Three Benefits of an Electric Dog Fence

Today we feature a guest post from our friends over at www.dogfencediy.com!
Read on to find out how YOU can win a $50 Amazon gift card!

We always do whatever we can to take care of our dogs. Love, attention, good food, plenty of exercise, and regular trips to the vet are just some of the things we give them to keep them safe and healthy. We also know how important it is to foster our dogs’ natural desires to roam and explore. If you’re fortunate enough to have a yard that your dog can play in, you make sure they’re kept within the boundaries of your property, far from danger.

These paws are made for walking.

Traditional fences and electric fences can both serve to enclose your property for the safety of your dog. Many people prefer traditional fences. However, there are many instances in which an electric dog fence can be advantageous. Here are some of the potential benefits of an electronic dog fence that you might want to consider.

Great for Stubborn Dogs
Some dogs are driven to escape. Dogs who like to dig, for example, will claw at the earth under a traditional fence until they’ve created their own escape route. Hunting dogs will jump over or tear through traditional fences because their instincts to chase animals on the other side are so strong. Very aggressive dogs of all breeds will also do whatever they can to break the confines of their yard when their adrenaline is rushing. An electric dog fence can better contain these types of dogs. An e-collar emits a mild static shock that deters the dog from getting close to the boundaries of the yard - preventing them from going under, over, or through the wired fence.

Versatile for Unique Yards
An underground dog fence is incredibly versatile. Traditional fences are most easily installed on leveled ground with straight lines and right angles, and it takes a significant amount of preparation to install a traditional fence in an atypical yard. Electric dog fences, on the other hand, can be easily laid across any size, shape, or type of land. Circular and asymmetrical yards, as well as yards of multiple acres, are easily enclosed with a wireless dog fence. If your property has a unique location with a beautiful view, such as of a golf course or lake, an electronic dog fence might also be a better choice. Traditional fences can obscure views and drastically change the appearance of your property. Electric fences preserve your home’s landscaping and design.

Accommodating of All Budgets
Traditional fences can cost thousands of dollars to purchase and install. If you have a modest budget, an invisible fence is a more affordable choice. Anyone can install their own electric dog fence, and it can cost as little as $300 total. Over time, electric fences also cost less in maintenance. Traditional fences are exposed to the elements and prone to damage and wear over time. Electric fences cost less to repair and do not need to be repaired nearly as often.
Please share your experiences with dog containment systems in the comments section; anyone who leaves a comment that specifically mentions their experience with dog containment systems will be entered in a drawing of a $50 Amazon gift card!
Fur disclosure: This post is published in partnership with our doggy fence friends over at www.dogfencediy.com.

Guest Post: A Day in the Life of a Wire-Haired Dachshund in India

by Ms. Champi
(as told to Minal Hajratwala)

7:30AM – My cook arrives. Go to kitchen to supervise cooking of mutton, rice, daal, carrot.  Gaze up lovingly at her.

Note to self: Do not bite the hand that feeds me.  Even though it would taste so nice and muttony…

8:15AM – Nap #1 of 7.

9:00AM – Human awakes. Morning ablutions for all, followed by sunbathing.

9:45AM – Human leaves for work.  Exiled to sky terrace.  Paw at door in protest.

Note to self:  Consider going on hunger strike, à la Gandhi?

Note to self:  Scratch that.  Terrible idea.

10:00AM – Defend territory from birds, branches, strong gusts of winds, and occasional simians.

11:00AM – My maid arrives.  Supervise sweeping and dusting. Bark vehemently if she tries to steal my toys or chew-bone.

Note to self: Servants cannot be trusted. Vigilantia Aeterna! 

1:00PM – Nap #2 of 7, soon followed by Nap #3 of 7 and, shortly thereafter, Nap #4 of 7. 

Note to self: Speak to groundskeeper about installing deck chairs and personal paddle pool.

In between – Attempt to escape.  If successful, visit human's brother in 4th block.  En route, visit smoothie dachshund on floor below.   Sniff all over and mark territory.  This block belongs to me!

Note to self:  Ad victoriam! 

4:00PM – Evening duty.  Begin listening keenly for my human’s car. Run in circles. Stand at window and try to look out. Why is this window so high?  Why does it have curtains anyway???!#$

Note to self:  Prepare PowerPoint presentation for housing association Board about lowering all windows to dachshund height.

5:00PM – Greet human.  Begin daily exercise routine:

Lick human’s toes.

Run up and down whole length of flat. 

Run in circles.

Roll on tummy. 

Lick every available part of human.

Don’t forget stretching: downward dog and upward dog asanas.
Lick own toes.

WHEW!

Time for Nap #5 of 7.

