Monday, March 26, 2018

Essential Tips for Grooming A Beagle Puppy (Or Any Puppy)

waggy life blog
Essential Tips for Grooming A Beagle Puppy
(Or Any Puppy)

Everybody loves a “New Car Smell” and many companies try to cash in on this human desire, by developing air freshener scents that mimic that new car smell. But as we learn and know, that smell is but for a fleeting while, before being replaced by the smells of our busy lives. When we get our puppy for the first time, and you hold it, inevitably -------- and maybe by instinct, we hold it up to our nose and take a good sniff. Of course, just like new babies of all species, they smell good. Moms no matter the specie, spend large amounts of their time cleaning their babies. This of course is for health reasons, and comes from centuries of breeding, but it is also a bonding process, to help the pup identify who its mother is by her scent.
But then you have to break that bond, by adopting the puppy and taking it home with you, so now you have to be its parent. One of the most fretting questions all new parents of puppies have, and I in particular had the questions, when I picked up my Beagle puppy “Oakie” from the breeder, is………
  1. How Do I Groom My Puppy?
  2. How Often Should I Groom My Puppy?
  3. When Should I Groom My Puppy?
  4. Why Should I Groom My Puppy?
  5. Should I Bathe My Puppy?
  6. Should I Cut Its Nails and How Often?
  7. What About When It’s Coat Becomes Matted or Tangled?
  8. What Products Are Safe To Use?
One of the reasons that I got a Beagle is the fact that they are low maintenance in terms of dogs, but by no means………no maintenance. The coat of a beagle is short and tight, so not the issues that come with the fluffier dog breeds. They have a mild body odor, so typically in that sense are pleasant and clean smelling for the most part (but I will get into that a little later) They generally are active, so their nails remain relatively short, and being good chewers, teeth and gums usually do not present too much challenges.
When I brought my Beagle “Oakie” home for the first time, it was only then that I thought about Grooming, and what I should need to help keep the pup healthy and clean. The Following are the recommended tools that you should acquire if you do not have, and use if you do, to help groom your new puppy.
  1. Hound Glove (Hand Glove, dimpled on the palm, that gently removes dead hair and skin)
  2. Shedding Brush
  3. Bristle Brush
  4. Towels
  5. Furrier Comb
  6. Nail Clippers
  7. Claw Clippers
  8. Nail Grinder (Mechanical or Manual)
Daily Grooming
On a daily basis, and I usually do it in the evening time, while the puppy is relaxed and sitting on my lap, in our favorite chair, I will gently massage it with the hound glove. This is a soft glove worn over the hand that has raised rubber dimples on the palm, that as you stroke the dog’s coat, it gently removes dead hair and skin. This is a very rewarding exercise for both puppy and owner, and as it is pleasant to the puppy, they will look forward to the experience.
After a few weeks, you can then introduce a new tool to the routine, by finishing off the grooming with a quick comb through with a furrier comb. Usually either a steel comb with fine teeth, or a brush with stainless steel teeth, knubbed on the tips to avoid scratching the pup’s skin.
 
