《狗狗生日蛋糕篇- 雞肉南瓜蛋糕》 Dog birthday cake- Chicken & pumpkin

今年Bella生日決定自己整蛋糕，因為可以控制份量及材料。在選擇食譜時，選了用蒸煮方法及不用太多煮食用具的食譜。因為家中沒有太多焗蛋糕的工具，亦沒有焗爐。

I have decided to make a birthday cake for Bella this year. It is easier to control the ingredient and amount. While I was picking the recipe, I like to look at those which are using steaming as the cooking method, and don't require too many baking tools. It is only because I don't have an oven nor baking tools.

雞肉南瓜蛋糕煮法很簡單，只要依照食譜第一次便成功做到了。跟大家可以分享一下一些注意事項：
Chicken and pumpkin cake is easy to make if you follow the procedure step by step. I have some suggestions as follows:

1. 食譜的份量很準確，如用同一個糕模，剛剛可弄到6個。那個模我在大埔一間賣蛋糕用品的店找到，其實陶寶也有。我在店中還見到狗腳印的模型，主人們可隨自己喜愛，用不同的糕模便可做出不同效果。
1. The amount of the ingredient is accurate. If you are using the same cake mould, it is no waste of any ingredient. I bought the rose-shaped mould in Tai Po, it is sold on TaoBao as well. You can use any different shape of mould to create the cake that your pup would like.

2. 以下食譜以雞肉為主，相信主人們可因應狗狗的喜愛轉用不同的肉類（如：羊肉）。這也是自己整蛋糕的好處。
2. The main ingredient of following recipe is chicken. You can pick any other meat (eg. Lamb) that your pup likes. It is the flexibility you have when making a cake home.

3. 製作蛋糕有一步驟是需要攪拌機的。因家中沒有攪拌機，我先用叉把南瓜壓成茸，再用隔篩把南瓜茸過瀘-用刮刀把大的南瓜茸壓過隔篩。（看下圖）這也可做到用攪拌機攪成汁的效果。
3. A mixer is needed in one of the procedure. I don't have one, so I used a fork to mash the pumpkin and make it finer by using a sieve. (Pls see the pic below). You can make a smooth liquid just like a mixer does.

食譜是在網上找的，想知材料份糧及做法可到以下網址：
I looked up the recipe online, if u would like to know more, please refer to the link below.

雞肉南瓜蛋糕食譜：
http://www.joycemiaka.com/2014/04/blog-post_6.html?m=1

《狗狗好去處- Mikiki Shopping Mall》 Fun place to go for dogs- Mikiki Shopping Mall

Mikiki位於新蒲崗，狗狗只要要帶上口罩及狗帶便可於商場內行走。對於中小型狗，可從商場借用寵物手推車（見右圖）。（按金： $ 300 ，不設找續。借用時間:3小時）讓我來介紹商場的吸引及不足之處。

Mikiki is located in San Po Kong, dogs can walk freely on-leash inside the shopping mall with a muzzle on. For the small breed, pet strollers (see pic on the right) can be borrowed from the shopping mall (Deposit: HKD$300 for 3 hours, exact change). Let me introduce some of the ups and downs of this shopping mall.

商場吸引之處:
Highlights of the shopping mall:

1. 狗Cafe在地面那一層，有幾隻駐場狗狗，你的竉物都肯定有伴玩。而Cafe收費如下：
- 每隻寵物需要花費不少於港幣$ 70（店內有寵物食品）
- 人頭費：每人港幣$ 30元（包括瓶裝飲料）
- 切餅費：HKD $ 100
1. There is a dog cafe on the ground floor, there are some resident dogs in the cafe, so your dogs will have some company for sure. The fee is as follows:
- Each pet needs to spend no less than HK$70 (there are some homemade pet foods)
- Entry fee: HKD$30 per head (including a bottled drink)
- Cake cutting fee: HKD$100

2. 狗Cafe旁有兩間寵物店，你可以跟狗狗去逛逛，可能找到心頭好。
2. There are two pet shops next to the pet cafe, you may be able to find something that your pup likes.

3.沒有商店阻上Bella進入，但必須拉上寵物手推車的帳篷 (如下所示)。寵物不可進入任何餐廳或一田百貨。
3. Wasn't stopped by any shops for taking Bella with me, but you have to zip up the pram like the pic shown below. Pets are not allowed in any restaurants or YATA.

