keeping an "intelligent busy" pup out of trouble

Do you have a naughty busy pup on your hands? As a professional pet sitter, I've pretty much seen them in all varieties. There are different kinds of busy. Some can be constructive, but most are either destructive or dangerous, however innocent. This weekend I'm caring for a busy pup. I've been taking care of him for over a year, so I'm on to his antics, as is his family, and they have taken precautions. The special thing about this busy pup is that he's "intelligent busy," which is the most dangerous and destructive kind of all.

I think intelligence is universally valued. But there are cases where taking care of a being with brains is a real challenge, especially when their brains are bigger than their judgement. Take my four-year-old daughter, for example.

On second thought, let's not go there, now.

Let's take the aforementioned pup, instead. He is one of the most loving creatures I've met. Lots of pounds bigger than a lap dog, lap dog. YouknowwhatImean? He whines if your hand is not in contact with his body 100% of the time, and he only breaks contact if he has to eat, drink, or relieve himself, all of which he does with lightening speed so that he can get back in your lap. And crush you.

He's fun and fantastic, though. And his attempts to outsmart his family are in check after lots of trial and error. Think Fort Knox.

Here are some examples of how this family protects themselves from their "intelligent busy" pup:

What lengthy measures have you taken to protect your home, your belongings, and your pup (from himself), from your busy pup?

stuff to stuff in a KONG®

One of the most versatile dog treats I know is a stuffed KONG®. What miracles can this wonder bring?

• Occupies a bored dog while you are away.

• Calms a hyper or anxious dog.

• Rewards a good dog.

• Exercises the tongue and jaw and induces sleep after physical exertion.

• Can be used to help administer medicine.

• Helps exercise the mind of a thoughtful dog.

• It's a fun, playful way to get a treat.

• Provides a dog who likes to chew with an outlet.

• Virtually indestructible for tough guys.

• Just the right size. They come in all sizes.

• You can create your own healthy stuffing...you're in control of what goes in.

The majority of dog treats are highly processed and quite unhealthy for your pooch. There are some great ones out there, but they are few and far between. Just as a healthy, homemade snack is typically better for our kids than something out of a package, a healthy, homemade snack is usually better for your dog. Get creative with what you put in your KONG®. You know what your dog loves, so go with it! Here are some ideas to spark your imagination:

• Peanut butter (natural, organic is best...they don't need added sugar) plain or mixed with small crunchy treats

• Frozen peanut butter (just as tasty, but lasts longer)

• Frozen plain yogurt

• Frozen peanut butter and plain yogurt swirl

• Add banana to any of the above (just a couple of slices)

• Frozen low sodium beef broth (with or without crunchy treats): this one is tricky because you have to seal the ends while it freezes...duct tape usually works

• Frozen vegetable broth with green beans, carrots, peas, etc. inside

• Any number of small, homemade, crunchy biscuits

As with any treat or at any time, always be sure your dog has plenty of fresh water...especially if he's eating peanut butter. You know how that can be!

What is your pooch's favorite KONG® recipe?

natural pet care: keep your eyes peeled on Hybrid Rasta Mama!

When I heard that Hybrid Rasta Mama was looking for a writer to contribute posts about natural pet care, I had a feeling it would be right up my alley. So while I acted all cool on the outside, on the inside, I was stretching my hand in the air screaming "pick me! Pick me!" Well, guess what? She picked me!

I'm super excited and honored to be starting as a contributor on Hybrid Rasta Mama. Our ideas align in so many ways. She's a wealth of knowledge that I know I will benefit from (and of course pass along to you). The Hybrid Rasta Mama blog is all about "conscious parenting, natural living, holistic health, real foods, and more."

I'm just tickled to be helping her add a natural pet care facet to her amazing body of work. Please check out her site, especially on the second Wednesday of each month when I'll be featured. Come visit me there!

so what about dog sharing?

Do you share well with others? Books? Food? Your dog? When I heard about dog sharing on the news several months ago, I was surprised and had mixed feelings about it. I didn't completely understand why a person would want to share their dog, so I checked it out.

