Archive for December, 2008

10 New Year’s Resolutions For Dog Owners

Tuesday, December 30th, 2008

We all know there are things we could be doing for our pets in the coming year that could our dog’s life, as well as our own, even better.

But… have you ever gone so far as to include one or two things that pertain specifically to your four-legged friend in your list of New Year’s resolutions?

Here are some New Year’s resolutions for dog owners…

1. Get your dog neutered or spayed.

Your dog will have a lesser chance of developing cancers in the reproductive organs, and will have a sweeter personality and better behavior overall. Your dog will also be less likely to mark territory, wander and contribute to an already overloaded pet population.

2. Keep an eye on your dog’s weight.

Make sure your dog gets enough exercise, the right kind of foods (but not too much food), and plenty of clean water. That way, your dog will not become obese, and they will not be so quick to exhibit behaviors that are less than acceptable.

3. Consider fostering another dog in your home.

Only do this if you are certain that you have the time, love and inclination to be a dog foster. There are many dogs that need love, care and attention (and some need a lot of healing too) before they can be adopted out. Dog fostering is one way to give your dog a buddy to play with — even if it’s only for a short time. It’s also a great way to give back to your community.

4. Take your dog to the vet for a yearly exam.

Just like people, dogs need to have an annual check-up to make sure that everything is working properly and that there are no hidden health issues. Since symptoms can often go unnoticed, a visit to a veterinarian’s office may be the only way that you would even learn about a serious health problem. And the earlier a problem is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.

5. Provide your dog with a cozy, warm place to sleep.

This is really important, especially in the winter when there might be snow or ice and very low temperatures. You should never leave your dog outdoors during these times. Bring them indoors instead — even if it’s only temporary. A cushiony pet bed with an old towel or blanket is something your dog will thank you for in the winter!

6. Make sure your dog has the proper I.D.

Whether you put identification tags on your dog’s collar, or get a microchip implanted underneath your dog’s skin, you need a way to claim your dog should he wander away, get lost, or become injured. The only way your dog will be returned to you is if he can be easily identified.

7. Have your dog groomed regularly.

This includes having your dog’s toenails clipped, and having his coat washed and brushed often — no matter what breed of dog he is. If your dog’s toenails are not trimmed, they can break off (which is painful), or they may even grow under and into your dog’s foot pad (which is also painful). Don’t forget to clean your dog’s ears as well. Otherwise, your dog will start to have smelly ears, and ear mites which are just nasty!

8. Socialize your dog with other dogs.

If your dog isn’t given the opportunity to hang out with other dogs on occasion, then problems can arise. For example, when you’re walking your dog, he may act out as soon as he sees another dog. Maybe he’ll start barking uncontrollably, or he might even try to start a fight with another dog. For these reasons and more, it’s always a good idea to allow your dog to socialize with other pets as much as possible.

9. Reduce your dog’s exposure to harmful chemicals.

Just as with humans, dogs can get cancer and develop other health issues when exposed to certain harmful chemicals. Going green with your cleaning practices and using non-toxic cleaners that you already have in your home (such as vinegar and baking soda) will help to reduce your dog’s exposure to harmful chemicals.

10. Don’t feed your dog people food.

Your dog’s digestive system is different than a human’s. As a result, some people food is actually dangerous and unhealthy for dogs to eat. It’s best to refrain from feeding your pet table scraps (…which will also help to keep their weight down).

Adding one or more of these resolutions to your own list of New Year’s resolutions will ensure a longer, happier life for you and your dog!

What are your New Year’s resolutions this year?

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Merry Christmas from Muttnik

Saturday, December 20th, 2008

Muttnik wishes you all a very merry Christmas and happy new year. We are taking a break and will be back in the new year.

Cheers!

Muttnik Calgary & Muttnik Vancouver

……………………………………………………………………………..

