The English Bulldog Puppy Blog

Don’t miss another episode of DogTown, “The Road Home” on Friday, January 29 at 10PM ET/PT

The Road Home episode shows how Little Girl, a Catahoula leopard dog mix, is given a second chance and learns to overcome her fears with help from John Garcia, in hopes that she will be adopted. Shy dogs are often among the first to be euthanized in shelters because they are difficult to adopt, but not at DogTown, a no-kill facility. Later we will follow a morbidly obese Chihuahua, Tuli, with a tiny head and a pineapple-size body, who must lose weight to become healthy enough for adoption. Finally, we meet Shockey, a terrier mix who is full of energy and excitement that makes her hard to control. See how DogTown manager Michelle Besmehn works to help Shockey listen to commands and overcome her stubbornness.

“Obese Chihuahua” – Due to serious health concerns, an overweight Chihuahua has to shed some pounds.

“Little Girl’s Big Fears” – An extremely shy dog overcomes her fears at Dogtown.

Technorati Tags: chihuahua, dogs, dogtown, january 29 2010, national geographic channel, the road home

The rate of dog obesity has steadily increased based on the Veterinary Economics report that 40% of US dogs are overweight and National Academies’ Research Council showing 25% of pets in Western societies are obese. Don’t let your pet dog balloon to a weight that falls under the obesity category. Know tips on how to make your pet as healthy as it should in the New Year.

Let your dog make your resolutions for you in the year 2010. Your dog is bound to be your lifelong loyal and loving companion, the least you can do is to promote its wellness. We recommend resolutions that will leave you AND your dog feeling vibrant and great – without any need to wear spandex, spinning classes, or low fat dressing.

Resolution 1: Quality walks

Puppies never refuse the chance to go out for a walk. Resolve to take your pet to walk the same old stroll up the block and back. Your dog will appreciate new scents and sounds in as much as you enjoy new scenery. Mix up weekday walks with new routes, unfamiliar trails, unchartered side streets. On weekends, explore new neighborhoods. You can also research dog-friendly hiking spots in your area.

Resolution 2: Less hugs, play more tugs

Hugs can do wonders but is not exactly the same case for dogs. A nice and long hug can make your dog squirm and wriggle out of your arms. It’s a canine thing to feel trapped. Why don’t you play tug with your dog? A hearty round of tug played appropriately can be a huge stress reliever as an exercise. This is an activity when DROP IT and OFF are important commands to teach your pup.

Premier Busy Buddy Bouncy Bone Dog Toy

Resolution 3: Introduce new toys

Toys need not to be store-bought new toys just as long as they’re new to your dog. It hasn’t seen the toys before or at least in a very long time. Swap toys with your dog-lover friends and neighbors. You can trade toys every few weeks so your dog can have something new to charge, change, or chew on.

Resolution 4: Party, party, party

Parties do not mean fancy birthday fete or a bark mitzvah. A rendezvous with two of your dog’s fave people who adore your dog will do. Play a few of his well-loved game or simply ask invitees to practice a couple basic commands with your dog. It is an opportunity for your dog to be praised, treated and rewarded by someone else. It is great for socialization and to boost its confidence.

Resolution 5: Outdoor bonding with your dog

Agility classes are a perfect combination of mental stimulation, physical activity, and most of all teambuilding between you and your best friend. Man and dogs both have a ball to practice agility skills. If pole and tire hoops seem like an intimidating play for your dog, consider a Canine Good Citizen class. It is a program designed by the AKC and offered in cities across the country designed to promote responsible ownership and well-mannered dogs. Not only are you brushing up your training techniques, your dog also gets refresher course in good behavior.

Resolution 6: keep my dog physically fit

The last resolution requires willpower to follow through daily walks with your dog, healthy food, and more games of fetch. It is true that the pleading puppy eyes are enough to make you melt at your defenses and give your dog his stash of treats. Remember how important your dog’s health just as you would take care of your own health. A man’s best friend needs his daily dose of health booster in any way your dog can.

written by Toni S.

Technorati Tags: canine health, english bulldog, exercise, resolutions to keep dog healthy

Have fun playing Dogtown, a NatGeo’s newest game for all dog lovers!

Rehabilitate troubled dogs for adoption! Volunteer at DogTown to mentally and physically repair canines by diagnosing ailments, playing catch, teaching tricks, and finding them a loving home! Based on the hit National Geographic TV show!

