Frequent Dog Bathing?

In my opinion, bathing a dog weekly is a must.

Of course, you should use an oatmeal based shampoo if possible. Otherwise a NEEM shampoo with coconut oil does a good job. These are good for the skin and keep it from drying out. Not to mention the shiny coat.

This helps reduce pet allergies and misery, pet dander, rainy day dog odor, and general pet stink.

I tried following the once-a-month rule in bathing my dog. She was very dirty by the end of the month, and her odor was still bad despite the scrubbing. Sometimes it seemed worse, sort of like wet wool. But now when we went to weekly bathing.

Rena Murray
DogWhisperWoman

Do You Have a Jake?

If I were given a choice, I would say the hyper and excited dogs are the hardest to change. These are often dogs who seem to be nonstop 24/7. Once I worked with one who nearly tested my patience to the limit. It seemed like he had eaten jet fuel!

"Frustration does not work," I told myself, correcting the Jack Russell yet again. I had run him thirty minutes on the bike behind me. Then just as suddenly as Jake had been having his resistances, he relaxed completely. I asked many more things of Jake, from mental challenge to basic commands. He was eager to please, and did so without hesitation.

Not giving up and pressing on brings the results you want. The best thing to remember is that a dog has to change what he is doing at some point. And, stay there until you accomplish 100%, no less. If you stop at less, you keep less.

Rena Murray
DogWhisperWoman

Abandoned Pets - Better Alternatives In The Foreclosure Crisis

Plea to Pet Owners –
If you are facing foreclosure, do NOT abandon your pet!

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) urges homeowners facing foreclosure not to abandon their pets or to drop them outside a veterinary clinic. After all, your pet loves and trusts you, and you have a responsibility for its welfare. It is not an inanimate object that you can just discard.

So pursue the alternatives. Turn instead to humane organizations or ask your vet for advice. Who knows? He may even have a client who would want your beloved pet!

FOR HELP GO HERE ==> www.avma.org
"Frequently asked questions about pets and foreclosed homes"
Click on "Issues" and then look under "Animal Welfare."

An increasing number of pets are being found in foreclosed homes, some while they are still healthy, but others starving, ill, dying, or already dead...apparently waiting for the owner to return. Don't let that happen to your pet!

If you lose your home and must stay in a place where animals are not allowed, the FAQ provided by AVMA suggests ways you might find someone - a friend, family member, or someone through an internet search, social network postings, or veterinary bulletin boards - to either foster your pet until you find more suitable housing, or to adopt your pet and give it the kind of home it deserves.

You'll sleep better knowing your faithful friend is well taken care of!

As a last resort, there are rescue organizations and NO-KILL shelters that can help find your pet a loving home.

Understand that euthanasia is a possibility at many shelters, such as the Humane Society, if the right family doesn't stumble upon your pet fast enough - but even there, it stands a better chance of adoption than in an empty house.

Again, AVMA has shelter suggestions, and you can check out more in your local Yellow Pages and through a Google search as well. Look for NO KILL!

The Escondido Humane Society (California) encourages you to plan early if you are a pet owner who is facing potential relocation. Then you have a chance to look for animal-friendly housing, and to seek out family and friends to take in your pet temporarily until you are on your feet.

Advance planning also lets you find no-kill shelters within a reasonable driving distance. (Your dog would go miles for you, so won't you go miles to save it's life?)

HELP DURING THIS CRISIS

If you are not one who is facing foreclosure, why not help alleviate the pain of this crisis? Shelters across North America are all short of funds - which means more dogs and cats are put down. They need you!

And your own pet needs for you to be an empowered pet owner caring for his health and welfare. That's what our friend, Dr. Andrew Jones, has done for us with his pet health care manual, home study course, and membership site (where everything is available online, you can ask questions, and much more).

I was excited to learn that before the end of April, Dr. Jones is donating 10% of all sales to the Second Chance Animal Shelter near him, which he supports regularly. And a great way to get started is to check out his pet health membership site with a fr*e*e trial -- I'm in it!

Let's save our pets!

Rena Muray
DogWhisperWoman

If Your Dog Bites Someone For No Reason

If your dog bites someone for no reason...
What should you do?

Get help from a dog behaviorist right away. The laws about dangerous dogs are very strictly enforced.

