By DOUGLAS QUENQUA via New York Times


A MAN’S friend is not always his best choice of a running partner. The same can be said of man’s best friend. It’s a lesson that Michelle Powe, an English teacher in Midlothian, Tex., learned last summer when trying to run with Mookie, her 90-pound Catahoula.

“He kept trying to herd me,” she recalled. For the entire three-mile run, Mookie displayed the kind of herding behavior that is typical for the breed, throwing his weight against Ms. Powe and nipping at her legs. “By the end of it, my knees were sore from having 90 pounds constantly bumping into me,” she said. “It was fun for other people to watch, but not so much for me.”

Like many dog owners, Ms. Powe assumed that her young, healthy dog would make a natural running companion. After all, dogs love to run, they love spending time with their masters, and they rarely tire of chasing a stick before their owners tire of throwing it. But not all dogs are born to run, particularly the way humans go about it: in a straight line, with little regard for scent. And there is nothing fun about running with an untrained dog. Indeed, it can be dangerous for both you and your pet.

The first step for anyone thinking about running with a dog is researching the breed, said Alexandra Powe Allred, a Dallas-based trainer and author of a book on dog obedience. Some of it is common sense: small dogs — teacup poodles, Chihuahuas, Yorkshire terriers — will have trouble running at high speeds or for long distances. But other problems may not be so obvious. For example, dogs with flat noses — pugs, bulldogs, some boxers — may have trouble breathing during strenuous exercise. And while some hunting or herding dogs are physically built for running — like border collies and Rhodesian Ridgebacks — they may be more interested in chasing prey than staying on the sidewalk.

Once you have determined whether your dog is built for running, it is important to teach it some commands. “Stay,” for example, is useful should you want to put down the leash long enough to tie your sneakers. But trainers say that if you teach your dog only one command before running, it should be “heel.”

Teaching your dog to heel will also prevent it from straining at its collar, resulting in neck irritation and breathing problems. And never run with your dog in a choke collar, trainers say — with luck, teaching it to heel will also stop the dog from darting off after every squirrel or stopping suddenly to smell a fragrant pile of trash.

Regardless of breed or training, all dogs display one trait that makes them appealing partners to runners who don’t like a lot of chatter: they don’t talk. But that silence also means you have to work harder to know when they are hurt.

Ms. Anderson recommends taking your dog to the veterinarian before running together to make sure it is healthy enough. She also says never run with a dog younger than a year old (2 years for larger dogs, which take longer to mature).

“The asphalt is not hot to us ’cause we’re wearing running shoes,” Ms. Anderson said, “but a dog can easily burn the pads of their feet. Take frequent water breaks, and check their pads.”

Not that the ground has to be hot for a dog to become injured: very cold conditions can damage a dog’s feet and lungs and should be avoided. Again, breed will play a role: Ms. Anderson noted that huskies can run miles in the snow with no discomfort.

Another frequent mistake that owners make is assuming their dog can always run farther and faster than they can — after all, it’s a dog. But just as you wouldn’t take human running partners on a 10-mile run their first time out, you should gradually build up your dog’s distance. Start with a run of less than two miles, then build gradually from there. Paying attention to your dog’s physical cues should help you know when enough is enough.

Ms. Prather said she continues to run with her other dogs — a pit bull and another collie — but only as far as they are willing to go. “Anytime you engage in an activity with your dog, it’s going to enhance your relationship,” she said. “It’s running with your best friend.”

Like many single women, Ms. Prather also feels safer having a dog there for protection. “I know my dogs are super sweet and would only kill you with kisses, but nobody else does,” she said. And she cherishes another benefit that all dog owners can appreciate. “A tired dog is a good dog,” Ms. Anderson said.



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by Stephanie Modkins

Think your dog needs to eat grass? Well, you're wrong. The idea that canines need to eat the green stuff we call lawns is a myth. Here are four reasons why:

1. Grass isn't medicinal.

Forget all of the rumors you've heard about how grass is so medicinal for dogs. It does not contain any magic properties that will help them digest their food better or cure an ailment. You actually hold the power to prepare them a well-balanced, digestible meal and take them to the vet when their sick.

2. Treated grass has chemicals.

If you are one of those people who is competing to have the best lawn in the neighborhood, you probably use pesticides and other chemicals to treat your grass. These things might make it green, but will harm a dog. No dog should be allowed to graze on a chemically treated lawn because it can poison them causing a myriad of awful side-effects.

3. Sick dog is still a sick dog.

Some dogs like to eat grass when they feel sick to their stomach. They vomit afterward, which is why we think it's good for them to eat grass. After all, it helped empty out a bug in their stomach. Truthfully, a sick or nauseated dog can vomit without the help of grass. So, it's not really necessary for him to eat it. Also, if you think that the grass is treating the underlying reason for your dog's nausea, it could keep you from discovering the real reason he does it. If your dog is always sick after a meal, it could be for a serious reason. Instead of believing that the grass is curing it, take him to a vet and get him checked out.

4. Grass can be an "empty" food choice.

Ever try to figure out why your dog is really eating grass. Maybe it is because the diet you feed him is lacking in nutrition or isn't filling him up. So the grass is like a green salad for us - an empty food choice that makes us feel full or satisfies an unnecessary craving. Make sure he's getting the proper balance of protein, vegetables and starch.Then, if he still continues to eat grass, it's probably just a poor habit he formed because you let him.


