Who is the Gourmet? You or Your Dog?

Thinking of cooking up a storm for your pooch? And that I assume you're having difficulties in convincing your pooch eating his premium dog food.

There are two issues here—Home-cooked meals verses commercial premium dog food.

Whether or not one is better than the other is a matter of preference—you not your dog. And whether or not your dog becomes a demanding "gourmet" is also depending on you; not your dog.

In choosing varied "gourmet" diets for our dogs (diets which are quickly becoming expensiv
), we fall into an anthropomorphic fallacy—a tendency where human characteristics for animals.

Dogs and all animals are creatures of habit. A pup raised on an ordinary feed (even he's strictly on commercially packed food) will grow to like it, sometimes shunning rarer delicacies in favor of "the usual."

Occasionally, your pooch may clamor for your steak while his own kibbles waits in his bowl, he'll eventually go for his regular meal if other temptations don't compete. Variety is not as crucial to him as it may seem to you.

Dogs are not finicky eaters by nature. We inadvertently create this problem by substituting food for love. We think that every time our dog does something cute, we should give him a treat. After a while, our dog wants nothing but treats, especially if they come from our plate or the refrigerator!
If you feed your dog a variety of food in hopes that one will appeal to him, he will demand a greater and greater variety, and you will have created a finicky eater! Choose a high-quality food and stick to it. Do not feed table scraps or give in-between meal snacks to your dog.
Some "gourmet" dog foods (and especially dog "treats") are designed to appeal more to the human purchaser than the animal consumer. Color-blind canines are indifferent to the pastel hues that beckon the buyer of dog candies. We pay extra for such gimmicks because we consciously or unconsciously equate human tastes and needs with those of our pooches.
What matter most to them is the taste, not the shape, size or colour. Dogs don't know a clue about calories that gamey treat can add to their waistline. So is up to us to be the sensible one to give treats in moderation. If possible, limit it to training and party times.

Dogs become finicky when they are given too great a variety and by overfeeding. I'm not surprise that at this stage, they may already have weight and health issues to add to their existing dilemma.
If you do change foods, do it gradually by adding a bit of new food each day to the old food. The reason for this is that the digestive flora gets used to one food and a rapid change can cause diarrhea and digestive upsets.
If you choose a high quality food, there is really no need for vitamin supplementation. You will pay more for premium dog food, but you will use less because a small feeding amount has more nutrients and is more thoroughly digested.

And if you should decide on home cooked meals instead, just remember that you should depart from a "complete and balanced" pet diet in favor of a more specialized program. These reasons may include age, disease, or even stress.

A good rule of thumb to apply to your dog's diet system is "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." And with this notion, your pooch will soon know you are truly the Gourmet—The Boss.
About the Author Ren้e Alexandrea—a former professional show-dog handler, breeder and volunteer at animal shelters. She has written numerous articles from dog behavioural problems to dog party themes. Get a Free copy of her "21 ways of Budgeting Tips & Thrifty Ideas" ebook at http://www.small-dogs-breed-lovers.com Spend Less and Pamper More.


Read more!

How to Adopt a Puppy

 Have you ever passed by a pet store only to turn around and walk back to stare at the antics of an adorable bundle of fluff. When this happens you may find yourself in the pet store looking into the idea of how to adopt a puppy. Once you have finished with the various procedures that are necessary for the adoption of your new pet you are ready to go home with this little bundle of fluff.

Now if you are prepared for the realities of having a puppy then adopting a puppy will not cause much havoc in your lifestyle. On the ot
er hand you may have thought to adopt a puppy as a spur of the moment decision. The result of an action like this is that both you and your new puppy are in somewhat of a mess.

The best way to avoid falling into a mess like this is to think carefully about the various facts that are present when you adopt a puppy. You can ask your various friends about matters like good puppy food, a place for your puppy to sleep, training your puppy not to make a mess in your home and what should you do if the puppy does have an accident indoors.

Once you have found the answer to the matter of your pet's health and well being you will need to see which type of puppy you want to adopt. It is best if you see what kind of puppy you want before you go to adopt a puppy. There are many adorable puppies that you will see. You have the pure bred puppies like golden retrievers, Labradors, English Collies, great Danes, Dalmatians and many others.

Having looked at the many puppies you should remember that while you want to adopt a puppy eventually this puppy will grow into a full size dog. Therefore you must be prepared for the necessary care of your puppy with the knowledge that most its behavior patterns will be set once your pet has become a full size dog.

These facts and the other requirements that are needed for the health and happiness of a puppy will need to be considered. Therefore when you desire to have a puppy in your life and home these factors will need to be found out and kept ready for all of the mischievous antics that your new puppy will engage in.

Even though you can easily adopt a puppy you should remember that one day this little puppy will become a dog. So you should adopt a puppy only if you are prepared to have the adult dog as a life long companion.

About the Author Author's Sites: Cat Food Recipes Dog Food Recipes and Natural Pet Care

Read more!

To Buy Koi or Not To Buy Koi

Interested in Koi fish? I hope you are because they're the most rewarding and unique pets I have ever owned. This article will provide you with information on this great fish.

Koi are unique in the fish world. Let's face it… most fish you keep in an aquarium are pretty to look at, but as a pet, they're pretty passive. Koi, however, have personality and will actually interact with you. Once you buy Koi, they will steal your heart with their bright patterns, intelligence and friendliness.

Before you
un out and buy one at the nearest fish store, there are a few things you need to do first. If you want your Koi to grow large enough to be impressive, you need a large outdoor pond. If you don't already have one, you'll need to look into building one and making sure that there is adequate filtration to keep your Koi happy and healthy. Make sure your Koi pond has hiding spots for your new Koi so they can avoid potential predators like Great Blue Herons and other predatory birds who fish. Other predators they will need protection from may include raccoons, snakes and kingfishers. You will also need to make sure your pond is safe from water runoff that may contain insecticides and herbicides. As your experience grows, you will learn to routinely test your water for chemical composition, since fish and food waste can convert to ammonia and other chemicals that are harmful to your Koi.

While your pond is being built and being readied for fish, learn about what Koi need to survive. Koi are known for their longevity. Are you prepared to care for these beautiful carp for 20 years or more? Yes, you read that right. Unlike most tropical fish in an aquarium, your Koi will live a long time, and may even outlive you in some circumstances! In 1965, a very large Koi was examined by a Japanese professor and was declared to be 215 years old, according to a study of its scales under a light microscope. Before you buy Koi, you need to know they require the right kind of high protein food. Feeding time is usually the Koi fancier's favorite time of day. Koi will learn to come up and eat from your hand. They may also do acrobatics and create a small feeding frenzy that can be very entertaining. Koi are able to taste, hear and smell quite well. They even blush when they are stressed, so they have a way of communicating with you when something is wrong.

Koi can not only make an interesting and unique pet, they can become a profitable hobby if you have the room. With enough space, Koi breed easily and those with good markings can bring in a pretty penny. There are many pattern classifications to describe these colorful fish and it can be lots of fun trying to identify the patterns your fish have. For serious hobbyists, there are shows where your brightly decorated carp can compete with others.

For most Koi enthusiasts, however it is enough to enjoy the capers of these smart, attractive fish and spoil their favorites with treats like watermelon rinds and spinach. Watching fish swim can actually help relieve everyday stress and strain. You'll soon find that koi are addictive and you'll look forward to your time out by the pond relaxing while you watch these captivating fish.
About the Author To find out more about these wonderful fish or if you woud like to buy Koi fish, you can visit http://www.live-koifish.com/.

Read more!

The Best Dog Training Books

Why is it that my neighbor can't seem to figure out that when he locked his untrained payout and goes off to work all day that the dog does nothing to bark, bark and bark. What an idiot, a neighbor I mean, not that the dog. I don't plan a little puppy, how is he supposed to know better? He barks out of loneliness, out of frustration, out of anxiety, and out of fear.

Occasionally he barks to protect his territory, pitiful as it is with its leftover poop, a water bowl turned over, and a single ratty chew toy the dog o
tgrew the first week it was brought to the house. I wonder if this moron has ever heard of dog-training books? I know I'm about ready to clue him in.

When your fat freak of a self gets home, you enter your houseto the barkingand take your sweet time (to eat) before retrieving your supposedly beloved pet. Then you take the were animal off and sequester it into some room or he is once again all alone. Instead of paying an idiot and doing the dog a great disservice you could be reading one of the many EASY-to-comprehend dog-training books, and teach that beautiful little animal how to cope with daily life.

He is after all just a baby. You could be surfing amazon.com or powells.com or another of the hundreds of Internet bookshops for dog-training books. They number in the thousands. That will show you how to condition your dog not to bark at every living being and every leaf that happens to fall from a tree. No, you fat ignoramus, amazon.com is not a place to find amazons to amuse you, and powells.com is not a play on words for closet masochists. This is about the dog, not you. If it were we would be talking to the dogwho clearly has a great deal more sense than you apparently do.

In fact, you could read at least one of the thousands of general and specific dog-training books to understand WHY your poor little puppy needs to be treated. HOW you can keep him from chewing furniture (so you dont have an excuse anymore for why you lock him away outside so he wont bother you but the neighbors instead). We need to get up and go to work too. The constant barking doesn't do anyone any good. If you can't handle owning a dog then maybe you should find a more hospitable home for it.

