Dog Magazine Reviews

I've been looking at dog magazines to sort of discover what kind of information is out there. I've gotten a couple and here's my opinion.

"Dogster" I just scanned this one, but it looks like fun. The website is great!


"The Bark"  A little off the wall information on mindfulness, but mostly reality based. Some medical stuff, some training stuff, and a few bits on rescue as well as breeders. I really liked the recipes and DIY information. Supported with a significant website, as well.


"Modern Dog" Should be called, 'Pricey Dog' as there is nothing cheap listed or recommended. Dog jewelry, custom dog dishes, custom dog furniture, designer dog jackets, imported interactive dog toys... Yeah. Well above my pay grade. They did suggest a free app that I downloaded for pet first aid. Other than that, I just didn't want to spend the money, and I do plan on spoiling my puppy. I just also want to eat and heat the house.

Oddly enough, Modern Dog was $5.95 and The Bark was $6.99. Both are published quarterly. 

Flying With a Puppy

I'm expecting to fly with my puppy before he is 16 weeks old. The official limit is 8 weeks of age at a minimum, so that's not a problem. I've been reading up on what to do. The one thing I can tell is that folks who are writing some of the lists of things to do have never actually done it. They don't include  important facts.

You can't just 'call ahead' to the airline. You will have to pay about $125 per flight to fly with your dog. And some airlines charge per leg of the trip. Changing planes? Another $125.

There are limits to the number of pets per flight. If you book too late, your pet can't fly with you. Since there are different limits for first class, you might have to pay to upgrade if Fido MUST travel with you.

The seats are smaller than they used to be and they can vary from plane to plane within an airline. A pet carrier that fits under a Southwest seat might not fit under some Delta seats and be just fine under other Delta seats.

Your pet counts as one of your carry-on bags. You can't have luggage, a briefcase/purse, and your pet. To be honest, you don't want to lug three bags.

Because it may take additional time to settle your pet, you may want to board with the 'families with small children' group. It's OK.

Let the people sitting beside/in front of/behind you know you have a pet. They may not care, they may request a different seat.

Pet relief areas are now a requirement in airports due to service animal regulations. Don't expect much. You might find it in a disgusting condition, or not be able to find it at all. Look for a picture of a small dog on a leash. They used to require you to leave the secure area, but new legislation mandates pet relief areas on the secure side, too.

Addendum! I shopped long and hard for an automotive/air carrier for my dog. I selected a Sleepypod Air. It can fold down to smaller than the Sleepypod Atom if needed. I also liked what I saw on the crash test video. The Air shifted and deformed less than the Atom,  though both the Atom and the Air passed the crash test.

Dog Accessories on Pinterest and You Tube

Bon Bon has been born and will be old enough to take home BEFORE Christmas! Yahoo!!! His dam and sire produced three pups and all are male.

I've got most of the basics that will be needed. The harness I purchased is pink, but there is a chance that he will outgrow it quickly. To store his things, I got an inexpensive plastic dresser.

 I've been sewing a few things to make his arrival go a bit more smoothly. I hit a sale at the fabric store and got a bunch of polar fleece. I made a dog bed using a basket I purchased for $6.00.

I also made a couple of crate pads and a flat, rectangular bed. Hey, it's not rocket science.

Bon Bon will also need clothing. The Farmer's Almanac (and the caterpillars) are predicting a rough winter. By mid December, I am expecting it to be cold. I found a You Tube video on turning a sock into a dog sweater. Bon Bon will be coming home in a sock. Not an ordinary sock, one of the thick and woolly ones used for hunters. I don't really want to spend lots of money on XXS dog clothing for a puppy and have him out grow the clothing in a matter of weeks.

 I've been playing with patterns that I found ideas for on Pinterest. My challenge has been to create clothing for a tiny puppy that I have no idea what size it will be, other than 'really, really small.'  So far, I've made one sock-sweater, one sweatshirt sleeve sweater, and two out of polar fleece. I also made a few bows for his top knot that are masculine. The directions are on You Tube, but I used several different videos to determine what to do.

Hubster thinks the black one is for the opera and the black and blue one is for a wedding. I don't care, I just don't want Bon Bon to have pink and floofy bows.

Dog Happiness

I have been communicating with a breeder and will be (I hope!!!) taking a puppy home between Christmas and New Year's. Bon Bon will be a pure bred Yorkshire Terrier, and she will be registered with the AKC. I want to be able to see my dog interacting with her dam, sire, and siblings before I take her home.

I have decided to follow the advice of a single dog trainer, Cesar Millan, as well as the advice from the breeder and my vet. I've been watching old episodes of Cesar's TV shows, reading and listening  to his books and slowly getting ready to have my own puppy.

Why do I want a puppy?

• My husband travels for up to 10 days at a time away from the house. I want some company.
• I need a daily schedule that is consistent and motivation to keep to that schedule. 
• I need a reason to get out of the house, and goals to complete while I am out.
• I need a way to connect to other residents of this town. 
• I don't want to have to correct behavior learned from a previous owner.
• I want the responsibility of helping a puppy grow up into the dog I want her to be. 

I'm having a lot of fun preparing for Bon Bon's arrival. I get to shop, I get to make things, I get to do lots and lots of research, learn new things, identify, and solve problems. All of these things make me happy.

Reality check.  Bon Bon's dam is going to whelp around October 24, 2017. Bon Bon hasn't even been born yet! I have a deposit on file with the breeder. I have requested a female puppy. Bon Bon is still a hope and not a reality at this time.