Dogs weblog

Here is a little tip for helping your dog to feel safe when you leave him alone at home.

Give him a special, peaceful spot to occupy while you are gone. Some examples are a dog bed, a crate, or a blanket in a quiet corner. You could also designate a chair or a part of the couch for the “safe
spot”.

But only if you train the dog to leave the spot and let you sit there when you are around. You don’t want your dog to think of the chair or sofa as “his”.

It will become a routine for your dog to go to his safe spot and wait there for you to come home. If you use a chair or couch, the dog will soon learn that he is only allowed to be there when you are gone, and he will feel safe there.

In the UK, it is a lot more common to have pet health insurance than here in the United States. But more people are starting to consider pet insurance here too.

According to the San Diego Daily Transcript,a growing portion of household pet budgets is being allocated to medical products and services. Spending for veterinary care this year will reach $8.6 billion.

“As people experience their own age- related ailments, they are naturally more attentive to the needs of their pets and are seeking out health care and nutrition that slows down the effects of aging for both them and their pets,” said Darlene Frudakis, president PetAg, a pet product manufacturer.

The Veterinary Medical Association says that by age 2 most pets have reached adulthood. At 5 they are considered middle- aged and at 7 they have started their senior years.

Like their owners, many pets gain weigh in their older years. PetAg says 25 percent of pets in the United States are overweight, causing some familiar conditions.

“Adverse effects in older, overweight pets include an increased risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and decreased immune competence. Metabolism in dogs drops by up to 30 percent, which contributes to weight problems,” according to a report from the company.

More and more owners are realizing the value of pet health insurance. Policy premiums can range from $100 to $1,000 a year.

The Dog Whisperer (starring Caesar Milan) is one of my favorite shows. It is on the National Geographic Channel on Fridays.

Recently, they have started showing the newest shows on Monday, but the reruns are still on Friday. My dog likes the show too. She sits on the couch at attention through the whole thing.

I have had only limited success in implementing the Dog Whisperer’s techniques though. That’s why I was really interested to read Emily Yoffe’s experiences with Ceasar Millan’s techniques.

It is really a funny article. She has not watched the Dog Whisperer before but is having troubles with her dog’s behavior. Her friends recommend watching the show, so she does.