When you are training your dog to respond to your verbal commands, you can train him to respond to hand signals also. These can be learned in conjuction with the verbal commands and can be very usual in certain situations. There are a few common hand signals that you can teach your dog.
When you are training your dog, the very first command that you should teach him is the sit command. Teach him the verbal command first and then you can incorporate the hand signal. The hand signal for sit is to start with your right arm at your side, bend your arm at the elbow with the palm facing up. Slowly bend the arm until it is above the dog's head. Do this while giving the verbal sit command. Once he seems to have that mastered, do the motion without the verbal command. If he follows the hand signal, praise him immediately and give him a treat.
Once he has the sit command mastered you can teach him the down command. This command will have the dog lay down with head up and paws forward. This is one of the first verbal commands that has a hand signal. Once your dog learns the down command, incorporate the hand signal into the lesson. The hand signal for down is palm down, fingers together and you slowly lower your hand to the ground. Keep your dog focused on your hand signal as he obeys your verbal command. Slowly, verbalize the command in a softer and softer tone until he is able to do the command on hand signal alone.
The next hand signal that you can teach your dog is the come signal. When teaching your dog to come on command use his name first and then say "Come." If he comes right away, praise him greatly and give him a treat. If he doesn't come you may have to pull his leash toward you while saying his name and the word "come." Once he has the verbal command mastered, just add the hand signal. The hand signal for come is the same as the hand signal for a person to come. Bend your right arm at the elbow and move in backward toward your left shoulder in one sweeping motion. Make sure you have your dog's undivided attention when using the hand signal.
Teaching your dog hand signals along with the verbal signals can be very usual if you need to get your dog to obey you in a crowded, noisy area. It can also be usual as your dog grows older and his hearing declines. The most important thing is to never hit or spank your dog. You do not want your dog to associate your hands with pain. Be patient with your dog and before you know it he will be obeying your every command!
This free article is provided by the FreeArticles.com Free Articles Directory for educational purposes ONLY! It cannot be reprinted or redistributed under any circumstances.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Steps to Toilet Train Your Dog
The last thing any dog owner wants is a lot of nasty messes to clean up all over the place. If you take the time to toilet train your dog, you'll not only avoid stepping in an unpleasant surprise as you head to the bathroom at night, you will confine all mess to a specific area. However, it does take some time and patience to teach your dog, particularly if you are starting with an older canine.
How to Toilet Train Your Dog
Your dog instinctively prefers to stay clean. If you watch a puppy that has been tied up or left in a kennel, he will automatically defecate away from where he eats and sleeps. You will be able to use this to your advantage when training your dog to use one particular spot for his or her physical needs.
Step One: Creating a Bathroom Area
It's a good idea to choose one specific spot where your dog will be eliminating before you even bring the puppy home. The best way to do this is to pick a spot, perhaps in the corner of the yard where your dog will be comfortable defecating. Some dogs prefer to do their business on grass, while others will actively seek out dirt. If you know ahead of time which type of area your dog prefers, this will help you prepare a nice spot.
Step Two: Establish Living Areas
Your dog will instinctively avoid defecating or urinating within living areas, so you'll need to make sure he understands that the entire house is considered a living area. If you are crate training, you can simply move the crate from room to room, while keeping the dog inside. Otherwise, establish one spot as a sleeping and playing area and then begin to move the dog's bed and toys from room to room until he has accepted that the house is his home. Be sure to progress slowly so the dog has a chance to get used to each area.
Step Three: Be Regular
Dogs do very well on a schedule and this goes for a feeding schedule, as well. If you are starting with a small puppy, you'll notice that he needs to eliminate after each feeding. So, once he has eaten, simply take him to the assigned toilet area and let him do his thing. Your dog will catch on very quickly that this is where he should be defecating.
Step Four: Rewards and Consistency
It will take some time to toilet train your dog. Be sure to allow him frequent access to the toilet area and never leave your dog too long in his crate or alone in the house, since this will result in training issues as your dog won't be able to hold it.
Rewards every time your puppy uses the assigned elimination area will help increase his interest in the toilet training. You don't necessarily need to use edible treats, simply responding with a fun toy or verbal praise is often more than enough to let your dog know that you are pleased with him.
By staying patient, not getting upset when your dog slips up and being sure to let him know that you are happy when he uses the toilet area, you'll find that most dogs pick up the idea of house training rather rapidly. Confusion or being shut up indoors can cause delays in the learning process, so be sure to be consistent and calm about the whole thing. Your dog wants to please you and by using his natural instincts, you are encouraging traits that will come naturally to your pet.
How to Toilet Train Your Dog
Your dog instinctively prefers to stay clean. If you watch a puppy that has been tied up or left in a kennel, he will automatically defecate away from where he eats and sleeps. You will be able to use this to your advantage when training your dog to use one particular spot for his or her physical needs.
Step One: Creating a Bathroom Area
It's a good idea to choose one specific spot where your dog will be eliminating before you even bring the puppy home. The best way to do this is to pick a spot, perhaps in the corner of the yard where your dog will be comfortable defecating. Some dogs prefer to do their business on grass, while others will actively seek out dirt. If you know ahead of time which type of area your dog prefers, this will help you prepare a nice spot.
Step Two: Establish Living Areas
Your dog will instinctively avoid defecating or urinating within living areas, so you'll need to make sure he understands that the entire house is considered a living area. If you are crate training, you can simply move the crate from room to room, while keeping the dog inside. Otherwise, establish one spot as a sleeping and playing area and then begin to move the dog's bed and toys from room to room until he has accepted that the house is his home. Be sure to progress slowly so the dog has a chance to get used to each area.
Step Three: Be Regular
Dogs do very well on a schedule and this goes for a feeding schedule, as well. If you are starting with a small puppy, you'll notice that he needs to eliminate after each feeding. So, once he has eaten, simply take him to the assigned toilet area and let him do his thing. Your dog will catch on very quickly that this is where he should be defecating.
Step Four: Rewards and Consistency
It will take some time to toilet train your dog. Be sure to allow him frequent access to the toilet area and never leave your dog too long in his crate or alone in the house, since this will result in training issues as your dog won't be able to hold it.
Rewards every time your puppy uses the assigned elimination area will help increase his interest in the toilet training. You don't necessarily need to use edible treats, simply responding with a fun toy or verbal praise is often more than enough to let your dog know that you are pleased with him.
By staying patient, not getting upset when your dog slips up and being sure to let him know that you are happy when he uses the toilet area, you'll find that most dogs pick up the idea of house training rather rapidly. Confusion or being shut up indoors can cause delays in the learning process, so be sure to be consistent and calm about the whole thing. Your dog wants to please you and by using his natural instincts, you are encouraging traits that will come naturally to your pet.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Be Merry & Paw-sitive
Be Merry & Paw-sitive
Author: Sheryl MatthysWhile the economy may not have us so cheerful - dogs always help us to remember to be happy! It's been proven petting a dog can relieve stress - so now is the best time to bring a dog into your home. Give yourself the perfect present that will have you a better person for others ? and that truly is the best gift for everyone in your life.
