DOG DAYS OF SUMMER

Daisy and I after a 8 mile trail run!
She is fresh as a Daisy could go 8 more
on this cool day!

It is that time of year again and I hope all of you are exercising your mutts. Remember your dog needs exercise too and having a big back yard does not count as exercise! You need to get your mutt outside and get them moving and guess what that means you need to move too! As the weather heats up remember that you may be able to tolerate the heat better than your mutt!  This applies if you are running or walking your dog. Both can cause him/her to over heat. My runner dog Daisy is an amazing runner in the winter but as soon as it gets to about 80 degrees outside she heats up quick. I have had her for 5 years now and I have gotten to know her limits and I listen to her. I keep the mileage down in the summer and we get out really early. Even if you think its not hot (because 80 for me isn't that hot) your dog may not feel the same. Listen to their body language:

• Are they slower than usual
• Are they panting more than normal
• When you return from the run how long does it take them to recover (stop panting)
• How much water do they drink upon return from the walk/run

Here are some things you can do to prevent heat related problems:

• Get out before the sun comes up
• If you normally run your dog you may want to walk/run in the summer rather than only running
• Use cool collars www.koolcollar4dogs.com. Don't think just because you have these you can go out in the heat. They are just a tool to keep them comfortable. 
• Add some variety to their exercise routine. Take a trip to the lake for exercise to mix it up. Let them go in the water. Also try the dock diving for exercise in the summer. You can check it out at www.lasvegasdockdogs.com. My dogs have so much fun at this.

Have fun and be safe in the summer.  The heat might be ok for you but your mutt might not be able to handle it like you can.

Are you in denial? Is your dog overweight?

Obesity in the pet population is a serious problem.  It is just as much of an epidemic as obesity in the human population.  It also can cause many of the same problems that humans face.  The only difference is it is  not their fault.  If your pet is overweight it is YOUR fault.  You could be killing your pet slowly if you over feed and under exercise them. 

I am a busy person just like everyone else.  Exercise for me and my pets is top on my list of things to do each day.  Sometimes I combine the two and get my run done with my dogs.  You can do the same thing with a brisk walk.  If I am scheduled for a run that is too long for my dogs, then I bring them home and go back out to finish my run.  I want my pets to live a long healthy life.  Daily exercise and proper feeding is going to ensure I have done my part to extend their life.  Put these simple steps into your routine each day:

• Feed two times a day.  Measure food and break it up into two feedings.  Consult your Vet for the amount you should feed your dog if they are currently overweight.  For normal weight pets you could check the bag to see the recommendations for your dog. 
• Eliminate human food.  This is probably the biggest problem of excess calories for many of our furry friends.  It is hard when you see those sad eyes begging for food but you must skip giving them table scraps.
• Give low calories treats such as carrots.  Save calories and money and give fido baby carrots for treats. 
• Depending on your dogs size, breed, and weight a brisk walk of 20-60 minutes is essential each day.  If you are just beginning an exercise program then start with 20 minutes and slowly increase the time by about 10% each week.  Some dogs are fine with only 30 minutes each day but others may need more.
• Add Fish Oil and a Multiple Vitamin to their food each day.  The fish oils will help their joints as you begin an exercise program.
• Think about agility classes, dock diving classes, or swimming.  These are fun ways to get them moving.  Check your local area for classes.  You could also check with your Vet.

In no time at all you and your mutt may start to drop a few pounds!

On The Move With Your Mutt!

Enjoying the nice weather!

Sunbathing!

Ready to play ball!

I recently moved to a house with a bigger back yard. I was concerned about the move and how the dogs would react.  I had a plan to keep the move as smooth as possible for them.  I didn't want them to be in the house the day of the move. I thought they would go crazy with movers there and all the chaos. I also didn't want to board them.  I have one dog that is neurotic as it is and boarding her makes her even more neurotic.  I have a client that is a dog groomer.  I decided to give them all a day at the spa.  For Daisy the neurotic one this is not much fun either but its better than either of the other options.  Before the movers came I took all of them to see Pam. I figured another benefit is they will come to the new house nice and clean!  It took about 5 hours to load everything and get it moved into the new place. By that time they were all ready to be picked up.  I was eager to see how they would react to the new place.  We walked in and they sniffed around for what seemed like hours.  They all immediately went out to the back to mark their spot in the new yard.  My groomer Pam had told me to bring some dog poop from the old yard to put in the new yard so they had a familiar scent in the yard.  Nice thought but I did not bring any of their old poop!  I thought I know I am a crazy dog lover but that is going a little too far.  Luckily I don't think I needed to because they immediately did it themselves!  A few tips to keep in mind when moving to a new location with your pets.

