Pets Breeding Basic

The Maltese dog is one of the smaller breeds of dogs. This cute looking dog makes for a great pet. It has a long fur coat and is usually white in color. This breed is also highly intelligent and adorable. Like the Chihuahua the Maltese dog is generally seen amongst the rich and the powerful.

The Maltese dog is small and sturdy. The dog usually weighs between 6 to 7 pounds. The small size of this breed makes it vulnerable to attacks and injuries.

The dog is believed to be in existence for centuries and evidence suggests that this breed was first seen in China. The Maltese dog is believed to be the favored pet of the Ming dynasty.

This particular breed of dog is very convenient to keep as a pet for people who live in flats and small apartments. This dog is also a very good at socializing. However the small size makes it very vulnerable to injuries particularly from children. Due to its diminutive size, the children tend to play with it and sometimes even trample on it, which can lead to major injuries. Therefore on has to be very careful while keeping this breed as pets.

The Maltese is a small dog, which makes it ideal as an escort dog. The long fluffy single coat hair makes the dog adorable. The hair does not fall and this aspect endears the breed to a wide range of owners. People with allergies can keep this dog as a pet safely.

The dog is quite intelligent and picks up basic commands very easily. The long white fur needs regular care and cleaning. Use shampoo to keep the fur clean and health. A shampoo specially designed for use on white hair would be ideal.

The Maltese dog likes to play a lot. Therefore it is advisable to keep the dog outdoors for some time every day. The dog also enjoys outdoors and the sun a lot. So keep all this in mind before choosing you pet. The Maltese dog should not be left alone in the outdoors as larger dogs could maul it.

Like with all pets, the Maltese dog also loves a lot of attention and company. This small dog is a great hit among people and particularly at dog shows and exhibitions. So keep all these factors in mind before choosing this particular breed. Once you bring it home, you can be sure a wonderful pet which is a source of constant joy and entertainment.

Venkata Ramana is a maltese dog Lover since childhood. Also Visit his Boxer Dog website and discover how you can make boxer dog the happiest, loving dog alive, Running healthily with you.

Two hours before writing this, I returned home from searching for my daughter's lost dog. Her family had moved to a new area recently and the dog has not had time to become familiar with the new area other than his own yard.

As we prepared to find him we realized we did not have some items that would be useful in our search. Here are a few things a pet owner can do to help in finding a lost pet.

Take pictures of your dog- not only the pretty pictures, but also those of the dog when wet or in different style cuts you may keep him in. (do you shave him down or keep him in a shorter cut during the summer months?)

Microchip your pet. Most Veterinarians are equipped to perform this simple procedure.

Tattoo your pet. Not all Vets are prepared for this. You may want to contact The National Dog Registry or Tattoo-a-Pet for guidance.

Of course, have I.D. tags with the pets name, your name, address and phone# engraved. Attach these securely to his collar.

Property training- teach him the limits of his yard.

Teach him to come to a whistle, bell or some other familiar sound. Many of these sounds can travel farther than your voice, and after prolonged calling the voice tires or becomes horse. Take your dog for short walks- at the turn around point tell him "go home", and go directly home. Do this many times and from different directions. Then begin to let the dog lead you home (at the end of a leash). This can also be handy if a stranger tells him to "go home".

When you begin your search:

Put up and hand out flyers. Banks, grocery stores, gas stations and parks. Encase your flyers in plastic to protect from wind and rain. USE LARGE LETTERS.

Put an ad in your local newspapers.

Familiar areas may draw your dog- if you live in an area of all brick homes or you frequent a park, he may be near a similar area. Where would you go if you were lost?

Animals are more active in the morning and late afternoon/early evening during the summer. If it's a hot day check in shaded or low lying areas where it is cooler. In winter, check areas of brighter sunlight or places sheltered from the wind. Use your eyes- look under and around, if your dog is frightened he may be hiding and may not readily recognize you.

Contact the local Veterinarians, pet shelters, animal control and even your mailman. Check with these sources daily. These are busy folks and may easily forget or be unable to get back with you immediately. Also contact your local pet groomers- someone may find your dog and take them to a groomer to remove ticks and fleas or simply to clean the pet.

Use a happy or positive voice as you call for your pet. When calling, (or whistling or bell ringing) stay in one place for 10 or 20 minutes. Dogs can hear loud sounds for a great distance and it may take some time for him to get to you.

If you live in a rural area, try staking an old shirt or other item with your scent on it at ground level, perhaps on a hilltop (so the scent will travel). DO NOT leave food as this will mistakenly attract any animal. When you return, does the item look pawed at or slept on? Refresh this item daily. This may be a long shot, but what do you have to lose by trying?

I'm happy to report that we found the little guy! After three days he had made it a mile and a half away from home! He was lying on a gravel patch next to a lake under a shade tree. (similar to the road in front of his home.) I don't think he fully recognized me at first but he did seem to recognize my car, as he made a bee-line to hop in to the front seat. Naturally we are very thankful and fortunate. In hindsight, our quest may have been easier and quicker had we prepared by following a few simple guidelines.

Carol is a Nationally Certified Master Groomer, certified by the National Dog Groomers Association of America, Inc.

A pet groomer since 1993, she attained National Certification in 2002. Visit her website at http://www.carolsbows.com

How's your dog looking these days? Running through puddles, rolling in mud, and fighting off fleas can leave any dog looking drab. But it doesn't have to be that way. And you don't have to spend a lot of money to have a fabulous looking dog. Follow these tips and your dog will be the "cats meow"!

The most essential part of the process is perfecting the coat. You want your dog to have a shiny, healthy coat that leaves people in awe.Before you go and buy brushes, expensive shampoo and cute bows; consider that it's what's on the inside that counts the most.

What are you feeding your dog? Are you giving them their proper vitamins and minerals? A dog's diet is what makes the difference between a scruffy looking coat, and a coat that looks like royalty. Read the labels on the food. To make that even easier here is a tip: if you can find the food in your grocery store- then avoid it. You don't have to buy the most expensive dog food around, but foods with actual nutrients and not cheap fillers (corn, meal, etc.) are not found in the grocery store.

Nothing is a bigger turn off than bad breath! This counts for dogs too. Dogs should have a normal dental routine. Small dogs will need their teeth brushed a few times a week as they are more prone to tooth problems. Additionally, make sure your dog has plenty of chews that clean the teeth. There are also products available that you can put in their water to help reduce plaque and freshen breath.

Some dogs will fight having their nails clipped like there is no tomorrow! But it still has to be done. Training your dog early to accept having their nails clipped can work wonders. If it's too late for that, and your dog gets fiesty, try to make it a relaxing experience. Give yourdog a treat for sitting next to you. Clip a nail, and give another treat. Clip another nail, give another treat. You get the pattern. If that doesn't work you can always have another person distract your dog (either with treats or a toy) while you get to clipping.

After following these steps, your dog should be pretty sexy. But how's his figure? People worry so much about their weight but when it comes to their dogs, they don't seem to mind if they are unhealthily overweight. Ideally, your dog should have a visible waistline behind the ribs. Stand above your dog, if you see a waistline then you're all set. If not, you might want to consider cutting back on some of that high quality food. And definitely cut out the treats!

When it comes down to it, looks are not important. Health is what counts. Feeding your dog a healthy diet, having a regualar dental routine, nail clipping and maintaining a proper weight will all add to the health, (and the life), of your precious pet.

This article is courtesy of SmallDogBreedSite.com. Visit http://www.SmallDogBreedSite.com to get the latest information on caring for, traveling with, and shopping for your small dog breed.

Your dog eating poop or dog coprophagia is a habit which doesn't make sense to us dog owner's.

It's a habit which is most prevalent in puppies, and certain breeds are also more susceptible to it than others. Many Shih Tzu owners including myself struggle with this disgusting poop eating habit.

How To Stop Your Dog Eating Poop

There are many theories and opinions as to why a dog would bother to eat poop. Finding the cause of your dogs poop eating habit is the key to determining the correct solution.

When dogs eat poop it is not only embarrassing for us owners, it can also cause diseases and worms to be passed on to your dog.

Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?

There are two general causes for dog coprophagia:

1. Dog behavioral problem.

2. It could mean that your dog has an underlying medical problem.

More Specific Reasons Why Dogs Eat Poop

• It tastes good to your dog! I know it doesn't make sense to me either, but this is the major reason young puppies eat their poop.

• Your puppy may have a vitamin or mineral deficiency and is trying to correct the balance through eating poop.

• Could be the result of anxiety or boredom.

• Some dogs that are over fed eat their own feces because the food hasn't been fully digested. Therefore the feces still smell and probably taste like the dogs dinner.

• Your dog may eat his own poop when trying to clean up his area. This task should be performed by the dog owner.

Solutions To Stop Your Dog Eating Poop

• Feed a well balanced and nutritious meal. Do not over feed.

• Keep your dogs living area clean from feces.

• If possible, try feeding twice a day. Feed the same amount but just in two portions. This works for dogs who eat poop through hunger.

• Add a bit of pineapple or spinach to your dogs meals. When your dog goes to eat his poop, apparently it tastes horrible to him after eating the pineapple or spinach.

• Teach the basic obedience command "off". Proper obedience training eliminates almost all problem behaviors, including coprophagia.

• If your dog eats his poop immediately after eliminating, provide a distraction. As soon as your dog does the business run away from the area and call him over. This should be enough to get his mind off the poop. When he gets to you be sure to praise and reward him.

If you believe an underlying medical condition is causing your dog to eat poop, please visit your Vet for a thorough examination. The above techniques will not help dogs that need medical attention.

Be consistent in your mission to stop your dog from eating poop, you should be able to break the habit before long.

Chris Smith is a dedicated dog owner and creator of http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com

Dog obedience training is the best thing you can do for your dog, find out how to do it the right way, at home.

Dogs have been known as man's best friend for decades. Owning a dog can be a positive, enjoyable experience for the entire family. Keep in mind however, that the decision to own a dog is an important one that should not be taken lightly. A dog is not just a fun diversion or entertaining gift. Owning a dog requires a commitment from you that will last the lifetime of the dog. The responsibilities of owning a dog and the joys of owning a dog hold an equal place of importance. If you are considering bringing a dog into your family, here are some important considerations for you to keep in mind.

A dog is an important member of the family. If you live in a city, you will need to devote a lot of time to walking the dog, ensuring that the dog gets plenty of exercise and fresh air, and you will most likely be taking your dog along on family excursions and trips. If you live in a country setting, you will need to ensure the safety of your dog and protect the dog from the hazards that come from a rural setting. Holidays and special occasions will include the dog and you may even find yourself including the dog in family portraits and gift giving occasions.

Dogs bring companionship and joy to any family. The time and effort you spend caring for your dog will be returned to you in the form of the lifelong loyalty and friendship that you will receive from your dog. The dog will provide you with a friend to talk to, be an entertaining companion, and can also provide a sense of security and protection for your family. Individuals who are confined to their home or the elderly will find great joy in owning a dog and the problem of loneliness will be greatly reduced.

Because you will spend a lot of time caring for your dog in the form of walks and playtime, a dog can be a big health benefit for the owner. You may find yourself exercising more than you ever have before, and talking to your dog is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. Owning a dog is beneficial to you and your family and the dog will be forever loyal and grateful for the time you invest in its care.

As unlikely as it may seem, owning a dog can introduce you to new friends that last a lifetime. Walking your dog, training classes, and romps through the park are great ways to come in contact with others who share your interests and love of dogs. You can be certain that your dog will bring you joy in your private life and introduce you to other dogs lovers as well.

Owning a dog can be equated to raising a child. You must be a responsible parent to your dog just as you would to a child. You can rest assured that being a responsible, loving dog owner will bring you many benefits, the most important of which is the trust and friendship of a pet who will love you unconditionally for its entire life. Owning a dog is a big responsibility and can even be costly when you factor in trips to the vet, having the dog groomed, and taking care of unexpected medical expenses. The hardships involved in dog ownership are well worth your time and money. You will never find a more loyal, devoted friend than a dog who loves you unconditionally.

Keith Kingston is a professional web publisher, offering information on puppy names and boxer dogs

The Akita, also known as the Akita Inu or Akita-ken, is a large Japanese dog breed. They are named after Akita Precture, which is a region in Northern Japan. In Japan, the Akita is usually referred to as Akita-ken. 'Ken' means 'dog' is Japanese as does 'inu.' Male Akitas usually stand 24 to 28 inches tall and weight approximately 120 pounds. Females usually weigh about 100 pounds. Akitas can be black, brindle, white, fawn, or any combination or variety of these colors. Akita puppies and teens look very similar to Shiba Inus.

Originally, Akitas were bred as a hound dog to round up large game animals throughout the mountains of Japan. Like many hounds, the Akitas disposition is quite complacent and easygoing. While Akitas historically have been used as hounds, the AKC has put them in the Working Group. Akitas only bark when prompted to and are generally very quiet dogs. Relative to other large dogs, Akitas don't require as much exercise which makes them very good house dogs.

Much like the Shiba Inu and other Japanese breeds, the Akita grew nearly instinct during World War II mainly due to lack of food. After the war, the popularity of Akitas exploded as they were generally liked by the occupying forces in Japan because they were by far the largest Japanese breed. Their popularity vastly grew in the coming decades all over the world.

If socialized well, Akitas make agile, friendly, and loyal companions. If not socialized and left alone, they tend to have personality issues that can make them unfriendly dogs. This obviously isn't unique to Akitas, however due to their pack oriented background; an isolated Akita can develop negative personality traits more noticeable than other dogs. If you raise you're Akita with children in a family environment, they will make an outstanding house pet for anyone.

For more information about Akita puppies & breeder information visit Pets4You.com - Dogs | Cats

Making the decision to buy a Pet sparks the beginning of a beautiful relationship. Having a pet around peps your home to a different sort of level. Your house comes alive with the joyful bark of an adorable puppy, or the quiet strut of a furry cat, the incessant chatter of a pair of budgies or even the sight of your Fish gliding peacefully around your tank.

To many, having a pet around brings with it a sense of companionship. It's rare to feel alone with 2 or 3 cats hanging around you all the time. The comradeship that a dog or even a pony offers can rarely be substituted by anything else.

