Walkin Wheels Inventor Presents at Auburn

Posted on January 21, 2011 by admin

Mark C. Robinson, President of HandicappedPets.com and inventor of the Walkin? Wheels for Handicapped Pets, recently visited with faculty, staff, and students at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine.  Mr. Robinson was honored to present and discuss the revolutionary features of the Walkin? Wheels design -  the pet industry?s first dog wheelchair that can be easily adjusted in length, width and height to accommodate different size dogs.

HandicappedPets.com provides all of the products, services and support that pet caretakers need to help their disabled, injured or elderly pets enjoy healthy, happy, active lives. The company’s signature product is the Walkin’ Wheels dog wheelchair – the industry’s only fully adjustable dog wheelchair that can be ordered online and is available for next-day delivery. The veterinarian-approved Walkin’ Wheels is comfortable and stylish, and it folds flat for convenient travel with your canine companion.  The Walkin’ Wheels for Handicapped Pets is also the ideal dog wheelchair for canine rehabilitative use because of its adjustability, which accommodates any size dog and any level of mobility from complete rear end paralysis to partial rear leg use.

Additional information is available online at www.HandicappedPets.com or call (888) 811-PETS (7387)

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Battle of the Celeb Dog Trainers

Posted on January 21, 2011 by admin

Is there really such a thing as an “alpha dog?”  Maybe not, according to Time Magazine, which could be bad news for celebrity dog trainer Cesar Millan (see our interview with Cesar Millan on the front page video playlist). 

“…many experts say Millan’s philosophy is based on now-debunked animal studies and that some of his techniques ? most famously the alpha roll, in which he pins a dog on its back and holds it by the throat ? are downright cruel.”

One of Millan’s outspoken critics is star of rival show It’s Me or the Dog, Victoria Stilwell.  Rather than preaching training by dominance, she employs a method she calls training by positive reinforcement.  She claims that yelling, hitting, or “alpha-rolling” your dog can actually make your dog more aggressive, not less. 

Bonnie Beaver, former president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), also feels that many of Millan’s techniques are inappropriate and goes on to state that the fear created by the dominance method can be physically harmful as well.

“‘Fear increases cortisol,’ says AVMA’s Beaver, a professor at Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine. ‘Long-term fear increases it significantly and can lead to long-term health problems associated with stress.’”

What do you think is the best way to train a dog? 

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TLCs Super Pooches Debuts

Posted on January 21, 2011 by admin

TLC’s Super Pooches reveals what it takes to raise and train show dogs and takes an in-depth look at their dedicated and obsessive handlers. Cameras follow four handler teams as they pull out all the stops to ensure their dog ends up on top. Some of these top handlers show dogs at a whopping 180 different shows a year, and tend to be on the road constantly. Keeping their dogs happy, healthy and perfectly groomed is their number one priority. Super Pooches captures all the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the business and the entertaining life on the road that each handler leads. While each of the teams intersect at the competitions, the pressure is on and drama ensues backstage as each of the handlers fight for the coveted prize.

The show premieres Wednesday, July 21 at 8 p.m.  Check the TLC schedule for repeat showings.

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Really Old Dogs

Posted on January 21, 2011 by admin

You’ve heard of the movie Old Dogs?  Well, researchers in Switzerland have found what could be really old dogs: a dog’s skull and other bones that are over 14,000 years old.  The fossils were first discovered in 1873 in the Kesslerloch Cave, but researchers recently re-examined the findings and determined that they had evidence of the oldest known example of a domesticated dog. 

“The Kesslerloch dog jaw and its remaining teeth are considerably smaller than those of wolves recovered from the same site, the scientists say. A space between two of the fossil dog’s teeth indicates that domestication must have reached an advanced phase at that time, they argue. During initial stages of domestication, jaws shrink in size faster than teeth…”

And while some researchers claim to have dog fossils that are over 30,000 years old, other scientists claim that those “dogs” are actually wolves.

Still, it turns out that man’s best friend is also his oldest friend.  No wonder they seem so comfortable sleeping on our couches!

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10 Most Popular Boy Dog Names

Posted on January 21, 2011 by admin

Are you looking for some dog name ideas?  Whether you’re looking to be ultra-original or part of the popular crowd, you can get an idea of your fave name with our 10 Most Popular Boy Dog Names from Gomestic.com (don’t worry, girl dogs; we’ll get to you next!).

10.  Buster

While Buster might conjure up images of a cute, cuddly pup, one of the World’s Ugliest dogs of 2007 was named Buster.  This teacup chihuahua had a face only a pet parent could love!

9. Cody

In late 2009, a dog named Cody made headlines while “working” at a BP gas station in Clearwater, Florida as a clerk (before he was forced into early retirement).

8. Toby

Jason Rust’s adorable Golden Retriever Toby is lovingly documented in a photo essay.

7. Jack

Jack the Dog is the trustworthy mascot of Wells Fargo.

6. Charlie

Charlie Dog was a Looney Tunes pooch who was always on the lookout for a new master.

5. Rocky

Looking for a new friend on Facebook?  Rocky is ready with an open heart!