6:00PM – Nudge human and look hungry.  Look at bowl; look at human.  Look at bowl; look at human.  Repeat as necessary. 

Supervise scooping of food into bowl.

Eat! Yummmmmmm!

Nap #6 of 7.

8:00PM – Human mealtime.  Sit near table.  Look hungry.  Gaze at human and practice mind-control techniques:   “Feed me…  Feed me…  Feed me…”  

If non-veg, stand on hind legs and cry. 

In extreme cases (KFC, mutton biryani), apply advanced barking techniques until human succumbs to mind control.

Note to self:  Yum!  Bones!  Crunchy!

9:00PM – Nap #7 of 7.

11:00PM – Evening ablutions.

11:30pm – Finally, after long hard day’s work, climb into bed and get some rest.  Supervise fluffing of pillows.  Drift off to dreamland.  Zzzzzzzz…! 

Note to self:  Adopting these humans was the best decision I ever made.

A special note:
Champi would love our readers to check out her mama's publishing collective. It's a wonderful campaign. Thank you so much for following the link to The Great Indian Poetry Collective.

All photos this page -- of fabulous Ms. Champi -- are by Lakshmi Shubha.

Zack's Reply

Dear Tootsie,

Thank you so much for the travelogue of my mom and dad's Euro adventure. I was happy to welcome my dad home with mustache kisses!

It's also super nice to cuddle Mom. She said you get doggie jet lag when you travel between continents; is that true?

I have big news. Since I came home from doggie daycare, I'm able to snuffle in Dad's sock drawer again. Bliss! Do you think Dachshund Daddy would let me snuffle his socks someday?

I know you agree that we have very imPAWtent work as doggies. We help our humans to learn Doggie Buddha mind. My parents have been resting, but I'd like one of them to throw the ball for me!

Do you fetch?

Thanks again for your letter!

Paws forward,
Zack

Cousin Bailey

Hi, Cousin Tootsie,

Here's a recent photo!

I've finished my swimming for the season, but I still ask to go in. Soon we'll be able to cross-country ski.

Are you still barking at big dogs? Are you going to bark, bark, bark at me when we see each other next time?

Love from Canada,
Cousin Bailey

Photo credit Brenda.

Letter from Beagle-ish Max

I am sharing a lovely note and photo from my friend Max, who lives in North Carolina. As you know, there's been lots of weather in the USA -- snow in North Carolina!

Tootsie,

It was something of a shock yesterday when I walked on what I thought was solid snow and my paws fell through the layer on top, and my belly dragged. I had to walk under the eaves or by the fence if I was to walk at all. And the birds, I tell you, are busy at the feeder with all this snow. It was a lot to look at.

Today, though, the stuff is wet and and melty, and I can snuffle my snout in it and smell the ground.

Your beagle-ish friend,
Max xoxoxo

Letter from Zak

Dear Tootsie,

I am very proud of myself. I can jump up on tables! My dad says that I look the soul of innocence. Who, me?

My dad doubts that a sausage doggie could (or would) jump up on such a table. I told him that down low doggies do not know the word "impossible." Am I correct? Dad says you would not do such a thing, even if you could. Is he correct?

Love,
Your fur cousin
Zacharias

A Note from Jasmine: Cat Guest Post

Today, I am sharing an email that I received from Jasmine.

My beautiful friend Jasmine.

Dear Tootsie,

 

I know you have worried about your mom’s coffee consumption, so I thought you might be interested in this article. Though it doesn’t justify unlimited amounts of the brew, and there are still some negative effects, it should make you feel a little more at ease when she imbibes.

 

I follow your life on your blog and find your travels and adventures quite interesting.  Being a cat, travel with humans is not too enticing, though I did recently make an outing to the vet for my annual checkup. This was followed by sitting in my travel carrier for hours while my parents ran innumerable errands.  I must admit, however, that the day was not as stressful as I had anticipated; I even enjoyed the ride just the tiniest bit (but don’t tell anyone!).

 

My parents look forward to seeing your parents again during your summer visit to Idaho.

 

Jasmine

P.s. Thank you for your return email. I enjoy corresponding with you, as  I do so miss the companionship of a dog. Tramp was my best friend for years. He shared everything with me. Other cats are so boring and just represent competition for the affection of my humans.

Thank you, Jasmine, for your letter!

I had planned to post another coffee concerns plea, because Mom has been drinking a lot of coffee of late, as she has done before, but I'll wait while I consider the article.

Here's some information from the article Jasmine attached to her email:

In the Weill Cornell Medical Center "Women's Nutrition Connection" Newsletter (Volume 12G),  Weill Cornell dietitian Carly Trueger, RD, says: "Research shows that coffee drinkers are healthier than people who don't drink coffee. However, it is difficult to determine, based on current research, if it's just the coffee that makes people healthier, since there are so many other dietary variables and other factors that cannot all be accounted for."

