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The little golden fish wondering alone around his bowl seems to be long forgotten.

Instead of the little bowl, there are now huge aquariums, mounted on the walls or even enclosed in them, containing lots of colored fish, sand, lights, little stones and aquatic vegetation. Optionally you can choose a little castle of house to make the décor unique and fantasy-lie.

This idea has been adopted from restaurants, clubs or other public locations, but now it applies to homes of animal lovers, fish lovers especially.

You have decided to adopt fish because you like them or because you heard they bring prosperity and well-living to your life. Either way, you have to know how to take care of them because they are not just a decorative object; they are living beings that can’t take care of themselves.

They are going to need your full attention and care, they will totally depend on you. Here is some general advice; general because each species act differently and has different needs:

What do we need?
We need an aquarium, a thermometer, a heating system, a water filter, and plants to oxygenate the water, sand and little stones, and a source of light for the plants.

How do we actually do it?
Before placing the fish in the aquarium, the water needs to be left alone 24 hours and its temperature has to be of a minimum of 22-23 Celsius (it can differ for some species). The water is not changed all at the same time, it needs to be changes in several stages, 20% on each stage.

How do we feed fish?
Twice a day, we give them the dried food, the life food or the frozen one, depending on the species.

How do we treat sick fish?
The most common illness encountered amongst fish has as an exterior effect the apparition of some white pits on the flippers of the fish. In such situations, treatments are administrated in the aquarium to prevent the illness from spreading to the other fish too. For the right treatment, you have to go to a fish heath shop.

Another rule in fish illnesses of any type is to just raise the temperature of the water in the aquarium and to dissolve some salt in it.

Often times, alley cats and black cats will show up at someone’s door and decide to move into their homes. This can be a result of abandonment, or the cat’s family moving away and simply leaving the cat behind. Sometimes, the cat may decide that he likes someone else’s home better and decide to move there instead of staying with his owner.

A lot of people will tell you that a cat whisperer can be thought of as a therapist for cats. Almost all cat whisperers haven’t have any type of training, what they know just seems to come to them naturally. These types of people understand the way a cat thinks and knows how to work with the cat to achieve the results they want. Even though many think of a cat whisperer as a therapist, it actually couldn’t be further from the truth.

Cats who have been abused or mistreated, often times won’t respond to anyone but a cat whisperer. Although others may have tried to help the cat, it will only make matters worse by making the cat feel scared and afraid. In most cases, these cats will end up in a pound. This is very tragic, as the cats have already endured more than they ever should have. A majority of the cats who have been abused were once loved pets. Along the way, they were abandoned, mistreated, attacked by dogs, and in some cases tortured.

Cats who have been treated unfairly often times won’t trust anyone. They are often times confused, in a lot of pain, and not sure what they should do. Like humans, cats feel pain. Those that have been physically abused are a sad sight indeed. Emotionally damaged cats may appear to be in perfect health on the outside, although their emotions are a wreck. Emotionally abused cats are much harder to get through to, especially if they were stray cats to begin with.

Cat whisperers on the other hand, can communicate with physically and emotionally abused cats. Cats know who they will choose to be their cat whisperer, which is normally an individual they sense trust with. Cat whisperers are common with cats, although most people have never heard of them before. Even though a cat whisperer may be able to communicate better with cats, it will still take time to heal a cat that has been abused.

When you have a cat that has been emotionally abused, you’ll need to wait until he or she approaches you. You’ll need to use patience, as the cat will be confused and will not know if you plan to hurt him too. Take your time and let him know that he has nothing to fear, and eventually he will come to you. When he does start to approach, you can let him sniff you while you gently pet him. After a while, he will learn that he can trust you, and he will start to come to you whenever you call him.

Yelling, raising your voice, or using disciplinary tools such as flyswatters or water guns the wrong way can lead to more emotional damage. If you continue to use the wrong means of discipline on an emotionally damaged cat, he can become mean or lethargic. When a cat turns mean, it’s not always a bad thing, fortunately. Meaner cats are easier to reach, as they still care if only a little about what happens to them – while lethargic cats have reached the point where they no longer care.

Cats that have become lethargic won’t play, take treats, or respond to anything you say to them. With a lethargic cat, the ideal way to get him to respond is to bring in a companion cat. Over time, a lethargic cat will eventually look for attention, maybe a scratch behind the ears or just a pat. When this happens, you should always use a soft voice and snuggle with him. Never raise your voice at this point, and make sure you let the cat know that this behavior is a lot better.

You should always make slow movements around a lethargic cat, as he is still quite traumatized. Once he is coming around and letting you touch him again, he is getting back to his normal self. Keep in mind that it may take some time, which is to be expected with this type of situation. If your cat starts to get upset or if you raise your voice, he will hide again. If you continue to use a soft voice and have patience, your cat will eventually get past this. Whenever you acquire a cat which is lethargic, you should prepare yourself for a long and very intensive healing period.

Angry or mean cats on the other hand, will either fight with you and scratch, or simply run away from you. With mean cats, the best thing to do is use gentle treatment with a soft, coaxing voice. You should never resort to raising your voice or using any form of discipline, as this will cause him to become meaner. Never attempt to trap the cat either, as trapping will only make the cat react negatively. Just take your time and let the cat know you are there for him; he will eventually calm down and respond.

Abused cats are truly a sad thing, although they are out there. Abused cats can be a sad thing to see indeed, especially those that were physically abused. Abused cats need a loving home and a loving owner who will give them the type of lifestyle they deserve. Always remember that if you are dealing with an abused cat – you should always be as gentle as you possibly can.

A little old man, arthritic and sore,
It seems I am not wanted anymore.
I once had a home, I once had a bed,
A place that was warm, and where I was fed.

Now my muzzle is grey, and my eyes slowly fail.
Who wants a dog so old and so frail?
My family decided I didn’t belong,
I got in their way, my attitude was wrong.

Whatever excuse they made in their head,
Can’t justify how they left me for dead.
Now I sit in this cage, where day after day,
Those younger dogs get adopted away.

When I had almost come to the end of my rope,
You saw my face, and I finally had hope.
You saw thru the grey, and the legs bent with age,
And felt I still had life beyond the cage

You took me home, gave me food and a bed.
And shared your own pillow with my poor tired head.
We snuggle and play, and you talk to me low,
You love me so dearly, you want me to know.

I may have lived most of my life with another,
But you outshine them with a love so much stronger.
And I promise to return all the love I can give,
To You, my dear person, as long as I live.

I may be with you for a week or for years,
We will share many smiles, you will no doubt shed tears.
And when the time comes that God deems I must leave,
I know you will cry and your heart, it will grieve.

And when I arrive at the Bridge, all brand new,
My thoughts and my heart will still be with you.
And I will brag to all who will hear,
Of the angel who made my last days so dear.

(In memory of Leslie’s dog Tray)

The biggest cause of cat allergies is dander. The dander, is dust that is produced by the body of the cat. Dander is basically shed skin that comes off of cats, normally in the form of small flakes. Although dander can irritate your skin, it can also get into your immune system as well, resulting in a variety of symptoms and almost immediate allergic reactions.

The dander, once in the immune system, is perceived to be a threat. Even though it isn’t classified as a disease, it’s more of a reflex by your body and your immune system. Cat allergies occur quite often due to cats having allergens that are spread throughout their blood, urine, and saliva. Although a cat may not be present at the time, the excretions probably still are.

Cat dander, urine, and saliva, are found throughout the home of cat owners. Cats constantly groom themselves, which involves rubbing their saliva into their fur. When they do this, they spread their dander and allergens around. Although you may try, there is really nothing that you can do about it. Cats have a natural instinct to groom or bathe themselves, no matter how many baths you give them, you simply won’t stop them from grooming.

Normally, when someone is taking an allergic reaction to cats, he or she will wheeze, cough, sneeze, itch, have watery eyes, or a difficult time in breathing. Different people react different ways to cat allergens, meaning that some symptoms may not occur at all. Fever and chills is very rare, although it can happen. If someone who has cat allergies comes down with fever and chills, you should contact a doctor immediately. Chances are, it isn’t an allergic reaction to cats, but instead another type of disease that a doctor will need to identify.

Cat allergies are normally treated with antihistamines and decongestants. Those that experience asthma attacks or other forms of allergies, normally take antihistamines. Decongestants on the other hand, are normally used to cure coughs and swollen nasal passages. Sometimes, doctors will recommend allergy shots as well. Allergy shots can help to prevent the attack, especially if someone is really allergic to cats. They are a good form of treatment and prevention, and they can also help to decrease the risk of allergies affecting the individual.

If you suspect that you have cat allergies, you should always make it a point to visit your doctor. He will be able to further diagnose your situation, and give you the best options available for treatment. If you do indeed suffer from cat allergies, the best way to stop the attacks is to get rid of your cat.

Getting rid of a cat can be a very tough thing to do. If you have become allergic to your cat’s fur, there may be no other way to prevent attacks than to get rid of him. Although doctors can give you medicine and shots, it will only do so much. Cat allergens are no fun, especially if you develop them years after owning your cat. Cats are great animals to own – although cat allergies are something we could all live without.

Of course they’re cute! All puppies are! Should you pay hundreds, and in some cases, thousands of dollars for one? Certainly not! The offspring of a mating between two purebred dogs of different breeds is a mongrel; a mutt. And if you have one, you should love it, train it and care for it as if it had the bluest blood of the canine kingdom.

Every dog breed, and there are hundreds in the world, was “created” by humans. Each breed was developed for a specific purpose – whether that original job was guarding the flock or being the ideal lap-dog. There’s no reason that development shouldn’t continue. If there is a need for a dog with particular characteristics, enterprising individuals will come forward to fill that need.

However, it takes many generations to “breed true.” Compare yourself to your siblings. Do you all have the same looks, same personality, same interests and strengths? Chances are, you don’t. Each of you has some of the “best” traits of your parents. But those may not be the same traits. And each of you has some of the worst.

Two of the best-known mixed-breeds out there now are the “Golden Doodle” and the “Puggle.” The thinking behind these crosses is fairly obvious: wouldn’t it be nice to have a Golden Retriever’s personality and willingness to please combined with the Poodle’s non-shedding coat and intelligence? Wouldn’t it be equally delightful to have a small dog without the breathing issues of a Pug, but quieter than a Beagle?

But there is no way of knowing you won’t get a high-strung, noisy, stubborn, slobbering mutt who sheds like the dickens!

If you are considering spending the kind of money that these “hybrids” are commanding, be sure to research all of the traits of the contributing breeds. You will get a mixture of the two. And an equally adorable mixture may be waiting for you at your local shelter – the size you want, with the coat you want and the adorable face that melts your heart.

If you require certain characteristics in your puppy – whether a family member has allergies, or you have a very small, or no yard, or your household requires a quiet, “easy keeper,” or if you wish to fully participate in the world of canine competition, consider a pure-bred animal. There are over 150 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. Research them at www.akc.org. Surely one of them is right for you.

During the year of 1884, the very first Siamese cats began to make their way to England, when they were given as gifts to a British general. After that, they eventually made their way over to America. Nowadays, Siamese cats are one of the most recognized breeds; they are without a doubt the most popular short haired cat, and among the top 3 in the entire breed of cats.

Even though there are several different colors to this breed, some question what defines true Siamese cat. These cats have always been known for their bodies which are lighter in color, with darker areas throughout. The darker areas found on their bodies are normally around the feet, tail, legs, or face. They can weight anywhere between 6 – 16 lbs, with bright eyes that are normally slanted – which is another clue that the cat is a true Siamese.

Traditionally, Siamese cats are robust, with round heads and a truly muscular build. They are well known throughout the world for their color points and unique personalities. Unlike other breeds, Siamese breeds have a talent for communicating with people. If you are looking for a cat that is quiet, you wouldn’t want a Siamese cat. These cats love to play, love to make a noise, and they also happen to be the most social breed of cats out there.

Siamese cats demand a lot of attention, because in their minds, they believe the world revolves around them. For this very reason, they can tend be quite dependent on their owners. They love to play, and crave interaction. If you leave them alone for too long, they won’t like it. They like to get attention, and hate to be left by themselves.

Even though Siamese cats are emotionally high maintenance, they don’t need a lot of upkeep. They need a minimum amount of grooming, which involves bathing every once in a while, and brushing maybe once or twice a month. If you like cats with minimal maintenance, Siamese cats are perfect. Their hair is short and close to their skin, so a gentle brushing is all you need. They can occasionally get sick however, which is to be expected with any breed of cat.

Siamese cats have a life span that is similar to other breeds, which is normally around 15 – 20 years, sometimes even longer. Provided you feed him on a daily basis and take him to the vet for his regular checkups and shots, he will be around for years to come. Most people who have their Siamese cat for over 10 years, find the cat to be more like a child than a pet.

No matter how you look at it, a Siamese cat is a great pet. Although the Siamese breed does require a lot of attention, they are excellent animals that you can spend a lot of time with. They are great for children as well, simply because kids can spend a lot of time with them. Provided you give your pet the attention he craves, he will be your life-long friend for as long as you have him.

Though it’s fun to own multiple pets, if you own more than one dog, it is likely you’ve encountered dog on dog aggression yourself. It is often a simple spat where two dogs growl, bark, or tussle for a few seconds and the problem is then over. As long as the dogs are evenly matched and it is over quickly, this isn’t a major problem.

If you own large and small breeds, you can be in dangerous territory before you know it. It’s crucial that you understand your animals and identify the reason for fighting. Most common, of course, is a simple territorial dispute over a food bowl or a favorite dog bed. It may be as simple as one animal being awakened from a nap quickly by another and automatically going into a defensive mode.

Serious aggression can occur when the object being protected or claimed is the owner himself or when, in dog body language, one dog has asserted rights the other animal is not willing to concede. Some breeds will be so involved with their owner that they will take it upon themselves to reinforce the owner’s commands to other pets. One example of this I’ve seen is a dog guarding the trash container. The owner had previously disciplined that dog because it was getting into the garbage. Later, when another pet approached the container, that dog would immediately growl and threaten. The animal had learned that area was off limits and took it upon himself to project his owner’s wishes.

A small dog can cause aggression by placing himself higher than the larger dog in the household. This is instinctive pack behavior and not easy to control.

Crises can be averted when an owner understands what is occurring and stops it immediately. If your pets are fighting or a larger animal is attacking a smaller one, you must get the problem under control. This is not optional and must be done carefully as owners have been bitten severely in attempting to stop a dog fight that is out of control.

It’s easier to understand if you realize the bodily clues given by your dogs. A large breed will often establish dominance by standing over the smaller animal. This is a clue to the little guy to shut up, move or stop whatever he is doing. Many dogs will get the hint and subordinate immediately and thus fighting never becomes a problem.

Other small breeds will recognize the threat and growl in response. The growling may be fear rather than challenge, but the result may well be an attack from the larger animal. Once an attack has begun, the smaller animal will often be the harder to control as the fear and pain can drive them to an hysterical response of biting anything that is near them.

Fighting between dogs unevenly matched in size simply cannot be tolerated at all. There will be injuries and once such a fight occurs, it is likely to happen with increasing frequency. Owners have an obligation to prevent this from happening and in some cases the only alternative available is to keep the animals separated. This is especially true if the aggressive behavior is caused by devotion to their master where two animals are competing for the space closest to the owner.

Discussions with a trainer of attack dogs will help you learn methods of preventing or stopping such dog fights. One of the most common methods recommended is to lift the back legs of the attacking animal, thus throwing it off balance and getting it’s attention. This technique is most useful when the larger animal has a firm grip on the one being attacked. Keeping his balance and maintaining the grip is not possible and will almost always result in a release.

Extreme cases of dog on dog aggression may require re-homing of one of the animals. In most cases, it is possible to balance the presence of the animals by use of a wire cage muzzle for the larger animal when it is in the presence of the smaller one and a room, kennel or crate where the smaller pet can spend some time. Knowing how to stop a dogfight can keep the owner from being bitten by accident.

The instinct that makes a good herding dog is a modified version of predatory behavior. The herd dog accepts responsibility for the herd because he considers them as belonging to him.

A herding dog is not the same as a dog used for guarding sheep through they are often thought of as the same behavior. The dog that herds is responsible only for keeping the herd together and for moving it as a unit when necessary. In most cases, it will defend against a predator’s attack but will not initiate an attack.

The method used to herd flocks differs from one breed of dog to another. The Border Collie may head off the heard by staring them down and achieving dominance. The Australian cattle dog is most known for pushing the herd by nipping at the heels of the animals – and has earned the name “heeler” from this behavior. Another type of herding dog may literally jump on the backs of animals in the herd to force movement.

These are three quite different herding methods and are referred to as “head”, “heel” and “back”.

Size of the herding dog is uniquely related to the size of its charges. The smaller herd dogs, such as Welsh Corgis were bred to be short so as to avoid being kicked by cattle in the herd. Larger dogs might watch a grazing herd of sheep and be able to defend its charges in case a predator attacked.

Border Collies, Blue Heelers (a common name for some Australian Cattle Dogs) and Shetland Sheepdogs are fast and agile to allow quick movement around a herd to get stragglers moving in the right direction. Cattle and sheep are the most often herded animals though there are reports of poultry herding on large production farms. In some parts of the world, reindeer are controlled with herding dogs.

Physical characteristics of herding dogs are meant to adapt them to their specific purpose. For example, dogs in areas where wolf or coyote attacks are common would have thick coats and would be large, strong canines. Extremes in weather are also considerations.

Herding dogs are among the most intelligent canines in existence. Collies and Border Collies are able to work large herds of livestock. They quickly respond to obedience commands and can often anticipate herd movement or movements of individual animals in the herd. These same dogs do exceptionally well in obedience competition and in agility trials.

The patience and intelligence of herding dogs, not to mention their beauty, make them ideal family pets. The herding instinct can often be recognized as these dogs go from room to room checking on each family member or is happiest when the children of the family are together in one place. Some will attempt to herd other pets in the home, too, and if you have cats that can be interesting to watch.

As family pets, herding dogs will often rush to check on any unusual noises or the cry of a child or hiss of a cat. They instinctively take on the responsibility of keeping the family “herd” calm and organized. They are such gentle dogs that this is an endearing quality in them.

Exercise requirements vary by breed but the intelligence level of these dogs requires that you interact with them. They need to use their quick minds and are very fast to learn obedience training and tricks, too. The faster breeds excel in dog agility and are happiest when given something to do.

Your dog will get the idea if you simply use your tone of voice in an encouraging way, say “come” when he comes toward you and then reward him with a small treat and praise when he arrives. This teaches him that the command to come to you means something good will happen when he gets there. When you are outside it will work at times and at other times you’ll be ignored in favor of an interesting smell on the next clump of grass.

Even a canine that usually understands and obeys may get out of range in that in a large open space there seems to be a mental line for some dogs. At a certain distance they happily run to you when you call them. A bit farther away they may demonstrate a stubborn independence. This poses a risk for a pet that has wondered close to a busy street or onto a neighbor’s property.

The first solution is the projectile method. The preferred tool to use is a small fabric beanbag. This can easily be made from any fabric and the beans are to add weight so that it makes an impression on the animal and also can be tossed or thrown more accurately. It’s an amazingly simple training tool that gives fast results. It works best with medium to large breed dogs simply because they present a larger target. This is a training solution that is best conducted out of doors in a confined space such as a fenced yard.

With the beanbag (or two if your aim is poor) in your hand, wait until your pet is busy investigating a new scent trail or tree. Call him by name and say “come” one time clearly and sharply. Give him a few seconds to respond. If he ignores you, say his name and the command a second time and immediately toss (not throw) the beanbag so that it lands on his back. In most cases, the dog will immediately trot over to you; at first you may need to issue the command a third time right after tossing the bag.

Most dogs aren’t stupid. If you have done the first steps by communicating what it is you want the animal to do when you say that command – he knows what you want. He also knows you are “over there” and thinks you can’t make him do it until he is good and ready to come to you. The beanbag is not meant, nor should it be used, to hurt the dog. It’s meant to get his attention and let him know that you CAN reach him. He’s not quite sure what just happened but knows somehow you were able to reach him.

It doesn’t have to be a beanbag but the point is to have something in your hand that has enough weight to it that it can be accurately tossed but that will not cause any pain. It also needs to be something the dog doesn’t realize is there in your hand. It is the surprise factor that makes this silly sounding method work and it usually takes only a few times with this procedure to get the results you want. Just remember when the dog does come to you, give a treat and praise. Once he has mastered the command, praise will be enough to reinforce it.

Though your pet will usually be willing to play at any time, it’s likely there are a couple periods during the day when he will actively seek playtime with you or with his own toys. For many dogs, early morning and late afternoon bring high energy and a play session with be fun for you both. Fetching a ball or a run instead of a leisurely walk will burn off the energy and provide needed exercise for you both.

Most canines have a clearly defined schedule of activity. They respond to their own physical needs much better than we humans do. When they are full of energy, they play and run. The moment they are tired, they take a nap. When they are curious, they immediately investigate. Finding the scent of another animal outside, they will mark their territory.

Your dog will have a specific place in each room of your home the will lay down. For those of us who work at home the preferred spot in our home office is often too close to the wheels of our desk chair. Allowing pets on furniture is the owner’s choice – but I’ve found even the best trained “off the couch” dog is likely utilizing the furniture in the owner’s absence. Providing comfortable pet beds may alleviate this problem. Pets like comfort just as their people do.

Just as a baby is, a canine is lively and happy just after a poop. He will run in circles, play with toys like crazy, wear himself out and then curl up for a quick nap. The point is, dogs have predictable schedules and to socialize and to train them, the easiest way is to adjust to their normal schedule. Trying to teach a dog who is sleepy or a dog who just wants to run and play with wild abandon will not yield the results you want.

Watch and learn what your own pet’s normal schedule is. Use it to your advantage by finding the times he is most receptive to learning new commands and behavior. Finding fifteen minutes and having a training session when your pooch is paying attention to you is much easier on you both. During the play period you can reinforce some training commands as you make your animal heel or sit before throwing a ball, teach him to “drop” or “release”. Just remember to keep playtime fun and free of conflict.

