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Health Problems That Haunt Small Dogs By : Blake Kritzberg While none of the following problems are by any means exclusive to small dogs, they do present extra challenges for small dogs and their owners. Teeth and Gum Problems Many small dogs have a tendency to develop teeth and gum problems which lead to tooth loss, because they are often fed canned food as an alternative to larger kibble. Although tooth loss in itself is vexing, oral disease can lead to even more serious heart disease, compromised immune systems and other com... Lesser-Known Dog Breeds By : Kirsten Hawkins Have you ever seen a beagle? Sure you have. What about a basset hound? Of course! How about a Polish Owczarek Nizinny? Didn’t think so. Its one of many unfamiliar breeds of dogs roaming the Earth and though it has a funny name (to Americans anyway), it is a beautiful creature. There are a great many dog breeds out there that, unless you’re a dog expert, you may never have heard of. Here are a few. Affenpinscher: The smallest dog in the family that includes pinschers a... Dogs, Cats, And Horses… We Love Them All! By : Willie Jones We have a long history with domesticated animals and even the nay Sayers can’t deny their roll in society past and present. There is evidence that as long as 10,000 years ago the Native Americans had domesticated dogs as depicted in early rock paintings. Apparently, the dogs in the painting look remarkably like the Carolina dogs of today. It has been well documented that dogs and horses of past have been bred to assist us in various ways whether it be pack dog, work h... Parvovirus And Your Dog By : Kirsten Hawkins Parvovirus (commonly called Parvo) is a viral disease that affects dogs. It is far more common in puppies than adult dogs and can have serious ramifications for the infected animal, including death. Parvo grows best in the rapidly dividing cells of the dog’s intestines. As the virus attacks and kills these cells it causes massive diarrhea and halts or slows the creation of white blood cells. In young puppies it can often directly infect the heart, leading to death. The sy... Obesity In Dogs By : Kirsten Hawkins Numerous studies have shown that more Americans are obese today than ever before and, interestingly, we’re not the only ones. Not only are Americans fatter than ever, so are their dogs; and the phenomenon can have serious ramifications for both groups. Obese dogs run a lot of the same risks that obese people do. When a dog is over weight it is at higher risk for heart disease, respiratory ailments, weak joints and other problems. In short; it is every bit as dangerous for a d... My Dog Has Fleas! By : Kirsten Hawkins Fleas are a problem for dogs and their owners alike. These tiny insects will live on the body of your dog, sucking the animal’s blood and laying eggs. The bites and presence of fleas will cause the dog to itch and if the dog happens to be allergic to fleas (the allergy is technically to the insects’ saliva) it can experience extreme itching, loss of fur in some places, inflammation, and infections. Regardless of whether the dog has an allergy to flea saliva, infestations must... Non-Shedding Dog Breeds By : Kirsten Hawkins Many people would love to own a pet dog, but are wary of the potential mess that shed dog hair can cause in their homes. These people want a dog that doesn’t shed to be their companion. Unfortunately there is no such thing as a dog that doesn’t shed at all. All dogs will shed and replace at least some of their hair, just like people do. There are some breeds that shed far less than others, however, and selecting one of these breeds can keep the shedding mess to a minimum. ... Poodles – One Adorable Dog In Many Convenient Sizes By : Kirsten Hawkins People love their poodles! A very popular but often misunderstood breed of dog, the poodle has been with us for centuries. Artifacts from ancient Egypt and Rome have been found bearing the images of poodles engaged in such activities as herding animals, retrieving game animals (small game animals, of course – especially birds), and assisting the dragging of game nets. In fact, the intentional breeding of various sized poodles (the American Kennel Club or AKC recognizes three ... Removing Dog Urine Stains By : Kirsten Hawkins Ah those lovable dogs and their cute and clever antics! Don’t we love the way they play fetch and run and jump and roll around and lick us affectionately and pee all over the carpet and… Pee all over the carpet? Well we don’t love that aspect of dog ownership, now do we? Dogs can be housebroken and trained to let their owners know when they need to go outside and make a little weedle or some other bigger job, but before that happens – and sometimes after as well – the... Safe Dog Toys By : Kirsten Hawkins Dog owners love to think of their dogs as children. “That’s my baby,” they’ll say when referring to their dogs. They’ll refer to themselves as “Mommy” or “Daddy” when talking to their dogs as well. And, of course, they buy their dogs toys to play with. Choosing the right dog toys can be tricky. People like to get cute, squeaky toys for their dogs or give them stuffed animals to chew on and carry around (the stuffed toy becomes the dog’s “baby” quite often – “Get your baby, ch... Soft Or Hard Dog Food – Which Is Best? By : Kirsten Hawkins Sometimes dog owners are faced with a dilemma regarding what type pf dog food to provide their dogs. Dogs themselves tend to prefer the moist, canned types of food. They are more aromatic and naturally tempting to the dog’s palate than the dry kibble that comes in a bag. A dog’s dental health, however, relies on the dog being able to chew hard and crunchy items and dry kibble foods serve this purpose well. What’s an owner to do? Some owners make a two pronged approach whe... Teaching An Old Dog New Tricks — How To Train Your Dog By : Kirsten Hawkins Whoever said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, must not have owned a dog. If dogs are anything, they are extremely intelligent and can learn many new things given the chance to show you. When training your dog, keep in mind that yelling, hitting, cursing or punishment is uncalled for, as dogs will retreat backwards the more they are yelled at. Besides, you wouldn’t treat a child like that and dogs are essentially just little children with tails and four legs! The fir... That’s Not What They Meant By “Scooby-Snacks” By : Kirsten Hawkins Why do dogs eat feces? “I don’t eat any animal that hasn’t got sense to disregard his own feces.” “A dog eats his feces.” “I don’t eat dog either.” “But would you consider a dog to be a ‘filthy animal?’” “I don’t know if I’d call a dog ‘filthy,’ but they’re definitely dirty. But a dog’s got personality. Personality goes a long way.” “So, by that reasoning, if a pig had a better personality, he’d cease to be a filthy animal?” “That’d have to be one charming pig... The Importance Of The Dog’s Anal Gland By : Kirsten Hawkins In the movie The Fisher King there is a rather humorous scene in which Robin Williams’ character is scooting himself along the ground by digging his heels in and dragging his bare bottom across the grass. In a jubilant voice he calls out, “Do you know why dogs do this? It feels GREAT!!” Actually, that’s not the only reason. Dogs will exhibit this behavior if the anus or hind quarters are itchy, but it can be a sign of an impacted anal gland which can be a problem for some... Toy Dogs By : Kirsten Hawkins No, you don’t wind them up and they don’t take batteries “Toy” dogs are becoming more popular all the time. These little dogs, the result of generations of selective breeding, are generally bred as companion animals and people just seem to love them. Their miniature size and playful nature (most toy breeds are good natured dogs with a few exceptions) make them wonderful companions and for several years they have been chic among well to do people. Most of the toy dog b... Treating Your Dog For Dehydration By : Kirsten Hawkins Dehydration in dogs can be a serious matter. Whether caused by illness, exposure to heat, or a simple lack of fluid intake, dehydration must be addressed immediately and, left untreated, can cause multiple health problems including organ failure and death. It is very easy for a dog to become dehydrated; easier than many pet owners realize. Fortunately it is also easy to prevent dehydration in dogs and it is very important to do so. Dehydration is an excess loss of bodily ... Vaccinations And Your Dog By : Kirsten Hawkins Although your new puppy will likely squirm and maybe even cry when getting his shots, it is just as important for your dog as it is for your children or yourself. In fact, by keeping up on your dog’s vaccinations, you could be saving his life. Vaccinations are injections of a small dose of a disease, which will prevent your puppy from developing that very disease. Just like immunizations in children, it is required by health departments and is the right thing to do for yo... What’s All The Buzz About Underground Dog Fences? By : Kirsten Hawkins The new craze on the puppy circuit is underground dog fences. Simply put, underground fences are electronic containment systems designed to teach pets their boundaries while in your yard. They use a small “shock” which is transmitted through an electronic collar. These hidden fences can actually contain your dog within the barrier without forking out the expenses of putting up a fence. While most dogs don’t like being kenneled up for long periods of time while you are working... Titan In A Teacup -- The Pomeranian Dog By : Blake Kritzberg Looking for a new canine pal and have one of the toy breeds in mind? Then be sure to give more than a glance to the stylish Pomeranian -- that prancing little ringmaster who, just like a certain boy or girl from high school, knows exactly how good looking he is. If you have the time to brush and comb his magnificent coat, the Pomeranian thoroughly deserves your consideration. A whole lot of dog in a small package, he fairly bursts with personality. When you walk him down ... The Boston Terrier -- A True American Gentleman By : Blake Kritzberg The Boston terrier, one of the few breeds that can claim to be truly American, is a lively, curious and smart companion that’s always ready to play. At one time, Boston terriers were actually the most popular breed in the US. Today, they’re still a clear favorite among the thousands of dog lovers who want a medium-sized, intelligent pet. Because of its Bull terrier or Bulldog background, the Boston (classed with the non-sporting breeds by the AKC) is alert and keen to lear... Selecting A Horse - Choose The Breed Carefully By : Lynn Walls Owning a horse is a huge responsibility. Just like owning any pet, you should put a great deal of thought and consideration before you decide to purchase an equine. Since most individuals will have to house horses off their property, you should first consider finding a suitable stable before you purchase a horse. Also, consider your wants and needs. If you or your stable has limited space, you might not want to consider a sizable draft horse like a Clydesdale. However, if ... Flea Control - Summer or Winter By : JD - LivingWithBugs.com Don't neglect your pet's flea control program during winter because you think it's too cold for fleas. Fleas can still be a problem no matter how cold it is outside. See this article for information about basic flea biology and control for every pet owner, winter or summer. Aquarium Tank Basics By : Nathan Miller Any new aquarium tank should first be given a thorough test to ensure that it is watertight. If after 12 hours there are no leaks, it may be emptied and placed in its final position. Now all is ready to set up the aquarium, for this work we shall require various items such as sand, rocks etc. These will be death with in order. For making a bottom soil, you need, first of all some sand, the most suitable is called 1/16th grade and it is about the size of the average pin-he... Aquarium Aeration Basics By : Nathan Miller As we all know rivers and lakes are the natural habits for fish and other marine life. Rivers and lakes have large surface area which makes maximum provision of oxygen for fish survival possible. On the other hand an aquarium is not like river or lake, it has a smaller surface area and there is limited movement of habitats. This makes the provision of alternative means of oxygen for fish to breathe important. This artificial process of providing oxygen is called aeration.... Simple And Effective Solutions For Aquarium Algae By : Nathan Miller Eradication of encrusting algae could be done simply by periodically scraping the sides of the aquarium or scrubbing the rocks. For those with plastic plants and a completely white gravel bed, the situation could be more tasking as it would be necessary to bleach