This extra deep grooming of the undercoat will help to remove any deep down grime.
Weekly Grooming
On a once weekly basis you should clean the pups ears, an often overlooked area, but like all good mums giving the little ones cleaning instructions,
 “Ya ain’t fully clean, until ya scrub behind the ears”
Where a pup is concerned, it is inside the ears that get grimy and may have some build up. To clean the pups ears, then simply use some cotton balls dipped in Hydrogen Peroxide. The puppy will be sensitive to you picking up its ears, and may show some aversion to the smell of the chemical, but it is a safe cleaner to use, and perseverance will always win the day, as you are doing the puppy good, as an ear infection is not a pleasant thing for neither pup nor owner.
Odor Control And Bathing
For the most part it is not necessary to bathe a puppy. In fact as the saying goes,
“Bathe a Puppy Only For Beauty”
Otherwise giving pups and dog’s baths on a regular basis can do the dog more harm than good. If the smell of the dog is bothersome, and I can understand this, then to help with that dog smell there are a couple of easy solutions. But first it is important to know that your puppies coat contains oils, which help condition its skin and coat. Giving excessive baths to the puppy or dog, removes these oils, leading to a dry skin condition. The resulting itching and subsequent scratching by the dog seeking relief, can lead to sores and a very painful condition. So be selective with baths.
Available at your local dog product store are dry shampoo’s which you can apply to your pups coat, brush it in, and brush it out. These shampoos have a mild deodorant also, that helps to mask your pups smell. Corn starch is also good, and you use it in the same way as a dry shampoo, apply it to the coat, brush it in, and comb it out. Baby powder can also be used safely. You can also pick up a conditioner at the pet store, which can be mildly perfumed, that you can use in conjunction with the above simple routines.
Another easy odor control trick is to put some “Cedar Shavings” into an old pillow case, and put this under the dog or puppies bedding. This can help with reducing odors, and is purported to help reduce the flea population also. If Cedar Shavings are not available, then as a substitute, you can use “Pine Shavings”
My Puppy Rolled In Something….UGH
Of course, dogs will roll in things that turn our stomach. Dead critters, wet mucky grass, or even not rolling in something, pups and dogs like running through wet grass, you could say that in their minds it’s like a “Herbal Bath” But to our human noses, it is the opposite, so in this case a Bath is the answer.
Here are some easy to follow instructions for safe bathing your puppy or dog.
  1. Luke warm water, never hot.
  2. Use a baby shampoo, or buy a mild shampoo at the pet store formulated for puppies.
  3. Fully rinse the product off.
  4. Towel the puppy dry.
Do not let the puppy or dog dry itself, spend some time, and expend so towels to try to dry it yourself. Do not let it outside until it is fully dry.
Teeth
Canine dental health has come to the forefront over the years and now teeth health is as important a grooming practice, as hair and coat. Puppies will not get their adult teeth until after about a year or so, so basically you may consider that they are teething up until then. Good teeth and gums are good health in the puppy or dog. What we feed them is going to play into this, as to-day it is more the case of what we do not feed them. Rather than go into a long discussion on what we should or should not feed our pets, let’s look at how to help keep the puppies teeth and gums in good order. The puppy will need to chew.
It does this for teething reasons, and in some sense when it is anxious, due to boredom, or separation. So if you provide the puppy with chew toys with dimples, these will help with teeth health, and jaw development. Also a good chew rope equates to flossing in humans, and will also help to clean teeth. Hard bone toys will also help with teething and with jaw development.
Finger toothbrushes used a few times a week will help with cleaning a pups teeth.
Nail Care
Unless the puppy is constantly running on hard concrete, or over rough terrain its nails are going to need to be cut and trimmed. About four times a year should suffice. Start when the puppy is young, it will need to get used to the process, and will be fearful of it at first. Use quality tools that are sharp and designed for the task. Follow common sense safety practices.
So, overall keeping a puppy groomed and healthy is a fairly simple task that will not require much of your time, if you start early and stay consistent.
Remember, For Odor Control
Bathing should be for emergencies only.
Dry Shampoo if necessary.
Corn Starch can be used.
Baby Powder Can Be Used.
Cedar Wood Shavings In The Bed Area Can Be Used.
Pine Shavings are a Good Alternative.
When a Bath Is The Last Option
Luke Warm Water Only.
Use Baby Shampoo or Puppy Shampoo.
Thoroughly Rinse off.
Towel Dry.

