DOGLOVERSTOOLBOX

A blog written by a doglover to doglovers - about dogs!

Jackson – the nearly three legged pup – and his life tragically cut short!

You’ll remember my story about Jackson (Son of Jack) and the bite injuries he received from his aunty within days of his birth? Well I’m very sad to report that we lost him to a stupid dog play toy! You see Jackson loved nothing more than to run around the yard chewing on a Kong play toy – teasing the other dogs and just generally having fun!

Jackson - fun with his toy

But unfortunately (unknown to us) the size of this Kong (red rubber ball) was just perfect so that in a freak manner it could slip down his throat and cut off his air supply! So – on the 4 Dec 2010; my wife and I struggled in vain to get this very large solid rubber ball from Jacksons throat – as he lay dying in front of our eyes. Even as I type this one year later, I am almost tearing over remembering how helpless we were to do anything. We tried a couple of ideas, but you only have four minutes – and we lost him.

Jackson - very sadly missed

It still hurts both of us (and particularly my wife) deeply. She has posted a Memoir of him – a collage of Jackson, our truly great friend and companion for an all too brief 3 year period – Here – note that the Powerpoint file with music is about 50 Megabytes and will take several minutes to download.

Steve

Get To Know A Staffy

If you’ve come to know me at all by my writings – you would know that we are mad keen Staffordshire (Staffy/Staffie) lovers. Well I’ve just found a UK site that’s working hard to rid the breed of the many myths surrounding these wonderful pets.

Visit the link here to find out more – and to view their dog of the week. Owning a Staffordshire is unlike any dog you’ve ever owned before; the bond between them and owner is so close.

Steve

Thunderstorms – Beware For the Safety of Your Dog

This story is true – it has just happened to an acquaintance of my wife. I must warn you that it is very unpleasant – I share it only to heighten awareness of what can happen when dogs get frightened. PLEASE be sure to remember your dogs in a thunderstorm; you may not think much about it – but your dog may be terrified!

A couple of friends of Julie went away on holiday – while they were away they left their Staffordshire male and bitch and the last unsold puppy in the care of the mans father. One night we had a huge series of storms pass through our region; but this man took no extra interest or concern in the 3 dogs wellbeing.

Two of the dogs became terrified by the sound of the thunder and in their fear escaped from the yard! They travelled some 3 kilometres (1.5 miles) seeking to escape the noise and unknowingly ended up on railway tracks. The two dogs were hit by a train and killed (I will spare the details).

We have our dogs inside (hey remember its called Dogloverstoolbox) – but they still get very scared, however we are able to reassure them and there are no issues with them trying to escape to find us or find peace. If your dog is usually outside – for the sake of the dogs safety please bring them in, during thunderstorms!

Steve

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Food

OK – now you might think that this is a bit of a weird title for an article – right? I mean after all – Staffordshire Bull Terriers are just dogs and surely you would think they would all eat the same food?

My answer is – yes! They will eat the same food if not given choice; but given choice – this particular breed will also eat fruits and raw or cooked vegetables too!

Now there are a few articles floating around on the web, stating that ALL dogs are strictly carnivores (meat eaters); but I strongly disagree! They go off-track because they base their argument on the dogs teeth, stating that since they have pointed canine teeth (at the front) they must be carniverous. But there are many examples of animals (like some bears and apes) that have similar type front teeth that are totally vegetarian?

So I know it’s just not true, from this evidence and from watching our own dogs eat apricots and apples that have fallen off of our trees. One of our own girls will even eat mandarin and banana (she prefers cooked banana). All dogs are selective omnivores – in other words they will select what they want to eat from a range of foods – given the choice. Some are just fussier than others and Bull Terriers – like our Staffordshire Bull Terriers – in general – are not fussy at all!

But there’s the key – if you don’t give your Staffordshire Bull Terrier a choice, he or she is stuck with what you offer? We always advise a homemade meal – that way you can add variety, you know what’s in the food and the dog gets a good range of nutrients from various sources.

If you are interested in trying a Homemade Bull Terrier diet, I can highly recommend this product.

Homemade Bull Terrier Dog Food

OK – now you might think that this is a bit of a weird title for an article – right? I mean after all – Bull Terriers are just dogs and surely you would think they would all eat the same food?

My answer is – yes! They will eat the same food if not given choice; but given choice – this particular breed will also eat fruits and raw or cooked vegetables too!

Now there are a few articles floating around on the web, stating that ALL dogs are strictly carnivores (meat eaters); but I strongly disagree! And they go off-track because they base their argument on the dogs teeth, stating that since they have pointed canine teeth (at the front) they must be carniverous. But there are many examples of animals (like some bears and apes) that have similar type front teeth that are totally vegetarian?

So I know it’s just not true, from this evidence and from watching our own dogs eat apricots and apples that have fallen off of our trees. One of our own girls will even eat mandarin and banana (she prefers cooked banana). All dogs are selective omnivores – in other words they will select what they want to eat from a range of foods – given the choice. Some are just fussier than others and Bull Terriers – like our Staffordshire Bull Terriers – in general – are not fussy at all!

But there’s the key – if you don’t give your Bull Terrier a choice, he’s stuck with what you offer? We always advise a homemade meal – that way you can add variety, you know what’s in the food and the dog gets a good range of nutrients from various sources.

If you are interested in trying a Homemade Bull Terrier diet, I can highly recommend this product.