商場不足之處:
Downside of the shopping mall:

1. 狗Cafe沒有提供人的食物，但那裡有外賣紙。可叫外賣送到狗Cafe入進食。
1. There is no human food provided in the dog cafe, you can ask for the menu and order take away to eat inside.

2. 寵物不可進入任何餐廳或一田百貨。
2. Pets are not allowed in any restaurant or YATA.

商場本身不是很大，如果你打算跟狗狗行街購物，那裡未必是最理想的選擇。但如果你只是想讓狗狗接觸更多地方，與其他狗狗玩，這不失是一個好去處。Bella第一次坐寵物手推車，她很乖，沒有嘗試跳出來。
The shopping mall itself is not really big, if you are planning to shop with your pet, it may not be the most ideal place to go. If you only would like to let your dog explore more and play with other dogs in a cafe, it is a good place to go. Bella had her first trolley ride, and she enjoyed it.

如果您想了解更多，請查看商場網站：
http://www.mikiki-mall.com.hk/tc/home.php

If you would like to know more, check out the shopping mall website below:
http://www.mikiki-mall.com.hk/en/home.php

《狗可以吃雞蛋殼嗎?》 Can you dog eat egg shell?

狗是可以吃雞蛋殼的。雞蛋殼含鈣，這有利於您的狗的骨骼和牙齒。這是否安全？如果你不放心狗狗吃生雞蛋殼。可以先把蛋殼放入焗爐幾分鐘，以確保高溫下殺死潛在的細菌，然後碎成粉末，並加粉末入他/她的食物。

Dogs can eat egg shell. Egg shell contains a lot of calcium and it is good for your pup's bone and teeth. Is it safe? If you are not comfortable to give the raw egg shell to you pup. You can bake the egg shell for few minutes to ensure all the potential bacteria is killed under the high temperature, then crush it into powder and add the powder into his/ her regular food.

今天下午炒飯作午餐，打了一個雞蛋弄炒飯，我洗了蛋殼表面並碎成小塊，然後給Bella作為零食，她很喜歡。
I was making fried rice this afternoon, after I used an egg for my fried rice, I have wash the shell surface and crush it into smaller pieces then give Bella as a snack and she enjoys it so much.

《美容篇- 清理肛門腺》 Grooming- Anal Gland Expressing

很多主人都喜歡自己替狗狗進行基本美容護理，清潔耳仔、拔耳毛、洗澡等。我自己覺得清理肛門腺是比較困難，希望跟大家分享一下注意事項。

Many dog owners like to do the basic grooming for their pets, including, clean ears, pull ear hair, bathing and so on. For me, it is more difficult to clean the anal gland, let's look at how to do the anal glad expressing.

肛門腺清理是十分重要，如果不定期為狗狗清理，可能會導致肛門囊發炎，甚至破裂，嚴重的可能要做手術。
It is important to express your dog's anal gland regularly. If not, it may result the anal gland inflection and even cause ruptured anal gland.

什麼時間需要清理肛門腺？
當狗狗用屁股磨擦地下時做需清理。當然定期清理也可以。建議在替狗狗洗澡前進行，方便清洗。（每隔兩至三星期我便替Bella沖涼）
When do we need to express your dog's anal gland?
When your dog drag his bottom along the floor, you need to empty his/her anal sac. Of course, it can also be cleaned regularly. It is recommended to do it before bathing your dog, it will be much easier to clean . (I bath Bella every 2-3 week.)

怎樣清理肛門腺？
肛門線大概在肛門下4點及8點的位置，肛門腺是在狗狗體內的，把食指及母指分放在4及8點的位置，應該可感到微微凸起的部分，用手指從外而內擠壓，推到肛門位置。重覆數次便可。可看以下短片了解更多:
清理肛門腺(中文短片):

Anal glands are two small, grape-shaped glands located just under the skin at four o’clock and eight o’clock to the anus. Place your thumb and index finger onto the right position and pressure it towards the anus. Repeat the steps 2-3 times. To know more, please refer to the video below:
Video of Anal Gland Expressing in English:

《為什麼狗狗會聞尿?》 Why would your dog smell the pee?