If you insist on a purebred – you should still go to your local shelter. On a recent visit, I saw one Great Dane, 2 German Shepherds, 2 Dalmatians and 3 Labrador Retrievers that were most definitely purebreds. They end up in a shelter because of owners who don’t know how to train them – or have no time for them. Labs in particular are often dropped off at shelters for “chewing things up” – but that is the nature of that breed when young. They are “mouthy” and will chew everything in sight until trained what is and isn’t permissible as a chew toy. Many Lab owners take drastic steps to control this chewing behavior, buying special gates and pens or confining the dogs to special rooms when the owner is absent.

Although it’s true that a few dogs may end up at the shelter due to barking or antisocial behavior, those problem animals are usually not considered adoptable by shelter personnel. Most shelter dogs simply need a bit of obedience training to become valuable companions.

Some shelter dogs may have been through various situations before landing at the shelter. They may have been mistreated, abandoned by a roadway, become lost and wandered alone for some time. They will not understand at first why they are being moved to another new location – they will not know that you are giving them a forever home.

The best method of helping your new dog adapt to your home and family is to establish a regular schedule for the dog and adhere to it for at least a few weeks. Regular feeding times, regular walks and/or play time will help your new pet fit in easily and quickly. Dogs are quick to adapt to the schedules of their people and some canines seem to have their own internal clocks. Many dogs have been documented going to the door where their owner will enter – and doing so while the owner is still miles away.

Dogs also can set their own schedules. Your dog may want to play early in the morning and again in the late afternoon – and may insist on bringing you his toys and trying to get your attention at those times of the day. For that reason, the schedule you have should be adjusted as you see what best fits your dog.

When disciplining a shelter dog, you should start with the barest minimum of correction – using your tone of voice to indicate approval and disapproval. That is often all that is needed as a disciplinary tool. Remember that some dogs may have been mishandled or mistreated. If you quickly raise an arm or make a sudden movement and notice your dog will cringe or growl – you know there is some history there to overcome. Kindness and patience will solve the problem but it will take time to gain the total trust of the animal.

From the first day you bring your adopted dog home, put your hands on him often. Look at his ears, his paws; look closely through his fur or at the skin of his belly. What are you looking for? Nothing. You are letting the dog know from the first meeting that you will be touching and looking at him closely. Many dogs will become very nervous at this attention but it is important to establish your “right” to do this as ease of grooming, dog baths and veterinarian visits depend on being able to handle the dog in this way.

You also start basic behavior training the moment you bring the dog home. Spoil him with doggie biscuits – but make him “sit” before getting each biscuit. Take him for walks – but always go through a doorway first to establish yourself as his leader. Let the dog know what is expected of him and through your voice let him know what is good and bad. Knowing what is expected of him allows a dog to settle in and learn to trust his new owner.

Some of the dogs that have been sickened by the jerky treats have died.
It is not clear yet to investigators why chicken jerky products appear to be causing these illnesses and deaths in dogs, Food and Drug Administration officials said. The dog treats that have been linked to the illnesses are also sold as “chicken treats,” “chicken tenders,” or “chicken strips.”

At this point, no specific Chinese manufacturers of the suspect treats have been identified by FDA investigators, nor has a specific contaminant been pinpointed. So, until more information is available, it seems prudent to read the packaging before giving your dog any chicken treat and avoid the ones from China.

Reported by Daily Mail, Imported jerky treats from China are linked to mystery illnesses and deaths in U.S. dogs:

Imported chicken jerky from China may be sickening dogs in substantial numbers, enough to send a warning by the Food and Drug Administration of its consumption by pets.

In a third string of warnings to consumers, the FDA says complaints of dog illnesses associated with the dried chicken products have increased in the last 12 months, in serious numbers and effects.

‘Although most dogs appear to recover, some reports to the FDA have involved dogs that have died,’ the FDA stated in a release Friday.

While the cause or contaminant for the illnesses has yet to be determined, nor is a specific brand being held responsible, the FDA is narrowing their commonality being its exported location of China.

From MSNBC, Vitals, Chicken jerky treats linked to mystery illnesses, deaths in dogs:

Chicken jerky treats may be to blame for dozens of new reports of mysterious illnesses and some deaths in dogs, prompting a renewed warning for pet owners by the Food and Drug Administration.

At least 70 dogs have been sickened so far this year after reportedly eating chicken jerky products imported from China, FDA officials said. That’s up from 54 reports of illness in 2010. Some of the dogs have died, according to the anecdotal reports from pet owners and veterinarians.

FDA officials say they have not been able to find a cause for the illnesses. Extensive chemical and microbiological testing has failed to turn up a specific contaminant and officials did not identify a specific brand of treats. They note that the reports of illness have not conclusively been tied to chicken jerky products, also sold as chicken tenders, chicken strips or chicken treats.

The new warning follows previous FDA cautions about chicken jerky treats in 2007 and 2008. But after a high of 156 reports of illness in 2007, the number of complaints dropped. Now, it’s rising again.

Dog owners and vets are reporting that animals may be stricken with a range of illnesses within days or hours of eating chicken jerky, including kidney failure and Fanconi syndrome, a condition characterized by low glucose.

According to the FDA, dogs who have consumed the products have shown signs within days of: decreased appetite; decreased activity; vomiting; diarrhea, sometimes with blood; increased water consumption and/or increased urination.

Fox hunting was a sport that became very popular with the the upper class and a small group of men had a vision of creating a dog that could hunt and kill fox, track a scent from miles away, and have the speed and agility to maintain long-distance running when chasing its prey. In fact, these chases could go on for hours if necessary.

Fox hunting was such a sought-after sport that breeders wanted their Foxhounds to not only perform well when being watched to hunt, they also wanted the dogs to look beautiful, especially when running in packs. Such breeding took place to ensure that specific pack members would have the same color coat, which was usually black saddle over a tan colored body, and white points.

To give you an idea of just how popular fox hunting became, by the late 1800s there were 140 individual packs of English Foxhounds specifically created for the sport. Each of these packs contained approximately 50 hounds and all were officially registered in England.

English Foxhounds started to make their way to the United States sometime during the 1700s. It was during this time when they were bred with other strains to produce more streamlined physical characteristics and eventually were turned into a second Foxhound, known as the American Foxhound. However, the English Foxhound is still the number one choice for hunters who desire the traditional hunt when on horseback.

Personality

English Foxhounds have an extraordinarily friendly temperament towards both dogs and strangers. They make excellent watchdogs, have high energy levels, and make perfect house pets. This animal requires constant social interaction and will get lonely fast if kept by itself without contact with people or other canines. This is one dog that will get along with just about everybody and everything, including horses and other pets. It is also noted that English Foxhounds are best when raised with plenty of land in country areas to roam around. City dwelling is not meant for this dog.

Taking Care Of Your English Foxhound

There is not much work required for upkeep and maintenance of the English Foxhound. This dog is clean and has minimal grooming needs, just the occasional brushing. It can live outdoors in either cold or warm temperatures, so long as there is plenty of shade and warm bedding. The one particular detail you should be aware of is that the English Foxhound is genetically designed to run long distances and hunt for hours on end. Therefore, he will need plenty of daily exercise for brisk walks or long jogs with its owner.

Health Information

Just like the American Foxhound, the English Foxhound has absolutely no health problems to worry about. Most dog breeds can be expected to show signs of either one or more specific diseases, but due to its pure bloodline and genetic heritage, this dog has no major or minor health issues. The lifespan of the English Foxhound can last up to 15 years, with 11 to 12 being the average.

Because your pet can’t choose the best pet food, it’s up to you to make the right choices in pet nutrition. It is essential that you take the time to learn about what’s available in pet nutrition for this member of your family. Even if you aren’t a vet tech, you can choose pet food like one. There is plenty of good information online to help you out. Here are 25 Q&A sites that can help you learn more about pet food:

Food for Specific Pets

From bird food to cat food to ferret food, you can find what you are looking for on these web sites. These sites will help you figure out what is the best nutritional course of action for your pet.Give your pet the right start with guidance from these informative web sites.

1. Pet Food: Learn about the regulation of pet food, as well as how it is labeled. The FDA provides plenty of reliable answers to questions you have about food for your pets. Authoritative and interesting.
2. The Pet Food List: Great site for answering questions about various pet food brands. You can get information on cats and dogs, as well as information on pet food for exotic pets. Great information, including news on pet food recalls.
3. The Dog Food Project: Compares different types of dog food, and answers questions about various options. A great resource for understanding nutrition for your dog.
4. Dog Food Analysis: Great Q&A site that reviews different dog food options. Answers questions about formulas in various dog food brands. A helpful resource for the dog lover.
5. The Pet Food Report: You can learn all about pet food for dogs and cats. A great resource that also includes information homemade pet food.
6. Truth About Pet Food: Great site aimed at helping consumers find safe pet food for cats and dogs. Get the information you need for providing your furry friends with the right nutrition. Includes reviews, and news, about pet food.
7. Cat Food: Full Report: This great resource from Consumer Search offers answers to questions about cat food. Learn how to choose cat food, and learn more about dry and canned food, as well as diet options for cats.
8. The Feed Room: If you have questions about feeding your pet horse, this web site has answers. Learn about pet food for horses, and the best way to ensure proper nutrition for your horse.
9. National Alternative Pet Association: Find out about nutrition for your exotic pet. This site includes answers to questions on various aspects of caring for “alternative” pets, including how to properly feed them.

Pet Food Ingredients: All Natural Pet Food vs. Other Pet Food Options

Many pet foods feature a number of questionable preservatives and ingredients. If you are interested in providing as natural a diet as possible, you can consider all natural options. You can also look at these Q&A web sites for information on the benefits of natural pet food options, as well as ingredient information for your pet food options.

10. The Honest Kitchen: Information about all natural pet food. You can learn more about dehydrated pet food designed to retain natural nutrients.
11. Pet Food Ingredients Revealed: This report from Natural News offers information about what’s really in pet food. Learn about pet food ingredients, including the most common ingredients, and see which pet foods are healthiest.
12. What’s Really in Pet Food: Born Free provides this resource that can help you pinpoint different ingredients. Find out what you’re really feeding your pets. A great overview of what you will find in pet food.
13. Petfood Ingredients: Find out about natural ingredients in pet food, and how to choose the right food for your pet. A great resource aimed especially at dog food, and answer questions about pet food ingredients.
14. Pet Food Ingredients Wizard: Find out more about what is in your pet’s food. Look for natural ingredients, or rule out foods with too many unnatural ingredients. This site aims to answer questions about pet food for dogs, cats and ferrets.
15. Petfood Industry: Get the inside scoop on the pet food industry, learn about ingredients and find out more about pet nutrition. A helpful site that can answer many of your questions about pet food.
16. Precious Pets: Learn how to find better, all natural pet food for your animals. A great site that answers questions about keeping your pet healthy, and offering insights into better pet food options.
17. Ingredient Glossary: Pet Food Ratings offers this helpful glossary of ingredients. Find out what’s in your pet food — and what it can do for your pet.
18. All Natural Pet Food Directory: Answers questions about where you can find all natural and organic pet food.

Vegetarian and Organic Pet Food Options

If you want your pet to be a vegetarian, or if you want to make sure that your pet is getting only the best in organic nutrition, you can check out these web sites. Find out more about helping your pet live the same sustainable lifestyle that you enjoy.

19. Vegan Pets: Vegan Peace offers a look at ways that you can provide good nutrition for your pet –while living a vegan lifestyle.
20. VeganCats: This site can also answer questions about vegan dog food. Plenty of information on what’s available for vegan pets.
21. Veg Dogs & Cats: Get answers to your questions about how you can encourage veg practices for your pets.
22. Top Five Benefits of Natural Organic Pet Food for Your Dog: Organic Authority answers questions you have about organic pet food.
23. Organic Pet Food: Find out more about what’s in pet food, and learn more about organic pet food for better health and nutrition.
24. Our Happy Cat: Includes information about organic cat food, and its benefits.
25. Healthy Pet Food Guide: Reviews and information about organic pet food.

Author: Tina Marconi, of Vet Tech, a Guide to Vet Tech Schools

Soon enough, imports of this dog came from France, England, and Ireland, which helped shape the breed. You will find records of Foxhound pedigrees in the United States since around 1850. It was around this time that the sport of fox chasing became extremely popular throughout the southern part of the United States. The most popular areas in which fox chasing took place were in the mountains of Tennessee and Kentucky.

The Foxhound was an amazingly agile hunter that was a perfect companion when chasing prey. This dog had the ability to not only track down and find its target, but also make the kill when necessary. Hunters prefer the Foxhound over any other hunting dog because of these skills.

In time, the American Foxhound started to become a bit more streamlined than its English version, particularly due to developing into different strains. The ‘Walker’ became the most popular strain. It descended from a dog named Tennessee Lead.

The most popular and record-breaking type of Foxhounds stemmed from the bloodline owned by a man named George Washington Mauphin, who is considered to be the “Father” of the breed. His dogs were some of the fastest running Foxhounds ever produced during his time. Other strains of the Foxhounds were created from the Walker Brothers. Some example strains are: Goodman, Trigg, Hudspeth, Calhoun, and July.

The American Foxhound was one of the earliest breeds that the AKC recognized. However, the true number of registrations has always remained low. This is not to say that the animals are not owned in large numbers, but many of these dogs are kept in large quantities by hunters who have no interest in registering their animals.

Personality

The Foxhound was bred to hunt and run great distances. But they also make excellent house pets, even in the absence of hunting activities. Foxhounds are well-mannered and get along with both people and other animals that are in the home. They are very friendly towards most everybody and everything, even strangers. Foxhounds have high energy levels, always ready for a hunt, and make excellent watchdogs.

Taking Care Of Your American Foxhound

Foxhounds should be maintained in a household which has plenty of human and canine interaction. This dog should never be left alone for too long at a time. It is a very social animal that requires daily exercise with either brisk walks or preferably long jogs. Foxhounds can also live outside if required, but of course it is always best to keep them indoors at night with its family. Their coat is easy to maintain and requires only the occasional brushing to remove excess hair.

Health Information

Foxhounds have one of the healthiest records of all of the dog breeds. There are absolutely no major health concerns to worry about and no minor health issues to consider. Occasionally seen is thrombopathy, but this is very rare. The lifespan of the American Foxhound can live up to 15 years in special cases, with the average being around 12 years.

Companies are allowed to use the preservative, sulphur dioxide, in pet meat products with impunity because there are no rules about labeling or how much can be added.

One product tested by The Sunday Mail last week had 435 times the sulphur dioxide level claimed on the packet, while others included the preservative without any mention.

“The problem is because often it is the cheapest thing you can get to feed an animal, ill-informed people or pensioners feed that,” University of Sydney veterinary specialist Professor Richard Malik said yesterday.

After being alerted to the test results by The Sunday Mail, one major supplier to Coles and Woolworths withdrew its website claims about the preservative.

The results come as a wider debate rages over whether pets are being harmed by an exclusive diet of canned and dry food.

Clinical studies over the past two decades have proven that sulphur dioxide can destroy Vitamin B (thiamine) levels in food, which is essential to animal health.

Scientists have warned that thiamine deficiency can cause neurological breakdown in cats and dogs.

The RSPCA has been pushing for new laws to ensure there is enough thiamine in pet food and last week said it was alarmed at The Sunday Mail’s test results.

“If you want to feed your pet raw meat, our recommendation is to use human-grade products until we have adequate safeguards,” scientific officer Dr Jade Norris said.

Vet and nutritional expert Linda Fleeman treated a cat for thiamine deficiency at her Victorian clinic in April.

“It happens very suddenly and is extremely severe. They get neurological signs that are over a very short period of time,” Dr Fleeman said. “It may appear that the animal has a brain tumour or other neurological condition.”

Confusing symptoms could lead owners to have their pets put down unnecessarily, she said.

A new Australian Standard requires that pet food has adequate thiamine but the voluntary system does not apply to fresh pet meat.

Sulphur dioxide is used in red wine and dried fruits but in pet food can cause illness when the animal’s entire diet consists of products high in sulphur dioxide with no thiamine added.

The Sunday Mail last week bought 10 products, selected at random, from Woolworths, Coles and a pet store chain and passed them to Biotech Laboratories for testing.

VIP Pet Foods Supreme Steak Mince for Dogs had the highest sulphur dioxide level at 1140mg/kg. Published research says a level of 1000mg/kg depletes thiamine levels in pets by 95 per cent.

Paws Fresh Roo Mince for dogs and cats – part of the VIP group – had a level of 870mg/kg, despite the brand’s website claiming it “keeps sulphur dioxide at a minimum, at just 2mg/kg”.

The brand withdrew the website claim after being contacted by The Sunday Mail and said it accepted consumers could have been “confused”.

VIP’s Supreme Steak Mince for Dogs and Gourmet Fresh Mince for cats did not mention preservatives on their packs. The company says all its packaging will have a preservative statement by the end of next month.

A VIP company spokesman said extra thiamine was added to all its products to make up for any lost through the use of sulphur dioxide. He said VIP conducts regular tests which show the thiamine levels in their products meets or exceeds international standards.

“The sulphur dioxide we use is a food-grade product; it’s no different to what you’d consume in wine,” he said.

Pet Cafe Fresh Meal for cats, manufactured by Sydney Pet Foods, had a level of 715mg/kg. A Sydney Pet Foods spokesman said levels were safe, however the company would soon sell products free of preservatives after developing a process where sulphur dioxide was not needed.

Vet Dr Bruce Syme from Vet’s All Natural helped develop the product some years ago and continued to receive a “small royalty” but his company withdrew its endorsement after being told of the test result last week.

“I don’t know if that’s safe, unsafe or not an issue, but we don’t have preservatives in our pet foods,” said Vet’s All Natural managing director Andrew Gleeson.

A spokesman for Coles said the company would contact manufacturers of the pet food it stocks to “have them verify that their products are appropriate for sale”.

“The Coles product you’ve tested contains appropriate and safe levels of sulphur dioxide and is fortified to counter the effect of the sulphur dioxide on thiamine,” the spokesman said.

“There is no current Australian standard for pet food so we follow the American one.”

Woolworths has begun running its own tests on a range of pet food it stocks, including its own brand. All products will remain on the shelves until testing is finished.

======================
# David Murray
# From: The Sunday Mail (Qld)

Increased wildlife population. Biodiversity has been shown to be a very important part of our ecology. By inviting bird populations into your yard, you are encouraging this necessary part of our ecosystem. If you have a good landscaping plan to attract birds, you are likely to double the number of birds on your property.

Soil conservation. Landscape plants that birds like, such as trees, shrubs, and some flowers, actually help retain soil. Additionally, when birds cause some fruits to fall to the ground, they provide organic sources of compost and mulch. These things help reduce soil erosion and increase the number of nutrients in the soil.

Energy conservation. Conserving energy results directly in savings in the pocketbook. When you conserve energy with well thought out landscaping, you will save money in costs to heat and cool your home. Birds are attracted to large trees, and so if you carefully plan where to place trees like large evergreens and hardwoods, you can provide shelter for the birds and keep your home better protected from the elements.

Birdwatching. Birding is fast becoming one of the more popular hobbies in the United States. This is because it can be very relaxing to watch birds. Additionally, it can be a lot of fun to identify species and check off the species you see in the yard. Birdwatching also makes a great family activity. You can spend quality time with your family, while teaching your children to appreciate and enjoy nature. Some birdwatchers report a count of over 190 different species visiting their yards.

Wildlife photography. This is another great hobby that allows people time to enjoy nature. Studies have been done that prove the efficacy of nature in helping mental health and helping people for connected and a better sense of self. There is no need for professional equipment. Most of the fun is just snapping pictures. Then a scrapbook can be made of bird pictures, and this can result in a great sense of accomplishment.

Natural insect control. Insects can be somewhat annoying, and birds eat insects. By designing a landscape that attracts birds, you will find that they come and quite often eat the insects that plague your enjoyment in your yard. Without resorting to possibly harmful pesticides, you can control the insect populations in your yard.

Natural beauty. Birds are a part of the natural habitat. This means that when you create a natural landscape design that attracts birds, you are enjoying a more natural state. As mentioned before, many studies find a correlation to feelings of wellbeing and exposure to nature. You can improve your quality of life by creating a nature-filled landscape that includes birds.

Increased property value. Your carefully designed landscape provides more than just value for birds and intrinsic value for you. Property values go up when attractive landscaping is present. When you have an attractive home, it is worth more in hard cash. This means that carefully chosen plants can not only enhance your enjoyment of a home by attracting birds, but can cause an increase in the amount of money you can expect to get when you decide to sell.

Child development. Having a natural-looking habitat that attracts birds can also attract children. It makes an interesting place for children to play. Plus, it can help them develop a lifelong love of nature, conservation, and wildlife. This betters the world for the future and is part of helping your children become a more rounded people who enjoy doing more than just sitting in front of the TV or computer

Unfortunately for such inquisitive minds the exact reason of why Catnip affects cats in such a manner remains mostly a mystery. There is however much that we do know about Catnip and cats even if we don’t have the ultimate answer of exactly “why?” yet answered.

The Science Stuff

Catnip is scientifically classified as Nepeta cataria and is a perennial herb from the mint family and is in fact also referred to as “Catmint”. It is a plant indigenous to Europe but has been exported and is now found all over including the United States and Canada.

The active ingredient in Catnip is an oil; Nepetalactone, which is found in the leaves of the plant. This is the reason you are able to find Catnip in a bottle or spray form in some pet stores.

Other Uses For Catnip

Catnip is not only good to stimulate activity in cats, it can also be used by humans as an herb for a medicinal tea which may soothe toothaches, help against coughs, and may also perform as a sleep aid. Furthermore, Catnip can be used as an herb on salads or other foods as has been the case for centuries in France. Lately Catnip has also been garnering favor as a natural insect repellant rivaling the effectiveness of many store bought varieties of repellent.

