Airline Rules for Travel with Your Dog
Section: What You Need to Know to Fly 
Getting a plane ticket for yourself is easy but getting one for your pet takes a little more planning. Airlines have always restricted flight during extremely high or low temperatures, but a new federal rule, as well as some pet air travel tragedies, have resulted in more drastic changes within the airline industry. These new guidelines and restrictions may cause you some headaches and frustration but keep in mind that they have been put in place for your pet's safety.
Airline Rules
Each airline has separate rules. Some have pet embargo rules, which result in times during the year that pet travel is not allowed. Some airlines no longer accept pets and rely on special pet carrier or animal transport companies. Make sure you check with the airline well in advance regarding their pet travel rules, as they can change without notice. The following are some of the rules of individual airlines:
Continental Airlines
As with most airlines, Continental allows small pets to travel in the cabin. For those pets traveling alone, Continental has brought in a new program called PetSafe QuickPak Cargo. Under their program, you reserve space for your pet well in advance and reconfirm those reservations 24 hours before flight time. Pets should be checked in as cargo from a special QuickPak Desk near the ticketing counter, one hour prior to flight time. The 24-hour help-desk will create an itinerary for your pet (depending on origin and destination temperatures). If your pet doesn't fly as reserved, you get your money back.
Continental has no specific pet embargo dates. If the temperature of the destination or arrival airport is over 85 degrees or less than 10 degrees Fahrenheit, your pet will not be allowed to fly cargo that day. For pets over 7 years of age, Continental strongly recommends a heart examination and blood work to make sure there is no underlying liver or kidney damage prior to flying.
If your pet is small enough to fly as carry-on, the charge is $75 each way ($150 round trip).
Delta Airlines
Delta has instituted a pet embargo from May 15 to Sept. 15. This means that no pets are allowed to fly cargo during these dates. Pets are still allowed as carry-on anytime throughout the year, but the kennel must be able to fit under the seat in front of you. If your pet is transported as carry-on or is traveling with you as cargo, the cost is $75 each way. If your pet travels by plane alone, there is a substantial cost difference. You will be able to pre-book a maximum of 7 days in advance and a minimum of 1 day of the desired flight. Upon arrival in the destination city, pets will be delivered to the Delta cargo facility within 60 minutes.
United Airlines
As with other airlines, pets are allowed as carry-on anytime during the year but there are size and number of pets limitations. If your pet travels as carry-on with you, the charge is $75 each way. Pets can also be shipped as cargo. United has no specific pet embargo dates. If the temperature of the destination or arrival airport is over 85 degrees or less than 10 degrees Fahrenheit, your pet will not be allowed to fly cargo that day.
American Airlines
American also has a pet embargo from May 15 to September 15. As with other airlines, small pets can accompany you as carry-on. If traveling with an owner, the cost is $80 each way. Prices vary if your pet is traveling alone. Exceptions will be made for service animals and official bomb- and drug-sniffing dogs (with documentation).
There are temperature restrictions. According to www.aa.com, "Pets can not be accepted when the current or forecasted temperature is above 85 degrees Fahrenheit at any location on the itinerary (75 degrees Fahrenheit for snub-nosed dogs and snub-nosed cats). Pets can not be accepted when the ground temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit at any location on the itinerary unless the pet has a veterinarian's statement of low temperature acclimation (see www.aa.com) When temperatures fall below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, pets may not be checked even with a statement of low temperature acclimation."
US Airways
US Airways also has no specific embargo dates. Pet travel is prohibited when the outside temperature is over 85 degrees or under 10 degrees Fahrenheit. US Airways does not allow pets to travel in the cargo hold anymore because of extreme temperatures in Phoenix and Las Vegas, where we have two large hubs. The exception is shuttle routes between New York LaGuardia, Boston, and Washington National Airport. They do not allow pets to travel to Hawaii due to state agricultural rules. Pets traveling as carry-on cost $75 each way. For pets flying cargo, costs are based on weight and destination. Complete details are at usairways.com. US Airways (480) 693-5754.
Northwest Airlines
Northwest has no specific embargo dates and determines if pet travel is allowed by daily temperature. Pet travel is prohibited when the outside temperature is over 85 degrees or under 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Pets traveling as carry-on cost $80 each way. For pets flying cargo, costs are based on weight and destination.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest does not allow pets to fly at any time.
Section: Flying Cargo: Five tips on traveling with your pet by plane:
Make reservations well ahead of time and confirm them 24 hours before takeoff.
All airlines require a health certificate issued within 10 days of your departure date, whether you're traveling within the United States or abroad. Your veterinarian will have to examine your pet and certify that he is free of disease and healthy enough to travel.