the rocks to remove all traces of algae. However, if you do this, do make sure that you rinse the gravel thoroughly afterwards. Bleach is highly toxic, and even small amounts can have a drastic effect on the ... How To Discover And Prevent Aquarium Fish Illness By : John Gorecki Aquarium fish fall ill just like any other pet. The illnesses are as a result of disease. The common diseases that affect aquarium fish are mostly stress induced. The micro-organisms which cause these diseases may be present in the water as part of the normal micro fauna and grab the opportunity to infest or infect the fish when it is stressed and its normal defense are weakened. Different ways aquarium fish suffer from stress - Aquarium fish usually start experie... Aquarium Fish Health: White Spot Disease Symptoms And Cures By : Nathan Miller Fish death is one of the main problems that beginner aquarist and even some expert aquarist face. It’s frustrating to the extent that most quit keeping aquarium fish. But fish death can be avoided. Most fish deaths are caused as a result of both an internal and external types parasites that compete with the fish in tank. As a result if you watch your aquarium fish often you should be able to discover when they have been infected by this parasite and be able to treat t... Aquarium Plants And Lighting Mini-guide By : Nathan Miller Aquarium plants are as important to aquariums as water is to fish. Aquarium plants add more life to aquarium and make it to look beautiful while completing the aquarium community structure. The most important thing to bear in mind with plants is to form an attractive background, leaving ample space so the fish can swim undisturbed and be seen. The tall, grassy type is best planted at intervals in rows, while the feathery ones look better when they are bunched into small c... Diamond In The Ruff -- Meet The Cairn Terrier By : Blake Kritzberg The Cairn terrier hails from Scotland, as do its close and outstanding relatives, the Scottish terrier and the West Highland terrier. Much like another cousin, the Welsh terrier, the Cairn is probably an underappreciated breed in the United States, while it remains wildly popular in the old country. But its relative dark horse status is likely just fine with serious Cairn fans. Unlike several fancier strains of terrier, the Cairn has never been subjected to uptown clips a... How To Properly Introduce New Fish Into Your Aquarium By : Nathan Miller There are two areas of introducing new fish into an aquarium that you must be aware of: 1. Fish Quarantine Fish quarantine is one big, singular factor that must be observed strictly before you can be sure that your new fish is of good health and not an apostle of doom for the other inmates. Most new fishkeepers don’t take consider this very important factor. For the benefit of intending aquarists, quarantine in the fish world refers to the physical and chemical treat... Aquarium Fish Food Tips By : Nathan Miller A balanced diet for your aquarium fish is essential to thier survival. Most of the commercially available dry fish foods are almost always unbalanced. In many cases, the vitamin content will gradually decline at room temperature and since majority of the dry food for tropical fish commonly used will only keep for about three months, it is always advisable to buy fish-feeds in many small packs rather than in one large pack. The feed could preferably be kept absolutely dry ... Picking The Right Aquarium Type By : Nathan Miller Aquariums have evolved into a very popular hobby, with about millions of aquarium and tropical fish enthusiasts worldwide. Starting in the 1850s (when the predecessor of the modern aquarium were first being developed as a novel curiosity) the ranks of aquarium keeping has grown as more sophisticated systems including lighting and filtration systems were developed to keep aquarium fish healthy. However before you can get started in the hobby you must first buy an aquar... Dealing With Problem Puppy Behaviors By : Steven Hall Everyone who owns a puppy or dog will eventually have to deal with and correct less than desirable behaviors on the part of their companion animal. There are a number of behaviors that should be nipped in the bud, including: Jumping up on people: This is one of those behaviors that many owners inadvertently encourage in their animals, since jumping up, wagging his tail and the like can be adorable in a young puppy. When that puppy is older, larger and heavier, however, thi... Want To Start With Dog Shows? Show Small Dogs! By : Blake Kritzberg The lights, the ring, the glamour! Ever think you might like to become involved with showing dogs? If so, then starting with "toy" or small dogs can offer a great way to enter into this hobby with fewer demands on your time and space than a larger breed might involve. The purpose of a dog show is to compare all entered dogs of a specific breed against a pre-established, written breed standard of perfection. The winners, or Best of Breed dogs, then compete against each othe... Tips For Easy House Breaking Your Puppy By : Dy Witt If you are lucky enough to get a 7-week-old puppy, there is no excuse for any bad habits to develop over his lifetime. Puppies learn INSTANTLY when they are that young, and if you use the proper training methods, gentle but consistent, he will behave like an angel his whole life through. The most important training, of course, is housebreaking. Boys are easier than girls because exploring outside is their favorite thing. They just cannot get enough of all the new smells ou... Crate Training For Your Puppy By : Dy Witt Teaching your puppy crate training is the first and best step in his life. It makes all the other steps in his training go so much smoother, much like a solid foundation makes for a superior wall. Establishing you as the Alpha member of his “pack” is one very good reason for starting your puppy in a crate when he is very young. Another reason for crate training is that dogs love predictability. To know what is going to happen in any given situation makes him happy, and mo... Easy Tips For House Breaking Your Puppy By : Dy Witt If you are lucky enough to get a 7-week-old puppy, there is no excuse for any bad habits to develop over his lifetime. Puppies learn INSTANTLY when they are that young, and if you use the proper training methods, gentle but consistent, he will behave like an angel his whole life through. The most important