Sadly, whether R-Jay is a Great Dane, basset hound or boxer, if he is purebred, he is at risk for greater health problems throughout his life. In fact, the more highly coveted his breed, the more likely he is to have genetic problems. Some of the most common health problems are joint disorders such as hip dysplasia, life threatening heart diseases, seizure disorders, kidney disease and more. In every single instance of problems in purebreds, they can be traced back to selective breeding. What this means is that some person or group of people in all their brilliance decided they preferred the look of a dog who was born different from his littermates. They then proceeded to mate this with another dog who also carried this trait and within a few generations (usually breeding between father/daughter or mother/son or siblings), dogs looked considerably different from what they were born to look like. The (perhaps) unintended consequence is that many ended up with predisposition to major problems. To follow are just a few of the myriad issues with purebred dogs.

Labrador Retrievers
The Labrador retriever is one of the most afflicted breeds. Genetics often fail this lovely dog and cause crippling hip dysplasia and hereditary myopathy. The myopathy causes a distinct decrease in muscle mass and leads to a type of muscular dystrophy. This is a recessive trait but is difficult to eradicate when these dogs are purebred.

Other problems that the Labrador retriever inherits are gastric torsion or a twisting of the stomach, exercise-induced collapse, and a heart defect called tricuspid valve dysplasia. Some even develop epilepsy. Perhaps the worst part of this is adopting a beloved family pet and watching him suffer needlessly for years. Many Labradors don’t even live beyond their eigth birthdays.

Pugs
Pugs and other similar snub-nosed dogs can suffer from breathing problems called Brachycephalic syndrome due to their pinched nostrils. The breathing problem can even cause death if they are left outdoors too long due to their flat faces. They simply overheat and cannot breathe.

Obesity in these stout dogs can cause joint and heart problems. In younger pugs, encephalitis, or an inflammatory brain disease can cause seizures, blindness and coma. This disease is inherited and can be fatal. Some pugs suffer from idiopathic epilepsy that need not be fatal, but must be controlled with medication.

Pugs also suffer from eye problems such as ulcers in the cornea, dry eye and dystichia. Dystichia is a growth of extra eyelashes that looks cute but causes irritation. Hip and joint problems also plague pugs. Hip dysplasia, Legg-Perthes calves disease and luxating patellas are not uncommon in pugs.

Great Dane
The regal and beautiful Great Dane has a very short life span due to its plethora of health problems. Many only live about 7 years. The number one killer of these dogs is gastric torsion, which causes a twisting of the stomach and rapid swelling. If left untreated, it causes a great deal of pain and eventually death.

Many Danes suffer from cancer. The most common in this breed are lymphoma and osteosarcoma. Alongside heart disease, these are two of the top killers of Great Danes. They suffer from either tricuspid valve dysplasia or dilated cardiomyopathy. These problems are very hard to treat and can cost thousands in vet bills.

Finally, Great Danes, like many larger breeds, have joint problems. Hip dysplasia cause crippling pain in the hip socket of the Great Dane. They are also susceptible to Wobbler’s syndrome – which can show up while your pooch is just a puppy. Wobbler’s syndrome is an abnormality of the spine and causes weakness and painful gait.

Knowledge is Power
No matter what breed R-Jay is, make sure you are armed with the facts about potential for long-term health issues before you take him home. Certain purebreds can cost you thousands over his lifespan – which will be shortened due to his inevitable genetic predispositions.

While some of the purebred’s health concerns cannot be changed, you can make a proactive choice by choosing a mixed-breed dog instead. Mixed breeds can have a lovely combination of many traits that you value, with significantly fewer health problems because there are none of the issues with inbreeding that so many purebreds face.

As you might imagine, mutts – meaning those whose lineage is questionable at best – suffer the least amount of health issues. And imagine the fun you will have when you bring home R-Jay from the shelter trying to figure out what’s in him. Are those Dalmation ears, terrier snout and a Lab body? Mother nature only knows.

But morning walks can get boring, especially when traveling the same route day after day, and it can leave both humans and dogs craving a challenge.

For those who see their morning walk with Glenn as a chance to get a good workout, why not try a 5K or a similar run/walk designed especially for pets and their people? It’s a great way for you to rev up metabolism and torch calories while bonding with your dog, effectively ensuring that he gets the exercise he needs. Just make sure to check in with a vet before you get started to make sure that your dog is healthy enough for higher levels of exercise and is not an injury waiting to happen.

