Cornerstone Pets

Cornerstone Pets 1st Ever Photo Contest - Honorable Mentions

To great fanfare in a packed house (OK, it was on the laptop in the living room), the winners of the Cornerstone Pets Photo Contest were announced Thursday night.  In a separate ceremony earlier today, Honorable Mentions were handed out to the many deserving entrants who just narrowly missed the top prize:

 Top Prize - Doggy Divison:  Hank and Rufus Martin   

Top Prize - Kitty Divison: Otis Ory 

The Martin Brothers and Otis were awarded $25 Cornerstone Pets Gift certificates, which are basically priceless.

 

Honorable Mentions:

Best Smile: Hudson, Dahlia, Chai, Romi (in grass field), Kitty in Striped Shirt

Best Ears: Buddy Bond, Zadie, Shelby, Van

Best Eyes: Hershey, Major, Jasper

Best Hairdo: Oliver (the windblown look)

Best in Snow: Bailey, Devon, Ivan, Riley

Best At Play: Charlie, Loki the Cat, Prince

Best At Work: Buddy Leahy (at the computer)

Best in Action: Nanook (dock diving)

Best Bad Habit: Daisy smoking, Daniel the cat chewing furniture AND talking on his cell phone during a meal

Best on Guard: Izzy, Ike, Nena,  Snickers (for guarding the closet)

Best of Friends (BFFs): Juliette & Danielle, Sadie & Lily, Sunshine & Betty, Maggie & Molly, George Piglet & Dad, Henry & Dad, Simon & Gracie, Group of 3 Hoboken Dogs

Best Shameless Product Placement (Thanks!!):  Quinn (Apache River Dog Coat), Major (Kong Dog Toy), Riley (RC Pets Whistler Wear Dog Coat), Henry (Tuffy's Mighty Toy Giraffe), Jasper (Mini Bully Barbells & Upcountry Union Jack Harness), Diddy (Puppia Home Run Vest Harness), Oliver (Red Dingo Dog Tag), Loki (Quiet Spot Tag Silencer), Cookie (Premier Fido Fleece Coat)

All of our Honorable Mention receipients will receive 10% off their next purchase at Cornerstone Pets (HDA members get 15%)!!!  For identification purposes, just bring in your pet and have them reenact their photo at the front desk (or, alternatively, just tell us who you are).

Thanks to all our flourishing photogs for making this incredibly challenging competition such a success!

Oh, and by the way, the owner tells me I need to tag this entry Kim Kardashian, dog food, Justin Beiber and Lady Gaga.

 

 

Closing Early Today at 6:00! St. Patrick's Day in Hoboken

Only in Hoboken, folks!  We celebrate St. Patrick's Day TWICE!  Today is the unnoficial celebration complete with a huge parade, bagpipes included and lots of happy, happy, hapeeze, hapsy, hap, ha....peoplez celerbratin and haz good time in the maany famuz barz and stuf like tat.  Be safe!  Have a great time and keep those dogs on a short leash!

Dogs and Parakeets - Who Knew?

I was reading an online chat group for retailers this morning and a shop owner in Hinsdale, IL, Busters, had this to share:

"Dogs amaze me! Early this morning Buster woke me up whining,crying. I thought he was hurting but couldn't find anything wrong and he settled back down. We went back to sleep.  Get up several hours later and when I open the BR door Buster goes straight to Parakeets' cage and looks up at it.   Parakeet is lying on the floor of the cage dead.  He was 9/10 years old and never a nice parakeet, but Buster loved him.  We just figured that out this past year as he would stand guard at the cage if anyone visiting approached it."

Buster was obviously upset at the loss of his friend, or maybe just his job - guarding the parakeet.  I don't know why that hit me so hard.  I know for a fact that dogs are incredibly insightful.  My own dogs know when I am "not quite right" (I mean more than the usual).  They are happy when I'm happy and become very subdued when I'm sad.   When I'mparticulary quiet or have a lot of things on my mind, they just stare at me as if to say, "What's up with you today?"

I feel fortunate to have dogs in my life.  They are worth far more than a few belly rubs and regular brushing.  Oh, and they are getting a MAJOR treat tonight when I get home.

Halloween Parade and Stuff

Hey All -

Just thought we would let you know what is happening with the Pet Parade to benefit the Hoboken Historical Museum and sponsored by Cornerstone Pets.  It was originally scheduled for this Sunday, October 3rd, but, as everyone knows this Sunday is the Hoboken Arts & Music Festival.   All the dogs will be busy scarfing up french fries and pieces of Italian sausages off the street.  Hey, they have a job to do.

It was then thought that October 10th might be a good day, but that's the date set for the Liberty Humane Society - Bark in the Park - a great event to benefit our local animal shelter.

Sooo, the museum thought (well, not really the museum itself but you know what I mean) that it might be best to move the parade to sometime in the spring.  There you have it.

Stay tuned for a Cornerstone Pets Halloween event to coincide with the Ragamuffin Parade on Halloween day, Sunday, October 31st.

Peace out!

