Dog News

The heroic actions of dogs didn't end with the real-life Balto or TV's Lassie. Today, dogs everywhere are responding heroically when the situation is urgent or turns deadly. Here are some everyday dogs, who acted heroically when their owners most needed them to.

• Bobbie Glover of Auburn, California tells the story of the day she was walking her five-year old Lab, Boomer, on a street near her home. She stumbled into a pothole and broke both her legs in the fall. While Bonnie screamed for help, Boomer lay right down on the road and stayed there. After no one came to help, Bonnie wrapped her arms around Boomer's neck and simply said, "Home". The 160-pound Lab dragged Bonnie all the home, where her husband found her and called for medical help. Bonnie ends her story by saying that she had rescued Boomer from a shelter, never dreaming that one day he would end up rescuing her.
• Linda Clevenger of Bremen, Indiana recounts how her miniature dachshund, Maggie May Longfellow, saved her entire family. The dog typically slept with their 12-year old daughter, Katrina, in a top bunk with her sister Kelli, sleeping in the bottom bunk. On February 2, 2005, at 2:30 a.m., Linda states that she and her husband, James, were awakened by Maggie barking near our bed. While they were understandably startled, they immediately smelled gas. Linda frantically rushed to the kitchen where she found a burner left on, spewing out natural gas. She quickly threw open the windows, remembering not to turn on lights. Kelli, it turns out, had lifted Maggie May out of the bed. The dog then pawed and scratched until she opened our door. Thanks to her, there was no headline in the paper saying "House Explodes, Killing Family of 7".
• In 2004, a 7-year-old Golden Retriever named Brutis received the National Dog Hero Award. He received this award when he snatched up a coral snake as it was slithering dangerously close to a young child, suffering a near-deadly bite from the snake in the process. His heroic actions did not go unnoticed as Brutis was promptly flown to Los Angeles to receive his award.
• The Genesis Awards honored a Black Labrador, aptly named Katrina, who, during the misery of Hurricane Katrina, saved a drowning man before the rising flood waters claimed his life. When receiving the honor Katrina, the dog, was given a well-deserved standing ovation.
• Fox News reported the heroic tale of a half wolf/half German Shepherd named Shana, who saved an elderly couple from a treacherous snow storm. When Shana found Norman and Eve trapped by snow, she reacted quickly and went to work, diligently digging out a tunnel through which she would pull the couple back to the safety of their home.
• 2007's Dog of the Year winner was Moti, the five-year-old German Shepherd who literally took a bullet for his human family. When a masked intruder made his way into the Patel household, Moti wasted little time, leaping to his feet and barking to draw the gunman's attention. When he was faced with the angry pooch, the gunman shot him, and ran off without harming any of the Patels. Luckily, Moti has made a full recovery!
• Maya, the 2008 Dog of the Year, took home the honors for courageously saving Angela Marcelino, her owner, from a vicious male attacker. The pitbull's act of bravery earned some high praise from the Animal Miracle foundation, which was happy to report that "the pit-bull breed can be hero dogs just like any other breed."

As your dog gets older, you might feel at a loss for what to do for your pet. Usually people begin to notice that their dog is getting older and less spirited around the time that the dog is eight years old. You may notice that around this age it seems like your pet isn't able to run around and play with you like it used to. In addition, you might feel like you want to help your older dog, but you aren't quite sure what you can do. Here are a couple of things that you can do for your dog as it gets older:

