PetSugar

World's Meanest Dog May Not Be the Breed You Think It Is!

PetSugar — Thu, 28 May 2009 08:00:03 -0700

When we think about stereotypically "mean dogs," I'm pretty sure we can all name those most maligned. But statistically, the world's meanest breed isn't a Pit Bull, Bulldog, or even a Doberman - it's an English Cocker Spaniel!

A recent study by the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Barcelona shows more reported cases of aggression by the English Cocker Spaniel than any other breed, followed by Rottweilers, Boxers, Yorkshire Terriers, and German Shepherds. Yes, the Yorkie is tiny, but can apparently pack quite a punch! With over 1,040 acts of aggression studied, the report shows that the Cocker Spaniel is more likely than other breeds to show aggression towards their owners and unfamiliar people.

But not all is lost for the breed. With proper training and discipline, the Cocker Spaniel (and any other breed for that matter) can be well behaved and friendly to other dogs and people. I'm a firm believer that there are no "bad breeds," so here's to hoping that owners can take the time to train their pups to be civil four-legged members of society! Check out some of my favorite training tips and tricks when you read more.

Training classes aren't just for puppies - you can always enroll your pup in an obedience class, no matter how old they are!
Have your pup's next playtime include strangers to get used to unfamiliar faces, er, scents!
Pick up a training book for 24/7 advice. Here are some of your favorites!
Know the difference between training methods, then pick the one that is right for you and your pet.
Help your pooch learn proper dog park etiquette as early as possible.
Take an online class led by Cesar Milan, and learn at your (and your dog's) own pace.
Use the hand touch to get your pup under control.

Source

One of Oprah’s Dogs Killed by Virus, Sadie Seeking Treatment

PetSugar — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:00:00 -0700

A spokesperson for Oprah Winfrey confirmed to People Pets that one of the puppies Oprah showcased on her show, Ivan, died over the weekend. Apparently Sadie, Oprah's newly adopted cocker spaniel who the world met last week, is also being treated for the virus and “is getting stronger.”

According to veterinarians, puppies around the country are suffering from a new strain of the disease called Canine Parvovirus Type 2c. Little Sadie was exposed to Ivan before her second shot so she is being treated with "plasma from hyperimmunized healthy dogs” (as you can see from the picture Oprah shared on her show) as a precaution.

As you may already know, Parvo is a highly contagious viral illness, that can attack your pups intestines (which is characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and lack of appetite) and cardiac system (which affects heart muscles of very young puppies), and often leads to death. The majority of cases are seen in puppies that are between six weeks and six months old, so be sure to get all your pups vaccinations before introducing them to the outside world. Check out PetMD for details of symptoms and precautionary tips.

We know all dogs go to heaven, but we are sure little Ivan will be missed!

Found! Sadie's Cable-Knit Cashmere Sweater

PetSugar — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 03:00:55 -0700

The minute I heard Oprah say Sadie has a Ralph Lauren cable knit sweater, you know I was off to find it! Well, it's pretty tough to be certain, since the episode barely flashed on a photo of her dog with it on (which I think accounts for the shade difference). Either way, there's only one pink sweater still offered - this Shawl Collar Cashmere Sweater. Act fast - it's on sale for $69 (originally, $95) in S/M for your little preppy pup.

Sadie Makes Her Doggy Debut on Oprah!

PetSugar — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 17:00:42 -0800

I was pretty anxious to sneak a peek at Oprah's new pup, and was so jealous of my mom, who got to catch Sadie's national debut on East Coast time. Well, everyone, her cuteness is well worth the wait. Although the pooch was named Amanda in the shelter, Oprah's calling her new Cocker Spaniel Sadie. (That name change should be no problem if she follows my tips on the subject.) Seems like the puppy was struggling to adjust in her new, very loving home but looks rather content now - see for yourself in the video below!

Even though Oprah brought out Sadie's three brothers who are all available for adoption at PAWS Chicago, there are nearly 2,000 adoptable Cocker Spaniels and cocker mixes available on Petfinder.com across the country.

See more pictures of Sadie when you read more.

