Lhasa Apso Potty Training - update

It's getting ever closer to Christmas - please don't make it one you'd rather forget by making your pet ill!

PLEASE check out our November 20th blog post.

Then as well as grabbing the offers below for friends and family - go off to one of our recommended pet shops and get some doggy treats for your four-legged family member...

Help ALL animals, not just dogs - or Lhasa Apso

Please help ALL the animals, not just dogs or Lhasa Apso.

HOW?

Just check out one of the links below...



One link may appeal to you more than another - [anything anti-EU appeals to me] - so the second one is my favourite!

The links direct you to a website where you can join the virtual march to help make animal testing history. I'm sure you'll agree it's a very worthy cause... and it won't cost you a penny... or a cent!

Lhasa Apso pet health

Sorry to keep banging on about chocolate at Christmas - but do make sure your small pet doesn't become seriously ill by eating it.

Dogs can be terrible thieves, and so crafty with it... ours always know what is about, and then wait for just a moment of time when your attention isn't on every scrap of food in the house - then pounce!

As well as keeping all chocolate away from them also note that dried fruit shouldn't be consumed by dogs, don't ask me why - and definitely don't ask our dogs who have a passion for stealing fruit cakes!

Spend £30 and get a FREE I Love Chocolate Hamper (worth £25)...Just enter code XE9G at the checkout

Two 'doggy' offers well worth checking out!

Why not stock up on 'doggy necessities' and also Christmas presents whilst this special offer is still available petsupermarket110?
......................................
And if your dog is fed on Royal Canin - Save 50% off ... this has got to be a 'not to be missed' offer!

Lhasa Apso safety

Yummy! Half Price Christmas Chocolate selection

But PLEASE DO remember that chocolates meant for humans are poisonous to dogs.

A Lhasa Apso is a small dog, so a small amount of chocolate can be potentially deadly!

Most dogs are 'tea leaves' [thieves] when left to their own devices... and Christmas presents, whether left under the tree or some other accessible place - or even chocolate decorations on the tree can present an irresistible temptation.

Pet 'money saving' offer

Use the following code, for the month of November only, to get a further 5% reduction on your Pet Supermarket purchases... fiverpcent1.

Also remember that all orders over £79 are delivered 'post free' - why not group together with fellow pet owners to make this saving if you don't need an order to that value?

Do you want the very best for your Lhasa Apso ... and Yourself?

Check out this superbly useful website which is very aptly called... The Review Centre! To find details of our recommended pet suppliers just type in the appropriate name.

You'll find reviews of all sorts of products and suppliers here - from electronics to pet items, and many more besides!

And whilst I am recommending things - why not go on over and visit Thorntons.co.uk for chocolate gifts and more - there's a half price Christmas Chocolate Selection available now... till the 1st of December!





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Offers & a plea for the animals...

Pet-Supermarket now gives a guaranteed next day delivery on orders received before 3 p.m. and all orders over £79 are now sent post FREE.

Free postage is a great offer, and if you don't personally want that many items, why not join up with other pet owning friends to make up the amount. Save on the cost of getting into town and parking or lugging heavy items onto the bus, get vet medications like wormers at best prices, beds, toys, foods - the cost soon mounts up!

September offer from Pet-Supermarket... quote promo code Promosep2 to get £5 off orders over £79.

If you don't see what you want at Pet-Supermarket, why not check out our new supplier... see previous post!

AND please don't forget your daily click at The Animal Rescue Site... animals give us so much pleasure, and it only takes a moment. If you want to look after some habitat too, just click HERE!

Europe & UK ... an online shop question!

Not my normal recommendation [see right-hand margin for that!] but have you seen the new Zooplus website?

Very comprehensive list of goods, especially good for choice of foods... an easy to navigate website, and the Sitemap is just SOOOOO full of items! Why not check the above link!?!

Minimum order is only £5 [excluding postal costs, and there's free postage on orders over £29], also check out the really helpful 'Help' section.

Lhasa Apso Puppy Training School

Taking your Lhasa Apso puppy [or any other breed of pup for that matter] to puppy training school should be good for their socialization skills if nothing else!

Do NOT expect too much else - as your pup will be very young - or you will be disappointed on this score.

Quite often too much is expected from the pups themselves, and/or from the schools. Do ask any dog owning friends, and/or the vets which you have decided upon, to recommend a good puppy training school. Some can be very disappointing even though their owners and/or the people running the school have all the requisite training qualifications.

If you are new to dog or puppy ownership then it is best to read up on the subject BEFORE you bring your new friend home. Get the help of a good book or course [better still... get, and study, both!]... and don't forget to have an animal health guide as part of your 'pet library'!

[You'll find links to the best ones in our right-hand margin - plus we have within this blog many useful posts/articles on various health topics, and also posts about the books and courses we recommend and use ourselves.]

New [Pet supplies] Website

This extremely useful, informative, and money-saving pet retailer website has been updated and revamped, and to celebrate there are all sorts of brilliant offers on foods, toys, and essentials for dogs, cats, fishes, and other types of pets... these offers are available online NOW!

Lhasa Apso training and safety

There are so many potential hazards for our dogs these days...

Illness

Attacks by other dogs

Actual dog napping [that's theft in my book, and both evil and cruel to the animal and the owner... despicable behaviour]

Breed health problems

Traffic

Poisons

I am just going to touch on the last item on this list in this post... be careful to keep foods which are safe for humans, but not for dogs, shut firmly out of your pets reach... also be careful which household cleaners you use [and also store them in a safe place]... and check both indoor plants and garden plants to see if they are safe for your pets.

The following two websites both give helpful lists and advice on the plants front...
http://tinyurl.com/n4rqwc AND also http://tinyurl.com/makmb7



Why not bookmark our website so that you know where to find all the health and safety tips for your pet in one place?

Amusing? Or deadly serious? You tell me!

I received the 'Budget Alternative' via an extremely circuitous route!

[UK readers will know that Mr Darling is the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Labour Government and that he has recently delivered his Budget for this year.]

Readers from other countries will probably find this just as pertinent to the way their governments are managing their finances...

This has NOTHING to do with the Lhasa Apso, or other dog breeds, so I am just leaving it up for the month of June - read and enjoy - we all need something to laugh [or cry] at in the current world financial crisis!

The 'Budget Alternative' follows within quotes...

"Subject: Fw: Budget Alternative

Dear Mr. Darling,

Please find below my suggestion for fixing Britain's

economy. Instead of giving billions of pounds to banks

that will squander the money on lavish parties and unearned

bonuses, use the following plan. You can call it the

Patriotic Retirement Plan:


There are about 20 million people over 50 in the work

force.. Pay them £1 million apiece severance for early

retirement with the following stipulations:

1) They MUST retire. Twenty million job openings -

Unemployment fixed.

2) They MUST buy a new British CAR. Twenty million cars

ordered - Automotive Industry fixed.

3) They MUST either buy a house or pay off their mortgage -

Housing Crisis fixed.

4) They must send their kids to school / college / university - Crime rate fixed

5) Buy £50 of alcohol / tobacco a week - there's your

money back in duty / tax etc

It can't get any easier than that!

P.S. If more money is needed, have all members of

parliament pay back there falsely claimed expenses and

second home allowances


If you think this would work, please forward to everyone

you know."

Lhasa Apso ear cleaning

The easiest way to do anything - from checking your pets feet and claws to examining his or her ears is to first get your pet used to being handled all over! Make a fuss of them and handle their ears, look into them, examine their mouths so that later you will be able to clean their teeth, handle their feet and examine them... then give them a treat for being calm whilst these procedures are being done.

Examine their ears weekly, more often in summer when they may get grass seeds into them, and then this can start off an infection. [Once an infection has started it is probably best to take your Lhasa Apso to your veterinarian.]

Pet-Supermarket stocks vet approved ear washes, or you can go directly to your vet and ask for a recommendation for a product to clean your pets ears. Do be careful to use only approved cleaners, as some cleaners can set up allergic reactions in your pet and their ears can swell up at a frightening rate - then you will have to rush to your vet for treatment.

Remember when cleaning your pets ears that you should use a cotton wool swab with the cleaner on it - under no circumstances should you try to clean where you cannot see. You could very easily damage the ear canal, your pet might move at the wrong time and be hurt. Cotton buds should only be used, if you particularly want to use them, for around the ear flaps... but a cotton wool swab is far safer.