1. Give your dog a senior diet: One of the best things to do for your dog as it gets older is feed it a dog food that is specifically made for older dogs. These types of dog food are usually labeled as being a "senior" dog food. Senior dog food diet has reduced calories, but it still provides an older dog with all of the balanced nutrients that a dog needs. Some of the best types of senior dog food diets that are available are Science Diet and Iams. NOTE: If you are feeding your dog a specialty or prescribed diet by your vet, check with your vet before switching your dog to senior dog food.
2. Keep your dog away from stairs: If your dog has arthritis or is feeble on its feet, you really want to keep your dog away from the stairs in your house as much as possible. For example, it is a good idea to install a "dog gate" across your stairways so that your dog doesn't strain its joints going up and down the stairs.
3. Buy an elevated food dish: As your dog gets older, it is a good idea to buy an elevated food dish for your dog. This is healthier for your older dog for several reasons. For one thing, your dog doesn't have to bend down very far to eat, which is better for your dog if it has arthritis. Also, it is better for your dog to eat with its head elevated.
4. Regular checkups with the vet: Another thing that you need to do for your dog when it gets older is to take your dog to the vet regularly. It is recommended that you take your dog to the vet about twice a year. This way, your vet will constantly be able to see your dog and make sure that there are not any medical conditions arising which could be a problem. In addition to these checkups with the vet, it is also a good idea to also watch for other medical problems which are common in older dogs. Loss of hair, sleep disruption, change in eating habits, trembling and change in urine color are all indications of a medical condition. Consult with your vet right away if you notice any of these symptoms in your older god.
5. Don't stop exercising: Even when your dog is getting older, it doesn't mean that you should stop exercising with your dog. Instead, don't make your walks or exercises with your dog as intensive as they used to be. However, try to keep your dog active and moving so that it can stay healthy and happy.
6. Dental care: You should also make sure that your dog gets a lot of good dental care. Not only will this help to prevent your dog from losing teeth, but also good dental care will also help to prevent gingivitis. You can take your dog to a groomer to get its teeth regularly cleaned, or you can buy a toothbrush for dogs and clean your dog's teeth at home.

No one likes their dog to get old and frail, but every pet is going to get older sooner or later! Usually a dog or a cat that is about eight years old is starting to become a "senior" in regards to dog years (it would be about 56 years in "people years"). If your dog is getting older in years, you probably are thinking about the changes that will need to take place as you care for your dog. When caring for an older dog, you will need to make a lot of changes in regards to the dog's health and food. Here are a couple of tips for caring for old dogs:

1. Go to the vet twice a year: Once your dog is about eight years of age, it is a good idea to start taking your dog to the vet twice a year for a checkup. As dogs get older, they are more likely to develop different medical conditions and problems - often you might not have an idea that your dog has a medical issue before even visiting your vet! Regular checkups with the vet will ensure that your older dog is going to stay happy and healthy.
2. Mop up spills: As a dog gets older, it is easier for a dog to lose its balance. In addition, some dogs also don't have as keen of a sense of sight when they get older. For this reason, it is really important that you mop up spills right away - your dog could slip and fall easily on a spill. A lot of spills can occur around the feeding bowls, so make sure that water never leaks onto the floor in that area.
3. Switch to "senior" dog food: If you have been feeding your dog the standard original dog food formula, you might want to switch and feed your dog "senior" dog food instead. The senior diet will help to make sure that your dog gets a balanced diet without consuming too many calories. Some of the premium senior dog food diets are sold by Science Diet and Iams. NOTE: If you are feeding your dog a specialty or prescribed diet by your vet, check with your vet before switching your dog to senior dog food.
4. Arthritis: If your old dog has arthritis, there are a couple of things that you should change around your house. First, you should elevate food and water bowls so that your pet doesn't have to bend down very far. Elevated stands for food bowls can be bought at local pet stores like PetsMart. In addition, it is a good idea to install a "dog gate" across your stairways so that your dog doesn't strain its joints going up and down the stairs.
5. Teeth care: Another important thing to do when caring for old dogs is get your dog's teeth cleaned regularly. Many pet groomers provide dental service for dogs. This will not only help to prevent the loss of teeth, but it also is a great precaution against gingivitis.
6. Watch your pet carefully: Another thing that is important to do when caring for an older dog is watching your dog carefully. You know your pet and its behavior the best, so constantly watch for changes in behavior. Also, you should also watch for changes in your dog's normal eating and sleeping patterns. If you are noticing problems like weight loss, trembling, shaping or sleep pattern changes, you should contact your vet right away to see if the problem is medical related.

