Dogs of Orange County

Dog riding in a bike trailer

2011-06-11T16:08:00.000-07:00

Going for a ride at the car show

Pet Stores and Puppy Mills

2011-05-22T15:09:00.000-07:00

Please consider adopting a dog from a shelter instead of purchasing a puppy mill puppy from a pet store. The puppy mill industry is a cruel industry. The mother dogs are kept in tiny cages and have no human contact. They are dirty, matted, and have no medical care. The owners of puppy mills are dog abusers.

Please do not buy puppy mill puppies from pet stores. They are poorly bred, sickly, and not good family dogs. If you want a puppy and can not find one at a shelter, find a responsible breeder. A responsible breeder will ask you lots of questions. Responsible breeders will not sell their puppies to just anyone and will never sell their dogs to a pet store.

For a list of responsible breeders you can contact the breed club for the breed of dog you are interested in. Breed clubs will educate you about their breed, so that you can make sure this breed is right for your family. Responsible breeders will guarantee that the dog you purchase is healthy. Pet stores and puppy mills are only interested in making money. Responsible breeders love their dogs and breed to improve the breed.

Newfoundland jumping off boat

2010-11-17T15:45:00.000-08:00

Soaring Newfy to the rescue.

Chihuahua and Newfie Friend

2010-11-01T08:29:00.000-07:00

Alaskan Klee Kia

2010-10-29T10:48:00.000-07:00

The Alaska Klee Kia is a mini husky weighing between 10 and 40 pounds. This breed sheds, requires regular exercise, and needs to be around people.

Huntington Dog Beach

2010-10-13T10:34:00.000-07:00

Wolfhound Doodle Dog

2010-09-21T17:45:00.000-07:00

This rescued doodle dog is a Wolfhound mixed with a poodle. He lives with a Newfoundland dog and seems to think he is also a Newfie. He is an incredible swimmer and loves to retrieve.

Teaching a dog to come when called

2010-09-15T18:14:00.000-07:00

One of the first lessons your dog needs to learn is to come when called.

Start with your dog on a six-foot leash. Call your dog's name and give the command "come". When your dog starts moving towards you, go crazy with praise to encourage your dog to keep coming. Reward you dog for coming with praise, treats, or a toy.

As soon as your dog is doing well on the six-foot leash, advance to a long line. A twenty-foot line works well. Next, take your dog to a public place and add distractions. Wait until your dog is sniffing around or visiting with another dog. Then, call your dog. You can use the long line to gently pull your dog towards you. Be patient and help your dog to learn. Always give lots of praise and never strike or yell at your dog.

Your 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 your dog is to stop undesirable behavior. Never punish a dog that comes when called.

Some dogs will come so fast that you need to brace yourself and be prepared to turn sideways to prevent being knocked to the ground. If you are small and your dog is large, teach your dog to sit in front of you, or circle you and sit down, rather than jump into your arms or bowl you over when called.

Dogs come to people who reward them with praise, affection, or treats. Dogs like to chase and be chased. You will exhaust yourself trying to chase your loose dog, and "catch me if you can" is a fun game for your dog. If you are trying to catch your loose dog, run away from your dog, or tempt your dog with a squeaky toy, a treat, or their leash.

Dog Beach in April

2010-04-23T17:09:00.000-07:00

Huntington Dog Beach is a leash free paradise for water dogs.

Splash Dogs

2010-04-20T10:36:00.000-07:00

Dogs competed in Splash Dogs during the Pet Expo at the Orange County Fairgrounds.

Spring in Orange County

2010-03-23T11:00:00.000-07:00

Newfoundland Dog

Newfies of Orange County

2009-11-28T13:57:00.000-08:00

Zeus, Pearl, and Jewel took time out from playing in the park to pose for a picture. Zeus is 8 years old and a rescue dog. Pearl and Jewel are 9 years old.

Dog Friendly Orange County Beaches

2009-11-23T14:29:00.001-08:00

Leashed dogs are welcome early in the morning and late in the afternoon at some nice beaches in Orange County. Corona Del Mar State Beach, Newport Beach, and Balboa Beach allow leashed dogs before 9 AM and after 5PM. Dog bag dispensers are located near the signs that list the beach rules. Tickets are issued to off leash dogs.

Corona Del Mar State Beach is a beautiful place to walk with your leashed dogs. This beach is located at Iris Street and Ocean Boulevard in Corona Del Mar.

Newport Beach and Balboa Beach are dog friendly early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Both beaches are located along Balboa Blvd in Newport Beach. Parking is available in large lots near Newport Pier and Balboa Pier, or in the neighborhoods near by. The neighborhoods are filled with cute beach houses. We like to park for free on one of the side streets and then walk through the neighborhood to get to the beach.

Huntington Dog Beach allows well behaved dogs to run off leash in the surf. This beach is located along Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach between 21st Street and Seapoint Street. Dogs love this beach.

German Shepherd Rescue Of Orange County

2009-11-11T15:25:00.000-08:00

“YAPPY DAY” COMES TO THE CANTINA LOUNGE

Fullerton Restaurant Partners With German Shepherd Rescue.

FULLERTON, Calif. – The German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County will host a "Yappy Day" fundraiser at the Cantina Lounge in Fullerton on Thursday, November 12, 2009. The event will run from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Guests who mention or bring an event flier will have 20% of their bill donated back to the animal rescue. The money generated will help pay for doggy maintenance, supplies, toys, food and veterinary bills.

The Cantina Lounge is serves modern Mexican cuisine for lunch and dinner and is located at 2736 Nutwood Ave. in Fullerton.

GERMAN SHEPHERD RESCUE OF OC HOSTS ADOPTION EVENT AT CENTINELA FEED

Come shake paws with the German Shepherds of the GSROC and make a friend for all seasons.