We chose to be dog-less. You have made a choicenow take some damned responsibility for it. By some dog-training books and read them, put them into action. You may even be well served by some damned human-training books. The problem lies with you, not the dog.

About the Author Morgan Hamilton offers his findings and insights regarding pets. You can get interesting and informative information here at Dog Training Books

Read more!

Discount Pet Food

This article provides useful, detailed information about Discount Pet Food.

Food for your pet is the most important thing to maintain a healthy life. Not all animals have the same digestive system, and feeding your pet the wrong food can be disastrous. The ingredients and the balance of the minerals, vitamins and carbohydrates for your pet is one of the most important things to maintain its health and well-being. For such matters one might depend on specially processed food for pets, rather than giving the pet the food that
was leftover from your dinner.

However, nowadays there is a great debate on the topic of organic food for pets, including foods that contain chickens, hormone-free lamb, and insecticide-free crops. Nonetheless, there is a great confusion regarding these kinds of food for pets. Many people are under the assumption that anything which is organic in nature is superior. These organic foods might taste better than other pet foods. The US government is in a great dilemma regarding the issue of organic food. The usual ingredients that should be in food for your pets should be rich in folic acid, all the vitamin supplements, ascorbic acid and other such ingredients.

In order to store your pets' food, you need proper storage material to sustain freshness. Pet food storage boxes are ideal for the purpose. These are available from the pet suppliers who cater your needs. Discount pet foods provide you with excellent opportunities to buy quality food for your pet at affordable prices. Discounts on food prices give you the opportunity to buy more quality food products for your pet, in order to maintain its health.

About the Author Wholesale Discount Pet Supplies provides detailed information on Discount Pet Supplies, Wholesale Discount Pet Supplies, Discount Pet Drug Supplies, Discount Pet Food and more. Wholesale Discount Pet Supplies is affiliated with Custom Dog Tags.

Read more!

Cat Giving Birth - What You Should Really Know When It Is Time For Labor

You will usually see a mucus discharge from the vaginal opening, which indicates that birth is imminent. You should be on hand to comfort her but do not be too hasty about stepping in to help.

You may do more harm than good. The queen should deliver the first kitten within 15 minutes of her first beginning to crouch, strain and cry, and she will purr throughout the entire delivery.

The remaining kittens will be delivered at intervals of between 5 and 30 minutes. If the kitten is delivered head first, the queen should need no help
If it is delivered hind feet first or breech birth and it does not arrive for five minutes or so, you will need to assist.

Make sure your hands are clean, wrap a soft towel around the kitten's body and gently manipulate him, trying to coordinate with the mother's contractions, if possible. Do not pull on the tail or the legs or they may come off in your hands.

Do not squeeze the abdomen either. If labor continues and no kittens appear for more than an hour, or if a kitten or two have been born and labor goes on for another hour or so without another kitten appearing, then you should call the veterinarian.

He will instruct you as to the best course of action; this might involve taking your queen into his office so that he can assist. If you allow labor to go on too long without kittens appearing, you risk not only having the kittens die but also possibly losing your queen.

When preparing for a home birth, make sure that you have the following items on hand:

- hand towels
- kitchen towels
- sterilized scissors
- heating pad or hot water bottle
- clean bedding
- garbage bags

The queen delivers her first kitten within about 15 minutes of the onset of labor. Depending on the number of kittens, labor will last for up to two or three hours. Soon after being born, the kittens will shakily make their way around their mother's nipples and start feeding.

Want More Information And Discount On Cat Breeds, Cat Pregnancy And Cat Birth? All You Have To Do Is Click http://www.CallPetMeds.com Now!

Read more!

Best Chicken Coop For Raising Chickens At Home

Finding the best chicken coop isn't a tough task. It all depends on how much money you're willing to spend and how many chickens you're planning on having. Larger coops are generally better because they provide a large, secure are for the birds to run, thus improving egg yields. This article provides a basic guide on the best chicken coops, and shows you where to download some great chicken coop plans.

A Closer Look At Sizes

There are generally 3 sizes of chicken coop. As I previously stated, bigger i
better. This is because chickens need running space to stay fit. Healthy chickens will lay 5 or more eggs a week if you're lucky. The 3 sizes are:

- Small/Portable

- Mid-sized (box shaped)

- Large (with hen house and secure run)

How Many Chickens?

It is said that you shouldn't count your chickens before they hatch. Unfortunately, if you don't know how many chickens you've got, you don't know how big of a coop you need! It's best to adhere to the following guidelines:

1-4 chickens - Small/Portable coop is generally enough if you've got a decent backyard.

5-9 chickens - A mid-sized box coop is the way to go. It allows for good running space.

10+ chickens - You're going to need a premium coop if you want to maintain healthy, high yield birds.

How Much Money?

If you're on a budget, you're much better off buying a chicken coop kit or even building your own from scratch. If you're a pretty handy person, or know someone who is, there are plenty of high quality building plans you can download from the internet.

To take a look at the best chicken coop available, check out this Building A Chicken Coop website now

Read more!

Lighting A Reef Aquarium

For some time now the only available lighting options for Reef Keeping are T8 tubes, T5 Tubes and Metal Halide.  The cheapest option is T8 tubes, these are not very bright but are great for a fish only system. 

T5's are much better and will allow you to keep quite a few corals. This includes many soft and a vast amount of Large Polyp Stony corals. Stocking these types of Coral can create an attractive looking Aquarium.  The problem is to achieve enough light you need numerous tubes and this increases the power consumption.

Me
al Halide is the brightest option and allows reefers to keep almost all corals including Small Stony Polyp Stony corals that are considered the most difficult to keep.  These units start with a minimum power consumption of 150 watts, increasing up to 400 watts.  Running these 8 to 12 hours a day can put a big increase on energy bills.  At the moment that is the last thing that people want in the financial situation and economy.

The problem with all these lighting options is that they all need the bulbs replacing every 6 to 9 months increasing costs much more. Bad to the environment in more ways than one. The impact on finances lessening our budget for corals and other live stock.

The good news though, now with the introduction of LED lighting we can now have cheaper lighting bills and not have to worry as much about changing units because of their long life span.  Up to five years is claimed by Tropic Marin Centre on the new aqua beam. Having just installed these to my Reef  Aquarium I can confirm they are really good and have reduced my lighting bill 50%.  The overall cost can be expensive to set up, but with less usage of power and no need to replace the unit.  I will benefit the savings in the long run.

Read the latest information on this technology on my reef aquarium blog

Read more!

5 Steps To Be A Perfect Pet Parent

A happy, healthy pet is a responsibility when you have taken the leap to become their parent. In return, your furry friend gives unconditional love and understanding. Therefore, if you are considering becoming a pet owner its best to take into account the steps below to help you become an excellent parent.

Step 1: Exercise and play with your pet each day for at least twenty-five minutes. Studies show that exercising 25 minutes a day will improve health and fitness of your pet. Just like humans, overweight dogs and cats are more likel
to get a number of diseases and health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, skin conditions, liver disease, and joint problems. In turn, exercise and play reduces those costly trips to the veterinarian that we all dread. So remember a walk a day or a string to play keeps the vet trip away!

Step 2: Ensure your pet is warm in the winter months. If you have a dog or cat that loves to be outdoors and roams your property freely, remember these animals are domesticated. Like people, pets become accustomed to the warmth of the inside. Leaving your animal outside for extended periods of time in the winter can make them vulnerable to serious illness. Watch out for frostbite. Frostbite occurs when the pet's body gets cold and the blood from the extremities moves to the center of the body to keep warm. Ice crystals can form in the tissue of the ears, paws, or tail and damage it without revealing the damage for days. If you suspect your pet has frostbite, bring them into a warm environment. Soak the extremities in warm water for about 20 minutes (without rubbing) to melt the ice crystals and restore the circulation. Wrap them up in a blanket and take them to a veterinarian. If they spend too much time in cold temperatures, it can suffer from hypothermia, a condition in which the body temperature falls below normal. Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, depression, lethargy and weakness. Eventually, the heart and breathing will slow down, the muscles will stiffen, and they will not respond to stimuli. Immediately get your pet warm and take it to a veterinarian.

Step 3: Read your pet food labels. It is very important to know what goes into your animal's food. The main idea when reading the labels on wet and dry food is to remember, if you can not pronounce the word then it is probably not good for your animal. Chemicals like Ethoxyquin, BHA, and BHT are preservatives and have been linked to numerous health problems. BHA and BHT are known to cause liver and kidney dysfunction. Ethoxyquin is suspected of causing cancer. Fortunately, there are many natural and organic pet foods on the market today and you can ask your local pet food supplier for more information.

Step 4: If you have kids, it is important to have a mutual respect between your children and pet. Remember that each member of the family needs boundaries. The children (all ages) must learn not to hit, poke, or pull on your animal. Supervising the children at all times with your animal is very important and can prevent accidents from happening. Although the hitting is not okay, your animal must not react in a vicious way. If this does happen consider speaking to an animal trainer referred by your local veterinarian. Having a pet and children can create a special friendship so setting the boundaries mentioned makes room for both family members to enjoy each other.