Now, even though the pet industry has more than doubled in ten years, reaching more than 43 billion dollars in sales -- don?t worry ? you don?t have to spend a fortune. First, look to your area shelter to adopt and lift your spirits as well as be the hero to a dog.
How does a dog lift your spirits? Laughing and playing with your dog can lead to: reduced risk of heart disease, decreased stress, lower blood pressure, a boosted immune system, a natural painkiller for your system, massaging of your abdominal organs, a natural anti-depressant, and reduced blood sugar levels which will help keep diabetes at bay. We may want to ask ourselves what?s stopping us from gaining all these benefits right now? Start bringing in the laughs and play ? even if it feels stilted at first.
And, the best benefit (I think) is that laughing can actually make you look younger and that?s reason enough to do it more! While laughing, your facial muscles are working out, which increases the blood flow around your face.
So back to the dog itself that?s going to bring you stress relief. It happens in a circuitous manner with your first mate drooling at the bit to help. Here?s the key - don?t think pet and owner; don?t think master and beast; don?t think pack leader and follower ? in this instance, think friend and partner; think counselor and co-conspirator. This will start you off in a new direction by improving all your relationships. Remember, this is not just about slowing down and communicating with your dog; it?s about learning how your dog communicates, and seeing the world through your dog?s eyes to help you have better relationships with human beings ? the people we love, cherish and want to understand better in our lives.
Stress Relief To Do List:
1. Adopt a dog ? Be a hero!
2. Participate in dog training classes, agility, Reiki, dog therapy, T-touch ? A great way to learn something for you and your dog while meeting others.
3. Talk with your dog ? Dogs don?t judge what you say and they won?t throw it back in your lap later.
4. Walk with your dog ? Dogs need about 30 minutes of exercise everyday and so do you!
5. Socialize with your dog ? Dogs are the perfect ice-breaker and take part in social communities to make more connections with dog lovers world-wide.
All the above items bring relief to one?s physical, mental, and emotional well being ? more than going to the gym three times a week. With a dog you gain the benefits of a workout, the results of a shrink, and the social activities to put that spark back in your life. Just ask Bruce Goldstein, author of Puppy Chow is Better than Prozac. He claims getting a dog saved him from the black hole of depression.
To think that dogs can comprehend so many of the complexities of human emotions without ?speaking our language? Dogs ?read? our emotions, our tears and fears, our anger and our hurt through our body language.
Perhaps that explains why so many women feel completely comfortable bringing their dogs into social situations they might not otherwise be comfortable in alone. I met Wendy and her dog at a Leashes and Lovers event. I asked her, ?Did you come by yourself?? ?I did,? confessed Wendy. I inquired, ?Would it have been difficult for you without your dog by your side?? Wendy agreed. ?When I have my dog, it makes it much easier for me?Guys want to talk to you, and girls want to know where you got your dog?s sweater?? And, with her dog by her side, she can hear ?behind the words? for the truth into others? intentions.
As the Dogsexpert, and Founder of http://www.LeashesandLovers.com , Sheryl Matthys talks with dog lovers on how their dogs impact their personal relationships. Leashes and Lovers offers online connections http://www.FetchaFriend.com where dog lovers can search and connect around the world for friendship, doggie playdates, same breed of dog, and possibly love!
Sheryl has two children, two greyhounds and is a certified dog trainer.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/be-merry-pawsitive-673831.html
Saturday, December 6, 2008
The New Classiest Trend in Dog Housing
True dog lovers always like to provide their canine familiars with the best treats available in the market. For the most dedicated luxury dog houses are one of the best and classiest ways for the owners to show their love for their pet. Luxury Dog houses are easily becoming a tendency among the classiest dog-friends.
As they become ever more popular among the buyers, so does the offer of this product grows and luxury dog houses come as varied as the client’s taste and wallet; If you are out to get one for your beloved dog all you need is a little market research and you will find plenty of places already selling and/or making you a fully customized dog house.
If you don’t know where to start looking, the internet might be just the perfect place to start looking for luxury dog houses, as there are already many websites dealing with this kind of specific product and the offer keeps getting more advanced and attractive.
Some companies who offer custom dog house building even offer you the possibility to specifically choose all the type of materials involved in the building of the house. The available offer of custom features is immense and they range from actual wall paper, window covering, interior and exterior special wall painting , specific dog furniture- including beds, sofas and even some design pieces that serve also as dog toys- to lighting and air conditioning. The outside of the luxury dog houses have not been forgotten , and if you think your beloved dog deserves it, you can even manage to build him his own private dog house garden, with his own lawn , sand boxes and even a pool . The possibilities are truly virtually infinite.
As long as you keep it functional in the dog’s point of view, you can really build your hearts desire. It is important to keep the dog’s perspective in mind when dealing with custom luxury dog houses. Some features are beautiful and look really good on human’s houses but for the obvious reasons, just don’t work with dogs. Remember you are trying to spoil your dog and make him as happy as possible, not making his life harder.
Popular among this new trend is to build the luxury dog houses in accordance to the dog owners´ own house, including matching the architecture and the design of both the interior and the exterior of the house, thus creating a visual harmony.
The prices of such houses vary as much as the price of houses for human habitation. It will all depend on the level of luxury you are willing to offer your dog; nevertheless it is not an inexpensive business to build luxury dog houses. If you really want to bring something special home to your dog, you need to be ready to loosen up your wallet. This houses can be come a very expensive gift but they are also a great and classy way to show some love to your furry friend.
Source: Free Articles
As they become ever more popular among the buyers, so does the offer of this product grows and luxury dog houses come as varied as the client’s taste and wallet; If you are out to get one for your beloved dog all you need is a little market research and you will find plenty of places already selling and/or making you a fully customized dog house.
If you don’t know where to start looking, the internet might be just the perfect place to start looking for luxury dog houses, as there are already many websites dealing with this kind of specific product and the offer keeps getting more advanced and attractive.
Some companies who offer custom dog house building even offer you the possibility to specifically choose all the type of materials involved in the building of the house. The available offer of custom features is immense and they range from actual wall paper, window covering, interior and exterior special wall painting , specific dog furniture- including beds, sofas and even some design pieces that serve also as dog toys- to lighting and air conditioning. The outside of the luxury dog houses have not been forgotten , and if you think your beloved dog deserves it, you can even manage to build him his own private dog house garden, with his own lawn , sand boxes and even a pool . The possibilities are truly virtually infinite.
As long as you keep it functional in the dog’s point of view, you can really build your hearts desire. It is important to keep the dog’s perspective in mind when dealing with custom luxury dog houses. Some features are beautiful and look really good on human’s houses but for the obvious reasons, just don’t work with dogs. Remember you are trying to spoil your dog and make him as happy as possible, not making his life harder.
Popular among this new trend is to build the luxury dog houses in accordance to the dog owners´ own house, including matching the architecture and the design of both the interior and the exterior of the house, thus creating a visual harmony.