System requirements:

Windows Vista, Windows XP
Pentium-III processor speed
256 MB RAM
100 Mb Hard Drive Space
64 MB VRAM 16 or 32-bit Video Card
16 bit DirectX compatible sound card
DirectX 9.0

Download your own NatGeo Games: DOGTOWN game here.

Technorati Tags: dogtown game, national geographic channel game, video game

Be sure to tune in on National Geographic’s DogTown episode “Sanctuary” on Friday, January 22 at 10PM ET/PT.

Here is a preview on how John Garcia find a Sanctuary for Shaggy:

Shaggy, a mixed-breed feral dog, survived living in the wild near the Grand Canyon and may never have socialized with humans. After six years of extreme weather and hardship, Sherry Woodard helps Shaggy learn how to begin to trust and interact with humans. Next, Dr. Mike and his wife turn to John Garcia for help with their dog Penny, a mischievous beagle mix whose uncontrollable behavior must be corrected before she causes more damage to their happy home. Finally, Reggie’s family can no longer afford the veterinary care for this elkhound mix and surrender him to DogTown, where he is treated for a mysterious disease that is slowly destroying his nose and ears.

Kanab, UT, USA: Penny on the sofa with Dr. Mike Dix and Elissa Jones. (Photo credit: © NGT)

“Shaggy the Survivor” – After surviving 6 years alone in the Grand Canyon, this wild and dreadlocked pup is heading to DogTown.

“Puppy Puzzles”- Penny’s a little too clever for Mike and Elissa’s own good. So John’s got some tools to keep this rambunctious pup occupied.

Technorati Tags: dogtown sanctuary episode, english bulldogs, john garcia, national geographic channel

Dogtown’s new episode will premiere on Friday, January 15, 2010 at 10 PM ET/PT on National Geographic channel. Be sure to watch the new episode tomorrow night on Natgeo!

For the meantime, read on to know what the new episode is all about.

(Photo credit: © NGT)
Kanab, UT, USA: Dr. Patti Iampietro takes a look at Lake, a blind retriever-mix, who lost her sight due to complications with diabetes.

Meet one of DogTown’s toughest challenges, Clemance, a shepherd mix rescued from the 2006 Lebanon-Israel war. DogTown manager John Garcia helps the traumatized canine overcome her aggression toward people and other dogs when she is on a leash. John teaches Clemance through a strong relationship that meeting dogs while on a leash is no reason to lash out. Then meet Lake, a blind Lab mix forced to live in isolation because of her severe aggression toward other dogs. Dr. Patti Iampietro is part of the medical team that performs a complex procedure that may help Lake regain her sight and potentially curb her aggressive tendencies. Finally, two neglected Chihuahua mixes, Monte and Piñata, rescued from filthy and unsafe conditions, are skittish and terribly shy. Trainer Pat Whitacre creates a unique training program that teaches the dogs how to trust humans with the hope that it will lead to a permanent home for them.

Watch a video on “Canine Cataract Surgery”  below.

Cataracts have blinded the diabetic dog. Dr. Patti hopes surgery will help restore at least some of his sight.

Watch a video on “Chihuahuas Surplus” below.

A glut of unwanted Chihuahuas in L.A. results in euthanization and neglect – but this pair of pups get a second chance.

Technorati Tags: dogtown, january 10, National geographic, television programs

Catch back to back episodes of Dog Whisperer and Dogtown on National Geographic tomorrow Friday, January 8.

DOG WHISPERER: CESAR IN OZ

Friday, January 8 at 9PM ET/PT

Brisbane, Australia: Paris, a Shar Pei, gives Cesar Milan a kiss. She’s a cuddly and bubble dog belonging to the Cowleys. (Photo credit: © MPH – Emery/Sumner Joint Venture)

Dog Whisperer: Cesar in Oz continues with Cesar in Australia. Cesar begins working with Sydney, a 9-year-old Weimaraner who was attacked by a man on a postie motorbike, the vehicles used by Australian mail carriers. The incident turned Sydney aggressive against posties or anyone riding one of the motorized red postie delivery bikes. Cesar pulls out all the stops to stamp out Sydney’s postie phobia. Next Cesar faces one of his toughest challenges in Oz as he meets Vincent, a 4-year-old shar-pei who has a thirst for blood, attacking other dogs and his owner. Cesar’s Australian adventure is not over yet — he meets Australian red cattle dog Astro, who barks incessantly at the oddest activities, including making the bed, riding a bike or carrying an object out of the house. In this special destination episode, Cesar gets a taste of Australian wildlife … in canine form.

