How to Care For a Dog in Today's Economy

In this manual, you will learn how to care for a dog in today's economy. Considering the economic woes that we face today, it is important to know and understand how to save money when it comes to the care of our canine friends. Many believe that in order to save money when caring for a pet that we must sacrifice the quality in which we provide to our pets, but this is a misconception. There are many unique strategies that can be used in order to appropriately care for your dog for less. Here, you will learn how to care for a dog in today's economy based on these strategies.

1. The first thing that you should do in order to care for your pet without spending a fortune is to consider the amount of food that you purchase at once. If you observe the prices of dog food in the large bags to dog food in the smaller bags, you will actually discover that buying more means spending less overall. Prior to purchasing the food, check your local newspaper and the internet for valuable coupons that can offer you a tremendous amount of savings.
2. If you are looking to save money on dog food altogether, you should consider purchasing the supplies to make your own dog food. Many pet owners have tried this and have found that it is more cost effective, easy to do, and leaves their pet healthier. If you are budgeting your pet care, creating your own dog food can be a wonderful method of saving some cash, potentially hundreds of dollars annually!
3. When caring for a dog, it is important to ensure that they see a vet on a regular basis for routine check ups and worming procedures. If you want to save money on dog care in today's economy, you will be happy to know that there are many things that you can purchase from a pet pharmacy and/or specialty store that will allow you to save hundreds of dollars a year in vet care. First, you may purchase various types of flea treatments. Next, you may purchase preventive supplements for heartworms. Next, you may purchase medicated soaps and similar products to treat conditions like skin irritations and more.
4. When caring for your dog, there are many things that you may want to purchase for their comfort. This includes pet beds, a doghouse, toys, and even feeding dishes. Many people who purchase these items new often find that they spend a tremendous amount of money. If you want to save, try local thrift stores, yard sales, and flea markets. You will be amazed at all the items that you can find without having to blow a large amount of money!
5. Lastly, when caring for a dog in today's economy, it is important to ensure that you extend a large amount of love to your pet. It has been found that dogs that are loved unconditionally are happier and healthier overall!

If you want to learn how to care for a dog in today's economy for less, these helpful strategies will assist you.

To find out what you need to know about your dogs health, learn how to save your dogs life in an emergency and save thousands of dollars in vet bills, visit Gaetane's site and get a FREE Dog Training Guide.

Tips to Have Interesting Dog Names

If you have just bought yourself a new dog or pup, the next important stage is to give it a distinctive dog name. You may choose dog names that are popular dog names, female dog names, male dog names or even funny dog names. What is important is that you like it and that it gives your dog his unique identity.


Thinking of a one-of-a-kind dog name for your pet can be a difficult task, especially since it will be with your dog for life. The dog name that you choose will say as much about you as it does about your dog. It reflects how you view your dog and your relationship with it. Some dog names sound like male dog names and some sound like female dog names. Some dog names are funny while some are serious. It does not matter what kind of a dog name you are looking for but it is very essential to choose a dog name wisely. Some names like Killer, Wolf, Tiger, etc. can be frightening to people who are already apprehensive of dogs. Your pet dog will be an important part of your family. Therefore select a name that you won't mind calling out time and again.

Another point to consider when choosing a dog name is whether you would feel comfortable calling out to your dog at the top of your voice in public. Some unique dog names like Stinkball or Dumbbell may sound delightful at first but can leave you feeling embarrassed in the company of a crowd.

When thinking of unique dog names for your pet do consider whether your dog will be able to distinguish his or her name from normal everyday commands. Similarly the dog name that you select should match with some physical trait of your dog. You don't want to give your big strong male dog a cute name like Twinkle Toes or Sugar Plum or a very strong powerful male name like Fang or Goliath to a delicate female dog.

At times, waiting a few days before choosing a name can be of help as you may pick up on little characteristics of your new dog that will give you some inspiration. If your new pup loves to steal things and hide them in his bed, how about 'Bandit'?

Giving your dog or pup a name can be easy if you keep the following pointers in mind.