Step 5: Administer heartworm medication and make sure you are up to date with their vaccines. Heartworm is a severe infection transmitted by a mosquito and if not detected or prevented can be fatal for your pet. There are a variety of ways to preventing heartworm. Your animal's heartworm medication can consist of monthly tablets, chewables, topicals or a six-month injectable product available only for dogs. This medication is important especially if you intend to socialize your pet with other animals at pet parks or they are outside where there are a lot of mosquitoes. You can purchase the medicine at your local veterinarian office or online pet sites at discounted prices. Also, immunizing your pet with preventative pet vaccines to ward off dangerous diseases is necessary. Talk with your veterinarian and they can offer information on these regular rounds of pet vaccines. Also remember, if you are planning to go on vacation and board your animal, their vaccines must be up to date and have record of such.

These five steps are the responsibilities that constitute being a perfect parent. Be determined to make sure they have their updated medications and scheduled trips to the veterinarian. Ensure that there is mutual respect between your children and animals. Furthermore, make sure the food you are feeding your critter is a healthy choice, no chemicals! Lastly, take your dog for a walk or just play with your cats for at least 25 minutes a day. If you follow these steps, you are guaranteed to be a great pet parent of a happy and fit animal.

Article sent in by Ken Adamas - visit his site to save on pet products like electric dog fences and dog training collars

Read more!

Potty Training a Puppy - Things You Ought To Know - Part 2

All puppies make mistakes when they are going through potty training. It is in fact part and parcel of the training. This article reveals numerous advance tips and guide to help new and inexperience dog owners to potty train your puppies and adult dogs.

Similar to human babies, puppies should not be left alone unsupervised. Just like babies, puppies are not fully aware of what is the expected protocol and might make mistakes. Do ensure that there is somebody who can be with the puppy to make sure he is monitored. This lessen
the frequency of mistakes committed. Time and patience is a natural part of the learning curve. A puppy is not seen to be house-trained until he manages to avoid defecating in the house for at least 4 weeks. Bear in mind that it might take slightly longer if you are training older dogs.

Monitor him constantly, and baby gates can be used to restrict his wanderings within the house and crates can be use to constrain him when there is no supervision. Take note that if your puppy squats and urinates when he greets you, he may probably suffer from submissive urination. Such dogs are hypersensitive and should not be scolded for this behavior, since punishment only worsens the problem. However, as he grows older, he will no longer do this if you are calm and quiet. Or you could ask him to sit down for a tasty treat till someone greets him.

Try to get rid of the smell of urine or defecation to reduce the chances of your puppy going back to the exact spot to conduct his business and this will reduce the occurrence of committing the same mistake. Dogs tend to return to the same spot they have targeted earlier.

A good deodorizer is key to ridding the home of pungent doggy smells. Soak the carpet with cleaning agents should he relieve himself on it. Shut off all those rooms in your house where your puppy has made frequent mistakes. Let him enter here only when accompanied by a family member.

An extra tip to remove urine from carpet is to use black lights to find the exact urine spot to make cleaning more efficient. You can use commercial or create a homemade deodorizer by mixing 50% water and 50% white vinegar. Do bear in mind that ammonia should not be used on a spot of urine. It will encourage your dog to return to the same spot.

As mention earlier, it is quite natural for a dog to make a mess during the potty training period. This is why you need to be ready to handle these problems.

a. Don't punish him when he makes a mistake already as this only delays training.

b. Be patient. Like any training endeavor, potty training requires a lot of patience. Don't rub his nose into his mess. This will not teach him not to repeat it and will only end up making him frightened of you.

c. If you catch him while he is in the midst of doing, stop him with a quick grab of his collar and pull him up while making a startling sound, a sharp noise or say "No" using your deep, stern tone loudly. Do this only when you catch him red-handed, but be sure not to be too loud or he will eliminate in front of you or perhaps even outdoors.

d. Bring him out to the gardens to let him complete his business. Lastly, pat him on his head while saying "Good boy!" or praising him. It is important to show your dog praises whenever he does something correct. Giving him food as a reward when he does his business in the appropriate spot can help too.

During potty training, the use of common sense will aid you big time in dealing with your puppy's housebreaking endeavor. Logical thinking should inform you not to give your dog too much water before bedtime if his tendency is to pee often at night. Catering to his schedule first will prove to be very helpful in making it gradually change and adapt to yours.

Aside from patience and common sense, consistency is also one of the important factors of this dog training activity. If you suddenly forget about the routines yourself, don't blame if your dog if he starts committing accidents more often.

The risk is great - a filthy and smelly home. If you would like to succeed in this potty training feat or just about in any other training drills, don't treat it as a game. You need to be responsible and spend enough time on your side.

About the Author Moses Wright is a proud owner of 3 beautiful dogs and loves to help new dog owners deal with their dog problems. You can get his dog obedience training book, a collection of his dog ownership experiences for free here: Free Dog Obedience Training Book

Read more!

Keep Your Dog Smiling With Preventative Dog Dental Care

What should pet owners know about dog dental care and periodontal disease?

An important aspect of the good dog dental care is proper dental hygiene. One of the most common ailments treated by veterinarians is periodontal or gum disease. Gum disease is progressive. It starts out with the formation of plaque, a sticky bacterial film that forms in the mouth at the gum line. If not removed plaque will harden into tartar above and below the gum line. This build up causes the gums to become red and swollen, a condition known as gingivitis.
br>
If gingivitis is left untreated it can lead to advanced gum disease. Red swollen gums will begin to recede as the infection travels down into the root of the tooth and the jawbone. Once the gums have receded the damage is irreversible and the gums will not grow back. This is known as periodontal disease and results in loss of bone and loss of teeth. At this advanced stage the bacteria from the oral infection may now enter the bloodstream. This can lead to more serious problems such as heart, liver and kidney disease. These conditions if left untreated can eventually become life threatening. These problems can also be prevented by implementing a good dog dental care routine.

Why should I routinely inspect my dog's mouth?

By two or three years of age many pets start to show signs of oral disease. By implementing a home dog dental care routine you can assure that your dog's mouth stays healthy, clean and pain free. Start by routinely inspecting your dog's mouth. A healthy mouth will not smell offensive. The teeth will be clean and will not have any yellow or brown spots. The gums will be a healthy pink color and will hug the teeth.

What are the signs of gum disease in dogs?

Persistent bad breath, brownish deposits around the gum line, especially on back teeth, red swollen gums, loose teeth, painful and or bleeding gums are all indicators of oral disease. Although bad breath or "doggy breath" is the most obvious sign of a problem, many pet owners fail to recognize it as an indicator of dental problems until it's too late. As part of a good dog dental care routine check your dog's mouth at the slightest sign of a persistent offensive odor. Other indications can be decreased appetite and weight loss, a change in chewing habits, lethargy, and pawing of the mouth or the face.

What should I do if my dog's mouth shows signs of gum disease?

Dog dental care starts by checking your dog's mouth regularly. If you see any of these signs call your vet to schedule a dental exam. Your dog may just need a routine cleaning. The cleaning process is performed under general anesthesia. If the condition is minor, it's not much different than a dental cleaning that you or I would have done. Your dog's teeth will be scaled to remove tartar above and below the gum line and then they will be polished. Since your dog can't rinse and spit the mouth area will be flushed to clear it of any loosened debris.

If the condition is more serious your vet may need to administer an antibiotic to clear up any gum infection before cleaning your dog's teeth. Blood work will usually be taken so that your vet can determine if the infection has spread into the bloodstream. If the disease is in the advanced stages your vet may also need to extract some teeth. Whatever the outcome, your dog is sure to feel a lot better after receiving some much needed dog dental care.
Remember to regularly inspect your pet's mouth, schedule periodic dental check ups, and perform routine home dental care.

How important is home dog dental care?

Regular cleanings by your vet followed up by a home dental care program can help keep your dog's mouth healthy and disease free. Even if your dog's teeth are currently in good condition a preventative home dental care routine is essential to your dog's health. If not regularly removed, plaque and tartar build up can progress very quickly into full blown periodontal disease.

If you're new to dog dental care ask your vet to show you how to brush your dog's teeth. Also find out if there is anything else that your vet would recommend adding to your dog's preventative home dental care routine.

One recommendation is to entice your dog to chew. Daily chewing exercises will help remove food debris and prevent tartar build up. They're also great for relieving boredom and separation anxiety. So put your pet to work. Give your dog plenty of fun and yummy real bones, dental dog chew toys, and edible dog chews as part of your home dog dental care routine.

Do I need to brush my dog's teeth?

The most direct method of preventative dog dental care is brushing your dog's teeth regularly. Vets usually recommend that you brush your dog's teeth at least two times a week. If your dog is prone to dental disease you may need to do this more often.

What should I use to brush my dog's teeth?

If you have a young puppy introducing a tooth brushing routine will probably be much easier then if you have an adult dog. In either case start slow, keep the sessions short, and be very gentle while working in your dog's mouth. Use lots of praise and reassurance to reinforce good behavior. You will not want to give your dog treats during this task for obvious reasons.

Since a dog will swallow whatever you use never brush your dog's teeth with "people" toothpaste. This toothpaste is not formulated to be ingested and can upset your dog's stomach. It's also designed to foam which is not desirable when brushing a dog's teeth. So use a pet toothpaste formulated for dog dental care that does not require rinsing.

