This Saturday, October 27th from 11am to 2pm, we’re having our first ever Howl-O-Ween party. There’s a doggie costume contest with cash prizes, and a scavenger hunt for the kids, so don’t miss it!
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History
The German Shepherd is the worldʼs leading guard, police, and military dog—and one of the most popular in the United States.
Theyʼre a fairly new breed. In 1899, German breeder Capt. Max von Stephanitz aimed to create a standard herding dog for his country—a breed whose intelligence and work ethic were equal to assisting workers and laborers as well as police and soldiers. Standardized in Germany in 1901, the German Shepherd came to America in 1907, then spread to many parts of the world from 1914 onward.
Aside from being a herd, guard, service, military, police, and search and rescue dog, theyʼre also renowned show dogs. Not to mention, ideal for families.
Personality
Fierce but Friendly
Though German Shepherds are fearless, theyʼre not hostile unless threatened. Theyʼre approachable and kind, but when pressed, will put up a serious fight.
Getting them to let their guard down doesnʼt happen quickly, but once a relationship has been established and youʼve earned their trust, youʼve found yourself a true friend until the end.
Protective and Loyal
In addition to their smarts, their strong protective instinct and unwavering faithfulness make German Shepherds remarkable service dogs, and the top choice for military and police. Theyʼll give their life for their human pack, without hesitation.
Families love them. Theyʼre especially sweet to kids, and get along with other pets, too. Because the safety of their family and home is their first priority, German Shepherds can be overly protective and suspicious of strangers. If youʼre not part of the “family pack,” expect to get barked at.
Confident and Poised
Their quiet confidence and serious demeanor shouldnʼt be mistaken for unfriendliness or detachment. Theyʼre calm and collected, but alert—instantly ready to protect, perform a task, or play.
Highly Intelligent and Instinctive
Theyʼre one of the smartest and most trainable breeds. Their energetic brains and bodies crave activity and challenges.
Hardworking and Eager
German Shepherds have a strong work ethic. Give ʻem a task—theyʼll get it done while loving every minute of it.
Care
Mental and Physical Stimulation
Vigorous exercise is a must. Daily walks or jogs are necessary to satisfy the German Shepherd’s migration instincts. An extra 15 minutes of playing ball or frisbee will make them happy. They relish obedience and agility games, and task-oriented activities, like tracking.
Train and Socialize in Puppyhood
German Shepherds must be disciplined at an early age. Be firm, but not harsh. They donʼt respond well to negativity or anger. Poor training and inadequate physical and mental stimulation can make them aggressive, or the opposite—nervous, prone to fear- biting and guarding issues.
Donʼt Leave them Lonely
German Shepherds are social and loving. If neglected, thereʼs a big chance youʼll come home to chewed up furniture, dug up flowers, torn up shoes, and a soiled floor.
Regular Grooming
German Shepherds are consistent, heavy shedders. Brush them daily, and check their ears and trim their claws regularly. Give them baths only when necessary; over-bathing can cause skin irritation.
The German Shepherd has brains and brawn… a protector, companion, and faithful friend. Howʼs that for Best In Show?
History
The Labrador Retriever, Americaʼs most popular dog, is originally from Canada. Newfoundland, to be exact, and can be traced back to the late 1700s. “Labs,” as weʼve nicknamed them, were called “St. Johnʼs Dogs” and used to work alongside fishermen: hauling carts, fetching fishnets from the water, and catching fish that escaped from the lines. Theyʼre hardworking and loyal—a genuine fishermenʼs friend.
After being crossed with Setters, Spaniels, and other Retrievers, the Labrador honed its skills and instincts as a true hunter. With their crossbred characteristics, they perform as efficient retrievers of game and have a disposition that makes them more versatile than the average hunting dog.
Now Labs are a family favorite.
Personality
Loyal, Loving and Lovable
Labs are the perfect family dog, and want to feel as though they are part of the family– nothing makes them happier. Theyʼre gentle, playful and especially good with kids. They get along with other dogs, too!
Patient and Eager to Please
Labs are ideal service dogs for physically disabled, blind or visually impaired owners.
Intelligent, Adaptable and Highly Trainable
With keen (and cute) noses, Labs are assets to search-and-rescue teams and narcotics detection with law enforcement.
Thrive in a Pack
…with you as their leader. Labs need human leadership: give them a job to do; theyʼll revel in it!
Energetic, Active Doggie Paddlers
Labs canʼt get enough of the great outdoors. Especially the water.
Big Hearts
Labs are the affable goofballs of the dog world. They give lots of affection, and deserve lots in return.
Big Appetites
Be prepared!
Care
Adequate Exercise and Playtime
This is essential to your Lab’s health and well-being, especially since theyʼre such eaters. Daily walks, twice a day for thirty minutes is ideal. A swim, or a run alongside you while you bike would be the ultimate treat.
Maintain a Dog Food-Only Diet
Dinner table begging calls for disciplining. Donʼt allow it.
If you give into his twinkly eyes, cute face, and demanding belly, youʼll have a big, fat Lab in no time. Obesity in this breed has been associated with hip dysplasia and diabetes mellitus.
