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1. Does dog size matter?
Determine if size matters to you, and think of how it will affect other aspects of your household. Do you live in an apartment that can accommodate a large dog? Do you have means for transporting a large dog? Do you have a large or small yard? Do you have an easily escapable yard that a small dog can maneuver out of?
Physical size may make less of a difference than energy level depending on the breed. For example, a Greyhound’s docile nature is suited just fine in a small yard, while a smaller, more active dog may require a larger yard or home.
Admittedly, we’re a little Apple obsessed here at Ruff Wear. Maybe it’s because all our computers are Macs, or maybe it’s because the endless features of the iPhone/AT&T network aren’t available to us due to coverage in this rocky, mountainous region. Either way, we love Apple and iPhone apps make us drool (or, slobber). So here are a few of our favorite iPhone apps for dog owners:
Best App for Dog Play
Off Leash
This FREE app by Eukanuba uses GPS or zipcode to locate nearby off-leash dog parks, then gives you turn by turn directions to get there. You can even suggest your favorite park to get it added to the service.
Best App for Pet Safety
Pet Owner’s Manual ($.99)
This app features emergency how-to information for bee stings, doggie CPR, allergies—it’s like a virtual canine first-aid kit. You can even use the “Find a Vet” feature which uses GPS to locate nearby veterinary services.
Best App for the Traveling Dog Owner
DogiDuty ($.99)
For times when Fido can’t join along, this app allows your dog’s caretaker to send information to you including when your dog is fed, walked, or given medicine.
Best App for Prospective Dog Owners
Dog-A-Log ($.99)
This app provides breed information based on Wikipedia entries. This is a great application for prospective dog owners searching shelters and rescue groups for the a compatible canine companion.
Best App for Fun
iClean Screen Cleaner ($.99)
Similar to the dog-licking screen cleaner email that circulates around offices, this app “cleans” your iPhone screen with hilarious video of dogs licking the screen. All the love minus the slobber damage.
Best App for Training
Dog Whistle
This FREE app gives out whistle frequencies up to 20,000 Hz and mimics various dog whistles to help train your dog to do tricks. It also has a “bark detector” that triggers a whistle tone when the dog’s sound level exceeds a certain threshold.
Most Politically Correct App
The First Dog ($.99)
This app allows you to virtually pet, feed and play with the First Dog, Bo, and if that’s not politically correct enough for you, the proceeds benefit the Humane Society.
Best Personalized App
Shake & Bark
This FREE app lets you download a picture and sound file of your dog’s bark, which will let out a yelp when you shake your phone.
As we continue through the winter months, some of our dogs are spending more time with us indoors than any other time of the year.
An office email circled around a while back that made us all giggle. Needless to say, the close quarters have allowed us to relate to the author of this note, and you can probably relate, too:
Dear Dog,
The dishes with the paw print are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Please note: placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.
The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Beating me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn’t help because I fall faster than you can run.
I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort. Dogs can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.
For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom. If by some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, bark, try to turn the knob, or get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years –canine attendance is not required.
Finally, the proper order is kiss me first, then go smell the other dog or cat’s butt. I cannot stress this enough!
Sincerely,
Human Companion
Jack taught us to truly enjoy every moment outdoors
Shortly after moving to Central Oregon to work for Ruff Wear, my husband I decided we needed a dog that matched the Central Oregon lifestyle. We wanted a dog that would keep up on long runs, enjoy bike riding, and endure the cold Central Oregon winters. But little did we know just how “active” an active dog could be!
We checked the local shelters for a dog that would meet our credentials. We wanted a larger dog with shorter hair and a fun-loving personality. We stumbled across a shelter 40 miles away that was a no-kill shelter (The Humane Society of the Ochocos). They had just received a litter of five pups–”probably Saint Bernard mixes” (FYI – that’s shelter talk for “Husky”). Read the rest of this entry »
In honor of Valentine’s day, I’d like to share this photo of Kaya.
She is the most adorable fluff nugget / blonde princess / cuddle muffin / powder hound / fluffer nutter / noodle face… she simply spews hearts and halos every time she is photographed!
I have no clue how this angelic fluff ball with legs ended up at the humane society, but I sure am glad we found her!
Treat your tail wagging companion to a valentine treat of their own–canine meatballs! This recipe is canine-friendly, easy to make, and delicious, and uses ingredients straight out of your fridge.
Canine Candies
¾ cup of green beans
2 pounds of lean ground beef, turnkey or lamb
2 eggs
½ cup of plain bread crumbs
2 tablespoons veterinarian-approved bone meal powder
Baking Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Boil peas and puree in a food processor. Add the rest of the ingredients. Mix well.
- Using your hands, scoop large spoonfuls of the mixture into balls. Makes approximately 68 meatballs.
- Place meatballs on a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake 25 minutes and leave out to cool (but put them high enough that your pooch won’t counter surf one off of the table).
- Once cooled, refrigerate up to four days. Can be frozen for later use.
Neighborhood Barks (Recent Comments)