Ring a Bell To Go Outside - Potty Training

You can teach your puppy to ring a bell when he needs to go outside to go potty. This trick is easiest taught to puppies being house-trained.

Winston and his Wee Wee Bells

Instructions:Hang a bell from a doorknob at a height your dog can easily reach it. Dab a little peanut butter on the inside of the bell and encourage your puppy to explore it by wiggling it and saying "BELL, get it". The instant your puppy causes the bell to ring, praise and give reward from your hand.
Don't replenish the peanut butter, as there is probably a race amount still on the bell. Point to the bell again, the instant your puppy makes it ring again, praise and reward. Repeat this process several times. If your puppy becomes confused, put some more peanut butter inside the bell.
Get your puppy's lease and get her excited to go for a walk. top at the door with the bell and encourage him to ring it. This may take a while but the instant he touches the bell, immediately open the door and take him outside. With this trick, the reward is going outside instead of a treat, so be sure to introduce this concept early on.

What to Expect:The more responsive you are to the bells in the beginning, the quicker your puppy will learn this trick. Most puppies will start ringing the bell on their own within a week.

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Plants, Gardens & Your Pets

The most commonly used lawn care products are of fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides and fungicides. When applied according to package instructions or by a qualified lawn care service most of these products are not harmful. Pets are primarily poisoned by contact with concentrated products. This may occur from inappropriate storage, failure to read package instructions, or by intentionally using more product than needed. Dogs are especially good at finding poorly stored containers, chewing them up and drinking the contents. Pet owners should be especially vigilant when using insecticides as these tend to have a higher degree of toxicity.

Dogs may be exposed by digging up treated earth, chewing on pellets, or rooting around ant mounds shortly after insecticides are applied.

Many pets chew on plants in the yard and garden. Fortunately for dogs, who for some unknown reason seem to enjoy eating grass and then vomiting, most grasses are non-toxic. Holiday ornamental plants such as poinsettias and Easter lily are often put outside for the summer. Ingestion of poinsettia stems and leaves may cause some mild gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting but is not deadly. Ingestion of all parts of the Easter lily causes depression, vomiting and diarrhea in cats. Left untreated most cats die of kidney failure. Tulips (bulbs), Lily of the valley and azaleas are all springtime plants that can be deadly to pets if ingested in large enough quantities. Dogs should be watched carefully when these plants are being cared for.

Most lawn seed and Mulch products are generally not associated with toxic problems in pets. Cacoa bean mulch is perhaps the only product known to cause poisoning in dogs. This mulch is made from the hulls of cacoa beans and when fresh has a rich, chocolate aroma associated with it. Some larger breed dogs have actually eaten several pounds of the mulch, more than enough to develop poisoning associated with the chocolate remnants. These over eager dogs should be kept away from the mulch until the aroma has dissipated. Generally a heavy rainfall or thorough watering is all that is required.

As you work outside be sure to take an extra moment or two to protect your pets. Read all package instructions carefully before any applying products to your lawn or garden. Be sure not only that it is safe to use around your pets but that you are mixing or applying it correctly. Check with your local garden center about the safety of plants you are putting in your garden. Finally, be sure to close the top tightly on all containers and put them in an area where your pets do not have access to them.
With a little careful planning, you and your pet can enjoy a safe and relaxing garden environment. Whether you're planning a large garden to feed the family or decorating a small space with hanging baskets and containers, here are a few factors to be considered.

Plant Selection
Plants and flowers are nature's attention getters. Their fragrance, appearance, and cool shade they create are natural attractants for you and your pet. Curiosity often leads pets to consume the flowers and foliage of ornamental plants, which can produce irritating and sometimes life threatening side effects.

Plants for a Sunny Location
If the location of your garden, gives you 4 or more hours of direct sunlight, a day, you have a long list, of annuals and perennials from which to choose. Annuals grow from seed and last one growing season. They are good choices for fast, instant color impact. Garden and discount centers will offer a wide variety of annual plants at economical prices. Perennials return year after year from growth at the roots, they are a little more expensive, but do not need to be planted every growing season. Most gardeners have their favourites and mix both types for the longest possible color show. Safe choices for sunny locations include:

Annuals

  Zinnia (Zinnia sp.)

