BRUTIS - Congressional Medal of Honor

Brutus... my kind of guy!

The K9 above is Brutus, a military K9 at McChord.. He's huge - part Boxer and part British Bull Mastiff and tops the scales at 200 lbs. His handler took the picture.

Brutus is running toward me because he knows I have some Milk Bone treats, so he's slobbering away! I had to duck around a tree just before he got to me in case he couldn't stop, but he did.

Brutus won the Congressional Medal of Honor last year from his tour in Iraq . His handler and four other soldiers were taken hostage by insurgents. Brutus and his handler communicate by sign language and he gave Brutus the signal that meant 'go away but come back and find me'.

The Iraqis paid no attention to Brutus. He came back later and quietly tore the throat out of one guard at one door and another guard at another door. He then jumped against one of the doors repeatedly (the guys were being held in an old warehouse) until it opened. He went in and untied his handler and they all escaped.

He's the first K9 to receive this honor. If he knows you're ok, he's a big old lug and wants to sit in your lap. Enjoys the company of cats..

K-9 Congressional Medal of Honor Winner.

Thought you'd find this interesting. Talk about animal intelligence and bonding with humans!

Remember that they can't do a lot of things for themselves and that they depend on you to make their life a quality life!

A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS:

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of  me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10 On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

~Take a moment today to thank GOD for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters.

~Now please pass this on to other pet owners. We do not have to wait for Heaven, to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness. It is here on earth and has four legs!

Instructions for properly hugging a baby (from a dog's point of view):

1. First, uh, find a baby.

2. Second, be sure that the object you found was indeed a baby, by employing classic sniffing techniques.

3. Next, you will need to flatten the baby before actually beginning the hugging process.

4. The 'paw slide' = Simply slide paws around baby and prepare for possible close-up.

5. Finally, if a camera is present, you will need to execute the difficult and patented 'hug, smile, and lean' so as to achieve the best photo quality.

Some Good Labrador Training Stuff!

Click Here!

Those TPLOs Cost a Fortune!

The vet quoted around $3200-$3600 but be careful of those other little hidden charges. The Marley Dog's third surgery, this one as of a few weeks ago on his other leg has topped around the $4000 mark.

Thank goodness my vet is understanding and is willing to do a payment plan. My advice is to make sure the surgeon is trained and certified. There is only a few in my state - I did a google search and a check on him.

Marley Dog is doing great two weeks after surgery and I've certified him a $15,000 super dog. We went outside today to lay in the grass for a bit and I guess those skeeters really like to bite a shaved doggie butt.

The Marley and I are Working Together Again!

Weve been working very hard the past few weeks with a new job. My job is to inspect homes and verify if they are occupied, vacant or damaged for mortgage companies.

The Marley's job is to keep me company, look really cool with his arm out the window while I'm driving, play with other dogs and sniff a lot of stuff when we inspect vacant homes.

He loves the drives because we are always on back roads surounded by trees. Although we are not going to get filthy rich doing this it gives us a good heads up on repo'd homes and others in foreclosure.

So we are kind of back in the real estate biz again!

The thing about going to other peoples homes is they also have doggies. So far we've been jumped on (the black Toyota) by 2 Malumutes, a Boxer puppy and a black Lab who had both paws up on the back of the Fore-runner as we were driving away.

But for the most part its enjoyable and the scratches will happen. The Marley dog is very good at socializing except when he is in the car, then its bark bark woof woof!!!

Weve done up to 100 inspections a day so a little play time is always a welcome break. And as you would expect, after 10 or 12 hours on the road we are Dog Tired when we get home! Like I said we wont be getting filthy rich doing this but working with my Marley makes up for it.

Scott and The Marley Dog

The Best Squeaky Toy Yet!

After about two years of destruction and stuffing shredding I have found the one SQUEAKY TOY THE MARLEY DOG cant chew the ears off, tear arms, legs, tags, or just destroy in a very few minutes to get to the chewy nuget inside, (The Squeaky Itself).

Its called a CUZ, its like a rubber ball with a squeaker inside of it and has no extremedies that can be ripped or torn except for two nubs (Not Feet) that make it bounce irratically when it hits the floor!

The Marley Dog takes all his toys and destroys them in minutes, sometimes seconds. Many times I've had to pull strings out from between his slobbery chompers and dog knows what else.

His KONG works well but requires stuffing and freezing for the ultimate usage and of course The Marley Dog requires some kind of different play/chew toys. The CUZcan get noisy but he will play with it and keep himself busy until its nappy time!

