Dear Twinkie | A Dog Advice Column

A dog advice column

Sugar the Golden Retriever asked...

Woof! Woof! As always, GREAT Answers! Awesome painting. Mmmm From my post today about my chipmunk friend, Fred ... Frankie said something that I I would like to ask your advice. Where can I send my question. Lots of Golen Woofs, Sugar

TVT: You may leave your questions on my blog every Tuesday, but you already did! About Frankie's comment (and his take on squirrels requiring removal), funny timing. I just left his blog where I told him we will have to agree to disagree. I'm with you on this one Sugar. I have squirrel friends myself and I can't imagine life without them. I mean, how else would be get so toned if it wasn't for the crazy chases? Back yards would get dull without our squirrel friends. I have ordered me a shipment from Amazon but they're on back order. See if you can get on the waiting list too. 

Sugar waiting for her squirrel buddy, Fred

3 doxies asked...

Hey...ummmm, Twink, what is BS? You thinks you could tells me? You wanna spell it out instead of using initials? You know, I'm not too good with initials...hehehe!
oK, I wished you had've warned me on that furst pikture...I kinda made a mess over heres...hehehe!
That was a most beautid=ful and thoughtful thing Miss Twix did. I bet your heart skipped a beat.
Puddles

TVT: If your mom hasn't talked to you about BS yet, it's not my place to. There are certain things that are better left to the parents, like … the birds and the bees and BS. And to not disappoint you, let me add that BS is like saying "squirrel pellets" in our language. In any case, no BS talk on your blog, you have your lovely girl there too, get it?

And don't look so shocked by my answer

Martine asked...

Twink Girl! Wonderful column again!! You are so smart and wise.

Now for me to finally get some question time... Caps is always stealing the show... because he's "so cute" and "so little"!

Anyhow, my question is: I'm shy, it takes me a little under a week to get comfortable with visitors... by the time I'm finally use to them and want them to pet me and stuff they leave! Am I scaring them away??

Thanks a bunch,
Candy - Captain's sister who is just as cute and only a few pounds heavier

TVT: That's what's bothering you, Candy? Not the peanut invasion? I mean, you do realize that the peanut trumps both you and your brother, right? Moving on, I think that you are just fine the way you are. I suspect it's your humans who want you to be more outgoing. What do they know? They only have two legs. We love you just the way you are.

Who's stealing the show again?

(lame excuse to host baby P's photo on my blog)

Stella asked...

Hey Twinkums!

A certain Stella and a certain Jo really knew what they were doing when they named you Advice Columnist! Excellent work!

A very handsome portrait of you as well, Twink, where you gonna hang it?

Cheers,
Jo and Stella

TVT: I can't reach. I asked M to hang it for me but all she does is take it from one location to another muttering, "not good enough". I think the answer is … everywhere! Now make sure you slow down for our ma!

Stella posing for her portrait

misskyliem asked...

Hi Twinkie, long time reader, first time commenter... I wanted to get your opinion on the lack of quality posting my Mommy has allowed me to do. Should I fire her? Do you know anyone looking for a job, I would be willing to pay in stuffies and the occasional bonus bone.
Thank you!

Licks,
Kylie

TVT: Firing the mommy is always a last resort and I would advice you against it. I don't know you well, but I'd guess that it's the mommy that feeds you, correct? I rest my case. If however you don't choose to follow my advice, "Will work for stuffies and bones."

(and she looks so smart!)

Kira The BeaWootiful asked...

Wooos Twinkie! Such great advice woo give. I think the other Khyra should have a kitten too.
We are so sorry we gave woo Mom a scare, can my Mom say "awww" to the kittens now????
~husky kisses~
-Kira The BeaWootiful

TVT: Your mom can yell AWWW to the world from the rooftop now that she's back to sculpting and the pain is mostly gone. I had a chat with my mom and told her not to be oversensitive. She said she'd try. Please awww all you want. I can't stand censorship.

Awww, beawootiful and nauti!

Mango asked...

Cut back on foodables???? I think you need your license revoked.

Slobbers,
mango

TVT: And you're not going to find a girlfriend (except maybe for Miss Kylie's mommy).

A fine specimen of a Mango

Khyra And Sometimes Her Mom asked...

I am khurrently khultivating a phloof shrub - maybe that khould be of interest to those khanines that are phloofly challenged!

