adoption ~ care & training ~ boarding

Resources

The Animal Protection League of Springield, IL offers free spaying and neutering to pits and pit bull mixes while funds are available. Call 217-544-7387 and choose option 2 to schedule an appointment.

Lowest priced meds:
Save Up To 50% Everyday!
Having big dogs, we've spent the last couple years trying to find the best prices on Frontline, Heartgard, and Arthogen Plus (for achy joints). We've done the research and are happy to include a link here to PetCareRx,
the lowest prices we've found (with free shipping).

New online video series addresses housebreaking, not coming when called, excessive barking, jumping, pulling on leash, etc.
Click Here for more info.

ASPCA Poison Control Center
New on the ever-growing list of things we have to try to keep out of our dogs’ mouths: a trendy new garden mulch called Cocoa Mulch, made from cacao bean shells, and sugar-free chewing gum. Cocoa mulch is now being widely distributed by stores like Target and Home Depot with NO warnings on the label, so please spread the word: Cocoa Mulch contains an ingredient found in chocolate called Theobromine that’s lethal to dogs and cats. The mulch smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. They will ingest this stuff and die. Several deaths have already occurred.  Sugar free gum contains xylitol, which can be deadly for dogs. It causes dogs to secret insulin so their blood sugar drops very quickly, which can lead to liver failure if not immediately treated.
As with any potential toxin, call the ASPCA Poison Control Center (headquartered in Urbana) at 888-426-4435 first if you suspect your dog has gotten into it. They will instruct you on what to do first AND instruct your vet on the most effective treatment according to the latest research. The call may cost $60 but will be worth it.

HEALTHY FOOD FOR DOGS:
Homemade Recipes

Click Here!
 

QuickCare Pet Insurance 


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Articles

Bonding With a Shelter Dog

Don't buy into that old myth that you need to adopt a dog as a puppy in order to bond well. Here are some ideas for bonding that will lead any shelter dog to believe you're the cat's meow:

Exercise the body. A simple walk can make a dog's day. Leash training will help you bond as well as help the dog to know he can trust you to be in charge. Dogs look forward to a chance to walk, run, see new sights and smell new smells.... If you provide this for him, you'll find him to be a faithful companion in no time.

Food! You may be serving a perfectly well-balanced dry dog food already, but adding a little chicken, hamburger, or canned dog food to his diet will make you his hero. Dogs value meat above all else. Just make sure it goes in his dish at his regularly scheduled meal times--don't feed from the table or you'll create a monster!

Exercise the mind. Teaching a dog simple tricks lays the foundation for a great relationship. The time invested, in addition to the treats, is valued by your dog. 10-15 minutes a day, 3 or 4 days a week, has a very positive effect.

Playing. Playing with dogs is underrated. Throwing a Frisbee, a retrieving toy, or playing tug-of-war is an important way of challenging the dog to work for you. During play, your pet will approach, remain close to, and follow you.

Obedience training. Whether in a class or with the help of a book or video, proper obedience training will help you learn to trust your dog and your dog to trust you. The dog will develop faith in your ability to know what is going on and that you will give him proper direction. An obedient dog is much safer in a human world than an unschooled dog.

Positive attention. When walking past your dog, on the way to complete a task, bend and give 30 seconds of belly rub or ear scratch. As this crucial action becomes habit, you’ll see the positive change in your dog’s attitude toward you. Before you know it your dog will be posing for you, to look as cute as possible, for a belly rub!

New Pet Care & Training "ebooks" Available:
Need information NOW, not in 2-3 weeks? Download one of these ebooks (electronic books) directly to your computer and start using the training techniques you need right now.

"The Guide to Potty Training Your Dog in 7 Days" Written by a reputable trainer, this ebook helps you immediately end the frustration and stress of "accidents", the first and usually the biggest problem most dog owners encounter. One of the first important lessons you will want to teach your dog is to help them learn where and when they can "take care of business". Also includes a FREE dog training email course. Click Here!

"Complete DIY Dog Training Package" helps you solve any behavior problems in both adult dogs and puppies and avoid training mistakes we all make. To read reviews by dog owners who've used it Click Here.

"SitStayFetch: The Ultimate Guide to Training Your Dog" is a 6 day mini-course designed to stop your dog's behavior problem and reduce your stress level! Click Here for details.

"Healing Your Pets at Home": Why do some dogs die so young? This ebook finally tells the truth about vaccinations, chemical preservatives, anti-inflammatories, and many other mistakes we all make in trying to do what's best for our dogs. Click Here

"Choosing the Best Dog for Your Family and Lifestyle" details breed traits, characteristics, and tendencies that will determine how your new puppy or dog will act. Covers cross-breed dogs, purebred dogs, and even designer dogs. Click Here

"Train Your Cat to Use the Toilet!" We're including this one only because I've actually done it and I have to tell you, there's nothing cuter than watching your cat walk into the bathroom and then hearing him tinkle on his own! Click Here!

My Name Is Sam
"... I found myself in my last semester before graduation with Speech as one of my classes. On the first day of class our professor explained to us that he was going to leave the subject matter of our talks up to us, but he was going to provide the motivation of the speech. We would be responsible for six speeches, each with a different motivation. For instance, our first speech's purpose was to inform. He advised us to pick subjects that we were interested in and knowledgeable about. I decided to center my six speeches around animals, especially dogs. READ MORE...

Favorite Links:
Paws & Claws Pet Club