The prices of such houses vary as much as the price of houses for human habitation. It will all depend on the level of luxury you are willing to offer your dog; nevertheless it is not an inexpensive business to build luxury dog houses. If you really want to bring something special home to your dog, you need to be ready to loosen up your wallet. This houses can be come a very expensive gift but they are also a great and classy way to show some love to your furry friend.
Source: Free Articles
Friday, December 5, 2008
3 Types of Natural Dog Food
The best way of providing your pet dog healthy living is to keep him on a nutritious diet. The basis of good health is healthy food. When a dog is fed well, he has a better chance to maintain good health. Healthy dog food is the same as what nutrition experts tell us to eat; an assortment of fresh foods which are filled with critical nutrients like vitamins and minerals. This is considered to be the better type of diet your pet dogs can have which could add years to their lives.
If you wish your dog to eat the best foods, start by feeding him with some natural and newer food ingredients. Fresh foods have minimal processing. The less the processing, the healthier the food is because fewer important nutrients such as vitamins and minerals are lost. A fresh food diet might include home created dog food, a raw diet or dried food. Dr. Richard Pitcairn, a veterinarian who has done extended research in natural pet care, advocates feeding pets a healthy diet of home cooked foods created to the specific needs of the animals.
Raw foods are gaining acceptance with many pet owners. These pet owners are gradually coming to know the goodness of raw foods. Raw foods are proving to work well in the treatment of conditions like long-term allergies as well as other ailments. Rather than feeding Fido a raw bone from your butcher, you can now access wholesome frozen raw foods from specialty stores. Raw foods are now made in frozen form where the dog food is freeze-dried or 'cold processed'. This process ensures the more vital components like enzymes, amino acids and probiotics stay whole.
Another source of natural dog food is the dried diet. These foods are preserved and protected through an action of drying at low temperatures, similar to the ready-made soup mixes which we buy from the store. Since the action involves minimal heat, the built-in enzymatic activity are suspended until such time as the food is rehydrated. The action of dehydration only loses about 3% to 5% of the foods' nutrients. Other food preservation processes like canning or kibble making, the nutrients lost can be in the range of sixty percent or more.
While home-cooked foods are a good healthy option for pet dogs, this may not always be possible since it is tough to keep the ideal ratio and balance between meat and vegetable components of the dog's diet. The good news is that there are pre-mixes now available that take the guessing out of creating homemade dog food. All you need to do is add some water and fresh meat to make a yummy meal for your four-legged friend. Just like we enjoy a delicious meal, it should not be any different for our furry friends. When we pay attention to the freshness of the components, the variety in what is served and the quality of food that we offer our pets, they will not only enjoy their eating experience but will remain happy and healthy, too.
If you wish your dog to eat the best foods, start by feeding him with some natural and newer food ingredients. Fresh foods have minimal processing. The less the processing, the healthier the food is because fewer important nutrients such as vitamins and minerals are lost. A fresh food diet might include home created dog food, a raw diet or dried food. Dr. Richard Pitcairn, a veterinarian who has done extended research in natural pet care, advocates feeding pets a healthy diet of home cooked foods created to the specific needs of the animals.
Raw foods are gaining acceptance with many pet owners. These pet owners are gradually coming to know the goodness of raw foods. Raw foods are proving to work well in the treatment of conditions like long-term allergies as well as other ailments. Rather than feeding Fido a raw bone from your butcher, you can now access wholesome frozen raw foods from specialty stores. Raw foods are now made in frozen form where the dog food is freeze-dried or 'cold processed'. This process ensures the more vital components like enzymes, amino acids and probiotics stay whole.
Another source of natural dog food is the dried diet. These foods are preserved and protected through an action of drying at low temperatures, similar to the ready-made soup mixes which we buy from the store. Since the action involves minimal heat, the built-in enzymatic activity are suspended until such time as the food is rehydrated. The action of dehydration only loses about 3% to 5% of the foods' nutrients. Other food preservation processes like canning or kibble making, the nutrients lost can be in the range of sixty percent or more.
While home-cooked foods are a good healthy option for pet dogs, this may not always be possible since it is tough to keep the ideal ratio and balance between meat and vegetable components of the dog's diet. The good news is that there are pre-mixes now available that take the guessing out of creating homemade dog food. All you need to do is add some water and fresh meat to make a yummy meal for your four-legged friend. Just like we enjoy a delicious meal, it should not be any different for our furry friends. When we pay attention to the freshness of the components, the variety in what is served and the quality of food that we offer our pets, they will not only enjoy their eating experience but will remain happy and healthy, too.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Test Your Canine Acumen
1. According to tests made at the Institute for the Study of Animal Problems in Washington, D.C., dogs and cats, just like people…
A. Worry about what they will wear to work in the morning.
B. Enjoy reading while eating breakfast.
C. Need a retirement plan.
D. Are either right-handed or left-handed-or rather favor either their right or left paws.
D. Are either right-handed or left-handed-or rather favor either their right or left paws.
TBD: Very, very, interesting, don't you think?
2. Jackals are different from dogs and wolves in what way?
A. They live on a different continent.
B. They are really alien life forms.
C. They are canids.
D. They have one more pair of chromosomes.
D. They have one more pair of chromosomes.
TBD: Even though they may look like alien life forms, they are Canids just like dogs and wolves.
3. Most dogs have about 100 different facial expressions, most of them made with their ears. However, a few breeds have only about 10 expressions. Can you name those breeds?
A. Bulldogs and Pitbulls
B. Labrador and Golden retrievers
C. Poodles and Dachshunds
D. Beagles and Chihuahuas
A. Bulldogs and Pitbulls
TBD: Due to their breeding, dogs such as Bulldogs and Pitbulls have fewer facial expressions and so are often misinterpreted by other dogs which leads to fights. Poor misunderstood pooches.
4. The fear of dogs and/or rabies is called what?
A. Rabodogophobia
B. Dogophobia
C. Cynophobia
D. Canophobia
C. Cynophobia
TBD: Hey, don't blame us, that's what the research says!
5. Of the more than 300 breeds of dogs that exist worldwide, how many does the American Kennel Club recognize?
A. 300
B. 212
C. 145
D. 101
C. 145
TBD: Gee, I wonder why you would have answered 101?
6. Jack London wrote this story about a dog named Buck. Can you name it?
A. A Dog Named Buck
B. Buck's Marvelous Adventures
C. Don't Pass the Buck
D. Call of the Wild
D. Call of the Wild
TBD: Gosh, we tried to make it easy for those nonliterary types out there… After all, there is even a movie! We read the book, however.
7. The Dalmation was named for the place where the breed first originated, can you name it?
A. Mount Dalmation in Africa
B. Dalmation coast of Croatia
C. Dalmation Island in the Thousand Islands
D. The tiny country of Dalmatia
B. Dalmation coast of Croatia
TBD: The other places are only a figment of our imagination, so far as she knows anyway…
8. Can you name the dog featured in the Grinch Who Stole Christmas?
A. Who
B. Max
C. Rudi
D. Suzi
B. Max
TBD: Phllllbbbttt! To those who didn't know. It was Max who stole the show, don't ya think!