It was about time for Christmas, and all through the house
A creature was stirring, but it wasn’t a mouse
I knew right away it was my wife’s little pup,
She thought we were sleeping, and so she was up

The dog was a gift it was coercion, really,
A woman can pout, ’til a man gets downright silly.
And now the wife was snoozing she was really sacked out
She wouldn’t have awoke from less than a shout.

Yes, her in her nightgown, I in my BVDs,
We had finally settled down to catch some Zs
When off in the kitchen there arose such a clatter,
I rolled from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away down the hall, my head in a muddle,
I reached the kitchen…and stepped in a puddle.
The glow from a nightlight illuminated the room,
So how come I stumbled over the broom?

I fell in a sprawl, my legs were not stable.
On the way down, my nose hit the table.
My head was a spinnin’ and when I came to rest
Four miniature dog feet stood on my chest.

With a lick and a bark, she bounded away,
Into the living room, she ran to play.
More rapid than mouses, that rat terrier ran,
Me on the follow, rolled newspaper in hand.

“Stop, Skeeter! Stop, Dog! Stop, Pup!
Halt, Pooch! Halt, Girl! Oh, come’ere, you mutt!
“Get off the new couch! Now let go of that curtain!
Ohhh…If I ever catch you, you’re gonna’ be hurtin’”

As winds of a Texas tornado do fly,
She spun round the room, down low and up high.
Then up on the countertop, that puppy went
She stopped for a second. I thought she was spent.

I make a quick lunge, she ducked me and then
Yawned when I dove through the flour bin.
As I drew out my head and was turning around,
She made for the presents, in a single bound.

I was covered with flour, from my head to my toes,
My robe in tatters, and blood on my nose.
A bag full of toys, she grabbed with glee
I nabbed her, I thought, but instead got the tree.

The ornaments, they broke, as they began to fall
The lights, how they fizzled, and that is not all.
When I reached for the plug, to turn the bulbs out,
What flowed through my body, but electricity, so stout!

As smoke encircled my head like a wreath,
That dog held my big toe, tight in her teeth.
“Skeeter,” I moaned, “I give up. Oh, Skeet, I give in.”
So she bit my swollen nose, and nipped at my chin.

She spoke not a word, but went back to work,
Down came the stockings it took just a jerk.
Then up from the hall, came the sound of feet,
Momma, it seemed was awake from her sleep.

“Now you’ll get it pup,” I announced with glee.
Then Skeeter walked over and put her little head on my knee.
She looked up at my wife – so innocent – and at me, so, so sad.
And it didn’t take long, to know I’d been had.

Then came the wife’s voice, so strong and so clear,
“Bill, you leave that puppy alone! You hear!”
And I exclaimed to myself, as they walked out with a strut,
“Don’t leave any gifts, Santa just PICK UP THE MUTT!”

‘The night before Christmas’ was written by Bill McClellan

Source

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Christmas Mint Cookies

Thursday, December 18th, 2008

Dog Treats From Your Kitchen

Store bought doggie biscuits are OK, but nothing beats homemade goodies. Below you will find a fun and easy treat, for your four legged family member. They also make great gifts too!

    Suggestions:

Always pre heat oven
Use corn oil or corn margarine
If you buy yeast in bulk 2 1/2 teaspoons = 1 package
Make an extra batch, and give to a local rescue group.

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups bisquick
1/2 cup mint chopped leaves
1/4 cup milk
4 tablespoons margarine
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoons corn syrup

- Combine all ingredients in food processor, process until well mixed
- Roll out on a floured surface to 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness.
- Cut with holiday shaped cookie cutters, place on non-stick cookie pan.
- Bake at 375 F for 20 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Cool and store in air-tight container.

Source

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Experts urge careful approach to Obama dog search

Saturday, December 13th, 2008

Whether it’s the pick of the litter or a pound puppy, a purebred or a mutt, the best pooch for President-elect Barack Obama’s family would be one with the temperament to handle the hustle and bustle of White House life, dog experts say.