For others, a pet provides a healing sort of presence. The soothing effects that Pets can have, on humans who are often struck with effects of epilepsy or even cancer, are quite tremendous. Gentle animals have often been used to interact with humans who have been physically handicapped, to greatly improve their present condition.

Of course, you could have pets for a lot of other purposes too. You could get yourself a dog, with the intention of guarding your home and the safety of your family.

Many parents choose to buy healthy pets for their home. This is because children who have grown up with pets and are taught to love and take care of them, become adults with a more responsible and wholesome personalities. Children can be taught to feed, bathe, groom, and be responsible for their pets.

One of the best ways to purchase a pet is to do so online. The internet has a variety of websites that are dedicated to letting you know about the different varieties of pets available.

Advantages Of Buying A Pet Online
A Much Wider Choice: By purchasing a pet online, you?ll be given a much wider choice of animals than you would find at your local pet store. For example, the pet store in your area might have just budgies or parrots. But by choosing to buy online, you can choose between numerous different varieties of Birds like cockatoos, quails, macaws, cuckoos, canaries and so many other exotic kinds.

A Much More Informed Decision:
By using the internet, you'll be able to gain so much more information about your pet, than what you'd get from your local pet-keeper. Pet websites provide a vast variety of information on feeding, grooming, vets, training, pet supplies, pet stores, and even have discussion forums that you can use to talk about your pet.

Robert is a Freelance Writer For BuyAPetMonkey.com. They Specialize In Information for anyone looking for a Pet For Sale. No Matter What Kind Of Pet Whether It Be A pet bird for sale, Or A small pet for sale You Can find More Information Here.

Obesity is one of the most important health concerns facing dogs. If you love your dog, you should do something about it. Overweight dogs live shorter and less healthy lives and your enjoyment of their precious companionship may be shortened because of it.

Extra pounds place an excess burden on bones and joints and can make arthritis problems worse. Overweight dogs are less able to exercise and play comfortably and their breathing can become labored. Their bodies may be less able to resist infections, and they may be at greater risk for problems during surgery and anesthesia.

Potential health problems might include:

* Joint or Locomotion Difficulties. Extra pounds add stress to joints, bones, ligaments and muscles. Conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, spinal disc disease and ruptures of joint ligaments may be caused or aggravated by obesity.

* Heart and Respiratory Disease. Excess fat tissue in the chest cavity and around the muscles of the heart can decrease the efficiency of the heart and lungs. Your dog's heart and lungs have to work harder to provide adequate oxygen and circulation.

* Diabetes. Just as in humans, diabetes is much more common in obese dogs.

* Liver Disease. Obese dogs are prone to liver disease.

* Heat Intolerance. The insulating properties of excessive fat make it harder for obese dogs to tolerate heat and they feel uncomfortable.

* Skin Problems. Obese dogs may have trouble grooming because the rolls of skin built up by fat deposits can often harbor dirt, bacteria and other harmful organisms.

* Gastrointestinal Disorders. Inflammation of the pancreas is frequently found in obese dogs. It is painful and can be life threatening.

How Dogs Become Overweight?

Dogs most always become overweight from lack of good exercise and from eating more food than they require. Food calories which aren't burned during their daily activities are stored as fat.

Overeating can result from greediness, boredom, or overfeeding. Feeding leftovers or giving frequent snacks or treats often contributes to excess weight problems.

Puppies that have been over-fed tend to become overweight dogs. They also have a greater risk of developing orthopedic problems. Properly feed puppies will be less likely to suffer from weight problems later in life.

Occasionally, metabolic disorders can cause a dog to become overweight. But overfeeding and under exercising are much more common causes of excess weight. If your veterinarian suspects that a metabolic disorder is causing your dog to gain weight, he or she will test for that disorder and treat it accordingly.

How Can I Tell if My Dog is Overweight?

A quick check is to feel your dog's ribs with the flat palm of your hand. If you have difficulty feeling his ribs, then your dog probably needs to lose weight.

Helping Your Dog Lose Weight.

Weight loss for most dogs involves increased exercise and eating food with fewer calories. It's generally easier to feed normal amounts of a low-calorie dog food than to feed much smaller amounts of his/her regular dog food. In addition, your dog will not feel as hungry when fed a normal amount of food.

Dieting for Dogs.

Your vet will help set a weight goal for your dog and will recommend how much food she should eat each day. A special diet may also be prescribed. The food choice should be designed to satisfy your dog's hunger and give her all the vitamins and minerals she needs for a balanced diet.

Your dog may need a gradual transition from the old to the new diet. So, you would feed him increasing amounts of the new diet while decreasing the amounts of the previous diet each day over several days until the transition is complete.

To help prevent your dog from begging, feed him before your family eats, and keep him out of the room during your meal. It is also a good idea to feed overweight dogs at the same time as other pets to help prevent food stealing from their slimmer companions. Always provide plenty of clean, fresh drinking water.

Regular exercise such as walks or runs is good for most dogs because it increases the number of calories they burn. If your dog is old or in poor health, check with your vet before increasing exercise.

The time period your dog will require to lose weight depends upon how much weight she is required to lose. Your dog may need 8 to 14 weeks or longer to reach her target weight.

What Type of Dog Food is Good for Weight Control?

A dieting dog has special nutritional needs. His diet should be balanced with a proper ratio of protein, fat and carbohydrates. The diet should also provide a normal volume of food to help him from feeling hungry. It should also provide the required amount of quality nutrients.

Weight loss plans don't need to include high levels of fiber. Fiber is not necessary for weight loss in pets, and in large amounts, it may have side effects such as increased feces and lack of interest in the food because of its poor taste.

There are many brands of food that can help your fat dog lose weight. We suggest that you choose a brand with the proper balance of protien, fat and carbohydrate so his or her body can operate at its maximum efficiency while shedding unwanted pounds.

Bev Storer is a writer and researcher. For more information about healthy dog foods, please visit http://www.dog-food-zone.com and http://www.healthypetnet.com/citycats .

The food debate

Cat foods have been used by Ferret owners for many years, but there's a fair bit of debate about which food is best for ferrets, whether high-quality cat/kitten foods are good enough, and so on. The usual conclusion is that while foods designed for cats probably aren't the best, many of the foods with ferret pictures on the bags weren't designed for ferrets either -- they were designed for mink or cats and maybe modified slightly, and priced twice as high. If you choose a food packaged for ferrets, check its label just as you would a cat food. Recommended quality Ferret specific diets include: Eight in One, Marshall, Sheppard & Greene, as well as Totally Ferret.

Many feel that Ferret specific foods are the best food, however these people also agree that cat/kitten foods are entirely sufficient, and that there's not that much difference between them.

Kitten or cat food

Many people feed their ferret's high-quality cat food, such as Iams, Science Diet, or ProPlan. High-quality food may cost a bit more than grocery store brands, but your pet will eat far less and be much healthier. Keep in mind also that an 8-pound bag of dry food can last two ferret's a couple of months, so the cost of feeding them even high-quality food is not very great.

Because of their high protein requirements, you should feed ferrets three to four years old kitten or "growth" foods. Older ferrets may develop kidney problems if given too much protein, so they should be switched to adult cat formulas.

Soft cat food is not good for ferrets, because it generally contains much less protein than the dry kind and because it isn't hard enough to rub plaque off their teeth which can lead to tooth decay. However, young kits and those recovering from illness or surgery may need their food moistened at your veterinarian or breeders request. Keep in mind that moistened food spoils much more quickly than the same food left dry, so dump out leftovers every day.

Additional Information

Dog food is NOT acceptable, as it lacks some nutrients ferrets (and cats) need. Among other things, ferrets and cats both need taurine, which is found naturally in poultry; many cat and ferret foods supplement it as well.

Variety and change

In general, feeding your pet a variety of foods, rather than just one brand, may be a good idea. Ferrets are known to be finicky eaters, and if the brand you've been using changes or is suddenly unavailable, you could run into problems. To switch from one brand to another, it's best if you mix them gradually, which should aid in determining what other product(s) your pets will eat, as well as allow the time necessary to successfully complete the process. As your ferret reaches the "half & half" mark, you can slowly decrease and/or eliminate mixing of the two products.

Matthew Humphries - http://www.ferret.com

The numbers will make any pet lover blanch with disgust, anger, and sadness. The Humane Society of the United States calculates that as many as 500,000 puppies every year are sold in pet shops, and that many of these pet shops buy their pets from the worst breeders—so-called puppy mills. What do these puppy mills (and kitty mills) have to do with you if you're on the market for a new furry companion? You know what you're doing when it comes to buying a purebred, right?

Truth be told, puppy mills are largely responsible for even harsher statistic: as many as 25 percent of all purebred pups suffer from genetic difficulties because of bad breeding. And as knowledgeable as you think you are about buying a dog, you could come across one of these poor pups and not even know it.

That could mean that you spent hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on a pet, only to have it succumb to a birth defect and maybe even die at an early age. Even if this worst-case scenario doesn't occur, buying from the wrong breeder can also land you an animal that picked up diseases because of the intolerable conditions at the breeder. That could lead to additional thousands spent on vet bills.

Why leash yourself to such heartache? There's no need when there are so many great and trustworthy breeders out there, who can pair you with a loving new puppy.

To find the right breeder for you, start local. Your best bet is to find breeders within driving distance. That way, you can visit the actual breeding facilities. And while there, be sure to scout out for the following characteristics that all best-of-show breeders possess:

• A litter of dogs that play, smile, and show all the other signs of being happy and healthy. Take notice, too, that the pups are sociable to the breeder, you, and their brothers and sisters.

• More demand for their dogs than they can handle. Usually a long buyers' waiting list at a breeder is like a wagging tail on a puppy—a good sign.

• A discerning eye for customers. Good breeders should ask you as many questions as you ask them, on topics such as your reasons for wanting their dog, your past pet experience, whether you have enough space at home, and who in your family will be responsible for daily puppy care.

• The willingness to show you the puppy's parents during your visit if you provide the right answers to the above questions.

• A wealth of knowledge on the dogs that they breed, including specific advice on the breed's standard and temperament, to satisfy all of your questions and concerns.

• A health guarantee in writing that shows exactly what vaccinations the pup has had.

• The friendly advice about what future vaccinations you should give, along with the best ways to train and care for the puppy.

• A guarantee, again in writing, this one stating that the breeder would be willing to take back the dog if you cannot keep it at any time.

• The care and thoughtfulness to keep in touch for some time after your purchase, to check on the dog and offer further advice when needed.

If you keep your eyes peeled and your ears perked for these signs of a good breeder, you won't have to rely on luck or a good reference in finding the right puppy (though those don't hurt either). You'll learn soon after you bring your new pal home that you made the right choice, and over time, your family and pet bond. Your pet will live a long, healthy life as part of your family.

Donald Lee is the public relations manager for Buysellcommunity.com. Buysellcommunity provides free classified listing services. Buy, Sell and trade: auto, computers, household items, real estate, pets and much more. For national and localized classifieds, please visit http://www.buysellcommunity.com - Free Buy & Sell Classifieds

You know them. They're the family with fifteen dogs that all the neighbors hate. Their dogs run all over the neighborhood and are largely responsible for the local canine population explosion. When neighbors aren't at their door complaining about the little reminders left behind by the annoying pets, the animal control people are making a warning stop or pick-up. It's the terror of irresponsible dog owners!

Your neighbor has retired from challenging five hundred ton tanker ships with a rowboat and taken up the cause of rescuing all the stray dogs within a five hundred mile radius of their house. Unfortunately, you live next store to this wannabe animal rescue center that smells like a collapsed septic tank. It's the horror of the doggie do-gooder!

The people with that extra bit of property discover that people admire the five or six dogs they have running around the place. When puppy litters come along, they make a quick buck by selling the pups. Some of the dogs are purebred, others aren't, but they all bring in some extra cash when puppies come along. Before you know it, the place is awash in purebred and mixed breed dogs that look cute and make the family extra money. Neighbors start to complain, so the dogs are caged. But when litters aren't just right around the corner, it becomes hard to feed and care for the animals. They are neglected and some are let loose to lessen the burden on the family. A typical puppy mill is born and adds to the stray problem in town. It's the nightmare of the brainless breeder!

Has anyone ever noticed that society works because of a thing called BALANCE? People balance their rights with the rights of other people and living things to co-exist in the fairest way possible. But life isn't always fair. If it was, we would all be living a perfect existence just the way we imagined it to be. Sometimes life deals people and animals a low blow that they never recover from. While we can all pitch in and make life a little easier for people or animals down on their luck, we cannot take over their responsibilities when it comes to living. That crosses the line of balance.

Today's dog owners have benefited from lessons learned by society over the past one hundred years. Gone are the days when every yard had some huge mutt chained to a tree whose diet consisted of mail carriers who moved a bit too slow, table scraps and some defrosted, forgotten meat left too long in the back of the freezer. But not everyone has gotten the message. There are still plenty of people that just keep going to the pound, paying their fifty bucks and bringing home dogs that they have no intention of properly caring for.

Pet owners who take care to adopt animals that are appropriate for their situation, purebred pet owners and legitimate breeders constantly face the wrath of local officials who find themselves under-budgeted and understaffed trying to deal with a growing stray dog problem. Law after law is passed demanding that pet owners and breeders act responsibly toward their animals. In many areas it's now a felony to own a pet without taking proper care of them. Up to date vaccinations, a safe and clean environment and available food and water are a given to most responsible pet owners, but others just don't get it!

Pet ownership of any kind is a sacred responsibility. You have taken a living thing with feelings and a personality into your care. You can't save every pet on the planet or do very much about the idiots that think of their animals as lawn ornaments and abuse them. What you can do is make sure that you set an example for others by treating your pet with love and respect. Dogs are intelligent creatures that are able to show affection and receive it. Bring balance to your home by purchasing or adopting a pet that fits into your environment without overwhelming it. Treat your pet as you would any other member of the household (unless members of your household happen to resemble characters from a Stephen King novel).

