Canine Companions for Independence Service Pup in Training Does BlogPaws

By Guest Blogger: Melba II

With the help of: Bonnie Sweebe

Hi! I’m Melba, a Canine Companions for Independence service puppy in training. I’m so very excited because I just went to my first blogging conference called BlogPaws!

BlogPaws

BlogPaws 2013

What is a BlogPaws? Why did I go? I asked Mom those exact same questions.

She said BlogPaws is a HUGE pet blogging conference. “What’s a blogger?” I asked. Mom said bloggers have a very important job to do. They write about pet health, new products and issues that bring dogs and mankind together. Cool!

She said the people at BlogPaws care about pets. They recognize the good things we do to make the world a kinder gentler place. BlogPaws is a blogging and social media conference that brings all of those people together to learn, connect and have fun. I like fun, so I agreed to go.

After all, I wrote this post, so I must be a blogger, too!

a dog blogs

Time to blog!

Mom had her own reason for going. She blogs for her dog toy and gift store, WelcomePup.com. Her blog is called High Five! A Dog Blog. She wasn’t fooling anyone.

The three-day conference was held in Tysons Corner, Virginia. Virginia is six hours away from Cleveland. That means that for six hours, I didn’t have to wear my vest. I couldn’t have been more pleased!

travel-time

I snoozed for some of the trip. When I woke up, I played with my toys, lying on my back and swatting at them like a cat. Mom says I really travel well. Maybe she’ll take me more often.

We didn’t drive straight through. We stopped to potty, snack and stretch. I got to go inside the service plazas and stand in line at Starbucks. The people in line adored me. They said I was better behaved than most children. I agreed.

Starbucks and dog

I don’t actually drink it. I just pretend.

It was a warm beautiful day when we arrived in Virginia. The conference was at the Sheraton Premier Hotel in Tysons Corner. It was a pretty nice place. I got to ride the elevator to my room. It went really fast. Woocha!

dog in elevator at BlogPaws

BlogPaws Day One.

After we put our luggage into our room, Dad worked while Mom and I hit the lobby and cruised the conference. She told me I’d experience things here that I wouldn’t experience at home. Boy, she wasn’t kidding! Check out some of the pets I met!

Wishcuit

This is Zoey from www.Wishcuit.com.

BlogPaws

This is Carma Poodale. I thought she was a movie star. She’s at www.carmapoodale.com.

BlogPaws

This is Chilly. Chilly’s at www.chillydogblog.com.

dalmatian at BlogPaws

Maybe I wasn’t the only working dog at BlogPaws!

And check this out…

cute pom puppy

This is a real dog!

I got to play in his playgroup!

BlogPaws

My new little friend.

BlogPaws

Playing with frenchie!

There were also several stroller cats. One in paricular was called Pink Catillac.

cat in stroller at BlogPaws

How does she keep that hat on?

Some cats had no hair at all. Mom said they are born and bred that way. I guess it is the cat version of the canine Chinese Crested.

cats at BlogPaws

I hope they wear coats in the winter!

Some people brought pets to sessions. I attended a keynote speech and sat next to Lisa Taron, The Pet Blog Lady, and her flat pet, Oscar.

The Pet Blog Lady's dog at BlogPaws.

Oscar, flat pet.

BlogPaws 2013 was a sell-out with over 500 people in attendance.

BlogPaws 2013

Welcome Session at BlogPaws 2013.

There were vendor booths and food everywhere! It was so hard not to eat the crumbs on the floor. That’s a “No! No!” for service dogs. Rats! (No offense to rats in attendance.)

 

BlogPaws

Vendor booths at BlogPaws 2013.

Usually during the sessions, I did long downs. Then long sits. Then long laps. One time during a long lap I fell asleep. Mom said I make a nice blanket. It’s important for a service dog to be patient.

patient service dog during BlogPawsDuring one session, Mom sat next to Bev Van Zant from Iams NA. She knew all about Canine Companions for Independence and she knew about the “E” litter sponsored by Eukanuba. She loved me and said that I was very special. I thought she was special, too. She took this picture of me looking at her.

attentive Canine Companion for Independence at BlogPaws.

It’s important to look at people’s eyes when they talk to you.

Each session was about an hour long. I’d begin with a down, but as the room got warmer, the down turned into a snooze.

sleeping service dog at BlogPaws.

I’m listening. I’m just resting my eyes.

Then one time, I woke up next to Chilly, the poodle with the purple and blue hair. YIKES! You don’t see dogs like that at Canine Companions for Independence. We all kind of look the same.

Chilly at BlogPaws.

Chilly was a great sleepmate.

Then at some point, we got company–human company! Christine Michaels from Pawsitively Humane joined us. It was like a giant sleepover. Kum Ba Yah!

dogs and human sleep at BlogPaws.

Snoozing at BlogPaws.