• As far as possible use a dog name with more than one syllable. Dogs find it easier to hear longer names than shorter ones.
• As mentioned earlier, make sure your dog's name does not sound like another word that your dog might confuse with. Bo is a popular name but it sounds like the command 'No'.
• Choose a name that suits the sex of your dog. Female dog names for girl dogs and male dog names for male dogs make more sense although neutral popular dog names can also be chosen.
• Yours dog's physical appearance might help you choose a name.
• Your dog's personality could help you decide a dog name.
• Your dog's behavior could also inspire dog names.
• You could also give your dog the names of any famous personalities like movie stars, rock stars and even politicians for that matter.
• Another great source of unique dog names is from books and television.
• Once you have named your dog, be sure that you use it as frequently as possible, so that he learns it quickly.
• If you want your dog to like his name, never ever use it when you are angry with him or disciplining him. Try as far as possible, not to raise your voice when you use his name.
• The most popular male dog names are Sam, Sammie, Max, Bear, Buddy and Taffy. The most popular girl dog names are Samantha, Maggie, Molly, Lady, Lucy, and Sadie. Some popular dog names that are used for both male and female dogs are Tasha, Brandy, Ginger and Taffy.
• You can choose a girl dog name or a female dog name, a neutral dog name or a funny dog name or even a famous dog name - made famous through movies, comic strips or made famous because of their famous owners.

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Lucky Dog

Anyone who has pets will really like this. You'll like it even if you don't and you may even decide you need one!

Mary and her husband Jim had a dog named Lucky. Lucky was a real character. Whenever Mary and Jim had company come for a weekend visit they would warn their friends to not leave their luggage open because Lucky would help himself to whatever struck his fancy. Inevitably, someone would forget and something would come up missing.

Mary or Jim would go to Lucky's toy box in the basement and there the treasure would be, amid all of Lucky's other favorite toys. Lucky always stashed his finds in his toy box and he was very particular that his toys stay in the box.

It happened that Mary found out she had breast cancer. Something told her she was going to die of this disease... in fact; she was just sure it was fatal.

She scheduled the double mastectomy, fear riding her shoulders. The night before she was to go to the hospital she cuddled with Lucky. A thought struck her... what would happen to Lucky? Although the three-year-old dog liked Jim, he was Mary's dog through and through. If I die, Lucky will be abandoned, Mary thought. He won't understand that I didn't want to leave him! The thought made her sadder than thinking of her own death.

The double mastectomy was harder on Mary than her doctors had anticipated and Mary was hospitalized for over two weeks. Jim took Lucky for his evening walk faithfully, but the little dog just drooped, whining and miserable.

Finally the day came for Mary to leave the hospital. When she arrived home, Mary was so exhausted she couldn't even make it up the steps to her bedroom. Jim made his wife comfortable on the couch and left her to nap.

Lucky stood watching Mary but he didn't come to her when she called. It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her and she dozed.

When Mary woke, for a second she couldn't understand what was wrong. She couldn't move her head and her body felt heavy and hot. But panic soon gave way to laughter when Mary realized the problem. She was covered, literally blanketed, with every treasure Lucky owned! While she had slept, the sorrowing dog had made trip after trip to the basement bringing his beloved mistress all his favorite things in life. He had covered her with his love.

Mary forgot about dying. Instead she and Lucky began living again, walking further and further together every day. It's been 12 years now and Mary is still cancer-free. Lucky, he still steals treasures and stashes them in his toy box but Mary remains his greatest treasure.

Just a Dog

From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog," or, "that's a lot of money for just a dog."

They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog."

Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog." Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog," and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise."

"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy.

"Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.

Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.

So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.

"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog" but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a man."

So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog." just smile, because they "just don't understand."

-Author Unknown

Help Wanted

A local business was looking for office help. They put a sign in the window, stating the following: "HELP WANTED. Must be able to type, must be good with a computer and must be bilingual. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer."

A short time afterwards, a dog trotted up to the window, saw the sign and went inside. He looked at the receptionist and wagged his tail, then walked over to the sign, looked at it and whined.

