Dogs and Kids: Summer Bonding Time

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Time = Bond

Summer will be here before you know it and so will the unique opportunity that Summer provides our kids. Bonding with their dogs requires time and some patient help in understanding what it takes to get Fido to be their sidekick for all things fun.

There are many ways we can help our kids build a bond with their dogs that will last throughout their time together. Following are a few of the tips that come to mind. What are yours?

• Make the decision about when your child is ready for more responsibility with great care. Complete respect for your dog's health and safety, as well as that of other children, is imperative.
• Let your kids feed your pets during the Summer. Dogs generally bond more closely to those that provide their nourishment.
• Offer safety tips and do's and don'ts when are kids are learning to feed your pets. Understanding food and toy aggression is important to their safety.
• Encourage your kids to play outdoors when taking their dog along on neighborhood play dates. Keeping Fido on a leash is an important part of that rule, and this time will allow your older kids to get a better understanding of the care and decision-making that goes into pets that are tagalongs.
• When friends come to your home to play with your kids, discourage rambunctious play in favor of games that may include your dog. Hide-n-Seek, Fetch, Frisbee, and Laser Tag are great fun for kids and their dogs. Be sure to monitor their activities and let them know you are supervising. Your dog will appreciate your concern as much as their attentions.
• As much as I'm a dog park lover, I don't believe this is a terrific place for kids under
  
  the age of about 10 or possibly even 12. Even at this age, your son or daughter will need much instruction to be safe and enjoy the experience. Check out these tips: Dog Park Safety Challenges for Children and Dog Park Visits: Preparing Kids for a Safe First Experience.
• Beyond adolescence you'll find your kids may take their own path in regard to spending time with their dog. Building this relationship before that time is important to cementing it for the future. College homecomings are wonderful when Fido greets his "kid" at the door happily.
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So Your Dog is a Thief? Enjoying Dinner with Company

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

courtesy Jackal of all Trades via Flickr.com
Salvage Your Dinner Party

Strange topic for a Weekly Wag, right? Maybe not. Ever have a gathering for dinner during which your dog becomes the center of attention due to begging, whining or downright food thievery? Embarrassing, right?! 

The strategy we use at the All Things Dog Blog house is so simple that you'll be scratching your head and wondering "Why didn't I think of that?" I take a Kong or other fillable chew toy, layering several of my dog's favorite yummies inside. Freeze this delicious meal before serving just as your guests are seated. 

The layers are key as they make the ensuing chow time a virtual hunt as your dog, one by one, uncovers a new layer of something tasty. Vary the textures, colors and flavors and your dog will stay with his frozen delight for quite a while, licking every last bit of residue and not wishing to abandon his latest thrill.

I'll include here a recent visual example provided by the AKC, so you can get some ideas of things to go inside. You'll probably find plenty of leftovers in your fridge that will work great, just remember to go easy on the fatty items like cheese or hotdogs.

After you ask your dog to sit and wait permission, give him a nice gentle ear rub or stroke his back as he enjoys starting this fab snack. When you slip away to join your guests, he'll

hardly notice you're gone and will eagerly look forward to the next dinner party. What's more, you can proudly watch as he noshes away at his treat while your guests have a peaceful dinner. Repeat after me: "Gosh, I love that dog!"

Tell me about your latest dinner party--disaster or success? We would all love to hear your stories. The comment link is open.

Happy tails,

Join us each week for the Weekly Wag bonding series, held during the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop. The hop is hosted by Life with Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers, and Confessions of the Plume. You are welcome to link up here, or check any of their sites for their rules of participation. Happy hopping! 

What's Your Dog's Favorite Rub?

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Ear Massage, Ahhhh

Every dog has one. Maybe it's that special spot right behind his ears, or possibly the belly rub is her ultimate joy. What about that spot that makes 1 foot do a kickety-kick? Some dogs love to have their necks, ears or snouts massaged. Let's hear from you today, and when you comment, tell me how your dog responds to receiving his all time favorite reward. 