I often hear people saying that they have a problem pet. But more often then not, it's the owner who has created the problem. For example, large dogs that bark a lot may do so because they lack enough space to run around in. They become frustrated and take to venting their frustrations through their snouts. Smaller dogs sometimes bark a lot because they feel unsettled or threatened. It may be that their owner just doesn't spend enough time playing with them.

Dogs are people too, almost, and should not have to exist in poor conditions because of the wacky whims of their owners. No one is saving the doggie world by having twenty-five animals jammed into a one bedroom apartment with little food or veterinary care. People who bring a Great Dane into a yard perfect for a toy Poodle should be stuffed in a car trunk for a few years to see how they like it. Dog owners who make monthly trips to the pet adoption center because their last one ran away again should try adopting some intelligence. Backyard breeders who go through a steady stream of strays for quick puppy litters and a fast buck should be spayed or neutered.

Don't miss out on the pet ownership experience of a lifetime by taking on more dog then you can handle or subjecting your animal to your own pet passions.

Author: Bill Knell
Author's Email: billknell@cox.net
Author's Website: http://www.billknell.com

Terms To Use Article: Permission is granted to use this article for free online or in print. Please add a link to or print my website address: http://www.billknell.com

Dog eye problems can occur at any time. You should pay close attention to your dog's eyes just as you would their teeth, so that you can catch any possible infections or injuries immediately and have them treated.

Dogs are vulnerable to several diseases and possible injuries due to the structure of their eyes. Always keep watch for signs of discharge, squinting, cloudiness, irritation and redness, or swelling. If your dog starts to bump into furniture, this could be a sign of vision loss.

The most common canine eye problems usually stem from the following:

• Cataracts - an opacity of the lens
  
• Cherry Eye - the dog's third eyelid's tear gland protrudes outward
  
• Conjunctivitis - an inflammation of the membrane that lines your dog's eyelids and the front of the sclera
  
• Entropion - eyelids are turn inward which causes the eyelashes to scratch the cornea
  
• Glaucoma - increased eye pressure caused by fluid buildup in the eye
  
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy - inherited vision-destroying diseases caused by deterioration of the retina's image-processing cells
  

This is by no means a complete list of possible eye diseases, but they seem to be the most common.

A dog's eyes may discharge for a variety of reasons. Allergies are often a major cause, as is irritation from dust or small specs of foriegn materials. Problems with tear ducks and drainage, bacteria and/or viruses may cause runny eyes, sometimes with a white or yellowish discharge.

One source of prevention and treatment is through natural, herbal and homeopathic eye washes. These natural medications are non-irritating, quite soothing and will promote natural healing of your dog's eye tissues. They are also good for removing foreign debris, clearing up the encrustation that sometimes builds up in the corner of the eyes, as well as opening tear ducts.

Be sure to always have your dog's eyes thoroughly checked at each annual veterinary visit or if you notice anything out of the ordinary. Catching possible dog eye problems before they become severe can help prevent future vision problems in your pet.

About the Author:

Copyright 2005. Rose Smith is the author and owner of Caring For Canines, a web site that provides information on natural dog health care. Please visit us at: http://www.caringforcanines.com/. Be sure to also check out the Caring For Canines - Pet Health News Blog at: http://caringforcanines.blogspot.com/

Diamond dog tags are the cream of the crop, the best of the best, the most luxurious type of dog tag you can buy.

Diamond dog tags can cost up to $7500 or more. If you can afford such luxuries, a diamond dog tag is the perfect addition to your collection. Give your dog a diamond bone, heart, fire hydrant, or any of a limitless number of shapes and designs.

You can even buy dog-and-owner tag duos. Put one on your dog's collar, and hang one as a pendant from your neck (or as a charm on your bracelet.)

A diamond dog tag deserves a great collar or necklace. You wouldn't frame a masterpiece painting with cardboard, would you? The same principle applies to dog tags. Most retailers of diamond dog tags also carry luxury collars. Ask them about the selection. You can have diamonds on the collar (for maximum effect), rhinestones, crystals, sapphires, gold, silver, or any other precious stone. Perhaps a series of your dog's birthstone would be the perfect touch.

Diamonds for dogs are about the same as diamonds for humans. They start at a few hundred dollars, and can go as high as tens of thousands of dollars, depending on size, cut, and supplier.

Where can you buy a diamond dog tag? There are many sources online. The award-winning pet accessories website animalstars.com is a great place to start. There you will find a wide selection of dog tags, and not only diamond, but also gold, silver, and pearl. You can even find cheap ones – great for use as a backup in case your diamond dog tag ever falls off your rambunctious pup.

Dog Tags Info provides detailed information on dog ID tags, free dog tags, and custom dog tags, including gold and diamond dog tags and other dog tag jewelry. Dog Tags Info is the sister site of Pet Tags Web.

Housetraining a dog is one of the most difficult parts of owning a dog for many owners and failing to house train a dog is also one of the main reason dogs are abandoned. The following is a list of keys factors used by Josh Schermer of Downtown Pets a New York City dog walking and dog training company.

1. The best way to house train a dog is with a crate.

Crating a dog while also increasing it's daily walks provides the best example of home and bathroom to the dog.

2. A dog must earn it's freedom from the crate.

When you wake up in the morning take your dog out immediately for a bathroom break. If it goes it can be out of the crate for a short period of time. If it doesn't go then you need to put it back in the crate, feed it and then take it out again. This must be the routine in the beginning of housetraining and your dog must earn it's freedom.

3. How long can this freedom last for?

Start on the short side with thirty minutes to an hour BUT you also must keep your dog within viewing distance during this time. Close the doors to the area you're in and / or keep your dog on a lead too. As your dog proves an ability to not go in the house you can increase this free time out of the crate.

4. How long should a dog be "in" a crate? As a rule a dog should not be in a crate more than five hours unless it's during the time you go to sleep at night where they will be in there all night.

5. Can I crate an adolescent puppy?

Yes you can but keep in mind that a puppy will likely need to go to the bathroom a frequency in respect to it's age. So a two month old puppy will need to go every two hours and so on.

6. Why is my dog going # 1 in the crate?

The major reason a dog goes in a crate is because it has been left in there to long. But when it makes a mistake is it only going number one? If it is try and start only giving it water as it leaves the crate to go out for a walk. If after that your dog is still is going number one in the crate it might have a bladder infection and you should make an appointment with your vet. Please make sure to consult your veterinarian before altering your dogs drinking and or eating schedule.

7. Why is my dog going # 2 in the crate.

Your crate might be to big? It should only allow your dog to stretch out and no more. The point of the crate is to not let your dog move away from a #1 or #2 if they go in the crate. If the crate is to big then can move to a side of the mistake.

8. What type of walking schedule should I keep to housetrain my dog?

Start on the heavy side. If your dog is a medium to big dog and over six months you can get away with a walk every five or six hours from waking up in the morning. But if you have a younger puppy and or a smaller dog who is not housetrained you might want to start with a heavier walk load. Keep in mind the majority of these can be bathroom breaks but throw in at least one good cardio walk a day too.

9. Do dogs like crates?

Overall they do and it actually has a calming affect on many dogs. We've had many owners who once their dog has become house trained they have taken the door off the crate, put a cover on it and it's become their dogs own little den (which is how they look at it anyway, like a wolf would).

The Chinese Crested dog is a hairless dog which originated in China. There are other varieties of hairless dogs throughout the world, most of them probably began as mutations but were gradually developed as a specific breed. Some examples of other hairless dogs are breeds such as the Mexican Hairless and the Peruvian Inca.

The breed is a rarity, although it is becoming more popular in the United States and was accepted by A.K.C. into the Toy Group in 1991. The Chinese Crested, as opposed to other hairless varieties, is embellished with tufts of hair on the skull and over the ears, on the feet and pasterns and a flowing "mane" along the neck and the tail has a plume. This makes the little dog appear almost like a small pony in appearance and makes it actually more appealing than most of the other hairless breeds. The Chinese Crested also has a coated variety which is called the "Powderpuff".

Because the skin is hairless, the breed can suffer from exposure to cold and heat and must be protected in severe weather. For obvious reasons this is not an "outdoor" dog. The Chinese Crested carries genetic malformations consisting of missing teeth, missing toenails and breeding difficulties. The "Powderpuff" has all the teeth. Both varieties can be born in the same litter. The Powderpuff is a "recessive" gene, but is necessary to the breed's existence, since a mating of a hairless to a hairless can produce extreme genetic abnormalities that are often lethal. The most common mating and genetically healthier mating is a Powderpuff to a hairless, which will then produce both examples of the breed in one litter.

The skin color varies from pink to blue-black and may have pigmented spots of purple or black. The Powderpuff has a "veil" of soft undercoat all over the body. The breed is small, 9-13 inches in height. The head is finely chiseled, giving the appearance of refinement and elegance. There are two "body types" of Crested: one is a type which has a bit more bone and substance which is referred to as the Cobby type, the more fine boned and racier variety being called the Deer. Both types are shown and judged to the same standard. The skin must be fine grained and smooth.

The Chinese Crested has endeared itself to the hearts of its owners. The dog is sweet and affectionate and makes a perfect bed warmer on a cold night, loving nothing more than to curl up beneath the covers with its master. They are not aggressive in any case, but will bark a warning of strangers. Because this is a tiny dog, care must be taken with children in the household, so that they do not play with the dogs, especially the puppies, until they are old enough to understand how delicate the breed is.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Dogs

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi are two separate breeds now but at one time were considered as one breed and in a single litter both types could be born. The Cardigan Welsh differs from the Pembroke in several respects, the major one being that it has a tail. The Pembroke is supposed to be born tail-less but this has not always been the case and the possibility of being born WITH a tail was more prevalent when the two breeds were treated as one, so since 1934 the breeds have been separated. The two breeds are now quite different also in the matter of coat color.

The Cardigan's colors may be quite varied in nature, with or without white markings. The most favored color for the Cardigan is Blue Merle, which may also include two separate eye colors.

The Pembroke on the other hand must be a shade of red ranging from light honey gold to deep mahogany with white markings. The coat is dense with a thick undercoat and weather resistant outer guard hairs. The Pembroke's ears are set a bit closer together than in the Cardigan and are a bit sharper at the tip. The head of the Cardigan is somewhat heavier and less refined than the Pembroke, who has a more foxlike appearance to the face. Both breeds are short, no taller than 10 inches at the shoulder and quite long, nearly a yard long as a matter of fact. Legs are sturdy and slightly bowed in the front. Both breeds also have strong herding instincts and should have fluid movement, covering a lot of ground with one stride. Their length of body and strong rear quarters enable them to do a respectable job of cornering as is required when herding livestock.

The Welsh Corgis are wonderful "kid" dogs, putting up with almost anything from children. They are a bit suspicious of strangers and make good watchdogs. Neither breed is happy for long when left alone and they do not make good kennel dogs. For centuries they have worked in partnership with people, being with their family is necessary for their happiness. Loyal and affectionate, they make good family pets and yet have maintained a strong herding ability through the generations. However, they are as happy in an apartment as they are on a farm and if exercised daily they will be quite content. They are comical dogs and love to be the center of attention, being a clown is part of their nature. Early obedience is a must however for they do have a strong tendency to believe that they can be the boss, this is no doubt because of their inherited desire to herd anything and everything.

The health of these two breeds is generally strong, except for the Cardigan's tendency towards obesity. A watchful diet program is essential for he is a real chow hound. Both of these breeds should be checked for hip dysphasia and care must be taken because of the length of the back that they do not pull their backs out by jumping down from heights.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Animals

So, you read somewhere that introducing a new kitten into your home could be great for your existing cat, for companionship. And you remember how much fun your cat was when she was a new kitten, and you would love to re-live those days.

It is generally thought that cats thrive better with the company of another feline, especially cats confined indoors. But before you rush off to your local cat shelter or breeder, here are a few tips to make bringing home a new kitten as stress free as possible.

Choose a time when your home is not too busy and you will have time to devote to your new kitty and your existing cat, avoid holidays, for example, or other times when friends and family are likely to visit.

Before bringing home the new kitten, take her to your veterinarian to get her checked and vaccinated, kittens have weak immune systems and are likely to pick up something at the shelter or cattery. Consider adopting a cat of the opposite sex to your existing cat, this will avoid same sex rivalry and associated problems. For a number of reasons all your cats must be spayed/neutered.

If possible arrange to bath your new kitten at a friends house before you take it home, this will neutralize kitty's odor, and go some way to prevent unsettling your cat.

A short isolation period is necessary when introducing a new kitten. It would be ideal to have a separate room for the new kitten, your new little pet will need her own litter box, and food and water bowl. Some kittens will hide out under furniture for some days, more adventurous ones will be eager to explore their new home almost straight away. Do not try and force kitty to leave the room, you will know when she is ready.

Allow your new kitten to explore around your home while your older cat is in another room. Make the introduction, slowly, bit by bit, it is a good idea to let your existing cat sniff your new kitten's blanket a few times before they actually meet. Make the initial periods of contact short. Gradually increase the time that they spend together as they get used to one another. It is not unusual for there to be a few spats in these first meetings, so do not leave them alone together until they get on. If a fight does break out, distract the combatants and get them into separate rooms as soon as possible, never punish either cat.

The process of introducing a new kitten to an older cat, can often be relatively stress free and need not be full of problems. The key is in making the introduction slowly, and perhaps the best tip of all is to give your older cat just as much attention and affection as you give the newcomer.

Before you know it you will have two cats that thrive on each others company.

Copyright 2004 best-cat-art.com

About The Author

If you have a pet related web site and you wish to reproduce the above article you are welcome to do so, provided the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this resource box and live link to http://www.best-cat-art.com/cat-breeds.html. Cat art posters, art prints, cat calendars and cat collectibles. Great cat gifts for yourself or your cat loving friends.

Many shih tzu owners fail to recognize the importance of having a shih tzu that comes when called until there is a problem, such as the collar or leash breaking, or the shih tzu tearing free to chase a person or another animal. These situations can be dangerous for the shih tzu, the owner and other members of the community. In areas where there is a lot of vehicular traffic, the situation could even prove fatal to the dog.

Unfortunately, many well meaning owners sabotage this important part of their shih tzu's training by allowing it to run off leash and unattended. Whether the shih tzu is allowed to run in the park, on the beach, or just play with other shih tzu, this teaches the shih tzu that there are many fun things that do not involve its owner. In fact, from the shih tzu's perspective at least, these fun times are often ruined by the appearance of the owner.