Getting the idea, the receptionist got the office manager. The office manager looked at the dog and was surprised, to say the least. However, the dog looked determined, so he lead him into the office. Inside, the dog jumped up on the chair and stared at the manager.

The manager said, "I can't hire you. The sign says you have to be able to type." The dog jumped down, went to the typewriter and proceeded to type out a perfect letter. He took out the page and trotted over to the manager and gave it to him, then jumped back on the chair. The manager was stunned, but then told the dog, "The sign says you have to be good with a computer."

The dog jumped down again and went to the computer. The dog proceeded to demonstrate his expertise with various programs and produced a sample spreadsheet and database and presented them to the manager. By this time the manager was totally dumb-founded! He looked at the dog and said, "I realize that you are a very intelligent dog and have some interesting abilities. However, I *still* can't give you the job."

The dog jumped down and went to a copy of the sign and put his paw on the sentences that told about being an Equal Opportunity Employer. The manager said, "Yes, but the sign *also* says that you have to be bilingual."

The dog looked at him straight in the face and said, "Meow."

source: travelingdogs.com

Training Dogs: Is it Necessary?

Dog owners all over the world are doing great efforts when it comes to training dogs. That it just a simple indication that well-mannered pets are more preferred than those who do not know how to behave in ways acceptable to human. But a dog that can perform various dog tricks is not the only thing that makes training important. There are other reasons to it apart from play-dead, rollover and high five.

Some may not realize it but training dogs is actually one way of keeping them safe. The "stay" command can prevent your energetic pooch from crossing the street and getting hit by a car. The "drop it" command can make him drop that empty insecticide container he picked up in the trash. The "down" command on the other hand is great way to stop him from jumping up on guests while giving the command "stop it" can make him stop barking like crazy. And these are only some of the many safety benefits training can offer.

Training is also a way for you to have long-time pet and your pet to have permanent home. If your pet is a well-trained one, naturally he obeys every command given. And for sure, nobody would want to give up or abandon an obedient dog. You will get to spend more time with your pet thus gives you the chance to know more about him such as his favorite toys, the training method he best responds to and other vital information concerning your beloved pet.

While your dog learns something new during training, you are also more likely to get the exercise you need. Taking daily walks or playing fetch will surely keep you moving hence will help you keep physically fit.

Training dogs can make you proud and happy. Who wouldn't be proud of a dog doing his business at the area you specified? or a dog that sits or stands on command? What would you feel if your beloved pet helps in retrieving illegal substances or visit patients in therapy homes? The happiness it gives is surely beyond compare.

Training does not happen overnight or at the snap of your fingers. It takes time before you can finally say that your pet is a reliably trained one. But seeing him do things with flying colors will be all worth it.

Puppy Love

Take a look at this picture of a 10 week old Husky puppy giving a 6-week old Lab pup a cuddle. So cute, right?

photo credit: Alexmaher

Note To Dogs

Discover How To Easily Solve Your Dogs Behavior Problems Once And For All!

(This is a forwarded email from a customer who is also a dog lover. I was amused after reading this so I decided to share it here.)

Dear Dogs and Cats: The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Racing 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, however. Dogs and cats 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 on the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.


For the last time, there is no 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, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - canine/feline attendance is not required.

The proper order for kissing is: Kiss me first, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt. I cannot stress this enough.

Finally, in fairness, dear pets, I have posted the following message on the front door:

TO ALL NON-PET OWNERS WHO VISIT AND LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR PETS:

(1) They live here. You don't.
(2) If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. That's why they call it 'fur'-niture...
(3) I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
(4) To you, they are animals. To me, they are adopted sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours and don't speak clearly.

Remember, dogs and cats are better than kids because they:
(1) eat less,
(2) don't ask for money all the time,
(3) are easier to train,
(4) normally come when called,
(5) never ask to drive the car,
(6) don't smoke or drink,
(7) don't want to wear your clothes,
(8) don't have to buy the latest fashions,
(9) don't need a gazillion dollars for college and
(10) if they get pregnant, you can sell their children...