Why Dogs Make Such Great Companions

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From the energetic and pint-sized Chihuahua to the docile 150- to 250-pound English Mastiff, all dogs make excellent companions. They bring an unparalleled level of joy to a person’s life by providing him or her with a lifelong friend. Big or small, dogs make the perfect companions for the following reasons.

Dogs Are Always Happy to See Their Owner

Whether an owner has been away for a week or just a few hours, his or her dog will probably be eagerly awaiting their return by the front door. Dogs are always happy to see their owner, with many barking and wagging their tail when they hear their owner’s car pulling into the driveway.

Dogs Are Funny

Dogs do some funny things that are sure to put a smile on their owner’s face. A dog may bury and horde his treats under the couch, for example, instead of eating them. Some dogs even play by chasing their tail around in circles. These priceless moments make owning a dog well worth the commitment, but this is just one of many reasons dogs make great companions.

Dogs Lower Stress Levels

Studies have shown that people who own dogs are less stressed than their counterparts who do not. Just petting a dog causes a near-instant biochemical reaction in the body that’s characterized by lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. People who raise and live with dogs experience this daily. And with lower cortisol levels, owners and their families can enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle.

Dogs Enjoy Cuddling

While some breeds do it more than others, most dogs enjoy cuddling with their owner. An owner may wake in the morning to discover his or her dog sleeping by their head. Dogs will also position themselves in their owner’s lap to take a midday nap.

Dogs Encourage Physical Activity

A benefit of owning a dog that many people overlook is increased physical activity. Depending on the breed and age, most dogs need about 30 minutes to one hour of exercise each day. Owners who walk and play with their dog outside will reap the benefits of increased physical activity and better health.

The decision to own a dog is a big commitment that shouldn’t be taken lightly. For individuals looking for a devoted new companion, however, a dog is the perfect fit.

 

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Clean Eating for Dogs

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If you’ve joined the clean eating revolution, you know what an amazing impact it can have on your health and on your body. If you have a furry, four-legged companion in your family, you may want to get them on the clean eating train as well. If so, read on and learn about the best and healthiest ways to get your pooch eating clean.

Eating clean is exceptionally healthy, but dogs are certainly designed different than people and so they have different health needs than we do. The simplest way to get your dog eating clean, is to keep true to the intention by using only real, whole foods. You’ll want to stay away from any items containing fillers and incorporate whole fruits and vegetables, grains, and humanely raised meats and proteins.

No matter if you decide to purchase pre-made pet foods that meet this criteria or if you decide to make your own food at home, you’ll want to be sure you include foods rich in the Glucosamine and Omega-3 Fatty Acids that dogs need. Make sure you read the label, because what you see isn’t always what you get. Dog foods can be filled with surprising things, so you can certainly check to see if the food your thinking of choosing meets the standards of nutrition established by the American Association of Feed Control Officials, which regulates the ingredients that can be included in pet food.

Providing your pup with optimal nutrition should be the ultimate goal, so you’ll want to ensure your providing the foods they eat in a manner that will work best for them. For example, certain foods should always be cooked prior to giving to your dog. Make sure you steer away from adding anything unnecessary, keeping foods whole is your best bet. You’ll also want to do some research the foods you plan on serving your four legged friend. Certain fruits and vegetables aren’t healthy for dogs, but many things like sweet potato, spinach, blueberries, apples, and carrots are pooch friendly. You can read more about helping your dog eat clean here.

Eating clean has a truly endless number of health benefits for both you and your favorite furry companion. Man’s best friends are relying on you to give them your very best!

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4 Tips to Care for Your New Puppy

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Caring for a new puppy is not unlike taking care of a small child in that your new pet will be completely dependent on you for its overall daily functions– food, house training, play time, and more. Training your new puppy is no small task. Although bringing a puppy into your home is an exciting and rewarding experience, here’s a list of basic tips that will make the process a little easier for you.

