UPDATED Pics and Story: Dachshund Acts As Mom To Baby Piglet

I just received an update on the story I posted earlier this week: Dachshund Acts As Mom To Baby Piglet. We have word that little Pink the premature piglet is now 3 weeks old and doing well.

Here’s the story I received by email this morning:

“He (Pink) was born premature to one of my sows. She had 12 babies and he was the only one born with his eyes sealed shut. Piglets normally are born with their eyes open and they are ready to nurse within a few minutes. Pink was so tiny and he didn’t have any suck reflex. We were in the barn almost the entire night and we just kept him under the heat lamp/head mat. We didn’t think he would live, but he did! Before we went to the house, my husband tried again to get him to nurse. He squeezed some milk into his mouth and got some colostrum into him. I took him to the house to see if Tink would nurse him. She had only had 1 puppy a few days before and she was also fostering 2 other puppies from my other litter. My other doxie had a total of 7 pups (her first litter) and I was afraid it would be too hard on her. I gave Tink 2 of her pups and she was so happy to have more puppies. She was even happier when I gave her the pig to nurse.

She licked him all over and let him nurse. Pink took right to Tink and nursed on her. That’s the story behind the pictures.”

More adorable images of Pink the Piglet and Tink the Dachshund mother:

Pink on Valentine’s Day

Pink at 2 Weeks

If you haven’t already read the first article about Pink and Tink then go to the following link and check out the adorable images and heartwarming story: Dachshund Acts As Mom To Baby Piglet.

I hope you enjoyed the updated pictures and story of Pink the piglet and Tink the mommy Dachshund. Thank you to Momma J for keeping us updated. If I hear any news on Pink and Tink I’ll be sure to keep you updated here on the Puppy In Training blog.

Update 03/18/2008 - We just received the latest news and added a new article to the blog:
The Latest News on Piglet Adopted by Dachshund

Update 03/06/2008 - For additional information The Daily Dachshund and Dog News has been keeping tabs on this story as well:
A Piglet Joins A Dachshund Litter
New Photos of Dachshund and Piglet: Not Fakes!

Too Cute: Dog Adopts Baby Goat [PICS]

While shuffling through Digg I came across this story on a Dog who adopts a baby goat. I decided to try the “blog it” feature on Digg to see how it posts information to my blog. It worked okay and sent a little information with a link to the digg article, but not much else.

Here’s a little information straight from the story:

“Billy the boxer has become the constant companion of the 12-day old kid called Lilly. He sleeps with the goat, licks her clean, and protects her from any dangers at Pennywell Farm wildlife centre at Buckfastleigh, near Totnes, Devon.”

This picture comes directly from the Daily Mail website. If you want to check out more pictures and the rest of this story click the more tab below and it will take you directly to the Daily Mail story: Paternal dog Billy takes on an unusual kid.

I hope everyone likes this post and my experimentation with Digg’s “blog it” feature. I’ll get back to some of my normal posts and more original content tomorrow.

read more | digg story

Puppy Adoption - Molly The Lab Mix

If you are considering puppy adoption, I highly recommend visiting one of your local puppy/dog rescues. In past articles I’ve talked to you about the puppy/dog rescue, Cuddly Canines. I want to do my best to help place these puppies by profiling each puppy, litter of puppies, and dogs on this blog.

***Note this dog may already be adopted as I will keep this information in my archive. Please check the Cuddly Canines website for the most recent puppies up for adoption.

Molly The Lab Mix

Molly

Molly is a 10 month old Lab mixed with something equally as sweet! She is a lovely girl who gets along great with other dogs & loves children. She was in a foster home with a 2 year old child & simply adored her. Molly is learning her basic commands & is very smart. She is crate trained & has very nice house manners. Molly would make a lovely family pet.

What is a Lab Mix?

Molly is a Lab mix puppy. Because we know she might be mostly Labrador Retriever she may exhibit the temperament and traits of a Lab.

AKC Boxer Breed Standard temperament:

Labradors are a well-balanced and versatile breed, adaptable to a wide range of functions as well as making very good pets. As a rule they are not excessively prone to being territorial, pining, insecurity, aggression, destructiveness, hypersensitivity, or other difficult traits which sometimes manifest in a variety of breeds, and as the name suggests, they are excellent retrievers. As an extension of this, they instinctively enjoy holding objects and even hands or arms in their mouths, which they can do with great gentleness (a Labrador can carry an egg in its mouth without breaking it).