After you have cleaned your pets ears, remember they will want to shake their heads and remove any residue - this can prove messy! Once this has been completed you could also add a drop of Otodex to their ears to keep mites away.

You can read about the various vet approved cleaners and treatments at
Pet-Supermarket which brings you the medications for less - with savings of up to 70% off compared to Vet prices

Lhasa Apso's health

Get all your professional quality summer health essentials now whilst you remember, and at way below the normal price... Pet-Supermarket for savings of up to 70% off compared to Vets prices.

Shampoo, wormer, flea and tick control... all the leading brands.

In the Northern Hemisphere the weather is hotting up, more pets are out and about with their owners - and there is a vastly increased chance of your pet catching one or other form of 'nasty' - especially as some owners aren't so particular as you are about clearing up after their pets!

Whilst you are In Store do check out the price of your favourite pet food and treats... there are some brilliant offers on at present!

Don't compromise your Lhasa Apso's health by forgetting to stock up on health essentials... REMEMBER... Pet-Supermarket brings you the same medications for less, with savings of up to 70% off compared to Vet prices.

[Note: Pet Supermarket is UK based, run by pet lovers for pet lovers. They supply worldwide, click the top right 'Delivery' option to check out costs and delivery times, etcetera.]

If you want health information from the most "relied upon" team of dog lovers... the 'Secrets of Dog Training' producers... just use the appropriate link in our right-hand margin.

Be like a Boy Scout - PREPARED - prepared for all doggy health emergencies!

New, and FREE, PPC research tool.

Use this link to download the FREE New Keyword Research Tool mentioned in one of my Twitter updates... then you can secretly Spy On & Uncover Anyones Google-Adword Keywords While You Browse Google In Real-Time!

Click here NOW... before Brad starts to charge for this fantastic tool. After all the research behind it cost a small fortune, so it can't stay free for very long!

Lhasa Apso and immunization / booster injections ... UPDATE

Another update on the controversy over yearly /annual booster injections.

Do check the following link... Click Here!... I found it in a roundabout way via Twitter.

At the page scroll down to 'Our Fears and Vaccine Dangers' then click on to 'Read the rest...' where you will find the most on-target, interesting and informative part of the article.

If you are worried about giving your Lhasa a yearly booster DO READ THIS!

Twitter

Did you see my latest Twitter post about YourDailyCute and the Cat Baths tweet?

Do check it out... SO funny!

Whilst gardening I put some Blood, Fish & Bone fertilizer on some plants in the greenhouse. The cat went in and rolled in it... the smell was terrible!

The resultant bath was done in the kitchen sink, but she looked just like the second picture... and her thoughts were probably just about the same, though expressed in far ruder language with much hissing, swearing, plus teeth and claws!

Lhasa Apso Training, learn to read doggy body language

If you want to train your new pet well... first you must train yourself!

Learn all you can about dog training from as many different sources as possible [see our right-hand margin for good and recommended training methods, also check our many posts on the subject].

But have you thought of learning about the body language of dogs as well?

Twitter is a good source for finding many like-minded animal lovers who can help, inspire, amuse, and inform you. Click the link to my DoggySecrets page on Twitter... check out my 'Favourites'.

You could then search for and join the 'dogtweeter' then look for a post made by dogtweeter at '12:38 PM Apr 25th' the link is to... http://bit.ly/1rlxSR and is a fantastic summary of learning dog body language.

Lhasa Apso puppies

I have made several posts on how best to choose your puppy... see the puppy with the mother and siblings, and, if possible, see the father too!

But, maybe you're not sure if a Lhasa Apso is the right choice for your particular circumstances. On the plus side they are a long-lived and fairly robust breed. But, on the minus side... they DO require a great deal of time for their upkeep. They need quite a lot of exercise - just because they are a small breed does not mean they don't need plenty of exercise, both on and off the leash! Also they need regular daily grooming to keep their coats in top condition.

So many people assume that small dogs don't need as much exercise as large ones - but there are plenty of large breeds who need less exercise than is assumed, greyhounds for one! Ridgebacks too can give you very old-fashioned looks if you want to take them out for more walks than they think they should have!

Remember dogs are pack animals. They like and need the rest of the pack [that's you] around them for company. If you are out all day and would have to leave your dog alone for long hours, either you will need to employ a dog walker, a dog sitter, or even consider if it would be kinder not to have a dog until your circumstances change.

Maybe a cat would be best for you. Cats are independent animals who love their homes and home comforts, but are quite happy to be home alone! They will accept attention and fuss, but on their own terms - and when they want it.

Lhasa Apso Seizure

My main post on seizures was on Thursday, 16th April, 2009... but I wanted to offer a little more information and reassurance to anyone who has been confronted by this problem for the very first time!

The advice within the first post stands... knowledge is power! If you know what to do when confronted with a problem then you will deal with it in a far superior way, feel confident dealing with it, and be able to help your pet so much more!

Click Here for the brilliant pet health care book by the same team as 'Secrets to Dog Training'... you'll also find links in our right-hand margin.

What I wanted to add here was something about what to expect - and what to do when a seizure [fit] occurs...

1) What to expect... Your pet will go rigid [lying down] and exhibit fast jerky movements, their whole body will convulse in rapid involuntary jerks, and they will also most probably foam at the mouth and loose control of their bladders. This phase can last anything from a few seconds to a few minutes [it will seem much longer than it is] then they will begin to come out of the first phase.

Afterwards they will be totally disorientated, they may not know you, or their surroundings. They will then most probably be ravenously hungry - the seizure/fit will take a great deal out of your pet. Personally, if they are hungry I would feed them... but do ask the advice of your vet.

2) What to do... Firstly, if at all possible do not touch your pet as they might hurt you by mistake. At this point they do not know what they are doing and do not know you. Try to make sure your pet is in a safe place and not likely to bump themselves. If possible put some big old towels around the area. These will help with moping up and also be soft for your pet to bump against. If they are in a raised area when the seizure occurs you will have to do what you can, without compromising your own safety, to stop them falling off - alternatively make a thick soft landing area.

After the first phase is over, follow the advice above - they will most probably be wobbly on their legs, appear lost, and be hungry... this phase can take anything from a few minutes to a few hours depending upon the severity of the first phase. Keep an eye on them during this phase and basically take your cues from them!

Contact your vet, preferably will full details of the symptoms and the duration times of the phases of the seizure/fit. Once the correct dosage of tablets has been sorted out by your vet your pet will, in all probability, lead a normal life.

As I think I mentioned in a previous post our dog [and our daughter's cat] both lead normal lives and haven't had fits since their tablets were an established routine at the correct dose.

Surprisingly, to me, the fits our dog used to have mostly occurred first thing in the morning... after a restful and relaxing night of comfortable sleep.

Lhasa Apso worming

Worming should be done every three months.

It is so easy to forget! And if you do forget, your Lhasa Apso can go 'downhill' very quickly... coat condition can suffer, losing weight is another sign, as is being excessively hungry and gobbling food faster than is normal for your individual dog.

Worming tablets are NOT all of an equal quality, your vet will supply the Drontal make of tablet, most pet shops and supermarkets cannot, and do not, stock this brand. But buying from your vet will be expensive!

Our chosen online pet retailer will supply Drontal for worming your Lhasa Apso.

You will find that you can save money buying there... also they have loads of other pet supplies for you to browse... they supply Worldwide but are based in the UK... do check them out.

Whichever way you decide to go - don't forget to worm your pet on a regular basis!

Potty Training Lhasa Apso

Why do I recommend Secrets to Dog Training?

Because it is just SO good, it covers Potty Training as well as all, and any, other training issues you could possibly think of!

But, more than that... they really care about training and dogs and 'go the extra mile' to help.

Check out the information which is contained within their free emails... copy below...

"Are you interested in Dog Whispering training techniques? Great
news, they are all covered in detail here:
http://www.kingdomofpets.com/dogobediencetraining/whisper/

Secrets To Dog Training Newsletter Series:

Hi J

Welcome to our weekly newsletter series.

This week we hear from Jean in Kansas who tells us about her three
Papillons...