Note: animals must be at least 8 weeks old to travel by plane.
Be at the animal check-in (if you're handing over your pet yourself) at least 2 hours prior to a domestic flight or 4 hours prior to an international one, to allow plenty of time to complete the formalities.
Pets must travel in manufactured pet carriers - homemade ones won't do. Label the carrier "Live Animal," and mark "up" arrows on all sides of the crate. Also, write your home address and telephone number clearly on the crate. All kennels must have fixed food and water bowls clipped on the door.
Flying Cabin Class
If your pet is flying in the cabin with you, remember:
Carry-on pets must be small enough to fit into a carrier that can be stowed under the seat. Animals are not allowed in the overhead compartments, and they must remain in their carriers until the plane lands. You can use any kind of hard carrier, but only certain soft (canvas type) carriers are allowed; find out which ones your airline accepts.
When making reservations, make clear whether you expect to carry your pet aboard or send him cargo. Most airlines allow each passenger to transport a maximum of two kennels as cargo or one small pet in the passenger cabin. Note, though, that the number of animals allowed in the cabin varies from airline to airline and that it's perfectly legal for a carrier to turn down your request.
International Travel
If you plan to travel internationally with your pet, make sure to check with either the country's embassy or consulate well in advance. Some countries do not allow pets into their country and others require long quarantines. Import licenses and international health certificates may be required. Contact the country of your destination at least 4 weeks prior to travel. Don't arrive in the country unprepared. You may end up leaving your pet at the airport or returning home.
For More Information
Regulations vary from airline to airline, so ask your carrier which procedures they follow. Some have brochures available by mail or check the websites below for specific information.
www.aa.com (American Airlines)
www.nwa.com (Northwest Airlines)
www.delta.com (Delta Air Lines)
www.continental.com (Continental Airlines)
www.usairways.com (USAirways Airlines)
www.united.com (United Airlines)
www.southwest.com (Southwest Airlines)
www.dot.gov/airconsumers/animals.htm. (The Department of Transportation Fact Sheet)
thomas.loc.gov (The FAA Reauthorization Bill, HR 1000, Section 710 |
The Best Leash for Your Dog
When you're out and about with your dog, to have him attached to you by means of a leash is important for his dog's safety as well as for the safety of others. Even if your dog is well trained and normally well behaved, he may still occasionally become distracted by outdoor goings on, forget his training, and wind up a dangerous situation.
In such a situation, a leash can give you that guarantee of control so crucial to the prevention of tragedy. Besides, most communities require dogs to be leashed unless you're in a controlled environment, such as an off-leash park.
But which leash is best? It depends on your dog. Leashes range from a few dollars to the jewel-encrusted monstrosities reserved for people like Donald Trump. You don't have to spend a lot of money on a leash, but you certainly should look carefully for the right kind.
Leashes are made of chain, nylon, or leather. Some trainers recommend nylon because of its elasticity, and supposed comfort for the dog and for the owner. Also, some believe that dogs may be less likely to chew nylon, as opposed to leather. By the way, if you expect to walk your dog at night, you may want to buy a nylon lead made of reflective material, to keep you and your dog visible in traffic. Leather leashes have their protagonists, too. Leather softens with use and, when flexible with age, is kind to hands and easy to grip, yet it remains strong.
Many professional trainers recommend leather over nylon, which can sometimes chafe or cut into the skin.
Two-handled leashes. If your dog is not well behaved or is young and rambunctious, the leash should be shorter, so he is closer to you and under more of your control. In such a situation, a two-handled leash may be the one for you. A two-handled leash has one loop at the end and one nearer the clasp attaching the leash to the collar or harness. This eliminates the need to wrap the leash painfully around your hand.
Standard walking leashes. You can get the standard leash, with just one handle. They come in different lengths - usually 4 feet, 6 feet, and 8 feet.
Kennel leashes. Used by veterinarians and kennel operators, kennel leashes give even greater control over dogs to move them short distances. They are used to move dogs without a collar from the house to the car, or from pen to pen.
Training leashes. A much shorter leash than the others helps teach dogs to heel. For larger dogs, a 1-foot leash is optimal. Two-foot leashes are designed for medium-sized and smaller dogs.
Leashes for city life. Some products are specifically designed for the city. The Ultimate City Leash, designed by the manufacturer Raven's Watch, allows owners to tether their dog to a post or parking meter without detaching the snap from the collar.
However, animals should never be left unsupervised - it takes only a second for someone to steal a dog. The leash has other city advantages: the hand loop adjusts from a 14-inch to a 26-inch loop. It can also be worn around the waist when carrying parcels or rollerblading. The leash portion adjusts from 3 feet to 6 feet to keep your dog where you want him.
