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.

Get a Laugh Out of These Comedian Dogs

I'm sure that most of you, if not all of you, have seen funny dog videos on America's Funniest Home Videos or Animal Planet. I found a short compilation of hilarious videos of both little, and big dogs.
I love the first one. I think it is so funny to see a dog is hopping like a rabbit. I also like the one where the dog started attacking a toy. All of the videos are funny, but those are hilarious. I have gotten a number of these videos by e-mail, and I must say they really brighten up my day.
I take a lot of pictures of Achilles, but not so much video. I have taped him a little, but I don't have anything funny. I have video of him being a puppy more than anything. However, after seeing these videos, I am inspired to video tape Achilles doing something funny. Maybe that way, when I am having a bad day, I'll just look at the video, and be in a good mood.

A Dog is a Kitty Hero

I know this is the Big Dog Blog, but this story was way too cute to not post. It is about a small dog that risked his life to stay with four kittens in a burning home. Luckily the dog and the kittens are ok. He is so cute.

Click on the following link to get directed to the video. Yahoo.com

Enjoy the video!

Snow Sledding Dog

I came across a really funny dog video on YouTube.com. It is of a dog uses people as a sled! If he sees someone sliding down a snow hill, he jumps on them. I think it is a perfect way to say hello to the cold weather, and considering that some states have already stated to see snow.
So, if you live in areas where snow is something that is just around the corner... try sledding with your dog, or your dog sledding on you.
Enjoy!

Dog Sitters your Dog Will Love

There are plenty of doggy day care centers all over the country. I haven't taken Achilles to  one yet because I think he is more comfortable at home. He's actually very lazy, and I believe he enjoys staying home and sleeping. However, I have seen some daycare centers that look fun for dogs. 

There is one in Broward County that I see on my way to school. It is a cage-less center, and it has a playground where the dogs play in the afternoon. I have seen some sad dog faces looking out on to the road from the playground, but it kind of reminds me of kindergartners looking out from recess, and waiting for their parents.

A few years ago in Boca Raton, I saw a school bus  full of dogs. I remember thinking it was the cutest thing. That doggie day care center would pick-up and drop-off the dogs from their homes, which is very convenient for dog parents.

There are also dog hotels, where you can leave your dog for a few days if you plan on taking a trip. These are also most convenient for parents of big dogs, because unfortunately it is much harder to travel with big dogs, than small ones.

Here are a few interesting dog day care centers and hotels.

This one is a very cute and luxurious dog hotel. chateaupoochie.com

This is a Dog day care center that has locations all over the country. They are currently opening four in the state of Florida. Dogdaycare.com

Dog Predators

Some states have animals that prey on dogs. In Florida alligators have been known to eat pets such as cats and dogs. And not long ago we heard of a man who saved his dog from the jaws of a shark. And finally, one predator that my dogs have had more than one encounter with... coyotes.

I grew up in the San Fernando Valley in California. There are lots of coyotes, mountain lions, and bob cats in the area. These predators come into backyards in the middle of the night, and eat peoples pets. 

The last, and most traumatizing story that happened with a coyote and a pet of the family was 2 years ago.

My brother had a small Jack Russell Terrier. One night he forgot to bring the dog in, and that's just what the coyotes were waiting for. My dad woke up to Timon crying. He woke me up and told me to come to the backyard with him to get the dog. We came out, but it was too late... the dog was gone... we called him, went all over the backyard, and nothing. A few minutes later my sister and I heard a dog whimper. We told my dad and we went out to the backyard again. My stepmother found Timon all the way at the end of the backyard. He was still alive, but the coyote had bit his neck, and it was too late.

The next day my little brother buried the dog, and two nights later the coyote came back. He dug up Timon and tried to take him again, but he must have gotten scared by something, and left.

So if you live in one of these states, or any other with dog predators, please lock up your dogs at night. Make sure that they are safe.

Is Your Dog Bilingual?

There isn't much information on whether a dog can be bilingual or not, but I know Achilles is.

When I was teaching Achilles commands, I made sure he was learning the sign language command as well. If I don't want to actually say the command I just sign it and he does it. I got the idea from the  trainer that came to my house to teach Achilles, and I think I had also read something about it in the book German Shepherds for Dummies.