"The photo of our three Papillons was taken on July 4, 2005. They
are from left to right Niki, Josie and center, front is Missey..."

We also hear from William and Barbie who wanted some advice on
teaching their dog to bark...

"We have your online book(s).....but cannot find anything on how to
START your dog barking......only how to stop "

To read William and Barbie's consultation, and the rest of Jean's
letter, please click on the following link:

http://www.kingdomofpets.com/dogobediencetraining/newsletters/news7160.php

We have recently updated our Dog Breeds section and have added a
number of breeds, as well as MORE consultations regarding those
particular breeds. To check it out, please click on the following
link:

http://www.kingdomofpets.com/dogobediencetraining/dogbreeds/index.php

Please feel free to forward this email on to any of your friends
who may be interested in receiving powerful information about how
to correct their dog's behavior! Even better, they can sign up for
to receive the newsletters themselves at
www.kingdomofpets.com/dogobediencetraining/

I hope you enjoy this newsletter and until next time best of luck
with training your dog!

Kind regards,

Daniel Stevens
Kingdom of Pets: Secrets To Dog Training"

Visit Secrets to Dog Training to check out just one of their brilliant products.

I expect you will have read some of my other posts on health issues... theirs is the health book I recommend! Click Here to check it out!

Lhasa Apso dogs and Arthritis

Arthritis in dogs...

What are the normal and conventional approaches to arthritis?

Normal procedure is the use of Metacam [I think that's how you spell it] a painkiller from your vet... alternatively your vet will suggest an injection to ease the pain. After the first injection it is supposed to be a regular routine every six months or so.

The above paragraph represents what was done for our dog some years ago. I do not know if that is current practice as our dog only got as far as having the first injection. He no longer needs Metacam either!

What have we done for him?

We bought a Magnopulse collar. Since that time he has had no other treatment, and the condition has not got any worse... in fact he as well as can be expected, taking into account the ill-treatment he had suffered before we had him, plus the operations on his legs we had to have done for him to help 'right the wrongs'. He can walk for miles now, and rarely shows any signs of stiffness.

He doesn't know the collar is supposed to do him good!

Please note: I am NOT getting any affiliate income from recommending this product... I am just trying to make life more comfortable for all the poor dogs [and cats] who suffer from this debilitating disease.

The website to visit is... Magnopulse and the email address is mailbox@magnopulse.com
One of their products is available on prescription on the NHS in the UK for people with leg ulcers... this, to me, seems to prove something!
Their products have both a UK and US patent.
Personally, I would avoid cheap imitations.

Lhasa Apso potty training - vital update

REMEMBER as soon as you get your new pet, whether a Lhasa Apso puppy, a grown dog, or a rescue... register with your chosen vet THEN immediately get them to check if your pet has a microchip.

If your pet is a Lhasa Apso puppy [or any other kind of puppy, for that matter] arrange for your vet to microchip them AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.... if not sooner!

There is an increasing problem with 'dog napping' here in the UK and if you are to get your pet back, whether stolen or just lost... if he or she is microchipped then you stand a far better chance of recovering them safely and quickly.

['animalfinders' on Twitter has found that 90% of dogs reported to them as lost, so far, aren't microchipped!]

LHASA APSO Potty Training... what is in the January Archives?

A LIST... Of what can be found in our January Archives together with a short synopsis of each individual post.

Follows below...

(You will be able to see immediately what tips and information is available there... and whilst I am doing this check of the Archives I shall also delete anything which is now 'out of date'.
I hope, thus, to make it easier for all readers to find what they are looking for within this blog... updates for the following months will also be available in time!)

First let me give you some navigation information!

.....click on January Archives [you'll find the link to it in our right-hand margin]

.....scroll down to the bottom of the resultant page

.....you will then come to the very beginning of our blog - 12 January, 2009

.....this is where I am beginning my 'write-up' from!

So it all started on 12th January with our 'statement of intent'! That is what we hope to cover within the blog. You will also find our Privacy Policy here.

Then we have a general introduction to Lhasa Apso Potty Training and advice on a couple of vital early mistakes to avoid.

Next we have a freebie you can read... do check it out!

An amusing tale... how long can a dog 'hold on' if it really, really, wants to?

UK only... Cashback savings... more firms are added almost daily, there are plenty of 'doggy suppliers' within the list.

13 January. Males & Females - differences in behaviour - and a story.

16 January. Potty training the easy way.

........... Lhasa Apso Potty Training Consistency & Variety - when and why BOTH are needed.

........... Lhasa Apso Puppy Potty Training - training should be FUN for both you and your puppy.

17 January. Why can training be a problem? Advice on finding a suitable trainer.

18 January. Reasons why a mature or rescue dog may need housetraining, and how to deal with the problem.

........... Simple training tips. Mention of recommended trainers and resources. Very useful post with, most probably, a VERY poor title!

19 January. Choosing the right dog or puppy. Lots of helpful information here.

20 January. How to choose a dog trainer or training method - don't miss this useful advice if you are still searching for either. Also a short post on the '44th President'!

........... Info on Pooper Scooper Companies.

........... Tips for 'high energy' dogs.

........... Dog Training Secrets from TV programmes.

21 January. Quick Tip about 'life-span'.

22 January. Who is MY favourite dog trainer? Lots of information here! [Tellington Touch mentioned]

24 January. The 3 simple steps to catapult your dog training success... Positive Training Method, Knowledge, and Time & Timing.

........... The two perceived downsides to a Lhasa Apso... but are they really 'downsides'?

25 January. Establishing Good Habits.

26 January. Cancer Charity link UK.

........... Are your Doggy Photos worth a fortune? Find out possible ways to use your photos.

........... Money Saving Tip - how to make a temporary dog bed for your pup to use until it is fully grown and/or potty trained.

........... Celebrations, Chocolate & Theft. Why you must store chocolate in a 'safe from dogs' place!

27 January. Gastric Torsion or Bloat. You MUST know this information as a responsible and loving dog owner... check this post NOW!

30 January. Lhasa Apso Dog Bed. A good place to find a bargain bed for your pet.

Did you see the following in my Twitter updates?

Did you notice the following within my Twitter updates in the right-hand margin?

"Just registered with Twellow. What a great way to find people! - http://twellow.com/u/doggysecrets "

If you are looking for 'doggy information' then you'll find lots of useful resources. There are helpful vets, people setting up services for finding lost or stolen pets in all sorts of areas, amusing tales and pictures, and so much more!

Give it a try, after all why not?

Naming your Lhasa Apso puppy

I've heard many comments about the new White House puppy, and the name of 'Bo'... with people saying that the name is too like 'no'!

I agree totally with Victoria Stillwell, where on page 75 of her "It's Me or the Dog" book she says that 'NO' is one of the least effective vocal corrections. Puppies hear 'no' so often, she claims, that they must think it is their name.

I DO know that the last dog we had from a pup completely ignored the word 'no', though in all other respects he was amazingly knowing and obedient.

'Ah - Ah' said in a harsh type of voice is far more effective in getting a dogs attention, and at stopping them from doing something they should not be doing.

So call your dog 'Bo' if you want, just like the Obamas, after all it is a nice short name... I know a Spaniel with that name and she is lovely!

And if you are looking for more sensible advice on all things doggy and like the sound of the "It's Me or the Dog" book, just click the Amazon link in our right-hand margin!

For further help on finding names and naming your Lhasa Apso puppy try the following link... Puppy Names

Lhasa Apso and seizures, fits, and epilepsy

The first time you see a much loved pet having an epileptic fit can be a scary and heart breaking experience especially as it will most probably come 'out of the blue' and you will wonder what to do and how best to help.

If you read up on potential problems you will feel so much more confident when faced with a 'real life' trauma, you will be in a position to help your pet immediately in the correct way... whether that is to deal with the problem yourself, or get your pet to the vets as soon as possible. This is where having a health book comes in so handy... Click Here for the Doggy Health Problems book [& First Aid freebie]... from the 'Secrets to Dog Training' team.

The cause of the fits will dictate the treatment, so contacting your vet for an appointment as soon as the fit is over will be necessary. They will in all probability prescribe some tablets - dosages will have to be checked carefully - and things should, in the majority of cases, be perfectly OK.