Debate about the ideal Obama dog has become a hot topic for canine enthusiasts.

“It’s not the breed, and it’s not even so much where it’s from,” said Patricia McConnell, an animal behaviorist and host of Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Calling All Pets.” What’s important, she said, is that the Obamas set a good example by “picking a dog based on its behavioral as well as its physical health, from a credible, responsible place.”

The search is complicated by daughter Malia’s allergies. Depending on the severity of the allergies, the Obamas may need to consider only dogs with little or no shedding — or give up the idea of a dog altogether.

Allergy concerns would rule out the breed chosen by Vice President-elect Joe Biden: the German shepherd, which sheds. Biden has selected a male pup that will live with him and his wife Jill at the vice presidential residence, the Naval Observatory. The pup’s breeder is housebreaking it, but Biden plans to handle other training himself, spokeswoman Elizabeth Alexander said Friday.

Biden previously owned three other German shepherds, “so he’s familiar with the breed and its personality,” Alexander said. “He’s excited to bring it home when it gets a little older and has promised that his grandchildren can name it after the New Year.”

Allergies are just one consideration, said Cesar Millan, host of the National Geographic Channel program “The Dog Whisperer” and co-founder with his wife of a nonprofit foundation to help abused and abandoned dogs.

Another key question is how energetic a dog the Obamas want. Millan suggests a medium-energy dog would be just right. As a busy family, the Obamas may not have time to give a high-energy dog enough exercise, yet they also need a pet they can play with, ruling out a couch potato, he said.

Also, medium-energy dogs tend to be natural followers rather than pack leaders, making them easier for inexperienced dog owners like the Obamas to handle, Millan said. Such dogs tend to be more easygoing and less affected by rookie training mistakes.

“Since this is a brand new family raising a dog or rescuing a dog, the dog definitely is going to pick up on that,” said Millan, who hopes to do an episode with the Obamas. “The dog doesn’t know or is not going to know that he’s going to live in the White House, that Mr. Obama is now the president of the United States. What he’s going to know is how much common sense this family has” about dogs.

It’s also important for a White House dog to be highly trainable, naturally sociable and robust enough not to get trampled in all the hustle and bustle. After it arrives at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., it is important that the dog get regular exercise, obedience training and socialization — methodical exposure to a variety of people, other dogs and situations, to help it take life in stride.

“You have to socialize the dog,” said dog expert Stanley Coren, a psychology professor at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver and author of “The Modern Dog.” “But the dog also has to have his own place to go.” It would be wise to set up several crates to which the dog can retreat when it needs a quiet place, he said.

One way the Obamas could stack the deck in their favor would be by selecting a breed generally known to have traits they want, then working with a reputable breeder.

Temperament trumps cuteness when picking a puppy, says Jack Volhard of Culpeper, Va., a professional dog trainer and co-author of “Dog Training for Dummies.” He advises spending time with a litter when it’s seven to eight weeks old. “Which puppies come to the children, are they relatively calm, are they not too excited about the process?”

The Obamas also should work with a breeder who will take the dog back if it doesn’t work out, Volhard said.

The couple has said they’d like to get a dog from a pound or a breed rescue organization. That can be risky. Such dogs often have unknown histories and issues ranging from a lack of housebreaking to shyness or aggression.

And it can take days, weeks or even months for problem behavior to emerge. It may require careful management and long-term rehabilitation. Not every dog is cut out for the Oval Office.

If the Obamas are determined to adopt from a shelter or rescue group, they should have a professional help them choose, said Brother Christopher Savage, head trainer in the Monks of New Skete’s dog board-and-train program in Cambridge, N.Y. “You can get a wonderful dog from a shelter, and it’s a wonderful thing, but you have to really be going in with your eyes open,” Savage said.

