catbird.org

I found these degradable dog poop bags while doing research into a pet waste composter. about $100 for 2000 bags. That’s $.05/bag and 200 bags will last almost three years.

Even better are BioBags. Made from corn starch polymer, they are 100% biodegradable and 100% compostable. And a little more expensive: 600 bags cost $70.00. That’s $.12/bag — more than double the Dogipots. The other option is 3000 bags for $300 ($.10/bag). Is it worth it for a biodegradable bag vs. a degradable bag?

According to Vincenze’s Pit,  biodegradable materials “are broken down by microorganisms that use the plastic as a food/energy source.” Degradable materials “are broken down by the elements, heat, moisture, sunlight etc and don’t require life as such to help the process.” He also points out that while biodegradable materials are better for composting, most landfills are designed to suppress the kind of microorganisms needed to break biodegradables down. Since we aren’t currently composting, it seems like the Dogipots might be the better option for us (and our bank account).

catbird :: Aug.23.2007 :: going green, woof :: Comments Off

The sweetener xylitol, which is found in many sugar-free foods, is toxic to pets. Check your labels and keep foods containing this additive away from your pets. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center has been handling more and more cases each year. According to that agency, symptoms, which include depression, loss of coordination and seizures, can develop quickly and from relatively small amounts of exposure. More at the ASPCA web site.

catbird :: Sep.01.2006 :: woof :: Comments Off

(For every dog over 15 lbs, anyway.)

They are just plain dangerous. You have no control and they can break. If you have a dog that pulls, you’ll just be dragged around. Forget using a gentle leader - it just doesn’t work. Just get a good strong leash and let your dog sniff the area around you. If he pulls, get a gentle leader. If your dog needs a wider sniff range, go to an enclosed dog park, or go hiking. Or invest in a 30 foot lead, take a blanket, and go to the park.

Why do people use them? I’ll never know.

catbird :: Jan.15.2005 :: woof :: Comments Off

Senator Sharpe James, who is also Mayor of Newark, introduced the “Responsible Pit Bull Ownership Act” (S1718) late last week. This ridiculous piece of legislation would apply to breeds including “American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Terriers and any dog determined to be a pit bull type.”

It would, among other things:
• require anyone who owns a dog to prove that it ISN’T a pit bull (municipality will visually inspect the dog to determine whether it is a pit bull)
• require all pit bulls (as defined above) to be muzzled when off owner’s property and leashed (3-feet long or less)
• require confinement in a permanent enclosure (including a secure pen AND a 6-ft. fence)

Breed-specific legislation doesn’t work. It punishes responsible owners and is difficult (impossible?) to enforce where it is needed. NJ already has a law that prohibits determining a dog dangerous based on breed alone. S1718 would violate that law. Judge the deed not the breed.

Read more at AKC.org, then contact these members of the Senate committee to tell them you oppose S1718 and ask them to do the same:

Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D) [Chair] (609/292-5339, SenLesniak@njleg.org)
Sen. Joseph Doria (D) [Vice Chair] (609/292-5388, no e-mail)
Sen. Martha Bark (R) (609/292-7065, senbark@njleg.org)
Sen. Joseph M. Kyrillos (R) (609/292-7065, no e-mail)
Sen. Joseph Vitale (D) (609/292-5339, senvitale@njleg.org)

catbird :: Aug.17.2004 :: woof :: Comments Off

In her DogBlog, Sandra talks about a doggie door bell that she purchased at HomeDepot. Her dogs use it to signal when they want to go out (or come in). A great idea.

And for the more budget conscious people with less regard to the aesthetics of their door knobs, there is a simpler solution which has an even shorter installation time - jingle bells.

Soon after we got Pinto, we were given the great advice (from where? Who knows.) to hang some jingle bells on the door handle and jingle them every time we took him out (we only use our back door to take him outside). After two days, he was ringing them with his nose whenever he needed to go.

Recently, I gave this same advice to my friend Ellen for her new Labradoodle, JJ. After two days of practice, JJ had it down pat. And here I just thought my dog was ultra smart!

