9 Rules for Basic Dog Care

Bringing a dog into your life, is just like adding a new family member. Bringing up doggie may not be the same as bringing up baby, but remarkably some basics are similar.

#1. The Dog House
Give your dog a home – literally. Make sure that somewhere in your house there is a home for your dog. It can be a separate small room or a corner of the family room, but it should be designated as his space. Some people put a dog crate lined with soft, washable bedding in a separate part of the house to which the dog can retire when the family does. Having his own “house” within the house, gives him a sense of security. If an extra room is not available, put his bed in a nice corner of the family room. Some families designate a soft chair for their pet – I’m not too keen on this as it’s not practical to keep it clean.

If you have a fenced in back yard get an outdoor doghouse for those times when you may want to have your dog outside – particularly during the non-winter months. A dog house provides shelter from the rain or the hot noonday sun. Do not however, make a practice of leaving your dog out all the time. Dogs are social animals and love being with their humans.

#2. Dress Right
At the very least your dog will need a collar, a lead and an ID tag. I have seen some really smart looking lead and collar sets and when I see dogs out on walks. Judging from the way they strut you’d think that they are aware of their appearance! You will get an ID tag when you license your dog, but I really like the customized ones – they add to your dog’s appearance and are not at all costly.

If you live in a cold winter climate and doggie is short haired, he will be a much happier camper with a nice dog coat or sweater. Those windy Chicago winters can just as hard on your pet as they are on you. Dress well.

#3. Get a Vet
A vet is as important for your dog as a doctor is for you. When you get a puppy most vaccinations will already have been given by the breeder but it’s a good idea to introduce your puppy to his vet as soon as possible. Regular checkups will keep your dog healthy and if you travel with your dog, you may need to get regular booster shots. Select your vet with care.

#4. Spay or Neuter.
Did you know that spaying or neutering your dog actually promotes better health, a longer life and reduces problem behavior such as biting or running away? Check with your vet as to when to schedule this routine surgical procedure for your puppy. If you are adopting an adult dog there is not wait time necessary. Do your part in reducing pet overpopulation

#5. Chef not necessary – a good diet is.
In the country where I grew up there were no pet stores or prepared pet food then, so mom became the dog chef and cooked for our dogs. Rice was the basic and she would put various meats or fish and even veggies into a big pot and cook it for several hours.

Today it is not necessary to cook for our dogs. Choose a good nutritious diet for your dog. There are many good national brands that you can purchase at any good pet store. Small, boutique style manufacturers are also on the increase. Fresh ingredients, shorter shell life, no preservatives are some of the benefits of buying a localized brand. Again, check with your vet.

Be sure there is always fresh water available.

#6. Doggie School.
A well trained dog is a pleasure to behold and to hold. If your own training efforts are not paying off, take your pooch to a local trainer. Select several to interview. Ask which method of training they use (some training methods may be harsh) and as always, ask for references or check with the local shelter for names of reputable trainers in your area.

#7. Daily Walkies
Exercise regularly. Depending on the breed and size of your dog, the amount of daily exercise will vary – clearly a greyhound will need a lot more exercise than say a St. Bernard. Both are big dogs but their exercise needs differ. Walking your dog is a dual benefit – its as good for you as it is for him. If yours is a small dog taking him everywhere in its posh carrier does not qualify as exercise. Be sure to put him down on the pavement or grass and let him walk!

#8. Control
Remember this cardinal rule: off property, on lead. I can think of only two exceptions: doggie parks and a deserted country side.

#9. Last but not least, be patient. Your new dog needs time to learn how to live in his new surroundings, how to behave with his new family, what is acceptable behavior. Your new family member will give you unconditional love and loyalty – give him a good start with love and loyalty from you!

Dog Ushers in Pig

Dog ushers in pig! Yes! According to the Chinese lunar calendar, the year 2007 begins this weekend and following the Chinese astrological cycle, these are the last days of The Year of the Dog as celebrations begin on February 17 to welcome the Year of the Pig.

Astrology! You’ve got to love it! Whether you are a die hard believer and venture nothing new without first consulting the stars, the tarot cards and the feng shui master; or just a recreational gazer at the weekly horoscope column, you’ve got to admit it – its fun!

