Product Review #4 - Doggie Mouthwash Part 2

Update on the Arm & Hammer Pet Care Dental Water Additive: I did not see any obvious difference in the tartar build up. Maybe it's supposed to just prevent tartar instead of remove it? Either way. My old dog still needs his teeth professionally cleaned. The Dental Water does get rid of the bad breath, which is WONDERFUL.

I decided to try a different brand this time. This time I got the Nylabone Liquid Tartar Remover.

I don't like it as much as the Arm & Hammer version. It's not as effective at getting rid of bad breath. Not that it doesn't work. Using this is still better than not using anything at all, but there is still a little bit of stinky left. Also, it makes my dogs' breath smell weirdly minty. It works the same way as the Arm & Hammer version. You mix a tablespoon of the mouthwash to every 32 oz. of drinking water. Again, I ran into the problem where one of my dogs wouldn't drink it. I'll update later if I see a difference in the tartar buildup. Petsmart and Petco sells the 16 oz. bottle for $7.99. Amazon has the 32 oz. bottle for $13.99.

Peruvian Inca Orchid

We were talking about hairless dogs at work the other day, and one of my coworkers pulled up a picture of this dog. This breed is called Peruvian Inca Orchid, Peruvian Hairless Dog, PIO, Moonflower Dog, Perro Flora, and Inca Hairless Dog.

It's pretty cool looking, don't you think?
Here's an excerpt from dogbreedinfo.com:

"The Peruvian Inca Orchid has dark round eyes that tend to squint in the sunlight due to over sensitivity. The lips are wrinkled and the think, leathery ears sometimes have wisps of hair. Hair grows on the top of the head. Some are born coated with hair in the same litter as the hairless PIO. The skin is soft  and pliable. It can be heavily mottled in any color, in any combination with a pink background, or it can be solid colored. Quick witted, calm and intelligent. They are usually good with children and get along with other dogs. A fenced in yard is recommended as the PIO is a sighthound and may take off chasing a small animal at anytime. This breed should live indoors and be protected from the elements. The PIO sunburn very quickly. They should have a sweater in the winter and kept at a comfortable temperature in the summer. Keep in mind they do not have hair to protect them from the weather and are basically naked...

Height: 20-26 inches (50-65 cm.)
Weight: 26-50 pounds (12-23 kg.)"
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/peruvianincaorchid.htm

Pretty cool breed, but because it's "naked" there are a lot of potential skin problems. However, for the right owner (ie. those with dog allergies), the Peruvian Inca Orchid could be the perfect dog.

Training Tips #1 - Intro

What's the most important thing to keep in mind when training a dog?
Treats?
Consistency?
Timing?
Nope.
The #1 thing to keep in mind when training your dog (whether it be a puppy or a mature senior) is PATIENCE.

Unfortunately for us, dogs aren't born with the ability to understand English, or whichever language you choose to use. On that note, for basic behavioral issues and commands, the best way to make the dog learn is by incorporating the commands into the everyday routine. Make your dog sit before feeding. Make them sit before going out, etc etc. Later on, I'll go over how to stop jumping, biting, whining, as well as sit, stay, down, and other fun things. Can't forget potty training. Potty training is important. So yes. Remember to be patient. It will pay off in the end. The second most important thing to keep in mind is consistency and timing. Make a set of rules and stick to those rules. Make sure everyone in the household knows those rules too. Make sure everyone that comes over knows those rules.

Have a set hand signal/word for each command. Never punish the dog after the fact. The best way to deal with any unwanted behavior is to catch the dog in the act and reprimand him then. Now, when I say reprimand, I don't mean anything physical. Either make a loud sound by saying "No" or any other word (I have a tendency to say "Hey") or stomp or clap your hands, or you can put rocks in a can and shake that. Another option is using a water bottle set to jet spray. Don't use the mist setting because most dogs will think you're playing. Yep. I think that about covers it for now.

Hybrid Dogs

You've just got to love the interesting names they have for some mix breeds. I mean really. I met a Chiweenie today, which is a Chihuahua/Dachshund mix. It was so cute! I have a soft spot for poodle mixes, since I have two. I have a Cockapoo and a Maltipoo. I've met a number of Labradoodles, who are all really sweet but very energetic. Apparently, a domestic dog and a coyote mix is called a Coydog. I didn't even know you can have one as a pet. Schnoodle (Schnauzer/Poodle) is a funny name too; only because it sounds like the name of some candy bar to me. Guess what a Shug is. Yep, a German Shepherd and a Pug. Schnekingese are super cute too. I just wish the name wasn't such a mouthfull. And then there are other names like Muggin, Jatzu, Afollie, Weshi, Poshies, Goberian, Borador, Frengle, Cairanian, Ori Pei, Dorgie, and a host of other fun and wacky mixed names. Which kinds do you like more?

Blog Update

How do I set it so people can leave comments?

::edit:: Figured it out! Yay! Now people can leave comments~