Look at things from the shih tzu's perspective for a moment. You – the shih tzu – are having a ton of fun running on the beach with all your doggy friends, and suddenly here comes this human to take you away from the fun. When you see the shih tzu's point of view it is easy to see how the appearance of the owner, and the leash can be seen as a negative.

This negative perception causes many shih tzu to delay this outcome by refusing to come when they are called. From the shih tzu's point of view, this makes perfect sense, since every minute of delay means another minute of romping on the beach or in the park. In other words, the shih tzu has learned that the most rewarding thing to do is to ignore the calls of its owner. While this may seem like a good idea to the shih tzu, it is definitely not a good thing from the owner's perspective.

For shih tzu who have not yet learned this type of avoidance behavior, it is best to prevent it from happening by supervising the shih tzu at play, and making the time you spend with your shih tzu as much, or more, fun, as the time it spends alone or with other dogs.

For shih tzu that have already learned the value of ignoring their owner, some retraining is definitely in order. It is vital that every shih tzu respond to the "come here" command, for the safety of both humans and dogs alike.

One thing to avoid is following the "come here" command with unpleasant activities. Calling the shih tzu, and then immediately giving him a bath, clipping his nails, taking him to the vet, etc. will quickly teach the shih tzu that coming to the owner has negative consequences. It is best to ask the shih tzu to come and then play with him, feed him, walk him or engage in other fun activities. If you do need to take your shih tzu to the vet, bathe him, etc. be sure to allow some time to pass so the shih tzu does not associate the "come here" command with the bad experience.

It is important to remember that shih tzu are constantly learning, whether a formal training session is in process or not. Your shih tzu is always learning something from you, whether good or bad. It is therefore important to make every interaction with your shih tzu a positive one.

When teaching the shih tzu to come on command, it is vital that the shih tzu be consistently rewarded every single time he does as the owner wants. A reward can be as simple as a pat on the head, a "good boy" or a scratch behind the ears. Of course, treat based rewards are appreciated as well, and many shih tzu are highly food motivated and respond quickly to this type of training. The key is to be consistent. The shih tzu should get some kind of reward, whether it be praise, a toy, or a treat, every time he appears at the owners side when called.

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

So, up to this point, your dog or cat has been your baby, but now there's a little human on the way. It is normal and, in fact, wise to be concerned about how the two are going to mix. The chances are very good that everything will work quite well and your pet and your child will be very close buddies, but there are some things you can do to be prepared. First some tips for dogs:

Teach your dog to stay out of the nursery

Start right away putting up a baby gate or keeping the door closed to help your dog learn to stay out of the baby's room. Later on, you can allow the dog in the room, especially if you are in there, but it's best to prepare him at first to stay away.

Introduce your dog to some other babies

If he's never been around a baby, carefully introduce some into his life. He is much less likely to be anxious around your baby if he is introduced gradually.

Make sure he is well trained

A baby's behavior is not predictable, so your dog has to be the grown up in this case. If your dog does not obey you, it's time for some training before the baby arrives. If your dog is a male, and you haven't had him neutered, this is a good time for that, too. It should make the dog calmer and more well mannered.

Then, there's the cat – some of the same ideas work for cats, too, except that training them to stay out of a room is pretty difficult. They scale baby gates, and cribs, by the way with ease. So, in addition to a baby gate, it's wise to purchase a net to go over the crib, to keep the cat out. Also, if your cat sleeps with you, don't put the baby in your bed with the cat in the room.

For both types of pets, keep the food and water bowl away from the baby. Babies love to play in them, and this can not only make a mess, but can cause the animal to be even more jealous. Also, at some point, if your child can get to the pet food, he will try to eat it. I promise.

Your child and your pets should develop a good relationship with little trouble. Just be diligent for a while until everybody is comfortable, and you should continue to have a happy home.

Sarah is a 41 year old wife and mother of two boys and one girl. She spent many years as a manager in the corporate world, and gave it up to be a stay at home mom.

Go to http://www.infantresources.com now and get her incredible baby minicourse – absolutely free.

The aim of a Westie rescue centre such as the one at: http://www.westierescuescheme.org.uk/ is for rescuing and re-housing unwanted westie dogs.

There are many other westie rescue sites such as the one at: http://www.petfinder.org/shelters/IL112.html

from Missouri - Illinois Representative welcomes you! Working in cooperation with the Westie Rescue of Missouri, we offer a second, third, whatever chance it is, to all Terriers, including Scottish, of all ages and health.

A lovely site is: http://www.wisconsinwestierescue.com/. It's motto is " Changing Lives One Westie At A Time"

Please support the rescue sites and centres if possible. They are committed to assisting every West Highland white terrier in need of a new home.

http://www.heartlandwestierescue.org - The purpose of Heartland Westie Rescue, Inc. is to locate, foster, rehabilitate and place any Westie that is without a home.

http://www.geocities.com/whwt_soc_of_ct/rescue.html - This lovely website is from Connecticut. They are committed to assisting every West Highland white terrier in need of a new home.

http://www.angelfire.com/la2/LouisianaRescue - Another rescue site which I feel privileged to include. Their mission is to find safe loving homes for Westies.

http://www.westieclubamerica.com/rescue - The Mission is to support and guide those Terrier Clubs of America, affiliated individuals and groups who rescue, foster, rehabilitate, and find new and permanent homes for unwanted Terriers.

http://www.westierescueca.com - This site is from California, a not-for-profit-organization is active in providing breed education, rescue, fostering, medical and adoption services for abused, abandoned, neglected and/or homeless Westies. Love the watermark on the site.

http://www.westierescuecanada.com - National, not-for-profit Canadian organization, founded and run by volunteers to help homeless and displaced Westies find permanent and loving new homes. Funded entirely by private donations and fundraising efforts on behalf of our volunteers. The lovely photo of a missing Westie touched me.

http://www.capitalpaws.com/westierescue - Westie Rescue for greater Washington is a not-for-profit, volunteer group, which assists any Westie in need.

http://www.sfbaywestieclub.com/rescue.htm - From Northern California, it is a service of San Francisco Bay West Highland White Terrier Club

http://www.whwtcc.org/westierescue/default.asp - The WHWTCC Rescue for Southern California is a non-profit, all volunteer program existing for the purpose of rescuing surrendered, abandoned or stray Westies and placing them into permanent and loving homes. They operate from the Central Coast and Central Valley to the Mexican Border as well as having affiliates in Southern Nevada. We currently are also assisting Arizona.

http://www.westierescue.com - Welcome to Westie Rescue USA, an informal network of resources for rescuers, owners and admirers of Westies, sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic States, Inc

http://www.westiemed.com - WestieMed is an independent, non-profit organization created to distribute financial aid to injured or ill rescued Westie Terriers, giving them a second chance at adoption and love from a permanent family.

http://www.westiefoundation.org - Welcome to the home page of the Westie Foundation of America, Inc. Our mission is to provide financial aid and other support for medical research in order to benefit the health and quality of life of these lovely dogs

(Disclaimer: Any information contained in this site relating to various medical, health and fitness conditions of Westies or other animals and their treatments is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing the health of any animal. You should always consult and check with your own vet or veterinarian.)

Good health and happiness to you always

Jeff Cuckson
webmaster@madaboutwesties.com
*********************************
Free Report - Time Limited Offer
" 7 Warning Signs That Could Save
Your Westies Life! Click Here Now!
********************************

Just as we take supplements to stay healthy, our dogs need nutritional supplements to help prevent the damage caused over time to joints, bones, and cartilage and to improve mobility, flexibility, and promote overall energy and well-being.

Most dogs who are diagnosed with arthritis or hip dysplaysia are prescribed non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. Many of these drugs actually prevent the growth of collagen in joints causing further cartilage degeneration. These drugs can also produce other serious side effects such as deterioration of the gastrointestinal tract lining, liver and kidney damage, even death.

There are many "natural" joint care supplements on the market with the main focus being on glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate which, conventionally is derived from swine, cattle, and shark cartilage and shellfish remains and which requires the destruction of the source animal. Velvet antler, however, is an all natural supplement derived from the antler of the male elk. Velvet antler contains 40 key compounds that research has shown rebuild cartilage and bone, build cells and boost energy, reduce infection and inflammation, and protect blood cells, the heart, liver and lungs.

Elk have the amazing ability to heal their own broken bones and to recover quickly from damage to muscles and tendons; they can even recover from a poisonous snake bite in a matter of days. This same ability is what allows the animals to produce a huge set of antlers every year.

Velvet antler is harvested from domestic elk under conditions that ensure the comfort and safety of the animals. The antlers are harvested when they are in the soft or "velvet" stage. It is at this stage when the antler has the most nutrients. After the velvet antler is harvested it is wrapped and frozen. It's then taken to a special facility where the whole antler is freeze-dried and made ready for processing. Male elk regrow a new set of velvet antler every year making it the only renewable source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, essential nutrients for cartilage and joint support.

For more information on velvet antler as an all natural joint health supplement for dogs visit http://www.bonusvelvetantler.com.

Rossi was Administrator of the Colorado Elk Breeders Assoc. for 4 years. She has owned and raised domestic elk since 1995 and been involved in all facets of the domestic elk industry. After extensive research and personal trials using elk velvet antler and witnessing first hand the miraculous benefits from using this product, she became part of a new company, Bonus velvet antler, LLC which sells elk velvet antler as a nutritional supplement for dogs. Bonus velvet antler also sells antler sticks as a safe, all natural, long lasting chew treat for dogs, and a Jump Start product for dogs with severe arthritic conditions or those who are recovering from surgery or injury. For more information or to order please see our website at http://bonusvelvetantler.com or call toll free 1-888-820-9777.

The Akita is a large dog weighing between 75 and 120 pounds and up to 28" in height. Of the Japanese Spitz-type breeds, the Akita is the largest. Pronounced AH-ki-ta in Japan and a-KEE-ta in the western world, the Akita is a powerful, top notch watchdog and protector of his family and territory.

The AKC recognizes Akitas in any color including pinto, white or brindle. Colors are clear and brilliant. All white Akitas do not have a mask whereas other colors tend to have one. The soft, undercoat can be a different color than the outer coat. The harsh, thick outer coat requires regular grooming.

This large, energetic dog is extremely protective of family and territory. For this reason, they might be aggressive to other animal and children that they don't know if they feel that their territory is being invaded. They do best with older, well behaved children and are not recommended for children who might mistreat or tease them. They should be kept in a fenced in yard and never allowed to roam free. The Akita can be a loving, affectionate dog when properly treated. Early training and socialization is highly recommended for this breed. They require regular exercise and love to be with their family.

The Akita is a native of Japan and dates back to the 1600s to the Island of Honshu. It is the national dog of Japan and highly revered by the Japanese. You can find statues and Akita art throughout the country. Originally used as a military dog, guard dog and hunting dog, the Akita has not lost these watchdog instincts. Helen Keller was the first person in the US to own an Akita.

A breed with such a high instincts to protect and patrol his surroundings makes for an awesome guard dog. Depending on your family dynamics, the Akita may be ideal for your pet companion needs. Those with lots of other pets or small children might want to do more research before bringing and Akita into your home.

Learn more about dogs and dog care at Dear Doggy. You can also visit our Akita page in the dog breeds section of our website for more information.

A relatively new cat breed first bred in the U.S., the Bengal cat was created by crossing an Asian Leopard Cat with a domestic cat. Over time, this breed has become a visual and temperamental success—preserving the strong physical resemblance to its beautifully wild ancestor while inheriting a pleasant, domestic disposition. Talk about best of both worlds.

Large and sleek, this cat is as alert as it is affectionate. Its distinctive leopard spotted or marbled coat enhances its wild appearance as it roams the house. Unlike any other breed, some Bengals appear as if they were dipped in gold or silver glitter. Their voices are distinct and versatile, from a coo to a chirp. They love to jump, somersault and play with water just like wild and feral cats.

These cats have beautifully crafted personalities and are a joy for family-filled households. Lively and interactive, these cats are not known for their aloofness, haughtiness or dullness. They're not only zany, they're affectionate. They may come and nuzzle your face in the middle of the night, purring softly or spend hours pleasing themselves by stretching frequently or rolling on their backs in pure, uninhibited rapture.

The Bengal's athletic ability is downright astonishing. Not only can they climb doors and cupboards, but they can also turn light switches on and off with a single leap.

These cats tend to be really picky about their litter boxes and can have less than desirable toilet habits if their litter boxes aren't changed often enough or if the litter is not the sand type that they tend to prefer. Other than that, there are not many drawbacks to this delightful breed. They are buoyant, acrobatic and will always give you a sense of awe.

Did you know… Although Bengals are widely considered domestic cats, because they are a hybrid between a domestic and a wildcat, owners need a CITES permit in order to import or export their Bengals because they are still considered wild. A CITES permit is the equivalent of a passport for personally owned wildlife.

Did you know… Bengals are one of the few breeds that are fond of water! Some play quite contently in deep water and some even like to go swimming! They also love to take baths!

Ryan Joseph is a writer/researcher. Information about Premium Cat Food formulated by Life's Abundance available at http://www.premium-cat-food.com/Cat-food.htm

As an owner of a Pit Bull puppy, you have probably already encountered one of his annoying habits, barking. Dogs bark for various reasons, and there is no one solution to solve the problem. Many Pit Bulls bark at night, bark when you are away from home, bark at the ringing telephone, and some just bark all of the time.

The easiest way to stop your Pit Bull puppy from barking at nighttime is just to ignore him. Your Pit Bull puppy has probably learned he will gain your attention if he barks during the night. It may take several nights of ignoring his barking to get him trained to stop, but in the end it will buy some valuable sleep time once he stops. By jumping out of bed every time your Pit Bull puppy barks at something, you are teaching him that you will come when he barks, therefore reinforcing the habit.