As fur a khytten of my own...BroFur and Butterskhotch aren't mine - they live in the neighbourhood but are fed by the nice people in the house BroFur was photographed at - we just provided the khondo fur them...

I'll let woo decide which one khomplements me the best - just box it up and ship it to Pawsylvania!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
PeeEssWoo: Did woo know it takes me TEN days to khonsume as much kibble as RH does in ONE???

TVT: I didn't know but I'll take your word for it. You're a lady! 

Ehem

houndstooth asked...

Thank you dearly for your advice, Twink! As always, you are most wise in your insights! I'm also thrilled to see that there are dogs out there willing to contribute to my new fur fund! I think I'm going to start collecting it all and then attach it at the end of the summer.

Have you seen the new trend for dogs where they get temporary tattoos? Why would they want temporary ones when they could have real ones like mine?

Bunny

TVT: Because temporary ones don't hurt, they are non-toxic, go on easily and wash off in a flash. Besides, dogs are for the main part noncommittal and polygamous. What is a dog to do when they switch partners when they have their previous lover's tattoo permanently stamped on them? 

Bunny contemplating getting a temporary tattoo of her mom, the love of her life

Lola asked...

Twinkie, this was such an awesome post it's almost overwhelming to try to respond to it. Advice, kittens and that amazing portrait. Wow. I guess one of the kitties should be named Twix just for that alone, huh?

I have to say, though, Bunny's question inspired me to ask if you have any advice for a somewhat similar problem that I have. Ears. I hardly have any. The don't stand up at attention or flap in the breeze and their smallness makes me extra prone to infections, too, since it's not just the outside that's small. Sometimes I wish I had floppy ears or even pointy ones that stand up tall. I tried some fake ones at Easter, but they didn't seem to help much. Any advice on how I could get some awesome doggy ears?

wags, Lola

TVT: Ears! You seriously want me to talk about your dog ear problems? Fine, dog ear infection it is. I think that as with all sharpeis you shouldn't have lost so much weight so suddenly. Isn't that why you all have those extra folds? In any case, you should continue practicing good hygiene, clip the fur inside your ears, wipe them every time they get wet (the sofa is perfect for that), and you can also wipe them with a solution of one part apple cider or white vinegar and two parts water (warmed up for your comfort). Another natural remedy is to apply garlic oil, a natural antibiotic, in your ears, and rub them gently for a few seconds. Now shake! 

Seriously now, what's wrong with your ears?

Tucker asked...

Twinkie - Canz I trade my evil kitty brother in for one of your new cutie patootie kittens? Also, while I'm at it I'll trade kitty sister Ellie. It's a 2 for 1 deal dontcha wanna take it?

woof - Tucker

TVT: Um, Tucker, it's a 2 for 5 deal. Clear it with your parents and you're on! We're swapping kittens asap. I knew you weren't just a pretty face. 

I'll take that cake too with the kitties, thank you.

Frankie the Chiweenie asked. . . 

Yo, sis. What happened to the newborn kittens? 

TVT: What do you mean you dufus? They're eating us out of home and kibble. They're 11 days old today and I can't wait to find them their forever homes, unlike M. 

Marilyn, aka Trouble, aka ....

Now go take on the day! 

Twinkie Van Twinkerson

A Day In The Life Of A Chiweenie

My name is Frankie and I'm a chiweenie. I am an AKC Canine Good Citizen brindle chiweenie and I'm only a puppy. I am a rescue dog, a puppy mill reject, and I now have a forever home and lots of furry siblings. This is how I like to spend my day. . .

I'm not an early riser

I like to stay in my warm bed for as long as possible

Since I'm not fully potty trained  yet, sometimes I even pee near where I sleep so that I can crawl back under the warm comfortable covers

I love dog chews, don't we all?

That dog treat is looking at me

 I love to chew on juicy bones,yum!

Dog treats are my favorite, after human treats

Speaking of human treats, I love whipped cream!

I also love to play

This is me playing with Dexter the doxie

I am pretty athletic and love to ride horses and I take regular horseback riding lessons

Now, I need to go back to doing what I do best

Zzz

That's the life!

Frankie the Bratwurst 

The Bone Marrow Feast

It's a dog-day cinderella story. One day I was broken and sick in an alley in downtown Los Angeles, and the next I'm chewing on yummy marrow bones with my pals, after a long dog hiking adventure.