Are you bringing a new baby into your home? Having a baby is a really exciting thing - but it also can be a source of worry if you're not quite sure how your dog will take to the new family member. Dogs are very sociable, loving pets by nature, but they also can get jealous if all of your attention is turned onto a new baby instead of them! If you have a dog and are planning to bring a baby home there are some things that you need to do. Here are some ways that you can help you dog adjust to a new baby in the family:

• Keep your dog separate from the baby for a while: It is a good idea to keep your dog separate from the new baby for a while. This will give the dog a chance to get used to the smells and cries of the baby. You also could bring baby clothing items or toys over to the dog as well, so that it can smell the clothes and be familiar with the way that the baby smells. Just be sure that you wash the baby clothes and toys after the dog has had contact with them, though!
• Give your dog treats when the baby is around: Another great way to help your dog adjust to a new baby in the family is by giving your dog treats when the baby is around. Not only will this promote your dog to have good behavior when the baby is around, but the dog will look forward to being around the baby because of the treats! This is a great way to make sure that your dog is happy when the baby comes into the room!
• Give attention to your dog: It seems as if one of the reasons why a dog has a hard time adjusting to a new baby is because of the lack of attention the dog receives. After a baby comes into the house, usually all of the attention is focused on the baby instead of the dog. The dog suddenly misses out on the usual playtime, scratches behind the ears and loving pats on the head once the baby arrives! Prevent this from happening by giving attention to your dog (perhaps even a little more than usual!) so that your dog will feel loved while adjusting to this new little family member! As long as you show your dog how much you love it, your dog should be able to adjust well to the new baby in the family.
• Expose your dog to a lot of babies: Before the new baby arrives in your family, one of the things that you should do is expose your dog to new babies. Of course, your dog should be in a controlled setting when he is introduced to babies, such as on a leash. This will give your dog a chance to get used to the smells, sounds and looks of babies. Remember to remain very calm and in control of your dog throughout the whole process of introducing the dog to babies.

Babies are a really fun addition to your family, but just make sure that your dog is able to adjust well to this change! Dogs still need to get attention, and it is a good idea to start exposing your dog to "baby smells" and "baby sounds" before your baby actually arrives. By following these steps, you should be able to keep your dog happy and well adjusted to this little newcomer to the family!

Do you have a dog and cat that do not get along well? Many people are even worried to attempt buying a new dog or cat because they aren't quite sure if their current pet will be able to handle the newcomer. No one wants to turn their home into a war zone with the arrival of a new pet. Many people, however, have been able to successfully get their dogs and cats to live together in harmony. So, if you are contemplating buying a new cat or dog, you really should! It is possible to get dogs and cats to get along well. Here is a basic introduction to dogs and cats living together.

• Separate and personal space: One reason why dogs and cats fight is because they feel threatened by a newcomer encroaching in on their space. In order to make sure that your cat and dog live together peaceably, you need to make sure that they each have their personal space. Cats especially seem to need their personal space, but dogs also probably would appreciate their own little area as well. This will make sure that each pet eats their own food, uses their own litter box or bathroom area, and plays with the toys that were made for them.
• Dogs and cats both need attention: One of the important things that you should take into consideration is that dogs and cats both need attention and love from their owners. In order for dogs and cats to live together, they need to both feel loved and wanted by their owners. If you show favoritism to one pet over the other the ignored pet will begin to feel jealous. This jealousy can turn into fighting if you're not careful. Instead of bringing on a fight, make sure that you show love to both your cat and your dog.
• Introduce your pets to each other properly: Another basic part of dogs and cats living together is the process of introduction between the two animals. Dogs and cats need to be introduced to each other in a certain way, or you are more likely to cause fights and tension between the two animals. When you introduce a dog and a cat, it is a good idea to keep the animals apart for a few days. Some people suggest that the cat should be confined in a smaller space during this time period, whereas the dog should be able to walk around more. It's really up to you. The most important thing should be that the dog and the cat have a chance to get used to hearing the sounds and smells of the other animal. After a few days, you should let the animals see each other, although it is a good idea to keep the dog on a leash during these meetings. In addition, do not force interaction between the dog and the cat. Just make sure that they get used to each other, and over time they will begin to interact and get along just great.

Dogs and cats may be completely different animals, but that doesn't mean that they aren't able to get along well! Just make sure that you give a lot of attention and love to each pet, so that they never have a reason to become jealous or envious of each other. Introduce your pets to each other slowly, over time and they also will be able to become accustomed to each other. As long as you introduce your pets to each other in this way, and also give them an area where they can have some personal space, your dog and cat are likely to get along with each other just fine. Have fun with your dog and cat playing and living together under your roof!

