

On the other hand, once you are fully committed to having a dog, why not be a hero and rescue one of those pets that are waiting in dog shelters with hope in their heart. You'll be glad you did, I guarantee.

We're all in favor of this kind of Dog Spoiling!

A Den For Your Dog

Every dog retains their ancient instincts to seek out a den. For this reason, when you are bringing a new dog into your home, a dog crate can be a very useful tool to incorporate into your pet's training. It will be natural for your dog to seek out a place of his own where he feels safe and can take refuge when things get stressful or he is tired - and when that happens the crate will look just like the den he needs.

Once the crate is seen in a kindly light, there are many ways a dog owner can use "the den" to facilitate training in a perfectly acceptable manner to his pet.

If you're expecting a puppy or new dog any time soon, you'll be doing yourself and your dog a favor by finding out more about dog crates, IMHO.

Doggy Washing Machine?

Have you seen it? Yes, the latest thing in the doggy news is a "washing machine" just for pooches!

The machine itself is very similar to a front loading washing machine for clothes - only much larger. Once inside the machine, the dog can look out a front window while being sprayed with warm sudsy water coming from several directions, and then rinsed. After the wash is completed, a blow drying system starts up to finish the job. I watched a video showing a few dogs, both large and small, being washed and they didn't appear nervous about the experience.

These machines are evidently just starting to show up in dog spas, but, IMHO, I still think "spoiled" doggies, will prefer a hands-on Spa Day Right At Home, given by their doting master! What do you think?

Reminders From Rover - don't forget the dog!

If a dog's prayers were answered, bones would rain from the sky.....Old Proverb


As we rush around in the pre-holiday mania of shopping, planning trips, family celebrations and the like, it's easy to forget the important things our pets expect us to do for them. Any dog will tell you that his needs should be at the top of your fetch list and of course, numero uno for a "spoiled" doggy, is what you will put in his stocking? And it had better be good, or he'll bark about it till you get it right!

On a more practical note, pet sitters and boarding facilities get booked up early. And, if Rover has a fave person he likes to pet sit, or a canine country club that gives him the spa treatment, you won't want to disappoint him, will you? So, he a dog hero and get his paw in the appointment book early.

That's the least we can do for our spoiled puppies, IMHO. Enjoy the licks.

Miniature Pinscher - Not Your Average Dog!

Tiny dogs have been known to exist as far back as the Stone Age and many of them are ancestors to several of the small dogs we love today.

The Miniature Pinscher was known early on as the Reh Pinscher, apparently because he resembled the small roe deers that lived in German forests. He was skilled at exterminating mice and rats, which he did very well in the farmhouse.

The tiny Min Pins, as they are fondly called, are energetic, high strung, intelligent and clownish. They can be a handful - no pun intended - which is an important consideration before getting one. If you are prepared for this and have the time to train them, they make very sweet pets IMHO.



Learn more about the feisty Miniature Pinscher

Does your dog have a weight problem?

Extra weight can creep up on a dog just like it does with humans and because we are used to seeing our pets every day, we many not notice that they look a little chunkier. But, extra weight is not always caused by eating too much - it can be related to a medical disorder. Check your dog's ribs - if you can't find them, he is most likely overweight. The best way to find out the cause of overweight, is by a visit to the vet, because a dog's weight is based on more than one factor.

If your vet agrees that your dog needs to lose a few pounds, here's what you can do. With your vet's approval, gradually switch your dog to a diet of fresh home made dog food recipes. Extra pounds can lead to serious dog health problems, just as it can in humans, but Fido can get fit, not fat, with a healthy diet IMHO.

Are Pugs A Little Pugnacious?

No, Pugs are not pugnacious or quarrelsome, but they are strong willed, so a little ingenuity is needed when training one. Interestingly, they are also quite tolerant and very charming little dogs.

Their lineage is ancient which means their breed must have been very popular throughout the ages to have survived this long.

Find out more interesting facts about the fascinating dog breed and how to create charming images and slideshows of them using a state of the art
fr*ee photo sharing system.