Lately my pack and I have been hiking with a pair of rhodesian ridgebacks. They've introduced us to many fabulous trails and creeks where we've had endless fun. At first, I, a teacup chihuahua, was left behind because of my size because we were worried that the robust rhodies might step on me. Recently, we decided to give it a shot. It went really well and we've all been hiking together ever since. But it's not just our hikes I look forward to. The rhodies are superb hosts and they are both great at sharing. Visiting them at home is the equivalent of a child going to Disneyland for the first time. My favorite attractions at the rhodies' is that the grounds are like a bone cemetery. At any given time, they have at least four juicy loaded marrow bones lying around with my name on them, or so I like to think.

Our gracious host, Hank, welcoming us at the door

"Welcome to my home, Twinkie and pack."

Our spotted senior dog, always gets the first taste of dog treat

Spotted dog is tolerant of brindle dog, phew!

But if you look closely, you'll see that she's not too happy about it

As long as she puts up with it, we're okay

Spotted dog was right to be concerned about her marrow bone

The little brindle dog does have the tendency to . . .

. . . devour it

I am always happy to assist with the devouring part

I have developed a technique that only small dogs can use. Take notes: The large dogs, cannot, I repeat, cannot get their big snouts in there. The best dog tongues in the world couldn't empty this fine bone. This is where my technique and size come into play. I use my front paws like spoons. I stick them in there, scoop out a nice appetizer size bite, and then I eat it off my toe nails. The large dogs have no option but to drool and stare at me in wonderment. 

Over and out!

Twinkie

Horse Show Time

Life is a basket of kittens lately, so I was relieved when I heard that we were going to a horse show. I also hadn't seen my barn friends in ages. 

I received the most warm welcome, that included a belly rub

The crazy chiweenie shared carrots with the fun police, the blue heeler, Madi

The chimeanie, Trixie was there too

Frankie had to remain alert after the last chimeanie attack.

"Mommy!"

 Holly, the blue heeler, wanted to play ball, by herself!

I stayed close to M, after our last dog hiking adventure.

In this photo, I'm on M's lap biting my sissy's paw

Out of the blue, this large gift basket appeared and guess what!

It was full of dog treats and toys! Some of the treats were even homemade dog treats! Yum!

We all got some, although I must say, I was embarrassed by the chiweenie's manners

My main job for the day was to guard the food with my life

I am good at my job

At the end of the horse show, I was rather fatigued. As for the chiweenie, she passed out again. 

I wish every day was horse barn day! 

Twinkie

Ultrasonic Bark Control Systems | Stop Barking Dogs Safely

We recently posted a product review for the PetZoom. We were amazed at how effective this handheld device was, yet, it was used sparingly in our home until we became certain about certain issues, especially its safety. So how do ultrasonic bark control systems really work? How do you stop barking dogs safely?

An ultrasonic pet trainer emits an ultrasonic pitch audible to dogs and cats, but not to humans. Dogs and cats are able to hear frequencies the human ear cannot pick up.They are recommended for all dog and cats and their owners, but can also be used by innocent bikers and hikers since they claim to keep unknown animals away. Their effectiveness is generally debatable, but in our case it worked from day one. Do not forget that the best alternative to any bark control device is proper training along with daily exercise.


There are several types of ultrasonic bark control devices, but this post deals mostly with the inexpensive handheld ones because we've tested those. We were so satisfied that we're going to step this up by adding an outdoor ultrasonic bark control unit. In brief, the alternatives include the most common and readily available dog collar mounted type which, just like the other types, is activated by the sound of the bark. Some of the collar types provide a remote control unit leaving it up to the dog owner to trigger the correction. Another type of ultrasonic bark control is designed to work indoors. Those too can either be automatically triggered or controlled by the owner and they have variable  radius.

We hear all the time about mass recalls on products previously considered safe. Take spot-on dog flea treatment, for example. Many generations of canines were treated by their loving owners with this type of flea control treatment, and it wasn't until recently when the FDA announced that the majority is killing and injuring tens of thousands of dogs each year. While we can't predict what the future will bring, we still wanted to do a thorough research as to the safety of ultrasonic bark control systems. 

For starters, ultrasonic technology is FDA approved. The manufacturers and experts all concur that this type of product hasn't been around long enough, but based on it's short history in the market, it is considered safe, pet friendly, and humane. It is considered "natural" and painless. Ultrasonic pet trainers are favored over shock collars and other training devices because they are considered both harmless and effective. 