Do you have a young dog and you are going to bring another old dog into your family? Or, are you concerned about how to care for your young dog when he starts to get older? There are a couple of things that you should know about caring for old dogs and young dogs. First of all, you should know that dog care for old dogs and young dogs is very different. Young dogs have a lot of needs that older dogs don't have and vice versa.

One of the differences between caring for old dogs and young dogs is exercise. When you have a young dog it probably has a lot of energy. It will want to play with you often and will enjoy heavy exercise. Young dogs often like to run around as well. In contrast, when you exercise with an old dog, it will probably not want to run around as much as a younger dog. In fact, sometimes a short walk with an older dog is sufficient before it starts to get really tired. Pay attention to your dog and see what type of exercise your young or old dog can handle - make sure that you don't overstress or overwork your dog!

Trips to the vet also will be a little bit different when you have a young dog versus an old dog. Younger dogs need a couple of trips to the vet when they are puppies, but then their visits to the vet are a little less frequent. However, if you have an older dog, you will need to visit your vet on a fairly regular basis. It is recommended that you visit the vet about twice a year for checkups with your old dog. This way, your vet will be able to constantly look for (and prevent, if necessary!) any medical conditions that are common in older dogs.

Another difference between caring for old dogs and young dogs is the type of dog food that you give your dogs. Younger dogs, depending on their age, will either be eating a dog food that is formulated for puppies or for adult dogs. These dog foods have a lot of nutrients for dogs. In addition, puppy and adult dog food formulas also contain a lot of calories which are necessary in the active lifestyle of a young dog. In contrast, an older dog should be eating a senior dog food diet. Senior dog food also contains a lot of nutrition but there are fewer calories (which makes sense, because your senior dog is less active and will not need as many calories). Some of the best types of senior dog food are made by Nutro, Science Diet, Iams and Eukanuba.

Finally, one of the last differences between caring for young dogs and old dogs is grooming. When you are grooming your younger dog, you probably are more concerned with getting dirt and burrs out of the dog's fur. However, with an older dog, you will need to be looking for unhealthy skin conditions or bumps while you are grooming your dog. You also should be looking for large amounts of hair loss while you are grooming your old dog. If you notice anything unusual in your older dog's skin, ears, or fur, then you should consult with a vet to see if a medical condition is involved.

Young dogs and old dogs are both fun to have in your home, but as you can see, they require different amounts and types of care. If you have further questions about caring for an old or young dog, then you should consult with a pet store specialist or a veterinarian.

When your dog starts to get older there are a couple of things that you will need to change in your dog care routine. Usually you will notice that your dog will start to get older around the time that it turns eight years old. There are a lot of things that you will need to do when caring for old dogs. For example, you will not only need to change the things that your dog eats, but you will also need to change some things in your dog's routine. Here are some things that you need to in order to care for old dogs:

• Lower intensity exercise: One of the things that you will need to do when caring for old dogs is to have lower intensity exercise sessions. Of course, you will not want to stop exercising with your dog, but you should not have as intense of exercise sessions. If your dog is starting to look really fatigued and tired while exercising, then you should really stop the exercise session. You probably will spend less time running with your old dog, and you will find that walking with your dog is sufficient exercise instead. You know your dog best, and you will know what exercise level your old dog is able to handle.
• Switch to senior dog food: Another thing that you need to do when caring for your old dog is to switch your dog to the senior formula dog food. The reason why you should switch to senior dog food is that it is specially formulated for older dogs - there are also fewer calories in senior dog food, but there are also a lot of nutrients so your dog gets a balanced diet. However, if your dog is on a special diet, then you should consult with a vet before switching your dog over to a senior diet. In addition, it is important to remember that you should make sure that you switch your dog over to senior dog food gradually - an abrupt change in diet can disrupt your dog's digestive system. Some of the premium senior dog food diets that you might like to give your dog are Iams, Eukanuba and Science Diet.
• Medical conditions: It is important to know that when you are caring for old dogs that you need to watch for medical conditions which may arise. Older dogs have more feeble bodies and they are more susceptible to different medical conditions. Here are a couple of things that you should watch for, which may be an indication of some kind of medical condition: weight loss, a change in sleeping patterns, a change in urine color, trembling and sleep pattern changes. If you notice any of these medical symptoms in your old dog, you should contact your vet right away to see if your dog might have a medical condition or problem.
• Grooming for older dogs: When you are grooming your older dog, there are a couple of things that you should watch for at the same time. For example, you should watch for strange bumps or unusual skin conditions while brushing your dog's fur. You should also watch and see if your dog is starting to lose hair. When you are brushing your dog, look and see how much hair is falling out too. When caring for old dogs, you also should stress good dental care. If you take good care of your dog's teeth, you will help prevent any problems with gingivitis or tooth loss.
• Go to the vet twice a year: Another important thing to take care of old dogs is taking your dog to regular checkups with the vet. It is a good idea to take your dog to the vet about twice a year for a checkup. Regular "senior checkups" with the vet will ensure that your older dog is going to stay happy and healthy.