跟人不一樣，狗狗可以透過尿尿溝通。相信大家放狗時也會留意到有些狗狗會不斷在不同地點wee wee，這是"霸地盤"的舉動。亦有些狗狗會在其他狗狗已wee wee的地方小解，用來覆蓋另一隻狗狗的氣味。

Unlike human, dogs can communicate with their pee. When you walk your pup, you may see your dog keep peeing in small amount. It is known as "marking territory". They may try to pee on other dogs pee to cover up other dog's scent.

那狗狗可以從聞wee wee得到什麼"資料"? 他們會知道另一個小朋友的年齡、姓別、品種、心身健康狀況。
Then what kind of information can they get when they are sniffing the pee? Your dog can know the other dog's age, gender, breed receptors as well as the mental and physical health.

這是Bella wee wee也不肯放開新玩具的照片，哈哈！
That's a funny pics I took when Bella doesn't let go of her frisbee while peeing. Lol!

《教養篇-眼神接觸》 Training tips- Eye contact

跟自己的狗狗多眼神接觸可增進感情。最近日本一項研究顯示，狗狗跟主人對望雙方也會增加分泌稱為"愛情激素"的後葉催產素。這跟母親看著嬰兒時會激發的分泌一樣，可產生愛、親切感等感覺。

Eye contact can form bonding between human and dog. A recent study in Japan found out that "owner-dog bonding is comparable to human parent-infant bonding, that is, oxytocin-mediated eye-gaze bonding". Oxytocin is a hormone related to trust and maternal bonding, when it increases, it gives you the warm, loving feeling.

眼神接觸也是訓練狗狗重要元素之一，所以戶外訓練時不應戴上太陽眼鏡。但要注意，狗狗視直視為挑戰，所以不要隨便與陌生狗仔有眼神接觸。如果狗狗誤以為你是懷有敵意，很可能因驚慌或自我防衛而咬你。
Eye contact is also one of the key element in dog training, so do not wear your sunglasses when doing the outdoor training. At the same time, bear in mind that direct eye contact can interpret as challenge to dogs. Avoid having direct eye contact with the dogs that you don't know. If he/ she misinterpreted, it can result a fear bite.

想跟自己的寶貝關係更好，記得跟他們相處多點，對望多點。
If you want to build up a better relationship with your little ones, remember to spend more time with them and give them eye-gaze more often.

《狗狗教養篇-身體語言》 Training tips- Body language

你的小狗有沒有微微提起前腳(如圖)?如果有，你知道這是什麼意思嗎?

What is your puppy telling you when he/ she has the paw raise (as shown in the pic)?

狗狗無論站著還是坐著也可以微微提起前腳。這是友好和輕鬆的表現，代表狗狗視你為一份子，希望取悅你。
Dogs can raise their paws when standing or sitting. This shows her friendliness and appeasement which means your pup is accepting you as a member and he/ she is trying to please you.

Bella常常微微提起前腳，這個樣子真的很可愛！
Bella always raises her paw, and she looks cute when she did so.

《狗狗好去處-山頂花園》 Place to go- Victoria Peak Gardens

山頂花園離山頂大概10分鐘車程，或沿著山頂菱霄閣旁的柯士甸山道一直步行去到山頂花園。這是另一個狗狗的好去處，那裡除了交通不太方便，真的很值得帶狗狗去狂奔一下。

Peak Gardens is about 10 mins car ride from the Peak. Alternatively, you can walk along Mt Austin Road which is right next to the Peak tram. Except the location itself is not too convenience, it is a great place to take your dog to run freely at.

注意事項：
1. 如果想相約三五知己及狗狗去野餐，可自備沙灘𥱊或檯布鋪在草地上。若不想準備食物，停車地旁邊便有小食亭。
1. If you would like to go picnic with your friends and dog, you can bring a table cloth or something to sit on the grass. There is also a kiosks near the car park.

2. 那裡有很多狗狗，如果你的狗狗「平易近人」，也是認識朋友的好地方。
2. You can find lots of dog friends at the Peak Garden. If your dog is friendly, he/ she may be able to make some new friends.

