Big Dog Suggestions for What Breed the Next First Dog Should Be

One of the hottest searches this month has been Hypoallergenic dogs. Yes... President Elect Barack Obama promised his daughters a new puppy is coming with them to the White House in January. The only problem is that his daughter Malia is allergic to dogs. The Obama's have said they want a puppy from a shelter, and Barack Obama has said he want "a mutt like me". So the big question these days is... What kind of dog will they get?

Here is a list of a few Hypoallergenic big dogs

• Bergamasco Sheepdog
  
• Bouvier des Flandres
  
• Doodleman Pinscher (Doberman Pinscher / Standard Poodle Hybrid)
  
• Giant Schnauzer
  
• Labradoodle (Labrador Retriever / Poodle Hybrid)
  
• Native American Indian Dog
  
• Portuguese Water Dog
  
• Shepadoodle (German Shepherd / Standard Poodle Hybrid)
  
• Spanish Water Dog
  
• Standard Poodle

For more go to dogbreedinfo.com

Goodies for Your Big Dog

Your dog is someone who deserves to be rewarded once in a while. And with the holidays just around the corner, I have found the perfect place where you can find something that your dog will love. Three Dog Bakery is a place where they make the best dog treats (according to Achilles). I can't vouch for them because I personally haven't tasted them, but Achilles loves that place! I have bought Achilles a birthday cake from there for two years now, and let me just tell you, he LOVES it. They sell baked cookies, and also have packaged ones. This is a perfect holiday gift for your pet. Way better than an toy he/she will destroy in a matter of hours. At least they will enjoy doggie pastries so much more. There is one in Boca Raton, on Military Trail across from the Town Center Mall.

Camping with Your Big Dog

I have been planning a camping trip with my sister for years. But she doesn't like camping so she keeps pushing it back, which makes me want to fist-fight her, but she would win so I just let it go. (haha kidding). But I have been asking her for years to go camping with me at Yosemite National Park. Our dad lives in California so there would really be no problem. We could just go for a weekend and have fun in the outdoors. Of course on this trip I plan on taking Achilles. And I have already found the gear I would need to make sure we all have the best experience. Of course we would need a big tent, I would have Achilles sleep outside, if he sleeps on my bed, he might as well sleep inside the tent too.

As for actual dog gear I will need:

• A life jacket in case we want to go on a raft. 
• Boots for the hiking trails. Rocks and sticks could hurt their paws. Also snow or too hot ground.
• A backpack to put in snacks or a...
  
• Dog water bottle (which is also great if you like to go jogging with your dog.) Remember they too can get dehydrated. 
• A pouch bowl, could be easier for packing
  

Take your Dog out to Dinner

A few months ago I went to Duffy's in Boca Raton and saw someone dining outside with their big dog. I thought it was great, I always saw people out with their little dogs, but this was the first time there was a big dog. I asked my friend who used to work there if I could take Achilles and she said yes.(keep in mind this was months ago, rules may have changed) I was super excited but have yet to take Achilles. I have also found a site that is about all places dog friendly in Florida. It's really great! It's called Floridapets.net and it has a list of places where you can take your dogs, among other things. I think there should be more places where you can take your big dogs! If I find any I will post them. I like to share the wealth.

Of the Furniture!

I have a problem that will probably never be solved. It all started when Achilles was a puppy... he was too cute to not let on the bed for a nap. I wanted to cuddle with my new puppy all the time. He was so cute, him and his big ears. Ever since the day he was house-trained and I stopped crating him, he's been sleeping on my bed. Not a problem now, I have a big bed, and I don't move much when I'm sleeping, but what is going to happen when I get married? I'm not engaged, but I'm a planner and I like to solve issues before they occur. So I've been thinking... Achilles is 4, he'll be around for the next 10 years or so. By then I hope to be married and have kids... what is my future husband going to say when Achilles jumps on the bed? I wont have the heart to kick him off. I just hope it's never an issue, but I'm probably hoping for too much.

Well I'm going to to try to fix the problem, I've found some really cool dog beds that look really comfortable and maybe Achilles will trade in my bed for one of those.  There are also some that look like couches, so if you have my problem but on the couch you can give this a try. However I will warn you, they are super expensive, but if it solves the problem, it will be worth it.

If you want to see more big dog beds or couches go to ohmydogsupplies.com they have really cute ones there.

Dining Comfortably

Big dogs need big bowls. They eat a lot more than little dogs, but also,  have you ever stopped to wonder if they are comfortable with those things on the floor? Could you imagine having to bend down to eat. Personally I wouldn't like that very much, so when I saw Achilles have to bend down like a horse eating grass I bought him an elevated bowl.

The elevated bowl has benefits for both you and your pet. Vets highly recommend them to people with dogs who have bone or muscle problems, but also to big doggies. It also helps reduce gas for your dog... maybe that's why I can honestly count with one hand how many times Achilles has farted around me... he burps more than he farts though. 

A benefit you will be sure to love... they are less messy! and If you dog is one of those that likes to drink water and spill it everywhere, well i don't know if this will stop him/her but it will prevent bacteria from forming under the bowl.

I have also noticed that since I bought Achilles the elevated bowl he drinks a lot more water than before. I don't know if he just really loves the bowls or if he's just a lot more comfortable so he isn't ever too lazy to drink water.

If you have a big doggie, especially an old one with arthritis, I highly highly recommend you get one for him/her. Your pet will be grateful. 

The Sweetest Dog Book

Marley and Me is probably the cutest dog book I have ever read. For those of you who haven't read the book by John Grogan, let me just say, you are missing out!

This book honestly made me laugh out loud, and cry like a baby. I am not ashamed to say it because I have a dog, and can relate to John in that sense. All I thought about as I was reading the book was Achilles.

I read the book in less than a week, and the amazing thing is that I was taking 3 classes at that time. This may not mean a lot to you, but I never take on a book in the middle of a semester. It is too much, and could distract me from the work I have to do, so I just don't do it.

Marley is a crazy Lab that does some crazy things that drive John and his wife crazy. However, John loves Marley so much, he does everything possible to keep him. In the book you read both funny, and heartwarming stories of Marley from the day he joined the family, until the day he left. I can almost guarantee you that you will fall in love with the book.

This book has been turned into a movie staring Owen Wilson, and Jennifer Aniston. It looks like it is going to be funny, and I hope it's half as good as the book. It comes out on December-25-2008

The commercial actually just came out a few weeks ago. You can go to MarleyandMeMovie.com to read more about it, and see the preview.

I especially want to see this movie for 3 reasons:

1. I read the book.
   
2. I was on the set at the Sun-Sentinel when they were filming the movie.
   
3. I LOVE Eric Dane. He's Dr. McSteamy in Grey's Anatomy, and he is in the movie.
   

So read the book if you haven't and go see the movie on Christmas Day.