Did you know us dogs sleep approximately 12 hours a day, sometimes more? There are many factors that cause my sleepiness (or as my owners call laziness) such as age, personality, breed and level of physical activity. But one main reason dogs choose to sleep is because they are bored.
I can sleep anywhere anytime
There exist many other factors causing dogs to sleep excessively. One that comes to mind is pamerping behavior from our owners. When dogs are given a comfortable and peaceful place to rest, such as on blankets, padded mats or doggie beds, they are more likely to sleep. Some dogs are even allowed to sleep on our owner’s bed, which when matched with a comfortable mattress and the ideal warm temperature, make the dog sleep soundly for a much longer time.
Note to humans; When you see a pooch resting peacefully, let him snooze. Us doggies have slow wave sleep (SWS) and rapid eye movement (REM) phases. But unlike humans, we wake up more frequently. So, although it may seem like I am getting too much sleep, there are too many interruptions that prevent me from getting the beauty sleep I need.
Therefore, if your dog seems to be sleeping excessively, that’s normal. Just enjoy the quiet time until they’re back up again bugging you for a walk and food.
Today, another round of Wiener races are taking place in California . I was planning on signing up, but I’m not in the right shape yet to be running with all these fast doxies. My year end resolution is start working out so I can compete next time.
Nor Cal Wiener Nationals
The Wiener Nationals are national dachshund races sponsored by Wienerschnitzel. Regional qualifiers are held in California, Texas, Arizona, and Nevada, with the final 8 Dachshunds racing for the national title in December in San Diego as part of the Holiday Bowl.
Me winning the race, although I think my friends Olive and Benson let me
People always tell me I have a handsome face, so I thought why not try my luck at acting? I figure my anipals from twitter would at least support me, but I’d still need an agent to land me the big time auditions in Hollywood! So my search is on for a talent agency in Los Angeles.
I don’t have any formal acting experience on my resume, unlike my good friend Turtle (see below – she always plays the suspect in police capers). But one such agency, Hollywood Paws, says they can help me “Start A Career in the 54 Billion Dollar Pet Industry” doing all types of work, including film, television, commercials and print.
The talented Turtle doing her signature "Stick 'em up" for the camera
I figure I’m a pretty smart dachshund. And if I study my lines and submit my photos to enough casting directors, I just might be discovered as the next Al POOcino. I guess I’ll try… this movie business is so tough though. So many big beautiful dogs in this town, makes a little guy like me self-conscious!
This week we talked about air travel with your dogs (”‘Pawsengers’ Welcome Aboard” and “Flying Dogs“). So in that same spirit, we highlight the top 10 dog-friendly cities in the U.S. according to a 2009 study by DogFriendly.com. The list considered the quality of dog-friendly accommodations, transportation, beaches, parks, attractions, stores, dining and things to do.
Ignoring the Golden Gate views in sunny San Francisco
San Francisco – Luxurious hotels. Plenty of pet-friendly patio dining. Many off-leash beaches and areas. Ride the cable car, walk the Golden Gate.
Austin – Dine in outdoor cafes. Visit the Zilker Botanical Gardens. See the Congress Street Bats. Many off-leash parks.
Boston – Tour Boston harbor by boat. Walk the Freedom Trail and explore many National Historical Sites. Your leashed dog is welcome on the subway.
Northern Virginia – Enjoy a yappy hour or dine in dog-friendly Alexandria. Take the Canine Cruise. Visit outdoor monuments and nearby Washington.
Gadgets and gizmos are all the rave these days… humans have all these high tech gadgets for almost everything from daily communication (phone calls, texting, email, IM on our iPhones) to cleaning up around the house (pools, floors and gutters with iRobot)
So it only makes sense that I enjoy the same luxury as Astro from the Jetsons. Below are some creative, and often crazy, gadgets that make you scratch your belly and ask, do I really want that?
Undoubtably you must have seen the infomercial (see below) for this product and honestly I don’t know what to say, except for maybe “No Poops, no oops” (the company’s tagline). I have yet to see any canine companion at the park or on a walk wearing it. I personally don’t like having anyone mes with my tush. (Price – $29.95 for the trap, $6-$9 for 30 bags)
Ever wonder what your dog is doing while you’re at work? Now you can with the Rovio, a “Wi-Fi enabled mobile webcam that lets you view and interact with its environment through streaming video and audio”. The website intends its use it for keeping track of people and places most important to you, but realistically I don’t think mom would appreciate you tailing her with this robocam. (Price – $299)
Imagine going for a bike ride and having your dog do all the work. That’s exactly what one inventor has proposed with the Dog-Powered Scooter, Trike and Skateboard. Might border on animal cruelty, but could be fun for multiple, large and athletic dogs. I for sure wouldn’t be able to pull it (Price – $555+)
Dogs mean everything to us. At Dogopolis, our mission is simple… Provide unique, creative and fun ways to enjoy life with your dog.
Our blog will keep you updated on the latest top secret projects from Dogopolis, as well as share interesting stories and tips from around the world.
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Sniff is full of fascinating bits of science and dog lore. It will deepen your appreciation for these extraordinary creatures. Playful and fun for the whole family – just the way the dogs would want it! Buy a DVD today! 10% of the proceeds benefit Guide Dogs for the Blind. SXSW Audience Award winner MINE tells the poignant and powerful story of animals left behind during Katrina, and of the struggles of hurricane victims to reunite with their beloved pets. A meditation on the essential bond between humans and animals – MINE is an equally compelling story about human nature and the power of compassion. Click here!
"Four-Legged Survivors of Hurricane Katrina"
By MANOHLA DARGIS
Published: January 15, 2010
One from the heart, the documentary “Mine” relates yet one more wrenching, infuriating story about Hurricane Katrina and the devastation wreaked both by the storm and by human error and indifference. ...