Retractable leashes. These leashes have become popular in recent years. They allow a pet to walk farther from his or her owner while still under some control. The line can be shortened or lengthened at the owner's will. But there are dangers to this. A dog that is not under control can attack a person, cat, another dog, or run into the path of a car before the owner can "reel" him in.
There is one leash to beware of: the show leash. These leashes are designed for the show ring at dog competitions. They are thin, attractive devices that are designed to help guide a well-behaved dog to the ring without messing up his or her hair. They should never be used as a walking or training leash because they are unsafe.
Be sure to check out our website where you can order leashes, collars, and harnesses.
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Greetings!
Spring has really sprung in our area. Flowers and trees are blooming and we are spending a lot more time outdoors.
If you're a little dog crazy, chances are you spend a lot of time at the handle end of a leash. Leashes are a critical tool in keeping our dogs safe and well-behaved. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't have a leash with great looks and well as important safety features, however. Is your leash looking a little tired? Maybe it's time to look into getting a new one!
There are an amazing variety of leashes available on the market these days and it's a good idea to investigate the possibilities. The best leash for your dog is the right leash for your dog. So do a little homework before you make a purchase. Our article on choosing the right leash will definitely assist you in making the right decision.
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Home Dog Training: Understanding the role of healthy discipline 
In today's home dog training article we are going to talk about the roles of discipline, dog rewards, and dog punishment. You must first not confuse discipline with a negative connotation. In fact, proper health discipline, which means training one to act in accordance with rules, brings order to everyone's life, including your dog.
Home dog training without discipline, particularly with certain dog breeds, will bring chaos to the atmosphere. And because dogs are like people in that they are social animals, they need some form of discipline in order to function effectively.
When it comes to home dog training and your puppy, he needs to have discipline in his life in order to understand how his pack (you and the rest of your family) functions and how he must act in order to survive. It's a well known fact documented from several surveys that people who practice regular home dog training were more than 70% happier with their pets than people who have never trained their dogs.
Understanding and implementing a decent home dog training program is the core of how well your dog will respond to you and other people and animals. But as always, we would like to touch up on something that we consider important over all and should always be adhered to with your home dog training.
What is it that is so important? It is making sure that you are not using cruel, harsh, and painful home dog training methods to teach your dog the commands you wish. While many people approach home dog training in this manner, in addition to quite a few published books on the subject, it is simply common sense that severe aggression can set in over the long run with using these types of negative-only dog training methods. |
Words Your Shih Tzu Should Know (Part 1) 
Many dog owners are at a loss for words when they wish to communicate with their dogs. Of course, your choice of words is not the issue. What is important is that you pace your vocabulary lessons in such a way that your dog absorbs the first few definitions before you go on to the next. And, since dogs are learning English as his second language, you must be very consistent in your teaching. In fact, in time, your dog, once started on the road to a better, richer vocabulary, will understand long sentences and life-saving orders.
Listed below is a sample of words to use on your dog. With these words, any dog can live in harmony with his human family, more or less.
No (Permission denied). This is probably the first word a puppy hears, or at least that registers as a word. It is important for every dog to know a word that stops him from urinating on the carpet, hogging the bed, running out into traffic, nabbing that piece of chicken, and chewing on the sofa or your shoe. "No" is that magic word.
Ok (Permission granted). In order to have a balanced, happy, obedient pet, approval is just as important as disapproval. You can give your pet permission to do something he'd do anyway, just to show him it's ok with you. This reinforces your position as the leader. It also increases the amount of positive reenforcement in your dog's life. You can use this release word to let him out of work, out of the house, into the car, at his dinner, and onto your bed. Dogs learn "Ok" instantly.
Good Dog (Approval from the top). By saying "Good Dog" in the proper tone, you dog will give you everything. Saying "Good Dog" is the most important tool any owner has in training his pet.
Bad Dog (Disapproval from the top). "Bad Dog," from the right lips, can be more powerful and more effective than any leash correction, any shaking, any cold shoulder, any confining, any anything you would think of doing to your disobedient dog. He must have your approval.
When you deny him that, you have already made a serious correction. No puppy grows to adulthood without hearing his share of "Bad Dogs."
Sit (Plant your rump). Even an untrained dog should know "Sit" and "Stay." How else can you have any order or control? Your dog must sit while you wait at the vet, while getting his collar put on, while waiting for his bowl to be filled or the traffic light to change, and while being groomed.
Come (Join me). The "Come" command is a crucial word in every dog's vocabulary. You need to be able to teach your dog to come quickly, cheerfully and willingly when he is off leash, out of doors, and playing with his friends.