• Check the new fence and gate really good to make sure it is secure so they can't escape their new house.
• Make sure they are wearing tags and have microchips in case they do escape.
• Walk them around the neighborhood several times so they become familiar with how to get back home.
• Just because you may have a bigger yard, does not mean they don't need to go for a walk.  A big yard is great but you still need to get them out of the house and yard and take them on a walk.  Every dog no matter the size needs a walk everyday.  They need to get out a smell other smells, move forward and get exercise.
• Introduce yourself to your neighbors and let them know you have dog(s).  This is important in case your dogs get lose or bark while your away.  The neighbor may feel more comfortable telling you since you have gone out of the way to introduce yourself.  The last thing you want is them to call animal control because your dog is barking. 

Hopefully things will go as smooth as it did with my dogs!

Finding The Right Dog For You!

My first dog Tigger came to me on accident.  He was found at 3 months and I decided to keep him.  After having him for several years I wanted to get him a friend.  I thought the process would be pretty simple.  Little did I know it would take almost 6 months for me to actually find a good match for him.  I searched online and at local shelters for a good match for us both.  Each time I chose a dog that I thought would be a good match for him, he did not want anything to do with the dog.  I was getting frustrated with the process.  We were at yet another shelter when I had picked another dog that he had no interest in.  It was then when he became fascinated with Daisy.  As I walked the shelter I did not pick Daisy to meet Tigger.  She was barking so loud and was a skinny funny looking mutt.  We were about to leave the shelter when it was Daisy's turn to play in the grass area.  We were on the other side of the fence and Tigger saw her running around in the grass area.  He wanted to go play with her and the attendant at the shelter suggested we let him meet her.  I was reluctant but said OK.  It was a few minutes into their play session when I knew this skinny, goofy, loud dog was going to be the dog I would take home.  I am so thankful that Tigger found her.  I really don't think anyone else except Tigger and I could handle her energy.  She fit into our life perfect.  She has become the best running partner for me and the best friend for Tigger.  My point in telling this story is that you should NEVER rush your decision to get a new pet.  It is so important to find the right pet for you and your lifestyle.  If someone who did not exercise or someone did not have a big yard would have picked Daisy they would have surely given her right back to the shelter.  Keep these things in mind when finding a pet for you and your family:

• Your living area - some dogs need lots of room!
• Your activity level - some dogs are perfectly fine being lounge lizards but some dogs like Daisy need someone with a very active lifestyle.
• The size of your family.  Some dogs are known to be family dogs and others are better off with a single owner.
• Other pets - it is always a good idea to take your other dogs or cats to meet the new one before you make a decision.
• Age of the new dog.  Do you really have time for a puppy.  They require lots of attention and you will have to potty train them.  Puppies are really cute but a lot of work - just like a baby.  You may want to consider a slightly older dog that is already trained.
• Always consider adopting a mutt rather than getting a  pure breed.  There are so many unwanted dogs in shelters.
• Consider the cost of owning a pet.  You will need to get annual vaccines, check-ups and you will be responsible if the dog gets sick.  I have Health Insurance for my pets and trust me it has been well worth the $50 a month! 
• Consider the cost of boarding your pet if you travel.  This can become costly and sometimes people don't think about it before getting a pet.  If you are thinking about getting a second dog remember double the expense!

A pet will totally change your life.  You will find yourself adjusting your schedule to get home to your pet.  They are a lot of work but the payoff of having a best friend is worth the small changes in your life you have to make.  My dogs bring me so much happiness and joy it is worth it!  Take time when making a decision on a new dog.  Do your research on the right type of dog for you and your family.  Most times you will know when the time is right and when the right dog comes along.  I believe the dog usually picks you not the other way around!

Walk/Run Safe!

These are so cute I hate to give them to my beasts!

My dogs and I had an unbelievable Christmas.  They got so many toys.  Some were so cute I hated to give them to them.  I knew they would rip these nice toys limb to limb.  They would do this with so much joy and happiness it would worry me!