Catnip and Kitty

Catnip affects approximately half of all cats. What determines whether or not a cat will react to Catnip is a genome that is inherited (or not inherited as the case may be) at birth. Kittens, regardless of whether or not they carry this genome, do not react to Catnip until reaching about 3 or 4 months of age and becoming sexually mature. Older cats are also more likely to have a diminished or non-existing reaction to Catnip, which leads scientists to believe that the Catnip effect is based at least partially on sexuality and that the reaction may be something like an aphrodisiac. Further adding to this belief is the similarity of a sexual pheromone found in the urine of the male cat to nepetalactone (the active product in Catnip).

Cats that can be traced to regions where Catnip is not indigenous appear to be unaffected by Catnip. The domesticated house cat is not the only cat that may be affected by Catnip. Larger cats can also be affected by the Catnip effect, felines such as the bobcat, lynx, tiger and even lion are known to react much the same way the common house cat would. It is interesting to note that while Catnip can act as a stimulant when a cat sniffs it, it can conversely act as a relaxant if ingested. Therefore, you may see a different, nearly opposite result depending on whether your cat chooses to eat the Catnip you provide for him/her or merely sniffs it (the latter being the more typical behavior).

How to Use Catnip With Your Cat

Catnip can prove to be a very useful tool for a few common problems with your cat. If you are lucky enough to have a cat that does react favorably to Catnip then here are a couple of ideas for you and your furry little friend.

Catnip and Lazy Cats:

Catnip can be used to get a lazy cat off his or her butt. Some cats are notoriously lazy, choosing to sleep much of their day away in a nice golden patch of sunlight on the living room carpet, only waking up to eat and gather some necessary attention from their indulgent owners. If this sounds like your cat, you may soon see (if you haven’t already) that your cat is becoming more and more round. This is generally not a good thing. Catnip may be able to help. Presenting catnip to your cat encourages activity (of course provided the cat sniffs rather than eats the herb).

Many adult cats will respond to Catnip in a manner that resembles their childlike kitten hyperactivity, jumping, playing and running around as if it was given an injection of kitty adrenaline, which in essence, is the case. The effect of Catnip on a cat can last somewhere between two and fifteen minutes. If the latter is the case, then this is a decent amount of exercise and will help keep your cat a little more svelte than without a Catnip treatment. Furthermore, if you leave the Catnip out for a few hours then your cat may return to the herb later (an hour or two after the effect has worn off) and again react in an energetic fashion. So in this sense you may consider Catnip sort of like a kitty energy drink.

Catnip and Cats That Scratch Furniture:

If you have a cat that seems bent on the destruction of your furniture then Catnip may again be able to come to the rescue. Cats can be frustratingly picky about just about anything under the sun including where they want to sharpen their furniture destroying claws. It is not uncommon for a cat to damage or destroy a piece of furniture just because the owners finally gave up on trying to redirect their cat to the unused cat scratching post that set them back anywhere up to a hundred dollars and more. A good way to attempt to change this frustrating and expensive behavior is to rub some Catnip or Catnip oil on a scratching post that you are attempting to get the cat to use. Introduce your cat to the newly “Catnipped” scratching post and see how he/she reacts. If all goes well, your cat will sniff and inspect the post and then begin clawing at it. After a few times (you may have to re-Catnip the post) hopefully kitty will be trained to use the post rather than the sofa.

Using Catnip with Multiple Cats

If you’ve never used Catnip before and you have more than one cat it is advisable to try it out individually on each cat before introducing it to all of your cats at the same time. The reason is because Catnip affects some cats in a negative manner causing
the cat in question to become aggressive rather than merely playful. Introducing it to your cats individually enables you to control the situation and keep a cat that may react aggressively isolated from your other cats. This of course means avoiding a possible cat fight that could result in broken furniture, hurt kitties (possibly requiring a vet visit), annoyed neighbors (and probably owners), or a combination of all of the above.

Growing and Keeping Catnip

Growing your own Catnip can be rewarding as it can save you money, give you the satisfaction of doing something yourself and ensuring that you always get fresh, high-quality Catnip for your cat. A word of caution however; the exact kitty reaction you want to grow your own Catnip is something to be wary of. If you plan on growing your Catnip out of doors and other cats can access your Catnip garden then be prepared for unwelcome feline visitors. This may not be a problem for you personally, but cats are by nature territorial and if you have a cat that lives alone without the company of other cats this could prove to be an area of stress for your cat. Even if you keep your cat inside at all times, your cat may get agitated if he/she looks out the window to see another cat frolicking in territory your cat considers his or her own. If you choose to grow your Catnip indoors, be careful to keep it out of
reach of kitty. Otherwise you’ll likely have Fluffy jumping up on furniture even to the most out of the way place to get access to the tempting herb. Cats are great jumpers and not really known for respecting precious household knick-knacks. So if you do decide to grow it indoors for a cat that reacts to Catnip, be careful to grow it in a place that your cat won’t be able to access it. A room that you always keep closed to the cat is probably the best solution for indoor grown Catnip.

If you do find that your cat reacts positively to Catnip you should be sure to use it sparingly so as not to dull the effect which can be the result of overexposure. A good rule of thumb is to not treat your kitty more than once a week on average to Catnip.

Given all the positive effects that Catnip may have on your cat you owe it to yourself (and naturally your fluffy little ball of affection) to see how he/she reacts to this strange and well known herb. It will provide enjoyment and exercise for your cat and most likely an entertaining show for yourself as well. It’s a win win situation.

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

Animal-assisted therapy can be an effective alternative or addition to traditional therapy models, whether it’s physical therapy, occupational therapy or cognitive behavior therapy. Even though animal-assisted therapy may not be able to fully heal a person or cure their disease, this life-changing interaction and companionship can improve a person’s mobility, increase their self-esteem, foster learning and simply make life more enjoyable.

Here are 10 inspiring animal-assisted therapy programs:

1. TN Safety Spotters” Animal Friends Teaching Children”: whose goal is to introduce children into the world of deaf therapy dogs. Trained deaf Dalmatians travel all over the Mid South area with their owner, trainer and handler, Patricia Belt, teaching children about Fire Safety and Dog Bite Prevention for example, how to stop, drop and roll, and how to safely approach and pet a dog. These special Dalmatians hear with their heart and not their ears. They visit schools, libraries, hospitals, Fire Stations, camps, and special events sharing smiles and joy to all. These dogs are registered Therapy Dogs, R. E. A. D. ® dogs AND they do lots of tricks, making learning fun.

 

2. The Gentle Barn: Whose at-risk program works by bringing inner city kids and at-risk youth to their facility to build self-esteem, learn positive values, heal their pasts, discover their inner selves, and reach out for bright futures. They do this by uniting the children with our 130 rescued animals. Since children naturally identify with animals, and because animals are living beings like us, they can use their interactions with them to teach children how to behave towards other people.

 

3. Island Dolphin Care: Island Dolphin Care in Key Largo, Florida, is a truly inspiring and unique animal-assisted therapy program that uses dolphins to assist children with special needs, including physical and developmental disabilities, emotional challenges and illnesses. The unconditional support and gentle, fun-loving nature of dolphins eases children’s nerves and helps increase their self-esteem. In addition to swimming with the dolphins, children will also learn a great deal about dolphins and improve their communication skills in the marine science and dolphin education program.

 

4. NARHA-Therapeutic Riding: NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) is a national organization that specializes in therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults with special needs. NARHA’s equine-assisted therapy programs have been shown to improve flexibility, balance and strength in people with physical disabilities, as well as increase their self-esteem and help them achieve goals they never thought were possible.

 

5. Breathing Space Thailand: Breathing Space Thailand, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in Thailand, has taken an innovative approach to helping people overcome their addiction and achieve sobriety with the help of elephants. This elephant-assisted therapy program is based on current equine and canine therapy models, but adds a different element of bonding through feeding, bathing and daily interactions within the elephant sanctuary. The gentle, fun nature and unconditional love of elephants helps clients overcome emotional issues, improve their mood and reduce anxiety as they recover.

 

6. Hearts in Harmony: Hearts in Harmony is a pet therapy organization located in East Texas that provides support and comfort to abused and at-risk children and adolescents using cuddly canines. This early therapeutic intervention program will help children cope with emotional issues and allow them to relax and receive unconditional love from the Hearts in Harmony dogs and volunteers, who are specialized to teach children about trust, respect, compassion and humane treatment of animals.

 

7. Therapet: Therapet is a non-profit animal-assisted therapy program that uses dogs, cats and miniature horses to help hospitalized patients with acute or chronic diseases feel better inside and out. Therapets serve a special purpose for patients during the rehabilitation and healing process. With the direction and supervision of therapists, these animals can help patients improve mobility, strength and balance, as well as increase self-esteem, reduce stress and anxiety and reach recovery goals.

 

8. Helping Hands: Helping Hands: Monkey Helpers for the Disabled is a touching program that places specially trained capuchin monkeys to assist patients suffering from severe spinal cord injuries, mobility impairments and other disabilities. These monkeys help people with daily activities that they might never be able to do otherwise. In addition to being excellent helpers around the house, capuchin monkeys also provide companionship, love and support for their owners and help them feel better inside and out.

 

9. Mountain Peaks Therapy Llamas: The Mountain Peaks Therapy Llamas provide a fun-filled alternative to traditional animal-assisted therapy. These easygoing and friendly llamas bring a great deal of happiness and joy to their admirers at hospitals, schools, rehab facilities, day care centers and nursing homes around Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA. Patients interact with the llamas in a number of different ways, helping individuals improve mobility, reduce stress, combat loneliness and calm their nerves.

 

10. HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response: HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response is a truly unique and inspirational program that uses dogs to provide support and compassion to people affected by disasters and traumatic events. HOPE canines and certified handlers report all of over the nation to bring joy and comfort to people during the recovery phase. Simply playing with and petting a dog during tough times can reduce stress, improve your mood and help you cope more easily.

 

11. Kitty Angels Foundation: Kitty Angels is a one-of-a-kind cat-assisted therapy program located in Massachusetts that assists the disabled, elderly and ill through fun-filled feline visits. Trained handlers visit hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers and nursing homes and bring their cuddly cats along for people to pet and play with. Often, patients develop close, meaningful bonds with the kitties and they experience increased mobility, decreased blood pressure and are less lonely.

 

12. The Family Farm: The Family Farm, located in Twisp, Washington, provides farm-animal assisted therapy to children, adults and families who are in need of physical and emotional healing. From pigs, horses, goats and hens, The Family Farm gives clients the opportunity to work with one or all of the animals and assist with feeding, brushing, bathing and exercising. The animal-human interactions on the farm help people increase their strength, improve communication skills and motivate them to achieve goals.

 
Contributed by Anna Miller
of Online Degrees
With a couple of my own additions at the beginning

What is important to remember when attempting to train a racehorse for a new job is the past training it has received. For many years, it has only known how to race. Patience and experience with horses is required when working with an ex-racer. Inexperienced handlers or riders should not attempt to retrain a racehorse. The combination of a novice rider or trainer with a high-strung animal taught only to run can produce dangerous situations for both people and horses.

Often, these horses will benefit from several months to a year of down time and relaxation before being placed into a new training program. Physically, the horse must adapt to a variety of changes. It is no longer being asked to run as fast as it can for as long as it can with a minimal weight upon its back. Jumping, hacks, and even pleasure riding require different muscles than racing over the flat. All horses should be allowed to adjust physically before they are pushed to achieve in new careers to ensure they remain sound. Retraining a racehorse also requires a mental adaptation, as well. Most new homes will not have the sort of structure or routine the horse experienced while racing. While these ex-racehorses did experience significant human interactions, they were not expected to carry riders for extended periods of time, which is another adjustment that must be considered when retraining.

There are many charities and organizations dedicated to taking in, caring for, and retraining ex-racers. These groups also work to promote racehorses and their suitability for various other disciplines in the equine world. The goal is to find the right horse for the right job, and eventually the right owner. These charities aim to train a racehorse so that it may continue to have a good, productive life even if life on the racecourse is over.

It is the racehorse trainers job to train a racehorse so it performs to the best of its ability at the races. To find out more about racehorse training visit http://www.jonjooneillracing.com]http://www.jonjooneillracing.com.

The pet food industry achieves such a high profit margin because the ingredients they utilize in their products are nothing more than “rendered” dead animals, plus the detritus from the human food industry; animals deemed unfit for human consumption, or the 4-Ds: The Dead, The Dying, The Disabled, and The Diseased.

But the most appalling discovery revealed how dead and euthanized animals are picked up from kill shelters and veterinarians, piled into drums and transported to the rendering plants where, along with “road kill”, they are recycled to make pet “food”. Numerous investigations in both the US & Canada, disclosed how collars and flea collars, name-tags, and even plastic bags in which euthanized pets are wrapped, are not removed prior to their being thrown in the grinder. The average pet owner has no no knowledge of this.

In the case of euthanized animals, the drugs used to KILL these animals are also recycled back into the pet “food”.

The author of Not Fit For A Dog! illustrates the totally unethical practices of the pet food industry by spotlighting pets’ general early failing health, proliferation of cancers, kidney and liver problems, skin and allergy issues, and weight problems. Yet the pet food companies get away with making prime time commercials, assuring the public how the industry “cares” about the health and well-being of their pets.

In addition to exposing all that is so blatantly wrong in the pet food industry, the authors of Not Fit for a Dog! also provide recommendations covering exactly what you should be feeding your pet to ensure optimum health and happiness.

Warning: You may find the video below disturbing, but if you feed your pet commercial pet food, you need to watch it…

They have learned that, no matter how brief and unfriendly, a barking dog will occasionally cause a human to appear and yell at them. As they see it, any crumb of attention is better than none at all.

Some house dogs either bank immediately they are left to their own devices, when they are “triggered” by the phone or doorbell ringing, or when you bring a stranger into the house.

It is unreasonable and unkind to try to prevent a dog from barking completely. Barking and whining are their means of communication, both with you and their companions. Excessive and inappropriate barking is what you need to discourage, because this is the behavior problem.

Of course, in the long term, a good, consistent training regimen is much the best solution, but if you are the unfortunate owner of a barking dog already firmly set in its ways, there are a number of ultrasonic teaching aides on the market that you can purchase. These are humane devices that interrupt the barking pattern. They work by emitting an ultrasonic signal that is inaudible to human ears. This signal instantly gains the barking dog’s attention.

I do not recommend unkind “shock collars”, that work by inflicting pain. All training should be humane, and if you have a barking dog problem, applying pain will more than likely make the situation worse.

Listed below are a few of my favorite ultrasonic training devices:

1. Dazer II Ultrasonic Dog Deterrent –
   This is the device used by many postal carriers in conjunction to their mace spray. One wrote that he uses it continually as his “first line of defense”, and it has never let him down. In another recommendation, a lady tells how she and her family found it impossible to use their backyard because of a neighbor’s incessantly barking Schnauzers. She says three “Dazers”, and her family never heard another bark from the mutts (her words). This is my Number One recommendation to stop a barking dog. >>Click Here<< For more information

 



2. BarkOff –
   As seen on TV. I recommend this as a very affordable ultrasonic device for indoor situations. It also works in the car and you can take it with you when you walk your dog.
   My neighbor bought one and tells me she is delighted with it. Also, the company is currently advertising a “two for one special”, buy one and get the second BarkOff free. For just $10, plus shipping and handling, this is a great bargain. >>Click Here<< For more information

 

 


3. PetSafe Outdoor Ultrasonic Bark Deterrent –
   An attractive birdhouse, which is really a highly effective bark- deterrent in disguise. It is effective up to 50 feet from where it is installed and if you don’t have a barking dog yourself, attach it to your fence and use it to curb a neighbor’s barking dog. It will quell the excessive barking of any dog within range. >>Click Here<< For more information

 

 


 
I would like to stress again, that as far as your own dogs are concerned, good, gentle training should always be viewed as the best, long term solution. In the coming days, I will add a further post covering this training, but in the meanwhile, the devices I’ve listed above WILL work, and they will set your dog on the road to understanding that incessant, uncontrolled barking is not acceptable.

Walmart, and other outlets throughout the US, UK and the world in general, are selling rawhide dog chews called Exer-Hide. These chews are been causing major seizures and even deaths among many dogs. When I searched the Internet, I found screens of reports going back to December last year in volume, and one was dated May 2007, yet Walmart and the other outlets are continuing to sell this lethal product unabated.

These chews are manufactured in Brazil. The symptoms after dogs have eaten the chews are: severe diarrhea and vomiting, causing dehydration, difficulty breathing, fever and seizures. My search revealed many deaths.

I also read repeated reports of people contacting Walmart and warning of the dangers associated with Exer-Hide Chews, yet they remain on the store’s shelves for sale.

I have a couple of official sources where I shall be reporting this issue, and I’ll update this post should there be any further developments. I the meanwhile, DON’T BUY Exer-Hide products, and pass this warning on to your friends and family with dogs.

**Additional Information**
4PetsOnline has made an official report to the FDA about Exer-Hide Chews. I shall await with interest to see if these products are added to their list of official recalls.

Whilst on the FDA website, I also found the following pet products under recalls:

• Digger’s Natural Chews – Pig Ear Pet Treats – Salmonella
• PrimeTime, KC Beefhide – Pig Ears – Salmonella
• Keys Manufacturing Company – Pig Ears for Pet Treats – Salmonella
• PrimeTime brand – Premium Pig Ears – Salmonella

It really does seem that at the moment, you need to pay particular attention to the safety of the dog treats you are buying for your pets.

Keep watching for any further updates on this issue…

At the time of my posts, Patricia had two wonderful therapy Dalmatians of her own: eighteen month old Dora and Lottie Dot. Both were deaf and successfully trained by Patrica to respond to hand signals. Dora had been adopted from a breeder who realized she was deaf, and who thankfully, did not subscribe to the opinion that she should be destroyed. Lottie Dot had been rescued off the interstate during a snowstorm at 8 weeks old. Probably dumped following discovery that she was deaf.

Then, just a few short weeks ago, Dora’s liver began to rapidly fail. She was now two years old. She underwent expensive tests to further diagnose and treat her liver condition and the day before she died, veterinarians operated on her and removed an entire lobe of her liver. These procedures were extremely expensive and Patricia quickly accumulated a bill of $4,000.

Patricia not only volunteers much of her time with TN Safety Spotters, she also campaigns on behalf of deaf dogs, especially deaf Dalmatians.

Please, can everyone reading this post donate just something to a fundraiser set up in memory of Dora to help with this crippling financial burden?

Just use the widget below to visit the GiveForward website to make a contribution. Every dollar helps and you can change the suggested figure below to any amount you wish

From day one, the Persian cat was very adored by the noble class, especially in France. The early Persian cats found their way to England, where they were selectively bred and developed into the various types that we know and love today.

Appearance
Persian cats are stocky and round with short limbs. Their fur is very thick and long with an undercoat. The face, often described as a ‘pansy face’ is flat, and has become flatter over time through selective breeding. They have small pointy ears that sit on a wide and rounded head.

The CFA (Cat Fanciers Association) , classifies the Persian into these groups or color divisions:

• Solid Color Division
• Silver and Golden Division
• Shaded and Smoke Division
• Tabby Division
• Particolor Division
• Bicolor Division
• Himalayan Division

The Persian comes in many different color combinations including:

• Solid colors: (white, blue, black, red, cream, chocolate, and lilac)
• Silver/golden
• Shaded
• Tabby
• Part/multi
• Bicolored

In Britain, the different color variations on the Persian have been classified as different breeds for some time. The GCCF, (The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy) classifies persian color groups as follows:

• Self: (black, white, blue, red, self, cream, chocolate, lilac)
• Smoke
• Chinchilla
• Cameo
• Pewter
• Tabby
• Tortie Tabby
• Tortie
• Tortie and White
• Tortie Tabby and White
• Bicolor Solid
• Bicolor Tabby
• Van Bicolor
• Van Tricolor

Personality
Persian cats are known to have a quiet, gentle, and easygoing personality, which according to history is not the way they have always been. Breeding over time has transformed the cat into a docile creature. They enjoy spending time with their owners and participating in daily activities. Unlike a typical ‘cat’ that most people refer to, the Persian craves and demands your attention. They are social creatures that make great pets for people of all ages.

Care of Your Persian Cat
Most cats do a good job of grooming themselves, but the Persian needs special attention because of its thick fur and long coat. Daily brushing is recommended and occasional baths may be in order when their coat becomes excessively dirty or matted. Knots are always a problem, so preventive maintenance on the coat is very important.

Buying a Persian Cat
Is the Persian cat right for you? If you have researched the breed and decided that it would be a great addition to your family, then the next step would be to select a reputable breeder in your area to visit with. Expect to pay in the range of $300-$600 dollars, depending on your location, for a healthy and registered Persian kitten with papers.

For recommended further reading >>Click Here<<

Can you answer “yes” to the following points?

• Do you have a dog of your own?
• Do you have reliable transportation?
• Do you have a well-organized, clean kitchen?
• Do you have a plenty of free storage space?
• Are you well organized and detail-oriented?
• Are you proficient in dealing with people?
• Are you reasonably creative?
• Sorry about the cliche, but are you able to “think outside the box”?
• Do you posess a solid drive to succeed?

Then why not consider starting your own gourmet dogs treats business.

Obviously this is NOT a get rich quick scheme, in fact, you will need to be realistic and expect your new business to grow slowly. But if you organize yourself well and contribute plenty of time and effort in the beginning, you small initial successes will begin to build into something significant.

You can begin by selling to workmates, friends and family. Ask them for recommendations, references and referrals; contact these prospects and offer them a cut price or even free bag of treats for every new, paying customer they in turn recommend. Build upon this. In the beginning it’s a gradual process but if you use these techniques consistently, and (this goes without saying), you provide a great product, you will see good results.

I recommended this idea to a neighbor who was recently laid off from her job. She was very enthusiastic to try and this link to Start Your Own Gourmet Dog Treat Business gave her an excellent “step-by-step” guide on setting up her own home-based business. The author offers a full 60 day 100% money back guarantee so you cannot really go wrong. As I said before, it’s definitely NOT a “get-rich-quick” scheme, but it seems like an especially sound investment which, for the right person, could grow into into a nice home-based business.