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

14 Essential Tips For Day Hiking With A Beagle

14 Essential Tips For Day Hiking With A Beagle
Dogs make great trail buddies no matter how you look at it. Depending on where you live there should be many opportunities to do some quality hiking with your best four legged friend. Hiking can be a broad term, for there are many different hiking opportunities, and environments to choose from. When I go hiking in general, I am hitting a local trail system, which is well maintained and owned and provided by the county in which I live. The type of hiking terrain allows for a good few hours out and back, with fair to moderate elevation gain and ruggedness.
Enough of a challenge for both man and dog. Over a given year I will travel to a wilderness area a few times and camp for a week or more, in order to pursue a greater hiking challenge for myself and my Beagle, “Oakie” But today I am only going to talk about Day Hiking.
I have had many dogs over the years at differing levels of agility, stamina, and endurance, and with all of my dogs I have gone on both day hikes into my local park, and also I have brought all of these dogs into deep wilderness on long trips. To really get the most out of the day hike for both you and your dog it is important to follow some simple tips. It would also be prudent to day hike as much as possible with your dog, to help develop stamina and hardiness for the longer and more grueling wilderness adventures.
And, of course answer the question whether all dogs are suitable for hiking buddies.
The Beagle in general is a sturdy little dog.
Originating in Europe, and particularly associated with being developed in England, where they were bred for small animal pack hunting. They were used in the hunt of hares either accompanying horse backed riders, or were foot beagles. They have a highly developed sense of smell, and are bred to run long distances over rough terrain. Thirteen Inch and Fifteen inch are the two standard heights, and “Oakie” is a fifteen inch beagle, although it is common to see a height range of between 10” – 15”, and up to 40lb in weight. So far over many varying terrains and hikes, I have found my Beagle to be a trooper when it comes to hiking in general.
I have found in general that the upper small to medium sized dogs make the best hikers. The little guys, and the very large guys although having some qualities good for local short hikes, have too many problems with legs or stamina on long  hike’s, but you be the best judge with sound advice from your vet.
Day Hiking
Day hiking is the easiest pursuit for most people and dogs and requires the least planning. It can be to your local regional park system, or preserve. It will have a few miles of developed trails that will be over varying topography, and may include streams, grassland, wooded areas, hills and canyons, and even beach or desert.
They usually will have some native wildlife present and residing in the setting, and may be multi-use allowing for walking, horseback riding, and mountain bikes.
The tips for successful day hiking with your dog are;
  1. Make sure the dog is in good health, with no underlying medical issues that would present a challenge to your hike together, always check with your vet.
  2. Make sure that the dog has eaten at least one hour before heading out.
  3. Make sure that the dog is well hydrated before heading out.
  4. Tell someone where you are going in case of emergency
  5. Have a mental list of what you will need:
  • A good harness and leash.
  • A portable drinking bottle for the dog.
  • Water for the both of you.
  • A small backpack containing dog poop bags, extra water, a lightweight rain jacket, a cellphone.
  • Some snacks and dog treats.
  1. Basic Etiquette
Read the posted signs at the parking lot, or at the trail-head to familiarize yourself with any warnings, and dangers that may be present on the trail. Stay on the designated trail systems, do not wander off into ecologically sensitive areas, or areas under conservation. Yield to faster moving traffic if you are on a multi-use trail. Pace yourself early, and allow for rest stops especially for water.
Watch out especially for shade spot opportunities, trails can be very hot, especially late Spring Summer, and well into Autumn, be respectful of other people with the same idea, and corral your dog well to avoid any unfortunate incidences. If you pack it in, then pack it out, and this also means dog poop.
Always……Always keep the dog leashed.
  1. Basic Safety
Watch out for wild animals, especially depending on the season and activity level, you are in their domain. Some of the common critters that I usually encounter day hiking with my Beagle are,
  • Coyotes
  • Rattlesnakes
  • Bobcats
  • Skunks
  • Opossum
  • Raccoons
  • Squirrels
  • Hedgehogs
  • Marmots
  • Tarantula’s
  • Deer
  • Fox
  • Mountain Lions
Plus, various prey birds flying above, and plenty of biting insects. For the most part wild animals should not bother you or your dog, as long as you are not bothering them. Most of the above list, the animals are typically shy, and will not approach, however, I have had Coyotes trail me and my dog, and have had to encourage a Rattlesnake or two to move off a trail, so I could pass safely. Remember to always keep your dog leashed at all times, you never know what dangers are lurking behind that next bush or tree.
After Your Day Hike
When you get home again with your dog:
  1. Feed it.
  2. Water it.
  3. Wipe it down with a clean towel.
  4. If really grubby……give your dog a quick rinse.
  5. Check for Ticks.
  6. Check its paws for cracks or abrasions……treat immediately.
  7. If it was a really hot day, let the dog cool down for a few hours on a cooling mat.
Unless your dog has super stamina and ability, I would wait a few days before going on another day hike. These hikes can take a lot out of any dog, but for variety, and fun, I would include at least one a week into a dogs walking schedule. With my Beagle it was one a week.
Conclusion
Day hiking allows both you and your dog to experience a bit of nature in relative safety and the experience can be wonderful for the both of you, with the right preparation. Day hiking can be used to gradually build your dog up to graduate into long wilderness treks, and camping hiking vacations. Day hiking is just fun for you and fun for the dog.