You will also need a pet toothbrush. There's a great triple sided pet toothbrush that will get the job done faster than a traditional style toothbrush. Or if you have a small dog you may want to try a pet finger toothbrush. Finger toothbrushes slip right onto your finger and are easily controlled to reach the common trouble spots up near the gum line. Add some specially formulated tartar removing toothpaste and you're all set. Dog toothpaste is even available in all-natural formulas and yummy flavors like chicken and vanilla.

If this is your dog's first toothbrush look for a pet dental care kit to get you started. These kits typically include a pet toothbrush, a tube of pet toothpaste and a pet finger toothbrush.

Pet dental wipes are great for use on dogs that resist brushing. These easy-to-use pet teeth cleaning pads help remove food debris and plaque, kill germs and help to control bad breath. If your dog will not allow you to use the toothbrush method try using dental wipes regularly as part of your dog's home dental care program.

You may also want to try to increase the amount of time your dog spends chewing on real bones, dental dog chew toys and edible dog chews.

This type of chewing helps remove food debris and prevents tartar build up. If your dog chews enough you may be able to reduce how often you need to manually brush your dog's teeth.

How do dog's in the wild keep their teeth clean and healthy?

Dogs in the wild are generally much more active than our domesticated pets because they must hunt for their food. They also spend much more time chewing and gnawing on fresh bones, which helps to keep their teeth clean and healthy.

Our domesticated dogs can spend a lot of time sleeping with their mouths closed while passing long period of time alone. It is commonly believed that the lack of fresh air circulating over the teeth and gums can encourage certain types of bacterial growth in the mouth. And since our pet dogs get their daily rations served to them in bowls it isn't necessary for them to spend much time chewing. Although gnawing on bones is how dogs in the wild keep their teeth free from food debris, bacterial accumulation and tartar buildup, our domesticated friends rarely spend as much time at such pursuits.

Encouraging your dog to chew will make a big difference in the effectiveness of your dog dental care routine. Real bones are nature's edible dog chews. But if you prefer not to give your dog real bones there are plenty of wonderful dental dog chew toys and edible dog chews that will get the job done.

Will real bones help keep clean my dog's teeth?

Give your dog some real bones – Nature's own edible dog chews. Most people don't provide their dog with quantities of real bones, so as to avoid the mess and unsanitary residue. It's great if you have an environment in which your dog can indulge in working on a fresh bone. But if not, you can buy some natural sterilized marrowbones. These hollow bones are also available pre-filled with tasty treats like beef, chicken, cheese, and granola.

If you get some unfilled bones you may want to try filling them with your dog's favorite treats. Try peanut butter, cheese or one of the yummy pre-made fillings available at pet shops and online stores.

If you would rather not give your dog real bones there are many enticing dental dog chew toys and edible dog chews available that will encourage your dog to chew.

Besides real bones what other types of dog chews will help keep my dog's teeth clean?
Traditional chew toys are still available and are just as popular as ever. But there are also a variety of very good dental chew toys, rope bone chew toys and edible dog chews designed to keep your dog engaged, with the added benefit of cleaning the teeth. These toys will entice your dog into playfully attending to the required dental hygiene. They can also keep your dog entertained and out of mischief during those times when you must leave your dog alone.

Rope Bone Chew Toys –
Try a dental rope chew toy for great flossing action. As your dog happily chews on these toys the rope fibers clean between the teeth. Spray on some dog dental care spray or rub on a little flavored pet toothpaste to really enhance the cleaning action of this enticing dental chew toy. Check out a pet dental care spray & rope chew toy kit and get your dog dental care routine going today.

Dental Chew Toys –
For long lasting chewing fun, and a great dental workout, get your dog a dental chew toy. Some brands are manufactured with grooves that make these dental toys real winners for cleaning your dog's teeth. Some dental chew toys can also be stuffed with your dog's favorite treats for hours of stimulating chewing. And for smaller dogs there are dental chew toys that not only have teeth cleaning grooves but also are combined with a rope chew. Just add some pet toothpaste to the dental grooves and your dogs will eagerly participate in their daily dog dental care routine.

Edible Dog Chews –
Are you concerned about giving your dog rawhide chews because they can "ribbon" and cause your dog to choke? Many pet hops and online stores now carry a variety of composite chews. These all natural rawhide dog chews can't ribbon, are easy to digest and dogs love the baked in flavor. There is even an edible dog chew treat available that contains no animal by-products.

Dogs, like people, have different tastes and preferences. Choose whichever dental dog toy or dog chew treat that will keep your dog happily chewing his or her way to clean and healthy teeth and gums.

And remember that there are many convenient dog dental care products available that will help you to keep your dog's teeth and gums in great shape between regular visits to the vet and grooming salon. Unattended dental health problems cannot only distress your beloved pet, but can lead to serious conditions and ailments. Many of these problems can be prevented by implementing a regular home dog dental care routine.
About the Author Article courtesy of: href="http://www.dog-supplies-advisor.com/">Dog-Supplies-Advisor.com a website dedicated to providing dog care advice on a broad range of dog-related topics. Includes informative articles, frequently asked questions, recommendations, and href="http://www.dog-supplies-advisor.com/free-dog-ezine.html">Free Ezine.
Copyright 2004 Dog-Supplies-Advisor.com, all rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.


Read more!

Dogs And Cats - Can They Be Friends?

I'm a sucker for anything with fur - so having dogs OR cats isn't a consideration.  Why have one when I can have both? The easiest way to have good pet relations is to raise those pets together.  That isn't always possible if you are one who adopts pets who have been abandoned or mistreated as I often do.

Over the years, I've never brought a dog into my home that could not accept the presence of cats.  At times it's been necessary to oversee the introduction for a few weeks but in time the animals set the boundaries
themselves.  Your felines may be comfortable with the canine living in your home - but don't be surprised at a different reaction when a new canine moves in.

The key to successfully introducing a new addition into a multiple pet household is patience.  I have one cat adopted as an adult who simply has little tolerance for other animals.  For weeks there was much hissing, growling and spitting but eventually my dogs simply began ignoring Cilla.  She is now accepted as the aloof princess she has chosen to be.

Cats seem to choose the dogs they like.   They seem to form friendships or to dislike another animal for no reason I can see.  People do that, too, don't they? You can't force alliances between your pets but you can facilitate them.  When bringing a new cat or dog into your home, it's crucial to provide that animal with a "safe" place where he can hide.  If the new family member is small (kitten or puppy) protect the animal from your other pets.  Even a cat-loving dog can harm or kill a kitten in rough play.  Friendly puppies may receive a warning bite or scratch that can become infected.

Keep interactions with a newly introduced furry family member safe by limiting contact to times you are present and separate the new pet when you are absent.  Time will solve most pet interaction problems.  Cats and dogs will form friendships with each other or will define the personal space they require.  Most accomplish this in 2-3 weeks; with older animals it may take a bit longer.

http://My-Dogs-Rule.com is for dog lovers and http://Our-Cats-Rule.com for cat fanciers. If you like anything with fur and like a variety of pets in your home, learn to understand the traits and instincts of your pets and your responsibilities as their owner

Read more!

Amino Acids And Their Benefit In A Reef Tank

Amino Acids are quickly becoming one of the most popular additives to any serious reef keeper's arsenal. There are many different reasons why they are being used and many why I suggest everyone should use them. Many vitamins and proteins are including in one easy dosing supplement to provide your corals with much needed elements they would not otherwise get in a closed aquarium environment.

In Nature corals will receive these proteins via plankton, micro plankton or even bacterial plankton. However in a close aquarium environment t
ese are normally absent. Zooxanthellae which live symbiotically in many corals "excrete" these acids which in turn feed the coral along with many other substances. In most aquariums the activity of these symbiotic algaes are greatly reduced in which the corals are only "Surviving" and not "Thriving".

Indirect and Direct feeding's are generally not the best method to approach feeding your corals as it generally results in increased nutrient levels such as phosphates and nitrates. This is where the Amino acids come in handy. By dosing high quality products such as Zeovit Amino acid concentrates you are introducing the correct proportions of amino acids found in coral skeletons. This is helping to create the natural living conditions found in a wild living coral reef.

Higher end amino acids on the market are supplying up to 17 important amino acids essential to stony coral growth. These supplements also help coral utilize the absorption of calcium seen in their natural environment and increasing your coral growth in the aquarium. From our experience you will also notice increased polyp extension during their "daylight" hours.

There are many options on the market for amino acids but really there are only a few that aren't using preservatives which decrease the quality of the product. Some are Zeovit Amino Acid Concentrate, Zeovit Amino Acid Concentrate for LPS. Elos OMGEA and Selcon.

Bubble King Skimmers, Calcium Reactors

Read more!

Old Dog Blessings

Dogs Are Our Greatest Therapists. Old Dogs Teach Us How To Let Go (Let God). For The Love of Dog Go I.

I was once a child of the 60's. My friends say I still am.

I lived on a commune with about 10-20 people and 10-15 dogs, give or take, depending on the litter of puppies of any given season.

A rabidly right wing neighbor shot eight of my dogs, and later a posse of policemen swept the commune, thinking that we would be an easier target without eight dogs to complicate their mission.

No drugs were f
und.

My neighbor who killed my dogs years later embezzled eight million dollars from the Republican Party, and his family left him in disgust.

Meanwhile it took me 21 years to get another dog, my beloved Mukunda.

We just celebrated his 10th birthday.

Twenty-one years without a dog is too long. But the post-traumatic stress surrounding the loss of my beloved 8 dogs did not allow me to even consider getting another dog.