Most of the time, not all the time, your Pit Bull puppy's barking while you are away is due to an irresponsible owner. If you teach your Pit Bull that he can have free reign of the house, and if you are constantly playing with him and giving him your attention, then of course, he is going to be upset when you have to leave, because the fun ends. The best way to curb this behavior is by ignoring your Pit Bull when it is time to leave. I am not saying to never pay attention to him, but stop about ten minutes or so before it is time for you to go. Then when you come home, do something else for the first few minutes so he doesn't think he got you to come home by barking. Going straight to a barking puppy as soon as you enter the house will only serve to make him think that if he barks you will come home sooner, making the problem worse.

For some reason, some Pit Bull puppies like to bark at a ringing telephone. It is important not to yell at your Pit Bull if he does this, as it will usually only make him bark more. You will need to enlist some help from a friend to teach him not to do this. Have your friend call you several times, and ignore the phone when it rings. After doing this for a few calls, your Pit Bull will probably stop barking when the phone rings.

If your Pit Bull seems to bark all the time for no reason, he probably has not had significant socialization training, or has been left to his own devices too long by his owner. Pit Bulls crave love and attention, and don't do well in very busy households. It is important to get socialization for your puppy beginning at around eight weeks of age, and that will help curb the barking.

To learn all about finding a pitbull for sale and training a Pit Bull, visit http://www.pitbullsrevealed.com/ today.

PROBIOTICS - The Good Bacteria - Does your pet have digestion problems, diarrhea, skin problems, food intolerances, or other chronic health problems? Supplement with a high quality pet probiotic to restore your pet's healthy gut, and chances are you'll improve your pet's health.

A probiotic, sometimes referred to as good or friendly bacteria, is a microorganism necessary for a healthy and balanced intestinal tract. There are two types of bacteria found in the intestinal tract, good and harmful bacteria. Good bacteria, or probiotics, ensure good health as they are absolutely vital to help:

1. Produce natural antibiotics, which can fight harmful bactera.

2. Regulate and increase hormone levels.

3. Manufacture B group vitamins, biotin and folic acid.

4. Stimulate the immune system.

5. Reduce food intolerance.

6. Increase energy levels.

7. Inhibit the growth of some yeast.

8. Absorb nutrients, antioxidants and iron from food that is

eaten.

9. Reduce inflammation.

10. Increase digestibility of food.

Several things can destroy the intestinal bacterial balance in a pet's gut. Overuse of antibiotics destroys good bacteria as well as bad. Moreover, stress, poor diet, pollutants, environmental changes, and prescription drugs can also deplete beneficial bacteria.

Other culprits of good bacteria include chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and soil sterilizers in agriculture which damage the soil ecosystem and the natural flow of bacteria found in the food chain. These chemicals, as well as chemicals in the water supply, reduce the good bacteria in the gut. This allows harmful bacteria to multiply and produce large amounts of toxins and carcinogenic agents. These toxins inhibit the normal function of the digestive system and increase the demands placed on the liver and kidneys. Consequently, this speeds up the aging process and leads to various diseases and digestion problems.

Pets with large amounts of beneficial bacteria are better equipped to fight the growth of unhealthy organisms. So, if pets are to maintain a healthy body, they need large quantities of friendly bacteria. Supplement a well-balanced diet with a high quality pet probiotic and give your pet the health that he most certainly deserves.

Deena Caruso, author, teacher, & distributor of natural pet products Helps pet owners create healthy, happy pets. To receive FREE "Pet Pointers" Newsletter, go to: http://www.healthyfoodforpets.com

deecaruso@cox.net Ph: 760/758-7963, 877/877-0665

The 10 Greatest Puppy Training Tips of All Time According to Dog Training Experts

10) When trying to settle a puppy into a new home, providing them with a warm hot water bottle and placing a ticking clock in the room where they sleep will help to replicate the body heat and heartbeat of their litter mates and can really help them to relax in their new environment.

9) When taking your puppy to the Vet for its first inoculations, health checks etc, it is good practice to sit with your puppy on your lap and not have him or her on the floor. Apart from being able to comfort and re-assure the puppy easier in this position you must also consider the fact that there may be a number of sick animals in the surgery and your puppy is vulnerable if they come into direct contact with infectious animals that may also be in attendance at the same time as your pup. Make a very deliberate effort to ensure your puppy's trips to the vets are as fun as you can make them. Don't allow your puppy to think you are nervous or concerned, instead make a game and even take a toy to amuse the puppy with whilst they sit on your lap.

8) Always ensure from the earliest possible moment that your puppy is given his or her own, private sleeping place that is not used by anyone else in the family or another pet. Your puppy will benefit from short periods left alone in his or her 'den' with you always returning to reward the pup when he or she is relaxed and quiet.

7) Try to make sure your puppy is entertained adequately for short but regular intervals during the day. Long periods of being left unstimulated may lead to destructive or disruptive behaviour later in life. Little games playing 'fetch' with the pup's favourite toy will have the beneficial affect of stimulating the pup, increasing his or her bond with you and allowing the pup to expend short, sharp bursts of energy.

6) Don't over-train your puppy. Remember, a one-year old dog is, effectively, the same as a seven-year old person. It is a good rule of thumb to keep reminding yourself 'would I expect a three, four, five or six-year old child to accomplish some of the tasks I am asking of my pup?' Manners, house-cleanliness and the very basics (including socialisation) are all you should really seek to instil in your puppy until such a time, as they are mature enough to undergo a more formal training regime. Puppies can deceive you into thinking they are ready for training but will ultimately 'rebel' against discipline as they get older. Ensuring you have taught your puppy to respond to his or her name, what is and is not acceptable in terms of house-manners and establishing an uninhibited relationship with your pup is more important than any other discipline in the early stages of any dog's life.

5) OWWWW! Teach your puppy that biting or nipping is not a pleasant experience for you by reacting as if in pain to their playful nips. Rather than scold the dog, let him or her know that nipping is not a pastime that you wish to engage in. Letting out an over-exaggerated expression of pain will more than likely shock the puppy into ceasing this behaviour. You will be glad you put an end to this behaviour early on instead of confronting a 'playful' 2-year-old with a full set of adult teeth!

4) Decide early on what is and is not acceptable in your house. If you don't want your pup to use the living-room sofa as a raised dog bed when they get older then don't encourage him or her to come up for fuss when they're young just because they look sweetly at you and are small enough to pick up.

3) Jumping up. All puppies love to jump out when greeting anyone. Rather than reprimand the pup, simply ignore the behaviour and wait until he or she settles down and is not jumping up before lavishing any attention on them. Above all else, don't encourage the behaviour by patting or praising the dog when they are in the 'jump-position' or you may run in to problems as the dog gets bigger and views jumping up as an easy way to receive attention.

2) The puppy's name will be with them for life, make sure they know it by associating it with all things pleasant and fun. In the same way dog's cotton on in a very positive way to words such as 'walkies', 'biscuits' or 'dinner-time' they should be given the same association with their own name. Too often the only time the puppy hears his or her name is when they have done something naughty. 'Jasper, stop doing that!' 'Buster, leave that alone!' It's tough but try to ensure that you NEVER use the puppy's name in a negative scenario only positive ones. Instead of 'Jasper, leave that alone!' simply, 'Leave that alone!' or better yet 'No!'. And instead of 'walkies', biscuits or 'dinner-time' try 'Jasper, biscuits!', 'Jasper, walkies!', 'Jasper, dinner-time!' Golden rule. Your puppy should associate his or her own name with all that is pleasant and fun and nothing that is negative. The word 'no' is negative and it is enough to cover all undesirable behaviour.

1) From the moment your puppy comes into your life teach him that coming to you when called is nothing short of being the best thing in the world. Puppies can't resist humans who sit down on the floor with legs spread apart so, while they're easily persuaded to come by this very simple gesture, make the most of it by using their name, sparingly, but making a huge fuss when puppy arrives. Try it at times when pup is pre-occupied with something interesting and make coming back to you the most enjoyable and rewarding experience in the world for him or her. You will really see the benefits as the dog gets older.

This article was taken from K9 Magazine, the lifestyle magazine for dog lovers and is available in both digital and print formats. You can subscribe to K9 Magazine or get lots of free dog articles, features and advice at http://www.k9magazine.com

All content © K9 Media Solutions Ltd & K9 Magazine.

Pets are loyal companions and owners want to give them the very best. In America, pet health services are one of the fastest growing and profitable businesses. Medication and other supplies traditionally available only at the veterinarian or at pharmacies are now accessible through online pet pharmacies. These pet pharmacies offer wide-ranging drugs, flea powders and creams, supplements, and more. Many of them also offer discounts and free gifts, enticing owners to buy from them.

Buying medicines from an online shop is easy and convenient, but there are some precautions that you need to take. Get your pet a thorough check-up, and buy medicines only on the vet?s advice before you go shopping online. Some of the best reputed online stores take prescriptions directly from the vet, and pet owners benefit because the correct medicine and dosage is assured.

Over the Internet, buy only those medicines that have to be used long-term or are therapeutic. These would include drugs for chronic illnesses, grooming and flea powders, supplements, etc. Avoid buying drugs needed urgently as it takes a while to be delivered, and it would cruel to make a pet suffer while waiting for it to arrive.

Compare prices before medicines are bought online. Ask your vet about its retail price and then check online. Though the online costs could be lower, added shipping and other costs, such as refrigeration, could make the drug more expensive. Before you order, make sure all the costs are added up and the final total is given.

Some online companies offer free delivery on orders above a certain amount, but these would not include refrigeration costs. Buying bulk drugs online could work out to be cheaper. Medicines for chronic problems, vaccinations kits, grooming and flea powders, and other such products needed regularly could be bought cheaper online.

Quality is sometimes an issue with online stores. Ask around about the reputation of the online pharmacy before ordering. This would give you an idea about the quality of drugs available, delivery schedules, etc. The online pharmacy should have a license to sell medicines. When you are looking through the list of drugs, supplements, and powders, make sure these are USDA or FDA-approved.

Online web sites and stores like Pet Advisor (www.petadvisor.org), Discount Pet Medicines (www.discountpetmedicines.com), and 1800 Petmeds (www.1800petmeds.com) could help you get quality medicines online, helping you to take better care of pet by eliminating some of the financial burden.

Dogs are considered to be man's best friend. This household pet loves to grab things such as food on the table to plastic toys found in the yard. Instead of letting the dog chew this to bit, why not teach the dog to fetch so this can be returned and thrown away again for another round?

What is needed in teaching a dog to fetch? Many start off with a stick. This resembles a bone and can easily be retrieved once this has hit the ground.

Since the dog can be easily distracted by the surroundings, it will be a good idea to do this in the backyard or in an alley. This will prevent the animal from running elsewhere and focused with the task at hand.

The owner should let the dog sniff this then thrown a few yards away. The animal might wonder what this means so both should pick it up and done again. When the pet gets this right, some dog biscuits should be given as a reward as well as a pat on the head.

Another way will be using both voice and hand signals to get this done. The owner should call the dog to get the attention and with the stick raised in the air, this should be thrown so the animal will see in which direction in went.

When this has worked, it is time to continue practicing this by throwing it farther than in the previous throws. This will take some time so it will be a good idea to have a few sticks around in case a few get lost.

After some time, this should be done in a bigger area. The best place in the city is the park while those who live near the sea can also do this by the beach. This is good exercise for both which should be practiced frequently to instill this trick in the mind of the dog.

There are other things that can be used to train a dog to fetch. The stick can be changed into a rubber ball so that it will not be painful on the teeth of the pet.

As always, the animal should be rewarded this will lesson will not be forgotten. Some people consider the game of fetch difficult. The owner should just be patient because it takes some time for a dog to learn a new trick.

Biting is one of those things that every Shih Tzu puppy seems to do, and every Shih Tzu puppy must be taught not to do. Like many behaviors, such as jumping up on people, biting and nipping can seem cute when the Shih Tzu puppy is small, but much less so as he gets older, larger and stronger.

Left to their own devices, most Shih Tzu puppies learn to control their biting reflex from their mothers and from their littermates. When the Shih Tzu puppy becomes overenthusiastic, whether when nursing or playing, the mother Shih Tzu, or the other Shih Tzu puppies, will quickly issue a correction.

Unfortunately, this type of natural correction often does not occur, since many Shih Tzu puppies are removed from their mothers when they are still quite young. It is therefore up to Shih Tzu puppy's owner to take over this important process.

Socializing the Shih Tzu puppy with other dogs and puppies is one of the best and most effective ways to teach the Shih Tzu puppy the appropriate, and non appropriate way to bite, and to curb the biting response.

Many communities and pet stores sponsor puppy playtime and puppy kindergarten classes, and these classes can be great places for puppies to socialize with each other, and with other humans and animals as well. As the puppies play with each other, they will natural bite and nip each other. When one puppy becomes too rough or bites too hard, the other puppies will quickly respond by correcting it.

The best time for this socialization of the Shih Tzu puppy to occur is when it is still young. It is vital that every dog be properly socialized, since a poorly socialized Shih Tzu, or worse, one that is not socialized at all, can become dangerous and even neurotic. Most experts recommend that Shih Tzu puppies be socialized before they have reached the age of 12 weeks, or three months.

Another reason for socializing the Shih Tzu puppy early is that mothers of young children may be understandably reluctant to allow their young children to play with older or larger dogs. Since socializing the Shih Tzu with other people is just as important as socializing it with other dogs, it is best to do it when the Shih Tzu puppy is still young enough to be non threatening to everyone.

It is important for the Shih Tzu puppy to be exposed to a wide variety of different stimuli during the socialization process. The socialization process should include exposing the Shih Tzu puppy to a wide variety of other animals, including other puppies, adult dogs, cats and other domestic animals. In addition, the Shih Tzu puppy should be introduced to as wide a cross section of people as possible, including young children, older people, men, women and people from a variety of ethnic backgrounds.

While socialization is very important to providing the Shih Tzu puppy with life lessons and preventing him from biting, it is not the only method of preventing unwanted biting and mouthing. Giving the Shih Tzu puppy appropriate things to play with and bite is another good way to control inappropriate biting. Providing a variety of chew toys, ropes and other things the Shih Tzu puppy can chew is important to preventing boredom, keeping his teeth polished and keeping him from chewing things he should not.

