Dogs 'mimic movements of owners'

Dogs "automatically imitate" the body movements of their owners, according to a study.

This automatic imitation is a crucial part of social learning in humans. But Austrian researchers report that the phenomenon - where the sight of another's body movement causes the observer to move in the same way - is evident in many other animals. They say that it reveals clues about how this type of learning evolved.

The study, which was led by Dr Friederike Range from the University of Vienna in Austria, also suggests that the way in which people interact with and play with their dogs as they are growing up shapes their ability to imitate. "It's not a spontaneous thing," said Dr Range. "The dogs needed a lot of training to learn it." She and her colleagues investigated this imitation with a series of trials using a simple door-opening test. The team built a box with a sliding door on the front that could be opened with a knob. The owners demonstrated how to open the door by using either their hand or their mouth. "When the owners used the hand, the dog had to open the door with its paw to get a reward," Dr Range said. When the owner opened the door with their mouth, the dog had to use the same technique.

Dr Range explained to BBC News: "A second group of dogs had to learn the alternative method - if the owner used their hand, they had to use their mouth, and when the owner used their mouth, they had to use the paw."

'Mirror neurons'

The study suggests that the capacity to imitate is forged as a dog learns.The dogs that had to imitate the same action as their owner learned their task far more quickly. This showed that the dogs had a predisposition to imitate their owners' hand/paw and mouth/muzzle movements. She noted that, because dogs have a very different body shapes to people, they also had to interpret what they saw.

"This type of learning has obvious evolutionary advantages for animals," Dr Range said. "They can learn about certain aspects of life without having to learn by trial and error, which always comes with some risk."

The new evidence supports a theory of learning which suggests that a system of "mirror neurons" and the capacity to imitate are forged as an animal learns and develops, rather than this system being inborn.

By Victoria Gill

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Train Your Dog like a Hollywood Star Pet

When you were watching that film last night, you'll have seen a stumpy Tail Cattle Dog or an achtelhund or a tiny Siberian Husky. The question that you thought about is - 'Is my Pumi ready to be in the movies? ' Ok, your veterinarian tells you that your pooch is just the best dog they have ever seen. This dog even can tell how and when to rob for camera shots, a regular scene steeler with a personality that would have given Lassie a good run for her cash.

Ok, but you have got to think about this. If you want your dog to become the next star canine in a real Hollywood flick, your pooch can't just like cameras. Your dog will need to be well trained and know, not just the basics, but 1 or 2 great tricks for the auditions.

The majority of the scenes you see dogs doing on the big-screen look so neat because Hollywood has a way of putting the dog's tricks in the best light and making the shots work. They combine them as a collection of tricks into a final production that works for a particular scene very well.

It's the basics that are going to affect the casting director. There are lots of enterprises that offer the schooling important to teach your puppy the skills that are required by canine actors.

Almost all of what dogs do in the movies are straightforward tricks. The majority of the common or garden tricks the dogs must do on cue are bow, wave, crawl, hide your eyes, find it, play dead, speak on cue, sneeze, back up, roll over, touch the target, turn out the light and whine.

Having your dog learn all of the abilities could be the easy part of training for the movies. The hard one for lots of dogs to adapt themselves to is working with strangers all around and a large amount of diversions. Also, mostly, your dog will have to obey the set's dog coach, not you. These are some real Problems for some dogs and their owners.

If you can teach your dog all of the tricks, but also the Hollywood basics of working with strangers on TV sets without losing their cool, you might just have a dog like Sure Grip's Rattler, the american Bulldog that played the task of Chance in Homeward Bound : The Incredible Journey.

Alright, so your baby dog is willing and able to go to the movies. What do you do now? The thing that may make your dog stand out is to form a compelling portfolio for your dog. All of the latest photographs, his list of abilities and tricks, coaching and with a little luck some great videos of your dog doing some of his best tricks.

Plenty of the training colleges for TV dogs will show exactly how to get your dog into the industry. Don't forget there is a lot of ad work and commercial work for your expectant mongrel to shoot for also.

