Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is a Chinese breed that is over 2,000 years old. The Chow is believed to have been developed by crossing the Mastiff of Tibet with the Samoyed. This courageous, powerful breed has been used as a guard dog and to pull carts.

The Chow is 18 to 22 inches tall and weighs between 45 and 70 pounds. The Chow has a massive head with small erect ears. The coat is all one color, and may be tan, red, silver-gray, or black. A white coat is rare. The Chow has a massive head, small erect ears, and a blue-black tongue.

Costa Mesa Dog Park

This Chow is taking a break after running around at the Costa Mesa Dog Park. Off leash dog parks give dogs the opportunity to socialize and play. A tired dog is a good dog.

Dog Manners

Sniffing is considered polite when a dog meets a new friend. Dogs learn a lot about each other by using their incredible sense of smell.

Kitten Meets Big Dog

Many big dogs are fond of kittens and cats. This well mannered dog from Orange County was very happy to have kittens move in to her house.

Digging Dogs

Dogs that are left alone in the yard for long periods of time may bark, dig, or chew up patio furniture. Your dog needs exercise and entertainment. A dog that is exercised is less likely to destroy your yard.

Some dogs love to dig and are miserable if not allowed to dig giant holes. These dogs need to be taken to the beach, or some place where digging is allowed. Consider building a sand box area in your yard for your dog that loves to dig. You can have a beautiful garden with a fenced off area for your happy dog to dig.

The English Setter

The English Setter is about 24 to 25 inches at the shoulders, and usually weighs between 50 and 70 pounds. The coat may be all white, tricolor, or white with black, blue, liver, or lemon colored ticking.

The English Setter is an attractive gun dog that also makes a good pet. The long coat requires a bit of care to keep it looking beautiful. This is a sensitive breed that responds well to a gentle handler.

The Down Stay

There are several ways to teach your dog what down means. Start with your dog in a seated position. You can gently grasp the dog’s elbows and slide the dog into a down position while saying “down”. This works well for small dogs and puppies.

To teach a large or resistant dog the down command, you can use the foot on the leash method. You start with your dog sitting at your left side. Make a loop with your leash to step on with your left foot. The pressure of your foot on the leash will pull your dog to the ground. You may need to hold the pressure for a little while until the dog moves into the down position. Reward your dog for moving into the down position.

Teach your dog to stay in the down position by putting your palm in front of your dog’s face and say “stay”. Keep your dog on leash and move just a little in front of your dog. Allow your dog to be successful by gradually increasing your distance.

Choose a signal such as “OK” or “Free” to release your dog.

Once your dog knows what stay means, do a thirty-minute down stay every day. Your dog can be next to you. This can be done while watching television, reading, or while chatting with friends. Remember to release your dog, when the time is up.

Dogs that will down and stay are welcome in many places.

Calling Your Dog

You dog should never be afraid to come to you. You must always reward your dog for coming to you, even if your reason for calling is to stop undesirable behavior.

You must never punish your dog for coming to you. If you are small and your dog is large, you should teach your dog to sit in front of you or circle you and sit, rather than jump into you arms when called.

Dogs come to people who reward them with praise, affection, or treats. Dogs like to chase and be chased. If you are trying to catch your loose dog, get your dog to chase you, rather than chasing your dog.

Teaching Your Dog to Sit and Stay

Obedience training your dog is fun and will make you both happier. One of the first things people teach their dogs is to sit. Stay is then added.

Say “sit” as you gently guide your dog into a seated position. Reward your dog with praise and/or a treat. You will need to repeat this until the dog understands what sit means. Dogs are capable of learning many words.

Positive reinforcement works with dogs. Punishment will make your dog fearful and can interfere with bonding. Be patient with your dog.

After teaching your dog to sit, you will want to teach your dog to stay. Place your flat palm in front of your dog’s nose and say stay as you step in front of your dog. Hold your dog in the seated position if your need to. Praise your dog like crazy for staying for a short period of time.

As your dog starts to understand, gradually move away from your dog while still holding the leash. Get your dog to stay for longer periods of time with you at a greater distance.

When your dog makes a mistake and moves, gently place your dog back in the same spot, say “stay”, and try again. Try to practice everyday for at least a few minutes. End each training session on a positive note and reward your dog for learning.

Bassett Hound Meets Labradoodle

Basset Hounds are very social dogs. This adorable Bassett Hound makes friends with all the people and dogs at the dog park. He is confident and calm.

Sweater Weather in Orange County

The wind has been blowing and the mornings have been cool in Orange County. Some dogs are wearing sweaters while walking in the early morning. These three dogs from Orange County are walking near the nature center at Mile Square Park.

Huntington Dog Beach

People and dogs enjoy the surf at Huntington Dog Beach.

Rhodesian Ridgeback & Frisbee Dog

The Huntington Beach Dog Park is large enough to play frisbee with your dog. The ground is covered with mulch.

Clothes for Dogs

Some people put sweaters on their short hair dogs on cold days. Some dogs wear clothes as part of a fashion statement, rather than to keep warm. This little dog looks very stylish in his green ski jacket.

Small Dogs at the Dog Park

Truman and his brother are half Chihuahua and half Pomeranian. They enjoy going to the Huntington Beach Dog Park.

The dog park in Huntington Beach Central Park has a separate area for small dogs. Many of the small dogs prefer to run with the big dogs.

The Shiba Inu Loves to Run

The red dog in the lead is a Shiba Inu. This breed has been in Japan for almost 3,000 years. They are agile and like to run.

The Shiba Inu weighs 20 to 30 pounds and looks like a small Akita. They are catlike in their cleanliness. The Shiba Inu is the most popular dog in Japan.

Dogo Argentino (Argentinian Mastiff)

This loyal breed was developed in South America. This is a strong, white dog with a square head. They were originally bred to keep predators away.

This breed makes a trustworthy pet when properly trained and socialized. The female Dogo in the picture is a very gentle dog that enjoys the dog park.

Dog Memorials

Some people have planted trees in the Huntington Beach Dog Park in memory of their beloved dogs.

Winter in Orange County

Mile Square Park is a great place to walk dogs in the winter. The leaves are beautiful.

During the rainy season, the puddles make the park a fun place for water dogs.

Huntington Dog Beach

Huntington Dog Beach is a non-profit organization formed by dog owners who want to keep beaches and parks open to dogs. Dogs are allowed to run leash free in the surf, because dedicated dog-owners train, socialize, and pick up after their dogs.

A diverse group of dogs can be found happily playing together at Dog Beach including rottweilers, newfoundland dogs, retrievers, terriers, and a wide variety of mixed breed dogs.

Terrier Mix

This terrier mix was adopted from an animal shelter. There are many unique looking dogs available for adoption at Orange County Animal Shelters.

Labrador + Poodle = Labradoodle

In the 1970s, Cockapoos were a common mixed breed dog. They were poodle/cockerspaniel mixes.

Maltipoos, Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, and other poodle mixes are becoming popular these days. Maltipoos are maltese/poodle mixes. Labradoodles are labrador/poodle mixes. Goldendoodles are golden retriever/poodle mixes.

These hypoallergenic poodle mixes range in size from tiny to giant.

Sarah

Sarah likes to watch the world go by. She has been looking out this window in the wall for more than 10 years. She is a well behaved dog that does not jump out of her yard.