THE 2010 PUPPY CALENDARS ARE HERE

September 25, 2009

The 2010 Puppy Calendars, featuring Sweet Samurai's 2009 litter, have arrived! As you can see in the ad below, the calendar contains high-quality, original photos of the puppies from ages 4 weeks - 12 weeks.

The wall calendars are a standard 11"x17" size when opened and are printed on top-quality, heavy weight, gloss stock paper with a sturdy coil bounding.

The cost is $21.99, and a portion of the money from each calendar sold goes to support the Japanese Spitz Rescue. Credit cards are accepted via Paypal.

If you are interested in purchasing a calendar, e-mail your order to SweetSamuraiKennels@gmail.com and be sure to list your preferred method of payment. We only ordered a limited number, so get one now while supplies last!!!

Thunderstruck

September 23, 2009

Many dogs have a fear of thunderstorms (something my neck of the woods has had an abundance of lately). This fear can be mild or sometimes so severe it is crippling. Every season, many dogs end up in shelters and vet clinics after having escaped or injured themselves during a thunderstorm. The good news is, there are things you can do to help your dog relieve the stress he feels during these frightening events.

The first thing you must realize is that your dog's fears are not irrational. They are valid and must be treated as such. NEVER scold your dog for exhibiting the fear he feels. Do not try to force him to "deal" with or be near what frightens him (in this case - the loud noise). This can backfire and result in a worsening of the fear. Additionally, it is important to note that merely trying to prevent your dog from escaping or destroying things will not properly address the problem. Attending to the symptoms of the anxiety, rather than the anxiety itself can result in your dog increasing the intensity of it’s response or he may find another way to show his fears, such as digging, climbing, jumping, chewing, barking, howling, etc.

Create a safe and predictable environment for your dog. More-than-likely, he already has a place of comfort he likes to go to in order to feel safe during storms. Don't deny him this. However, don't confine him to this area, as this could cause more problems - especially for dogs who need to be "active" to deal with their anxiety. Let your dog come and go as he pleases.

While in the "safe" place, give your dog things that typically make him happy - such as a favorite, high-value food or favorite treats or bones. This can serve as a distraction initially, and eventually, your dog will begin to associate thunder storms with good things.

Dog-appeasing pheromones, which are similar to the pheromones released by nursing mother dogs can also reduce a dog's anxiety during thunderstorms. DogFancy recommends some common ones by Comfort Zone, manufactured by Farnam, and D.A.P., from CEVA Animal Health.

Unfortunately, some dogs are so deathly afraid of thunderstorms that they need meds to be able to cope. If your dog is one of these, consult your veterinarian so that he may prescribe some anti-anxiety drugs.

TEACHING BASIC COMMANDS – ENTRY #9 ("SHAKE")

September 19, 2009

Until this point, we have only discussed basic commands associated with teaching your dog manners. Sometimes, though, it's fun to teach commands known as tricks. Teaching your dog to shake hands is one of the most common tricks you can teach, though it can be difficult for the little guy to learn. In order to teach this one, you'll have to break it down into simple steps.

• Get your dog to lift his paw off of the floor - mark the behavior with a treat.
• Have your dog touch your hand with his paw - mark the behavior with a treat.
• Have your dog lift his paw even higher to touch your hand - mark the behavior with a treat.
• Add the verbal cue, "SHAKE".

If you take this one slowly and stay patient, your dog will be shaking hands on command in no time at all!

Preparing Your Dog For Autumn Changes

September 16, 2009

As we savor the last days of summer, we also plan for fall's changes. We take the kids shopping for back-to-school clothes and supplies. We mentaly prepare ourselves for getting back to the grind at work. But we also need to prepare our dogs.

Because come Autumn, your dog's life often changes, too. The kids go back to school and aren't around for extended playtime. Young adults leave for college and can't interact with her at all. Older adults may be preoccupied with missing the kids or getting back to work themselves. The result can be a lonely dog who barks, forgets her housetraining, becomes destructive, or simply acts depressed.

A little planning beforehand can forestall such trauma. Here's how:

• Change caregivers. If your dog's main caregiver is a family member who soon won't be around to do that, start making the switch to an adult or sibling who will remain behind. Begin by having the primary caregiver take your dog for two walks a day, with teh new caregiver doing the rest. By the time the primary caregiver departs, the new caregiver should already have taken over.
• Maintain routines. Although your dog's caregiver may change, her routine shouldn't. She should eat, walk, and play at the same times with her new caregiver.
• Keep active. Trainers often say that a tired dog is a good dog - for good reason. A dog who has gotten some vigorous exercise is too pooped to get into trouble. Give your dog at least 20 minutes of aerobic activity daily, but don't do such activity in the middle of a hot day.
• Monitor carefully. If your dog quits eating or acts lethargic as you make these adjustments, don't assume she's unhappy with what's going on. She could be physically ill. Take her to the veterinarian if such behavior continues for more than a day or two.

*Courtesy of DogFancy (Oct.2009 issue) / Written by Susan McCullough

A Weather Forecast . . . For Your Dog?

