Pooch peeing a problem?

If only those big brown eyes would answer why... why... WHY!! To get a answer is a process of elimination.( no pun intended)

First off there is a few different kinds of peeing. Don't be confused with large puddles of urine on the floor and think your dog is marking his territory. Large puddles usually indicate " Hello, I had to go out and I couldn't hold it anymore"

Male dogs that are not neutered or were not neutered early in life ( before he knew he was a man) are far more likely to mark their territory. Although male dogs are more likely female dogs have been known to scent mark also.

Do you have more then one dog in the house? Marking can be a competitive dominance sport with two dogs going back and forth over the same spot over and over.

So why do dogs do this in the first place?

Some do it for dominance, others to claim what is theirs. Yes, your sneakers, table leg and the kids backpack. Others do it because of the feeling of insecurity or of separation anxiety.

So how to stop all the peeing nonsense? A few suggestions for the dog that loves to pee in the same spot.

First- get your dog spayed or neutered. Even at a older age it can greatly reduce the dogs urge.

Second- Make sure to clean up the spot really really good. You must completely remove the scent to discourage him from wanting to do it again. Clean with 50/50 vinegar and water.

Third- Catch him!! With close supervision. confine him to a small room or a room with all doors closed. Make yourself a noise maker. Such as a coffee can with coins in it. As soon as you see a sign such as sniffing and turning. Shake the can. Hard!! Yell something like "NO PEE!" "STOP IT!" or a couple of other short words ( I'm sure by now you could think of some good ones :) If you have a real alpha type dog you might want to throw the can toward him. No, not at him but near him. He needs to get the message. Do not scream, yell or hit him. This will just feed the flame and make a insecure dog even more insecure. When it is time to let him out to really pee make sure to praise him when he does go outside. It's amazing what positive reinforcement does.

* you can also try to put his bowl where his "spot is"

And for the anxiety ones that pee on everything!!

First- Of course neuter but I've wrote enough about that already.

Second- Try leaving something of yours like a worn shirt. Anxiety peeing is because the dog misses you and this might do the trick. ( I'd try a old shirt first of course)

Third- He might be feeling left out. Especially if you have a new baby in the house, recently moved, started a new relationship etc etc. Try to include him as much as you can with the family.

If all else fails you can try the belly band. I personally wonder if my boy Rosco would keep it on but it would be worth a try. You can make one yourself. Just take a burp cloth and some Velcro. ( wish I would of tried that when our goat cupid lived in the house for 3 months)

Some dogs will never be trusted to have the run of the house. You can crate them or close off all doors and keep him in a room that he won't cause much problems.

and of course their is submissive peeing.... that will have to wait for another day :)

What you shouldn't feed your dog and why.

As you all probably know already chocolate is bad for dogs. But do you know why? And did you know there is many other household foods that are also very dangerous, toxic and potentially deadly.

HOUSEHOLD FOODS TO NOT FEED YOUR DOG

ALCOHOL- I know some people may think it is fun to give your dog alcohol. But just a little can cause vomiting, diarrhea,nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, coma, even death. Alcohol also has the same effect on their liver and brain just like a humans. But it takes much less to effect them. And the smaller a dog the greater risk.

SALT- If given in large quantities ( such as a chip for you then a chip for Rover) it can cause electrolyte imbalances and lead to sodium ion poisoning. Symptoms of to much salt are vomiting.diarrhea,depression,tremors,fever and seizures. It may even cause death.

SUGARY FOODS- I know you can't help but share some sweets with your friend but keep it to a very minimum. It can lead to obesity, dental problems and possibly diabetes.

XYLITOL( artificial sweetener)- Can cause very low blood sugar also known as hypoglycemia, which results in vomiting, weakness and collapse. In high doses can cause liver failure. It is found in some gum, toothpaste,baked goods and diet foods.

AVOCADOS- NEVER GIVE YOUR DOG GUACAMOLE!! Avocados contain a substance called persin. Harmless to those of us that are not allergic but are toxic to dogs. Persin is in the leaves, seed and bark of the tree.

ONIONS AND GARLIC- Onion and garlic in all forms can destroy a dog's red blood cells, leading to anemia. And in large quantities can lead to poisoning.

CAFFEINE- Caffeine in large quantities can be fatal for a dog. And, there is no antidote. In addition to tea and coffee caffeine can be found in cocoa, chocolate, colas, stimulating drinks such as red bull. It's also in some cold meds and pain killers.

MACADAMIA NUTS- As few as 6 raw or roasted macadamia nuts can make a dog ill. Symptoms of poisoning include muscle tremors, weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters, vomiting,fever,and rapid heart rate.

CHOCOLATE- Chocolate is bad on two counts. One the caffeine and two it contains theobromine a toxic agent. It is in all kinds of chocolate even white chocolate. The most dangerous kinds though are dark chocolate and bakers chocolate. Just licking a bowl of chocolate icing, can cause a dog to vomit, have diarrhea, and be excessively thirsty. It cause abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and death.

FAT TRIMMINGS AND BONES- Both are dangerous for dogs. Fat trimmings both cooked and uncooked, can cause pancreatitis. And although it seems natural to give a dog a bone a dog can choke on it. Bones also splinter and can cause obstruction and lacerations in the digestive system.

RAW MEAT AND FISH- Raw meat and fish , like raw eggs, can contain bacteria that causes food poisoning. In addition, certain kinds of fish such as salmon,trout,shad,or sturgeon can contain a parasite that causes "fish disease" If not treated the disease can be fatal within 2 weeks. The first signs of illness are vomiting, fever, and big lymph nodes. Throughly cooking the fish will kill the parasite and protect your dog.