• Start Your Own Gourmet Dog Treats Business

Wire Fox Terriers make an outstanding family pet a they are wonderful around children, but be careful as these dogs may play a bit rough with smaller kids. They love a good time and mix play and affection into one entertaining bundle of fun.

A Brief History Of The Wire Fox Terrier

The history of the Wire Fox Terrier dates back to the 1800s in England. They were initially used as hunting dogs and for fox bolting. There are some theories from dog enthusiasts that suggest the breed shared a history with the Smooth Fox Terrier, coming from the same background. However, to date there is no documentation to prove this.

We do know that the Wire Fox Terrier made its entrance into popularity approximately twenty years after the Smooth Fox Terrier was entered into the show ring. Both dogs were interbreed for a period of time to help improve the wire variety.

The Wire Fox Terrier became even more popular after World War II. It was 1985 when the AKC officially recognized the breed, having divided both the wire version and the smooth version as two separate breeds. Today these dogs are loving companions to families around the gold and can always bee seen competing in earthdog trials.

Upkeep Requirements For The Wire Fox Terrier

Owning a Wire Fox Terrier means having the same interests as this terrier does: tons of action! They have high energy levels and need daily exercise to remain happy, such as several brisk walks on the leash, but more importantly, plenty of play sessions outside with laps around the yard.

Wire Fox Terriers can tolerate both hot and cold temperatures, but not to the extreme. This makes the perfect dog to allow access to a safe fenced-in yard during the day, and to come inside at night to sleep indoors with the family. Grooming requirements call for a heavy brushing about three times per week. Their rough coat also needs to be shaped to keep it neat.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan of the Wire Fox Terrier is between ten and thirteen years. There are no major health concerns that run common the breed. Minor health issues include Legg-Perthes, lens luxation, cataracts, and distichiasis. Rarely seen is patellar luxation and deafness. Veterinarians suggest that this breed get specifically tested for eye problems.

Practically all kittens are born infected with some type of worm. These worms can and usually are transmitted through the mother’s milk or while the kittens are still inside the mother’s womb. Unless the mother lives in pristine conditions (think sterile clean rooms), expect that your newborn kitten will have worms. The same goes for an older cat as well. It takes a lot of work to keep cats worm-free. For the most part, veterinarians will say to deworm your cat, as needed. But how do you know exactly what “as needed” means? There are a few indicators which will help you decide when the deworming process is necessary.

Indicator #1 – If your kitten was found as a stray, don’t assume anything. If you decide to keep the kitten, make sure that a veterinarian visit is on your list of priorities. Deworming will be a given. If your cat is a pet that likes to prowl, catch mice or other small animals, it is more likely than not highly susceptible to worms. Wild animals are the perfect hosts for carrying worm larvae and if your cat consumes it, they will develop a worm problem.

Indicator #2 – Suppose your cat is predominantly an indoor pet. They can still develop worms but the problem could be harder to detect. If your cat develops a heaving problem or occasionally has retching episodes, these behaviors are a good indicator that your cat is trying to rid itself of worms. Also, vomiting the worms up is, of course, a clear indication that your cat needs to be dewormed immediately. More than likely, the worms vomited up are roundworms and resemble spaghetti in appearance. Sometimes, tapeworms are a culprit. Tapeworms are flat and segmented.

Indicator #3 – It is important to note that worm testing at the veterinarian’s office does not always show a positive result for worms. Vets test the feces of your cat and unless the worms are actively migrating or on the move, these worms can lie dormant within the cat host body for long periods of time. It is only when some type of stress factor occurs (like pregnancy or surgery) that the worms would show itself in a fecal exam.

Indicator #4 – If your cat’s appetite changes or it develops diarrhea, those are some possible indicators of a worm infection. A dull coat of fur or the growth of a pot-belly is other indicators. In addition, if you ever see your cat nibble on the feces of another animal, you might as well be prepared to go through a deworming of your cat.

For the most part, testing of your cat’s feces is the best bet to determine what type of worm infestation your cat may have. Without a proper worm diagnosis, your cat cannot receive the correct medication. This means that medication for roundworms sometimes does not work for tapeworms or other species like the hookworm or whipworm. By determining the correct species, you can be ensured of a successful deworming.

It is important to note that most medications come in liquid or in some type of pill. Since cats can be a bit ornery, you have to ensure that they actually take their medicine and ingest it. Disguising the deworming medication in their cat food or other treat is the simplest way. Another thing to be aware of is that it may take several treatments of deworming medication to completely rid your cat of worms. The reason for the possibility of multiple treatments is that the worms may be in different stages of development and not all stages are susceptible to the treatments. However, multiple treatments will ensure a worm-free kitty.

The bottom line on deworming your cat is just as your veterinarian says: do it on an “as-needed” basis. Frequent trips to the vet for fecal testing as well as keeping a sharp eye on your beloved cat will make all the difference in the world when it comes to determining the frequency of the deworming process.

For more information on affordable worming products >>>Click Here<<<

The Smooth Fox Terrier is one of the most active and energetic members of the Terrier Group. This dog absolutely craves action and will make the most of any space it has to run around in. Given this need to expend energy, they are best suited for families that are on the go and whom spends plenty of time outside.

A Brief History Of The Smooth Fox Terrier

Although there is no official documentation on the ancestry of the Smooth Fox Terrier, we do know that they were around during the late 1700s. The dog’s area of origin is England and by the early 1800s they had become quite popular, even before having been seen in the show ring. In fact, they were one of the first breeds to ever enter a dog show.

The original function of the Smooth Fox Terrier was to chase away fox and hunt small animals. They would normally accompany a pack of Foxhounds during these hunts. At one point the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wire Fox Terrier were interbred, but that practice did not last long.

Interbreeding the two varieties had stopped long before the late 1900s and so were classified as two distinct breeds by the AKC in 1985. Today the Smooth Fox Terrier is still a moderately popular household pet and can be seen regularly competing at earthdog trials.

Upkeep Requirements For The Smooth Fox Terrier

This is one dog that absolutely must have daily exercise to keep up with its high energy levels. If left alone for too long they will find something to do, which typically leads to frustration and destruction. Therefore. owners of the Smooth Fox Terrier must enjoy spending quality playtime with their dog.

Smooth Fox Terriers can live outside in moderately hot or cold temperatures, so long as the weather is not extreme, but should sleep inside at night with the family. They are a devoted breed that needs to have constant human companionship. Grooming requirements call for a weekly brushing to remove dead hair. These smooth-coated terriers also tend to shed more than the wires.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan of the Smooth Fox Terrier is between ten and thirteen years. There are no major health concerns noted in the breed. Minor heath issues that are seen include Legg-Perthes, cataracts, distichiasis, and lens luxation. Rarely seen is patellar luxation and deafness. Veterinarians suggest that Smooth Fox Terriers get specifically tested for eye problems.

Many dogs do not like their mouths touched. It is important for you as a dog owner to desensitize them to being handled like this at a very young age. The veterinarian is always going to need to examine your dog’s mouth and you do not want to have problems with this. The best way for you to get your dog used to having his mouth touched is to begin touching it when you first get your pup. Make sure to touch the lips, open the mouth, and touch the teeth in a calm and relaxing way for about five minutes each day until your pup is used to being handled in this way. Make this a regular part of your interaction with your dog so he remains calm when you are doing any kind of preventive dental care.

Most veterinarians recommend brushing your dog’s teeth daily. Many manufacturers make special toothpaste and brushes for dogs. You do not ever want to use human toothpaste on dogs as it may be harmful to them. To get your dog used to having his teeth brushed, you may want to start by putting a dab of dog toothpaste on a cotton ball and rubbing it over his teeth. Toothpaste for dogs is usually quite tasty to them, so he shouldn’t mind this. You can then try a finger brush, available at your veterinarian’s office or pet supply store. Eventually, especially for larger breeds, you will want to graduate to a regular dog toothbrush. Regular brushing will help prevent the buildup of calculus and debris on your dog’s teeth.

Another way to help prevent calculus and buildup on your dog’s teeth is by using rawhide chews specially formulated for dental care. Many companies manufacture these chews. One of the best available is by C.E.T. Most veterinarians carry C.E.T. dental health products. C.E.T. chews are formulated with an enzyme that helps keep plaque from forming and prevents the buildup of bacteria. Also, the natural abrasion of rawhide chews helps keep teeth healthy. C.E.T. also makes a chew that contains chlorhexadine which has antimicrobial properties.

Some companies also make special dental health food, which may be recommended to you by your veterinarian to help prevent dental problems.

Even with proper preventive measures, most dogs will eventually need a dental cleaning from your veterinarian. If your veterinarian recommends a dental cleaning, it is important that you follow through. If your dog develops dental disease, harmful bacteria can pass through into the bloodstream causing potentially serious problems such as kidney infections and infections involving the heart valves.

A dental cleaning performed by your veterinarian is much like a human dental cleaning, however your dog will need to be sedated. The anesthesia is light and with today’s technology is extremely safe. Many veterinarians have anesthesia monitoring systems just like those used in human medicine. A thorough exam will be performed to determine if any teeth need to be pulled or repaired. Some veterinarians will do x-rays of the teeth to find any cracks or diseased teeth. After this, a trained member of the veterinary staff will perform a dental cleaning. First, they will scale the teeth to remove the tartar above and below the gum line. This will be done with both hand instruments and ultrasonic scaling equipment. After this, the teeth will be polished, which will make them smooth and help prevent plaque from adhering to them. Most veterinarians will also do a fluoride treatment. This is to help strengthen the enamel and prevent plaque from forming. If any teeth are diseased or broken, your veterinarian may pull them. Some veterinarians who specialize in dental care will perform root canals and other intensive dental work. Most veterinarians will put your dog on a treatment of antibiotics to help prevent bacterial infection.

It is very important to take good care of your dog’s teeth to keep them healthy and to prevent infections. Always follow your veterinarian’s advice and I also recommend another great source of information at VetTech.org — They have recently posted an excellent article on dental care for your pet:

• 25 DIY Tips and Products to Improve the Health of Your Pet’s Teeth

My first impression was the attractiveness of the design. They have a especially neutral color, which will probably blend in with most decors. The carpet, fitted onto each of the treads is indoor/outdoor quality, and that, along with the high-grade plastic construction is especially easy to clean using nothing but soap and water or a mild household cleaner.

These steps weigh only 5 lbs and can be folded down for easy storage (they fit beneath most beds). The actual dimentions are: 24 x 16 x 20 inches. Absolutely no assembly is required oither than unfolding the back legs and making certain they are fully locked into position.

The product specifications state that these pet steps will support a pet weighing up to 120 lbs, or what they describe as a small to medium dog. But, I would class a 120 lb dog as quite large

Warranty: One Year Limited, against material defects and workmanship.

At the time of writing, there are 263 reviews on Amazon for the Solvit PupSTEP Plus Pet Stairs, the average being 4½ out of 5 stars.

As is often the case these days, Amazon offers much the best deal on these pet stairs. At the time of writing Amazon’s cost is $33.99—a 23% savings, with Free SuperSaver Shipping and no sales tax.

To visit Amazon >>Click Here<<

To read all the feedback >>Click Here<<

As an example, a charity in the UK—Give A Car, works with more than 250 charities, 70 of which support and care for animals. In the US, Donate A Car offers the same opportunities to donate to 55 animal charities.

In the US, these donations are tax deductable and according to the Donate A Car website, in the year 2000, 733,000 US taxpayers reduced their taxes by $654 million by donating cars.

Several years ago, my husband and I followed this advice and donated a car to the US charity. It wasn’t in sufficiently bad shape to be scrapped; instead they sent to a community college that ran a training program for aspiring auto mechanics. They fixed it up and in due course it was sold at auction. The money it realized was donated to the charity of our choice and we received the requisit paperwork for our tax return.

Both the charities I feature are reputable and deserving of your support. In the current economic crisis, charities are all reporting alarming dips in contributions, so donating your unwanted scrap vehicle is an excellent way to help without actually dipping into your wallet. It will make you feel good!

Here are links to the two organizations featured above:

• Give A Car—UK Charities
• Donate A Car—US Charities

Devoted, loyal and playful, the Flat Coated Retriever is the perfect family pet for those that enjoy spending lots of time outdoors, yet loves nothing more than quiet evenings in the house. Regular, daily exercise is a requirement to keeping this breed happy. The Flat Coated Retriever also has a sensitive mindset which makes it very easy to train.

A Brief History Of The Flat Coated Retriever

To get a grasp on the history of the Flat Coated Retriever we need to start at Newfoundland, during the 19th century, when retrieving was hugely popular with fisherman who needed trustworthy canines to help bring back fish and other objects from the water.

Cod fisheries used Labradors as the most common dog (not the same Labrador Retriever as we know of today). They also used various sized Newfoundland dogs. In time, technology advanced with its creation of firearms and hunters had the new ability to shoot from short distances and needed a dog that could retrieve the fallen foul.

The fisher dogs preferred were natural swimmers and retrievers so they were used to cross with British setters and pointers to further enhance the dog’s bird senses. The result is the Wavy Coated Retriever, which quickly grew in popularity in England and the United States.

Sometime toward the end of the 1800s, breeders crossed the Wavy Coated Retriever with breeds that had straighter hair on the coat because it was thought that the wavy coat was not as water repellent as straighter hair. The end creation is the Flat Coated Retriever which was recognized by the AKC in 1915.

Upkeep Requirements For The Flat Coated Retriever

Sporting dogs need a ton of daily exercise and this requirement is no different with the Flat Coated Retriever. Always seeking the chance to hunt and jump into water, this breed is best suited for a family that enjoys plenty of outdoor action.

A family-oriented dog, the Flat Coated Retriever is most happy when allowed to sleep inside with the rest of the household. It is one of the easiest sporting dogs to train and experts have given this breed the highest vote on affection level, which makes them excellent to have around children.

Health Concerns

A healthy Flat Coated Retriever has an average life span of between twelve and fourteen years. There are no major health concerns to worry about and the only minor problems that may come up are gastric torsion, CHD, hemangiosarcoma, glaucoma, osteosarcoma, patellar luxation, and lymphosarcoma. Veterinarians suggest that all Flat Coated Retriever dogs get tested for possible hip, knee and eye problems.

Make Safety # 1

When you and your dog are both paddling in the water, it is very important to think about safety as your number 1 rule. While many dogs can easily plunge into the water like a duck, some canines are a little apprehensive at first and need time to get used to the experience.

Below are 5 tips to ensure that both you and your dog can have a fun and safe time in the water.

1. Before your dog hits the water, make sure that he is healthy and in good condition. Consult with your veterinarian if you have any doubt abouts his health or fitness level.
2. When taking your dog to the water for the first time, do it slowly and go by his pace. This is especially true if he is still a puppy. Never assume that, just because he’s a Labrador Retriever, that he will naturally know how to swim and will automatically tread the water safely.
3. Pick a warm, shallow body of water, one that will be easy for your first-timer to maneuver through. Take him to the edge of the water and let him explore at his own comfort levels. Do not splash him or drag him to the water before you are absolutely sure that he’s ready. Give him a few minutes to get used to this new experience. Forcing your dog to go into the water before he is ready will just scare him off and lessen the chance of him trying again.
4. As he gets more curious, try taking him to the water by going in first and call him at the same time. Lure him with a treat or throw a toy into the water (making sure it is at a short distance and within his depth). Eventually, he will feel more confident about going further out, especially when he knows that you are having fun.
5. Before taking your dog to a large body of water, such as the ocean or a deep river, it would be wise to gear him up with a canine life jacket. This is particularly important if he is still new to swimming and/or if he gets too excited while playing in the water. Make sure that the life jacket fits him properly and let him get used to having it on while swimming before going deeper into the water.

Spraying
Cats are territorial, and spraying in all cats, whether male or female, is completely normal… But if your cat has a habit of marking (amongst many other things) your doors, windows, curtains and electrical equipment, then you have a problem. Female cats will spray their territory when in heat and trying to attract a mate, and all cats will spray their surroundings when they are in competition, or when they feel threatened, frustrated or anxious. In this way, then, we can view a cats’ spraying activities as a way of heightening its own sense of safety by lessening the risk of intrusion onto their territory. You will have to do a bit of detective work – perhaps with your vet or a behaviourist – to ascertain what the root cause of the problem is in order to treat it. A good pet insurance plan is advisable in order to cover yourself for what can turn out to be very costly visits.

Soiling Indoors
As with any house pet, unless you train them, you won’t get them to do their business where you want them to. Cats are very meticulous about their toilet habits, but a common behavioural problem in cats is that they will often soil anywhere other than in the litter tray. Although it certainly is common, regular soiling outside the litter tray is a problem that shouldn’t be ignored, and can be down to one of three things: stress and anxiety, the litter tray, or an internal health problem.

Nervous and Aggressive Cats
Nervousness can be linked to your cat’s aggression – but of course, that depends on the cause(s), which can often be numerous and hard to determine. Think of your cat in terms of your own experiences and those of other people you have met in your life. Some people seem naturally predisposed to nervousness, a trait which was probably determined before their conception. They may also have had a bad experience, and are traumatised as a result. Kittens that are not properly socialised within the first and very crucial eight weeks may also be afraid of other cats and humans. You will just have to work slowly with your cat to overcome the problems – a visit to a cat behaviourist might be a good idea in extreme and distressing cases.

Further Recommended Reading:

• Cat Secrets
• No Bad Cats

While most dog breeds experience crossbreeding through time, this dog remained pure due to isolation. It was not until the early part of the 1800s that interbreeding with other dogs became common practice once introduced into the region. In fact, interbreeding almost wiped out the original pure Finnish Spitz.

The bloodline was saved thanks to a couple of Finnish sportsman who saw a pack of these dogs that had apparently not been mixed with other breeds. They were so impressed by the look of the Finnish Spitz that they decided to rescue and save the original breed.

During this time, several names were introduced to describe the Finnish Spitz. Suomenpystykorva was one of them. It meant “Cock Eared Dog”. Another name that was used was the Finnish Barking Bird Dog. When introduced to England they were called Finsk Spet dogs. However, in 1891, the name was officially changed over to the Finnish Spitz and inherited the name “Finkie” in England during the 1920s.

It was not until the late 1960s that the Finnish Spitz was breeding in the United States. In 1988, they were officially admitted into the non-sporting group category. Finnish Spitz dogs of today are mostly considered to be household pets in the U.S. but are still used to hunt in Finland. They hunt such animals as the black grouse and the capercaille bird.

Personality

Finnish Spitz dogs make excellent watchdogs and have average-to-medium levels of playfulness, affection, and energy. You will find that these dogs are not very friendly towards strangers and other pets, but their cold temperament towards outsiders makes them a loyal protector to its family. This dog is very independent and a bit stubborn, but also alert and inquisitive. They are generally good with children and other pets from the same household, but will bark incessantly when strangers approach.

Taking Care Of Your Finnish Spitz

Upkeep of the Finnish Spitz requires daily exercise needed from long walks or runs outside. Having a large fenced-in area for this dog to roam is recommended. Due to its hunting ancestry, you must be careful not to let this dog roam by itself without a leash in an area that will attract it towards scent hunting. It will run off on its own if not well trained. You can keep this dog outdoors due to its high tolerance towards cold, but as all pets prefer, your Finnish Spitz will appreciate and enjoy sleeping inside with the rest of the family.

Health Information

The lifespan of the Finnish Spitz can extend up to 15 years, with 13 years being the average. As far as health concerns go, this dog has an impeccable record. Amazingly enough, there are no major or minor health concerns to worry about. You might occasionally see epilepsy, CHD, or patellar luxation, but these issues are extremely rare. The solid health of the Finnish Spitz is said to be the result of its pure blood line history.

Many companies provide perks for their employees: free soda pop; clothing such as shirts, hats, and jackets; someone to give neck and back massages to relieve tension. Perks are now expanding to where some companies allow employees to bring their
pets to work. A survey conducted by the American Pet Product Manufacturers Association revealed some interesting statistics. They learned that one in five companies are pet-friendly. Two-thirds of people surveyed said they would work more hours in
a day if they could bring their pet to work. And, amazingly, half of them said they would switch to a different job if the other job allowed them to take their pet to work.

The survey showed several benefits from having pets on the job. It found that employers felt that bringing pets on the job lowered absenteeism. Additional benefits included increased friendship and camaraderie among workers, high morale, and increased productivity and sales. People were more likely to be creative and less likely to smoke while at work. Employees thought that it was
easier to work long hours or odd shifts if they were allowed to have their pet at work with them. Scratching Fido behind the ears or nuzzling him increased job satisfaction!

Another survey conducted by Simply Hired and Dogster.com found that many dog owners would take a 5 percent cut in pay if they could take their pet to work. Lets look at 5 businesses who have taken the leap:

1. Google: Everyone knows that Google employees get free hair cuts, free food, have a gym filled with exercise equipment, can swim laps in a pool, play foosball, pin pong, or pool, and visit on-site medical staff if they are feeling ill. A lesser-known perk is the ability to bring their pet to work.

2. Dragon: In Massachusetts, employees at the popular speech recognition software company, Dragon, are allowed to bring pets to work. Around 135 of the 270 employees participate in the program. While some bring gerbils, lizards, and cats, most of them bring a dog to work.
3. RDA: The employees at Research Designed for Agriculture in Austin, Colorado, bring their dogs to work. They also take things one step further. When co-workers are out of town, they will dog sit for each other. In fact, the QA inspector helped a co-worker when he was out of town by stopping at his house everyday and taking his tog to work. In the evenings, the inspector took the dog back to his home and then picked him up the next morning.
4. Law Firms: A law firm in Canadaigus, New York, lets employees bring their dogs to work. Employees claim that it is the best benefit they have ever had. They love dogs with a passion and are happy that their pets are welcomed in the workplace.
5. Real Estate: In Mansfield, Texas, a real estate office allows employees to bring their dogs to
   work. Customers play with the dogs instead of waiting impatiently in the reception area or being bored while flipping through magazines. The company feels that this is a great way to increase customer satisfaction.