September 12, 2009

I recently read about this neat website hosted by The Weather Channel that lets you check tells you the most optimal time to walk your dog, based upon the forecast for that day, your pet's age and coat type. It also tells you the mosquito activity levels in your area, tells you the number of calories you will burn while walking your little buddy, and offers a map that tracks the local flea activity. Check it out at www.weather.com/pet

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Disaster Plan

September 9, 2009

So, here we go. Another hurricane season is upon us. Every hurricane season, I'm reminded of the disasterous Katrina, which unfortunately resulted in the death and displacement of many abandoned pets.

There are many kinds of disasters that can strike. Some personal tragedies / disasters require that you leave your home suddenly, resulting in the need for a pet sitter. Other disasters may require you to evacuate your home entirely. Hopefully, in instances like this, you will be able to take your animals with you. The sad truth is that you may not always be in a position to do this. In the event that a tragedy occurrs, it is best to take the Boy Scout moto and BE PREPARED. Make plans now to avoid being disorganized when the pressure is on. The advice in this blog entry will help you do just that.

DISASTER SUPPLY & CHECK LIST

Make a "Disaster Supply Corner." Dedicate a corner of your home, basement, garage, or attic, for these emergency supplies.

- Crates, cages, or containers, for evacuating every pet in your household
- Bedding for crates
- Vehicle with room for all crates, food, water, and personal gear. Responsible pet owners will always own one vehicle that is large enough for evacuating pets.
- Collapsible pen or temporary fencing
- Cat litter box and extra litter (for cat owners)
- Leashes and collars (with ownership and rabies tags) for every pet
- Toys and treats
- Water for drinking, 2 gallons for each person and pet
- Pet food (sealed for storage) in plastic bins, enough for two weeks
- Bleach (plain household) to treat drinking water (12 drops per gallon)
- Dropper to measure bleach into water
- Instructions for pet care and feeding
- Pet medications
- Veterinary records
- Photos of all pets showing identifying marks loaded to CD and printed, and vaccination forms
- List of pet-friendly lodging options and phone numbers
- First aid kit
- Flashlight and extra batteries

PET SURVIVAL PLAN

Make an Indoor/Outdoor Pet Shelter in Your Home. Turn your home into an indoor/outdoor pet shelter so that they can survive without you for at least 2 weeks.

Advance Preparations
- Microchip your pets, so they may be identified if you are separated from them.
- Make photographs of your pets for identification, including views of important identifying markings, and keep these with your important papers.
- Ask your pet sitter or a neighbor to call you immediately wherever you are, if a disaster threatens or occurs, any time of day or night.
- If you receive such a call while you are away, call your Reciprocal Foster to make pet care plans.

Before Leaving the Pets
- Remove one entrance door from its hinges (store it on the floor in a distant room) to allow at-will, safe, and permanent access to the outdoors. The door should not be exposed to prevailing winds. Yes, there are risks involved with leaving your home open. If you can, take your pets with you instead.
- Open all windows to allow air circulation in hot climates.
- Post a large sign inside a window that reads: PLEASE RESCUE OUR PETS, if you are uncertain about whether you can return within 2 weeks.
- Post a list TO RESCUERS near the inside entrance that includes: Your contact information; Your reciprocal foster contact information; All pets by name and type, and any medical needs; state that you will make attempts to find and claim your pets.
- Fill all bathtubs and sinks with clean water. Fill buckets with clean water. Fill big plastic tote bins with clean water. Distribute clean water throughout the house. In hot weather, dehydration can kill in 2 to 3 days, especially young, ill, or elderly pets!
- Treat the drinking water so that the standing water doesn't develop bacterial infestations: 16 drops of plain household chlorine bleach per gallon of water.
- Distribute all of your emergency pet food in pans, buckets, and bowls, at least a month's supply.
- Distribute pet toys and favorite beds or blankets.
- Clean all cat litter boxes and fill with litter.
- Turn furniture over that you don't want pets climbing on (list these).
- Unplug all outlets throughout the house.
- Turn off gas or heating oil connections.
- Turn off water mains to the house.

Return within 2 weeks without fail.

Your pets are your responsibility; pray that they will be alive and waiting for you.

Reality Check: This is not the time to worry about poop and pee. If your pets survive the disaster and the aftermath, be grateful.

For more resources on the topic of rescue of animals in emergencies, including preparedness information, check out this page: Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS

*The information provided above is courtesy of SunbearSquad.Org.

** Picture courtesy of National Geographic - Dogs awaiting rescue in Mississippi after Katrina

A Tribute on this blackest of Tuesdays

September 1, 2009

My best buddy, my black lab, BlackJacks, just passed away. Via con Dios, little buddy. You've been a constant in my life for 15 years now. I miss you so much already.

“He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds, my other ears that hear above the winds. He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being; by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along care for me.) When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive me. When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags. Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful. He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant. His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me…whenever…wherever - in case I need him. And, I expect I will -- as I always have. He is just my dog.” - Gene Hill