“Astro’s Epic Bark” – Alison’s dog, Astro, has been barking almost non-stop for 7 years. Will Cesar bring a little silence back into their lives?

This pup has a bite history with mail men on red motorbikes. Can Cesar change this dog’s relationship with the posties?

DOGTOWN: BRIGHT FUTURES

Friday, January 8 at 10PM ET/PT

Kanab, UT, USA: Sherry Woodard and Kristi Littrell spend quality time with Billy, a dog who needs management for aggressive behavior. (Photo credit: © NGT)

When animal control seized pit bulls from Michael Vick’s property, 22 of the most severe cases were sent to DogTown for rehabilitation. While many of the Vick dogs have made steady progress, one in particular has been a challenge for DogTown manager John Garcia. When Handsome Dan arrived, he suffered from a crippling fear of people and had been known to face his kennel wall for hours on end. Under the expert care of Garcia, we’ll see how Handsome Dan has transformed from an emotionally traumatized pit bull into one who is ready for adoption. Then, Dr. Patti Iampietro races to find a cure for Charlene, an elderly spaniel mix with a mysterious life-threatening illness. And finally, meet Billy, a behaviorally challenged rottweiler mix who has a habit of lashing out when strangers try to touch him. Watch as behavioral consultant Sherry Woodard doesn’t give up on helping Billy.

“Billy’s Bad Behavior” – When Billy starts showing signs of aggression, his trainer tries to find an explanation. Could there be a physical problem?

“Vick Dog Rehab” – After spending most of this life in a cage, this former fight dog gets his first taste of wide open spaces.

Technorati Tags: cesar milan, dog whisperer, dogtown, january 2010, National geographic, new episodes, television program

Security should be a top priority especially in pet shops.  You would never believe how certain breeds of dogs including English bulldogs cost.  Read how a pet store in Fort Wayne got robbed.

FORT WAYNE, Ind., (WANE) – A late night robbery a day before Christmas Eve left the Petland Store at 10538 Maysville Road with three less puppies.

The suspect or suspects snatched three purebred dogs, along with about $20,000 dollars in merchandise.

Employees found out about the robbery early Thursday.

“At 7 o’clock my kennel manager and staff came in to feed the puppies and clear the kennels and everything,” recalled store owner Kit Farrar. “That’s when my kennel manager noticed something was wrong.”

Farrar rushed in to find the puppies missing, along with empty shelves and racks. The thieves took an English bulldog, Italian Greyhound, and Chiweenie, a Dachshund and Chihuahua mix.

Each of the pups was between nine to ten weeks old and anything but cheap.

“The bulldog is almost four thousand dollars, that’s our most expensive breed,” Farrar told NewsChannel 15. “We just want the puppies back safe. They’re very young and need to be returned immediately so they can continue their veterinary care.”

Farrar says the robbers pried their way in through the back dooor, and then kicked in his office door to steal the safe.

And they didn’t stop there.

“A whole bunch of our Eukanuba food, all our electronic collars, designer shampoos, retractable leashes, a bunch of filters from our fish department. It seemed like they were collecting the right things to take,” said Farrar.

Because of the volume and sizes of the items stolen, Farrar supsects more than one robber was involved. He says police were able to find a few fingerprints to analyze.

The store had no alarm, or cameras. There is some surveillance video from the nearby Wal-Mart that could help though. The possibility of the robbery being an inside job has just about been ruled out.

In the meantime, Farrar’s installed a deadbolt, and an alarm system is next. Police are also watching the building.

Petland’s partnered with a group called HelpMeFindMYPET to get the word out about the heist and they’re hoping for a safe return.

HelpmefindMYPET is an organization that helps recover lost ot stolen animals. It reports that the stolen puppies were all microchipped and enrolled in its registry. The group has sent out an alert for all three puppies and is working closely with Fort Wayne police to locate them.

If you have information on the stolen dogs, call HelpmefindMYPET’s 24 hour toll free hotline at 866-699-FIND (3463) or visit the website.

Technorati Tags: english bulldog, fort wayne, news, pet store robbed, robbery