Some people chose to teach their dogs German commands, but I stuck with english. Achilles knows:

• Sit
  
• Down (lay down)
  
• Speak (bark)
  
• Give me five
  
• Up (stand up)
  
• Come

He also knows phrases but I don't know the sign for all that.

My mom talks to Achilles in spanish, and he understands what she saying. When she says "ven" which means come, he understands. He also understands "vamos al baño" which means lets go to the bathroom. So I guess I can say Achilles knows four languages, and one of those I don't understand. That would be the bark.

A Dog So Fresh and So Clean

Sometimes giving your dog a bath can be a pain in the butt! I know that for a fact. I have an extremely hard time giving Achilles a bath. I have actually given up trying to give him one at home, so I bathe him at the wash station at a dog park. What I do is that I tie him to a pole and hose him down and shampoo him right there. Some people look at me like I'm crazy, but crazy is trying to bathe him at home.

Of course you can always take your dog to a groomer, but I personally don't like taking Achilles there because he gets so sad. Some people don't have an option, big dogs like Golden Retrievers and other long haired dogs need a hair cut. 

Please don't ignore your pets hygiene. A dog needs his/her nails clipped, hair brushed, and a bath once a month. Try not to bathe your dog more than once a month, doing so may cause dry skin, something that can be very uncomfortable and even painful for your pet.

Here is a great site called  advice on pet care that has great tips one how to bathe your dog.

Another thing that is important is clipping your dogs nails. If they get too long  it can also be painful or uncomfortable. If your dog has the white, or clear nails, you could clip them yourself. If your pets nails are dark, or black, have your vet or a groomer clip them. Dogs have a vain (called a "quick") that runs through their nails and if you clip too much, they could bleed, and it will be painful for your pet.

Vetmed.wsu.edu is a page from Washington State University that can make it easier for you if you chose to do it yourself. However I do recommend that you have a professional do it.

How to Prepare Your Dog For A Storm

Hurricane season is dying down, however there is a named storm out in the Atlantic, and it's better to be safe than sorry.

The year I got Achilles, my family and I experienced our first hurricanes. We moved to Florida in 1998 from California. We had never been though a storm, but we had heard horror stories. So when we heard there was a hurricane coming, we didn't know what to do. My family said we should go to a shelter, but Achilles was a puppy and there was no way I was going to leave him. 

I bought the essentials for him which was just food and gallons of water. In the case of those storms that was pretty good preparation, but if a major hurricane hits Florida, make sure you have a lot more than that.

So, How well prepared is your pet in case of a storm? 

First thing you need to do is:

Register your family (pets included) on Floridadisaster.org

-Here you will get a custom list on what you will need in case of a storm.

Other important items that you should get for your pet include:

1. Vaccination papers
   
2. A leash
   
3. A collar with your pets tags
   
4. Contact information for your pets vet
   
5. A recent picture of your pet
   
6. A muzzle
   
7. An airline approved pet carrier
   

and the list goes on...

Please do NOT leave your pet home alone in case of a storm. Evacuate with your pet, or make arrangements ahead of time with a local pet shelter.

Best Family Big Dog

There is no way to really determine which dog breed is really the best, we all love our dogs no matter what, and we all know OUR dog is the best.

But I went on a little internet journey to find out which was the best breed to have around kids.

Each site had a list of different dogs, but two that kept coming up no matter where I went were Golden, and Labrador Retrievers. 

A place where you can find one of the many lists I came across is PetPlace.com.  If your dog breed isn't on this list, don't get discouraged, most likely it is on one of the others.

Achilles is very good with kids, he actually loves babies. When my best friend brings over her baby so that I can babysit him, Achilles get really excited. He jumps up to try to greet baby Anthony, but he won't actually jump on the him. 

The first time the baby came over, I left him on my bed while I heated up his bottle, I kept peaking up the stairs to make sure Achilles didn't do anything to the baby. It was the first time he had been around a newborn, and I had no idea how he would react. I had heard so many stories of dogs getting jealous, and so even though I trust Achilles, I felt a little scared.

So, I called Achilles from the bottom of the stairs, and he peaked his head with a look almost like "what do you want?" and then he went back in the room. When I came upstairs he was watching the baby, and as soon as I walked in he gave me a look like "thank God you're hear, take your post back" and then he just laid on the floor and resumed his sleeping.