Don't misunderstand me. There are insane dogs here and there. Those should indeed be euthanized. But I just hate to see dogs that could be rehabilitated have no quality of life from dire restrictions of be put to death. The safety of people always comes first with me though.

Rena Murray
DogWhisperWoman

Abandoned Pets

With the outrageous increase in taxes, it is not surprising that foreclosures are on the rise. There has also been an untold number of pets abandoned in these homes.

I know that sometimes things are not in your control to keep your animal in times such as this. My Grandfather fought in WW2 and lived in Japan for some time. While there, he was given an Akita.

But Granddaddy was not allowed to bring the dog back to this country (back then it wasn't allowed), and no one would take him. So he had to be put to sleep. As awful as that is, it is better than him joining a wild pack of dogs or starving to death.

Please take your pet somewhere if you cannot keep it. Never abandon your friend.

Rena Murray
DogWhisperWoman

DOGS vs CATS - Debate on Squidoo

It's hot, it's new, it's fun for you.
A new "MonkeyBrain" debate lens on Squidoo.
DOGS vs CATS - Dogs Rule!

My friend, Margaret, created this fun debate page on March 16th as part of a small contest. If you visit before 3/31, you can help her win, so don't delay. Afterwards, you can still help her on the way to "Lens of the Day" on Squidoo.

How good are you at debate? Want to have your say, why you think dogs are the best pets? (Or, gasp, why you think cats are better than dogs!)

Read what others have to say on each side of the dogs and cats argument, famous quotes to which you can add your own, great dog and cat links - and again, you can add your own! - YouTube videos, Flickr photos, Amazon dog and cat videos, a poll, and more.

So come and play, and help Margaret along the way!

See you there,

Rena Murray

Tainted Dog Food Alert - NutroMax

I just received this shocking notice from Ginny Rodgers of FurryKids.net:

"NutroMax is now killing animals who are being fed the food, and the company is not acknowledging it. PLEASE pass this along to all rescues...."

See - http://www.consumeraffairs.com:80/pets/nutro.html - ConsumerAffairs.com - Customers tell their recent experiences with Nutro dog food products and how the company did / did not respond.

Read and decide for yourself. Be aware.

SAFE ALTERNATIVE

This is yet another reason we do NOT buy dog food from grocery stores, pet stores, etc. I order (fast, free delivery) the TRUSTED all-natural, human-grade, fresh, "pure," nutritious Flint River Wellness Dog Food for my Gatsby!

Rena Murray
DogWhisperWoman

Easter According To A Lab

When I was growing up, I used to spend some Easters with my Grandparents like most children will. My sister and I were getting a bit old for egg hunting, so we wanted to make this last one special.

Grandmother counted the eggs carefully and made note of where she hid each one. Boy do rotten eggs smell! (A few Easters before, we found out the hard way. So the noting and counting were official rules of the Easter egg hunts from then on.)

We were also caring for a friend's Black Lab who had to stay inside during the egg hunt, because she would eat the eggs as fast as she found them.

This time, we found all the eggs except for one. Unaware that one egg was yet to be found, Grandfather released the Lab. She located and sallowed the missing egg before we could blink. She had bitten off the shell perfectly into near equal halves on the ground, and thanked us with a very satisfied burp!

We all agreed that since dogs could not have Easter baskets, she should surely be given a couple of eggs!

With our Grandparents' permission given, we wished the dog Happy Easter, and each peeled an egg for her.

Happy Easter to you and yours,

Rena Murray
DogWhisperWoman

MORE BENEFITS AND NEWSFirst the Anniversary SalePet Home Health Multimedia Course

JUST ANNOUNCED -
Dr. Andrew Jones has added for the NEXT 2 DAYS a 4 PAY Option...If you want to get his Complete Pet Health Home Study Multimedia Course, here is the easiest way yet...

AND there are now EIGHT FREE Bonuses.

--------------------------------
Dog and Cat FIRST AID on AUDIO
--------------------------------

You should Check out the Bonuses. And I he's ADDED 1 NEVER RELEASED BONUS - The ENTIRE Cat and Dog FIRST AID SYSTEM on AUDIO. This is available to the FIRST 25 ... If you are even remotely thinking about my Course, then now is the time to ACT.