9. The English Romantic poet Lord Byron inscribed this passage on a gravestone "Beauty without vanity, strength without insolence, courage without ferocity, and all the virtues of man without his vices." Can you name the object of his tribute?
A. His beloved Newfoundland Boatswain.
B. His wife Anna Isabella.
C. His daughter Augusta Ada.
D. His granduncle William.
A. His beloved Newfoundland Boatswain.
TBD: Come on, be real! This is a quiz about dogs!
10. Can you name the dog who caused so many problems for Foghorn Leghorn in the Looney Tunes?
A. Rufus Wufus
B. Barnyard Dog
C. Just Dog
D. Spotted Dog
B. Barnyard Dog
TBD: That was news to us, too.
11. Which animal was first domesticated by humans?
A. Goat
B. Cat
C. Dog
D. Horse
C. Dog
TBD: Apparently some argument can be made that the goat might have come first in some areas, but the dog is Numero Uno for most evidence of early man!
12. Ralph and Sam, the Looney Tune wolf and sheepdog cartoon character adversaries, would engage in what activity between their bouts?
A. They would punch a time-clock.
B. They would have tea.
C. They would play bridge.
D. They would roller-skate.
A. They would punch a time-clock.
TBD: They would punch in at the beginning of each shift and out at the end as well as for their lunch break.
13. The Beatles son "Martha My Dear" was written by Paul McCartney about…
A. His sheepdog Martha
B. His mother Martha
C. His sister Martha
D. His veterinarian Martha
A. His sheepdog Martha
TBD: If you guess wrong, we sincerely hope you guessed "D" because this is a canine quiz after all.
14. Domestic dogs vary widely in appearance and size, but despite these differences all breeds of the domestic dog are essentially identical in anatomy. Which is NOT an anatomical characteristic of the dog?
A. An average of 321 bones in their skeleton.
B. Thirteen pairs of ribs in the rib cage.
C. A spine with seven cervical vertebrae, 13 thoracic vertebrae, seven lumbar vertebrae and three sacral vertebrae.
D. The presence of a dewclaw, an extra digit on the paw.
D. The presence of a dewclaw, an extra digit on the paw.
TBD: Apparently not all breeds have a dewclaw and this why the average number of bones in the skeleton varies!
15. Can you name the dog on the Cracker Jack box?
A. Jack
B. Bingo
C. Cracker
D. Prize
B. Bingo
TBD: Just think of all the knowledge we share to make your life more meaningful!
Article Source: http://www.ArticlesandAuthors.com - THE Premier Site for Articles AND Authors
About this Article Author:
You can enjoy more trivia created by Deanna Mascle at A Trivia Break, The QuizQueen, and Trivial Topics.
A. Worry about what they will wear to work in the morning.
B. Enjoy reading while eating breakfast.
C. Need a retirement plan.
D. Are either right-handed or left-handed-or rather favor either their right or left paws.
D. Are either right-handed or left-handed-or rather favor either their right or left paws.
TBD: Very, very, interesting, don't you think?
2. Jackals are different from dogs and wolves in what way?
A. They live on a different continent.
B. They are really alien life forms.
C. They are canids.
D. They have one more pair of chromosomes.
D. They have one more pair of chromosomes.
TBD: Even though they may look like alien life forms, they are Canids just like dogs and wolves.
3. Most dogs have about 100 different facial expressions, most of them made with their ears. However, a few breeds have only about 10 expressions. Can you name those breeds?
A. Bulldogs and Pitbulls
B. Labrador and Golden retrievers
C. Poodles and Dachshunds
D. Beagles and Chihuahuas
A. Bulldogs and Pitbulls
TBD: Due to their breeding, dogs such as Bulldogs and Pitbulls have fewer facial expressions and so are often misinterpreted by other dogs which leads to fights. Poor misunderstood pooches.
4. The fear of dogs and/or rabies is called what?
A. Rabodogophobia
B. Dogophobia
C. Cynophobia
D. Canophobia
C. Cynophobia
TBD: Hey, don't blame us, that's what the research says!
5. Of the more than 300 breeds of dogs that exist worldwide, how many does the American Kennel Club recognize?
A. 300
B. 212
C. 145
D. 101
C. 145
TBD: Gee, I wonder why you would have answered 101?
6. Jack London wrote this story about a dog named Buck. Can you name it?
A. A Dog Named Buck
B. Buck's Marvelous Adventures
C. Don't Pass the Buck
D. Call of the Wild
D. Call of the Wild
TBD: Gosh, we tried to make it easy for those nonliterary types out there… After all, there is even a movie! We read the book, however.
7. The Dalmation was named for the place where the breed first originated, can you name it?
A. Mount Dalmation in Africa
B. Dalmation coast of Croatia
C. Dalmation Island in the Thousand Islands
D. The tiny country of Dalmatia
B. Dalmation coast of Croatia
TBD: The other places are only a figment of our imagination, so far as she knows anyway…
8. Can you name the dog featured in the Grinch Who Stole Christmas?
A. Who
B. Max
C. Rudi
D. Suzi
B. Max
TBD: Phllllbbbttt! To those who didn't know. It was Max who stole the show, don't ya think!
9. The English Romantic poet Lord Byron inscribed this passage on a gravestone "Beauty without vanity, strength without insolence, courage without ferocity, and all the virtues of man without his vices." Can you name the object of his tribute?
A. His beloved Newfoundland Boatswain.
B. His wife Anna Isabella.
C. His daughter Augusta Ada.
D. His granduncle William.
A. His beloved Newfoundland Boatswain.
TBD: Come on, be real! This is a quiz about dogs!
10. Can you name the dog who caused so many problems for Foghorn Leghorn in the Looney Tunes?
A. Rufus Wufus
B. Barnyard Dog
C. Just Dog
D. Spotted Dog
B. Barnyard Dog
TBD: That was news to us, too.
11. Which animal was first domesticated by humans?
A. Goat
B. Cat
C. Dog
D. Horse
C. Dog
TBD: Apparently some argument can be made that the goat might have come first in some areas, but the dog is Numero Uno for most evidence of early man!
12. Ralph and Sam, the Looney Tune wolf and sheepdog cartoon character adversaries, would engage in what activity between their bouts?
A. They would punch a time-clock.
B. They would have tea.
C. They would play bridge.
D. They would roller-skate.
A. They would punch a time-clock.
TBD: They would punch in at the beginning of each shift and out at the end as well as for their lunch break.
13. The Beatles son "Martha My Dear" was written by Paul McCartney about…
A. His sheepdog Martha
B. His mother Martha
C. His sister Martha
D. His veterinarian Martha
A. His sheepdog Martha
TBD: If you guess wrong, we sincerely hope you guessed "D" because this is a canine quiz after all.
14. Domestic dogs vary widely in appearance and size, but despite these differences all breeds of the domestic dog are essentially identical in anatomy. Which is NOT an anatomical characteristic of the dog?
A. An average of 321 bones in their skeleton.
B. Thirteen pairs of ribs in the rib cage.
C. A spine with seven cervical vertebrae, 13 thoracic vertebrae, seven lumbar vertebrae and three sacral vertebrae.
D. The presence of a dewclaw, an extra digit on the paw.
D. The presence of a dewclaw, an extra digit on the paw.
TBD: Apparently not all breeds have a dewclaw and this why the average number of bones in the skeleton varies!