As with everything astrological, each sign has its own characteristics. It comes as no surprise that dog people have a fierce sense of loyalty to those they love – in fact in my opinion that is the strongest characteristic of a dog and so should be present in the dog person.

Dogs by nature are an honest animal and have a strong sense if duty. Have you ever seen a dog not take to someone? They either shy away or take an aggressive posture, sometimes emitting a low growl or curling their lip upwards and showing their fangs. It may just be that the environment is strange to them, or that they are being protective of some one or thing. You will find that dog people have these very same characteristics. Perhaps at times the honesty is just too much – they can hurt others with their bluntness.
They do not mean to hurt.

Dogs give of themselves as do the people born in the year of the dog. They are generous with their time and their company. You can always count on a dog person to be there for you when things are just a little out of kilter,

People of the dog also display great leadership qualities. Invaluable in a group they also do well in taking leadership in their own well being and in that of others. Change, however, is not their strong suite. They build a house of comfort and are happiest when the universe unfolds within their world.

The Chinese astrological signs have a twelve year cycle – so it will be 2018 before another Year of the Dog rolls around again. So if you have a “dog” in your life, be grateful for his friendship and loyalty. Show your appreciation; return his love and adoration with a special treat. Nothing is too good for your pooch – treat him to brunch at your local pooch café and show them who is Top Dog of your Walk!

Canine Ambassadors of the Fairmonts

If you are staying at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston http://www.fairmont.com/copleyplaza/ do not be surprised if on checking in you are quickly accosted by a black beauty. Her bold glance, wiggly hips and shameless nuzzling can catch you off guard, but one look at her limpid eyes and you’ve just forever lost your heart to … Catie! Stand in line if you want to spend some time with her – she’s booked up to three months in advance!

Catie is the resident dog at the Copley http://www.fairmont.com/cop/catiecopley/. Arguably, Catie is the most popular dog in Boston - she’s certainly the most famous! Catie belongs to a unique and somewhat elite group: the Canine Ambassadors of the Fairmont Hotels. Her job is to spread goodwill and that she does most admirably with a friendly wag of the tail and an adoring welcome to one and all.

Jim Carey, the hotel’s director of concierge admits that he wasn’t all that keen on the idea of having a dog as part of guest services. But precedence had already been set. Two of the Copley’s sister hotels in Vancouver, the Fairmont Hotel Vancouverhttp://www.fairmont.com/hotelvancouver/and the Fairmont Vancouver Waterfronthttp://www.fairmont.com/waterfront/ already had resident pooches and the program was very successful – why, even Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to Vancouver had taken the doggie for a spin around the block! Now, Jim laughs, he might just as easily change his title to Catie’s Manager! In addition to booking her “walks” with guests, Catie’s schedule is kept full with community services. She’s made guest appearances at various fund raising functions, visited classrooms, and now it seems may even be going on sales calls. Is there a movie career in the offing? Perhaps. Jim is in the final stages of a book based on Catie’s escapades and he truly believes that there is a good story line there for an entertaining TV series – Catie Undercover!

Back in Vancouver where the program originated, labs holding court in the lobby are Mavis and Beau at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver and Morgan at the Fairmont Waterfront. As with the Copley, the dogs of Vancouver live with their concierge. Beau is the newest addition. It seems guests were disappointed to find that they could not book a walk with Mavis on the weekends. In true Fairmont hospitality fashion Beau was quickly added and put on a different schedule than that of Mavis. At just 3 months this delightful yellow lab is still in training. His concierge, Debbie Harris says that he is very easy going – naps a lot, and plays a lot! Now isn’t that just like a boy!

The Fairmont canine ambassadors all come from the Dog Guide Services. You might say that midway through their training they had a career change. Catie developed cataracts, Mavis was too friendly, Beau was too laid back and my personal suspicion about Morgan is that he had a secret desire to be the Top Dog of the walk on Vancouver’s Waterfront!

Guests booking walks with one of these dogs are given a doggie pack including a map and some treats. Book in advance – especially as warmer weather and tourist season are just around the corner. The Fairmont chain of hotels http://www.fairmont.com/ are super pet friendly. Your own dog can check in with you. If your stay is in Vancouver or Boston, chances are your furry companion will receive a welcome package from the Canine Ambassadors of the Fairmonts! Either – or … enjoy your stay!