Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Help Rescue a Coton

Have you thought of fostering a Coton ? UCARE is the only non-profit Coton de Tulear rescue organization in the United States. The purpose of this group is to find loving homes for Cotons in need and to educate the public on the importance of spay/neuter and prevention of animal abuse. Please visit UCARE and find out more.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Digging

Before Bebe came into our lives, I researched "Digging". Both my husband and I love to garden, and I needed to be educated about what breeds have stronger digging urges. I didn't see the Coton de Tulear on the list, so I really didn't think I'd have to worry. Wrong. When she was 5-6 months old, out of the blue, she started to dig !
The fact is, all dogs dig. They are born with the urge, and it satisfies their very basic needs.
They usually dig for 3 basic reasons.
1. To hunt,
2. To provide shelter
3. To defuse stress or boredom

Discovering which one of these motivates your dog will help solve your problem.

I decided that my problem was that she was bored. I began watching her when I let her out to go potty, and when I saw that she was getting ready to dig, I quickly intervened. I began playing a quick game of 'fetch' with her, and she would be distracted, chase the ball and completely forget that she was about to dig. For me, it took a few weeks of really paying attention to her when I let her out in the yard, and I've never had a problem since. Whew !! I love a gorgeous lawn !

For more information on digging, click here Click here: Digging

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Favorite Toys

Bebe absolutely loves her toys. While toys comfort her, and she
definitely has a ball fetish !The best ball for Bebe is one that I found at Petsmart. It has lasted almost a year, and there is no sign of needing a replacement anytime soon ! All for 99 cents ! She loves it. It's light, so she can run super fast and it squeaks...which she loves. She will chase just about anything...even a soccer ball. However, tennis balls seemed too heavy for her, although she will retrieve them. It just not as much fun. It's called "ToyShoppe® Vinyl Marbelized Balls " 99 cents at http://www.petsmart.com/


My trip to Petsmart last week really was a hit ! She drags her fleece dog with the long tail everywhere! (Fleecedog) Thankfully she has been unable to shred it like all her others ! So, I'm extremely happy that it is well made ! I don't mind spending $5 on a toy as long as it lasts more than 24 hours. It seemed that every time I made a Walmart trip, I came home with a toy that lasted only 1 day, and that was getting old. I almost gave up buying plush toys because she would go through them so fast, but I also know she thinks of them as her babies, so I gave it one last try and went to Petsmart. Yahoo ! Thank You Petsmart. ** PLEASE READ UPDATE!toyupdate

I just turned around from my desk as I type, and look who's behind me sleeping...with her 'baby' as a pillow of course !

The other toy Bebe loves is the Beanie Bones (BeanieBones)from The Bow Wow Beanies Collection ( same people as Beanie Babies). I was hesitant to buy it, worried it might not be able to survive more than a day, but Bebe loves this bone, and again, she has been unable to shred it to pieces ! It's plush, so she can use it as a pillow also !

Friday, September 26, 2008

Training your Coton de Tulear, right here !

I'm sooo excited I found these dog training videos on You Tube !! I will be spending the rest of the day in "class"with Bebe !! I've added to my site...take a look ! It's so much easier for me to have a 'visual' when it comes to dog training.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Reverse Sneezing

On 4 occasions, Bebe has done this 'cough/spasm/choking' thing... The most recent was at 2 am this morning. This time it lasted longer than the episodes before, so I totally thought she was going to keel over right there in the kitchen, except what kept me calm was that her tail was wagging and her ears were were in the normal position... ( not back like she was scared ). I offered her water, and she drank her entire bowl, and it just stopped ! We went back to bed. I promptly emailed my breeder this morning and asked..." What the heck.....?!!" She mentioned that one of her dogs reverse sneezed.... So, I googled "reverse sneeze" to death, and came across this You Tube video of a Maltese doing exactly what Bebe was doing ! Whew !! Now I can have a peaceful day knowing what it was ! Watch this video so if it happens to your dog, you won't freak out like I did !

Sparkey the maltese reverse sneezing



related info- http://theroyaldog.blogspot.com/2008/10/collapsed-trachea-and-reverse-sneezing.html

Monday, September 22, 2008

Again, let me say that cotons have sensitive stomachs!