Does he sink into it with total relaxation or get all giddy and silly like Oliver, butt bumping up and down like a jumping bean? Perhaps, like Tanner, he stands very still, afraid it will all go away if he moves. Or maybe your pup is like Xena and will push into the rub to get even more enjoyment from the massage.

And what about that rub? Is it a scratch, stroke, knead, or tickle? Describe it and help us all enjoy it vicariously through your words. This is your chance to write the Weekly Wag :)

Fill us in and give us all a good laugh, all the while you're bonding with your dog. I declare today "Here's the Rub" day!

Join us each week for the Weekly Wag bonding series, held during the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop. The hop is hosted by Life with Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers, and Confessions of the Plume. You are welcome to link up here, or check any of their sites for their rules of participation. Happy hopping! 

Dogs and Music: Does Your Dog Enjoy a Serenade?

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

courtesy m.n.
Marc Serenades a Friend

My dogs sometimes surprise me in the things they apparently enjoy. For example, when I play an audio book in the car they clearly seem to be soothed by the narrator's voice telling the story.

When this image was captured of my son singing to his friend's dog, I could almost hear him singing. I don't know what the tune was, but I have a pretty good idea it was warm and wonderful. 

What's especially clear to me is that the dog is enjoying the concert. If not, he or she could have retreated to the adjoining rooms, leaving Marc without an audience. What a nice spectator this pup is!

Tell me about your dog. Does he enjoy being read to, listening to music, TV or conversation? If you can't answer this question about your dog, you may learn something about him if you simply watch him when in these situations. Learning more about your dog's likes and dislikes will help you bond more deeply with him, so why not do a little research for your Weekly Wag bonding activity. I'd love to hear how your dog reacts to sound, whether your own, a group's chatter, or music. The comment link is open. Howl away!

Join us each week for the Weekly Wag bonding series, held during the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop. The hop is hosted by Life with Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers, and Confessions of the Plume. You are welcome to link up here, or check any of their sites for their rules of participation. Happy hopping! 

Pet Routines Lead to Bonding

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
How's the Water in There?

Today as I cleaned our Beta Fish's tank (his name is Chiffon) the boys were very attentive. I realized after a few minutes that it was not simply their curiosity about what I was doing with his "house", but also why. Obviously Chiffon needs no grooming, as Oliver and Tanner do. But caring for his home is rather akin to the same thing. It's something I do to keep him healthy and happy.

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Clean, Cooperative Tanner

As the boys nuzzled my legs, I continued to clean Chiffon's tank, purify water for him and go about the business of putting him in his clean house. Tanner and Oliver looked on with a new attitude, one that reflected a deepening understanding that I was caring for Chiffon in much the same way that I care for them.

Our regular grooming sessions include the usual brushing, teeth cleaning, checking of paw pads and ears, and so on. I'm not sure who enjoys these sessions more, me or them--probably a toss up. What I do know is that grooming them definitely draws us closer. 

They seem to know that trimming the fur from between their pads is useful and important, even as I pry them apart to check for ticks. They don't fight it or resist in any way. Once, when we did have a tick infestation following a camping trip to the woods, the dogs (we had 3 at that time) all endured twice daily debugging, along with lots of peppermint oil baths until we eradicated our home, yard and pets of these pesky, dangerous parasites.

If you--like me--prefer the natural method to pest control, you may be interested in the method by which we became tick free. I'm on a roll to rid our home of pesticides and

toxins. Yep; that's why we choose organic food as well. 

Our new alliance with Natural Balance has the boys transitioning to the Natural Balance Organic diet, and so far all is terrific. Watch for more on this new adventure, and meanwhile, take a moment to click the banner above this post and you'll be able to receive some valuable coupons from Natural Balance. What's not to like about discounts, right? 

Happy Weekend!

Join us each week for the Weekly Wag bonding series, held during the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop. The hop is hosted by Life with Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers, and Confessions of the Plume. You are welcome to link up here, or check any of their sites for their rules of participation. Happy hopping!