Now for the last detail. Your dog loves you a lot ( hopefully, the feeling is mutual ). If your dog does not enjoy acting and doesn't want to be a Hollywood star, your dog will tell you about it. Listen to your pal and keep things fun for her.

By Charles White

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How to handle pets in parks continues to dog city commission

Mayor Kenneth Bradley urged city commissioners Monday to finally "let a sleeping dog lie."

But just when it seemed as though the matter of dogs in city parks had been settled, commissioners agreed to revisit it again at their Aug. 9 meeting.

The issue has been tossed around for a couple of years. An ordinance voted down 3-2 Monday night would have banned dogs from Mead Garden, Kraft Azalea Garden and Dinky Dock Park.

The city's parks and recreation commission recommended the changes, which were proposed in October. Blair Culpepper, committee chairman, said the advisory committee was trying to protect the environment in the parks.

"We just felt like there were too many dog violations," Culpepper said.

But dog lover Joseph Brock, a board member and legal adviser to Friends of Fleet Peeple's Park, praised the commission's vote. And resident Rosan Calabello said she thinks environmental concerns — notably raised by Commissioner Beth Dillaha — were overblown.

"I think her argument is very wrong in cause and effect," said Calabello, who lives across the street from Mead Garden.

The decision appeared to be final, but then Commissioner Tom McMacken suggested considering an idea by city staffers. It would prohibit animals from streets next to Central Park when they are closed as part of a special park event.

The current ordinance specifies that dogs can't be on streets, rights of way or sidewalks next to Central Park that are closed to vehicular traffic during special events.

"At what point do we give this up and talk about something else?" Bradley responded.

Not immediately, it seems. Dillaha also said she remains concerned about the damage dogs could do to wildlife.

"Maybe there is a solution that is a win-win," she said.

By Susan Jacobson

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Tips on teaching your dog to swim

Swimming may seem natural for dogs, and most love it, but even natural-born swimmers need to be trained. You and your dog can make the most of the summer heat with a few pool safety tips. The American Kennel Club Canine Partners Program offers the following advice for properly teaching Fido to swim and keeping him safe around the pool.

Building confidence in your dog around the pool is important. Not all breeds are natural swimmers, and even those tend to be afraid the first time they enter the water. Be sure to take it slowly in shallow water and praise your dog every step of the way.

Learning the dog paddle. If your dog begins to dog-paddle with his front legs only, lift his hind legs to help him float. He should quickly catch on and will then keep his back end up.


Don't overdo it. Swimming is great exercise for your dog, but don't let him overdo it. As with any workout, swim time should be increased in small increments. He will be using new muscles and may tire quickly.
Exiting the pool can cause your dog to panic. Dogs are not used to using the human stairs or ladder, and will need to be taught how to use them.

Spray your pup down quickly with the hose after he gets out of the pool. This will rinse off the chemicals from the pool water.

Take care of the ears. Dab Fido's ears with a dry towel or use a blow dryer to get rid of excess moisture. Most infections in dogs with floppy ears are caused by too much water and dampness.

Never leave your dog unsupervised while in the pool! They may need your help and be unable to bark to grab your attention.

By McClatchy

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Dog Awakens Sleeping Homeowner After House Catches Fire

A dog is credited with waking its owner up during a house fire in Francestown early Sunday morning.

Flames broke out around 2 a.m. Sunday at the home on Poor Farm Road.

Officials said one of the homeowner's dogs woke him up by barking. When the owner went downstairs to investigate, he saw the rear room of the house on fire.

The man was able to get his two dogs and one cat out of the home safely and call 911.

Firefighters fought heavy flames shooting out three windows.

There was heavy fire and smoke damage in most of the home, firefighters said.

Officials said the cause of the fire does not appear to be suspicious.

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How To Choose A Name For Your Dog

When you bring home a new puppy or well-deserving older dog, you need to give him a name as soon as possible. Dogs are smart and learn quickly as to who's who, and his own name gives him a special place of dignity in the home. Choosing a name for you pooch is an individual journey, but many dog owners prefer to select names that are meaningful to themselves.