training, of course, is housebreaking. Boys are easier than girls because exploring outside is their favorite thing. They just cannot get enough of all the new smells o... Choose Safe Dog Toys For Your Small Dog By : Blake Kritzberg Choosing the appropriate toys will make your small dog's play time richer, while lessening his chance of accidental injury. Safe toys for your small dog can be purchased from pet supply stores or even made from household items, but it's good to keep these few main safety concerns in mind. Size Matters With Small Dog Toys In general, small dog toys should never be small enough to fit entirely in your dog's mouth, or be capable of being broken into smaller pieces that can... 3 Important Things To Remember When Training Your Puppy By : Dy Witt There are as many ways to raise a puppy as there are to raising a child. In fact, one way per family in general! But most of us agree that when it comes to children, certain things are universal and undisputed. Here are three things that a lot of people just do not think of when it comes to raising their dogs, however. How many times have we heard, "My dog just won't listen to me", or "He just won't behave!" 1. Dogs do not understand English until we teach them. The th... Even Lassie Had Her Moments By : Chris Sutton Lassie! Now THERE’S a dog! If you said SIT, Lassie would sit. If you said FETCH, Lassie would fetch. If you said PLAY DEAD, Lassie would just about quit breathing. Why, you could just imagine Lassie bringing you dinner each night, couldn’t you? Now THAT was a well-trained dog!!! Guess what? Lassie wasn’t born that way; she had to go through puppy training! Puppy training is very important if you want a well-behaved dog! You have to start training them when they are young ... Potty Trained Puppy By : Chris Sutton Oh, isn’t she just the cutest thing you have ever seen? That brand new little puppy you received as a Christmas present is the best gift you have ever received. You are so excited and you just can’t wait to…Wait a minute! What’s that smell? You have got to be kidding me! And so it begins. A lot of new owners find that puppy house training is one of the most frustrating things they face. House training your puppy DOES take a little work, but it doesn’t have to be frustrati... Milk Goats - Know Thy Enemy By : Nola L. Kelsey Patience may be a virtue, but laughter is the only way to survive newbie goat milking. Use this journal to draw hope. There is light at the end of the nipple. Clicks Instead Of 'Good Boy' For Dog Training By : Ann Doyle The first major improvement in dog training since choke chains and spiked collars, click and treat has quickly establishing itself in becoming a big hit in the world of dog training. Currently, there are over 10,000 trainers who are using this training method everyday. One advantage to using this form of training at home is it’s easy to learn for both the dog and his trainer! Originally used to train marine mammals, click and treat breaks down the process into two sep... Seeing Eye Dogs - A Brief History By : Jacob Deam You have no doubt seen a blind person being lead across a busy intersection by a Seeing Eye dog. These functional companions have been used to help handicapped people become independent for years. Nobody knows exactly when the concept of a Seeing Eye dog came into existence but it has been suggested that dogs have been used in such a capacity in various cultures for a very long time. It is known, however, that there was no formal guide dog program in existence until after the... Giving A Foal A Good Start By : Mark Woodcock Having only been a horse owner for 10 months, to suddenly find myself with a foal to care for was quite a shock. My horse is a traditional coloured cob, prone to be a bit on the large side anyway, so she hid the foal very well. So well in fact that it was not until we found her early one morning with a foal at her side that we realised! A call to the vet advised me that as long as the foal was suckling and the mare was calm, everything was ok, but to keep an eye on th... Click And Treat Training For Dogs By : Anne Doyle The first major improvement in dog training since choke chains and spiked collars, click and treat has quickly establishing itself in becoming a big hit in the world of dog training. Currently, there are over 10,000 trainers who are using this training method everyday. One advantage to using this form of training at home is it’s easy to learn for both the dog and his trainer! Originally used to train marine mammals, click and treat breaks down the process into two separ... Dog Training – House Training Your Dog By : Mark Bensen One of the most confusing and anxiety-ridden areas of dog training is house training. Yet, it is one of the most important, especially for the humans involved. The best way to understand and find success with house training is to use the dog’s own nature to help you. Dogs are, by instinct, very clean animals. They would rather not soil any areas where they normally sleep or eat. Dogs are also creatures of habit --- they like to know where they’re supposed to go urinate ... Dog Training With A Training Collar Or Choke Collar By : Waylon Harvey There are a variety of names that go under the broad heading of “training collar”. Some of them are --- choke collar, choke chain, training collar, correction collar and slip collar. These are all training collars and are used by professionals and amateur trainers alike. Training collars are effective tools if they are used properly. Here are a few thoughts to apply when using training collars: Does it fit? A properly fitted collar makes the collar easier to use and a... Don't Skimp On Tools For Your New Dog! By : Waylon Harvey So today is the big day, your new dog or puppy is coming to his new home! Getting a new dog means you’ll need a few more accessories to go with him. In order to properly care for your new pet, you’ll have to abide by certain local laws and make some additional purchases. Some of these items are necessities; some just make life with your new dog more convenient. The necessities; Most of the truly necessary items for dog care are obvious. If you’ve got a dog you’ll need bowl... Dog Training – Dealing With Separation Anxiety By : Waylon Harvey Separation anxiety, also known in the dog training world as owner absent misbehavior, is one of the most frequently encountered problems in the world of dog training. Separation anxiety can