Dog Toys to Help with Separation Anxiety

For some reason, Duke has had some issues with what I think is separation anxiety. He is doing things he has never done in the past- getting into garbages and going to the bathroom in the house. While these things are not the end of the world, I wonder- what happened to my dog?

The more I thought about it the more I thought that maybe it is a form of separation anxiety. That instead of eating the carpet or destroying the table, he was destroying and eating the garbage. It seems to be the worst right when we leave -I once took a shower and didn't let him into the adjoining room, and he got into the garbage- and then it it over.

So what I thought is that I needed something (and something good) to distract him for the first 5 minutes when I leave. He is not a big chewer, so bully sticks, himalayan chews, deer antler chews, etc where not going to work. I have down the kong filled with frozen peanut butter before, but I usually forgot to fill it back up and the soft peanut butter wasn't going to work. So I was stuck. I thought about giving him a Nina Ottosson dog toy, but since he really isn't into a lot of dog treats and food, I wasn't sure if that was going to work.

I decided that I had to try once since there wasn't much else I could do. I finally brought one home and set it up. Of course I had to put really good treats in there. The first time I gave it to him, he looked at it, smelled it, licked it a few times and went to go find his ball. I thought, see I knew he wouldn't like it. But then Jax thought it was pretty neat and started using it, of course then Duke thought it was pretty neat and was able to get it to work after a few times.

Well, not after many uses, it seems to have done its job. When I left his morning, instead of trying to stop me from getting out of the dog and freaking out that I was leaving him behind, he was upstairs trying to get the treats out of the toy. So HOPEFULLY, this will be it. He can forget that I am leaving, get his treats, and then lay down and relax.

So, if you are looking for dog toys to help withe separation anxiety, I would highly recommend the Nina Ottosson Dog Toys.

Why do you really need a prescription for your dog’s food? … just follow the money!

Interested in learning more about perscription dog food?

Read this great article-

http://content.theamericandogmag.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=286:why-do-you-really-need-a-prescription-for-your-dogs-food&catid=43:nutrition&Itemid=96

The Visitor

Another cute email I received about a deer and it cat friend.

Cute cute cute!

How Could You?

A man in Grand Rapids, Michigan incredibly took out a $7000 full page ad in the paper to present the following essay to the people of his community.

HOW COULD YOU? - By Jim Willis, 2001

When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could you?" -- but then you'd relent and roll me over for a belly rub. My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs" you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.

Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love. She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" - - still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy.

Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a "prisoner of love." As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears, and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch -- because your touch was now so infrequent -- and I would've defended them with my life if need be. I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, and together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway.

There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog ," and you resented every expenditure on my behalf.

Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family.

I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog, even one with "papers." You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!" And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life. You gave me a good-bye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too. After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked, "How could you?"

They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you that you had changed your mind -- that this was all a bad dream... or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me.

When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited. I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days.

As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood. She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured, "How could you?"

Perhaps because she understood my dog speak, she said, "I'm so sorry." She hugged me, and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself -- a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not directed at her. It was directed at you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of you. I will think of you and wait for you forever. May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.

_________________________________

Are you crying yet? I know I am.....

Dog Food Analysis

Are you confused about what kind of food to feed your dog? With so many choices on the market, it can be very confusing what to feed your dog. Do you feed beef, chicken, lamb? Do you feed corn, rice, oatmeal? Do dogs really need vegetables?

The best food you can give your dog is raw. But many times this is not possible. The next best thing you can feed your dog is grain free. Ingredients such as corn and other grains are just fillers and not good for your dog. Many dogs are allergic to corn.

To help you sort out what kind of food is best for your dog visit this site- www.dogfoodanalysis.com On this website they grade all the different types of food and tell you why it is either good or bad.

New Designer Dog Carriers

We have gotten in some new designer dog carriers. These beautiful carriers are made by PETOTE. They are timeless carriers that provide you a sense of class when using them. They are high quality and many will conceal your dog when out and about. Petote Dog Carriers are designer after the high fashion purses you would carry around. With one of these you know you'll be getting the best.

Visit Poochieheaven for all your dog carriers.

Birthday Items for Your Dog

Dog Birthday Parties are becoming more and more popular. Not only is it fun to throw a party, but it is great socialization for both your dog and you. It is important for your dog to be around other dogs and get used to all dogs- male, female, big, and small. What is a better way to do this then to throw a dog birthday party?

What do you have for dog birthday items?

Birthday Boy Dog Tank Tops
Birthday Girl Dog Dress
Cake Dog Toys
Dog Birthday Cakes
Dog Party Hats

These items are available in many sizes for all dogs. Whether you are celebrating your Maltese's 1st birthday or your Border Collie's 12th birthday, at Poochieheaven we have items to help you celebrate.

Stop Dogs from Eating their Poop

Do you have issues with your dog eating its or a dog friend's poop? This is an extremely gross habit that stresses out many pet parents. Thankfully there are things that can be done to help with this.

S.E.P- Stop Eating Poop by Solid Gold is a supplement that you can add to your dog's diet to stop them from eating their own feces. The active ingredient in S.E.P. is glutamic acid. When this acid is mixed with the stomach acids, the stool becomes bitter to the taste and will deter your dog from eating its stool.

Pineapple- Add a can of pineapple to your dog's food and it will prevent them from eating their stool. The actual pineapple needs to be given, not the just the juice, as the ingredient that helps to deter the eating is found in the pineapple, not the juice.

Canned Pumpkin- While there is not as much support for this, it may be a final option if nothing else has worked.

High quality food- Sometimes dogs will eat poop because they are not getting the nutrients they need from their food. Make sure that you feeding your dog a high quality food that meets all their requirements.

Unfortunately, this will not spot your dog from eating other dog's feces if they too are not ingesting the above items, but you will be able to control the dogs in your household.

Good luck!

Water Wear for Dogs

While it is still cold in many parts of the US, people are starting to think more and more about warm weather and vacations. Including your dog in these events is very common. Below are some items that you may need for your dog when they are near the water.

Dog Swimsuits- While just for looks, your pup will look adorable this year.
Dog Sunglasses- Just like you, your dog may need eye protection.
Dog Life Jackets- Keep your dog safe near the water with a dog life jacket.

For all your water wear needs for your dog, visit Poochieheaven.

Clothes for Huge Dogs

At Poochieheaven we have gotten many request for clothes for huge dogs. These are hard to come by, but many large dogs have thin fur and need an extra layer during the cold winter months.

Some of the dogs that come to mind are Great Danes and Mastiffs. These dogs, while large, have thin fur and will need protection against the cold weather (it is currently 6 degrees here).

Some of the items that we have at Poochieheaven that will fit dogs of this size are:

Black Cozy Fleece Dog Coat- Available in many sizes and goes up to size 30 in back length.
Winter Dog Parka- Available in many sizes and large enough to fit a Great Dane. Waterproof too!
Cloudburst Dog Jacket- Eco Friendly and will keep your pup warm!

These are just a few examples of large dog clothing. If you need more great dane dog clothes or clothing for mastiffs, visit Poochieheaven!