Best Pooch

About six months ago, after finally landing a job, my daughter moved 1500 miles away. Her boyfriend travels a lot for business, so recently she bought the puppy she has “always wanted” to keep her company.

This adorable little Beagle was about 12 weeks old and the last of the litter to leave her mom. It didn’t take too long to discover that this little girl had a big case of separation anxiety. She cried nonstop unless she was being held and very soon my daughter was at her wits end from lack of sleep, and from fear of getting kicked out of her apartment!

Health-wise the pup checked out fine, but she was too small for prescription anti-anxiety medication. She got plenty of exercise and had a large kennel which she seemed to like, however nothing seemed to work to calm her at night, or when left alone for even a few minutes. The puppy had temporarily cried/barked herself hoarse and we were scrambling to find a solution before she found her voice again.

A chamomile collar seemed to help the symptoms a little - for about a day. Then I found a product online that seemed to be getting good feedback, but the price seemed a little high ($40-$50 range). Being the online shopper that I am though, (clears throat) I found it at almost half that price HERE. It’s called Comfort Zone with D.A.P., and it looks like one of those plug-in air fresheners. Even though I had my doubts, I bought one and a refill and had it shipped to my daughter via priority mail (2 day delivery).

Plugged in near where the puppy’s crate is kept (out of her reach, of course) – it started working that first day! She slept much better and the whining and incessant barking was greatly reduced. Apparently the D.A.P. in the diffuser is a synthetic pheromone that mimics the type of “appeasing pheromones” emitted from nursing female dogs, which have a calming effect on pups.

After the first week, the diffuser no longer needed to be plugged in 24 hrs a day, and it is now only used when she is going to be left alone for several hours. I am sure that results vary depending on the type of dog and/or it’s history, but Comfort Zone is definitely a safe option that is worth a shot when you are confronted with doggie anxiety problems.

Since the First Family’s selection of a Portuguese Water Dog as their new addition, many people who had never heard of the breed are now considering getting one of their own. Hopefully these people are doing their homework and researching the breed to see whether or not a Portuguese Water Dog is the right dog for their lifestyle and living conditions, before bringing one home.

While they are great dogs, there are some things you should know about them first, before looking for a reputable breeder, and they are:

• Portuguese Water Dogs, also called Porties, can make good apartment dogs, as long as they get enough exercise. They tend to be quiet around the home – a plus for apartment living.

• The approximate size of an adult would be 16 to 22 inches to the withers and between 35 and 55 pounds.

• They are energetic dogs and need a minimum of 30 minutes to an hour of brisk exercise every day, so if you were a jogger they would make a great companion on your runs.

• If they do not get enough exercise, they can become destructive.

• Unbelievably smart, fun-loving, people friendly and highly-trainable are all traits of the breed.

• They love (and need) toys – they especially love to chew, so provide them with enough chew toys in order to prevent your furniture or other belongings from becoming a chew-target.

• Portuguese Water Dogs are very intelligent and love to learn new things, however you must keep the training challenging and entertaining in order to keep him/her from getting bored.

• This breed gets along well with children and other animals, especially if socialized early.

• A big plus for those who tend to be allergic - they do not shed very much and are considered to be hypoallergenic as far as pets go. That being said, no animal is completely hypoallergenic.

• A Portuguese Water Dog is an inside dog who loves being with their family. This is not the dog to have if you want it left outside in the yard.

• These dogs love water and swimming as exercise, hence one of their characteristics – webbed feet.

• Life Span – 10 to 14 years.

• Health Considerations – As with any breed there are certain health problems that could be associated with the breed. In this case, they have been known to be predisposed to skin conditions, canine hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy (inherited disease that could cause vision loss).

• Grooming – Their curly/wavy hair needs to be brushed regularly. Ears should be kept clean and checked routinely – check with your vet for proper instructions on ear maintenance.