Only one dog managed to make me cry in that 21 year period.

I had a short tumultuous relationship with a man who had an old beagle named Wild Dog. One day, he dropped her off and asked me to take care of her, twelve years after the ending of the commune years. And I agreed that I would.

Because of her advanced age, she could not take long walks, so we took frequent short walks.

I remember time slowing down.

I remember her appreciative glances my way, and i felt once or twice the great wisdom she emanated from every cell of her tiny old body. I did not want to give her up, knowing the day would soon come when she would go back with her master.

I remember the flash of memory surfacing pertaining to my commune dogs Alphy and Das and all their noble offspring, and how they and Wild Dog were dog/Gods come to sweep us away into eternity.

But her master reclaimed her and I forgot about my feelings of love for this very dear soul, as if forgetting a very important dream.

It is in remembering the dream that our everyday life loses the mundane quality of reality.

As I saw on a bumper sticker recently: "Reality is for people who lack imagination."

In this beautiful lush spring season, when green suddenly bursts forth from mud and brown earth, we can practice bringing that tone into our hearts for expression.

Mukunda reminds me of green even though he has a red head, just like mine. Or is mine just like his?

We are both green souls.

The cardinal is red yet she sings, surrounded by the profound green of the forest reflected on the great Conestoga River that rolls past our house.

The river is also red after long periods of rain. And at night, moon light filters through mist, reflected on dark river, as the red fox yelps her urgent message.

And Mukunda barks to go out and find her.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

A Pit Bull washed up onto our Conestoga River Bank, one day.

He was carefully sewn into a moving blanket, weighted down by brick and concrete block, and thrown into the river points south of our home. The dog had deep tooth marks on his neck, and his right shoulder has been torn apart.

He was killed in a dog fight, professional or domestic.

Are there professional dog fights in our town? I surmised that there are–and that the killed dogs are dumped into the town's drinking water supply.

I wrote a letter to the editor of our local newspaper, accusing the town of ignoring this issue.

The Pit Bull was given a proper burial, down in the pasture along the river.

We gave the fella a name: Old Mac, the Conestoga Pit Bull. He was treated badly in his life, was taught to be mean, to kill, to tear up smaller animals than himself.

Perhaps he would have killed Mukunda.

But it was people who created the monster who rolled up on the bank of the meandering Conestoga.

He came to us, so we could think about him, feel deeply in our heats the travesty of his existence. We will muse about this every time we walk by the pile of rocks that top his tiny memorial, overlooking Canadian Goose habitat, squawking Blue Heron taking flight and skimming the river surface, and bird song music, also the yelp of Red Fox everywhere surrounding him.

So he found a final resting place where all of us who pass can ponder his existence.

How does Old Mac, the Conestoga Pit Bull, fit into our great theme of freedom when he was used and exploited in his short life? And in his death, he made the mistreatment of innocent animals into a public statement.

Mukunda regards Old Mac's grave site with a seriousness and an aura of contemplation and reverence. He looks at the grave for two to three minutes at a time, and therefore, so do I.

Mukunda now realizes that bad things happen to dogs. Before this time, he did not know. His innocence has been transformed to worldly ways.

Since then, he listens to me more consistently, wants to please me more constantly instead of proving his will over mine.

And to think Old Mac could teach me to be more humble as we place one foot in front of the other, passing his memorial every day.

Dog is man's best friend. The dog is not returned the unconditional love they hold for our supposedly superior species.

Yet even when they are abused, they teach us love.

Even when they die, they live on.

About the Author Kate Loving Shenk is a writer, healer, musician and the creator of the e-book called "Transform Your Nursing Career and Discover Your Calling and Destiny." Click here to find out how to order the e-book:http://www.nursingcareertransformation.comCheck Out Kate's Blog: http://www.nursehealers.typepad.com

Read more!

The Golden Retriever

Dog Breed: Golden Retriever

In a dog's world, Golden Retrievers are simply the fatal attraction. They are a preferred dog breed, making great pets, hunting dogs, obedience competitors, show dogs, and even a combination of all these traits.  No matter what your intent may be to own a Golden Retriever, you'll have an excellent dog that will live up to it's potential and then some.

Golden Retrievers are calm, well mannered, and extremely affectionate.  They are easy to train as well, very intelli
ent, and great for those who need a companion.  Golden's are also loyal to their owners, lovable, and great with children of all ages.  They also make great watchdogs as well, as they will bark loud and let you know when a stranger is near.

Like other dogs, Golden Retrievers will shed their hair throughout the year and more in the spring - no matter how many times you brush them a day.  They also like to be in and near the water, similar to Labs.  If you have any type of water on or near your property, your Golden Retriever will be in it, and tend to be either wet or muddy quite a bit - which can tend to get frustrating.

If you are always on the go or never at home, you shouldn't get a Golden Retriever.  If you prefer cats over dogs, you should look into another breed.  Golden Retrievers crave attention and admiration, and normally don't do too well if you leave them at home by themselves for long periods of time.  Golden's need attention, and desire to be around you at all times. If you spend a lot of time at home on the other hand, or have kids, a Golden Retriever will be a perfect addition to your family.

A lot of people out there prefer to get a puppy and raise it themselves.  This way, the puppy will grow up with the skills they have taught him. This is a great idea and very rewarding, although it can consume a lot of your time and tend to be very frustrating at times.  Those who don't have a lot of time to spare or tend to get easily frustrated, shouldn't get a puppy.  Instead, they should look towards an older Golden Retriever who has already been house broken and trained.

Golden Retrievers are an excellent breed, and they can provide you with the companion you have been looking for.  They can participate in several activities with you as well, such as hiking, camping, and walking.  Golden's love the outdoors, and they love just getting out there and doing things with you and your family.  If you include your Golden Retriever in family activities - you'll have a friend for life who will quickly grow on you over the years.

About the Author For more information on Dog Training go to
http://www.topdogbook.com



Read more!

Healthy Cat Food For Your Precious Feline

When it comes to the diet of your cat, there is nothing more important then making sure that you are giving him or her cat food that is high in protein. It is widely known that cats are meat eating animals and they need a lot of protein in their diet in order to feel satisfied and to be completely healthy. The first thing that has to be looked at when looking at the ingredients in the cat food is whether or not there is high protein. Since cats require a much higher level of protein in their food then dog's do, it is important to make su
e that you are not trying to save money by feeding your cat dog food.

This is the biggest issues is the protein count in the cat food. Without the right amount of protein, the body of the cat will eventually start to break down the protein in its own muscle. So since this is such an important part of the diet of the cat, it is the first thing you have to look for when you are looking at the ingredients. Of course we do not want to forget that cats also need taurine, arginine, and amino acids. A well balanced meal is important to have at all times.

Picking The Right Brand

When it comes to finding the cat food with the right amount of protein and everything else, it is important to remember that just because a brand is a popular one; it does not mean that it is the best for your cat. Instead of looking at the price tag or the brand name, look solely at the ingredients. By doing so you will be sure to give your cat the very best you can give him or her.

Go with the cat food that does not contain any artificial ingredients or preservatives. You also want to make sure that the first ingredient listed from the meat source is protein. If the first ingredient listed is something like wheat or corn then you will want to put that cat food down and look for something else.

By-products are sometimes used as protein sources. These can be necks, feet, and other body parts. This is not considered a healthy protein source and over time it certainly won't be beneficial for your feline. Also if the first 5 ingredients contain 2 or more grains, it maybe your "protein" source is coming from vegetables and not meat.

Important for digestion are bacteria cultures or more commonly known as acidophilus.
Some companies do not add any and over the long run bad digestion can lead to issues from skin and coat problems, allergies, bowel issues and more.

Even though it may take you a while in the beginning to find the perfect food for your cat, it will all be worth it in the end. After you know which brands to select and which ones to avoid shopping for cat food will be easy.

Lori Matthews studies health, nutrition and wellness. She enjoys writing articles on health for both people and pets. Please click here if you would like more information on Life's Abundance premium cat food

Read more!

Training for Aggressive Dogs

What to do with an aggressive dog

When it comes to aggressiveness in a dog, this is a very serious problem. There are new laws that state dog owners can be charged and the dog put down if the dog bites someone. Of course with some serious dog training, our dog can learn to enjoy people and not turn on them.

There are lots of reasons why dogs are or become aggressive. Maybe the dog feels his territory is being compromised, or he feels threatened. A lot of aggression comes from lack of confidence and insecurity
Simple obedience will not solve your dog's aggressive problems, only some serious dog training will do the trick. Aggressiveness doesn't just mean biting; it means barking and lunging at people as well. This type of behavior needs to be addressed as soon as possible to prevent anything serious from happening to someone or another dog.

Your vet can recommend how to go about finding someone who can work with aggressive dogs. Training aggressive dogs is a specialty and unfortunately could cost you a fair amount of money, but the end result is well worth it and you don't have to worry about losing your dog. Most obedience and training schools wont take aggressive dogs as most of the places run classes with other members and won't let them be endangered. The best thing you can do is to take him to a proper dog school. Look in your yellow pages for one.

Always check the techniques used by schools on how they train aggressive dogs.  As training an aggressive dog can be dangerous, some places may use out of date methods which could be harmful to your dog, although this isn't always the case, it is always better to be safe than sorry. I wish I could say it was easy to train your do not to be aggressive, but it isn't.