He was so funny! He smelled the baby's diaper after I changed it, and if the baby started crying, he would cry too, it was hilarious. 

I know that when I have kids, Achilles will be great around them, not based on his breed, but on his personality.

If you want to know more about your dog or one you want to get go to AKC.org

Foods That Can Kill Your Dog

ASPCA.org is a great site, and a wonderful organization. For those of you that don't know what ASPCA stands for, it's The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. 

So on this great site they have a list of things that are dangerous for your dog to ingest. I recall telling people "don't give your dog chocolate" or "don't give our dog nuts" and people are always shocked, as if they have never heard of such a thing before. 

Well ladies and gentlemen, here is a short list of things you should not feed your pet. There is also a site called treshanely.com that goes a little more in depth into what some of these foods can do to your pet.

Dangerous foods for your pet are:

• Avocado
  
• Chocolate
  
• Onions
  
• Raisins and Grapes
  
• Garlic
  
• Yeast dough
  
• Coffee
  
• Alcoholic Beverages
  
• Macadamia Nuts
  
• Tomatoes
  
• Bones
  

Again, check out the websites for more information, this is extremely important. I never give Achilles anything that can potentially harm him. I am glad this list is available because surprisingly, not many people know what is good or bad for their dog.

Oh, and yes, bones ARE dangerous for your dog despite what we've all seen on TV. Bones do not dissolve and they can get stuck in your dogs throat. The only way you'll be able to get those bones out is by putting your dog through surgery, and you wouldn't want that!

Is Your Dog at an Ideal Weight?

You may not think so, but a dogs weight is just as important as a humans. Your pet too can run health risks if not adequately fed.

Just like in humans, overweight dogs have an increased chance of heart disease and arthritis. This is especially true in big dogs. The older your dog gets, the weaker his/her bones are, and the extra weight can become a burden.

If you want to see a body condition cart to help you determine if your dog is under, over or at an ideal weight you can go to Iams.com 

Slentrol.com also has helpful information on Canine obesity that can inform you on the various health risks of such. This website has a great chart that shows, and tells you the effects the extra weight has on your dog. 

Here is a short list of problems that can develop in obese dogs:

1. Skin and haircoat problems
   
2. Reduced activity
   
3. Arthritis
   
4. Heart disease
   
5. Breathing problems
   

A few years ago I rescued a dog who had been mistreated. She was a beagle. She was left in a box all day, her previous owners never exercised her, and she became an extremely obese dog. One day I went to my dad's business, and she was tied in the back. My dad told me someone had left her there, and that was it... Bubbles came home with me. She became more of my mom and my sisters dog, but I found her. I even think I called my mom to tell her we HAD to take this dog home.

Bubbles lost a lot of weight with us, my little sister took her walking a lot, but the arthritis and her breathing problems were already advanced. Some times her breathing sounded like a pigs oink, it was really sad. One day, my mom just knew bubbles was struggling to hold on, and she did what was best, she took her to the vet so they can put her to sleep.

People, if you have a pet or are thinking of getting one, please make sure you have enough time to spend with your him or her. They need the same things we do. They need love, attention, food, shelter, exercise, Dr. visits... and the list goes on. If you do not have the time or the money to invest on a pet, DON'T get one, because finding out after you have the pet can be too late for him or her. Dogs get depressed too, and you giving them away will take an emotional toll on them. You wouldn't give up your child because you can't afford food anymore, would you? So don't do it to your pet.

Famous Big Dogs

How many famous big dogs can you think of off the top of your head?

I bet there are a lot, you just can't think of any right now because I put you on the spot. 

Well let me help you 

• Rin Tin Tin- I bet everyone knows who Rin Tin Tin is. He made over 20 movies and, was a superstar in Hollywood. If you want to see pictures and  and read the story on the most famous dog to ever live go to www.rintintin.com
  
• Charlie- Everyone remembers Charlie from All Dogs Go To Heaven!!! That was by far the cutest German Shepherd ever made in cartoon.
  
• Lassie- Who doesn't know who Lassie is??? I know Lassie was way before my time, and even still, I used to watch the show. 
  
• Clifford the Big Red Dog- This is the biggest dog on our list. Clifford was and still is loved by people of all ages. Clifford is still shown on PBS Kids. 
  