Some dogs were really into it, like Ally whose person, Kristin Elliott from Doodie Pack, let her take notes at the table. (Personally, I thought Ally was just trying to reach the coffee cup.)

 

Ally from Doodie Pack

Even dogs can learn a thing or two at the BlogPaws sessions.

I saw Jen Costello from My Brown Newfies. She lives right down the street from me! And on the last day, Mom found a cartoon artist and we got cartooned! What do you think? Even close?

BlogPaws

Cartooned at BlogPaws.

One day, after the conference let out, Dad and Mom drove me to Washington, D.C.–home of first dog Bo Obama! We couldn’t get near the White House to get a pawtograph of Bo, so we went to the Capitol.

The Capitol.

Doing the people’s business.

Here’s Dad and I at the red brick fountain.

Canine Companions for Independence service dog visits Washington D.C.

I did not drink from the fountain.

Practicing “up” on the cherry tree.

Canine Companions for Independence service dog visits Washington D.C.

I feel stately!

And check out this postcard quality photo of yours truly!

Canine Companions for Independence service dog visits Washington D.C.

Pretty as a picture!

Okay, enough of playing hooky. Back to the conference. At the end of every day I was absolutely pooped, like this guy.

BlogPaws

His down was as good as mine. Good boy!

At night, this is where I slept.

dog in crate

Right next to Mom.

And this is who I slept with.

Tizzy dog toy.

Me and my Tizzy!

I went potty outside and never made a mess. I was awesome!

On the very last day, I finally got to meet Dexter Bryant and his human mom, Carol. Carol Bryant is also a writer at Dogster, is the CEO & Founder of Fidose of Reality and is the Marketing and Public Relations Manager at BlogPaws 2013. I was schmoozing!

 

Carol Bryant

My new friend, Dexter and his mom Carol Bryant and me and my mom Bonnie Sweebe.

Carol Bryant is really nice, too. She let me join Dexter’s playgroup. Everyone ran around while Dexter, with Sony’s new Action Cam strapped to his back, filmed us. I cannot wait to see BlogPaws from a canine’s point of view.

(GOSSIP: Dexter is getting married on June 28, 2013 to Zoe, a Cocker Spaniel who was rescued the day before she was scheduled to be euthanized. The wedding is a fundraiser for the folks who rescued Zoe, Life’s Little Paws. It is called the Wigglebutt Wedding.)

I was even on Twitter. Some nice person took my picture and I got tweeted! (And it wasn’t mom, either.)

twittered

When it finally came time to say goodbye to BlogPaws, it was very sad.

BlogPaws 2013

Bye bye BlogPaws!

But as we drove away, I thanked Mom and Dad for the really special training trip. I sure hope they have a few more up their sleeve before I go off to puppy college in August.

Paws crossed,

Melbapaw

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 Things You Taught Your Kids That You Should Also Teach Your New Puppy

by Bonnie Sweebe

new puppy

New puppy? Don’t fret. If you can raise a child, you can raise a puppy!

Barring severe aggression, which in both cases should be immediately addressed by a professional, the key to raising terrific kids and dogs is to focus on teaching them the following ten things:

  1. They are loved and safe.
  2. There is an acceptable place to potty.
  3. There is a time to speak and a time to be silent.
  4. Manners still exist and people will love you for it.
  5. Waiting isn’t a bad thing.
  6. Everyone deserves respect.
  7. No biting.
  8. Keep their paws to themselves.
  9. Do not growl or bite person or family pet who removes food, toys or things.
  10. Look at the person who calls their name and listen to their directions.

If you can get your puppy to understand those ten things, with practice, redirection and consistency, that new puppy will turn into a dog that will be a joy to live with.  Happy pet parenting!

 

 

Dog Chews Bed

Who chewed the bed?

dog chews bed

Okay, girls. I don’t even want to hear that this dog bed pillow destruction happened because you were so bored.  Melba, you had training today and a walk and you went to the grocery store with me. Sydney, you went in the car to the vet and you and Skye both had walks. This is the same corner of the pillow that I have already repaired sixteen times. Some dogs are destructive because they’re anxious or bored. You guys planned this just to mess with my head. You are all grounded! Silly pups.

How to Make a Dog First Aid Kit

Make Your Own Dog First Aid Kit

dog first aid

Dog emergencies happen unexpectedly. Be ready, by making your own dog first aid kit!

Reprinted by permission from Dr. Nicholas Dodman of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine from his book Puppy’s First Steps (Houghton Mifflin Company).

1. Gauze, sterile pads, and vet wrap, a self-clinging elastic wrap–all can be used to wrap a wound prior to transport to the vet.

2. Scissors.

3. Styptic pencil or powder to stop a nail from bleeding if it has been cut too close.

4. Tweezers or forceps to remove splinters, ticks, etc.

5. Triple antibiotic ointment to inhibit bacterial growth and infection, to be applied to wounds upon direction by a vet.