It has a 5 star rating and is only $3.50 and I think it has some vanilla flavoring of some sort built into it. If anyone out there has a Labrador or Retriever of kind you know how they are with toys!

I can let him play with his CUZ and not have to worry about rushing to the emergency vet to surgically remove an obstruction. Or follow the big polar bear pig around for a few days to make sure what ever he gobbled up that day passes.

SOMETIMES THE EASIEST FIXES ARE THE SIMPLEST AND CHEAPEST. AFTER A FEW HUNDRED DOLLARS OF TOYS, THE CUZ IS OUR FAVORITE NO QUESTION.

DogDayShop.com Actual Event Tips by Scott Nelson
Product Evaluation of The CUZ Toy

What To Do After Puppy Comes Home!

When To Start Your Puppy Training

Basic training starts the moment you bring young puppy home with the very first potty training exercises. Just try to remember young puppies will be a little confused about where they are and what happened to momma and their littermates.
Puppies can learn basic commands from as young as 8 weeks if they are comfortable with their new environment.

I say the basics which most people think of as the SIT, STAY, and DOWN commands but we must not forget the good puppy in between commands of NO BITE or NO NIPPING, and probably the first thing we need little Sparky to learn is where he is supposed to relieve himself, I use a “Do you need to GO POTTY” and then a simple GO POTTY command when outside.

Most obedience training schools and classes usually won’t take your pup until the age of about 6 months. If you wait for a formal class to start puppy training this could be a big mistake!

You may have a 6 month old pup or an adult dog with no basic training at all and these methods will work on them too. My point is that its best to start training when you get your puppy or adult dog home and not to wait for bad behavioral patterns to set in.

Very young puppies do have a short attention span. But with a rewarding with a treat you can keep their minds on the one thing all puppies respond to, food. Treats are my preferred choice but a squeaky type toy can work.

Initially your training sessions will be short but as little Sparky learns word or phrase into the action and then he gets a reward, your sessions can become longer with other commands all rolled into a session.

A training session may start with 5 or 10 minutes until puppy learns what he is expected to do. Then as each command is fully understood you will want to incorporate two or three commands into one complete session that may last 10 minutes up to 30 minutes.

Scott Nelson, Proud friend of my loyal companion "The Marley Dog"

www.DogDayShop.com
Online Dog & Puppy training Courses and Products!

The Marley and I Battle a Squirrel

The Marley and I had fierce competition with a squirrel that somehow made its way into the upstairs bedroom/office/storage of the house yesterday. Wow, and what a way to wake up.

Big Marley woke me ubruptly with the ususal morning "WOOF" but this time I could tell it was not a feed me or take me outside WOOF. Also it was just hitting sun-up and quite early I immedietly thought as my eyes focused on The Marley Dog.

He was staring intensly at the opposte end of the house and upstiars in a trance. I said a few early morning unpleasant words, rolled over and tried to go back to sleep. But The Marley would have no part of that and another couple big "WOOFS" got my attention.

So upstairs we went, no guns, knives or golf clubs but I had my favorite whacking stick just in case. All the while keeping The Marley as calm as I can because of his surgery he just had 4 weeks earlier. Again my sincere thanks to everybody at the Belfair Animal Hospital who genuinely give that extra love and care for the the goofy Marley Dog.

Anyway, I heard ruffling in the corner and as I investigated with no protection what ever except my underwear and of course, THE whacking stick a huge tree rat (squirrel) jumped at me and i think he was trying to kill me at six or so in the morning. Did you know they can climb walls and have no concept of GRAVITY?

Gosh those little disease infested varmits are fast! my immediet concern was my exposed body and The Marley Dog. "MARLEY STAY" and "MARLEY STAY" again just to make sure he absolutely knew this is a serious situation and then i saw the window with the screen on it of course. There were a few sign boards in the corner I use to promote my real estate busness so i gently reached for one.

O.K. now I have my guard dog, my whacking stick, (SWORD) and a nice firm cardboard sign, (SHIELD) which is all a good Viking really needs, to do battle with. Again, those little tree-rats are fast at 6:30 in the morning! The Marley stayed and franticly WOOFED while i swung and shielded my boxer brief clad body against this beast of burden and after gently taking the screen off the window I hearded him out the window apparently to the tree he uses anyway to gain access through that one screen missing on the soffet.

Major crisis avoided, (The Marley stayed and barked instead of confronting the intruder) GOOD BOY PUMPKIN! As for myself I just look up, give thanks for everything I have, which I like to do every morning, and time to start another day!

I sometimes wonder. Do All Dog Lovers Start Their Days Like This?