COSTA MESA, Calif. – The German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County will host an adoption event at Centinela Feed on November 14. German Shepherds will be available for adoption and GSROC merchandise will be available for sale. The German Shepherds are looking for owners that can make them a part of their family not just for this holiday season but for all seasons.

Dawn and Jeff Gaulke adopted their German Shepherds through the GSROC. The couple made Shasta a part of their family in 2001 and Gunny in 2004.
“Gunny and Shasta love us for who we are, not what we do, or how much money we have. If you are having a bad day, they make you feel better and you don’t want to disappoint them,” Dawn said. “So no matter how tired you are, you walk them and play with them. They are always glad to see us and want to be with us. They follow us around the house just to make sure we aren’t going for a walk, a ride, and are content to hang out.” Dawn describes the process as easy but thorough. The organization only wants the best and most secure environment for their German Shepherds.

“The adoption process is easy, you complete an application and pay the fees. The fees include neutering, shots, microchipping,” Dawn explained. “The organization also does a house check to make sure the home is secure for their dogs.”
This adoption event will take place on November 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Centinela Feed. Centinela Feed is located at 2320 Harbor Blvd. in Costa Mesa. Volunteers will be holding a bake sale and collecting cell phones to recycle. All proceeds from the bake sale, merchandise sale and cell phone recycling will go directly to the GSROC.

The German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County is a non-profit 501c(3) charity organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing purebred German Shepherd Dogs that have nowhere else to turn. The organization is run by an unpaid staff of volunteers and is funded entirely by private donations. Dogs for adoption are housed in foster home situations and in private boarding facilities. For more information about the GSROC, please visit http://www.gsroc.org/

Working Dogs

2009-11-05T09:00:00.000-08:00

These two friends work as greeters at a clothing store in Costa Mesa. The shepherd dog has been working as at this store for years. The French Bulldog was hired more recently. They were all dressed up for Halloween.

Pumpkin Dog Cookies

2009-10-25T18:49:00.001-07:00

Most dogs love pumpkin. Canned pumpkin can be mixed with dry dog food to help with weight loss. Pumpkin is nutritious, delicious, and low in calories. Most people find this recipe a little bland, but dogs enjoy these cookies.

Pumpkin Dog Cookie Recipe:

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup soft butter
1/2 cup fresh or canned pumpkin
1 egg
1/2 cup organic milk

Mix flour with butter and honey. Mix egg with milk then stir into flour mix. Add pumpkin. Mix together until dough is soft.

Use a teaspoon to drop cookies onto cookie sheet. Bake in preheated 400 degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Cool and Serve.

I hope you dogs love these cookies as much as mine do.

Fall

2009-09-29T17:01:00.001-07:00

Fall is one of our favorite times of the year. The weather is cooler and there are lots of flowers to smell and leaves to play in.

Wolf Hybrid in Newport Beach

2009-08-22T16:05:00.000-07:00

Nukka is a wolf hybrid. She is half Alaskan husky and half wolf. These dogs were bred to star in a movie that needed wolves. The producers were afraid that wolves might injure the movie stars, so they used gentle wolf hybrids. Nukka weighs about 130 pounds. Some of her brothers weigh as much as 190 pounds. Nukka lives in Newport Beach and enjoys walking along the boardwalk, watching the tourists go by, and cooling off in the shower.

Police Dogs

2009-07-25T15:38:00.000-07:00

We have lots of police dogs in Orange County. Every city has at least one police dog and the sheriff's department also has police dogs. These canine heroes keep the public and their handlers safe. Dogs can smell a million times better than a human and are priceless when it comes to finding dangerous substances, criminals, or lost people. These dogs are amazing athletes. We saw them perform at a police demonstration last weekend. After they finished taking down the bad guys, they let us hug and pet them. They are fierce and fearless when they need to be, and gentle enough for small children to pet when they are not fighting crime.

Irish Wolfhound and Newfie at the Beach

2009-06-09T12:02:00.000-07:00

Irish Wolfhounds are very tall and gentle. They get along well with other dogs and enjoy walking on he beach. This 14 month old Irish Wolfound makes his Newfie buddy look small.

Newfoundlands

2009-06-08T16:44:00.000-07:00

Newfoundlands have an incredible instinct to rescue people who might be in trouble in the water. These giant dogs will sometimes try to rescue people who are trying to ride the waves and do not need to be rescued. When there are no people in the water to drag into shore, they will often rescue driftwood or seaweed. They are powerful swimmers and can easily rescue a full grown man or tow a small boat into shore.

Newfoundland Lifeguards

2009-05-21T08:29:00.000-07:00

This 8 year old Landseer does not like it when people dunk their heads too long in the jacuzzi. She will jump in if he does not surface soon. When he did surface, she checked his airway to make sure he was breathing.

Pet Fair at OC Fairgrounds

2009-04-17T18:34:00.000-07:00

The pet fair at the Orange County Fair grounds is large this year. There are lots of dogs, puppies, kittens, and cats looking for homes. The vendors have many unique items. Some booths are giving out free samples. There are a lot of demonstrations and trainers. The meet the breed booths allow you to meet the breed before you adopt a dog. The food was expensive at some booths. Shop around to save money on food and drinks.

Portugese Water Dogs

2009-04-14T09:36:00.000-07:00

The Obamas received a puppy as a gift from the Kennedy's. Their new puppy is a 6 month old Portugese Water Dog. The puppy was returned to a responsible breeder in Texas by the original buyer and has now been adopted by the Obamas. The first puppy has been named Bo.

Portuguese Water Dogs are an ancient breed that have worked with fishermen along the coast of Portugal for centuries. They are excellent swimmers and seafarers. These medium size dogs can dive under water and retrieve fishing gear. The Portugese Water Dog stands 17 to 23 inches at the shoulders and weighs between 35 and 60 pounds. They are a fun breed with their own water sports, titles, and trials.