When mulling over your collection of potential names, remember that a new puppy has a simplistic mind and can relate to a one or two syllable name much easier that a complicated title. You need not settle for Spot or Rover, but over indulgent names may take your dog longer to learn his identity and may very well embarrass you one day when the dog's name is called at the vet's office. Although your bulldog may look like a "Sir Nottingham of Ghent", he shall surely thank you for something a little more simple. Find a name that suits your dog's face and personality without going over the edge and he will learn quickly who he is. In addition, for rapid recognition, be sure to use his name whenever you call him and associate the name with only positive activities such as food and play time, never a scolding.

If you have multiple dogs, especially those of the same age, you may wish to rotate your usage of vowels and consents to avoid a sound so similar that the names are confusing. King and Bing may sound cute for your canine Bobsy Twins, but the animals may find it difficult to distinguish their own names. Each dog should have his own name of distinction with no room for error or confusion with another animal.

When choosing a name for your dog, you may wish to list all the possibilities drawn from your favorite things in life. Like classical music? Mozart and Chopin take the top of the list. Be creative and select a name that has meaning and emotion for you. This little dog is going to be your constant companion for years to come and he deserves a name worthy of his friendship.

By Joe Cline

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Dog hotel celebrates expansion with pet blessing

Marketing data shows Americans spend billions annually on their pets and much of that is pampering beyond the basics of food and veterinary care. It's why dog kenneling alternatives like the Rose Cottage Dog Hotel in Greenwood are cropping up in communities both large and small.

Saturday the canine hotel, located on 27 acres just south of Interstate 20 on U.S. Highway 79, celebrated the opening of its new 7,500-square-foot dog pavilion with a pet blessing and ribbon-cutting.

"We had a great turnout," said owner Karen Buckley.
As host of dog owners showed up with their animals for the free blessings conducted by Buckley's husband, Gil Loe, who holds a doctorate in theology and psychology. Loe offered a prayer for pets and their owners.

"Man needed a companion other than other humans, a companion that would run, fetch, cuddle and for some even purr," Loe said.

Buckley, who hails from England, said she started the business because she is an animal lover with four dogs, an exotic bird, three horses and five cats. Her well-appointed dog hotel lodgings have names like the Exmoor Lodge, Quantocks View and The Day Lily. All rooms at Rose Cottage have tile floors with a doggy door and individual fenced-in play areas.

"I wanted to provide the extras for animals while their owners were boarding them," she said. "I wanted it to be the kind of place I would want to leave my animals."

Rose Cottage has 32-rooms, air-conditioned kennels, fenced playtime pastures, even movies in the Barkinham Palace living room. There also is a tiki bar for dogs to unwind and have a drink by the pool, filtered water, and individual hotel-like rooms with accoutrements such as couches and beds, music, indirect lighting and isolation panels. If that's not enough, Rose Cottage also has massages, a dog groomer and even a taxi service where they will pick up and drop off dogs.

"We provide all these things because to most people, their dogs are family," Buckley said.

At the free event donations also were taken for local Andy Shaw who helps stray animals with his own funds. Buckley said there will be more events that will include opportunities for animal adoption programs in Shreveport-Bossier City.

"We raised about $200," Loe said.

The event also showcased the new covered pavilion which will allow dogs to play outside in wet or hot weather.

BY JANE BOKUN 

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Second arrest made in dog cruelty case

A second Buffalo resident was arrested Friday after an investigation of animal cruelty prompted when three dogs … one of which had died … were discovered Thursday tied up and in grave condition from the summer heat, SPCA officials said.

Thadeus Garner called authorities Thursday to his home at 135 Walden Ave. to put his animals up for adoption. He was arrested the same day and has been arraigned on charges of animal cruelty.

Officers returned Friday for two puppies spotted at the residence Thursday.

Melissa Smith, who also has ownership of the animals and resides at 135 Walden, was arrested Friday and faces the same charges.

"When we arrived, those two puppies were there," said Beth Shapiro, deputy director of the SPCA serving Erie County. "So, we took them into protective custody based on what happened yesterday. Grooming wise, they smelled of urine and feces, and they were very warm."