Still, Mom is ecstatic and plans to keep drinking coffee!

Mother's Day

Dear Mum,

You are missed. Truly and deeply. You said I would carry on. You said I would be okay. Even though I feel so blessed to have you as my mom, I have found it hard to carry on. Even though I feel so lucky to have you as my mom, I have found it hard to be okay. Yet with Tootsie, slowly, it has become easier to carry on. It has become easier to be okay. You were right, after all, Mum: "It's a blip. The physical form is a blip."

Susan Saxton D'Aoust with Truffle and Daisy

I am not so selfish to wish you were still here in pain. I wish you were here, out of pain, full of spark, and with us. In truth, I do not know how to live without you, but I am trying very hard to learn.

I remember your words: "Relax, Sweetheart. Life is too hard to be so serious all the time."

How I wish you could meet our Tootsie. Here she is with me on top of Mount Sassalto. I'm wearing your pink hat. I took it from your drawer.

I love you, Mom.

Love always,
Renee

Dogmind

I received a poem from my human friend Robens Napolitan. Thank you, Robens!

Robens writes: Dedicated to Tootsie, a tall dog with short legs.

Knowledge

Gained

A

very

tall dog

questions

hydrant height,

lies told by

her mistress,

and

the mismanagement

of most everything

human.

Good dog,

very good dog.

Dogmind 
Collaboration by
Robens Napolitan & Tom Kramer

You can view & purchase artwork by Robens Napolitan and her partner Tom Kramer here. Please click on over and take a look. One of my favorites is Dogmind, which you see above. We bought a print of this one. Mom thinks "Spot" shares my sweet sassy look; do you agree?

Guest Post by Sassy

This is a photograph from my new friend Sassy as she looks out her Idaho window at a moose!

A Letter from Yugi: Guest Post

 

Dear Tootsie,

Did you hear the story about how I fell in at the marina? My mom and your human uncle and cousins had flown to the Wotten Waven Wyoming Wedding of 2012, but I stayed behind. I am not able to fly "in-cabin" like you, and I don't much like flying cargo.

I am not cargo! I am Yugi!

I was walking on the dock with my caregivers, minding my own paws, and suddendly: a scuba diver pops up out of the water. I saw the diver pop up. Have you ever seen such a thing? It's weird. It looked neither human nor fish nor penguin. I didn't even know the creature was called a "scuba diver."

I backed up and backed up. Splash! I fell right into the water over the back of myself, off the dock.

Very funny, right?

I swam around frantically until my caregivers, Monique and Jakob, directed me back to the dock. Another guy helped them drag me out of the water.

I was very confused.

Then the scuba diver -- looking neither human nor fish nor penguin -- waved at me.

Freaked me out.

Remember that time you told me about when you fell into Lake Lugano while you were trying to make friends with Medieval ducks? I never asked, but how did you get out of the lake? Did a scuba diver help you?

Love,
Yugi

P.s. Mom says I need a bath from all the salt water. I'm looking forward to the rub down.

Wordless Wednesday Guest Post: Idaho Elk

Coffee with Canine Interview

We are thrilled to be interviewed over at Coffee with Canine. We would be grateful if you would wag on over and leave a note there at the interview. Thank you!

Thank you, Marshal, for interviewing my mom (and through her, me). We love the Coffee with Canine blog.

Bassetmomma left us a note there over the weekend; thank you, Bassetmomma! And thank you, dear readers, for taking a look.

A Declaration of Love

I received a poem from my human friend Jenn and her two doxies Zippie & Cookie. Wotten waven!

With grateful permission, here's their "Declaration of Love":

TOOTSIE! You make my wild heart sing.
TOOTSIE! You gorgeous, long-short thing.
May your adventures be endless and sweet,
With walkies and dog-thumps and the occasional treat,
I delight in knowing the world is such a fine thing
That it could hold such a magnificent being:
Exquisite hound.

Thank you, Zippie, Cookie, and Jenn! I'm basking in your love.

Love,
Tootsie

Bipedal Caboose: Guest Limerick by Grandpa

My fur-brother Truffle wrote me a limerick earlier this year, and we asked readers to suggest a title. We had many great suggestions, including from our friends Pam & Oskar over at the Daily Oskar who suggested "Eatin' Green" as the title. Thank you, Pam and Oskar. They are great advocates of bloggers over at Pet Blogs United.

Now Grandpa has written me a new limerick, which I would like to share with you. Thank you, Grandpa! (I think my fur-brother Truffle helped him. Hi, Truffle!)