manifest itself in many different ways, including chewing, destroying the owner’s property, excessive barking, self destructive behavior and inappropriate urination and defecation. Dogs suffering from separation anxiety often whine, bark, cry, howl, dig, chew and scratch at the door the... How To Train Your Dog In Five Easy Steps By : Charles Edwin Have you noticed that being around a dog that is trained is lovely to be around? Dogs that are trained are less likely to jump up on people, and are less at risk of biting someone. Their manners are very calm in nature and don't get distracted in most environments. It is important to train your dog with the goal to teach them limitations, thus making them more relaxed around humans. On the internet there are so many hundreds of dog training programs and as many profes... Dog Training With A Head Collar By : Mark Bensen The head collar has become an increasingly popular dog training tool in the past couple of years. Two of the most well known brands of head collar on the market are the Gentle Leader and the Halti, but there are many other brands that incorporate the basic head collar concept. Many people find the Gentle Leader easier to fit that the Halti, and in addition the Gentle Leader is designed to fasten around the dog’s neck. The advantage of this design is that even if the dog i... Training The Dog To Come When It Is Called By : Waylon Harvey Training a dog to come when it is called is a vital, and potentially life saving, part of any successful dog training program. All properly trained dogs must learn to respond instantly to the owner’s voice, and the sooner this lesson is learned the better. The advantages of teaching a dog to come when called are obvious. For starters, coming when called will help you regain control of the dog in case of collar break, snapped leash or other similar equipment failure. This ... Designer Dog Clothes By : Anne Doyle Some of us just to refuse to think of our dogs are just dogs. For us there are dog clothes! Cute sweaters, doggie tee shirts, dog booties, stylish bandanas, and let’s not forget little hats. These are among the items people will purchase to dress their dogs in style. Dressing a dog is more about the owner having fun than the animal, but as long as the clothing isn’t uncomfortable, most dogs don’t mind humoring their human friends. Some even seem to enjoy grabbing the ... Dog Pregnancy Tips By : Charles Edwin Breeding dogs is an exciting experience. From the time a proper mate is found to the point that the puppies are born, it is crucial to take careful steps to make this successful. Professional dog breeders do not breed frequently and will only do so when a pair is found to be healthy that will ensure the birth of healthy offspring. The ideal breeder should have the pair of dogs tested for every possible disease as well as have all the information regarding the pair’s a... Dog Grooming – Maintaining A Posh Pup By : Paolo Basauri Dog Grooming – It’s Not Just for Poodles Anymore Dog grooming is not simply an aesthetic bonus for our canine friends. Maintaining a regular grooming schedule will help to keep your dog both happy and healthy. Routine dog grooming will ensure that your dog is free of parasites, has healthy skin and a shiny coat, and has good dental health. Of course, the aesthetic benefits are also a plus. Only a true dog lover wants to be around a dirty, stinky dog with bad breath. Proper... Essential Care Tips For Your Dog By : Jack Russell Dogs are loving pets. But caring for them is a bit of hard work. Here are some tips to consider in taking care of your dog: If you do not have a dog yet, consider the area where your dog can exercise. If you have a big yard where you could exercise or play with your dog, you might want to get a large dog such as a German Shepherd, Labrador, or Golden Retriever. If you have a smaller space, get a smaller dog like a Terrier or Dachshund. These types of dogs need little exerc... How Inspiring Dog Tales Can Be By : Jack Russell There could be no better way of inspiring people than to use some of the inspiring dog tales. In this way, people will realize how dogs are so important in a man’s life and how reliable dogs can be especially if they are well trained. In reality, dogs are marvelous canine mammals because they are endowed with remarkable senses and skills. They can almost do anything especially if they are properly trained to do such a thing. In fact, dogs are considered to be intelligen... Tips In Naming Your Puppies By : Jack Russell So, you finally deiced to get a puppy. You spent so many hours talking to dog breeders and surfed the Internet countless times to have the perfect puppy for you and your family. You went from doghouses to doghouses, to dog associations, to animal societies, looking and meeting puppies until you have found the right one. Question is: Now what? Your puppy needs a name! Throughout his lifetime, you will use the dog's name over 35,000 times. So, make sure that you choose a... Choosing The Right Signature Toys For Your Dog By : Jack Russell When choosing the right signature toy for your precious dog, you should consider several factors. Even when selecting dog toys that are made by signature and high-end labels, you should weigh in several things aside from price and manufacturers. Here are some tips on choosing the right toys for your dog. On choosing the perfect toys for your dog Toys for the dogs should be enjoyable and fun. But, at the same time, you should check whether the toys are durable and sa... Healing Hounds By : Jack Russell Dogs are man's best friend. Always loyal and ever loving, this trait has made canines an integral and common part of what is fast becoming a common mode of therapy in many health care facilities. Not just dogs but animals in general have long been recognized as having a positive effect on the healing process. Dogs, especially, have a calming effect. These dogs help people cope with emotional issues, offer physical contact, invoke pleasant memories and they divert a person... Dog Sports For Every Breed By : Jack Russell Engaging in sports is not only for humans. It is also well-loved by our best friend, the dog. Dog sports do not only make a dog's life fun, but healthy, as well. Here is a list of dog sports that you may want your dog to get involved into depending on his breed, of course. Agility This is when a dog moves through an obstacle course, i.e., contact