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via HealthDay News

Forget about joining a gym. If you want to get into shape, all you need is a four-legged pal. Dr. Robert Kushner, a human obesity expert and professor of medicine at Northwestern University said that dogs make great workout partners in winning the battle of the bulge."They are natural exercise machines on a leash," he said.

Research has shown that it's easier to be physically active and stick with an exercise program when you team up with a workout buddy, Kushner said. But unlike human partners, who might make excuses for not wanting to go for a walk or run, a dog never will. They will generally be the first ones at the door, ready to go, rain or shine.

Deborah Wood, an animal shelter manager in Portland, Ore., lost 140 pounds in two years after enrolling in a national weight loss program and going for three-mile daily walks with her three papillons -- pushing the two oldest in a doggie stroller.

But enthusiasm for exercise is just one of the healthy behaviors humans can learn from dogs, said Marcus, who last year wrote Fit as Fido: Follow Your Dog to Better Health. Dogs instinctively get enough sleep and maintain good hydration -- traits that have, for instance, been linked with weight loss in people.
 
Kushner said that pets really do motivate people to stick with a diet and exercise plan until the pounds come off and stay off. People in the study reported that their dogs not only gave them incentive to work out but made the experience more enjoyable -- two predictors of sustaining an exercise program long term, he said. For Wood, taking long treks with her dogs has paid off. She's now half the woman she used to be, dropping in dress size from a 3X to an 8.

"Walking a dog is absolutely fun," Wood said. "It's good for the dog; it's good for the human."


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Hot weather can make anyone feel uncomfortable, and your dog is no exception.
 
Never leave your dog unattended in direct sunlight or in a close vehicle heatstroke can occur and lead to brain damage or death. Signs of each store or panting, drooling, rapid pulse and fever. Immediately immerse the dog in cold water, and seek emergency veterinary assistance.

Never leave your dog unattended in a pot, parked car. When it's only 80° outside, the inside of a car can heat up to more than 120° in just minutes. Leaving the windows partially rolled down will not help. Your dog is susceptible to heat stroke and possible death in these conditions. Always make sure your dog has access to fresh water.
 
Taking your dog to the beach can be a great way to spend a beautiful summer day. Provide plenty of fresh water and shade for your dog dogs can get sunburned, especially short haired dogs and ones with pink skin and white hair. Limit your dog's exposure when the sun is unusually strong, and apply sunblock to his ears and nose 30 minutes before going outside. Check with a lifeguard for daily water conditions - dogs are easy targets for jellyfish and sea lice.
 
A few dogs out of shape, don't encourage him to run in the sand. Running on a beach is strenuous exercise, and an out of shape dog can easily pull a tendon or ligament. Cool ocean water is tempting to your dog. Do not allow him to drink too much seawater. The salt of the water will make you sick. When you are ready to leave for the day, rinse them with fresh water.
 
Not all beaches permit dogs. Check local ordinances before you begin your excursion.  The majority of dogs can swim, and they love it. But dogs entering the water for the first time should be tested. Never throw your dog in the water. Start in shallow water, and call your dog's name. You can also try to coax him in with a treat or toy. But always keep your dog within reach.  Another way to introduce your dog to the water is with a dog that already swims and is friendly with your dog. Let your dog follow his friend.
 
If your dog begins to doggie paddle with his front legs only, lift his hind legs and help him float. He should quickly catch on and within keep his back and up.  Swimming is a great form of exercise, but don't let your dog overdo it. He will be using new muscles and may tire quickly.  The careful of strong tides that are hazardous for even the best swimmers. Never leave your dog unattended. You should always be in a position to help you get out of the water.

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Now that the weather is pleasant, humans and dogs alike are looking for excuses to get out into the sunshine and do something useful. It is particularly important for working dog breeds and individuals with particularly driven temperaments to stay busy tin order to avoid behavior problems and finding your job a job or hobby is a great way to do that.

Protection Training
Many dogs really need to feel useful to be emotionally healthy and protection training is a great way to give your dog something to do and benefit from it. Protection training sounds dangerous, but it gives your dog a firm groundwork so that he understands that it is not appropriate to be aggressive unless you say so- and the type of aggression is also proscribed. Protection training is not appropriate for unpredictable aggressive dogs, however. Your dog is not ready for protection work unless he is already very reliable in obedience.

Your Dog- An Athlete
If your dog is energetic, obedient and eager to please, he may find his place in one of the many available athletic pursuits for dogs. Athletic pursuits are often a good outlet for dogs who have behavioral issues like hyperactivity and chasing, so even if your dog isn't a perfect angel, consider giving one of these fun canine sports a try. If you're dog is energetic and eager to please and enjoys jumping and running, agility may be her sport. 

Does your dog want to be a hero?
Is she well-behaved and calm and enjoys human interaction, she may be a good candidate for Animal Assisted Therapy. These give the elderly or people with illnesses and handicaps the opportunity to interact with animals in a positive way.

Just Get Out
Maybe you and your dog aren't looking to be heroes, athletes or superstars. Maybe you just like to get out and have fun with other dogs and dog owners. Whatever you do, get out and have fun. It's good for you, it's goof for your dog, and it's a shame to waste the summer.


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