Shih Tzu Topknots, Eyes And Ear Care

The standard coat of a Shih Tzu should be luxuriously long and dense with a good wooly undercoat. The hair on top of the head may be tied up. When a Shih Tzu is completely brushed and combed the Shih Tzu should have a sleek look. The beard come to a point and a long, luxuriant moustache flows over the beard. Method of making a Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu puppy topknot: 1. Part the hair from the ear on both sides of the head. 2. Gather up in one hand the hair in the middle and slip on a latex band at the base. 3. The band may have to be wrapped around twice to make it secure. 4. A ribbon or barrette is recommended to be attached to latex band. How to make your own Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu puppy bows: 1. Cut one yard of ribbon. The ribbon can be any width you desire. 2. From this yard of ribbon, cut another piece about 5" long. Splice this in half lengthwise. 3. Cut the remainder of the yard in half. This material should give you enough for two ribbons or bows. 4. Wrap one of the long pieces around two fingers. Slip the folded ribbon off your fingers and double it over. 5. With a utility scissors, snip off a piece at the corners in a "V" shape, but not a sharp V, for you will lose any thread of support. There should be a piece of ribbon left at the centerfold to hold it all together. 6. Take one of the spliced pieces (5") and tie the ribbon at the centerfold securely. 7. Separate each fold by gently pulling out and twisting each fold out from the center. Do both sides. When all the folds are pulled out and twisted, the bow is completed. All that remains is to fasten the bow to a tuft of hair, using the ends of the center splice to tie the knot. Cut off any excess ribbon that remains. Care of the Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu puppy's ears: Because of the long hair covering the Shih Tzu puppy's ears, problems can develop when the ear gets little air. Clean the excess hair out of your Shih Tzu puppy's ear canal (not the ear flap) to improve air circulation and help prevent infection. Care of the Shih Tzu's eyes: Shih Tzu generally have large eyes with shallow sockets. A Shih Tzu's eyes are more prone to injury than most other breeds. If your Shih Tzu puppy's eyes are red or cloudy or tear excessively, or if your dog squints and rubs at his eye, have a vet look at your Shih Tzu puppy's eye to determine the cause. Professionalism in Shih Tzu grooming: The word professional means "one skilled in a profession, craft, or art. The word professionalism is defined as "the methods, manner, or spirit of a profession. To become professional at anything, one must have the skills appropriate to the art, craft or profession and must conduct themselves professionally.

Western Hognose Snake Care (Heterodon nasicus)

Western Hognose snakes are a wonderful, small species of snake with lots of character. They have become more and more popular over the years and are now a commonly available species in the pet trade. In the wild they are known to feed on toads, lizard, snakes, eggs and even insects. In captivity however, they will regularly take to rodents. There are 3 subspecies of Western Hognose; the Plains Hognose Snake (Heterodon nasicus nasicus), the Dusty Hognose Snake (Heterodon nasicus gloydi) and Mexican Hognose Snake (Heterodon nasicus kennerlyi). The Plains Hognose snake is the most commonly seen in captivity, the care for all three species is virtually identical. Males grow to around 18”, females up to 30”. This is an excellent species of snake to keep in captivity, its small size, good nature and feeding response makes it a good beginners snake.

Housing

When keeping any snake as a pet, you generally want to be able to view the snake from the outside of its enclosure, in the most natural surroundings you can offer. This will be more aesthetically pleasing and also aid in the general condition of the snake. If the snake likes its surroundings, it will have a better feeding response and generally grow quicker. A larger vivarium also offers more interest to the snake’s life, and by adding branches and other natural products you will enhance the quality of life the snake has, and stop it from becoming lethargic and overweight. Also, being stronger it should have more of a resistance to any viral infections or any other problems that it may encounter later in life.

For an adult Western Hognose snake, a vivarium 60cm Length x 45cm Width x 45cm Height is ample. Contrary to popular belief, and propaganda spread by various campaigners, you can actually have too large of an enclosure for many snakes. The reason for this, is that snakes are very prone to stress, and being in an excessively large enclosure can scare them. Imagine in the wild they are constantly hiding from predators, then, when they feel it’s safe in the dark of night, they will venture out to hunt for food. Once they find their food, they will return to the safety of their secure hiding place until the next time around. Many species will not even hunt for food; rather, they will sit and wait for their prey to come along. They may also leave their den for sloughing their skin or finding a mate at certain times of the year. Many individual snakes feel very comfortable in captivity, although this generally comes with age and lots of handling. Snakes like these will often thrive in a larger than usual enclosure.

Snake enclosures can be made from a number of materials. Most commonly used is a melamine coated wood which covers all sides except the front, which has glass sliding doors. Aquariums can also be used, although a specialist lid should be bought or made rather than the original aquarium lid. It is essential when thinking about what type of enclosure you use, you think about these 6 ‘SSSHHH’ factors:

1) Safety â€" Can the snake or owner injure itself from the enclosure or any appliances held within?
2) Secure â€" Can the snake escape through any small hole or cavity?
3) Size â€" Will the enclosure be appropriately sized?
4) Heating â€" Is the enclosure able to regulate the temperature properly?
5) Humidity â€" Will the enclosure last well in humid conditions? Is there enough ventilation for the moisture to escape?
6) Hygienic â€" Will the enclosure build up a lot of bacteria in small cavities? Is it easy to clean?

By following the steps above, you can have a suitable enclosure made from a variety of materials.

Décor

Décor in your tank serves two purposes. First being extra cover for your snake and second, allowing for a more natural and pleasing appearance. When choosing décor, think about the safety of the snake. Make sure that whatever you decide to use, it is securely fixed and that no rocks, wood or anything heavy can fall and possibly injure, or even kill the snake. You must also make sure that everything used is parasite free. If anything has been picked up from outside, or has originally come from outside, such as cork bark, you should either boil it, or place the item in the oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 30 minutes. Freezing works for some parasites, however others have been known to survive months in freezing conditions. Some parasites found in English conditions last winters in minus temperatures, so it is not entirely effective.

Once all your décor is parasite free, it is then safe to place inside your enclosure. As a general rule, if you can put pressure on an item to knock it down, an adult Western Hognose snake is also capable of doing this. When positioning rocks or heavy objects, make sure they are completely secure. If it is still uneasy, screw them or use superglue to fix them securely. If it is not possible, the rule is simple: Do not place the item in the vivarium!

If you decide to go for a large enclosure, you must provide plenty of cover and hiding areas. A hiding place can be anything from an ice cream tub with a hole cut out to a naturalistic piece of cork bark. There are many brands of fake plants and décor you can use which is both safe for the animal and pleasing to the eye. Cork bark is available from almost any reptile pet shop in the UK, and can be ordered in if they do not have it in stock. This is excellent cover for any reptile and is 100% natural. One thing you must consider when thinking about the size of the vivarium, is the bigger you go, the more hiding areas you must provide. I recommend at least one hiding place per foot in length of the enclosure.

NOTE: Never use sticky tape in an enclosure; this is an accident waiting to happen. Believe me; removing sticky tape from any snake is no easy task!

Heating

Western Hognose snakes require a thermal gradient, meaning they must be allowed to move around the enclosure to find their required temperature. The hot end of the enclosure should be 84-88ºF while the cool end should be approximately 74-76ºF. During the night, the temperature should drop to a more constant overall temperature of 72-74º.

In my opinion, the ideal way of heating a Western Hognose enclosure is to use a power plate. This is a small thin square plate, about 25mm thick which is screwed into the top of the vivarium. It does not need to be protected, as there is no way a snake can grip onto it. It is almost invisible to the eye as it simply sits on the ceiling of the vivarium. The only brand available in the UK is HabiStat Reptile Radiator; it is 75 Watts and is sufficient for any vivarium up to 4ft long and possibly larger. It produces no light and therefore in a vivarium you will need a form of lighting as well. A power plate should be used in conjunction with a HabiStat Pulse Proportional Thermostat, which will stop the power reaching the power plate as soon as the temperature goes above the setting, and turn back on as soon as it is too cool. This is one of the most accurate thermostats on the market today.

Ceramic heaters, spot bulbs and heat mats are also ways of heating a vivarium. These all have their advantages and disadvantages, but in my opinion, none quite weigh out to be as good as a power plate.

Lighting

Western Hognose snakes are diurnal, meaning they venture out in the day time. This is when their prey is awake. They will often bask in the sun, so lighting should be offered.

Having artificial light in a vivarium is aesthetically pleasing to the owner, and is a good addition to a snake’s enclosure. They will use this as a photo-period, and their regular time clock will generally adjust to the settings on which you have your light set to.

They do not require any form of special lighting, such as a D3 Ultra-Violet light commonly used for lizards. An Arcadia Natural Sunlight Fluorescent Lamp is a good form of lighting. This comes in lengths of 12” up to 48” and I suggest you use the largest size able to fit inside your vivarium.

Humidity

Western Hognose Snakes are generally not exposed to a high humidity range in the wild, and in captivity you should not worry about controlling this. A fairly dry environment should be provided, although raising the humidity when the snake is coming up to a slough may aid in shedding its skin properly.

Feeding

Hatchlings should be offered pinky mice, and as they grow the mice should become larger. An adult Western Hognose snake should be fed on large size mice or small weaner rats. Hatchlings should be fed on a regular basis, every 4-5 days is ideal. Their metabolic rate is very high and as they are growing, they need a lot more food to keep them going. Adult Western Hognose snakes need feeding once every 2 weeks on 2 large mice, perhaps one for males. The only exception when they should be fed more is bringing them out of hibernation, getting them into condition for breeding and then, fattening up females for egg production. An egg-laying female should be fed more often than normal, once a week on 2 large mice.

By Chris Jones Director of Pet Club UK Ltd. http://www.petclubuk.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_M_Jones

The Boston Terrier -- A True American Gentleman

The Boston terrier, one of the few breeds that can claim to be truly American, is a lively, curious and smart companion thatÂ’s always ready to play. At one time, Boston terriers were actually the most popular breed in the US. Today, theyÂ’re still a clear favorite among the thousands of dog lovers who want a medium-sized, intelligent pet.

Because of its Bull terrier or Bulldog background, the Boston (classed with the non-sporting breeds by the AKC) is alert and keen to learn new tricks and jobs. Bostons like children and will play games with them for hours on end. A well-bred Boston isn’t vicious, but pretty able to take care of himself. Boston fanciers like to call this breed the “American Gentleman,” obviously because of his formal, tux-like markings, but also because his personality is gentlemanly and even as well. The Boston’s friendliness, alertness and courage make him an ideal pet and companion dog. Always alert, he’ll also let you know of any strange sounds in the night.

For many families, the Boston terrier is a terrific choice not only because of his compact size and pleasant temperament, but because of his low-maintenance coat. Smooth and short-coated, the Boston goes easy on your carpets and furniture and does well in smaller spaces. ItÂ’s good to remember, though, that Bostons donÂ’t take well to extremes in temperature. TheyÂ’re inside dogs, as their coat affords little protection. On cold days, you may want to get out some warm booties or a coat for your Boston.

A well-bred Boston terrier will look like the active, intelligent, short-headed and short-tailed dog that he is. The ones that conform to type will have symmetrical white markings, ideally against a brindle color. Black with white markings are also conforming, although brindle is preferred.

Bostons come in a variety of sizes. Naturally, some owners prefer the small ones, while others like a more romping, substantial-sized dog. Either one will make a great pet with very little grooming required, all of which can be done at home. If you think you want a Boston but arenÂ’t quite ready to make the commitment, you can get a hilarious Boston Terrier screensaver from Warner Brother's Must Love Dogs, here: http://www2.warnerbros.com/mustlovedogs/downloads.html

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Blake Kritzberg is proprietor of Poodle-oo, your source for dog clothes. Stop by for small dog couture and home decor, designer dog collars and luxury dog beds. www.poodle-oo.com

Food for Your Little Angels

Cat lovers the world over have become increasingly disillusioned with the pet food industry. Poor quality food masquerading as balanced diets and expensive brands promising superior nutrition, yet leaving out vital ingredients to provide yet another “solution” product, have lead many to see through the marketing doublespeak and realise that profit, not their pets good health, is the manufacturers main concern.

The exposure of certain manufacturers' total disregard for the rights and dignity of companion animals in their testing facilities, has been highlighted by undercover investigations. These investigations have revealed the appalling conditions and ongoing unnecessary and cruel testing perpetrated in the name of science, but aimed at providing yet another marketing angle to sell their products.

John and Susan Mulder of Noordhoek decided to go against the grain and have formed Anges De Gardien Nutrition to manufacture and develop, truly balanced all-in-one feline nutritional products. A core policy is that no painful, inhumane or unnecessary animal testing be performed on any any of their food.

Following 9 months of extensive research and after consulting with veterinarians and one of South Africa's leading animal scientists, they discovered that it was indeed possible to formulate a food that has all the ingredients to help with the prevention of the most commonly experienced ailments and problems in cats.

So what makes this new food so different?

Well, firstly you need to understand the approach taken by the various brands. The cheaper economy food manufacturers do their best to meet the minimum requirements laid down by law. This allows them to label their products in such a way that the consumer believes that they are getting a quality product for their pets.

The premium brands have gone the route of segmenting their products. This is done by age, breed or ailment. You, the consumer are therefore lead, through skilful advertising, to the conclusion that you require different foods on an ongoing basis.

This begs the question. If the premium food is advertised as balanced, then why do they leave out certain vital ingredients or allow higher than necessary levels of others, that result in your pet requiring a “special” advanced food to solve, for example, a hairball problem?

It came as no surprise, that it is quite possible to combine ingredients for hairballs, renal health, digestive tract health and cardiac and eye site health into one truly balanced diet. This leads us to the conclusion that the manufacturers either knowingly or unknowingly are damaging the health of our pets in the pursuit of greater profits.

The “Petit Anges Luxury Adult Feline Nutrition” is the first product available locally that includes all the ingredients necessary to achieve a truly balanced, all-in-one diet. It is unnecessary to purchase different foods to address common problems, especially if you have more than one cat.

As lifelong cat owners, John and Susan believe strongly in showing respect and care for their animals. We are all entrusted with the responsibility to look after our animals to the best of our ability. The best way to do this is to learn to read the labels on the products you purchase. If in doubt, consult you vet.

Susan also hopes to encourage the pet food industry to follow Anges De Gardien's example by utilising more environmentally friendly packaging. She has gone to great lengths to ensure that all their packaging is made from at least 80% recycled material and that the inks used are lead free.

Find out more about our pet food and how it can help your cats and dogs live longer, healthier lives. http://www.angesdegardiennutrition.com

Your Dogs Health - The Basics Every Dog Owner Should Know

Your dog is probably stronger and healthier than most humans that you know. However, by taking him from his natural environment, where only the strongest survive, to the artificial one in which most pet dogs live, we have exposed him to an entirely new set of dangers which their instincts are not designed to cope with. A dog's health is influenced by the genes inherited from his parents and by the care given to his mother during the prenatal period, as well as to the puppy during his first 2 or 3 months of life. A puppy, whose mother was properly cared for during pregnancy, will be more able to handle the hazards of growing up. The majority of dogs lead perfectly healthy, normal lives. They overcome occasional skin rashes, chills, and upset stomachs, recover from cuts and bruises with ordinary care, sensible first aid when necessary, and professional diagnosis and treatment of serious ailments. Chances are that if you give you dog a normal diet, a healthy home environment, a well balanced life, you will only need to see the vet for check-ups and vaccinations. A healthy dog's temperature, taken rectally when he is rested, is about 101.2 degrees in an adult dog, 102 in small breeds, and 102.5 in a puppy. It can fluctuate one way or the other, being lower in the morning and higher in the late afternoon. Long-coated breeds have a slightly higher normal temperature than short-coated ones. His pulse is taken at the femoral artery, high inside the thigh. There is no normal pulse rate for dogs. It can range from 120 beats per minute in a young puppy, to 70 or 80 in an older dog. Count the beats during 30 seconds and multiply by 2. Normal respiration ranges from 20 or 30 respirations per minute for a puppy to 16 per minute in an older dog. A normal eye is bright and clear, although the lens becomes pale blue as he ages. His nose is moist and cool most of the time, but a dry, warm nose doesn't always mean a fever or illness. His tail wags and he carries himself normally. His coat is shiny and sheds normally. He eats his meals without gulping compulsively and without being coaxed, drinks a normal amount of water after meals and exercise, and more during hot weather. His bowel movements are regular and well-formed, his urine is clear and both process's are painless. As a puppy he sleeps most of the time, but as an adult only about half the time, and he is generally friendly, alert, and inquisitive. A sick or ailing dog will have a temperature over 102 degrees, a sign of fever, or under a 100, a sign of weakness. If it does not return to normal within 24 hours, call the vet. If his temperature is as low as 99, or as high as 104, call the vet immediately. His pulse may be weak or irregular, his respiration at rest may be irregular or labored, panting or weak. His eye may appear dull, red or yellow with a sticky discharge. His nose may be dry and hot, also with a discharge. His tail may be immobile, carried stiffly or between the legs, his coat may be dry and stand up when it should lay flat, the skin may be itchy and flaky and there may be bald spots, or red patches. He may eat with a good appetite but usually doesn't want food at all, and is usually reluctant to swallow any water. His bowel movements may be abnormal in form or color, have a bad odor, and contain blood or mucus, or he may be constipated with no movement at all. The urine may be dark, cloudy, or painfully produced. He may sleep all of the time and hide in dark corners; his breath may have a bad odor and be labored. He may show very obvious symptoms of disorder such as swellings, protuberances, lameness, pain, prolonged wheezing or coughing, and unusual sensitivity in some part of his body. His overall general behavior will be lethargic and unresponsive when he is normally friendly and active, or nervous and excitable when he is the quite type with snapping or snarling for no apparent reason. The symptoms offered here which are fairly obvious and not too far from our own human symptoms, (good and bad). It's the severity of the symptoms for an ailing dog that will determine whether you should call the vet. Far sighted dog and cat owners select a veterinarian as soon as they become a pet parent, for sooner or later they get sick to some degree, and your chances of prompt attention are better if the vet already knows your pet.

Personalized Dog Collars

Dog collars are an utter necessity, as they ensure safety for the dog. Collars can also be an indulgence for both the dog as well as the owner. Sometimes, collars can also reflect the personality of the dog and the owner. Most people do not hesitate to spend a fortune on a dog collar to make their best friend feel really special.

Dog collars are of many types, ranging from the simple and practical leather and nylon collars to exquisitely designed gold or silver collars. Pet owners are finding that giving a unique collar to their furry friend would buy them a lot more loyalty. There are many companies today providing designer dog collars that are beautiful, unique, fashionable, durable and affordable. These include personalized collars, spiked collars, jeweled collars, genuine leather collars, collars with matching leashes and clothes, and lots more. Collars can also be embedded with special equipment such as breakaway buckles, bells, speakers, GPS technologies and RFID.

Personalized dog collars are very popular and make very nice gifts. These are custom-made to the exact size of the dog’s neck, for maximum comfort. They can also be made from special materials such as hand-woven fabrics, washable cotton, or just anything that the owner wants. Personalized dog collars are mostly for making a fashion statement. These collars can be decorated with letters, charms or unique tags attached to it. The name of the dog can be etched or affixed to the belt either by stitching the letters on the collar or attaching small metallic letters to the collar.

Some collars even have rhinestone lettering. The lettering can be customized as per requirements. Each letter is priced at around $1 depending on the material and the stones used. Exquisitely designed charms embedded with crystals or gemstones can also be attached to the collar. Prices of personalized dog collars start at around $15. Some manufacturers also allow the owners to design the collars for their pets.

Dog Collars provides detailed information on Dog Collars, Personalized Dog Collars, Small Dog Collars, Fancy Dog Collars and more. Dog Collars is affiliated with Designer Dog Clothes. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Stith

The Cocker Spaniel: Too Popular?

The history of the Cocker Spaniel as a hunting dog of long standing is pretty well out of the picture as far as the utility of the dog in today's modern world. The English cocker has retained much more of the qualities of a hunting breed, while the American Cocker, having gained great popularity in the 60s and 70s, has gone the way of many "overbred" dogs, losing in the process some of the instinctive behaviors for which it was bred. Most probably the small size of this dog led to its demise, for it was and is an "easy breeder" and thus a popular dog for commercial breeding purposes, easy to keep and proliferate for producing puppies.

Unfortunately the offspring of dogs who do well as breeding dogs in commercial puppy farms often lose even more than instinctive qualities, they usually lose a certain amount of temperament and good health. More often than not, a commercial breeder is not inclined to spend money on genetic testing for health problems, nor worry overly about the temperament of the animals he is breeding. In some years, the American Cocker Spaniel has even been high on the list of the dogs who are considered aggressive and are the dogs reported as the "biters" in dog aggression incidents.

This is a little dog that needs training like any other dog and needs to recognize who is the alpha figure in the family. He is normally a very happy go lucky little dog, however because of his size it is often overlooked that he can be stubborn and needs to be trained early to accept his place in the household. The Cocker Spaniel is a popular pet. His coat requires care and those folks who purchase a Cocker Spaniel puppy soon learn that it does take regular grooming. The coats of Cockers are long, silky and mat easily. Often the best solution for busy owners is to take the dog to a groomer.

The Cocker Spaniel is a breed that is represented by three separate varieties in the Sporting Group at American Kennel Club shows. The three varieties are the "Parti" (black and white or combinations of two colors ), the "ASCOB" (Any solid Color Other Than black) and "Black" (solid black with tan points allowed). He is the smallest member of the Sporting Group and may be 15 inches at the withers for a male, 14 for a female. The Cocker Spaniel has an expression that is "perpetually a puppy" and is a popular dog when he makes his appearance in the Show Ring. The little dog will fly around the ring with his beautiful long coat brushing the floor and creating a "skirt" around the legs that flows and undulates with his moving. They are indeed a showy dog and the show breeders of today have recognized that they do have to take great care in maintaining and improving upon this little dog, so that it can become what it used to be, a dog with excellent character and spirit, non aggressive and gentle and a wonderful family companion.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Dogs

Dogs During Labor

Breeding dogs is an exciting experience. From the time a proper mate is found to the point that the puppies are born, it is crucial to take careful steps to make this successful.

Professional breeders do not breed frequently and will only do so when a pair is found to be healthy that will ensure the birth of healthy offspring.

The ideal breeder should have the pair of dogs tested for every possible disease as well as have all the information regarding the pairÂ’s ancestors and health records on file. Should a breeder find no problem in the history of the pair, then the process can begin.

Dogs normally come into heat twice a year which is every six months. Larger dogs can come into heat every eight or ten months which usually lasts about three weeks. Vaginal bleeding is a sure sign that the dog is in heat as well as swelling in the vulva.
A dog's pregnancy or gestation period lasts between 60 to 67 days. Most dogs give birth after 63 days.

The only way to determine the stage of the dogÂ’s pregnancy is by keeping the track of time from the day of the breeding. Keeping a record of this on file is advisable for reference purposes.

Exactly three weeks after breeding, the mother must be examined to confirm the pregnancy.

The dog must be given a formulated and premium brand of dog food for the duration of the pregnancy and throughout the nursing period preferably with strong nutritional foundation.

During pregnancy, the mother's food consumption will almost double compared to the pre-pregnancy level so increased feeding must be given to ensure that there is enough for both the dog and the puppies.

Behavioral changes are to be expected during this time. The dog will demand for more affection or may experience a few days of vomiting.

Later on, the expectant mother will search for a secure place to deliver the puppies. So, one must ensure that a proper place is ready when the time comes. An ideal place for an expecting mother is a box. Depending on the size of the dog, it must be spacious enough for the dog to move around and must have layers of newspaper inside it that will absorb birthing fluids. This should also have low sides for the mother to look outside and for the breeder to easily check if assistance is needed to make it easy to remove soiled papers without interrupting the mother and the newborn puppies.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Jack Russell is a a long time dog fancier, visit his Dog Resources Blog and download his Free Dog Owners Handbook - it's Dog Gone Good! www.daveshealthbuzz.com/dogcare/

Saltwater Fish Tanks-- ease of keeping saltwater fish at home

Saltwater Fish Tanks-- ease of keeping saltwater fish at home Having a collection of striking fish in your living room that are normally only found in the ocean provides serenity and is a great attraction for family and friends visiting your home. ÂÿÂÿAlthough it may seem difficult to maintain or expensive to setup, having saltwater fish differs little from a normal tank.

One of the first steps in having a saltwater fish tank in your home is a review of your finances to determine that you have enough money to start and maintain your tank.Âÿ Approximate start-up costs for a saltwater fish tank are around $500 (USD), which doesn't include the cost of fish or the upkeep.

The next step is to determine where your tank is going to be located and what type and size of tank you are going to purchase.Âÿ Some tanks are small enough to sit on a table, while others come with their own stands.Âÿ Particularly large tanks may require structural support so that the floor can bear the additional weight. When choosing the location for your tank, keep in mind its accessibility in regards to cleaning and maintenance.Âÿ You must also select whether to have a glass or acrylic tank.Âÿ Glass is easier to clean, but you can drill holes in acrylic tanks that allow filtration to occur out of sight underneath the tank.

After purchasing your tank you must buy other needed equipment such as a filter, air pump, and heater.Âÿ You also need to choose a bed for the tank and a saltwater mixture which will create the best conditions for your fish.

Once you have purchased all your items except your fish, assemble your tank and test it out to make sure it runs properly.Âÿ Once you're certain it works okay, continue to let cycle, making adjustments to get the tank to its optimal level for the fish you are going to purchase.Âÿ Once this is done, it's time to take a trip to select your fish. The ocean, where saltwater fish live, is the largest of all the water bodies. It's home to millions of species - playful, colourful, savage and awe inspiring, and many of these varieties are appropriate and available for saltwater tanks. When you bring your fish home, keep the fish in the bag and place it in the tank.Âÿ This will allow the fish to adjust to the temperature in your tank.Âÿ After a few hours, add one-fourth cup of tank water to the bag to let the fish adjust slowly to the water, and within an hour, repeat this step four times.Âÿ After that you can put the fish directly into the tank or hold it in a quarantine tank for a few days or weeks until you certain it is healthy and able to thrive in your tank water.Âÿ This is highly recommended if you are adding this fish to a tank already housing other fish, as one sick fish can kill all the others in your tank.

Having a saltwater fish tank not only adds beauty but is also quite easy to do.Âÿ Once you have purchased all your equipment, tested it out, bought your fish and attuned it to your tank, it's time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ease of keeping saltwater fish in your home and what they add to it.If you are looking for more information then please feel free to visit our site at http://www.saltwater-fishtank.com

Bringing Home A New Puppy

With careful planning, bringing home a puppy to share with your family can be a wonderful experience. However, a new puppy is a lot of hard work. Before you ever bring your new puppy home, you must prepare your home for the new member of the family. To "puppy proof" your home, it is a good idea to get down on the floor where the puppy will be and look around from his eye level. Electrical cords, houseplants, "lost" items under furniture, and stairs are some of the things that could seriously hurt a puppy. As soon as you bring your puppy home, it's important to call your vet and make an appointment to have the puppy examined. Your vet will want to start vaccinations and de-worming at this time, and will help you schedule the series of shots your dog will need at this young age. If you are concerned about flea prevention, your vet can help you choose a product that is safe to use on puppies. Your puppy will need a puppy food that is 100% balanced nutrition for puppies. This will be found right on the label. With a high quality puppy food, tailored for a growing puppy's nutritional needs, it won't be necessary to add any vitamins to his diet. At all times, clean water should be available for the puppy to drink. A real challenge for any new puppy owner is house training. The best way to begin this process is to confine your puppy to a very small area of the house at first, or perhaps purchase a crate. Half of this area should be covered with newspaper, while the other half should be created as his sleeping area. Puppies don't want to sleep in a wet or soiled bed, so they will go to the newspaper. When you see this behavior, praise him and offer him a treat. As the puppy begins to understand the process, you can gradually give him more space and begin to work on out-of-doors training. A puppy is a baby! He needs proper rest and playtime stay happy and healthy. Providing your puppy with a soft, comfortable bed and several puppy-friendly toys will help with this. Get down on the floor with your puppy at playtime. Puppies are a joy to have in the home and as we all know, they're so cute. With just a little effort, your puppy will be a problem-free member of the family in no time at all.

Dog Day Care

Dogs are the most lovable and affectionate pets. They have to be taken care of like human beings. They have to be taught to obey and to understand our instructions. They must be taught to know the difference between our people and strangers. A dog care involves the stage from a puppy to a full grown dog. A puppy should be taught to behave even when he is alone.

Dogs should be kept clean by giving a bath regularly at intervals. It should not be given a bath daily as their skin will lose natural protective oils. It should be given a bath only when it is dirty. If it is given a bath daily, its skin will become dry leading to itching. It should be given a bath with a shampoo specially meant for pets. Dogs must be given a bath with warm water. They may shiver if they are given a bath with very cold water. After a bath they must be patted with a dry towel and their coat should be brushed.

Dogs must be given regular exercise and playing with them is essential. They need a lot of attention. Dogs which are looked after with care turn out to be well behaved dogs. They should be trained to take commands and to obey them. The diet of a dog must be regular. They should not be given any left over food. This will result in stomach upset and intestinal disorders. Their nails, ears and eyes must have a regular check up. If they are not done on a regular basis, they will contract skin disease.

Some dogs are small, and they feel uncomfortable in crowds. Such dogs must be taken extra care of. In that case these dogs must be taken in a dog carrier. These dog carriers are well cushioned with a mesh fitted for air to flow freely and a handle is provided to hold the carriers. To handle a dog one needs to know all the basic requirements of it and should do accordingly to have a well-behaved dog.

Dog Care provides detailed information on Dog Care, Dog Day Care, Dog Dental Care, Dog Ear Care and more. Dog Care is affiliated with Large Dog Beds . Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_Cole

Labrador Grooming - Trimming Your Labrador Retriever's Nails

Regular nail trimming is important to your Labrador Retriever's health and well being. Nails that are not properly clipped can crack and split, which can lead to infection in that area. Long nails can be uncomfortable for your Labrador and for an owner’s leg. A regular trimming, at least once a week or every two weeks,will save both you and your Labrador Retriever a lot of pain and aggravation.

Purchase a good quality nail clipper, one that is appropriate for your Labradors claws. You might also want to purchase a clotting agent, such as Kwik-Stop, or a styptic pen. It is not unusual for people to clip a toenail short and for bleeding to occur.

Start by having your Lab lie down or secure him with his collar and leash.

What you are looking for is called the quick (pink part of the nail), which is the live tissue inside the nail. This will be easer to see in yellow nails than dark ones. Here's a tip, shining a flashlight through the back of the nail will help you locate the quirk. You want to cut back to the beginning of the quick. Cutting the quick will cause some bleeding, which happens from time to time.

Black nails can be a little more difficult to locate the quick.If you turn your Labs paw over and look closely you will see a little round thick part on the bottom side of the nail, which is the quick.

When you’re ready to cut, make sure you aren’t on the quick, and make a smooth, quick squeeze with your clippers, letting the nail fall away. If you clip small, thin slices off of the nail tip, you will be able to see a small black or pink, moist looking disk in the center of the cut nail. This disk is the start of your quick, and this is as far as you should trim. Some people do cut the nail back until a slight amount of bleeding occurs, in an attempt to shorten the nail further. However it’s not advisable as it can make for an unpleasant experience for your Labrador.

Continue clipping until all of your Lab’s paws are complete and then you can file down the sharp edges, or just let your Labrador wear the edges smooth.

Every now and then you might hit the quick when trimming. Don’t panic, just blot with a towel and apply your Kwik-Stop, or styptic pen and this should stop the bleeding after a few minutes.

Follow the above steps and in no time you will be clipping your Labs nails just like the professionals.

Faith Fernandez is an experienced pet owner and creator of All About Labradors

All About Labradors provides quality Labrador articles, stories, Labrador product reviews and lots more. If you find this article useful, please visit allaboutlabradors.blogspot.com

Dog Collars - What You Need To Know

What's The Best Type Of Dog Collar?

Getting the right dog collar for your dog is one of the most important things you can do for your dog. Your dog will probably spend most of it's life with it's collar on, so getting a good comfortable hard wearing dog collar is essential. Luckily for the more style conscious amongst you, modern designer dog collars can be fashionable too! Finding the best type of dog collar for you , will depend on your dog and what the main use for the collar will be.

What is a dog collar for, and is it essential?

The main use for a dog collar is probably the most obvious - controlling your dog. Used in combination with a dog leash, a dog collar can provide you with a certain amount of control to prevent your dog wandering off or straying into road traffic when out walking. There are other uses for a dog collar such as dog or puppy training. Also, you can incorporate your dog's identity and your contact information within the dogs collar, in the event your dog gets lost.

Choosing the correct size of dog collar is important. Having a collar that is too small can cause your dog harm and at best will leave your dog feeling uncomfortable. Similarly, having a collar that is too big will enable your dog to easily slip out of it. Also, the width and material of the collar neeeds to match the size of your dog or puppy. A heavy duty leather collar will not be much good for a Chihuahua and neither will a lightweight nylon collar be any good on a Rotweiller.

A good rule of thumb, is to make sure that on a large dog, you can slip two fingers between the dogs throat and the collar. Also ensure the collar can rotate easily, but not slip over the dogs ears. On smaller dogs, ensure the collar can rotate easily and does not cause any breathing problems. Make sure it cannot pull over the dogs ears. Remember that in the right situation, many dogs can become little Houdini's in their own right.

There are many different types of dog collar available. There are sporting collars, designer collars, personalized collars. We will be covering a few main types. These are as follows.

Standard Dog Collar

Dog Training Collars

Electric Dog Collar or Dog Shock Collar

Standard Dog Collar

The standard dog collar is what your dog would wear for everyday use and can come in a variety of materials. Most common these days is the Nylon collar. These come in all sorts of colors and sizes. The main advantage of a nylon collar is it's price. These collars are very cheap yet provide a superb durability in that they don't tend to rot and when wet will dry out quickly. Alternative types such as leather collars tend to have a more asthetic natural appeal. A good quality leather collar could easily last the lifetime of your dog. An extension to this are the designer dog collar or fashion collars. These can extend to anything from a simple fashionable pattern or designer name, to a rhinestone dog collar for more special occasions.

The dog collar that you will be using most should be comfortable for your dog and secure, although for lapdogs where the collar can be more of a fashion accessory being comfortable is the priority. For larger dogs, a strong hardwearing collar is a must.

Dog Training Collar

A dog training collar is - as the name suggests - used mainly during training. The type of training will dictate the type of collar.

For obedience training, a choke collar or 'choke chain' would be best suited. These collars comprise of a slip loop that tightens around the dogs neck if it pulls on a leash too much. When the dog stops pulling, the chain loosens off. Many people consider the use of a choke collar as unnecessary but used in the right circumstances, this type of collar can be an effective training aid. It is extremely important to only use a choke collar when training and when the dog is supervised. You must NEVER let your dog out alone with a choke collar on. If the dog becomes caught on something they may easily choke themselves.

Electric Dog Collar or Dog Shock Collar

Electric dog collars or as they are sometimes known 'dog shock collars' and 'anti bark collars' tend to be used to discourage a certain behaviour in a dog. More often than not these are used to control unnecessary barking. These collars consist of a sensor to detect the bark and a pair of electrodes or similar to administer a small harmless shock to the dog. More advanced devices can adjust the level of the shock depending upon how many shocks have been administered before. The main problem with these devices is that the dog is being consistently punished for it's bad behaviour. This may seem ideal initialy but it is far from this.

Training a dog involves much more than punishing the dog every time it is bad. In fact, using positive reinforcement and praise when the dog stops behaving badly can have a much more positive effect. Getting to the root of the behavioural problem is the best approach. Only then can a preventative training method be implemented. Consider the case of a dog that chews and barks because it misses it's owner during the day. The barking and chewing is a product of the dog feeling anxious. If the dog recieves an electrical shock every few minutes, that anxious behaviour will be compounded. Read this article for further training information.

For cases where the owner is not present, a far more humane method of discouragement can be implemented. This involves a similar type of collar that detects a bark but the collar releases a natural spray of Citronella that discourages the dogs behaviour. These can be used as a complementary method to other training.

Article By Andrew Strachan. Find lots more information about different dog breeds and types of dogs at http://www.types-of-dogs.com. Lots of help and advice too.

Brushing Up On Dog Grooming

Is your dog due for a makeover? Has she been enjoying the great outdoors a little too much? Here are some simple tips for helping your dog put her best paw forward.

It all begins with the brushing:

- Brush your dog regularly. Daily is best. Be sure to also

brush against hair growth direction to check for fleas and

ticks.

- The right tools. For short-haired dogs, most groomers

recommend stainless-steel combs because they slide through

coats very easily.