obstacles, tunnels, jump, etc., as guided by his or her handler. What controls the dog is only its handler's voice and body l... Going Places With Your Dog By : Jack Russell Dogs do like to travel well. Adventurous by nature, they want to check out new sights and sounds. They like to meet and see new people. But this does not mean that traveling with a dog is as easy as traveling with your clutch bag. Here are some tips on how to have a worry-free travel experience with your pet dog. Hiring a pet sitter If you are traveling far away from home without your pet dog, you might want to hire a pet sitter who could take care of your dog full-time... Know Your Friendly Neighborhood Assistance Dogs By : Jack Russell Dogs, aside from being his best friend has also served man in so many useful and varied ways – from shepherding, to cattle rustling, to rescue, and protecting property. It doesn’t come as a surprise that they also are able to assist those who cannot get about by themselves. Assistance dogs are specially trained dogs that serve to complement, assist, and aid those that may have some sort of limitation. They have also become indispensable to some who have difficulty with mobili... Dogs Need Good Food Too – Your Guide To Your Dog’s Diet By : Jack Russell Dogs’ nutritional needs may differ from ours. What we deem as healthy for us might not sufficient or appropriate for them. To give your dog the best nutrition available you will have to understand their specific needs and how to address them. After all, taking care of man’s best friend does take a little preparation and know-how. Your dog needs the essential nutrients to grow, go, and glow. If your dog does not receive proper nutrients it may result in poor health, stunte... Puppy House Training Do's And Don'ts By : Brandon Layne House training a puppy is important for the well being of your puppy and for your own sanity. The lack of house training is the number one reason that dogs wind up neglected, abandoned, or in animal shelters, but it's the failure of the owner - not the puppy. It's very important for you to house break your puppy properly. Proper toilet habits need to be established when your puppy is young, since these habits can last a lifetime, and are very hard to break once they're es... Moving With Pets By : Kyle Thomas Haley If you’re a pet owner and are planning to move to a new home, remember that moving can be even more stressful for your animals than it is for you. But there are several things you can do to make it easier on your dog or cat. Start your packing well ahead of time; it’s not only easier on you, but on your pets as well. During the time leading up to your move, try to keep your pets’ eating and exercise schedules as normal as possible. Give them the same amount of attention a... Read Your Cat's Body Language - Know Your Pet More By : John E. Miller Read Your Cat's Body Language - Know Your Pet More Meow! That is the sound you hear when you meet your cat walking down the doorway. It will move with his head and tail held high, looking directly at your eyes and emitting a faint sound summoning you to follow wherever it goes. That is your cat? Right? The fluffy little mass, whose behavior seems quite odd at times, and leaves you baffling with a variety of questions. Have you ever thought that your cat is an aloof cre... Protect Your Pooch: Putting Together A Pet First Aid Kit By : John Mclain For many people, the family pet is seen as a vital member of the family. While many families have a first aid kit, most people are not prepared when a calamity befalls their beloved pets. Having the right supplies on hand can reduce your pet’s pain and discomfort, and potentially save their life. Being prepared with an emergency first aid kit is one of the best things you can do for your pet. How should you go about putting together a first aid kit for your pet? First, ch... Why Not Consider The Manchester Terrier Dog? By : Blake Kritzberg The Manchester terrier is one of those dogs that puts a lot of personality into a fairly small package. A remarkably attractive pet with a convenient smooth and short-haired coat, this terrier is one of those breeds with an interesting background stemming from the early, "working dog" days. These terriers derive from the old black and tan terrier breed in England. Back in those days, terriers weren't known for their beauty -- to put it kindly -- but they were tireless, mus... The 5 important life lessons I learned from my dog By : Deanna Mascle You can learn a lot from being a pet owner and the lessons begin from the first day your furry family member steps into your life and continue after you say your final farewell. Pet Rat Care: The Top 10 Mistakes Of New Rat Owners By : Colin Patterson Being a dedicated rat owner can be very rewarding. All it takes is a little research and a lot of preparation. If you're getting ready to adopt a rat as a cherished pet, there are some pitfalls that you should be aware of beforehand. Here are 10 of the most common pet rat care mistakes that first-time rattie owners make: 1. Getting only one rat. A person might think that getting two rats is too much extra work... or that a pet rat will bond with a human owner more r... The Top Three Pet Rat Training Mistakes By : Colin Patterson It can be very rewarding to train your pet rats to do tricks and learn obstacle courses. Since they tend to be highly intelligent creatures, rats can actually learn a lot (and get bored if they have nothing to do). Furthermore, because they're people-pleasers, rats enjoy the challenge of striving for your reward and praise. However, before you begin training, you may be interested to know the main pitfalls of pet rat training. That way, you can get started on the right ... Pet Insurance – Check Out 10 Key Questions Before You Buy By : Michael Challiner If your bones and joints are strong and flexible, they move smoothly. And that means life can be fun, and appreciated fully. But for one in seven people, movement is restricted by a musculoskeletal disorder - arthritis, back pain, fracture, osteoporosis, or sports trauma. Faced with such pain and discomfort, you may be pleased to pay £3,500 for orthopaedic surgery or hydrotherapy to get those painful joints flexible again. But would you be so willing to spend the same money o... Pet Insurance - A Waste Of Time? By : Michael Challiner According to a survey published by Mintel, one in three pets needs an unexpected visit to