The official doggie door bell has an outside component so the dog can ring to come in. We don’t need that since Pinto is always out with us or on leash, but I guess it could be a downside to jingle bells if you need that functionality.

catbird :: Oct.29.2003 :: woof :: Comments Off

The ASPCA reports that insurance companies in Michigan can no longer discriminate against certain dog breeds when writing homeowners insurance policies. Great news! Hopefully other states will soon follow suit.

catbird :: Oct.23.2003 :: woof :: Comments Off

Yesterday, I took Pinto for a stroll up the block. Coming back, we passed a neighbor’s house and heard the jingle-jangle of license against rabies tag against collar buckle. A little Beagle was trotting up the driveway.

Pinto was thrilled, whining and straining to say hello. The Beagle approached hesitantly, turned, tucked his tail, and ran back. Then approached again. Just as he and Pinto were started the sniff ritual, an arm scooped the Beagle up. The neighbor said her dog “has never seen another dog.”

I assured her that Pinto was friendly, thinking this was a great socialization opportunity, but alas, the neighbor clearly thought that Pinto, in all his 85 lb tail-wagging goofiness, was a threat.

I left feeling quite sad for the Beagle. He is not being socialized - that is, he isn’t being exposed to all different people, animals, and experiences so that he will grow up well-adjusted.

Dogs that aren’t well socialized are fearful, which can lead to timidity or aggression. Dogs that are well socialized are happier and more adaptable to new situations. They can go places with you, handle any visitors you may have, and get along with most anyone.

While it’s best to socialize a puppy under five months - puppies are more receptive to new situations and easier to control - older dogs can be socialized as well, with some patience. Next to neutering and spaying, socialization is the most important thing you can do for your dog.

Poor Beagle. He is happy-go-lucky now, but without some socialization, he could become a fear biter, leash aggressive, or territorial. In short, he will live a fairly miserable life in fear of anything new. Hopefully, his guardian will realize the benefits of socialization before it’s too late.

catbird :: Jun.17.2003 :: woof :: Comments Off

As an avid lover of the Bouvier breed, I am thrilled about DogBlog, a weblog with pictures and stories about Sandra’s life with her Bouviers. I have heard and read about Bouviers not being great with other dogs or with kids, so this weblog gives me hope that some day I will convince my hubby that we should rescue one.

catbird :: May.19.2003 :: woof :: 1 Comment »

… or led me to learn.

15. Good human-dog communication, good training, and a good game of fetch.

14. The power of distraction - especially with a manipulative dog.

13. How to communicate in “dog” and read dog body language.

12. Almost any toy can be destroyed if you put your mind to it, even those black Kongs.

13. How dogs are wired to behave, especially with regard to the pack.

10. The best dogs sometimes act bad.

9. How to read a dog food label and what foods are bad for him (oh, and to keep the dog food in a very, very secure place).

8. How to break up a dog fight.

7. That I can never know too much about dog breeds and behavior.

6. To have a thick skin when people make judgments based on the way he looks.

5. Dog first aid.

4. That every dog has his own challenges.

3. That a tired dog is a good dog.

2. I have a lot more to learn.

And the number one thing my dog has taught me…

1. I’m not as clean as I think I am.

catbird :: May.13.2003 :: woof :: 1 Comment »

[Read the expanded text of this story.]

No dog is perfect (even if he is your perfect match). Ask these questions when you are adopting to help reveal the challenges your new best friend might offer.

1. Have you seen the dog interact with other dogs?
2. Have you seen the dog interact with or be around young kids?
3. What is the breed and age of the dog?
4. Is the dog neutered (male) or spayed (female)? Will he/she be?
5. How did the dog come to the shelter?
6. Has the dog ever bitten a person?
7. Does the dog seem to know any commands or seem to be house trained?
8. May I walk the dog?
9. Does the dog seem possessive of toys or food or does he mind being touched?
10. Can I arrange a second meeting? Can I foster before adoption?

Most importantly, do a reality check when you hear each answer. Does it sound right? Does the person sound knowledgeable? Sometimes, shelter volunteers become attached and have a hard time giving an objective opinion about the dog’s behavior. Try to see the dog’s reactions in person, keeping in mind that a dog may behave differently at an adoption day or in a shelter environment then when he is secure in his new home.