For medium to long haired dogs start with a slicker brush and

then follow with a stainless steel comb.

In hot months consider investing in a flea comb to make sure

your dog has not become a flea hotel.

To make your dog's coat really shine, finish with a soft

bristle brush.

- If your dog hates being brushed it sometimes helps to brush

after play time. Start by brushing in the hair growth

direction. When you are finished, reward your dog with a

treat. Each day brush your dog a little longer. And if you

are lucky, your dog may even begin to like being brushed.

Now for the bath:

- Brush your dog from head to toe making sure all mats are gone.

For small dogs a sink works great. For medium to large dogs,

a tub or shower works best. Use only warm water and a good

shampoo made for dogs. People shampoo is too harsh and can

irritate your dog's skin. Most groomers recommend working

from the back end forward, lathering the head last.

- Rinse, rinse, and rinse again to make sure you have removed

all shampoo.

- Short-haired dogs dry quickly and only need to be dried off

with a towel. If your dog has long hair, you may need to

brush him while he's drying to avoid tangles.

The Grand Finale:

- Finish by giving your dog a treat.

- Then celebrate! You and your dog survived the bath, and you

have a clean dog.

Margaret Svete, best-selling author, television and radio personality, and dog rescuer helps dog owners discover easy dog care tips. Subscribe to the premiere dog care ezine, The Dog Enquirer, at http://www.allaboutdogcare.com

Best Dogs for Families with Kids

Choosing the right dog for your family with kids need some research if you are new to the dog ownership. Families with kids need to pay attention on certain dog qualities such as temperament, size and energy level before adopting or buying a dog.

Kids like to play with dogs. Sometimes they forget to respect dog's cue to back off. You need a dog that won't mind if his hair or tail gets pulled. Size is the another important consideration. This is for the safety of children as well as for dog. There are dog breeds that are very good with children but too big; especially with small children who may be accidentally stepped on or knocked over.

Some dog breeds that are good with children have high energy or activity levels than others. If dogs don't receive the exercise they physically require, they are more likely to develop behavior problems such as excessive chewing or barking. Select a dog breed that loves children but requires less exercise if your family is not so active.

Here are some breeds that work well with kids:

Beagle: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 40 to 59 lbs. Beagles do shed. if you or a family member suffer from allergies, it is worth looking into other breeds that do well with kids.

Bassett Hound: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 50 to 65 lbs. Gets along well with other dogs and pets. Minimal exercise needed.

Cairn Terrier: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 13 to 25 lbs. Minimal shedding.

Cocker Spaniel: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 13 to 30 lbs. Regular exercise may be needed.

Dachshund: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 16 to 32 lbs. Minimal exercise needed. They are medium shedders and require modest exercise. Housebreaking can be difficult.

Golden Retriever: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 65 to 75 lbs. Easy to train. Get along well with other dogs and pets. Daily exercise needed. Loves to pay with balls and other toys, so exercise is fairly easy.

Labrador Retriever: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 60 to 75 lbs. Minimal grooming required. Requires daily exercise.

Pug: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 14 to 18 lbs. Sheds copious amounts, usually seasonally.

While there is no guarantee a certain type of dog will get along well with children, there is a wide range of dog breeds (many more than mentioned here) that are known for being excellent family dogs. Always remember, before adopting or purchasing your next puppy, please do your homework.

To find puppies and dogs online, visit Petboro.com - Pet Classifieds and Directory Listings

The Sussex Spaniel: Hound or Spaniel?

The Sussex Spaniel has a unique characteristic not seen in other spaniels, in that he gives "voice" or "bays" when he is on a particular game scent in a manner similar to that of the hounds. Perhaps it is because there is a lot of hound blood in his background, as can be surmised from the thickness of his skin, the leathery ears and prominent flews, all of which are characteristics of the hounds. The bell-like tones of his baying when he is on game are unique for the different game and often his master can tell which game he is hunting from the sound the dog makes.

The Sussex Spaniel is low to the ground with a compact massive body in comparison to his height. He works an area quite thoroughly and is methodical and close ranging in his technique. Often considered too slow for many hunters, he is still one of the top gun dogs where terrain is rough because of his thoroughness when quartering an area. Like most Spaniels, he will "flush" the game birds up and is also known to be a competent retriever.

The short but powerful little Spaniel is not necessarily popular in the show ring, however in the United States he is seen more in the show ring than on the hunt. He is a great companion dog and has an affectionate and winning personality, so he is also seen more as a pet dog and a therapy dog. The terrain in the United States is not nearly as rough as some of the hunting ground which is found in Great Britain which is the country of his origin and it is in rough terrain that the Sussex excels as a hunting Spaniel.

The Sussex is a particularly beautiful dog because of its distinctive reddish golden coat , often called "golden liver" because the liver color is tinged with a gold. This is the only acceptable color of the Sussex Spaniel. The coat is flat and lies close to the body, with a little wave. It is a dense double coat and because it lies close to the body with only a small amount of feathering except on the chest there is considerable resistance to burrs and snags. He is only 13-15 inches at the shoulder but the weight is 40-45 pounds. His body is long in back and quite muscular, with a deep round girth to the chest which allows for plenty of endurance for the dog. The legs, both front and back, are set wide but he is not bow-legged. The tail is always docked, the ears are long and set low and there is considerable flew on the muzzle.

This breed is affectionate and people oriented by nature, preferring human companions to canine friendships. He is a quiet and peaceable dog in the home, tolerant of children and never aggressive. Not necessarily a watch dog, he is more prone to bark or bay when he is on the hunt that he is in the home. He does well in the country or in urban areas, but of course because of his hunting instincts he must be kept in a fenced area or supervised and on a leash when outside.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Dogs Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Six Dog Training Tips to Modify Negative Behavior

Almost every dog owner will have to use some sort of behavior modification techniques at one time or another when training their prized pet. If you are able to ‘get’ why your dog does what he does, when he does it, you are one step closer to solving the problem. This article will detail ten ways of doing just that, in a general fashion that can be used for a wide variety of issues.

Dog Training Tip #1: It’s All about Control

Let your dog know who is in charge, and you’ve alleviated a lot of problems. It’s not about fighting for control, it’s about knowing who has it. So when it’s time to train your dog, put on his training collar so he’s fully aware of what time it is. Alternatively, use a leash when walking your dog, so that he knows who is boss all of the time.

Dog Training Tip #2: Reframe the Negative

Instead of telling your dog, “NO!” for something bad he’s done, try and reframe the negative into something positive instead. For instance, if your dog decided to run after a chipmunk running across your lawn, try, “Sit” instead of whatever you’d normally use. Now you can praise him as well for his good behavior, instead of yelling at him because he didn’t stop.

Dog Training Tip #3: Allow for Differences in Perception

Your dog may not think that digging is a bad behavior, but you and your garden probably do. Instead of getting upset, why not provide your dog with adequate digging space elsewhere, complete with buried treasures? Then, you can do the same as dog training tip number two, and provide positive feedback when he digs in the allotted space, and not in your flower garden.

Dog Training Tip #4:

Make Sure the Whole Household Acts Consistently When you are training your dog, make sure that everyone in the house knows what you are doing, and how to provide supportive measures when needed. That means that if you are teaching the word sit, then everyone in the house should know what to do, when to do it, and why if a behavior presents itself where the command should be used.

Dog Training Tip #5: Keep Moving!

Many behavioral issues with dogs lie behind the fact that they don’t get out enough for a long walk or run. Make sure to take them out on a regular basis (daily, if at all possible) to somewhere new that he can explore on his own time.

Dog Training Tip #6: Keep it Simple

The more clear you are with your dog while training him, the better off everyone will be. Show your dog what you are asking him to do, instead of just telling him. Give the command at the same time while you show him (gently, of course) and ensure that your body language matches your words.

(c) 2005 www.dog-training-info.com.

This article may be republished as long as these bylines are included. Kevin Simmons is the webmaster of http://www.dog-training-info.com.

Please visit the site for more free dog training articles. Online URL for this article: http://www.dog-training-info.com/dog-training-tip.htm

Comparison of the Cost and Effectiveness of Holistic Horse Care versus Conventional Care

After years of practicing both conventional and holistic medicine for horses, I decided to compare the cost, effectiveness, and net results of managing and treating horses holistically versus conventionally.

In this article I compare results for the average trail horse that is ridden about 2-3 times a week. I have used average feed and veterinary costs for my area (Austin, Texas), and drug and supplement costs from a major horse supply catalog.

I then discuss the issues related to each area of care, including feed, supplements, vaccines, dewormers, and first aid. Stay tuned for different profiles in coming months, when I will compare horses in different disciplines, young horses, older horses, and broodmares.

>>> Holistic Horse <<<
Oats (2 lbs/day): $131
Hay (3 bales/week): $780
Super Blue Green Algae (1-2 tsp/day): $156
VEWT, West Nile Vaccinations: $48
Spectrabiotic Natural Wormer: $115
2 Fecal Exams: $32
Acidophilus (for occasional immune support): $7
TOTAL ANNUAL COST: $1269

>>> Conventional Horse <<<
Oats (4 lbs/day): $262
Hay (2 bales/week): $520
Hoof Supplements and Dressings ($30/month): $360
VEWT, West Nile, Flue, Rhino, Rabies Vaccinations: $80
Dewormer (6 times/year): $92
2 Bottles Penicillin: $20
A Course of Sulfa Antibiotics: $32
Fecal Exams: $32
12 Grams Bute: $10
TOTAL ANNUAL COST: $1408

COST DIFFERENCE: Holistic care costs $139 less per year
DAYS OFF FOR ILLNESS: 3 days for holistic care versus 21 days for conventional care

<><> Feed Costs <><>
Grain is slightly cheaper to feed and easier to store than hay, which makes the conventional horse slightly cheaper to feed on the one hand. On the other hand, the holistic horse, which has access to more hay, stays happy and entertained and is less likely to develop expensive habits and vices such as chewing on wood, cribbing, or weaving.

<><> Supplements <><>
In the past, hay and oats provided all the nutrition a horse needed, but these days common farming practices do not produce feeds that are high in vitamins and minerals. Hoof quality is the first area to be affected by such poor nutrition, and few horses can maintain healthy feet on a diet of hay and oats alone. If you doubt this, just check any horse supply catalog. The one I checked offered 22 topical hoof conditioners and 28 separate supplements. Cell Tech’s Super Blue Green Algae offers a wide range of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants in a whole food form. It is inexpensive to feed, promotes healthy feet, and supports the horse in all aspects of health.

<><> Vaccines <><>
Some people will choose not to vaccinate at all while others will choose to use more vaccines than the ones I’ve listed in the trail horse comparison. I believe that over-vaccination is one of the most common triggers for chronic diseases such as laminitis and uveitis, and contributes to allergic conditions. Stressing the horse’s system with over-vaccination can also affect the digestive system, leading to mineral deficiencies. Stress also decreases the amount of healthy bacterial flora in the gut, increasing the likelihood of colic.

<><> Dewormers <><>
We are fortunate to have some fairly safe chemical dewormers such as Pyrantel and Fenbendazole, yet some people still prefer using natural products to support the horse’s digestive and immune systems rather than using chemical dewormers. Regardless of which method you use, it is wise to double check your program with fecal exams at least twice a year.

<><> First Aid <><>
When I practiced strictly conventional medicine I found that most horses suffered from minor injuries or infections at least several times a year. These minor emergencies kept me busy, and because they were so common most of my clients started keeping drugs on hand and learned to treat these conditions themselves.

When I began to treat my patients more holistically, with fewer vaccines and better nutrition (including the use of probiotics such as Acidophilus), I noticed that the horses had less and less need for drugs. My patients no longer needed bute or antibiotics for minor cuts and punctures. These wounds healed quickly and easily with no loss of riding time. Gone also was the aggravating chronic nasal discharge that often kept horses out of work for weeks at a time.

A holistically managed horse with a healthy immune system will often run a fever for a short period of time when exposed to a virus or bacteria. This response slows the pathogen’s growth and deprives it of nutrients. A short course of probiotics will help support the horse during this time. Once the fever breaks, the horse bounces back quickly with little nasal discharge or cough. These horses then go right back to work without concern about relapse. Conventionally managed horses taking anti-inflammatories and antibiotics will often get better in the short term, but then relapse or develop a chronic nasal discharge.

<><> The Results Are In! <><>
The trail horse example I have used above precisely demonstrates what I have experienced in my practice. While it costs about the same to manage a horse either conventionally or holistically, I’ve found that holistically managed horses are much healthier overall, which means fewer chronic problems and more days of riding time. In fact, conventionally managed horses have about 7 times the number of sick days as holistically managed horses.

Madalyn Ward, DVM, co-author of “Holistic Treatment of Chronic Lamintis”, is certified in Veterinary Homeopathy, Chiropractic and Acupuncture. Through her website, Holistic Horsekeeping, (http://www.holistichorsekeeping.com), she publishes a free monthly newsletter, offers the Healthy, Happy Horse resource group, e-books, holistic horsecare products and information for horse and mule owners.

Shih Tzu - Housebreaking Process For Your New Shih Tzu Puppy

House training a shih tzu puppy is very important for the well being of both the shih tzu puppy and the owner. The number one reason that dogs are surrendered to animal shelters is problems with inappropriate elimination, so it is easy to see why proper house training is such an important consideration. It is important to establish proper toilet habits when the shih tzu puppy is young, since these habits can last a lifetime, and be very hard to break once they are established. It is very important for the owner to house break the shih tzu puppy properly. In most cases, true house training cannot begin until the shih tzu puppy is six months old. Puppies younger than this generally lack the bowel and bladder control that is needed for true house training. Shih Tzu puppies younger than six months should be confined to a small, shih tzu puppy proofed room when the owner cannot supervise them. The entire floor of the room should be covered with newspapers or similar absorbent materials, and the paper changed every time it is soiled. As the shih tzu puppy gets older, the amount of paper used can be reduced as the shih tzu puppy begins to establish a preferred toilet area. It is this preferred toilet area that will form the basis of later house training. The Do's of House Training Your Puppy: Always provide the shih tzu puppy with constant, unrestricted access to the established toilet area. When you are at home, take the shih tzu puppy to the toilet area every 45 minutes. When you are not at home or cannot supervise the shih tzu puppy, you must be sure the shih tzu puppy cannot make a mistake. This means confining the shih tzu puppy to a small area that has been thoroughly puppy proofed. Puppy proofing a room is very similar to baby proofing a room, since puppies chew on everything. Always provide a toilet area that does not resemble anything in your home. Training the shih tzu puppy to eliminate on concrete, blacktop, grass or dirt is a good idea. The shih tzu puppy should never be encouraged to eliminate on anything that resembles the hardwood flooring, tile or carpet he may encounter in a home. Praise and reward your shih tzu puppy every time he eliminates in the established toilet area. The shih tzu puppy must learn to associate toileting in the established areas with good things, like treats, toys and praise from his owner. Always keep a set schedule when feeding your shih tzu puppy, and provide constant access to fresh, clean drinking water. A consistent feeding schedule equals a consistent toilet schedule. Using a crate can be a big help in helping a shih tzu puppy develop self control. The concept behind crate training is that the shih tzu puppy will not want to toilet in his bed area. And finally, it is important to be patient when house training a shih tzu puppy. House training can take as long as several months, but it is much easier to house train right the first time than to retrain a problem dog. The Don'ts of House Training Your Shih Tzu Puppy Never reprimand or punish the shih tzu puppy for mistakes. Punishing the shih tzu puppy will only cause fear and confusion. Do not leave food out for the shih tzu puppy all night long. Keep to a set feeding schedule in order to make the dog's toilet schedule as consistent as possible. Do not give the shih tzu puppy the run of the house until he has been thoroughly house trained. House training is not always the easiest thing to do, and some dogs tend to be much easier to house train than others. It is important, however to be patient, consistent and loving as you train your shih tzu. A rushed, frightened or intimidated shih tzu will not be able to learn the important lessons of house training. Once you have gained your shih tzu puppy's love and respect, however, you will find that house training your shih tzu puppy is easier than you ever expected.

Canine Myotherapy, Common Dog Illnesses and the Benefits of Canine Muscle Therapy

It's a known fact that most dogs take on the personality of their owners. Just as our dogs learn by our body language and actions, we can also learn from theirs. Ever notice how your dog seems to know when you're sick? As our dogs age, certain ailments, health problems, and dog illnesses may manifest. A change in gait, activity, energy, or appetite, are all signs of a potential underlying health issues. Maybe you noticed she just seems stiff lately, has a harder time with stairs, or takes longer to get up from bed. Although orthopediec problems are often the cause of such symptoms, muscular dysfunction may also be the culprit. In any case, myotherapy can be helpful to prevent and resolve the pain associated with a variety of dog illnesses and other health issues. Initially, a certified Myotherapist will apply gentle pressure along your dog's muscle edges, finding and releasing trigger points, or "knots" as they are also known. These knots can be very painful to your dog, limit muscle range of motion, and cause her to adjust her gait or body positions to compensate for the pain. If left untreated, these compensations in posture made by your dog can lead to additional issues. By releasing these trigger points, and stretching each muscle group through their full range of motion, the Myotherapist stimulates endorphins and improves blood flow to the area. While the endorphins act as a natural pain killer, the increased blood flow helps to flush the muscles of lactic acid. The end result is a dog in less pain with increased flexibility who of course, is much happier. Canine myotherapy is often used for issues such as poor gait, stiffness, lameness, lethargy, roached back, poor flexibility, limping, arthritis, cow hocks, Lyme disease stiffness, as well as many other similar canine ailments. The number of sessions and length of treatment will vary for each individual dog and is based on the severity of its condition. Your Myotherapist will make an analysis during your initial visit. Once treatment begins, you may notice an increase in the need for water, increased sleep, and increased stretching. These reactions should resolve shortly and are a result of your dog's body recovering and healing. Most likely you will be sent home with an exercise program to implement at regular intervals. This assures that the level of muscular health achieved by the canine myotherapy sessions is maintained. If your dog shows symptoms of muscular dysfunction, or other health issues, consider a visit to a Canine Myotherapist. You will be rewarded with a more energetic, alert, and agile companion. Jeff Zitzkat, Copyright © Founder & Editor all-about-great-da nes.com Additional information on dog illnesses affecting large breed dogs, including those that may be treated with Canine Myotherapy, visit all-about-great-d anes.com

Dog Training -What You Should Keep In Mind When Playing With Your Dog

Dogs, especially young dogs are very playful by nature.

Play provides them with the opportunity to exercise and also to form bonds with littermates. Where as for a dog that is being kept on his own, his owner will take on the role of a surrogate playmate.

Although young dogs are instinctively most playful, older dogs can be just as enthusiastic to play, right through into old age.

Playful Behavior.

Dogs have a very distinctive way of showing their desire to play, by so-called play-bowing.

The dog will literally bow down on his front legs, which are extended out flat in front of his body, with his body being curved at this stage. It is also quite common for him to start bark excitedly once or twice to attract attention. If he’s approached, he is then likely to spring up and run off a short distance, before play-bowing again.

Throwing a ball will bring an immediate response, with him chasing after it and usually bringing it back, so that you can throw the ball again.

Research suggests that medium- sized and large dogs have more highly developed play instincts than their smaller breeds, and show greater eagerness to retrieve items thrown for them.

• Puppies that have recently been separated from their littermates will often chase their tails, or any other imaginary object, showing that they want to play with their owner.

• When dogs have stolen an object, they will learn to give a playful response with when told off.

• Playing is the ideal time to teach puppies’ appropriate behavior â€" stopping play if he jumps up at you, and rewarding him when he returns the toy he’s playing with.

• Dogs who don’t receive enough exercise will find games to play alone, resulting in biting and destructive behavior in the home.

Toys

A wide range of toys are now available for dogs, and it is important to match your dog to the right size of toy that you are choosing.

Balls that are too small can be swallowed.

Always supervise your dog when he’s playing with squeaker toys, as he may succeed in removing the squeaker and swallowing it.

Interactive toys, such as balls and flying discs, are an ideal opportunity to exercise, stimulate and bond with your dog.

Dogs enjoy the opportunity to polish up on their predatory skills, enjoying any game that offers the chance to chase, pounce and wrestle their ‘prey’.

Dogs will invent their own games too, using objects that they acquire around the home or in the garden, such as plastic flowerpots may be harder to figure out, but they may have been used during teething and give him a feeling of security.

Amy Howells is the owner of a website dedicated to teaching you the short-cuts to dog training.

You can also sign up to a free e-course and discover the astonishing short-cut secrets to dog obedience training

Puppies: Choosing a Reputable Breeder

It's easy to find people with puppies to sell. However, there are some things you can't tell just by looking at a puppy. If you want to be sure about the character and health of your dog your best bet is to choose a reputable breeder. They will be able to provide a guarantee and you can be sure about what kind of dog you are getting. If you are serious about finding a good purebred dog then here are some tips for choosing a good breeder.

Reputable breeders know a lot about the breed they specialize in. If you are really serious about choosing the best breeder then the best thing to do is ask various people. Ask veterinarians, groomers and other people directly involved with dogs on a daily basis. They will have some good suggestions for you.

If you want a reputable dealer its best not pick one out of the classifieds. As with everything, if the breeder really is top quality then they will have no reason to be advertising in the classifieds. Some breeders have puppies booked years in advance. Another reason you don’t want to find someone in the newspaper is they offer no guarantees. Usually forty-eight hours is all you get and if something happens to that puppy six months from now most will just say it’s not their problem. Most reputable breeders will not only give you a year guarantee or more but they will also give you lifetime support.

Another sign of a good breeder is they involved in some rescue of the type they breed. Breeders will usually look to help their breed. Also notice if they will take a puppy back if for some reason the buyer can’t take care of it. Most will not refund any money but at least they care enough about the puppy they’ve bred and will always have a home to come to.

The most obvious clues about the quality of the breeder is by looking at the puppies themselves. Puppies are a product of their upbringing and a healthy puppy will have a pleasant temperament as well as a healthy look. This means no runny noses, clear eyes and, of course a wagging tail. If you are buying over the internet see if the breeder can send you a video of your puppy.

The environment in which the puppies are kept will also tell you a lot about the standard of the breeder. If the environment is clean and the puppies have space then it is more likely that the breeder is a good one.

It's a good idea to talk and find out about your intended breeder before seeing the puppies. See if they have children and are involve in social activities. Most Puppy millers wouldn’t have time for this. Often once you see them you can be much easier to convince - because you have been convinced by those big eyes! Ask to see the dog’s parents and try to assess their demeanor. Stay away from dogs that seem unusually fearful or aggressive.

You should already know quite a bit about the breed you are interested in. Ask your breeder any questions you might have left. Don't forget to ask about chronic conditions and special care. After all, this is their passion and many have spent years learning about their chosen breed and living with them! If a breeder is good then they will be just as concerned about figuring out if you are going to be a good dog owner. A good breeder cares a great deal about the puppies and the homes they are sent out into.

For most good breeders, the main goal is not to make money. In recent years however finding a puppy on the internet has become popular. It’s a little harder to find a good breeder on the internet but every tip I have given here will still help you. You may not personally be able to go to see where the dogs are raised however you can tell a lot by a conversation. Just by talking to people you can tell if they are educated or not and they still should be able to tell you about the breed (s) they breed.

Now that you know what to look for there are some things you should avoid at all costs. Any puppy that comes from a backyard or puppy mill can be a dangerous buy. A backyard breeder will know little about the breed standards. Often they don't maintain puppy’s health properly. Backyard breeders and puppy millers will sell the puppies often at six weeks of age because they have just got too many; having to move them out for the next litter.

Puppy mills produce large amounts of puppies often in horrible conditions. There isn't appropriate medical care and more often than not, the puppies are not fed well. Puppy mills often sell directly to pet stores. For this reason it is best to avoid puppies bought from pet stores. Often the puppies are separated from their parents at much too young an age, often as early as 4-5 weeks old as well as the other problems of lack of healthcare, love and attention.

When choosing a breeder look find out how many breeds they breed. Usually two or three different breed types is what seems to be the standard. However this is not the case any longer. If a breeder breeds more then this most likely the person started out with one. Find out when they started out with that one and you can find out a lot by how it progressed. Judging by the conversation on the phone with them you can usually tell their level of knowledge. If it’s just a puppy and they don’t know anything then that’s a clear sign to move on.

Most reputable breeders will not let there puppies go before they turn eight weeks of age or more depending on the breed. Most puppies are not completely weaned and self sufficient any younger then that. This varies among the breeds. Most breeders will talk about the there age, when they let them go and also about the transition from one home to the next before selling the puppy.

There is so much more that could be said about choosing a good breeder however the space here does not permit it. If you will just follow these few simple steps you will have already beat the odds of finding a good puppy. It goes both ways, not only do you the buyer wants a happy puppy but the breeder also wants you to have a happy and healthy puppy for the years to come.

Steve Allison is a third generation of professional dog breeders along with his brother Gary. It all started with his grandparents in 1970 with the Boston Terriers and has expanded to Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, Shih Tzu’s and Pomeranians. He is also actively involved with dog rescue and has a website that showcases the puppies they occasionally has for sale at All My Puppies Online Steve is also the co-author of two consumer guides, Carpet Secrets and Moving Secrets Guide.

Preventing diseases passed from animal to human

Zoonoses is the term applied to a grouping of diseases that are transferable from canine/feline to human. Basically, these fall into three groupings based on their means of transmission and ideally,in the means of treatment and control. The three groupings are as follows -spread through :1) urine or feces, 2) hair and skin contact, or 3)bites and scratches. Spread through Urine or Feces Hookworms Hookworms enter the body in the area that directly comes in contact with the feces-contanimated soil. Seen more commonly in the South, these parasites are unsuited to ideally live in human beings. Traditionally they die after crawling several inches underneath the surface layer of the skin. Inflammation usually occurs as a result of these parasites in humans and causes a condition called "creeping eruption" which may last several weeks or months depending on its severity. Leptospirosis Pets may come in contact with this through swimming, drinking, licking their fur, or by eating food contaminated with animal urine. Many animals may carry this, though rats are most often the culprit. Symptoms in humans are flu-like including chills, body aches, vomiting, fever and headache. Sometimes kidney damage may occur or the membranes covering the spinal cord or brain may become inflamed. This disease is not usually fatal though it does make its host miserable for weeks at a time. Roundworms If these parasites are swallowed by humans they migrate into the body tissues and may cause damage, including symptoms of fever and liver enlargement which can last up to a year in length including symptoms of fever and liver enlargement which can last up to a year in length. These parasites are most commonly found in small children(2-4 yrs. of age) who mistakenly swallow the eggs and become infected. Children playing in an area in which an animal has defecated in the past, who do not wash their hands after coming in contact with the eggs and inadvertently sticks their hands into their mouth are the most common receptors of roundworm. Only rarely fatal, the disease is traditionally mild though it may be long lasting. Tapeworms Tapeworms can easily be ingested by any pet who swallows a flea carrying the infected form when biting at or chewing their coat. Children may get it virtually the same way- minus the coat chewing. Tapeworm infestation in humans this way is actually quite rare when compared to infestation from eating undercooked pork or beef. Toxoplasmosis Rarely this may cause death in humans since most people develop a resistance to it during normal exposure. It can cause many types of birth deformities in children born to mothers who have been infected for the first time without having developed an immunity before becoming pregnant. Most commonly this is "picked up" through contact with infected cat feces or in contact with contaminated soil. Prevention of Waste Transmitted Diseases There are a few basic precautions everyone should take to prevent transmission of any of the above diseases. First, clean up all pet droppings and wash your hands each time you any come in contact with contaminated soil. It is extremely important to teach children these steps. Also, if your pet has gone wading or swimming in any water which may have become contaminated with animal urine, bathe it at once when you return home. Spread through Skin/Hair Contact Fleas Fleas prefer feeding on your pets though they will not turn up the chance of of making an occasional meal on humans as well. Ringworm Most commonly found in children(though anyone may be infected), this is caused by a skin/hair eating fungus which first appears on people as a round, red, scaly area. It grows outward in a circular formation and is the most common fungal disease currently reported. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Tick borne, this disease can cause symptoms such as fever, chills and headache though it is not usually fatal. Symptoms may last many weeks and it can be treated with antibiotics. Most commonly it is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. Also, you may become infected while pulling a tick off your pet . It is best to wear gloves when removing ticks. Scabies The less commonly found version of mange(as opposed to the demodetic version), this may still cause intense itching, irritation and thickening of the skin. Animal mange may live in human skin though it cannot reproduce there. Humans have their own version of the scabies mite. Prevention of Skin/Hair Contact Diseases Overall, proper nutritional care and health of your pet is the best defense against the chance of your pet harboring any of these diseases. Frequent grooming and herbal repellents are good choices in combating most of these problems before they become major. Stress, roaming and contact with other pets are the three most common points of transmission among the previous diseases. Wash your hands after pet contact and minimize contact with any infected pet until the problem is cured. Diseases Caused by Bites and Scratches Cat Scratch Fever Some people will develop a fever, enlarged lymph nodes and malaise near the area of a bite or scratch from a cat a few weeks after the occurrence. Though not fatal it can be very uncomfortable and can be followed by complications. Infected cat bites may become infected with an entirely different bacteria though the symptoms are similar. Probably best, is to thoroughly wash an area bitten or scratched by a cat and to clean it liberally on a frequent basis to prevent, hopefully, infection. Rabies Virtually 100% fatal once the clinical symptoms appear, this disease is carried by a virus transmitted through the saliva of an infected biting animal. Symptoms include frothing at the mouth, extreme behavioral/personality changes and convulsions which usually ends in the aggressive, staggering and bleary- eyed condition. If you happen upon an animal showing any of these symptoms, get away from it as quickly as possible and call your nearest animal control unit. If by chance you are bitten, try to follow it to where it lives(if it is a stray)so that the proper officials may capture it for testing. If you do kill it, do not injure the head as this will be needed for verification. Also, if you are bitten by an animal exhibiting any of the symptoms above, thoroughly wash out the wound as quickly as possible and contact your personal physician. Overall, your chances of getting rabies are rare though you can never be over cautious. Prevention of Bite and Scratch Transmitted Diseases Best advice,keep your pet in tip-top physical condition through exercise and proper nutrition to reduce its chances of picking up any parasites from less healthy animals. Also, try to minimize your pets contact with wild animals or sick pets.

Dog Supplements

What to Look For In a Dog Supplement

The market is exploding with products claiming to improve the health and wellness of individuals using vitamins and nutritional supplements. People are now seeking the same products to complement the health of their pets. The benefits of appropriate nutritional supplements are overwhelming and can add several healthy years to your life, as well as your dogs.

Dogs Age Faster Than People

Longevity is attributed 30 percent to genetics and 70 percent to lifestyle. Up to 90 percent of diseases in dogs are due to the degenerative processes associated with aging.

Does Your Dog Act His Age?
Because dogs age seven times faster than people, major health changes occur in a short amount of time. Dogs are considered puppies for about one year, adults from age two to six, and seniors at age seven. Giant breeds, like Great Danes, age even more quickly and are considered seniors at age five. Signs of aging in dogs occur slowly, but generally begin at maturity, somewhere between age one and two.

Dr. Denham Harman’s Free Radical Theory of Aging, applies to people and pets, including dogs. This universally accepted theory states that aging is a process in which the body’s systems deteriorate faster than the body can repair them.

The changes occur due to oxidative damage caused by harmful compounds called free radicals. Free radicals are toxic, electrically unstable molecules. As we age, they are produced more quickly.

Free radicals damage your dog’s body similar to the way oxygen causes iron to rust. They are detrimental to your dog’s genetic material, his DNA and RNA, his cell membranes and enzyme systems.

Free radicals are formed each time we take a breath. Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, as well as to environmental toxins, pollution, heavy metals and stress contribute to free radical formation. Your dog’s diet and drugs, such as antibiotics, are also factors.

Free radicals weaken your dog’s natural defenses and have been associated with the development of up to 90 percent of the age-related degenerative conditions we associate with aging:

Cancer
Heart disease
Arthritis
Diabetes
Cataracts
Premature aging

Our life span, as well as the length of your dog’s life, is ultimately determined by how quickly free radicals cause harmful oxidative changes to occur. Therefore what you feed your dog, as well as the supplements you choose for your dog are both very important.

Help Your Dog Enjoy a Longer, Healthier Life

Your Dog’s Diet
You are what you eat, and that’s just as important for people as it is for dogs. What you feed your dog directly affects his health and wellness. The longer and more consistently you give your dog an optimally balanced diet, the greater his chances are of living a longer, healthier life.

Dogs, like people are omnivores and can naturally exist on a diet of meat, fruit and vegetables. Consult with your vet to determine the best diet for your dog. Commercial varieties worth looking into include organic, natural diets such as Prairie made by Natures Variety.

Homemade, natural diets take more time and effort but in many cases are well worth the extra effort. Vegetarian and raw food diets are another option that, with careful supervision, may provide complete and balanced nutrition for your dog.

According to the Guinness Book of Records, a Border Collie in England named Taffy, lived to the spry age of 27 eating an all-natural, organic diet.

Healthy Dog Snacks
Fruits and vegetables are healthy, low calorie snacks many pets enjoy. Those rich in antioxidants are especially beneficial for your dog:

Oranges
Tomatoes
Sweet Potatoes
Carrots
Cantaloupe
Asparagus Tips

Oranges are rich in Vitamin C, tomatoes are filled with Lycopenes and sweet potatoes are a source of Vitamin E and Beta Carotene. Carrots and cantaloupes also provide Beta Carotene for your dog.

Antioxidant Supplements for Your Dog: Sooner Not Later
Recent research documents that antioxidants provide very bright prospects for increasing the quality and length of your dog’s life. In addition, scientists have found that sooner is better than later as far as your dog’s potential health benefits. Antioxidant supplementation started as a puppy, before free radical damage has occurred, can increase the healthy lifespan of your dog by up to 20 percent.

Antioxidant supplements, including Vitamins A, C, and E, the minerals Selenium and Zinc, and the nutrients Alpha Lipoic Acid and Coenzyme Q10, are the body’s natural defense against free radical damage. They can help to protect your dog by neutralizing free radicals and decreasing the resultant levels of oxidative damage.

Other noteworthy antioxidant supplements for your dog include:

Bioflavinoids, which help to decrease allergic reactions, asthmatic attacks and have anti-cancer benefits for your dog.

Green Tea, whose antioxidants may decrease the risk of heart disease and cancer and help protect the blood vessels nourishing your dog’s heart and brain.

Lutein, a plant pigment from marigolds, helps to protect your dog’s eyes and may reduce the risk of cataracts.

Melatonin, a potent antioxidant that acts to normalize sleep patterns. It also protects your dog’s brain and has been used successfully with cancer therapy.

The effects of antioxidants are beneficial and act synergistically for people and dog’s undergoing cancer therapy. In well controlled studies, people and pets treated with antioxidants (with or without chemotherapy and radiation) have tolerated treatments better and experienced less weight loss. More importantly, they enjoyed a better overall quality of life and lived longer than individuals receiving no supplements.

Nutritional Supplements for Your Dog’s Bones, Joints & Cartilage
Glucosamine is an amino sugar naturally produced in your dog’s body from glucose, which is your dog’s blood sugar, and the Amino Acid, Glutamine. It helps the cartilage between the joints retain water so the cartilage can act like a cushion to absorb shock and withstand compression. Glucosamine is vital to protecting the health and integrity of your dog’s bones, joints and cartilage. It helps to:

Decrease joint inflammation and pain
Promote cartilage repair
Aid healing of damaged joints
Increase mobility in dogs with arthritis and hip dysplasia

Glucosamine is also a normal component of the urinary bladder in dog’s and cat’s and may help to relieve urinary disorders.

MSM (methyl-sulfonyl-methane) is a natural source of sulfur that works along with Glucosamine to help protect the health and integrity of your dog’s bones, joints and cartilage.

Essential Fatty Acid Supplements for Your Dog
Essential Fatty Acids are vital to life and support all bodily functions in your dog. They help to keep cell membranes soft and pliable, so your pet’s cells can absorb dietary nutrients. They enhance your dog’s skin and hair coat and are needed for the normal development of the nervous system and brain.

Fatty Acids are vital to brain health and help to preserve mental clarity. They decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in dogs, cats and people. Fatty Acids may reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure, as well as provide therapeutic effects in your dog for:

Arthritis
Lupus
Inflammatory bowel disease
Cancer therapy
Kidney disorders

Flea allergies, food intolerances and bacterial skin infections can often be relieved by providing your dog with fatty acid supplements.

The proper balance of Fatty Acids helps to reduce wear and tear on your dog’s body by decreasing stress triggered increases in cholesterol and the stress hormone Cortisol. Research indicates that the ratio of 5:1 of Omega 6 to Omega 3 Fatty Acids seems to provide the greatest clinical benefits, surpassing that of any individual Fatty Acid alone.