The people from the Portuguese Water Dog Clubs are some of the friendliest people I have met at dog shows. This breed is hypoallergenic, intelligent, and loves water. Although this breed is considered hypoallergenic, the experts from the The Portuguese Water Dog Club of America suggest people spend some time with the breed to make sure you are not sensitive to the coat. To learn more about the Portuguese Water Dog go to www.pwdca.org/.

Soccer Collies

2009-04-06T16:05:00.000-07:00

Soccer Collies challenge 4 to 8 people at a time who try to guard 4 soccer goals arranged in a circle. The soccer collies are unstoppable. The border collies score goal after goal, while goalies scramble to block the soccer balls.

Teaching Your Dog To Come When Called

2009-03-27T15:16:00.001-07:00

Start with your dog on a six foot leash. Call you dog's name and give the command "come". You can use the leash to pull your dog towards you or use a treat to help your dog learn faster. Go crazy with praise when your dog reaches you. When your dog even starts moving towards you, go crazy with praise to encourage your dog to keep coming.

After your dog is doing well on the six foot leash, use a long line. Then, add distractions. Be patient and help your dog to learn. Always give lots of praise and never strike or yell at your dog.

Your 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 your dog is to stop undesirable behavior. Never punish a dog that comes when called.

Some dogs will come so fast that you need to brace yourself and be prepared to turn sideways to prevent being knocked to the ground. 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 down, rather than jump into you arms or bowl you over when called.

Dogs come to people who reward them with praise, affection, or treats. Dogs like to chase and be chased. You will exhaust yourself trying to chase your loose dog and "catch me if you can" is a fun game for your dog. If you are trying to catch your loose dog, run away from your dog, tempt your dog with a toy, or show your dog their leash.

Dogs will often run towards you when they see their leash. Dogs who go for lots of walks on leash know their leash means a walk. Most dogs do not consider that they are already loose and can go for a walk on their own without their leash and owner.

How to Bathe a Dog

2009-03-19T15:08:00.000-07:00

How often your dog needs a bath depends on your lifestyle. A dog needs a bath when dirty. House dogs may need a bath once a month, while beach dogs may get bathed daily.

Dogs that are bathed frequently should be bathed with a gentle conditioning dog shampoo. Dog conditioner will help keep the coat from drying out. We have used several different brands with good results. Distilled white vinegar can be used to remove sap or other sticky things from your dog’s coat. After rinsing the conditioner from the coat, you can deodorize your dog by spraying the coat with diluted white vinegar. Do a final rinse to wash out the vinegar and your dog’s coat will shine.

The best way to wash your dog is in a tub with a hand held nozzle. Warm water is preferable. Some water loving dogs don’t mind a cold bath when the weather is extremely warm. You can purchase a hose attachment for your kitchen sink to wash your dog with warm water outside or use the bathtub.

Bath time gives you an opportunity to bond with your dog and look for any signs of health problems. Look in your dog’s ears and eyes. They should be clear and free from odor. Check your dog’s teeth and paws. Note any rashes, discolorations, wounds, or lumps. Report anything unusual to your veterinarian.

Brush your dog before the bath. Remove all tangles and mats. Make sure you use a gentle brush that does not scratch or damage the skin. Mats may need to be cut or removed with a comb designed to remove mats gently.

Secure your dog with a leash, a confined area, or voice command before turning on the water. Placing cotton balls in the ears helps keep water out. Be careful not to get water in your dog’s ears. Test the water, praise your dog for standing so still, and wet the coat. Apply dog shampoo to the entire coat with your hand, a bath brush, or a washcloth. Use tearless shampoo for the face. Regular shampoo can sting the eyes and cause your dog to fear face washing. Leave the shampoo on the coat for the time recommended by the directions on the bottle. Rinse well.

Apply conditioner or diluted distilled white vinegar, if desired. Rinse well. When you think you have rinsed all the shampoo out of your dog’s coat, rinse one more time to make sure. Shampoo left on the coat can cause skin problems.

Dry your dog with a towel. People who live in a warm climate can take their dog for a walk in the sunshine to dry. Do not use a hot dryer to dry the coat. This can damage the coat. People with long haired dogs and those who live in a cool climate can purchase a dog hair dryer that will not dry out a dog’s coat.

Hot Spots & Cold Tea

2009-03-01T10:54:00.000-08:00

Hots spots or pyotraumatic dermatitis are skin infections that arise in a matter of hours. Signs of hots spots are redness, oozing, pain, itchiness, and hair loss.

Some causes of hot spots are allergies, fleas, and matted hair. These can make dogs lick and chew their skin raw. Some dogs cause hots spots when they lick and chew out of boredom or nervousness.

Hot spots should be treated immediately to prevent further infection. The way to treat a hot spot is to trim the hair and clean the area with a shampoo, cleanser, or astringent recommended by your veterinarian.After cleaning the area, applying a home remedy such as vinegar or witch hazel may dry up the hot spot quickly. Consult your veterinarian if you think your dog has a hot spot. Serious cases may require medication, such as antibiotics or cortisone.

We have applied witch hazel and vinegar to hot spots with good results. The problem with vinegar is that it stinks and can sting when applied to an open sore. Our veterinarian, Dr Weitz, taught us about applying black tea to hot spots.

Dr Weitz told us to brew some strong black tea. I use about 8 or 10 tea bags in a cup of water. Some people use more. Put the tea in the refrigerator to make it cold. Apply the cool tea to hot spots several times a day. The tea treatment can dry up hot spots very quickly. And the dogs love the way the cool tea feels on their skin.

Teaching your Dogs the Down and Stay Commands

2009-02-12T16:37:00.000-08:00

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 word like “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 working on the computer, reading, or chatting with friends. Remember to release your dog, when the time is up.