White House life can be demanding for a dog. People are always coming and going, many eager to schmooze. One of President George W. Bush’s two Scottish terriers, Barney, is famous with children nationwide for his “Barneycam” holiday Web videos, but more recently he popped up in a clip on YouTube nipping a reporter who persisted in trying to get his attention. Ronald and Nancy Reagan’s Bouvier des Flandres, a large, energetic dog named Lucky, was moved to their California ranch after becoming too rambunctious.

Whatever choice the Obamas make, it could set off a national scramble for such dogs, like the frenzy for Dalmatians after the release of the Disney movie “101 Dalmatians.”

Trendiness usually isn’t good for dogs. It can lead to ill-bred, poorly treated dogs as entrepreneurs scramble to churn puppies out before public interest fades. Shelters are full of young dogs discarded after the novelty wore off.

“Pick the right dog for you,” Millan said. “Make a decision, a psychological decision, and then fall in love.”

Source

American Kennel Club: www.akc.org/future_dog_owner/
The Humane Society: www.hsus.org/pets/pet_adoption_information/

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Christmas Safety Tips for Dogs

Wednesday, December 10th, 2008

1. Keep chocolate (especially baker’s and dark chocolate) and baked goods containing macadamia nuts and raisins out of your dog’s reach. Chocolate contains theobromine, which if ingested may cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst, hyperactivity, tremors or even death. The darker the chocolate the higher the concentration of theobromine and higher the risk. White chocolate does not contain theobromine but still contains a lot of sugar and fat which may cause stomach upset if ingested. Raisins can cause vomiting, diarrhea and ultimately kidney failure. Macadamia nuts can cause vomiting and severe weakness with the dog not being able to stand.

2. Unsweetened Christmas candies may contain xylitol which may cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting in vomiting, weakness, depression, loss of coordination and seizures if ingested by dogs. If candy wrappers are also ingested, intestinal blockages may occur.

3. Christmas tree decorations, lights and electrical cords are tempting for exploring dogs but may lead to a blocked airway if the objects are ingested or electrocution if the cords are chewed. Keep the decorations higher on the tree, tape down all dangling electrical cords and to prevent tipping, consider wiring your tree to a small hook in the ceiling.

4. If eaten, holly and mistletoe may cause vomiting, diarrhea and intestinal upset. Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias are not fatal if ingested, but may cause mild vomiting and it is best to keep ALL holiday plants out of reach.

5. Do not allow your dog to accidentally drink wine and other alcoholic drinks as this may cause weakness, vomiting and if ingested in abundance, even coma and death.

6. Stagnant Christmas tree water can be a breeding ground for bacteria which may cause gastrointestinal upset if your dog laps it up. Be careful of adding tree preservatives as they may contain fertilizers which can cause stomach upset. Prevent access with a cover of tin foil, towel or the tree blanket and always monitor your dog.

7. Keep liquid potpourri out of your dog’s reach as may be potentially toxic if ingested and can cause skin & eye irritation. Also watch candles as they may cause intestinal blockage if ingested and burn the dog’s nose, hair and paws if they get too close while exploring – and watch that wagging tail so it doesn’t knock over a burning candle and put everybody at risk.

8. Advise your house guests to keep their medicines and toiletries out of your dog’s reach. Always keep current identification on your dog in the event he sneaks out the door while party guests are coming and going.

9. Keep an eye on all new, unwrapped gifts, toys and wayward board game pieces. Dry cell batteries used in toys and small disc batteries in watches and cameras can cause intestinal blockages and corrosive damage internally if chewed or split apart. Silica gel packets, used to absorb moisture and commonly found with electronics, will only cause mild stomach upset but may cause blockages if many are consumed.

10. Gift wrap, ribbons, bows and glitter may be enticing to dogs and cause obstructed airways and intestinal blockages if ingested. Keep your dog away from the craft table, clean up the table and floor after a wrapping session and keep the colourful, finished presents out of your dog’s reach.