Humans Are Always the Pack Leaders
Labs want you to lead, and without your bold leadership, they can develop destructive behavior. If you notice any aggressiveness, or (on the other end of the spectrum) shyness towards humans or other animals, correct this uncharacteristic behavior immediately. Remember, Labs are easily trained.
While out on walks, be firm with the leash. Make them heel behind or beside you.
Donʼt Leave Labs Lonely
With sociability as a main goal of their breeding, neglect and lack of human interaction can give them “separation anxiety.”
Regular Grooming
Labs are low-maintenance in the glamour department. A regular combing and brushing will keep their weather-resistant coat healthy. Labs arenʼt excessive shedders, either (but they do shed seasonally).
The Labrador is an all-star dog that is easily cared for, and genuinely cares for you. Who doesnʼt love a Lab?
Traveling without Sparky isn’t easy. But traveling with Sparky isn’t, either. We understand that sometimes you’ll miss him too much, and the option of doggy day care can get ruled out…in which case, you’ll need a solid travel plan.
Continue reading “Travel Tips for You & Your Dog”
Great news! The Green Leaf Pet Resort just opened its brand new aquatic center, and the dogs are having loads of fun.
But besides fun, what are the values of putting your dog in the water?
Shelly Leibowitz, our founder and head trainer, wrote a feature article for The Messenger-Press about why it’s important to take your dog swimming.
“Swimming is a great form of exercise because it not only gets your animals moving, but also helps cool them off, just like it does for humans. “
“Unlike walking or jogging, swimming uses every part of a dog’s body, which keeps him or her in great shape by burning off calories while simultaneously being easy on joints. This form of exercise is great for dogs of all ages because it doesn’t stress growing bones in puppies or cause injuries in adult dogs. Swimming also won’t inflame arthritis in older dogs.”
The aquatic center at Green Leaf Pet Resort will offer swimming-based courses like “Introduction to Water and Swimming,” training packages in canine water sports, and exercise and conditioning packages.
All swimtime is appointment only, and will be overseen by our two water trainers Erica Etchason and Denise Grimm.
Erica is an award-winning trainer in canine water sports with over 7 years in the water, and 10 years training dogs in general.
Denise was a K9 Search and Rescue trainer for 16 years, with multiple finds on her record, including water recovery. She has certification in canine therapy, and is an official canine water sports judge.
The pool is air conditioned, so you can relax comfortably poolside while your dog has fun and gets healthier!
Call Green Leaf (609-259-1500) to make an appointment today. In addition to the pool, we have a dog daycare, non-aquatic training, grooming, and more–all located right in New Jersey.
Here are some treats and toys we’ve found pups love in the dog days of summer:
Frozen yogurt cubes
You don’t want to feed your dog a whole bowl of yogurt, but a frozen cube or two with mashed banana and peanut butter makes a delicious “dessert.” You can also buy Frosty Paws – a frozen ice cream-like confection for dogs – at your local supermarket. Never let your dog eat real ice cream – they don’t have enough of the enzyme lactase to digest it.
Ice cubes…
Drop one or two in your pup’s water bowl. This is like a treat and a toy – it cools down their water, and they’ll also be entertained for a while trying to scoop the cubes out. For extra fun, try making the cubes with chicken broth or adding treats.
Another option is the Chill-a-Bowl, a plastic water bowl that you can stick in the freezer to keep your companion’s water cold for hours.
…Or a giant ice cube
If you’ve got room in your freezer, try filling a bucket (one you don’t like very much – you might have to cut it open) with water or broth, treats, tennis balls, and whatever else your dog likes. When it’s ready, plop it down in your backyard, and your four-legged friend will be entertained for hours. You can also try the Kool Dogz ice treat maker.
Freezable toys
We like the Chilly Bone. Just wet this soft canvas “bone” and stick it in the freezer, and in a little while you’ve got a frosty fetch toy.
Floating toys
Great for the dog beach (or our indoor aquatic center, coming later this summer). We like the Floatie Flappy and Chuckit! Amphibious Balls.
All of our pets have personality traits that are uniquely their own, and that is of course among the many reasons why we love them! Since everyone is a little quirky in their own right, we thought we should outline some pet products that are anything but ordinary.
Burrow Beds: If you have a dog that is digging tunnels through your bed sheets, this may be something you and your pet could use. The product itself is essentially an oversized pillow with an opening for your dog to nestle into. So, if you keep losing your pet in a pile of laundry consider looking into these creative beds.
http://store.funstufffordogs.com/burrow-bed—fleece-p61.aspx
Sandy Paws Print Kit: With a little sand and plaster, this product will create a custom cast of your pet’s paw print. If you’re a crafty dog owner who wants a little part of your pet with you while you’re on the go, consider dangling this unique ornament from a keychain or rearview mirror.
http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/sandy-paws-print-kit
Trendy Pet Toys: Designer brands, gadgets and pop culture inspired these plush and unusual pet toys. Depending on whether you and your pet are all about the “Chewy Vuiton” or the “Ipaw,” there’s likely to be a stuffed novelty that will suit both your personalities. You can also breathe a sigh of relief when you catch your dog chewing on his or her “BarkBury” rather than your BlackBerry.