Amino Acid Supplements for Your Dog
Glutamine is the most abundant Amino Acid in the body. It is the major energy source for the cells that line the digestive system and strengthens your dog’s natural defense system known as the immune system.

Glutamine promotes healing of the digestive system thereby reducing bowel disorders. It spares protein and reduces muscle loss during periods of injury, stress and high endurance activities. Therefore it is especially beneficial for pets recovering from trauma and for working and show dogs.

Glutamine also has many anti-aging effects. It helps to preserve memory and to prevent the harmful effects of Cortisol, the hormone that is responsible for accelerating the aging process in people and in your dog.

Digestive Enzyme Supplements for Your Dog
Digestive Enzymes are produced by the salivary glands, stomach, pancreas and liver and are released into the digestive tract. Enzymes help your dog’s body to breakdown proteins, fats and carbohydrates in his food so they can be absorbed and utilized.

Your dog’s production of enzymes naturally decreases with increasing age. Illnesses, stress, food intolerances, allergies and drugs like antibiotics also have a negative affect on enzyme production and function. This can result in a variety of digestive disturbances ranging from flatulence and gas to diarrhea, life threatening dehydration and malnutrition.

Digestive Enzymes are vital to maintain your dog’s overall health. They improve the efficiency of digestion so your pet’s body can utilize the nutrients essential for energy production and ultimately for life itself.

They help the body to recover from disease and promote restoration of good health in your dog. Enzymes are useful to reduce pain and swelling after exercise or trauma and help speed up recovery rates. Enzymes support your dog’s immune system thereby enhancing his ability to ward off disease and infection. They have been also been used effectively in cancer therapy for people and pets.

Papain is an enzyme that has aspirin-like effects to decrease swollen, painful inflamed tissues in your dog. Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapple stems that inhibits the spread of lung cancer in mice.

Digestive Enzyme supplements may be beneficial in dogs with digestive problems, immune disorders including rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis, cancer and a variety of bowel disorders. They are especially useful in older dogs with reduced digestive ability.

The Anti-Aging “A” Supplement List For Your Dog:

Vitamin A/Beta Carotene: Antioxidant enhances immunity, essential for your dog to utilize protein in his diet
Vitamin C: Antioxidant, needed for tissue growth and repair, enhances immunity, needed for your dog’s body to utilize Vitamin E.
Vitamin E: Antioxidant, prevents heart disease, promotes wound healing, needed for your dog’s body to utilize Vitamin C.
B-Complex Vitamins: As a group, B vitamins help your dog to maintain healthy nerves, skin and muscle.
Coenzyme Q-10: A powerful, newly discovered antioxidant. Essential for immune function, beneficial in heart disease and gum/dental disease for your dog.
Alpha Lipoic Acid: Antioxidant. Helps your dog to restore energy metabolism.
Selenium: Antioxidant. Works with Vitamin E to help your dog fight infection. Beneficial to dog’s skin and hair coats. Deficiencies linked to cancer and heart disease.
Zinc: Essential mineral your dog needs for protein synthesis, promotes healthy immune system, aids wound healing. Critical for hundreds of biological processes in the body.
Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids: Essential component of cell membranes in your dog and is needed for healthy heart, brain function and skin and hair coats.
Bioflavinoids: Enhances absorption of Vitamin C, has antioxidant effects and promotes normal blood circulation for your dog.
Glucosamine and MSM: Promotes normal healthy bones, joints and cartilage for your dog.
Digestive Enzymes: Essential for your dog to utilize and absorb nutrients from his/her diet.
Melatonin: Immune modulator, antioxidant, triggers restful sleep for your dog.
Ginseng: A metabolic tonic to promote brain health and overall wellness for your dog.
L-Glutamine: Amino acid needed for your dog to energize the cells of his digestive system so dietary nutrients can be properly absorbed and utilized.
Colostrum: The first milk your puppy receives from his mother. Provides your dog with antibodies to protect him against disease and aid immune function.
Exercise: 20 minutes twice a day minimum for your dog.
Balanced, natural diet: Feed your dog at least two meals daily. Fresh organic and natural sources are best.
Relaxation: Stress and anxiety affect pets and people adversely. Set aside an hour a day to relax and enjoy your dog. Consider massage, yoga and music.
Positive mental attitude: The mind-body connection is a potent promoter of well-being for you and your dog.
Pure water: Fresh, non-chlorinated water is essential for people and for your dog.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Dr. Carol Osborne is a world-renowned veterinarian and author. A pioneer in the field of dog supplements, anti-aging medicine and longevity research for pets, Dr. Carol is the original creator of PAAWS (www.drcarol.com/paaws.html), Pet Anti-Aging Wellness System and her newest, most advanced formula is the pet anti-aging wellness supplement, VitaLife.ÂÿDr. Osborne holds both scientific product patents. For more information visit www.drcarol.com/ or email DrCarol@DrCarol.com.

Chihuahuas: Dog Breed For You?

Chihuahuas are one of the most popular dog breeds today, especially after the famous Taco Bell commercials. They are the smallest of any breed, which is another reason why they everyone likes them. Even though they are so common, this does not mean that this is the dog for you. These dogs are not for everyone.

The Chihuahua dog was named after a region in Mexico called Chihuahua. It is the oldest breed in America. Even though this breed is native to Mexico, the Chinese introduced it. At the end of the nineteenth century it was brought to Europe and has become more and more popular since then. Most people today want these dogs as small as can be and the smallest are often the most expensive.

The Chihuahua breed comes in two varieties, long haired and short haired. Both coat types come in many colors, such as brown, black, fawn, white and silver. They weigh between two and six pounds and their height is only six to nine inches. They also have the longest life span of any breed and regularly live over fifteen years.

Each Chihuahua has its own personality, so not many generalizations can be made about the breed. Most Chihuahuas are very devoted and loyal to their owners. This causes jealousy and suspicion when strangers are around. They are very courageous, lively, strong-willed, bold and fearless. With their owners, these dogs are very gentle and loving. However, because they are so protective of their owners, they are very wary of strangers.

Chihuahuas do not do well with other dogs except for their own breed. If they are around other dog breeds they tend to be aggressive. They are also not recommended for children. These dogs need to be socialized extensively from a puppy to prevent aggressiveness with strangers and other dogs. If they are not socialized they can become so wary of other people that they will bite.

If you have a short haired Chihuahua it will only require occasional brushing, however, the long haired variety requires brushing several times a week. This dog is an average shedder. When bathing them, you must be sure not to get water in their ears because they are very susceptible to ear infections. When this dog is a puppy, they are very fragile and you must be very careful with them. Also, they cannot handle the cold, so it is recommended that they be kept inside. If you bring them outside, you should put a warm sweater on them.

The breed does have several health problems that owners need to be aware of. They have a very short nose which causes them to sneeze and snore. Because their eyes are so large, they are prone to corneal dryness. Other common health problems include colds, stress, gum problems and rheumatism. You need to be sure not to over-feed Chihuahuas because they gain weight very easily.

Chihuahuas can be difficult to train, but if you are consistent they do well. The best way to train them is to use positive reinforcement. They do not respond well to other forms of discipline.

Chihuahuas make great pets if they have intense socialization and consistent training. The Chihuahua's extremely small size makes it a great dog for people that live in apartments. It is very adaptable and hardy, but must live inside. They are good companions that travel very easily and are very loving to their owners.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Dogs.

Invisible Electric Dog Fences - Information that Might "Shock" You

The question is: are electric dog fences inhumane? The answer, unfortunately, is not so simple. People (and dogs) fall on both sides of the fence, so to speak.

It seems that an invisible electric dog fence is the perfect solution to keep your pet within the boundaries of your home, without having to put up a fence they may detract from the design of your home and your yard. Of course, is the beauty of an invisible “fence” worth the chance of injuring your beloved pet? Certainly not.

Here is what you need to know about invisible electric dog fences:

· They are not as inhumane as people might think.

· They do not deliver a full out shock â€" rather, the shock that your pet receives as it tries to cross the line is more similar to a static electricity shock that we can give after rubbing our feet along the carpet and then touching someone. Before you buy a shock collar, ask to test out the shock on yourself -- if it feels awful, then you want one with a lower shock power.

· Again, it is important to note that the shock that your dog would receive should not be painful â€" it is merely uncomfortable, something that your dog will want to avoid.

· Many shock collars have multiple levels of stimulation â€" you can keep yours on the lowest setting.

· The collars cannot burn your dog’s neck, even when at the highest setting.

· For years, electric fences have been used to control livestock…

· A mild shock is a million times better for your dog than what could await it if it escaped â€" a mild shock is not nearly the as bad as the dangers of traffic or running away.

· It is OK if your dog get stuck in a severe rain storm with its collar on â€" it will not electrocute it.

· The batteries may run out on your shock collar, and you will therefore have to replace them. Of course, once your dog has learned the boundaries, it is much less likely to cross them.

· Realize that you can simply set up and electric fence and expect your dog to immediately understand â€" you must still train your dog.

· Remember that an electric fence does not keep other dogs from entering your yard and attacking your dog, nor does it keep your dog from attacking children that might walk up to it.

· Your dog may still be able to cross over the boundary! And once on the other side, there is nothing to stop your dog.

· Your dog may not connect the electric shock directly with the boundary. Instead, if your dog is shocked when, say, a child is walking by, the association might be child=shock. There is a chance that your training could backfire!

All in all, you should not listen to people who say that the shock collars used with invisible fences are extremely dangerous. Very rarely have there been any serious incidents associated with these collars.

You should, however, be aware of other problems (such as other animals and humans being able to enter your yard at will) that could be solved by getting a “visible” fence, rather than an invisible electric dog fence.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, pets, and home decor. Her background includes teaching and gardening. For more of her articles on pet containment, please visit Invisible Electric Dog Fences.

Alarm Clock Kitty, How to Stop Early Morning Meowing

Meow! Meow! Meow! I bury my head underneath my pillow. Meow! Meow! Meoooooow! The high pitched meowing persists and penetrates through my feather stuffed shield. Meow! Meow! Meow! My eyes open only with the greatest of efforts. Grudgingly, I drag myself out of my warm bed and look at the clock; 3:47 am. I reach over to the night-stand and turn on the light, pain is the result, the light, so bright, the light is, so, so bright. My wife rolls over on her side and I can see the annoyed look on her scrunched up little face. "Must.... feed.... demon... cat...." I say to myself as I trudge to the kitchen to empty a can of cat food into the little yellow cat dish. The cat has by this time woken up the entire household and I wouldn't be surprised if the neighbors were also awake.

Our cat is a loud cat. Unnervingly loud. 747 jet-engine loud. And there was a time that she woke up every morning before even the sun had the nerve to peek over the horizon. Our loveable little ball of fur wanted to be fed. While the rest of the household was fast asleep our sweet little kitty wanted to have some food to suck down her gullet. This caused quite a bit of frustration for us, especially since this was not a one time thing. No, this was indeed becoming her morning ritual. Every morning, our cat would sit in front of our door and meow at the top of her little kitty lungs the most blood curdling meows I had ever had the displeasure of hearing. Our initial reaction, after caving in and feeding her several nights/early mornings in a row, was to put her in the laundry room before my wife and I went to sleep at night. This, however, was not the best solution in the world, our cuddly little black mass didn't seem to like it very much and after a while she wasn't the warm and cuddly cat we knew before.

There must to be another solution to this dilemma. Fortunately, there is. What your cat is, is what has been termed as an "alarm clock kitty", what that is, is a cat that wakes up very early (or stays up very late) and begins to meow at approximately the same time every single, bloody day in expectation of being fed. Unfortunately for those of us who enjoy sleeping at night this is a natural behavior in cats and while the problem may not happen to every cat owner it happens to many. So what can you do? Even though cats have been domesticated animals for thousands of years now dating back to ancient Egypt, they still have retained most of their wild instincts and this is a cat's natural instinct; hunt and feed. Cats are predatory animals, they hunt, and the cat's natural time to hunt generally falls between dusk and dawn because most of the prey they hunt are nocturnal (rats, mice and other rodents). So, if you can't or don't want to let your cat out at night to hunt on her own what should you do?

Training your cat to stop this behaviour may be fairly easy, but be warned, it will take a little patience on your part but a good night's sleep may be the reward. What you need is a cat toy, preferably a mouse or something similar, a piece of string and a stick. Attach the cat toy to a string and the string to the stick. While you are watching your bedtime TV or doing whatever your before bedtime ritual is take your cat toy and play a hunting game with her. Cats love to chase things because of their hunting instinct. Play with your cat for about 15 minutes, enough time to tire your cat out and give her the satisfaction of having hunted. During your game create as realistic a hunting scenario as you can, make noises like a mouse (or whatever animal you are emulating) squeaking or scurrying through the brush. Let your cat catch the toy from time to time so that your cat will feel as if she was involved in a successful (rather than a frustrating) hunt. Towards the end gradually slow down the game drawing your little hunt to a close. Your cat will probably be sufficiently tired by this time. At the end of the game feed your cat something you know she likes. You don't need to feed her a full sized meal, but feed her an amount sufficient enough to satisfy her hunger. A handful of cat treats or a little piece of left over pork chop may be sufficient. Then go to sleep. In all likelihood your cat will be satisfied and will not continue her ritual of waking you up every morning.

You may need to continue your hunting game with your cat for a week or two before the early morning meowing goes away, and even after it does its a good idea to play this game with your cat from time to time in order to keep the behavior from returning and to keep your cat feeling like an accomplished hunter. But if you follow this routine you should be able to satisfy your cat and get a little shut eye at the same time.

Andy Markison is an illustrator, graphic designer, animal lover and pet owner living in Germany. His website, ZapGraphix.com, sells fun and humorous pet related merchandise.

Dog Training: Teaching Your Dog to Sit On Command

Besides the excitement of getting a puppy, one of the most challenging parts of dog ownership is teaching the dog to be obedient and establishing yourself as the dominant one in the dog-owner relationship. One of the basic obedience training points relevant in this regard is teaching your dog to sit on command.

As with every other dog training procedure, it is important to note that dogs are not humans and thus do not share your language or pattern of communication. It is important to bear this in mind, so that you will appreciate the essence of patience. For any reasonable results with dog training, it is important to be patient and repetitive with the training. Repetitions enable your dog to establish connections between your verbal commands and the action required of it. You should also learn to praise your dog every time he gets it right. Finally, the training sessions should not be boring to either of you. It is a good idea to keep the lessons short to start with and increase the time as you continue.

There are several training techniques to teach your dog to sit on command. Most dog trainers believe that you can start training your dog to sit at around three months old.

The first technique is simple and very good for young puppies. When you see your puppy about to sit, say the command 'sit' firmly and when your dog sits, praise him for getting it right. In no time, your puppy learns to associate the verbal command with the act of sitting and you can then get your puppy to sit just by saying it.

The above technique might not be that effective for older puppies. With older puppies, you can practice this second technique. With your dog in front of you, hold a tasty treat and pass it across the dog's nose and continue over his head a few centimeters high. In the process of trying to follow the motion of your hand, your dog assumes a sitting position. As soon as your dog plants his behind on the ground, say the word 'sit' firmly. If he sits down, reward him for it. Later you will not need the treat to make your dog sit on command.

Getting your dog to remain sitting shouldn't be as difficult. The idea is that when you command your dog to sit, he should remain sitting until you tell him to leave the sitting position. All you have to do is make your dig sit until you say a 'release' word that signifies that he is free to go. When in the sitting position, call your dog's name and add the 'release' word/statement. Your dog should come to you. With time, the dog understands that the word means he can stop sitting. During the training sessions, if your dog gets up before the release word, show him your disapproval and make him sit again. This way, the dog understands that he is supposed to sit until you say the release word.

These are just a few of the several techniques that can help with your dog training. Again, remember that you may not get instant results, but repetition, patience and rewarding your dog every time he gets it right, will work in the end.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Dog Training.

Kidney Failure (Chronic Renal Failure)

What You Should Know If My Pet Is Still Making Plenty of Urine, How Can There Be Kidney Failure? In chronic kidney failure, urine is usually produced in excessive quantities. What the kidneys are failing to do is conserve water (they are failing to make concentrated urine). The body produces numerous toxins on a moment by moment basis. These toxins circulate to the kidneys where, dissolved in water, they are filtered out and urinated away. An efficient kidney can make a highly concentrated urine so that a large amount of toxin can be excreted in a relatively small amount of water. When the kidneys fail over a long time period, they lose their ability to concentrate urine and more water is required to excrete the same amount of toxin. The animal will begin to drink more and more to provide the failing kidneys with enough water. Ultimately, the animal cannot drink enough and toxin levels begin to rise. Weight loss, listlessness, nausea, constipation, and poor appetite become noticeable. It is common for animals, especially cats, to have a long history of excessive water consumption when they finally come to the vet's office with one of the latter complaints. What Is my Veterinarian Reading on the Blood Panel? If you wish to understand your pet's status with regard to kidney failure, it is important to understand some of the parameters being monitored. Urine Specific Gravity - This is a measure of how concentrated a urine sample is. Water has a specific gravity of 1.000. A dilute urine sample has a specific gravity less that 1.020 (often less than 1.010). A concentrated urine sample would have a specific gravity over 1.030 or 1.040. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) - This is a protein metabolite excreted by the kidney (it is one of the toxins we are concerned about). In a normal animal, the BUN is 25 or so. A good goal for BUN in kidney failure is 60 to 80. Often at the time of diagnosis, BUN is well over 150, 200, or even 300. Creatinine- This is another protein metabolite (though this one is less dependent on dietary protein intake than is BUN). A normal creatinine is less than 2.0. A good goal in kidney failure is a creatinine of 4.5 or less. BUN and creatinine will be tracked (as will several other parameters) over time and in response to different treatments. Phosphorus - The calcium/phosphorus balance becomes deranged in kidney failure due to hormone changes that ensue as well as the inability of the failing kidney to excrete phosphorus. If calcium and phosphorus levels become too high, the soft tissues of the animal's body will develop mineralized deposits which are inflammatory and uncomfortable. The bones will weaken as well. If phosphorus can be maintained in the normal range (less than 7.5), a medication called calcitriol can be used to help prevent or slow the progression of kidney failure. Medications and special diets can be used to help keep phosphorus levels down. Potassium - The failing kidney is unable to conserve potassium efficiently and supplementation may be needed. Signs of hypokalemia (the scientific name for low blood potassium) include weakness, especially drooping of the head and neck. Packed Cell Volume/Hematocrit - This is a measure of red blood cell amount. More literally it represents the percentage of the blood made up by red blood cells. The hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells is made by the kidney. The failing kidney does not make this hormone in normal amounts and anemia can result. Anemia is often worsened by the extra fluid administrations needed to manage the kidney toxins. Sometimes a blood transfusion is needed or, more commonly, the owner of the pet must learn how to give hormone injections to boost the red blood cell count. Blood Pressure - Blood pressure is not something measured off a laboratory result sheet but it is important to monitor in kidney patients as there is a tendency for hypertension to develop in kidney failure. Special medications may be needed to manage this problem should it arise. The owner who plans to be involved with monitoring of the pet's condition at home should become familiar with these terms and even get a copy of the pet's lab results for their own records. Your veterinarian is likely to have a handwritten chart in your pet's record showing changes in the above parameters; it's not a bad idea to start your own folder and chart at home. What Are the Treatment Options? What one does to address this problem depends on its stage at the time of diagnosis. More advanced cases will require hospitalization for a cycle of diuresis. Fluids are delivered intravenously for 48 to 72 hours and the above parameters are rechecked. The goal is to stabilize the patient at a toxin level where good life quality can be indefinitely experienced. Milder cases can be managed with fluid administration under the skin (subcutaneous fluids) at home. This sounds scary at first but, in fact, it is not uncomfortable for the pet and is easy to learn. Also available (but very expensive) are dialysis, where a machine filters the toxins from the patient's blood, and kidney transplantation. What Sort of Treatments Might my Pet Require at Home? Special Diet: Most prescription diet companies produce a diet with restricted protein (so as to generate less BUN), restricted phosphorus, and with other important qualities to promote metabolic health in kidney patients. Many clinics stock K/D diet made by Hills and Select Care Modified made by Innovative Veterinary Diets. In some cases, simply switching to this food may be adequate treatment. There is no preventive benefit that we know of in changing to these diets prior to the onset of kidney failure. Amphojel/Phosphate Binders: Amphojel is an antacid caplet used for stomach upset in people. It also binds phosphates in the diet when it is given with food. This reduces the phosphorus intake from the GI tract and helps normalize the blood phosphorus level. Calcitrol: This medication actually represents activated vitamin D. Vitamin D is not a vitamin in the way other vitamins are or in the way we think of vitamins; vitamin D is actually a hormone. It plays an important role in calcium phosphorus balance and is beneficial in preventing the progression of kidney failure when it is administered while phosphorus levels are still normal. Our experience with this medication has been excellent and we recommend its use in appropriate patients whole-heartedly. The doses that are used are exceedingly small and must be compounded by a special pharmacy. If your pet qualifies to take this medication, special instructions on how to obtain it will be given to you. Tumil K: This potassium supplement is available in a powder, tablet, or gel. If a patient does not seem to be maintaining a normal potassium level, such a supplement may be prescribed. Epogen/Erthropoeitin: In older times, anabolic steroids were used to address the anemia (low red cell count) of chronic kidney disease. With the advent of genetic engineering, the actual hormone the kidney has stopped producing can be given by injection. This is done usually at home 2 to 3 times a week along with an oral iron supplement. This treatment has helped many patients dramatically as the anemia that goes with kidney disease can be very debilitating. The downside to this treatment is that the product commercially available for use is of human origin and pets will ultimately produce antibodies against it (and worse still against their own remaining hormone). For this reason, this hormone is not used until anemia is more advanced and the patient really needs this treatment. Amlodipine (brand name Norvasc): It is difficult to find a blood pressure medication that is not also toxic to the kidneys. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker type medication commonly used in hypertensive cats with renal failure. It also must be compounded specially in cat sized doses. Fluids Under the Skin: This technique is important to learn as most pets in kidney failure require this treatment either right away or following hospitalization. If this process is recommended for your cat, you will receive lessons on how this technique is performed. Kidney failure is a complicated disease with many facets. Please do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian should you have questions or problems at home. You will periodically be contacted when it is time for your pet to have monitoring tests. You Are Not Alone: Further Resources Chronic renal failure is a common disease and there are many pet owners just like you all sharing thoughts, tips, and information over the internet. If you are interested in exploring these resources, here is what is available: A large information area has been structured at http://www.felinecrf.com/ by the owner of Avatar, a cat who ultimately succumbed to his kidney failure. While this site is especially geared for cat owners, its information is certainly applicable to dog owners as well. For those with America On-Line subscriptions, there is a weekly feline chronic renal failure chat to which all are welcome. This chat is held on Sundays from 5 to 6 pm Pacific Time in the private room called "crf." (Click on "People Connection," click on "Private Room," type in "crf.") There is also an on-line mailing list (a listserv) for owners of cats with chronic renal failure. To subscribe go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Feline-CRF-Support/. Please do not hesitate to ask your veterinarian if you have any questions or problems regarding your pet's condition. The above is general veterinary information. Do not begin any course of treatment without consulting your regular veterinarian. All animals should be examined at least once every 12 months.

Betta Fish Care

A Betta fish is a beautiful freshwater fish that comes in extraordinary color patterns. It is one of the most inexpensive fish to keep and doesn't need much care at all. You will have a healthy fish if you follow these simple care requirements.

The Betta fish is one of the most well known aquarium fish. It comes in many colors including red, blue, purple, green and white. The males have much brighter colors than females and also have longer fins. Bettas are originally from Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, parts of China and Vietnam. They are usually found in very shallow waters, such as rice paddies and shallow ponds. Bettas can live to be two or three years old.

Bettas may look like regular fish, but they are actually very different. Unlike most fish, the Betta breathes air by going up to the surface of the water. This makes them very easy to keep because it is not necessary to have any airpump, filtration, or aeration at all in their tank. They do well in small bowls; you won't have to buy a large, expensive aquarium for this fish.

You must be sure not to keep two male Bettas in a tank together because they will fight to the death. Females can be kept together though. Many people think that Bettas cannot be kept with any other fish but this is not true. Male Bettas and female Bettas can be kept with other peaceful fish species. Just don't put them in with any aggressive fish that may nip their fins.

Bettas must be fed once a day. Be sure you don't overfeed this fish. Don't leave any uneaten food in the bowl. They can be fed freeze dried brine shrimp or freeze dried blood worms. They don't usually like freeze dried worm cubes or flake food though. There are many foods sold at pet stores specifically for Bettas. Any of these will do.

Be sure to clean your fish bowl once a week if you don't have a filter on it. For the water in the tank, start with tap water and add a product that removes chlorine. Follow the directions on the package. Also add one teaspoon of aquarium salt. Make sure any water you add to the bowl is the same temperature as the water in the bowl.

Keep a lid on the bowl because the Betta can jump out if you don't have one on. Just make sure that there are holes in the lid so the fish can get air. It is also good to have a live plant in the fish bowl. Bettas love to rest on plant leaves. They even have a plant called "Betta Bulbs" that you can use. If you put a plant in the bowl, you will need to have gravel. Gravel gets dirty easily so you must be sure to clean it regularly. If the tank gets dirty, your Betta will get sick.

The Betta is a tropical fish, so keep the bowl in a warm spot. They like to be in temperatures around 75 to 80 degrees. Just don't put the bowl in direct sun or in a drafty spot.

If you follow these simple requirements for this fish, it will be healthy and happy. Bettas are absolutely striking fish to watch. You will surely enjoy this fish!

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Aquariums Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Pets - Safety Tips at Holiday Time

The holiday season has arrived. Thanksgiving has just passed and before you know it ... or usually are ready for it ... you'll be waking up to Christmas morning. Boy, doesn't the year fly by? Along with all the joy the holidays bring, they can also present some particular hazards to the health of your pet -- and consequently, to your peace of mind. Here are some ideas that can help prevent problems so that your holiday is a happy one for all.

First, it's a good idea of know your vet's holiday hours. Keep emergency phone numbers and any special holiday requirements where they will be easily accessible.

Give some thought about how you'll use plants to decorate. Birds, cats and dogs will all nibble on household plants -- and many of them are toxic or poisonous, including mistletoe and poinsettias. They can make your pet very ill so be sure to keep them out of your pet's reach.

If your celebration includes having a Christmas tree you should use some caution in placing the decorations on it. Only use unbreakable decorations at the bottom of your tree so there isn't any danger of your cat batting a glass ball and breaking it, or the pup chewing your grandmother's antique bubble lights. As for birds -- they should not have any access to the tree, decorations, plants and such. For those of us who live with pet birds, we know what mischief they can get into very quickly ... not to mention how destructive they can be. So keep your birds confined, or watch them like a hawk (so to speak) when they are out of their cage. Better to be safe than sorry.

As far as the less exotic pets go ... that is, cats and dogs ... how about putting some kitty baubles or doggie toys on the lower branches of the tree instead of your fragile and valuable decorations. That way, if those pets are attracted to the tree they'll find something appropriate for them. Or, here is another suggestion that has proved successful for protecting both pets and little ones. Put the Christmas tree and gifts into a playpen. That may not stop kitty, but at least the tree can't fall down as easily when she decides to climb it. Granted, it might be a little strange to see the holiday tree and gifts in a playpen, but it might be just the ticket for your situation.

Since we are on the subject of the Christmas tree, here is another safety hint. If you have a live tree placed in water wrap the base so your pets can't drink the water. Many modern live trees have been sprayed with chemicals that may be toxic to your little friends.

Be very, very careful with candles. Your bird or cat may be enticed by the flicker of the flame. Singed whiskers or feathers would certainly put a damper on holiday cheer, not to mention the horror your pet would suffer from a serious burn. Place glass "hurricane lanterns" or other attractive covers over candles to protect your home and your pets.

Give some thought to New Years Eve. Pets are usually frightened by the traditional firecrackers and other noisy merriment and it's best to have a plan to keep them from becoming frightened by the noise. Some dogs may be severely traumatized by fireworks so be sure to leave them inside if you go out to celebrate.

Pets, especially birds and cats, may be stressed by the changes in household routine during the holidays, especially if you are stressed yourself. Some cats and dogs respond to stress by becoming hyper or hysterical, and some simply retreat. Plan to spend some special time with your pets to calm yourself and reassure them during this period. If your pet is especially upset with strangers visiting, prepare a refuge where he can go to escape the "maddening crowd."

And last of all, we wish you and your family a wonderful and safe holiday.

Permission granted to reprint full article "as is" with author credit as given below and a link back to "http://www.birdwatchin.com. There are no private label resale rights available and the article cannot be modified or your name assigned to it.

Shari Carpenter is the owner of http://www.birdwatchin.com, a one-stop resource for people that love birdwatching, bird feeding and pet birds. http://www.birdwatchin.com covers a wide range of information, products and supplies, including the blog "Birdwatchin' Buzz Today!" It is also the place to subscribe to "David's Wild Bird Club" Newsletter.

How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth

There are a number of important aspects when brushing your dog's teeth and keeping his/her teeth and gums in tip top health. So what do you need to know about keeping your dog's teeth healthy?

Well, first of all you need to feed your dog raw, healthy food - raw meat and bones, with some raw vegetables and a little fruit from time to time. If you feed your dog convenience food, make sure you feed natural, premium dog food - not the commercial dogfood found in your supermarket or even dogfood recommended or sold by your vet.

If your dog eats healthy, premium, preferably raw food, then the need for brushing your dog's teeth will be reduced - and quite probably eliminated.

But many people do find that their dog's teeth do need brushing regularly (or from time to time).

So how do you brush your dog's teeth?

Step one is to pick an appropriate pet toothbrush. Save yourself time by not buying a child's toothbrush which is usually too hard for dogs. The ideal dog toothbrush will have a long handle, an angled head to better fit the mouth and extra soft bristles. Another option is the finger toothbrush that fits over the tip of your finger.

Step two is to select appropriate toothpaste. The best pet toothpastes contain enzymes that help control plaque. Try to avoid toothpastes with baking soda, detergents, or salt sometimes found in human pastes. Fluoride may be incorporated to help control bacteria. Rather than placing the paste on top of the brush try to place it between the bristles. This allows the paste to spend the most time next to the teeth.

Step three is to get the brush with paste into your dog's mouth and all the teeth brushed. Most dogs accept brushing if they are approached in a gentle manner. If you can start when they are young, it's quite easy, but even older pets will accept the process. Start slowly, you can use a washcloth or piece of gauze to wipe the teeth, front and back in the same manner you will eventually be using the toothbrush. Do this twice daily for about two weeks and your dog should be familiar with the approach. Then take the pet toothbrush, soak it in warm water and start brushing daily for several days. When your dog accepts this brushing, add the pet toothpaste.

Brigitte Smith is a dog lover with a special interest in holistic dog health.

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Help Your Bunny Survive the Cold

Winter is now approaching and so the issue of cold weather is on many peoples minds. Bunnies handle the severe cold much better than they handle the severe heat. There are two basic issues you must be concerned about during the winter months. First, make sure your bunny has water available. During the winter months we go with crocks instead of water bottles for all of our outside rabbits. The tube of the water bottle freezes much too quickly. We then check the water three times a day to make sure the water is not frozen. If your bunny does not have enough water, it will not eat enough food to keep it warm. The second thing to consider is shelter from the wind, rain and snow. A wet rabbit cannot maintain the correct body temperature, and this is further compounded by the wind. Yes, wind chill factors make the rabbit feel even colder than the actual temperature. It is important not to completely block ventilation in barns and sheds. Ventilation in your rabbitry is just as important in the winter as it is in the summer. Insulating a barn for the winter will help keep the barn a little warmer. A balance between shelter and ventilation is important. There are several other things you can do for your rabbits to keep them safe during the winter. We always give extra straw or timothy hay to our bunnies in the winter. This allows them to snuggle into the hay should the temperatures get really cold. Additionally, you can place nest boxes in all of your cages, as an extra place for the rabbits to snuggle into. This would be similar to a wild rabbit going into its den during extreme cold. Breeding through the winter can present a problem. Baby bunnies are born without fur. The mother compensates for this by pulling her fur and covering the babies. There are a couple of options available to winter breeders. Using a heat lamp, will give the additional warmth a baby may need to survive. Also, the nestbox could also be brought inside the house for the first two weeks. Of course the nestbox would need to go out to the doe once or twice a day so that she can feed her kits. After a couple of weeks they have enough fur to survive the cold temperatures, and will often huddle together or nestle up to the doe to stay warm. Heaters can be used to keep buildings warm. Keep in mind the extra cost of doing so. Often these are more for our comfort than for the rabbits. The nice thing about a heater is that water crocks won't freeze as quickly, and the barn is a little warmer when you go out to care for the rabbits. Rabbits can survive the cold. Your diligence in making sure they have fresh water and good shelter, greatly increases their comfort level and chances of survival.

Dog Collars

Dog collars are one of the few indulgences for a dog lover. Though dog collars are an absolute necessity, they can also be a fashionable extravagance. Dog collars make the dog stand out in the crowd. A unique dog collar can really draw attention to the dog and the owner.

Today, there are many different kinds of dog collars available. They range from simple and practical leather collars to fancy, personalized collars for that unique look. There are many companies that are designing unique collars for all kinds of dogs. These include nylon collars, cotton collars, metallic collars, leather collars, handmade collars, woven collars, foam collars, gold, silver or platinum collars, beaded collars, stone-studded collars and so on. Based on the purpose, dog collars can be categorized as adjustable collars, washable collars, training collars, no-bark collars, reflective collars, electric collars, waterproof collars, talking collars and others.

Some common designs include plaid, polka dots, python prints, crocodile prints, animal prints, tuxedo style, denim, bandana, mink, bone, bow collar, slide collars, metallic collection, beaded, velvet, and those with unique designs such as MLB, NLF, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Eagles and so on.

Dog collars have to be very comfortable. The right size of the dog’s neck has to be carefully measured using a tape. Placing two fingers between the neck and the tape would show the most comfortable length. The tape should also be kept loosely around the neck. The collar is likely to rest a few inches below the head, but it is better to add a couple of inches to the measurement. If the length is between two sizes, choose the bigger collar.

Go for a bigger collar if the dog is still growing. The different collar sizes available are: toy (8-10), small (10-14), small plus (14-16), medium (16-18), large (20-22) and extra large (22-24). The width of the collar is generally ½ or 1. 10-14 collars are for beagles, Jack Russells, and shelties, which have smaller necks. Labs, Australian shepherds, Dalmatians, pointers and spaniels have neck sizes ranging from 14 to 20 inches, while rottweilers, Great Danes, and chow chows have neck lengths between 18 and 28 inches.

Dog collars also differ on the basis of the buckle used. Some collars have snap-together buckles, which are very convenient, but they are not ideal for big and powerful dogs, as they are not very strong. Some buckles also have special safety features to prevent collar-related accidents. These days, there are also GPS-enabled dog collars available to make dog tracking easier.

Prices of dog collars start from $5 or $6 and can go up to $100 depending on the kind of collar and the material used. They are also available in wholesale quantities, in sets of 12 or 24 collars or more.

Dog Collars provides detailed information on Dog Collars, Personalized Dog Collars, Small Dog Collars, Fancy Dog Collars and more. Dog Collars is affiliated with Designer Dog Clothes. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Stith

The Bullmastiff: Big Dog With a Big Heart

The Bullmastiff was specifically bred to bring down a man without biting him and hold him until his Master arrived. In the 1800s the estates of Great Britain suffered serious losses from "poaching" or the stealing of livestock and game and the Bullmastiff was bred to assist in eliminating poachers. This is a big dog, with a big attitude, but was not bred to attack but rather to hold at bay. The original cross of bull dogs with mastiffs produced this tractable yet powerful breed. The foundation stock was 50% Mastiff and 40% Bulldog. The common known term name for the breed early on was "The Game-keepers Night Dog". At first this was a rather generic description for all the big dogs that patrolled the estates but gradually these original dogs were more selectively bred and became what is today known as the Bullmastiff.

The Bullmastiff should have a large, square head with some wrinkling of the brow, a short broad muzzle with a slight upturn to the nostrils and a neck as broad and square as the head, on equally broad powerful shoulders. Unlike the Bulldog, the front legs should be straight. The chest should be deep and the back short, presenting a nearly square appearance to the body. The entire picture should be one of power and strength. The Bullmastiff is 24-27 inches at the withers, weighing between 110-130 pounds. The coat is short and dense, colors can be brindle, fawn, or red, with a black "mask" on the face. The Bullmastiff is somewhat shorter than a Mastiff and certainly stockier of build, a good Bullmastiff should be quite blocky in appearance, while a Mastiff is taller and rangier.