Find a Trustworthy Veterinarian

The first thing you should do after bringing any animal into your home is take it to a veterinarian. This is especially important because puppies require proper vaccinations and you’ll want to ensure they’re happy and healthy from the start. Your initial visit to the vet should identify any potential health issues, schedule any vaccinations that need to be given, and set up a preventive health care routine.

Give Them The Best Quality Food

Feeding your new pup is an inevitable part of your job, which will mean buying specific food that has been formulated for puppies as opposed to adult dogs. Look for food that has been approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This will ensure that you have a high-quality food that will be good for your puppy’s health. If you’re unsure what brand/type of food is best for your puppy, this is definitely something to ask your new vet!

You should also be feeding your puppy multiple times a day. A puppy that is less than 12 weeks old should be eating four meals a day, while puppies that are between three to six months old should eat three times a day. Any puppy older than six months old can be fed twice a day which will be their daily routine throughout adulthood. You can make the jump from puppy food to dog food when your pet is between nine months and one year old, or as your vet directs.

Stick to Your House Training Routine

An established routine will be important for housebreaking your new puppy. Your routine should look something like this: your new puppy goes outside in the morning, after it has eaten a meal, before bed, but also about once per hour until it learns to go potty outside. Accidents will happen, so be ready to clean up the occasional mess. You’ll want to stock up on cleaning supplies that are pet-friendly to ensure a clean home without harming your pet!

Be Patient with Your Pup

The most important thing to remember about caring for a new puppy is to be patient. Your puppy is still getting used to living with you in your home with a new routine, so you will have occasional accidents or perhaps a chewed shoe. Remember that positive reinforcement is much more effective than punishment, so offer your puppy treats and praise when it does something right.

Overall, getting a new puppy is very excited! You’ll want to introduce your new pup to other pets and people to have your pup get used to being friendly. In time, you and your new pup will establish a daily routine and grow as a family together.

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Why You Should Adopt From Shelters, Not From Breeders

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Nothing compares to the unconditional loyalty of man’s best friend. Whether it’s a small Chihuahua or 120-pound Bullmastiff, dogs bring brighten the world with their fun-loving personalities and lifelong relationships with their owners. Anyone who’s looking to add a four-legged companion to their family, though, should consider adopting instead of buying from a breeder.

Have you ever heard of “adopt, don’t shop?” This campaign slogan is spreading rapidly to save the lives of our furry companions across the nation. When you adopt from shelters, you’re saving a life!

Shelters Are Overcrowded

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), approximately 3.3 million dogs enter animal shelters each year in the United States. Unfortunately, animal shelters lack the resources to care for all these dogs. By adopting, owners can free up space in the otherwise crowded shelters.

It Saves the Lives

The greatest benefit of adopting is the simple fact that it saves lives. The ASPCA notes that roughly 670,000 dogs are euthanized in animal shelters each year. If everyone adopted their dogs from shelters instead of buying them a breeder, virtually all these deaths could be prevented.

Laws

Some places like Toronto actually have laws prohibiting the sale of dogs or cats unless the pet is homeless or came from an animal shelter. In 2017, California passed a law banning the sale of pets from puppy mills. As the nightmarish conditions of puppy mills are being unveiled, laws such as these will become more common throughout the United States and elsewhere.

Easier to Train

While there are always exceptions, adopted dogs are typically easier to potty train than their counterparts purchased from a breeder. When a dog enters a shelter, the staff usually trains him to increase the chance of adoption. In comparison, breeders spend little to no time training their dogs.

More Appreciative

Adopted dogs are more appreciative of their owners than those purchased from a breeder. They’ve seen the hardships of shelters, so they know how lucky they are to have a home and loving family.

Free or Low-Cost Healthcare

Owners can also take advantage of free or low-cost pet healthcare when adopting a dog. Many U.S. animal shelters, for example, provide vaccinations, deworming medicine and spaying or neutering. While owners can always seek these healthcare services from other veterinary professionals, it’s typically cheaper from a shelter.