3. 山頂公園有大遍草地，平日帶Bella 出外也必定帶上狗帶。但在那裡我也很放心讓他自由奔跑。當然家長們也要留意有沒有狗狗或其他情況會令狗狗走失。家長亦可以準備玩具跟狗狗玩fetch.
3. It is a great place to let your dog run freely without the lease. I will always hook the leash on Bella, but it is spacious enough for her to run off leash. Of course, you should always pay attention if anything will trigger your dog getting too excited and run away from you. You can also take some toy to play 'fetch' with your pup.

4. 沒駕車的主人可能要預留精力給狗狗行到山頂纜車站附近的巴士總站。因為在山頂公園是比較難截的士，要行到山頂巴士總站才有的士站。

4. If you don't have a car, remember to save your puppy some energy to walk down to the bus terminal near the Peak. It's hard to find a taxi in the peak garden, it is most likely that you need to walk down to the bus terminal to get a taxi.

Bella很喜歡山頂公園，享受在草地上奔跑。

Bella loves to go to the Peak Garden, she enjoys running around on the grass freely.

《如何選擇狗狗?》 How to pick your puppy?

很多人說，如果看到第一隻向你走過來的狗狗，一定是很喜歡自己。這說法其實是錯的！如果第一隻狗從狗群中走向你的，而其他狗狗留在原，這只表示這狗仔是「老大」。因為牠是領袖，天性是帶領其他狗，通常需要更多訓練才能使他聽從命令。

I heard many people said if the dog which is the first one run to you, it means it likes you a lot. This saying is totally wrong. The first dog run to you from a pack of dog (and other dogs stay at where they were) indicates that it's an alpha dog. Because of its nature of being a leader, this dog normally needs more training to be submissive.

狗狗多大是最佳帶回家的時候？6-8星期的小狗開始學習與人相處，所以這段時間帶狗狗回家是比較容易跟狗狗建立感情。

Then what age is the best timing to take a puppy home? The answer is 6-8 weeks, because puppies start the period of socialization. That means it's easier to form a bond with your puppy.

上面所說的都是理論性的。只要有耐性和愛心，多大，多難順服的狗也可以糾正。
The above information is based on theory. Patient and love can produce a submissive dog no matter how old or how dominant it is.

下圖是Bella四個月大時拍的，真的很可愛！
The pic below is taken when Bella was 4 months old. She is soooo adorable.

《教養篇- 狗狗也需要交際》 Socialize your dogs

狗狗跟人類一樣需要有交際生活。主人應多給狗狗機會跟其他人或狗仔見面，學習如何跟陌生人或狗相處。

Dogs like humans need social life. Owners should take your pup out more often to meet different people and dogs.

之前在美國，我被分配了訓練一隻比較沒自信，害怕面對陌生人的狗，他叫Ginger。Ginger甚至不接受我給他的treat,更不喜歡身邊接觸。這情況下，我只可以用口頭稱讚來獎勵他。要得到他的信任是需要很長時間，千萬不要心急！亦不要嘗試去摸他，否則狗狗可能會因過度惊慌下而咬你。
I have trained a dog called Ginger when I was in USA, he looked insecure around strangers and its body language tells us he is lack of confident. He will move away when we tried to pet him or praise him after a command, and he won't even take the treats I gave him. To deal with that kind of dogs, it takes a lot of time. We shouldn't touch him when we know he has insecure issue to avoid a fear bite.

跟我之前所說信任和自信是需要時間建立。如果你想有一隻身心健康的狗狗，便應該給予狗狗社交的機會。如果你的朋友圈沒有養狗，可以試試到不同社交媒體去建立狗狗的社交圈子，接觸不同的人和狗。我自己也沒有養狗的朋友，但透過比熊facebook page，參加聚會，擴大Bella的社交圈子。

As I mentioned before, it will take a long time to build the trust, confident. If you want a healthy (physically & mentally) dog, let your dog get socialize. If you don't have any dogs to get socialize in the circle of your friends, try to find some puppy group online and let your dogs be a dog and get socialize. I don't have many dog owners around me, but u have join the Bichon group below, so I can take Bella to play with other dogs and meet different people.

《狗狗食物篇- 狗可以吃蘋果嗎？》 Can dogs eat apple?