If your place of employment doesn’t allow pets in the workplace, mention that June 20th has been established as Take Your Dog to Work Day and ask if you could bring your pet to work!

Brendan Cruickshank is the Vice President of Client Services for Job Search Engine. He has been in the online job search and recruiting industry for the past 8 years. He is regularly quoted on topics in employment and jobs trends in publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Forbes and US News & World Report.

By the late 1800s, after they were recognized as their own separate breed, heavy breeding practices went into the Field Spaniel which resulted in a longer body, shorter legs, and heavier bones. Such exaggerated breeding techniques caused this dog to lose its hunting abilities and although Field Spaniels were quite popular going into the early 1900s, they teetered on the brink of extinction soon after.

Fortunately, breeders started to cross the Field Spaniel with English Springer Spaniels in order to re-create the original breed. They were successful. Today’s modern Field Spaniel is not only a wonderful looking dog from the old days, they also regained their hunting abilities.

You can thank the following groups of people who undertook the challenge of re-creating the original Field Spaniel, dating back to the 1950s: Gormac Teal, Ronayne Regal, Elmbury Morwena of Rhiwlas, and Colombina of Teffont.

Although the Field Spaniel was introduced to the United States sometime during the latter part of the 1800s, there were no champion dogs from this breed between the years 1916 and 1966. In fact, there were almost no Field Spaniels to be found in America during this time. However, during the late 1960s, this dog started to become more popular but is still considered one of the rarest breeds in existence today.

Personality

With high energy levels and equal amounts of playfulness, the Field Spaniel is one of the most friendly breed of dogs that a family can have and are noted as being extremely friendly towards and other pets. They are easy to train and can be excellent watchdogs. Always willing to please, and enjoy having a job to do, a Field Spaniel would make any home a peaceful one.

Taking Care Of Your Field Spaniel

Although Field Spaniels are fairly active dogs and enjoy running around as much as possible, you can satisfy its energy requirements with a couple of brisk walks during the day. Most happy when sleeping inside with its family, Field Spaniels should also have plenty of time to roam free in a fenced-in yard. Grooming will take solid brushing at least twice per week and the hair of the ears and footpaths should be trimmed up every few months.

Health Information

The lifespan of the average Field Spaniel dog is approximately 13 years, with some lasting up to 15 years. Considered to be one of the most healthiest dog breeds, there is little in the way of health concerns. The only major issue is CHD and the only two minor health concerns are hypothyroidism and otitis externa. Every Field Spaniel should be tested specifically for thyroid problems, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye issues, and heart murmurs.

A Brief History Of The English Toy Spaniel
As its name suggests, the area of origin of the breed is England. They were used to flush birds out for hunters in addition to being a loving family companion at home. Interestingly enough, they share the same history to that of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Both started out as one breed, more likely from crosses of Oriental toy breeds and small spaniels.

Researchers claim that the breed started from toy spaniels that were brought to Scotland from France, by Mary, Queen of Scots. The rich adored the little dog and they became common lapdogs for the wealthy class. When the 17th century came about, the dogs became even more popular, especially with King Charles II, to which he is credited for officially naming the breed after his name – King Charles Spaniels.

These early King Charles Spaniels were all black and tan with variations developed soon after. Through the following centuries, these dogs were bred down to be smaller in size with physical differences – in the rounder shape of the head and a much flatter nose. In the United States these new versions were known as English Toy Spaniels.

Upkeep Requirements For The English Toy Spaniel
Toy dog breeds are typically very active and spunky, however, the English Toy Spaniel does not fit into this category at all. It is calm, reserved, and does not need much activity to keep up with its exercise requirements. A few walks on the leash each day is plenty.

These dogs do not tolerate heat well and should live indoors. Outside playtime in the yard is acceptable so long as the weather is on the cool side. Grooming requirements for the breed call for a thorough brushing at least twice per week.

Health Concerns
The average lifespan of the English Toy Spaniel is between ten and twelve years. Major health concerns that run common in the breed are patellar luxation only. Minor issues that may show up include early tooth loss and droopy tongue (when the tongue hangs uncontrollably from the mouth). PDA is sometimes seen. Veterinarians suggest that English Toy Spaniels get tested for knee problems.

Animal Behaviorist

Many animal behaviorists work with pets. They offer dog training services and recommend solutions to decrease or eliminate bad behavior. This occupation actually requires one to get a great deal of formal education.

Bed Bug Detection Services

Bed bug detecting dogs are increasingly popular due to the growing number of bed bug infestations across the nation. Bed bug sniffing dogs are specially trained by experts to identify the scent of these annoying critters. They’re superior to humans in finding the odious bed bugs. Business owners work with their bed bug sniffing dog and then, if any bugs are found, let a pest extermination company eradicate the pests. Their handlers charge between $100 and $200 per hour. Insect extermination companies often hire people to work with their bed bug detection dogs.

Farrier

Farriers trim horses’ feet and put on horseshoes. Most farriers go to school to get training which can range from a two-week course to a one-year program. Farriers are trained to properly evaluate the shape and condition of the hoof. Most farriers travel to farms and stables and typically visit their clients every six weeks.

Specialized Dog Trainer

Specialized subfields within the field of dog training include the training of police dogs, drug and contraband dogs, guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, assistance dogs, and dogs working in movies and television shows.

Dog Massage Therapist

Dog massage therapists help alleviate pain and tension, increase flexibility and circulation, and improve the overall health and well-being of dogs. You can begin your career as an intern with an animal massage therapist. Dog massage therapist classes and seminars are also available. According to the Northwest School of Animal Massage, animal massage therapists are typically paid by the massage which can range from $50 to $120 each.

Pet Sitter

Pet sitters typically work part-time. They take care of pets while their owners are out of town. Occasionally they spend the night, but usually they visit the residence two or three times a day. Duties may include, walking, playing, feeding, medicating, and cleaning up after them.

Pet Photographer

Work opportunities in this field include dog shows, cat shows, magazines, calendars, newspapers, novelty items, and taking professional photographs for pet owners.

Horse Groomer

Groomers take care of horses and prepare them for shows or for races. Duties include feeding, cleaning stalls, brushing, and bathing. Some groomers exercise horses and may assist with breeding and foaling. Show horse groomers need to learn special skills such as braiding and harnessing. They will usually travel to competitions or shows.

Doggy Day Care Owner

These businesses can do well in highly populated areas. Day care owners and employees supervise the playtime of dogs, feed them, and also have the fun task of cleaning up after them!

Some of the common occupations that include work with dogs are as follows:

• Veterinarian
• Dog groomer
• Boarding kennel worker
• Dog trainer
• Dog walker
• Dog breeder
• Veterinary assistant
• Pet supply store clerk
• Shelter worker

And finally, here are some more unusual occupations for pet lovers:

• Dog fashion designer
• Pet party organizer
• Cat furniture manufacturer
• Breeder of fish, birds, or reptiles

If you love animals, working with pets and horses can make for a very fun and rewarding career!

Brian Jenkins, a member of the BrainTrack.com writing staff, contributes feature articles about many different career and education topics, including veterinary technician careers.

A pet water fountain keeps the water moving and naturally airated, consequently it’s always fresh. Look at it this way, if your pet was out in the wild, it would be drinking from natural streams and waterways, not plastic bowls. Also, over time, with continual use and washing, plastic bowls become scratched and a haven for mold and bacteria.

Features of the Big Max Stainless Steel Fountain

• The continually circulating drinking water is naturally appealing to your pet
• The charcoal filter is replaceable, providing clean and pure, healthy water all the time
• Very easy to clean and dishwasher safe
• The drinking area is extra large and accommodates pets of any size
• Water capacity of 128 oz.

The Big Max has a really striking design and will look good in any home. It works by continually filtering runnig water from the top of the extra large drinking bowl area, through a charcoal filter and down into a larger chamber. The filter completely recycles it, keeping it fresh and especially appealing for your pets.

Because it’s constructed entirely from heavy-duty, stainless steel, the bowl is especially hygenic and as I mentioned earlier, fights the development of mold and bacteria. It’s also a cinch to clean, eith by hand or in the dishwasher.

For the best deal on this great pet product I recommend Amazon. You won’t pay any sales tax, plus they offer completely FREE SuperSaver Shipping.

Because this pet drinking fountain is very new on the market, at the time of writing, there isn’t a lot of customer feedback to refer to. Currently Amazon is publishing 3 reviews, but every one is 100 per cent posive and awards the fountain a full five gold stars. Click Here to read all three Customer Feedbacks.

Click Here for more details

To keep your dog healthy he needs plenty of fresh water and should be fed good quality dog food in amounts just right to meet his energy requirements. Always follow the guidelines on the dog food package for recommended feeding amounts.
Picking a dog food

The first challenge in choosing a dog food is picking one that has overall quality. The term that comes up a lot about dog food is human grade. Human grade implies that the dog food is good enough for us to eat. Many commercial dog foods are made from materials unusable or less desirable for human consumption. Often the meat that is used in dog food is of a quality considered unfit for humans to eat.

Major dog food companies try to provide balanced proportions of vitamins and minerals for maximum benefit to your dog. Although you may see that many brands of dog food have almost identical labels, a reputable dog food company will provide an explanation for each supplement and how it benefits your dog.

Always read the label to see what proteins, vitamins and minerals are being provided to your dog. Try not to use store brand dog food they may short change your dog on much needed nutrition.

Studies have shown that the primary ingredient in dog food should be meat-based protein, not corn meal, flour or corn gluten meal. According to reviews a better quality dog food results in a healthier coat, fewer digestive problems and firmer stools. Pet-nutrition experts agree that the best dog food is made from human-grade ingredients like meat, whole grains and vegetables. Premium dog food is so important because good nutrition is essential for a long, healthy life.

Types of dog food
There are many varieties of dog food to choose from. The three most popular types of dog foods are dry, semi-moist and canned products. Check the color of your dog food. Usually dog food made from natural ingredients will have soft earth tones and contain no preservatives, artificial colors and flavors.

Raw Dog Food is becoming more popular. More and more veterinarians recommend feeding your dog with raw dog food. They feel that this is the best choice and is the healthiest food for your dog. After all, you’ve never seen your dog enjoy commercial dog food the way he enjoys a good meaty bone.

Raw food advocates concede the diet costs more than traditional dog food, but they argue it’s worth it. You may find that locating free natural home made dog food recipes is not easy. Try making a mixture of ground turkey, rice and carrot as your own dog food. Your dog will thank you for it.

If you decide to go the commercial route, try and choose a good premium dog food since it contains more energy and protein than an economy brand. Unfortunately not all dog food brands contain high quality and natural ingredients, so always check the label. It is best if you seek advice from your veterinarian before deciding on which dog food to feed your dog or puppy. He will know your dog’s dietary needs and you will find that veterinary offices and feed stores often carry excellent and natural dog food.

All Natural Dog Food
Many natural dog foods contain only fresh, natural and wholesome ingredients for your dog. Not only are the protein ingredients digestible, but the carbohydrates in the dog food are digestible. Natural dog food has 100% nutritional value which is important for healthy strong dogs. Chicken, egg and fish are examples of protein that is provided in natural dog food. There are also ingredients in natural dog food that really help the health of your dog’s skin and also your dog’s coat. One of the main draw backs of natural dog food is that it has a shorter shelf life and may spoil before it is used.

Dried Dog Food
A good high quality dry dog food will work out to be more economical than the generic brands even though they cost more per pound. A vast majority of dog owners go for dry dog food for its convenience and ease of storage. The cheaper dry dog foods are made from soybean, corn or rice, while many premium dry dog foods are made with all-natural, human-grade ingredients.

Vegetarian dog foods
There are dog foods specially formulated for dogs that are allergic to wheat, corn, and/or chicken. There are also vegetarian dog foods marketed to owners who do not want their dogs to consume meat products. Most vegetarian dog foods use soy as a protein source. If your dog has allergies consult your vet before putting him on a specialized diet.

Conclusion
Overall it’s usually best to let dogs enjoy dog food and not our food, even though they may prefer what we’re eating! Of course you can feed your dog treats from time to time, every dog needs some TLC from time to time!

For More Information >>>Click Here<<<

Having been around dogs and other animals all of my life I can tell you that these lovable companions have emotions just like you and I. All you have to do is look at them, watch them, and listen. Watch their faces change expression and their tail and body showing signs of communication in connection with people and other animals. Common sense can clearly show that what a dog displays on the outside tells an enormous amount of information of what’s going on inside.

Most animal behaviorists start their research with the thought of what it would be like to be a dog. Skepticism is the initial drive which these men and women spark their research with. They wonder if dogs and other animals actually “feel” anything inside. As you can probably guess, since you cannot place an emotion under a microscope, most scientists dismiss the idea.

However, as time goes on, more and more people are becoming less skeptical about the idea of dogs and other animals having emotions. For example, there are scientific journals that are considered prestigious publications who have reported such findings as rats experiencing joy, mice that have empathy, and elephants which feel grief. Now with this information is clearly founded that yes, your dog and mine, has emotions.

Now the big question is, why? Why have emotions evolved in certain species as adaptation tools to their environment? The answer could be in the possibility that these emotions have evolved to become somewhat of a “social sticky” which glues the bond between animals and each other for a variety of social reasons.

Interesting Examples

We know that emotions allow animals to be flexible and adaptable to there behavior through a variety of venues. An interesting study has reported that mice are empathetic, yet they’re also fun loving. Other reports show that iguanas seek pleasure, baboons become angry, and elephants – surprisingly enough – have flashbacks and post traumatic stress disorder. That’s not all, we have reports that fish are sentient and that otters show affection as well as grief.

Many researchers also concluded that animals which are living as companions to humans, especially dogs, can develop specific emotions due to our relationship with them. There are quite a few common emotional traits that are shared by both dogs and people alike.

When you bring your pet Persian home, give it some time to explore. This is a good opportunity to determine which rooms your cat will be allowed to prowl, if you do not intend to let it have free reign of your home. It is much easier to close off those rooms now than to try to retrain your cat later. If you have other pets in the house, it is best to introduce them one at a time, after your cat has had a chance to look around and get comfortable with its new surroundings.

You should feed your pet Persian cat at about the same time every day. If possible the best thing you can do for your kitty is to make its food at home. This is the best way to know exactly what the food ingredients and quality your pet is eating. Make sure you use plenty of meat, grains and vegetables. Remember to not overcook the food so as not to destroy the nutritional value. If you can’t prepare their food at home then you need to feed it the best food you can afford. Consult your vet, breeder or other owners for the best type and brand of food to feed your cat. Food needs vary with activity level; so an active cat will need more food than a less active one. Its very important to make sure your pet always has fresh water.

You should also clean the litter box every day, scooping out clumps and solid waste. Add more litter to the box if necessary. The litter box should be placed in a location that gives your cat privacy, but is still easily accessible. Most cats have a natural instinct to use the litter box. Young kittens may need to be placed in the box multiple times to learn to use it. If your pet Persian cat has continual problems with not using the litter box, be sure you are scooping the waste on a regular basis and that it is easy for your cat to access. If problems continue, consult your vet, as it could be an indicator of health concerns.

You should also play with your pet Persian daily. Cats require exercise and mental stimulation. If this is not provided by you, your cat will find ways to entertain itself and you may not be happy with the result. There are many toys available that your cat will enjoy. It may take some time to discover which type of toy your cat prefers, but you probably already have some interesting cat “toys” in your home.

Anything that makes noise when touched, or moves unpredictably is likely to be interesting to your cat. Some common favorites are: plastic drinking straws, crinkled tissue paper or wrapping paper, large plastic jacks, laser pointers (be sure to keep it out of their eyes), and even your hand twitching under the bed sheet. Avoid small items that your cat could swallow.

In order to keep your pet Persian’s hair free from mats and tangles you should brush it often to remove dirt, knots, and shedding hair They will enjoy the attention. Use a brush with bristles that are long enough to reach the whole way through the coat. If you live in a warm climate, you may wish to consider having your cat clipped or shaved in the summer. Because of its long hair your pet won’t be able to keep as clean as a short haired cat and so will need to be bathed fairly often. Start bathing them as kittens so they get used to it. Trying to put a full grown cat into water may be more than you bargained for. A pet Persian is strictly a house cat. Don’t let them out side or you run the risk of them damaging their fur or picking up unwanted visitors like fleas.
About once a week you should wash your cat’s food and water dishes. You should also empty the litter box, clean it, and refill it with clean litter. Cats prefer to have at least 2-3 inches of litter in the box. This allows them to dig in the litter before using it, and then to cover up their waste afterward.

Your pet Persian cat will require routine veterinary care, including vaccinations, flea preventatives, and physical exams. You should take your new pet to the vet as soon as possible. Be sure to bring along any records you may have received from your cat’s previous owner. Your vet will discuss your pet’s health with you and the two of you will then decide on any care that is needed.

Using the above tips for the care and feeding of your new pet Persian will help insure its health and long life. Your goal is to have your new friend around for a long time to entertain you and be a valued companion for your family. Persian cats get along with other pets and children extremely well which makes them an ideal family pet.

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If you are a pet owner or thinking about becoming one you should go to the website at Natural Pets Health to get more information on natural pets health foods, products & cures. You will also find general information such as the pros & cons of owning along with the caring for & feeding of all types of pets from dogs to snakes to fish to exotics.

While greyhounds remain in training, they are generally treated well. The very nature of the sport demands that they are well fed and kept in optimum condition. At the end of their racing careers, some of them find their way to excellent re-homing and greyhound adoption organizations whose caring and knowledgeable staff prepare them for new lives as pets and coach potatoes.

Breed Description
The greyhound is a tall, lean hunting dog that was traditionally bred for racing and coursing game. Greyhounds are smart, agile, and with very powerful legs they are built for speed. The males usually measure from 28-30 inches tall at the withers, and weigh between 60-88 pounds. Females are typically smaller, with the height between 27-28 inches at the withers and weigh between 60-75 pounds.

Coat
The greyhound has a coat that is short, soft and dense, wrapped around their tight and fine skin. Coat colors are commonly black, fawn, white, orange, or a mixture of these colors that may or may not have white markings. It doesn’t shed much and brushing with a firm bristled brush and dry shampooing or bathing when necessary should be enough to keep it in good condition.

Activity
The greyhound is a somewhat languid breed in spite of their great speed. They love to run, and require moderate exercise every day. A secure, fenced area should be provided and long walks should be given to keep the breed active and fit. Due to their hunting instinct, these dogs have the inclination to chase anything that runs, although contrary to popular belief, with care, they can also live quite happily with cats.

Temperament
Despite their reputation as a racing dog, the greyhound is not high-energy breed. People often do not realize that a standard greyhound can usually only race for up to 30-35 seconds. They are generally great with children, and almost always enjoy being with other dogs.

Overview
Also known as the English Greyhound, Greyhounds are known to be one of the world’s fastest breeds. These dogs have continuously increasing popularity as great family pets. But, anyone adopting one may need to keep it on a leash at all times when outside because of their chasing instincts.

Care and Training
The greyhound is a pack animal; it is a social creature that conforms to a hierarchy. Socialization is especially evident with this breed because they spend their lives in the company of fellow greyhounds throughout their racing lives.

Greyhounds are generally amiable and composed. They are relaxed when in the house and may even be considered lazy. As well as being an intelligent breed, the greyhound is very sensitive, so experienced handling may be needed. As with all dogs, obedience training is recommended, but an owner should always follow a training routine of “positive reinforcement”. The breed needs to be handled gently and consistently and it will flourish in its new environment. An adopted greyhound tends to bond tightly with his or her new family.

In short, these beautiful creatures have an amazing capacity for love and make wonderful pets. They are loyal, intelligent, affectionate and so laid back!

Useful Resources

• Adopt A Greyhound
• Retired Racing Greyhounds My personal favorite…

The skunk’s spray is not only especially foul smelling, but it is particularly difficult to eliminate from a dog’s coat. Your dog will smell of skunk odor for for a long time if you fail to act quickly. Even worse, if you allowed the dog inside, so will your house. You need to act fast!

First however, you should check to make sure your dog wasn’t injured by the skunk. If your dog is bleeding or appears to have been bitten, consult your vet at once because skunks may carry rabies. If vaccinated, your dog is safe from rabies, but, unfortunately you are not.

Some Important Facts:

• It can take up to two FULL WEEKS for the skunk smell to go away and humid or wet days can re-activate the skunk odor
• A pet groomer costs $40-$60 to remove skunk smell for small breeds that do not have thick hair
• Water and soap make skunk smell worse and spread the odor to other areas unaffected by the smell

A Solution:

Recently, whilst helping a neighbor whose Irish setter had just had a head on encounter with a skunk, I discovered an excellent ebook that can be bought online and downloaded instantly. It dispels many old wives tales about skunk smell removal and provides guidance on:

In short, the “Sprayed By A Skunk” ebook will show you a simple step-by-step solution that will Immediately remove the skunk odor from anything. It has nothing to do with tomato juice or tomato paste—they DON’T WORK!

There is an iron-clad 60-day, money back guarantee so you have absolutely nothing to loose except that awful skunk smell.

Animal Assisted Therapy is part of a formal and carefully designed treatment program with specific and measurable objectives that matches one animal to one patient. Under the guidance of a trained medical professional, patients with severe mental and/or physical disabilities are encouraged to interact with a “therapy dog” under the supervision of a trained dog handler. The patient’s interaction with the dog is increased gradually. Initially, the patient may merely observe the dog or touch it. As the patient becomes more responsive and confident, activities may include brushing, attaching collars and even walking the dog. Progress records are maintained as milestones are met and exceeded.

Studies have shown that therapy pets motivate people to participate in therapeutic interactions. Dogs are not judgmental, they don’t hassle or pressure their partner and they have endless patience. Further, simply because they are animals and require care, the patient grooming them or walking them is made to feel useful.

The benefits and expectations of animal assisted activities, or pet visits, vary according to the needs and conditions of the patients being visited. Pet visits are less formal; they do not follow a particular treatment plan or schedule and they are not usually set up on a one pet to one patient scenario. Pet visits are common to hospitals, assisted living homes and nursing homes. They are often nothing more than a way to entertain people or to change their routine and brighten their day. On the other hand, when visited by a pet, some people who have basically shut themselves off from human interaction will begin to work their way back to reality. Apparently, the pet stirs emotions in them that have been lying dormant. Examples have been given where patients who have not spoken a word in over a year will begin to talk to the visiting dog.