  Snapdragons (Antirrhinum sp.)

  Cosmos (Cosmos sp.)

  Calendula (Callendula sp.)

  Petunia (Petunia sp.)

Perennial

  Bee Balm (Monarda sp.)

  Phlox (Phlox sp.)

  Roses (Rose sp.)

  Catmint/catnip (Nepeta sp.)

  Coneflowers (Echinacea purpura)

Plants for Partial Sun

If your garden receives less than 4 hours of direct sunlight a day, the following list of non-toxic annuals and perennials requires less sunlight.

Annuals

  Primrose(Primula sp.)

  Butterfly flower(Schianthus sp.)

  Spider flower (Cleome sp.)

  Nasturtium (Tropaeolum sp.)

Perennials

  Columbine(Aquilegia sp.)

  Coral Bells (Heuchera sp.)

  Turf Lilly (Liriope sp.)

  Goat's Beard (Aruncus dioicus)

Shade GardensA shade garden receives little to no direct sunlight, although the sun may filter through the trees for dappled light. Plant selection for these areas may include the following:

Annuals

  Begonia (Begonia sp.)

  Impatiens (Impatiens sp.)

  New Guinea Impatiens

  Violet (Viola sp.)

  Coleus (Coleus sp.)

Perennials

  Bugbane (Cimifuga racemosa)

  Yellow Corydalis (Corydalis lutea)

  Astilbe (Astilbe sp.)

  Queen of the Meadow (Filipendula ulmaria)

Vegetable GardensIf you're interest is vegetables, you'll need 4 or more hours of full sun for most plants. Keeping your pet out of the vegetable garden may be your biggest task, especially when plants are young and fragile. Some clearly visible fencing may help. Avoid hardware cloth as pets can become entangled. Motion detector sprinkler systems can be useful in keeping pets and wildlife out of newly planted areas, and are not harmful. Most vegetable plants do not pose toxicity problems with a few exceptions. Onions, chives and garlic, which a lot of pets do like, contain compounds that, if ingested, can cause anemia. The leafy part of the potato plant, and the green part of the potato skin contain compounds that are toxic if eaten in sufficient quantities. Fruits also contain toxic chemicals in their seeds/pits. Apple, plum, cherry, apricot and peach seeds/pits contain cyanide, which can cause fatal seizures.

10 Harmful Plants
The following is a list of plants that is best to avoid altogether due to their toxic nature. It is not a comprehensive list, if you are considering any plant of which you are unsure; consult your local plant nursery.

Oleander (Nerium oleander)

Castor bean (Ricinus communis)

Morning Glory (Ipomea sp.)

Japanese Yew (Taxus cuspidata)

Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans)

Jerusalem Cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum)

  

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

Nightshade (Atropa belladonna)

Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)

Precatory Beans (Arbus precatorius)

Lawn and Garden ChemicalsIt is very easy to reach for a chemical pesticide, fertilizer or fungicide when faced with a problem in the lawn or garden. Fortunately for the average home gardener, safer alternatives are available for most commonly encountered problems, reducing the risk of a toxic exposure for your pet. You would not think that your pet would have any reason to consume these products but sadly they do, either intentionally or inadvertently and these types of poisonings are all too common. Remember before applying any product to your lawn, vegetables, or ornamental plants to read the label and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Many of these products are designed to persist in the environment days to weeks after application, so a pet can have an exposure days to weeks after initial application.

Alternatives to Chemical PesticidesIf you notice damaging insects on your plants such as aphids, spider mites or thrips, these insects can be eliminated or reduced by a simple spray of water. These soft-bodied insects are easily dislodged. Adjust the nozzle of your hose so a firm spray will not harm your plants and wash them away. If you have only a few plants, use a good stream of water from your watering can and a little hand washing. It may take a day or two but an infestation can be cleared by no more than a good shower!

Soap and WaterIf your insect problem is more serious, add a teaspoon of dish soap to a gallon of water and use it in a garden sprayer. The soap is an irritant to a lot of insects and can help break down the protective barriers of their external skeleton. There are commercial insecticidal soaps available that are less toxic than most chemical alternatives.