Some people think that having dogs and babies in the same house, you are just setting yourself up for disaster! Dogs and babies have such different and demanding needs that sometimes it can feel really difficult to try and have dogs and babies together in the same home. However, it is possible to make dogs and babies work - there are just some things that you need to do in order to keep everyone happy!

One of the tips for making dogs and babies work is TREATS. If you want to keep dogs happy when the baby is around, then you should make sure that you give the dog plenty of treats when the baby comes into the room. For one thing, this will keep the dog occupied eating treats so that it will not disturb the baby. In addition, it also will help your dog to be happy when the baby comes into the room! Your dog will automatically think of treats whenever it sees the baby, and consequently it will not develop resentment towards the baby because your attention is now divided.

Another way that you can make dogs and babies work is through separate spaces. Dogs need to have their separate space so that the baby will be able to get the sleep it needs. If the dog disturbs the baby from napping, then you could end up having a very grumpy little baby on your hands! Instead, you should make sure that your dog has a separate space where it can go while the baby is sleeping. In addition, separate spaces are great because you can keep the dog away from anything of the baby's that might get ruined - you don't want your dog to start chewing on the baby's toys or blankets, for example!

You can also make babies and dogs work by giving a lot of attention to your dog. Dogs are family-oriented, pack animals and they probably are used to getting a lot of attention from you. Work hard to continue to give your dog attention after the baby arrives. If you begin to ignore your dog, then it will start to develop resentment towards the new baby that has come to join the family. Make sure that you still spend a fair amount of quality time with your dog each day, even if it is hard to give your dog all of the attention that it used to get.

Another way that you can get dogs and babies to work is by making sure that your dog knows how to act around the baby. If possible, try to get your dog obedience trained before the baby arrives - it is important that your dog understands verbal commands like, "No!" before it gets near the baby. In addition, you should give your dog the chance to be exposed to other babies, so that the dog will get used to the smells and sounds that babies make. However, when introducing your dog to new babies, make sure that it is on a leash or controlled in some way - even the friendliest dog can get too excited around delicate little babies!

The phase, "They fight like cats and dogs" is a common phrase for very good reason. Cats and dogs have been "enemies" for a very long time. However, not all cats and dogs fight, which can be seen in the many households across the world that have both cats and dogs. In order to avoid fights between your dog and cat, there are a couple of things that you can do. This article lists a couple of tips to help your dog and cat live together peaceably.

First of all, it is a good idea to introduce your pets to each other. It has been said that the younger your pets are when they are introduced, the better they will get along. Younger pets often are not as territorial of their owners or their space as older pets are. However, it is probably a good idea to make sure that at least one pet has some obedience or house training before your introduce a new pet into the household. This will make your life just a little bit easier!

When beginning the introduction process, it is a good idea to not put the pets together right away. Keep the dog and the cat in separate areas of the house, so that they can get used to the smell and the sounds of the other animal. When you move from one animal area in the house to the other animal area, make sure that you let your pets sniff your hands and clothes. This is a great way to give your pets the opportunity to become familiar with the smells of the new dog or cat. You can also let your pets sniff the blankets or toys of the other pet as well, so that they can get used to the new scent.