Are you interested in adopting?

If you are interested in adopting Molly please visit the Cuddly Canines website. If you happen to adopt Molly please remember, it’s never too early or too late to start her on her training. If you are interested in puppy adoption or fostering here are a few other articles you might enjoy:

Puppy Adoption And Fostering
Dedicated To My Dog Linus

Of course, Molly is not the only dog being fostered by Cuddly Canines. Please visit their website to see the most current pictures of all their dogs and puppies.

I’d love to hear what you have to say about this article. Is puppy adoption in your future? Do you want to try puppy fostering? If so, please visit the Cuddly Canines website.

Dachshund Acts As Mom To Baby Piglet

I came across this great email today about a piglet named Pink who was adopted by a Dachshund and her litter of puppies. This one reminds of yesterday’s article about Cashew and Libby the seeing eye cat. Once again an animal that knows what needs to be done and takes this little piglet and treats him as if he was won of her own.

Here’s the story straight from my email:

“This new mom is also fostering this piglet for another mom who couldn’t take care of him. He had his eyes closed, but now they are open. He is just a little bigger than her other pups. She loves this little guy more than the other puppies and she is nursing him back to health. He is the cleanest ‘puppy’ ever because she licks him all the time.”

This is “Pink” short for Pig and Tink (Tink is the mother Dachshund).

Pink and the puppies nursing.

He nurses all the time.

Sleeping with his siblings.

He is sooo cute!

Tink is very protective over Pink.

She keeps him close to her.

The family sleeping zzzz.

It’s amazing to see animals of completely different species take care of one and other. We don’t see it everyday, but a couple come to my mind including yesterday’s story about Cashew and Libby the seeing eye cat and I’ve also read about a 100 year old tortoise acting as mom to a hippo. These stories remind me of what we’re doing with Guide Dogs and how special it is for us to help create such a wonderful bond between dogs and humans.

What do you think about Pink, Tink, and her litter of puppies? Have you heard of similar stories? If so let me know in the comments area or send me an email and I’ll try and post the story to this blog.

Updated 03/18/2008 - We just received the latest news and added a new article to the blog:
The Latest News on Piglet Adopted by Dachshund

Updated 02/29/2008 - I added an updated article to this blog with more information and pictures of Pink, Tink, and the puppies at Updated Pics and Story: Dachshund Acts As Mom To Baby Piglet.

Seeing Eye Cat - Cashew And Libby

I came across the story of Cashew and Libby on our Orange County Guide Dogs of America website. It’s the story about Cashew a 14 year old yellow lab who is blind and deaf. You may be wondering how does Cashew get around? Cashew’s best friend is a cat named Libby who acts as Cashew’s Seeing Eye Cat and helps Cashew avoid obstacles and leads her to her food.

Here’s the full article on Cashew and Libby:

An Eye On You

Cashew, the 14-year-old lab is blind and deaf. Her best friend is 7-year-old Libby, her seeing-eye cat. Libby steers Cashew away from obstacles and leads her to food. Every night she sleeps next to her. The only time they are apart is when Cashew goes for a walk. Without this cat, Cashew would be lost and very, very lonely. Amazing but true: this is one animal that knows what needs to be done and does it day in and day out for her friend. - - Terry Burns

That’s an absolutely amazing story. I’m currently raising Stetson to be a Seeing Eye Dog for Guide Dogs of America. He will be trained and hopefully someday become a full fledged guide dog. However, this cat has taken it upon herself to step into the role of Seeing Eye Cat. So, I guess it’s true that some animals choose to and enjoy working as assistance animals. Libby proves it by helping her friend Cashew day in and day out.

What do you think? Do you know of any other incredible stories like this one? Do you know of another seeing eye cat? If so let me know in the comments area…or send me an email and I’ll post it in my blog.

Kitty Vs. Puppy - The Age Old Battle

It’s Friday again and time for me to post some of my puppy humor. Well maybe not so much humor, but some cute pictures to help ease you through the end of the week. Today we check in with images across the internet and confront the age old battle of Kitty vs. Puppy. What side will you take? The ferocious Kitty with razor sharp claws and instincts to attack it’s prey at the most unsuspecting moments. Or do you prefer the descendant of the wolf…the puppy dog and his sharp as daggers teeth, large canines and flesh ripping jaws. Also a viscous hunter reknowned for his hunting abilities as a pack animal.

Without further adieu Puppy In Training is proud to present to you The Age Old Battle - Kitty Vs. Puppy….