Remember, every challenge is a learning opportunity - and a chance for you to develop a better relationship with your dog.

catbird :: Apr.28.2003 :: woof :: Comments Off

The Journal of the American Veterinary Association published a study and report (pdf) in September 2000 that studied human dog bite-related fatalities over a 20 year period (1979 to 1998). Issues addressed in the report include the breeds involved, the impracticality of breed-specific banning, and ways to address the problem dog bites - fatal or not.

“Education of dog owners can address several issues: (1) understanding breed profiles19,20 may assist owners in selecting the appropriate dog for their lifestyle and training abilities, (2) convincing owners to seriously consider the sex and reproductive status of their dogs is important because male and sexually intact dogs are more likely to bite than are female and neutered dogs,12 and (3) teaching owners about the importance of socialization and training may decrease their likelihood of owning a dog that will eventually bite.”

IMHO, breed banning is a ridiculous solution. Education, licensing and training of breeders, and incentives for owners to get obedience training and Canine Good Citizen certification are better steps to bite prevention.

catbird :: Apr.16.2003 :: woof :: Comments Off

1. Consider how much time you have.
Be honest with yourself and your future companion. A dog is a time commitment in your day-to-day life for exercise, training, and affection. It’s also a time commitment in the grander scope - a decade or more of your life. If you don’t have at least an hour a day to dedicate to training and exercise, think twice about getting a dog. Likewise if travel plays a big role in your life for either work or pleasure. (Many dogs don’t travel well due to size, temperament, or lack of pet-friendly accommodations.) Even if you adopt an adult dog, you’ll want to plan on taking a training class or two to help you and your new companion learn to effectively communicate.

2. Think about what you want in a dog.
Make a list describing your ideal pooch. Short hair or long hair? Giant or toy? Active or couch potato? Don’t be afraid to include things like “already has some training” or “already fixed” since shelters and rescues will have these dogs. Think less about breed and more about what will fit into your lifestyle. Do you want a dog who can be alone all day while you work? That can play fetch with the kids? That can go hiking and camping with you? Remember to prioritize so that you know what means the most to you.

3. Research breeds.
Get a good breed encyclopedia or use akc.org or allpets.com to start researching. If you already have a breed in mind, start there and see if the breed matches at least your top ten criteria. Browse any breed that catches your eye. Take your time and don’t give in on your most important criteria. Your heart may be set on a Jack Russell Terrier, but if you don’t have the time for intense exercise and training, you would be doing your new companion a large disservice. Do research even if you plan to adopt a mixed breed - you’ll find it’s quite handy when you are visiting shelters. You might overlap this step and the next, but don’t skip. Breed research is invaluable in making sure your new relationship is successful by giving you a realistic picture of what to expect when it comes to grooming needs, trainability, temperament and the drives that are hard-wired into a dog.

4. Explore shelters.
Unless you have a very specific reason for going to a breeder (for example, allergies), consider adoption or breed rescue. There are many, many wonderful dogs and puppies available for adoption - mixed and pure breed. Some dogs in shelters have been surrendered by families and already have some obedience training and/or house training. Another advantage is that most shelters will let you foster before adopting. Fostering will give you better insight into the dog’s true personality, outside the sometimes confusing shelter world. (Only foster if you are very interested since going in and out of homes is hard on a dog.) Shelters do a best guess on breed mixes and this is where your breed research comes into play to help you know if the mix meets your criteria. A great place to start is Petfinder.org, where you can browse several shelters at once based on region and criteria.

5. Take your time.
Don’t cave on your top criteria. If you are adopting, remember that the right dog is out there. If your number one criteria is a smaller dog that you can take visiting, don’t fall in love with an Australian Shepherd mix unless you are ready to change your lifestyle. You’ll find your perfect match, I promise. If you are using a breeder, take the time to make sure you find an excellent and responsible breeder. At all costs, avoid puppy mills and pet shops.

EPILOGUE:
You found the perfect new companion. Now:

catbird :: Apr.09.2003 :: woof :: 5 Comments »

“[A] new study suggests that after a heart attack, pet owners have healthier hearts than heart attack patients who don’t have a dog, cat or other pet.” - Yahoo News

catbird :: Mar.28.2003 :: woof :: Comments Off

A proposed law in Colorado would give pets the status of companion and allow people to sue animal abusers and veterinarians for “loss of companionship.”

At first read, I was for this law. Pets should be considered companions, not property. There should be more deterrents and penalties for animal abuse.