Update on Stormy

2009-02-08T11:49:00.000-08:00

Stormy is healing nicely and has adapted well to walking on three legs. She runs and plays with Blizzard.

Eco Lawn and Dogs

2009-02-07T09:58:00.000-08:00

We are happy with the eco lawn seed we planted. We killed our old grass by chopping it with a weed whacker and spraying it with roundup. We spread the eco lawn seed on top of the old dead lawn. The seed germinates fast if the temperature stays below 65 degrees. Winter or early spring are good times to spread eco-lawn seed in Orange County. This grass is drought tolerant and grows slow. People who mow their eco lawn only need to mow it once a month. People who prefer the natural look of a meadow never mow their eco lawn at all. The grass only grows nine inches and then folds over. This grass holds up nicely to our large dogs and cats playing on it.

Dog Owners and Dog People

2009-02-03T08:31:00.000-08:00

Dog owners may love dogs, but they do not understand dog language.
Dog owners think behavior problems are their dog's fault.
Dog owners think punishing a dog will change behavior.
Dog owners may not allow their dogs in their house.
Dog owners may even have problems with one tiny dog.

Dog people speak dog language.
Dog people are able to help cure behavior problems for other dog owners.
Dog people know that positive reinforcement works well with dogs.
Dog people live in the same house as their dogs.
Small people, who are dog people, can handle dogs that are much larger than they are.
Dog people are able to walk three or more dogs, at the same time, without problems.

Adopt a Dog

2009-01-25T18:42:00.001-08:00

This beach dog was adopted from the Orange County Animal Shelter. He was adopted as an adult and has bonded nicely to his owners. He is well behaved, clean, and weighs over 100 pounds.

Doberman Guide Dog

2009-01-17T11:50:00.000-08:00

This beautiful red doberman guides a lady who is legally blind. She is well behaved and loves people. She was at the airport preparing to board her flight to Washington D.C. She was as happy and excited as the people who were on their way to the Inauguration of our 44th President Barack Obama.

Stormy & Blizzard

2009-01-03T22:10:00.001-08:00

Stormy developed osteomyelitis after having surgery to remove a growth from her left front paw. She was treated aggressively with antibiotics, topical ointments, and other medications. She was severely depressed and losing weight for several months. Stormy's eyes were tearing and she did not want to eat.

Osteomyelitis is a serious bone infection that can be fatal. Stormy's leg had to be amputated in order to save her life. She has recovered quickly from the surgery and is now pain free. She is back to singing and playing in her yard with her best friend Blizzard.

Dogs get around remarkably well on three legs. Stormy can run and play again. Blizzard is happy that she is able to sing with him again.

Working Dogs

2008-12-21T18:21:00.000-08:00

Rocky greets people at a clothing store next to Mother's Market in Costa Mesa. He is gentle, clean, and a very nice looking working dog.

Dog Lovers Kitchen

2008-12-03T17:52:00.000-08:00

Those who walk with us make the journey more enjoyable.

Forgotten Dog's Christmas

2008-12-01T21:39:00.000-08:00

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there

The children were nestled all snug in their beds
With no thought of the dog filling their head

And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap
Knew he was cold, but didn't care about that

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter

Away to the window I flew like a flash
Figuring the dog was free of his chain and into the trash

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the luster of mid-day to objects below

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear
But Santa Claus - with eyes full of tears

He un-chained the dog, once so lively and quick
Last year's Christmas present, now painfully thin and sick

More rapid than eagles he called the dog's name
And the dog ran to him, despite all his pain

"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONNER and BLITZEN!

To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!
Let's find this dog a home where he'll be loved by all."

I knew in an instant there would be no gifts this year
For Santa Claus had made one thing quite clear

The gift of a dog is not just for the season
We had gotten the pup for all the wrong reasons

In our haste to think of the kids a gift
There was one important thing that we missed

A dog should be family, and cared for the same
You don't give a gift, then put it on a chain

And I heard him exclaim as he rode out of sight
"You weren't given a gift! You were given a life!"
Author Unknown

Giant Dog Show at Long Beach Convention Center

2008-11-26T09:27:00.001-08:00

On Decenber 13th and 14th, you will be able to see the AKC/Eukanuba National
Championship, the AKC Agility Invitational and the AKC Obedience Invitational at Long Beach Convention Center.

More than 3,000 dogs will compete. This is the place to learn about different breeds, dog sports, and training. You will have the opportunity to see some of the top dogs in the country.

Some of the dog events scheduled are as follows:

AKC Meet the Breeds - You will be able to learn about the breeds from experienced breeders, handlers, and trainers. This is a great way to learn about caring for a pet dog. Educating yourself about the breeds will help you choose the right dog for your family.

AKC Agility Invitational - Agility is a fast and exciting dog sport where handlers guide their dogs over an obstacle course. The dogs love this sport and so do the spectators.

AKC National Obedience Invitational - Well trained obedience dogs are amazing. You will see some of best trained dogs in the world.

Eukanuba Super Dock Jumping Competition - This dog sport involves a pool of water. Dogs leap from a dock through the air and land in a pool of water. The dog with the longest jump wins.

Eukanuba World Challenge - The international challenge will feature top
dogs from 60 countries and six continents. Charmin will be representing the U.S. in this intense competition.

Puppy Love - speed dating for dog lovers

Woof and Roof Challenge - You will see unique doghouses. The dog houses are designed by charities and then auctioned off to benefit their cause.

Flyball in Orange County

2008-11-25T13:13:00.000-08:00

Flyball is a dog sport in which two teams of four dogs race side-by-side on a 51-foot long course. Flyball dogs run as a relay team where they jump over four jumps, hit a flyball box to release a ball, and return over the four jumps carrying the ball. When a dog crosses the finish line, the next dog is released until all four dogs on the team have completed the course.