• Beethoven- Who can forget this crazy dog? This was one of the craziest and sloppiest dogs on the big screen, but we still loved him.
  
• Buddy- The basketball playing Golden Retriever from Air Bud.
  
• Chance- This crazy American Bulldog took us through a long journey with his brother, a Golden Retriever, and his cat sister in Homeward Bound. 
  

and last but not least one of the most famous TV dogs of our time...

• Comet- The beloved Tanner dog on Full House. Everyone wanted a dog like Comet!
  

The Benefits of Buying Toys for Your Dogs

My big dog Achilles loves toys! As a matter of fact, I believe he has way too many, however I don't think he agrees with that statement. One thing that drives me insane about the amount of toys he has, is that he leaves them all over the house. It honestly looks like a baby lives there instead of a dog. But I can't resist! Every time I see a cute toy, I get it for him. The greatest thing is that even if it's a cheap toy, his face lights up as if it were the greatest thing in the world. He literally hops around the house as soon as I hand it to him.

Here are some great toys that are listed on dogguide.net. I find that they aren't only entertainment for your dog, but also good exercises to make them smarter. 

1. Kongs- These are great! Achilles actually knows his kong by name. The best thing about it is that you can fill it up with goodies such as; small treats, peanut butter, Kong paste, and more.
   
2. Puzzle Ball- This is a great exercise to get your dog to figure out how to retrieve the treats inside. I'm sure you'll enjoy the "puzzled" look on your dogs face as he tries to figure out how to get the goods.
   
3. Stuffies- These toys will also stimulate your dogs mind. He/she will have to figure out how to get the other toys out of the big one.
   

Other toys that I like to get Achilles are the Bobo Loofa Dog toys from PetSmart. These toys are really cute, and they sell a number of different ones. For example, every holiday they come out with a different loofa dog. In December they have a snowman loofa dog, in April they have an easter bunny... and many more. They also have athlete loofa dogs, a bride and groom, baby loofa dogs... so many I could go on all day. I like to tell everyone that Achilles wants the whole collection, that way they get him one. I am sort of telling the truth though, Achilles loves the squeakies inside the toy! He finds them amusing.

Best Dog Parks in the Nation

I have found the best dog parks in the nation for 2007.

One park in Florida made the list, and it happens to be #2. It is Bark Park at Snyder Park in Fort Lauderdale Fla.

The list is on dogchannel.com. There are descriptions, names and addresses of the best dog parks in the country.

• 1) Cosmo Dog Park in Gilbert, Arizona.
  
• 2) Bark Park at Snyder Park in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
  
• 3) Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Dog Park in Richmond, California.
  
• 4) Bear Dog Park in Roseville, California.
  
• 5) Friends Forever Dog Park in Freeport, Illinois.
  
• 6) Alum Creek Dog Park in Lewis Center, Ohio.
  
• 7) Warren G. Magnuson Dog Park in Seattle, Washington.
  
• 8) Kenton Paw Park in Covington, Kentucky.
  
• 9) Cedar Lane Dog Park in Ossining, New York.
  

There are great dog parks everywhere in the U.S. I take Achilles to the Dog Park in Lake Ida in Delray Florida. I find that there are always dogs there, and he has the most fun. I have also taken Achilles to two other parks, but they didn't have as many dogs for him to play with, nor did they have the wash station like Lake Ida does.

I haven't taken Achilles to California with me yet, but I can't wait until I can. I always see people at the beach with their dogs, or walking up and down the boardwalk with their big dogs. This is something that we can't do here in Florida.

If you live in Florida and you want to find a dog park or a pet friendly place you can go to Floridapets.net , it is the best website I have found when it comes to finding places to take Achilles.

Music Your Dog Will Enjoy

Have you ever had your dog listen to music?

My big dog Achilles listens to music all the time. For the most part it's my music, but I recently found a website called  throughadogsear.com  where they sell music especially made for dogs. There is  research  on the website that talks about dogs and the effects of classical music, as well as  samples  of the music.

Some of the research mentioned that Heavy Metal can put a little stress on dogs, and there was more barking, as opposed to the classical music which actually decreased barking.

