Benefits of Having an Outdoor Play Area for Dogs

dogs and owners

Benefits of Having an Outdoor Play Area for Dogs

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People with dogs are strongly encouraged to take their pets out on walks daily as much as possible. Without question, daily walks are important to keep dogs active both physically and mentally. Dog walking is also beneficial as the human can get regular exercise while sharing quality bonding time with his or her pet.

Benefits of Having an Outdoor Play Area for Dogs

If you have a spacious lawn, you may consider creating a special area where your dog or dogs can enjoy happy play time every day.  Why not!  There are many advantages.

Imagine how convenient it would be if you could spend a few minutes with your dogs out in the sun each morning without having to take your pooch to the dog park.  Dogs won’t feel bored due to a lack of things to do.  You can provide toys outdoors and not worry about finding your home a mess upon your return.  Yes, having a play area right in your own backyard is wonderful especially if you have two or more dogs.

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Tips on Creating A Dog Playground

If creating a playground is possible, the most important thing is making sure that the area is properly enclosed so your dogs can’t run off the streets or the neighborhood which can prove to be unsafe. See to it that the walls or fence is high enough and sturdy enough to keep even the largest dogs inside.

Are your dogs of small breed? See to it that there are no holes or cracks. Don’t forget that dogs are skilled diggers, and even a small gap can quickly become an opening big enough for a dog to get out from.

Installing one or two playground equipment is also recommended as these can help strengthen their bodies, and stimulate their minds. Choose an equipment that is especially made for dogs. See to it that the equipment has no sharp edges which can accidentally hurt your dog.

Examples of playground equipment are the double tunnel, hole jump, double tunnel, “A” bridge, S-tunnel, hoop jump, high and low, up and down ramp, and more. These are often used in dog agility training competitions and dog shows, and found in public dog parks. You may also add a shaded area where your dogs can freely roam even on a rainy day.

Shade structures are simple structures with a series of poles that support a large canvas piece on top. Most shade structures are made for larger spaces but homeowners can find smaller structures that should fit their lawn or backyard.  You can place a dog house or crate right in the shaded area for times when you’re not home and you don’t want your dog or dogs to be spending the whole day in the house on their own.

Puppy Protects Two Boys from Diabetic Seizures

Puppy Protects Two Boys from Diabetic Seizures

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Did you know that dogs can actually detect if a person's blood sugar level is within the normal range (100-150) based on scent? Through Scent Recognition Training, dogs who pass the test with flying colors are used as alert dog companions for people with diabetes.

This video features Skittles, a diabetic alert dog from Warren Retrievers' Guardian Angel Service Dogs. Skittles protects 10-year old Wyatt Zajdel, and his 8-year old brother, Lucas from having seizures by alerting them about their blood sugar level. Both children have Type I Diabetes and the puppy will be keeping them company to minimize the risk of seizures. 

Do Dogs Look Like Their Owners?

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Do Dogs Look Like Their Owners?

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Most dog owners choose a purebred dog that have resemblance to them, this is according to the May 2005 issue of the American Psychological Society's Psychological Science journal. The study was conducted by researchers of the University of California in San Diego where judges were given photos of dogs and humans, and were asked to match each dog with his owner.

Judges were able to match 16 purebreds with their owners out of 45 pictures of dogs which includes 25 purebreds and 22 mongrels. Judges found a harder time matching mongrels to their owners. Why are they having a difficult time matching mongrels? Because mongrels or mixed breeds have more unpredictable appearances compared with purebreds.

The theory disproves claims that dog owners came to resemble their dogs after years of being together, as do with married couples. In contrast, people seem to pick a dog that "they feel" or "unconsciously think" matches their looks of personality. With a mongrel, it's a lot harder to tell how they would look like when they grow older.

According to US Scientists, there is a remarkably large number of cases where dog owners really do resemble their dog's features. For instance, big-haired people with big haired dogs, tall people with tall dogs, big people with big dogs, and so on. However, the similarity can be far more than just the more obvious physical features.

Do you look like your dog, too?

Are You Ready to Be a Dog Owner?

dogs dogs and owners

Are You Ready to Be a Dog Owner?

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Some years ago, a friend asked me in his email what breed of dog I want because he intended to send me one. I replied that any breed would do. BIG MISTAKE! Back then, I was only thinking that I love dogs so much that any breed will do fine. I now realize the importance of choosing a dog breed that is most compatible with my personality and lifestyle. So, are you ready to be a dog owner? Here are some things you should consider when choosing a dog:

 

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Choosing the Right Dog Breed

Are you a morning a person? A dog's temperament and energy level varies depending on its breed. Some dog breeds are more energetic than others and they require more physical activity. If you're the type of person who jogs daily in the morning, you should definitely get a dog who can run with you.

If you're more of the adventurous type, work dogs who have really high energy would make great buddies.  On the contrary, if you have full time work, choose your dog very carefully. Some dogs get very lonely when left alone. If you can't walk your dog on a daily basis, choose a small breed so that it can at least get a daily dose of exercise while indoors.

Consider Dog Adoption

Where should you get your dog? Don't forget to pay a visit to your nearest rescue center and see what types of dog they have. Adopting a dog from a shelter may take time. It's important to know the dog's history before adopting one. Some of these dogs may have had behavioral issues that needs to be properly addressed. Animal adoption centers do offer basic training for rescued dogs. If you are ready to care for a dog, it would mean a lot for these loyal human friends in shelters to finally find a loving, forever home.

Being a Dog Owner Is A Commitment

Be realistic. Don't get a dog just because you think it's cute to have one around. Seriously consider if you can live up to the commitment. If you really do not have the time and the resources to take care of a dog, you may need to wait until you're ready.

Too many dogs have ended up in the pound or were abandoned because their humans initially thought they were prepared for the responsibilities of having a pet when they're not. Having a dog with a behavioral issue is not a justifiable reason to just get rid of it, especially without making sure that you have done all possible solutions to help your dog.  Giving up a dog is sad but at least see to it that the poor animal will have a good home.

Being a dog owner is a serious responsibility and when problems arise, you must be there for your dog in the same way it will never abandon you.