「一日一蘋果，醫生遠離我」，狗狗可以吃蘋果嗎？答案是：可以的！但必定要先把核挑起！狗狗是不可吃蘋果核的。

"An apple a day, keep the doctor away" Can dogs eat apple? The answer is YES! But remember to remove the seed, seed is poison to dogs.

蘋果核可導致狗狗氰化物中毒，大小便失禁，呼吸困難，抽搐和昏迷。
Apple seeds may cause your dogs Cyanide poisoning, involuntary elimination, labored breathing, convulsions and coma.

Bella很喜歡吃蘋果，夏天把蘋果雪凍當小食，消暑又健康。
Bella loves to eat apple, especially in Summer. Put the apple into the fridge and cut it into small piece as snack. It can be a healthy treat.

《狗狗‧小知識》 Fun Fact about Dogs

今天學會了一些有趣的知識。世上有400多個品種的狗，究竟哪種狗狗最大，最聰明?狗狗大小便後為什麼會不斷踢後腳?

I learnt some fun facts of dogs today. There are more than 400 dog breeds in the world, which breed has the biggest size? Which breed is most intelligent? Why would some dogs kick up the sand after peeing or pooing?

1. 最聰明 VS 最笨 The smartest VS the dumbest
最聰明的品種: 牧羊狗 The most intelligent breed: Border Collie 
最笨的品種: 阿富汗獵犬 (下圖) The least intelligent breed: Afghan Hound (Please refer to the pic below)

2. 最大 VS 最細 (跟據美國的紀錄): The Biggest VS the smallest (According to USA):
最大的品種: 愛爾蘭獵狼犬 (下圖)  The Biggest breed: Irish Wolfhound  (Please refer to the pic below)

最細的品種: 芝娃娃 The Smallest breed: Chiwawa

3. 狗狗大小便後不斷踢後腳好像嘗試把草或沙遮蓋自己的排泄物，但這是支配的行為，跟清理排泄物無關。牠們只是嘗試把氣味去到更遠的地方，令其他狗狗知道「我在這裡！」

Kicking up the sand after pee/ poo doesn't mean your pup is trying to clean up, but to spread its scent. It is a dominant act that to tell the dog world he/she is here.

《狗狗好去處- 西貢海灣會》 Fun Place- SK Beach Club, Sai Kung

在香港很難找到地方帶狗狗去玩，海灣會是一個可以讓小朋友自由在沙灘上奔跑，暢泳及嘗試乘小艇的好地方。而家長們亦可以在BBQ場燒烤。這是Bella最喜歡的沙灘之一，她的游泳技巧也一次比一次進步。

It is very hard to find a place to take your dog to have fun in Hong Kong. SK Beach is a good place to let your puppy run freely on the sand, swim, have a ride on a kayak. For the owners, you can enjoy having barbecue with your puppies. We have taken Bella there several times, she enjoys swimming more and more each time.

海灣會吸引之處：
Highlights of SK Beach Club:

1. 海灣會很歡迎狗狗，沙灘旁的餐廳狗狗也可以進入，而附近的BBQ場也可以帶小朋友。
The area is very dog friendly, you can take your dog into the restaurant next to the beach, or into the barbecue site.

2. 離沙灘不遠有狗狗的收費沖涼設備（包括冷水花灑及風筒），十分方便。但家長們記得自備沖涼液及毛巾。
There is paid dog bathing facilities (including cold water shower and dryer). It makes it easier to clean your puppy after swimming. Remember to bring your own shampoo & towel.

3. 喜歡刺激的家長還可以租借小艇，小朋友也可以上，建議自備教生衣給給小狗。
You can even take your little one on an adventure kayak ride. It will be busy in the weekend or PH, you can reserve a kayak before you go.

沙灘的缺點：
Downside of the beach:
沙灘並非水清沙幼，不時會發現膠袋，垃圾。
1. The water is not very clear, and you can easily find some plastic bags and trash in the sea
2. The sand is mixed with small stone.