The puppies, believed to be three to four months old, are being evaluated by veterinarians, along with two of the adult dogs retrieved Thursday.

Authorities received Garner's call at about 1:30 p.m. Thursday and three officers were on the scene an hour later.

"When we arrived, the third dog was still alive and in tremendous distress," said Barbara Carr, SPCA executive director. "My staff tried to help this dog and it died in their arms."

The temperature of the third dog exceeded 110 degrees, which is the highest possible reading on a veterinarian's thermometer, after it had been in an air-conditioned van for 30 minutes. The other two dogs' temperatures were 103.5 and 103.3 degrees; one was extremely emaciated and both were dehydrated.

All of the adult dogs were between two and three years old.

A Tonawanda last week was charged with two counts of animal cruelty after her dogs were found dead in her backyard because of the heat.

Carr said harm to animals frequently occurs when dogs are left unattended and without shelter, often tied up, in the extreme heat or cold. Mostly, she said it is because of carelessness.

"People don't understand that dogs can't sweat," she said.

Smith is to be arraigned at 9 a.m. Wednesday July 21 in Buffalo City Court.

By Jackie Smith

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Dog Trapped in Hot Car Honks Horn for Help

Stories about dogs trapped in hot cars don't typically end well. Happily, this one's different.

It was 90 degrees in Pennsylvania on the day that Max the chocolate Lab was accidentally locked in his owner's car, the AP reports. 

Donna Gardner of Allentown was running errands and forgot that 11-year-old Max was with her. After she got home and unloaded her packages, she accidentally left Max closed up in the car, USA Today's Paw Print Post reports. 

An hour later, Gardner heard a horn honk. She looked outside but didn't see anything, and went back to what she was doing. Then the horn honked a second time. She peered outside again, and saw Max sitting in the driver's seat. We don't know what the dog was thinking or how he happened to sound the alarm, but we like to imagine Max laying on the horn to say "get me out of here!" 

Gardner rescued Max and immediately cooled him down with wet rags, gave him cold water, and rushed him to the vet, the AP reports. Fortunately, Max is doing fine.

This Lab is an incredibly lucky dog. Heat stroke can occur quickly on a hot summer day, and dogs can suffer problems after just a few minutes in an overheated car. Let this accident serve as a reminder to be aware of where your pets are and to never leave your dog in a car, even if it's parked in the shade. 

We're just glad this hot-dog story has a happy ending.

By Kirsten Taylor

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Dog's death on patrol a shock

Retired police dog Vice got a few extra pats from owner Feilding Sergeant Phil Gillbanks after the shooting of police dog Gage in Christchurch.

Gage was shot dead and his handler, Senior Constable Bruce Lamb, 51, was shot in the jaw in the Christchurch suburb of Phillipstown on Tuesday.

Mr Gillbanks, who was a dog handler for 10 years, said he knew Mr Lamb well as they had both attended dog-handling courses.

"He is an elder statesman of the dog-handling business and was very helpful to the younger handlers, and he's also a really nice guy."

News of Gage's death was a shock to all police, but dog handlers would take it especially hard, Mr Gillbanks said.

"[Dog handlers] are often at the sharp end of the stick. It makes you realise how fragile life is and how close to that line you are in the environment we work in."

Gage was shot while trying to protect his handler, which all police dogs are trained to do, Mr Gillbanks said.

Sergeant Lance Kennedy, who heads the Manawatu and Whanganui dog units, said his heart dropped when he heard about Gage's death.

Dog handlers throughout the country, including Manawatu and Whanganui, had sent messages of support to both officers, their families and the Christchurch dog section, he said.

"It's always a horrible feeling when any police officer gets injured or shot. And we've had a few in my 18 years.

"It's a reality check of the dangers of the job."

Mr Kennedy said police dogs began training when they were about eight months old and could work until they were eight. The dogs became part of the family.

Police Commissioner Howard Broad called for a new police firearms policy to be implemented by the year's end after the shootings.