the vet each year. This means that you are more likely to claim on your pet insurance than on a home & contents policy or even your car insurance. The word “unexpected” is important here. If you are looking for pet insurance to provide cover for routine treatments such as vaccinations or worming, forget it – policies that do that are as rare as hens' teeth! And you won't find cover f... How To Take Care Of Your Pet Parrot By : Naldo Camarones Parrots make wonderful family pets because they are great companions, they are beautiful birds with colorful feathers and you can teach them to talk. But you must have a strong level of commitment to your parrot because he will need daily and weekly maintenance, as well as plenty of attention. What a Parrot Needs When you consider how to take care of you parrot, you will have to consider what you will need to get started. The first thing you will need is a large cage fo... Lyme Disease In Dogs Is A Serious Matter By : LeeAnna Lyme disease is caused by an organism known as a spirochete, which is a coiled rod-shaped bacterium and named Borrelia burgdorferi. It is passed to dogs and people by deer ticks carrying the infection; the ticks get the infection from the white-footed mouse, which acts as a carrier. The only way a tick can transmit the bacteria is to remain attached to the animal's skin for one to two days. Unfortunately, these ticks are very small and easily can go unnoticed. Lyme disease in... Cats And Pills - Tablets. By : Colin Visser Nearly everything alive becomes ill at some stage in its life, and pets are no exception. I have been very fortunate in that my two cats have been very healthy for most of their lives. Recently the oldest cat become ill and had to go to the vet. Unfortunately she was diagnosed with a form of cancer. The treatment options were pills or radiation 'therapy'. The radiation therapy was very expensive so that left the pills. Pills are fine for humans, but if you have ever tried to ... Pit Bull Terrier Dog Training: Lessons From An Expert By : Tim Amherst The number one, most basic dog training command is sit and come. Teaching your American Pit Bull Terrier these two commands is extremely important for him to learn. Both of these basic obedience training commands are used for many different reasons such as in competition or dog show and keeping him behaved when you have company. When walking your Pit Bull off leash, you expect him to come to you when called, not run around the park with you chasing after him shouting at him t... Pit Bull Terrier Dog Agility Training By : Tim Amherst Entertaining your American Pit Bull Terrier with dog agility training is an excellent activity that can be fun for both you and your Pit. It is something that both of you can do together that will strengthen the dog-owner bond. Pit Bull agility training is one of the more advanced types of dog training, but it is certainly quite enjoyable. Dog agility is an activity that has become very popular in England, Australia, and the United STates. It consists of a main event with ... Dog Training and Your Relationship With Your Dog By : Melissa Buhmeyer Dog training creates a lasting bond between you and your dog, no matter if you want to compete or just have a TV-watching partner. Here are some of the ways dog training accomplishes this. Key Points Checklist Before You Buy Your First Dog By : Neol David - Hold on... Are You buying Your first Pet Dog? Do you understand the responsiblities You have assume the moment you plan to buy a pup/dog. A dog can be a great addition to your family as long as you are all in it together. A dog needs lots of attention and training in order to be a joy instead of a pain. Also think of the type of dog you wish to get. It is important before making any more progress with your plans to be sure that everyone in family and even those peopl... How To Buy The Right Dog Food For Your Pit Bull Terrier By : Tim Amherst - Knowing exactly which dog food to buy for your Pit Bull terrier can be confusing. There are countless options available when you go to the store and many of them are very unhealthy choices. Dog food is offered in packets, cans, or large bags. Dog foods that are mass prepared can be high in quality and well balanced, it is important that you buy the best you can afford. Most of the larger dog food companies maintain testing laboratories that check for quality and nutritional v... Raise Your Pit Bull Terrier In A Loving Environment By : Tim Amherst - If you’re considering adding a Pit Bull Terrier to your family, there are a few very important details which need to be on your puppy checklist. Pit Bulls, just like any other dog breed, are unique in their personality traits and tendencies, and it is important that you take these things into consideration and plan ahead before bringing a Pit Bull puppy home. The first thing that you need to do is make sure that your house is safe as well as suitable for a Pit Bull puppy. ... Pet Stairs By : Claire Quaty - When we think of pets we don’t often consider the idea of stairs specially designed just for them. If you are the owner of a dog or a cat you may find yourself having to pick them up to set them on a chair so they can look out a window. With the use of pet stairs your animal will be able to comfortably move onto the furniture at their own convenience. Animals can experience injuries just as human beings do. As dogs and cats age their joints can develop arthritis and they ... How To Find a Search and Rescue Dog Training School By : Melissa Buhmeyer Search and Rescue (SAR) dog training is cutting-edge, in the dog training world, where lives can hang in the balance. Here are some important things to consider in choosing the right SAR dog training school. How To Get Rid Of Fleas By : Brenda H. Murphy - If you have pets, particularly if they go outdoors, then fleas may very well be a fact of life. Therefore, it's important to know how to deal with this annual threat, which usually lasts from early Spring, until late into the Fall, when temperatures become too cold for them to survive in the outdoors. Fleas are basically a type of parasite. They must have a blood meal to reproduce, so they jump on an animal, and even humans, bite, feed and jump off. Just finding one or two... Hot Birds Need A Bird Bath By : Mike Barus - Just like people, birds get hot and thirsty. Especially during the blistering summer months, your favorite flying friends may be roasting