The Bullmastiff, like all large breeds, requires an owner with some knowledge of training and the willingness to socialize the puppy in its early life. As usual with any breed, a buyer who wishes to purchase a Bullmastiff puppy needs to be wary of irresponsible breeders who breed only for profit rather than a passion for the breed . The Bullmastiff is not for everyone, a neat housekeeper will not be happy with the amount of drool that the dog can put out. The coat is easy care and the general health is basically good, there being few genetic problems, except for hip dysplasia which is always an important consideration and care should be taken that x-rays are done before breeding.

The Bullmastiff is a powerful large dog with a fearsome look but is in truth a gentle and trustworthy dog. They are not excitable, actually being rather docile and gentle. They are loving to children and protective without being overly aggressive. The Bullmastiff possesses a delightful sense of humor and they can be quite "clownish". This is a dog that is very easy to train, desiring nothing more than to please its owner.

Perhaps because they were bred to hold a man at bay and not maul or kill, they have a sense of wisdom combined with their watchdog instincts and generally are quite intelligent and thoughtful in their response to strangers. They are good watchdogs and will accept strangers only when introduced properly by their masters and will seldom bite or attack, preferring to stand their ground and bark. This is a breed that is not excitable by nature and they do the business of guarding quite efficiently, since their size combined with their bark is quite sufficient to deter unwanted visitors. This is a dog that is great for country life or suburban areas but they should always be fenced or on a leash, even when on a farm or ranch. They are territorial by nature and will police the entire property that they have access to.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Dogs

Dog Anxiety - How to Deal With It

Anxiety in dogs can be caused by any number of things - illness, travel, thunderstorms, death in the family, separation, or they may develop unexplained phobic or neurotic behaviour, or barking or other antisocial behaviour.

If you can identify the cause of the anxiety, then the best solution to the problem is to remove the cause.

This is not always possible, though. If your dog is experiencing separation anxiety every time you leave the house, and you work full time outside the home, you've got a problem! I suppose you could give up work and stay home with your dog, but sometimes we need to be a little realistic!

For this particular problem there are a number of things you can do to alleviate your dog's anxiety when you leave - many people have found that playing soothing music while they're out works wonders.

Mozart? - that certainly used to calm my hyperactive son down a little, so Mozart would be my personal first choice, but there are many soothing classical and new age, or even some light rock or jazz music might work - try out whatever you have in your CD collection for starters.

Another wonderful idea I read about recently is making a tape recording of your own voice and playing that on a continuous play while you're gone.

And there are certain homeopathic and herbal remedies which really do calm your dog. So those may well assist with your dog's separation anxiety.

But what about dogs who are afraid of loud noises - my dog Kara has an irrational fear of thunderstorms, and fear of fireworks, and, well, actually, she's scared of just about any loud noises. Many dogs are like this.

One New Year's Eve when I was away, Kara dug her way under the house and escaped (due to being terrified of the fireworks which were going off). My neighbours had to pick her up from the pound the following morning. Apparently the dog catchers are out in force on New Year's Eve because they round up many dogs and impound them! A nice little revenue booster for the local authorities. From memory it cost about $100 to get her back.

Anyway, I've found that peppermint oil applied to the pads of her paws has some calming effect. And a natural stress remedy also works very nicely.

Some years ago, before I became interested in natural remedies for dogs - actually it was following the fireworks incident - Kara became quite determined to continue escaping, for some reason. Once she realised she could get out, she just kept on trying. She was even destroying part of my house in her determination to try to get through the thick wooden boards I had put up to prevent further escapes. So I took her to the vet, as I was at a complete loss to know what to do with her. She was prescribed an anti-anxiety medication. This made Kara quite dopey, and seemed to take some of her personality away somehow. In other words, I suppose she appeared drugged. I didn't like it at all.

Now I know that there are much more pleasant, all natural anxiety treatments for dogs, which have no nasty side effects. And they really do work just as well.

(c) 2005, Brigitte Smith, Healthy Happy Dogs

Brigitte Smith is a dog lover with a special interest in natural health for dogs. For your free special report, as well as weekly tips, information, strategies and resources for a healthier happier dog, click here for your dog health report: http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com

For information on dog stress remedies, go here: http://www.StressRemedies.BrigitteRecommends.com

Dog Training: The 5 Important Considerations You Should Know When Using A Training Collar

The basic dog training collar goes by many names, including choke collar, choke chain, training collar, correction collar and slip collar. These training collars are among the most popular and most commonly used tools with both amateur and professional dog trainers. While a training collar is an effective tool, like any tool it must be used properly in order to be effective for you and safe for the dog. Among the most important considerations when using a training collar are: * How the collar fits the dog. It is essential that the training collar be properly fitted to the dog. A properly fitted training collar is easier to use and safer for the dog. * Putting the training collar on properly. There is a right way and a wrong way to fit a training collar, and putting it on wrong will make it both ineffective and potentially dangerous. * Using the collar properly. A training collar should be used as a sharp reminder to the dog, not as punishment. It is important that constant pressure be avoided when using a training collar. * The weight of the chain and the size of the links on the training collar. It is important that the weight of the chain be appropriate to the size and weight of the dog. * The placement of the collar on the dog. It is important to properly place the collar on the dog. The importance of a properly fitted training collar Determining if the training collar is the right size is relatively easy. The ideal size training collar should fit snugly, yet comfortably over the dog's head. It is important that the training collar not fit too tightly, but it should not be too loose either. A training collar that is too tight will be too hard to put on and off. On the other hand, a training collar that is too loose can accidentally fall off of the dog's head when it lowers its head. It is also important to know that a training collar that is too long for the dog requires a great deal of finesse to use properly. A collar that is too long can still be used, but it will require more skill on the part of the handler. Properly sizing and measure the dog for a training collar It is best to measure the dog's neck with a tape measure, then add 2 to 3 inches to that measurement. So if your dog has a neck 12" in diameter, you would want to buy a training collar that is 14" in length. Chain slip collars are generally sized in two inch increments. Fitting the collar properly When fitting a training collar, the part of the chain which is connected to the leash should be on the top of the dog's neck. With this type of arrangement, the collar releases the instant the leash is loosened. Training collars work by making the collar tight and loose in a fast manner. Tightening the collar is the first part of the correction, and making it loose is the second part of the correction. If the part of the training collar that is attached to the leash is not on the top of the dog's neck, the collar can still be made tight, but it will not release back to a loose state easily. This constant pressure on the dog's neck initiates a counter response on the part of the animal, and the dog will quickly learn to pull and strain against the leash. Finally, it is important to purchase a training collar that is well made and strong. Buying a high quality training collar, slip collar or choke collar is vital to the safety of yourself and your dog. If the worst happens, and your dog's training collar does break, it is important not to panic. Most dogs will be unaware that they have broken the collar, at least for a few minutes. In most cases, if you act as if the leash is still connected, you can probably get control of your dog back quickly. When securing a loose dog, the best strategy is to make a quick slip lead by running the snap on the leash through its handle and then slipping it over the dog's head. It may not be the best arrangement, but it will certainly do in a pinch.

Cat Mailboxes Can Mean So Much

We love our cats. Throughout the centuries, Cats have been revered, even worshipped. They can be our cuddly friends or fearsome hunters. Through it all, they are our beloved pets. For some, coming through the door at the end of a long day, being greeted by a furry feline it the best part of the day. Our cats love us unconditionally; we can do no wrong with them. Now, there is something that can lift your spirits as soon as you turn into the driveway. A new and unique way to pay tribute to the one who enriches our lives in so many different ways and this is with cat mailboxes.

Cat mailboxes, what’s not to love? A cat mailbox is a cute, fun, decorative novelty item that can bring you home to life. It is a way to personalize your property. It can show to the world that you are friend to felines. The assortment of different cat mailboxes is as astounding. There are so many different shapes and sizes that it makes the decision to purchase just one difficult. There have been some who have purchased cat mailboxes just for décor. They can be created a playful kittens or in a stalking pose. The design is limited only by cat lovers’ imagination.

Cat mailboxes are approved by the United States Postal service and are made of heavy-duty steel that is rust and weather resistant. They also can be made out of wood, or vinyl, and are all durable to withstand the often-frigid temperatures of winter or scorching heat of summer. Cat mailboxes come in many different designs. They can be freestanding, or attach to a building. They can have locks attached by request.

By searching the Internet, there are hundreds of links that will assist the cat lover in finding the perfect cat mailbox. There are even sites that will create a specific cat mailbox from a picture that is sent. It can be made to be a life size model of the your favorite pet. What better was to express love for a furry feline friends. A cat mailbox can also have a message inscribed on it to welcome guests to your home. This services is usually offer by request only. These adorable designs are usually hand crafted, and made to look exactly like a treasured family pet.

A cat mailbox can even be made with movable whiskers and tails. They are a delightful novelty item that all cat lovers would love to receive as a gift.

A cat mailbox will make an incredible addition to a home that will keep friends and loved one amazed at the quality and workmanship of the design.

Most sites on the Internet will send a cat mailbox complete with everything you need for installation. This feature is appealing to most people as all they have to do is unwrap and install their cat mailbox for all to see.

Big or small, black or white a cat mailbox will be the talk of every neighborhood.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Mailboxes HQ contains information about mailboxes from designer mailboxes through how to keep your mail safe from criminals.

Make Your Home Cat-Safe - How To Keep Your Cat Happy and Healthy

* Lock things up that could cause harm

* Keep the washer/dryer door closed at all times

* Honk the car horn before starting it up

* Use fire carefully

* Keep all upstairs windows closed or screened

* Store string away tidily

* Keep floors free of small things

* Be constantly aware of what your cat is doing

Curiosity gets most cats in trouble at some point in their lives. As your cat's caregiver, keeping her safe sometimes seems like a "mission impossible." With a little foresight and action, however, you can create a "home, safe home."

When you're trying to provide the best home possible for your cat, it pays to think like her. Put on some old clothes and get down on hands and knees and take a look around. Is that shiny crystal vase on the shelf a tempting target? Remember that cats will jump onto shelves and tables.

That dangling drapery cord would be fun to leap and grab. What's in this big pot? In case you need help identifying what might catch a cat's eye, here's a list of common household items that are often the cause of cat injuries:

* Roach and ant traps

* electric and phone cords

* cigarettes in ashtrays

* open doors and windows

* rubber bands

* housecleaning chemicals

* lit candles

* Christmas trees

* ornaments

* paperclips

* rocking chairs

* uncovered toilets

* trash cans

* human medications

* chocolate

* anti-freeze

* unattended boiling pots

* electric stove burners

* plastic bags.

Cats find plants irresistible as playthings. They love to pounce on them and shred them with both their claws and teeth. Although they are carnivores -meat eaters-they sometimes eat plant material. For these reasons, it's important to make sure the plants in and around your home won't pose a health risk. The following are some common house and landscape plants that are toxic to cats:

* Philodendron English ivy

* caladium dieffenbachia "elephant ear"

* poinsettia

* mistletoe

* azaleas

* holly

* berries

* boxwood

* wisteria

* hydrangea

* oleander

* chinaberry tree

If you live in an area prone to natural disasters, keep an emergency pet supply kit with your own. Include a week's worth of food as well as any medication your cat takes on a regular basis. A photo of your pet is also good to keep with your emergency supplies, in case you are separated from your cat during the event, you'll have a way to get the word out to locate her.

A collar with an identification tag is one of those things that you might never need, but will wish you had if you need it and don't. Even if your cat is strictly and indoor pet, the unexpected could happen. A door or window is left ajar, or a natural disaster creates an opening in your home through which your frightened feline escapes.

Your cat's identity tag should include the following information

* Pet's name

* Owner's name and address

* Telephone numbers (day and evening)

* Medical problem requiring medication

* Veterinarian's name and number

* Current Rabies vaccination information

* Reward offer should pet become lost

Many people have their cats micro-chipped for identification. A small silicone chip containing the owner's contact information is painlessly inserted under the cat's skin. Most animal shelters automatically scan lost pets to read the owner contact information. However, if your cat is found by an average citizen an identification tag will speed up your reunion.

Pet Medication Supplies http://www.pet-medication-supplies.net can help you get the best possible supplies for your pet. Advantix, Arthramine, Cosequin, Frontline, Heartgard - find the best deals in pet medication for flea and tick control, arthritis and lyme disease. Upto 50% discount everyday on brand names.

Shih Tzu Find a New Home in the West

Lady Brownrigg of England first obtained a Shih Tzu in 1928. She was around 30 years of age, was a much-traveled lady and was very fond of birds and animals. Her husband was an Assistant Adjutant and Quarter-master General to the North China command. When they returned to England, they brought with them two Shih Tzu, a dog called Hibou and a bitch called Shu-ssa. Both were black and white and described as "small." Shu-ssa was mated to Hibou and produced Lung-fu-ssu. The offspring of Hibou, Shu-ssa and Lung-fu-ssu and many of our present-day Shih Tzu are descended from these. They were called the famous "Taishan" Shih Tzu. The weight of these three is known to have been within the range of 12 to 15 pounds. Lady Brownrigg considered this weight as ideal. In 1933 at the West of England Ladies' Kennel Society Shu-ssa, Hibou and Lung-fu-ssu were exhibited in a class along with other dogs from Tibet. It was quite evident that there were great differences between these Tibetan Lion Dogs and those which Colonel and Mrs. Bailey had imported from Tibet. These were narrower in the skull and had longer noses, and eventually became known as the Lhasa Apso. Other Tibetan dogs, with longer legs are now known as Tibetan Terriers. The Brownriggs were instrumental in preparing the first breed standard. By 1934, the breed had been separated from the other small and hairy dogs of oriental origin. By the time World War II had begun, very few Shih Tzu litters were born during those troubled years. The Taishan Shih Tzu, however, made their own contribution to the war effort. The combings from their coats were gathered up and made into knitting wool. After the war was over, Lady Brownrigg carried on with her work of establishing the Shih Tzu in England. Lady Brownrigg was not in agreement with the decision to introduce Pekingese blood and an attempt to start a new club for the miniature Shih Tzu. In 1939, a lady called Gay Garforth-Bles, later Gay Widdrington saw eight Shih Tzu being exercised in Thurloe Square in London. The dogs were being exercised by Mrs. Doig, their cook. Shortly after this sighting, Gay Widdrington bought her first Shih Tzu from Lady Brownrigg. This was a black and white puppy bitch called Mee-Na of Taishan. Mee-Na set her owner off on a curse that would lead her to become one of the best-known figures in the breed. The name of her Shih Tzu line was "Lhakang." Gay Widdrington bred more than a hundred litters over a period of nearly fifty years. The list of Lhakang champions shows how this kennel competed at the highest level in the breed over a thirty-year period, which is a remarkable achievement. Gay Widdrington joined with Lady Brownrigg in the 1950s to form the Manchu Shih Tzu Society with the aim of promoting the smaller type of Shih Tzu. The Kennel Club did not agree to the division of the breed into two sizes. The Manchu was given official status only on condition that it promoted the welfare of all sizes of Shih Tzu.

Dog Training - Sit - Simple but Effective

Teaching the sit is one of the more simple procedures, but can be vitally important. The method you will use is the lure-reward method. Basically, you will lure the dog into the desired position and reward him when he adopts the position. For this method to work the best, you should not say the word “sit” until your dog consistently responds to your lure, which will initially be the cue for him to sit.

Step 1.) Take your dog to a quiet place

Step 2.) Place a small treat in your hand, between your thumb and your index and middle fingers.

Step 3.) Say your dog’s name (if you have been practicing the Name Game, then your dog will respond by looking at you).

Step 4.) Show your dog that you have the treat in your hand by placing it near his nose, but do not let him grab it.

Step 5.) WITHOUT SAYING ANYTHING, move the treat over your dog’s head, toward his rump, as if you are going to place it right between his ears. If you do this correctly, your dog should respond by adopting a sitting position. If he does, immediately, say, “Good!” and give your dog the treat.

There is a rule that you will introduce at this point: once you give your dog a command, he should not do anything else at all until you tell him to. After sitting, there are two things that can happen next: 1. You can give another command such as “down” or “stay”, or 2. you can release him. Since at this point, he does not know any other commands to perform, the best thing to do is release him. So, if he sits and you reward him, then:

Step 6.) Say, “Okay!” happily and allow your dog to get up! Note: If you see that your dog is about to get and you have not said, “Okay”, then simply say, “okay” before he actually gets up, as if it were your idea in the first place.

Troubleshooting: If your dog did not sit:

If when you completed step 5 above, your dog jumped up to grab at the treat, then you were most likely holding the treat too high. Try again and this time keep the treat very close to your dog’s head.

If when you completed step 5 above, your dog backed up instead of sitting, then try the exercise again with your dogs rear-end in a corner (so that he can’t back up).

Practice this with your dog for several days, until he responds very well, almost without fail to your cue of moving the treat over his head, then move on to Phase Two!

Phase Two of The Sit

Now that your dog has mastered the technique and has learned to respond to your non-verbal cue, it is time to introduce the verbal command, “sit”.

Step 1.) Take your dog to a quiet place

Step 2.) Place the treat in your hand, as before

Step 3.) Say your dog’s name, followed by the word, “sit!” (e.g. “Fido, sit!”) You should say, “sit” as though you were commanding your dog to do so. Try to avoid using a tone of voice that suggests that you are “asking” your dog to sit.

Step 4.) Immediately give the non-verbal cue for your dog to sit, by moving the treat over his head, as in the last lesson.

Practice in this manner until your dog starts to respond (sit) as soon as you give the verbal command. Then, slowly fade out the use of the non-verbal command (moving the treat over his head). Remember to always release your dog from the sit position by saying, “Okay!” in an excited tone of voice.

http://www.tall-indoor-dog-gates.com Tall indoor dog gates is a site dedicated to dog training and healthcare â€" give us a visit.

Taking Care of Your Sick Dog

Just like humans, dogs are subject to diseases and illnesses. If your dog gets sick, you may have to take him to the vet for treatment or even surgery. Your dog may have to stay at the clinic for a few days. When he comes home you will have to take care of your sick dog so that he completely recovers. If your dog has been away from home for one or two days he will be excited and happy to be back again. Staying in the veterinarian clinic was most likely a frightening experience for your sick dog because of the strange people, smells and noises. As excited as he may be, your dog instinctively knows that he needs rest. Try to provide a comfortable place where he can sleep. He needs to be undisturbed by people coming and going. If you have children, make sure they understand that the dog needs to rest and cannot play like he used to - at least until he fully recovers, anyway. Give your sick dog a comfortable bed to sleep on. He should be warm and the bedding should be easily washable. A soft cushion covered with a sheet makes a good convalescent bed. Your vet probably gave you instructions on how to care for your dog. You may have to give him medicine or change his bandages. Your dog may not understand where his source of discomfort is coming from and may try to bite you when you try to touch his wounds. You have to constantly reassure him with gentle movements and soft words that you are not going to hurt him. Your dog needs plenty of fluid during his recovery period. If he gets dehydrated it can affect his kidneys. Make sure he has a bowl of fresh water at all times, and if he is not drinking by himself you will have to give him water from a bottle or turkey baster. You may have to raise his muzzle slightly so that the he can swallow. If you cannot get your sick dog to drink, call the vet. Your dog may have to get fluids intravenously. Your dog has different nutritional requirements while he recovers from his sickness or injury. Food should be given in small amounts and can be slightly warmed to make it more palatable to your dog. You can supplement his food with vitamins and minerals - see what your veterinarian recommends. You'll probably have to give your sick dog medicine, and this can be one of the hardest things in the world. Liquid medication can be squirted down his throat, but pills are more problematical. Hide them in his food and he is likely to spit them out. Pills have to be placed on the back of the tongue and doing this without losing a finger or two is a real art. If you keep his upper lip between your fingers and his teeth he will not bite down, and this allows you to put the pill on his tongue. Some dogs are just plain stubborn and no amount of coaxing or fighting will make that medicine go down their throats. If your dog is one of these, you may need to take him to the vet. A bit annoying â€" but better than not getting the medication your dog needs to recover.

Love Your Animal Companion? Spay or Neuter

Ozzie, my four-month old Rottweiler peered up at me with his big brown eyes, as I temporarily left him for a very important surgical procedure. As much as it broke my heart to drop off my "baby" at the local humane society, I know it was the responsible thing to do.

What Ozzie doesn't know is that today is the first day of the rest of his life. He is being neutered.

Being a rescue volunteer, I've acquired a rather large brood of dogs into my family circle. Having adopted six boys and two girls of the canine species, I've come to complete understanding of the importance of spaying and neutering our furry companions.

Persons who come in contact with me and my animals will ask, "how can you spay and neuter these beautiful animals? You could breed them and make a profit."

When I encounter these folks, I tend to get a little testy and become a bit wordy with an explanation to the multiple reasons behind my choice as a responsible pet owner:

1. (All animals are beautiful, but unless an individual has the time, funding or resources to "breed" puppies, it is not a good idea to permit one's animals to produce offspring that may end up in a "puppy mill" environment. (For more information on "Puppy Mills," go to www.puppymillrescue.com)
2. Spaying or neutering is a fairly inexpensive procedure if done at your local shelter or Humane Society Spay or Neuter Clinic. Furthermore, spaying and neutering has minimal risks and is one of the most common, animal surgical procedures.
(For the address of your local Humane Society, click here: www.napcc.aspca.org )
3. A spayed or neutered animal behaves better. While unsterilized males tend to roam in search of a mate, they risk injury or death due to traffic and fight incidents. They also tend to mark territory with urine, and can be quite embarrassing when they decide to mount objects and human legs when excited. Unsterilized females will also roam, have bloody discharge, will yowl and urinate more often during heat cycles; and have a tendancy to tear or chew their way out of an enclosure. Neutered or spayed dogs and cats focus primarily on their human counterparts and do not exhibit behavior patterns as mentioned above.
4. My main reason for spaying or neutering: Spayed or Neutered animals live longer, healthier lives. "...By neutering a male cat or dog before six months of age prevents testicular cancer and prostate disease. Spaying a female cat or dog helps prevent pyometra and breast cancer..." (Facts from ASPCA® "Why Spay or Neuter?" Flyer) Additionally, spaying or neutering your animals can prolong their lives by an average of two to three years.
5. Responsibility. Millions of animals needlessly suffer and die every year. Why? Everybody loves cuddly puppies and cute kittens, but when these once-adorable babies grow up, children and adults, alike may lose interest in caring for them. Usually, these animals end up in shelters where they may be euthanized - or worse, get "put out" where they end up as strays. Strays, unfortunately, may die from starvation, disease, weather exposure or being hit by traffic.

When I was younger, I used to watch Bob Barker's "The Price is Right" on television. At the end of each and every show, I candidly recall Mr. Barker reiterating, "Help control the pet population, have your pets spayed or neutered today." What a profound and responsible statement that is. You see, if you do your part by helping control the pet population, you may just save a life. Do you love your animal companion(s)? I do.

©2004 - All Rights Reserved
Love your Animal Companion? Spay or Neuter
C. Bailey-Lloyd

About the Author: C. Bailey-Lloyd - Author of "Somewhere Along the Beaten Path"

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Dog Training Information for Training Your Puppy

Puppy Training

Puppy training can be a trying time. The key to this time is to really remember that all puppy behavior is normal. They like to mouth, jump, bark, dig and piddle wherever they are. They aren't doing it to annoy you, they are just doing what they have learned so far. It is our job to train them not to do these things.

Think of it as teaching your child to read. You wouldn't punish your child for not knowing the alphabet if they have never seen it before right? So we don't need to punish our puppies for things we haven't taught them. Here, we will talk about normal puppy behavior and ways to encourage them to try something new. Remember - Behavior that is followed by something the dog likes will increase! puppy training should be a lot of fun!

Puppy behavior

Jumping: There are two ways to solve this - first, stand on their leash. Second, teach them to sit. By teaching sit we are removing the desire to jump.

Mouthing: See this full article on puppy mouthing.

Pulling: This one is easy. Just stop walking! If you never go anywhere when the dog pulls, he will quickly learn. Offer a small treat when he is by your side and talk in a happy voice to encourage him.

The key to training any behavior is to be 100% consistent in your efforts. Often times it will get worse before it gets better but it will go away if you are consistent.

Puppy dog training

Try enrolling in a puppy kindergarten near you. This will really help with socialization and early puppy dog training. Find a dog trainer near you.

Housebreaking puppies

Puppies need to go to the bathroom after they play, chew, drink, eat or sleep. Start by putting them on a leash and tethering them to you. That way you can be aware of them when they start sniffing the ground (usually a cue the puppy needs to go potty). Pick them up and carry them outside. When they go potty, tell them "good potty" and give a cookie as a reward. Do not let your puppy off leash until they have finished going so they get into the habit of going potty, then playing. Many puppies will want to go outside just to play if you let them off leash first.

What if my puppy has an accident?

He will. Do not punish your puppy though. If you catch your puppy in the act then clap your hands or pick them up - this will make your puppy stop going. Get him outside FAST and let him finish up out there. Reward him for going outside. Clean up the mess with natures miracle which will remove the odor completely.

Do NOT rub their nose in it, swat them with a newspaper, or isolate your puppy. It will only teach them to not go in front of you.

If your puppy is going frequently in the house you are probably not supervising them enough. Watch and learn their cues. If you feel you are watching and your puppy isn't getting it you can always have them checked for a Urinary tract infection.

If your puppy piddles when you greet them, this could be submissive urination. This would be a problem that is usually cured by ignoring the behavior and letting your puppy calm down before touching them when you first see them.

This article not only applies to puppies, but it is how you should train a dog of any age. If you can't supervise your dog, please put them in a crate to help curb accidents. Remember, dogs go where they go most!

This can be a trying time, so have patience and you will get through it.

Amy Dunphy CPDT
Owner of the Dog Trainer Search
http://www.dogtrainersearch.com

Here's How To Find The Right Pet Meds For Your Favorite Pet

Our pets depend on us for their every need, including their pet meds. The more you know about pet meds, the more you’ll be able to recognize the signs when something is wrong with your pet, and know the best way to respond. Learning even a little about pet meds can bring peace of mind to you and your four-legged companion.

Your veterinarian is your best source of information. Don’t hesitate to ask questions at regular check-ups of any pet med concerns you may have. The proper pet medication can clear up an uncomfortable or painful ailment so your pet can feel good again. There are many pet med home remedies as well. If your dog or cat has trouble with ear infections or ear mites, pour a half teaspoon of almond oil into their ear canal and gently massage their ear to help clean it out. A 50-50 mixture of white vinegar and water works well too. Irritated eyes can be treated with a drop of castor oil, although it’s wise to call your vet if the problem persists.

Caring for your pet’s skin can be as simple as being mindful of its diet and using gentle shampoo for bathing. Nothing can be so frustrating for a pet as itchy skin. There are many quality pet meds online products available (even discount pet meds) on the market to help ward off skin troubles.

As with health care for people, preventative medicine is essential. Know which pet med vaccinations your pet needs and see make sure to get them on a regular basis.

About The Author

Mike Yeager - Publisher; http://www.a1-pets-4u.com/

Cats training on extreme meowing

Has you cat been trained to do excess meowing? When we hear a cat meowing, what is the first thing that comes in one's mind? Your cat is hungry! This would be a wrong answer! Excess meowing for your cat can mean a number of things. Are they having discomfort, medical problems, are they bored, or does your cat want to spend time with you. Of course, they could be hungry or have learned this habit. When the cat is verbalizing, ignore them, when they are quiet then reward them. This will let your cat know this is a good behavior. Giving in when your cat is noisy will contribute to bad behavior and unsatisfied relationship for both cat and owner. First, you will need to get your cat to learn when it is appropriate to meow, when they really need something. A content cat will find many things to occupied it self with. This will mean your cat will do less meowing. A good thing to remember about your cat, they will not exercise by themselves. Set up a playtime and area to spend with your cat. Strings, ball, catnip items, or simple home made items that your cat will love. This will help develop a good behavior, for the times that you are away, busy or do not have time to spend with your cat. Make sure the time you spend with your cat is around the same time of day. A good time is when you come home from work or your busy day that you will want to relax. It is known that cats can help ones blood pressure and help you to relax. Purring is a way a cat is telling you they maybe content. Nevertheless, beware not all purring at times are good purrs. Cats will purr if they are ill, sick, or dying. Pay close attention to your cat if it is purring your cat can use purring as a warning when sick; to let other animals know they are a threat to them. If your cat stops purring another thing you will want to be concerned is your cat may be sick with a virus or some other thing could be wrong. This is the time that you should be seeking a veterinarian to have your cat examined for any thing that may be wrong with your cat. In some cases, when cats get older they may stop purring or maybe the purring is so soft that you are unable to hear them purr. Emotions can also be part of a behavior in your cat. In many cases, we are unable to recognize emotions Fear, grief, compassion, jealousy, just to name a few. These emotions are real to us and real to your cat fear of hurt or maybe intimated by another animal. Grief, if a cat loses it owner they will grief just as we do losing a love one. Compassion, cats have compassion of other cats. Jealousy if your cat has to start sharing owner, home, toys, eating and watering dishes. Here are some things that we need to take in consideration when trying to train a cat. Emotions with these emotions you will not be able to train your cat. Emotions will also cause a cat to have excessive meowing, that you will not be able to train. We need to remember when training a cat for meowing restively is why they are having continued meowing. Are they hurt, ill or is it a behavior. Are we giving the proper attention that a cat needs? The cat's emotions are they satisfied with where they are, whom they are with, and what they are doing. Training a cat is not easy, it does take time and patience, just like children we need to teach them the good behavior and ignore the bad ones. Remember to reward your cat today for being good. Take time with your cat and teach them how to play with toys and items that they are allowed to play with. Feed those healthy snacks and food. Get toys that they will play with. However, most of all be kind and hug your cat today!

The Finnish Spitz: Barking Bird Dog

The Finnish Spitz is a the national dog of Finland. Other names for this breed are the Barking Bird Dog and the Finnish Hunting dog. The name of "Barking Bird Dog" is quite appropriate. When attending dog shows where Finnish Spitz are entered, one can always find the grooming area of this little dog by following the sound of the barking! The breed has been used as a hunting dog in Finland since ancient times and was recognized by the Finnish Kennel club in 1892. In the American Kennel club they have recently been recognized as a member of the Non-Sporting Group. They are gaining in popularity but are still considered "rare" in this country.

The Finnish Spitz dogs have the typical "Spitz" appearance of a brushy coat with emphasis on the ruff at the neck and the bushy curled tail. They are always bright red to apricot in color. Finnish Spitz are easy to care for, the coat is dense and needs regular brushing but the hairs are straight and stiff and relatively short so is not difficult to keep free of mats. This type of coat is what is called "harsh" or "brush" and is always easier to deal with than a long coat that is "soft" in texture. It is a good looking dog, small upright ears and rather pointed face give this dog a fox-like appearance. By nature the Finnish Spitz does not seem to have a "doggy" odor so it is a clean dog to keep in the household.

The breed is relatively free of genetic conditions and the incidence of hip dysplasia is rare although this should be checked before breeding. Their hunting repertoire includes everything from birds to bear and the dog is fearless as a hunter despite its small size of 15 to 17 inches. The Finnish Spitz "points" and usually barks to hold its prey at bay until shot by the hunter.

This is a dog that is considered aloof with strangers, not especially "cuddly" but actually very reserved in nature. Most Finnish Spitz dogs are extremely busy creatures and will give chase at the sight of any other creature, so a fenced yard or supervised walking are necessary at all times. Obedience lessons must be given from the beginning so that this dog will come when called. It is loyal but strong willed and can be stubborn. As a house pet, it goes without saying that it will give voice to loud barking at strangers so it is an excellent watchdog. It also does love children and is very playful. Because this breed is highly curious about its surroundings and has an investigative nature, people who keep them in the house need to "puppy-proof" the environment.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Animals

Tropical Aquarium

Tropical Aquariums are for keeping tropical fish, but you can have two different types of fish, saltwater or freshwater. Saltwater fish obviously needs saltwater and the salt needs to be a regulated level along with the PH and temperature. Freshwater fish need to have fresh purified water, both of these set ups need the good bacteria that helps to keep the aquariums clean. Tropical aquariums that contain saltwater are only for saltwater fish. If you put a freshwater fish in this tank it will die! Saltwater fish are made to stand the levels of salt and are essential for the fish to breath and move. If salt wasn't present they would die a death like suffocation. In saltwater aquariums you need to make sure that there are living rocks in it, this means rocks that already have the good bacteria present. You then need to leave the rock in the tank for at least two months before putting any fish in, this is to get a bacteria cycle on the go. Once the bacterium has built up, I set up the filter. After that it is safe to add the fish. Freshwater tropical aquariums are for fish that need clear and clean water. This water has to be chlorine and ammonia free. The freshwater tank also needs to be set up and cycling for at least four weeks before adding any fish to it, as this will help the bacteria to build and make sure that the ammonia levels are kept to a bare minimum, ammonia is a substance that will kill our fish as it makes breathing for them very hard to do. You know when your tank has very high levels of ammonia because the fish are at the top of the tank struggling to breath but the trick is not to change the water, what to do is clean out the filter in some of the tank water (in a separate bowl of course) and then put it back in within a day or so. The water will be in a completely better condition. Purchase a water test kit to check your levels or nutrients before putting in your fish, they are not expensive but are a great help. Tropical aquariums are stunning ornaments in any household! Just make sure that you don't forget about the work and responsibility involved, they may be fish but they are still alive and should of course be kept that way!

Getting a Puppy Into Your Apartment

You've searched all over and finally found the perfect apartment. You're so excited, until the owner tells you that he does not permit dogs on the premises. You heart breaks, although you know that you should have checked for this provision before you started looking. However, all may not be lost. All building owners do not have absolute pet policies. There are ways that you can work to convince even the most skeptical landlord that you will be a responsible pet owner. In instances like this, money speaks loudest of all. Be sure to explain to your potential landlord that you will offer to make an additional deposit to cover pet damages. If the landlord allows a lease for your dog, add a clause indicating that you will pay for all damages, but you can also be specific in this clause by specifying that you will steam clean the carpets and stating the amount of the security deposit that will be additional because of your pet. When you first speak to the landlord, mention that you are a pet owner. If the landlord seems unsure, ask if you can bring your dog along with you. The landlord may be more willingly convinced if your dog is well behaved on the visit. Also bring along a doggie "resume", listing any certifications, obedience schools, and references of people that can attest to your dog's good behavior. It may seem silly, but your willingness to prove his worth will make a positive impression on any potential landlord. If the landlord is unconvinced, find out why and address the issues. Adding clauses to the lease agreement regarding your responsibility will help your case. Look into getting liability injury coverage for your dog, as this will certainly clear the landlord's mind should he or she have issues with the possibility of your dog biting someone. After trying all of these, you may still sense a bit of skepticism. This is when you should back out of the arrangement and look for another property. Getting involved with a landlord who is closed-minded about approving a pet owner as a tenant is a very big mistake. You may move out to find that the landlord would blame any problem in the apartment, even routine maintenance issues, on your pet. Getting any money from your security deposit will likely be a major issue, if not downright impossible. Do not put yourself or your dog in this situation. Move on to the next landlord who will be willing to grant you a lease for your dog. No apartment is worth causing problems with your very best friend - your pet.

Canine Diabetes; is Your Dog at Risk?

The classic early warning signs of diabetes were all present when I brought my canine companion of twelve years into the Veterinarian's clinic. Muffy was lethargic, unsteady on her feet, drinking large amounts of water, and experiencing incontinence for the first time in her life. I knew something was seriously wrong.

After blood work and a physical examination, the veterinarian said that Muffy had developed type-two canine diabetes. After a brief discussion, we decided to try and regulate her blood sugar level with diet modification and insulin twice daily.

At first, it was rough going. Weekly checkups revealed Muffy's sugar levels continued to bounce from one extreme to the other. Determined not give up, I monitored her urine samples at home for sugar content and adjusted insulin injections as necessary. Gradually, we began to see improvement.

After just a few months Muffy was once again her frisky self. You would never know by watching her race about that she had a serious health problem. A special diet, proper amounts of insulin and regular exercise have worked together with Muffy's routine veterinary care to turn the tide. As a result, I can look forward to many more happy years with my little dog.

Wyoming veterinarian Mary Flitner, who recently moved her practice to New Mexico, received her D.V.M. degree at Colorado State University and an award for excellence in large animal surgery in 1997. Flitner states that diabetes in dogs and cats is more common than most people realize. According to Flitner, a pet's chance of developing diabetes will increase with age.

"This is especially true in overweight, less active dogs."