Palmerston North area commander Inspector Pat Handcock would not comment on the proposed policy changes, but said he would be interested to see the outcome of the shooting investigation.

Six-year-old Gage was the 23rd police dog to die in the line of duty and the seventh to be shot dead.

By JONATHON HOWE

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Welcome to Dogs Site: Shelter Needs Help After Saving 89 Dogs

Welcome to Dogs Site: Shelter Needs Help After Saving 89 Dogs

Shelter Needs Help After Saving 89 Dogs

There's a pile of dog carriers in parking lot.  It's nearly four feet high.  The smell is overpowering.  Imagine what it must have been like in a closed basement for 10 years.

Agents from the Humane Society of Delaware County have found animals in deplorable conditions before.  But even they weren't quite prepared for what they found Tuesday evening.

They responded to an anonymous call about unacceptable conditions, and found more than a hundred dogs living with a single woman.  She said she had been keeping the dogs for at least a decade.

"She was actually a really good person who really loved animals and really wanted to help them and she started out by rescuing dogs as a lot of people do," says Sherri Mitchell, HSDC's Executive Director.  "She was waking up at three o'clock every morning and working until almost 10 o'clock every night just to empty dogs out of carriers, clean them, give them basic food and water and get them back into their carriers."

Many of the dogs were sharing carriers and crates. Some were even stored on shelves.  Some of the cages didn't even have doors but the dogs still stayed.

Mitchell says the woman was actually grateful for the Humane Society's help.  She is not being charged because she is being cooperative.  She agreed to surrender the animals immediately.

"It's difficult for people who hoard dogs to find suitable adopters because they have such an almost obsessive attachment to those dogs," Mitchell says.

Literally overnight, the shelter tripled its already-crowded population.  Even when it's at capacity, the Humane Society's building rarely has more than 40 dogs.  Adding 89 dogs so suddenly has put a real strain on resources.

"Obviously the magnitude of this is significant for us," says Mitchell. "This is the largest amount of animals that has ever come into this facility at one time."

Many of the animals need medical attention.  At least one has severe cataracts.  At least two are missing their lower jaws and have to be fed pre-mashed food.  Dozens have severely matted fur and need to be bathed, groomed and wormed.  All need to be spayed or neutered and microchipped before they can be adopted out to new families.

Mitchell says, in a perfect situation, it would cost the shelter at least $100 to get each dog ready for adoption. The costs rise if the animal needs medical care and for each day the animal is boarded and fed. This is not, to say the least, a perfect situation.  These dogs are going to cost the shelter a lot of time, money and resources.

The shelter needs help.  Fast.

Mitchell points out that HSDC relies solely on private donations.

"We get absolutely zero funding from public entities like the county or the state or federal funding," she says.  And that's why the need is so critical right now. "We need a tremendous help from the community. We need people to help us with any resources they have available; time, money, food, professional services, animal related services like groomers, veterinarians.  Anything that we can get donated we would be most appreciative for."

Financial donations can be made on the Humane Society's website.

Donations of food, materials and services can be made at the shelter itself:
4920 State Route 37 East
Delaware, OH  43015

To adopt, foster or sponsor one of the dogs, call the shelter at 740.369.7387

By Marshall

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Humane Society Rescues 100+ Dogs From Home's Basement

The Delaware County Humane Society seizes more than 100 small dogs from a house in Delaware County Tuesday evening.

Officials are calling it the largest seizure in the Delaware County Humane Society's history.

A call from a neighbor tipped off the humane society to the family who took in rescue dogs.

The dogs all were living in the home's basement. 

Since the family voluntarily released the animals, no charges have been filed against the homeowner.

Sherri Mitchell, director of the Delaware County Humane Society, is asking anyone in the community for assistance at the humane society.

The homeowner was allowed to keep her personal animals, which included some dogs and even chickens, because they were in good shape.

Mitchell added that the homeowners had good intention but the problem got out of hand over the last 10 years.

The homeowner's name and address is not being released but the location of the seizure is located on U.S. Route 23 and Radnor Road.