11. Watch your dog around the holiday meal and in the kitchen; cooked turkey bones, discarded plastic food wrap, table scraps and other holiday meal items may be stolen from the table, counter or garbage when your focus is on your guests. Cooked bones and plastic wrap may cause choking or intestinal blockages and table scraps may cause stomach upset resulting in vomiting or diarrhea. Monty … back away from the table!

Source

© 2008 DOGSAFE Canine First Aid.

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Feed Your Dog With an iPhone

Tuesday, December 9th, 2008

Stephen Myers has a dog, an iPhone and not much time. As a University of Florida Ph. D student, he’s rarely home. So he did what any engineer would do: he created a way to give his dog a treat remotely, through his iPhone. Okay, maybe he has too much time.

Myers posted a video of the gizmo in action and wrote up a how-to. He used a beta version of an ioBridge module, hardware that can connect to both the internet and the physical world.

Viewing a simple webpage on his iPhone, Myers can click a treat button to activate a spindle. The prototype is a little rough, but it achieves its objective, spitting out a dog treat to the floor. Myers also has a webcam fixed on his dog’s bed, so he can see when the morsel has been successfully dispensed.

Myers claims that no programming was required, but that’s coming from an engineering grad student. Still, hardware hacking like this is bringing a whole new suite of options to the layperson with enough gumption to figure out the controls.

We’ve come a long way from the Netscape fish cam.

Source

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Skip the Gucci, give them what they want

Monday, December 8th, 2008

You do realize that we are all going to wake up tomorrow morning and it will be Christmas day.

Time is passing faster than a greyhound at a race track at this time of the year.

Typically at this time of year I am rushing around to local pet stores looking for the latest and greatest doggie gadget to write about or purchase for my dogs so they can have something to open Christmas morning.

In the past I have gotten caught up in the hype of lavishing my dogs with gifts at Christmas, but the fact is when I buy these gifts for my dogs . . . I’m really buying them for me.

Let’s face it, I could go and get a stick from my yard, tie a bow around it, stick it under the tree and Zumi would love it just as much as the $30 Kevlar dog toy.

So this year I’ve decided to forgo the Gucci rain jackets with matching booties, pass on the gemstone-encrusted collars and walk right by the chenille covered memory foam dog beds.

My dogs are going to get old fashioned gifts for Christmas.

So what does that mean?

I’m making a personal choice to get back to the simple things in life in general. This includes what made me want to share my life with my dogs in the first place, and it has nothing to do with an MP3 player for my dog!

Let’s start at the basics.

For me, it means to really appreciate what my dogs bring into my life and to somehow use that as a gift for both them and me. The first place to start is in the home.

I could go to the pet store and buy some real swanky gift or bag of treats or toys. But what I think would give both myself and my dogs greater pleasure is if I actually made some homemade treats for my dogs and the dogs of my friends. There are excellent recipes for dog treats as well as handmade dog toys online and the act of making them allows for me to spend more time with my dogs at home instead of playing rugby with a bunch of strangers in a shopping mall. I also get the chance to personalize the dog treats before I give them as gifts to friends.

To paraphrase a quote from a well known celebrity: A sign of maturity is when you get greater pleasure from giving than getting.

There is one group of individuals who needs us to give on a regular basis and those individuals are the pets that spend their days at local shelters.

There is never enough food, bedding and money for the dogs and cats that have been abandoned at shelters. The next time you go to the pet store to purchase food for your dog, buy a bag of food or two to donate to your local shelter.

Another way to give over the holidays is by getting my dogs’ photos taken with Santa. Private rescue groups and shelters usually sponsor this event and ask for a minimum donation to get the photo with Santa. This is not the time to be a Scrooge! Many of these private groups use their own money to care for and support the pets in their care so dig deep into your pockets knowing that you are helping the life of a pet.

Many rescue groups and shelters now allow you to make a donation in another person’s name. The person whose name was given for the donation then receives a gift card stating a donation had been made in their name from the particular organization.