So many toys and yes sausage and bacon treats! 
So much for their healthy carrots - oh well it's
Christmas!

One gift I received was reflective arm bands for them when we run at night.  It was funny because I got some for myself from my boyfriend.  Then I received the same type of thing for my dogs from my client Pam.  It got me to thinking about being safe when you are out walking or running with your dogs.





Here are some of my safe tips:

• Wearing reflective wear for you and your dog if you are walking or running at night. 
• Carry pepper spray
• Carry Citronella spray  - I use this in case their are loose dogs.  My dogs Daisy is not friendly with other dogs so the spray keeps the dog away but does not harm them.
• Wear some identification.  Road ID is a company that will have all of you information on a bracelet for you. 
• You should also have a tag with your pets information on it.  I see dogs loose many times without any tags.  You can also get your dog micro chipped.  Then most Vets or Animal Control can scan them and get your contact information to reunite you with your pet if you get separated. 
• Always tell someone you are going for a walk or run before you go.
• Carry your cell phone.

She has three of the toys in her mouth and nobody will take them away!

For The Love of Running!

People tell me that I am mean because I make my dogs run.  I disagree! In fact if you saw Daisy as I prepare for my run and during a run you would disagree.  As I put my running shoes on her ears perk up.  She isn't sure I am going running at this point but knows that it may be a possibility.  As I continue my preparation for the run she becomes more convinced that I am really going running.  The preparation steps continue as I:

1. Look for my visor or hat - she is still not 100% sure that the run is going to happen but the tail is wagging at this point.
2. Grab my Ipod - this is a step that really gets her going! But I don't think she knows if she is going.
3. Get a plastic bag for dog poop- She knows she going now so the hopping begins.  I know she is not a rabbit but when she is excited she hops and she can hop pretty high for a dog!
4. Go toward the leash - OMG uncontrollable excitement at this point!  I really need Ceasar Millan the dog whisperer to control her at this point.  A few times she has head bumped me on one of her hops.

Once we are on the road and running she is in heaven.....even at mile 10!  The longest she has ran with me is 14 miles.  Even at 14 miles she could keep going.  On our long runs she knows about halfway she gets water.  I carry a collapsible dish to give her water.  She also knows she gets a cliff block or two!  What a lucky dog and what a lucky dog owner to have her as a partner:)

Here we are after 10 miles!

Running Trails With Your Mutt

I recently took my dog Daisy for her first train run.  I run mostly on pavement with her.  I wanted to do my favorite run up at Red Rock and decided at the last minute to take her.  It is not a really difficult trail so I wasn't worried about her paws getting tore up.  I was planning on 7 miles but figured I would see how she did. If I needed to cut it short I would.  I met a client of mine and we were ready to go. I made sure I took my citronella spray in case we came across any dogs off leash.  Daisy is not friendly with other dogs and some people think it is OK to let their dogs off leash when they are on trails. It is a sore subject for me because it really annoys me.  Their dog may be friendly and stay with them but if they come up to Daisy there will be a fight.  The citronella spray will keep them away and not harm them.  Fortunately this day I did not have to use it.  Daisy is a funny dog. I am sure all people think that about their dog.  She always has to be in the lead when she is running.  The only time she will stop and want to go back is when my boyfriend runs with her ahead of me.  Then she wants to come back to me.  Well this day Amy (my client) was running behind me. Daisy seemed so concerned where Amy was. She ran behind me the entire time frequently looking back to see where she was.  This was OK because I had strained a muscle a few days before so I was OK with a slow run.  About two miles into the run I checked her paws and they were good.  The trail was mostly gravel so I didn't expect her paws to get tore up.  She did amazing during this run.  It was such a beautiful day for a trail run. It was cool and slightly overcast.  Toward the end of the run I could tell her paws were getting tender.  They did not have any scratches on them but she had slowed down.  Daisy can easily run 13-15 miles and still have energy.  This 7.5 mile trail run wore her out.  She came home and slept.  She didn't annoy anyone in the house that afternoon!  She didn't try and play with Tigger like she normally does.  She didn't pace around the living room because she was bored.  She was on her bed sound asleep.  I think we will have to do that again! 

As I train for my marathon I plan on taking Daisy on my long runs.  This weekend calls for a 14 mile run.  We won't do it on a trail this time.  Some people joke and say that I am mean because I make her run so much.  If they saw her run they would know that she is in heaven when she is running!