Dog Running: Fitness for Fido while you're at work

According to a story published at the Star Tribune Dog Running seems to be the next big thing in pet care. Instead of hiring a Dog Walker, busy "pawrents" can now employ the services of a Dog Runner.

Companies like NYC Dog Running Company and Running Paws Dog Fitness, offer 30 and/or 45 minute dog runs.

Having your dog enjoy a run during the day while you are at work is a great workout mentally as well as physically. High energy breeds would definitely benefit from a Dog Running service. If you pooch is prone to separation anxiety or destructive behaviour, this might be a service to look into to refocus that energy.

Always, ALWAYS check with your vet to ensure your pooch is up to the challenge of running. And keep in mind the weather, in both hot and cold temperatures. Extreme hot or colde pavement is hard on doggie paws, and we always want to stay hydrated!
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Eaten Alive!

LOVE OFF LEASH PARKS! HATE MOSQUITOES!! So what’s a dog to do? Grin and bear it, and hope my human gets me some dog friendly bug spray! Hitting the local off leash parks with my partners in crime, Denali, Faith and Starr we often go in the evening when the little critters are most deadly!

When enjoying the outdoors this summer, whether hiking, camping or just out for your evening walk the don’t use DEET on pets, as it can be dangerous if they ingest it. Check out these links or talk to your vet about the bug repellents they recommend.

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http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/products/Only-Natural-Pet-Herbal-Defense-Spray/999034.aspx"target="_blank">

Health officials recommend to protect your pets the same as you would protect yourself: remain indoors during the periods around dusk and dawn when the mosquitoes are most active, keep windows screened and eliminate mosquito-supporting habitat around your home.

Sources: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, State of Michigan, American Academy of Pediatrics
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Michael Vick is a bad man!

Grrrrrrr....investigators have no doubt now that dog fighting was very prevalent on Michael Vick's property. They were back on his property yesterday gathering more evidence. In the initial raid in April, 55 pit bulls were seized. They have also found the graves of at least 7 dead pit bulls. An informant has earlier claimed that there could be up to 30 dogs buried on the property.

No charges have been filed yet, but I hope all people involved get the proper punishment for this deplorable situation!

Vick still claims he was hardly on the property and didn't know what was going on... the Feds allege this has been going on since 2002!! Something definitely stinks in this situation.

So what's to happen to the dogs seized? I hope they can get the rehabilitation needed and be re-homed.

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Chewing up Coach Purses is bad!

So today's lesson is never leave valuables on top of the dog crate unless you're prepared to lose them to a crafty idle dog.

See evidence 1a: Coach Purse.

Being left in the crate a bit longer than I particularly wanted..."some puppy" got a bit bored and started pulling at the blanket that covers the crate and discovered the purse strap...which led to the purse...which squeezed through the crate and became a wonderful chew toy!

Needless to say, my human wasn't very happy about it. But that will teach her to leave me home alone so long!

Spotlight Sport: Disc Dog

It's been around since the 1970's, born out of the recreational game of Frisbee, the sport of Disc Dog is continually growing in popularity and evolving in creativity!

There are two basic categories to compete in: Toss and Fetch and Freestyle.

In Toss and Fetch the object is simple. Your dog earns points for distance of which he catches the disc. You have an allotted time (usually 60 seconds) to toss out as many discs as you can, and have your dog catch them all. Many earn extra points if the dog catches the disc completely airborne.

Freestyle is the crowd pleaser! Single handler or Pairs, you choreograph a routine that includes tricks, jumps and of course catching that disc! Anywhere from 60 seconds to 3 minutes you have to wow the judges with your creativity and skill.

If you want a great sport to bond with your pup, or think you have what it takes to be a champion Disc Dog, check out these organizations for local clubs and events. You can also check out your local training centres as many offer classes and seminars for Disc Dog.
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Sky Houndz
International Disc Dog Handler's Association
Flying Disc Dog Open
UFO World Cup
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Christina Ricci's cute pooch

Here she is at LAX being picked up by her boyfriend Adam Goldberg and a cute Min Pin! Is it his/hers/theirs?? Can't wait to see more of them!
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*UPDATE* The cutie's name is Sheriff Steve Goldberg! Thanks to Celebrity Dog Watcher for always being in the know!

POP DOG of the Week!

New feature!! Check out the side bar for the new POP DOG of the Week!! Every week I'll feature a new pup! If YOU are interested in being featured, just send me an email and answer the following questions:

Name
Breed
Age
Favourite Food
Favourite Activity
Fun Fact

Don't forget to include a cute picture of yourself too!

Then just keep checking back each week to see who the new POP DOG of the Week is!

It's raining cats and what?

Who came up with that phrase? According to some mythology, cats were said to have an influence on weather, there are the tales of rains of frogs, fish and such, that are probably due to whirlwind or tornados. But why cats and dogs??

Needless to say, I'm not a fan of rain...here I am, trying to make the best of it, in my cool Old Navy rain coat.

UK Police dogs honoured for bravery

Police dogs who searched for explosives after the July 7, 2005 London transit bombings were awarded medals for bravery on Tuesday. These pawesome pups were chosen by various UK police forces to aid in sniffing out the bombs after the attacks. Just like the men and women who serve in police and armed services, dogs also put their lives on the line in service to their handlers and are a vital part of any team.

Congrats to Vinnie, a labrador with the British Transport Police, Billy, a Labrador with the City of London Police, and Hubble Keck, a spaniel with the Metropolitan Police (pictured here).

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Happy 4th of July!

To all my American pooch pals, Happy 4th of July!!

To celebrate, get yourself a funky celebratory collar like the one featured on this cute Westie!

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