Let’s Get Ready To Rummmbbbblllllle!!!

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Kitty Vs. Puppy

Battle #1 Chihuahua Vs. Kitty

As you can see from this image the battle has just begun. The Chihuahua, one of the smallest of dog breeds, plans on yapping this kitty into submission. What you can’t see in this picture is the cunningness of the kitty as he plans his destruction of the unsuspecting Chihuahua.

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Battle #2 Tri-Color Puppy Vs. Kitty

Yes!!! You can see from this picture that the battle has begun. It appears that the kitty has the upper hand with the wrestling position on top of the puppy, but as you can see from this picture the puppy has just swiped the kitty across the face with an uppercut from his left paw causing the kitty to squint in pain…

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Battle #3 Shepherd Mix Vs. Kitty

The war between Kitty and Puppy has spilled out into the streets. This kitty has the size and agility advantage over our little shepherd mix puppy. However, take a look at the powerful jaw of this puppy, canines exposed (you need to zoom in to see the canines), and ready to attack the jugular!

It’s difficult to declare a champion through just these three images. The battle will wage on…I’ll let you be the judge. In the comments area let me know who you think has the edge in the battle between Kitty and Puppy.

Cuddly Canines Adoption Event

Cuddly Canines is having an adoption event this Sunday, February 24 at the Petsmart in Aliso Viejo, CA. I try to highlight at least one dog or litter of puppies from the Cuddly Canines website here on my blog every week.

If you haven’t read some of my other posts, I’ve worked as a volunteer foster parent for Cuddly Canines and have had the pleasure of taking care of both litters of puppies and full grown dogs. If you have the chance I highly recommend you visiting Cuddly Canines during this adoption day.

Here are the details:

• What:Cuddly Canines Adoption Event
• Where: Petsmart 26761 Aliso Creek Road, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
• When: Sunday, February 24th 11am - 4pm

This is Bella an Australian Shepherd Mix up for adoption

 

From Cuddly Canines Website: “We will have many dogs & pups there, so come meet your new family member.”

If you’re interested in a dog or puppy please visit the Cuddly Canines Adoption Event this Sunday. I’m not too sure which puppies will be at this event, so check out the website to see what puppies and dogs are available for adoption through Cuddly Canines.

 

Puppy Adoption - Australian Shepherd Mix

If you are considering puppy adoption, I highly recommend visiting one of your local puppy/dog rescues. In past articles I’ve talked to you about the puppy/dog rescue, Cuddly Canines. I want to do my best to help place these puppies by profiling each puppy, litter of puppies, and dogs on this blog.

***Note this dog may already be adopted as I will keep this information in my archive. Please check the Cuddly Canines website for the most recent puppies up for adoption.

Bella The Australian Shepherd Mix Puppy

Bella

Adorable Bella is a 3 month old Australian Shepherd mixed with ??? She is a happy playful girl who has lots of energy & a fun disposition.

She would do great in an active family who could take her on walks, camping trips, etc. Bella is very smart & would excel in agility training. Bella currently weighs about 15 pounds.

What is an Australian Shepherd Mix?

Bella is said to be an Australian Shepherd mix puppy. Because we know she might be mostly Australian Shepherd she may exhibit the temperament and traits of an Australian Shepherd.

From Wikipedia on Australian Shepherd temperament:

Generally the breed is an energetic dog that requires exercise and enjoys working, whether it is learning and practicing tricks, competing in dog agility, or any other physically and mentally involving activity. Other Aussies would rather be with their humans and enjoying being couch potatoes. It is usually a sweet and affectionate dog who is faithful to its owners and should be good with children. Most Australian Shepherds make wonderful family dogs, provided there is at least one shepherd-figure to act as a leader and mentor to the dog.

My shelter dog, Linus is an Australian Shepherd mix and displays the “rather be with their humans and enjoys being a couch potato” temperament. Linus is very easy going, smart, protective, and on the timid side.

Are you interested in adopting?

If you are interested in adopting Bella please visit the Cuddly Canines website. If you happen to adopt Bella please remember, it’s never too early or too late to start her on her training. If you are interested in puppy adoption or fostering here are a few other articles you might enjoy:

Puppy Adoption And Fostering
Dedicated To My Dog Linus

Of course, Bella is not the only dog being fostered by Cuddly Canines. Please visit their website to see the most current pictures of all their dogs and puppies.