Just a Marley Dog Pic

Somewhat helping with fire wood

Treating Insect Bites On Dogs and Puppies

How To Treat Dogs With Insect Stings

Tuesday, 6 March 2007 - Jeff Clare

Sometimes the greatest threats to life and limb are too small for many people to take notice of. What this means is that dogs, with their heightened senses, will find a way to injure themselves with small but surprisingly potent health hazards. Two of these hazards include spider bites and insect stings.

Of the two dangers, spider bites are the greater threat, though in the United States, only two spiders are dangerous to dogs: The female black widow spider (distinguished by a black body and red hourglass shape on their undersides) and the brown recluse spider (distinguished by their light brown color and a dark brown mark on their backs). Spider bites are rarely fatal, but they still present a danger to dogs and require veterinary attention as soon as possible.

Black widow spiders are the worst of this small lot of creatures. Dogs bitten by black widow spiders are marked by a small red spot that sometimes swells. As the wound grows more painful and the venom moves through the dog's veins, the afflicted dog will become weak, clumsy, begin to drool more than usual, have difficulty breathing, and go into convulsions. Afflicted dogs should be kept as still as possible, and if a limb was bitten, that limb should be placed below the dog's heart.
Brown recluse spiders pose their own dangers. The bite of a brown recluse spider will cause a painful blister, noticeable after a day or so as the skin around the blister turns black and becomes ulcerated, causing the dog to become weaker. Though not an immediate threat, if a brown recluse spider's bite isn't treated quickly, the blister will spread and severely damage your dog's body.

Insects pose less of a threat to dogs than spiders. A dog's fur will protect it from most insect stings, but their faces and foot pads are still vulnerable targets. In most cases, the dog is stung only once. One sting isn't an emergency and treating a limited number of stings doesn't require much in the way of medical attention. The stinger can be removed with a pair of tweezers and a cold pack pressed against the sting wound. A mixture of water combined with either baking soda or instant meat tenderizer can be applied to the wound to help treat any insect venom in your dog's system.

Multiple insect stings may send a dog into shock. Immediate treatment of shock begins by laying the dog down and keeping the dog's head lower and closer to the ground or floor than the rest of its body. The dog must be kept warm and calm and it shouldn't eat, drink, or ingest anything while it's in shock.
Though nowhere near as dramatic as a fight with a bear or wild cat, a dog's bout with a lowly bug can bring even the largest canine down. The little threats can be so insidious, as they tricks people into underestimating the danger posed by something apparently unimportant. Now, you're wise to their scam.

About the Author:

Jeff Clare runs Dog Training News where you can read many more articles on dog control. For more general advice on dog health go to Dogs And Dog News.
http://www.freearticles.co.za/pets-and-animals/how-to-treat-dogs-with-insect-stings.html

The Marley Thinks He is 100%

It's been 19 days since the surgery and The Marley's recovery is nothing short of amazing. These pictures are just before the staples were removed, when I bought the movie "Marley and Me". He always wants to watch it.

He doesn't need his giant megaphone lamp shade around his neck anymore because the scar from the plate removal healed up very fast. I mean really very fast. The Marley dog thinks he's 100% now and tries to jump and kill my jacket or pillow or anything else he thinks needs a good shake and kill.

If any of you have a Lab puppy of sort you know what I'm talking about. When they spin and jump then do figure eights and pretty much go into spastic happy frenzy!

Well, my job recognize when the whole spastic happy frenzy thingis about to happen and instantly calm the big monster down. All in all, my Marley is recovering above expectations. I just have to always remember he is still in a very fragile phase. My vet stated "His leg is like glass with holes from the screws"

Again The Marley and I wish to thank everyone for their donations and support.
Scott Nelson, Proud faithful companion of The Marley Dog.
www.DogDayShop.com

The Marley Post Op Update

Hi Everyone, I just wanted to give a quick update on the big dog.

The Marley Dog's surgery to remove the plate and do a little cutting on something in the joint, (I cant remember exactly but the end result is no more snap snap when he walks,) went as expected exept for the Staph infection which means of course more antibiotics.

He had his cast off a few days ago and is now following me around the house with his lamp shade E-collar on. The big lump is knocking any and everything off or pushing it over with that lamp shade on. At least he is used to it this time, it really does make my life a little easier.

The 19 staples come out on Monday and its back to the rehab part. I'm not keeping a daily journal like I did the first surgery I guess because I know what to expect.

The Marley and I would again like TO THANK ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR DONATIONS AND GOOD THOUGHTS!

Scott Nelson

http://www.dogdayshop.com/

More Training Tips - Involuntary Signal Training!

Myth - You're only training your dog when you THINK you're
training your dog.