GRAPES, RAISINS AND CURRANTS- Contain a unknown toxin that causes kidney damage.

Many other commonly found items on your kitchen shelves are also toxic such as baking powder and baking soda which both are highly toxic. Nutmeg and other spices are also. Keep pantry doors closed and food high enough and out of reach to help protect your dog.

Ok, so all of this negativity needs some positive input. What should/can you feed your furry friend?

Besides a good dog food:

LEAN MEATS- Most dogs are fine eating lean cuts of meat that have been throughly cooked. Just be sure it is boneless and with no visible fat.

SOME FRESH FRUIT- sliced apples, oranges, bananas and watermelon are great treats. (I couldn't get any of my dogs to even lick a orange though) Just make sure to remove seeds.

SOME VEGGIES- carrot sticks, green beans, cucumber slices, zucchini slices and baked potatoes.

Cooked white rice and pasta- This stuff is wonderful when your dog has diarrhea.( personal experience with Rosco) Mix 50/50 cooked white rice and cooked hamburger. Feed your dog that for a couple of days then slowly introduce them back to there regular food.

What is a Lionhead rabbit?

Lionhead rabbits are a newer breed of rabbits to the United States. Imported in 1999 (mostly from Europe)

Their is much speculation of which two rabbits were used first to make the first beautiful Lionhead. Some say the Swiss Fox and the Netherland Dwarf . One thing for certain is the Lionhead rabbit is a mutation and the first major mutation in rabbits since 1932 when the Satin first appeared in a litter of Havanas.

The Lionhead tends to be very friendly and enjoys human contact. They are healthy overall as a breed. With their longer coat they need some grooming but not nearly as much as the wooly rabbits.

Colors and varieties for the Lionheads include: Black, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Tortoise, Ruby Eyed White, Blue Eyed White, Siamese Sable, Smoke Pearl, Sable Point, Chincilla, Squirrel, Frosted Pearl, Sable Marten, Smoke Pearl Marten, Sable Point Marten, Chestnut, Opal, Chocolate Agouti, Red, Blue Tortoise, Orange, Golden, Fox (tortoise Otter) Pearl Point, Black Otter, Blue Otter, Chocolate Otter, Lilac Otter, Tan, Bi-Color ( white and one other color), Tri-Color ( white and two other colors), Japenese, Magpie, Himalayan, Californian, Silver Tipped black, Golden Tipped Back, Golden Tip Brown, Silver tipped Blue, Silver Tipped siamese, Golden Tipped Siamese, and so on.

Lionheads are small in size typically weighing between 2.5 and 3.5 pounds. depending on it's set of genes the lionhead can be double maned, single maned or no maned.

Single maned Lionhead rabbits have a mane that is around it's head, ears,chin and sometimes on it's chest. Typically their mane wool dimishes as they get older.

Double maned Lionhead rabbits have a regular mane of wool all the way around the head, and some have "transitional wool" around the hindquarters, tail,and their hips that some refer to as a "skirt"

No mane They look like a ordinary rabbit or similar to a larger Netherland Dwarf.

Because Lionheads are not a recognized ARBA( American Rabbit Breeders Association) breed. They can not compete for best in show.

2010 Holiday Brochure

Holiday 2010
Everything is baked fresh when ordered. Free delivery
within a 15 mile radius of Nunica.
Free delivery available
in the Grand Rapids area Nov. 24,
Dec. 11 and Dec 23.
$10.00 minimum order
All fruits,veggies,honey and syrup are made/grown local.

Due to this our menu and availability are continually changing with the season.

Breads
Pistachio Bread $3.50
Pork and Bean Bread $3.50
Honey Nut Oatmeal Bread $5.00
Amish Cinnamon Bread $4.00
Apple Cinnamon Bread $4.50
Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Bread $5.00
Banana Bread $4.00
with nuts $4.50
Lemon Poppyseed Bread $3.50
Breakfast Bread
( Cherry, Peach or Apple) $4.00
Irish Soda Bread $3.50
Cranberry Nut Bread $5.50
Applesauce Oatmeal Bread $4.50
Pumpkin Bread $4.50
Peanut Butter Bread $4.00
Cappuccino Choc. Chip Bread $5.00
Maple Nut bread $5.50

Cookies $2.50/half Doz.
Butterscotch Oatmeal
Choc. Chip
Peanut Butter
Mint Choc.Chip
Molasses

MISC.
Apple Pie-$7.50
Carmel Apple Pie $8.00
Pecan Pie $10.00
Blueberry Jam $3.50
Seafoam $8.00 lb
Peppermint Bark $8.00 lb
Christmas mini cake $4.00

Check us out on Facebook for brief descriptions and other available items.

Pekin Ducks for sale

Pekin Ducks for sale $10.00 each.

Lionhead bunnies currently for sale!

Born June 23 2010.These are double maned blue eyed white Lionhead rabbits. I currently have 2 bucks available. They come with pedigree papers, are tattooed and are pre loved. Ready now to go to there forever homes :) $50.00

Delivery

The Greenland Farms truck delivers to the Allendale, Hudsonville and the Grand Rapids area every 2 weeks. The dates for next month are Sept. 5 and Sept. 19. I'm also delivering today :) I deliver fresh baked goods, goat soap and coming very soon fresh eggs. I also can deliver any critters that I currently have for sale for you to purchase or to look over. And I also deliver Avon :) If you would like for me to add you as a stop or to order any items please leave me a direct message or email me at greenland.farms@yahoo.com.