We have experienced two pets [one cat, one dog] who have lived a normal life for many years, just taking a minimum dose of the prescribed tablets. [Do check the links below for more information on seizures and their effect on innoculation frequency.] It is best to hide any tablets your pet is prescribed in some sort of treat to make it easy to give the tablets... obviously dogs are easier to fool than cats!

We did, however, take on a dog who was on a high dose of tablets from a previous vets - and had suffered severe stress - but who still kept on getting fits at a frightening frequency... our vets found that he had a brain tumour and was only getting worse. Sadly, he had to be euthanased. Luckily, in most cases, the cause is much less serious, and, as I said previously your pet will be able to lead a normal, and long, life with tablets to stabilize them.

Canine Guardian Angels.

Family Pet Services

Lhasa Apso Potty Training

Our blog has been going since January... I hope you are finding it helpful, and please do let me know if there is anything you would like to see covered here.

Most of the articles on potty training itself will be found within the January Archives of this blog, so what I am going to do within the next blog post I make is to review all the posts I made in January.

I shall list them, make a quick summary of what you can find within the posts, and I shall then delete any articles which are out-of-date or no longer relevant.

I hope this will make it easier for you to access that which will be most helpful for your particular problem.

[After I have done this review for the January blog posts, I shall continue and do the same for the following months!]

Lhasa Apso health and innoculations information ... UPDATE

This is an update to my post of Monday, 30th March about innoculations... One of the recommended websites drew attention to the problem Leptospirosis in that it required more frequent updating of injections.

Please read the extremely informative article which follows... just Click Here!

Rats seem to be a big problem, as is the fact that if your dog likes to swim, the water may contain the infection... rats again! Rats often polute water sources and are a big, and growing, problem. Anyway DO check out the link above.

Ridgeback owners are normally lucky... RR's don't normally like to go into the water!

Did anyone ask WHY? Because they come originally from Africa... and 'nasties' live in the water there and might eat them - crocodiles I mean! 'They' say 'Elephants never forget' neither do dogs!

{If your dog suffers from seizures [fits] please use the following link to read about the difference in frequency for innoculations which the website claims should apply Canine Guardian Angels. Please check with your vet! See post dated April 16th for seizure information.)

Lost dogs [USA]

Please check out my Twitter post [in right-hand margin] for April 12th. Join, if you can, to help find any lost pets.

Lhasa Apso pet health supplies

A quick post for a wet day!

When your pet is older and they need supplies for various 'health' problems, for example chews to aid in tooth cleaning, worming tablets, and so much more, just check out this cost saving way of buying your supplies!

Click here, then choose the 'Dog Healthcare' section on the Home Page... Online pet retailer with more than 4,000 products

Lhasa Apso puppy supplies and necessities

Way back in darkest January when this blog first began I did a post on Money Saving Tips! Seriously though, it was about saving money on a bed for your new pup.

But, as a new pet owner you will want to know what other supplies and necessities you should get in for when your new puppy arrives.

If you go about the choice of a pup properly, you will meet the bitch with her litter [maybe seeing the dog too, if possible] at the home of your breeder. When choosing your pup, preferably choose one who is somewhere in the middle of the 'pecking order' - it should be easier to train. Your dog breeder should tell you about the feeding regime your pup is on, and you can get the correct food in ready for the arrival of your pup.

[If you have met your pup at least once before you go to collect him/her do try to choose a name for him or her, so that you can use it immediately and the pup can get used to it.]

Lhasa Apso puppy Supplies and Necessities

Add a dogs soft toy into your pups bed for company. If your pup should have an accident, the bedding and toy can be washed and a new box supplied. Use bigger boxes as your pup grows. See that he or she has a warm draught-free place for their bed... you may decide to have the pups bed in your bedroom, either at the side or bottom of your bed for the first few nights. Remember your new pet will really miss the company and warmth of their siblings and mother.

What you will need to have ready, as I've mentioned before, will be a supply of the food which your breeder recommends and has been using to feed the pup so far. Even if you intend to change to a different food in the future it is best not to change too quickly - introduce the new food slowly.

You will need bowls for food and water. I prefer the old fashioned breakable china/earthenware type of bowl... they are supposed to be best for a number of reasons, hygiene being one! They are also good and weighty, so won't be knocked over too easily.

You'll need a collar and lead to try and start training your new pet within the house and/or garden.

Do some research on which type of collar is best for your particular breed of dog - your breeder may offer some help. I personally don't like choke collars and a heavy leather one will be too much for a young pup.

Puppies and dogs are normally graded into about 3 to 4 general sizes, a Lhasa Apso being called a small dog, and the collars themselves will be adjustable. Choose a small and light collar as a first collar, they probably won't like to wear it at first and may damage it trying to get it off... you can get a more permanent collar later. One good thing, Lhasas aren't, in general, 'collar slippers'!

Some dogs are incredibly good at slipping their collars, having wide strong necks and heads which are proportionately smaller, making it easy for them to slip a conventional collar [RR'S are very good at this]. In this instance a lightweight nylon or cotton type collar with a chain insert is a good compromise.

A 'child gate' is also a useful addition for keeping your pet in a certain area, or alternatively out of certain areas!

A good supply of old newspapers and towels will also come in handy as will top quality kitchen roll.

Above and beyond this list have a look around an online pet retailer to get an idea of what you may need, and to get an idea of prices and availability. We can recommend an ideal supplier in the right-hand margin of this blog.

What I also recommend is a good general training book and a health care book. Preferably purchased, and studied, before you get your new pup - better safe than sorry! [See previous posts and/or the right-hand margin for our best recommendations.]

Secrets to Dog Training for your new Lhasa Apso puppy

Knowing what to expect before you get a new pet is the best way to start a relationship.

With the help of Secrets to Dog Training - the No. 1 dog training and behaviour website for 4 years now - I won't claim that your first year of puppy owning will go perfectly, but you will be able to find solutions to any issues which may occur, as well as prevent many other problems before they even occur.

And if you add their brilliant Health Book to your 'doggy library' then you will be set up to deal with any and all of the problems which puppy ownership can throw at you!

Do check out the website links above to see what other people say about them and also prepare to be very impressed by the amount of free after care you will receive... and don't forget to sign up for the newsletter too, all SO helpful.

If you have been following my Twitter updates, you'll maybe have picked up on the fact that there is a thriving 'doggy' community there.

I recommend you follow 'PetAgree'... if you do you'll be offered a FREE recipe book for homemade doggy treats. There are 140 recipes including one for Lhasa Apso Lamb! Check it out.

Lhasa Apso... Money Saving Tips.

Just a short and quick post. Have a look at, and sign up for... the Money Saving Tips email. Just click the link!

There is one extremely useful article on saving on the cost of keeping a pet... click here for a Direct Link to the Article.

Lhasa Apso and vets bills... vital health information

Some say 'a little knowledge is a dangerous thing' others prefer to say that 'forewarned is forearmed' - both can be true! Having a knowledge of what symptoms to look out for in the case of bloat is a good example of the latter - being forewarned can save your pets life in this instance.

If you want to save money on vets bills, and who doesn't, yet have all the knowledge and confidence to look after your pet and his/her health in a first class manner do check out the link I am about to give you.

This ebook also covers failsafe innoculation information within its pages, and at the moment there are some really good freebies which come with the book, including one on healthy dog food recipes and one on 'first aid' for your pet.

The following link will take you to a Doggy Health Problems book from the 'Secrets to Dog Training' team... whose books, information, and emails can be an invaluable aid to all training.

Another thing which I have recommended before within this blog is to take a pet first aid course - sometimes you can take them at a local vets, not expensive, or try your local college, PDSA, or library for information - well worth doing to increase both your general knowledge and your confidence in dealing with the inevitable problems which you will face as a pet owner.

Your Lhasa Apso and Innoculations, Immunizations & Booster Injections... Resource list and further comments

Our previous post introduced this subject with all its complexities and controversies.

With this post I just want to add a collection of useful resources for you to visit to help you decide which direction to take... which innoculations are legally required, and which are vital for the health of your pet.

What we are trying to achieve here is a balancing act of... giving the very best care to our pets [after all some of these diseases are potentially fatal] and also wanting to keep our pets fit and healthy in the safest and best way possible for their individual health.

Are you a Twitter member? Have you seen our Twitter updates in the margin? If not I strongly advise - have a look!