15. Can you name the dog on the Cracker Jack box?
A. Jack
B. Bingo
C. Cracker
D. Prize
B. Bingo
TBD: Just think of all the knowledge we share to make your life more meaningful!
Article Source: http://www.ArticlesandAuthors.com - THE Premier Site for Articles AND Authors
About this Article Author:
You can enjoy more trivia created by Deanna Mascle at A Trivia Break, The QuizQueen, and Trivial Topics.
Monday, December 1, 2008
The Other Ways To Reward And Keep Your Dog Motivated Other Than Food And How To Keep Your Dog To Sta
Keeping the attention of a dog while training is not always easy. Dogs can be easily distracted, and it is important to not allow the training sessions to be sabotaged by boredom. Making training fun for the dog and the human alike is vital to creating a happy, well adjusted and well trained dog.
Providing random positive stimuli during the day is a great way to keep the interest of the dog. Doing things the dog enjoys, like walking in the park, riding in the car, and playing with other dogs, is a great way to keep the dog’s attention and reward him for small successes.
For instance, in order to reward the dog for coming to you, for instance, ask the dog to come to you, without giving any clues about a walk, a car ride, or other treats. After the dog has come to you and obediently sat down, attach the leash and start the reward. This can be either the aforementioned walk in the park, ride in the car, or anything else the dog likes to do.
Providing some kind of reward, whether a treat, a special outing, or just a scratch behind the ears, every time the dog does something you want, is a great way to keep your dog motivated. If the dog knows something great is going to happen every time he obeys your command, he will be motivated to please you every time.
Distraction Training
When training any dog, it is important to not let distractions disrupt the training. The dog must be taught to ignore distractions, such as other people, other dogs, other animals and loud noises, and focus on what is being taught These types of distractions can even be used as rewards when training the dog to come when called.
For instance, if your dog enjoys playing with other dogs, whether in a local dog park or with the neighbor’s dogs, let him play freely with those other dogs. Then go into the park or yard and call your dog. When he comes to you, provide lots of praise, treats and other rewards, then immediately allow the dog to go back to playing with his friends.
Repeat this several times and praise the dog each time he comes to you. The dog will quickly learn that coming to you means good things (treats and praise) and not bad ones (being taken away from the park).
If the dog does not master this particular type of training right away, try not to get discouraged. So called distraction training is one of the most difficult things to teach. Dogs are naturally social animals, and breaking away from the pack is one of the most difficult things you can ask your dog to do. Most dogs will be understandably reluctant to leave their canine companions, but it is important to persist.
Training the dog to come to you may require some creativity on your part at first. For instance, waving a favorite toy, or a lure, is a great way to get your dog’s attention and put the focus back on you. If your dog has been clicker trained, a quick click can be a good motivator as well.
Once the dog begins to get the hang of coming when called, you can begin to reduce and eliminate the visual cues and focus on getting the dog to respond to your voice alone. It is important that the dog respond to voice commands alone, since you will not always have the availability of a toy or other lure.
Article Source: http://www.ArticlesandAuthors.com - THE Premier Site for Articles AND Authors
About this Article Author:
Discover How You Can Train Your Dog With Immediate Effective Results Using Proven Simple Steps For FREE Click Here => www.absolute-dog-training.com
Providing random positive stimuli during the day is a great way to keep the interest of the dog. Doing things the dog enjoys, like walking in the park, riding in the car, and playing with other dogs, is a great way to keep the dog’s attention and reward him for small successes.
For instance, in order to reward the dog for coming to you, for instance, ask the dog to come to you, without giving any clues about a walk, a car ride, or other treats. After the dog has come to you and obediently sat down, attach the leash and start the reward. This can be either the aforementioned walk in the park, ride in the car, or anything else the dog likes to do.
Providing some kind of reward, whether a treat, a special outing, or just a scratch behind the ears, every time the dog does something you want, is a great way to keep your dog motivated. If the dog knows something great is going to happen every time he obeys your command, he will be motivated to please you every time.
Distraction Training
When training any dog, it is important to not let distractions disrupt the training. The dog must be taught to ignore distractions, such as other people, other dogs, other animals and loud noises, and focus on what is being taught These types of distractions can even be used as rewards when training the dog to come when called.
For instance, if your dog enjoys playing with other dogs, whether in a local dog park or with the neighbor’s dogs, let him play freely with those other dogs. Then go into the park or yard and call your dog. When he comes to you, provide lots of praise, treats and other rewards, then immediately allow the dog to go back to playing with his friends.
Repeat this several times and praise the dog each time he comes to you. The dog will quickly learn that coming to you means good things (treats and praise) and not bad ones (being taken away from the park).
If the dog does not master this particular type of training right away, try not to get discouraged. So called distraction training is one of the most difficult things to teach. Dogs are naturally social animals, and breaking away from the pack is one of the most difficult things you can ask your dog to do. Most dogs will be understandably reluctant to leave their canine companions, but it is important to persist.
Training the dog to come to you may require some creativity on your part at first. For instance, waving a favorite toy, or a lure, is a great way to get your dog’s attention and put the focus back on you. If your dog has been clicker trained, a quick click can be a good motivator as well.
Once the dog begins to get the hang of coming when called, you can begin to reduce and eliminate the visual cues and focus on getting the dog to respond to your voice alone. It is important that the dog respond to voice commands alone, since you will not always have the availability of a toy or other lure.
Article Source: http://www.ArticlesandAuthors.com - THE Premier Site for Articles AND Authors
About this Article Author:
Discover How You Can Train Your Dog With Immediate Effective Results Using Proven Simple Steps For FREE Click Here => www.absolute-dog-training.com
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Succeeding with Puppy Potty Training
Puppy potty training or housebreaking can be accomplished successfully if you keep a few things in mind.
Right Age
A puppy under eight weeks old is not physically or neurologically ready to be potty trained. If your puppy is younger than eight weeks, it will only frustrate you to try to housebreak or potty train him. Resolve yourself to the idea that you will have to clean up after him for a couple more weeks until he's ready.
Paper Training
Some people choose to begin puppy potty training with paper training. Most experts advise against this because in essence, you are teaching your dog to do his business on your floor. A dog is not capable of telling the difference between a newspaper put down for his purposes and a report you've been working on for weeks that happens to be on the floor next to your chair. Having your puppy learn to use a paper, then expecting him to unlearn it when you want to housebreak him is unreasonable.
Puppy Crates
Crating your puppy can be very helpful. Dogs naturally like to den, so a comfortable crate gives your puppy a secure place to call his own. Under normal circumstances, a dog will not soil his bed so crating a puppy at night after he's been given the opportunity to go outside to potty will help prevent accidents.
Feeding
Puppy potty training begins with proper feeding. Choose a high quality dog food,even if it is more expensive. Not only does it provide better nutrition for your growing puppy, it does not have all the filler cheaper dog foods use. This filler is indigestible and causes gas as well as making your puppy need to move his bowels more often. Feed your puppy at the same times every day then take him outside 15-20 minutes after he's eaten to relieve himself.