WRONG:
Let me explain. Many owners set aside and plan out dog obedience
training sessions. They have a set time, gather their set tools (all manner of
treats, clickers, leads), and go to a set place (the backyard, the park, or
even the weekly dog training class).

This is great! These owners are doing much better than those who believe
that a daily pat on the head or a steady salvo of "SIT!" commands every
now and then amounts to a successful dog training regime.

But what many caring dog owners either don't realize or simply don't put
into practice is the fact that you are effectively dog training
whenever you are with your dog.

Your dog is picking up on your verbal and non-verbal cues all of the time.
If you spring up and run to the phone every time it rings, you are training
your dog that it is ok to spring up and run around whenever he hears that
ringing sound.

Let's say you are relaxed at night when you get home from work, but
totally stressed out in the morning. You are basically training your dog that
there is a reason to be stressed out in the morning (not so good when you
are about to leave them alone for a while).

If you get nervous each time you pass by the neighbor who walks their
Great Dane on the other side of the street in the morning, you are training
your dog to be nervous if the Great Dane is in sight.

Remember, even when your signals are not directed at your dog, your
dog picks up on them. There is no line that separates formal and informal
training. You are training your dog even when you are not "training" your
dog. This is what I call "involuntary training." It just happens.

The important thing is to try to recognize moments when you can make
this involuntary training work for you.

The Marley did it again

The Marley had x-rays done again on his knee and hip, he had a ruptured cruciate ligament (its like a football type knee injury) about 9 months ago and we did two surgeries on it.

He started limping and went three legged and I freeked out. I wont know if anything is wrong for a few days until after the surgen looks the x-rays over.

Even though the x-rays were $200 I could never forgive myself if I didnt do everything I can to make certian everything that can be done is. I have Ins. on him but they wouldnt pay for the expensive surgery or anything else because of a 1yr wait for knee surgeries.

Soooo, to shorten my post, I started up http://www.dogdayshop.com/ to help with finances.

Would you all take a look at it and maybe give me some feed back?
Thanks everyone!

Dog Training Tips, How To Do Puppy Potty Training Outside

I'll be focusing on outdoor puppy potty training in this article of tips. All new puppy owners are faced with this challenge during the first day if not the first few hours of bringing puppy home. These tips are of the hands off praise method. No dog crates, rolled up newspapers, flyswatters, nose rubbing or spray bottles.
I have successfully trained my German Shepherd, my Golden Retriever and my Yellow Labrador Retriever using this method and for the most part is quite simple. Be prepared to lose a little sleep and of course there most likely will be a few accidents.
Your new puppy should be weaned and starting on his puppy food diet. I do recommend a good high quality dry food. There are a few books out that tell the awful truth about some of these “name brand” foods and the fillers and preservatives that are used. A little research in the food department will not only help puppy live a longer life but will give you peace of mind knowing exactly what goes in puppy.
Speaking briefly on what goes in puppy, don’t forget to check and see what comes out of puppy. Your vet should have a schedule for shots and worming with check ups. A good book called Vet Secrets Revealed will tell you what to look for and has many tips on emergency situations and how to diagnose and treat common illnesses. It’s a great book to have on hand and I highly recommend it.
O.K. so puppy is home now what?
· Make sure you have a designated spot outside for him to use. This is important as he will associate this spot with elimination. Before you play or go into the house you should take him there and give the go potty command. If by chance he actually does go, you must immediately praise him like he just saved the world. I don’t mean like a “good boy” and a pat on the head I mean like “PUPPY WENT POTTY, OH MY GOSH, YOU ARE THE BEST PUP IN THE WORLD, PUPPY WENT POTTY, EVERYONE COME OVER HERE AND LOOK AT THE PUPPY POTTY!”
· You are trying to let puppy know what potty is and where to do it. The more praise with the potty keyword in it the better.
· For the first week or two I always take puppy out immediately after waking up, after eating and anytime he starts sniffing or turning circles or maybe a whine.
When its time to potty, puppy should learn that it is the only reason he is outside, not to play or chew on something but only to potty. After the deed is done he comes back inside and gets to play.
That’s about it, be persistent and if inside accidents happen be sure to clean up with good detergent and take puppy outside again. He will catch on quickly.

If you would like an online course, with video and audio, check out "Puppy Schooling / Training Tricks"

Scott Nelson
http://www.dogdayshop.com/

The "SNOOP" dog

A few months back The Marley found a new friend, his name was Snoopy. Snoop is friendly and very affectionate, he is one of Marley's friends who is always welcome. When I say "Snoop" the Marley perks right up!
Snoop is with a family friend now and is very happy. I know the companionship from this amazing dog would keep any person always happy.