http://www.trendypuppy.com/teetherstoys/bone%20toys1.htm
The Walky Dog Bike Leash: Bike rides may be something you’d like to share with your dog, however doing so isn’t always easy or safe, especially if a squirrel on the move catches the eye of your pup. The Walky Dog Bike Leash is a hands-free device that extends from your bike to your dogs collar while you cycle.
http://www.amazon.com/WalkyDog-Bike-Leash/dp/B005AFFVBS/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1337875037&sr=8-4
Dog Shoes: Although some dog lovers may be wondering whether or not paw-wear is practical for pups, the purpose of dog shoes isn’t simply to make a fashion statement. Pet shoes have a variety of orthopedic, disposable, and seasonal options that could keep their paws protected from the elements all year round. However, keep in mind that your dog is not going to be accustomed to the human tradition of wearing shoes, so don’t be surprised if he or she is a little put off by the idea.
http://www.alldogboots.com/Fashion-Designer-Dog-Shoes-s/55.htm
If these products are a little too outlandish for you and your pet, visit us at the Green Leaf Gift Shop and browse our selection of functional, handmade and hypoallergenic products from artisan leather leashes to amazing, plush beds by Crypton, the Tempur-Pedic® of dog beds!
This column by Green Leaf owner Shelly Leibowitz originally appeared in The Messenger-Press.
Welcoming a dog into your home is one of the most rewarding things you can ever do. You’re giving yourself and your loved ones the gift of a loyal, wet-nosed companion for years to come. But you’re also taking on a big responsibility – and you owe it to yourself, and your future pet, to make sure you find the dog that’s the best fit for you. Here are a few tips for making the right decision:
Do your research
It’s very important that your puppy’s temperament suits your lifestyle. Be honest with yourself about how active you are. If relaxing on the couch and watching Netflix sounds like the perfect weekend to you, you won’t be happy with a highly energetic dog. And if you’re more on-the-go, you don’t want a dog that’s content sitting around. Don’t just go by how your friends’ dogs act, do some serious research on prospective breeds– not every puppy of that breed will have the same temperament.
Test your breeder
Once you’ve decided on the right breed, it’s time to find a breeder. Look for one who specializes in the breed you’re interested in. Avoid “puppy mills” (and pet shops, which usually get their animals from puppy mills). A lot of these places indiscriminately mate animals to turn a profit, neglecting their animals and piling them into cramped living conditions that often lead to health and social problems. Ask a breeder lots of questions—how long they’ve been breeding, what the bloodlines and vet records are for the pup you’re interested in, and if you can meet one or both of the pup’s parents.
Get to know the pup
If possible, bring the whole family to meet potential pets. You never want to choose a puppy that gets along really well with you but is aggressive toward your spouse or child. Get the puppy away from the litter to best evaluate their temperament. You want your dog to have an approachable but not overly exuberant demeanor – tail-wagging confidence is good.
Consider adoption
Shelter dogs can be just as loyal and loving as dogs that come from reputable breeders, and many are purebreds. Adoption saves money, and could be saving a dog’s life.
And remember
Once you’ve done the research and invested the time into finding your perfect match, selecting a canine companion should be an enjoyable and rewarding process. Remember that there is no one right breed for everyone, the most important thing is to be committed to finding the dog who will best enrich your life so you can return the favor.
Save the date: Saturday May 5th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Everyone’s welcome – kids of all ages, and of course the family dog(s)! We’ll have:
- Refreshments throughout the day, including catering by Big Ed’s BBQ, hot dogs from an authentic New York-style cart, and bagels and coffee in the morning.
- Doggie goodie bags with treats from Dogswell, Blue Buffalo and more.
- Cotton candy, a bouncy house and face-painting by Tammy Cedar for the kids.
- Agility and trick dog demonstrations by Speedoggie Performance Dog Training.
- A performance by Derby and Chase, bat dogs for the Yankees’ minor league team, the Trenton Thunder.
- A special demo and talk by a working K9/Police Handler pair.
- A talk on dog rehabilitation and acupuncture by Drs. Pamela Levin and Rosalie LoScrudato of the NorthStar Veterinary Emergency Trauma & Specialty Center.
- A frisbee demonstration by Sandy Walsh.
- A search & rescue demonstration by Stephanie Dunion.
- Photos by Chase & Snap Pet Photography.
And more!
We’re located at 23 Burnt Tavern Road in Millstone, NJ – accessible from Routes 9, 33, 79, and close to 195 and the Jackson Premium Outlets.
Got questions? Give us a call at (609) 259-1500 or (732) 845-3787 !
Our very first show handling class is happening tonight, March 7, from 7:30 to 8:30 at the resort. Laura Kirk, an all-breed handler, will be teaching the class – she’s been showing dogs for 24 years!
The class is $20 per handler, walk-ins welcome. And if you can’t make it tonight, the class is ongoing every Wednesday at 7:30!