View 13 Photos ›

Breaking News! Oprah Winfrey Adopts a Puppy

PetSugar — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:00:53 -0800

I certainly remember when Oprah lost her beloved Sophie in 2008, prompting a special on puppy mills and a vow to adopt her next dog. Well, nearly a year later, she's made good on her word as an eight-week-old, blond-colored Cocker Spaniel joined her furry family on Sunday.Lisa Nowak, a rep for PAWS Chicago, confirmed to Usmagazine.com that Oprah fell in love with the lil pup – named Amanda by staffers – and was excited to bring the baby home. Not only did she keep that promise, she also has donated money in Sophie's name for a room at the no-kill shelter.

See more images of the state-of-the-art Lincoln Park center that aims to find homes for more than 3,000 homeless pets (!) this year when you read more.

View 8 Photos ›

Source

In the Spotlight: Bob and Ned's Big Adventure (With Naomi)

PetSugar — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 11:45:42 -0700

Naomi Watts has a baby on board in addition to Bags on Board when taking her two cute pups for a jaunt in Soho over the weekend. Ned (the Cocker Spaniel) and Bob (the Yorkie) look pretty chill so the one-handed technique seems to be working well for this walkie.

Now, I notice both dogs have matching leashes – if you've got more than one pooch, do you buy unique leads for each furry friend or do you buy the same one in multiples? Share in the comments below after seeing a couple more pictures when you read more.

View 2 Photos ›

Source

Pet Pic of the Day: Daisy's Fort

PetSugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 08:00:09 -0700

I remember building more than a few elaborate forts and castles from boxes, tables, and blankets when I was younger. Nine-week-old Daisy here is in her prime fort building stage, but has taken a much simpler approach – just climb under the coffee table for a nice nap! I wish I would have known how easy it could have been.

Congrats to Daisy and CocoChic for being chosen as our Pet Pic of the Day! Don't forget to submit your favorite photos to our Pet Pics group (learn how to upload your photos here) for a chance to see your furry pals on PetSugar!

Pet Pic of the Day: Charlie Brown Is a Buckeye Fan!

PetSugar — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 08:00:43 -0700

The hot fashion of this Summer season has definitely been team sports, so it's totally appropriate that Charlie shows off his pride for Ohio State! How did that game against Ohio go on Saturday? I didn't get to catch it on ESPN.

Congrats to Charlie Brown and megbucks3 for being chosen as our Pet Pic of the Day! Don't forget to submit your favorite photos to our Pet Pics group! You may see your furry pal on the pages of PetSugar!

I Need Your Help . . . How to Refresh a Pooch Without a Bath?

PetSugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:30:08 -0700

You're a good dog, Charlie Brown . . . but, unfortunately, you're also a stinky one! TeamSugar user Megbucks3 needs some help with this pooch. She writes:

This weekend we are driving from Atlanta to Columbus with our 10-month-old Cocker Spaniel. It's about a 10-hour drive – we're not leaving until after work, so during the day I am taking Charlie to Doggie Day Camp to hopefully exhaust him. The Doggie Day Camp offers grooming and I really wanted to have him get a bath so he smells good in the car, but then he would lose three hours of playtime.

I am picking up Charlie on my way out of town and won't have time to take him home to bathe him and I'm worried he'll be stinky after camp even if I bathe him the night before. I'm wondering if you have any suggestions of products that give instant baths, or if any instant-spray cologne works? I think on this trip an exhausted dog is better than a fruity smelling dog!

Now North has these cleansing cloths for his muddy paws but he doesn't tend to get that stinky – can any of you recommend products or tips for this situation?

Pet Pic of the Day: Nap Time!

PetSugar — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 08:00:06 -0700

It looks like nap time for BFFs Charlie and Nugent! Both of megbucks3's adoro pets must have tired themselves out from playing all day long. Adding to my list of questions about dogs, this piccy makes me wonder if all dogs like to sleep on their backs!

Congrats to Charlie, Nugent, and megbucks3 for being chosen as our Pet Pic of the Day! Be sure to submit your favorite pet photos to the Pet Pics group. Your furry friends may be featured on the pages of PetSugar!