Besides weight and age, diet is another significant factor. Dogs given table scraps without discrimination are particularly at risk. The importance of diet cannot be over emphasized, warns Flitner.

"A high fiber diet, low in fat and sugar, is vital. And an annual checkup by a qualified professional is also an important part of proper pet care, as early detection of health complications increase successful management of the problem and helps prolong the quality of life for that pet."

Flitner notes many pet owners mistakenly feel caring for a diabetic pet would be too difficult for them, an assumption that complicates the decision making process at a critical time.

"A diagnosis of diabetes in a family pet is hard enough to handle without misconceptions compounding the problem," said Flitner thoughtfully.

For instance, a pet owner might opt to euthanize a pet diagnosed with diabetes because they feel incapable of managing the problem. However, with proper instruction and guidance, that same pet owner could gain the confidence necessary to properly follow the care plan developed by the veterinarian, and enjoy many more quality years together with their pet.

"People need to know by regulating their pet's diabetes, that pet can still live to their full potential," said Flitner, acknowledging most care givers consider their pet an important part the family and struggle to make right health care decisions for them.

Flitner notes grocery store quality pet foods are not good choices for diabetic pets because of added fillers and sugars used to improve the taste.

"Some grocery store brands of cat food actually have trace elements of antifreeze in them, because cats are attracted to it. These type foods often have a high content of sodium, which is also unhealthy for the pet.

"A healthy well-balanced diet is important for any pet, but especially for those diagnosed with diabetes."

Early warning signs that might indicate diabetes in your pet include: an unusually high consumption of water, increase in appetite, incontinence, lethargy, extreme changes in eyes (i.e. cataracts), lack of coordination, and vomiting. Care givers who note such changes in their dog should promptly call a qualified professional, because examination by a veterinarian is important and necessary for proper diagnosis.

Flitner also acknowledges the temptation to remove the water bowl from the pet's reach if incontinence is a problem.

"But, this is not the correct thing to do," instructs Flitner.

In the case of diabetic canines, drinking large amounts of water is the dog's attempt to flush glucose out of the kidneys which has spilled over from the blood. If the glucose doesn't get flushed out, serious damage to the kidneys and other organs can develop.

The best preventative measures against serious health problems in the family pet remain simple and practical: regular veterinary check ups, and a healthy diet. Exercise is also very important. Among other benefits, exercise helps increase the body's effective use of insulin.

For more canine health information, information on a special dog food formulated specifically for diabetic dogs, or other dog products, visit the Savvy Dog Lover web site .

© Lori S. Anton Savvy Pet Editor

Published writer and dog lover, Lori Anton, has been writing for nearly 30 years. She is founder and editor for Writers Write Now, a web site that offers original professionally written content, and SEO content for web sites; visit Writers Write Now. Lori lives in rural Wyoming with her husband, Jeff, and their diabetic canine companion, Muffy.

Lori is also Savvy Pet Editor. Savvy Dog Lover web site offers valuable information on pet health, care, and training, as well as top pet products. Visit Savvy Dog Lover. Savvy Dog Lover â€" where the best bones are buried!

The Sweetest Dream

Her head lay in Mommy's lap, Mommy stroked her head. She always loved it when Mommy stroked her hair and sang to her. She loved the smell of Mommy. Sometimes she understood words Mommy used, her favorite was "bright-eyes." Mommy would kneel down next to her and say "bright-eyes" while rubbing her head or when she called her for a walk. Mommy would say other things but she knew she was "bright-eyes." It was her pack name, the name her Mommy used only for her. "I'm tired, Mommy, and it hurts," she tried saying but knew that Mommy did not understand but some how she knew. She tried to take a deep breath but it hurt so much. She felt another arm around her. It was Little Girl! She loved to play with Little Girl, Emcee was her pack name. They would run and run together in the wildflowers, through the wood, and chase the birds in the field. She remembered how small Emcee was when The Man brought her here. She was not impressed with Mommy back then, she tried to laugh but it hurt. Mommy never licked Emcee! How was Little Girl to keep clean if she was not properly licked? So, when Mommy would bring Emcee outside and work in the dirt and was not looking, she would lick Emcee clean. Mommy was singing the Bright Eyes Song now and stroking her head. Where was Big Girl? Where was Boy? She hated when the pack was not together. She looked up at Mommy with fluid brown eyes, "Where are they?" Mommy just bent down and kissed her head, she smelled of flowers. She loved that smell. Then she remembered that Big Girl and Boy had left the pack, they were grown. She missed them. What was that smell? She raised her head a bit. She knew the smell, and loved it's promise. It was of wood and small animals. It was the smell of the chase. She found herself running, running fast after a rabbit. "I'm going to catch it this time, Mommy" and she was off through a never ending field of wildflowers. "Mommy?" "Yes, M-C, Mishka is living her sweetest dream."

The great escape, proof that dog training is important

The Great Escape and the necessity of dog training. Even though I try not to go down memory lane too often, every once in a while something happens that triggers my memory, and I am carried backwards in time. Today I took my three dogs for a long walk. I had my Nikki, Benny and Dukie. Nikkie is my 2 year old golden retriever and Benny my 5 year old black lab. Dukie is my 10 year old blind black lab. They were all pretty hyped up today so walking them was a challenge. And that is what triggered my memory. Two of my dogs are involved in dog therapy programs; that means I go visiting the seniors with my dogs. This particular day of the great escape I had all three dogs in the jeep because we had been out for a walk in the park. I had decided to make a quick stop and visit one of our senior friends on the way home. My dogs have been trained never ever to leave the vehicle until I say "OK". They have always been very good in obeying this command. But, not today, nope, today they are getting ready to freak me out. As my dogs tend to do every once in a while. I arrived at HOME ON THE HILLS, that is where Benny and I go visiting. I will leave Nikki and Dukie, the blind one, in the jeep. Today we will only stop by for a short visit. I reminded my dogs that they must stay and not come out of the jeep. The parking lot is full and since it is a beautiful day, many of the seniors are "hanging" around outside the front door. There are seniors in wheel chairs, with canes, or just standing around. I opened my jeep, and what happened? I just could not believe it! All of my dogs jumped out. Just like that, they jumped out. Nikki, the leader of the gang is running at full speed towards the front door. Benny is of course running right behind Nikki. And, my Dukie is also running, he just doesn't know where to run to because he cant see where he is going. Well, I freaked and screamed and chased my dogs. There is no way I can catch them. I could just picture those poor seniors being knocked over like bowling pins by my fast approaching excited dogs, ready to greet everyone they see. "Wow, look at all the people to jump on." I screamed some more, and luckily some nurses were outside and heard me. They helped fend off my dogs. I cant believe that no one was hurt or knocked over. Wow, someone was looking out for us. Meantime, I am shaking. I am also not wearing running shoes. Heck, I didn't mean to go running today, just walking. I slipped in the parking lot and lay there like an idiot, still screaming for everyone to be careful. I was also terrified that one of my dogs would get run over. I am a diabetic, so my sugar level went haywire on top of it all. When we finally got all my dogs leashed and put back in the jeep I was exhausted. I did not know whether to cry or laugh, or just pass out. Or maybe do all three of those things. Anyways, we did survive this ordeal. And it taught me a lesson. Never ever assume my dogs will listen all of the time. I never did go back in to visit that day; I was too shaken with what could have been. Thank God nothing did happened that day. We all drove home and calmed down. Soon this incident was forgotten. Except for every once in a while when those memory triggers hit, and then my heart beats all over again. Dog Therapy Visiting has been a passion of mine for 5 years. I first became involved in this work when visiting a friend in the hospital. A beautiful Golden Retriever silently walked into the room and instantly brought comfort. That was Tasha. Tasha and her owner became my mentors.

Adequan

The Product Adequan is an injectable form of glucosamine that can be safely given to dogs and cats in the management of arthritis. Note that it is FDA approved for dogs but can be safely used off-label for cats. The product is extremely safe with few side-effects. Mechanism of Action The mechanism of action of Adequan is similar to that of oral glucosamine/chondroitin products, that is, it provides the building blocks of joint fluid and cartilage and thus, can help alone or in conjunction with non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. Administration of oral glucosamine products is not contraindicated with the administration of Adequan. How it is Given Adequan is administered as an injection into the muscle, either the lower back (epaxial muscles) or thigh (quadriceps). It is at first given weekly and then is tapered. It may not be until the third or fourth injection that a marked improvement may be noted. Injections can be done as technician appointments. Frequency Adequan is first given once a week for 4 weeks, then every other week for 4 weeks then once every 3-4 weeks to maintain. The above is general veterinary information. Do not begin any course of treatment without consulting your regular veterinarian. All animals should be examined at least once every 12 months.

Starting An Aquarium - Tips For Beginners

Keeping tropical fish and aquariums has become a growing and fascinating hobby in every country of the world. More and more people in today's world of fashion are looking for ways to better create beauty with different hobbies. Aquariums are therefore becoming a growing habit and some beginners make the mistake of jumping into this 'habit' without any knowledge of the fundamentals of fish keeping. Like any new venture, if you want your fish keeping efforts to thrive and bring you fulfilment, it is very important that you take the time to learn the basics of aquarium maintenance and fish keeping before jumping into that venture. You will find some of the basic information about aquarium maintenance and other tips in this article. To start with, most beginners believe that it is better and easier to start with a small aquarium than a larger size aquarium. Interestingly, the opposite is the case here. In most cases, those medium sized or large size aquariums are better and easier to maintain for several reasons. Your small aquarium contains a limited amount of water, unlike the fish's natural habitat. It should be realized that the closer your aquarium is to the natural habitat of the fish you want to keep, the better their chances of survival and thus your success. For instance, any form of pollution, say the death of a fish, is likely to cause more damage faster in a small aquarium, than in a large aquarium with a greater volume of water. The volume of water which a medium sized or large aquarium can contain is a major advantage and it will work for your good, minimizing the effects of some sorts of mistakes you are bound to make, as a beginner and creating a better environment for your fish. Another mistake beginners to aquariums and fish keeping make is the speed with which they fill their aquariums with water and introduce the fish into the water, after all, they've been told the water and aquarium can contain that amount of fish. But you should realize herethat what you are creating in your aquarium is a similitude of the aquatic ecosystem i.e the natural habitat of the fish you are going to keep. It is a nice idea to ask yourself, therefore, if the fish you are introducing into your aquarium live alone in their natural habitat? The obvious answer is NO! These fish live amidst many bacteria, fungi and other micro-organisms, not to mention the plant life and other water creatures. Therefore, it is advisable to allow your water to grow some of these beneficial co-habitants of water life before you start introducing your fish into the water. There are several bacteria that are beneficial to fish and other aquatic life. Your fish produce a lot of fish waste especially fish poop. This waste pollutes the water and makes it unhealthy for your fish. The chief constituent of fish waste is ammonia, which is also excreted through fish gills. But if you allow the normal ecosystem to build up in your aquarium, you will have fewer problems with this waste. Bacteria exists in water that can convert the ammonia from fish waste into a less harmful compound called nitrite. Nitrite isn't completely harmless, but there is another group of bacteria that can convert nitrite too, to nitrate, which is far less harmful compared with ammonia and nitrite. As a beginner, you must also learn to change the water in your aquarium regularly. On average, changing 25% of the water weekly is regarded as normal. But if you are just starting your aquarium or the quality of water is not satisfactory, a more frequent but smaller water changing procedure could be followed.

Looking After Your Dog, Part Nine - Dog Grooming

The phrase "dog grooming" conjures up an image of expensive salons for pets. It’s true that your pet does not need fancy haircuts, expensive baths or oil treatments. But shunning away the idea of dog grooming is akin to handling your pet with shortsightedness. Your pet’s appearance is a mirror to its overall health and wellbeing. Lack of grooming may lead to major health problems. Dog groomers ensure that your dog not only looks good but feels good as well.

Professional dog groomers suggest basic grooming for eyes, ears, teeth, face, tummy, skin, feet and nails, and coat should be done regularly.

Appropriate eye care entails regular cleansing. Your dog’s eyes should be bright, lustrous and clean. You must ensure that there are no signs of redness or excessive discharge. There is likely to be periodic buildup in the dog’s eye, which must be wiped out with a clean, damp cloth. However, if the discharge is thick or mucous-like, you must consult a veterinarian.

Ear care is also an important aspect of dog grooming. Moisture and dirt buildup inside the pet’s ear is a breeding ground for bacteria. You should trim ear hair and wipe with a clean cloth, thereby ensuring that the ear is kept dry. Any buildup of wax in the ear must be treated immediately, lest an infection sets in. The veterinarian would typically employ a solution to dissolve the ear wax and then cleanse it using a cloth or Q-tip.

Dental hygiene is equally important for your dog as it is for you. Plaque and tartar buildup causes gum disease. It is a common misconception that a balanced diet can prevent gum diseases or other teeth related problems. Cleaning the teeth and gums is highly essential for proper dental care. Dog groomers clean a pet’s teeth and gums in order to prevent unnecessary plaque buildup.

Dog groomers stress on brushing a dog’s coat on a weekly basis. A thick and matted coat encourages bacterial infection and other diseases of the skin, and hence it is all more necessary to keep your dog’s coat clean. Stroking with a soft brush gets rid of dead hair, dander and dirt.

As every dog groomer would suggest, trim your dog’s nails at least once a month. It is a misconception that long hair between the toes would keep your dog’s feet warm in winters. Instead it would collect dirt and grime, and may encourage infection. Therefore, keep the hair trimmed at all times.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Niall Kennedy is a lifelong dog lover and has worked in several pet sanctuaries. Best Pet Health Information is a resource that brings you information about dog grooming. www.Best-Pet-Health.info. Dog News Center - Dog Article Directory - Submit Your Articles Now Copyright Best-Pet-Health.info All rights reserved. This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact.

Larger Dog Food Isles

Grocery Stores could use some larger Dog Food Isles. Not because there are more brands of Dog Food. Not because there are more Pets. Not because there are more items for sale. The reason is that the level of quality of food Americans are eating these days is less than that of dog food. Have you recently read the ingredients of the food you are eating, with all the chemicals in it? The ingredients and chemicals on some of these labels certainly is not fit for human consumption.

Nor would you feed such food to your best friend and four-legged companion; at least I hope you wouldn’t. But we all have tossed our dogs scraps from time to time, stuff that cannot possibly be good for them, as their evolutionary food supplies came from things they ate, not processed crap and chemical laden foods. Their systems are not set up to eat such things. Now, then so far you have not said a word, you have read this article and agreed with it for the most part, nodding your head. So then do you wonder why humans who eat this food, are over weight, having health issues and are finding themselves at odds with their ambitions and life goals? Why they lack the energy to press on, or become lethargic when a task needs to get done? Could it be the food we are eating? Eating food that taste good from that special blend of chemicals to spike the taste buds, to the point we no longer smell the food we eat and simply wait for that perceived sugar flavor, which is not sugar at all really, just more simulated chemicals that appears to be sugar.

If we put all the food which has all this stuff in it in the dog food isle, then there would be 22 isles of dog food and 5 isles of real food and of course we would all know what side of the store to shop on to stay healthy and fit. Think on this.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

Dogs - The Best Tracking Systems

Tips on Choosing the Best Dog Tracking System Dogs are man's best friend, and this is not an understatement. This is because man and dogs find things that they can both enjoy such as playing, wrestling, running, and even hunting. There are people who bring their dogs along whenever they are out for a hunting activity. They do this because they find their dog's company during hunting a worthwhile inclusion. Moreover, there are dogs that are also adept in hunting activities especially those that were trained for specific types of hunting activities. It is for this reason that certain devices were created in order to help hunters monitor the activities of their dogs. An example of these devices is the dog tracking system. Basically, a dog tracking system is a device that is used by hunters to track the activities of their dogs while they are out hunting. These tracking systems are typically used to monitor dogs on their location, their current activity, or to check whenever dogs have already gotten the prey. For people who are not aware of how dog tracking systems work or why they are so important for some people, here's a list of some facts regarding this device: 1. Dog tracking systems are used mainly by hunters like coon hunters, upland bird hunters, hounds men, etc. They use this system in order to monitor their dogs while they are out in the field. 2. This particular tracking system is also used whenever the hunters can no longer see their dogs because of distance or terrain. 3. Dog tracking collars are great alternatives when hunters can no longer use their dog bells or their beeper collars. 4. With dog tracking collars, they can easily spot their dogs and call their attention. Best of all, dog tracking collars are also applicable in tracking numerous dogs in a certain hunting activity. 5. There are some dog tracking systems that allow the handler to verify or find out what the dog is doing. All they have to do is to use some performance systems that are included in the collar. In this way, the handler can tell if the dog is currently walking, if it has stopped, if it is barking at something, or if it has already caught its prey. Moreover, dog tracking systems are not only for hunting purposes. There are people who can make use of this device whenever their dogs are lost. With a dog tracking system, hunting can be fun for both dogs and their handlers.

It's The Worst Possible Time for a Puppy

Your child's nagging and the incredibly precious holiday commercials have finally broken through your defenses - you've decided to relent and get Junior a puppy for Christmas. Don't do it. Not for Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa or any other occasion. Acquiring a puppy is an event on its own. Don't even try to cram it in with other celebrations. A wonderful holiday gift for your child is the promise of a puppy. Set a date; spring vacation, when school is out, when you get back from camp; a date when you'll have time to devote to acclimating your new family member. For the holiday, give your child some tangible puppy items with that promise: a bowl, a toy, and most important of all: some books about dogs; training dogs, caring for dogs, dog breeds. Finding the perfect puppy for Junior should be Junior's project. Give him the tools to research different breeds. Every breed of dog was developed for a specific task and that instinct lives on - even if most dogs' only jobs today are to be wonderful companions. Dogs come in sizes from tiny to huge, with fur from non-existent to plush. Help your child assess your situation and decide on the right dog for your family. If Junior isn't old enough to do the work - Junior isn't old enough to have a dog of his own. If the puppy is supposed to belong to Junior, then Junior should understand what's involved in caring for her dog. The cuddling and playing fetch may sound great - but is she aware that scooping poop is also part of the deal? Check with your local dog training facility - is Junior old enough to participate in a class with her puppy? Dogs and children can be a wonderful pairing. With the right preparation, a dog can be a child's best friend.

Can't Get Your Dog To Get Up And Come To You? Read This

I was walking outside to open the front gate in front of my complex and saw two guys training a beautiful large German Shepherd dog, in front of my neighbor’s house.

They were both professional dog trainers that my neighbor had apparently hired to come by and train his dog when he’s at work.

I introduced myself and proceeded to watch.

See, the funny thing about many dog trainers is that they have an ego, and their ego often prevents them from accepting help from people who haven’t already demonstrated superior skill. Perhaps not a bad policy.

But whatever.

Anyway… the first fellow was standing and talking with me, and out of the corner of my eye I was watching the second fellow work with the dog.

They’d taught the dog to hold a “down-stay.” But the problem was, they hadn’t successfully taught the dog what “come” means, and that it’s okay to get up from the “down-stay” when the handler calls you to come.

The problem was, the second fellow was calling the dog to come, and while he was doing it, he was inadvertently bending forward and clapping his hands. And then he’d move a little closer to the dogâ€"all the while bending forward.

The dog didn’t move.

“Come, Enzo. Come, Enzo. Come on, come on…”

The dog still didn’t move.

So, I asked the first fellow if it would be alright if I gave his assistant a tip that I knew would help to communicate with the dog that it was alright to get up and come to the handler.

I told himâ€"the same thing I’d written about in my book (which you can read about at: http://www.dogproblems.com/newvideos.htm ) -- that when the dog doesn’t understand this command, you need to be using your body language to LEAN BACK… and even walk backwards, away from the dog. This body language will more easily communicate to the dog what you want him to do. (Setting him up for success).

But the trainer was stubborn and wanted to do it his way.

“Pshah… I know what I’m doing. I’m a professional,” he said as he waved his hand in my face.

I stood there and grinned, knowing exactly what would continue to happen.

“Come, Enzo. Come, Enzo. Come on, come on…” he continued.

The dog still didn’t move.

Finally, in frustration… he looked in my direction, then back at the dogâ€"and did exactly as I told him to doâ€"leaned backwards, started walking backwards away from the dogâ€"and called his name.

Enzo immediately understood and happily galloped over to the handler.

So, the next time somebody tries to tell you that there aren’t any “Secrets” … just watch what they’re doing and if they’re stubborn--- just grin and DON’T TELL THEM ABOUT MY BOOK, “Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer!”

Because even many so-called “professional dog trainers” don’t know everything.

Adam G. Katz is the author of the book, "Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer: An Insider's Guide To The Most Jealously Guarded Dog Training Secrets In History." Get a free copy of his report "Games To Play With Your Dog" when you sign up for his free weekly dog training tips e-zine at: http://www.dogproblems.com

Removing Matts

Before I discuss the tricks used to remove matts on your dog I must emphasize a few things If your dog is badly matted or the matts are close to the skin I strongly recommend you take your dog to a professional to have him groomed. I also recommend a professional if your dog is elderly or can not tolerate being brushed.

Having said that let's talk matts. There are certain areas of your dog that I would not recommend de-matting. Some dog groomers refer to them as the sensitive areas. They are located between the back legs, under the armpits, on the belly, and under the tail. These areas I would recommend that you clip with a #10 or #15 blade. One of the most common areas for a dog to matt is around and behind the ear. This happens because this is the most popular petting spot. The area behind the ear has very thin skin and can be very hazardous to de-matt. If gentle brushing does not remove the matt you can cut the length of the matt in half and try again to brush it out. To make sure you do not cut your dogs ear try holding the matt with your finger tips at the skin and then cut the matt in half. Now try gentle brushing. If this still does not remove the matt it may be time to use clippers.

Matts can occur anywhere on your dog. One way to remove them is to take a pair of scissors and put the blade between the skin and the matt. With the sharp side away from the skin you can either use a sawing motion to cut through the matt or you can simply cut it in several places parallel to the direction of hair growth. Try again to brush the matt out.
There are several de-matting combs on the market. All of these work well but you should be careful when using them. Take the de-matting comb and comb it under the matted area. When it catches a matt, use a sawing motion to cut through the matt. Try to limit the pulling motion because most dogs do not like it.

If your dogs tail has matts you can use either method above to remove them. Before cutting the tail try to gently brush it out. If the matts are too extensive, either cut through the matts parallel to the direction of hair growth and then attempt to brush them out or shorten the entire length of the tail. Simply hold the tip of your dogs tail and shorten the entire length by cutting parallel with the tail. If the matts are hanging from the tail in different places you should be cutting them in half with this method. When you have removed all the matts from the tail and after you have bathed and dried him you can go back and even up any long hair.

If you are uncertain about shaving the sensitive areas, the pads of the feet or shaving matts from around the ears, some grooming shops will shave just these areas for a small fee.

During any dog grooming session you should praise your dog but especially while brushing them. Most dogs do not like to be brushed and they need the added reinforcement when they are tolerating it.

Katherine Durr has been a professional dog groomer for over 17 years and is the author of "How to Groom your Mutt". Visit her website at Doggie Dews

The True Beauty of a Shih Tzu is in the Eye of the Beholder

Dog breed standards come and go. Beauty of a Shih Tzu is in the eyes of the beholder. To try and measure your Shih Tzu against an imaginary yardstick such as a “breed standard,” does little for you or your dog. Your Shih Tzu may not be a show dog champion. This does not mean your Shih Tzu is any less of a family member, any less than a Shih Tzu, or that the breeder who bred your Shih Tzu is some horrible person for not producing Shih Tzu to exact breed standard measurements.

On the other hand, if your Shih Tzu is a champion show dog, this does not mean he is not a genetic time bomb waiting to explode. The Shih Tzu may be a perfect show dog specimen and be a champion in all regards. However, the health of that Shih Tzu may turn out to be something less than desirable and the lifespan may not be as long as you as a pet owner would like it to be. The status of a perfect show dog champion does not mean the Shih Tzu is in perfect health or will live any longer than the Shih Tzu who does not meet any of the breed standards for the show ring. In fact, you may find it to be just the opposite.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Good health starts with genetics. Good and/or bad health is hidden from the eyes of a show ring audience and judge. Good health has nothing whatsoever to do with an AKC breed standard or an AKC registration certificate.

A pet owner trying to choose a pet for their family needs to look further than beauty and a breed standard. Pet owners want good health and long life with their pets. It is wonderful when you find this all in one package, and horrifyingly disappointing when your beautiful show dog champion Shih Tzu is laid to rest before the age of five when the lifespan of a Shih Tzu is expected to be 15 years or more.

When people are breeding specifically for the show ring, they are looking for those qualities that match the AKC breed standard. These qualities are concerned most with perfect conformation in appearance to meet that AKC standard. When they talk of “breeding for the betterment of the breed,” they are referring to the AKC breed standard, not the health of that Shih Tzu and its offspring.

This standard has changed many times over the course of the history of the Shih Tzu and from country to country. It involves the outer appearance of the Shih Tzu. The Shih Tzu must be within a certain weight limit. The Shih Tzu must stand to a certain height and be a certain length. The Shih Tzu’s head must be this or that. The eyes cannot show eye white. The eyes must be a certain distance apart from each other. Rear movement must be this or that.

The assets and physical attributes that Shih Tzu pet owners usually concentrate on are somewhat different and more practical. Most pet owners want a sweet, loving Shih Tzu to spend time with, a long, long time, as long as possible.

Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. Designer dog clothes are offered on the website. Discounts are offered to subscribers. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com

What to do if the bird stays bristled up

Your budgies has been bristled up for several days, shivers, its beaks grows and curves..... The reason fro your budgie's problem is the lack of vitamins and minerals. As a beginning take it to the vet to cut the growths and to file away the curved beak. Don't try to do this yourself - it should be executed by a specialist. The next step is to buy a crayon with vitamins and minerals for it from the zoo shop. You also have to provide pine-tree twigs for it to gnaw. When there is no crayon you can replace it with chalk. It is absolutely necessary for the birds. However you have to estimate whether the bristling up and the shivering don't come because of having cold. This can be estimated when examining its faecals. If the bird has a cold they will be either very dark or very light than normal. If these symptoms exist you should apply the following treatment: Take one capsule tetraulean / from the chemist's /. Open it. Take some powder from the capsule on the point of a small knife. Dissolve this very small dose into 1-2 drops of water. After that open the beak and pour the liquid carefully inside with a dropper. The treatment should be applied for 3 days most. After that the faecals will obtain their normal kind. Be careful not to overdose the tetraulean. Except for that even if the parrot has no cold you should compulsory buy vitamins for it from the zoo shop. Another reason for this condition of the feathery creature can be starvation because with a deformed beak it is most probable that the bird can't eat millet. And only vegetables and fruit is not enough. Give bread to your budgies as they like it a lot. Do not keep them in a very cold or very hot place. Let the temperature be normal. Budgies don't like humidity and draughts. This could also be a reason for deformations. And if it is possible let them fly at least a little.

Commitment to Training Your Labradoodle

You're responsible for making the commitment to train your Labradoodle to behave properly at home, when guests are visiting, and away from home. Unless taught, a puppy doesn't know right from wrong. This can only be accomplished with dedication and repetition, repetition, and more repetition! Dogs don't fail . . . owners fail their dogs. First, treat your Labradoodle puppy from the day you bring him home as if he's already full-grown. What do I mean by this? Your cute little 15-20 pound Labradoodle puppy is going to grow up (fast!) into a large dog. Don't allow or sanction any behavior in your puppy you would not allow a full-grown dog to do. For example, it's so cute when your new puppy jumps up on you to get attention! It's obnoxious, not to mention dangerous, when six months later your now large eight-month-old Labradoodle puppy has just knocked someone to the floor! Labradoodle and Goldendoodle breeder Michael Waggenbach of Sunshine Acres says it best, "Training is vital because, if Labradoodles aren't challenged, that boredom makes them trouble. So, I usually tell people if you're going to have a great dog, you have to keep them challenged. I tell people, a well trained dog makes for a happy family." He adds, "When you take a Labradoodle puppy home, many times people have this glorious idea they will take this puppy home and it's going to be perfectly trained. It's not! They need to do training! And there are people who give up after three days of not sleeping. They think they have the worst dog in the world! So, I think it would be good to set these expectations straight. When you take a Labradoodle puppy home, it's not going to be everything you want it to be." So, housetraining with a crate should be one of your first priorities of training. A crate is useful, but stock up on carpet cleaner, deodorizer, and some puppy training pads as accidents are inevitable. You will also train on basic good manners. There are many puppy-training classes available in a variety of levels. Check the yellow pages or ask someone at your local pet store, because it's best to get a referral or recommendation. There will be times in your Labradoodles life when it's critical to their safety they obey your commands. Make sure they're

Clown loaches in aquariums

The Clown Loach is a popular fish in tropical aquariums since it is very beautiful and not too difficult to keep. Its scientific name is Botia macracanthus and it is therefore also known as Botia fish. When you buy a loach it will typically need at least a 100 liter / 20 gallon aquarium to do well. They are usually sold when quite young and will therefore grow larger and larger as they mature. A fully grown Clown Loach will need a 540 liter / 125 gallon aquarium or larger. Wild Clown Loaches inhabit densely grown waters in Indonesia and will therefore appreciate a planted aquarium or an aquarium with plenty of rocks and caves which the Clown Loach can hide among. A combination of both plants and caves are ideal. Adult Clown Loaches like to nibble on plants and you should therefore ideally choose tough and fast growing plants like Java Fern and Anubias. Juvenile Clown Loaches can usually be kept with all types of plants as long as they appreciate the same water conditions as the fish. The Clown Loach loves to squeeze it self into caves, rocky formations and other tiny places that can barely fit it. To put it simple: the more decorations the better. The aquarium must be decorated when you bring your Clown Loach home from the fish store, since it is most likely quite stressed from the long journey from Indonesia. A majority of the Clown Loaches available in the aquarium trade is caught in the waters of Sumatra and Borneo. If you place your Clown Loach in a barren aquarium, it will not have a chance to recuperate. It will instead become more and more stressed. Stressed Clown Loaches are very susceptible to a parasite called Ich (White Spot Disease). Don't be afraid if you notice that your Clown Loach has squeezed itself behind a piece of aquarium equipment, chances are that it is not at all stuck, it just likes to feel safe. The Clown Loach is also found of digging itself into tiny places. It is therefore important to use a substrate without any sharp edges in the aquarium. In the substrate your can place a wide range of different things for your Clown Loach to explore and hide among. You do not have to limit your self to plants and rocks; PVC pipes, flower pots, roots and ceramic and plastic aquarium ornaments will also be highly appreciated. It is important that the decorations have no sharp edges, since the Clown Loach will like to squeeze itself into the smallest places possible. If you place floating plants in the water they will dim the light and make your Clown Loach less shy and more active during the day. Vigorous filtration is necessary since Clown Loaches are sensitive to poor water conditions. A combination of mechanical, chemical and biological filtration is recommended. Change 25 percent of the water at least once a week. Smaller and more frequent water changes are even better. Even a slight disturbance in the water quality can harm you Clown Loach and in a community aquarium the Clown Loach is usually the first fish that falls ill or die when the water quality drops. Since your will find the live Clown Loaches in streams and rivers, the aquarium should ideally also have strong water circulation. The aquarium must have a will fitted lid since Clown Loaches are vigorous jumpers.

Cat Anxiety and Cat Litter Box Problems

Frazzled felines will sometimes relieve their anxiety by urinating, or marking (spraying) outside the cat litter box. Here are a few of the causes and the solutions to calm your kitty down. Like humans, cats like their routines and daily habits. When something changes in their home, one way their anxiety may manifest itself is by urinating outside the cat litter box. With a little bit of work and patience, your kitty can be calmed down and get back to her good litter box habits. Here are just a few situations that can make cats anxious: - A new person or pet comes to live in your household - You change jobs and your daily schedule - A trip to the vet There are many more situations, but these can be fairly common stressors for felines. A new person or pet comes to live in your household: If you're introducing a roommate of the human kind, be sure this individual understands that cats are different from dogs. They don't play the same, and cats may be viewed as being cold or aloof. Tell your new roommate about your cat's personality, likes, and dislikes. Then introduce them to one another. It may take a couple weeks for everybody to get adjusted to one another. One thing you may want to do during this transition period is to either confine your cat to her favorite room with her food, water, clean cat litter box, and toys, or keep the roommate's bedroom shut to prevent your cat from marking the new housemate's clothes, furniture, and possessions. Supervisor your cat's forays into this person's space. Your new roommate may opt to keep the door shut permanently. This won't be a problem unless your kitty is constantly curious about what's behind the closed door. You change jobs and your daily schedule: Cats like to know when their big cat mom and/or dad are coming and going, so they can adjust their schedules accordingly. If you or your partner takes a new job that drastically changes your household routine and lifestyle, your cat may get upset. She might react by refusing to use the cat litter box. Observe your cat carefully. If you find cat urine puddles outside the litter box once the new routine has been established, you'll need to confine your cat to limit the damage to one area of your home and retrain her to back to good litter box habits. For the first week or so, spend more time with your cat and reassure her that everything is OK, and her life is going to be just fine. On the other hand, she may adjust with no reaction whatsoever, because she realizes you're still coming home at night, and she's getting love and delicious cat food from you. A trip to the vet: This ranks high on any kitty's list of terrors! The loud noises, the strange smells, and unknown people handling her can be very stressful. Once you get kitty home from the awful place where she's stuck with things in unmentionable places, you may want to confine her to a quiet location in your home for a few hours. Give her food, water, a clean cat litter box, and her toys. She'll generally be just fine in less than half a day. What are the solutions for these situational anxiety problems? Many feline owners have discovered natural flowering essences and synthetic feline pheronomes are very effective in alleviating cat anxiety. Some of the more popular ones are Bach's Rescue Remedy, Nerve Ease, Calm Supplement, and the Feliway Comfort Zone Plug in modules. Bach's, Nerve Ease, and Calm are liquid compounds that can be administered directly into your cat's food or water. A few drops twice a day make a big difference for most anxious cats. The Feliway Comfort Zone Plug in modules are synthetic feline pheronomes that calm cats down. The Feliway module plugs directly in your electrical wall socket. The pheronomes are then diffused, or transmitted throughout the room. Many cat owners buy several of these of these plug in modules, and install them in kitty's favorite rooms throughout their house. Each bottle lasts approximately 30 days. All of these solutions are effective within several hours of administration. You can use them singly, or combine them. My cat Scout, improved noticeably within 24 hours of getting the natural flowering essences in her food, and the installation of the Feliway modules. For any feline anxiety based on situations, try either the natural flowering essences or the Feliway Plug in modules. One or the other work very well for most cats.

Read this Article if You are Against Abuse to Animals

There are significant issues in our country to animal abuses. So many people needlessly abuse animals. Often they take on pets they do not care for or feed. Sometimes they punish their pets by almost killing them without understanding that animals have innate instincts that are difficult to overcome. Many times the problem starts with the owners themselves when they fail to train their animals not to pee on the carpet, claw the couch, or lay on the bed. Then they punish the animal for the hair on sheets, ruined upholstery, or the costs associated with calling Service Master, Chem Dry, or Stanley Steamer. Often the pet has very little clue as to what is going on and the sub-human keeps beating on them to near death.

Animal abuse is wrong, but there are some people who are doing some positive things to prevent it and no I am not talking about the fringe groups who have joined up with the eco-terrorists. I am talking about the new Animal Channel, which shows animal inspectors going out and fining, arresting, or ticketing abusers of animals. The show is similar to “Cops” and it is worthy of your time to watch. It will help you stay observant when you see animals which are malnourished, not taken care of, or severely abused. There are signs to look for and as you watch this channel you will see the clues. Think on this.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

Grooming is a Key to Staying Flea Free

Yes, that's right. Flea--not flu--season is here. Our four-legged friends deserve the same safe and alternative care as we do. Harsh chemicals which kill fleas and their eggs, are also harmful to our pets and our families. Luckily, alternatives are available.

A mainstay in flea control is careful and consistent good grooming of your pet and cleaning of their sleeping areas. Brushing and combing is essential in maintaining a healthy coat and skin. It is also an important way to create bonding and friendship with your pets.

While grooming your pet, fleas will be most easily spotted on the stomach and groin area. A flea comb is very helpful because fleas will get caught in the fine teeth. Also, grooming on a white sheet or plain white or kraft paper can be helpful. Fleas that "jump ship" will be more easily spotted against this background.

Thorough grooming you can also discover any flea problems before they become out-of-control. Experts estimate that for every 1 (one) flea on your pet, there may be over 100 (one hundred) in various life stages in the nearby environment. To most effectively eliminate a flea-problem, all life stages of the flea must be dealt with and all steps need to be done on the same day.

The first step is with the pet itself.