As with any training, it is important to be consistent when teaching the Shih Tzu puppy not to bite. Every member of the family, as well as close friends who may visit, should all be told that the Shih Tzu puppy is to be discouraged from biting. If one person allows the Shih Tzu puppy to chew on them while everyone else does not, the Shih Tzu puppy will quickly become confused, and that can make the training process much more difficult than it has to be.

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

In today's modern home, pets are part of the family, and pet owners need to design good feeding practices suitable for their particular pet, and also suitable for their own lifestyle. Owners need to consider too, factors like cost, convenience, variety and availability of foodstuffs for dog food. They need to think about the individual needs of their own pet and combine foods in a way that the dog food meets those needs.

Most pets in the household live indoors, and are not in regular work so will require what is termed a maintenance diet dog food. This dog food diet needs to provide a balance of nutrients in the correct amount to keep the animal fit both physically and mentally, and to encourage peak condition and reduce disease. The dog food also needs to be concentrated adequately so that your dog is not having to eat large volumes of it, and it also should taste good so that your dog eats all its meal. Make feeding time with your dog fun as this will help with bonding your dog to you. Dog food time is often the high spot of many a dog's day!

Dogs are omnivorous although we group them with the carnivores. They can quite happily eat fruit and vegetables as well as meat. My own dog Toby loves nothing better than eating apple cores or cheddar cheese. It makes a change from dog food! He does however, have a preference for meat, and will eat it raw or cooked.

Healthy adult dogs can be fed with a variety of foods, or just one complete dog food. These complete diets can be either dry, semi-moist or canned. It is advisable to avoid sudden changes in your dogs diet as this will often result in diarrhoea. Introduce new foods slowly by combining them with the current regime, gradually increasing the new food. Often the easiest way to vary the diet is to offer different varieties of food from the same manufacturer.

Feeding your dog once a day is often all that is required to keep their appetite satisfied. I would tend to advise against feeding too late in the evening as this may prompt calls for the toilet in the middle of the night. Some dogs are happier fed two to three times a day after their owners have eaten, and this can be okay too, provided that an eye is kept on the dog's weight, and obesity doesn't become a problem. I would advise that dogs which are feeling unwell be fed little and often. The same would go for dogs with a poor appetite, and also very old dogs.

So how do you tell if you are feeding your dog adequately? The best way to tell would be by the appearance of your dog. Does he look in good condition? Does his coat shine? Is his skin in good condition? Is he full of life and vitality, and not too thin or too fat?

Finally, keep a regular check on your dog's weight and have him checked at least every six months at your local veterinarian. An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.

Feed your dog a well balanced dog food and let him live to enjoy many years at your side. He may be the key to long life for you too.

Leonard Mutch is a dog owner and trainer with over 25 years experience working with dogs. Learn the 7 essential components of good dog feeding on his website : dog food information

Dog training is easy when you discover the secrets of dog training professionals explained in this brief article. Once you leave your house, all your training will appear to go down the drain. How do you overcome these distractions? Find out right now!

What is reinforcement? Reinforcement is what happens when a behaviour is maintained or increased. Dog training is essentially a progression of reinforcements. Food, toys, play, attention and 'life rewards' such as being let inside or taken for a walk are all potential reinforcers.

Without reinforcement, behavior will never be maintained or increased. This is fine if you want a behavior to disappear - simply stop reinforcing it. But if you want a particular behavior, you need to reinforce it.

Most dog trainers these days use food as a reinforcer. It is by no means the only reinforcer, but food is convenient and, let's face it, all dogs need to eat!

So we start off training with food in a quiet, distraction-free area inside the house. We put any other pets out of the room. We turn off the TV. We wait until the kids are in bed. Then we shut the door and train. There are numerous books and articles explaining how to do this, so I won't re-hash the basics.

The problems begin when we get out of that distraction-free environment and into the real world. Here there are other dogs, birds, squirrels, cats, new smells, sights, sounds, people, cars, bikes, postmen - it's all out there! Our training usually starts falling apart once we leave the house.

But it doesn't need to.

The big secret to dog training is to always set the dog up for success. If the dog fails, we can't reinforce. If we can't reinforce, behavior can not be maintained or increased. If behavior hasn't been maintained or increased, training has failed.

So we need to set the dog up to succeed. Going too far, too fast will only lead to failure. Allowing too many distractions or too big a distraction too soon is setting our dog up to fail. Without success, we've got nothing to reinforce.

The best way to set our dogs up for success is to control the environment as best we possibly can until they are well and truly proofed and ready for the big wide world.

Let's say we normally train in our kitchen with the door shut. Here's a list of things we can do to set up some low-level distractions:

1. place a tennis ball in the middle of the floor
2. turn the radio on softly, then turn it up gradually throughout our training session
3. have a friend come into the room with us
4. put a piece of stale dog food on the floor
5. wave our arms around
6. turn the taps on halfway through an exercise
7. whistle a tune
8. roll a tennis ball slowly in front of our dog
9. turn away from our dog

... or any combination of the above.

Remember, the secret is to always set our dogs up for success, so that we may reinforce (maintain or increase) their good behavior.

If any of the distractions on that list are too much, then our dog fails. Just because I wrote it on my list of low-level distractions doesn't mean that your individual dog won't find any one of those things too distracting.

Be creative. Think of new things to add to the list. When your dog can cope with them all, start making up combinations. Invite two or more friends around to help. Have them toss a ball back and forth while you practise stays or recalls. Have one of them whistle a tune while the other waves her arms around. The sky is the limit so long as we always set our dogs up for success.

When we have trained with distractions inside the house, we're ready to find a quiet spot outside. No other dogs around, no kids playing, no cars screaming past, and hopefully no cats or squirrels. We train the behavior, then start adding the distractions from our list, always setting our dog up to succeed.

That is all there is to it - manufacture some controlled distractions, build them up, and always make them just easy enough that our dog continually succeeds so that we can reinforce the behavior.

Aidan Bindoff is Editor of Positive Petzine, a free resource for people training their own dog. Join now, and for a limited time you can download all available back issues (a $29.95 value) for free!

Therapy dog training, while important, is something with which many people are not familiar. A therapy dog is one that is used to do animal assisted therapy and activities. Organizations train the dog to help people in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and virtually anywhere people need some sort of therapy. So, then, how do dogs become therapy dogs? It is a fairly simple process.

A Good Citizen

Though the requirements for therapy dog training vary from state to state, it is almost universal that the dog must be certified as a canine good citizen. In order to receive that, you have to train your dog to be focused and well behaved around distractions. Generally your local animal shelter or even a therapy dog training center will have classes available for you to learn how to turn your dog into a canine good citizen.

Classes for Therapy

Therapy dog training can start as soon as your dog has been certified as a canine good citizen. The training consists mainly of teaching your dog how to ignore things like hospital equipment and school noises that he or she may not be used to being around. They also train the dog to help with simple activities and therapy with those who need it. However, in many cases, the therapy is really just the presence of the dog. Those using the services of dogs trained in how to perform the therapy can be anything from walking them, to reading to them, to simply being around them.

Where to Go

If you are interested in therapy dog training for your four legged pal, then you should check out the internet or your local yellow pages. Whether you live in Virginia, California, or anywhere else, there is an organization in your area that will help you not only teach your dog how to become a therapy dog, but also get him out in the community and doing his part. Additionally, you can volunteer to help with everything from training to the therapy itself. Just get in contact with your local organization.

Therapy dog training can be incredibly rewarding. When you teach your dog how to react to the situations with which he will be presented, you are putting him in a situation to be more than just a pet. You and your dog together can be real additions to the community and help your fellow man.

There is a dreadful substance inside your dog's butt that's aching to get out, and unless you rise to this disgusting challenge, consequences can be dire.

It's called expressing your dog, and it is a chore so foul that it was recently featured on the Discovery Channel's "Dirty Jobs." Actually, "dirty" hardly does the situation justice.

If your dog is chewing and biting "back there" or dragging its rump across the ground, chances are he is in need of a little expression - of his sphincter glands, that is.

Dogs have special glands that secrete an especially - shall we say - fragrant substance into their poop. It's what makes a dog's poop her own, and it's what dogs sniff for when they are investigating other dogs' rears or their droppings.

Problems occur when these glands get clogged up. The musky fluid begins to collect, and the dogs begin to experience irritating pressure and pain - like a turbo case of hemorrhoids.

Usually, the dog is able to express - or squeeze out - some of the fluid and get the glands flowing again. If your dog has ever been inexplicably stinky - almost like he has gotten into rotten fish or something, then chances are you've experienced a do-it-yourself expression job.

If you're lucky, the sacred event took place outside, but just as often the residue ends up saturating carpet or expensive furniture. Yum!

Things get worse if the dog is unable to alleviate the problem, and the situation goes unchecked. As you might imagine, this can be an excruciating experience for your dog. Finally, you will most likely be saddled with an expensive vet bill, and your dog will end up needing a most uncomfortable surgical procedure.

Getting Down to Dirty Business

All of this can be easily avoided by a little human intervention. Expressing a dog is a simple enough procedure - it's the mental challenge that is most difficult to overcome. Vile fluids squirting from a dog's butt is certainly not a mental image you'd want to hold during meditation or anything.

Honestly, it's really not bad. The liquid smells like fish, not …uh …you know. It's mostly clear liquid, and it rinses pretty easily. It doesn't have the staying power of the substance that cats spray (which is truly disgusting!).

Finding the glands is easy. If the butt hole itself is the center of a clock, the two glands sit at the four and eight o'clock positions about two inches from the "center." From the outside (and it is strongly suggested you stay outside, even though vets usually venture in), they feel like kidney beans, although distended glands can get significantly larger.

Before you dive in, I can hardly stress enough the importance of pointing the dog's bottom away from you and anything else you care about. Also, make sure you have something to wash the dog and your surroundings down after the procedure. If it's warm, take the dog outside; if it's cold, a shower stall that has a rinse hose is a good option.

I can recommend two expressing techniques. First, the upward thrust: position your thumb and forefinger each under one gland; push in to make sure your digits are firmly fixed under each; then give a strong lift, squeezing the glands upward. If you are successful, usually you will be rewarded with a good squirt - about the same as a squirt gun. Sometimes the fluid gets sludgy, in which case a small black worm of crud will emerge. Repeat a few times as required to make sure you've emptied both glands thoroughly.

If this technique does not produce the desired result, then you should try the more direct approach: pinching each gland separately, squeezing both sides toward the middle. Expect similar results as when using the first technique.

Do it Yourself?

If you are too squeamish to contemplate perpetrating such an abomination, you will be happy to know that professional help is available. Most groomers are willing to render this value-added service for a small consideration during a regular grooming; failing that, your local vet can certainly perform the ritual, but usually at a higher fee.

I find, however, that my own dogs (three pugs) seem to appreciate my keeping this very personal need of theirs within the confines of the family. When I first started doing the expression thing myself, I wore what amounted to a home-made hazmat suit, but over the years my resolve has stiffened quite a bit.

Nowadays, I generally don't even bother with gloves. I just take the dogs outside next to the hose and aim them away. A quick squirt and rinse and the job's done. No big deal, really. It's a small price to pay for a happy, comfortable dog - who seem to appreciate me all the more for it.

Randal Breaux runs the Internet Pug Club, an online community of pug lovers, featuring articles like this one... plus special screen savers, browser start pages, electronic greeting cards, and special merchandise - all featuring the almighty pug. Other breed lovers are welcome.

For details, follow this link: Go-Pugs.com

Let's face it, we love our pets. Sometimes that love can lead pet owners to pamper their pets just a little too much when it comes to food and treats. This over indulgence has the same effects on our pets as it does on us when we over eat or snack a little too often, we get fat. If you add in not getting enough exercise, then it is a problem compounded.

Yes, pets too can suffer from being obese. Statistics show that one in four pets weigh in the overweight or obese category. It is a problem which carries a lot of health risks to our four legged loved ones, and it is a problem that we as owners must handle.

As a Pit Bull owner, I know first hand how good it makes your pet feel to get those special treats, and how hard it is to not give them when it results in getting the loving look that only your Pit Bull can give. I also know as a Pit Bull owner that this particular breed needs a lot of regular exercise. Pit Bulls are very athletic and energetic by their very nature, and if they do not get enough exercise they are not happy. The dog also runs the risk of being overweight, which puts him at risk.

I realize that some Pit Bull owners would ask, "What's the worst that a little weight could do?" Well the answer is that a little weight would do no harm, but if left unchecked the weight gain could quickly put your Pit Bull into the obese category. Some of the common ailments brought on by canine obesity are heart problems, arthritis and even diabetes. An overweight pet is also more susceptible to a hip condition known as dysplasia, as well as problems with the back and joints.

By now you're probably glancing over to your Pit Bull trying to quickly gauge if your pet is within acceptable weight limits. Glancing isn't going to give you an accurate answer, but if you'd like to do a quick home pet obesity test, then here's how to do it.

First, get your Pit Bull to stand in front of you, and look at him from above. Your Pit Bull should have the shape more of an hour glass than say, an ocean liner. A dog with rounded out sides is certainly getting into the obese range. You should also be able to feel your dog's ribs easily. Don't press hard on your beloved pet; we don't want to hurt him.

Keep regular vet appointments for your Pit Bull, as your veterinarian will also be checking your pet's weight. Your veterinarian can also advise you on how you can get your pet back into optimum shape should he weigh in a bit too much.

To learn all about finding a pitbull for sale and training a Pit Bull, visit http://www.pitbullsrevealed.com/ today.

House training is one of the most important elements of creating a well trained shih tzu and trusted family member. Problems with house training and similar issues are the number one reason that dogs are surrendered to shelters, so properly house training your shih tzu can literally save his or her life.

House training a shih tzu puppy does not need to be difficult, but it is important to take the process seriously, plan ahead and take things slowly. Some shih tzu will be easier to house break than others, so it important to work with your shih tzu. Rushing the process can be counterproductive and cause you to have to start all over again.

When it comes to house training a new shih tzu puppy, it is important to know what to expect. Unless the owner is able to supervise the shih tzu puppy round the clock, it is difficult to complete the house training process until the shih tzu is at least six months old. It is important to know this ahead of time so you can be prepared. Young shih tzu puppies have bodies that are constantly changing and growing, and shih tzu puppies younger than six months often have not developed the bowel and bladder control they will need to be properly house trained.

