Leap Day

2012 is a leap year, that means the month of February has 29 days, and the total number of days for 2012 is 366 days.  Leap years occur every four years; so our next leap year will be 2016.

Tip For The Day

Barking dogs are a real nuisance.  You should always be a good neighbor and make every effort to insure that your puppy or dog is not a problem in your neighborhood.  There are several options with bark collars to address the nuisance type of barking.  Some collars use static zap, some use a tone, some use a spray; use the type that you are comfortable with.  You can also have your dog de-barked by your veterinarian as well.  Most areas have barking ordinances and you should familiarize yourself with the one for your area.  In most areas, the first offence is a warning, followed by fines.  We all know dogs bark, just don't let it become a nuisance.

Tip provided by Brandykegs Saint Bernards.

Tip For The Day

Dogs that jump up on people are a real problem.  They can easily knock over children, elderly people, or small framed individuals.  This is a behavior that starts when they are puppies and it should be discouraged from the beginning.  If you see a puppy or dog start to jump up on you; turn your body sideways.  You can also use your knee to nudge them away.  It is important that you make an effort to convey to your puppy or dog that this behavior is not acceptable.  One time will not get the message across; it will be necessary for you to repeat this message over and over again.

Tip provided by Brandykegs Saint Bernards.

Tip For The Day

Training your puppy should begin at a very young age and continue for the rest of their life.  Commands that you teach them should consist of just one word.  For example; sit, stay, come, down, over, and wait.  Treats as well as praise should be given when they successfully complete a command for you.  It is a good idea to set time aside every day for a little training.

Tip provided by Brandykegs Saint Bernards.

Tip For The Day

Joggers should be more cautious when approaching someone with their dog from behind.  Jogging shoes don't make a lot of noise on pavement; so many times you never even hear their approach.  Startling a person and their dog from behind is not a good idea; it can create an unpredictable situation for all of you.  The dog may view a person running at them as a threat.

Tip provided by Brandykegs Saint Bernards.

Tip For The Day

I can't tell you how many times this has happened to me where a person walking their dog wants to come over with their dog for a simple socializing encounter.  I have been told over and over again, " My dog is friendly and they love other dogs and people."  Then as soon as they are close;  the other person's dog lunges and starts biting at my dog.  They all respond the same, "They have never done that before."  Dogs just like people can be intimidated by size; so keep that in mind with socializing encounters.  You don't want to put your dog in a situation where they might feel threatened; you do not know how they are going to react to that situation.

Tip provided by Brandykegs Saint Bernards.

Tip For The Day

Whenever you encounter a puppy or a dog; always ask the owner if you can approach them.  A puppy or dog may look very friendly; but that may not be the case.  It is always best to check before approaching a puppy or dog.

Tip provided by Brandykegs Saint Bernards.

Tip For The Day

Urinary infections in dogs are a costly visit to the vet.  You will have the expense of a vet visit, lab work, medication, then a follow-up vet visit and additional lab work to determine if the infection has been taken care of.  One of my females was having urinary infections often and I asked the vet if there was something I could do to maintain a healthier urinary tract for her.  Their advice was an expensive prescription dog food.  I decided to try cranberry pills for her instead.  The urinary infections stopped.


Cranberry pills will not cure a urinary infection, you will need to take your dog to a vet to cure the infection.  However, cranberry pills are beneficial in maintaining a healthy urinary tract.

Tip provided by Brandykegs Saint Bernards.

Tip For The Day

Does your dog like to sit on your feet?  This behavior should be discouraged; your dog is showing dominance over you by sitting on your feet.  Whenever your dog is directly in front of you and facing away from you; they have the upper hand.  One more instance where you should always maintain the alpha status not your dog.  


Tip provided by Brandykegs Saint Bernards.

Tip For The Day

It is a good idea to clean your dog's ears regularly; by doing so you avoid a costly visit to the vet.  I recommend an antimicrobial cleansing solution.  Put some of the cleansing solution on a cotton ball or facial tissue; gently wipe the inside of your dog's ears.  Whenever you suspect your dog has an ear infection take them to the vet.  Many Saint Bernards are plagued with ear infections; because of that you should try to keep their ears clean.  

Tip provided by Brandykegs Saint Bernards.

Tip For The Day

As your dog ages you might consider using raised feeders for their food and water bowls.  Many pet stores sell raised feeders; but you can make your own as well.  Go to your local home improvement store and purchases the round or square cement pavers; approximate size of the square ones are 12 inches across and 2 inches thick.  The nice thing about using these pavers is that it allows you to adjust the height by adding or removing pavers.  In the top paver; drill some holes for hardware (like nails or screws) position the holes so that they keep the food or water bowl in place.  


Tip provided by Brandykegs Saint Bernards.

Tip For The Day

Baking soda has many uses; it is great for cleaning your dog's teeth.  Take a small amount of baking soda and add just enough water to create a paste.  Apply the paste to your dog's teeth.  You can use a regular toothbrush, or one from a pet store specifically made for dogs; a soft cloth can be used as well to apply the paste.  

Tip provided by Brandykegs Saint Bernard.

Tip For The Day

Did you know that you should not allow your dog to enter a door or doorway ahead of you?  You relinquish your alpha status by allowing them to enter ahead of you.  When it comes to you and your dog; you should always maintain the alpha status.  

Tip provided by Brandykegs Saint Bernards.

AKC Therapy Dog Program

So, what is a therapy dog?  Therapy dogs and their owners volunteer to help people in a variety of settings such as:

• Schools
• Hospitals
• Nursing homes
• Hospices
• Retirement homes

A therapy dog and their owner work as a team to help improve people's lives.  Maybe they visit a senior's facility and read to a group whose eyesight is failing.  