Until midnight on Friday (3/21) you can get the Complete
Home Study Multimedia Course for $100 OFF plus the EIGHT BONUSES.

Here's where you can grab your copy -

Complete Pet Health Home Study Multimedia Course for $100 off

This is class A, unique, invaluable pet health information. There's nothing like being an empowered pet owner. Your dog will thank you!

Rena Murray
DogWhisperWoman

Anniversary Special $100 OffComplete Pet Health Home Study Multimedia Course

Hey, you don't want to miss this incredible special on the ONLY pet health course of its kind. I know, because I have it (at full price).

WHEN?
Until midnight on Friday, March 21st (3/21)

WHAT?
You can get Dr. Andrew Jones' Complete Pet Health Home Study Multimedia Course for $100 OFF.

WHO'S BEHIND IT?
With over 2654 Holistic Tips, Natural Remedies, and proven effective techniques for healing your cat or dog at home, Dr. Andrew Jones has been for over 15 years a respected Traditional and Holistic Veterinarian. And he's our own most trusted vet.

WHY?
To CELEBRATE a little over a ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY since his Dog and Cat Home Study Healing System was launched, Dr. Jones wants to ensure your pet's health and longevity by making this home course affordable.

WHAT'S INCLUDED?
THE COMPLETE DOG and CAT HOME STUDY HEALING SYSTEM INCLUDES ALL of these....


1."Quick Start Guide"

2. Veterinary Secrets Revealed Printed Pet Health Manual

3. FIVE CD Full Audio Version

4. The Veterinary Secrets Revealed Video Presentation on CDROM

5. The Veterinary Secrets Revealed Book-On-CDROM

6. The At-Home Pet Health Exam Video on DVD

Yes, it's huge. And it delivers substantial content from the first book to the last CD. But it's not just a bunch of random pet health information thrown together.

You get a complete method for dealing with a sick pet... how to examine your pet, make a diagnosis, select an at-home remedy, and treat your pet for their specific health problems.

=================================
Try Dr. Jones' System For 30% Off
And Get SEVEN Fr**ee Bonuses!
=================================

If the 30% discount isn't enough to have you, your
dog and cat bounding over to this special '1/3-off' web
site, these SEVEN fr**ee gifts will surely do the trick:

1: Pet First Aid Secrets - Complete 290 Page Canine and Feline
First Aid Manual

2: Four Pet Health Video Tutorials (from online seminars) -
(1) Herbs, Homeopathy Acupressure, Massage
(2) At-Home Exam Walkthrough
(3) Dog and Cat Food, Home Recipes, Raw Feeding
(4) Emergency Dog and Cat Care

3: Pet Food Secrets - Truth, Best Diets, Quality Food
Plus - Supplements, Home Recipes, avoiding common pet health problems, such as allergies, cancer, diabetes and weight loss.

4: The Complete Pet Vaccine Report - Diseases, Side Effects, Alternatives, Vaccine Protocol, Homeopathics following vaccination

5: Dog Training Secrets - How dogs learn, plus basic obedience, 10 must-know commands, behavior problems

6: Personal eMail Consultation with Dr. Jones - about any pet health problem with your pet, review of findings, interpretation of any diagnostic tests, and specific recommendations.

7: Veterinary Secrets Q&A Teleseminar

REMEMBER -
This special three quarter's off sale ENDS at MIDNIGHT on FRIDAY, MARCH 21.

If you'd like to get the revolutionary dog and cat healing system so many pet owners are raving about ...and save 30%, then go here now:

==> $100 Off Complete Pet Health Course

If you don't already have the course, don't miss it now at this price!

Rena Murray
DogWhisperWoman

Best Pet Health Information 75% Off Special Until Monday Night

I was excited to see this special. I have the material myself, and I know it's enabled many owners to save their pets' lives.

Until Monday night at midnight P.S.T. - February 25th - Dr. Andrew Jones is offering an unprecedented 75% Discount as a THANK YOU to subscribers of his award-winning "Veterinary Secrets Revealed" newsletter and for dog owners everywhere. So everyone can afford vital pet health information for a long, healthy life for their dogs and cats.

The Crisis?