Best Ways to Get Your Dog Excited
If you and your dog are just getting started, start training slowly so you don’t overdo. Map out a course that’s equal to the length of the race you want to sign up for, and begin by walking the course first. Add a bit of running each day to be sure that you and your dog move smoothly together as you speed up or slow down.

Practice: Make sure you invest at least four weeks in pre-race training, practicing four to five days a week so you don’t run the race cold. It’s important that both you and your dog are ready on race day to prevent unnecessary injuries.

Practice jogging on nearby trails or take your dog to the park or other places where people will be running or walking with their dogs so your dog is ready to run with other dogs without responding to the distractions.

Hydration: Provide Glenn enough water along the route for you and your dog, and make sure to respond to signs of overheating with plenty of water and a rest. If your dog seems tired or stressed from the activity, slow down and let him rest.

Leashes: Most races require dogs to be well behaved and on a leash (retractable leashes are NOT good choices in a crowd), with all vaccines updated and records available.

Now That You are Ready, You’re Ready to Find Some Races
Following is a sampling of some upcoming special events designed for dogs and their humans. Most are to raise funds for animal-related charities. If one gets Glenn and you excited, please check the Internet for further details including specific locations, the charity it benefits and any restrictions that may apply.

• Richmond SPCA Dog Jog - 11.a.m. March 24, Robins-Starr Humane Center, Richmond, VA.
• See Spot Run 5K Run/Walk - 9 a.m. Saturday, March 29, JF Gregory Park, Richmond Hill, GA. Deadline to register is March 4.
• Dog Day Fun Run – 1:30 p.m. Sunday, April 1, North Carolina University Club, Raleigh, NC.
• Hound Hustle – 1 mile, 5K and 10K events, 8 a.m. Sunday April 15, Brunswick Forest Veterinary Hospital, Leland, NC. Deadline to register April 13.
• Animals for Life 5K Run for Rescue - Saturday, April 28, Quassy Amusement Park, Middlebury, CT.
• SPCA of Texas’ Strut Your Mutt – 3K walk/fun run, 9 a.m. Saturday, April 28, Fair Park, Dallas, TX.
• Dog Jog 5K and 1-Mile Walk/Run - 8:30 a.m. Saturday May 12, Downington East High School, Exton, PA. Deadline to register
• Atlanta Dog Jog – Saturday, May 12, Piedmont Park, Atlanta, GA.
• Doggie Dash 2012 – Saturday, May 12, Portland, OR.
• 2012 Wag 5K Walk and Run – 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 20, Purgatory Creek Recreational Center, Eden Prairie, MN. Deadline to register is May 10.
• Dash for the Dogs – 5K run/walk, 8 a.m. Saturday, June 9, Citizens Park, Barrington, IL.
• Doggy Dash – June 9, William Land Park, Sacramento, CA.
• Miss Reveille Dog Walk and 5K Fun Run – date to be announced, Texas Medical Center, Houston, TX.

Bringing Bernie Home
Like most rescue dogs who are abused, Bernie is not fond of being removed from the security of his crate and transported to a foreign atmosphere. During the drive to his new home, his thick brown tail remained firmly between his legs and his hips and shoulders trembled out of fear. He even urinated on himself several times on the way home.

Once you get him home, Bernie meets Laylah, a rotty/lab/collie mix that you have trained to excellence. Laylah is the perfect lady; she can rollover, sit, shake etc. on command and is even trained to find lost car keys. Bernie is going to be different from Laylah; training her had been easy for you. Bernie however requires the undoing of years of engrained abuse and neglect.

Steps to begin training an abused dog:
• Have patience. Think of the dog as a newborn who must learn and absorb everything from their surroundings.
• Use a clear commanding voice when addressing him. Let him know you’re the pack leader. Never yell at him, just be calm and assertive. Whether you are a person or a wolf, this is how a pack leader acts.
• Don’t make sudden movements or raise your hands too high near the dog. He may see this as an attack.
• Positive reinforcement is key. The more positive you can be, the better. Don’t spoil the dog however.
• Get down on his level by crouching down to talk to them. Avoid bending at the waist when crouching; Bernie may see this as a prelude to abuse.
• Praise them. Abused dogs aren’t used to praise so they may seem confused at first.
• Discipline negative behavior with a firm “No!” and it will eventually go away with positive reinforcement.
• Make sure visitors to your house know the dog’s history. An abused dog may snap at guests who come off as too friendly too fast.