When the owner is not at home, the shih tzu puppy should be confined to a small room and the entire floor should be covered with paper. Of course it is important to puppy-proof the room, that is removing any items on which the shih tzu puppy could be injured. In the beginning, the shih tzu puppy will most likely eliminate anywhere within the room. In addition, the shih tzu puppy will probably play with the papers, chew them, etc. This is perfectly normal and should not be grounds for punishment or distress. Cleaning up each day should simply be part of the routine of living with a new shih tzu puppy. Simply clean up the soiled papers and put down new ones each day.

Time for paper training

During the time that the shih tzu puppy is confined in its little den, it will begin to develop the habit of eliminating on paper. After a little time has passed, the shih tzu puppy will begin to exhibit a preferred place to eliminate. After this preferred spot has been established, the area that is papered should be slowly diminished. The first papers to be removed should be those that are furthest away from the "toilet". Eventually, the owner will have to lay down only a few papers. If the shih tzu puppy ever misses those papers, it means that the papered area has been reduced too much and too soon.

After the shih tzu puppy is reliability doing its business only on the papers that have been left, the papers can be slowly and gradually moved to a location of your choice. The papers should be moved only gradually, as little as an inch a day. If the shih tzu puppy misses the papers, again it means that they have been moved too soon and too far. In this case it will be necessary to go back a few steps and start over. It is important not to become discouraged. The shih tzu puppy will eventually understand the concept, and you will be able to choose your shih tzu's toilet area and move on to the next step.

House training when the owner is home

Obviously the more time you can spend with your shih tzu puppy the faster the house training will go. The objective should be to take the shih tzu puppy to the toilet area every time he needs to do his business. In most cases this will be either every 45 minutes, right after each play session, after he first wakes up or right after he eats or drinks. It is important to provide effusive praise for the puppy when he eliminates in the established toilet area.

As the shih tzu puppy becomes more used to using his toilet area, and as he develops improved bladder and bowel control, he will be able to begin spending more and more time outside his den with his owner in the rest of the home. It is important to begin this process by allowing the shih tzu puppy access to one room at a time. It is also important to allow the shih tzu puppy in the extra room only when he can be supervised. When you must leave the room, be sure to put the shih tzu puppy back in his den.

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

Sponge filtration is an often overlooked type of filtration for freshwater and even marine aquariums. Many persons look past their simplicity as ineffective, but therein lies their quality. I have used them for my aquarium maintenance for 27 plus years with excellent results. Here then is a list of their attributes:

[1] Simple to use, most run on very basic air pumps or power heads.

[2] Excellent biological filtration, they are very porous and can maintain very large bacterial colonies in proportion to the space they occupy.

[3] Mechanical filtration, although they are not the best mechanical filters, they still do a good job for their small size and make excellent supplementary filters.

[4] Very few "dead" areas trapping pockets of noxious bacteria, unlike under gravel filters and even wet/dry filters (which in my experience are over rated).

[5] Simple to clean, simply remove the sponge and squeeze or rinse in old aquarium water or dechlorinated tap water.

[6] Excellent compliment to "live rock" filtered reef aquariums.

[7] Probably the best choice of filtration for breeding tanks, hospital tanks, and even discus aquariums, due to the fact that they do not "suck" in baby or weak fish or attract noxious bacteria.

[8] For cichlid breeding they excel, as they are not easily disturbed by cichlids tendency to dig.

[9] Inexpensive

[10] Now available in larger sizes for aquariums over 60 gallons.

[11] There also are sponge filters that are used as a "pre-filter" for intakes of canister, wet/dry, power filters and more. They offer increased bio-filtration to your existing system, as well as protection from baby fish, plants, or anemones from being sucked into the intake of your existing filter.

By Carl Strohmeyer

Aquarium Filters

Sponge filter Blog

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier presents an incredible mix of intelligence, courage, and tenacity tempered with a sweet affection for it's family. As a breed, it is often shrouded in myth and misconception about it's history and origin. Read on to learn the truth about where the Staffordshire Bull Terrier came from and what the difference is between this breed and others similar in name and appearance.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or "Staffie", as fans of the breed call it, dates back to Elizabethan England when an ancestor of the Bulldog was used in a bloody sport called bullbaiting (also bearbaiting). This dog was closely linked to the Mastiff and weighed in at between 100 and 120 pounds.

Around the 19th century, when bullbaiting was outlawed, dog fighting quickly gained popularity and the massive bullbaiting dogs were crossed with smaller terriers and a smaller, quicker breed of dog was born, weighing about 60 pounds. This dog became known as a "Bulldog Terrier" or "Bull and Terrier" and was further refined by outcrosses to an ancestor of the Manchester Terrier. This produced a dog of about 30-45 pounds that came to be known as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, which is the father breed out of which came the English Bull Terrier (1860), and later, when exported to North America around 1880, the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier.

The American Staffordshire Terrier, and the American Pit Bull Terrier appear very similar to each other and people often hotly debate whether or not they are separate breeds. To clear things up a bit, the American Pit Bull Terrier was first recognized by the UKC and later by the AKC. However, when the American Pit Bull Terrier was entered into the AKC registry, the name was changed to American Staffordshire Terrier, as noted by the AKC on their website, www.akc.org, "As the breed moved to America the names Pitdog and Pitbull Terrier stuck. However, American breeders wanted an animal heavier than the British breed, hence the name American Staffordshire Terrier. This is the breed commonly referred to as Pit Bull."

Although certain breeders have pursued slightly different goals with the American Staffordshire Terrier, often referred to as the AmStaff, and the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT), the two remain virtually indistinguishable and a single dog could conceivably be simultaneously registered as both an AmStaff with the AKC and as an APBT with the UKC.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, however, is a distinct breed. It's official, AKC standard states that the Staffie stands at 14-16 inches; male dogs weigh 28-38 pounds and females weigh 24-34 pounds. This is in contrast to the AmStaff which has no such size or weight limit. The Staffie's color is also restricted allowing red, fawn, white, black, blue, or brindle or any of these colors with white and disqualifying black-and-tan and liver color.. AmStaffs can be any color except white (80% or more).

Described by the AKC as a, "formost all-purpose dog", the Staffordshire Bull Terrier can be an intelligent and affectionate family dog and a courageous and tenacious protector. An all around good dog with a rich history!

Check out Don's website for more info cute teacup puppies - directory of breed of dogs

Family: Characidae

Species: Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi

Size: 4.5cm (1 three quarter inch)

Diet: Omnivorous

Tank levels: All

Habitat: Streams and rivers in the Mato Grosso region of Brazil

Remarks: Soft, acid water will bring out this fish's colours.

Comments: This tetra is olive-green on the dorsal surface and silvery on the belly. There is an iridescent, pale green-blue line along the flanks which looks great, from the top of the eye to the caudal peduncle. Below this is a dark area gradually pales towards the lower part of the body. Fins are mostly colourless, and an adipose fin is present. Females generally have deeper bodies and increase in girth at spawning times.

----------------------------------------

This fish comes from the "Tropical Fish" family species of fish. I hope you enjoyed this fish profile that I put together to help people to choose the right fish for the right aquarium tank setup you may own, or be thinking of buying in the future. If you require more information about keeping fish in general and what are the right fish to choose for your tank setups, you can always visit my site called "GB Aquarium" and see what's posted new there and also join in the discussion taking place.

If you are planning to take your dog to a boarding kennel while you're on vacation, you may have heard the term "kennel cough" because it's one of the standard vaccinations that most boarding kennels require. Before you take your dog to a kennel, you'll undoubtedly have to take him to the vet first.

Kennel cough is the common name for infectious tracheobronchitis. The majority of cases are caused by a bacterial infection that includes infection by an organism called Bordetella bronchiseptica, so the terms bordetella and kennel cough are often used interchangeably. Although it doesn't affect humans, the infection can be transferred quickly among dogs because it spreads by coughed droplets. In many ways, kennel cough is much like the common cold in humans. Just as you should get your kids vaccinated before they attend school with a lot of other children, you should get your dog vaccinated before you take him to a place with a bunch of other dogs, such as a dog show, boarding kennel, or groomer.

The disease is characterized by dry hacking coughing fits that sound like the dog has smoked three packs of cigarettes. Often a coughing jag is followed by gagging or retching, so you may think that the dog has something stuck in his throat. The dog may have a fever, be listless, vomit, or lose his appetite. In rare cases, kennel cough actually can lead to pneumonia or other serious problems.

Two types of vaccines exist for bordetella: intranasal and injectable. The intranasal vaccine is administered directly into the dog's nose, and it generally acts more quickly than the injectable version. The injectable version may provide longer immunity however.

Even the intranasal vaccine does take around four or five days to provide complete protection, so if you plan to board your dog, you should schedule an appointment for a vaccination about week before you leave.

Susan Daffron is the President of Logical Expressions, Inc. (http://www.logicalexpressions.com) and is the author of more than 70 national magazine articles, 200 newspaper articles, two books, and online training courses. With hundreds of online articles to her credit, she regularly publishes ezines on computer tips (Logical Tips), pet care (Pet Tails), and other topics.

Apart from being well-deserved gifts, dog treats can also be effective training tools.

Be sure to have a pocket full of dog treats when teaching your dog how to sit, stay, heel, or perform other similar commands. Make sure that the dog will find the treats appetizing. Dried out, crummy, and bland dog treats will not make your dog want to train or whet his appetite and enthusiasm the same way a juicy piece of meat and sweet smelling cheese will.

Dog treats have become popular grocery items found in shelves of specialty stores, pet stores, discount, and food stores. From expensive treats claiming prime beef cuts to discounted bulk products, dog treats have so many varieties, similar to human treats.

Dog treats can be hard and chewy since they are supposed to clean the dog's teeth. Some dog treats are meant to aid in digestion and improve the internal health of the dog. Veterinarians have come up with varied dog treats incorporated with various medicines for heartworm prevention, antibiotics, and pain killers.

Some dog owners make their own special dog treats. Homemade dog treats are either made from sliced pieces of steak, small bits of cooked hamburger, chunks of cheese, balls of rice, or even their own special recipes. These can either be vegetarian or meat-based treats. Some recipes even include molasses, wheat germ, and couscous. Owners should always check with a veterinarian before giving their pets these homemade treats. Remember never to give dogs chocolate not let them chew a chicken bone.

Dog treat recipes can either be vegetarian or made with meat and dairy. These can range from homemade dog biscuit recipes, cheesy dog biscuits, bacon flavored dog treats, multi grain dog biscuits, and microwave dog biscuits. Vegetarian treat recipes include vegetarian dog biscuits, vegan dog biscuit recipes, and doggie Christmas cookies.

So go ahead and indulge your pet dog with the treats that he deserves.

Dog Treats provides detailed information on Dog Treats, Dog Treat Recipes, Homemade Dog Treats, Gourmet Dog Treats and more. Dog Treats is affiliated with Dog Chew Toys.

Much like their owners, more and more dogs worldwide are showing signs of obesity. Besides limiting their enjoyment of life as a dog, extra body weight can lead to to joint and heart problems, shorter lives, and sometimes behavioural issues.

The easiest way to tell whether or not your dog is obese is to examine his body. Try the following:

• Have him stand up, then stand above him. Does his body slope inward at the waist?

• Run your hands over his sides from front to back legs. Can you feel his ribs fairly easily?

• Feel the base of his tail. Are the bones easily detectable?

• Look at him from the side. Does his tummy slope upward as it gets closer to his tail?

If you answered no to any of the questions, your pup is probably overweight. If you answered "What waist/ribs/tail bones?" and "Upward? Really?," your pup is probably obese.

The methods for treating obesity in dogs is fairly simple: eat less, exercise more.

Eat less

• If your dog has a constant supply of food, remove it.

• Buy a food scoop with measuring lines and portion his food based on the charts on your food labels.

• Create a feeding schedule and stick to it. Whether you split the amount among two feedings or one larger meal, stay with the routine and he'll adjust to it.

Be forewarned, though. Dogs are survival eaters and don't react well when their food supply is threatened. She may suddenly, start raiding the trash or taking food off of the counter.

Exercise more

It won't take any convincing to get your dog to exercise more, just get the leash and head out for a walk.

Plan to spend an hour total every day walking. I realize that it's hard these days to find the time.

If you have kids, drag them away from the TV and go for a family walk after dinner.

If you work out yourself, figure out a way to incorporate your dog into your routine.

On the weekends, head to the park with a tennis ball or a Frisbee.

Think of it this way: Would you rather see your dog running, tongue out, tail wagging for 10 years, or that he lay around the house for five? How many people get to have a to-do list that includes "Play with Dog"?

The right diet and exercise can make your dog more social, more obedient, and more dedicated to you due to the extra time you spend together.

Wasn't that the whole reason you decided to get a dog in the first place?

http://www.DogDayPets.com

Russ Richer is a Dog Lover who has done extensive research to care for his own Dog. You can get additional information on Dog Health Care by visiting http://www.DogDayPets.com where you will find free articles, downloads, and newsletter.

You may use this article in your newsletter or on your website as long as you use it in its entirety, including this resource box, and keep all links active.

Walking a dog, especially a large one, can be a tiring chore, even if it is your own pet and you love it with all your heart. But to be door guardsman and dog walker could be a bit too much for anyone to take. One solution is the safe, durable, easy-to-manage pet door.

A pet door is a flap that allows easy access for the pet to come and go. The door is either made out of black rubber that slides into place or hard plastic that has a magnetic catch. The rubber flap doors have a sliding plastic panel that fits into the framework and restricts the movement of the pet, and the plastic models have a sliding lock, too. These flap doors are now giving way to modern doggie doors that operate on electronic and electromagnetic systems.

The trick to finding the right pet door that suits you is to first measure the dog's height and width; it is only after this that you can decide which dog door suits your needs. Once you have made up your mind about the type of door you want and earmarked where you would like to get it installed, the actual process of installation is not so tedious. The cat and dog doors come in all sizes and can be fitted anywhere from walls, doors, and sliding doors in dens, kitchens, or second bedrooms.

