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We have been advocating the use of Diatomaceous (die-uh-toe-may-shus) Earth for several years now, and every time we tell folks about it they tell us what a hard time they had finding it at a decent price. So as a courtesy to our adopters, and to anyone who can't find DE locally at a fair price, we are now offering DE. We have 50 lb. bags of Codex/food grade DE priced at only $36 plus S&H. If you shop around on the internet you'll find that is a very, very good price. Truth be told we get it for less than that, and the rescue makes a bit of money on it. But it is still a very fair price, and heck it's not like you're putting more money in Bill Gates' hands. The small profit we make on it goes to help care for our rescue dogs. If you don't want a full 50 lb. bag, we'll be happy to make up an order for you, We charge $1.50 per lb. plus S&H. If you want to place an order click here. Just tell us how much DE you want and what your zip code is. We will email you back with a price including shipping. We accept payment by check or PayPal.

DE is the remains of microscopic one-celled plants called diatoms (a phytoplankton) that lived in ancient oceans and lakes. Diatomaceous Earth is mined, milled, and processed into a myriad of types for a large variety of uses. Filtering and filler are two main uses but Diatomaceous Earth also ends up in paints, cosmetics, drugs, chemical insecticides, and all sorts of other stuff you use every day. Freshwater Diatomaceous Earth comes in at least three grades: Horticultural Grade, Pool Filter Grade and Food Grade. It's important to use only Food Grade DE if you're using it internally for your animals or yourselves. The DE we sell is Food Grade.

Pool filter grade Diatomaceous Earth has been heat and chemically treated and will poison an animal or human who ingests it, so it is always of utmost importance to only obtain food grade Diatomaceous Earth to use in and around your household. There are many DE based products that also contain chemical insecticides. These are not ingestible and are not food grade. Since we are using DE to avoid chemicals, and since these products can not be used for internal parasite control, we don't really see much point to them.

Food grade Diatomaceous Earth is EPA approved to be mixed with grains to control mealworms and other pests, and it has been exempted from tolerance requirements as an inert, inactive ingredient in chemical pesticides. Diatomaceous Earth is EPA approved for use against indoor and outdoor crawling insects. It is also USDA approved as an anti-caking agent for animal feed, and  FDA approved for internal and external use, and has a rating of Food Chemical Codex Grade.

Our Diatomaceous Earth is Codex Food Chemical Grade. It is a non-treated, non-milled, non-calcined fresh water form of Diatomaceous Earth and is pure white in color. There are food grade Diatomaceous Earth products that are yellow or tan in color. This indicates a higher iron content. All DE contains various trace minerals. These are actually beneficial when the concentrations are kept low.

DISCLAIMER: Any uses of any form of Diatomaceous Earth other than those approved by the EPA, FDA, or USDA are strictly based on anecdotal reports of what people such as ourselves have experienced, and are not backed by any scientific studies that we know of. Additionally, the informaiton contained herein is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician or vet. This information is solely intended to help uou make an informed decisions and not as a substitute for your independent judgment and personal responsibility. We strongly recommended you seek information and counsel from as wide a variety of sources as possible, including your doctor and/or vet, because it is YOU who must make the decisions about when, if, and how to use Diatomaceous Earth.


INTERNAL PARASITE CONTROL: Food grade Diatomaceous Earth makes a very effective natural insecticide. The insecticidal quality of Diatomaceous Earth is due to the razor sharp edges of the diatoms' remains, and its desiccant (drying) qualities. When Diatomaceous Earth comes in contact with the insects, the sharp edges lacerate the bug's waxy exoskeleton and then the powdery Diatomaceous Earth absorbs the body fluids causing death from dehydration. We feed kibble moistened with cool water just before feeding (about a cup of cool water per meal) and this is when we add the DE. It mixes with the food and water and the dogs just eat it up with the rest of their meal. Unlike chemical wormers, they all seem to like the taste of the DE. My horses on the other hand will not touch the stuff for some reason. Our friends' horses eat it up, but mine hate it.

