Should We Alpha Roll Our Dogs?

In a word – NO!  For some of us out there who may be confused, alpha rolling is rolling a dog over on it’s back and holding it down to show dominance, usually after the dog has done something wrong.  It seems that Alpha rolling has become more popular recently, maybe partially due to a popular television personality that frequently endorses this.

To me, alpha rolling is an unnecessary technique that is mainly used by that macho type that thinks forced submission actually leads to something desirable.  Not only can it damage the bond between you and your dog, but it’s a great way to get bit.  So why does that guy on tv do it?

Remember, the guy on tv has a ton of knowledge that you don’t, he also works with extreme cases and there is a ton of editing in those shows.  Seeing something on tv does not make you a dog trainer.  I will stop myself short of saying there is never a time and place for an alpha roll, but it’s definitely not something that the average pet owner should be doing.

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Google is Dog Friendly

I was reading an article recently and it mentioned that Google is a dog friendly company and allows it’s employees to bring their dogs to work!   Everyone from the Senior VP of Operations to less senior staff have the option to bring their dogs to work with them!  How cool is that?!

Now of course there are some limitations to the allowance, but they are totally legitimate limitations.  Evidence of fleas, excessive barking, biting, chasing, and other similar actions are considered unacceptable and the dog will have to be taken home upon the first complaint.  Limitations are also imposed if other employees who are allergic to dogs are being affected.

In addition to these guidelines, it’s clearly stated in Google’s code of conduct that Google isn’t cat friendly company: “Google’s affection for our canine friends is an integral facet of our corporate culture. We like cats, but we’re a dog company, so as a general rule we feel cats visiting our offices would be fairly stressed out.”

Not only can Google employees bring their dogs to work with them, but Google’s dog friendly nature carries over into another facet of their operations.  Instead of noisy lawn movers, Google rents goats to help cut down the amount of weeds and brush at Google HQ.  The operation of 200 goats (plus herder and a border collie) is kind to the environment, and as Google puts it: “A lot cuter to watch than lawn mowers.”

How about any of you out there, is your company dog friendly like Google?  Do you bring your dog to work, would you if you had more control of your dog?

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iPhone Apps for Dog Owners

There are currently over 225,000 apps available in the Apple iTunes Store.  Included in those huge numbers are some great iPhone apps for dog lovers, take a look at a few of our favorites.

The Fido Factor app is a great resource to locate dog friendly locations in your area. The app automatically detects your location and helps you find the nearest dog parks, dog friendly restaurants, bars, pet stores, and hotels. Once you determine where you want to go, you can instantly download directions and head over for some dog friendly fun!!

The Dog First Aid app contains a ton of important knowledge about your pet’s health. While this app should not be used as a replacement for routine or emergency vet care for your pet, it does contain great information. Out of similar apps out there, this one is the most respected by veterinarians.

The iKnow Dogs app is a fun way to increase your knowledge of different dog breeds. Pictures and general information are available for a lot of different breeds, and you can also search the data base using different characteristics like temperament, coat type, size, country of origin, etc. This is a must have app for anyone considering getting a new dog!

What about you?  Do you have another app that should be on this list?

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Blast from the Past

I was just looking through some of our old Youtube Videos and found one of our first (and my favorite) videos, Louie’s Video Highlights.  Enjoy!

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Cool Slow Motion Pedigree Ad

Check out one of Pedigree’s newest ads; it’s a great little commercial shot in super slow motion. Enjoy!

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Animal Planet’s New Show: Fetch Me a Beer

Zak George, a professional dog trainer and performer, will be hosting a new show on Animal Planet this July.  Tentatively titled, Fetch Me a Beer, the show invites dog owners to suggests tricks that Zak can help teach their pets.

“…some of the tricks you’ll see on the show include a bulldog named Rufus in the pilot episode, who fetches a brew from the fridge for his master who’s relaxing on the sofa.  Zak says that almost any task or stunt seems possible when a pooch gets the right step-by-step instruction and encouragement.”

By finding out what motivates a pet, such as food or play, how the pet and their parent communicate, and what an animal’s aptitude is for learning new skills, Zak designs a custom plan that will get each pet/parent pair to the finish line. One of the keys to success is commitment from the parent to put in the time and work with their pet on the specific tasks Zak assigns them for homework. The dog and handler then have one shot to make it happen.   After three visits from Zak and several weeks of intensive at home training, the duo is put to the test to see if they can pull-off the big trick.

Zak George, who has made several television appearances, including the Late Show with David Letterman, is originally from the Atlanta area.  Zak and his border collie Venus, have won several extreme dog trick competitions and have become the most in demand training duo in the world.  To learn more about Zak and see some of his amazing tricks, check out Zak George’s YouTube Channel.

The series is currently being filmed right now in the Miami and Boston areas.  If you are interested in appearing on the show, you can participate in Animal Planet’s casting call.

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Dock Dogs Featured in Domino’s Pizza Commercial

As a lot of us know, Dock Dogs is a very popular and growing dog sport.  The Dock Dogs crew has been traveling around the US and internationally over the last few years, hosting events and growing the sport.  Corporate America has taken notice and Dock Dogs has been featured in a Domino’s Pizza commercial.

Although the dogs make a very quick appearance, it’s great to see a dog sport get national attention!