Communicating With Your Puppy
Watch your puppy's behavior for signs he needs to relieve himself. Whining, sniffing around and restlessness all indicate a dog that needs to go. Get him outside quickly then praise him for doing well. Establish a word you will use with your dog for potty training. When you praise him, use this word. "Good boy to go potty outside" will help your dog associate what he just did with your pleasure. Dogs love to please.
http://www.pottytrainingtipsonline.com/ provides articles and information if Your Child is Ready for Potty Training for new parents. Great free help, links and more.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
Right Age
A puppy under eight weeks old is not physically or neurologically ready to be potty trained. If your puppy is younger than eight weeks, it will only frustrate you to try to housebreak or potty train him. Resolve yourself to the idea that you will have to clean up after him for a couple more weeks until he's ready.
Paper Training
Some people choose to begin puppy potty training with paper training. Most experts advise against this because in essence, you are teaching your dog to do his business on your floor. A dog is not capable of telling the difference between a newspaper put down for his purposes and a report you've been working on for weeks that happens to be on the floor next to your chair. Having your puppy learn to use a paper, then expecting him to unlearn it when you want to housebreak him is unreasonable.
Puppy Crates
Crating your puppy can be very helpful. Dogs naturally like to den, so a comfortable crate gives your puppy a secure place to call his own. Under normal circumstances, a dog will not soil his bed so crating a puppy at night after he's been given the opportunity to go outside to potty will help prevent accidents.
Feeding
Puppy potty training begins with proper feeding. Choose a high quality dog food,even if it is more expensive. Not only does it provide better nutrition for your growing puppy, it does not have all the filler cheaper dog foods use. This filler is indigestible and causes gas as well as making your puppy need to move his bowels more often. Feed your puppy at the same times every day then take him outside 15-20 minutes after he's eaten to relieve himself.
Communicating With Your Puppy
Watch your puppy's behavior for signs he needs to relieve himself. Whining, sniffing around and restlessness all indicate a dog that needs to go. Get him outside quickly then praise him for doing well. Establish a word you will use with your dog for potty training. When you praise him, use this word. "Good boy to go potty outside" will help your dog associate what he just did with your pleasure. Dogs love to please.
http://www.pottytrainingtipsonline.com/ provides articles and information if Your Child is Ready for Potty Training for new parents. Great free help, links and more.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
Tips On True Nutritional Value Of Ingredients In Dog Food
The evolution of dogs has gone from one of a being a strict carnivore to an omnivore digesting both animal and plant tissues. Dogs are no longer similar to their relative, the wolf, which is a strict carnivore subsisting on only meat. Although dogs do have a preference for meaty diets, they are able to live on vegetable protein as long as they supplemented with additional amino acids and other missing nutrients.
Good nutrition and a balanced diet are essential for your dog's health. People often have questions on dog food. Here is some dog food information that should help. What and when you feed your dog early in life will shape its preferences when it is older. This applies to time of day, odor, texture and taste and meal temperature. Up to fifty percent of an adult dogs diet can come from carbohydrates such as grain.
It is important to feed and water your pet on a regular basis. To prevent overheating and dehydration, water should be available to your pet at all times, especially during periods of high activity. Puppies need to eat often, while adult dogs can be fed once or twice each day. For pet owners interested in feeding their dog a homemade diet, dog food recipes are available on the internet under the dog information section.
Life's Abundance food for dogs can be obtained in either the regular formula or a special formula designed to help obese dogs trim down. Overall dry dog food outsells all other types. Typically, dry food contains about ninety percent dry ingredients with about ten percent water, blending some grain, meats, meat by products, fat, minerals and vitamin content. Life's Abundance is a premium type dry dog food that contains no meat by products, instead containing a high protein mixture of meat, grain, dried veggies, fruits, and herbs.
There are some dogs that like canned food more than dry. The scent, taste, and texture of dry foods don't seem as appealing to them as those of the canned product. It has been noticed through time that less tartar accumulates on the teeth of canines that eat dry food, and they don't suffer as frequently from gingivitis. They are also not as likely to be overweight. Because of the gum swelling that accompanies a canned food regime, the tissue around the teeth recedes and the teeth themselves become loose. Renal and hepatic damage can occur as well, due to the gradual passage of bacteria from the infected gums into the blood stream.
Each specific dog has its own specific dietary requirements. This means that no two dogs will need the same amount of food to maintain good weight as well as health. Active dogs, and the breeds they come from, function with a greater need for calories than less active breeds. To this end, many dogs today are overweight. While the weight almost never shows on legs, dog's loin and lumbar areas become consumed by fat. Growing dogs and puppies do require more food per pound than adult or senior animals, but there are special foods for all stages of your pet's life, making your job as a caretaker, easier.
Check the dog food if you find that your dog has less energy, dog food nutrition and visit this website for more detail www.DogFoodReview.net
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
Good nutrition and a balanced diet are essential for your dog's health. People often have questions on dog food. Here is some dog food information that should help. What and when you feed your dog early in life will shape its preferences when it is older. This applies to time of day, odor, texture and taste and meal temperature. Up to fifty percent of an adult dogs diet can come from carbohydrates such as grain.
It is important to feed and water your pet on a regular basis. To prevent overheating and dehydration, water should be available to your pet at all times, especially during periods of high activity. Puppies need to eat often, while adult dogs can be fed once or twice each day. For pet owners interested in feeding their dog a homemade diet, dog food recipes are available on the internet under the dog information section.
Life's Abundance food for dogs can be obtained in either the regular formula or a special formula designed to help obese dogs trim down. Overall dry dog food outsells all other types. Typically, dry food contains about ninety percent dry ingredients with about ten percent water, blending some grain, meats, meat by products, fat, minerals and vitamin content. Life's Abundance is a premium type dry dog food that contains no meat by products, instead containing a high protein mixture of meat, grain, dried veggies, fruits, and herbs.
There are some dogs that like canned food more than dry. The scent, taste, and texture of dry foods don't seem as appealing to them as those of the canned product. It has been noticed through time that less tartar accumulates on the teeth of canines that eat dry food, and they don't suffer as frequently from gingivitis. They are also not as likely to be overweight. Because of the gum swelling that accompanies a canned food regime, the tissue around the teeth recedes and the teeth themselves become loose. Renal and hepatic damage can occur as well, due to the gradual passage of bacteria from the infected gums into the blood stream.
Each specific dog has its own specific dietary requirements. This means that no two dogs will need the same amount of food to maintain good weight as well as health. Active dogs, and the breeds they come from, function with a greater need for calories than less active breeds. To this end, many dogs today are overweight. While the weight almost never shows on legs, dog's loin and lumbar areas become consumed by fat. Growing dogs and puppies do require more food per pound than adult or senior animals, but there are special foods for all stages of your pet's life, making your job as a caretaker, easier.