These are the only caution statements we found during our research: Never place the ultrasonic pet trainer directly next to any pet's ear or even any human's. The high intensity sound could be harmful in the same manner as any loud audible sound would when held against an ear. Never push the correction button for more than a second or two maximum. 

Wide range Outdoor Ultrasonic Dog Bark Control Product considerations:

 

Dog Silencer Pro                                  Bark Free

Now that we have witnessed the miracle of the affordable PetZoom, confirmed how it works and that it is indeed safe and humane, we're considering purchasing the Dog Silencer Pro, a unit that has a 300 foot range and that comes equipped with a remote control unit and can be used both indoors and outdoors. The unit has a built-in sensor with a 75 ft sound sensor range. Because the Dog Silencer Pro costs between $80-100, we're also considering the less expensive Bark Free unit that sells for under $50. The Bark Free unit has a range of 25 feet and does not come with a remote control but it gets good reviews. Stay tuned.

Twinkie

Hiking Without The Teacup Chihuahua | The Perils of Hiking With Dogs

Hiking with dogs is a lot of fun, until one fine day, you find yourself hiking without dogs...

I, Twinkie Twinkerson, the teacup chihuahua, messed up! I messed up big time and I'm here to confess. Yesterday, my pack joined the two rhodesian ridgebacks for a hike. Little did we know, it was going to be the dog hiking experience of the century.

We met at the creek. My pack (my senior sissy, the crazy chiweenie, and I) got there first and when the enormous rhodies showed up we were overwhelmed by the warm welcome. We said our "hellos" (picture the butt-sniff train), and off we went. Our moms are good friends and they started to chat endlessly. After the first half hour, I, Twinkie, the three legged teacup chihuahua, decided to take off. I smelled something I simply couldn't resist and I broke away from the group for just one moment. Before I knew it, I had lost my pack. I looked everywhere for them, and I was starting to panic because even though I act tough, I've not been away from my mommy since my gotcha day. In the beginning, I tried to distract myself, smelling the bushes, the horse poop, and drank fresh water from the creek. Still, no pack in sight. My little heart was sinking as I started making circles looking for my family and friends. I missed them all so much and didn't know what to do. So, I made a decision. I walked all the way back to our brand new car, which I was hoping I'd recognize. I was very lonely and I was shaking all over, I was that nervous!

I was so sad when I got to the car. Nobody was there waiting for me. I looked back and I could tell I was really far away from my pack. Since I couldn't come up with a better idea, I decided to hang by the car, which luckily I recognized, but there were three dogs on a balcony across from where we were parked and they were barking at me. If M was there she surely would have used her ultrasonic dog bark control thingy. I was desperate, but they wouldn't stop yelling and it was very hot in the sun, so I decided to hide under the car until help arrived.

Ages later, or so it seemed to this scared puppy, my auntie pulled up in her car. My auntie? My favorite auntie, here, now? I waited for her to get out of the car and went straight to her. She looked down at me, as if she expected to see me, and she took me gently up her arms. Safe at last, but what was wrong with my auntie? She was crying! I clung to her as she made her way down the creek path with me in her arms.

Out of nowhere I heard a woman screaming my name. For a split second, I couldn't recognize the weird husky hysterical voice, and all of a sudden, it hit me. It was my mom. She was looking for me. Auntie started yelling M's name at the same time. When M and I could finally see each other, something weird happened. M fell down and started to sob. I felt very bad. I knew it was my fault and I hate to watch my mommy cry. She got up fast, ran to me, and grabbed me from my auntie. Auntie took off. Then with the rest of my pack in tow we started running fast deep into the creek. Now M was yelling Hank's name, my rhodesian friend's. I was confused but at least now I was in my mom's shirt, safe and comfortable. She had taken my leash and used it as a belt, tightening it around her shirt, to keep me in place, like a kangaroo. We kept running like this for at least half an hour. Near the end M was yelling both Hank's name and some not so pleasant words. Where we lost again?

Finally, M, very concerned about all the running about and what it's effects on our senior dog would be, took us all to the car and left. I wished she'd kept me in her shirt, but at least I was safe and I was reunited with my pack. They had all been frantically looking for me.

