Only Dog Blog

2011-10-27T00:53:00.000-07:00

Brrrr!

Winter is right around the corner and the dog knows it! We all need to do our part to make certain our dogs get through the cold season without any ill effect.

I am in the northwest and the weather is starting to get pretty chilly here. It got me thinking about the responsibility we all have to our dogs to make sure they are ready for the cold. If your dog lives indoors with you then your concern is likely centered around having the right sweater, or even boots, for your dog when he or she is outside. For those of us with dogs who live outdoors year round it's a different story.

My dog Buddy is a Golden Lab. His winter coat comes in pretty thick, but that doesn't mean he is immune to the dangers of the cold. For the most part, he is content to hang out in his kennel, which is under cover and away from direct wind. And those are good basics to tend to. Making sure your dog has a place to get out of the weather is a minimum courtesy. Please don't just leave your dog suffering on the end of a chain out in the open air! It's dangerous for the dog, not to mention down-right insensitive, if not mean. It doesn't take much to create a sheltered space, so please make the effort.

Just because Jack London captured our imagination with stories of winter dogs huddled in the snow, as they braved night after freezing night, we should be smart enough to know that unless our dogs are specifically equiped to handle severe cold, we need to be involved. They count on us!

Pretty basic reminders, but it is surprising to me how many people don't even bother to take such basic care. Be a good dog owner and your dog will continue to be a loving and dear companion to you! Before we know it, Spring will be here and life chasing a ball, going to the lake, and taking long walks with your dog, can resume. I can't wait!

Are Dog Owners Really Happier?

2011-03-09T08:41:00.000-08:00

There are many benefits to owning a dog, but being more active, happy and content are just a few of them. There are many reasons for this, but let's take a look at just a few of them.

First, it has been shown that about 45% of the time that adult owners spend with their dog is in play time. And, dog owners who are 65 and older take twice as many walks as their non-dog owning counter parts. This leisure time spent with their dog leads to more activity which helps relieve stress.

Lynette Hart (director for the Center for Animal Alternatives at the University of California in Davis) says that, "Pet people describe themselves with more positive adjectives than non-pet owners". Why do you suppose this is? I would say it is because people who own pets feel good about themselves. After all, dogs accept and love you for whom you are. They don't care about your social status, dress size, where you live, or your bank account. They love you unconditionally and show it easily, they also don't talk back, and they are always available. Plus, many dogs can be very entertaining! All they want in return is a run in the park, a little attention, fresh water and food.

By giving us something to focus our attention on besides ourselves, dogs can help lessen our anxiety, loneliness, depression, and even lower our blood pressure.

Is it any wonder then that about 1/3 of all dog owners feel like their Buddy is as important to them as the human members of their family? So make sure you take time today to pet your dog, throw the ball, go for a walk, or whatever it is that he enjoys best!

Dog Picture Galleries!

2011-02-28T14:15:00.000-08:00

The dog pictures on onlydogbreeds.com are done! If you love puppy pictures, you will love the puppy galleries too. It's been quite a busy couple weeks around here and the site is coming along. We hope you approve!

Scottish Deerhound Wins!

2011-02-16T01:39:00.000-08:00

A Scottish deerhound that loves to chase deer and rabbits on a 50-acre farm in Virginia did more than fine at Madison Square Garden this week, winning best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club on Tuesday night and the title of America's top dog.

Great Dog Quote!

2011-02-12T10:53:00.000-08:00

I have found that when you are deeply troubled, there are things you get from the silent devoted companionship of a dog that you can get from no other source.

- Doris Day

Another Dog Day

2011-02-08T01:20:00.000-08:00

We're working to make the site complete and interesting. The technological side of the project has proved a bit of a challenge as neither of us really know what we are doing. We are learning as we go, so it stays interesting. The dog information itself it pretty fun to learn. For example, we found out today that the Chihuahua, if extremely stressed, has been known to eat it's own young. I know! I'm sure we can find some happier things to put on here soon. Until then, stay relaxed!

Only Dog Blog Gets Off the Porch

2011-01-27T18:08:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Only Dog Blog!

This is a blog where fun and interesting dog breed information, pictures, articles, and the like, will be posted. Like all good dogs, we promise to never make too much noise, always clean up after ourselves, treat others with respect, and chase a ball whenever we get a chance.