Marian Brown has been active in holistic health care for people and pets over 15 years. She is editor of Holistic Health News. Visit our site at http://www.hhnews.com to join our free email newsletter containing other useful pet care tips.

Eliminating Problem Dog Behaviors – Jumping And Roaming

Every dog owner must eventually deal with some unwanted behaviors on the part of their four legged companions. Some of the most frequently encountered training problems with puppies and dogs alike are jumping on people and performing those amazing feats of escape.

Jumping up on people

Jumping up on people can be a cute trick for puppies, but it quickly becomes a problem behavior as the dog gets older, larger and heavier. A very heavy dog can easily knock a child or even a small adult of his or her feet, so jumping on people can be a dangerous problem as well as an annoying one.

The reason puppies and older dogs jump on people is obvious Ââ€" they are excited and happy to see them. Many people are reluctant to discourage this exuberant behavior, but it is important to redirect that happiness and energy in other ways. Many well meaning owners, family members and friends inadvertently encourage this jumping up behavior by picking the puppy up, kissing it or otherwise providing encouragement.

This type of inconsistency is anathema to proper dog training, and in order for the dog to be trained not to jump, every member of the family must recognize and accept the importance of the training. If one member of the family allows the dog to jump up while other family members do not, the dog will understandably become confused and frustrated. The training must be firm, kind and consistent in order to be effective.

One way to redirect the dog’s happiness and excited ness from jumping is to teach him to lift his paw when greeting you. This “shaking hands” posture is an acceptable way for the dog to show his happiness and his respect. Many people even teach their dogs to do simple tricks, like rolling over, instead of jumping on people.

Escaping and roaming the neighborhood

A responsible dog owner would never dream of allowing his or her dog to roam the neighborhood freely. Allowing a dog to roam on its own is irresponsible, dangerous (to the dog and the neighborhood), and probably even illegal. Most towns have ordinances which prohibit dogs from being allowed to roam around free, so you could be in legal trouble if your dog is found wandering the neighborhood unattended.

Of course sometimes that wandering dog is not the ownerÂ’s idea, and many dogs perform amazing feats of escape when left on their own. The temptations for unattended dogs are many, including passing bicycles, joggers, children, cats and other dogs. It is much easier to prevent escapes than to recapture a loose dog, so letÂ’s talk about some preventative measures every dog owner can take.

Removing the motivation to escape is a big part of the solution. A bored dog is much more likely to spend his day plotting the great escape. A dog that is surrounded by everything he or she needs, like lots of toys, a soft bed, and plenty of fresh clean, water, is more likely to spend his or her day contentedly sleeping or playing with toys until the owner returns.

In addition, a dog with lots of pent up, unused energy is likely to try to escape. Try incorporating several vigorous play sessions with your dog into your daily routine. Make one of those play sessions right before you leave. If your dog has a chance to work of his or her energy, chances are he or she will sleep or relax much of the day.

Of course dealing with the dog is only half the problem. It is also important to make the property as escape proof as possible, through proper fencing and other measures. For dogs that dig, it may be necessary to extend the fence underground by placing metal stakes in the ground every few feet. For dogs that jump, it may be necessary to make the fence higher. And if none of these measures work, it may be necessary to confine the dog to the house when you are not at home.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Dog lover Dawn Keadic appreciates the benefits of a well-trained dog. There is no nicer compliment than "Wow, your dog listens well, how did you train him?" Dawn shares some secrets of having a well-behaved dog at directdogtraining.com/

Tips For House Training Your New Shih Tzu Puppy

House training a Shih Tzu puppy is one of the first, and one of the most important things, that any new Shih Tzu puppy owner must do. It is easy to get frustrated if you do not understand the basics of this important process, so we have put together a few tips to make the process of house training your Shih Tzu puppy a little easier. It is vital to establish good toilet and hygiene habits in the Shih Tzu puppy when he is young, since the patterns that are established in those first few months can last a lifetime. When you consider that house training issues are the number one reason why dogs are surrendered to animal shelters, it is easy to see why house training is so extremely important. In most cases, a Shih Tzu puppy will not be completely house trained until he or she is six months of age. That is because Shih Tzu puppies younger than six months often lack the bowel and bladder control that they need in order to be reliably left alone in the home all day. Shih Tzu puppies younger than six months should be confined to a single, small Shih Tzu puppy proofed room any time the owner is not available to supervise the animal. The entire floor of the room should be covered in newspaper or other similarly absorbent and cheap material. At first the Shih Tzu puppy will go everywhere and anywhere in the room. As the Shih Tzu puppy gets older and begins to display better bladder and bowel control, the amount of paper used is slowly reduced, until the puppy goes only on the established "toilet" papers. This toilet area will form the basis of later house training. House training the Shih Tzu puppy - what to do: Provide the Shih Tzu puppy with constant, unrestricted access to the toilet area that has been established. Take the Shih Tzu puppy to the toilet area every 45 minutes when you are at home. When you are away from home, or when you cannot supervise the Shih Tzu puppy, it is important to confine the Shih Tzu puppy to a small area that has been puppy proofed and covered with newspaper. It is important to be sure that the toilet area does not resemble anything in the home, such as carpet or hardwood floor. Once the Shih Tzu puppy is used to eliminating on a particular surface, such as grass or blacktop, he will want to eliminate on that time of surface. Always provide lots of praise when the Shih Tzu puppy does its business in the established toilet area. The Shih Tzu puppy needs to learn to associate eliminating in the established area with positive things like treats, toys and praise from you. It is important to keep a set schedule when feeding the Shih Tzu puppy, and to provide ready access to fresh, clean drinking water at all times. Providing a consistent schedule for feeding will help you learn to anticipate your puppy's toilet needs. Using a crate can help the Shih Tzu puppy to develop much needed self control. Shih Tzu are naturally very clean animals, and they will try their best not to soil their bed area. And finally, it is vital to employ patience during the house training process. House training can take as long as several months, but it is much easier to house train right the first time than to retrain a problem Shih Tzu. House training the Shih Tzu puppy - what to avoid Do not punish or reprimand the Shih Tzu puppy if it makes a mistake. The Shih Tzu puppy will not understand the reason for the punishment, and he may become nervous and agitated. This could set the training back even further. Do not give the Shih Tzu puppy constant access to food. Keep the Shih Tzu puppy to a set feeding schedule instead of leaving food out all the time. The Shih Tzu puppy should not be given the run of the house until he has been thoroughly house trained. House training a new Shih Tzu puppy is not always easy, but it is important to persevere. By exercising patience, and rewarding your Shih Tzu with lavish praise every time he does the right thing, you will have your Shih Tzu puppy house trained in no time at all.

Choose a Vet Who Cares About Your Pet!

Lots of folks are picky about their vet, and for good reason. You don't want some insensitive clod messing around with your precious pooch, especially if he or she is in a fragile state due to illness or injury. It goes without saying that your vet should be a certified expert in the field of animal medicine. But it's also just as important to find a veterinarian who truly loves animals, and who will be sensitive to the needs of both you and your dog. If you feel unsure about your vet for any reason, it's worth investigating your options to find a new vet who you really like!

What should you look for when choosing a vet?

1. Someone who is understanding, yet impartial. There will be times in your pet's life where you'll have to make tough and costly decisions on his behalf. Your vet should be an understanding pillar of strength and support; someone who can empathise during such trying times, without pushing you into anything you're not ready for or comfortable with.

2. A vet who practices preventive medicine. The best veterinarians practice and encourage preventive medicine... routine checkups, treatments and follow-ups that can nip a small health problem in the bud before it becomes a big (and expensive) one down the road.

3. Someone who can put your dog at ease. A really good vet will have a calm, soothing demeanor, and a way with animals that is truly magical to see! Gentle hands, a comforting tone of voice... all of these things will help your pet feel calm and secure in your vet's care. Oh yes: and of course, your vet should have a way with humans, too.

4. An office full of employees who truly love animals. It's wonderful to bring your dog in for a vet checkup and be greeted with big smiles, belly rubs and a good scratch behind the ears (for your dog- not you, silly)! With repeated visits, your dog will grow to love the friendly folks at the vet's office, and the experience will become pleasant rather than stressful.

5. Someone who will listen. As with any doctor, your vet should approach the matter of your dog's health with open ears and an open mind. Each situation is unique, and new practices and procedures evolve every day. Maybe you've read about a treatment that your vet has yet to mention? You should feel comfortable approaching your doggie's doctor with ideas, questions and concerns.

Copyright 2005 Dina Giolitto. All rights reserved.

Dina Giolitto is a copywriting consultant and ghostwriter with 10 years of experience writing corporate print materials and web content. Trust her with your next e-book article series or web project, and make a lasting impression on your audience of hungry prospects. Visit http://www.wordfeeder.com for more information.

Dog Training Video

When training your dog it can be a stressful time, but if you let it, it can be an enjoyable fun time. Many people are turning to aids to help them with their dog training, whether that be a friend, family member, training class book or dog training video. Dog training videos are possible the next best thing to a personal professional dog training. They offer lots of handy hints, advice and techniques but you can see them put into action so you can tell where you are going wrong. There are thousand dog training videos out there to choose from. Your local supermarket may even sell some, if not your pet store and also the internet is a great choice for purchasing dog training videos. On the internet you can read reviews and personal opinions and success stories about the video that you are going to choose, not to mention there are sites that give you free clips to watch . So sometimes you don't even have to pay to train. I have tried several different dog training videos and they are all presented differently. Some videos focus on the training from the dog's point of view, with the dog doing the talking and no handler is actually present; these videos are ok but sometimes you need to see the body language of the handler so you know what you are supposed to do. Other videos come with a handler and a dog in a plain white room where they basically start at point one and walk you through the steps of how to make your dog obey certain commands; these videos although very informative are boring and you lose interest pretty quickly, not only that the dog in the training video has been taught obedience so is therefore not going to show you what accidents could happen or what will happen if your dog decides he isn't interested. The best type of video you can purchase is one where there are a room full of beginner handlers and young untaught dogs. This video will let you see what to expect completely when trying to teach your dog, so you can be aware of what is going to happen and how to correct things if something goes wrong. Dog training videos are a great aid in training your dog and they are very inexpensive so why not try some out? Anything that will make your dog listen to you is worth a shot isn't it?

Breeding Discus – 3 Ways to Encourage Spawning

So you have a mature pair of discus fish that have shown an interest in each other but there not laying any eggs.

The most important factor in discus breeding in the water quality, make sure it is soft, acidic and clean. If you have this water, your most likely stressing over why there isn’t hundreds of eggs in the tank. If you have discus ready to lay eggs there are a few ways in which you can give them a helping hand.

The first way you can tempt them to lay is to feed a rich diet of frozen bloodworms for about a week. Feed it everyday as well as their other meal. This should condition the female and get her ready to breed. Other foods that are good for breeding discus are white worm, adult brine shrimp and chopped up crab sticks or prawns. Make sure you buy frozen food as there is less chance of disease.

Another way to encourage your discus to breed is by doing a 25% water change but drop the temperature by a couple of degrees of the water going in. This imitates there natural habitat and can trigger spawning. This is a little trick I use on all my young pairs when trying to get them to spawn. Make sure all the pH and hardness is the same making only the temperature different.

The third trick in getting your discus to breed is by separating them for a couple of days before reintroducing them. To do this you can add a tank divider or move the male to another aquarium. Make sure the female gets plenty to eat when the male is away. When you reintroduce the discus just keep a close watch over the next 24 hours as males have known to be aggressive towards the female. They should start the courtship over the next couple of days and hopefully lay eggs after.

There are more ways to encourage your discus to breed as well as many more tips on breeding and caring for discus fish on my site www.discus-fish-secrets.com

Rob owns Discus Fish Secrets website helping begginners and advanced fishkeepers with discus problems including keeping and breeding them. Please visit the site for more information on breeding discus.

Aquarium Fish

You have the set up and now all you need is the fish to go in it, but what to choose? Do you want to start of small? Or do you want to dive right into the deep end, pardon the pun. The best thing to do it is to talk it over with your local fish shop. But they will advise you exactly the same as what I am going to advise you. If you see this as becoming a really good hobby then don't bother will small fish as this is just a waste of time and money, but if this is just a fad or is for your kid's or whatever, then small fish is the way to go. Small aquarium fish can be anything from tetras to angel fish, they are usually brightly coloured and tend to eat fish flakes rather than fish "meat". The smaller fish tend to be for decorative purposes as they are very shiny and create a lot of bright silvers under the right aquarium lights. They are simple fish with no personality and they are no fun at all! These kinds of fish are for simple decorative aquarium set ups and suit people who want a low maintenance tank. Larger fish however, such as cichlids and African fish are a lot harder to keep. They are the harder fish in general though, so your fish mortality rate is pretty low, unlike smaller weaker fish. The problem or should I say fascination with cichlids is that they are cannibals. If there is a smaller fish in the tank then say good bye to it as it won't be there much longer! They eat fish meat and don't try to feed them any less, they will not be happy. Different types of cichlids are available. They do not all look the same, there are Oscars (my personal favorite) which you can have tiger, red or albino. There are black belts, there are jaguar cichlids and the list does go on. The types of fish require a lot of filter and gravel cleaning as they have high amounts of waste. A breeding pair of cichlids is worth a lot of money! Cichlids in general are more expensive as they tend to be larger (we have a tank of 5-6 one and a half foot Oscars). Just remember that these fish like the tank. Set up the tank how you like but it may not stay that way for long. I could go on forever about cichlids but Ill leave it there for now. So depending on what the reasons for your aquarium is depends on the type of fish for the aquarium that you should get. Smaller more decorative tanks need smaller more decorative aquarium fish. But the bigger the tank the bigger the fish! Put in some big boys and let them do the talking!

Shih Tzu - An Overview Of Some Of The Point Show Classes

Puppy classes are for Shih Tzu nine months of age and over but under twelve months. The Shih Tzu must be whelped in the U.S.A.

The Novice class is for Shih Tzu six months of age and over. The Shih Tzu must be whelped in the U.S.A. or Canada and havenot prior to the closing entries won three first prizes in the Novice Class, a first prize in Bred-by-Exhibitor, American-Bred or Open Class, nor one or more points toward a championship title.

The Bred-By-Exhibitor Class is for Shih Tzu whleped in the U.S.A. which are six months of age and over, not champions and who ar owned wholly or in part by the person or the spouse of the person who was the breeder or one of the breeders of record. Shih Tzu entered into this class musdt be handled by an owner or by a member of the immediate family of an owner.

The American-Bred class is for all Shih Tzu except champions six months of age or over, whelped in the U.S.A. by reason of a mating that took place in the U.S.A.

The Open class is for any Shih Tzu six months of age or over, except in a member specialty club show held for only American-Bred Shih Tzu in which case the class is for American-Bred Shih Tzu only.

Winners Dog and Winners Bitch: After the above classes have been judged, the first place winning Shih Tzu are required to compete in the ring. The male Shih Tzu judged "Winners Dog" is awared the points toward his championship title.

Reserve Winners are selected immediately after the Winners dog. In case of a disqualification of a win by the AKC, the Reserve Dog (male Shih Tzu) movers up to Winners and receives the points. After the male Shih Tzu classes are judged, the bitch Shih Tzu classes are called.

Best of Breed or Best of Variety Competition is limited to Champions of Record or Shih Tzu dogs (with newly acquired points, for a 90-day period prior to AKC confirmation) which have completed championship requirements, and the Winners Dog Shih Tzu and Winners Bitch Shih Tzu (or the dog award Winners if only one Winners prize has been awarded), together with any undefeated dogs which have been shown only in non-regular classes; all compete for Best of Breed or Best of Variety (if the bred is divided by size, color, texture or length of coat hair, etc.).

If your Shih Tzu wins his class, the rule states: You are required to enter classes for Winners, Best of Breed and Best of Winners (no additional entry fees).

Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. A professional newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Discounts are offered to subscribers. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com

Kitten Vaccinations: Types of Vaccinations

In recent years, the vaccination of cats has become more popular. The three most common vaccines give protection against feline infectious enteritis (FIE), feline influenza (cat flu) and feline leukaemia (FeLV). An initial course of two injections, the first at nine weeks are usually given, and yearly boosters are recommended thereafter.

FIE causes vomiting and diarrhoea, and the cat develops a very high temperature. Before the vaccine was introduced, it killed a great many cats by dehydration due to the bowel symptoms. Cat flu is caused by two viruses: the feline rhinotracheitis (FCV). FVR is the more severe of the two, causing coughing, sneezing, and nasal and eye discharges.

FVC has milder discharges but more gum inflammation and mouth ulcers. Neither FCV nor FVR is usually deadly but the infection can linger on in the form of snuffles, and some cats become symptomless carriers of the disease. When stressed, these cats develop mild symptoms and spread the virus.

FeLV suppresses the activity of the cat's immune system, allowing a wide range of symptoms to develop. It often results in the death of the cat after several months of illness. The virus is spread mainly in the cat's saliva. It is a disease of cats that fight a lot, and of cats in large colonies, who share the same food and water bowls. It should not be a threat in a well-run boarding cattery, where the feeding and grooming utensils are properly cleaned, and the cats do not mix with each other.

A vaccine exists against the chlamydial organism, which can cause not only mild eye and nasal symptoms, but more importantly, infertility and abortion. This vaccine is used mainly in breeding colonies to protect against infertility.

1st Cat Care is to provide information and guidance to pet cat lovers in taking care of their cats' health, cat toilet training, tips on using the cat litter box, vaccinations, pregnancy and more ...

o,p' -DDD Treatment of Pituitary Cushing's Syndrome

Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's Syndrome) refers to a clinical condition that results from having excess cortisone in the system. A minority of dogs with this disease have a tumor in one of the two glands that produce cortisone (the adrenal glands). Your dog, like more than 80 per cent of dogs with the naturally acquired form of this disease, has a small tumor at the base of the brain in an area called the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland controls adrenal function. A tumor in the pituitary can cause excess demand for cortisone production, which, in turn, causes excess cortisone throughout the body and results in symptoms recognized by owners ("pituitary-dependant" Cushing's syndrome). The most common symptoms of Cushing's syndrome in dogs include excess urination and water consumption, a voracious appetite, hair loss, muscle weakness, a "potbellied" appearance, panting, thin skin, and lethargy. Virtually all dogs with Cushing's syndrome have at least one or two of these signs, but it would be uncommon for a dog to have all of these symptoms. By evaluation a variety of test results, your veterinarian has diagnosed your dog as having a pituitary- dependant Cushing's. Now treatment with o,p' -DDD has been recommended. During World War II, scientists did research on the insecticide DDT in an attempt to create an extremely toxic form. One of the forms of DDT created was o,p' -DDD (Lysodren; mitotane), a chemical that can destroy the cortisone-producing cells of adrenal glands in dogs. The drug has been used successfully in thousands of dogs with Cushing's, but you must remember that it is a "poison" and that it must be used appropriately. The protocol we use in treating dogs with this drug is straightforward. A day or two before starting treatment, begin feeding your dog one third of its normal food allotment twice daily (each 24 hours it should receive a total of two thirds of the normal amount). This should make your dog even more hungry, but this is just for a brief time (we do not recommend use of this drug in dogs with a poor appetite). After 1 to 2 days of reduced feeding, begin giving the o,p' -DDD at a dose of 25 mg/kg of body weight twice daily (a dog weighing 22 pounds would receive one half tablet twice daily; the tablets contain 500mg). The drug should be given immediately after the dog eats. So, feed the dog, note how long it takes to finish the meal, and then give the medication (the drug is absorbed best from a stomach containing food). The key to treating these dogs is watching them eat and knowing when to stop giving the o,p'-DDD. As long as their appetite is ravenous, give the medication. As soon as you see any reduction in appetite, STOP giving the drug. Reduction in appetite may be noted as the dog taking longer to finish the meal; eating half of the food, wandering away for a drink, and then finishing; or simply looking up at the owner once or twice before finishing. In other words, we do not want the dog to stop eating entirely, we wish to see a "reduction" in appetite as a signal to stop the medication. Other signals include reduced water intake, vomiting, diarrhea, and listlessness, but appetite reduction usually precedes these more worrisome symptoms. Most dogs respond to this drug in 5 to 9 days, a few respond in as little as 1 to 3 days, and some may take longer than 14 days. No dog should receive o,p' -DDD for more than 8 days without being tested for the effect of the drug. The test is done by you veterinarian and takes 1 to 2 hours. We typically start the treatment on a Sunday and plan the recheck test 8 days later (Monday), and more than 85 per cent of owners have stopped medication on the Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday before the test is preformed on Monday. When the o,p' -DDD has been demonstrated to have had an effect, the dog can be returned to a normal amount of food. The dog will continue to receive o,p' -DDD for the rest of its life. The initial maintenance dose is usually approximately 50 mg/kg per week (a 22 pound dog would receive one-half tablet twice weekly). That dose is likely to be increased or decreased on the basis of testing performed 1 month after maintenance treatment has been started and testing preformed every 2 to 4 months thereafter. The average dog (11.5 years old when the syndrome is diagnosed) treated in this manner lives about 30 months (some live a few weeks and some 6 to 10 years). The dogs with the longest survival have the owners who are committed to helping their pet, diligent veterinarians, and luck. Close observation and frequent veterinary rechecks can only help in the long-term management of these dogs. The above is general veterinary information. Do not begin any course of treatment without consulting your regular veterinarian. All animals should be examined at least once every 12 months.

Choosing a Suitable Dog - One that Fits Your Lifestyle

Large or small - active or couch potato - longhaired or short - with the myriad of options out there, how in the world do you pick the right dog?

Will a large dog be best - or a small one? Do you have children? Do you have other pets? Choosing a suitable dog raises so many questions, but choosing the perfect family dog is one of life's big bonuses. Dogs make brilliant companions and wonderful family pets - if you get the maths right! Making the wrong decision results in heartbreak for yourself and your family - and yet another unhappy or abandoned dog.

Choosing a suitable dog for your family is a major decision and there are ALL SORTS of things to consider. Will a dog fit your lifestyle? Will you have the patience to cope with a puppy ? Or would re-homing a mature dog be best for your family? If you do decided to go the puppy route - are you prepared for sleepless nights, puddles in unexpected places and chewed up family heirlooms?

However, with a little bit of help, picking the perfect family dog can be a breeze if you do your research and remember the following basic points -

What TYPE of Dog will suite your lifestyle?
Simply put, the type of dog that will fit your lifestyle largely depends on the type of lifestyle you have.

Are you an active, outdoors type of person? You will probably enjoy a medium to large, active dog which needs regular exercise and can join in all your fun. If, however you lead a more sedate lifestyle, a smaller, calmer dog would be suitable and more appreciative of your calm lifestyle.

Space is also an important consideration. Some large dogs need plenty of space whilst small dogs do quite well in flats and apartments.

What BREED of Dog will suite your lifestyle?
Once you've decided what "type" of dog will best suit you, you can now work out the breeds which fit the bill. Dog breeds differ from each other as much as night does from day - this is why research is an absolute must.

Do take time to check out the breed AND the breeder thoroughly. Your dog's temperament is decided primarily by his breed and breeding and only then by human conditioning and training. However, when he is under pressure or provoked, it is almost always your dog's breed and breeding that will win - do bear this important fact in mind.

Other Factors to Consider
When choosing a suitable dog, don’t forget to take into account the cost of looking after a dog. Consider, for example, a dog's grooming needs - ie: shorthaired or longhaired? If you go for a longer haired breed, you need to factor in the additional cost of time and/or professional grooming.

In addition to the usual expenses such as food, vet bills, annual vaccinations and insurance you also need to consider the care of your pet while you're on holiday . Believe me, this can be expensive! More dogs than you care to imagine end up in a dog shelter or worse still on doggy death row simply because their owners had not considered these cost implications.

Last by not least, what type are you?
Well ...... choosing a suitable dog has a lot to do with your own personality. After all, it's no point picking a dog which is the life and soul of the party if you're the retiring type, is there? Nor is it much fun choosing a dog which matures early and becomes all "dignified" - when what you thrive on is regular rough-and-tumble sessions! Yet another reason to do your research thoroughly.

So, do your research at this stage - there is a lot to be considered when choosing a suitable dog. Read as much as you can - and take your time. You'll soon find a dog which settles into your lifestyle so comfortably, you wont remember a day when he wasn't there - and even if you do, you’ll wonder how in the world you managed without him!

With years of experience in breeding, training and handling dogs, Marion Herbertson says she is first and foremost a dog lover. For advice with a personal touch, visit http://www.advice-on-pet-care-and-pet-product-supplies-online.com/, where you will find more of Marion's practical, sometimes humourous articles on pet care.

Pet Obesity – When Fat and Happy Isn't

It started with a little treat between meals. Then a couple more treats between meals. And pretty soon those little treats began to add up, and that little spare tire around the middle became more like a fifth wheel. You can stop pinching yourself. I’m not talking about your spare tire. I’m talking about your pet’s spare tire.

And poor Max and Bailey aren’t alone. Recent research studies found about 25% of our furry friends are obese or overweight.

Why is your pet’s weight a problem? Why can’t Max just be fat and happy? Because obesity decreases your beloved pet’s lifespan, and may lead to diabetes, arthritis, heart complications, endocrinal diseases and bad joints. Somehow “fat and happy” is beginning to sound a little less jolly now, isn’t it?

How do household pets become overweight in the first place? You might want to step in front of a mirror and take a good look, because the culprit often times is you, the loving, doting pet owner who shows love to their dog or cat by giving them high-calorie treats and table scraps. We’re all guilty of over-indulging our pets at some time in their lives. It’s hard not to. One look at their cute little faces begging at the table and us humans melt.

But, now, it’s time for a little discipline â€" for us and for them. They will stop their begging at the table if we don’t give in to them in the first place. You see, they continue their sad-sack, “if you loved me, you would give me some of that pork chop” look because it works. It’s time for it to stop working.

Table scraps, of course, isn’t the only reason for your pet being overweight. Some people have a tendency to overfeed them with their own pet food, or leave food out for them at all times so they don’t go hungry. It’s always a good idea to take a look at the recommended amounts on the cat or dog food bags to see what the suggested amounts are, or follow your vet’s recommendations. Then, stick to those amounts, no matter what pathetic little faces they make.

There are plenty of diet pet foods to choose from, available online or at the local pet store. Be sure to ask your vet if your pet requires diet food, and make the changeover from the regular food to the diet food gradually. Put a little of the diet food in with the regular food at first, then gradually increase the amount until the diet food is the only food your pet is eating.

Another reason for pet obesity is lack of exercise. For a dog the solution is to take the dog for more walks during the week. If you can’t walk the dog yourself due to your work schedule, do your dog a favor and hire a dog walker to walk your dog on a regular basis. Not only will this benefit your dog’s weight, but will also give him/her numerous other health benefits, as well as just contribute to your dog’s overall happiness. Many dog walkers will walk your dog for $10 to $15 a visit. That may seem like a lot to pay (especially for several walks a week), but if it adds quality time to your dog’s life, it’s worth it.

As for indoor cats, you’re going to have to get your cat to play more. And that may require some time and energy on your part. Provide your cat with plenty of toys for individual play, as well as balls and wands for you and your cat to play with together.

How can you tell if your cat or dog is overweight? Take a look at the rib cage of your pet. The ribs should not be visible to the eye, but should be easily felt without pressing. If you have any doubts, consult with your vet, who will recommend food portions or special foods, as well as give exercise suggestions.

Your pet doesn’t have to suffer from health problems relating to obesity. With feeding discipline and added exercise, you can help ensure that your pet will truly live “a dog’s life” â€" even if she is a cat.

Shari Hearn is a writer and creator of http://www.cattraining411.com, where you can learn how to eliminate pet urine odor and how to choose pet health insurance. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shari_Hearn

Your Dog Will Thank You If You Read These Doggie Diet Tips

Although it was once common practice to feed dogs whatever scrapes came from the dinner table, today we realize that there is much more to feeding an animal than we thought. It is important to give them foods that will provide them with a healthy life and a long one too. In fact, there are a number of researchers who dedicate their lives to understanding just what your pet should and shouldn't eat. You can bank on what they have found that should be in your dog's diet. It is important to provide your animal with the right type of food. That means that you should give her food that is right for the dog's age and activity levels and that is right for her size as well as her health. You'll find a wide selection of products to choose from in your pet store. It is wise to purchase the best quality of food for your pet that you can afford to buy. Realize that if you purchase poor quality food for your animal, his health can be lacking. Your pet's diet should include some dry food because the crunch will help to keep her teeth clean and it will also help with gum health. It provides the fiber in your dog's diet that is necessary. You can use wet food, but don't give them too much of it. For example, pour some over your dog's dry food instead of giving them the whole can. If you are interested in providing your pet with home made foods, find dog specific recipes throughout the web to use. It is important not to give your dog leftovers from your meal though. You need the food to provide nutrition to your dog based on his needs. Things like fats, and fillers in human food, as well as spices, can make a dog sick. As a puppy, your dog needs to eat frequently throughout the day, about three or four smaller meals, until they are about three months old. Then, cut it down to only three meals a day for the next three months. Ideally, your adult dog should each twice per day. You should provide your dog's food to them for up to twenty minutes. At that point remove it if they have not eaten it and are not in the process of doing so. This will help to stop picky eaters. You do need to provide a constant amount of clean water for your pet to drink as well. Ideally, you will need to get recommendations about the amounts of food to feed your dog from your vet. Sometimes, information is also available on the food bags as well. Not sure if your pet is eating the right amount? Here's a test. If you run your hand against the dog's side, you should feel her ribs without pressing. If you can not feel them without pressing, she may be overweight. If you can see them, though, she is underweight.

Dogs

Dogs are truly amazing. They get away with stuff that you otherwise allow. For example, if a neighbor came over and took a crap on your carpet, you'd never let him or her back. But all you say to a dog is, "Bad dog, bad dog." It's as if this creature can only understand two-word sentences.

But if you have a dog, you have developed a sort of sliding scale for acceptable behavior-like drinking out of a toilet bowl then running and licking you on the lips. Or like picking at a certain portion of his anatomy, then giving you a big smooch. But all things aside, dogs are truly loveable.

And dogs seem to get Altzheimers at about age one. Like he'll get up from the couch, walk about three paces, then turn around and get back on the couch. Like, he forgot what he was going to do.

And dogs like to stink. I had this beagle who hated to get a bath. He'd hide until I found him for his cleaning.

They even like to roll in something rotten along the road, like a dead groundhog.

And when they go outside in the winter, they like to take a crap on the porch rather than in the snow!

On the other hand, dogs develop a healthy distrust for the government long before most of us become bitter and disenchanted. For example: dogs bark at the mailman because he's the only government worker they usually get to see.

Nevertheless, the dog is about one of the best companions. A dog will defend you to the death, give you unconditional love and wake you up when Robert brings your 16 year old daughter home at 1230.

A dog is always happy to see you when you arrive home. A cat or a hamster seem to care less.

If you don't have a dog and plan to get one make sure that you do it right. Read some literature. They don't like to be alone. In a way, you have a child in your residence. Make sure you understand the dog's needs: shots, flea collar, exercise, diet,etc.

A dog suited to your lifestyle will make a good friend. Some people have difficulty with dogs of the Northland that they house in the tropics. So be careful. Make sure your dog doesn't get overheated in the summer, or is left outside in the cold,cold winter.

There are more gifted people to give you the run down on dog care. Check them out on the web or the library.

Gene Smith is a writer who lives in West Virginia.

6 Different Dog breeds you don't know

Everybody has heard of the basset hound or the beagle. This type of dogs has proved to have many qualities or has been advertised a lot. The influence plays also an important role:if one of my friends. to whom I compete has just bought a pitbull, I should definitely bring about a Tossain. How about the Polish Owczarek Nizinny? i know nothing about it so this shouldn't be my choice. There are many breeds of dogs left on this planet which prove to have more qualities, yet, are unpopular. This article will present you some of these breeds. The affenpinscher This is the smallest dog in the breed which also presented us the schnauzers. The affenpinscher is thought to be the most suitable for a family pet as it is very intelligent, easy to train of a good demeanor. They have a dark fur and have always shown affection to human beings. The anatolian Shepherd This dog breed is of a medium size and has proved to be very courageous. This breed is very powerful and loyal and it is used in U.S.A especially for military and hunting purposes. The basenji The dogs from this breed are medium sized muscular dogs and are also named the Africa Barkless Dogs. What is funny is that they ever bark because they don't want to do so as researches have shown they are not mute.They are extremely known in Africa for their hunting skills.They are not suitable as family pets but their aversion to humans can be diminished if they are handled properly from an early age. The Bouvier des Flandres This small and steady dog breed is somewhat similar to the terrier one . Their fur is generally in dark shades and they have proved to be very calm. At the beginning they were bred as herders in France but nowadays they are used for police and military purposes, as well as guidance for blind persons. The central Asian Ovtcharka The Central Asian Ovtcharka includes only large and muscular dogs. They appear to be very loyal and fearless dogs with strong protective instincts which makes them being used as watchdogs. As any other large dog they have their ears and tail cut from an early age. The Polish Owczarek Nizinny This dog is of a medium size muscular dog with a long fur which covers its eyes. It can be used as a family pet, being very loyal, yet they shouldn't be left alone because they are notorious for the 'disasters' they cause in this situation. All in all what we do know is that many dog breeds are not so famous but they prove to have some qualities which cannot be surpassed. They may be great hunters or family pets; the idea is that we should pay much attention to them as they are really fantastic.

Commercial pet foods

I am often asked to explain what exactly is wrong with the "normal" pet foods. Even when it is obvious from the health of the pet, it may be difficult to say what it is about the food which makes it unsuitable. Unlike for human food the law allows ingredient listing on pet food to be generic. The ingredient list may read something like this" Cereals, animal derivatives, vegetable derivatives . . . " so it is impossible to know what is in it. Why are manufacturers so vague? There are two reasons that come to mind. Firstly, if you knew precisely what you were feeding your pet you would not buy the product. The second reason is that this vague wording allows the manufacturer to change the ingredients without having to change the labelling. Why would a manufacturer want to change the recipe? Because large manufacturers are constantly on the lookout for cheap ingredients and it is more profitable to purchase whatever happens to be available than to stick to the same recipe regardless of cost. As explained in the section on dietary intolerance many health problems are caused by adverse reaction to pet food ingredients. One needs to know what is in the food and that the recipe will not change if food intolerance is to be avoided. The title of a food can be misleading. A food may be called "Chicken and Rice" but a manufacturer need only put 4% chicken and 4% rice into the formulation in order to be able to do this. In Burns foods the brown rice and meat make up over 80% of the total. In general the price of the food gives a clue as to the quality; good quality ingredients cost more than poor quality ingredients. Protein from soya is a lot cheaper than protein from fish or venison. Sometimes it is obvious from its appearance that a food contains artificial colours. In theory it ought to be possible to tell from the condition of the pet whether its diet is right for it. But this is fraught with difficulties. To the unpractised eye it may appear that the pet is perfectly healthy but to the expert there may be many signs that a problem is present For example I encounter many dogs which have a "doggy" smell, the coat may feel greasy or unpleasant to the touch, the dog may be constantly moulting or is somewhat itchy, or have tooth tartar. Owners may not notice these symptoms or may assume that they are normal. Or they do not realise that diet is responsible for the condition. Toy breeds often have runny eyes where the tears stain the hair on the face; it took me years to realise that this can be corrected by proper feeding. In our client surveys we find that many pet owners tell us that before putting the dog or cat on Burns they thought their pet was healthy but saw substantial improvements after feeding Burns. See http://www.burns-pet-nutrition.co.uk

Dogs - Hidden Health Benefits

Need A Little Help With Your Health? Get A Dog! Dogs are considered man's best friend. But did you know that having a dog gives you several heath benefits? In studies done by medical professionals, dog owners benefit from their pet's presence in several ways: 1) Improved cardiovascular health - Dog owners have been proven to have blood pressure and cholesterol lower than ordinary people. These factors reduce the chance for cardiovascular diseases. Stroking a pet has long been known to reduce blood pressure. A study from the New York State University found that these benefits continue even without the pet available. The study tested a group of stockbrokers with hypertension. They concluded that just being a pet-owner can lower blood pressure. Dog owners also have blood cholesterol levels lower than normal. Five thousand four hundred people were tested by the Baker Medical Research Institute of Australia and with the results showing pet owners having not just lower blood pressure but also lower levels of blood triglycerides and cholesterol compared to people who didn't own any pets. 2) Faster recovery time and higher survival rates - Hospital studies have found that seniors and recently operated on patients responded better to treatment and got better quickly while they were in contact with dogs and other therapy animals. Just petting a dog can be relaxing and therapeutic for recovering patients. Also, dog owners have a greater chance to survive after suffering from a serious illness. Several studies have discovered that pet owners who suffered from a heart attack were more likely to be alive a year after they were discharged from the hospital than those who did not own pets. Another New York study found that pet's affected their survival rate more even more than the presence or company of family members or friends. 3) Fewer visits to the doctor - Studies conducted at Cambridge and UCLA have found that owning a pet corresponds to overall improved health and less need for hospital visits. A Medicare study of its elderly patients also discovered that those who own dogs visit the doctor less than those who don't have a pet. 4) Mental Wellness - Patients who have dogs have also been known to have better emotional health than their counterparts. They offer unconditional love and affection; their presence alone helps reduce loneliness for sick people who have otherwise been isolated. Several studies of people with major illnesses have shown that the stress of fighting the disease is significantly reduced when they had a dog as company. As you can see, having a dog is a great investment, for the joy that you get from owning one and the health benefits that you can receive. So go out and get a dog!