6. Antiseptic to help prevent infection in minor cuts and to disinfect minor wounds.

7. Hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching caused by insect bites and allergies.

8. Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine for allergic reactions.

9. Cold pack to reduce swelling.

10. Eyewash to rinse foreign objects or dust out of the dog’s eye.

11. Hydrogen peroxide (10 percent strength, easily available over the counter) to induce vomiting in case of poisoning. Your vet or poison control center should be able to tell you the correct dose. (Either one should also be able to tell you whether induction is appropriate; sometimes it can worsen the poisoning, depending on the toxin.)

12. Antiseptic wipes, to clean your hands as well as a cut on the dog.

13. Alcohol prep pads to clean scissors and tweezers before use. (They should not be used directly on a wound.)

14. Muzzle (a scared dog in pain may bite even a loved one).

15. Latex gloves.

16. A read list of emergency health-care provider phone numbers.

Gather the above items now and put them into an emergency box or plastic zip bag. Keep these items by your grooming tools or where you keep your dog’s medicine, both natural places to look should an emergency arise.

 

Horsing Around

WelcomePup.com, the dog product and gift store, proudly announces its latest business venture:

WelcomeHorse.com!

welcome-horse

WelcomeHorse is the bravest horse in the world. His mission is to de-spook horses all around the globe by delivering hoof printed gift boxes of carrots dropped by teams of floating plastic deer wearing blue garbage bags traveling overhead through barns by way of helium inflated mylar balloons. Results may vary.

HAPPY APRIL FOOL’S DAY from WelcomePup.com!

Dogs in the Snow

Snow Marches On!

It is March 25th and after a cold, rainy and muddy March we were blessed to wake up to snow. There was snow on Ohio roofs and the world looked brilliantly white again. Peace.

March snow

Snow Dogs!

The pups were ecstatic! They trampled the white blanket as they barreled through the snow, taking time only to catch their breath as they enjoyed their surprise spring present.

snow dog

I am not a fan of spring. It’s wet and muddy and a lot of work when you have twelve paws to wash at least three or four times a day. Mud, standing water, rotted foliage, debris, deer, rabbit and goose droppings can be bacteria laden and cause digestive upsets if the pups refuse to leave them be. So I like to cover them up with snow while I wait for the hot summer sun to dry things up so the pups can romp cleanly and I can take a rest. Looks like the pups are resting already. It will be a quiet morning, now.

snow dogs

 

Easter Dogs

Easter Dogs

by Bonnie Sweebe

Melba poses with her first Easter basket.

puppy

As a puppy raiser for Canine Companions for Independence, I am always looking to introduce new situations and stimuli to my puppy in training, Melba. A trip to the mall on the first day of spring sounded just about right. Here is Melba (the 3rd pup from the left, right by the bunny’s knee) and the Northeastern Ohio gang of CCI pups in training getting their photo taken with the Easter Bunny. We received tons of compliments on their amazing behavior.The secret? CCI’s breeding program produces extremely bright puppies with excellent temperaments. Just add training. They are an Easter blessing indeed.

Easter dogs

Dog Eats Toys

Dog Eats Toys – Does This Sound Familiar?

“My dog eats toys. It makes me so mad. They have the cutest dog toys out there, but every time I buy my dog a toy, it pulls out the stuffing to kill the squeaker. Why do they even put squeakers in dog toys? It only tempts dogs to rip the toy open! The toy is destroyed in 10 minutes. My dog eats the polyfill and that’s not good and if it swallows a squeaker, I don’t know what I’m going to do. So I’m not buying any more dog toys. For me, dog toys are a total waste of money.”

I totally disagree. Dogs need toys to relieve frustration and to play. Frustrated dogs can become destructive dogs and can chew woodwork, eat carpet and pull stuffing out of couch cushions. Yikes!

bad-dog

Before that happens, buy the right toys for your dog. The cute plush toys that are perfect for a laid back dog are not perfect for a dog that is rough on their toys. Soft mouthed breeds like retrievers are notoriously hard on their toys, but the size of a dog does not matter. Small dogs can be dog toy destroyers, too.

Expensive plush dog toys don’t last 10 seconds in the jaws of my three retrievers. My dogs chew open doggy tennis balls. They crack the knobs off Nylabones. One ate a wad of string from a rope toy that nearly killed her.

That’s why there is only one brand that I can absolutely trust: West Paw Design toys made with Zogoflex.

These toys are as indestructible as it gets. The company is so sure that their Zogoflex toys are tough enough for the strongest jaws that the Hurley, Jive, Tizzi, Zisc and Bumi come with a one-time replacement guarantee from West Paw.

golden-tug

I sell these toys individually on my site at WelcomePup.com, or in the Tough Pup Extreme Dog Toy Gift Box. This is a great gift for a new puppy. It comes in two sizes: Regular for medium to large breed dogs and junior for new puppies and small breeds.

Buy these toys and you may never have to buy any others. That’s the best deal out there!