All dogs will be up for adoption at the Delaware County Humane Society in the near future.

 

By Jason Mays  (NBC 4)

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Pet trapped in hot car beeps horn until he is saved

A smart dog knew he needed to get out of the car during the recent heat wave. We've been writing posts and putting up photos about how to keep dogs cool and also advising people to never leave dogs or cats in cars in the heat (or cold), but this is a first time we've ever written up this kind of a story.
Last week, we wrote about the Maltese that died in a van when its owner went swimming. Max is an exception to that sad story, according to television station WFMZ.
Donna Gardner of Allentown, Pa., was running errands recently. She says she doesn't know what made her forget Max was with her but when she went home, she left him in the car. She didn't know it until an hour later when she heard the car horn. Max was thumping it. At first she didn't see anything in the car, and went back to cleaning.
Then the horn honked again, and she looked outside and saw Max sitting in the driver's seat. She took him out of the car, cooled him down with wet rags, gave him water and called the vet. Max, an 11-year-old chocolate Labrador, is fine. His family is lucky.
If you have an active dog who doesn't want to slow down in the summer, check out this story about vests and collars you can buy for your pet to help keep them cool.

By USA Today


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Dog’s heat death prompts warning

Animal welfare agents issue tips to keep pets
cool as temperatures soar into the high 90s.

After a dog died this week of heat exhaustion in what animal welfare officials are calling the first such call of the season, the Butler County Dog Warden and Animal Friends Humane Society are urging people to protect their pets from the heat.

As temperatures soared into the high 90s, animal welfare agents have issued tips to keep dogs and other pets, especially those kept outside, safe.

Most importantly, they say, do not leave dogs in hot cars.

“Even in the shade, with windows cracked, temperatures inside a vehicle can easily top out over 100 degrees,” said Dog Warden Chief Julie Holmes. “These tragedies are easily prevented.”

Other tips include:

• All animals should have access to shade and fresh water.

• Water should be changed frequently so that it does not become too hot to drink.

• Water bowls should be secured so that they do not get knocked over.

• Dog houses should be moved to well shaded areas and off concrete pads, as concrete can hold in heat making it harder for dogs to cool themselves down.

• Make sure chains and cables are not tangled or hooked or could become hooked on debris, keeping the dog from getting to shade or shelter.

• Make sure dogs are not confined in hot garages or porches and have adequate ventilation.

• When possible, bring dogs or smaller animals inside to a cooled area, especially older dogs and puppies that have a tough time in extreme heat conditions.

“If you think your animal is victim to heat exhaustion immediately remove them from direct sun and stop all activity,” said Meg Stephenson, executive director of Animal Friends Humane Society. “Use cool water on the head, pads of feet and groin area to reduce body temperature to a normal state. Offer small amounts of water and contact your veterinarian for further care.”

By Josh Sweigart

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Find thousands of cute dogs and puppies looking for good homes in the USA. Get dogs, puppies and various world famous, rare and real breeds of dogs at www.e-dogsite.com. Buy, sale and advertise dogs and puppies of various breed and also get the free buyer tips for dogs and puppies.

The American Eskimo - The Dog With 3 Names

Trick question - What is the difference between the German Spitz, American Spitz And American Eskimo?

Straight answer - Only their names!

The beloved American Eskimo comes from a family of dogs known as the "Spitz". They originally originated somewhere around Scandinavia and Russia. Now a Spitz is known for its many wolf-like characteristics. Such as the erect pointed ears, double coating and moderation in body proportion. And odds are, it may have just been one hundreds of thousands of years earlier. Or at least, lived with wolves.

Spitz migrated to various parts of Europe and Asia and when humans finally adopted them - they put them into subgroups. And subgroups were distinguished and called by region they were found in. Such as the Sweedish Spitz, Japanese Spitz, Russian Spitz, Japanese Spitz and German Spitz.

And if you look at all the various spitz subgroups out there, you'll find that your Eskie, tends to look a lot like their Spitz cousins! Sometimes - they're almost look-alikes. Like the Japanese Spitz!