Check the dog food if you find that your dog has less energy, dog food nutrition and visit this website for more detail www.DogFoodReview.net
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
Saturday, November 15, 2008
So, will ear mites propose a danger to my dog? The simple answer to this question is yes. Ear mites may affect your dog greatly.
While it can rarely cause accidental death, it would certainly affect your dog's joyful nature. Ear mites are small inconveniences for your pets. Worse, they are living organisms that are thriving on their body for food.
It is possible to find ear mites in dogs and cats, as well as other small animals. Ear mites can be considered as parasites, which actually feed on the epidermal wastes of your pet's body. In this case, they found food in the ears. And there they will stay for as long as they are getting the proper nourishment.
Ear mites may or may not be seen by the naked eye. There are species that are big enough to be seen floating about the hair and the skin of your pet. However, there are also some that can only be observed under a microscope. But then again, you don't have to see ear mites just to know whether or not your dog is suffering from it. There are telltale signs to watch out for.
Dogs that are very irritable and are scratching their ears a lot are most likely to be suffering from this condition. And most of these dogs would have brownish discharges coming out of their ears. The discharges are excessive ear wax. The mites trigger its production.
Generally, you don't have to clean the ears of your dog frequently because they can do it by themselves. So if you see a build up of ear wax in your pet, there's every reason to be alarmed. Your dog could be suffering from ear mites and you have to provide a quick solution to it.
Ear mites rarely lead to death. But that doesn't mean that it is not possible. The most common problem with ear mites is the fact that they can trigger the loss of your dog's hearing. Mites penetrating deep into the ears may cause damage to the ear drums. Keep in mind that the ear is responsible for keeping the body's balance. This is true with both dogs and humans. Ear mites could disrupt that balance and cause seizures to your pet. And if your dog suffered from a bad case of seizure, that's when sudden or eventual death may arise.
Ear mites are highly contagious. So you definitely want to keep your other pets away from the infected ones. This is also the reason why it is very important to address the problem early on. If you are not careful, the disease may spread to all of your pets. And in which case, the mites become harder to eliminate.
Keep your dog clean. That's the first line of defense against ear mites. Make sure that it gets is daily bath. Groom your pet as frequently as required. A healthy, hygienic dog is not likely to acquire any type of diseases - especially not ear mites.
DogEarMites.net - resources and articles dealing with the ear mites in dogs infection, how to prevent ear mites in dogs and how to treat ear mites in dogs
While it can rarely cause accidental death, it would certainly affect your dog's joyful nature. Ear mites are small inconveniences for your pets. Worse, they are living organisms that are thriving on their body for food.
It is possible to find ear mites in dogs and cats, as well as other small animals. Ear mites can be considered as parasites, which actually feed on the epidermal wastes of your pet's body. In this case, they found food in the ears. And there they will stay for as long as they are getting the proper nourishment.
Ear mites may or may not be seen by the naked eye. There are species that are big enough to be seen floating about the hair and the skin of your pet. However, there are also some that can only be observed under a microscope. But then again, you don't have to see ear mites just to know whether or not your dog is suffering from it. There are telltale signs to watch out for.
Dogs that are very irritable and are scratching their ears a lot are most likely to be suffering from this condition. And most of these dogs would have brownish discharges coming out of their ears. The discharges are excessive ear wax. The mites trigger its production.
Generally, you don't have to clean the ears of your dog frequently because they can do it by themselves. So if you see a build up of ear wax in your pet, there's every reason to be alarmed. Your dog could be suffering from ear mites and you have to provide a quick solution to it.
Ear mites rarely lead to death. But that doesn't mean that it is not possible. The most common problem with ear mites is the fact that they can trigger the loss of your dog's hearing. Mites penetrating deep into the ears may cause damage to the ear drums. Keep in mind that the ear is responsible for keeping the body's balance. This is true with both dogs and humans. Ear mites could disrupt that balance and cause seizures to your pet. And if your dog suffered from a bad case of seizure, that's when sudden or eventual death may arise.
Ear mites are highly contagious. So you definitely want to keep your other pets away from the infected ones. This is also the reason why it is very important to address the problem early on. If you are not careful, the disease may spread to all of your pets. And in which case, the mites become harder to eliminate.
Keep your dog clean. That's the first line of defense against ear mites. Make sure that it gets is daily bath. Groom your pet as frequently as required. A healthy, hygienic dog is not likely to acquire any type of diseases - especially not ear mites.
DogEarMites.net - resources and articles dealing with the ear mites in dogs infection, how to prevent ear mites in dogs and how to treat ear mites in dogs
Friday, November 7, 2008
Many dog owners are anxious to give their four legged companions the freedom of going off leash, but it is important not to rush that important step.
Many dog owners are anxious to give their four legged companions the freedom of going off leash, but it is important not to rush that important step. Dogs should only be allowed off their leash after they have become masters of all the basic obedience commands, such as walking at your heel, sitting and staying on command.
Another skill that must be completely mastered before the dog can be taken off the leash is the come when called command. Even if the dog can heel, sit and stay perfectly, if he cannot be relied upon to come when called, he is not ready to be taken off the leash.
Taking any dog off the leash, especially in a busy, crowded area, or one with a lot of traffic, is a big step and not one to be taken lightly. It is vital to adequately test your dog in a safe environment before taking him off his leash. After all, the leash is the main instrument of control. You must be absolutely certain you can rely on your voice commands for control before removing the leash.
After the dog has been trained to understand the sit, stay and come when called commands, it is important to challenge the dog with various distractions. It is a good idea to start by introducing other people, other animals, or both, while the dog is in a safe environment like a fenced in yard.
Have a friend or neighbor stand just outside the fence while you hold you dog on the leash. As the friend or family member walks around the outside of the fence, watch your dog's reactions closely. If he starts to pull at the leash, quickly tug him back.
Repeat this exercise until the dog will reliably remain at your side. After this, you can try dropping the leash, and eventually removing the leash and repeating the distraction. It is important to vary the distractions, such as introducing other animals, other people, traffic, rolling balls, etc.
After your dog is able to remain still in the face of distraction, start introducing the come when called lessons with distractions in place. Try inviting some of the neighbors, and their dogs, over to play. As the dogs are playing in the fenced in yard, try calling your dog.
When the dog comes to you, immediately give him lots of praise, and perhaps a food reward. After the dog has been rewarded, immediately allow him to go back to playing. Repeat this several times throughout the day, making sure each time to reward the dog and immediately allow him to go back to his fun.
After the dog has seemingly mastered coming when called in his own yard, try finding a local dog park or similar area where you can practice with your dog. It is important to make the area small, or to choose a fenced in area, in case you lose control of the dog. If you cannot find a fenced in area, choose an area well away from people and cars.
Practice with your dog by allowing him to play with other dogs, or just to sniff around, then calling your dog. When he comes to you, immediately reward and praise him, then let him resume his previous activities. Doing this will teach the dog that coming to you is the best option and the one most likely to bring both rewards and continued good times.
Only after the dog has consistently demonstrated the ability to come when called, even when there are many distractions around, is it safe to allow him time off leash. Off leash time should never be unsupervised time. It is important, both for your well being and your dog's, that you know where he is and what he is doing at all times.