I was informed [last week] that there were well over 40 vets, and counting, on Twitter. You could join up and find out some opinions on this subject. Try petdoctorforum as a starting place for useful information. So easy to join, and so helpful and friendly.

The following link will take you to a very informative article on innoculations, and the article webpage itself has links to many other articles which you should find very useful... Just Click Here!

Another website with lots of articles - and a very decided view on booster injections! Click Here.

A 'resolved' question! found in Yahoo Answers... Check it out!

For one more link, with a very different perspective... Click Here. [It came via the petdoctorforum.]

If you check out all the above links, including Twitter, and the places they recommend that you should visit to get further information, then you will have a lot to think about before you finally make the right decision for your best friend!

{If your dog suffers from seizures [fits] please use the following link to read about the difference in frequency for innoculations which the website claims should apply Canine Guardian Angels. Please check with your vet! See post dated April 16th for seizure information.)

Lhasa Apso innoculations, annual boosters and immunization

This is a vast, complex, and increasingly controversial subject! Made even more complicated by the fact that different states, islands, countries and governing bodies have different requirements, laws and policies.

In this blog post I will endeavour to talk about the subject in general with regard to both puppies and grown dogs and about booster injections and also give general help on where to find more information.

One first thought on requirements is that if your pet travels with you, either for holidays or to enter dog shows, to different states, countries, etc. then you will need to comply with the prevailing innoculation/immunization requirements of that area. You will need certificates before your pet is allowed to enter the country.

[For example... dogs from the UK, whilst not needing a rabies certificate when at home, will need an innoculation and pet passport if they are to be allowed to enter the EU countries.]

Also in the UK puppies should not be allowed on the ground in public places until they have completed their initial course of injections... yet there are still many puppies who slip through this net and they could, potentially, both catch, and pass on, the life threatening diseases which the innoculations seek to prevent.

Another consideration is... is your pet older likely to ever go into kennels? If so, you need to know if it is a requirement to be able to produce a current certificate of immunization. If that is the case, you will have to keep up the booster programme for your pet.

The controversy over booster injections rages, with even the suppliers of the drugs in some cases saying that a three-yearly booster would be an option. I'm afraid there is no definitive answer as yet - you will have to make up your own mind, bearing in mind both the points above, and also any further research you undertake.

Some say that elderly dogs are more susceptible to the diseases which the boosters cover, and some, worryingly, say that elderly dogs are more likely to suffer side effects from the booster injections. Another thought is that size of dog alters the equation - in that small dogs are more likely to suffer side effects just because of their smaller bodies. Set against this is the fact that small dogs are normally longer lived... your Lhasa Apso will outlive many larger dogs.

You'll have to comply with all laws and requirements which prevail in your country and/or state, take into consideration whether you will use kennelling at any time, and also any international travelling you intend to do with your pet, and then decide what you think is best.

Talk over the current thinking with other pet owners you trust, your veterinarian, and also use online resources to get more information.

If you want to save money on vets bills, and who doesn't, yet have all the knowledge and confidence to look after your pet and his/her health in a first class manner do check out the link I am about to give you. They do cover failsafe innoculation information within the book, and at the moment there are some really good freebies which come with the book, including one on healthy dog food recipes.

The following link will take you to a Doggy Health Problems book [& First Aid freebie]... from the 'Secrets to Dog Training' team whose books, information and emails can be an invaluable aid to training.

I will gather together a collection of website links where useful information on innoculations, immunization and annual boosters can be found and post it as a separate blog post shortly.

{If your dog suffers from seizures [fits] please use the following link to read about the difference in frequency for innoculations which the website claims should apply Canine Guardian Angels. Please check with your vet! See post dated April 16th for seizure information.)

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Lhasa Apso Training and safety

Did you catch our previous post?

Please do take a look at the 'Amusing' link in the previous post... and please do give it pause for thought.

Don't throw sticks for your Lhasa Apso, or any other dog for that matter, bits can break off and dogs can swallow them AND THEY CAN GET STUCK. Vets have to perform many operations on dogs who have various foreign objects in their stomachs... also there is the chance that the stick could get stuck in the throat/windpipe - very serious. [Balls which are too small for your particular breed of dog can also cause this type of problem.]

We are fortunate with the breed of dog which we have - RR's - their considered opinion is that... 'if you throw it, you fetch it'. No exceptions!

Laughter is GOOD for you...

Do you find the following link Amusing?

Every Lhasa Apso Potty Training blog post can't be on a serious or useful subject!

ArcaMax are brilliant for Newsletters on many and various subjects. The above came from New Yorker Dogs and Cats... I like the gardening one, very helpful - short and to the point.

Updates, special offers, and freebies

Sorry about the delay in the post on innoculations... I will sort out the content asap!

Just two quick mentions... Click here to join or find out how you can make 'Cashback' savings or click the following link to check out their list of freebies, including a dog related one.

Also the online pet retailer 'Pet Supermarket' [see link in right-hand margin, or the 'resources' box below]... has loads of special offers on at their website at the moment. Well worth checking out.
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Resources:

Online pet retailer

Click here to find out how you can make 'Cashback' savings.

Twitter

Have you seen the Twitter updates in the right-hand margin?

If you are a member of Twitter you'll already know that there are loads of animal crazy people on there!

Just into dogs? Then you'll be most amused by some of the videos, I love the one posted by 'thibby' of Rudy v the Dog Door.

If you love cute cats too... you really won't want to miss The Daily Cute!

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P.S. Tomorrow's post will be into the rather more serious subject of innoculations.

Have I mentioned before within this blog that there is a no-cost way that you can help rescue animals?

Just click on the following link to The Animal Rescue Site, do it DAILY. Please don't forget!

Lhasa Apso Potty Training Problems... more thoughts

Just a couple of ideas as an add-on to the post on 'Potty Training Lhasa Apso... beyond the basics' made yesterday!

Are your problems just in the peeing department or does your pet go to the loo inside too?

And does the problem occur at a specific time of day? Or just at any time?

If we are talking of an elderly dog, have you had kidney problems ruled out. Also are we talking about deliberate indoor peeing, or is it just leaking or dribbling urine that is the problem?

[Leaking/dribbling, although most common in bitches, can also occur in the occasional dog and can be dealt with very successfully with tablets from your vet. I know it works! Been there done that!]

Now for those thoughts... keep A DIARY, either written, or kept in the head, of all the occurances and problems you encounter - with detailed information on what, when, where, and any special circumstances occuring at the time, such as exciting events, something scary, or anything else out of the ordinary which occurs before the peeing or soiling event.

Keep the diary for a week or a fortnight, then review it, and see if any pattern is emerging.

If the problem was as simple as just peeing overnight or first thing, before you could get him/her into the garden... then allowing unrestricted access to water early in the day, then stopping or decreasing the amount allowed just before bed should solve that problem.

Where? If where they go is somewhere on the way to the outside door, are they just not getting there soon enough? Also if they have chosen a 'special' place to go inside the house, you could either stop access to that place or have a doggy litter tray there.

The results from your diary should give you some answers, and maybe create more questions too! Keep working on it... in a relaxed and calm state of mind!

If you want more help the 'Secrets to Dog Training' book [see right-hand margin] should help and you can also send in personal questions to them. And you can always post a query here on the Lhasa Apso Potty Training blog and we will see if we can come up with an answer, or at least be of some help.

POTTY TRAINING LHASA APSO - beyond the basics!

We have many articles on 'the basics' of potty training a Lhasa Apso [and any other pup or rescue/adult dog for that matter] within our January Archives... perhaps the Friday, 16th January blog is a good place to start.

This post, however, hopes and attempts to go... beyond the basics!

First, are you still having difficulties despite having followed all the advice in all our January blog posts?

Second, have you contacted your vet and had any physical problems ruled out of the equation?

Third, have you bought any of our recommended books or courses? Of particular relevance, I think, are the 'Secrets to Dog Training' course, and the Jan Fennell and Victoria Stilwell books from our Dog Books links.

[You'll find links at the bottom of many of our posts and for convenience they are also in our right-hand margin.]

***
Now for some 'beyond the basics' thoughts!

OK, so we have ruled out any physical problem, you've followed all the advice in the January blog posts and also followed the advice in the book or course you decided to study?