After a few days, when your pets are used to the smells and sounds of each other, it is time for them to finally meet! However, it is a good idea to leave your dog on a leash, so the cat will feel able to escape at any time if necessary. Also, you should not force the cat and dog to interact with each other right away. Your cat might feel most comfortable just looking at the dog from underneath the bed for a while - and if that's the most comfortable thing, then just let it be that way.

One of the best ways to help your dog and cat live together peaceably is to let them each have their individual space. If you have a cramped apartment or home, then at least make sure that your cat has the personal space that it needs. You should keep your cat litter box, food, scratching post, and toys in a separate area where your dog won't get at them. You also should watch and make sure that your pets don't eat each other's food - not only can this cause a fight, but it also isn't healthy for your pets to eat the wrong type of pet food!

Cats and dogs are both wonderful pets, but they often have strong personalities and territorial feelings. Some dogs and cats may never get along peaceably, but it is definitely worth trying to see if they will get along. Many pets just need the proper introduction and they will get along just fine. If you follow these introductory steps, then you have a good chance of helping your dog and cat to live together peaceably! If you have further questions about helping your cat and dog to get along, you could ask a pet specialist, trainer, or veterinarian.

If you are bringing a new baby into your home, and you already have a dog at home, you might be feeling a little nervous about what to do. Dogs and babies can get along just fine, but obviously you will need to make some changes in your home and behavior so that both the dog and baby can stay happy. There are a couple of things that you should know about dogs and babies. Here is what you need to know:

• Babies are delicate and fragile: You probably already know that babies are delicate and fragile, but this is an important point that needs to be emphasized. You should not let your rowdy dogs too close to the baby, because a baby's delicate skin or body could get hurt by the most well-meaning dog. Do not let your dog nip or playfully bite your baby, because this could also really hurt the baby. Instead, keep your dog in control at all times - if your dog can be "controlled" with verbal commands, then that will be just fine. If not, then you will at least need to keep your dog on a leash for the first little while that he is around the new arrival!
• Baby exposure: Something that you should know is that dogs behave better around babies if they have been exposed to babies before. However, when introducing your dog to new babies, make sure that it is on a leash, so that it doesn't rush at the little baby and frighten it!
• Treats are a great thing: In regards to dogs, you will want to make sure that they keep happy while the baby is around. Treats are a great way to keep your dog happy. For example, treats will keep the dog busy eating so that it will not disturb the baby (especially if the baby is close to falling asleep!). In addition, it also will help your dog to be happy when your baby comes into the room! You see, your dog will automatically associate treats with the baby, which will help to keep the dog happy when it sees the baby. Therefore, treats can help your dog to remain positive and happy about the baby, instead of developing any kind of resentment.
• Separate spaces: You should also know that separate spaces the dog and baby are other important things to have in your home! Keep your dog in its separate space for the first while after the baby comes into the home. This way, the dog will get used to the smells and sounds of the baby, without actually disturbing the baby. In addition, a separate space is also important because it will allow the baby to sleep without the chance of the dog waking it up. If your dog is in a separate space, but still makes noise (such as barking), look into ways that you can control that noise (such as a barking collar).
• Attention and love: Both babies and dogs need attention and love, and you will have to manage how you will split this attention between them. Some people feel like it is a good idea to start giving less attention to your dog in the weeks before the baby arrives. Other people feel like it is important to keep giving the dog the same amount of attention. It is up to you to decide what you want to do in regards to attention - you know your dog better than anyone else! Just make sure that you don't cut off the attention that you give to your dog completely, or you might end up with a very sad and lonely pet! Make sure that you still spend a fair amount of quality time with your dog each day.