Off (Get off). The command "Off" is the proper word to say when you find your pet eating a greasy bone on your brand new white couch or shedding in your bed. It's also good for correcting jumping or any other situation in which the dog's big, hairy paws are on something they should be "Off."
Part 2 will be in the next issue of News and Tips from Shih Tzu Palace Puppies. Don't miss it! |
10 Excuses for Your Dog's Bad Manners 
Have you ever been embarrassed by your pet's behavior? Are you tired of the looks of disdain from family members and guests and wish you could come up with the perfect explanation? Here are just a few "excuses" you might find helpful during those uncomfortable, red-faced moments.
1. Your dog sniffs at your visitor's crotch. a. He's getting so old. He meant to jump up and lick your face but he forgot to jump up.
b. I'm having him trained to search for bombs.
2. Your dog steals the roast beef off the counter.
a. I guess he was tired of waiting for us to stop chatting.
b. There must have been something wrong with the meat. He eats anything questionable so we don't get sick. (Funny, it is usually the meaty main course.)
c. Hmm, I thought that beef may have been a little "ripe" anyway - just as well.
3. Your dog gets out of the yard and tears up your neighbor's garden.
a. He's already caught three groundhogs over there!
b. Oh, no! Spot wouldn't do that.
c. He must really feel at home in your yard.
4. On your daily walk, your dog lifts his leg on your friend's prize roses.
a. I read somewhere that urine has a protective effect on flowers.
b. He thought your flowers looked dry.
c. Roses are his favorite flowers.
5. Your dog jumps on little Aunt Millie at the front door.
a. Such a sweet doggie. He loves his Aunt Millie and can't get enough of her.
b. Now don't spoil her, Aunt Millie!
6. Your dog sheds and most of the hair lands on your guest's black trousers.
a. What great pants! They make you look terrific!
b. It's the newest trend. And just think - you don't owe me anything!
7. Your dog scratches and licks himself in the middle of the living room.
a. He's just a show off! He knows we can't do that.
b. He just had an operation; he must still feel those stitches.
c. He's training for the Animalympics.
8. Your dog begs at the dinner table.
a. He never does that!
b. He must really like you.
c. He always picks the thinnest person at the table!
9. Your dog barks at each newcomer for several minutes.
a. Don't pay any attention to him. b. He never usually barks at our guests.
c. What did you say to him?
10. Your large dog jumps up on and lies across the sofa - and your friends.
a. Just ignore him.
b. Does he have enough room?
c. Just push him off if he gets too heavy. |
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Cooking for Your Dog 
Welcome to our kitchen! In our newsletters you will find free dog treat recipes for homemade dog treats, snacks, biscuits, cookies. bones and more. Making home made dog treats is really fun project to do with your children or grandchildren!
Puppy Squares
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup powdered dry milk
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. brown sugar or honey
- 6 tbs. meat or bacon drippings, cold right from refrigerator, not melted or soft!
- 1 egg, slightly beaten
- 1/2 cup Ice water
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly oil a cookie sheet. Combine flour, dry milk, garlic powder and sugar. Cut in meat drippings until mixture resembles corn meal. Mix in egg. Add enough water so that mixture forms a ball. Using your fingers, pat out dough onto cookie sheet to 1/2" thick. Cut dough into squares appropriate for your dog size. Prick each cookie with fork. Bake 25-30 minutes. Remove from tray and cool on rack. Store in airtight container.
Everyday Biscuits
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons dry yeast
- 1/2 cup lukewarm water
- 2 tablespoons dry parsley
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 egg
- 5-6 cups whole wheat flour
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 ° F (180 ° C).
In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Stir in the parsley, garlic, broth, honey, and egg. Gradually blend in flour, adding enough to form a stiff dough.
Transfer to a floured surface and knead until smooth (about 3-5 minutes). Shape the dough into a ball, and roll to 1/4-inch (6 mm) thick. Using small bone-shaped cookie cutters, make biscuits! Transfer to ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 1/4 inch (6 mm) apart. Gather up the scraps, roll out again, and cut additional biscuits.
Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and turn over. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until lightly browned on both sides. Let cool overnight. (After we finish baking all batches of biscuits, we turn off the oven, then spread all the biscuits out on one baking sheet and set them in the oven to cool overnight. The extra time in the oven as it cools off helps make the treats crispier and crunchier.)
Makes several dozen small bones that keep and freeze well. We like these biscuits because they're quick and easy and we always have the ingredients on hand to make them. Our babies like them because they're so good! | |
I hope you have enjoyed this newsletter. Next time we will have more
articles on discipline, including crate training, recipes, and fun articles.
If you have any suggestions or requests for articles, please contact me at
Until next time...
Thank you for subscribing:) |
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Sincerely,
Barbie Becker
Shih Tzu Palace Puppies |
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