But is this law just instigating an already litigious society? Could I be sued if I hit my neighbor’s dog - the dog that my neighbor allows to run loose? What about the kids who abuse animals - are their parents liable for their actions? And speaking of the horrible atrocities that some children commit, what if kids abuse an animal that isn’t a pet?

Veterinarians claim that this law would increase the cost of health care for pets. Hmmm… is that a threat or a fact?

Although I certainly can see where the vets are coming from, the bill:

…would prohibit veterinarians from administering any vaccine more frequently than recommended by experts.

This sounds wonderful to me (provided, I guess, on who the “experts” are….)

Right now I’m not sure what I really think of this proposed law. Maybe I’m just skeptical because it comes from the Republicans.

catbird :: Feb.11.2003 :: woof :: Comments Off

Israeli company Supergum (website not yet available), which (among other things) manufactures nuclear, biological and chemical protective gear, has now developed a protection kit for animals.

The kits use a plastic bubble surrounding a cage along with air filters and blowers to safely provide pets with purified air. Power is supplied by four batteries that last six hours (you’ll need to stock up) and the kits cost $185 to $350 (USD). the full story

catbird :: Feb.03.2003 :: woof :: Comments Off

Bad Rap (Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pitbulls): a great “pitbull” site full of information on responsible ownership, good pit PR, and of course pictures.

Drs. Foster & Smith Pet Supplies: fabulous products - toys, grooming, beds, and more. Although for once I prefer a print catalog to a web site.

Prisoners of Greed why puppymills suck, why/how to avoid them, the laws surrounding them, and what you can do. Don’t view the pictures if you don’t want to see what puppymills do to dogs.

Whole Dog Journal: A monthly guide to natural dog care and training. Some content is free, but the subscription is very worth the $20 (online and paper journal every month).

catbird :: Jan.30.2003 :: woof :: Comments Off

Pinto has had the Super-Tuff Rhino (Souper) ($4.29 - $14.99) for over three years now and it has only minimal wear and tear. This from a dog that chewed a black Kong in half. We use the Rhino bone for tug and chewing. This is the greatest toy we’ve found for “power chewers”.

catbird :: Dec.12.2002 :: woof :: Comments Off

Aside from loud crashing, banging, and general headache-producing noise that it generates when Pinto bangs it into walls and furniture, the Nylabone crazy ball just plain ROCKS! Pinto can get the treats/food out in a snap - he quickly learned that if he rolls it a little at a time, the food just pours out - he will continue to play with it for quite awhile (we’ve never made it past about 20 minutes before the noise made me too batty). Plus, he’ll play with it empty, too.

Now, if only Nylabone and Kong would get together and create this toy out of the tough black Kong rubber….

catbird :: Sep.05.2002 :: woof :: 1 Comment »

Every owner of every dog should know how to break up a fight. Although it is especially important if you have a bigger breed or mix, you should know too even if you have a small dog. Small breeds can be more aggressive than large breeds and even the most mellow dog may fight back if challenged. Dog’s are dogs. They will scuffle.

So you say you never let your dog play off leash with other dogs? Well, what if you are walking your dog and someone else has their dog off leash or you encounter a loose dog? A dog on leash can actually get more aggressive than a loose dog if he feels threatened.

Do your friends ever bring their dogs over to play? You never know when a seemingly harmless game of tug will turn ugly.

Knowing what to do will empower you in case something happens. You will save the dogs from more harm and not get yourself hurt by taking the wrong action.

Oh, and one last thing: if you have a dog that you know is aggressive and/or that may clamp his jaws, get a breaking stick. Hopefully you’ll never have to use it.

catbird :: Aug.24.2002 :: woof :: 28 Comments »

Why spay/neuter? These interesting tidbits are from an article: Silver Wolf Academy - Spay and Neuter.

- Dramatically reduce aggression problems. Unaltered dogs are three times more likely to bite than their altered counterparts.

- Virtually eliminate marking. Marking is a hormone driven behavior that all intact males are compelled to do.

- One unaltered dog can result in 300,000+ puppies over a lifetime.

- There are four times more dogs than there are homes. Wonderful dogs are put to death every day because there are no homes. Other dogs live out their lives in cages at shelters.

Read the full text.

catbird :: Jan.20.2002 :: woof :: Comments Off