About half an hour later, M returned, dirty, sweaty, but smiling, and she was accompanied by her friend and the rhodies. It was the rhodies' mom's turn to start sobbing. I felt so bad. I started waiving my front paws at her and when she got close enough I jumped on her lap rubbing my head all over her, trying to explain that I was both sorry and okay. She forgave me, I know because afterwards she gave me a huge marrow bone, my favorite dog treat.

I am so sorry! I will never leave my pack again. I will not leave my mommy. I will be a good girl and if I want to keep my off-leash privileges, I will stay close to my pack.

Luckily, it all ended well and we got home late that night tired and hungry. My geriatric sissy had her senior dog supplements and a Rimadyl and she's fine today.

Hiking with a tiny dog is a challenge. The perils are numerous, from large prey birds, to coyotes, fast moving water that can carry a small dog, rattle snakes . . . and the list goes on. M is not giving up our hikes. She is going to be taking new measures though. We shall see what those will be, but I know she's already made up her mind.

Hiking with dogs is fun, but one must be cautious and alert at all times

Go hug your mom!

* * *

Update for the kitten lovers: I've been getting some smart comments from furiends who are teasing me about kitten blog invasions, take overs, and coups. Enough cats on my blog for my taste. I'm going to be posting frequent updates and almost daily photos and videos, over here: Pregnant Cat Info. Today's photos along with an adorable video can be found by clicking here: Kitten Pictures.

Oh, what the pizzle! Here are some kitten pictures:

 Go away bro

Oh, fine! Hug?

My kitten sure could smell better

I guess it's bath time

(even kittens get bathed)

Marilyn's debut

(we call her that temporarily because of the beauty mark)

Okay, now I'm really done. Bye bye.

Twink!

Hiking With A Senior Dog Sometimes Is Not An Option

Our Linguini may be a senior citizen suffering from dog arthritis and some nasty dog tumors, but with proper care, she's still able to enjoy her life and go dog hiking. Our friend Olivia though, is not so fortunate. Olivia is 13.5 years old, exactly three years older than our Linguini. She's mostly blind, her joints are stiff and she has difficulty walking. A dog in her condition, should not go hiking. Do not feel sorry for her. She's one happy senior dog and she has a wonderfully attentive family. We welcomed a break from the newborn kittens* and we invited Olivia over for a fun day in our yard, a supposedly controlled environment. 

Double the pleasure

Linguini (front) is a dalmatian and german shorthaired pointer mix. She's on K-9 Liquid Health, a dog joint supplement that has visibly helped her with her dog arthritis issues. 

Olivia (back) is a pure bred Dalmatian. She's on Petco's Senior Stage Joint Support and her mom says she saw a big improvement too. 

Olivia's mommy, Ms. Cyndy Wood, is Frankie's trainer, and she's the one we have to thank for Frankie's passing the AKC Canine Good Citizen test. Without Cyndy, I'm not so sure the  oversensitive chiweenie would have made it. Cyndy is focused on positive training only!

"I know you're not my sissy, you impostor!"

Frankie and I were not easily fooled. Not only did this dalmatian have fewer spots than ours, she's also brown. She may be beautiful, but first I had to make sure she was nice. She sure was. We spent hours exploring our own yard through her eyes and nose. 

Happy senior dog escapes drowning

Poor Ms. Olivia, is partially blind and is lacking depth perception. Olivia went to the side of the pool and put her paw hesitantly down. Splash! In she went, the camera went flying somewhere off to the side of the pool, as her mom and my mom were trying to help her out. Olivia came out of the pool, totally unaware of the panic she had caused, wagging her tail happily and then she immediately enjoyed rolling on the lawn. She seemed invigorated, excited and not at all traumatized. Can't say the same about the poor bipeds. They were shaking as well. 

Senior dog reflections

The rest of the day went on smoothly as my pack did not feel at all threatened by Olivia's sweet disposition. We got tons of dog treats, one of the perks of being friends with a dog trainer, and we can't wait to have Olivia and her mommy back. 

Happy senior dog

At the end of her visit, Olivia, happy and spent, got in the car where she was secured in her dog car seat with her harness and the seat belt. In her case, the seat belt not only keeps her safe in case of an accident, it also keeps her more secure and comfortable because otherwise she can't balance very well in a moving vehicle. We waived bye bye from our driveway. 

Twinkie

* If you don't want a break from the kittens today, Here's the latest kitten video