Getting Through to Bernie
Dogs are said to have an amazing capacity for forgiveness; the difficult part is gaining their trust back. Gaining Bernie’s trust back will take months, but it’s worth it. Since Bernie had spent the majority of his time alone it is important that Bernie receive as much positive human contact as possible. However much attention you give your other more trained dogs, Bernie deserve the same affection. However, with an abused dog, trust is earned by being consistent, firm and assertive and proving that you are going to replace a beating with a Kong or a bone or an “atta boy!”

A blanket-lined crate to sleep also gives him a safe haven that he can retreat to. Keeping Bernie on a regular schedule is key in order for him to gain confidence and begin to understand what is expected of him. Again, you’re the pack leader, implementing certain expectations is crucial. Knowing when his next meal is allows Bernie to trust that he will be fed and taken care of on a daily basis. With months of scheduled feeding times and playful activities, Bernie can and will begin regaining his ability to trust people. The turning point usually happens when Bernie lovingly acknowledges you as the leader. He may do something like begin incessantly licking your hand while you fill his bowl, as if to say, thank you. Despite your inclination, don’t cry. Continue to say, “atta boy” or maybe you can say something like, “Bernie likes that?” and pet him on the head. Remember, he still needs to see you as the leader. Indeed it’s heartbreaking but it’s also a sign that all the hard work you’ve put in was well worth it. The untrainable, untrusting dog loves you and sees you as the peak leader he needs to be a good dog.

So how do you go about successfully incorporating Blackie into your family’s life, with each and every family member having their own needs, wants, habits, and space? The key to successful cohabitation is respect – and not just for Blackie to respect your family, but for your family to respect Blackie. This mutual respect is the best way to ensure the maximum happiness for each and every family member.

How To Make Sure Blackie Respects You
You are doing a disservice to Blackie if you expect her to respect you without teaching her how. Consistent, clear training is the best way to ensure that Blackie understands the guidelines she is to follow. If, for example, she is not allowed to chew on shoes, but you buy her any shoe shaped toys, the message is unclear which shoes she may chew and which ones she cannot. It is better to buy her a toy she can chew on that mimics a shape of something that doesn’t exist in your home. If she is not supposed to beg at the table, then make sure her mealtimes are consistent in both time and location and that you only feed her in her dish.

Dogs do very well with routines, both learning them and keeping them - but that means that you have to keep them as well. Not only are you responsible for making sure you keep your routines, but you are also responsible for helping Blackie to do so. Things like making sure she gets enough exercise so she is tired and content enough not to be destructive in the house, are essential to helping her respect the rules you lay out for her – she can’t take herself out or feed herself. If you don’t take her out for four hours, and then she pees on your carpet, that’s not her being disrespectful to her, it is, in fact, a lack of respect for her on your part that lead to the accident in the first place.

How To Make Sure You Respect Blackie
It is extremely important that you are aware of Blackie’s needs, wants, and space just as much as she needs to be aware of yours. Her bed and her crate should be kept clean, and never moved about in the house on a whim during a cleaning spree. She needs to know that she has a safe space that she can go that belongs to her where she can be alone if she wants to. Make sure your children know not to poke at her or pull her out of bed or her crate by force.

Similar rules apply when she is eating. She needs to have a mealtime that is safe and uninterrupted, or she is likely to get snappy or anxious about food – neither of which are good traits for a dog to have. Make sure, in fact, that your children know never to pull at her, or push her around like she is some kind of toy. Make it clear to them that she is a member of the family, not a plaything. She is allowed to be tired, anti-social, and even cranky if she’s feeling it. She doesn’t have to play whenever the kids want to.

Finally, remember that you and Blackie are family. You may have fights or get cranky with each other, but that never ever means that you don’t love each other. Be sure after an incident where mistakes are made and the respect between you is unbalanced that Blackie is shown that she is still a member of your family. If she chews up a shoe, scold her, certainly, so it is clear what she has done wrong. Then you can give her an appropriate toy, a nice long scratch behind the ears, and remind her that she is loved, in addition to being respected.