Since the 1960's, there's been a marked increase in chronic illnesses in out pets, many diseases that were rare back then, and many of which involve a breakdown in the immune system. There have been increases in cancers and other deadly diseases, as well as a host of allergies and other unnecessary suffering. The list goes on and on. Find out more about these threats to your dog health here.

So Dr. Andrew Jones has compiled an extensive package of his best-selling "Veterinary Secrets Revealed" eBook, audios, and special reports that have previously been unavailable anywhere except with his comprehensive pet health home study course.

You can get this life-saving information at NO risk - with his unconditional 60-day guarantee.

Now it's up to you to become an EMPOWERED PET OWNER.

CLICK HERE NOW.

It could save your dog's life!

Rena Murray
Dog Whisper Woman

2007 WinnersBest Holiday Dog Pictures

This contest had so many cute dogs that it was very hard to choose one dog photo. So the panelists and I finally had to choose two. Every dog in the contest was really precious and is a true winner!

2007 HOLIDAY DOG PICTURES WINNERS

Molly and Murphy with Max in Oregon

Jenn with a kiss for Coley

See the entire slate of adorable
Winners and Runners-Up Dog Pictures

Get Your Christmas Dog Pictures In - Great Way to Kick Off The New Year!

Happy New Year!

I hope you and your family had a joyous holiday and blessed Christmastime. In the hustle and bustle, most people didn't have time to read even one thing extra, so I didn't want to add to it. Now the New Year is starting, and we're all off and running ... For me, that's been literally... I've been running several clients' dogs daily!

If you need help with a new pup, check out the Puppy Training Articles on my website. Or for direct help, contact me with your background information as outlined on my website - Consultations with Rena Murray. Each pup has its own unique personality, and as with children, each has its own behaviors that need to be addressed properly from the beginning!... But more on that in another blog.

But before you get too far away from the holidays, though, don't forget to send in your best Christmas and Hanukkah dog pictures.

Hey, that new Christmas pup counts, too!

It's our Annual Best Christmas Dog Contest. So why not enter yours?

First prize is a FREE consultation with me. (Winners will be announced early February.)

What to send?
JPG images as email attachments (preferably 200 x 200 pixels, but we can resize others). Write "Christmas Dog" or "Holiday Dog" in the subject line of your email.

Where to send them?
Email to Paw Questions.

Deadline: January 15, 2008.

Last year's pictures look great. Check them out on Paw Persuasion's Dog Picture Contests - That's where we want to put yours! Both Winners and Honorable Mention.

In your email, don't forget to include your phone number. We promise not to save or share your personal information with anyone, and ONLY to call you if you win. Please tell us, though, your dog's name, your first name, and your state or country to be published with your picture.

We look forward to seeing your adorable dog pictures!

Rena Murray
Dog Whisper Woman

Animal Shelter Over-Population: What's the Truth?

Letting dogs who are not fixed run free and mate as they please contributes to some of our over-population in animal shelters.

Do you know what adds even more dogs to those dog kennels than that?

People see a movie or someone walking a dog that they feel is beautiful. Then without researching the dog breed, they go and pick one up ... only to become overwhelmed by tendencies the animal naturally has.

If you want a dog, please do your homework. Know the dog breed, know its tendencies, health risks, temperament, and exercise requirements. For example, most working dog breeds, such as my Border Collie, need runs twice daily. They need it! It's not optional.

If you have an active lifestyle and want your dog to be part of that, get a dog breed who loves to work. If you are laid back, get a laid back breed.

If you do not know what signs to look for, take a qualified evaluator with you to select the right dog for you.

Common sense will cause the most dramatic drop ever in the animal shelter's dog population. It is up to each and every one of us to do our part!

Rena Murray
Dog Whisper Woman

Merry Christmas

I hope you all have a Merry Christmas!

The Little Dog Bite

If a little dog becomes nasty and bites all members of the family but one, that one should be the person who removes the dog. The others might get bitten. If the dog is on a bed, couch, lap ... wherever, put him on the floor each time he becomes aggressive.

Then the dog should be put back where he was, such as in the person's lap. But he should be removed again if he becomes aggressive.

This should be repeated until every member of the family can touch the dog and the person without a problem.

My grandfather always said, "Be sure that you never disrespect a dog. And don't EVER let one disrespect you."

Rena Murray
Dog Whisper Woman