Jeff

What’s the Best Dog Food?

That question, “What’s the best dog food?” is probably the single most asked question we face at Cornerstone Pets. That’s a loaded question because there are lots of great dog foods out there these days. We are beyond the days of Puppy Chow and Gravy Train. While there are many, many new choices, the answer pretty much remains the same. What to feed your dog depends on your dog’s nutritional needs and most importantly, the quality of the ingredients in the dog food. Understanding your dog’s nutritional needs and feeding a species specific diet that allows your dog to thrive rather than simply survive is the responsibility of every dog owner. Sometimes, it’s simply reading the label (and then reading between the lines) on the dog food and looking beyond the beautiful packaging and creative marketing. Beyond that, however, there is a world of information that you can plow through to answer your own question. Obviously, I won’t be able to “write the book” on selecting a great dog food in this little blog.

If you are reading things on your dog food label like “ground yellow corn” and “chicken-by-product meal,” “corn gluten meal,” “soybean meal,” “caramel color,” “yellow 6,” “ red 40,” etc., it’s time to consider changing your dog’s food.

There is no one perfect dog food out there that works for every dog, regardless of what manufactures would like you to believe. Sometimes it’s simply a matter of taste. It can be a great dog food but if your dog refuse to eat it simply because he/she does not like the taste, then the conversation ends there. Yes, dogs have taste preferences. Hopefully, you are not thinking “he’ll eat it if he gets hungry enough.” At the same time, please do not continue to feed your dog a poor quality dog food that you buy at your local supermarket, or pet store, just because “he like’s it.” Many poor quality commercial pet foods are littered with sugar and salt and the dog will become addicted to these ingredients much like we become addicted to eating junk food.

Look for quality ingredients, first and foremost. Fresh meats and meat meals labeled as beef, chicken, turkey, duck, etc., are paramount. Some dogs will not be able to tolerate a certain protein or fat content while other dogs might dog perfectly fine. Then, don’t be afraid to experiment with various brands until you find out what works best for your dog. What works for one dog may not work for another. Some dogs may need a limited ingredient diet while others will do well on diets that contain many high quality ingredients.

Above all, avoid the hype. Don’t fall into the marketing trap. High quality ingredients will be easily identifiable on the label. Just because the manufacture is yelling out, “Contains Real Meat and Healthy Vegetables” does not make it so. Dig deeper and educate yourself on what makes high quality ingredients and a high quality food for your dog.

If you need help, feel free to stop in at Cornerstone Pets in Hoboken and we’ll be glad to discuss your dog’s nutritional needs. We have numerous high quality dog foods available ranging from raw diets to exceptional dry foods. We don’t’ know it all but we like to learn and we’ll be glad to help you find the right food for your dog.

'New Puppy' socialization tips that will ensure you end up with a true 'cornerstone pet'

With so many new puppies in town, I thought it was important to say a little something about the importance of puppy socialization. 

Too many dogs end up in shelters due to a lack of proper socialization when they were puppies. If you are getting that little one at about 7-8 weeks, you have a great opportunity, and important obligation, to socialize your pup. 

There are two important developmental stages that take place from 7-12 weeks of age --- “Human Socialization” and the “Fear Imprint Period.”   I see so many people trying to protect their dogs from illness until they are fully vaccinated at 16 weeks, but in fact, they may be over protecting their pup and ending up with an over sensitive and under socialized dog. Dr. Ian Dunbar states that your dog should meet 100 different people before they are 12 weeks old.

That takes care of human socialization.

Then during that same time, 8-11 weeks you have the “Fear Imprint” period. Basically, your puppy is learning when it has to be frightened and when it doesn’t. Any traumatic experiences, physically or psychologically, could stick with a dog its whole life.  Keep all experiences positive and make sure your puppy is having lots of new experiences.

So get your puppy out and about and socializing with all kinds of people and plenty of pets. Have fun! 

Jeff

"Puppies provided with poor socialization or deprived of environmental exposure often develop lifelong deficits and dysfunctional behaviors. A puppy isolated early in life from other puppies and humans will not only fail to establish satisfying social contact with conspecifics or enjoy companionship with people later in life (such puppies are extremely fearful of any social contact), they will also exhibit widespread behavioral and cognitive disabilities as well. Isolated puppies exhibit poor learning and problem-solving abilities and are extremely hyperactive or rigidly inhibited, are emotionally over-reactive and unable to encounter novel social or environmental situations without extreme fear and avoidance, and are socially and sexually incapacitated." - Handbook of Applied Behavior and Training, Steven R. Lindsay

Check Cornerstone Pets out on Hoboken 411!

http://hoboken411.com/archives/15875

True or False: If it States it on the Label it Must be True

False (or misleading)

You think it’s difficult to read human food labels but that’s nothing compared to pet food.   

To keep this very simple, if the first ingredient on the label does not start with a meat based ingredient, don’t feed it. Preferably, the first 2-3 ingredients on the label should be meat based ingredients and I don’t mean meat by-products.   