Obesity
You’ve probably heard the startling news. Yes, even America’s pets are obese. Our pets get fat in much the same way that we humans do. They eat too much and they don’t get enough exercise. Dog food is specifically formulated to provide dogs with the right balance of fat, protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins and minerals. Their balance is not our balance. Furthermore, the feeding directions on the bag tell you just how many calories Hector needs per day. More than that, and Hector gets fat.

Obesity, in dogs as in humans, can lead to many health problems. More and more dogs are diabetic and require an insulin shot every day. This is just one consequence of getting fat on table scraps. A fat Hector could also develop heart disease and joint problems.

Allergies and Poisons
There are plenty of examples of foods that are perfectly safe for humans, but can cause illness and even death in dogs. Chocolate, garlic, and grapes are just a few. If you must feed Hector human food, do your homework and make sure you are not poisoning him. If he eats too much of a poisonous food, he will feel unwell, vomit, have diarrhea, and possible go into shock and die.

Dogs may also have specific allergies. If Hector has a food allergy and you unwittingly serve him his allergen, you’ll feel pretty bad later when he gets sick.

Pancreatitis
Eating too much fat can be very bad for Hector. In addition to leading to obesity and all the health problems associated with it, a fatty diet could give him pancreatitis. Our modern human diet is high in fat and we suffer the consequences, but only dogs get a swelling in the pancreas from too much fat. If not treated, it can kill your buddy. Signs to watch for are dehydration, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea.

Bad Behaviors
Health problems will be the least of your worries if you get Hector hooked on table scraps. Behavior problems are sure to follow. If you think his sitting next to you with those sad puppy eyes is cute now, it will become very annoying when it occurs night after night. Hector will come to expect and even demand his tasty table tidbits at every meal. Cute and innocent begging can quickly turn into jumping, reaching, barking for food, and other irritating habits. And don’t think your food will be safe when you are out of the room. Once Hector has a taste for your meal, he will stop at nothing to get it. If you leave food out on the table or kitchen counter, he will find a way to get to it. Once you get him started, you may need a trainer to bring a halt to the madness.

Ok Foods for Hector
All of this doesn’t mean you can never give Hector human food. There are certain foods that are ok for him to eat and if given to him correctly will not create a behavior nightmare. Lean proteins like chicken are ok for Hector to eat. He can also have most vegetables, just be sure to check a poison list first. Be sure that anything you give him is plain, unseasoned, and without added fat. Give Hector your healthful treats when you are not at the dinner table so he does not become a mealtime begger.

Sweaters and monogrammed bandanas with home cooked-meals are truly a treat but Rocky barely notices them; sure, he looks handsome and his coat gleams and you spoil him as you would your favorite (or only) child, but dogs value things differently than humans. While it is a display of affection that we shower someone or something with gifts, Rocky really wants one thing from you and one thing only. The best part is you don’t even have to try to find it or run out and slam a fistful of dollars on the register pay station: it is you. Yes, all he wants is his human, his pack leader, his alpha, his belly-scratcher. It doesn’t get much warmer and fuzzier than that.

A Dog’s View of the World
Rocky is a pack animal and in the view of a pack mentality animal, the leader is the end-all–be-all of the subservient animal’s entire world. This is true in the wild and it is true of domesticated canines. The leader is afforded the best of everything: the best food, the most comfortable bed, eating first while the rest wait their turn, and all the added respect that comes with being the leader of the pack. In the wild, the alpha barely even looks at the rest of his charges, by and large ignoring them until they crawl up and lick at his face and mouth, begging for attention. In the human pack the dog gets much more attention naturally, elevating his status in his own mind and providing him with comfort, security and a special place in the pack. They will take what is given to them and be grateful, not noticing if a collar is designer or not. They do not care about designer names. They cannot read.

What hits home for a dog is how much time the pack leader spends with him, how much he is included in activities and how strong is his leadership. Rocky loves to run with his humans, he adores walking beside them; he is incredibly excited to participate with a hike into the hills and rocky out-croppings where he can see new things and smell new scents. Rocky loves to share these moments because in his mind, they are what make life good. You need not go to exotic locales; your backyard is good enough. You do not even need a ball or a Frisbee though you would not be remiss to have them on hand. A stick is good enough and in some cases, Rocky does not even need that much. You calling his name from one end of the yard to the other so he can run to you and back is what makes his day. Simple, sweet… life is good.