Yes?

Are you certain, 110%, that IT IS YOU WHO IS THE LEADER OF YOUR PACK... that you are 'top dog' in your house?

[If that is the case your dog should never feel the need to 'scent mark' or do any of the other alpha dog behaviours... like eating first, entering and exiting the house or room first, and deciding upon the direction to take when going out.]

So, where do we go from here?

Mental problems seem to be the only answer left.

Is there something which could be making your pet frightened or unhappy?

Are you wound up about the situation? Your pet will sense your feelings, and get even more up-tight him or herself... and a vicious circle will occur. Your pet will always want to do everything he or she can, to make you pleased and happy with him/her.

I would advise starting again from scratch with your training, in a totally relaxed fashion. Just study the steps which work for most potty training situations... use all the praise and treats you can think of, and then just re-start your training schedule!

If at all possible, a holiday, a few days away together with your pet might be just the thing... a fresh environment could well help to remove any negative associations and/or worries for both of you.

***
Added thoughts... how old is your dog? If it is a pup is it old enough to be neutered, if not a pup has it been neutered? Is it an 'only one', or do you have other dogs within your family?

Taking the former questions into consideration... could the problem possibly be hormonal. Pups do get a surge of hormones at a certain age, and an older dog, living with a dog of the opposite sex could also be experiencing a hormone rush - which just possibly could lead to some peeing problems.

Mites, Mange, Worms and Fleas

We have done blog posts on fleas, and worms, and also mentioned ear mites... to complete this list of nasties, just another couple of things to watch out for are...

1] Fur mites
and
2] Mange causing Sarcoptes scabiei mites.

Fur mites are just about visible to the naked eye, but are not easy to identify. They can infest dogs, cats and rabbits. They cause irritation to your pet and may also bite owners of affected pets.

The Sarcoptes scabiei mite causes mange in dogs and foxes - we once had a dog infested with these mites, caught from local badly infected foxes - the problem causes intense itching and is even more problematical because the mite lives below the surface of the skin. I'm happy we had a short coated dog so it showed up quite quickly on his face.

Nowadays the treatment for Sarcoptes scabiei has advanced but it used to be that dogs had to be treated with something on the lines of sheep dip... not nice.

My recommendations are the same as before... timely [QUICK] diagnosis and treatment... know about potential problems BEFORE they occur. That is where this blog can help, and also where the dog health book could add to your peace of mind!

Note: you'll find a link to the book I mention in our right-hand margin, or below some of the other 'health issue' posts.

Your Lhasa Apso and Worms

Another good reason to try and stop your pet eating faeces [see a previous article on the blog] is the risk of them picking up worms!

There are four types of worms which your pet can suffer from and they cannot all be treated with the same treatment/medicine. A sign that your pet may be suffering from worms can be that they are forever hungry [more than normal, I mean!] and that they are losing weight at the same time.

In the northern hemisphere the approaching 'better weather' - at least we hope it will be better - will probably mean that more dogs are out and about, so your pet is more likely to come into contact with pets who are not up to date with their worming programme.

If you want help and advice I suggest that you add the new pet health book by the same people as the Secrets to Dog Training [formerly Sit, Stay, Fetch] book to your 'doggy library'! Knowing how to deal with various small problems can save a small fortune in vets fees.

Pet insurance is all very well for the big problems, but the excess on the policies usually precludes any claims for 'minor' ailments!
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Resources:
Click Here for the book on Doggy Health Problems + First Aid freebie... from the 'Secrets to Dog Training' team.

Rescue a Lhasa Apso

When you take on a rescue Lhasa Apso you are taking on an unknown quantity, you cannot know what traumas he or she has been through before you came forward to rescue them!

I just cannot comprehend how anyone can treat any animal cruelly. And to do it to a small defenceless puppy! Well, I'm afraid I think the same should be dished out to them, as they do to the poor animal. Why does anyone buy [and they aren't cheap] a pedigree puppy in the first place, if they are not willing to look after it, and train it responsibly, so that they have a best friend to be rightly proud of?

But, all that said, what to do when you inevitably experience problems with your rescue Lhasa [or any other breed for that matter] which were caused by their past ill-treatment?

Many people have turned to Secrets to Dog Training and the team there have many stories of problems solved with the advice given within the book and also the personal help given to the buyers of the book.

Another good resource for learning how to treat rescue dogs are books by Jan Fennell... try Amazon for secondhand copies of her first book.

Often when you have had your rescue pet for a year or two and they have gained confidence in the world as a whole... they may try to assert dominance at home, and more problems may surface for a time. This is quite a common phenomenon... and sometimes leads to rescue animals being returned to the RSPCA, breed rescue, or to the dog pound.
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Resources:

Secrets to Dog Training

Just click 'Amazon' then use the link in the left-hand margin for 'Animal Care & Pets', then type Jan Fennell into the Search box at the top of the page.

Lhasa Apsos & Fleas & Ticks + 'Cats and Dogs'

We are, in the Northern Hemisphere, about to come into Spring and, hopefully, warmer weather!

But this is also a time of year when fleas and ticks can become a problem so a short post on the subject seemed timely.

A post was made on the subject of ticks on the 18th of February, 2009... so please refer to our February archives for details of that... but now I want to also concentrate on fleas and to mention households which contain both dogs and cats.

Fleas are around an 1/8" [2-3mm] in length, normally dark brown to black in colour, and very fast moving! They need no introduction to most pet owners. They feed on your pet's blood and cause intense irritation and also, in some cases, allergic skin reactions.

Treat immediately! That is the most important advice, and treat all soft bedding, carpets, etcetera, so that they are eliminated entirely. You can get treatments from your vet or from reliable pet stores.

If your house is home to both dogs and cats... the following advice could be life saving!

1] Keep all pet medicines in a special, and safe place, away from both animals and children. Keep in a locked cupboard if necessary.

2] Keep Dog and Cat medicines separate from each other.

3] Medicines suitable for dogs are not suitable for cats... and vice versa.

4] Each animal should have its own separate, labelled storage box, so that there can be no mix-ups.

The medicine storage box could be an ideal place to store your copy of the pet health book we recommend Check it out Here!

Lhasa Apso dogs and Ear Problems

Ear problems are surprisingly common. To understand the problems better we need to know a bit about the anatomy of the ear.

Ears are complex structures which are protected by an ear flap. The narrow external ear canal carries the sound down to the ear drum - then from there it travels to the middle and inner ear. Most ear problems seen in dogs [and cats too] are in the external ear canal.

If your pet exhibits symptoms such as ear rubbing, head shaking and reddened skin in the lining of the ear canal - with or without an unpleasant smelling discharge - then canker could be the problem.

Causes could be:

1] Ear mites

2] Foreign bodies - the grass seed time of year often sees an increase in these problems. Grass seeds are built to stick to and hang on to surfaces, so that they can spread!

3] Allergic reactions.

Finding out what exactly the cause is - then treating it accordingly - is the key to success with this problem.

Having a copy of our recommended Doggy Health Problems book + First Aid freebie... from the 'Secrets to Dog Training' team would be an invaluable aid when you need to know if you should visit the vet for a particular problem, or, if you have the correct equipment in your medicine cabinet, you can treat it yourself.

This book will not only save you money on vet bills, but help you give your pet the best care possible, as promptly as possible. It also instills invaluable confidence - you'll know what to do, and when.

Buying online for convenience & savings

Are you looking to buy your pet supplies online?

If you are spending more than £59 [before March 31st] you can claim £5 off your total bill by using the following code 'pspetfive'.

Just click the link to the... Online pet retailer with more than 4,000 products... and remember to use the 'pspetfive' voucher code.

By the way, there are also some special offers on many brands of pet food available throughout March!

Pedal Bin Wars... or a fight too far!

Knowing what is important, when dog training, is perhaps the most indispensable skill.

Of vital importance is the fact that your status as pack leader is established. Also your dog must 'Come' when called, and do a 'Sit' or 'Down' on command... these two rules can be so important in any dangerous situation.

After establishing your pack leadership credentials and always getting immediate obedience to the 'Come' and 'Sit' commands... what else you consider to be important is up to you - some fights you might consider 'a fight too far' - like my pedal bin wars, know when to retire, but do retire 'undefeated'!

