Orthopedic beds for older dogs or dogs recovering from surgery

As dogs get older, they get arthritis, joint pains, and some have surgery from time to time. Dogs that are recovering from injuries, or surgery, would certainly recover quicker with an orthopedic bed. Older and larger dogs are troubled with arthritis, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, calluses or other bone joint problems, and they spend a lot of time lying down. They would benefit from an orthopedic bed and it would help speed their recovery. Their bed should be placed out of drafts and cold places to be sure they are comfortable. There are certain qualities you should look for when purchasing an orthopedic bed for your dog.

• It should have a removable cover with a heavy-duty zipper, which will enable it to be laundered.


• It should have a layer of medical-grade foam to provide the proper cushioning. The foam looks like an egg carton.


• A dog's bed needs to be firm to allow the dog to get up easily after lying down for a long time.

Do you know what a puppy raiser is?

Well, I didn't know what a "puppy raiser" was until I became interested in our canine friends a long time ago. The term applies to persons who raise pups for the purpose of becoming guide dogs. These pups are placed in homes at 8 weeks. The volunteers are called "puppy raisers", and have to fill out applications and be approved. They are required to see that the pup gets lots of socialization, everywhere and experience as many situations as possible. A well socialized pup will have fewer adjustments to make when it comes in for formal guide dog training. They are required to teach the pup basic obedience through an approved basic obedience class, and attend monthly meetings in order to let the pup interact with other dogs. At 18 months the pup will go to Guide Dogs of America for formal training. At that time the puppy raiser gives up his darling to go off to be trained.

The Greyhound Racing in Texas is very popular, both as a sport and as a hobby. I am originally from Texas, now living in England, but I was never involved in the racing sport of dogs. I was active in the dog shows which are very active over the entire country. I have several friends that have retired racing Greyhounds as pets, and they are very loyal, gentle, and lovable dogs to have as personal companions. In England, the racing of dogs is very prolific, and the horse races are even more so. The racing sport is very, very popular, and the race tracks are all over the bloody place. I have attended only two races since I have been here, but hopefully I will be able to attend more as time goes by. I enjoy the horses as well as dogs, and I appreciate the trainers and handlers that help these animals become successful in their special sport.

Disaster Search Dog Foundation

After the bombing in 1995 in Oklahoma City, this foundation was organized. Before the bombing there were only 15 Advanced Certified Disaster Search dog handler teams in the United States. Today there are over one hundred active teams.

Paramount to a successful team are the right dog, the right handler and professional training for both. The United States recognizes the need to be prepared for a wide variety of disasters. Most states are developing urban search and rescue capabilities.

Some dogs are from rescue groups and shelters from around the country. As soon as a dog is identified as a potential disaster search dog, it is placed with a valued family in a Prep Home. These are young dogs between the ages of 9 and 18 months. They stay in the home from 2 to 12 months, depending on their age and readiness. They are exposed to socialization, house manners, early exposure to disaster equipment and rubble.

What makes these dogs different? A constant routine, strict diet, and an exercise program are all required in their daily schedule. These dogs spend almost 24 hours a day with their handler, at home, on the job, on vacation, wherever the handler needs to be. They are trained to focus on one scent, live humans buried under rubble, among other things. These dogs are the only dogs in public service that need certification by the United States Government to do their job. This is due to the extremely high level of training required in disaster search operations. This is a program that has become an important one to disaster relief all around the world. These animals are extremely athletic, sound, strong, socialized, and in excellent health.

Kennel training your dog

How many stories have you heard about a dog, puppy or older, tearing up things when the owner is out of sight? It happens regularly doesn't it? It is a fact that a dog, young or old, can be trained to sleep in a crate (kennel) when you are out or at night when you are asleep. The first thing you do is find a crate (kennel) that will be comfortable for your dog when he is fully grown, and one that is easy to disassemble and clean. You can acquaint your dog with the kennel easily but slowly. Place it in the home in an area where the family will be during the evening such as the television room, and just place it there with the door open. After a day or two, put in a cushion and a toy or treat for the dog. As he finds out this is his private space, he will gradually decide to go in and take a nap or just take a rest for a while. After a couple of weeks or so, you can put him in for a nap when you go out to the market, and after you return you can let him out and really praise him for being such an angel while you were gone. The first few times you confine him you should leave him for short periods, less than two hours. You certainly don't want it to feel like a punishment to him. This is for his safety as well as your piece of mind. After a week or two, you can move it to your bedroom next to your bed if you choose, and put him in for the night. After he gets used to sleeping in his space at night, he will go in willingly and you can train him to "kennel" on command. He will be a much happier dog with his private place and you will be secure in knowing he is out of trouble.