If you are living in rented quarters and have a problem fitting the pet door, then you can opt for the patio dog door, which can be fitted onto the sliding glass door. These doors usually come in a complete panel, leaving your doors and walls unscathed. The electromagnetic or electronic doors, which are made up of plastic and anodized aluminium, can be installed anywhere and will only let your pet out with the help of the attachable magnetic sensor keys on the collar. The pet can exit and enter the house as he pleases, relieving you from the duties of taking it for a walk every now and then.

After the installation of the pet door, it would be advisable to put a floor mat to avoid any dirt from being brought into the house.

Golden Retrievers are a medium to medium/large dog breed. They reach a height between 20" to 24". If a Golden Retriever could speak, they might say, "What can I do for you?" They are born people pleasers from hunting to tricks to family pet.

The Golden Retriever is AKC recognized with a coat color in varying shades of golden or cream with golden throughout the coat. They get their name, of course, from the color of their coat. They have a medium length, water repellent outer coat and a dense undercoat. Their coat is feathered. They require a daily brushing to prevent knots and they only need an occasional dry shampoo. You should only give them a wet bath if necessary.

Exercise and playful outside and calm indoors, the Golden Retriever is considered to be one of the best large dog breeds to have as a family pet. They are great with children and other dogs. Early socialization is recommended for birds and small non-canine pets because of their hunting history but they tend to get along with other animals as well. They are extremely easy to train, even for the dog novice. They love to learn and they are fast learners. They are best for active families as they need daily time to run and roam outdoors. If you are looking for an excellent hunting companion, the Golden Retriever is an awesome hunting dog.

Originating in the mid 1800s, some sources state England as their country of origin and others state Scotland as their county of origin. Lord Tweedmouth at Inverness-Shire, Scotland is said to have extensive records that show he developed the breed. Their ancestry includes the Water Spaniel, Retrievers, Setters and a Bloodhound. They were mainly used for hunting and retrieving and have an excellent sense of smell. They also make excellent therapy and guide dogs.

If you are in search of a large dog that is sweet, calm and affectionate and will be good with families that include other dogs or small children, it is hard to find a more pleasing, gentle large family dog. Exercise and play are important in their daily activities, but they will be just as happy relaxing inside with you at night.

Learn more about the Golden Retriever or visit us online to talk about Dogs or to see Dog Pictures.

The origin of Great Danes, like that of many other varieties of dogs, is so obscure that all researches have only resulted in speculative theories, but the undoubted antiquity of this dog is proved by the fact that representatives of a breed sufficiently similar to be considered his ancestors are found on some of the oldest Egyptian monuments.

A few years ago a controversy arose on the breed's proper designation, when the Germans claimed for it the title "Deutsche Dogge." Germany had several varieties of big dogs, such as the Hatzrude, Saufanger, Ulmer Dogge, and Rottweiler Metzgerhund; but contemporaneously with these there existed, as in other countries in Europe, another very big breed, but much nobler and more thoroughbred, known as Great Danes.

When after the war of 1870 national feeling was pulsating very strongly in the veins of reunited Germany, the German cynologists were on the lookout for a national dog, and for that purpose the Great Dane was re-christened "Deutsche Dogge," and elected as the champion of German Dogdom. For a long time all these breeds had, no doubt, been indiscriminately crossed.

The Great Dane was introduced into this country spasmodically some thirty-five years ago, when he was commonly referred to as the Boarhound, or the German Mastiff, and for a time the breed had to undergo a probationary period in the "Foreign Class" at dog shows, but it soon gained in public favour, and in the early 'eighties a Great Dane Club was formed, and the breed has since become one of the most popular of the larger dogs.

The Kennel Club has classed Great Danes amongst the Non-Sporting dogs, probably because with us he cannot find a quarry worthy of his mettle; but, for all that, he has the instincts and qualifications of a sporting dog, and he has proved himself particularly valuable for hunting big game in hot climates, which he stands very well.

Respecting the temperament of the Great Dane and his suitability as a companion writers have gone to extremes in praise and condemnation. In his favour it must be said that in natural intelligence he is surpassed by very few other dogs. He has a most imposing figure, and does not, like some other big breeds, slobber from his mouth, which is a particularly unpleasant peculiarity when a dog is kept in the house. On the other hand, it must be admitted that with almost the strength of a tiger he combines the excitability of a terrier, and no doubt a badly trained Great Dane is a very dangerous animal.

It is not sufficient to teach him in the haphazard way which might be successful in getting a small dog under control, but even as a companion he ought to be trained systematically, and, considering his marked intelligence, this is not difficult of accomplishment.

Richard Cussons is a dog lover with a passion for helping people with their dogs. Discover more about Great Dane training and care at All About Puppies and Dogs.

Your pet depends on you for feeding, playing and discipline among other things and you as a pet owner depend on it for companionship and a connection with the animal world and in case of dogs, for household security and protection. Your pet is very special to you as you are to him. For these reasons and more, you should protect your pet from harm, and yourself from loss, by getting him a tag, lest it gets stolen or strays.

A pet tag is generally a small flat tag worn on collars or harnesses by household pets like dogs and cats, usually with identifying information such as the owner's telephone number so that the owner can be notified if the dog is lost or strays. Dog collar tags hang on your dog's collar and provides all the necessary information for calling your dog, contacting you as the owner, and alerting people to your dog's dietary restrictions if it gets lost or strays. Some dog tags also include vaccination information, such as when your dog last received shots and when is the next one due.

Once you've settled on what all information to put on your pet's tag, it's time now to pick out a tag that suits your style and needs. If you're just looking to tag your dog with basic information, a plain plastic tag will do. But if you want to add a personal touch, consider getting your dog silver, jewel, gold, or even a diamond dog tag. You can even have your dog tag customized and shaped exactly the way you want. Dog tags were traditionally worn on a chain, rope, or collar around the dog's neck. Gone are the days of bland and functional tags. These days, dog tags can make a fashion statement. Some dogs wear harnesses instead of collars, so tags might be attached there instead.

Tags are made of many different materials. Metal tags usually have the information embossed or etched onto the surface, and might also have electronic chips embedded. Plastic chips can be etched or printed, come in many colors, and are often highly reflective to make the dog more visible if it gets loose and runs into the street after dark.

There are various types of pet collars and tags. They can be made of durable nylon and may be embroidered with your pet's name and your phone number. Pet collars and tags are also made of stainless steel and these are the most durable. These stainless steel tags are specially polished, and the engraving is deep and filled with a black lacquer for easy reading.

Choose the best possible tag for you pet suiting your style and need. It would be an ideal companion of your pet. Just think of the peace of mind knowing that your lost or strayed dog's identification and medical information is always available on your pet's collar. These pet collars and tags make a great pet gift, are made to last for a long time, and will probably be the only dog identification you will ever need.

I can suggest you some great Dog tags . I have 10000+ Pet tags available with me. so to buy from me
visit www.indipets.com/products/PetCollarTagCrown.asp

Exporting Cites certified aquatic and land animals, to countries like USA,UK,Germany and retailing alltypes of pet products in India,USA and UK. http://www.indipets.com

If anyone else has been a keen aquarist as long as I have then I am sure by now that a few mistakes have been made when choosing the right fish for the tank.

In the early days I was much too eager to buy the fish and shove them in the tank without any consideration to how the fish would interact with each other. As far as I was to know all fish would get along 'swimmingly'. Definitely not the case!

Unfortunately rushing to the pet store and picking out the prettiest, most colourful and interesting looking tropical fish is not the best way to stock the tank.

Instead consider this; if you were to buy a house what do you look for. First of all you look the house over, does it have what you need for your family, what about the location, does the area look inviting? Is there a decent school for your children and a park for them to play in? Does the property have a garden and all the niceties you imagined when deciding to purchase a house? Now what about your neighbours? You are not going to want to live next door to an undesirable character are you? It is very much the same for your fish, their needs are all different, and characters unique. It is important to know that your fish will be able to tolerate other fish species.

Before even setting up your tank decide what kind of fish you are going to keep, some people don't have much time on their hands and so low maintenance cold or easy to manage tropical fish are the best ways to go, for those with much more time and a higher level of commitment there are many varied species to chose from, including the easiest to care for fresh water fish to beautiful and fascinating marine fish.

Research your fish well, visit your nearest aquarium centre and ask advice. There are a vast number of web sites from enthusiasts including myself, right through to the professional aquarists who are always willing to assist.

You will need to find out firstly what environment the fish need, for example a tank with lots of planting or a rockery with many hidey holes for fish to escape or deep open water with lots of swimming space. Remember also that the aquarium is for your enjoyment, so if you want to be able to watch your fish swim about then maybe fish who like to hide in rocks may not be your ideal choice. Consider all the options from the needs of the fish right down to your own needs.

A community tank is a good all round choice as long as you ensure you research well. Remember that certain breads of fish like to nibble long flowing tails; some fish can be aggressive towards smaller or weaker breeds of fish. Also remember that fish grow, do not go for a fish that will outgrow the tank within a short period of time. You need to be able to accommodate your fish's needs at all times not just in the set up stages.

I have found the best method is to go along to an aquarium centre and see the livestock in the flesh, there are always wonderful varieties on show and an expert on hand to answer any questions. Ask lots of them, a professional dealer who knows, understands and values the need for setting up the aquarium and stocking it correctly will accept as many questions as you wish to put forward, will answer them and readily offer any help and guidance. If he/she is the kind that is only after your money and does not care about what equipment or combination of fish you buy, then find another who knows his/her stuff.

When a tank is fully stocked with compatible fish, the aquarium will provide hours of entertainment, provide a focal point to your living area as well as provide all of the essentials the fish needs to survive including good neighbours.

Cerianwen is a keen aquarist with many years personal experience of fish keeping. This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pet Forums.

Teaching your puppy crate training is the first and best step in his life. It makes all the other steps in his training go so much smoother, much like a solid foundation makes for a superior wall. Establishing you as the Alpha member of his "pack" is one very good reason for starting your puppy in a crate when he is very young.

Another reason for crate training is that dogs love predictability. To know what is going to happen in any given situation makes him happy, and more apt to be the best-behaved dog he can possibly be.

A strong crate is the very basis of good puppy training. A wire crate with a lock is the best kind. Make sure it is large enough for him to stand up and turn around. But not so large that he can roam and wander around. A too-large crate will inhibit house breaking. A crate that is just the right size will be perceived as his "nest", where puppies never "go potty". They will learn to hold it if you don't make a prison out of it.

Never leave a puppy under 8 weeks longer than one hour in his crate. He will soil it, after struggling and suffering as long as he can.

Put a nice pad in there with a bone. Start with placing a tasty treat in there, he will go in and get it. Do this several times without closing the door, let him come in and out freely for an hour or so. Praise him highly each time he goes in, make it all very pleasant.

Then when his attention is on his treat, close the door. Praise him quietly, "What a good boy, it's ok, such a good boy!" In 10 or 20 seconds, no longer, let him out without a word, no praise, just a pat. Do this for increasingly longer intervals, but do not give him a chance to get upset. You can do this several times the first day.

Make sure every training session ends on a happy note, this is crucial.

Once he sees the crate is his own private territory, he will go in there on his own, expecting treats and your attention. When he does, say, "Wanna crate?" with a happy face while getting his treats. Start leaving the room while he is in there for 2 minutes and onward, gradually. When you return, don't make a fuss, just walk over and open the crate. In 3 days he will be officially crate-trained, ready to be left alone for an hour, no longer at first. Leave him gradually longer, slowly and carefully.

Q. Why do I want a crate for my puppy?

A. Because they love it is the best reason. They feel very safe and secure in there. Here are some more:

When you leave a puppy alone, he always has some measure of separation anxiety. This leads him to any behavior that brings him comfort, which is chewing, digging, or when it is severe, voiding his bowels. When placed in a crate, he feels safe because nothing can get to him, nothing can harm him. He will sleep and chew and wait for you to return.

Crate training is the first step in being able to leave him overnight at the vet. Without it he will cry the entire time, feeling lost and abandoned. With crate training, he is sure you will return, you always do. Of course the vet's office is strange and will cause him some anxiety, but nothing like the pure terror he will feel without experience in being locked in.

NOTE: About crate-training, do not make a prison of his crate. Do not use it as punishment. Do not leave him there for more than 2 hours, just time for a long puppy nap and some chew time. After that he will cry. Do not remove him while he is crying. This will make him think he has to cry to get out. No matter what, make sure he is being good when you open the door. He will learn he has to be quiet to get out.

Do not make a fuss when you are letting him out, just quietly open the door and take him out to potty. When he potties, praise him to high heaven! Dogs naturally do not go where they nest, but sometimes it happens. Do not scold, just clean it out with a bland face. He will learn the lesson. If possible, try to clean it while he is outside so he returns to a clean crate.

In 25 years of training dogs, I have never seen any one thing more critical for a dog's well-being than good crate training.

Dy Witt has shown, bred and trained standard poodles for 25 years. The dog training method she uses has started her puppies off so well that the vets nad groomers of her placed pups have sent word back that they had never worked with happier more well-adjusted dogs in their careers. To read more, go to http://www.DogTraining15MinsaDay.com or email her at DogsLoveToWork@aol.com

Dog food is very important for the health of dogs. It is easy to overlook it, but it is essential to pick the right dog food for your pet dog. People sometimes just pick the first dog food bag they see at the store, instead of considering what is needed for your own dog.

Puppies need different types of food than mature dogs, just as different breeds of dogs also require different types of dog food.

If your dog seems like it has no energy, consider switching to another type of dog food. If you are unsure what kind to buy, you should consult your veterinarian.

Dog Food should be healthy and tasty.

If your dog does not like a certain type of dog food, do not force your dog to eat it. Instead, try to find another type of dog food that has all the vitamins that your dog needs, and your dog enjoys eating.

Also, be aware that your dog's taste may change over time, and may not necessarily eat the same dog food all of its life. If it does not like its current dog food, then buy some other types of brands, and see which one is its favorite.

About The Author

Mike Yeager, Publisher - http://www.a1-pets-4u.com/productpage/puppies.html

mjy610@hotmail.com