It Does Not Have to be Perfect
It is quite possible you are unable to run or go hiking or even walk very fast. That is perfectly alright. Rocky does not need those things, he would just enjoy doing them with you. A leisurely stroll around the neighborhood a couple of times a day, a game of fetch or even just accompanying you as you putter about the garden, Rocky simply desires your time. He wants your attention, your voice, your praise and to be pet or brushed. Set aside some time each day for a short grooming session, such as 10 or even 20 minutes and make it your alone time when he is your one focus. He will match your activity level or inactivity level; just remember that dogs do genuinely need exercise of some sort for their mental and physical health as well as a way to relieve boredom.

In your eyes he is part of the family and in his eyes you are his pack. He relishes time spent with his pack mates because that is how dogs think and socialize. You would be heartbroken to see your child left out of a game on the playground and it is much the same with Rocky when he watches his pack cavorting but is not allowed to join the fun. Make some time and room for Rocky and watch him shine!

Why Do Dogs Eat Grass (And Then Throw It Up)
This pair of pooches demonstrates a mystery behavior that most, if not all dogs seem to share. A practice that people cannot help but wonder about: both Sherlock and Watson like to eat grass, and both have been known to throw up after consuming the green stuff. Upon close examination of their grass chomping habits though, you would notice that neither throws up every time he eats grass – just sometimes. So, do Sherlock and Watson throw up because they eat grass; or do they eat grass in order to cause themselves to throw up? Well, who better to learn from than a dog named Sherlock, and his sidekick friend Watson?

Because They Like It
So, Watson is chewing on some grass. One of the possible intentions with which he is going about this is that he actually enjoys the taste of grass – many dogs do in fact. Just like a dog who eats garbage or dead animals, he is doing it simply because he wants to, because he enjoys it. It may not taste good to you, but kibble and milk bones probably don’t either.

Because They Need It
Some researchers and vets would argue that dogs need greens, like grass, in their diet. A dog in the wild is an omnivore, partially by proxy. If Sherlock, for example, were a wild dog, and were to eat a small animal like a mouse or a rabbit, he would also ingest the stomach of the creature, which would be filled with partially digested greens. Grass, for this reason, is a natural part of a dog’s diet, and so Sherlock and Watson eating the grass isn’t actually a problem – it is their version of a salad.

Because Their Tummy Hurts…
Many people associate dogs eating grass with dogs throwing up, because it is common, when a pooch like Watson is having indigestion, he will intentionally eat to try and ward off his bad stomach. What does grass do to help? Well, for example, when Sherlock eats grass when he has a bad stomach, the grass gets tangled in the contents of his stomach, thereby taking the irritant with it on the way back up. It is, in truth a very efficient way to start feeling better quickly.

So They Throw Up Because…
Watson and Sherlock do not actually throw up just because they eat grass, but rather, for a handful of other reasons associated with the practice. The first and simplest explanation is that Watson may eat way too much grass, or Sherlock may eat it too quickly, not chewing enough before expecting his stomach to process it. Not chewing the grass well enough, or just being too full can cause a dog to throw up, just as it can cause a human to throw up.

The biggest danger you face when a dog, like Watson or Sherlock, eats grass is that the grass may not be safe to eat at all. If it is covered in pesticides, lawn treatments, or weed killers, of course it will make him sick. These chemicals can make other animals and humans sick, too. To prevent your pooch from getting sick, either ensure that he is not eating contaminated grass, or if that is for some reason impossible, substitute other safe greens in his diet like string beans or cooked broccoli. “Elementary, my dear human,” is what Sherlock would tell you in regards to the whole thing, if he could speak that is.

Specifically, DDB focuses on dogs who have been chained or tied up outdoors and campaigns online using social media, such as Facebook and Twitter as well as other means to spread the word: “No more chained dogs.” The name of the new rehab center will be “The Good Newz Rehab Center for Chained and Penned Dogs.”