Our American Eskimo originally came from Germany. So they called it a German Spitz over a hundred years ago. But German immigrants brought their beloved Spitz over to America. And since its now in America - they called it the American Spitz.

However, during and after WW1 - there was a lot of Anti-German sentiment running around. So the Eskies name was changed from the American Spitz, to the American Eskimo. It was considered more patriotic than calling it a Spitz. Its sort of the same thing as Congress attempted to rename French Fries to Freedom Fries. And in retaliation, the French renamed American Cheese to Idiot Cheese.

Ah History! So hopefully this clears up any misunderstandings about the actual name of the breed. Today, its known as the American Eskimo. And lets hope it stays that way for another couple hundred years!


By Erik Vasender

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Judge orders split custody of dog

Call it the Calvert County Canine Custody Case.

As they headed toward divorce, Gayle and Craig Myers had only one bone of contention: Who would have the right to keep Lucky, their 16-pound gray-black Lhasa apso.

Under Maryland law, family pets — unlike, say, children — are treated as jointly owned marital property and sold if the divorcing couple cannot agree on who gets to keep them. The parties then split the proceeds of the sale.

But the standard resolution did not seem right to retired Prince George's County Circuit Judge Graydon S. McKee III.

The judge, presiding over the limited-divorce proceeding by special assignment, decided on his own last month that Gayle and Craig, who have no children, would split custody of Lucky.

The dog will alternate spending six months with each party; Gayle's turn began on July 1.

By Mike McPhate

Decision to use service dog not to be taken lightly

I'm thinking about getting a service dog. What do I need to know? A service dog can make a disabled person's life easier and more enjoyable. But having a service dog is not all rainbows and butterflies. You need to stay in the real world when considering such an important step in your life. Having a service dog is a long-term commitment - at least 10 years.

Your dog will have needs of its own. The basics are food, water, exercise, regular vet care and grooming, as well as someone to clean up after it.

What dog breeds make good service dogs? Many trainers choose Golden and Labrador Retrievers. But if you are allergic to the dander or saliva of dogs, one of the many "hypo-allergenic" dogs (like poodles) may be a better choice.

What about size? It depends on the specific needs of the disabled person. A large dog will be able to pull a child's wheelchair or help a person who has vision problems walk. A small dog may be perfect to help someone with a hearing loss. Small dogs fit comfortably under restaurant tables and on buses and planes. They are much more (forgive me) "packable" than large dogs.

Does temperament count? Yes, it's one of the most important qualities in choosing a service dog. The dog needs to be people oriented and not too protective. It should be calm and not require too much exercise - or grooming.

Is it OK to take my service dog to the dog park? It depends. Is the park clean? Are the other dogs friendly? Letting your dog run and play off-lead can be a reward and a great source of exercise. However, your trained service dog may need some time to get comfortable being within sight of you, but not right next to you.

Can a shelter dog become a good service dog? Absolutely! A shelter dog, if carefully chosen, can be an excellent choice.

Whew, there's a lot to think about before deciding to get a service dog. And yet, a dog that is specifically trained to help you with daily tasks that are difficult for you to perform can be a true blessing in your life.

Angels come in all shapes and sizes; some even look like dogs! 

By Kathryn Rosenthal

Dogs for Sale | Puppies for sale- Find Breeder Pedigree and Non-Pedigree Dogs

Find thousands of cute dogs and puppies looking for good homes in the USA. Get dogs, puppies and various world famous, rare and real breeds of dogs at www.e-dogsite.com. Buy, sale and advertise dogs and puppies of various breed and also get the free buyer tips for dogs and puppies.

Love Your Dog: 10 Essential Tips

Your dog gives you a lifetime of unconditional love, loyalty, and friendship to you. In return, she counts on you to provide her with food, water, safe shelter, regular veterinary care, exercise, companionship, regular veterinary care and exercise.