With a dog and a baby in the same household, it is easy for a parent and dog owner to be a little bit concerned about how the baby and dog will get along. Dogs can adjust to babies, but sometimes this adjustment period takes time. In addition, babies also need to "adjust" to dogs in a certain way, because the dog can disrupt their sleeping patterns. If you have a dog and a baby, it is natural for you to have some concerns. Here are some of the concerns that you should have if you have a dog and a baby:

1. Is your baby safe? Even if you have a dog that is adjusted to having a baby around the house, you still will want to always be concerned with whether your baby is safe. Sometimes little "love bites" or teething nips from a dog can really hurt a little baby's body. You will want to train your dog to not bite or nip on the baby, in order to make sure that the baby is always safe.
2. Is your dog happy? The happiness of your dog another important concern that you should have if you have a dog and a baby. There are a couple of things that you can do to ensure that you dog will stay happy while you have a baby. First of all, you can make sure that you always give your dog treats while your baby is in the room. This will make your dog associate treats and food with the baby - which is a great way to keep your dog happy! In addition, you can also make sure that your dog is happy by giving him love and attention. Your dog doesn't want to feel like he is competing with the baby for your attention, so keep playing with him to keep him happy!
3. The noise level: Another concern that you will have with a dog and a baby in the same house is the noise level. You should make sure that your dog is obedience trained and understands verbal commands - this will help your dog to know when to be quiet around the baby. It is also a good idea to make sure that the dog and the baby are sleeping in separate rooms, so that the baby does not wake up because of the noise that the dog makes. In addition, you should also make sure that you do not get loud dog toys that will disturb the baby.
4. Sanitation: Even if you keep your dog as clean as can be, sanitation should also be a concern if you have a dog and a baby. You will want to make sure that your baby is not exposed to any germs which the dog may bring into the home. Babies are very delicate creatures, and they are more susceptible to germs and disease. Make sure that your dog does not lick, paw or stick his wet nose on the baby. This way you will be able to ensure that your baby is healthy!

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Diana Thurston, a GIS database technician by profession and dog trainer by hobby, yearned to fulfill three things in life - to win best in show at a dog competition,...




Cruel thieves take her dog (New York Daily News)
A Brooklyn woman got home from work to find her apartment ransacked by thieves - and the only thing they stole was her beloved dog, an 8-year-old Maltese named Samantha.




Pompano moves forward with plans for dog park (Sun-Sentinel)
Canine playtime advocates are a few steps closer to having a city-built dog run in Community Park after the City Commission unanimously agreed Tuesday night to have planners confirm the costs of creating and operating a park.




Alaska leads nation in hospitalizations and deaths from dog bites (Seattle Times)
State epidemiologists say Alaska led the nation in dog bite injury deaths and hospitalizations from 1991 to 2002.




Dog licenses past due (The Lewiston Sun Journal)
LEWISTON - Time is ticking down for dog owners to get their pets registered with City Hall. After Jan. 31, unlicensed dogs will incur a $15 fine for their owners. Another $25 late fine is added for each dog that remains unlicensed after Feb. 5.




Man pleads guilty to charges stemming from family dog shooting (9 News Denver)
CONIFER (AP) - A man who authorities said shot the family dog over a stolen morsel of food pleaded guilty Monday to charges of animal cruelty and prohibited use of a weapon, officials said.




Kill Ipswich dog: mauled girl's parents (AAP via Yahoo!Xtra News)
The parents of an 11-year-old girl viciously mauled by a friend's bull mastiff at Ipswich, west of Brisbane, want the dog put down.




Bird dog steps on gun, kills hunter (Reuters via Yahoo! News)
A Houston-area man was killed in a hunting accident after his dog stepped on a loaded shotgun in the back of a pick-up truck, triggering a blast that pierced the vehicle and the hunter's leg, a local sheriff said.




Dog saves three IN boys from house fire (14 WFIE Evansville)
A dog that bit a 13-year-old boy's foot repeatedly, waking him up, is being credited with saving the boy and two of his friends from a house fire.




Police dog killed in suspect's jump (UPI)
An Oceanside, Calif., police dog was killed in the line of duty when a suspect grabbed the dog and took a 200-foot fall into the San Diego Bay, police said.




Dog rescued from icy pond in Woodbury (Republican-American)
WOODBURY -- Police and an animal control officer rescued a dog that fell into an icy pond behind an Old Town Farm Road home Thursday morning.




K-9 dog dies (Everett Herald)
Lynnwood Police dog "Tanner" passed away recently after a good life of tracking bad guys and recovering evidence. He was 7 1/2 years-old. Tanner spent his last years, after he retired in March 2005, living with his handler, Lynnwood Police Officer Cole Langdon and his wife Kim.