It has taken the group several years to raise the $600,000 to purchase the property. The fund-raising has been useful for gaining publicity and helping bring awareness to their efforts on behalf of chained dogs. Helping to change the nation’s thinking about how to treat and care for pet dogs is their mission, and at its core is their insistence that dogs function best as pets, socialized and integrated into a family structure, trained and cared for by their people, and not left alone or tied up.

Future Plans for Good Newz
While DDB has secured the funding to purchase the property, they do not intend to stop there. Renovations to the building and grounds are needed to transform the former mansion into a rehab center. Fencing is needed and additional renovations are planned, as they hope to eventually house and help between 300 and 500 dogs per year at the facility. A memorial for the dogs who were killed or died as a result of their involvement in the dog fighting world is also planned. In addition, Vicks’ former dog fighting site will be used as the organization’s national headquarters.

Chained Dogs – Abuse and Neglect
DDB works hard to raise awareness regarding the practice of chaining dogs. Offering information and assistance, including taking in and finding foster care for the dog, DDB volunteers work with owners to find solutions for dogs who are chained. Often these dogs are ill, mentally or physically from being chained by the neck for years of their lives. Many are emaciated, infected by intestinal or heartworm, and at grave risk for being harmed by wildlife.

In addition, statistics gathered by the Center for Disease Control and the Humane Society indicate that chaining dogs is a dangerous practice. The majority of children bitten by dogs over the past ten years were bitten by dogs that were chained. Trainers and behaviorists agree that the practice of chaining a dog is harmful to their social and emotional development. Chained dogs are at greater risk for becoming aggressive, misinterpreting human behavior and responding inappropriately to perceived threats. In a terribly sad and highly publicized case in 2009, a chained female dog killed a two- year-old child when the toddler wandered too close to her and her puppies.

From Chained Up to Members of a Family
DDB has stepped into this arena as a strong advocate for both dogs and children, working to publicize the dangers of chaining dogs. The group also works with law enforcement or local SPCA groups whenever possible to assist in removing dogs from owners willing to surrender dogs. Using a network of local coordinators and volunteers, homes are found for the dogs and often the dogs are allowed into a home and invited to become a part of the family for the very first time.

Rehoming these dogs can be difficult, as many of the dogs have both medical and training needs as well as emotional scars. Obedience, socialization and house manners are all new to these dogs and adoptive families have their work cut out for them. The rewards, however, are great, as most dogs flourish and blossom with care training and love.

It is wonderful for a change to be able to “report” that from something like the highly-publicized story of the Bad Newz Kennels could come a truly positive and uplifting story. It was difficult for dog owners and dog lovers to stomach such a horrendous story. But thanks to The Good Newz Rehab Center for Chained and Penned Dogs, awareness, healing and a future awaits dogs who might otherwise end up no better than the dogs in Vick’s dog fighting arena.

What is a Dog?
Stupid question? Not from this uber rational point of view. A dog is
• A 10-15 year commitment, depending on the age of the dog you choose
• A daily commitment of time spent exercising, grooming, training, feeding and playing. Don’t like spending you time doing any of those things? Hard cold facts, friends: dogs require a colossal investment of time – again, some breeds and some individual dogs more than others.
• An expense. Dogs can get sick or have accidents and rack up huge vet bills before you can say “wag your tail!” If you travel, you’re looking at more potential expenses of boarding or having a dog sitter come to your home. Even dog food can start to add up.
• A guaranteed emotional investment that will end with, in most cases, you outliving the dog. Are you ready to become attached and then let go when the time comes?
• Unbelievably destructive to furniture, clothing, shoes, carpets, even the walls themselves if their needs for exercise, companionship, and stimulation are not well met.

Good Reasons to NOT Get a Dog:
Vanity is probably the best reason to not get a dog. Whatever street credibility you imagine will come from owning a particular dog, rest assured, it won’t be worth it. Dogs are way too needy and way too messy and unpleasant to be around if they are treated like objects. Find something inanimate to beef up the vanity, but don’t get a pet. You’ll regret it, and the animal will suffer.

Don’t get a dog as a companion for very young children. Give your children your full attention and companionship for a few more years and consider a dog once children are old enough to be real partners in the care of the dog. Again, everyone will be happier this way. Babies and toddlers are just not a good mix with most dogs.