They do require various kinds of care, many of them several times a day. But don't be scared -- these will quickly become part of your familiar routine, and the better you get at caring for your pooch, the more pleasure you'll both derive from your relationship In fact, if you do not undertake proper care of your dog, it is not only likely to suffer from physical problems, but behavioral problems as well. In this context, there are some dog-care basics that you need to follow. In order to help you out in the task, here are 10 essentials, and you will be assured to develop a rewarding relationship with your canine companion. 

External Identification. Nothing else matters when your dog is lost. Taking a few simple steps when she first comes home can save everyone heartache later. Outfit your dog with a collar and ID tag that includes your name, address, and telephone number. No matter how careful you are, there's a chance your canine companion may become lost-an ID tag greatly increases the chance that your pet will be returned home safely. The dog's collar should not be tight; it should fit so two fingers can slip easily under his collar. 

Microchip Identification. The right tag can get your dog back home where he belongs in a matter of hours. Have your dog microchipped by your veterinarian. Microchip ID will ensure that your dog will be returned to you if he is lost, even if his collar came off. When scanned by a veterinarian or animal shelter, your phone number, address and other vital information will show and you can be contacted.

Follow local laws for licensing your dog and vaccinating him for rabies. Check with your local animal shelter or humane society for information regarding legal requirements, where to obtain tags, and where to have your pet vaccinated. Current recommendations pertaining to canine vaccinations mandate considering how much risk the disease poses to an individual dog before the decision to administer a vaccination is made.

Follow this simple rule-off property, on leash. Even a dog with a valid license, rabies tag, and ID tag should not be allowed to roam outside of your home or fenced yard. It is best for you, your community, and your dog to keep your pet under control at all times. 

Take your dog to the veterinarian for regular check-ups. If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter or a pet-owning friend for a referral and check out our information on choosing a veterinarian. 

Give your dog proper protection. Dog-proofing your home can be just as challenging as proofing your home for a child or for allergies. Most dogs spend at least a little time in the yard, but this congenial place poses its own challenges and dangers. First, you will need the right type of fence to keep your dog from roaming the neighborhood where he could possibly get injured or hurt others. A fenced yard with a doghouse is a bonus, especially for large and active dogs; however, dogs should never be left outside alone or for extended periods of time. Dogs need and crave companionship and should spend most of their time with their family, not alone outside. Learn how to keep both your dog and your yard safe and happy. 

Give your pooch a nutritionally balanced diet, including constant access to fresh water. Nothing is more vital to the health of your dog than proper feeding. Dogs are eager eaters, and this is part of their charm. Ask your veterinarian for advice on what and how often to feed your pet. Dietary requirements change as dogs get older, and a dog's teeth need to be cleaned and monitored regularly to ensure he can eat properly. 

Enroll your dog in a training class. Positive training will allow you to control your companion's behavior safely and humanely, and the experience offers a terrific opportunity to enhance the bond you share with your dog.

Give your dog enough exercise to keep him physically fit (but not exhausted). Most dog owners find that playing with their canine companion, along with walking him twice a day provides sufficient exercise. Walking benefits people as much as it benefits dogs, and the time spent together will improve your dog's sense of well-being. If you have questions about the level of exercise appropriate for your dog, consult your veterinarian. 

Dog Grooming and Bathing Tips. Dogs can get messy, and they don't naturally keep themselves quite as clean as we'd like them to be as co-habitants in our homes. As the owner, proper grooming on bathing is your responsibility.

All in all, please be loyal to and patient with your faithful companion. Make sure the expectations you have of your dog are reasonable and remember that the vast majority of behavior problems can be solved. Remember, not all "behavior" problems are just those; many can be indicators of health problems. For example, a dog that is suddenly growling or snapping when you touch his ears may have an ear infection. If you are struggling with your pet's behavior, contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter for advice, and check out our behavior tip sheets, too.

By Rachel Lam

Dogs for Sale | Puppies for sale- Find Breeder Pedigree and Non-Pedigree Dogs

Find thousands of cute dogs and puppies looking for good homes in the USA. Get dogs, puppies and various world famous, rare and real breeds of dogs at www.e-dogsite.com. Buy, sale and advertise dogs and puppies of various breed and also get the free buyer tips for dogs and puppies.