Now that pet therapy has become a proven and documented reality, institutions are beginning to capitalize on this phenomenon with the “resident pet.” This term refers to a cat or a dog that becomes a permanent resident of a particular facility and is usually given free run of the place. Each resident benefits from a proprietary interest in the animal and looks forward to assisting in its care. In some cases, a full course of therapy has been designed around the care and feeding of a resident pet. The residents meet to discuss what must be done and develop their own charts and schedules to accommodate the pet’s needs. However, staff must be constantly on the alert to avoid problems of jealousy and feuds over the pet’s affections.

The attributes and characteristics that comprise a good visiting dog or therapy dog have more to do with temperament than training. Not to say that the dog will not need training in basic obedience, but that is normally sufficient except in extraordinary situations. Patients and residents react to the dogs in a variety of ways. Some are effusive, some impulsive and others are shy. Therefore, the dogs must be ready for anything. It surely wouldn’t do for a dog to lunge away or growl if a patient makes a loud noise or reaches for them abruptly. When selecting a dog for these purposes, you would not necessarily want an animal that is high strung or one that is too laid back to get up and socialize.

Numerous studies have documented the benefits of pet therapy. Pets have been used in treating AIDS patients, cancer patients, the elderly and the mentally ill. One study determined that petting a dog can lower blood pressure and another found that pets can reduce stress related illnesses. A study at City Hospital in New York noted that heart patients who owned pets lived longer than those without pets. Owning a pet was found to be more significant to long term survival than the presence of even a spouse or friends.

Pets make us feel good. They comfort us, allow us to be ourselves and give those of us that need it, a reason for living.

Photo courtesy of TN Safety Spotters

There are even cat owners who will tell you that their cat understands every word they say and they believe it. Unfortunately the experts tell us that this is not actually the case. No matter how intelligent your cat is it cannot understand your language.

What it does do is understand the tone of your voice and it is believed that as far a cat is concerned we only have two tones. These we can call love and anger. If you want to test this theory out try telling your cat off but using your loving and soft voice. The result will be that your pet will look up at you and purr in exactly the same way as if you were telling it how much you loved it. I would not recommend trying the reverse experiment of shouting at the cat how much you loved it but trust me there would be no purring.

As someone who lives alone I talk to my cat all the time and it is as much for my benefit as his. If someone on the television or radio comes out with a statement I disagree with I will explain to my cat why that is wrong. I have even in the past asked my cat if it knows where my car keys are when I can not find them. Not surprisingly he never does.

In my experience cats love to be talked too. Mine sits there wide eyed listening to every word I say. Well he does until he gets bored which can vary from 30 seconds to 10 minutes when he either goes to sleep or wanders off. A cat can be an ideal sounding board if you have a problem you want to discuss and sort out in your own mind. They rarely interrupt, never make pointless suggestions or change the subject. Yet, somehow once you have explained all the facts to your cat the solution becomes much clearer.

So talking to your cat can be good for both of you even if neither of you really understand a word the other is saying.

For lots more “Cat Secrets” >>>Click Here<<<

Care must be taken that this dog does not get trapped inside of the house for too long at a time, for restlessness and frustration can set in quickly. It is most happy when roaming the land and playing with its owners. With an overly-friendly personality towards humans and other pets, the English Springer Spaniel makes the perfect family dog.

A Brief History Of The English Springer Spaniel

As spaniel dogs became increasingly popular and specialized, the larger-sized land spaniels became proficient at flushing out game. Before guns became the hunter’s killing tool, the land spaniel would flush out its prey and the hunter would have nets ready to trap the animal. Also used were Greyhounds to further chase the animal should it escape the net trap.

The first mention of springers came about the late 1500s and sometime during the 1800s we can trace specifically-bred springer dogs which began to show up. One of the most popular known dogs came from the Duke of Norfolk, whose breed of dogs have heavily influenced the English Springer Spaniel that we see today.

The spaniels bred by the Duke of Norfolk were so popular at the time that the name of the breed was called Norfolk Spaniels. It wasn’t until the year 1900 that the name was changed to Springer Spaniel.

The history of this breed became further complicated by the fact that the smaller version of the dog, the Cocker Spaniel, and the larger Springer, were both the same breed but with different size variations. It wasn’t until 1902 did the Springer become recognized as a distinct breed by the English Kennel Club.

Upkeep Requirements For The English Springer Spaniel

As mentioned in the beginning of this breed profile, the English Springer Spaniel cannot live happily without a lot of daily exercise. Therefore, owning one means that small apartment living is out of the question. It thrives on hunting so living on plenty of land for the dog to roam free is the ideal living situation.

As with most sporting dogs, the English Springer Spaniel can spend most of its time outside but prefers to sleep indoors at night with the rest of the family. Grooming requirements consist of weekly heavy brushing and clipping of the feet and ears about every two to three months.

Health Concerns

There are several health concerns that run common with the English Springer Spaniel. Major issues include CHD, otitis externa, and elbow dysplasia. Minor issues include PRA, phosphofructokinase deficiency, and retinal dysplasia. Occasionally reported are seizures, rage syndrome, patellar luxation, and gastric torsion. Veterinarians suggest that they get tested for eye, knee, hip and elbow problems, as well as DNA for phosphofructokinase deficiency. Healthy English Springer Spaniels have an average life span of up to fourteen years, with the average being twelve to thirteen.

Beagles are naturally very outgoing and energetic. After all, the breed was originally developed for hunting purposes, and it proved to be a huge success in that field. If you simply want to keep a beagle as a house pet, however, his intelligence and outgoing nature can spell big trouble unless he undergoes effective beagle dog training.

Providing such training is therefore your primary responsibility when you decide to get a beagle. Among the things you need to take note of is the fact that beagles are smart enough to learn how to open doors and go through fences easily. They also have a very keen sense of smell, which makes it very easy for them to find food around the house. This makes it doubly important for you to begin beagle dog training as early as possible and keep food out of your dog’s reach at all times. The good news is that beagles are very trainable. They were, after all, bred for hunting, so they take instruction very well. The only requirement is for you to have a great deal of patience because their energetic nature can sometimes get in the way.

When you begin beagle dog training, remember to always be fair in giving corrections. You have to make sure that your dog understands exactly what you want from him before you even think about punishing him for not obeying a command. Furthermore, the punishment you mete out should always fit his crime. Never release anger on your beagle without sufficient reason.

Remember that correction is just another way of communicating with your beagle, so you’ll have to make him understand what he did wrong and why he is being punished. This will ensure that he does not repeat the offense and strengthen your bond with him as well. Positive reinforcement is your best technique when conducting beagle dog training. Use lots of praise whenever your dog displays good behaviour or executes a command perfectly. This works a lot better than punishing the dog every time he makes a mistake. Just like you, a beagle doesn’t want to work with a boss who only ever sees his mistakes without noticing his triumphs. You should therefore let your dog know that you are proud of his achievements.

In conducting beagle dog training, always remember that you are on the same team as your dog. Do not think of training as a competition where you always have to win by making your dog do what you want. Instead, consider yourself as the team captain; you call the plays and your dog has to execute them properly in order for your team to win. Of course, before you take on the role of team captain, you’ll have to take on the role of coach first, and make your beagle understand exactly what the plays are. As long as you conduct beagle dog training with love and respect, your dog is sure to reward you with positive results.

Feeder Types

The most common form of feeder is the seed feeder. It is designed to support an array of different objects, from tubes and trays to hoppers. Within, it naturally holds the seeds to attract a wide assortment of birds. They’ve been known to attract songbirds like cardinals, finches and chickadees, but this also depends on the types of seeds you supply the feeder with.

For those looking for smaller and somewhat more exotic birds, such as the hummingbirds, then you’ll need a hummingbird feeder. These provides a sugary solution that serves as liquid nourishment for the birds. Ideally, the solution or feeder will have red tints or accents to attract the hummingbirds.

Location

If there are squirrels in your area, then this location may vary somewhat. Though location is often not a surefire solution for preventing squirrels, it can be somewhat of a deterrent. For free-standing feeders, put them under a tree branch, so frightened birds can flee to them. Additionally, placing it away from windows (unless their latticed) would be a wise choice.

Seed Types

Seed feeders can hold different types and sizes of seeds, so choose your feeder and seeds carefully. Black Oil are the most popular as they are fattier and can provide birds with a good source of nutrients during winter. Other sunflower seeds are good too, but ensure that whatever you choose can be dispensed and inserted easily.

Want to find out more about getting the right bird feeders for your yard, then visit Wild Bird Haven for some help with bird feeder selection and location.

To read this directive, Click Here.

Being a transplanted Brit myself, when doing any research I frequently draw comparisons between documentation available in both the US and UK. My findings show all too clearly that the AKC is way more unaccommodating than the British Kennel Club. The AKC bans deaf dogs from ALL forms of competition, while on October 19, 2010 the Daily Mail (a major UK newspaper) ran a feature on Zippy, a two year old deaf Boston Terrier who had just received the British Kennel Club’s highest award for obedience.

A spokesman for the British Kennel Club said: “Passing the highest level of the GCDS is a great achievement for any dog and even more so for a dog that has a disability such as deafness.” To read the full story, Click Here.

This leads me to the question: How can you morally justify putting to sleep deaf but otherwise perfectly healthy puppies and proclaim it to be good breeding practice?

I agree that deaf Dalmatians should probably not be accepted for showing in breed standard classes any more than patched or blue-eyed dogs would be, but from research and my own experience it is absolutely clear that there are plenty of examples of deaf Dalmatians that have escaped the death penalty and are now living happily as loving, well trained companion animals. (NOTE: In the UK, patched Dalmatians can be shown under the new breed standard, and interestingly, patched Dals are never deaf; they do not carry the deaf gene.)

But why should they also be barred by the AKC from companion and obedience events? This ruling is stupid and archaic. The British Kennel Club, who used to advocate euthanasia, now actively encourage the judiciously placement of deaf puppies in carefully selected homes.

The general public seems to be totally misinformed about Dalmatians generally; a quick search on Yahoo Answers listed several questions from people who presumed ALL Dalmatians to be deaf, while others responded with opinions such as “Dalmatians are untrainable,” and “Dalmatians are unpredictable and vicious.” It’s also noticeable that the people writing cannot even spell “Dalmatian”.

From my research I discovered a theory that in the US, deafness is a trait that was deliberately bred into Dals so that they would not become alarmed by sirens when riding on firetrucks. I’m not sure about the validity of this claim because there are deaf Dals all around the world and they are only known as “Firedogs” here in the US. In England they are known as “Coaching Dogs” because the gentry always used to have a Dal running alongside their horse drawn vehicles.

Two genes are culprits in congenital deafness in dogs: the merle pigmentation gene and the piebald or extreme piebald gene; the latter being the one that affects Dalmatians as well as the Bull Terrier, Samoyed, Greyhound, Great Pyrenees, Sealyham Terrier, Beagle, Bulldog and English Setter. Furthermore, deafness in Dalmatians does not appear to be dominant since deaf puppies result from hearing parents.

If you have a deaf Dalmatian, or are thinking of getting one, I recommend A Deaf Dalmatian—which provides lots of training advice. Another excellent resource is: D2Care.

If you are on FaceBook, I also encourage you to join the group: Stop the Killing of Deaf Dalmatians.

Please leave your feedback on this issue and contact me if you need any help or advice.

These days, for convenience and budgets, some owners forego the exam and take Fido or Fluffy to a pet supply store or a low-cost clinic for a jab of protection against rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and other canine diseases.

But change is in the wind. Research shows that vaccines have a longer term of effectiveness against disease than previously thought, and some veterinary colleges have published alternative vaccination protocols that suggest three-year intervals after the initial shots and a 12-month booster.

Some veterinarians go further; they divide vaccinations into two groups according to the prevalence of the disease in their area and recommend skipping vaccinations altogether for older animals that seldom leave home and for pets with already-compromised immune systems.

The changes may be a welcome, but they can have hidden dangers if pet owners forego the annual exam as a result. Fido needs that checkup even if he is fully protected against disease by last year’s vaccination.

Why the switch?

An increase in knowledge about the canine immune system and more information about the length of time that immunity is conferred by particular vaccines have prompted veterinarians and researchers to question the yearly booster for adult dogs.

As a result, several universities have changed their vaccination recommendations and both the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Animal Hospital Association have published changes in their vaccination guidelines.

“We are making this change after years of concern about the lack of scientific evidence to support the current practice of annual vaccination and the increasing documentation that over-vaccinating has been associated with harmful side effects,” said the announcement of a new vaccination protocol at the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. “Boosters, the annual re-vaccination recommendation on the vaccine label is just that – a recommendation – and is not a legal requirement except for rabies. This recommendation could just as well have been every leap year or full moon and is not, in most cases, based on duration of immunity studies.”

According to the AVMA policy statement approved in 2001, the annual re-vaccination recommendation found on many vaccine labels is based on historical precedent and US Department of Agriculture regulation, not on scientific data, and in cases where data has been provided, there are still questions about the duration of immunity provided by the injection.

Furthermore, there is evidence that some vaccines provide immunity for more than one year and that annual boosters may subject the dog to events such as suppression of the immune system, development of autoimmune disorders, or vaccine-site infections.

The AAHA recommendations approved in 2003 echo the same concerns about too-frequent vaccination and encourage owners to work with their veterinarians to devise a health program that takes into account the diseases that are a problem in the pet’s environment.

So why vaccinate?

Although there is a growing concern over vaccine frequency, there is no doubt that vaccines control diseases that can kill puppies and dogs and protect individual dogs from illness and death.

According to an article in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association in 1995, concerns about too-frequent vaccination center on the potential for vaccines to trigger autoimmune diseases in susceptible dogs. Data is scant, but suspicion is growing, according to Dr. Ronald D. Schultz of the University of Wisconsin Department of Pathobiological Sciences.

“I am a strong advocate of vaccine use,” Dr. Schultz said in the JAVMA article. “We need to strike a balance between those who feel that no vaccines should be given and those who are vaccinating every week. Annual vaccination has become a knee-jerk response that, for the most part, is unnecessary. We have come a long way in reducing disease through vaccination, but perhaps we have gone too far.”

How vaccines work

Vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies to the disease so that the dog is protected against various organisms in the environment. If the immunized dog is later exposed to the infectious agent, the antibodies react quickly to attack and destroy the disease. See Vaccination: Shield against canine diseases.

Initial shots are given to puppies to gradually phase-in immunity as the mother’s milk protection wears off. Puppies are generally vaccinated against parvovirus, distemper, adenovirus (vaccine also protects against hepatitis), and parainfluenza in combined shots and against rabies in a single vaccination given at the age of three months. They may be inoculated against leptospirosis, Lyme disease, and corona virus if local conditions warrant or if the pet will be traveling in an area where these diseases are known to be a problem.

Vaccines come in two types: killed virus or bacterin and modified live virus or bacterin. The killed vaccines are mixed with an adjuvant to boost the effectiveness, and various adjuvants are suspected of causing problems. Killed vaccines are more stable, but they require more injections to immunize the pet and are more likely to cause allergic reactions ranging from low-grade fever or muscle aches to hives, facial swelling, or even vomiting and diarrhea. In rare cases, a pet may collapse within a few minutes of the injection from a severe anaphylactic reaction, but most reactions take a day or more to manifest.

Modified live vaccines work more quickly and for longer periods, are less expensive, and require only a single dose to be effective. However, they should not be used in sick animals and may cause suppression of the immune system in susceptible animals or abortions in pregnant bitches.

Vaccinations challenge the immune system in a complex manner, so it is not advisable to vaccinate a puppy or dog that is sick. Vaccines can fail if the animal has a fever or is taking steroids, or if they are given too close together or too far apart. They can also fail if the vaccine has been improperly handled or stored and may not protect a puppy that has lost immunity from mother’s milk before the vaccine is administered.

Despite problems, vaccinations are still a pet owner’s best line of defense against distemper and parvovirus that can kill puppies and young dogs, against rabies that will kill dogs – and people – of any age, and against other contagious diseases that can cause short term and long term health problems.

Pet owners should work with their veterinarians to design a vaccination schedule for each pet based on age, health status, reproductive status, and environment.

Rotating vaccines so that they are not all given at once is one option, and titer tests for antibodies is another. However, titer tests are more expensive than vaccinations and not completely reliable, so many vets do not recommend them.

Adverse reactions to vaccines should be reported to the veterinarian and the US Pharmacopeia, a private organization that operates a reporting program in conjunction with the American Veterinary Medical Association. USP can be reached at www.usp.org on the world wide web or at (800) 822-8772.

If veterinarians follow new protocols for vaccination intervals or owners and their veterinarians decide that particular pets don’t need or should not receive annual vaccinations, the veterinarian should provide a statement to show at grooming shops, boarding kennels, or training schools. Those who plan to board pets or to take them to dog shows, dog parks, or other gatherings should add Bordatella vaccine to their inoculation protocol to protect against kennel cough. Initial Bordatella vaccine is administered through the nose; subsequent doses and boosters can be given as an injection.

Core and non-core vaccination:

AAHA and AVMA suggest two vaccination programs for their clients: a core vaccine protocol for triennial vaccination against the high-risk, contagious, and potentially fatal diseases of rabies, parvovirus, adenovirus-2 (hepatitis vaccine), and distemper and a non-core schedule for protection against additional diseases that may be extant in particular regions of the country.

The AVMA describes a non-core vaccine program as follows:

“Non-core vaccines are those that target diseases that are of limited risk in the region, and/or represent less severe threats to infected patients, and/or vaccine benefit: risk ratios are too low to warrant the use of these products in all circumstances, and/or scientific information is inadequate to evaluate these products. Veterinarians and owners/clients need to carefully consider the benefits and risks of using these vaccine products on an individual basis.”
Annual exams

“Annual boosters” for Fido and Fluffy is really shorthand for “yearly checkup.”

The veterinarian does far more than inject the vaccine; he listens to heart and lungs, probes the belly, looks at teeth and gums, examines eyes and ears, checks for parasites and skin disorders, asks questions, watches the dog move. He discusses ideal weight and exercise if necessary, and listens to questions and concerns of the owner. Dogs that visit the veterinarian once a year live longer and are less likely to be surrendered to a shelter because the owner has an animal health professional to answer questions and to find potential problems before they become serious. Shot clinics in pet supply stores or elsewhere do not provide these opportunities.

Homeopathic remedies – an alternative to vaccines?

Herbal and homeopathic remedies and treatments such as acupuncture and chiropractic are gaining popularity as alternatives to modern medicine for people and pets, but it is highly unlikely that anything in this assortment of alternative remedies will replace vaccinations against canine and feline diseases. Homeopathic nosodes have been used as a vaccine substitute and credited with preventing these diseases, but there are no studies that support their use on a broad scale and no quality assurance in their production.

Susan Gayle Wynn, DVM, said on the Alternative Veterinary Medicine website (http://www.altvetmed.com/articles/vaccinations.html) that “. . . unfortunately, there is no convincing evidence that nosodes do prevent disease. A few studies published in homeopathic journals suggest that nosodes may decrease the severity of active disease and possibly prevent the spread of epidemics, but these studies are not well-controlled.”

Wynn, a homeopathic veterinarian, continued: “The results of one well-controlled study suggest that parvovirus nosodes are completely ineffective in preventing parvoviral disease under experimental challenge conditions. Until well-designed studies are completed and thousands of pet owners make a concerted effort to help with potential retrospective studies, nosodes remain an unknown quantity and I do not recommend using them as a sole strategy for disease prevention.”

Dr. Wynn recommends puppy and kitten vaccinations followed by annual boosters for a year or two.

Nosodes:

Homeopathic nosodes have been touted as alternatives to vaccinations. Homeopathy was developed in the late 1700s by German physician Samuel Hahnemann, who proposed that small doses of a substance could prevent or cure diseases caused by large doses of the same substance. This is the same principle behind the development of vaccines. Nosodes are produced according to Hahnemann’s “law of infinitesimals,” a technique that dilutes the original substance beyond recognition, leaving no recognizable traces of the original substance and no measurable protection in the animal’s body. (See: “Homeopathic medicine: Herbalists, homeopaths gain ground in canine medicine” at http://www.canismajor.com/dog/altern2.html).

By Norma Bennett Woolf

My deaf Dalmatians are registered therapy dogs, teach Fire Safety and Dog Bite Prevention and are Reading Education Assistance Dogs. My non-profit organization, TN Safety Spotters, Inc tries to promote what wonderful companion animals deaf dogs make!”

When she wrote to me, Patricia did not realize she was “preaching to the converted.” I have adored Dalmatians all my life—over the years I’ve owned six, one male, all the rest females. Two were abused, rescue dogs who had been abandoned at kill shelters; one had been abused to the point where the city was bringing a cruelty case against her previous owner.

I was also able to tell Patricia that I have had experience with deaf Dalmatians. Tansy, one of my girls, was not deaf at birth, but lost her hearing completely when she was around ten years old. It has always been my policy to train my dals both by voice and with hand signals, backed up with positive reinforcement, so her disability presented few problems. She lived happily for more than eight years unable to hear.

Senna and Tansy

Hunting dogs and agility dogs nearly always receive this form of “dual training” so that their handlers can communicate with them over wide distances. Dogs always tend to be very receptive to body language and quickly learn to respond to hand signals. You will discover that your dog will focus more on you. When he or she knows he has to watch you for a command, he will be less distracted by everything else and surprisingly, will be easier to train.

So—I believe I’m in a very good position to agree with Patricia’s claim that deaf Dalmatians make wonder companions. It’s a tragedy that healthy Dalmatians are being euthanized because they are deaf. All that’s needed is a specialized approach to their training and they are no different to any other Dalmatians.

