Care for Your Pal With Tips From Whole Dog Journal

My humans do a great job taking care of me. For example, they feed me a raw diet, keep me flea-free, and toss me an occasional bone to chew. I also have more toys than I know what to do with. Yes, life for me, Dixie the Dog, is nothing short of amazing.

I didn't think my life could get much better, but I have reason to believe it's going to. Yesterday, Tall subscribed to a really informative publication called Whole Dog Journal, which is a monthly guide to natural dog care and training. She read her first issue in less than an hour and is planning to implement some of the tips and information into our training.

If you're looking for well-researched, in-depth articles about all aspects of dog care and training, consider subscibing to Whole Dog Journal. Because it's 100 percent subscriber-supported, Whole Dog Journal does not include advertising, which allows it to provide unbiased coverage and reviews of topics relevant to today's dogs and their humans.

Also, make sure to take a look at the (free) useful links posted on Whole Dog Journal's Web site.

A Poodle in The New York Times

A while back, I ran across a cute story about a “driving” poodle in the Metropolitan Diary section of The New York Times. Here's the illustration that accompanied it:

Apparently not everyone understands how smart we really are.

Like my new look?

This photo was taken at the humans' going-away party this afternoon. I'll write more about that later.

California Poodle

We've had some major excitement at our house during the last few weeks and now that it's official, I have been given clearance to share it with you.

Short has accepted a job promotion, so we're heading out west to Sacramento! That's right; I'm going to be a California poodle! This could be my big break into show business.

We're all so excited. I'm hoping to meet lots of new friends on the other side of the country.

National Dog Bite Prevention Week

I've been told by the humans that today kicks off National Dog Bite Prevention Week. Should I be offended? I hardly think my puppy bites can be counted toward the 4.7 million people a year who are bitten by dogs, but maybe I'm wrong. I certainly mean no harm to my humans; I only want to play with them.

Regardless, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer some tips on preventing dog bites that I wish everyone, not just children, would observe. Here are a few:

• Do not approach an unfamiliar dog. (You wouldn't approach a strange human and try to pet them, would you?)
• Do not run from a dog and scream. (Seriously. This is not only annoying, but also embarrassing.)
• Remain motionless (e.g., "be still like a tree") when approached by an unfamiliar dog. (Yes, let me sniff you to my heart's content.)
• If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still. (This is good for a laugh.)
• Avoid direct eye contact with a dog. (We all know staring is impolite.)
• Do not disturb a dog who is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies. (But it's okay if we do this to you.)

Happy National Dog Bite Prevention Week!

Something to Sink My Teeth Into

As I was napping this afternoon, a delicious aroma floated into my crate and filled my nostrils. Was it chicken? No. Was it turkey treats? No. Tall was cutting raw meat off uncooked beef rib bones that she purchased for me at Whole Foods.

I later learned my vet recommended these uncooked bones to help my stinky breath and stained back teeth. Tall discussed this with her during our visit on Wednesday. I loved my vet before, but hearing she was the reason I received this delicious treat quadrupled my affection for her.

Apparently, this bone was one of three that Tall purchased. I'm anticipating getting another one any day now. However, until it arrives, I shall feast upon this bone like there's no tomorrow. Photos of me enjoying my yummy treat follow.

Take your "Doghter" to Work Day

Yesterday, Short Human had a doctor's appointment, which just so happens to be on the first floor of the building where Tall Human works. Tall suggested that Short bring me with her so I could visit Tall's coworkers and see her office. I was pleased by the prospect. After all, I'm very curious about where the Humans spend the majority of their weekdays.

Although Tall's coworkers seemed mildly interested in me (some more than others), I'm sad to report that she has a very boring work environment. Honestly, I'd rather nap at home in my crate. So, I now know that when they leave me for the day, I'm not missing out on anything at all.

Goodbye, Tooth

You won't believe what happened today. Tall pulled one of my teeth! Yes, you read that correctly. SHE PULLED MY TOOTH. I am flabbergasted.

Wen Tall saw some staining on one of my "way-back" teeth this morning, I knew I was in trouble. Normally she doesn't see these teeth, but I was panting and they were on display for anyone and everyone to see. Tall immediately went into a panic, worrying about the staining because she hadn't been brushing my teeth as much as she thought necessary.

After we arrived home from agility class, she pounced on me and started brushing my teeth. I put up a struggle, but was exhausted from class and was no match for her. As she brushed my top teeth, we both heard a "crack" sound and sort-of stared at one another. She started panicking again, this time thinking she had broken one of my teeth. After prying my mouth open to get a better look, Tall saw that the tooth was barely hanging on, so she pulled it out. It was one of my puppy teeth.

Neither of us are sure if this is the first puppy tooth I've lost, but the humans are saving it. Tall cleaned it up and put it in their jewelry box. I wonder if Tall will let me pull one of hers in exchange for the one she stole from me.

Puppy Plus Class

Last Saturday was the final day of my Puppy Love class, and today I moved onto the next, which is called Puppy Plus.

I can already tell I'm going to like this class much better. The humans also like it better because, according to them, the instructor isn't an effing b*tch. I'm not exactly sure what that means, but I'm guessing I might be too young to understand.

Today's class was packed full of training exercises that build on what we learned in the Puppy Love class. But at the end of class, they set up some agility equipment — an A-frame and plank — for us to try. I wasn't a big fan of the plank, but I loved the A-frame. Can't wait to do that again!

Dreaming About Poodles

Tall Human shared with me a dream she had a few nights ago and I want to share it with you. It's quite interesting.

In her dream, my breeders were retiring, but didn't want to see their legacy of breeding champion poodles end. So, the breeders called my humans and asked if they would be interested in taking over Aris Poodles. Tall Human was extremely excited about this prospect and somehow managed to talk Short Human into going along with the plan.

Isn't this a crazy dream?!