The first team of four dogs to complete the course without errors wins. An error would be missing a jump, forgetting to take the ball from the flyball box, dropping the ball, or running off course.

Surf City Flyball is the name of the team we saw practicing in Fountain Valley. The dogs on the team are in excellent shape. They have a couple of senior dogs. Reo is a fast and reliable 10-year-old golden retriever. Roxy is the dog flying in the picture. She is also 10 years old. Roxy is part boxer and part Labrador retriever.

Coyotes of Orange County

2008-11-18T17:24:00.000-08:00

We have coyotes in Orange County. Coyotes eat rodents, trash, and pet food that is left outside. Small pets may be viewed as game by coyotes and should not be left outside alone. Covering your trash and keeping pet food inside helps to keep coyotes out of neighborhoods.

Snowflake from Huntington Beach

2008-11-15T15:21:00.000-08:00

These little white dogs are often clipped lion style. The Bichon Frise has a lot of hair on top of the head that creates a mane like crown. The nose is prominent and black.

This cheerful breed is centuries old and was kept by nobility in France. The Bichon Frise is gentle, sensitive, and playful. This is an affectionate breed that makes a wonderful parlor dog.

Chihuahua and Cats

2008-11-02T10:07:00.000-08:00

These cats love to play with this little chihuahua.

Yorkie in Huntington Beach

2008-11-01T10:15:00.000-07:00

This Yorkshire Terrier is drying on the cliffs overlooking Dog Beach after swimming in the ocean with her doggy friends.

Pumpkins

2008-10-29T17:13:00.000-07:00

Dogs like pumpkins.

Pumpkin Dog Cookies

2008-10-28T13:07:00.000-07:00

Most dogs love pumpkin. Canned pumpkin can be mixed with dry dog food to help with weight loss. Pumpkin is nutritious, delicious, and low in calories. Most people find this recipe a little bland, but dogs enjoy these cookies.

Pumpkin Dog Cookie Recipe

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup soft butter
1/2 cup fresh or canned pumpkin
1 egg
1/2 cup organic milk

Mix flour with butter and honey. Mix egg with milk then stir into flour mix. Add pumpkin. Mix together until dough is soft.

Use a teaspoon to drop cookies onto cookie sheet. Bake in preheated 400 degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Cool and Serve.

Chihuahua

2008-10-26T16:40:00.000-07:00

Chihuahuas are tiny dogs. They require special care. They must be protected from predators and kept warm. This tiny dog loves to play with gentle giant dogs at the park.

Best Friends

2008-10-17T12:47:00.000-07:00

These two are best friends. The tiny dog is the boss. The giant dog is very careful not to step on her little friend.

Border Terrier

2008-10-14T13:26:00.000-07:00

The Border Terrier was originally bred in Great Britain to go after vermin that steal sheep. These dogs are about 10 inches at the shoulder and weigh 10 to 15 pounds. The Border Terrier is alert, confident, and makes an excellent watch dog. This breed does well in Obedience and Agility Trials.

Spitz Dogs

2008-10-06T08:29:00.000-07:00

Several breeds are considered Spitz dogs. Some Spitz breeds are: Akita, Shiba Inu, Chow Chow, Huskies, Norwegian Elkhounds, and a variety of other working dog breeds that have upright ears and a tail that curls over the back.

French Mastiff

2008-09-30T07:55:00.000-07:00

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a French dog that resembles the Bull Mastiff in size and type. This breed is also called a French Mastiff or a Bordeaux Bulldog. These dogs are popular throughout France. They are also found in Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Japan, Africa, and the United States.

The Dogue de Bordeaux has a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. Their coats are either dark auburn or fawn, with a little white allowed on the chest. This breed has a mask on the muzzle that is either dark red or black.

The massive head, wrinkled face, and undershot jaw give the Dogue de Bordeaux a threatening appearance. This breed has been used as a guard dog. They are fearless and will confront strangers. Despite having such a scary appearance, this breed is gentle when properly trained and socialized. This is a powerful dog that requires an experienced handler.

Cats and Dogs

2008-09-25T12:17:00.000-07:00

Dogs are pack animals and should not be left alone for long periods of time. Dogs need to socialize with people or other animals. Cats make good companions for dogs.

Clothes for Dogs

2008-09-18T12:00:00.000-07:00

Clothes for dogs are becoming quite popular. If you choose to put clothes on your dog, be aware of safety issues. Dogs may become tangled in clothes and choke. Dogs may eat their clothes and choke. Clothes can keep a dog warm on a cold day or make your dog match your outfit. Before putting clothes on your dog, consider your dogs comfort and safety. Many dogs prefer to be naked.

Terriers at Dog Beach

2008-09-16T14:16:00.000-07:00

Terriers love dog beach. They enjoy running, playing, and digging in the sand. Some terriers will surf in the waves with the retrievers, spaniels, and rottweilers. Others prefer to watch from shore. Well trained terriers make good companions for children.

Bloodhound

2008-09-11T11:34:00.000-07:00

The bloodhound is famous for being able to track even the faintest scent. A bloodhound tracked a missing child for 12 miles by picking up the child's scent inside of a kidnapper's vehicle. The bloodhound refused to leave the child's trail until the child was rescued. This is a powerful dog that weighs between 80 and 120 pounds. The bloodhound is wise, noble, and sensitive. Bloodhounds are affectionate and get along well with other dogs.

Huntington Dog Beach

2008-09-09T08:04:00.000-07:00

Cooling off on a hot day on the shore of Dog Beach.

Beach Dogs Need Water and Shade

2008-09-07T03:02:00.000-07:00

Your dog will need water and shade on a hot day at dog beach.