Finally, one of the greatest gifts my dogs have given me is friendship. This friendship is not just from their company but from the people they have brought into my life simply because I have dogs. So I plan on giving the gift of friendship back to those people by spending time with my friends, with my dogs over Christmas and the only thing this will cost me is my time, but I am lucky as this is an investment that has unlimited potential for growth.

Source

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Teach Your Puppy Proper Chewing

Friday, December 5th, 2008

As much as you may love your cute, new puppy, if she chews on everything in sight—including you—she will not be cute to you for very long. Puppies that are left to their own devices can destroy a home quickly. Just as training is required to housebreak your little fur ball, training is also necessary to teach them appropriate chewing behaviors.

Many believe the longer a pup is allowed to stay with her mother and siblings, the better she will behave. It seems that puppies younger than eight weeks—who are taken from their mother—exhibit a more aggressive form of chewing and biting over those pups which are separated after the two-month mark.

Pups learn from the day they are born what is expected of them. Most pups find their mother is very tolerant of being chewed and gnawed on. However, as the pup grows and those sharp little teeth start coming in, the mother dog starts setting the limit on how much nipping she will tolerate, especially if she has a large litter using her for a chew toy! The mother dog will usually get up and leave the area which will eventually teach the little squirts to be gentle with her.

This is usually when the pups start rough housing and playing with their litter mates. Nothing is more enjoyable than watching a pile of pups roll, tumble, and clumsily play with each other. Nevertheless, it is important to understand what is taking place during this time. What looks like good old puppy fun to us is truly a necessary part to a dog’s development. During this time with siblings, puppies are learning their place in the “pack.” They are figuring out who is the boss, and they are testing their limits with each other.

When a puppy nips or chews on their sibling too hard, they are shocked when their sibling lets out a yelp. One of two things usually occurs at this point. The hurt sibling will either fight back and nip their sibling in return even harder, or the hurt pup will refuse to play with the biter any longer. Both of these approaches work to teach pups how to interact. When pups are taken from their mother and litter mates too soon, they miss out on this much needed character and personality training.

If your puppy is chewing everything in site, it can be very frustrating. Who wants to come home to find an expensive pair of shoes torn apart or feathers from pillows floating in the air? I know of one particular couple who came home to find their entire couch shredded down to the springs. Their two pups were snoozing in the midst of all the mess oblivious to their naughty deed. Also, it is hard for children and adults to be around a puppy who thinks that fingers, toes and pant legs are an invitation for teething and biting. Situations like this are why many pups find themselves banned to the outdoors, or locked in a crate for hours on end, while their owners are at work.

It is important to understand that teething is as natural to a puppy as teething is to a human infant. It is just a fact of life. You cannot expect your puppy to not want to chew. It helps her teeth come through the gums, and it also promotes the development of her adult teeth under the gums. Puppies see no differentiation between a bone and a hairbrush. Both serve the purpose to a puppy. In fact, most puppies will sometimes seek out items that have their owners scent if they are having separation anxiety. So, it is important that you teach your pup from day one proper chewing behaviors. If not, your puppy will assume everything in the home is at her disposal whenever it suits her.

The best advice is to go out and purchase your puppy some chew toys. These toys should be mentally stimulating to your pup. If not, your pup will soon tire of them and return to the piano leg! Some chew toys can even be purchased which have treats inside. These treats take some work to get to. Your pup can spend hours figuring out how to chew on these toys in the right manner to reach the yummy inside. Once your puppy has learned there are items in her home which provide her with a snack, she will tire of your shoes, furniture and clothing. It is good to stock up on the chew toys which seem to stimulate your pup and occupy her time the most. You should only leave one or two of these out at a time. You should also rotate the toys to ensure she doesn’t get bored.

The important thing to remember about chew toys is that you should not purchase ones that have a hidden bell or other device which can pose as a choking hazard. You should also avoid toys that have been chemically treated.