But dear readers and kindred spirits, we need a title for this limerick. Please help.

Here's Grandpa's untitled limerick:

You may think my praise somewhat obtuse
When I ask – of your dog – “what’s her use?”
To describe her politely
She’s elongated slightly
With a full-fledged bipedal caboose

Thank you, Grandpa!

Title suggestions?
 
Love,
Tootsie

On Receiving a Tootsie Emblazoned Mug

I received a poem of appreciation from my cousin, Pat the Human, after I snail mailed her a Wag with Tootsie coffee mug and magnet. Below, please read Pat-the-Human's letter and poem. Thank you, Pat, for your poems!

Dear Tootsie,

I was inspired on receiving the cup and the magnet. In the same vein as my previous "Ode to Tootsie," here is a new poem.  Hope you enjoy it.

On Receiving a Tootsie Emblazoned Mug

Tootsie, my Tootsie, oh what a pup

You now have your very own cup

What a delight to drink this way,

Coffee, hot cocoa, rum toddies array

This is Nirvana! Other pleasures I forswore

When, lo! A magnet arrived at my door!

What other enjoyments for me are in store

I cried, from this pup of blogosphere lore?

Tee shirts, note pads, welcoming mats

Mouse pads, hoodies and even cravats?

So to borrow a verse from a previous rhyme

To end my musings and save some time....

I so love you, Tootsie, and needless to say

The cup and the magnet just made my day!

From your human cousin,

Pat

Here's a photograph below of my Tootsie signature cartoon magnet creation, which I sent to Pat (I also put a copy on my fridge). You'll recognize the magnets Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog gave me. And the other magnet is of my fur-brother Truffle. I'm in great company!

I've been experimenting with creating a Wag with Tootsie product line. Should I continue?

Again, many thanks to my cousin Pat the Human!

Love,
Tootsie

Cassiar and Truffle

When something truly lovely is happening on the other continent, the world feels like a vast place. I had one of those missing moments when Mom got an email with this photograph attached.

 

This is a picture of my human cousin Cassiar taking my fur-brother Truffle on a walk in our northern Idaho woods.

Suddenly, I wanted to be there when we were here. Such times can be confusing for a little dog -- even a savvy sausage like me.

On the phone, Cassiar told Mom how much he loves visiting Grandpa in Idaho with his dad and brother. "We had a special Saturday walk with Truffle," said Cassiar, "and I held the leash the whole time."

And then his brother Aghi talked to Mom: "I love you." Mom's heart almost burst. The conversation healed our missing moment.

Aghi and Cassiar Ride Grandpa's Tractor

Prayers Please

Dear Hearts and Kindred Spirits,

We would be so grateful if you would send good thoughts and strong prayers our way.

Last night, Tootsie accidentally ate an Aleve caplet. This is 220mg of Naproxen, which is a toxic dose for doggies her size. Mom feels beyond awful and continues to cry.

The long and short of it: Our special vet Dr. Ward helped us induce vomiting for Tootsie, and at eleven p.m. we drove to North Idaho Emergency Pet Care where Dr. Bowes setup an IV catheter on Tootsie and began to flush her system.

Today Tootsie has vomited five times and the last time looked very bloody, which is very worrisome.

Now Tootsie is with her special vet Dr. Ward for care -- who is monitoring her and continuing to flush her system -- and she is not feeling well at all. Special vet Dr. Ward helped Tootsie find her home with us, and we love Dr. Ward.

Here is a photograph of Tootsie taking a moment's rest in the sun today before going to Dr. Ward's Pet Mobile to hook up to the IV flush again to maintain it overnight and Tuesday and probably longer. You'll notice the bandage on Tootsie's foot where the IV is inserted.

You'll also notice that our special lady does not feel her perky self. Here is Grandpa's hand giving her healing love in the car after vet visit number one.

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. We appreciate it very much. Mom has not slept and Dad is feeling way too far away and Grandpa is very worried. We all so appreciate your kind thoughts and support and love and prayers. We will update you when we have more information.

Love,
Tootsie's Humans & Tootsie, too

Guest Limerick by Truffle

Hi, I'm Tootsie's furbrother Plott hound Truffle.

I'm honored to provide the following limerick as my guest post. The limerick is dedicated to our special vet Dr. Ward.

So my Vet tells me; green beans for snacks,

So I tried them 'soon as I got back,
Right out of the can
They seem pretty bland
But when "nuked" I kept coming back!

Tootsie sent me a dog-gram that she tried Swiss green beans, and she didn't even need to nuke 'em.

I need a title. Any suggestions?
Love,
Truffle

Save the US Postal Service!

Tootsie's Plott hound brother Truffle finds a canine USPS mailbox in Port Townsend, Washington.