Food grade DE has been used for decades as a natural wormer for livestock. Some believe DE scratches and dehydrates parasites. Some scientists believe it is a de-ionizer or de-energizer of worms or parasites. Regardless, people report definite control. To be most effective, food grade DE must be fed regularly for long enough to catch all newly hatching eggs or cycling of the worms through the lungs and back to the stomach. We recommend daily feeding for the life of the dog, but in any case no less than 90 days. Food grade DE works in a purely physical/mechanical manner, and does not rely on any chemicals. Thus it has no chemical toxicity. Best yet, parasites don’t build up a tolerance/immunity to it as they do to products relying on a chemical reaction, so rotation of wormers is unnecessary.

Daily recommended food grade Diatomaceous Earth feeding rates:

Kittens - 1/2 teaspoon
Cats - 1 teaspoon
Puppies - 1/2 to 1 tsp.
Dogs under 35 lbs. - 1 teaspoon
Dogs over 35 lbs. - 1 tablespoon
Dogs over 100 lbs. - 2 tablespoons
Horses - 1/2 to 1 cup in daily ration
Humans - 1 heaping tablespoon daily

Internal feeding of food grade DE helps eliminate most internal worms with a life cycle in the digestive tract, though possibly not all. It’s also excellent when fed daily to keep down fly loads, since food grade DE is eliminated from the body, exactly the way it went in, it helps reduce the manure odor and kills flies etc., that come in contact with it.

EXTERNAL APPLICATIONS FOR DOGS & CATS: Lightly rub the DE into your pets fur and bedding to dehydrate fleas, lice, mites, and ticks. Dust them lightly, but thoroughly. In order to kill the parasites, they must come in contact with the DE. It may take several days to get a severe infestation under control.

Lightly sprinkle in household carpet (we like to work it in with a carpet rake). Leave for 2-3+ days, then vacuum lightly if you want (We leave it on until our next regular vacuuming, and we do not try to vacumm it all up when we do vacuum. It will continue to work for many months). Please do not get heavy handed with the DE in your carpet. It is a very fine powder and can make a real mess. DE is about the consistency of talcum powder - this means it can get very dusty if you start tossing it in the air- so be careful with it, as the dust can irritate your lungs and your eyes. Remember, DE is a desiccant that dries things out, and while it will not kill you or anything, it is best to avoid breathing much of the dust or getting any of it in your eyes. It can also do a number on your vacuum if you over do it. A little goes a long way, honestly. We generally dust once or twice a season and find that is all we need to do. If you or your neighbors keep bees you must be very careful, as it can also kill bees. If there are bee colonies near your home, and you want to use it on plants as an insecticide, DON'T get any on the flowers, where the bees are most likely to land. It will not harm earthworms, so it can be spread on compost piles to help control insect infestations. In addition to sprinkling it on stuff, you can also mix it with water and spray it on anything, for a quick, easy insect "barrier". Once dry it will leave a white powdery residue that sticks to whatever it is sprayed on. It will generally last through a light rain. You can even dust the inside of walls in new construction to give a permanent insect barrier. Just sprinkle DE generously on the bottom plate between the studs (before installing insulation). This will give you a permanent chemical free "interior" insect barrier that will GREATLY reduce the number of insects that will make it into your home.

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Update 6/25/03  -  The Ultimate Dog Bed fundraiser!!

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You can shop the Dogwise website through our portal by simply clicking here, and know that DDRI will get a commission on anything you order while shopping from our portal. You get to shop one of the best on-line pet stores on the web, and the proceeds from your purchase are helping benefit DDRI. How cool is that! Or you can shop the specific titles and items we are recommending here in our store and still ensure that DDRI gets the commission. We've selected several books and videos that we feel are exceptionally good. Please take a moment to investigate these suggested items. 