Therapy dogs are not service dogs.  Service dogs are trained to assist someone with disabilities; service dogs stay with the person needing the assistance.  

AKC Therapy Dog Program

In order for your dog to earn an AKC title from the Therapy Dog Program; your dog must first be certified by an AKC recognized therapy dog organization and performed 50 or more community visits.


AKC does not certify therapy dogs.  A qualified dog therapy organizations does the certifying and training.  

Therapy Dog Program

Did you know that AKC offers a Therapy Dog Program?  Through this program AKC recognizes dogs and their owners who have given time and help by volunteering as a therapy dog and owner team to help people.  Your dog can earn an official AKC title through this program.

Happy Valentines Day!

Happy Valentines Day from Brandykegs!

Barrels and Bibs

Brandykegs offers barrels and bibs for your big dog; visit us soon!

Basket of Saint Bernards

Three Saint Bernard stuffed dogs each with their very own rescue barrel nestled in a wicker basket; visit our store to purchase.

Drool Bib For Your Big Dog

Does your big girl drool?  Brandykegs has drool bibs to help catch the slobbers.

Canine Good Citizenship Program

All dogs including purebreds and mixed breeds are eligible to participate in the CGC test.  All dogs must be old enough to have received necessary vaccinations such as rabies.  Rabies vaccines are administered at 4 months of age.


There is no age limit for the CGC test.  Puppies to seniors; all ages are welcome and encouraged to become Canine Good Citizens.  


If the CGC test is given at an AKC show; then the age requirement for the show is also required for the CGC test.  Conformation shows require that dogs be at least six months old.  It may also be required that only dogs entered in the AKC show are eligible to participate in the CGC test; this stipulation would be included in the premium list for the AKC show.  

Canine Good Citizenship Program

The CGC test is administered with your dog on a leash.  Collars can be made of leather, chain or cloth.  Special training collars are not allowed for the test such as pinch collars ( this refers to the chain collars with pointed prongs), electronic collars, or head halters.

Body harnesses can be used.  They should not restrict your dog from pulling or jumping.  The person administering the test must be able to see that your dog has been trained not to pull or jump.  

The 20 foot lead for the test is provided by the evaluator.  You should bring your own brush/comb for the grooming/appearance portion of the test.

You are not allowed to use food or treats, or squeaky toys during the test.  These things are beneficial when you are training your dog but are not allowed during the test.  You are allowed to talk to and praise your dog.

Make sure your dog has a potty break prior to taking the test.  Your dog will fail or be dismissed from the test if they:

• Growl
• Snap
• Bite
• Attack
• Attempt to attack or bite another dog or person

Canine Good Citizenship Program

Supervised separation - This portion of the test shows that your dog can be left with a trusted person and still exhibit good manners and training.  The person administering the test will ask if you would like them to watch your dog.  You will hand the leash over to them and casually walk away and out of sight.  Your dog should not become overly stressed during your absence.  You will remain out of your dog's sight for 3 minutes.  

Canine Good Citizenship Program

Reaction to distraction - Your dog will be tested with two types of distractions.  For example something may be dropped by your dog, or a stroller rolled past them.  Your dog should not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness, or bark.  You are allowed to talk to your dog and praise them for appropriate behavior.

Canine Good Citizenship Program

Reaction to another dog - During this part your dog should demonstrate their ability to behave politely around other dogs.  You and your dog will be approached by another person with their dog from about twenty feet.  You and the other individual will shake hands and greet one another, then walk away from one another for about ten feet.  Your dogs should show very little interest in one another. 

Saint Bernard Specialty Show Today

The Saint Bernard Club of Puget Sound is hosting a Saint Bernard Specialty Show today, February 5, 2012.  The Specialty Show will be held at Southwest Washington Events Center Yardbirds Mall, 2100 N. National Avenue, Chehalis, Washington.  Mrs. Carole A. Wilson will be judging the show.  There will be conformation, sweepstakes, and obedience/rally events.  At last year's show 44 Saint Bernards competed.  Good luck to all the exhibitors from Brandykegs!

Canine Good Citizenship Program

Coming when called - Your dog must demonstrate their ability to come when called.  You will be asked to walk 10 feet away from your dog, turn and face them; then call your dog.  You are allowed to use encouragement to get your dog to come to you.

Canine Good Citizenship Program

Sit and down on command Staying in place - This portion of the test demonstrates that your dog has received training.  Your dog should respond to your commands of sit and down.  A training lead of 20 feet is used for this portion of the test.  When the person who is administering the test feels that your dog has responded appropriately to these commands; they will ask you to tell your dog to stay.  Then you will be asked to walk away from your dog the full 20 feet of the training lead; your dog must stay while you do this.  The evaluator will tell you when to release your dog from the stay command.

Canine Good Citizenship Program

Walking through a crowd - This portion of the test determines how your dog behaves in a crowd and if you have your dog under control in this environment as well.  You and your dog will have to pass closely around at least 3  people.  It is okay if your dog shows interest in the people but must continue walking with you.  Your dog should not jump on people during the test, nor strain on the leash.  

Groundhog Day

Will the groundhog see his shadow today?  If so, then we have six more weeks of winter to look forward to.  However if he does not see his shadow, then spring is just around the corner.

Canine Good Citizenship Program

Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead) - This part of the test is to show that you have control of your dog.  You can walk your dog on your left or right side.  The individual administering the test should be able to determine that your dog is responding to your commands, movements, and changes in direction.  Your dog does not have to be perfectly aligned with your movements, nor does your dog have to sit whenever you stop.  There may be a course set up for you to walk within; or you may be directed with instructions or commands.  During the movement with your dog, you will be asked to make a right turn, left turn, an about turn, and a stop; in no particular order.  You will be able to talk to your dog during all of this with commands and praise.