Mutts That Mind

05/26/2024

See this picture? It's an Australian Shepherd HERDING the sheep. See the nip? The push with her teeth/muzzle? She's HERDING, not biting! Some Aussies, especially young ones, may do this to their human - and be tossed out of the house for "biting my kid". The Aussie was herding your kid, slowing the kid down from running thru the house, turning the kid toward a different direction, etc...
So many Aussie end up in shelters because humans misunderstood the breed and, instead of teaching the dog appropriate herding behavior, their natural instinct, they toss the dog out of the house.
Make sure you understand what a bite is and isn't. 9 out of 10 times it was inappropriate herding and easily changed.

05/02/2024

Learning to improve my knowledge and serve furry friends better! This book is recommended for all dog owners. Dog language and calming signs are essential to learn.

04/07/2024

03/03/2024

Do you have trouble cutting your dogs nails? Try this….

02/23/2024

11/14/2023

Brad was lucky enough to be picked as Santa’s Helper this year! We had a really good time at Old Dominion Humane Society and taking pictures with the dogs and kids!! I’m so happy my husband supports the things I love…he’s the best!

09/30/2023

I see these posts all the time. It breaks my heart! This is why training your pup is SO IMPORTANT!!!

08/25/2023

Which dog is stressed in the photo? Tell me what you see, and why you think that dog is more stressed!

Looking forward to reading your responses…

08/24/2023

For those who get animals then can't keep them, the excuses made. I hope you read every word. Maybe you will think twice before getting a innocent pet.

“My family brought me home, all cradled in their arms. They cuddled me and smiled at me and said I was full of charm. They played with me and laughed with me and showered me with toys. I sure did love my family, especially the little girls and boys.”

“The children loved to feed me; they gave me special treats. They even let me sleep with them – all snuggled in the sheets. I used to go for walks, often several times a day. They even fought to hold the leash, I’m very proud to say.”

“These are the things I’ll not forget – a cherished memory. Now that I’m in the shelter – without my family. They used to laugh and praise me when I played with that old shoe. But I didn’t know the difference between the old one and the new.”

“The kids and I would grab a rag, for hours we would tug. So I thought I did the right thing when I chewed the bedroom rug. They said that I was out of control, and would have to live outside. This I didn’t understand, although I tried and tried.”

“The walks stopped, one by one, they said they hadn’t time. I wish that I could change things; I wish I knew my crime. My life became so lonely in the backyard, on a chain. I barked and barked all day long to keep from going insane.”

“So they brought me to the shelter but were embarrassed to say why. They said I caused an allergy, and then they each kissed me goodbye. If I’d only had some training when I was a little pup, I wouldn’t have been so hard to handle when I was all grown up.”

“‘You only have one day left, I heard the worker say. Does that mean I have a second chance? Do I go home today?”

-Anonymous

PICTURE REMOVED….but this dog didn’t make it….

08/01/2023

Remember this when walking your pups this summer!!

08/01/2023

It’s getting HOT OUTSIDE!!! Help cool your furbaby down!!

06/17/2023

Murphy had mastered placing. He now understands when I hear the word place, I stay until dad says break!

06/17/2023

This is Murphy. First time placing. Next post will be after Murphy has gotten “place” Place means to stay until I tell you to break. So you can carry on a conversation, eat, or in this case get ready for the frisbee!

06/05/2023

06/05/2023

Bruno and Rachael have really learned one another and connected. He picks up on her lead.

06/05/2023

Bruno has been working hard! He has placing down!!!

06/05/2023

Always tie your dog in the car. You can buy harnesses that buckle into the seatbelt or just have a rope lead (harness) and tie that to a headrest.

This dog was found and returned to this owner. She got lucky!!

Just wanted to share as a reminder!

11/25/2022

Peaches has a favorite pastime! Living on a farm is sooooo fun! However, she is learning that chasing the chickens, while may be fun, is not something we do!! She’s doing really well!

07/18/2022

This is a great link to check and see if the water is safe close to your house, a place your planning to visit her in Virginia and just to provide awareness for your safety!

The map is updated regularly during the months of May – October. The HAB Task Force responds to complaints regarding blooms. The map does not reflect all possible blooms in the state, only those reported and under investigation. The HAB Task Force does not have the resources to provide response su...

07/17/2022

Here are some statistics I looked up to share with everyone. When everyone is traveling this summer on vacation please get a buckle harness for you dog. It can save your, your kids and your dogs lives!!!

07/08/2022

Tatiana is at Hollywood Studios with her service dog! She’s protecting her dogs feet PERFECTLY for this 94 degree day! The asphalt is at least 150 degrees when it’s over 90 degrees outside temp!! WAY TO GO!!!!!

06/29/2022

Fourth of July Safety Tips

For many people, nothing beats lounging in the backyard on the Fourth of July with good friends and family—including furry friends. While it may seem like a great idea to reward your pet with scraps from the grill and bring him along to watch fireworks, in reality some festive foods and activities can be potentially hazardous to him. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center offers the following tips:

Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended where pets can reach them. Alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison pets. If ingested, the animal could become very intoxicated and weak, severely depressed or could go into a coma. Death from respiratory failure is also a possibility in severe cases.

Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems.

Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of your pets’ reach. Certain types of matches contain chlorates, which could potentially damage blood cells and result in difficulty breathing—or even kidney disease in severe cases. Lighter fluid can be irritating to skin, and if ingested can produce gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system depression. If lighter fluid is inhaled, aspiration pneumonia and breathing problems could develop.

Keep your pets on their normal diet. Any change, even for one meal, can give your pet severe indigestion and diarrhea. This is particularly true for older animals who have more delicate digestive systems and nutritional requirements. And keep in mind that foods such as onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes, raisins, salt and yeast dough can all be potentially toxic to companion animals. Please visit our People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets page for more information.

Do not put glow jewelry on your pets, or allow them to play with it. While the luminescent substance contained in these products is not highly toxic, excessive drooling and gastrointestinal irritation could still result from ingestions, and intestinal blockage could occur from swallowing large pieces of the plastic containers.

Keep citronella candles, insect coils and tiki torch oil products out of reach. Ingestion can produce stomach irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression. If inhaled, the oils could cause aspiration pneumonia in pets.

Never use fireworks around pets! While exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns and/or trauma to the face and paws of curious pets, even unused fireworks can pose a danger. Many types contain potentially toxic substances, including potassium nitrate, arsenic and other heavy metals.

Loud, crowded fireworks displays are no fun for pets, who can become frightened or disoriented by the sound. Please resist the urge to take them to Independence Day festivities, and opt instead to keep them safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area at home.

05/04/2022

Did you know they made car seats for puppies and little/medium dogs? They’re a super safe way to travel with your pet to keep them safe!!!

Remember to restrain your pets when you travel…it could save their life!!! It could save your life if they got under your foot pedal while driving!!