The Marley Dog is Still Limping

As much as I want to throw that tennis ball and run and play with The Marley he must be kept calm and quiet. I have a book on the DogDayShop site about veterinary secrets I think I'll look at. There is a lot of useful info in it about vaccines, food, what to do in an emergency and stuff like that.

We had a family get tegother on Valentines day and I let him out of the car to socialize with people. The Marley was so happy I thought he was going to pull and rip more ligaments and knee things. He was wiggling and spinning and smiling then he found a plastic bottle which he thought was the JACKPOT!!!

I'm freezing Kongs filled with peanut butter and a bisquet and it keeps him busy for a few hours.
But then its off for our two or three short walks on leash for rehab. All in all I need to update the vet people about his progress, (slow but healing) and keep the big guy happy.

My special thanks to the people at the Belfair Animal Hospital who take the time to follow up and give the personal care The Marley deserves.

Scott Nelson
www.DogDayShop.com

The Marley is bored

My poor little pumpkin is staring at me most of the day, I think he wants to go outside and play. He is now walking O.K. but with a limp. The coyotes came out of the forest last night and Marley really wanted to play with them, or whatever he does. I believe he just chases them off.


Soup bones keep him busy but I worry about his teeth because he makes so much noise it sounds like he's breaking teeth off! He has other chew toys but nothing compares to a soup bone or of course a green tennis ball. He throws them at me while I'm sitting and I must tell him we can't play because his leg hurts. He's such a tennis ball FREEK!!!

Scott
DogDayShop.com

The Marley is tranquil

I thought Marley had recovered from his A.C.L. surgery, (his knee) about 6 months ago but the other day he went three legged on me. Of course I immedietly called the vet and let them know. He's on Duramax for pain and I have tranquilizers to keep him tranquil.
Its not easy to keep him immoble.

He goes to work with me so at least I can keep an eye on him. The Ebook I bought on actual dog owners who went through the same procedures really helped prepare for the surgery and post operation care. So its going to be very trying for me the next few days. Sorry Marley, no tennis balls today!

Please give my Marley dog support and sign in at the upper right of the DogDayShop site and follow his blog.

The Marley needs a little help with his medical bills, I am a responsible dog owner with insurance but Crucial Ligament Ruptures and nuclear attacks are not covered. A small generous contribution would be appreciated by both of us.

Thanks,
Scott Nelson
Faithful Companion

Bad Dog or Upset Stomach?

Health, Care and Diagnosing Common Illnesses.
A dog or puppy can't tell you has an upset stomach or even is depressed but there are ways to read your dogs behavior patterns to overcome and diagnose problems. For example if you cannot stop dog barking, he may just need exercise. This is a great time to do your dog obedience or any dog training as it will also stimulate his mind and help with bonding.
He may also be acting abnormally by doing things he knows he shouldn't, this does not mean he needs dog discipline but could simply be his way of trying to tell you something is wrong. These are just a few common ways your dog or puppy is communicating with you the best way he knows. Of course, professional veterinary advice is only a phone call away.

6 Training Tips

Do you own a lethargic dog who barks a lot and doesn't obey you?
If you're looking for the best dog training tips, read on.
There are many dog training methods out there that you can implement depending on your goals or what you want to achieve.
If you want to control your dog in public spaces such as parks and streets, then your dog needs to undergo dog leash training. This kind of dog obedience training scheme is highly recommended for all dog trainers.
Here are a few best dog training tips for you:

1. Positive reinforcement matters a lot. It's easier to train a dog if you do it in a positive manner rather than in a strict and punishment-based way. Reward your dog when necessary.

2. Patience is a virtue in any dog training method. Dogs, like humans, have different learning abilities. You must be able to adapt to your dog's learning pace. Some dogs tend to pick up commands than the others. If your dog is a slow-learner, you need to allot more time and attention for him to understand everything. Never rush things!

3. Choose a training method that has worked to you before or someone you know. Consider the breed too for it is a also a big factor to consider in training.

4. All dog's behavior problems are acquired. Start training your dog when he's just a puppy. Most bad habits such as excessive barking, chewing and jumping can be controlled and stopped with a little foresight and consistent training.

5. The best dog training method must be a fun activity. Make your training session as lively as possible. Allot a schedule everyday for you and your dog to bond and play. Training your dog for 20-30 minutes will be good enough.

6. To further help you in training your dog, you can use training aids such as training collar system, remote trainer and many others. Make sure that every gadget you're using is proven to be safe and effective and is applicable to the age and size of your dog.

Pet Article courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com.