Our rescue dogs have always been ones to grab anything edible if at all possible! Whilst the dogs we had from puppies didn't exhibit this behaviour... even though they were incorrigible scroungers!

But up until the dog we have now... and only recently... since he's been with us for some years - we have never had a problem with the pedal bin.

Other problems, yes, and they all had an unfailing knowledge of the whereabouts of every food item in the house - so if the phone should ring, and anything was mistakenly unguarded whilst going to answer it, then that food was polished off with alacrity. I well remember an occasion when one Ridgeback wolfed down a packet of frozen sausages, taken with a couple of raw eggs, whole... tasty!

The first night we had our first rescue he managed to open a cupboard door [not easy] and get a chocolate cake out of the middle tin of a stack of three cake tins - all done very quietly, as we didn't find out till the next morning.. He, to be polite, had slight stomach problems the following day - but no other ill effects!

He had the most persuasive eyes and face, and would sit in front of complete strangers if they were eating; ice creams in particular were a favourite. He would sit and watch every mouthful and no way could you move him. Very embarrassing. But no-one could ever resist him for long!

But we digress from the pedal bin wars. First the bin was OK to be left with the pedal facing into the room, then in time it had to be turned round
so that for me it was no longer a pedal bin! After a time that didn't work, as brute force and ignorance was employed and he just knocked it over. So it was fitted tightly into a corner. Then it again had to be turned round. Then a chair was placed in front of it in its corner. Then a washing-up bowl was put on top of it, so that the lid could not be lifted with that persistent nose - I had a job too!

How that was overcome I'm not entirely sure. You would leave the room for a few seconds and bang over would go the bin - he must have hooked a front paw round it and pulled it out and over.

He has a particular fancy for egg shells - I know they are a good source of calcium - and potato peelings. [At least he doesn't employ the tactics of a cat we once had, who would get on the draining board and hook her claws into my hands so that she could get at the potato peelings!]

He was never caught in the actual act of opening the bin, so what could you do?

Best just admit defeat and put the bin away in a cupboard - more convenient than having the contents spread all over the floor and an upset stomach being risked!

The morals of this story?

Perhaps that you should avoid putting temptation in your pets way... if he or she gives in to temptation, well you know it's your own fault for putting it there! And if there is a way around a potential problem... take it... know what is important, and what isn't!

Crufts

Looking for info about Crufts? Use this link for info - www.the-kennel-club.org.uk/index.asp?newpage=crufts - just copy and paste.

I believe there is some genuine 'cause for concern' on health issues. Just my personal view! You can check out some of the 'Letters of Support' towards the bottom of the page.

Having had a quick whizz through a couple, I still feel that a good case was made on the alteration of head size in the King Charles. I don't think anyone would disagree that the problem was on-going, just getting worse and worse cumulatively over the last 25 years or so.

Behavioural problems can be caused by physical malfunctions, problems with the brain, etcetera - but many problems which end up with behaviourists or trainers are just problems with the owners and their methods of training, or the fact that they haven't really trained their pet at all! In other words incorrect, inconsistent, or non-existent training.

Stomach Upsets and Four Meals a Day

Our current rescue Ridgeback came to us at about 2 1/2 years old. He had had a particularly traumatic puppyhood and young life.

He is now pretty 'bomb-proof' but in the early years many things could send him into a state of pure terror - certain smells, men, people wearing hats, shadows, raised voices, bicycles and so much more.

He was still very thin and weak when we took him home, and SO afraid... and that was after being cared for and spoiled with individual treatment and love, for six weeks by a breeder member of the breed Rescue Trust [RRWT] with her dogs.

His ill treatment started at around 4 months old and went on until the RSPCA rescued him [either at 11 months old, or after 11 months in time - not sure on this detail] they had a hard job with him, but eventually he went out to a new owner. This rescue failed... the RSPCA had him back and that was where the breed Rescue Trust was contacted and took him on.

When we got him he was being fed dried food for 'sensitive' stomachs. That food went out of production! We had to change to another food, and he seemed to lose weight slightly then. Also he had still had occasional bouts of diarrhoea and sickness which didn't help stabilize his weight.

He stole food whenever he had the remotest chance... usually it was a flour based item like bread or cake - this was what he was supposed to be allergic to! But it didn't seem to upset his stomach in any way.

It was recommended by the vet after a bout of diarrhoea that he be fed 3 small feeds of a bland food to help settle his stomach - it worked for a small time. But still the occasional stomach upsets.

Later it got to be 4 smaller feeds daily... but with this regime he could eat virtually anything. As long as his meals were divided into these four small portions and spread out at about 4 hourly intervals he could enjoy any suitable foods.

We now believe that his problem all along was due to his starvation and ill-treatment as a puppy... so his stomach didn't develop fully and large meals just don't suit him. [Maybe like stomach stapling in reverse!] Anyway he has been on this regime for some years now and IT WORKS.

Do what suits your pet... you will get to know their individual requirements. Give them adequate exercise, and don't let them gain excess weight.

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NOTE:
When your vet recommends a bland diet - the norm is boiled rice and chicken.

More embarrassing behaviours!

Does your dog display humping behaviour even though he or she has been neutered or spayed? [Remember though neutering/spaying will not change their behaviour immediately!]

Very embarrassing! Especially when they do it to visitors who are not 'doggy people'!

Interestingly, this is often not a sexual behaviour at all, but a display of dominance.

So the way to proceed is to train them that YOU are the pack leader, and you say who enters the pack territory, and what status the person entering into it will be given. A real aid to understanding how to achieve pack leadership is a book called The Dog Listener by Jan Fennell.
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Resources:
Dog Books - Just click 'Animal Care & Pets'... top item in the left-hand margin... then enter your search term - either the title or the author's name will do - in the search box!

Eating faeces... or habits we would rather they didn't pursue!

If your pet has taken to the habit of eating his or her own faeces, a good way to stop them is to add courgettes or alternatively pineapple to their diet - for some reason this dietry addition makes the faeces unpalatable to them.

Dogs do enjoy vegetables and fruits in general and you can feed your pet many different raw or cooked vegetables... for example - carrots, celery, blackberries, apple, parsley, [see my 28th Feb., 2009 post] and green peppers. Avoid onions and grapes. Also avoid raisins, sultanas, and currants... i.e. dried fruit!

Different dogs prefer different fruits and vegetables! Also their tastes often expand as they grow older. Same as we aim for with children really.

If they tend to eat other faeces distraction training is the best option. Check out my post of Tuesday 3rd March about rolling in muck; apply the rules suggested there, and hopefully you can cure the habit. But it is, I'm afraid, a habit that, once started, is difficult to break... you will need to be alert at all times.

Surgical Spirit... ingestion of -

People have searched online for information on dogs ingesting, by mistake, surgical spirit.

My advice is to contact your vet immediately if this should happen - the two resources I have added links to at the bottom of this post are about surgical spirit and its effects on people - I could not find anything which referred to dogs ingesting it.

And as a further suggestion for everyone who has surgical spirit as part of their medicines at home - for ticks, etcetera - is to store it safely away, and be very careful when you use it!

AND, if you want to be prepared to deal with your pets health problems, how about getting a health care book? Why not check out this excellent information goldmine. Just Click Here! to check it out... it is by the 'Secrets to Dog Training' team[see link in right-hand margin].

The 'Secrets to Dog Training' book has more than 64,516 satisfied owners. It's one of the best online training resources - and an ever growing list of happy pet owners who use it as their pet training bible tends to prove its usefulness.

In a previous post I recommended that all owners should try to attend a 'first-aid for pets' seminar - usually held by local vets surgeries - if at all possible. If this isn't practicable, then this book would be an ideal investment.

Buy it, keep it where you KNOW how to put your hands on it immediately, refer to it, and if it advises... call your vet. You can have this invaluable resource in your hands in a matter of minutes - you need never feel 'at risk' of not knowing how to cope with your pets health issues again!

Peace of mind at a very reasonable price!




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Resources: - please copy and paste these links to view the documents concerned.

http://www.chem-distribution.com/MSDS/SURGICAL%20SPIRIT%20BP%20MSDS.pdf

http://www.orion.net.au/products/pdf/sur01131_msds.pdf

For people ... not Lhasa Apsos, or any other dogs for that matter!