Monday, March 19, 2018

What Type Of Dog Leash Is Best


Which Dog Leash Is Best
First of all it may be better to ask the question……..
“What type of dog leash do I need”?
The basic answer to the question of which dog leash is best to choose really depends on a number of factors to take into consideration. And in answering those questions then choosing the right type of leash is a whole lot easier.
First off,
  1. How old is the dog?
  2. Is it a brand new puppy just home?
  3. What breed of dog is it?
  4. What size of dog is it?
  5. What activities do you plan to include your dog in?
  6. What about training?
  7. How energetic is the dog?
  8. Is it slender necked like a Greyhound or Afghan hound?
  9. Is the breed a pushed in face type, like Pugs, Bulldogs?
Let’s look at a few of these considerations;
If you have a brand new puppy and it is home for the first time, then a Choker Chain is the best choice for the first few weeks. This will break the puppy gently in to being under the control of a leash. Puppies being exuberant little fellows want to run about and get into all sorts of things. This is natural, but you as a pet parent must teach the little puppy some basic protocols on walking on a leash, this is important for later on when formal training begins for the puppy. The Choker Chain can be harsh and dangerous if used incorrectly, so it is important to familiarize yourself with how to properly us it to prevent injury to the puppy. You cannot use a Choker Chain on any puppy with a pushed in face, or a puppy with a very slender neck, as the risk of damage to the throats of these breeds is too great. After the puppy is about eight weeks old and older, you will need to graduate to a collar and six foot leash.
The six foot leash is ideal in training a puppy. It is short enough to help prevent the pup from having too much roam, and yet does give a little controlled space to the



animal.
This type of leash because it is short and usually made of leather, which is stiff and rigid, helps you to communicate a command through the leash which is interpreted immediately by the dog, who should act on it. Its short length allows you to be able to walk the puppy or dog in crowds, while maintaining excellent control over the dog. So, it is the perfect leash for teaching and training your puppy in walking on busy pathways, in shops and mall’s, or just about anywhere there are large crowds. You can pull the dog up easily to your side and walk safely.
As the dog matures a little, then you will need to think about an all-around leash. Is the dog stocky and muscular like pits, if so then a Harness with a strong nylon web design leash would be the best choice?
Is the dog the type of dog that walks you -----then again a Harness with a nylon web construction no longer than twelve feet would be a good choice?  Is the dog a busy walker, needing to roam and sniff every bush and shrub that it passes, like Beagles and scent breeds in general, then a Retractable Leash may be the answer,
as this will allow you to control how much leash you let out, but also allow you to quickly rope the dog in if there is an emergency.
Are you a Runner?  Do you wish to combine your passion for running with your obligation to walk the dog daily? Well now you can combine both with a Leash designed for Running with a dog.

It can attach to your hand by means of a glove design, or can attach around your waist and allows “hands free operation” but also keeps the dog trotting along safely by your side. This type of leash is also ideal for use on a Paddle-board with your dog, in a Kayak with your dog, and with practice, cycling and riding a bike with your dog. Waist Bungee Running Leashes are also a good choice for Hiking and trail running.
Are you going to be doing any hiking with your dog? When hiking with my dog which is a busy beagle I prefer to use a long leash, up to 50 Feet in length.
You coil the leash and hold the coils firmly in your hand. You let out about twelve feet of leash, and if it is safe a little more, if danger presents itself, then you can quickly pull the dog in, until the danger passes. When walking local wilderness trails on day hikes then I prefer a Retractable leash as I want my dog to be able to roam a little while I still can maintain control over it.
Are you a bicycler or bike rider? Dogs will happily trot alongside you when riding a bike, as long as you have the correct equipment. A Hand Glove Leash can be a good choice when riding on a bike, but can be a little tricky to learn a safe technique to use it correctly, so that neither you nor your dog, or other people get injured. I would recommend a Hand Glove Leash to only experienced riders. A better all- around leash for the purpose of riding a bike with a dog is, a Distance Keeper Bike Leash.
This is a rigid pole that firmly attaches to the seat post of a bike, goes out horizontally from the bike, and has a short dog leash attached to the end of it. Riding with a Distance keeper Bike leash allows you full control over the mechanical operation of the bike, while also keeping your dog a safe distance from the mechanical functions of the bike. Of course you should only ride slow and steady on a bike that has a dog attached to it, and be aware of your surroundings and any dangers.
Are you a water sport enthusiast? Perhaps you like to paddle-board or Kayak. Then you can also bring your best four legged friend along. A Hand Glove Leash in combination with a harness with a handle allows you to paddle safely while your dog is shacked securely.

A Dog Life Vest is also recommended for that extra touch of safety.
So to conclude, your journey with your dog will suggest that you will need a selection of Leashes and Harnesses depending on the type of dog you have, the type of lifestyle you live with your pet, and the type of activity that you wish to participate in that includes your dog. In general I would always recommend;
  1. A short six foot leash for training and walking in crowds.
  2. A good Retractable Leash for the park, around the neighborhood, or on the local trails.
  3. A Dog Running Leash if you are taking your best four legged friend running with you.
  4. A Hand Glove Leash if you want to do water-sports like paddle-boarding, kayaking.
  5. A Bike Distance Keeper Leash if you are going to cycle with your dog.
And of course always have a Seat Belt Leash in your car at all times so that you can safely travel to your destination of adventure.