When your pup gets overly rambunctious and starts nipping and chewing on you, you should handle the situation like her mother and litter mates would. This is especially important if you have a pup which was taken from its mother and siblings rather early. When your pup starts nibbling on your person, or clothing, you should let out a noise that lets her know it hurt. This is not a problem if she has actually nipped at your skin! But, you should also put on your acting hat and let out a yelp if she is pulling on your shoe laces or pant leg. When you do this, it will usually startle her. You should immediately walk away from your dog, or leave her in the area alone.

It will take consistency and repetition for your puppy to get the message that what she is doing is wrong. However, if she is a slow learner, you can let out your “yelp” and put her in her crate. You shouldn’t be harsh about the manner, as this will only confuse her. Once she is in her crate, she may turn on the tears and start trying to manipulate you with her whiney groans of dissatisfaction. When this occurs, you should never take her out. Wait until she has stopped her tantrum and then release her. When you let her out, be affectionate with her and let her know all is well. You should not hold a grudge, as your dog is incapable of understanding why you are angry. Also, when you place her in her crate, it should only be for a few minutes . . . unless she is having a full-blown tantrum. Then you should wait until she quiets. If you are consistent with this approach, your pup will soon learn that when she nips, chews or bites she will have to go to time out.

Puppies love to be handled and may affectionately want to play with you like she would her litter mates. It is perfectly fine for a pup to want to lick or even playfully hold your fingers in her mouth as you play. This is normal, and a form of bonding. However, any form of aggression or pressure should be promptly discouraged. Puppies usually learn by four months what is appropriate in regards to chewing . . . if their owners are consistent with training.

Source

About the Author:

Ian White is founder of Dog-Breeders.biz. Those seeking dogs can locate and match with appropriate breeders. Dog-Breeders.biz automates the matching of dogs for sale with dog wanted entries, with daily email notifications. Dog lovers and breeders can find more information on the website at: http://www.dog-breeders.biz

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A Member Of The Family: Cesar Millan’s Guide To A Lifetime Of Fulfillment With Your Dog

Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008

Many of us think of our dogs not as pets but as full-fledged members of our families. If you own a dog—or are thinking about getting one—A Member of the Family is the ultimate resource for integrating your canine companion into the life of your household.

What should you do if you need to leave your dog alone at home while everyone is at work? Are you providing him with the exercise he needs? How can you make sure your children and dog get along well? How do events in the human family—such as birth, marriage, or divorce—affect the family dog? All of these questions and many more are answered by bestselling author Cesar Millan in his new book.

Brimming with practical tips and techniques, A Member of the Family addresses the most common issues and questions that emerge over the course of a person’s lifetime relationship with a dog, explaining what it takes to be a good dog owner. From choosing the right dog for your particular family’s needs to setting the rules of the house (yes, you and your family are in charge) to finding a quality veterinarian and monitoring your dog’s health, Cesar offers essential advice for a harmonious home. No topic is left untouched. With success stories from Cesar’s fans and clients throughout, A Member of the Family includes sections on travel and doggie day care, the needs of an aging dog, and dealing with the death of a pet and its long-lasting effects on a family. A chapter on dogs and children is written from the perspective of Cesar’s sons, Andre and Calvin, and one on the role of the strong female pack leader is by Cesar’s wife, Ilusion.

About the Author

Founder of the Dog Psychology Center in Los Angeles, CESAR MILLAN is the star of Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan on the National Geographic Channel. In addition to his educational seminars and work with unstable dogs, he and his wife have founded the Cesar and Ilusion Millan Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial support and rehabilitation expertise to shelters. A native of Culican, Mexico, Cesar lives in Los Angeles with his wife and their two sons, Andre and Founder of the Dog Psychology Center in Los Angeles, CESAR MILLAN is the star of Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan on the National Geographic Channel. In addition to his educational seminars and work with unstable dogs, he and his wife have founded the Cesar and Ilusion Millan Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial support and rehabilitation expertise to shelters. A native of Culican, Mexico, Cesar lives in Los Angeles with his wife and their two sons, Andre and Calvin.

Chapters

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