These are just a few reasons to adopt a dog. Once they’ve added a dog to their family, owners will probably discover other benefits of adoption as well.

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Best Dog Parks in San Diego

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As our furry companions, dogs bring joy to each home, fully loving their owners. In return for this unconditional love and affection, dogs require care, attention, and more. Running on such high energy, getting your dogs outside to enjoy nice weather in which they can run and roam. Get outdoors with your favorite pet and enjoy some time bonding over fetch and mingling with other dogs!

San Diego is home to some great dog parks. While many require dogs remain on a leash, dogs still have plenty of opportunity to get exercise and enjoy their time doing what they do best- being dogs! Here are some of the best dog parks in San Diego.

Woodglen Vista Dog Park

10250 Woodglen Vista Dr, Santee, CA, US, 92071

If you’re looking for a park to let your dog run around and make friends, Woodglen Vista is a great place to start! This fully fenced in location offers both sunshine and shaded areas for your dog to play. Because it’s fenced-in, you can let your dog off the leash. Water is also available for dogs!

Otay Ranch Town Center Dog Park

2015 Birch Rd, Chula Vista, CA, US, 91915

Another fenced in area for your dog to enjoy, Otay Ranch Town Center is a great dog park. This park is 10,000 square feet where your dog can enjoy time off-leash to release energy. Otay Ranch offers flexible hours as they’re open from 7am to 9pm.

Grape Street Dog Park

1900 28th St, San Diego, CA, US, 92104

Although this is not a fenced in park, dogs are welcome to roam off-leash at Grape Street. About 50% of this park is grass which offers shaded areas to catch a break from the sun. This great location offer views of downtown There is water offered for dogs as well as benches and picnic tables for owners to enjoy.

Kearney Mesa Dog Park

3170 Armstrong St, San Diego, CA, US, 92111

At this large, 1-acre fenced in area with running water, your dog will enjoy off-leash roaming as they play with the other dogs of the parks. The park also offers water bowls and baggies to keep your dog hydrated and cleaned up after.

Doyle Community and Dog Park

8175 Regents Rd, San Diego, CA, US, 92122

Doyle Community and Dog Park offers two areas– one for small dogs and large dogs. In addition to separate areas for dogs and their needs, this park also has water fountains, shaded structures, and even a barbecue area. If you want your dog to make friends and enjoy a large grassy area, Doyle Community and Dog Park is a great place to check out!

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Judging a Breed by it’s Cover: Pit Bull History

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Did you know that Pit Bulls were once known as “America’s Dog”, in the 20th century? More so, a “Pit Bull” doesn’t refer to one specific breed. True breed names that fall under the category of Pit Bulls are: the American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, and the American Bully. All of those breeds fall under the category of “Pit Bulls” which is why there are a variety of shapes within the pit bull and it’s features.

So how can one breed once known as “America’s Dog” become a threatened breed with some completely against their existence? Breed labels are common connections between breeds that often allow a person to judge a dog by its breed. For example, golden retrievers are labeled as a family, friendly breed that’s easy to train and raise. But often, breed labeling can be inaccurate to a specific dog of that breed. Each and every dog is different, like humans, with different quirks, different personalities even.

The origin of Pit Bulls dates back to the 1800s when dogs were bred for bloodsports– cruel sports that usually had something to do with a bull, hence the name of the breed. Although they became illegal in 1835, Pit Bulls were brought over to America as cherished family dogs. Despite this breed’s intent to partake in bullfighting, the breed was also intended to be gentle with humans. A typical trait found in this breed today– whether you believe it or not.

During World War I and World War II, pit bulls were a breed that was used for advertising. As a trusted sign of fearlessness and bravery, Americans turned toward this breed in a time of war. With all of the positive attributions to pit bulls throughout decades in America, where did the pit bull reputation all go wrong?