For more details, please click the link below:
http://www.skbeach.com.hk/skbbq.html

《教養篇- 狗狗家長3大應有態度》 Training- 3 right concepts when teaching your dog

養狗之人大多也把狗狗視為家庭成員之一，看成自己子女般看待也可以理解，但過份把狗仔人性化，只會「好心做壞事」。以下video(用匙羹餵狗仔)的主人把狗仔抱在懷裡用匙羹餵狗仔，真誇張！苦了自己又令狗狗喪失了覓食的本能和需要。真的愛你的小朋友，要記住以下3點。

Many dog owners treat their puppies as their family member, but it is nothing good for the puppy or yourself to overly humanize your little ones. Just like the owner in the video (Spoon feed the dog) who feed her puppy like a baby. The owner herself feel annoyed over time and the puppy lost the chance to exercise its predator skills. If you really love your little ones, do take note of the followings:

1. 無論你如何愛你的寵物，愛牠如子女，不要嘗試改變牠成為人。應接受及預期牠會做狗會做的事。
1. No matter how much you love your puppy, it's a dog, never try to change her to become a human, accept and expect your dog to act like a dog.

2. 讓狗狗發揮覓食本能，家長可以減少正餐份量，以小食/乾糧作獎勵教牠們一些簡單指令(如:sit, come, heel等)。
2. Make your puppy work for their food, like teaching them tricks (such as sit, come, heel,etc) for food rewards.

3. 教導狗狗宜在開始時嚴緊一點，而且保持一致性。狗狗是從牠行為和其行為而得到的結果學習，例如:狗3. 狗等到主人回家，開心興奮的跳上你的腳，起初可能覺得很可愛，立即抱起牠。那以後對狗狗來說，跳上主人的腳=主人會抱起。一天，可能你不再喜歡那個行為才作出糾正，會令狗狗無所適從。
Dogs respond to what they understand to be consequences of their behavior, to teach your dogs, remember to start off strict and keep the consistency. For example, if you give your attention when your dog try to jump on your legs, then your puppy learns that jumping on the legs= getting attention. One day you may find the behavior isn't that cute anymore, it is more difficult for you to correct that behavior.

《玩具篇- KONG》 Dog Toy- KONG

狗天生有覓食的需要。有時侯狗仔的行為問題的成因是缺乏挑戰，或基本的覓食需要得不到滿足。「飯來張口」的生活會令狗仔的生活乏味，KONG一來可令狗仔動動腦筋，同時亦可滿足他覓食的天性。

Dogs are born to hunt for their food. Some behavior problems in pet dogs can be caused by the lack of challenges or their basic needs of hunting food are not fulfilled. "Free lunch" makes the life of your puppies dull, the KONG can solve the problem by challenging your puppy to "hunt" for the hidden/ stuffed food.

使用KONG的小提示：
Stuffing suggestions:

1. 食物塞到KONG的深度應循序漸進，令狗仔獲得滿足感及鍛鍊耐性。
1. The level of difficulty should be gradually increased to make sure your puppy succeeds while developing perseverance.

2. 剛開始時，放到KONG內的食物應是體積細小，容易從KONG跌出來。逐漸把放入KONG內的食物塞實一點，也可以轉用體積大一點的食物，增加挑戰性。
2. To begin with the small and easy-to-fall pieces of food as stuffing. It can be changed into tighter and some big pieces of food to increase the level of difficult of extracting the food.

3. 再考考狗仔的智慧和滿足他們覓食的本能，可把塞好食物的KONG收在家中，或把花生醬代替食物，增加難度。
3. Hiding the stuffed KONG around the house or employing peanut butter as the stuffing can challenge your puppy and give them a "job" to find their own food.

Bella 已經是KONG的高手。有時我會把乾糧減半，等她吃完乾糧，再給她塞滿雞肉的KONG，等她動動腦筋。

Bella is very good at getting food from her KONG. I will cut out half of her dry food and give a a KONG stuffed with chicken, to let her "hunt" for her food.

《什麼是給狗仔最好的獎勵?》 What is the best reward for your puppies?

什麼是對狗仔最好的獎勵，次序如下：

What is the best reward for our puppies?

(1=最好的獎勵, 1=the best reward)

1. 主人的關心 Attention
2. 散步/ 外出遊玩 Go for a walk/ outdoor activities
3. 玩具 Toys
4. 食物 Food

了解狗仔最喜歡什麼獎嘗，教導便可事半功倍，當然亦可提升你跟小朋友的關係。

To understand what your dog needs, it can help to give the "right" reward during training, and of course,boost the relationship between you and your little buddy.