4. Bailey

Play dead!  Watch Bailey do his “Stupid Pet Trick” on Letterman.

3. Jake

Jake teaches kids about the ballet and symphony in two colorful children’s books.

2. Buddy

Buddy is a real-life Lassie, leading police to his family’s burning home in Alaska, saving their lives.

1. Max

Once again, Max has topped the list of dog names!  Meet a German Shepard named Max who has his own blog.  That’s some dog!

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Dogs Help Kids Learn to Read

Posted on January 21, 2011 by admin

We’ve all heard tales of therapy dogs that help seniors, the disabled, and the ill.  But now therapy dogs are being used to teach kids to learn how to read.

In East Lansing, Michigan, new readers, like five-year-old Elizabeth Batchelor, read to therapy dogs instead of people. 

“‘It’s a chance for reluctant readers, who might not normally read to people, to read books aloud with the unconditional love of a dog,’ [program director Lezlee] Worthington said.”

The program takes place at the public library with the aid of privately owned therapy dogs.

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Poop Power

Posted on January 20, 2011 by admin

Dog poop might be yucky, but now it’s helping the environment!  The Park Spark Project, installed in Cambridge Massachusetts, takes dog waste and turns it into energy. 

Instead of throwing away the poo, dog owners can put it into a methane digester, which is currently powering a street lantern. 

“After the dogs do their business, signs on the tanks instruct owners to use biodegradable bags supplied on site to pick up the poop and deposit it into the left tank. People then turn a wheel to stir its insides, which contain waste and water. Microbes in the waste give off methane, an odorless gas that is fed through the tanks to the lamp and burned off. The park is small but has proven busy enough to ensure a steady supply of fuel.”

The Park Spark Project is the brain child of artist Matthew Mazzotta, who hopes it will bring attention to the way we dispose of waste and generate electricity, gas, and other source of energy.

“Mazzotta had recently traveled to India and saw people there using poop in so-called ‘methane digesters’ to cook food. As he watched the park’s trash can fill with bags of poop, he remarked to his friend, ‘In other countries, they use that.’

Perhaps the U.S., with more dogs than any other country, can use “that” too!

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25 Foods that Make Dogs Ill

Posted on January 20, 2011 by admin

More and more animal lovers are switching from store-bought foods to homemade meals.  But not all human foods are good for dogs.  In fact, many human foods can make your dog sick.  Some are even fatal.  Here is a list of 25 human foods that are toxic to dogs.

1.  Onions: Large quantities of onions can cause anemia and heart failure.  Garlic also is toxic but to a lesser degree.

2.  Chocolate:  Chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, coma, and death.

3.  Grapes & Raisins:  These sweet treats can cause kidney failure.

4.  Fruit Pits & Seeds: Humans shouldn’t eat these, and neither should our furry friends.  They can cause cyanide poisoning.

5.  Macadamia Nuts:  These nuts can cause frightening symptoms (such as vomiting and tremors) that can lead to shock.

6.  Bones:  Bones can cause choking and injury to the esophagus.  Better to give your pup chews instead.

7.  Potato Peelings: Make sure to throw these away.  They can disrupt your pet’s digestive, urinary, and nervous systems.

8.  Rhubarb Leaves:  Rhubarb leaves are toxic to humans and pets.  Make sure to throw these away where your dog cannot reach them.

9.  Green Parts of Tomatoes & Potatoes:  These, too, can disrupt your dog’s digestive, urinary, and nervous systems.

10.  Broccoli:  In large quantities, broccoli can cause severe gastro-intestinal distress.

Read the rest of the list at Animal Pets and Friends.

Remember, always check before feeding our canine buddies new foods.  We want our pooches around for years to come!

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Viagra for Dogs

Posted on January 20, 2011 by admin

No, it’s not for the reason you’re thinking.  Viagra is useful in treating heart conditions because it opens constricted arteries.  And for one pooch, Viagra is vital in keeping her alive after years of abuse in a fighting ring.

“‘[Ingrid is] the first, and the only, dog that I’ve ever known that needs Viagra,’” said Jodi Record, a spokeswoman for the Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center. “‘If she didn’t have it, she’d most likely go back into heart failure.’”

Potential forever parents of Ingrid will be given a lifetime of Viagra for her care.

Does your dog require unorthodox medical treatments?  Share your story here!

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Dogs a Distraction When Driving

Posted on January 20, 2011 by admin

Everyone knows that talking on a cell phone and texting while driving is dangerous.  But did you know that a rambunctious canine can also be a danger in the car?

AAA and Kurgo recently released a study showing that 31% of drivers admit to being distracted by their pooches while driving.  And distraction can lead to accidents.  If your dog is unrestrained, he or she can actually cause injuries to passengers during a car crash.  According to a AAA representative:

?An unrestrained 10-pound dog in a crash at 50 mph will exert roughly 500 pounds of pressure, while an unrestrained 80-pound dog in a crash at only 30 mph will exert 2,400 pounds of pressure. Imagine the devastation that can cause to your pet and to anyone in its path.?

So, when you drive, make sure your beloved pet is always buckled in for his safety… and yours.

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