in their feathers. Help out your local birds and provide them with a shady spot to splash, play, bathe, and drink—a bird bath! Especially in areas that lack natural sources of water, such as springs, ponds, lakes, or streams, bird baths are essential for the health and happiness of birds in your area. In addition to helping out your fine fe... Where To Place The Bird Bath By : Doug Mahopac - When it comes to providing a place for birds in your area to splash, bathe, play, and drink, a bird bath can please both the feathered and human inhabitants of the property. Bird baths serve as a huge draw to entice birds of all types to your yard, and in turn, the birds receive a necessary place to refresh themselves on hot summer days or chilly winter nights. Before you purchase a bird bath, first consider where you will place the bird bath in your yard or garden to ensure ... How To Clean A Bird Bath By : Bill B. Carmel - Just like any other piece of outdoor equipment, your bird bath will need to be cleaned time to time. In order to prevent your fine feathered friends from becoming ill, be sure to clean your bird bath at least a couple times each season, especially if you regularly store you bird bath during the winter months. Also, it is critical you use bird-friendly cleaning products, as those used to clean pools or pond can potentially cause birds to become sick or even die due to the chlo... The Difference Between Freshwater And Saltwater Aquariums By : Reef Saltwateraquarium - Should you buy a fresh or saltwater aquarium? Ask most aquarists, and you will hear a persuasive argument on their tanks’ merits and the other’s shortcomings. Yet, there are many enthusiasts who find both tanks to be praiseworthy. There is no litmus test for choosing between the two. Your preference for what goes into the aquarium and your budget is what will make the decision easier. Aquarium Life Fresh water fish originate from lakes, rivers and streams. Naturally occu... Choosing A New Home For Your Tropical Fish, Saltwater Fish, Coral And Invertebrate By : Reef Saltwateraquarium - All it takes is one glance and the carefree motion of flapping fins entrances us. Fish silently add beauty to every environment and ask for a lot less in comparison to other pets. Of course, choosing the right aquarium in a market flooded with products is enough to make you dizzy. Factoring in location, available space, and base support will make introducing aquatic life into your home a breeze. Choosing a location before you buy an aquarium increases the likelihood of pur... How To Keep Your Aquarium Clean By : Reef Saltwateraquarium - No one likes living in a dirty, stuffy house. Thank goodness a little dirt is not hazardous to our health. The same cannot be said for our aquatic friends. Most fish and invertebrates are unable to adapt to changes in water chemistry that result from increased bacteria, waste, and chemicals. Proper filtration can preserve the overall health of the aquarium and maintain its beauty. Three types of filtration exist on the market – biological, mechanical, and chemical. Varying... How To Keep Your Aquarium’s Temperature Just Right By : Reef Saltwateraquarium - Our warm-blooded nature enables our body temperature to adjust to our environment. Fish and invertebrates are not as fortunate. The body temperatures of these cold-blooded creatures are harmonious to their environment. It is, therefore, the fish owners’ responsibility to maintain the appropriate aquarium temperature. 98.6 degrees is our optimal body temperature. Anything venturing too far above or below this invariably results in a trip to the emergency room. There is no ... Organic Dog Food and Making the Right Choice By : Hanif Khaki An article about choosing organic foods for your dog. How To Care For Your New Foal. By : Mark Andrews - You have waited eleven months for your foal to arrive. Now he is here what can you do to ensure he gets off to the best possible start in life? Make sure that the foal sucks. A normal foal should stand and drink from the mare within two hours. If the foal is having difficulty sucking, or is not interested, he may have serious problems. Call an experienced horse vet sooner rather than later. Colostrum, the first milk, is very important. It contains all the antibodies yo... Choosing Bird Cages By : Don De Para - With so many bird species, as well as the various sizes and types of bird cages on the market today, choosing the correct one for your pet bird can be quite hard. If you consider all general factors of bird cages, you can easily choose one that is safe, comfortable, and very convenient regardless of the type of pet bird you have. A very important factor when choosing bird cages is the size of the cage. You should make sure to get a cage that is the largest you can find of ... Beyond Washing The Dog By : Dawn Keadic - Keeping your dog clean is an important responsibility for every dog owner. Fido depends on you for general hygiene. Clean ears, teeth and a coat free from fleas and ticks are all the conditions you check for a healthy pet. Bath time is a great time to bond with your dog as well as check his well-being. A healthy dogs actually don’t need to be washed all that often, but humans prefer to bathe them so that they smell fresh and clean and not like...well…dog. Although most do... Getting Started On The Right Paw: Dog Food By : Dawn Keadic - Walking down the dog food isle of your favorite pet supply store could be intimidating. You will see row upon row of different brands and types of food. Pet food is now a multi billion dollar industry and pet food manufactures are doing their best to capture your attention. How do you eliminate the hype and find the best food for your dog? There are several factors to consider when choosing the right food for your dog. Different dogs have different nutritional needs at dif... Thay Call It "Dog Breath" For A Reason By : Dawn Keadic - Its shame that most dog owners don’t realize that dental hygiene is as important for their dogs as it is for themselves. Teeth that have been neglected are subject to several types of mouth disease just like their human friends. We know that if we don't brush our teeth, plague will build up and eventually cause tooth decay. The same thing happens to dogs. When plaque builds up and hardens, it becomes a coarse brown substance called tartar. As tartar accumulates, it can wor...
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