 

If you can't afford a training school, you might want to consider using one of the training collars available on the market today.  There are a number of varieties and you should be able to find one that suits your dog and its problem.  If you have the patience and follow the instructions exactly, you should be able to get the job done.

At the end of the day, what counts is that your dog stops attacking and he starts loving. An aggressive dog can halter the relationship that you have with him, therefore, you and your dog aren't having the best time together as you are always worried about him biting you, other people or other dogs. I recommend that you do what it takes to get the problem sorted!

 

About the Author Click HERE for more information on dog training on the author's website.

Read more!

Pitbull Kennels

This article provides useful, detailed information about Pitbull Kennels.

There are kennels that specialize in raising breeds of American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers all over the country. At these kennels, Pit Bulls are cared for, nourished and trained so that they can be sold to affectionate owners for a price. These kennels also rehabilitate stray and abandoned Pit Bulls and sell them to people.

Pit Bull kennels have a mix of male and female adult dogs. These dogs are bred to produce
litters, whenever the dog population is to be increased. Dogs may be bred for particular traits such as colors and other features so that they command a higher price in the market. However, this may not always be the case.

Kennel owners take care to provide favorable and hygienic facilities for their dogs. Dogs are treated for heartworm and infestation by fleas and ticks. They are under constant veterinarian care. Pit Bulls are susceptible to a lyme disease, which can be treated at the kennel. Dogs are fed nutritious dog food, which also gives them strength. And before selling the puppies, the dogs are vaccinated, neutered and disinfected. Kennels also undertake the responsibility of training the dogs until it is purchased. Buying a Pit Bull from a kennel most often assures a healthy and trained dog.

Kennels also accommodate rescued Pit Bulls. There are several Pit Bulls that have been rendered homeless now due to the reported spate of mauling incidents. There are also stray Pit Bulls. These uncared for dogs become more aggressive and more life-threatening. Kennels not only rehabilitate them but also give them the tender loving care and the training to make these dogs more confident.

Owners of dog kennels won\'t sell their dogs to just anyone. They sometimes insist on visiting the home of the buyer before selling the dog to them. It helps if the buyer was a previous Pit Bull owner or if knows a bit about the breed. Reputed kennel owners are very cautious of selling their raised dogs and they never sell dogs without papers. In most cases, the bloodlines and the lineages of the dogs are well-documented and given to the buyer along with the papers.

Booking of Pit Bulls from kennels usually takes place online. People may book a Pit Bull puppy even before its mother has littered. Such advance bookings are actually appreciated by kennel owners.

About the Author Pitbull Breeders provides detailed information on pitbulls, pitbull breeders, pitbull kennels, pitbull puppies and more. Pitbull Breeders is affiliated with Pug Puppies For Sale.

Read more!

Stop Your Dog From Jumping Up

The problem of dog jumping is very common. Many dog owners unwittingly encourage this behavior by enthusiastically responding to a puppy that scampers towards them and makes small jumps at their knees.

The puppy learns very quickly that jumping up results in him getting plenty of hugs and kisses. Dogs can't possibly understand the difference between a small puppy and a large adult dog jumping up.

Your dog will see no good reason to stop jumping just because he's somewhat older. You will need to make it clear to your dog t
at jumping is no longer acceptable.

So when is jumping inappropriate?

Some owners of small dogs see jumping as an indication of affection and enthusiasm. Thankfully, it is unlikely that the rambunctious antics of these dogs would knock anyone over, plus they are so small that the only person likely to be intimidated by them would be a child. That said, most people do not like a strange dog of any size jumping up on them. In a nutshell, you should teach your dog the "off" command in case you aren't close enough to stop the jumping behavior.

The "no jump" or "off" command is necessary for owners of big dogs. Large dogs are often taller than a human when they stand on their hind legs - just think how intimidating that would be for a small child! As well, they are frequently sufficiently heavy to knock over an adult. Being scratched or bruised by your own dog is bad but it's much worse if it happens to someone else. Dog owners should make sure that dogs are furnished with a recall to the "off" command.

So why do dogs jump?

The reason for most dogs jumping is sheer excitement and enthusiasm. Some dogs only jump up when their owner returns from work after being away all day. If your dog jumps up on you at that time, he is simply jumping for joy. A less common yet serious reason is a dog jumping up to display his dominance over the person he is jumping on.

Your dog is obviously displaying his joy and enthusiasm if the only time he jumps up is during playtimes or when he is thrilled to see you. If the jumping occurs under a variety of circumstances, it is likely that your dog is displaying dominance behavior, which is indicative of a communication or attitude problem. Basically, there will need to be major changes in your relationship with your dog, including asserting yourself as "alpha dog".

Secrets to Dog Training has some excellent resources to help you deal with dominant dog behavior. To stop your dog's jumping behavior, visit Dogs Jumping.

Your reaction to dogs jumping up on you is key to whether the behavior is repeated or not. Consistent training over an extended period will be required in order to stop your dog's jumping behavior. He needs to be trained that it is always unacceptable for him to jump up. You can't allow your dog to jump up sometimes and not another time. Play and work clothes look the same to a dog so, if he's permitted to jump up on you sometimes, he'll try to jump up whenever he's in the mood.

How to put an end to your dog's jumping behavior

Most trainers are in agreement that the best way to stop undesirable behaviors in your dog, such as jumping, is also the simplest. You just need to walk away when he jumps up. Your dog should be given no attention whatsoever, which includes negative attention like pushing, correcting and yelling.

Here's how this training method works: when your dog jumps on you, immediately turn your back on him, fold your arms, turn your face away, and don't make eye contact with him. Dogs are able to interpret your body language so your posture will make it clear to him that jumping is inappropriate.

All too often, people make the mistake of ignoring the dog's bad behavior rather than ignoring the dog. The behavior is not being ignored (you're not carrying on as if the jumping isn't happening, you are actively ignoring your dog). Giving dogs the cold shoulder treatment is an extremely effective way to quickly communicate displeasure to them. When your attention and reaction are removed, your dog will quickly calm down.

The correct time to give him praise

Once all of your dog's feet are firmly back on the ground, you can heap praise on him. Once your dog's paws have touched the floor, you may give him attention even if you were ignoring him a moment earlier.

For more information on how to stop dog jumping, visit Dog Jumping Up

Training Dogs - Information is a free resource for dog owners offering useful tips on dog training and dog behavior problems

Read more!

How to Protect your Dog and Family from Roundworms.

Nearly every puppy in the world is born with roundworms. This is because the roundworm's larvae are transmitted from the mother to the puppy while it is still in the womb. A female dog can harbor roundworms in her tissue, often making them immune to dewormings. The roundworms then have the opportunity to emerge during pregnancy through the mother's bloodstream and infect the unborn puppies. Roundworms can also be transmitted to newborn puppies through the mother's milk during nursing.

Roundworms are also easily t
ansmitted to humans. Young children are most susceptible because they are always sticking their fingers in their mouths! Roundworms are transmitted to humans and dogs through eggs that are in a dog or puppy's stool. They can either be ingested through direct eating of the stool or by eating something else that has eaten the stool (the dog eats a bird, mouse, etc. that has eaten the dog's stool).

Everyone should wash their hands frequently after handling the puppy or dog and make sure that all feces is removed from the yard and disposed of on a daily basis. Most infections in people are mild and cause no symptoms at all. However there have been cases of worms migrating to the liver, brain, and eyes.

Symptoms of roundworms in humans include:

•Anemia

•Appetite Loss

•Difficulty Breathing

•Constipation

•Cough

•Cramping

•Diarrhea

•Fever

•Hives

•Itching

•Nausea

•Chest Pain

•Muscle Pain

•Passing of Worms

•Rash

•Skin Lesions

•Swelling

•Vision Disturbances

•Vomiting

•Weight Loss

Infected puppies can become quite ill and heavy infestations may lead to convulsions and even death. Most puppies that die are around the age of two to three weeks old. Puppies should be wormed at ages 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age. Adult dogs should receive yearly stool samples from their veterinarian to check for worms. Roundworms will look like spaghetti in the puppy's feces.

Symptoms of roundworms in dogs include:

•Potbelly

•Diarrhea

•Gas

•Vomiting

•Lack of Energy

•Slow Growth Rate

•Dull Coat

•Coughing (if immature roundworms have migrated to the puppy's lungs)

Some dogs may show some or all of these symptoms while others may show no symptoms at all. When adult roundworms are seen in the dog's stool this is often because of ongoing disease in the bowel or sometimes because the worm burden had become so great that the worms are crowding each other out.

Treatment of roundworms is not dangerous and is highly effective. Buy your wormers from the vet and give them regularly as instructed. The tablets are not difficult to give if you train your dog to take them in tiny bits of cheese or put them into sweets. The best way to protect your family and dogs from roundworms is through a regular program of both medication and prevention (keeping the yard clean of feces).

About the Author

Jennifer Bryant breeds American Pit Bull Terriers and builds websites in her spare time.

Bryant's Red Devils
Puppies and Dogs for Sale

Read more!