Web sites such as City Dog Share of California are popping up for reasons of convenience, economics, and philanthropy. So what's this all about? At it's foundation, it is a pet sitting co-op. Owners seeking someone to watch their dog are paired with strangers who are looking to spend time with a dog. It's touted as a great way for people to test out a breed before taking the plunge. City Dog Share says:

People with or without dogs are encouraged to join. If you are looking to foster or adopt a dog, but still not sure which type of dog is right for you, maybe meeting up with someone and sharing their dog can help. They will help guide you with all the tips and tricks that are best for their dog. And maybe that can help you find a dog that's right for you.

Post a picture of your dog when you have a dog that needs to be watched. Include relevant details like the dates away, care needed, etc. Members can comment on the thread or send you a private message in response–it's that easy!

For many reasons, this seems like an awesome idea. In these troubled economic times, I'm all for helping each other out. In fact, I would have six inch gray roots, if it wasn't for the fact that I trade services with my hair dresser. She colors and cuts my hair, then I credit her pet sitting account with the value of the service. It works out great for both of us.

To think that strangers with complimentary objectives could be paired in the name of animal welfare is a pretty cool idea, however, I would be nervous about leaving my dog in the care of a stranger with no professional experience. It's not like trading landscaping services for housekeeping...this is a deeply loved member of the family! But, still...I love the concept and hope it can work. One person receives the dog care they need for free and the other gets to learn–before adopting or purchasing–what breed of dog might or might not work for them. How wonderful.

The City Dog Share Web site also includes sponsored services such as nonprofit foster and adoption organizations and professional services and currently have open groups in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles area, Humboldt County, Greater Portland, and Seattle Metro. They also facilitate adoptions and local canine social groups.

Under what circumstances would you be willing to share your dog?

what NOT to put on your dog's i.d. tag

Technology is constantly improving in the dog-finding arena, as it is everywhere else. Microchipping your dog is basically expected, and now we even rely on social media to help us find Fido. We even have apps for that! I recently interviewed FindingRover app CEO and founder John Polimeno about how that tool will literally change the face of the lost dog problem (you have that app, right?).

With all of this awesome technology at our fingertips, we still shouldn't forget the good ol' fashioned dog tag. If a dog has one, it's the quickest way to communicate information to a good samaritan. It's also the quickest way to communicate information to dog nappers and the likes of would-be Michael Vick wanna-bes. Sorry, but it's true.

The one thing you don't want to put on your dog's tag is probably what's on the first line: your dog's name. That's right...don't put your dog's name on his tag! It's super-cute for him to be able to "tell" everyone his moniker, but not safe. Knowing a dog's name allows anyone to call him sweetly forth, beckoning him into a situation where he might be sold or held for ransom–or worse. He could be used for fighting or could be part of an even darker fetish.

Sorry to go there, but it's true.

So what should you put on your dog's i.d. tag? Well, if you have a dog that tends to stick pretty close to home, your phone number should suffice. A cell number is best in case he goes lost while you are traveling. If you have an escape artist or the type that likes to roam in spring with the birds and the bees, you should consider adding as much information as possible. All of your phone numbers, and also phone numbers for a neighbor, friend, family member, or pet sitter as a back-up in case you can't be contacted right away. Most people will want to help, but not everyone is willing to board your dog if you're in the middle of a dinner date and don't pick up the phone. Your found dog may then be released back into a life on the streets. If you have four individual's phone numbers on the tag, your odds are better.

Should you include your address? Possibly. If your dog gets out and is a regular at the neighborhood park, then his address might be helpful for a finder, other than that, it's just taking up valuable real estate for all of those phone numbers.

Speaking of real-estate: if that tag is just too small, feel free to add multiple tags! Many tags are quite light and, aside from the possible jingle, wouldn't be a bother for you or your dog at all.

And with your added real estate, you could consider adding a kind message for the person who finds your dog, such as "Thanks for finding me! My family loves me and must be terribly worried. Please call them for me. I left my cell phone at home." You never know. That personal touch just might make the difference for your pooch.

Let him be friendly and found. And let him be anonymous.

you might also enjoy...

should your dog sleep in your bed?

how to find a great pet sitter

exercising with your dog: basics, breeds, and beliefs