Dog Beach in September

2008-09-06T16:00:00.000-07:00

The end of summer is near. Surfers, swimmers, and dogs are enjoying the last days of summer at Huntington Dog Beach.

Frisbee Dog In HB

2008-09-05T23:40:00.001-07:00

Collies are very good at playing frisbee.

German Shepherd Dog on a Ranch

2008-09-04T09:26:00.000-07:00

This German Shepherd Dog works on a ranch. He keeps the coyotes away with a little help from his friends. He is gentle with children and farm animals, but ferocious against predators and livestock thieves.

Tug a War

2008-08-29T08:20:00.001-07:00

Dogs love to play tug a war. This gentle lab lets her younger smaller friend win most of the time

Chocolate Labrador Retriever

2008-08-26T03:17:00.000-07:00

Labrador retrievers have a very strong instinct to retrieve objects from water. This chocolate Labrador is rescuing a toy octopus from a pool. Labradors will often toss objects into a pool of water, in order to have something to retrieve.

Rescue a Dog Like Connie From The Pound

2008-08-25T08:02:00.000-07:00

Connie was rescued from the pound when she was a puppy. Her owners have two other dogs that were purchased from a breeder and were quite expensive. Connie is just as pretty, if not prettier, than those expensive designer dogs. There are many wonderful dogs waiting to be rescued from animal shelters.

Huntington Dog Beach

2008-08-23T05:04:00.000-07:00

Dogs of all breeds and sizes enjoy running leash free at Huntington Dog Beach.

Dining With Dogs Near Huntington Beach Pier

2008-08-20T08:24:00.000-07:00

There is a nice grassy area northeast of the Huntington Beach Pier where this large doodle dog was having a great time playing with his ball. There is an outdoor dining spot right next to the grass. Dog Beach is within walking distance.

Beauregard is a great dane mix

2008-08-19T10:02:00.000-07:00

Beauregard is a great dane mix. He is one of our favorite dogs. He is friendly, beautiful, and a well mannered house dog from Orange County. His lucky owner adopted him several years ago. We see them walking in the park every evening. My dogs love him and go crazy when they see him. There are many beautiful mixed breed dogs waiting to be adopted.

Poodles

2008-08-18T06:31:00.000-07:00

Poodles are an intelligent, hypoallergenic dog breed. They come in a variety of sizes and colors. Poodles do well in dog sports and can be taught to do all kinds of tricks.

Poodles have hair that can grow quite long. They do not shed and need to be clipped by someone who knows how to properly groom poodles. Fussy housekeepers and people who are allergic to dogs often choose poodles as pets.

The smallest poodles are teacup size and the largest poodles are as big as Labradors, or even larger.

Walking Small Dogs in Mile Square Park

2008-08-14T17:46:00.001-07:00

Mile Square Park is a great place to walk leashed dogs. If you have small dogs, make sure you keep them leashed and close.

Coyotes are living in the nature center at Mile Square Park. Coyotes have been spotted during the day on the golf course and in the grassy areas of the park. If you have small dogs, make sure you keep them leashed and close. Coyotes are fast and sneaky.

Etiquette for Dining With Dogs in Orange County

2008-08-11T10:34:00.001-07:00

Dogs should be clean and well groomed.

Do not allow your dog to be a tripping hazard.

Do not let your dog steal food from your fellow diners.

Dogs should not bark, growl, stare at, or slobber on anyone.

Your dog should wait until you are finished dining before eating the leftovers or requesting a doggy bag.

Outdoor Dining Areas

2008-08-08T09:38:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more restaurants with outdoor eating areas.

Baja Fresh Mexican Grill - they serve healthy grilled Mexican Food and have several locations. Here are four with outdoor dining areas:
1. 13248 Jamboree Road in Irvine
2. 26548 Moulton Parkway in Laguna Hills
3. 27620 Marguerite Parkway Ste C in Mission Viejo
4. 979 Avenida Pico in San Clemente

Zinc Cafe and Market located at 350 Ocean Avenue in Laguna Beach

Rubios located on Brookhurst and Ellis in Fountain Valley

Panda Express located at Talbert and Newhope in Fountain Valley

Dog Friendly Dining

2008-08-02T15:58:00.001-07:00

One of our favorite restaurants is The Lazy Dog Cafe located in Huntington Beach on Beach Blvd, near the 405 Fwy. The Lazy Dog Cafe is a dog theme restaurant. Pictures of dogs cover the walls. The bar area is shaped like a dog house. Mints in a bowl at the front desk are shaped like dog bones. If you order an ice cream sundae, it may come in a dog bowl. The menu has something for everyone and the patio is very nice.

Arriba in Fountain Valley on Brookhurst Street, near Talbert Avenue, is another one of our favorite restaurants. The food is healthy Mexican style and they have an outside eating area. You order your food at the counter and then you can watch your food being prepared. The kitchen is visible and very clean. After you receive your food, you can dine outside with your canine friends at the picnic tables.

Panera Bakery & Cafe located at 235 East 17th street in Costa Mesa has an outdoor patio that is in the shade and dog-friendly. They have great soup, sandwiches, and salads.

Greatest American Dog

2008-07-31T06:31:00.000-07:00

Last night, the skateboarding bulldog was voted off the show. The bulldog did nothing wrong. He was the best part of the show. The owner of the bulldog did not choose a good picture for the photo contest. The bulldog and his owner made us laugh. A show called "Greatest American Dog" should be more about the dog and less about the owner.

Bulldogs are funny and friendly. The picture of this bulldog was taken at Huntington Dog Beach.

Eco Lawn Seed

2008-07-30T16:51:00.000-07:00

The Eco Lawn seed that we ordered about a week ago, from Wildflower Farms, arrived yesterday. Wildflower Farms is in Canada. So, that was pretty fast.