History of the Miniature Pinscher

The Miniature Pinscher or the Min Pin as it is colloquially abbreviated to is believed to have originated in Germany over two hundred years ago, it was originally known as the Reh Pinscher in reference to a small red deer which freely roamed the German forests many years ago. The Miniature Pinscher has been pictured in oil paintings and sculptures that distinctly place the Miniature Pinscher as a very old breed, however because accurate documentation began less than 200 years ago, its breeds actual origins cannot be accurately stat
d. In Germany the breed is officially called the Zwergpinscher which simply means dwarf pinscher.

In 1836 Dr. H. G. Reinchenbach, a German writer, stated that the Miniature Pinscher is a cross of the Dachshund and Italian Greyhound. Many historians and those who have researched the background of this breed agree that the ancestors of the Miniature Pinscher to most likely include a combination of the smaller German smooth haired Pinscher, the Italian Greyhound and the Smooth Dachshund. The Miniature Pinscher is not a, smaller version of the Doberman Pinscher, for those who disagree about the origins of the Miniature Pinscher I would like to point out that the German Miniature Pinscher Club was formed in 1895, however the German Kennel Club had recognized the breed and published a standard back in 1880, ten years before Louis Doberman bred his first Doberman.

British Miniature Pinscher web site

In August 2007 my book "British Miniature Pinscher" was published it's a fascinating insight into the British Miniature Pinscher or minpin as it is affectionately known. The British Miniature Pinscher charts the first part of the minpins journey since its arrival in the UK. The British Miniature Pinscher covers everything from the history and origin of the breed to the implications of the tail docking ban to how to go about finding a minpin puppy, as well as taking a look at how modern science can help remove the guesswork out of breeding the various colours. If you are interested in Miniature Pinschers, their origins, what they are like to live with, how to buy one and their place in UK dog history then The British Miniature Pinscher is definitely the book for you. More information is available at: www.miniature-pinscher.info/goods.htm

About the Author

To visit Miniature Pinscher Info click here

Read more!

What To Look For When Buying A Horse

Knowing what to look for when buying a horse can make the whole process a lot less risky. By following some simple steps you can lesson the chances of buying someone elses problems.

Knowing what to look for when buying a horse can make the whole process a lot less risky. How many times have you heard of someone buying a horse only later to find out the real reason it was sold. By following some simple steps you can lesson the chances of buying someone elses problems.

The first thing you need to do when deciding to b
y a horse is be honest with yourself about your experience. If you are just starting out or have never bought horses before I strongly suggest you take an experienced person with you to view a horse. I should clarify that...by experienced I do not mean someone who is a fantastic rider or trainer I mean someone who is experienced at buying horses. Yes some people are both but handling, riding and training horses is not the same as buying them. Buying horses needs someone who knows the tricks and traps to avoid and can spot them a mile away.

Don't know anyone who is experienced at buying horses? No problem just go along to your local pony club, riding club or any other equine club and you should find someone willing to help. A word of caution if you do this make sure they are not best friends with the person selling the horse.

You have found what sounds like an ideal horse and arranged a look at it, what now. First thing to do is turn up a little early (10 - 15 minutes should do it). There is a good reason behind this, you want to know if the horse is hard to catch. If the horse is already caught ask the seller to let the horse out again so you can see it being caught.

When you arrive also look around the property it will give you a good indication of how well the horse is looked after. A clean property with good fencing, no signs of cribbing or stall kicking and no rubbish laying around is what you want to see. A little tip for you, if there is a rubbish bin near the stable have a little peek in it without being too obvious. People have been known to give something to their horses to calm them for sale you may just find evidence of this.

You have seen the horse being caught and the property looks good, no sedatives in the bin so what next. Observe the horse when it is being saddled. Does the horse stand still, not nervous (the horse not you)? No nipping or kicking when being saddled? Look for little signs like tail twitching, ears laying back, basically observe the horses body language.

Do a physical check of the horse, lift its feet, run your hands down its legs, run you hands along its back, run your hands over its head. If you are not confident doing this let an experienced person do this for you. Doing this not only lets you see how well the horse stands when being handled but also lets you find any tender spots that may be an indication of more serious problems.

The next step is to observe the same things when the seller gets on and rides the horse. Does the horse stand still when mounting and wait for the rider to signal when to move off? The horse should not show any signs of being nervous (watch the rider for any signs of nerves too) and should not fight any commands. Does the horse transition easily from a walk to a trot and a trot to a canter? Stop easily? Walk on from a stop easily? Get the rider to do a figure eight, then ask them to go the other way doing a figure eight. Often a horse will show its true colors when asked to do something different.

If all has gone well so far it is time to try the horse yourself. Pay attention to all of the things you did when watching the owner ride the horse. Does it respond calmly and confidently to you? Pay attention to your gut feelings and if something does not feel right don't ignore it as it may be something you have picked up subconciously.

The final few tips I have for buying horses are common sense. Ask the owner lots of questions, why are they selling? How long have they had the horse? What activities have they used the horse for? Are there registration papers? What is it like being riden with other horses? Has it had any illnesses or injuries? Has it been vaccinated and if yes when are the boosters due? When was it last drenched? Pay attention to how the seller answers, look for any hestitation and other indicators of lying.

Buying a horse is an exciting time but do not let your emotions lead you. When you get the right horse you are getting much more than something to ride around on. You are getting a companion who you will have many enjoyable years riding with so take your time and find the one that is right for you.

About the Author

ฉ 2007 e-Book About. All rights reserved.You may distribute this article as long as you leave this copyright notice in place.

Read more!

Choosing The Right Dog Breed For Your situation Is Crucial

Before you go to the pet store do your research so you are sure you are choosing the right dog breed for you and your family. This article gives you some advice on things you should consider before heading to the pet store.

Choosing the right dog breed for you and your family is very important before you go puppy shopping. This is because everyone loves puppies and they will melt your heart with their cute little faces, however, they will grow up to be dogs. Every dog breed has their own personality traits and requirements f
r their care and needs so it is important that you consider these things before you bring a puppy home.

One of the first things you should do is research the specific breed of dog that you are considering purchasing and find out what types of traits this breed has. For example if you are looking at a cocker spaniel you should know that this type of dog is a bit high strung and tends to nip. So even though they are adorable they may not do well with small children.

Another thing to consider is your environment. For example let's say that you are considering buying a German shepherd. They are beautiful loyal animals but you need to know what you are getting when you choose this breed. Generally speaking they do not do well with other household pets. So you may want to reconsider this breed of dog if you have other dogs or cats in the household.

You should also look at health problems that are associated with the breed you are considering. As the two example listed above also have their own set of problems that are commonly seen in their breeds. For example the cocker spaniels tend to have both eye and ear issues and the shepherds can have a very expensive and painful condition known as hip dysplasia. So make sure that you know what you could be getting into as far as health issues are concerned.

When choosing the right dog breed for your situation you also need to know how what your dog is going to need to keep it healthy. For example some dogs are going to need lots of room to run and play. So this type of breed is not going to be appropriate for apartment living or at a home with a small yard.  There are plenty of smaller dog breeds that will do quite well in situations where they are walked a few times a day.

Care and maintenance of the dog should also be considered when choosing a dog. For example a cocker spaniel needs to be groomed regularly as their hair tends to knot and grows to long on their paws. You can do it yourself or you can take them to a groomer but either way it will cost you in time or money. A shepherd on the other hand will shed like crazy. This means that you are going to have to brush them often and it will cause more house work to keep the hair from accumulating. Adding a dog to your home can be very rewarding especially when you do your research for choosing the right dog breed for your home situation.

About the Author Craig Thornburrow is an acknowledged expert in his field. You can get a Directory of Breed of Dogs and Hound Dogs at http://www.directoryofbreedofdogs.net

Read more!

Help - I Need Training A Yorkie Tips!

Training A Yorkie puppy involves time, patience and consistency. Your Yorkie puppy can appear stubborn, may not listen or respond to her name and being selective at best when responding to your commands i.e. when it suits her.

There a few common methods including Obedience training, Socialisation training, Command training and Trick training. In essence they all have the same basics. They all involve some type of positive re-enforcement. This basically means when your Yorkie does the correct behaviour that is required, he is positively
re-enforced with either a treat or some good petting.

This is the best form and never involves any scolding or punishment of any type. In fact this can be very rewarding and you can really also build a great bond with your Yorkie.

Some things to consider when training a Yorkie

1. Do not let your puppy get way with bad behaviour just because she is small and cute, treat her as you would when working with a Labrador for example.

2. Start your puppy as soon as possible, the earlier the better. The longer you leave it the harder it will be to get the puppy out of bad habits.

3. The biggest mistake owners make is giving their Yorkie attention at the wrong time.

4. Stick to a scheduled daily routine with your Yorkie. Your puppy will know whats expected if he gets into a schedule of when to go potty in the morning, when to eat and when its playtime.

5. Always re-use the same words as commands over and over so your Yorkie can recognise the words. For example, when teaching your puppy when its ok to bark, use the word 'talk'.

Training a Yorkie takes work but it is worth every moment, once you've got the hang of it and are starting to understand how your Yorkie process's the commands you give her then it gets really easy

At last Yorkie training tips that work, want to read more of my personal articles on Training A Yorkie

Explore all you need to know about Yorkie Puppy Training from real Yorkie owners and trainers, also get a FREE mini course at yorkietraining.info

Read more!

Cat Health Problems, Diseases and Illnesses

Find out more about felines common illnesses and diseases. Discuss that while many of these problems are non-fatal and can easily be treated by a veterinarian, others have no cure and are often fatal. Feline diseases can be hereditary or contracted by exposure to previously infected animals.