From the early 1960s on through the 1980s, pit bulls were brought up in the streets of dogfighting. Through spiked collars and aggressive behaviors, Americans began to turn away from a breed that uncontrollably was connected with dog fighting. Even after dog fighting became illegal in 1978, the negative reputation of this breed carried on.

Although other breeds such as Dobermans, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and other breeds, have had their reputation threatened, Pit Bulls have had a long journey with a negative reputation. This is partially due to overbreeding and the underground world of dog fighting that still exists today. Another major cause for this is the amount of negative press Pit Bulls get.

Despite a widespread negative opinion of this breed, temperament tests prove the fear to be outdated. These statistics prove that Pit Bulls are an incredible breed with an unfortunate negative reputation. The American Temperament Testing Society (ATTS) measures various aspects of breeds and ranks them. Pit Bulls ranked 2nd in the test, showcasing what a great temperament this breed actually has.

Having made so many strides in recent years to showcase what great dogs Pit Bulls can be, it’s pretty clear that you can’t judge these dogs based on what fear has to say. So perhaps you should just a dog as an individual, rather than a breed.

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The World of K-Pop

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After “Gangnam Style” made YouTube history by reaching over one billion views, the rest of the world starting paying attention to pop music coming out of Korea, also known as “K-pop”.  Although Psy is a married man in his late 30s with children, as a whole the multibillion dollar K-pop industry is mostly dominated by girl groups.  Much like the American music industry when Phil Spector pioneered his “Wall of Sound”, industry suits churn out groups that all look the same and embody that girlish, doe-eyed innocence so many labels crave.  Yet, surprising nobody, there’s a dark side to this industry and the bubblegum pop it’s spreading around the world.  I recently came across an article that talks about the darker side of K-pop, and it was fascinating.

Although girl groups are the main contenders in K-pop, the industry is especially hard on Korean women.  Take, for example, Park Boram, viewed as the poster child for the K-pop ideal.  To get where she is today, she went through a four-year training process that included learning to dance, sing and act, even modifying her appearance.  She had to change her hair, face and body, dropping 66 pounds.

Park’s debut single is called “Beautiful”, although the title in Korean translates to “I became pretty”.  The video shows Park working out and weighing her food, and the lyrics involve eating only a banana and an egg every day.  These changes were encouraged by Park’s management company.  For reasons such as this, a lot of people are concerned that K-pop companies don’t give the performers enough control over their own identities, and that K-pop sends a materialistic, Barbie-esque message to the youth of Korea.

According to Ewha University professor Heather Willoughby, who specializes in Korean music and culture, Korean culture places a heavy emphasis on looks.  This could have a lot to do with the influence that modern technology has on Korea; it’s home to one of the fastest Internet speeds in the world, and there are more mobile phones in the country than there are people.  Traditionally, Korean culture is highly collective, so there’s a whole lot of pressure to fit in.

There have been some names in the K-pop industry fighting against these trends, such as Amber, who has created a “tomboy” identity for herself after leaving her girl group.  Or Sophia Pae, whose career started when she appeared on a reality show, but now controls her own sound.  Of course, names like Park Boram, who says that the sacrifices she made for her career were well worth it, remain some of the loudest in the industry.

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The Plight of the Pitbull

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Pit bulls have often been painted in bad light because of the human organized fighting ring. In reality, pit bulls are very loyal to humans and will do whatever they can to please their master, sometimes even fighting to the death when asked. Many of the horrors of the pit bull fighting ring were revealed when Michael Vick and the horrors of what he was doing to his animals was revealed. When Vick was signed to the New York Jets, Tessa Stuart wrote in the Village Voice, “in addition to plunking down $34,000 to buy the Smithfield, Virginia property where dozens of dogs were chained to car axles buried in the ground while they fought, sometimes to the death, in front of betting spectators, Vick and his co-defendants admitted to killing at least six (but perhaps as many as eight) dogs who did not display sufficiently aggressive traits during the ‘testing’ process. Several of those dogs were shot; at least two were hosed down, then electrocuted.” The fighting dogs of Michael Vick have given pit bulls a bad name, but really they are loving, loyal companions.