I should know better. I normally never give Bebe table food, for two reasons. I don't want a 'begging' dog, and I know Coton's have sensitive stomachs...however, I have been known to give her a few bits of leftover rice in her bowl when I'm cleaning up the kitchen from dinner, or her favorite is when I give her freshly shaved Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese mixed in with her kibbles when we have pasta. Last night I made pork chops, and I gave her 2 TINY bites, threw it in with her kibbles and she was a happy camper. All the while thinking... she's never had pork before, I hope she doesn't get sick. Well, she wasn't sick, but I did come down to 2 runny stools on the floor this morning ! She is fully housetrained, so she knows better. Bad mommy ! My fault, not Bebe's. I should have known better ! It's just best not to glance down and look under the table and see those gorgeous black eyes peering up at me. She didn't ask for it...I GAVE it to her. Ugh... anyway... it just confirms the fact that they have sensitive stomachs. I won't be doing that again !

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Why kids need pets


A friend sent this to me today, it's too cute not to share !

Friday, September 19, 2008

Shopping trip to PetSmart


I went to PetSmart today and came home with toys for Bebe. She becomes VERY attached to her plush toys, and uses them as 'pillows' !! It's so funny !! I picked up this cute one that reminded me of her...and she is right here, sleeping under my office desk.......... Does your Coton use their toys as a pillow also ????? I'm so curious ! Leave a comment, I'd love to know if it's a "Bebe" thing, or a "Coton" thing !







Wednesday, September 17, 2008

I sent a letter to the makers of Innova EVO ( Natura Pet Products)

As you know, I feed Bebe Innova EVO small bites. Many people belive that high protein intake leads to kidney disease, so I thought maybe I should switch foods. However, Bebe loves her food and I hate to switch without gathering all the facts, so I emailed Natura Pet and voiced my concern. Here is what they wrote me.

Dear pet lover,
Thank you for contacting us about our products.
Natura occasionally gets questions about the effect EVO®, its line of ultra-low carbohydrate and grain-free foods and treats, has on the kidneys. Usually these concerns are related to the previously held belief that high protein intake leads to kidney disease. Although this theory has not been proven in repeated scientific studies1,2, it lingers most likely because protein restriction is part of the treatment for pets already diagnosed with kidney failure. In patients with existing kidney failure, reducing protein in the diet is likely beneficial and can potentially improve an otherwise poor appetite. The level of protein restriction that is typically recommended by veterinarians for such patients is lower than the minimum levels set by the de facto national pet food regulatory body, AAFCO. Therefore, all commercial pet foods that meet the AAFCO minimum requirement for protein are too high in protein for a pet with kidney disease. As Natura does not make any protein-restricted foods, no Natura product including the EVO® line would be appropriate for managing patients with kidney disease. In addition, no over-the counter (OTC) pet food on the market today made and/or distributed by any company is appropriate for a patient with kidney failure. Fortunately for pets with kidney disease, protein-restricted therapeutic foods are available from veterinarians. Unfortunately, no OTC or therapeutic pet food exists which can prevent the development of kidney disease.

As the innovator of the entire low carbohydrate and grain-free category of pet foods, Natura has conducted and funded a variety of studies on EVO® products and the EVO® feeding concept. Many of these studies have included monitoring the kidney health of both adult dogs and cats fed EVO® long-term. To date these studies have shown no ill effect on kidney function as measured by blood levels of creatinine. Creatinine is the most commonly available non-invasive method to determine kidney function. As kidney function decreases, creatinine increases in the blood as the kidneys are unable to as effectively clear this naturally occurring substance. In a six month long study conducted at Natura’s Belfield Center, creatinine values of adult dogs fed EVO® remained statistically unchanged. Similarly, adult cats at the University of California at Davis’s School of Veterinary Medicine had stable creatinine levels after six months of feeding (data on file).
These findings provide scientific support for the safety of EVO® and are consistent with the many reports of EVO®’s success in dogs and cats since its introduction four years ago.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Mars Petcare U.S recalls possible contaminated pet food