Having made that statement, I think I need to qualify it by addressing anyone who believes that owning a dog involves little more than picking up a puppy and relegating it to its own devices as a “backyard dog.” Maybe I’m wrong, but I honestly cannot see how a deaf Dalmatian could adapt to that kind of neglectful ownership.

Senna, the severely abused Dalmatian my husband and I adopted had been a backyard dog. Frustrated by the lack of attention she received, she had resorted to chewing up her owner’s redwood garden furniture and was soundly beaten for it. They had even wired her mouth shut to prevent her from chewing. She was emaciated, dehydrated, covered in fleas and terrified of people. During her first year with us she cowered away whenever we walked close to her with anything in our hands—she assumed we would strike her with it. Had she also been deaf, I think that may have been one burden too many for her to bear.

With time she became one of the most devoted, loving dogs we have ever owned. It was tragic that after six all too short years she collapsed one morning with a fatal heart attack. We always believed that all that abuse eventually took its toll, but we are so very thankful that our paths crossed and we were able to give her six years of unreserved love. She was a joy in our lives.

In addition to Patricia Belt’s Tennessee Safety Spotters, I also recommend the Deaf Dog Education Action Fund, who do a wonderful job of explaining how to train a deaf dog using hand signals.

Poppy and Tansy

All the materials I’ve above listed can be purchased at your local home store. The large national stores such as Lowes or Home Depot will have everything you need to complete a project, even the carpet. You can also purchase carpet at carpet stores or carpet outlet stores, where you can get a good deal. Also, if you’ve had any re-carpeting done in your home in recent years, chances are the installers left behind all the offcuts. Now is a good time to haul them out and make great use of them, and as an added bonus, your new cat tree will exactly match your home’s decor!

The tools required are a hand saw, electric drill, stapler (electric is best), razor knife, hammer, philips screw driver, ruler, scissors, and pliers. That’s it, a hassle free solution which will curb your cat’s temptation of clawing your favorite sofa and cost you a fraction of what you will pay at your local pet store

Building your own cat furniture can be fun and to start off on the right foot, I suggest you do as I did and go to Best Cat Trees who offer an excellent selection of easy to follow, step-by-step plans on eleven different cat tree models, plus (at the time of writing) three bonus plans.

The illustration to the left shows the cat tree my husband and I built using this company’s “Cougar Den” plan. The illustration below shows a plan for a much smaller cat tree which they call “Cat Nap.” These are just two examples of the eleven plus plans available to you.

A bonus you may also want to consider is to use this company’s excellent step-by-step plans to create a home business for yourself. Build a selection of high quality cat trees and sell them through Craigslist, eBay, classified ads or at swap-meets. I knew a man recently who decided to built a radio-flyer cart for his grandson. He constructed it in his garage out of scrap wood and painted it bright red. People who saw it were impressed and asked him to build another for their children and grandchildren. Before he knew it he had a thriving little business going; his local news station featured him and he began receiving orders from all over the country.

You could achieve something similar building cat furniture!

Here’s a link to those plans again – Click Here

1. Pollination

Bees’ pollination efforts are responsible for a wide diversity of wild flowers and many crops depend on them. In fact, without bees’ pollination of flowering crops and flowers, there would be far less food in general and diversity in particular. In fact, if bees did not pollinate in the wild, some vegetation would become extinct, leaving space for invasive, problematic species to take over. Animals that eat the extinct vegetation would then die off, followed by the carnivorous animals that eat the herbivores. As noted above, it’s a chain reaction.

Crops consumed by humans are also dependent on bees. For example, apples, pears, cucumbers, cherries and other flowering/fruiting crops depend on bees to fertilize the flowers so that fruit will develop. When a bee gets nectar from a flower, it gets coated in pollen. The bee then carries this pollen to another flower, fertilizing it and causing the flower to develop into a fruit. Without pollination, many flowering crops would not yield fruit, or would yield very little.

2. Bee products

Human health is greatly enhanced by the inclusion of bee products. Here are some important items that bees provide that can benefit humans.

Honey – Honey is not just another sweetener. Raw, unfiltered honey that has had minimal processing from hive to jar has many healthful benefits. It contains all sorts of vitamins, including phosphorous, iron, vitamins A, B-complex, C, D, E and K. According to herbalist Stephen Buhner, honey has at least 75 different compounds.

A spoonful of raw honey makes an excellent cough syrup, and it can serve as a base for home-made medicinal syrups. Raw honey is a remarkable dressing for severe burns, and the antibiotic properties of honey have excelled conventional antibiotics in the treatment of ulcers and surgical infections. Honey has even been touted as an excellent treatment for allergies.

Beeswax – This natural, beautiful product has been used to make candles, lip balm, cosmetics, crayons, moisturizers, and other items.

Propolis – This is a substance that bees create from tree resins. It is reported to have strong antibiotic properties and to help fight fatigue. It is full of vitamins and also amino acids (proteins).

Royal jelly – Worker bees produce this white, milky substance to feed the queen. It has vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids and is considered a health food for humans.

Venom – Yes, even bees’ venom has a use. It is used in the development of antivenin to treat stings, and has even been used to relieve arthritis pain.

As you can see, the bee is an important component of the ecosystem, and we humans, as part of the ecosystem, benefit greatly from bees’ efforts.

• For much more information about keeping bees yourself Beekeeping Made Easy

The English Setter is the oldest dog known from these groups. In fact, it is theorized that they date back well before the 15th century. Their function was to locate game and then remain still, practically frozen, until the game was taken away by hunters.

The English Setter’s ancestors were probably the Large Water Spaniel, Springer Spaniel, and the Spanish Pointer. Beginning around the year 1825, specific breeding for the production of the English Setter was started by a man named Edward Laverack. He continued to breed his Setters for well over 30 years. In fact, these are the dogs that created the base-line of all English Setters of today.

Other breeders continued to produce English Setters, but with specific emphasis on other functions. One such person was named Purcell Llewellin. He started with Setters that came straight from Edward Laverack and based his breeding entirely on field ability.

Mr. Llewellin mixed his Laverack Setters with outside English Setters which created some of the most outstanding field dogs of his time. Eventually these dogs were imported to the United States and has enjoyed steady growth as a popular household pet ever since.

Personality

The English Setter is a particularly amiable breed of dog that is most often calm and relaxed, and make great house pets. Genetically, they were bred to hunt and cover miles upon miles of ground distance, therefore, physical exertion and running is a favorite pastime for the English Setter. This is one dog that cannot be kept indoors without exercise for too long at a time.

Taking Care Of Your English Setter

As previously mentioned, upkeep for the English Setter requires intense daily physical stimulation. Lots of exercise each and every day is a requirement, at least one good hour of fast-paced running. This dog is best to live indoors, but should be able to roam outside most of the day-time hours. Due to its long coat, the English Setter‘s fur may prove to be difficult to keep clean and shiny. It needs regular brushing every two to three days, minimum.

Health Information

The lifespan of the English Setter can last up to 12 years, with 11 years being the average. Major health concerns that may arise are hypothyroidism, CHD, deafness, and elbow dysplasia. Minor issues are PRA and OCD. Every once in a while this dog breed may see epilepsy, but this is extremely rare.

For more information about English Setters >>>Click Here<<<

Viszla

Originating from Hungary, Viszla are beautiful creatures. They have sleek rust colored coats and a similar build as the Greyhound. They were originally bred for pointing and retrieving so they have great endurance and energy for any running/hiking activities. They are extremely protective so you wouldn’t need to worry about them bolting off if you’re running them without a leash. With a lifespan of 12-14 years, these dogs are not prone to many health problems, such as Hip Displasia, which tend to be common in mid-size breeds.

Foxhounds

Not nearly as popular as the Labrador Retriever, this is an old English Hunting breed. They were used to hunt and were known for
running many miles on the chase of a single scent. They obviously have a great sense of smell and are very friendly and active in demeanor. You won’t have any issue running in open and populated areas with this breed as they’re bred for their focus and don’t spook easily.

Border Collie

A smart, clever, inexhaustible breed. They originated from Scotland as herding dogs and tend to be a popular choice for dog shows that require acrobatics. They love to catch Frisbees and will wear your arm out catching and retrieving! Because of their innate agility, they’re perfect for hikers or those that like to run wilderness trails. Being that they are active and incredibly intelligent animals, it’s important to provide them with both kinds of stimulation.

Great Dane

These majestic animals are the tallest of any breed (4-6 feet tall) and their long, well-formed legs make them seem very equine in nature. Though they require daily activity, they shouldn’t be overworked with long distance or endurance runs. They are a perfect breed if you like to be outdoors a lot but aren’t intensely training. They have a lifespan averaging 6 years.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

These guys originated from South Africa to hunt lions, and were originally known as “African Lion Dogs.” They are relatives of the Dalmatian, but with a more streamlined and muscular build. They are a favorite of top athletes as they can keep up with the intensity of an athlete’s training schedule. Due to their size and energy, it’s important to spend time training them especially as puppies.

Note: You can purchase running “shoes” for dogs. They’re elastic slippers that protect the toe bones and foot pads. They may look funny but they will save your dogs’ pads in the long run. This is especially important if you run in urban environments or for longer distances (5k) because their foot pads will wear out quickly and injure them. Only start training your dog for running as an adult after they’ve fully grown. Always make sure your dog drinks lots of water beforehand and keep an eye out for overheating, as they will often run past the point of safety.

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John Durfee is a Gulf War veteran and the marketing manager for Airsplat, the nation’s largest retailer of Airsoft Guns and Airsoft Apparel.

This dog also requires a bit more exercise than its American counterpart. If one was to describe the English Cocker Spaniel in just a few words, those words would be sensitive, happy, devoted, demonstrative, inquisitive, and protective.

A Brief History Of The English Cocker Spaniel

Considered to be one of the most specialized groups of dogs, the spaniel family is the largest numbers of dogs in a single group that we know of today. The English Cocker Spaniel is a land spaniel. During the 1800s, the larger spaniels were used for springing game and the smaller versions were used to hunt woodcock.

Both the smaller version and the larger-sized spaniels were basically two variations of the same dog breed. It wasn’t until 1893 that the two sizes were officially considered to be separate breeds. The smaller version of the English Cocker Spaniel, which should weigh under twenty-five pounds, was designated the name Cocker Spaniel. And because both breeds share much of the same genetic makeup, they share much of the same hunting abilities and talents.

Then in 1901 the weight limit of the breed was terminated and the English Cocker Spaniel became hugely popular with the people of England. At the same time, American spaniel breeders had the desire to change the breed in ways that the traditional fans of the English Cocker Spaniel did not approve of. In 1936, the formation of the English Cocker Spaniel Club of America came into existence.

Upkeep Requirements For The English Cocker Spaniel

Like all sporting dogs, the English Cocker Spaniel must have plenty of vigorous daily exercise. This could be from a romp in the field or a long, fast-paced walk on the leash several times daily. Playtime is ideal during the day in a large fenced-in yard.

English Cocker Spaniel dogs have the ability to live outside if need be, but only if the temperatures do not reach extreme cold or souring heat. Their medium-length coat will need weekly brushing, about every three to four days, and monthly clipping around the head, eyes and feet must be maintained.

Health Concerns

The two major health concerns that are associated with the English Cocker Spaniel are patellar luxation and PRA. Minor health problems include kidney disease (known as familial nephropathy), cataracts, hypothyroidism, and CHD. Rarely seen in this breed is cardiomyopathy. The average lifespan for a healthy English Cocker Spaniel is twelve to fourteen years. Veterinarians suggest that this breed be tested for potential problems with eye, hip, thyroid, knee, and hearing.

Needless to say, this job was obviously quite rough and Mr. Doberman needed an excellent guard dog to accompany him on his rounds. He then set out with the goal of creating such a breed. The most likely mix came from the old German Shepherd and the German Pinscher, with later crosses using the Greyhound, Weimaraner, and the Black & Tan Manchester Terrier.

Soon enough Mr. Doberman gathered the perfect prototype of the breed which today bears his own name. The original Doberman dogs looked a little different than today’s Doberman Pinschers, with rounder heads and a thicker bone structure, which in time was bred to have a more narrow race-like look. By the year 1900, the Doberman Pinscher became so popular that it had its own breed club.

The first Doberman Pinscher found its way to the United States in the early 1900s. Both the US and European nation took to this breed has a perfect police dog and guard dog. In time, it was also used as a war dog. In time, these valuable functions became the desire of many household families, in addition to the sleek, defined appearance of the animal. By the year 1977, the Doberman Pinscher was the second most popular dog breed in the United States.

Personality

The Doberman Pinscher is a highly intelligent animal that is one of the most capable guard dogs and watchdogs a family could own. Not only is it a highly dependable family protector, Doberman Pinscher dogs are also one of the most easiest breeds to train. They are alert and always ready to serve. These dogs are quite sensitive, obedient, reserved with strangers, and are committed to loyalty.

Taking Care Of Your Doberman Pinscher

Upkeep of the Doberman Pinscher takes more than average daily exercise. Bundled with enormous pockets of energy, this dog can become very frustrated and even destructive when kept indoors too long without physical and mental stimulation. Families considering owning a Doberman Pinscher should be prepared for a lifelong commitment of daily brisk walks and plenty of vigorous dog games to play outside. Dobermans Can live outside in both hot and cold temperatures, but is more comfortable when inside with its family.

Health Information

The Doberman Pinscher has a lifespan of up to 12 years, with 11 being the average. Veterinarians suggest that these dogs get specifically tested for hip dysplasia, eye problems, cardiac issues, and DNA for vWD. Major health concerns that may arise are gastric torsion, demodicosis, vWD, and osteosarcoma. Occasionally, minor health problems sometimes include PRA, albinism, narcolepsy, and hypothyroidism.

For lots more information about caring for your doberman pinscher >>Click Here<<

Here’s how to attract wildlife into the back yard:

1 – Feed the birds – Use apples, peanuts, seeds, and fat balls and watch the number of wild birds in your garden increase. Feeding the wild birds is even more important in the winter when food supplies are scarce. And don’t forget fresh water as birds do have a need to drink as well.

2 – Make a habitat – Make or put up habitats for your nature friends. This includes birdhouses and shelters for birds as well as hedgehogs, butterflies, bees and other insects. You can find plenty of choices at the garden center or simply make your own with a little wood and a few other materials.

3 – Plant wild flowers – Meadow or wild flowers look lovely and natural in the garden but also serve to attract a large number of friendly insects from butterflies to ladybugs to bees and birds, wildflowers will really help the abundance of wildlife in your garden.

You can order simple seed packets online or purchase them at your garden center. These are very easy to grow as they are used to growing under the most natural conditions. This also means that you won’t have to worry about watering a certain patch of your garden, which in turn helps the environment.

4 – Build a wildlife pond – This doesn’t have to be fancy or a big task. A simple standard size plant pot will do. Choose one without a hole in the bottom. Make a hole in the ground roughly the size of the pot and insert the pot into the ground so only one inch or so of the pot is sticking out of the ground. Insert a few large rocks in the bottom of the pot (this will help frogs and other water animals have a place to support themselves on). Fill with water.

Then plant several water plants in the pot – Mentha cervina and Nasturtium aquaticum are good choices but your local garden center staff can easily help you choose appropriate ones too. Sit back and observe the aquatic wildlife flourish. Remember to always use precautions if young children will be using the garden.

5 – Don’t be a manicurist – The best way to attract and keep wildlife into your garden is to leave it a bit “natural.” Let certain corners of the garden become a little woodsy or overgrown – wildlife thrives in these conditions. When your trees lose their leaves don’t pick them all up. Piles of leaves are great habitats for hedgehogs and other nature creatures.

Your back yard can easily become an enchanting place for wildlife. If in doubt of where to begin, simply take a leaf out of nature and let your garden reflect that as much as possible.

I highly recommend Backyard Wildlife, a book by Michael Lavelle, which teaches you how to attact beas, butterflies, insects, birds, flogs and animals to your backyard.

Your Choice Of Fences

The quality and type of fence you can expect to enclose your yard area in will depend on a few factors: What is your budget? How big and strong is your dog? If he is a puppy then how large will he grew up to be? Does your community have any specific restrictions concerning installation of backyard fences? Where your expectations?

The most attractive fences to use, and most expensive, are made out of wrought iron, masonry, or wood stockade. On the other hand, slightly less attractive and a little more affordable would be standard farm type or chain-link fence design.

Electronic fences, otherwise known as Electronic Pet Containment Systems are a unique option that have a hidden or buried wire system. Although I prefer a well-built, wooden fence construction, these invisible electronic fences are a perfect solution for those communities that will not allow you to install standard fences or any other visual barriers between your property and the next.

Electronic Fence Warning: There are many cases when a dog that has a strong innate desire to chase an animal or a car will prod right through the invisible barrier while seemingly ignoring the warning beeps of the structure and ultimately absorbing the electronic shock that is initiated. Your dog may then be uninterested in reentering the yard after the chase is over.

Another issue to be concerned about is that electronic fenced-in areas do not protect your dog from other strangers or animals that can come into the yard. While your dog cannot pass through the invisible barrier, anybody or anything could freely walk inside and become a potential threat to your dog, or vice versa.

Other Fencing Details To Keep In Mind

Consider the size of the spacing that runs between the bars or wires of a farm-type fence or iron fence. Although it seems like preventative common sense, I have seen an entire fence go under construction and finished within a week’s time only to prove unstoppable for the owner’s puppies. The spacing was too wide! This simple detail in planning would have made all the difference in the world.

Another aspect of having a fence built specifically for your dog is to consider the design in connection with your dog’s climbing abilities. Pit bulls and other dogs such as the huskie will require fences that cannot be climbed or easily torn up.

A perfect solution here would be a 5 ½ to 6 foot tall stockade fence or masonry wall. This construction will also help prevent your dog from seeing through to other properties and other dogs, which could lead to territorial behavior problems.

1. The Right Food

While it’s not necessary to buy your dog the most expensive food, cheap is not the “deal” that it may appear to be. A dog’s diet affects its overall health more than we may think and introducing cheap food with ingredients that may not be the best for your dog may lead to more expense in the form of vet bills. Many of the more expensive brands of food contain less filler, so your dog will eat less and be healthier. In this case, the short term savings of lower quality food is a long term expense in disguise!

2. Accessories

As long as your dog’s collar is comfortable and the leash is sturdy, you don’t need to spend a lot on these essentials. In the same way, your dog doesn’t need the matching set of designer dishes when a metal or plastic set will do the trick just as well. This is a simple place to save money where neither you or your dog will notice.

3. Looking Good: Grooming

There is no better way to bond with your dog than through grooming, so you don’t have to spend $100 when you can learn to do it yourself. Your friends will be amazed at how good your dog looks and may even ask you to do their dogs, too. Nail clipping and teeth cleaning are things you can do yourself, too, and save yourself the time and expense of going elsewhere.

4. Medication

Don’t think that the vet’s office is the only place that you can get your dog’s heartworm medication and flea and tick reatments; there are plenty of online outlets for these common items. Do some looking around to find the best deal, but make sure you research the outfit you are thinking of going with to make sure they offer the same quality as you expect. We have found that with a little research, it is possible to find the same name brand heart worm prevention for significantly less online. We also stock up when we find a good deal as long as it won’t be sitting around past its expiration date.

5. Exercise Is Important



Trips to the park and walks around your neighborhood are great ways to keep you and your dog in shape. Don’t spend a lot on a bunch of toys; in my experience most dogs have one or two favorites that they go back to all the time. Balls and sticks are simple — and free — toys that
most dogs love, and you can even make your own toys with things you have around the house. Just make sure they are safe for your pet to chew on and play with.

6. Check-ups

Don’t skimp on the vet you use; even healthy dogs get sick once in a while and it’s nice to know that the vet you are going to knows and cares about your dog. Of all the tips on this list, this is one area where I would recommend not going with the cheapest option, but with the vet who works best for you. Consider location, hours of availability, and years of experience when making this decision.

7. Staying Healthy

Keeping your dog healthy and happy will reduce the amount of time spent in the vet’s office. Our fenced yard is great for keeping our dog in and away from potential hazards and also to keep those hazards out. If you don’t have a fenced yard, consider tying your dog out when it needs to go out. Keep the area that it can roam in well policed for dangers. Preventing things from happening will keep you and your dog a lot happier and healthier in the long run, as well as
saving you money.

Don’t let your family’s best friend lead to budget woes. Be proactive and do research into other ways you can creatively cut expenses while taking care of the dog in your life.

Sarah Coleman is a dog owner who lives on a budget and also espouses frugal principles to those she encounters at her job with a short term loans company. She and her family have seen first-hand the benefits of having a loyal friend and encourage others to make room in their lives for one as well!

Putting in a pond requires a great deal of physical labor to complete, even if you are using a kit. A hole still needs to be dug, and the proper components need to be placed. There is no easy way to put in a water feature. But, if you get a kit with step-by-step instructions, and you enlist the help of family and friends, it is possible for you to install your pond with relative ease and at a reasonable cost. There are even some companies that offer different customized solutions. These solutions include things like creating a cascading stream into your pond, or having a waterfall that is shorter or taller than the kit specifies. If you know that you have some specific needs, make sure you visit a specialty shop or buy your kit from a company that specializes in water features and can help you modify your kit appropriately.

There are a few components that your kit should have for proper installation of a water feature. These components include items such as skimmers, liners, pumps, filters, filter support tubes, liners, underlayments, check valves, PVC pipes, PVC glues and primers, rocks, bulkhead fittings, silicone, and bacteria to maintain the balance of your pond. Other things that many kits come with, and that are good to check for, are things like patch tape, waterfall stone, and skimmer bags. Many kits make use of expanding foam as well. Make sure that your kit has all of the items you need before you begin, or make sure that you know where to get items that do not come in the kit.

Your kit should come with an owner’s manual and instructions. There are many kits that come with architectural drawings, and these can be very useful. If you have a kit with good illustrations, it can help you more effectively build your pond by allowing you to not only read about what you need to do, but to also see what you need to do. Make sure you read the instructions in their entirety before you begin. Also, make sure that you understand the directions. If there is something that you do not understand, contact the store that you bought the kit from, or contact the company that produces the kit. You should be able to get help from either of those sources. Make sure that your kit comes with a warranty and with support. It is worth it to pay a little more money for a kit that comes with expert advice and everything you need. Costs relating to redoing things, buying extra components, and getting replacement parts if you break something by putting it together wrong can really add up. Making sure that you have access to the manufacturer of the kit, or someone who gives explanations for free can save money, time, and headache further down the road.