I also played some of these samples for Achilles, and he automatically went into "relax mode." He was so calm! It was amazing! He's usually a calm dog to begin with, but I noticed the difference on his face. He just wanted to listen to the music and sleep. The funny thing is that when I first put the music on, his eyes were wide open. It was almost as if he were thinking, "wow! What is this??", and his ears were moving, but then the relaxing came.

This music could probably benefit hyperactive dogs like Labradors, and even puppies the most.

I became intrigued with the effects of music on dogs when I saw how much Achilles liked my favorite group  Aventura . Aventura sings Bachata, which is a genre in Latin music that comes from the Dominican Republic.  Every time I take Achilles in the car I put on Aventura and he loves it. However nothing compares to the day I brought him home after his teeth cleaning. (They put the dogs under anesthesia to do the cleaning and they wake up groggy, and in a little bit of pain.) Achilles was laying on my bed and was whining a lot! So I put on Aventura and he automatically stopped whining and fell asleep, it was unbelievable! That day I knew for sure that Achilles loved my favorite group, and the music isn't only for humans.

I'm sure you can find plenty of classical music that can help you and your dog relax on iTunes, but there are also a number of CD's on  Amazon.com  with songs especially for your dogs.

Dogs Are Among The Hurricane Vicitms

A great number of dogs are now homeless after the many hurricanes that have made landfall this season. Many have been rescued, but there are so many that some have to be euthanized because there isn't enough room for them. Dogs in less fortunate countries like Haiti, The Dominican Republic, and Cuba do not have the same luck, and are left to fend for themselves.

Happily for many dogs here in the U.S. there are shelters that try to go above and beyond to help them.

According to Sun-Sentinel.com, dogs rescued from hurricane Gustav have been sent to shelters all over the U.S. 

Twelve of those rescued dogs now live in Palm Beach county and are waiting for a good home.

If you are thinking about getting another dog please consider adopting instead of buying one. And if you live in an area that is prone to getting hit by a hurricane please think about your pet. It sickens me to see these poor dogs that get left behind by their selfish owners. How could anyone do that? People like that shouldn't be allowed to have pets, and should go to jail for animal cruelty. 

If you interested in helping or adopting these animals visit www.rescuerehabhome.org

Here is a video of a dog rescue after hurricane Ike by IFAW

Dogs Getting Ready to Trick-or-Treat

I've given you some pretty cool sites to find a costume for your big dogs so hopefully you have been to one or to a store where they have pet costumes and gotten one for your pet. 

The Sun-Sentinel has some really cute pictures of dogs in costumes. Some were really funny.

You can submit your pictures to the site, or enter your dog in a contest. Once I find out more information on contests I will post them for you.

I would also love it if you posted the pictures as comments. I would love to see their costumes!

Dogs Can Show Political Support Too.

The elections are less than 45 days away and just like you can buy a shirt that shows your support for your candidate, you can also get your big dog bandannas, shirts and toys that make a political statement. 

• Check out these chew toys of political figures. Have you dog chew up the ones you hate most.
  
• Have your dog wear a bandana with your candidates name on it.
  
• How about a Dog T-shirt? The females are luckier because they sell really cute ones with rhinestones.
  

-Here are some shirts for Democratic dogs
-Here are some shirts for Republican dogs.

• They also have collars with your political party.

Don't forget to vote in November!

More than Big... They're HUGE!

I found this video on metacafe.com and I have to admit I have watched this video over and over and tried to figure out if these pictures are real. If they are, it's INSANE! I am having a really hard time believing that dogs can get this big... they look more like bears or ponies.

See for yourselves. 

Really BIG Dogs - Watch the best video clips here

Traveling with your Pet

Isn't it so much harder to travel with a big dog than it is a little one? I always have to leave Achilles with my mom when I travel out of state because it's such a hassle to check him in, pay extra for him to travel, find a hotel that will take him... and the list goes on. 

But... Don't worry! I have found great ways to work around that.

I have found the perfect site you can go to when planning an international trip with your big dog.

The best thing is that it has important forms you will need for your pet and more and airlines such as American Airlines who offer easy pet travel. However if you plan on traveling by air with your pet it is best if you make arrangements ahead of time to make sure there is availability. 

If you plan on taking a road trip with your pet things could be a little easier but you will still need to make sure you book a pet friendly hotel. 

If the road trip is long make sure that your pet has the following:

• A leash.
  