Videos

CALMING SIGNALS: WHAT YOUR DOG TELLS YOU (VHS) Turid Rugaas working on her own home turf, doing what she does best, communicating with dogs. She shows footage of many calming signals, and how dogs use them. She also shows us how people can use calming signals in their own interactions with dogs. You'll enjoy visiting Turid's own dogs and those of her clients, while seeing her in action on her beautiful farm in the fjords of Norway. This is THE companion video to the popular book, "On Talking Terms with Dogs.". dtb663	SIRIUS PUPPY TRAINING By Ian Dunbar Do you know someone who is getting a new puppy? Help them get started right with this popular video. Easy to use techniques for the whole family to train the new dog...puppy or adult. How to establish a bond with the dog, how to get off-leash control and teach simple commands. Important information on problem prevention and training. Breeders all over the U.S. advise their puppy-buyers to get this!                                              dtb163	TRAINING THE COMPANION DOG VOL 1, SOCIALIZATION & BEGINNING OBEDIENCE By Ian Dunbar Teach your dog to be a well-mannered pet through socialization, communication, early obedience training (sit, down, stand), working with shy or aggressive dogs and understanding body language, beginning the recall, and preparing for a vet visit by becoming used to handling. dtb262
TRAINING THE COMPANION DOG VOL 2. BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS AND HOUSEHOLD ETIQUETTE By Ian Dunbar Deals with a series of specific and common behavior problems, such as digging, house soiling, settling down, crate training, chewing, barking and biting. Teach your dog to be a well-mannered ambassador for the dog world! dtb263	TRAINING THE COMPANION DOG VOL 3, WORKING ON LEASH & HEELING By Ian Dunbar More advanced training can be the start of competitive obedience. Encourage your dog to "follow" before you introduce the leash, teach walking on leash, prevent jumping up on people, teach heel position and heeling on leash. dtb265	TRAINING THE COMPANION DOG VOL 4, RECALLS AND STAYS By Ian Dunbar More advanced training: using play in training, teaching the "stay" command, the "off" command, increasing the length of the stay, controlling your dog from a distance, and introducing distractions to "proof" the stay. dtb266
DOG AGGRESSION: BITING By Ian Dunbar Goal is to make every dog a friendly dog! Contents: Influence of nature and nurture on the development of canine aggression, in-depth review of the stimuli and situations that may provoke a dog to bite, how to recognize warning signs and defuse potential triggers, classification of dog bites on the basis of severity and owner's responsibility, suggestion for fairer, more effective legal sanctions, and most importantly, a detailed program of simple and effective behavior modification and temperament training techniques to prevent dog bites. Presented in seminar/lecture format. dtb592	DOG AGGRESSION: FIGHTING By Ian Dunbar Dealing effectively with dog to dog aggression necessitates a comprehensive understanding of its underlying causes. In his entertaining and enlightening style, Dr. Dunbar offers a thoughtful analysis of why dogs fight and outlines commonsense preventative measures and a variety of practical remedial training techniques. Includes: causes of dog-to-dog aggression in the context of pack hierarchy, how to assess whether a dog has a serious and dangerous fighting problem or whether it is just prone to squabbling, does neutering help, setting up a remedial "growl class", how to correct aggression problems. Presented in seminar/lecture format. dtb593	DOG TRAINING FOR CHILDREN By Ian Dunbar Under the direction of Dr. Ian Dunbar kids learn how to housetrain their own dogs, teach early lead work, sit and down, how to train as a family, have family competitions, improve the sit-stay, focus attention, improve off-leash control, train a fast recall, even how to play correctly. Also a section on agility for juniors: improving control, regulating speed, hitting the contact points, speeding up the "down." dtb561
	TRAINING  DOGS WITH DUNBAR by Ian Dunbar If you have a good relationship with your dog, he will probably do his best to please you. To build that ideal relationship, use easy, fun lure/reward methods to train a well mannered companion! dtb528