CompostThe "black gold" of the garden, recycled kitchen and yard waste can be combined to produce the best garden fertilizer at no cost and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. It can be applied to the lawn and garden twice a year and it will replace the essential nutrients that growing plants and grasses require.

And Don't Forget
Sometimes we forget the simplest things! Put your pets inside when mowing the lawn. A lawn mower can make a projectile out of a stick or rock that can injure your pet. Paint your garden tools a bright color such as red or yellow so you can see them out in the yard. Many pets step or trip on sharp garden implements. Store your chemicals out of reach and in their original containers. Don't assume your pet will not be interested in consuming these products. If there is a toxic exposure or consumption, call your veterinarian immediately with the information from the product label. Keep your pets inside when applying any chemicals to the lawn or garden. With a little planning you and your pet can enjoy a safe and beautiful garden..

written by: Marcia Murray-Stoof

Beef & Bacon Birthday Cake - Dog Treat Recipes

3 Pounds extra lean ground beef
3 Strips lean bacon
2 Eggs
1and1/2 Cups Bread Crumbs (you can substitute with low salt crackers)
1 Cup Shredded Carrots

In a large bowl, combine your ground beef, eggs, bread crumbs, and shredded carrots, mix these ingredients well; if your mixture becomes a bit dry you can add a little water. Fry the bacon, removing excess grease; Crumble, and add to the mixture, or if you prefer you can use the bacon and or carrots as decoration. Mold your meat mixture into a round cake shape making sure to keep the same thickness from middle to edges. Bake in covered baking dish at 350 for an hour and a half.

While your meat cake is baking, you can prepare your frosting. For frosting we will use organic instant mashed potatoes, just prepare per box instructions, and frost your meat cake. A healthy option for frosting, is mashed whipped sweet potatoes. Some dogs can be sensitive to potatoes if you prefer you can easily use blended cottage cheese. A great idea for piping is melted cheese, natural cheese spread, or simply add natural food coloring to your potatoes or cottage cheese.

  


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Salmon Cakes - Dog Treats

Health benefits of salmon, such as the goodness of fish oil for dogs, the high amount of protein, vitamin D and the Omega 3 fatty acids.

Salmon Cakes for Dogs


Ingredients:
Salmon Cakes
1 14.75 oz can of wild Alaskan salmon
2 egg whites
1/4 cup sour cream, low or fat free
2 tsp. dried parsley
1/2 cup carrot, shredded
1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
1 tsp. dried dill weed

Yogurt Tartar Sauce
1/4 cup plain yogurt, low or fat free
1/2 tsp. dried dill weed

Instructions:
Salmon Cakes
Preheat oven to 375° F
Drain liquid from salmon. Remove bones and skin, if any.
In a medium bowl, mix together salmon and next four ingredients (through shredded carrot).
In a separate shallow dish, mix together the plain bread crumbs and dill weed.
Using a cookie scooper, scoop one ball and lightly flatten into a patty form.
Dredge or thoroughly coat the patty in the bread crumb mixture.
Place on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
Repeat until there is no more salmon mixture.
Bake for 12 minutes. Then flip and bake for 12 more minutes.
Cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Yogurt Tartar Sauce
Mix together yogurt and dried dill weed.
Cover and refrigerate until salmon cakes are cool.

Storing & Yield: Any dog treat recipe with meat should be served quickly. We recommend one week in the refrigerator. You can freeze these salmon cakes for 2 months. If you are using a 1" cookie scoop, this recipe should make 2 dozen salmon dog treats.

Tips & Techniques
Be sure to drain the salmon very well. Otherwise the mixture will be too moist and will not hold together. If you have already combined the salmon mixture and it is not holding together, add one tablespoon of plain bread crumbs at a time, until the mixture stays together.

To save time you can use pre-shredded carrots.

If your dog needs or prefers softer treats, you can bake the cakes for 10 minutes on each side.


     


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Fleas Away - Add to Daily Diet

Add to your dog's food daily and keep fleas away

Ingredients:
1/4 Cup Cottage Cheese
Vitamin E 1001 IU
1/4 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 Tbsp Bacon Grease

Mix all the ingredients and add to food daily.

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