This is the perfect app for young kids who want to "take care of a pet." With this app, you can give your dog a bath, give vet care, play with toys, and play dress up.
Although this game is very cute, it is necessary to buy "add-ons" often to continue. The $0.99 version of the game will only allow you to play with the Bath and limited dress up options. To buy additional actions like toys and vet care will cost you another $1.99 each. Each additional clothing option for the dress up will also cost you $1.99.
Overall this is definitely a game for children. Adults will not find it holds their attention. But if you have kids who love dogs and can afford the extra add-on costs, I believe this is an excellent game for your child. Plus it has the added bonus of teaching a child how to care for a pet. This app will also send you updates that your dog needs a bath or some sort of attention...something I think the kids will enjoy.
For this month's Trainer Tips, I would like to retouch on one of the most important things you can do for your dog...to properly socialize them.
Properly socializing your dog is very important, but many people do not understand what that actually means. Proper socialization is not only exposing your dog to as many situations, people, and other dogs as possible, but more importantly, making all of these experiences positive ones so that your dog becomes comfortable no matter what happens.
In order to do this, it is important for you to allow your dog to take his time exploring something new. Never quickly force a dog or puppy that is not comfortable into a new situation. The dog should appear mostly relaxed, not tense or afraid. This is why it is so important to begin this process as soon as possible! This means the day you get your dog, or as soon as your new puppy has all his shots and is vet approved to meet others.
Although we do not want to force our dogs into the situation, we must also ensure that they do not shut down from fear. Dogs that do this become trapped in that fearful state. This is obviously not healthy for your dog or something we want to have happen. To prevent this, ensure that when your dog socializes, they are not allowed to hide behind or under you (their owner) or other people or objects. If they hide under a person, the person should move away. If they hide under an object, move the other dogs away from the area, then slowly encourage/ lead the dog out of his hiding spot. Try and block the hiding spot once they are out.
To help take the pressure off a fearful dog, you can also turn the fearful dog around and allow the new dog to sniff their rear end. It is best to allow one dog to sniff a very fearful dog at a time. Then turn the new dog around and allow the fearful dog to sniff the new dog's rear end. Greeting a dog this way helps takes pressure off dogs who are fearful, anxious, or nervous.
Below is a video on Proper Dog Socialization.
This video features Khloe, a 6-month-old Boxer in training with SGDs.
Also in this video are two of our own pack, Caravaggio (our Great Dane mix), and Devo (our Miniature Pinscher/ Chihuahua mix...currently 7 months).
Other helpful and interesting Blogs related to this Topic...
Catahoula Leopard Dog Color: All coat colors and patterns. White trim, tan markings, yellow, yellow merle, white merle, red, red merle, chocolate, brindle, blue, blue merle, black. Height: Males: 24 inches/ Females: 22 inches Weight: 50-95 pounds Life Span: 12-14 years Breed Health Concerns: Eye problems, congenital deafness, and hip dysplasia. Coat: Single coat. Short to medium length with smooth to coarse texture. Coat lies flat and close to the body. Country of Origin: United States. Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information. The name for this breed comes from the Parish of Catahoula, meaning "beautiful clear water," in northeastern Louisiana. The ancestors of the breed are not known, but it is thought to be descended in some part from mastiff-type dogs brought by Spanish explorers to the Americas. It is known that in 1686, during his explorations, Henri de Tonti spoke of seeing dogs with "mottled spots" and "white eyes." It is thought that European shepherd dogs were crossed with these mastiff-types to form the Catahoula Leopard Dog. Named for a swampy area in Louisiana, the Catahoula Leopard Dog was used to assist people in trapping, fishing, and running wild cattle and hogs back into the woods. These are dangerous jobs, and the assertive, protective, independent nature of the Catahoula Leopard Dog made him the perfect helper. Known also as the "Catahoula Hog Dog," and referred to as a "walking sledgehammer," the Catahoula Leopard Dog was named the official state dog of Louisiana in 1979. The breed is affectionate with those he known well but can be tentative around strangers. Although a hard working breed, he is personable and playful when he becomes comfortable around people. Exercise: As a hard working breed, the Catahoula Leopard Dog requires plenty of exercise and daily vigorous walks. This breed is high energy and will become destructive without regular physical and mental activity. The Catahoula excels at sports like herding and agility. Grooming: Regular brushing will keep the coat at its best. The undercoat will shed continuously and even more so when he is uncomfortable or anxious. Training: Training for the Catahoula must involve techniques that engage his intellect and energy. The Catahoula is quick and smart, making him a very capable learner. This breed does have a very independent nature however, and his trainer must always remember to keep alert to hold the dog's attention. I have met a few Catahoulas & Catahoula mixes in my day, and I will say that the one thing they all have in common (other than beautiful coats and eyes) is that they are all very high energy. This is most definitely not a dog for someone who is not highly active. Catahoulas need lots and lots of daily vigorous exercise to stay happy and healthy. This breed is a working dog and needs to be given a regular outlet for his excessive energy.