That's all for Monday...

dog-spoiling-made-easy.com

Summer Travel With Your Dog

Don't leave Rover at home when you travel - take him along if you love-a him! What I mean to say is, that hotels, restaurants and parks are much more accessible to pets these days. In fact, they darn near roll out the red carpet for them.

Hotels in particulare are catering to dogs more than ever. Quite often your pet will get his own special bed and find a welcome doggie bag awaiting him, with all kinds of goodies inside. Very often, the best places offer outdoor play areas, dog sitters, dog walkers and even doggie day care.

The list goes on - it's wonderful that our pets are now so popular. Online reservations make it easy to find dog friendly accomodations to fit any budget. Even without the frills, it's generally cheaper than boarding and much more fun for your pet IMHO!

A Sad Ending for Oprah's Dog

Oprah Winfrey recently lost her 2-yr old Golden Retriever under sad circumstances.

It appears he was playing with a dog toy belonging to one of her smaller dogs and choked on it. Unfortunately, no one was able to save the dog.

We know from personal experience how hard it is to lose a beloved dog under normal circumstances, but this is an especially heartbreaking way to lose a pet. Our sympathies goes out to Oprah.

Golden Retrievers are wonderful dogs and one of the most popular family companions.

A Glimpse Of The Irish Setter

An Irish Setter is a beautiful dog to behold with a gleaming set of tresses some of us would die for. This breed has a history in hunting circles and has curled up in the White House with a couple of former presidents.

He is a fun loving dog and a great family pet. Plenty of exercise is the main thing to consider when thinking about an Irish Setter - he needs a lot of it! A big play area is a real plus in addition to being taken out for long walks. Sometimes these dogs end up in rescue shelters and IMHO I think one of the more likely reasons for this is that owners didn't fully appreciate the importance of exercise for the breed.

Find out more about the the Irish Setter

Dogs On The Web

Calling all dog spoilers - if you'd like your dog to have his/her own personal space on the web, head over to Dogster. This is a community just for dogs where your special dog can set up his/her very own web page and meet all the other wonderful dogs that have joined. Just make sure your dog has his bio prepared and a few details about his life story. He can also tell about his favorite toys, food, walks, as well as his disclose any pet peeves he might have!

If you're into dog-spoiling, this is one of the many fun ways you can "spoil" your dog IMHO.

Mary Had A Little Lamb?

Did Mary really have a little lamb or was it a Bedlington Terrier?

This adorable dog has such a strong resemblance to a lamb, you have to look twice to verify what you are seeing. But when it comes to personality, this dog is far from lamb-like, being very true to the terrier assertiveness trademark.

Dog-to-Dog friendship

The interest expressed by dog lovers in connecting with other dog lovers for dating and friendship, has driven the popularity of
online dating sites for this special interest group. It's a fact that avid pet lovers always want
their dates to like pets - it can sometimes make or break a relationship if they don't.

Now it seems this idea has gone a step further with the advent of a dog-to-dog website where Rover can go (with a little help from you) to select his/her very own canine friend!

What a real pleasure it is to hear about such innocent fun making the news and a welcome break from the usual doom and gloom, IMHO.

A Nursing Home For Your Aging Dog?

I recently heard about a novel idea - nursing homes for senior dogs. The first one in Japan was recently opened. In addition to 24-hr monitoring by vets, exercise is cleverly handled by having puppy play companions for the aging dog residents.

It is heartwarming that the needs of an older dog are now being given some thought and that Rover may have other options if his master's circumstances should change. At the same time, I know that owners who are been devoted to their pets, will continue care for them into their senior dog years if they are able to do so.

With this in mind, I have written an article about what owners can do for their aging dog. IMHO, if you have an aging dog, he would want you to read it.

Summertime - No Hot Dogs Please!

It that time of year again when IMHO, some dog owners need to be reminded of the dangers of heatstroke to their pets. Just the other day when leaving the grocery store I saw a Chihuahua inside an SUV with all the windows rolled up! It was a hot day and a dog of that size could be toast in a short amount of time. Just as I was about to return to the store in an attempt to locate the owners, they arrived at the car.

I've written an full article with tips for protecting pets from heatstroke in the good old summertime.