Cuddly Canines is having their adoption event Sunday February 24th from 11am-4pm in Aliso Viejo. Click the link for more information: Cuddly Canines Adoption Event.

I’d love to hear what you have to say about this article. Is puppy adoption in your future? Do you want to try puppy fostering? If so, please visit the Cuddly Canines website.

Assistance Dogs vs. Therapy Dogs - What’s The Difference?

There is often confusion between Assistance Dogs vs. Therapy Dogs. I’m embarrassed to say that me…your resident expert has gotten them confused in the recent past. In addition you have many other designations including Service Dogs, Hearing Dogs, and Guide Dogs. It can all get a little confusing if you don’t have the exact definition handy. That’s why this article was spawned, to help clarify the differences between these dogs.

What Is An Assistance Dog?

As defined by Wikipedia - “An assistance dog is a dog trained to help a person with a disability in daily life. Many are trained by a specific organization, while others are trained by their handler (sometimes with the help of a professional trainer)”

These are the three types of assistance dogs:

• Guide Dog - A guide dogs is trained to assist the blind or visually impaired.
• Service Dog - ADI Website Definition - ” Service Dogs assist disabled people by retrieving objects that are out of their reach, by pulling wheelchairs, opening and closing doors, turning light switches off and on, barking for alert, finding another person, assisting ambulatory persons to walk by providing balance and counterbalance and many other individual tasks as needed by a disabled person.”
• Hearing Dog or Signal Dogs - Hearing or Signal Dogs are trained to assist the deaf or hard of hearing.

What Is A Therapy Dog

As defined by Wikipedia - “Therapy Dog refers to a dog trained to provide affection and comfort to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, mental institutions, schools, and stressful situations such as disaster areas.”

What Rights Do These Dogs Have?

Therapy Dogs are not Assistance Dogs. Assistance dogs are used to assist humans and are allowed in most public areas. Assistance Dogs are legally protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. However, Therapy Dogs do not provide direct assistance to humans and are not mentioned in the Americans with Disabilities Act. An institution may invite or prohibit a therapy dog from entering their facilities and usually have rigorous requirements for therapy dogs who are allowed to enter.

Stetson The Guide Dog Puppy In Training

Stetson is my Guide Dogs of America puppy in training. My hope is that Stetson will pass all of his training and be partnered with a blind or vision impaired person as a full fledged guide dog. However, if he does not make it as a guide dog my plan is to certify him as a Therapy dog. I’ve already taken my first step in preparation by working on Stetson’s training and passing the Canine Good Citizen Test. Either way, whether Stetson becomes a Guide Dog, a Therapy Dog, or just a pet I’ll be proud of him.

So to sum up Guide, Service, and Hearing dogs are types of Assistance Dogs and are trained to help people with a disability in daily life. A Therapy dog provides affection and comfort to people in hospitals, retirement homes, etc. Assistance Dogs are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act and can go most places the public can go. Therapy Dogs are not protected by any federal laws and must be invited in order to enter an institution.

Hopefully this article helps clarify the difference between Assistance Dogs and Therapy Dogs.

Do you currently own an Assistance or Therapy Dog? Please tell me about your experiences in the comments area.

My Favorite Puppy Training Tip

After my last post on 5 Easy Steps To House Training Your Puppy I wanted to give you a little piece of advice on training. I’ve heard lots of great advice from many different trainers, but this has to be my favorite training tip that I first heard at Sue Myles training class when Linus was a puppy. I also came across this tip again while reading through another great blog, The Days of Johann, an agility dog!

Unfortunately (for me) I had to use this training tip many times while raising Stetson and Linus.

My Favorite Puppy Training Tip

A rolled up newspaper can be an effective training tool when used properly. For instance, use the rolled-up newspaper if your dog chews something or has a housebreaking accident.

Take the rolled-up newspaper and hit yourself over the head as you repeat the phrase, “I FORGOT TO WATCH MY DOG, I FORGOT TO WATCH MY DOG.” If your dog laughs at you when you do this, praise him.

I wasn’t really sure where this training tip came from, but found the following reference on The Days of Johann, an agility dog! website:

Credit goes to: Author: from “Dog Talk” by John Ross and Barbara McKinney.

My favorite part is “If your dog laughs at you when you do this, praise him.” Give the puppy below monster praise…I believe they call that ROFL - Rolling On the Floor Laughing!

Do you have any great training tips you’d like to share? Please feel free to share any training tips in the comments area.

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