Mars Petcare U.S recalls possible contaminated pet food
BEIJING, Sept. 15 (Xinhuanet) -- Mars Petcare U.S. has announced a voluntary recall of dry pet food products made at its Everson, Pa., facility because of possible salmonella contamination that could sicken both pets and their owners, according to media reports Monday.
The recalled products were made between Feb. 18 and July 29, it said in a statement.
"Even though no direct link between products produced at the Everson plant and human or pet illness has been made, we are taking this precautionary action to protect pets and their owners," it said.
The recall, according to media reports, has reached 31 states and various brands, which include items under the names Country Acres, Retriever, Doggy Bag, Members Mark, Natural, Ol' Roy, Special Kitty, Paws & Claws, Pedigree, Wegman's, Pet Pride, PMI Nutrition and Red Flannel.
However, Mars did not say which ones or how much food is involved.
The company stopped its production at its facility on July 29 when it was alerted of a possible link between dry pet food produced there and two isolated cases of people infected with Salmonella Schwarzengrund, according to its statement.
Health officials said salmonella can cause serious infections in dogs and cats, and, if there is cross contamination caused by handling of the pet food, in people as well, especially children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.
FDA web site.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

A look back at Bebe's first year.




Song featured is "Amazing" by Janelle

Friday, September 12, 2008

DOG FANCY MAGAZINE

I'm always shopping on amazon.com, and noticed that the Dog Fancy Magazine subscription is on sale for only $ 12.00 !!
!

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Newman's Own Organics Dog Treats



So, there I was at Walmart, and spotted Newman's Own Organics Cheese Flavored Dog treats.
I scooped them up , placed them in my cart and couldn't wait to get home so Bebe could try them. Now, keep in mind...she's a Coton. She lives and breathes for treats !! So far, she has liked any treat I have given her . . .until now ! She is less than thrilled with these, and even spit one out ! HELLO ! I love the idea that they are Organic, and that they have NO WHEAT, NO CORN, NO SOY ! Let me know if your Coton likes these... So far, Bebe just frowns when I give her one.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Holiday Colors have arrived at Poochie-Bells !


Too cute ! Holiday Colors have arrived at Poochie Bells ! ( I have an August Post called "Ring the Bell" if you want to learn more. )
Watch Bebe demonstrate.

The Boyfriend Next Door







I read somewhere that the Coton is like a "big dog in a small body". Maybe that explains Bebe's facination with the Great Dane next door ! Clearly, opposites attract !









The Proud Parents


Bebe will be celebrating her 1st Birthday on 9-13.
Introducing her parents...


Cotonbrie Tres Jolie Bébé aka "Bebe"
















Cash is Nice of Tara aka "Bogey"





Read more about them at
http://www.carolinacotons.com/ourdogs.html

Monday, September 8, 2008

FOOD & WATER BOWL by Our Pets













Bebe's food bowl is the "HEALTHY PET DINER 4 " by OUR PETS in PINK OR BLUE "
I bought mine at PetSmart. I thought I'd have to get a larger bowl one day, because this is the puppy size, but now that Bebe is almost 1 year old, it's still the a great size for Bebe. She's a little over 6 pounds,, so she doesn't need a big bowl. The bowls come right out, and I toss them in the dishwasher ! It has a continuous watering feature that provides fresh water if you ever needed that. I'm VERY happy with the bowl, and if something ever happened to it, I'd buy it again. It runs $11.99. Note: The 4 " bowl ONLY comes in pink or blue... not exactly what I wanted, but since I like the size so much, I can live with the pink. The next sizes up come in the white.
http://www.shopourpets.com/ourpets-healthy-pet-diner-4.htm

Common Food Hazards

Animal Poison Control Center
You really need to add this website to your favorites !http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc_faq#more
The explain why they are dangerous, and include lists of household chemicals, plants and tons of other info ! Check it out.

What are the most common food hazards I should be aware of?

Experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center urge you to avoid feeding the following foods to your pet:

- Alcoholic beverages
- Avocado
- Chocolate (all forms)
- Coffee (all forms)
- Fatty foods
- Macadamia nuts
- Moldy or spoiled foods
- Onions, onion powder
- Raisins and grapes
- Salt
- Yeast dough
- Garlic
- Products sweetened with xylitol

Saturday, September 6, 2008

It's a bird, it's a plane , It's. . .