We fenced off half the dog yard and sprayed the grass with Roundup. We used the kind of Roundup that is safe for vegetable gardens and pets. We can only replace half of the grass at a time, because the dogs need a place to roll and play. We will spray a few more times. Then, we will cut the dead grass as short as possible. After that, all we need to do is throw the seed and water. We will keep you posted.

The Great Dane

2008-07-23T11:16:00.000-07:00

The Great Dane is a tall dog that has a smooth muscled body. This giant breed is spirited, friendly, and powerful.

The ears of the Great Dane are sometimes cropped to make them stand up straight. Cropped ears require surgery and care of the surgical site. The results vary. The natural ears of the Great Dane hang down. Natural ears make a dog look friendlier.

Liver Brownies

2008-07-21T10:48:00.001-07:00

Dogs and cats love liver brownies. My dogs and cats park themselves in my kitchen when they smell liver brownies cooking. Liver brownies can be made using just three ingredients. Liver, flour, and baking powder are all you need.

Start by grinding 2 containers of either chicken or beef liver in the blender. Pour the ground liver into a bowl. Add about a cup of flour and a teaspoon of baking powder. Stir the mix with a spoon until well blended. Pour the liver brownie mix into a greased brownie pan. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Cool and serve. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers.

You can adapt the liver brownie recipe to meet the needs of your pets. Some people use rice flour or whole-wheat flour. Other people add their own special ingredients, such as grated cheese or eggs. You can experiment using a little more or a little less flour. There are a lot of right ways to make liver brownies.

Liver brownies are a great treat to use when training both cats and dogs. You can use liver brownies to teach cats to sprint towards you when you call their names. Dogs can be trained to run agility courses and do all kinds of tricks when liver brownies are used as a reward. Your dogs and cats will go crazy for liver brownies.

Goldendoodle

2008-07-11T11:38:00.000-07:00

The golden-doodle is a mixed breed dog. Golden retrievers are crossed with standard poodles to produce a large hypoallergenic dog that does not shed.

This dog's parents are a standard poodle and a golden retriever/standard poodle mix. This guy is a very large and friendly golden-doodle. He enjoys playing with other dogs in the park and outdoor concerts. This big dog is very clean and has nice manners.

Mixed Breed Dogs

2008-07-10T13:49:00.000-07:00

This little guy is a Morkie. He is half Maltese and half Yorkie. He lives in Huntington beach and likes to go for walks downtown.

Keep Pets Safe on the 4th of July

2008-07-03T08:30:00.000-07:00

Pets can get lost on the 4th of July when the fireworks scare them. Make sure your furry friends are wearing identification, such as tags, tattoos, or microchips.

We know of a leashed dog that went crazy when the owners took him to see the fireworks. The owners were surprised that their good dog would run away. They franticly searched for days. The dog was hiding in a garage miles away.

We know of other dogs that escaped from their homes by breaking down doors or gates. Watch and comfort your pets. Some animals go crazy on the 4th of July.

Jack the Leonberger

2008-07-02T11:54:00.000-07:00

Leonbergers are large dogs. Jack was 30 inches at his withers and a lean 125 pounds. He earned an agility title, pulled a wagon, competed in obedience trials, and learned to track. Jack loved children, cats, and small dogs. Jack, like most Leonbergers, did not slobber.

Leonbergers are intelligent, loyal, and like the water. They have webbed feet and are excellent swimmers. Jack loved to retrieve and was a great swimming companion.

Leonbergers are nice family pets for responsible dog owners. They require training, daily exercise, regular grooming, and need to live indoors. For more information contact the Leonberger Club of America.

Ways Dogs Help in The Garden

2008-07-01T08:42:00.000-07:00

Dogs have been helping people produce food for thousands of years. Dogs keep other animals from trampling the garden by herding them or chasing them away. Dogs are also good at getting rid of rats and other rodents.

My giant yellow dog named Tequila saw me trying to dig out an old tree. He decided to help me. He used his giant claws to dig that tree out much faster than I could have ever removed it by myself. Tequila learned to only dig at the beach or when he could help in the garden. You will have a good dog if you spend time teaching your dog.

Spend Time Teaching your Dog

2008-06-30T21:15:00.000-07:00

Dogs love to help in the garden. Teach your dog to respect your plants by using fencing and verbal instructions. Be kind to your dog. Dogs respond to positive reinforcement. Provide an opportunity for your dog to exercise every day. Spend time with your dog in the garden and teach your dog not to destroy your plants.

Teaching Your Dog What Down Means

2008-06-27T12:09:00.000-07:00

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.

Some people wait until they see their dog getting ready to lie down. They say "down" while the dog is in motion. Then, they praise the dog like crazy. This is the way dogs learn words like park, walk, food, and leash. Dogs learn a lot by listening to people.

Dog Friendly Beaches in Orange County

2008-06-23T17:01:00.000-07:00

Summer is here. There are some nice beaches in Orange County that you and your dog can enjoy together. Huntington Dog Beach is a great off leash dog beach. There are also a few other beaches that allow leashed dogs in the early morning and late afternoon.

Corona Del Mar State Beach, Newport Beach, and Balboa Beach allow leashed dogs before 9 AM and after 5PM. Dog bag dispensers are located near the signs that list the beach rules. Tickets are issued to off leash dogs.

Grooming

2008-06-22T14:01:00.000-07:00

Regular grooming gives your dog healthy skin and a shiny coat.

Adopt a Dog From The Pound

2008-06-20T10:45:00.000-07:00

When you adopt a dog from the pound you are saving a life. You can find some unique looking mixed breed dogs at the pound, like this St. Bernard/Australian Shepherd mix.