Books

ON TALKING TERMS WITH DOGS: CALMING SIGNALS by Turid Rugaas Dogs have a language for communication with each other, consisting of a large variety of signals using body, face, ears, tail, sounds, movement and expression. If we study the signals dogs use with each other and use them ourselves, we increase our ability to communicate with our dogs. Most noteworthy are the calming signals, which are used to maintain a healthy social hierarchy and resolve conflict within the pack. If we can carry these skills over to our own interactions with dogs, we can greatly improve our relationships with dogs. A practical, down-to-earth, logical understanding and use of the body language of dogs. This is the companion book to the video of the same name.  dtb527	DOGS HOME ALONE By Roger Abrantes "Home Alone" is the canine behavior problem that we have treated with greatest success. The original program has been modified over the years, but the idea is still the same - to teach the dog slowly but safely, how to be home alone. The program described is standard. Some owners will be completely successful following the program exactly; others will experience improvements; others may have to adapt the program for their individual dog. The program can also be used to prevent the problem from ever showing up. Start with the exercises described from the very first day the puppy enters your home, so he will grow up as a strong dog, self-confident, with the ability to deal with unexpected situations. dtb676	EXCEL-ERATED LEARNING By Pamela Reid Explains in plain English how dogs learn and how best to teach them! Contents: Motivation, stages of learning, why study learning, science of behaviorism, classical conditioning, operant conditioning, single-event learning, factors that affect learning (timing, schedules of reinforcement), stimulus (signal) control, aversive control of behavior, negative punishment, the application of learning principles to changing behavior, social learning, and more. dtb500
CHILD-PROOFING YOUR DOG By Brian Kilcommons A complete guide to preparing your dog for the children in your life -including training an older dog to accept an infant, avoid common toddler/dog problems, selecting the best breed, care and safety rules. An important topic, written by one of our most popular authors, who also wrote Good Owners, Great Dogs. Topics covered include: training an older dog to accept an infant, avoiding common dog/toddler problems, Picking the best breed for a family dog, teaching kids dog care and safety rules, special help for dogphobic children, terrific tricks kids can teach their dog, and preventative training against jumping, snapping, barking and aggressive behavior in the family dog. dtb349	LIVING WITH A DEAF DOG By Susan Cope-Becker Based on the author's firsthand experience of living with a deaf dog, her own Boston Terrier. Includes research on the topic of canine deafness, how-to's for training and communicating, plus collected personal experiences of deaf dog owners from all over the world. Contents: getting and keeping the deaf dog's attention, over 25 hand sign (some illustrated), training and safety tips, testing a dog for deafness at home, BAER testing/what, where and why, genetics of canine deafness, deaf dog myths (aggression and brain damage), stories about deaf dogs from their owners, resources for products, books, organizations, and an opportunity to assist in deaf dog research. dtb552	I'LL BE HOME SOON! By Patricia McConnell How to prevent and treat Separation Anxiety. If you worry about leaving your dog home alone, both because you love your dog and your house, this book is for you. Most dogs can be left home alone during the day and lead happy, fulfilled doggy lives without destroying your house. Of course, some of them get into trouble at home when you're gone because there's so much fun stuff to do without you to stop them. But a small number of dogs suffer from a serious problem called Separation Anxiety, in which they panic at your departure and stay panicked until you return. This book is designed to help those whose dog really suffers from Separation Anxiety, to help you prevent it from developing, and to help you raise a dog with good "house manners." dtb667
DOG LANGUAGE: AN ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CANINE BEHAVIOUR By Roger Abrantes An encyclopedia of canine behavior. Tells us why dogs do what they do and how we can express ourselves so that our dogs understand us better. Arranged alphabetically with 293 entries and numerous line drawings illustrating over 150 different dog expressions. Follows the traditions of the school of ethology founded by Konrad Lorenz, and based on many hours of research observation and study. For all readers with an interest in dogs, wolves or other canids. dtb534	HEAR, HEAR! A GUIDE TO TRAINING A DEAF PUPPY By Barry Eaton New 3rd edition contains a few minor changes. How to get attention, teach basic commands, or create individualized commands to fit your needs...here's help and encouragement you'll appreciate if you have knowingly or unknowingly taken on a deaf puppy! dtb517	DOG OWNER'S HOME VETERINARY HANDBOOK, 3RD ED By James Carlson & Liisa Giffin For this all-new 3rd edition, Drs. Giffin and Carlson have started from scratch, with all new and updated material, including new photos and drawings. This is the most comprehensive, easy-to-use, up-to-date dog care book available anywhere. Contains important changes and new information about: flea prevention, vaccine protocols, cancer treatments, genetics and the role it plays in disease, diseases of the pancreas and liver, canine dental care, health problems of older dogs, treatment of arthritis, diagnostic tools and procedures, puppy socialization and training. DV107
CAUTIOUS CANINE By Patricia McConnell How to help dogs conquer their fears with desensitization and counter conditioning. Step by step instructions to help you dog get over his fear of unfamiliar people. ***If you want to use the program for something besides a dog who's afraid of strangers, just substitute the relevant species and problem and go from there. It can be used to get over fear of the vet, a ceiling fan, whatever - as long as the behavior problem is motivated by fear. Even people can use the program! dtb586	AN OWNER'S GUIDE TO DOG BEHAVIOR By Ian Dunbar Explains how a dog's perceptions and desires result in its conduct. By understanding what makes your dog tick, you'll learn how to socialize and train your dog to be the companion that you want. Modifying a dog's behavior isn't hard, it's simply a question of reinforcing the behavior that you desire. By using the proven techniques described in this book, you can teach your dog to be the model companion. The better you understand your dog, the better your relationship will be. dtb596	HOW TO TEACH A NEW DOG OLD TRICKS By Ian Dunbar No time like the present for training (or re-training) a puppy or adult dog to fit into the human world! Internationally acclaimed vet, behaviorist and trainer Dr. Ian Dunbar leads new and experienced owners through a training program to PREVENT problems "Temperament Training", SOLVE problems "Behavior Training" and BEHAVE "Obedience Training". Dunbar's methods are fun and easy to apply for all family members. dtb190
AFTER YOU GET YOUR PUPPY By Ian Dunbar Now you have your puppy, the clock is ticking and you need to meet three more developmental deadlines before your puppy is five months old. Covers Household Etiquette; Home Alone; Socialization with People; Learning Bite Inhibition; The World at Large; Homework Schedules, and a shopping list of books and videos. dtb721	DOG'S MIND By Bruce Fogle Observing dog behavior is a fascinating pastime! This book explains canine behavior from its origin in the wild to its expression in the domesticated animal. Leaves you with a deeper respect for your furry friends and insights into how to train effectively. dtb275	DR. DUNBAR'S GOOD LITTLE DOG BOOK By Ian Dunbar A training guide to go with the Dunbar video series "Training the Companion Dog". All you need to develop a well-trained companion! dtb273