Pit bulls are actually very heroic. Pit bulls were used as imagery for the U.S. Military on war posters, featured as celebrated companions with stars like Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Pit bulls have been used to contribute to and give back to society throughout law enforcement and for hospital visits, therapy for autistic children, and search and rescue missions. These creatures are loving and it is not uncommon to hear stories like this of Weela, the pit bull who saved her owners life by jumping in front of a huge rattlesnake who was about to bite him, instead taking the snake’s fangs into her own face instead. Weela also swam across a flooded area caused by a dam breaking to pull 50 pound bags of food over to a temporary island where animals were stranded. Pit bulls are brave and loyal heroes and deserve respect and admiration.

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The Lies About Pit Bulls

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Many view pit bulls as dangerous dogs who are used as murderous weapons, when in reality they are just loyal, devoted pets to so many. The myth that pit bulls are dangerous has been circulated for so long, many think it’s true. Those who keep the dogs tied up or use them in illegal fighting rings are those who are responsible for the incorrect reputation circling about these pets. Really pit bulls are inclined to be a very friendly breed. When the American Temperament Testing Society, Inc. tested the American Pit Bull Terrier for stability, aggressiveness and friendliness, they came out passing with an 86.8 percent. That number is actually better than golden retrievers, collies, and beagles. Of the 122 breeds tested, pit bulls came in fourth. The breed was started for their companionship and they have great temperaments and are very loyal. It is their loyalty that has also been their downfall. Many pit bulls have made it into the hands of drug dealers and illegal dogfighters who treat them horribly and capitalize on their bond by encouraging them to fight to the death. Because of dog fighting, those pit bulls have become more aggressive due to their environment, not their breed.

Pit bulls have been subject to canine profiling and breed specific legislation and discrimination. This has led to the killing of pit bulls in many towns and legislating that certain people cannot own the animals in various environments. These kinds of laws also don’t distinguish exactly what breed they are targeting, expect a general athletic looking dog. Therefore, the American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier are all targeted. This legislation is based solely on people’s opinion because all of the science points the other way. Even the National Canine Research Council has released a study that concludes there is no scientific evidence that one dog breed is more likely than another to harm a human.

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Auction for Pit Bulls in Need

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The SEPR or the Sioux Empire Pit Rescue is trying to help pit bulls in need. They have decided to aid injured animals by hosting their very first online auction. The name of the event is “Purchase for Pit Bulls.” The auction will last for an extended period of time through the month of May, May 1^st -May 14^th to be exact. All of the proceeds from the online sale will go towards supporting the SEPR’s veterinary fund as well as their educational outreach branch.

The Sioux Empire Pit Rescue is based in Sioux Falls and their mission is to help encourage and promote responsible pit bull ownership, provide breed education, fight back against pet overpopulation, and look for and match sound pit bulls to qualified homes throughout the United States. The SEPR is remarkably and all-volunteer rescue group. Everyone donates their time because they are passionate about the pit bull breed and want these animals to be well cared for and to act as a great companion or pet for families. The funds from the auction will really help the SEPR’s efforts because they are in need of financial support. The money is most needed right now for preventative care and treatment for the dogs they house and the more specialized care that is necessary for a few of the dogs at SEPR. For example, there are two dogs, Tulip and Geisha, who are mothers and were abused after being used multiple times for breeding. Tulip and Geisha’s experience required them to undergo two different extensive surgeries and their recovery requires extra, specialized care. The SEPR has in their care at least 20 dogs on any given day. Often the dogs come from places where they are about to be euthanized, or from abusive homes that use the animals for dog fighting rings. The vet bills for one animal along could be as high as $3,000 a month so any support for the shelter is greatly appreciated.

To take part in the online auction, simply log on and make a public bid. The items from the auction have been donated by businesses around the Midwest and include hand polished bracelets, spa collections and pet accessories. There is lots to purchase for a good cause.

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