• A pet carrier for the ride.
  

-Make sure he/she can stand up and turn in the carrier.

• If you don't have or want a pet carrier they do sell dog seat belts.
  
• Make sure you have your pets documents and a recent picture.
  
• Take a toy or two for the ride.
  
• Have fresh water.
  

Banfield Pet Hospital also has great tips on their website.

You can also see if theme parks have kennels close by where you can leave your pet for the day. Disney has a one which is conveniently located close to the parks entrances.

So don't let the fact that you have a big dog spoil your vacations, here are great ideas which are even better than leaving your pet at home with a dog sitter or in a kennel for days.

Represent Your Team With Your Dog

This is the time of the year where every sport is either already in action, slowing down the action, or just about to get into action. All you big sport fans probably already have your jerseys, but what about your dogs? I found the perfect site where I plan on getting a couple of jerseys and bandannas for my "Big Dog" Achilles. It's called Doggienation.com and let me just say that it is already on my favorites. 

I won't get a collar for my dog because he has long hair so the collar won't show much, but I do like the bandannas and I have found that he doesn't really mind those. I really like the jerseys. Even if he doesn't wear them, I can't resist. I don't think I'll be getting my moneys worth considering I live in sunny South Florida; he would probably get a heat stroke if I took him out for a walk in one.

Can you imagine having a get together at your house for the big game... you and your friends are wearing your jerseys, and here comes your dog representing the team too! That's what I'm going to do! Especially this year if my baseball team goes to the MLB World Series (baseball).

Have Fun With Your Dog!

Playing with your dog is very important, not only because dogs should do activities constantly, but because it will play a huge role in building a bond between the two of you. 

I have tried playing a couple of games with my dog Achilles and it's really is funny to see the expressions on his face when he's trying to them figure out.

Activities you can do with your Big Doggies are:

1. Searching Games: Have them find something you've hidden through scent.
   
2. Go to the beach or pool with your pet (This one I can't do because my dog hates the water).
   
3. Go hiking of backpacking with your pet.
   
4. Going for a walk or run with your pet. 
   
5. Taking your pet to the dog park.
   
6. and so much more

All of these are great activities that will not only be fun for both you and your Big Dogs but it will make two closer. 

If you don't know where the nearest dog park is you can always look it up. Most cities have a site where the list not only dog parks but other dog friendly places.

Try this over the weekend! I guarantee you will have a blast!

Dogs Dressing Up

With Halloween just around the corner you might be scrambling for a costume for yourself, but while you are at it, why don't you get one for you pet too? For years I have been wanting to get my dog a cool costume, and the only time he dressed up was a puppy. He was a clown! This year though, I am determined to dress him up. I'm sure he won't be too happy about that but he'll live. It's only for one night anyway!

Here are some ideas for your pet and even some where you and your dog can dress up as a dynamic duo:

• The Joker- Have your dog dress up like Heath Ledger from The Dark Knight.
  
• You can be a Police Officer and your dog can be a Prisoner.
  
• You and your dog can be a firefighter.
  
• You can be a football player and your dog can be a cheerleader.
  
• If you have a few dogs you can make them match, have one be Spiderman, another Batman, and another can be Superman. 
  
• Or a Bride and a Groom.

All these are ideas that I have had for my dog. I'm still debating whether he's going to be The Joker or Batman, but I still have some time, although I know it will fly by. 

Remember to get the costumes ahead of time because you never know how long it will take for them to come in the mail.  Also make sure you get the right size, most websites have a table with measurements that will help you pick the right size for your pet.

Hello!

Hey everyone! I want to introduce you all to my new blog named "The Big Dog Blog." I've decided to blog about large dogs because of my baby Achilles. He's a four year old German Shepherd mix which I got from a wonderful lady who rescued the litter. I actually found him online and drove all the way to the most north eastern tip of Georgia from South Florida just for him. 

Not many people understand what it is like to have a bond with your pet, especially people who don't have any, but I'm sure all you dog owners will understand exactly where I'm coming from when I say things like "I swear my dog thinks he's human", "My dog is like my child" or "My pet and I communicate". I have to admit, it does sound a little crazy but I also have to say It's very true. 

So I hope you all enjoy this blog, I promise to give my 100% not only for you the reader but also for my "Big Dog" Achilles.