Just a quick mention of a cut price treat for owners, not dogs!

Up to 6th March quote MAE2 if you are spending £25 or more and receive a 15% discount at Thorntons.

So if you need cheering up, or are looking to buy a fantastic Mothers Day present, why not just Visit Thorntons.co.uk for chocolate gifts and more?
Just don't forget to quote the special code!

But do please remember that chocolate made for people is NOT good for dogs, in fact it is very bad... even in small amounts.

Lhasa Apso and Bloat [Gastric Torsion]

Though bloat is more a problem to which deep chested large dogs are prone, it can occur in any breed... so forewarned is forearmed. It is a killer, and treatment by your vet is essential, and will be required immediately.

Please refer to the link below for the full article - here I will just add some hints for prevention...

First - Feed two small meals daily, instead of one large one. [We have to feed our rescue dog 4 very small meals each day... but that is a long story.]

Second - Do not allow exercise immediately before or after feeding... a quiet rest is needed instead.

Third - Do not allow your pet to drink vast amounts of water after a meal.

Fourth - Feed off the ground at an appropriate height for your dog so that he or she does not need to bend down to eat. Put the bowl on a chair, stool, sofa, or bowl stand.

Fifth - Do not allow your pet to gulp down the food too quickly, as they will ingest loads of air at the same time. You could try a ring mould type of cake tin as a feed bowl.

Other suggestions include pre-soaking dried food, and not allowing the dog to over eat.
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Resources:

Monday, March 19th, 2007 is the date to look for to access the vital informational post on Gastric Dilatation/Torsion, more commonly known perhaps as Bloat.

How to stop your Lhasa Apso rolling in muck

Whilst I was looking for a post on bloat I came across this post we made on another blog and thought it could prove useful.

After all according to 'sods law' a dog with a beautiful - and long - coat is far more likely to go in for mucky habits! So your Lhasa Apso may be an offender, I know Spaniels often are... and our Ridgebacks aren't.


The updated post follows within quotes... "The first thing to know is that it is a completely natural thing for him/her to do, rolling in muck I mean! What they are doing is masking their own scent so that they are better able to hunt undetected! It is a throw back to their wolf days.

Next... you don't want them to do it!?!

If your Lhasa Apso is a 'regular offender' your best option is to try to break them of the habit by stopping it happening. So keep them on a lead when out walking so that they cannot access any muck.

Keep treats in your pocket and if you see any muck in your path keep a careful hold of the lead [take care not to tense up], and offer a treat to distract them. When they begin to ignore the muck and pay attention to you instead, then you are beginning to make progress.

When they are next let off the lead, call them back to you regularly, talk to them in a soft voice, play with them, and give them treats when they obey your commands. You need to be the centre of their attention, they need to want to come back to you because it is fun!

The recall is one of the most important things they can learn... both for keeping them away from muck, and for any other problems, and for the sake of safety.

If this is a new vice for them, then when you see them 'about to' commit the crime - say ah-ah in a loud and extremely harsh voice. Hopefully, this will distract them. Then recall them to you and give them a treat for returning. You will need to be alert to what they are doing at all times.

It is far easier to stop a bad habit from forming than to correct it once it has formed!"

Just a quick heads up!

Talking of dogs [and cats too] going into rescue shelters in my last post has reminded me to ask if you all remember to do your daily free click on The Animal Rescue Site.

If you don't, WHY NOT? ... and PLEASE DO! Just use the convenient link above!

T-I-M-E

When you decide to take on a puppy, or rescue dog, there is one thing you need [as well as consistency, patience, and the ability to learn how to be pack leader] and that is TIME!

Do not believe anyone who tells you that you can take your puppy or dog to a dog trainer, leave him or her with the trainer, and the dog will come back fully trained, it is a total fabrication.

You will need training at least as much, if not more than, your new pet! Also you will need to get to know each other.

Time must be spent too, on learning how to train.

Little and often is the way to train, but you must first know HOW TO train. Do NOT take on a pet if you are not willing to give of yourself in this way.

I have, sadly, read comments which complain that training takes too much time, and is basically too much hassle.

A well behaved dog is a joy around you, and around everyone else you meet, someone to be proud of... and a friend for life... spending time achieving this wonderful state is surely not too much to ask?

Can I ask ALL my readers to spread this message, please... then perhaps fewer dogs will end up in rescue facilities?
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Resources:

If you think your dog deserves the best training just Click Here! to solve any, and all, the dog training problems you might have.

Parsley for Digestion... and more

Whichever way you put it... gas - wind - upset stomach - digestion problems... sometimes, for whatever reason, your pet can be smelly!

Whatever the reason, it can prove embarassing when you have visitors, and isn't pleasant for you, or for your pet. You need a quick fix!

Try adding either fresh or dried parsley to your pets morning feed... you will perhaps have to introduce it slowly [up a tablespoonful for a large dog, less for smaller ones] so that they can get used to the taste and texture.

Give it a try, it can't do any harm.

For more details on the uses and efficacy of parsley, try the following link - just copy and paste -
http://www.caninechronicle.com/Features/jansey_08/jansey_1108.html

Just a question!

Can dogs count?

No!?!

Then how is that they always know exactly how many biscuits you put into your pocket?

Lhasa Apso and Car Journeys - PART TWO

If a dog is scared of either travelling in a car or frightened of even entering it... DO NOT FORCE YOUR PET, OR GET ANNOYED WITH THEM.
That is the most important thing to remember.

Now for how to solve the problem!

First you must realise that this process will take time.

How long it takes will depend upon the reason for the fear in the first place. Is it a long-standing problem, maybe you've just got a rescue dog, or is it your new pup who has suddenly taken an instant dislike to cars or car travel?

What you must try to do is to de-sensitize your pet. He or she must begin to have positive feelings towards your car.

To achieve this aim... first park your car in a convenient place, if you have a driveway that is brilliant, then walk them past the car ignoring it - if a treat is needed to achieve this, use one. Once they can ignore the car, and don't need a treat to do so, progress to walking them past the car with the car doors open.

Next get them to stop by the open car door. When that is achieved try putting a treat just inside the car - it may need something extra special and some coaxing too!

Then try feeding them inside the car... go in with them. Next try closing the car door when they are inside and eating. You can then progress to both of you sitting in the car with the doors closed for a period of time either before or after they have eaten... it may take treats too!

For the next step you need someone to actually sit in the front seat to start the car. Progress to getting them to drive a few yards. A longer journey can then be attempted whilst you are holding and making a fuss of your pet in the back of the car.

Keep progressing in this way, a little step forward at a time, until they are OK with travelling in the back by themselves... and actually enjoying it.

Obviously it will depend upon how ingrained the fear is, to how quickly or slowly progress is made, and how many of the above steps have to be taken. You may be able to miss some steps out if the fear isn't too bad.

If anything goes wrong, just go back to the step where your dog was happy and try from there onwards again... taking it more slowly and adding in more enjoyable treats.

Lhasa Apso and Car Journeys

We have always been amazingly lucky in that our dogs have always loved car journeys and always travelled well, no matter what the distance.

One rescue Ridgeback was amazingly territorial in regard to 'HIS' car - no person not on his 'approved' list was allowed near it! Once when there had been an accident and the police were in the process of closing the road and turning the traffic back he turned the police officer back! He barked viciously when he approached the car, yet a softer and more friendly dog you could never wish to meet outside the car!

Other dogs in the vicinity were a 'no-no' too, we had a very embarassing trip through Bath in a traffic jam when someone with either a yellow lab or a retriever walked in the same direction as we were attempting to go - they kept catching up, and he kept barking and rocking the car in the process! I also well remember a trip with him plus my daughter and a Christmas Tree in a little blue mini. Another dog walking near the car, my daughter shouting at him to shut up, and him barking - quite a contest for volume.

Our current rescue loves to get in the car too, and now likes to just sit in it whilst it is being washed - the car that is - but when we hadn't had him too long if he managed to get into the car he refused to get out until he'd been for a ride, even if it was to the next street and back!

If you have your pet from a pup in many cases you will bring them 'home' in the car and they will adapt very easily to a natural enjoyment of the outings a car journey will give them.

If you have problems... well, this post was supposed to be about that, but I have gone on so long, I think it is best if I start on how to address those problems in my next post!