Huntington Beach Dog Park

2008-06-19T08:25:00.000-07:00

The dog park in Huntington Beach Central Park has a separate area for small dogs. These dogs enjoy the big dog area of the dog park. Their owner says they do not think they are little dogs. They like to run with the big dogs.

Mulch in the Dog Park

2008-06-18T16:23:00.000-07:00

Mulch is used to cover the ground in some dog parks. Grass can be difficult to grow in a dog park.

Orange County Dog Parks

2008-06-17T08:29:00.001-07:00

Costa Mesa Bark Park-located in Tewinkle Park at the corner of Arlington and Newport Blvd. The park is open from dawn to dusk Wednesday through Monday and closed on Tuesday for maintenance.
Huntington Beach Dog Park-located in Huntington Central Park on Edwards Street, west of Huntington Lake. This park has a separate area for small dogs. Open 5AM to 10PM everyday, but the parking lot is closed at 8 PM.
Irvine Dog Park-located at 6405 Central Oak in Irvine. Open 6:30 AM to 9 PM - Closed Wednesday for maintenance
Laguna Beach Dog Park-located on Laguna Canyon Road south of El Toro Road - Open Dawn to Dusk - Closed Wednesday
Laguna Niguel Pooch Park - located on Golden Lantern near Chapparosa Park - Open noon to dusk on Monday and Friday, 8 AM to dusk on Sunday, and dawn to dusk the rest of the week.
Orange Dog Park-located at 190 South Yorba in Yorba Park near Chapman and the 55 FWY. Open 7 AM to dusk - closed Wednesday.
City of San Clemente Dog Park-located at 301 Ave La Pata in San Clemente. Closed until 1 PM on Tuesday for maintenance. Open other days, if it is not raining.
Seal Beach Arbor Park-located between Valley View and Los Alamitos Blvd. The dog park is behind the West Ed building located at 4665 Lampson Avenue in Los Alamitos. Open dawn to dusk. Closed until noon on Thursday for maintenance.

Dog Park Etiquette

2008-06-14T09:17:00.000-07:00

The purpose of the dog park is for dogs to exercise and socialize in a safe place. Dogs do not wear leashes at the dog park. Here are some dog park etiquette tips that will help you and your dogs make friends at the dog park.

1. Entering the dog park - Most dog parks are double gated, so the dogs do not get out. Open the first gate and close it behind you. Remove the leash. Open the second gate and enter the park. Remember to close the gate behind you.

2. Avoid fights - Do not bring food. If the dogs start to fight, distract them with a ball or a toy. Remove aggressive dogs from the dog park.

3. Do not bring a bitch in heat to the dog park.

4. Watch your dog at all times.

5. Do not bring more dogs than you can handle.

6. Clean up after your dog everywhere. Dogs are banned from beaches and parks when owners do not pick up the poop. Be a responsible dog owner. No one likes flies or stepping in poop.

Dog parks are a great place to meet people and get exercise. Dogs run and play until they are exhausted.

The most important thing to remember when you are at the dog park is to treat the other park users the way you would like to be treated.

Greatest American Dog

2008-06-13T12:18:00.000-07:00

A new reality show will focus on dogs. CBS plans to introduce the new show on Thursday July 10th at 9PM Pacific Time. Dogs will be competing for a $250,000 prize. We will probably see a few talented dogs from Orange County on this show.

Sadie is a Lucky Little Dog

2008-06-09T13:03:00.000-07:00

Sadie is a lucky little dog. She survived getting run over by two cars on the freeway on ramp. She ended up pinned under the right front tire of the third car. She was saved by a dog lover who made cars back up in order to free her.

Her collar was off, because she was bathed. The pool man left the gate open. She was in heat. The family inherited the dog from their grandmother who never registered the microchip. This is a recipe for disaster.

The family posted signs and prayed to find their dog. The dog lover who found Sadie was praying for Saint Anthony, the patron Saint of lost articles, to find the lost owners. The dog lover drove around for a few days looking for lost dog signs. Today, Sadie was reunited with her family after the dog lover saw a lost dog sign.

This time, the story has a happy ending.

Pet Beds

2008-06-05T12:49:00.000-07:00

Every pet needs a warm, dry, comfortable place to sleep. Some people share their own beds with their pets. Others like to provide their pets with their own special place.

Beds for pets can be very expensive at pet supply stores. We purchase beds for our pets at Costco and Sam's Club. Today, we purchased a bed, large enough for a 100 pound dog, for less than twenty dollars at Costco. The cover is washable and the cedar smell is wonderful.

Dresses for Dogs

2008-06-04T17:15:00.001-07:00

Be careful putting clothes on your pets. They can get tangled in the clothes or eat the clothes and choke.

Labradoodle Retriever

2008-06-03T11:06:00.000-07:00

Max is a labradoodle that loves to retrieve. He will retrieve for hours.

Giant White Labradoodle

2008-05-27T11:04:00.000-07:00

This dog is very large. He is a white Labradoodle that lives on a lake. He is taller than his Labrador friend. He likes to watch the electric boats float by.

Running Leash Free at Dog Beach

2008-05-18T12:45:00.000-07:00

Walking a slow dog and a fast dog is easy when they are leash free at dog beach.

Central Park in Huntington Beach

2008-05-13T20:11:00.001-07:00

These three little dogs met at Central Park in Huntington Beach. They became instant friends.

Huntington Dog Beach

2008-05-12T16:40:00.000-07:00

Huntington Dog Beach is paradise to dogs that love to run.

Pug Meets Schnauzer

2008-05-07T09:37:00.000-07:00

Pug enjoys meeting Schnauzer at a Lacrosse game in Corona Del Mar. Both of these breeds have nice personalities and make good house dogs.

Orange County House Dog

2008-05-05T11:37:00.000-07:00

Orange County House Dog enjoys watching a Lacrosse Game at Corona Del Mar high School.