Bebe Darling's Mommy "Bébé" is now in the Masters level of AKC agility. Look who Bebe Darling got her talent from !! Ever since I brought Bebe home, she ALWAYS jumped over the area from where the tile ended in my kitchen, to where the carpet began in my office, almost like there is an invisable bar. My breeder said it must be some 'game' she invented for herself. Well, I just HAVE to show you how she FLIES through my house !! When she's in this mode, we call her "Zoom-Bebe"!

The Importance of Regular Grooming

While researching the Coton de Tulear, I read this and kept it in my journal.
"At 9 months, adult hair begins to grow. Special care must be given Coton de Tulear puppies at this time because lack of grooming may cause the hair to clump together and mat."
Armed with that information, I scheduled Bebe's first grooming appointment when she was 5 months old, thinking that if I groomed her every 6-8 weeks, then I wouldn't have to worry about the puppy hair & adult hair clumping together... that I would just skip right over that part !! WRONG !! Although I comb her out every night, it literally clumped together overnight ! Since then, I have done a bit more digging, and found out that you need to RINSE, RINSE, RINSE out the shampoo very good or it will mat the hair. So, maybe I didn't rinse her good enough, but I do now !!!!!!
My advise would be to comb on a regular basis, always brush or comb BEFORE you bathe your pup, ( or you'll end up with a huge mess ! ) then rinse out the shampoo thoroughly. I also use a conditioner for tangles. I would suggest a 'puppy cut' to get you through the 9-12 month period.
This is a photo of her 1st puppy cut at 5 months old.
At EXACTLY 9 months old, she had to be cut VERY SHORT due to her adult hair coming in, but it really was really nice to have clean carpet for the summer. NO LEAVES OR DEBRIS ! Yippee for the Puppy Cut ! Click here: for grooming products I use
This is a picture of Bebe's 1 year old puppy cut. Unfortunately, I let her outside before taking this picture, and as you can see, she went to play right in my mulch bed !

Nap Time


Well, we didn't need to use the Sherpa bag, and all is well. While I was out yesterday, I picked up this bear as she LOVES to snuggle with her toys. She immediately ran off with little Bear and took a nap...

Friday, September 5, 2008

BE PREPARED WITH SHERPA !















As TS Hanna approaches, and Hurricane Ike not far behind, I dug out Bebe's Sherpa Bag today... JUST IN CASE ! I will fill a ziploc bag full of kibbles, a few water bottles, and throw it in the back of my van. I don't want to panic and be running around like a crazy woman if things go from bad to worse. Although I have never had a reason to use this bag, at least I have it for emergencies, just like this. And if for some reason I need to put her in it, then it's already packed with her things and ready to go. At least I know she'll be safe and secure while I concentrate on my human family. I placed her in this bag a few minutes ago to see if she would have any anxiety....hmmm...I think not ~ Whew ! Bebe has the "Original"bag, size MEDIUM. Perfecto !
More info on Sherpa: http://www.sherpapet.com/
also available here :

Flexi Lead

I have 3 Flexi Leads for Bebe. I use the pink one and the rest of my family uses black, because for some reason, my boys refuse to walk Bebe on a pink lead !
Bebe is so funny... She insists on holding the bottom half of the lead in her mouth. It's kind of like her verision of holding hands with me !!

Thursday, September 4, 2008

The United States of America Coton de Tulear Club


TONS OF INFORMATION ON THE COTON DE TULEAR !

http://www.usactc.org/

A KENNEL CLUB BOOK, COTON DE TULEAR SPECIAL RARE- BREED EDITION

Truly my favorite Coton de Tulear book. It's a comprehensive owner's guide by Wolfgang Knorr. I keep it on my coffee table and STILL read through it, learning something different all the time. When family or friends visit, they all love to read about this very rare breed. I still haven't met anyone that has even heard of the Coton de Tulear... they always say, " A what ?!" But they all fall in love with her and want to know more about her. Great book !

