Over The Rainbeaux Kennels home of Smith's Cocker Spaniels

So often, many of you have questions and concerns which arise when you invest in a new member of the family.  We hope to answer some, if not most, of your questions and concerns here.  We have lots of information to share so be patient with us as we add to this new page.  Should you have any additional questions and/or concerns, you are welcome to email us and we will try to post your question and our answers as promptly as possible.

1.  In what ways are males and females different?

Contrary to what you may have been led to believe about gender differences in humans, the differences between dogs are a lot subtler. Most experts will tell you that a dog's breed, and whether he or she is neutered or spayed, will more likely determine their disposition than gender. But there are a few subtle differences between the sexes that can generally be applied to dogs. For example, females tend to be smaller than males and are less inclined to wander. Females also tend to have a less dominant personality. Male dogs on the other hand, typically are larger and tend to be a little more aggressive and outgoing.

That being said, every dog is uniquely different, and which personality traits he or she will develop can depend largely on how much love and how much discipline you choose to give them.

2.  What should I keep in mind when going to the dog park?

As dog parks begin to increase in popularity, it's important to realize that dog owners share a certain responsibility in assuring that the experience will be enjoyable for everyone. Dog parks share a delicate accord with their surrounding neighborhoods, and nothing will wear out a dog park's welcome faster than a hoard of unruly dogs depositing unpleasant leave-behinds. By exercising good manners and a little common sense, you and your dog can enjoy a truly rewarding experience together.

Try following these 10 steps to good dog park etiquette.

1. Scoop the poop. Bring your own collection bag to reduce the risk of bacteria, not to mention the odor.
2. Obey the leash laws. Do not remove the leash until your dog has entered the play area.
3. Don't allow your dog to rush newcomers to the park. Some dogs don't immediately warm up to strangers.
4. If your dog has shown aggressive behavior around other dogs or people, do not bring him to the dog park.
5. Be sure to carry rabies certificates and registration forms with you-dogs can sometimes lose their tags when playing with others.
6. Pay attention to your dog. Don't just release him and ignore him. Play with him, call him and keep him occupied during your visit.
7. Watch for signs of trouble via body language. Growling, snarling or a stiff, high tail wagging slowly, are signs you need to call your dog or take him away.
8. Don't bring your dog's favorite toy to the park unless he's good at sharing it.
9. Don't bring more dogs than you can effectively restrain. No more than three should be a useful guideline.
10. Always follow the posted rules of the park.

Follow these simple steps and not only will your dog park experience be more enjoyable for you and your dog, it'll be more enjoyable for everyone else as well.

3. What houseplants are dangerous to dogs?

Does your dog like to munch on the indoor greenery? Houseplants can add so much to the home environment, but there are many houseplants that can be poisonous to dogs. Dogs don’t eat plants due to a lack of something in their diets—they just like to eat them! The degree of toxicity varies from mild mouth irritation or stomach upset to being downright deadly! The following have been considered dangerous houseplants for dogs:

• Ivy
• Philodendron
• Dieffenbachia
• Easter lily
• Caladium
• False Jerusalem cherry
• Oleander
• Azalea
• Rhododendron
• Common or cherry laurel
• Mistletoe

4. Why does my pet eat grass?

No one is really sure why dogs and cats eat grass. Some say they do it because it helps to clear an upset stomach. Some say the upset stomach is caused by the grass irritating the stomach lining. One thing is for sure: If you add any chemicals to your lawn to make it greener, you will want to carefully control your pet's grass eating.

5. What is causing the brownish staining around my dogs eyes?

There are no artificial colors or dyes in some dogfoods that cause staining.  A metobolic by-product in the tears and saliva called porphyrin can react to sunlight to cause a reddish color in the hair around the eyes, muzzle and anywhere the dog licks.  This type of reddening occurs throughout the hair shaft and because this effect is topical, groups of hairs will be similarly affected.  The color change can be blocked by certain antibiotics, reducing or eliminating the stains.  You will want to discuss this with your veterinarian.

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