How To Find a Search and Rescue Dog Training School

There are many things dogs can be trained to do but, of all the tasks a working dog can perform, search and rescue ranks the highest for needing qualified, professional trainers. A Search and Rescue (SAR) dog’s performance, quite literally, can determine life or death to a human in need.

As shocking as it may sound, there is no set of standards for rescue dog training. Subsequently, rescue clubs, teams, and individuals emerge as trainers, when, in fact, they may know little, or nothing at all, about training a SAR dog. Attending seminars and reading books on the subject are worthwhile endeavors, but they do not constitute being a SAR dog trainer. Sadly, in a large percentage of cases, this is an assumption not only made, but followed, and replicated. In some cases, those touting themselves as SAR dog trainers scarcely have enough knowledge to teach a dog simple parlor tricks, let alone promptly and accurately scenting or tracking skills, where a human life hangs in the balance.

Even when the topical qualifications are in place, this is no substitute for failing to research the validity of those qualifications. You will hear the term “qualified instructor” often from those with police/military backgrounds. While this sounds impressive, keep in mind that there is no “qualification” standard to begin with, so the very title is misleading. Further, there may be a very good reason that the individual is no longer training/handling outside of the police/military venues. That reason may be a desire for work in the private sector, or it could be indicative of poor performance.

Now, I’m not trying to paint a bleak picture; there are a number of incredible SAR dog trainers out there. All of these great instructors hold one thing in common: they can bear your scrutiny with flying colors. If you’re making the huge step towards training your dog for SAR, then you really need to make the right choices. Here are the top things to consider when choosing a SAR dog trainer:

1. Experience. There is no substitute and there is no better gauge of a trainer’s value. Look for trainers who have years of experience in a wide variety of disciplines, not just SAR. Demonstrated ability, in more than a single focus, means that the trainer will be able to administer a wide variety of training methods to accomplish the end goal. Other potential disciplines to look for include: agility, obedience, hunting, or herding. This experience is easily verified by titles such as: Companion Dog (CD, CDX) Agility Dog (AD, MACH, NATCH), Schutzhund (I, II, II) to name a few.

2. Actual SAR experience is a must. SAR dogs perform a number of tasks that your instructor MUST have real-world experience with. They need to be well-versed, from first-hand experience, on how lost or fleeing people will act, how a crime scene needs to be preserved in cadaver searches resulting from criminal acts, etc.

3. The trainer should be well-versed on all breeds and capable of assessing and advising on the limitations and capacity of that breed.

4. Separate marketing from proven performance. If your trainer is good, you can bet he or she will have references. Contact those agencies and inquire about the specific services the trainer was hired for and their thoughts regarding the trainer’s services. Just because they have a polished web site, well-designed brochures, etc., does not mean they’re the best pick, by default. In some cases, a smaller organization may actually yield better references.

The decision for you, and your dog, to become involved in SAR is a big one. Take the time to do your homework. Your success and enjoyment will not only be richer but it may, in fact, save a life!

Eliminating problem behaviors when training your puppy

Unfortunately, eliminating problem behaviors is one thing that most dog owners eventually face. This article will focus on a few of the most commonly encountered behavior problems. Problem #1 - Jumping up on people One of the most frequently cited problems with dogs is that of jumping up on people. Unfortunately, this is one of those behaviors that is often inadvertently encouraged by well meaning owners. After all, it is cute and adorable when that little 10 pound puppy jumps up on you, your family members and your friends. Many people reward this behavior on the part of a small puppy with kisses and treats. This is a huge mistake, however, since that cute little puppy may soon become a full grown dog who could weigh well in excess of 100 pounds. Suddenly that cute jumping behavior is no longer quite so cute. In addition to being annoying, jumping up on people can be dangerous as well. A large, heavy dog, jumping enthusiastically, can easily knock over a child or an older or handicapped adult. In today's litigious society, such an incident could easily make you, as the dog's owner, the subject of an unwanted lawsuit. The time to teach a dog that jumping up on people is unacceptable is when he is still young and easy to handle. Retraining a dog that has been allowed to jump up on people can be difficult for the owner, and confusing for the dog. When the puppy tries to jump on you or another member of your family, gently but firmly place the puppy's feet back on the floor. After the puppy is standing firmly on the floor, be sure to reward and praise him. It is important for every member of the family, as well as frequently visiting friends, to understand this rule and follow it religiously. If one member of the family reprimands the dog for jumping and another praises him, the dog will be understandably confused. As with other dog training issues, consistency is the key to teaching the dog that jumping is always inappropriate. When praising and rewarding the dog for staying down, it is important for the trainer to get down on the dog's level. Giving affection and praise at eye level with the puppy is a great way to reinforce the lesson. Problem #2 - Pulling and tugging at the leash Pulling on the leash is another problem trait that many puppies pick up. Unfortunately, this behavior is also one that is sometimes encouraged by well meaning owners. Playing games like tug of war with the leash, or even with a rope (that can look like the leash to the dog) can unwittingly encourage a problem behavior. The use of a quality body harness can be a big help when training a puppy not to pull, or retraining a dog that has picked up the habit of pulling on the leash. Try training the puppy to accept the body harness the same way it accepts the regular buckle collar. When walking with your dog, try using a lure or toy to encourage the dog to remain at your side. A training collar, when properly used, can also be a good training tool for a problem dog. When using a training collar or choke chain, however, it is very important to fit it correctly, and to use a size that is neither too big nor too small for your dog. When walking with your puppy, it is important to keep the leash loose at all times. If the puppy begins to pull ahead, the handler should quickly change directions so that the puppy fast finds itself falling behind. It is important to reverse directions before the puppy has reached the end of the leash. The leash should stay loose except for the split second it takes the handler to reverse direction. It is important to use a quick tug, followed by an immediate slackening of the leash. When training a puppy, it is important to never let the puppy pull you around. Training the puppy to walk properly while he or she is still small enough to handle is absolutely vital, especially when dealing with a large breed of dog. If your 150 pound Great Dane hasn't learned to walk properly while he or she is still a 20 pound puppy, chances are it never will. It is important not to yank or pull on the puppy's neck when correcting him. A gentle, steady pressure will work much better than a hard yank. The best strategy is to use the least amount of pressure possible to achieve the desired result.

Know Whether Your Dog's Food Is Healthy

It is necessary to know the essentials dogs’ nutrition because it is the key to their wellbeing. Lacks of these ingredients affect their health adversely and they loose not only their strength but also their charms.

In this era of rapid industrial growth and processed foods for men and animal the risk of allergies has grown too high. Since most of these commercial foods according to experts are wanting in essential and most fundamental vitamins and eventually cause health hazards to your pets. If you feed your dogs such foods for a longer span of time they become prone to defective adrenal glands that blocks cortisol production which is the defending force against the diseases.

So it is necessary to for those who have pet dogs to keep a systematic track of whether their dogs are having healthy food or not. This could be accurately achieved if you observe that following things are all right with your dog.

He loves to have the food that you are giving it.
His teeth are shining and clean.
His breath has no odor.
He has no gastric problem.
His coat well grown.
He is fresh, energetic and agile.
He has no ear, nose and throat problem.
His defense system works effectively.

If by chance any of the above-mentioned things is wrong with your dog then it is an alarm that something is wrong with the types and qualities of food you are providing it. Be prompt to change the food to avoid serious complication in future. Always keep it in your mind that stray cases of problems are not a matter of worry it is only worth noticing when the same symptoms occur frequently and for a longer period.

Always remember that fresh food is the healthiest food. So feed your pet dog fresh quality food. If you have to store foods for them for long duration then store them in deep freezers. Cheap foods which are shown by advertising agencies to be affordable and reasonable are most unreliable and could be cause of nutrition deficiency in your pet.

Hi I am Huzef, I am an author plus webdesigner. For more information regarding dog food surely visit me at http://1-dogfood.blogspot.com.

What On Earth Is Holistic Dog Care?

In recent years there has been an amazing rise in the number of dog owners interested in holistic dog care. They share a concern about the amount of chemicals used in conventional treatments. Many believe that an over-dependence on conventional medicine can even be harmful, leading to different types of dog allergy and nasty conditions

'Holistic dog care' is a term that we hear often, but many people admit to being unsure about what it really means.

Okay, let's put that right!

'Holistic' comes from the Greek-based word 'holism', and when applied to medicine (for animals as well as humans!) it means treating the whole 'entity' (body and mind) and not just the symptoms of disease.

Your dog - like you! - has an amazing ability to heal itself. The only problem is that over the years this ability can be dampened down by an over-reliance on chemical 'cures'. Wouldn't it be better to help your pet re-activate his natural dog health, and enable him to ward off harmful diseases and conditions before they take hold?

I became interested in holistic dog care over ten years ago when our Border Collie pup, Ben, contracted a near fatal condition, Demodectic Mange. Conventional medicine actually prolonged the illness and several types of unpleasant treatments had to be tried.

Since we moved to a more holistic and natural approach Ben has never looked back!

Let me stress again, all humans and animals have a natural tendency to heal and cure themselves of most illnesses, so the secret lies in boosting the immune system which our modern ways have encouraged to become slack or 'lazy'.

Once it's stimulated and functioning well, a healthy immune system can help your dog remain fit and active for longer than you might expect. Now, that's great news, isn't it?

Yes, but I'm sure it's all very complicated.

Relax, it's not. In fact it's simple. Nature's ways often are, since they're the best.

So what do I have to do?

First of all, seek out a vet who either practices or is interested in holistic or natural treatments. If such a vet isn't close at hand, you can register online with many holistic veterinary practices and receive advice and counseling - and often this will cost nothing. Then, if you have to go to a conventional vet, you can be forearmed and say what type of treatment you'd prefer for your dog's health.

There are many outlets supplying natural dog foods, and again if you can't find one in your area there are excellent online suppliers. Even if this does cost slightly more (and it won't always!) you'll save time and money by not having to drive to the store.

Online you'll also find lots of advice on natural health supplements to maintain peak health, or to combat illness and boost fitness if and when necessary.

However, we've found that with a regular combination of healthy food and exercise, Ben never needs anything other than a check-up at the vet.

Apart from giving natural dog food and supplements, the other requisites for holistic dog care are so obvious they are no-brainers!

Normal cleanliness is one. Groom your dog regularly and check his coat for unwanted guests. Grooming will also promote a healthy skin. Take care of basic things, such as cleaning and drying his ears after a swim. See that he gets exercise every day and interact with him as much as possible by playing with him, stroking him and so on. Holistic dog care, remember, deals with the mind as well as the body. Interaction has enormous psychological and emotional benefits for both dog and human companion. Learn basic first-aid for dogs, just in case you have to act in an emergency: the least suffering involved, the less depleted your dog's natural resources will be.

So let's sum up:

* Give your dog exercise and companionship

* Feed him a healthy diet of natural dog food

* Give him natural supplements

* See to basic hygiene

* Learn some first-aid

* Take him to a vet who is in sympathy with your requirements

. . . and you will be pleasantly surprised to find your dog avoids lots of common ailments and conditions. This is because his immune system will have been strengthened and he will have regained the natural immunity Nature intended him to have.

Easy, isn't it? And isn't your dog worth it?

Interested in learning more about natural care for your dog? Visit Frank McGinty's site for some excellent news: http://www.familysoftshop.com/dogcare Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Frank_McGinty

How NOT to Groom Your Dog

We have a wonderful gentle natured dog that I adopted about 8 years ago. Unfortunately she was a bit neglected and was very timid when I brought her home. She had previously belonged to someone who lived nearby and I had spent the last few months making sure she had food and fresh water so we were already well acquainted.

Meisha is her name and I would say she is a cross between a collie and a husky. She is a beautiful mix of grays and white with a little black mixed in. Up until a couple summers ago I had always taken her in to be groomed and trimmed, but I had forgotten to make an appointment for her one time and the next thing I knew her groomer was booked up for the next couple of months.

Well my sister-in-law and I decided instead of looking for another groomer we would just take care of it ourselves. No big deal. We had decided it was just so darn hot and she always sheds so bad that we would really give her a trim and make her more comfortable.

I didn't have any dog grooming clippers but my neighbors did and they volunteered them for the task. My first clue that this might not be a good idea was that although my neighbors had clippers they still took their dog to the groomers for a trim. Why did I not think to ask why they did that when they had a perfectly great pair of trimmers at home.

We got out the clippers and were really going to town, poor Meisha was not impressed but she really wasn't too tough to handle. We were feeling pretty proud of our beginning results but as we got going we realized this was not going to be a quick chore. To get everything done and looking great it was going to take some time, and we were wondering just how long Meisha was going to good naturedly cooperate with all this when disaster struck.

How it happened I don't know, and I'm not sure how we did not notice but the guard came off the clippers and before you know it my poor dog and a reverse Mohawk that was extremely short. We didn't get her skin or anything but we had definitely trimmed her much much shorter that we desired.

Of course at this time the neighbor came out, the kids came by to see what was going on, and my brother stopped by. Everyone just looked at this poor dog that was only halfway trimmed anyway but she also had this extremely short strip right down the middle of her back.

To top it all off Meisha decided she had had enough and took off to the back of the yard to lay in the shade of the peach tree.

My daughter was mortified with what we had done and my brother and neighbor could not quit laughing. Now my sister-in-law and I did not think it was so funny. After all we had a half groomed dog that was now thoroughly tired of our well meaning efforts and to top it off she almost had a bald strip down the middle of her back.

We decided it was time for an expert and started calling groomers. I finally found one that could take her the next day, I had told her there had been a mishap with the clippers and she was too short in some areas and only half way trimmed in others. I DID NOT volunteer that I had caused all these problems, but I did not blame it on anyone else either. I just kind of left it up in the air.

So the next day when I took her in they commented on what an awful job someone had done and they could not believe that someone had been foolish enough not to have the guard secured or at the least have noticed right away when it fell off. They made these comments before I could say anything and volunteer that it was me who had gotten my dog into this predicament.

One groomer made the comment I hope you will never let the person that did this near your dog with clippers again, and I just commented that I didn't think we would ever have this problem again. I knew we wouldn't because I was just sure I would never forget to make an appointment again and attempt this myself.

I left Meisha and went back to get her later and she looked really great, except for that darn strip across her back. They gave me instructions that I should probably put sunscreen on her back for a week or two until it grew a little longer. Of course I had brought my then 4 year old daughter with me to pick up Meisha and as children will do they often pipe in with comments we would rather left unsaid. I think her comment was that after she saw what I had done to Meisha she was no longer going to let me trim her bangs anymore.

Of course dead silence resulted, and I felt I had to make my excuses. It all ended up with laughter (at my expense) and the promise that next year I should just let them know I was Meisha's "mom", and they would fit me in no problem.

So the moral of this story if you want to trim your own dog, go for it, but don't let the guard fall off the trimmer and not notice!! You might also want to read the instructions that come with it too, just to be sure the guard is secured on!

There are some great trimmers out there and I was contemplating getting one and attempting it again but then I happened to run across a picture of what happened a couple years ago. Instead I picked up the phone and called the groomer for an appointment to have her trimmed in a couple of months. I decided I didn't want to take any chances of not getting in before it got really hot. I swear my dog looked at me gratefully after I hung up, and my daughter still won't let me trim her bangs!

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Robin Reckard, co-founder of Jorbins.com Lifestyle Magazine, keeps busy producing, writing, and editing for the magazine as well as raising and enjoying her six year old daughter. Visit Jorbins Pets section to read more great articles about dogs and pet care. Copyright 2006, Jorbins Inc. - Reprints of this article can be made as long as the article is in it's entirety, unchanged, and the resource box with links and urls remain unchanged.

Horse Training Facts And Maxims All Horse Owners Should Know !

To the uninitiated horse owner, there are timely facts about horses they should know. In fact, when someone first gets a horse these timely facts should be studied and learned. These timely facts come from the Jesse Beery horse training manual. Jesse Beery was a famous horse trainer from the 1800's. Interestingly, Beery's training methods are as powerful today as they were when Beery was alive. Timely Fact #1: Make your horse your friend, not your slave. Timely Fact #2: Almost every wrong act of the horse is caused by fear, excitement or mismanagement. One harsh word will increase the pulse of a nervous horse ten beats a minute. Hoses know nothing about balking until forced into it by bad management. Any balky horse an be started steady and true in a few minutes. I never found one that I could not teach to start his load in fifteen minutes and usually in three. Timely Fact #3: Intelligent horsemen have learned that kickers, biters and balkers are natural results of abuse, that not one horse in a hundred is vicious until made so by cruelty; that whipping a horse is as mean and senseless as whipping a baby, and that the most useful, obedient and long lived horses are those treated from birth with kindness and common sense. Timely Fact #4: The whip is the parent of stubborness, but gentleness wins obedience. There is no such thing as balkiness in a horse that is kindly treated, and that gets an occasional apple, potato or sugar from his master's hand. Timely Fact #5: When a hose is afraid or excited, quiet him by kind words and caress. An excited horse is practically crazy and to whip him is dangerous, foolish and cruel. I have known a single blow of the whip to balk a spirited horse. Whipping a balky horse is barbarous and only increases balkiness.

Optimize Your Dog's Health With Homemade Dog Treats

Homemade dog treats are an excellent way to optimize your dog's health. When you make your own homemade dog treats you have the flexibility to include ingredients that will be best for your dog. For example if your dogs coat is dull or their diet is lacking in protein you could make homemade dog treats that are filled with ingredients to combat these problems. Dogs with dull and lifeless coats can benefit immensely from homemade dog treats that are rich in fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids which are found in fish oil and flaxseed is essential to your dog's health and also helps to improve your dog's coat to create a luxurious coat that shines. If your dog does not have a coat that appears healthy it may be an indication that its dietary needs are not being met with the foods that you are providing. Creating your own homemade dog treats that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids can help you to ensure that your dog remains healthy and strong. Homemade dog treats also provide you with the opportunity to increase your dog's protein intake. If you have reason to believe that your dog is lacking in necessary proteins, you can make your own homemade dog treats that are packed with protein. Feeding these treats to your dog should help them to meet their protein needs.

Dog Worming

Dog Worming.

Regular worming is essential to protect your dog against internal parasites. This involves giving it preparations in liquid or tablet form. Adult dogs should be wormed at least once a year, and at least once every six months if in contact with children. Dogs showing any signs of infection should be wormed immediately and all breeding bitches should be wormed prior to mating.

Roundworms.

Several of these parasites affect dogs but the most important are the ones that belong to the Ascarid family, and live in the small intestine. Other roundworms infest the large intestine, blood vessels and respiratory tract. Ascarids feed on digesting food in the dog's gut, and are particularly harmful to puppies. They penetrate a puppies gut wall and pass via the blood to the liver and then to the lungs. From there they crawl up the trachea to be coughed up and swallowed, again ending up in the gut. Infected puppies may develop :-

Hepatitis, pneumonia, fits, and obstruction to the gut, so regular treatment is vital.

As the puppy gets older most of the worms travel to the muscles, where they form cysts. These lie dormant until the puppy bitch becomes pregnant. They then migrate to the puppies lungs, and this is why virtually every puppy is born with roundworm, and must be wormed regularly.

How Roundworms Affect Humans.

These worms can infect humans, and in a very low number of cases, cause disease. Good hygiene and common sense concerning children and puppies should control the problem.

Tapeworms.

The tapeworm tickle the dog's anus and make the dog drag it's rear end along the floor. If you see any worm segments in your dog's faeces, treat it as soon as possible.

As a dog lover myself, I treat my own pets at least twice a year. Worming tablets can be bought cheaply at your local supermarket or petshop, so there's no excuse for not treating your own pet on a regular basis.

Thank you for reading my article. I do hope it's been enjoyable. Author and animal lover - John Moore...please use my link http://www.pet-dog-cat.com

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

How To Train Your Dog Not To Chew

Chewing is something that comes naturally to every dog. Every dog feels the instinctual need to sharpen its teeth and hone his biting skills. Chewing on the right things, like specially designed chew toys for instance, can even help the dog clean his teeth and remove plaque.



Even though chewing is natural and healthy, that does not mean that the dog should be given carte blanche and allowed to chew everything in sight. It is vital for every dog to learn the difference between the things it is OK to chew on, like toys and ropes, and the things that are off limits, such as carpets, shoes and other items.

When working with a new puppy, it is advisable to keep the puppy in a small, puppy proofed room for at least a few weeks. This is important not only to prevent chewing but to properly house train the puppy as well.

Older dogs should also be confined to a small area at first. Doing this allows the dog to slowly acquaint him or herself to the smells and sights of the new household.

When you set up this small, confined area, be sure to provide the puppy or dog with a few good quality chew toys to keep him entertained while you are not able to supervise him. Of course the dog should also be provided with a warm place to sleep and plenty of fresh clean water.

As the dog is slowly moved to larger and larger portions of the home, there may be more opportunities to chew inappropriate items. As the dog is given freer access to the home, it is important to keep any items that the dog or puppy should not chew, things like throw rugs, shoes, etc. up off of the floor. If you forget to move something and come home to find that the dog has chewed it, resist the urge to punish or yell at the dog. Instead, distract the dog with one of its favorite toys and remove the inappropriate item from its mouth.


The dog should then be provided with one of its favorite toys. Praise the dog extensively when it picks up and begins to chew its toy. This will help to teach the dog that it gets rewarded when it chews certain items, but not when it chews other items.

Teaching the dog what is appropriate to chew is very important, not only for the safety of your expensive furniture and rugs, but for the safety of the dog as well. Many dogs have chewed through dangerous items like extension cords and the like. This of course can injure the dog severely or even spark a fire.

Most dogs learn what to chew and what not to chew fairly quickly, but others are obviously going to be faster learners than others. Some dogs chew because they are bored, so providing the dog with lots of toys and solo activities is very important.

It is also a good idea to schedule several play times every day, with one taking place right before you leave every day. If the dog is thoroughly tired after his or her play session, chances are he or she will sleep the day away.

Other dogs chew to exhibit separation anxiety. Many dogs become very nervous when their owners leave, and some dogs become concerned each time that the owner may never come back. This stress can cause the dog to exhibit all manners of destructive behavior, including chewing soiling the house. If separation anxiety is the root of the problem, the reasons for it must be addressed, and the dog assured that you will return.


This is best done by scheduling several trips in and out of the home every day, and staggering the times of those trips in and out. At first the trips can be only a few minutes, with the length slowly being extended as the dogÂ’s separation anxiety issues improve.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

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Pet Horoscopes

Pet Horoscopes - Discovering Your Pet's Inner Soul If you know your pet's birth date, it may be entertaining as well as helpful to read you pet's horoscope. Just as people enjoy a bit of fun fortune or predictions and advisement involving our daily lives, current affairs, and those events yet to happen, your pet's behaviors can be predicted too! If you know the birth date of your pet, you can easily look up their horoscope. Many daily pet horoscopes can be found on the internet for free. For detailed information, some will ask for an additional fee. The names and a short description of some well-known online pet horoscope websites include: Pet Natal Chart - describes your dog's personality Russel Grant's Pet Horoscope - daily horoscopes based on astrological sign, delivered to your personal e-mail or cell phone. Winky's Pet Horoscope - monthly horoscopes generically produced for all types of pets. Mysti's Pet Forum.com - daily horoscopes based on mixing signs, numerology and astrology charts; even the 'birthday pet' gets a special prediction. The entertainment value of a pet horoscope is more than a fun way to guess what's in your pet's mind. It also allows you to be more attuned to your pet's behaviors, needs, and motives. A general description of personality traits according your pet's birthday, their pet horoscope, is as follows; ARIES: (3/21-4/20) Aries pets are always bursting with energy. They love attention, petting and cuddling and are never shy. In fact, it may be hard to keep up with these hyperactive animals. Quick tempered, they are not the type to back down from a fight. They are easily embarrassed, so don't scold them in public. Reward good behavior with a special snack. Never give your pet "people food." Strong flavored and spicy treats are their favorite. The most difficult aspect of keeping an Aries pet is to get them to obey you. They may be difficult to housebreak. Firmness, a schedule, and repetition is what is needed. TAURUS (4/21-5/21) Taurus pets are quiet and passive and are the easiest in the Zodiac to train. However, if they are provoked into fighting - watch out! These animals never give up. They are cautious about meeting new people, but when they like you, you are a friend for life. They will always remember your "scent." These animals love to be outdoors, but may prefer sleeping to playing. They love to eat and may develop a weight problem. They are possessive and will guard their food and toys fiercely. GEMINI (5/21-6/20) Gemini pets are curious, friendly and loaded with energy. These dogs may bark a lot. If possible, get a playmate for these animals as they hate to be alone. They are fast learners and can be trained well. Remember to always keep the door shut, or they will be off in a flash, exploring and looking for new friends. With both people and other animals, Gemini pets rarely have favorites. They just love the company of everyone. CANCER (6/21-7/21) These little pets are very sensitive creatures and hate to be upset. They do not like loud noise or yelling. They are easily irritated by others and thrive on a calm, stable environment. Any change in their routine, or if a stranger is in the house, can cause them to retreat and be gone for hours and even days. Cancer pets are cautious about meeting new people. Once they trust you, though, you've made a friend for life. They do not like sharing the home with any other animals, as they want your undivided attention. They do not like to be left alone, and can tend to become a bit destructive if left alone too long. LEO (7/22-8/21) Your Leo pets feel as if they are King or Queen of the Castle. They strut around with Royal Grace. They love a good adventure and will roam as far as you will let them, so make each outside walk an event. They are born leaders and may soon have a pack of friends following them. They are quite curious and consider nothing off limits, which is a fitting attitude for King or Queen Of The Jungle. Leo animals love children and make purr-fect pets. They are very protective and would gladly give their lives for yours. Leo pets have a long memory and tend to have a long life span. Treat them kindly and they will remain friends for life. VIRGO (8/22-9/21) Virgo pets are wonderful companions and make great "seeing eye dogs." A sixth sense lets them know when you are unhappy or sick, and they are always there to comfort you. They are shy animals, preferring their own company, and are content to play by themselves. They are reserve and won't show their affections easily. Don't expect your Virgo pet to come running to you when you get home. They will gladly spend entire evenings lying at your feet or resting their head on your lap. They are fussy eaters, so once you've found them a good brand of pet food, stick with it. LIBRA (9/22-10/21) Libra pets are easygoing and like lots of attention. Like the scales of justice that represents this sign, these pets divide their attention equally among all members of the family. They make wonderful companions and hate to be left alone. These pets love good food and soft music. Put music on when you leave home and they will remain mild mannered with a gentle disposition. They can be stubborn at times, and may disappear to sulk. Libra's will eat just about anything, combine this with a tendency to be lazy, and they can put on a lot of extra weight. Be sure to give them plenty of exercise. SCORPIO (10/22-11/21) Scorpio pets are extremely loyal. Kindness shown to these animals at an early age will come back to you for the rest of their pet life. If they are mistreated early in life, gaining their trust back will be along and involved process. They tend to snap or nip if they have been mistreated. Scorpio pets are intimidating to other animals. Rarely will they back down from a confrontation. They are full of pent up energy and need to run around a lot to release it. Keep a close watch on them, however, as they are possessive and have a tendency to fight. (Watch them closely with mail men or delivery people.) SAGITTARIUS (11/22-12/21) Sagittarius pets are the fun loving clowns of the animal world, and they are always eager to please. They love the outdoors, so be sure to give them plenty of room to roam. If you keep them inside for long periods of time, you may tend to break their spirit. They are intelligent animals but may seem to lack common sense. When they get over excited they become quite forgetful. They are one of the most loving pets in the Zodiac, so expect a face full of wet kisses when you walk through the door. As they tend to be forgetful, you must be firm when you discipline these animals. Don't worry or be afraid to set strong limits! They will respond well. CAPRICORN (12/22-1/21) Capricorn pets stay young forever and tend to act like little puppies or kittens well into old age. They have endless endurance and will play happily hours on end. They make the best playmates for children. They can be moody and tend to sulk if they don't get their way. Be patient when training these pets as they tend to be slow learners. These pets are more than loyal to the family. They are always determined to please and your patience will be well rewarded. AQUARIUS (1/22-2/19) They are truly the comedians of the Zodiac. They are gentle and loving with children and will bark or meow just to hear the sound of their own voices. They are extremely intelligent and unbelievably scatterbrained. You need lots of patience when you train them. They do not obey orders easily and the more you push them, the deeper they will put their paws into the ground and refuse to budge. Sometimes these pets don't want to be cuddled or petted, but remain aloof. Aquarius pets are curious and inquisitive and will literally push their noses into everything. PISCES (2/19-3/21) Pisces pets are the gentle, peace loving pets that hate shouting and fighting. They are sensitive to your moods and will plant themselves securely at your side if you are sick and upset. If your Pisces pet needs discipline, be very careful how you go about it. They tend to be quite intuitive and can sense when you are angry or upset. they will stop what they are doing in order to please you. They don't need a lot of wide, open space and are good pets for people living in condos or apartments. You may begin to feel as if you have a "psychic link" with these animals because they can easily pick up on your thoughts. They also love music. This report by Linda Frano is written for dog lovers. Linda is an experienced astrologer and also very deeply involved in working with dogs. She understands the issues, concerns, and how important your pet dog is to you. Dog owners know that each dog has its own unique personality, and this report describes your dog's personality, and how you can provide an environment in which your dog can thrive and be happy.

To Have or Not to Have: How Many Pets Should an Owner Own?

Canis Familiaris - also known as the common and tamed family dog, is quite the remarkable creature. Down to his furry coat (and in some cases, not-so-furry coats), his adoring eyes, white dagger teeth, four stubby paws and tail; dogs have long known to be man's best friend.

It is, in fact, this reason, why I am continually adopting "rescue mutts," and puppies who need a good home. Just the other day, I made the mistake of shopping in a local natural pet supply shop. Not a large store, (about the size of a Dollar General), I strode inside. With merely the intention of purchasing natural dog food for the other five dogs that reside with me, I happened to pass by a small enclosure at the very front of the store.

Inside the pen were 6 butterball-sized pups. Only 6 weeks old, they had the charm of a panda bear and the personality to match. Peering over the litter, I saw a small sign that the store owner had erected describing the age, litter parents and information about their shots, etc. Of course, what made matters worse was the fact that my 13-year old daughter had tagged along and had fallen in love with the huddled brood.

There, in the midst of the slumbering pups, was one in particular that we took to immediately. A white dog with black cow markings -- both halves of his face were black with a white streak down the middle. And in the center of his forehead was a distinct, black ink blot. On his pudgy back was a long and wide, ebony patch that indented in areas. He lay there, grunting as he snored; and was simply adorable.

Now, my first thought was to head to the other side of the store, away from these incredibly cute pups. However, my heart melted at the site of them. Making certain that my husband and children were in complete agreement (as dogs are a BIG responsibility), we decided to add yet another new member to our very-growing family.

With a long and satisfied sigh, my daughter retrieved the pup who was later to be named "Thor." A rottweiller/bluetick hound/lab mix that was positively irresistable, was officially adopted and a permanent family member. When we brought "Thor" home, our gamut of dogs came running to see their newest "brother."

Sniffing him from head to toe, our Chinese Sharpeis, our rottweiller-shepherd dogs, and our rottweiller-doberman dog all welcomed "Thor" with remarkable acceptance. Having had him in the house now for just two days, Thor has adapted well to his new surroundings and family. He is a quick learner and follows the lead of the rest of our pack when it comes to house training, and eating routines. Play is always abundant as the other dogs, myself, and my other family members are always at Thor's and our other "childrens" disposal.

This doesn't go without saying that all of our pets are neutered or spayed, receive all of their necessary vaccinations, routine heartworm medication, flea & tick treatments, weekly baths, monthly nail trims and deworming meds. Each week, our pets eat an average of 50lbs of natural dog food, (and of course people-food for treats), have a very large, enclosed yard to run and play in, our house to slumber in, and individual collars, leashes, pet toys and food bowls. Not only this, their toys are always stored in a box where they can retrieve them at will. Many potential pet owners think that owning a puppy is cute -- or that having a puppy is all fun and games; when in fact, puppies grow up to be sometimes very big dogs. All pets, whether it be a cat, a dog, a ferret or a bird, animals need lots of love, undivided attention, continuous maintenance, healthcare, and training.

Futhermore, if more than one pet is owned, it is vital that good pet owners spay or neuter their animals to keep the pet population down. Adequate shelter, sufficient food and health maintenance is crucial to our furry friends. If you're like me, your heart sinks like a rock when you see lovable, huggable puppies. The key to being a good pet owner is knowing your limits -- financially, mentally, emotionally, and physically. If you're going to own pets, you have to be financially responsible for them. You must also realize that pets demand and need a lot of your patience, understanding, love and attention.

Getting back to "Thor --" I have ultimately decided that Thor was to be the last of our doggie-adoptions. With each dog having his or her own buddy now, we are whole and complete. The animals in our lives are essential to our minds, hearts, and souls -- and in closing, my hope is that each pet (globally) who becomes adopted has the equal opportunity to have a happy, healthy and loving home as well.

Copyright -- All Rights Reserved
To have or Not to have -- How Many Pets should an Owner own?

by C. Bailey-Lloyd

About the Author: C. Bailey-Lloyd - Author of "Somewhere Along the Beaten Path"

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About Saltwater Aquarium Fish! - Beautiful...

Saltwater aquarium fish are amongst the most beautiful of animals to be found anywhere in the world. A variety of saltwater aquarium fish can be housed in your marine tank provided you know what they need in terms of care, such as feeding, environment, competitors and space to grow.

Any marine enthusiast will tell you that setting up a marine tank is tricky and so is choosing the right saltwater aquarium fish! This is because it’s easy to make mistakes with the kinds of fish you choose. It’s usually best to start your marine tank with a few hardy and affordable fish. The majority of saltwater aquarium fish are collected from nature rather than captive raised so don’t waste that gift by making mistakes that result in the death of your fish.

Damsels are a great saltwater aquarium fish to start off with. Damsels are hardy little creatures and can survive in poorer water conditions than many other marine species. They are not fussy about their food and won’t cost you the earth. Unfortunately damsels are also quite aggressive. You can easily keep one or two of these tough saltwater aquarium fish in a tank but don’t try any more than that.

Its best to start with damsels and then add more aggressive fish later, If you want to house saltwater aquarium fish that are more shy, you need to take your damsels out before adding more timid varieties of saltwater aquarium fish. Blue and yellow damsels are two species that are less aggressive than others.

Mollies are an alternative starter saltwater aquarium fish. Mollies that are used to salt water allow you to start with cheaper fish while you learn how to make sure the salinity of your tank is correct for more sensitive creatures. On the other hand mollies are raised and bred in captivity so you won’t get much real experience in keeping them. Get them used to the tank by allowing saltwater to drip into the bag for about 6-8 hours. When the bag becomes full remove some water. After the tank cycles you can keep the fish in the tank.

Clownfish are cousins to damsel fish and are a fairly hardy saltwater aquarium fish. They are not that easy to acclimate to a marine tank, though. They are also quite territorial but aren’t likely to be aggressive to other species. They don’t have to have an anemone to survive. If you do get one bear in mind that they need water that is very clean and high quality lighting.

Blennies or gobies are fairly hardy and small and shouldn’t be a problem for the other saltwater aquarium fish in the tank. They are character fish but they are small and so might get lost in very big tanks with bigger saltwater aquarium fish. They are a good choice to help control algae but if you have a fish only tank they may not be easy to keep fed.

Tangs are a hardy saltwater aquarium fish which are a little sensitive and tend to contract marine ich (also know as "White Spot"). They eat algae so as soon as you grow some you might try to introduce some tangs.

Triggerfish or lionfish are an ideal saltwater aquarium fish for a tank which will eventually contain large aggressive fish. However they can be costly if you make mistakes. It might be a good idea to ‘practice’ on fish that are both cheaper and easier. You will need to feed them lots of shell fish and other sea creatures to keep them healthy.