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

So you think you can dance



When I first started researching the Coton de Tulear, I loved everything they said about their characteristics... they like to dance on their back legs ? What ? Are you joking ? Ya, I'll believe that when I see it....well........ Bebe can dance :)


Grooming- Tears & Staining




I always want Bebe's eyes to look 'pretty' which is not always easy. I did my research ahead of time, and learned that water has minerals that show up in dogs tear ducts. Distilled water contains no minerals and is ideal for trying to prevent tear staining. Some areas have very high mineral content in the water . Where I live, there are TONS of minerals in the water, so I bought a few gallons and I gave her distilled water first, then water from the fridge because we have a filter. She never did tear like a lot of them when they teethe, so maybe this helped or maybe I just got lucky. In any case, I still use water from the fridge !! I don't want to take any chances.

Loose Stools & Pumpkin




When we picked up Bebe from our vet who boarded her for 8 nights while we were out of town, she came home with loose stools. Since I knew it had to do with being stressed out, I emailed my breeder who suggested I give her canned pupkin. ( Not the pie mix, but the PURE pumpkin ).
I ran to the store, came home, and she licked about 2 TBS. off a spoon, and LOVED it ! Whew... !
No kidding, the next time she went out to "go", her stool was normal ! It worked within hours, and I couldn't believe it, because she had been leaving me 'gifts' in my home, which she had never done before, and I was getting sad !! THANK YOU PUMPKIN !


Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Rubbermaid Pets Scoop'n Store Pet Food Storage


Another product that I absolutley LOVE, is Bebe's food container. I hated the thought of having a bag of dog food hanging around my pantry or in the garage...we get ants in the summer.

This is so great ! It even has a scoop that attaches under the lid, so you never have to search for a cup to fill with kibbles ! The best part is, it holds her entire 13 pound bag of dog food ! ( it can hold up to 26 lbs if you get the small size, like I did. )

I had to order it online, as I could not find the product in the stores...Available at Petco.com & amazon.com.
Around $19.99 and worth every cent !!
Rubbermaid Pets Scoop'n Store Pet Food Storage
"Pet food storage with the Rubbermaid name. Seals in freshness while locking out pests and pets. Slimline design is ideal for storing against a utility room or garage wall. Handy pet food scoop stores in lid. Offered in a variety of sizes."

Monday, September 1, 2008

SMILE !


Yes, they do SMILE !!


Treat Jar


I like keeping a tidy house, and it started to bother me when treat bags were left on the counter. I found this cute ceramic jar at Pier 1 Imports that was in the bath section, and thought it would be so cute to put Charlee Bears in. Now we all know where Bebe's treats are ( right by the door to go outside!) and the house can stay tidy ! You can usually find Bebe sitting right below the jar, smiling !

Crate Training, House Train Guides- Go Potty ! ( and go Potty on Command ! )



House training has to be the hardest part of puppy hood...However, if you are as lucky as I was, Bebe came home from her breeder 90 % house trained !! I can't tell you how important it is to work with a GREAT Breeder !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That being said, Bebe is our first dog, and I wanted to be prepared for everything !
I liked both of these books equally. Thanks to the information they provided, I had a fully house trained puppy in no time !!
Note: The book, "How to Housebreak your dog in 7 days " is a small book, not very many pages,but still informative, and includes an easy schedule to follow.
"House training for Dummies" has tons of tips PLUS the schedule. On page 123 you can teach your dog the " GO POTTY" COMMAND, which makes me wonder why I waited so long to get a dog ! I always thought I'd be one of those people out on a dark and stormy night trying to get their dog to go potty ! Thankfully, I read this book first ! YIPPEE !!
If you're like me, and don't have all day to wait around for your pup to go potty, then PLEASE teach them to potty on command ! It is such a time saver ! I'm telling you, all the research I did really has paid off. There is a chapter on this, but also tons of info online as well. I LOVE not having to wait for her, especially as winter approaches !!
If you simply can't wait for a book to arrive, click here for help !Housetraining

DOWN COMMAND

I taught Bebe the down command in 5 minutes by watching this video. Grab your dog treats, watch this video, and in a few minutes, you will also have a Coton de Tulear performing the down command !!