Don’t agree to get a dog to make someone else happy. Your children or your spouse won’t be able to take care of the dog 100% of the time (despite all their promises to the contrary) and dogs have four dirty paws and shrill barks and whatever else you might not enjoy. Fifteen years is a long time to live with an animal you don’t want.
Don’t get a dog exclusively for a job, whether that job is to be a competitive show dog or a guard dog, or any other job. Working dogs need loving families. Just like working people.

Reasons To Get A Dog:

• You have to love dogs more than you love cleanliness (wave bye-bye to clean clothes, a clean car, and a clean house).
• You have to want to feel deep, strong emotions on a regular basis. Dogs will make you dig deep, and feel love, anger, joy, and worry – possibly all within moments of each other.
• You have had a sober friend consider your resources and give you an honest and accurate accounting of what you can reasonably take on, and it includes a dog.

So here’s the funny thing: once you’ve met the preceding criteria, some of those other reasons might actually turn out to be pretty good reasons to get a dog. Dogs offer great companionship, protection, or deterrence and yeah, some dogs might even be chick magnets! But first and foremost – choose to get a dog (and not a cat or a fish or a new watch) because you love dogs so much you can’t imagine living life without canine companionship. If that’s where you start, you are guaranteed success.

But of course there is one complication to this whole equation. If you have a family, then you do have other people to answer to - and they are living with you right there at your workplace. The good news is that your husband or wife is a big boy or girl and can take care of him or herself, while your children – unless very young – are going to be away at school for a significant part of the day, giving you ample time to get things done. But there are two different kinds of children: those with two legs and those with four, and unless your four-legged children are unusually bright, they are probably not going to be spending their days off learning their ABCs. If you have a “son” or “daughter” who just happens to be canine, then you know your four-legged child (or children) is/are going to be right there with you, 24 hours a day. And like any child, your dog needs your love and attention.

So working at home for dog owners is inevitably going to involve a delicate balancing act. You have to get things done, and you need some good solid working hours each day if you expect to do them. But Spike is not just another piece of furniture decorating the place; he is indeed like your child. You want him to feel secure and content, and no dog is going to be able to feel that way without the companionship of his favorite human.

How to Make your Dog Happy Even When Your Time is Short
There is one key word that must be memorized by anyone facing this delicate situation: scheduling. It is essential that you establish a schedule that will not only let you get the hours in you need to get your work done, but also allow Spike to adjust to the fact that you are not going to be able to be there for him every single second of the day. Let Spike know he will be fed twice a day at the exact same time, and that his daily walk will come at the exact same time, and that your playtime will come at a regularly scheduled time and with a definite duration. Dogs have good internal clocks, and Spike will quickly realize there is no reason for him to be whining, barking or making a commotion when you are in front of the computer at 3 p.m., because walk time is 3:30 and not a minute earlier. Not only will this habit allow Spike to adjust to your habits, but it will also increase his sense of security, because he knows that walk time will be coming, even if it is not right now.

Another important thing is to simply be yourself. Treat Spike with the same positive, affectionate attitude that you always do, even at those moments when you are feeling pressured because of an upcoming deadline. The thing to remember is that your dog, more than anything, just wants to be with you, to be close to you. He doesn’t require endless amusement, just the knowledge that he is welcome beside you at each and every moment. If you want him to lie quietly nearby, not causing any disruption, while you work, then the best way to make that happen is to make him feel totally comfortable and happy just to be in your presence.

The Secret to Success: Enjoy Him!
Yes, it may be a balancing act, trying to pay sufficient attention to a pet while you are also trying to work. But you need to look on the bright side. You brought Spike into your home and kept him there to enjoy his presence, and if you decide to start working from home, then this means you can do that even more. And you don’t have to worry about the loneliness and isolation that sometimes accompany working at home all day either; one of your best friends (or more than one if you have multiple dogs) is going to be right there, keeping you company and bringing positive energy to your workplace.

There is no doubt – it you are willing to work with your dog, then he is going to be willing to work with you. Dogs are very intelligent, and they will soon figure out that Mommy or Daddy is doing something important, and that while they need to be loved and adored just like always, it is also important to let them get their work done without disruption. For the loving dog owner working from home, dogs can be a source of pleasure that will actually make it easier to get things done by bringing loving, supportive companionship. And if you get stuck on some kind of work problem, you could always ask Spike for some advice, too; because as every dog owner knows, your dog is actually the smartest one in the world!