Again, dogs and cats are not meant to eat grained based diets.  I am not saying they cannot eat any grain, but the diet must be meat based. Besides grain being a lower quality protein source, dogs and cats have a short intestinal tract and they are not equipped to digest the grains.  (Diarrhea anyone?) Those lovely pieces of meat and whole grains falling down from the sky and beautifully photographed for the pet food can or bag can be very deceiving.  

Turn the product over and read the label.  If the first ingredients listed are corn, wheat or anything other than meat or meat meal (dehydrated meat) – step away from the shelf.   

The ingredients on pet food labels are listed in order by weight.  

There are, however, ways to get around this in the pet food industry.  If you split the grain up into various sub products, like corn gluten, ground corn, corn syrup, etc, corn may actually be by weight the number one ingredient but falls third on the list when you break it up into smaller components.  

Large commercial pet food companies have large commercial budgets.  They do great commercials that almost want you to eat the food yourself.  And of course, they are always touching.  

Small companies that make great foods you have probably never heard don’t always have the budget to do national commercials but advertise in pet related magazines.   

Stay away from grocery stores and large box stores when buying pet foods unless you have researched the food and know it to be a quality food for your pet.

 

In conclusion, junk food will always be with us.  

I realize in writing this article that I have probably provided more questions than answers.  Many people do not themselves eat a well-balanced optimally nutritious diet.   

I know you are thinking things like, “But my dog gets sick if I change the food.  My cat will only eat Friskies.  The vet told me my dog has to be on a ‘prescription’ diet.  I tried a premium food and my dog didn’t like it.  I’m scared to feed my pet raw foods.”   

How you decide to feed your pet is up to you making an informed decision on what is best for your pet.  By providing optimal nutrition you will prolong your pet’s life, save yourself money in the end and you will have a happy and healthy pet.

 

Feel free to ask questions in this forum and I will do my best to answer your questions and give informed answers.  I am not a vet (I only play one on TV) but I do know about animal nutrition.  

Most vets and human health care providers are not required to study, or study only very little about nutrition.  

If your vet is well informed about nutrition and is not suggesting a prescription diet or commercial food for the rest of your dog’s life, by all means listen to what they have to say.  Then, do your homework. 

 

My name is Jeff Laylon and you can reach me by e-mail at Jeff@CornerstonePets.com

True or False: Bones and Chews are Dangerous for Dogs

True and False

Hey, we have a president who choked on a pretzel.  

Of course it is possible that a dog could choke on a bone but given their nature, not likely.  Dogs and cats have incredible gag reflexes.  

It’s far more likely that your dog will choke on a bottle cap, a toy, a tennis ball or some other unexpected object they decide to pick up and give the taste test.  You have to know your dog and know your bones.  

Raw and slow roasted bones are always the best choice because they normally do not splinter. 

Raise your dog on bones from a puppy and they are less likely to go nuts when you give them a bone because they now know how to handle the bone.  Bones are a natural source of everything a dog needs by way of glucosamine, chondroitin and calcium.  

Raw bones and meat tendons such as bully sticks (bull pizzle – look it up), slow roasted bones are not only a great source of protein and other nutrients, but they give your dog something to do while you play on the computer.  Bones and natural chews are also what a dog can use to clean their teeth.  

The grinding and gnawing they have to do will clean away tartar.  

Again, know your dog and know the bone.  You’re not going to give a 100 pound Labrador the same bone you would give a smaller dog.  

Use common sense.  Supervise your dog until you know how it handles bones and chews and remember that these products have calories.  

You need to adjust your feeding amounts to account for the additional calories you give your dog by way of bones and chews.

True or False: Dry Food is Best for my Pet and it Keeps the Teeth Clean

False and False

Dry food was created as a convenience for the pet owner but it by no means is the healthiest food you can feed your animal.  

Regardless of how good a dry dog food is, and there are plenty of good ones out there, it is still the most processed pet food on the market.  

To get all of those meat, grain and vegetable ingredients into the form of dry kibble, the food has to be processed to the point where it looses much of its whole form nutritional or bio-available value.   

It basically equates to feeding your dog cereal.  If you are not feeding a premium food (or you are getting the food for your dog at the grocery store or big box supplier) you are also very likely feeding your pet a food with a high amount of grains or grain products, not to mention by-products.  

Would you feed your child, or yourself, cereal or even one kind of cereal for life regardless of how good it is?  

Feeding your animal foods that are less processed including raw and canned premium foods with human-grade ingredients are a better source of nutrition.  

If you are going to use kibble, and most will, choose a premium kibble, rotate the protein sources in the kibble and provide canned and fresh food to balance an overly processed diet.  

As far as kibble cleaning your pet’s teeth…..would you try cleaning your teeth by eating a hard pretzel?  

Dogs don’t chew their food they inhale whenever possible.  

Their teeth were made for hunting animals and ripping meat off the bone.  

I hear many people complain that their dog doesn’t chew but that’s just the way they were created.  

They bite; they rip to shreds and crush when necessary but feeding dry food is not going to keep their teeth clean “because they have to chew it.”