Animals have their share of common diseases and afflictions. Cats are no different. Rest assured that many of these afflictions are not fatal and easily treated by your local veterinarian. However, there are some diseases that have no cu
e and can be terminal. Such diseases are often hereditary or passed from other infected animals.

First on the list of common illnesses a cat may acquire are hairballs. Hairballs occur as the result of cats performing their everyday grooming routine. Dirt and hair can accumulate in abundance on the cats' tongue and will get ingested into the digestive system. When there, these elements become lodged and eventually form a round ball of mucus.

Typically, a cat can dislodge the hairball by coughing, but on occasion one may become lodged in the intestines creating a serious and sometimes life threatening situation. Regular grooming, specialty cat food and cat treats along with visits to the veterinarian are all great ways to both prevent and treat this common ailment.

Similar to mankind, cats are susceptible to urinary tract infections too. The cause for this ailment can be infection and poor quality food. The good news is this ailment is treatable with medication prescribed by a veterinarian. It is also preventable by providing specially formulated cat food created to prevent this infection from occurring.

If a urinary tract infection is present, common symptoms are that your cat may show signs of infrequent urination, fowl smelling urine, and urinating in places other than the litter box. Male cats that have not been neutered seem to be the most susceptible; however, females contract this infection as well.

Common Cat Viruses - There are three major viruses cats are extremely susceptible too; Feline Leukemia, Feline Infectious Peritonitis and Feline Immune Deficiency Virus. FIP or Feline Infectious Peritonitis is a very dangerous illness as it is related to the Corona Virus. Testing for FIP is also a problem as the results are not completely reliable. A positive test result has the possibility for being false as the same results appear for the Corona Virus. There is a vaccination available for FIP; however, many vets believe that such results are still debatable. With no known cure, it is extremely beneficial that this disease is not as easily contracted as some other diseases may be.

The feline version of the AIDS Virus known as FIV has not yet proved to be fatal. However, unfortunately it has left owners of these cats fearful that they too will contract the disease. This belief is merely a myth.

Feline Leukemia Virus is another disease that is preventable. A vaccine is available from a veterinarian's office and must be acquired before exposure to other infected cats has occurred. If you own a cat with FLV it is highly recommended that you do not expose him to other cats. The life expectancy of a cat with FLV is very short.

Common Cat Worms Problem - In addition to hairballs being one of the most common afflictions in cats, worms are another. Tapeworms, hookworms and roundworms are all cause for immediate concern. Another worm that is not as frequently found in cats, but is also cause for serious concern is heartworm.

Veterinarians will give medication that will help prevent nasty parasites from invading and finding a host in your cat. Signs of worm infestation cam come with flea infestation or as tiny white specs appearing in the stool, almost resembling a grain of rice. Loss of weight or inability to gain weight is also signs of a worm infestation. This illness is fortunately one that comes with a treatment and it is usually an affordable one. However, if this infestation goes without treatment, the results are most commonly fatal.

Fleas and ticks are another form of common diseases, cats that spend time outdoors are known for contracting. The tick however brings another illness to the table, Lyme disease. If a tick has been found on your cat's body, symptoms of possible Lyme disease include lethargy, sluggish movement and acting as if in constant pain. This disease is also able to be transmitted to humans by ticks as well. If you suspect your cat has this disease or have found a tick on his body, a visit to the veterinarian will result in removal of the tick and treatment with medication.

Last, but certainly not least is feline obesity. This disease affects other parts of a cat's body and is a serious, potentially fatal ailment. It is also the number one cause for feline Diabetes. Prevention is the most important key in battling these diseases. Providing a proper diet in combination with exercise is essential in the fight to keep your cat healthy. Luckily, cats with diabetes do live, but need to be put on a special dietary supplement as well as medication.

The most important thing you can do to defend your cat against common illnesses and disease is to remember that prevention is the key.

About the Author Moses Wright loves to help pet owners with their pet problems whenever he is free. You can find more cat problems and solutions tips and guide on his site.

Read more!

How To Choose The Right Cage For Your Parrot

Having spent a lot of money buying your parrot it is important to house your parrot in the right kind of home. A home that will not only show your parrot off to best advantage but one your bird will also be happy in.

This article will provide you with tips on how to choose the cage that is best suited to your bird.

1. The cage needs to be the correct size for the parrot you have bought. Parrots, depending on which type you have bought, can be fairly large and as a result have big wingspans. Your parrot needs to be able to sp
   ead his wings without being hindered or cramped in the cage you buy so the cage needs to be large enough for your parrot.
2. Dome shaped cages or square shaped - which is best? Dome shaped cages are not really suitable for parrots because the birds cannot climb on to and play on the cage. Generally the dome shaped cages have lots of vertical bars but few horizontal ones making it almost impossible for your bird to climb on it. Also, towards the top of the cage the available space becomes narrower and makes it difficult for your bird to spread his wings. So a square or rectangular shaped cage of the right size for your particular bird would be much better.
3. Buy the best quality cage you can afford. Cages are made from many different materials and although cages built using the higher quality materials are more expensive generally they are safer and last longer.
4. Think "safety" when buying your bird's cage. Cages with fancy scroll work and intricate designs can be a death trap for your bird. The spacing of cage bars can also be deadly if your bird can get his head, feet or wings caught in them. Also be on the look out for sharp edges.
5. You want a cage that you can easily maintain. It needs to have a tray that slides out at the bottom of the cage and easy access to food and water dishes.

These tips may not be exhaustive but if you use them your chances of buying a cage well suited to your bird will be greater.

For a free course that shows you how to care for your bird visit http://www.beesbirds.com

Read more!

Correcting The Myth Of The Most Aggressive Dog Breed

It is within every dog owner's interest to find out the most aggressive dog breed. After all, you would want to have a pet dog that will not tear your things to pieces or attack other animals and people. It is about time you learn though that in a lot of cases, the concept of innately aggressive dogs may be largely overblown. Many aggressive dogs are man-made. Some of the things you do may be responsible for dog aggression.

Conscious Acts

Some dogs are conditioned to be aggressive. This is especially if they are intended to f
nction as guard dogs. Some even illegally breed dogs to have aggressive qualities so they can be used for dog fighting. Some breeds therefore receive the undeserved label of being the most aggressive dog breeds simply because they are preferred for guarding and fighting.

Unconscious Acts

You do not have to specifically breed dogs to be guards and fighters to create aggressive dogs. Some dogs become aggressive when they are occasionally treated in a physically violent manner or if they are highly neglected. You may therefore be raising an aggressive dog if you sometimes spank your dog as a short cut handling method and if you barely have time to let it out and play with it. The aggression may be a result of fear of experiencing physical pain or of anxiety over not being able to properly release pent up energy.

Your main concern should not be how to determine the most aggressive dog breed. What you should really be thinking about is how not to make an aggressive creature out of the dog that you have.

Learning about the types of aggressive dog behavior is the first step. Start training your aggressive dog breed and turn them into friendly companions the right way. Find out how

Read more!

Do You Know The Types Of Feeders For Various Types Of Birds? Part 1

To have a relaxing and fulfilling day at home, the viewing of birds is very ideal. For this reason, home owners should take the time to find out the right bird feeding materials needed. Bird feeders come in different styles and varieties. Some examples are the platform feeders, thistle feeders, suet bird feeders, tube feeders and the ground feeders.

Hopper feeders are basically the most ideal feeders you can buy. They are made from wood, thus making them an additional accent to your outdoor surroundings. These bird feeders houses are v
ry convenient since you just simply open the top and pour the wild bird seed in.

They are also fairly well protected against weather like snow or rain. Generally, wood feeders are practical. But be sure to place these feeders in strategic locations, otherwise, squirrels might raid them. Tube feeders are another type.

These can be easily mounted onto a pole, or can be hung wherever you like. Additionally, when looking for feeders that have very tiny holes, thistle feeders are the answers. These feeders are basically designed for gold, purple or house finches because the seeds of the thistles no not pour out easily onto the ground.

Most thistle feeders for wild birds have fun designs and you can normally see birds hanging upside down while feeding themselves. Moreover, the design effectively keeps birds always from each other, thus avoiding competition for the seeds.

Platform feeders are the ideal type of bird feeders, especially if you wish to see migratory birds. These bird feeding tools generally have open designs, thus allowing birds to easily notice any approaching birds of prey or cats. And when predators come, birds can simply fly away from the feeder. One great advantage of this type of feeder is that it can accommodate larger species of birds.

Such birds can just simply perch and feed. And since these feeders have open designs, birds can feed themselves all at the same time. This is also similar with the ground feeders, which are placed on the ground. Both the platform and ground feeders however, need proper maintenance, as they are prone to different elements, such as snow and rain.

Providing a suet bird feeder is one way to attract interesting types of birds, such as Northern Flickers, as well as Pileated, Red Bellied, Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers. Suet feeders are cages made from wires and you just simply place suet cakes in them and wait for birds to perch. With bird feeding materials, you really have a lot of choices. Just make sure you provide the right one for the birding sights you want to see.

Did you enjoy this article ? Why not visit us for part 2 and learn how to attract hundred of birds in record time with our bird feeders manifesto, for minimal expense and very little work

Read more!