A well-placed water feature can be a very pleasing part of your landscape. The running water makes a soothing noise, and it can be very relaxing to look at water. Water is one of those things that provide comfort and interest in many settings. Additionally, a water feature can attract birds and other wildlife to your yard and provide you with beautiful music and fascinating creatures to listen to and look at. Children love water features, and if properly supervised can learn to appreciate the water and find amusement for hours.

For more information, these resources may help …

• DIY Koi Pond
• Koi Fish Ponds Made Easy
• Koi Fish For Beginners
• Koi Fish Explained

These terriers are also very friendly when it comes to other dogs and pets. They are overly playful and always on the lookout for new friends. However, if a stranger approaches the house without the owners around, you can expect the Dandie Dinmont Terrier to bark incessantly to ward off the intruder, making them an excellent watchdog.

A Brief History Of The Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Noted as being one of the most unusual looking members of the Terrier Group, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier has its roots from an area that bordered Scotland and England. They were first seen as unique-looking, service dogs which have been around since the 1700s. Farmers used them to help hunt and kill small animals such as otter, fox, and badgers.

These dogs went by several names before being coined as the Dandie. At one point they were called Mustard Terriers, Hindlee Terriers, or Pepper Terriers. The Catcleugh Terrier was another popular name for the dog. Many of these terriers were owned by a man named James Davidson.

It is said that Davidson’s dogs were used as models for the Dandie Dinmont characters used in a book titled “Guy Mannering”, written by Sir Walter Scott (the book was published in 1914). And of course, these dogs became known as the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, recognized as their own breed in 1873. Today they can still be found in happy homes around the world but not nearly as popular as other members of the terrier family.

Upkeep Requirements For The Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Enjoying the companionship of a Dandie Dinmont Terrier means living an active lifestyle with a lot of playtime in the yard. These dogs have very high energy levels that need to be handled through daily exercise. They also love to explore and hunt for small animals around the yard.

The ideal living arrangement is to have the Dandie with full access to a safe fenced-in yard during the day while sleeping inside with the family at night. Grooming requirements call for a good brushing about twice weekly. And due to the Dandie’s coat, it requires a professional clipping and shaping about every three to four months.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is between eleven and thirteen years. There are no major health concerns to worry about in the breed. Minor health issues that are commonly seen include glaucoma and intervertebral disk disease. Rarely seen is cheyletiella mites. Veterinarians suggest that this breed get specifically tested for eye problems.

For more information about your Dandie Dinmont Terrier >>>Click Here<<<

While most cats will run and hide at the first sign of danger, that is because they are afraid. As soon as they become secure in their surroundings, they have less reason to be scared. Cats really do not run and hide. They are more likely to do the following:

• Play, act curious, attentive, alert, sniff things, including the air
• Have a good appetite, show interest in food (remember that kittens are always hungry)
• Enjoy being around other cats and people, show interest in family activities
• Use the litter box faithfully
• Groom themselves several times a day
• Walk and jump with balance and coordination
• Scratch the scratching post several times a day
• Seldom show aggression
• Occasionally run and pounce on imaginary things

Signs of illness: Even healthy cats occasionally get sick. Below are 20 common symptoms of illness that warrant immediate attention from the vet.

• Urinates outside the litter box
• Has blood in his urine
• Frequently misses meals or exhibits a change in appetite
• Is constantly thirsty
• Shows unprovoked aggression or sudden change in mood
• Acts lethargically or withdrawn
• Has labored or irregular breathing
• Sneezes, wheezes or coughs
• Has white gums
• Has pus around eyes or nose
• Over grooms or losing hair
• Stops grooming
• Trembles, shakes or feels feverish
• If a kitten vomits or has diarrhea, or if an adult cat has chronic vomiting or diarrhea
• Frequently cries or whimpers
• Constant body odor
• Has lumps, swelling or open sores
• Obsessively scratches at ears
• Licks around the anus (veterinarian can check to see if anal glands are impacted)
• Walks with his head tilted to one side

Finding a good vet: Cats hate going to the vet. The first step towards making veterinarian visits go well is finding a good doctor. Vets that will not declaw are highly recommended. Quite often, veterinarians who refuse to declaw are more in tune with and concerned about your cat’s needs.

Look for veterinarians who describe themselves as “alternative,” “holistic” or “old-fashioned.” When you call, ask about their position on declawing. See if they are knowledgeable about natural or home remedies, not just antibiotics, antidepressants, tranquilizers or steroids.

Ask what they charge. Prices for the same procedures can vary by more than 100%.

When you call a vet you are considering, see how patient and receptive he or she is to your concerns. Check the atmosphere of the place, if the people in the office seem uninterested or authoritarian, find another vet.

A number of excellent, affordable books about managing you cat’s health can be accessed by >>>Clicking Here<<<

When a foal is born, he may have two nipper, (front), teeth. If he’s not born with them present, they should announce themselves within a week. Around the first birthday, he should have all the incisor or milk teeth. By two to two and a-half years of age horses have shed all their baby teeth and acquired their adult teeth. Around three years old, he should have his permanent nipper teeth. You should understand that nipper teeth are appropriately named. In his fourth year, he should be receiving his divider teeth, which sit on each side of his nipper teeth. At five years, he has all his teeth, and should not be using them for taste-testing you. He should have in all, forty teeth. From here on out his teeth will continue to change. Each tooth will change from a rectangular shape, to round, to eventually a triangular shape.

Around six years of age, the horse’s teeth get little pits in them that resemble cavities. As the horse ages, the central incisor pits disappear. This is around age seven. By the time a horse hits the ripe old age of eight, (in his prime actually), all the lower teeth have lost their pits, but, a new dent in the teeth, known as a dental star shows up in the lower center incisors. From age eleven on up, the teeth will begin to jut forward toward his lips with each passing year. With this, you will notice that his teeth will become more triangular.

Many horsemen do not know how to place age on a horse just by looking at his teeth. Some vets can’t tell either. Practice makes perfect when aging a horse. It is a wise choice to invest the time into learning all you can when it comes to horses. They can’t tell you what they’ve been through, how old they are, or what they know. You can tell a lot by looking them over really well. Have you ever looked at a horse’s temples or orbital sockets? Aside from standing there scratching your head and wondering can you really tell how old a horse is by their teeth, and you can look elsewhere. A peek at their temples can speak volumes as well. Most times, deep temples, right above his eyes is indicative of age. If you know someone who really has the ability to determine age by looking at a horse’s teeth, you should hang around him a lot, to learn yourself.

With age, the horse’s teeth do not get shorter as they do in humans. A horse’s teeth continue to grow as they age and wear down from chewing. So the length of a tooth will not be an accurate tool for measuring the age of your equine.

In the past horse traders have made attempts to alter a horse’s teeth to mimic the dental stars and divots in the teeth to make him appear younger than he really is. You can tell this has been done by looking for the white edge of enamel, which should be surrounding the real mark on his tooth. The best way to determine the age of your horse is to keep accurate records, or if it is a new purchase remember this: around ages six to twelve, the central incisors are round. Around ages eight to eighteen, they become more triangular. The lateral teeth are round or rectangular in shape around age six to thirteen. These teeth become more triangular between nine and nineteen years old. The little teeth on the corners are round around years seven to fourteen, and will become more triangular between ages nine and twenty. From there, the teeth will all become more triangular as he ages. There are books to be read on aging a horse by his teeth. If you have any serious doubts about what you are getting, it is imperative you contact a reliable vet to do a pre-purchase exam. Can you really tell how old a horse is by his teeth? You most certainly can.

An excellent book covering caring for your horse’s teeth can be accessed by >>>Clicking Here<<<

Did you know Dalmatians were bred to run with a coach and horses? They were also used to guard the coach and the horses. To guard, they required an intelligent nature; to run all day, they required an extremely high energy level. All Dalmatians need both physical and mental stimulation. Without it, they can easily become bored and destructive. As a Dalmatian owner, you will need sufficient time to train and exercise your dog. A fully grown Dalmatian can weigh 50 to 70 lbs. Dals are very energetic, intelligent, stubborn, and playful. Their whip-like tails can clear a coffee table in five seconds! Generally, Dalmatians are gentle with other pets, such as cats and even horses. They will actually laugh or smile (see the video below).

Dalmatians are a good family dog but often can be too lively and excitable for children under five. They are highly intelligent and quick to learn but can be stubborn; they need firm but gentle hand and good obedience training. Simply put, they are not for people who don’t set limits. Dalmatians are very much people oriented, excellent indoor and outdoor companion but they do not do well as a yard dog and need lots of people contact and companionship. Dalmatians shut out in yards have been known to dig crater size holes.

Upkeep And Maintenance

Upkeep of this energetic dog breed takes a bit of an active lifestyle on the owner’s part. The Dalmatian will not be happy with just a few short walks during the day. He needs to be able to run long distances and roam around outdoors. In fact, Dalmatian’s make wonderful jogging partners. Just be sure to keep him in a safe area when off leash.

These dogs need to have the luxury of living indoors but also have the flexibility of being able to run outside when necessary. It does not tolerate hot temperatures very well so if he is kept outside be sure to have plenty of cool shaded areas and soft bedding for him to relax in when necessary. Companionship should be a top priority when owning a Dalmatian, so do not keep him outside longer than necessary without company. Mental stimulation and lots of human interaction are vital.

Health Information

A very common health issue with the Dalmatian is deafness. Minor concerns include hypothyroidism, allergies, iris sphincter dysplasia, and seizures. There are occasional cases of CHD, but they are extremely rare.

Dalmatians tend to have long life spans, ranging between 12 and 15 years, and sometimes longer. Veterinarians recommend that you have this dog breed specifically tested for eye problems, hip dysplasia, thyroid, and potential hearing loss issues.

Don’t ever allow yourself to be discouraged if you discover your dalmatian to be deaf. They are especially easy to train using hand signals—I know this for a fact because I’ve done it myself. You may also be encouraged by reading these additional posts:

1. The Tragedy Of Deaf Dalmatians
2. Deaf Dalmatians – More On This Volatile Issue

The Disney film 101 Dalmatians did this wonderful breed of dogs no favors. Thousands of children watched the film and requested a Dalmatian puppy of their own, and unfortunately their parents complied without first understanding exactly what they were getting into. Also, puppy mills jumped on this upswing in demand and produced a glut of puppies of inferior breeding. The end result was thousands of untrained, misunderstood, unwanted Dalmatians abandoned in shelters.

The origin of the Dachshund goes back to the 1500′s in which their main function was to flush out badgers. Today, however, the Dachshund has become an everyday family house pet as well as retained the sharp edge to compete in Earthdog trials and Dachshund field trials.

If you enjoy smaller sized dogs who show off a bold and adventurous attitude, then the Dachshund is the right one for you. It loves to hunt, and dig. If you are fortunate enough to live near a wooded area with trails, you’ll enjoy watching your Dachshund catch a scent and go out hunting for game. He is independent but always appreciates the love and attention of his family.

The Dachshund is known to be a wonderful house pet and great around children, but can also get a bit snappy if introduced to small kids he does not know. Some of them are more prone to barking than others, but all Dachshunds are considered to be excellent watchdogs with high energy levels.

Upkeep And Maintenance

Even though these dogs are extremely active and need to expend energy on a daily basis, they are small enough to get plenty of exercise indoors by running around. However, nothing replaces a nice long walk on a leash through the great outdoors. The Dachshund also enjoys playing games and mental training challenges. Training this dog breed may be a little tough at times, as he is known to be stubborn, but with patience and time, a Dachshund can become excellent at obedience commands.

The smooth coat of the Dachshund does not require much grooming. If you own a long-haired Dachshund than a thorough brushing once or twice per week is all that is needed. The short-haired version may only need a quick brushing once weekly in order to remove stray hairs.

Health Information

The Dachshund dog breed is known to have a lifespan of between 12 and 14 years. The only major health concern that is typical of this dog is intervertebral disk disease. Minor concerns are KCS with the occasional health problems springing up of diabetes, gastric torsion, Cushing’s disease, deafness, patellar luxation, and seizures. It is suggested that the only specific health test that should be requested is for eye problems. Obesity can also become a problem with the Dachshund dog when overfed.

One of the most important concerns during the winter months is something that most people do not always think about. That is the amount of water intake a horse needs during the winter months. The winter months are often cold and dry and as a result the horse actually needs just as much, or even more water during this time than in the summer. In fact, most veterinarians would most likely say that this is the number one winter concern-the amount of water intake that a horse gets.

Besides a horse becoming dehydrated, not drinking enough liquid in winter months can also cause other problems. For example, a horse can end up with impaction colic if the horse does not drink enough water. Impaction colic is a malfunction of the intestinal area that results in a severe abdominal pain. This can be prevented as long as you can keep your horse wanting to drink water.

In order to keep a horse drinking its water like he or she should, you should make sure that the horse has plenty of clean, fresh water in a sanitized water basin. Furthermore, you should place the water in a sunny location. This will help keep the water warmer for a longer period of time. However, in the event that the water does freeze up you can break up the ice with a large hammer and then dispose of it in an area not close by horse traffic.

In addition to placing the water more towards the sun, you can also add a bucketful of hot tap water in order to make sure the water stays warm. Furthermore, you can scrub water buckets and keep them in a room to warm to room temperature before placing the buckets back in the stalls. If a horse knows there is warm water available, the horse usually will be more eager to drink this water than if it was cold.

Another idea for caring for your horse in the winter is to prepare it a nice hot homemade meal. One example of a warm meal that can be offered to horses at least once a week is the bran mash. This bran mash can be made with warm tap water right from the barn and then served directly to the horses. Horses will love this bran mash, which consists of bran sweet feed, chopped apples, sliced carrots, and molasses.

For a more specific recipe you can search for it online and you will find the recipe in most horse caring websites. Pedlar.com is an example of a place to find articles that have horse recipes such as this.

Another part of a horse’s diet should be salt, hay, and grain. These are all essential for the health of the horse in proper proportion. The benefit of hay is that it produces fiber that helps a horse’s gastrointestinal tract to work smoothly. Furthermore, the hay also produces heat, which can help keep a horse warm during the winter months.

Furthermore, a horse should have adequate shelter in the wintertime to help keep it warm. This shelter should be draft free and have a door approximately 12 feet wide so the horse or more than one horse can easily walk in and out of the shelter unit. Another technique to keeping this shelter warm is to close most of the doors and windows.

However, do not close all the windows of your horse’s shelter because the barn will get too stuffy and your horse could contract an upper respiratory disease or other sickness. Furthermore, the shelter needs ventilation so the horse can breathe. Also, you do not want to shut the doors too tight around the shelter area otherwise dust, mold, and other buildup could take place. Therefore, be careful to provide adequate airflow through the place where your horse is kept during the winter.

If you have more than one horse, make sure that the shelter has adequate space for all of them, and make sure the door is facing the south. Facing the shelter door to the south allows the horses to be warmed by the midday sun.

Another way to keep a horse warm either in his or her stall or when walking, it is to cover the horse with a large blanket or long coat. This will prevent freezing and help reduce the amount of exposed sweat into the air. The best material to use to cloth a horse in the wintertime would probably be wool.

Further Reading:

• The Everything Horse
• Complete Horse Care Manual

Bird feeders are old staples for those who wish to see birds in their yards. When using feeders, they should be placed conveniently, and they should also be large enough to hold two to three days’ worth of food. Placing bird feeders in various parts of the yard can help attract more birds into your landscape. However, the bird feeders should serve as supplements to the various plants in your yard that provide food and shelter to encourage birds to think of your yard as home.

The first thing to remember when designing a landscape to attract birds is that your design should provide shelter to protect birds from the elements or from predators. Evergreens are great in this role, as they often provide plenty of space for a bird to crawl into, but they are very difficult for predators to penetrate. Additionally, they can be thick enough to provide adequate and desirable shelter. Evergreen trees and bushes, moreover, look nice with just about any home, and they are fairly hardy and easy to take care of. Other plants that provide good shelter to birds include other woody plants. Features like decks and birdhouses also provide nice places for birds to shelter.

The next thing that should be done is to provide plants that offer a consistent food supply. These plantings should offer a great deal of food, and produce enough food to meet the birds’ needs, with the help of bird feeders. Additionally, there should be a variety of plants that offer seeds and fruits at various times so that the food supply lasts for an extended period of time. Holly plants (if you use blue holly, you will need both a blue boy and a blue girl in order for there to be any berries), crabapple trees, sunflowers, and other plants that produce berries and seed are excellent choices. Many of these plants are very attractive and can be made to look good in any design, besides being a source of food for winged creatures.

Another landscape principle to keep in mind while selecting plants that attract birds is to select plants that attract insects. Most scented flowers attract insects, and this means that your yard will attract birds that eat insects. Not only are there many beautiful flowers, like the gumbo-limbo and roses, that attract insects, but these also in turn smell very nice. You can have a fragrant yard, as well as one that is really for the birds. Among your choices for insect-attracting flowers, choose some that bloom during the spring migrations. Then you will be sure to get birds on their way through town, headed north.

Finally, there are landscape features that are not plant-related. These features, other than bird feeders and birdhouses, can also mean the difference between a yard bursting with birdsong and one that is depressingly quiet. These features are water features. Birds like to have places where they can bathe and drink. There is no need for a big water feature; a small birdbath or basin is often more than sufficient. Birds do prefer moving water, so small features that circulate water, or even water in gently sloping basins or troughs can be very attractive to birds.

It does not need to cost a lot of extra money to attract birds to your landscape. There are plenty of discount stores that offer acceptable birdhouses, feeders, and water features at low costs. Additionally, if you buy seeds or starts, you can get your plants for less. Birds do not require anything really special. For the most, part you just need to keep them in mind if you want them part of your landscape. Much of the time attractive plants and features that you would likely have purchased anyway can be incorporated to make your landscape more pleasing to the ear.

The first thing to do when preparing your cat to become accustomed to a leash is to make sure that you have the right kind of leash. A harness is the best thing to purchase as a collar will allow the cat to find a way to slip out of the leash. It is important to make sure that the harness is not too loose or too tight. Personally, I very much prefer what is called a “Cat Harness Vest”, because it offers far better protection from the cat wriggling out from it. In order to make sure that it fits properly, you can place two fingers between the cat and the harness. If you can not do this, it is probably too tight, and if you can fit more fingers, than the harness is too loose. It is also important to keep in mind that the tension from the harness should be able to pull from the chest and not the throat.

If you don’t want to use a harness for your cat, there are also jackets that are available to attach leashes to. The leash will usually be attached at the middle of the back, making it comfortable for the cat. The leash should also be fairly lightweight. This is because most cats are not that large and it will be hard for them to move quickly when walking.

After the right things have been purchased for the cat, you can leave them by the cat’s sleeping area for a couple of days. This allows the cat to get used to the leash and harness as a normal thing. They will be able to grow accustomed to the smell and the look of the harness and leash, making it more comfortable for them when the time comes to begin training them to walk.

The next thing to keep in mind when you are teaching your cat to walk is to use positive reinforcement when getting them used to the leash and harness. Positive reinforcement means that you use methods of encouragement when preparing your cat to walk. After about three or four days, you can put the harness on the cat for a little while. This will help them to get used to it. The best time to do this is right before their meal. You can then reward them with food for allowing you to put on the harness for a little while. This will allow the cat to react positively to the harness and leash.

You can start with only putting the harness on the cat, and allowing them to get used to the feel of it. The next step is to add the leash to the harness so that they get used to the feeling of having it attached to the harness. For the first few days, you can let them wander around the home with the leash and harness attached. By doing this, they will begin to feel like it is natural to have the materials attached to them.

Eventually, you will be able to take the other end of the leash, holding it loosely while you let them walk around the house. After the cat gets used to having the leash held onto at your end, you can teach them to follow you, instead of you following them. Usually, you can do this by simply pulling on the leash, which will redirect the way that the cat is walking in relation to the leash.

If the cat is an indoor cat, it is probably best to also slowly train them to get used to the outside sounds and smells at a slow pace. If not, it will make it difficult to control them when you are walking them for longer periods of time as they will be unsure of their surroundings and what the different things are in them.

The trick to teaching your cat to walk on a leash is to have patience. It is also important to remember to react to your cat with positive reinforcement as you train them to walk on the leash. By getting the cat used to the leash and harness first, then slowly training them how to walk, it will make it easier to train the cat and a better experience for both the cat and the owner. Training your cat to walk on a leash will eventually become a great way to spend time with your animal.

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As much of a hunter this breed is, the Curly Coated Retriever also makes a wonderful house pet. They are sensitive and gentle to its owner’s needs and commands. While fierce when out on the range hunting prey, the Curly Coated Retriever displays a calm and relaxed demeanor indoors.

A Brief History Of The Curly Coated Retriever

Considered to be one of the oldest of all the retriever breed types, the Curly Coated Retriever is recorded as having been used to retrieve as early as the 18th century in England. However, the exact origins of the breed remain unsure. Dog enthusiasts believe that descendants of the Curly Coated Retriever include crosses between a smaller Newfoundland type, Old English Water Dog, and the Irish Water Spaniel.

Combined, these breeds show us that crossing some of the best water dogs in existence created the amazing Curly Coated Retriever that we know of today. Not included in the list above of cross breeding was the Poodle, which was introduced later. By crossing the breed with the Poodle, we see the distinctive curly coat that makes the Curly Coated Retriever visually different from the rest of the sporting dogs.

By the middle of the 1800s the Curly Coated Retriever became the most popular retriever dog in England. It was prized for both its ability to retrieve as well as a trusted companion. In fact, it was one of the first dog breeds to be shown at the English dog shows. They made their way to New Zealand, Australia, and in 1907 were exported to the United States, receiving recognition into the AKC in 1924.

Upkeep Requirements For The Curly Coated Retriever