Angels and butterflies are very sensitive and difficult saltwater aquarium fish to keep. They need special diets most of the time so they are not that easy to care for in a tank. The same goes for batfish.

Once you gain more experience in keeping conditions in your tank stable you can add a few other varieties of fish. Choose from hawkfishes, grammas, dottybacks, basslets and wrasses. But make sure to find out about how to take care of them properly because some are not as easy as others. However they are a much easier bet that angels and butterflies.

So which saltwater aquarium fish should beginners avoid? You should not attempt angelfish, butterfly fish, pipefish, seahorses, long-nosed filefish, blue ribbon eels, stonefish, and Moorish Idols as well as mandarin fish until you really know what you are doing.

What about invertebrates? Contrary to popular belief invertebrates are well suited for mini or micro-reef tanks. Many invertebrates do well in non-reef tanks. For the novice aquarist the hardy species are best. These include shrimps like the cleaner shrimp, blood shrimp or peppermint shrimp and coral banded shrimp. As is the case with saltwater aquarium fish, stick to the hardier shrimps to begin with.

Anemone crabs are another option you might try along with your saltwater aquarium fish. And why not add some sea urchins and starfish which are quite well suited to beginners with a couple of month’s experience? They differ in size, shape and color and some are poisonous so be careful! Sea urchins and starfish eat detritus and algae and other small bits of food so they will help to keep your tank clean and your saltwater aquarium fish healthy.

Anemones are not really suited for beginners. They need special lighting and top-notch water conditions so if you can’t foot the bill for the lights stay away or you’ll live to regret it. Invertebrates you should avoid include tridacna clams, flame scallops, Octopi, Nudibranchs, or any hard or soft coral and sea squirts. Like the saltwater aquarium fish listed previously these invertebrates have special feeding and living requirements.

When you choose saltwater aquarium fish, you need to bear in mind that they are a bit more expensive then the freshwater varieties. For this reason you should take care with them and try to keep them alive. When fish are captured and moved from the store to your home they are liable to get stressed, especially since most of them have been taken from the ocean mere days ago. So make sure you can properly care for your new friends before you bring them home!

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Finally, All The Information You Will Ever Need To Begin A Wonderful Love Affair With Fly Fishing! Active hyperlink must remain with article.

How to Find a Sitter for your Dog

Whether your dog is old or a just a puppy, there will come a time when you have to out of town for business or a vacation where dogs aren't allowed. Therefore, you will need to leave your prized pet in the care of a pet sitter. Where can you find a pet sitter? What types of pet sitter services are available? How much will it cost to hire a pet sitter? These are some of the many questions that you need to answer before you hire a pet sitter. You have two main options of where to leave your pet when you are away. You can take them to a boarding kennel or you can hire a pet sitter. By hiring a pet sitter it means that your dog will stay at your home and a pet sitter will visit your home several times per day to take care of your dog. The following questions and answers are geared toward those pet owners that decide to hire a pet sitter to take care of their dog. Question #1: Where do I find a pet sitter? You can find a pet sitter through a number of means. Consult your veterinarian, groomer, and breeder for recommendations. Often times they know of a reliable pet sitter in your area or they can point you in the direction of pet sitter services. You can also check with your friends and family to see if they can refer you to a pet sitter. Word of mouth referral is a common way to find a pet sitter. You can also take a trip to your local pet store or a chain pet store such as PETCO. Many pet sitters advertise their services at these places so you can find their contact information. The pet store owners and staff may know of a great pet sitter as well. Another option is to call Pet Sitters International at (800) 268-SITS or check out their website at http://www.petsit.com/. Pet Sitters International is the world's largest organization of pet sitters. Pet Sitters International is highly respected organization. They offer a multitude of services including finding a pet sitter based on your zip and giving advice on how to prepare your home for the pet sitter. Also spend time researching information about the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters by calling them at (800) 296-PETS. You can peruse their website at www.petsitters.org. Not only can you find a pet sitter based on your zip code, but you can find a "certified" pet sitter. They offer a certification program that ensures a pet sitter is knowledgeable about business management, animal care, and animal health issues. This type of certification can be a comfort in the event that your dog has a health problem. Question #2: What type of tasks does a pet sitter do for you and your pet? A pet sitter is there to provide comfort, help, and care for your dog while you are away. They will visit your home on a daily basis to feed your dog, take them for walks, and let them out to go the bathroom. They can help your dog with any health ailments or continuing care such as medicines while you are away. A pet sitter needs to be informed if your dog has any special needs. For example, your dog may be elderly and blind or deaf. Your pet sitter must know this so they can properly help your dog. Or your dog may be just a puppy and require more exercise then most dogs. Let your pet sitter know and they can increase the frequency of visits each day. The pet sitter should be able to work with your needs. Your pet sitter will also take the responsibility of taking your dog to the vet if an accident occurs or the need arises. You need to let your pet sitter know how you want them to handle these types of situations and how to contact you in the event that this happens. Question #3: How do I find the "best" pet sitter for my dog? Only you can determine the best pet sitter for your dog. Follow the same procedures you would as if you were hiring a babysitter for your children. Check out their references, interview them, and inquire about past work history. How do they interact with your dog? Speak to former or current clients to determine if they are right for you. Also make sure the pet sitter has been certified and/or bonded and insured. Your dog's life is priceless so you definitely want a serious professional pet sitter to take care of your pooch. Question #4: How much does a pet sitter cost? The cost of a pet sitter varies based on their experience, your location, the number of dogs you are leaving, and the level of care you need for the dogs. Some pet sitters charge on a per visit basis while others can work with you to determine a reasonable price. Make sure to have their scope of services and fees in writing. This will safeguard you against any miscommunication. Question #5: How should I prepare my home and dog for the pet sitter? First of all, your dog needs to meet and get to know the pet sitter before you leave town. Have the pet sitter visit a few times until your dog is comfortable with their presence. You don't want to leave and suddenly have a new person show up to take care of your dog. Your dog may confuse the pet sitter for an unwanted stranger. Provide emergency numbers of your veterinarian and also a number at which they can reach you. You want to make yourself available by phone in case an emergency pops up. Make sure your home is clean and the dog food bowls are clean. Speak with your pet sitter about feeding, walking and other pet care procedures first, but also leave all the directions in writing. Verify that this is plenty of dog food for the length of time you will be gone. If you following these tips you will find the best pet sitter for your dog and have a comfortable time on your trip knowing your dog is in good hands.

How To Be A Good Dog Owner

How To Be A Good Dog Owner

Before making the decision about buying a new dog, here are some points you should consider :-

1. Is someone at home for most of the day ?

A dog, especially a puppy, should not be left on its own for more than a few hours at a time. If you are out at work from 9-5 don't get a dog unless you can make satisfactory arrangements with a friend to let the dog out.

2. What about holidays ?

It is sad to say that more dogs are destroyed at holiday time than any other. Unless you have a helpful family to look after your dog, be prepared for the expense of boarding kennels. Because of the increase in running costs, reputable kennels now have to make a higher charge - don't forget to book well ahead.

3. Are you prepared for the cost of keeping a dog ?

This includes not only the cost of food, and kennels at holiday time, but also the cost of vaccinations and also possible veterinary fees in case of illness. A dog, like a child, can fall ill quite suddenly and unexpectedly, so be prepared for any eventuality. Take out pet insurance for peace of mind.

4. Exercise

To keep healthy and happy, dogs need daily exercise, and this means a good run in a field or park, or a game with a ball, not just a stroll round to the shops on a leash. If you love your dog, be prepared to sacrifice some of your leisure time each day, whatever the weather. If you can't provide this kind of exercise to a dog, consider giving a home to an older dog. Your local dogs home may have just the right one for you.

5. Family circumstances

Dogs and children usually love each other and get on well, but don't make the mistake of buying a young puppy for a small child. Young children can be very cruel and a puppy may be badly thrown about. Worse still a young pup's bones may easily broken if a child treats it like a toy. Wait until the children are older and a little more responsible.

6. Grooming.

If you don't have much time to spare, choose a dog with a smooth or wire coat which needs little attention to keep it tidy. Long and curly coated dogs look beautiful, but they need daily grooming to keep them this way. Poodles need regular trimming, as well as grooming, so unless you are able to do this yourself be prepared for extra expense.

Author - John Moore - Please use my link http://www.pet-dog-cat.com As a responsible dog owner myself, I've experienced many of the problems mentioned in this article - I hope you've found it helpful.

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The Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdogs, like the Shetland Ponies and the Shetland Cattle, have been a part of the history of the Shetland Islands for as long as anyone can remember. They are in most respects a miniaturized version of the Collie, possessing extraordinary beauty and unique character. The "Sheltie" is a dog with a herding history of many years, their job was of course to herd the sheep and goats and work closely with the farmers. When they were brought to England's mainland before World War I, the little dog rose to overnight popularity . By 1909 the British Kennel Club had accepted them into their registry.

Like it's larger cousin, the Collie, the Shelty has a long double weather resistant coat. It can be any color. The little dog needs to be taught early to stand or lie quietly for brushing, as coat care will be needed all of its life to keep the coat in good condition and free of mats. Probably this is the biggest mistake a new owner of a Shelty can make, for not taking care of the coat and brushing regularly can quickly cause such a tangle that the little dog will have to be shaved. The Shetland Sheepdog in the United States requires a height of 13-16 inches and in the British Isles a height of 14 inches. The standard in both countries is quite particular as to the head, for it is a focal point of this breed, the expressive eyes, the set of the ear, and the shape of the skull add a great deal to the beauty of the dog. Furthermore this is a herding breed and it is important that the dog is built so that it can move quickly and make agile turns. When judging the Shelty a good deal of attention should be paid to the dog having a balanced structure and good movement.

The Shelty possesses a high degree of intelligence and trainability. This is a dog with a natural tendency to want to please, as a natural herder, it has built into it such things as watching the master, response to hand signals and voice commands, endurance, speed, and a desire to take care of the animals in its charge. These abilities have led to high scores in the Obedience ring, and it is also a favorite breed for agility, herding and sheepdog trials, tracking, and as a popular and most adaptable family pet. Shetland sheepdogs seldom show aggression to humans or to other dogs. Since they are a herding breed they natural desire is to want to give chase to a moving object, and this can be a big problem especially with passing cars. It is always necessary to have a Shelty on a leash or in an enclosed fenced yard. They are fantastic with children, often treating them as their "flock" and keeping them from harm .

The Shetland Sheepdog is a relatively healthy breed, although in recent years over breeding without paying attention to inherited genetic problems has led to more difficulties with the eyes, and CERF testing should be done before the dog is used for breeding. They are a long lived breed and it is not unusual for a Shelty to become as old as sixteen years.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Dogs

Should You Get A Small Dog For Your Child?

Every little boy or girl needs a dog for a companion, right? While that may be true and they joy of having a pet is something every child should experience, you need to carefully consider if adopting a small dog is right for your family.

One thing to think about is the extra demands on your time that a small dog will require. Whether you are thinking about a Pug, Pomeranian or Poodle, these little dogs require care and if you are considering a puppy, it could be like having another baby!

Dogs are a big responsibility and if you have not been solely responsible for a dog previously you may find the work and time involved in training, feeding, grooming and playing to be more than you can handle while caring for a young baby or toddler.

If your children are toddlers, you need to be very organized and have the day planned out so that the child and dog are not left alone together. Young children do not understand that a pet is a fragile living thing - too much rough play and your little dog could become hurt or may have to resort to hurting your child to defend itself.

If you are deciding to get a dog because you feel it is a normal part of family life and you want to ‘complete’ the package while your child is young, do not rush into purchasing a dog right away. For the various reasons above, a dog should be considered a major decision and waiting one year or more may be best for your situation.

With young children an older dog might be a better choice as you will not have to deal with housebreaking and training, but keep in mind that a small dog, no matter how old is still going to be a bit more fragile than a bigger dog.

Now that’s not to discourage you from getting a pet for your young children as they will certainly love it and develop a strong bond. It is a good experience for any child, but you must take the added work and expense into consideration. Don’t forget to consider Vet fees, adoption or purchase costs, licensing, food and grooming. Doing your homework now will avoid unpleasant disappointment in the future.

If you have tons of time and energy and your life is free enough of distractions then bringing a small dog into your home can be a fun time. Just be sure to be diligent in watching both the puppy and children until training has been established and be sure to remind the children how to treat the dog gently and carefully so that no accidents happen.

Once you consider all the aspects and make your decision to adopt a small dog, you can be confident that you will be able to relax and experience all the wonders of dog ownership with your children.

Lee Dobbins is an avid dog lover and writes for many dog related web sites including The Pomeranian Pages, The Pug Pages and The Poodle Pages.

Dog Treat Recipes For Sporting Dogs

Dog treat recipes are essential to those who participate in sports with their dogs. There are many sports available for active dogs and their owners including flyball, agility, dock diving, hunting and lure coursing. All of these physical activities require dogs to be more physically fit and muscular than their couch potato counter parts. Dogs make wonderful companions and for those who are just interested in having their dogs as companions in the house and for taking on walks, there isn't a great deal of pressing nutritional needs. For these dogs, most commercially prepared dog foods are acceptable. However, high drive performance dogs may require dog treat recipes that are specialized to help them meet their nutritional needs. Those who have an extremely active dog understand the value of becoming involved in a dog sport that will exercise their dog's mind and body. Giving your dog a job can make them a very happy dog and can prevent them from becoming bored and destructive as a result of their boredom. While dog sports can be a wonderful outlet for high drive dogs, they also require special dietary needs. For example these dogs require more protein than the average dog because their degree of exercise is much greater than the companion dog that goes for two walks per day. Dog treat recipes that are high in protein can help you to provide your athletic dog with treats that will meet their needs.

What is a Doberman Club?

A Doberman club usually comprises a group of people who have been brought together by their common love for a canine - the Doberman Pinscher. Most clubs are recognized and have been registered in the regional level. The main aim of any Doberman club is to provide information. Driven by love and nothing else, the club members encourage people to adopt Dobes and help new owners to understand their pets and love them accordingly. So any club can be looked upon as a large repository of correct and practical information. The membership in the Doberman club is open to veterans and newcomers alike. Many of the members will include people who are involved in breeding, training and other activities of the Dobes. Many clubs also sponsor purely social events that give all Doberman owners a chance to get to know each other and their dogs. The dogs are also given an opportunity to play and have fun. Generally, club meetings are held at least once a month and sometimes even as often as twice a week. Most club meetings will include at least one educational lecture or session that aims at shedding light on one trait or facet of the lovable Dobes. Social activities that are designed to include dogs are also a major focus of Doberman clubs. The entire family is usually invited so that the dogs can have fun in the unfamiliar surroundings while they are in the midst of the people they love. Many of these activities are a test of the pet's training and obedience skills. Clubs encourage owners to train their pets and provide valuable information to owners who face some of the most trying problems with their own dogs. Clubs also provide a forum for dogs that have become prime stock, by hosting shows and other competitions where the best dogs are appreciated. In a nutshell, a Doberman club can be looked upon as a support center that has all the most relevant information about this gentle breed of dog. Ranging from shelters, rescue homes, adoption, training, dietary needs and vaccines to old age, health problems and the latest treatments, Doberman clubs are the most valuable storehouses of info.

Aquarium Hoods

When you have an aquarium you need to have lighting set up and to do this you need to have somewhere to put it. Before now when it came to lighting, it used to come attached to your aquarium hood but that is not the case anymore. The shops are selling the hood, lights and light attachments separate which is costing people a fortune! Hoods are not only needed for lights but they are also needed to help the fish stay in the tank, some fish when they get excited especially when getting fed are often jumpy and is has been known for fish to basically propel themselves out of the tank, I speak through personal experience. Aquariums hoods are available in either specialised aquarium shops or your local pet store. They are just simply a tank lid for the fish tank. It is essential that you have one of these otherwise you have no place for your lights; unless you get some hanging ones and hang them from your roof! Hoods are also essential for keeping those jumping fish in the tank! They are often made from plastic but some are made from wood. The wood variations are often more expensive than a plastic one, basically because of the wood and there is more time and effort put into making a wooden hood. Some tanks can have a hood customised to it. These are the most expensive ones. But at least they have the lights and light fixtures attached. When you buy a jewel aquarium the hood is included in the price and so are the lights and fittings. Aquarium hoods are not very expensive but all the attachments and other accessories are costing fish collectors a fortune. They have to make sure that the tank has everything that it needs, but it is getting more and more expensive to run and maintain the tank. Just make sure that when starting to purchase the tank that you know all about the extra outlays that are involved with the tank! It would not be a good idea to purchase the tank and then not be able to afford the rest of the accessories!

Does Your Maltese Stand Up to the Supposed Standard?

Breed standards are a set of guidelines commonly used to ensure that dogs measure up to certain characteristics typical of the breed. Breed standards are used to judge dogs in competitions and are considered to be the hypothetical ideal of the breed.
If you want to compete with your Maltese and are concerned about following these requirements to the letter it might also be helpful to take into account that these ideal specifications can vary in different countries. These are the standards from the American Kennel Club

So you must be wondering.. how does your Maltese measure up to the official 'conformation' points? Keep in mind that these refer to the ideal dog and variations in your own Maltese are not in any way a poor reflection on your pet. Unless you want to compete that is...The following is adapted from the American Kennel Club Maltese Breed Standard guidelines which have been in effect since 1984.

General Appearance:

The Maltese is a gentle-mannered and loving toy dog. Covered from head to foot with smooth, silky hair. Despite the dogs size it should be eager and energetic.

Head:

The head must be in proportion with the size of the dog. The skull should be slightly rounded on top and the stop should be moderate.

The ears are low set and hang close to the head. The ears should be covered with hair hanging over them. The eyes are not set too far apart and should have a gentle but alert expression. The eyes are surrounded by black rims.

The muzzle is of medium length, fine and tapered at the nose. The nose is black. The teeth should meet in even bite.

Neck

The neck is long enough for the head to be held high.

Body

The body is compact. The shoulder blades are sloping and the elbows well knit. The back is level and the ribs well sprung. The chest is deep and just slightly tucked underneath.

Tail

Covered in long hair and gracefully carried over the back the tip should lie to the side over a quarter.

Legs and Feet

The legs should be fine-boned and feathered. The forelegs are straight and the joints well knit. The hind legs are strong and slightly angled at stifles and hocks. The feet are small and rounded. Toe pads are black.

Coat and Color

The coat is long, flat and silky. It should hang over the sides of the body almost to the ground. The long hair on the head may be tied up or left hanging. Any curl, kinks or woolly texture is considered a fault. The color must be pure white. Light tan or cream shades are allowed but frowned upon.

Temperament

The ideal Maltese is without fear. A gentle mannered dog with an affectionate manner is the ideal. Lively and playful.

Size

The weight must be less than 7 pounds. Between 4 - 6 pounds is preferred.

Gait

The Maltese moves with a smooth, flowing gait. When in motion the forelegs reach straight and free from the shoulders. The hind legs move in a straight line.

Faults:

Color

Cowhocks

Curly coat

Whether you want to compete or are just interested in how your dog measures up these are the most widely recognized guidelines.

Caring for your Maltese will require grooming to prevent the coats from matting. Try to keep the face clean especially around the eyes to avoid the typical "tear staining" which can spoil your Maltese’s' lively expression.
Maltese are excellent companions and lively playmates. This aristocrat of the canine world is a pleasure to own and love. And if your Maltese meets the breed standards, it’s a pleasure to show off your beautiful Maltese. If for some reason they don’t meet the standard it doesn’t mean a darn thing. They are beautiful through and through.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Steve Allison is a third generation of professional dog breeders along with his brother Gary. It all started with his grandparents in 1970 with the Boston Terriers and has expanded to Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, Shih Tzu’s and Pomeranians. He is also actively involved with dog rescue and has a website that showcases the puppies they occasionally has for sale at All My Puppies Online Steve is also the co-author of two consumer guides, Carpet Secrets and Moving Secrets Guide

Like a Member of the Family: Dealing with Pet Loss

Pets can become more than just a familiar animal around the house, they can become like another member of the family. For an adult the loss of a pet may be just part of the process, as emotional as it still remains. Still, there are other members of the family that pet loss can be hard for. Children often times have their first experiences with death after losing a beloved pet, and, sometimes surprisingly to most people, many pets who live together think of one another as family, and the death of one pet can actually cause extreme grief in the other.

Since many children first experience death with pets, it is very important to handle this situation carefully. Many people don’t remember how traumatic and confusing death was the first time they had to deal with it. Children tend to grieve shorter than adults do, but their pain is still intense. Maybe even more so. Young children also tend to come back to the subject repeatedly, be patient. Give your kid hugs and support. Discuss death and grief honestly. Side stepping the issue won’t help at all, and children have great instincts, they know when something isn’t being said. Never say things like “God took your pet,” or that their pet was put to sleep. All this accomplishes is to make a child fear God is waiting to take away everything, and it will make them afraid to go to sleep. Have an honest conversation . . . these are facts of life everyone has to learn at some point. Special Note: Do not get your kid a new pet right away. Give them time to adjust, and do not get a new pet until they are ready, otherwise it will only be harmful in the long run.

If you have other pets in the house, be sure to watch for behavior changes in them, too. Pets can form very strong family/pack bonds with one another. The remaining pets may be restless, anxious, nervous. Some pets that are usually energetic may choose to sleep for long periods of time, and eating habits become finicky. If you had several dogs and the pet that died was the dominant male/female, there will probably be scuffles and some fights as the remaining dogs try to figure out the new hierarchy. This is natural, and should be interfered with as little is actually possible. Keep your other pets’ schedules as normal as possible, and eventually they will return back to their old habits. They are like kids: they need time to grieve and work things out; just like everyone else in the family.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Dave is the owner of pet-bereavement.info and pet-loss-support.info websites providing information on pet loss.

The Otterhound: a Playful Giant

The Otterhound is a breed of substantial size and great amiability. It is somewhat of a clown and enjoy rough and tumble play with other dogs. Otterhounds were originally bred as a pack hound, (to run with a pack) they generally get along well with other dogs. As the name implies, they were developed to give chase to the otter and so they do have swimming instincts. Otters at one time were so plentiful in the British Isles that they endangered the fishing industry and the hounds would be set upon the otters to keep this from becoming so great a problem. However, the Otter is now on the endangered species list and of course their hunting is banned. The dog still remains popular as a pet and a Show dog and makes a gentle but protective guardian as well. They are not really a guarding breed but their voice alone is enough to sound quite an alarm not to mention their large size. Their bay is actually a delight to hear, being melodious and deep and the bark is gruff but soft.

The Otterhound looks rather rough in a natural state, the coat is shaggy and wiry or coarse. Historically, he has both Terrier and Hound in his genetic makeup and the coat reflects the characteristics of the Terrier type of coat. Colors are mostly tans and salt and pepper. The outer hairs are water resistant with a dense protective undercoat. He is a large breed standing 24 to 26 inches at the withers, with a large head and pendulous ears. His coat is easy to maintain as being of terrier type it easily sheds dirt and brambles and bits of leaves, etc. This is not a dog that is for a neat housekeeper since he is continually bringing in such items on his coat and dripping them off onto the floor. Although he usually doesn't slobber he has a large mouth that can produce a lot of saliva when the smell food is in the air. Furthermore his hairy face will collect the water as he drinks and if his face is not wiped immediately it drips off of his hairs as he makes his way across a room. Many owners will keep a towel handy near the water dish or will allow access to water only when he is outside.

The Otterhound is in the same predicament as many of the large breeds when it comes to hip dysplasia. It continues to be a problem in the breed and care must be taken to x-ray this dog before breeding. Also the possibility of bloat or gastric torsion can be a problem. There is no way of knowing is this condition is genetic in nature though it is suspected that it is "familial".

After the Otterhound outgrows his puppyhood (which will last at least until the age of two) he usually settles down somewhat and at least is not so awkward . He retains a bit of stubbornness in his personality, after all, he is a pack dog and has a tendency to tend to his own desires rather than those of his master. He is also a playful and boisterous breed, quite active and energetic. However he is intelligent and will respond to training. He needs plenty of exercise and of course needs a fenced in enclosure. He enjoys nothing more than being with his family on a regular basis but is not unhappy if in the yard and is not demanding of constant attention, especially if he has another dog to keep him company.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Animals.

Why Should You Dress Your Dogs?

Dog fashions can be fun! Your dog can look flirty, funky, flashy or glamorous. Never before in the history of our dog have there been so many fun choices to make. There are clothes and shoes, and an overwhelming choice of collars, leashes and dog carriers.

Dog fashions can also practical. If all you are interested in is keeping your dog warm on chilly days and nights, you certainly will find the perfect sweater, jacket of fleece shirt. We as humans really share a common trait with our dogs. We both love attention! We enjoy dressing our dogs up in the latest of dog clothes, hats and jewelry because it is interactive. People stop and talk about it. The same is true when we humans dress up in the latest of fashion. It’s fun. It opens up channels of communication with others and gives us the attention, whether we admit it or not, we all crave.

For those of us with little toy dogs, the days of putting on a plain acrylic sweater are over. Top dog clothes designers are making trendy, fashionable dog clothes. There are dresses out there that match the same little dresses you might have worn as a kid. There is rainwear, real leather and faux fur, boots and hats, necklaces and hair jewelry by the dozens. It is actually enough to make your head swim! If you are indecisive like I am, that is. This revolution in dog fashions is just as varied as human clothing. You can spend hundreds of dollars on an outfit or very little and still have your little dog looking fabulous. Dressing your dog is here to stay.

Clothes for Warmth:

If you and your little toy dog will outside in Maine in the winter, it truly matters that your little guy is in a nice, warm coat. Sure your main objective here is to keep the little guy warm, but it is more fun if that coat is “mink,” or even faux fur. Wow! How cute can that be? Real cute! Even long-coated little dogs sometimes need a little help keeping warm. Small dogs do lose their body heat much faster and are prone to hypoglycemia. A fleece t-shirt inside is also great to help keep your little guys from losing too much body heat.

Clothes for Worried Dogs:

When you are a Teacup Shih Tzu and you only weigh 5 pounds, you will have lots to worry about if the larger size Shih Tzu is around. Dressing the little guys in clothes will actually relieve some of the tensions between them and their rivals â€" the bigger guys. It creates calming to wrap up your little guy in something warm and cozy like a fleece t-shirt or sweater for inside. It gives the little guys more confidence.

Dogs like attention. When you dress up your dog in a beautiful party dress, people pay that attention. Your little dog will probably respond with lots of tail wagging and an increase self confidence. Most dogs love to interact with people and clothes are very good conversation starters. Dress your dog up in something really, really pretty and unusual and have fun watching her/his reactions when people stop and tell him or her just how precious they look. People won’t be able to resist smiling and petting your little dog. Dressing up your pet in beautiful dog fashions is definitely a way for the two of you to meet new people anywhere you decide to go.

Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. Purchase fleece t-shirts in a variety of colors and hand crochet dog blankets at: http://www.littleguysdogclothesshop.com

How To Save Money By Testing For Feline UTI Yourself

Do you want to save money, anxiety for your kitty, and unnecessary trips to your vet? Would you like to know if your cat is developing crystals in her urine that could lead to a feline UTI?

It's easy to do with this check-at-home method.

If your kitty has been previously diagnosed with a feline UTI, there's a chance it could re-occur. Since it's impossible to see the crystals in your cat's urine that are caused by a UTI, you don't know kitty's hurting again until the UTI is fairly well advanced. And then how do you tell?

Poor kitty probably stops using the cat litter box - again.

Well, there's an easy method to check kitty's urine at home, with a minimum of fuss. You can check as often as you like, and it's easy to see the test results - you don't need any training.

Here's how:

First off, you'll need either non-absorbent litter (available from your vet) or clean acquarium gravel that's available at any local pet store.

Next, you'll need urine pH test strips.

Then, set up kitty in a room of her own with food, water, a clean litter box (scrubbed clean, not just litter-dumped-out clean) with the non-absorbent litter or acquarium gravel. You might also add some of her favorite toys, a kitty DVD, or just turn on a radio tuned to a classical music station, with the volume set low.

This testing is even easier when you know the approximate times of the day or night your cat uses the litter box. You may need to observe your cat for a few days to figure this out. Scout usually goes around 4:30 AM, or 5:00 PM. There's probably other times, but these are the two most convenient times for me to grab a fresh sample from her.

Give kitty time to give you a sample in the box. Check often, to make sure you get fresh cat urine. Why? Fresh cat urine will give you the most accurate pH reading. The older the urine, the higher the pH reading will be...you'll think kitty has a problem, when she may not.

Dip the urine pH test strip into kitty's urine, and GENTLY shake the excess off, over the cat litter box. Hold the wet end up, wait one minute, and compare it to the chart that comes with the urine pH test strip kit.

A normal reading is 6.4 - 6.6. If it's any lower or higher, please contact your vet as soon as possible for more information.

I test my cat Scout monthly. Since I've begun using this method, I no longer have to guess if the changes in her diet and lifestyle are working to prevent future UTI occurences. I know for certain, based on the urine sample test reading.

What could be easier? You:

- Can test kitty at home, at your leisure, and hers.

- Don't have to schedule a vet visit.

- Can easily read the test results quickly.

- Will know if an appointment with kitty's vet is necessary or not.

Remember, this testing will tell you that a recurring UTI is possible - it's NOT definitive. For confirmation, you will need to take your cat the vet.

Good luck, and happy testing!

Nancy has successfully eliminated cat urine odor from her home, and kept the kitty that caused it.

The Cat Urine Odor Advisor helps you save money and stop the damage in your household by offering solutions that work together to eliminate cat urine odor from your home.

Visit the Cat Urine Odor Advisor at http://www.cat-urine-odor-advisor.com for more money and time saving tips to eliminate cat urine odor from your home.

Cat Door Training

Are you tired of listening to the cat is meowing up a storm or scratching up the door to get in. Let us look at some simple solutions to this problem. Let us take a look at some of the training aids to help train your cat to alert you to come in. Put a small bell on a string that hangs down from the door. This will allow the cat to play with the string and ring the bell. This is a good learning tool to help both you and the cat. Bells come in a variety of different sizes. A small one would be the prefect size for a cat to play with so they are able to ring the bell. Bells are very inexpensive and can be found and purchased most stores. Craft store have them and are very inexpensive. String should hang down long enough so that the cat can reach it with out jumping at it or having to use the door for support. You can put a small amount of catnip on the string or in the bell. This to will attract them to play with the bell. Get catnip in a spray, smell this will help attract them to the bell. Teaching the cat to use the bell is another thing that you will have to do for them. This is so they learn how the bell works to play with. The sound from the bell will warn you kitty is ready to come inside. When you put the cat outside you will want to keep an eye out for them coming in and show them to ring the bell. Once your cat rings the bell, you want to reward them with a good healthy snack. As you help the cat ring the bell you will need to open the door allow the cat to come in with a reward right as they can get in. Let us look at another way of training a cat to use a cat door to entrance and exit in. You can find cat doors and entrances in most large pet stores, on the web, or ask you vet where you can purchase a cat door. The doors are small enough so that a cat can get in and out when it wants to, and frees you up from having to attend to the cat going in and out. One simple suggestion is make sure your cat is not going to run off before installing the door. These doors can be installing right in your door, or possible next to your door for a wall mounting. This is something that you will have to look at before purchasing a door for the cat. Measuring the size of the opening is also important to look at before purchasing. You will want to know the size that you are able to fit the door in. You also will want to measure your cats' height and width. To know what size of opening you will need to get. When measuring the width make sure, you allow at least a couple of inches more than the width of the cat. The height from the shoulders to the back of the front legs this will give the right height. With the many different types of doors, sizes, quality, and sizes, a search in store or on the Internet would be a great place to start looking. Let us look at the training for the cat to use the door. A cat will not automatically use the door. Hold the door open and allow the cat to come in and out freely with a reward of a simple small snack on each side. This will give the cat a chance to know that they are able to do this. This could take time for the cat to use with continue playing with the cat over a period, soon they will be entering and exiting on their own. Something that you will not want to do is by using the cat's nose and pushing the cat though the door opening. Open the door and allow them to come in and out. Once the cat is using the door you will experience the freedom of sleeping though the night, not having to stop what you are doing to let your cat in and out, and possible no more kitty litter or mess where they should not be doing.

Shih Tzu - The Meaning Of Shih Tzu Markings

Shih Tzu were seen to have a number of characteristics that were believed to be comparable to characteristics of Buddha. The white mark on the forehead of the Shih Tzu was perceived as the energy center, often called the third eye or sixth chakra, and is symbolic of the trinity, oneness of mind, universalism, salvation for all, and the three mystical areas (body, mouth, and mind). Positive qualities were believed to exude from the Shih Tzu which were intuition, perception, optimism, and vision. The top knot of the Shih Tzu is the crowning glory of the Shih Tzu. The top knot symbolically represented creativity, mysticism, charm, magical powers, wisdom, and love. All these qualities are present in the Stain Glass Shih Tzu I am acquainted with today. Shih Tzu are charming, full of love and have been quite mysterious to live with. I have found a greater sense of security since owning the Shih Tzu. The luxurious featherings on the Shih Tzu head and face were perceived as symbolic of the rays of the sun and of the sacred adumbara flower which blooms once in three thousand years. The white neck and front of the Shih Tzu were believed to be symbolic of Buddha's swelling cape of dignity. The cape permitted its wearer, as administrator of the sun, moon, and stars, the privilege of attending to purity, justice, and virtue. Upon the Shih tzu's cape are the Rosary of the Goddess of Mercy and the three rings of the Buddha. The draping coat or skirt of the Shih Tzu was seen as symbolic of light, strength, and courage. The Buddha's flock must never reject their children, their parents, those who love them, or those whom they have loved, lest they never reach Nirvana or Heaven. Buddha-like, the Shih Tzu was considered symbolically the guardian of wisdom to that all may reverse their imperfections. A marking may be present n the middle of the back of the Shih Tzu or there may be one that extends from the upper back to the end of the back or nearly as far as the tip of the tail of the Shih Tzu. This blanket or saddle effect on the Shih Tzu was believed symbolic of the saddle or blanket upon which Buddha is seated as minister of the sun, moon, and stars. It also was believed symbolic of the three vehicles of learning leading to wisdom: discipline, knowledge, and meditation. Pegasus-like, the Shih Tzu is to carry his rider through the air to realize material gain of wealth and jewels. The heavily plumed tail of the Shih Tzu which forms a graceful arch over the back of the Shih Tzu represents one of the five Royal Insignia attributable to anointed kings and holy men. This umbrella-like feature of the Shih Tzu is depicted in symbolic representations of Buddha, covering his form, protecting him from worldly imperfections. The white feet of the Shih Tzu were considered reminiscent of the Buddha's shoes, embroidered with jewels, to convey the wearer one hundred miles without fatigue and give the wearer the ability to glide across water without wetting the feet.

Choosing A Unique Dog Name

If you are thinking of getting a new puppy or if you have just bought a dog, it's probably getting to the stage where you are trying to think of a unique name for your new pet. Thinking of a unique name for your dog can be quite difficult, especially when you are not feeling very creative.

When you choose a name, it's important to choose a good one as that name will be with your dog for life. You don't want to give a big strong male dog a cutsie name or similarly a male name to a delicate female dog. To help you get those creative juices flowing and think of a name for your dog, we have a few pointers that may help.

The main thing to consider when tyrying to choose a unique name for your dog, is whether your dog will be able to distinguish his or her name from your normal everyday commands. If you think about it for a moment, calling your dog 'Joe' or 'Boe' may very well confuse your pet when your actually trying to say 'NO'. Other similar sounds are 'Sit', 'Stay', 'Fetch', 'Down' etc.

Try and choose a unique name that is easy for your dog to pick up on. Usually one or two syllabul words are easier to distinguish from background noise especially when your dog gets hard of hearing. Another point to consider when choosing a name, is whether you would feel comfortable calling your dog at the top of your voice in the middle of a crowded park. Novelty names may sound appealing at first but can leave you feeling embarrassed or even worse, unwilling to call your dog when out in public.

Sometimes, waiting a few days after getting your new dog before choosing your unique name can make the process much easier. The reason for this, is that you may pick up on little characteristics of your new dog that will give you some inspiration. If your new puppy loves to steal things and hide them in their bed, how about 'Sinbad'? Maybe your new dog is a brave little soul and has the strength and character of a lion, maybe 'Leo' would suit your new dog.

Another great source of unique dog names, is from books and television. Do you have a favourite cartoon character or a favourite childhood hero? There are literally hundreds of possibilities.

Choosing a unique dog name can be a lot of fun and will endow your dog with a new identity within your family. Take a little time and do a bit of research and you will soon find the perfect name for your new pet.

Article By Andrew Strachan. Find lots more information about different dog breeds and types of dogs at http://www.types-of-dogs.com. Lots of help and advice too.