Collections

CALMING SIGNALS BOOK/VIDEO SET By Turid Rugaas If we study the signals dogs use with each other and use them ourselves, we increase our ability to communicate with our dogs. Most noteworthy are the calming signals, which are used to maintain a healthy social hierarchy and resolve conflict within the pack. If we can carry these skills over to our own interactions with dogs, we can greatly improve our relationships with dogs. A practical, down-to-earth, logical understanding and use of the body language of dogs. This is the set of both the video and book of the same name. Save 10% by buying both as a set. A239	TRAINING THE COMPANION DOG VIDEO SET by Ian Dunbar Dr. Ian Dunbar, one of the world's most popular behaviorists, provides you with all the information needed to teach your dog to be a well-mannered canine citizen. Basic training and problem-solving from his BBC (British Television) series. 60 minutes each. Vol.1, Socialization and Beginning Obedience; Vol. 2, Behavior Problems and Household Etiquette; Vol 3, Working on Leash and Heeling; Vol.4, Recalls and Stays. Save 10% over the individual prices by buying the complete set.  A135	SIRIUS PUPPY TRAINING BOOK AND VIDEO SET By Ian Dunbar Easy to use techniques for the whole family to train the new dog...puppy or adult. Shows the new owner how to establish a bond with the dog, how to get off-leash control and teach simple commands. Important information on problem prevention and training. Breeders all over the U.S. advise their puppy-buyers to get the book and/or video! Buy the set and save 10%! A107
DOG AGGRESSION 2-VOL. SET: BITING & FIGHTING (SAVE 10%) By Ian Dunbar This set contain both Dr. Dunbar's Dog Aggression Videos at a 10% savings. This is a must have for anyone who has to deal with aggressive dogs! A226	SET OF 9 DOG TRAINING AND BEHAVIOR BOOKLETS By Ian Dunbar This is the 9-booklet set  by Dr. Dunbar, US and UK Vet, Behaviorist, Trainer and Lecturer. Dr Dunbar approaches training with a sense of humor. His problem-solving techniques are humane and fun! The nine different booklets focus on specific problems. Topics covered: barking, chewing & trashing, digging, fighting, housetraining, housetraining supplement, preventing aggression, shyness/fear toward people, and socialization. Buy the complete set save 10% A136

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