It is easy for a dog to get into trouble quickly, so you should always keep an eye on him, whether he is chasing squirrels in the park, playing with other dogs, or just chasing a ball with the neighbor's kids.
For more information please visit http://about-animals.info/
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Boston Terrier Breeders And The Ones You Should Avoid
October 28, 2008
Anyone can throw on a big fake smile, tell you the things they think you want to hear, and try to sell you a Boston Terrier you may not want. A reputable Boston Terrier breeder is someone that you can ask a lot of questions of and they will not be offended and a reputable breeder is going to insist that you do your homework before buying. You will find that an honest breeder will hide nothing from you because an honest breeder has nothing to hide.
The first thing you can do to weed out the shady breeder is to check and see what national breeder registry they are listed with. The gold standard is the American Kennel Club but there are other registries so find out which one your breeder is associated with so you can see what kind of breeding standards they use when doing their business. Also check to make sure they are really listed with the registry, do not take their word on it. Remember you are checking someone out so do your own work.
You will never get better advice about any aspect of your dog’s life than from your vet. If you do not have a vet yet then the time to start a relationship with a vet is when you are looking for a Boston Terrier breeder. Your vet may have opinions on the breeders you are considering and may also have breeders to recommend to you. Always consult with your vet prior to dealing with any Boston Terrier breeder or any dog breeder of any kind.
It is not a common route to take, but you should also probably have a talk with your local law enforcement officials about the breeders you are considering. If the local law enforcement officials in your area are very familiar with a particular breeder then it would probably be a very good idea for you to avoid dealing with that breeder for your good and also to protect your family from any future problems with your new pet.
After you have gone through asking everyone else what they think of your prospective Boston Terrier breeders it is now time to talk to the breeders themselves. See what their attitude is about breeding and determine by their actions and attitudes whether or not this is someone you want to do this very important business with and stay in touch with for many years to come.
Make sure that they will be available for consultation after the sale is over and just see if this is a person that you would be comfortable getting a pet from. We all know that a pet is part of the family so make sure you are making the right choice and ask your prospective Boston Terrier breeders a lot of questions.
The relationship between breeder and owner goes on for many years and if you make the wrong breeder choice then that is something you may wind up regretting for a very long time.
You need to do the right thing and make sure that you are choosing the right breeder for you and your family because in the end that relationship between you and your breeder is what is most important for the health of your dog and the happiness of your family.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Bad Dog Food: The Rise of Cancer in Dogs
They say that dogs are a man’s best friend. It’s true, isn’t it? There is nothing better than waking up to slobbery kisses first thing in the morning, or getting jumped in the excitement of you coming home to your dog. Dogs absolutely love their owners and the owner’s love their dogs and whenever a dog has a serious medical issue is almost the same as having a family member or relative having a serious medical issue. Some medical issues in dogs are extremely similar to the ones people have, and one that is on the rise is cancer.
Bad Dog food not bad dog Cancer is more prevalent in dogs these days than ever. Believe it or not, the current rate of cancer in dogs is much higher than it is in humans. It’s commonly known that part of the problem is when the majority of dog owners switched to kibble as opposed to natural food. There are several factors that can go into why dogs are getting cancer. The least controllable one is genetics. If the parents of the dog or any dog in the family line have had cancer that means the dog is more susceptible to getting it, just like in humans. The environment can affect this as well, if dogs are around a lot of smoke or pollution.
You are what you eat - even if you are a dog Then of course, their nutrition and diet is a huge part of keeping a dog healthy in general. This is the one we have the most control over. It’s important, just like us, to have healthy eating habits. Yes, it’s easier to just scoop a cup of kibble or dry dog food into their bowl and let them eat, but it’s not always the best thing. Consulting with a nutritionist that specifically deals with animals is the best way to see what kind of nutritional options that is out there.
There are even herbal and vitamin supplements that can help give your pet the nutrition they need. It’s understandable that feeding a dog steak every night is out of the question, no matter how much the dog would love it. Of course not all dry food is the same for your dog but if you don’t do your research you could really be harming your dog. Just like keeping your body healthy, keeping your dog healthy is a great way to keep them happy, and in turn having them around longer will make you happy as well. Exercise everyday, along with proper feeding habits is a great way to battle a potential thread of the ever-increasing cancer in dogs.
About the Author
Tom Peters is a dog lover and owner of Birkdale Medicinals. He created a healthier dog food and herbal supplement line after losing his beloved Banjo to cancer. Keep your dog healthy with a pet mix created for ultimate dog health with Organic pet food
Bad Dog food not bad dog Cancer is more prevalent in dogs these days than ever. Believe it or not, the current rate of cancer in dogs is much higher than it is in humans. It’s commonly known that part of the problem is when the majority of dog owners switched to kibble as opposed to natural food. There are several factors that can go into why dogs are getting cancer. The least controllable one is genetics. If the parents of the dog or any dog in the family line have had cancer that means the dog is more susceptible to getting it, just like in humans. The environment can affect this as well, if dogs are around a lot of smoke or pollution.
You are what you eat - even if you are a dog Then of course, their nutrition and diet is a huge part of keeping a dog healthy in general. This is the one we have the most control over. It’s important, just like us, to have healthy eating habits. Yes, it’s easier to just scoop a cup of kibble or dry dog food into their bowl and let them eat, but it’s not always the best thing. Consulting with a nutritionist that specifically deals with animals is the best way to see what kind of nutritional options that is out there.
There are even herbal and vitamin supplements that can help give your pet the nutrition they need. It’s understandable that feeding a dog steak every night is out of the question, no matter how much the dog would love it. Of course not all dry food is the same for your dog but if you don’t do your research you could really be harming your dog. Just like keeping your body healthy, keeping your dog healthy is a great way to keep them happy, and in turn having them around longer will make you happy as well. Exercise everyday, along with proper feeding habits is a great way to battle a potential thread of the ever-increasing cancer in dogs.
About the Author
Tom Peters is a dog lover and owner of Birkdale Medicinals. He created a healthier dog food and herbal supplement line after losing his beloved Banjo to cancer. Keep your dog healthy with a pet mix created for ultimate dog health with Organic pet food
Friday, October 17, 2008
Dog Parvo - The deadliest viral disease of dogs
The dog parvo virus is probably the most common viral illness of dogs at the moment. The virus is extremely small (the Latin word for small is "parvo") - just a few grams of stool can contain millions of virus particles. The dog parvo virus has been known and identifiable since the late 70's and can be transmitted by direct or indirect contact with vomit or diarrhea from an infected dog.
The Canine parvovirus (CPV), also refered to as "the dog parvo", attacks the intestinal tract, white blood cells, and in some rare cases the heart muscle. The common form of the dog parvo has a predilection for rapidly dividing cells (similar to cancer) such as the cells of intestinal lining and that is why it causes diarrhea and ulcerative enteritis. When the virus lashes out and attacks this type of cells, it makes dogs and puppies not being able to assimilate or absorb nutrients or liquids.
Symptoms of the dog parvo can take anywhere between 7 to 10 days before they are visible. In the early stages, symptoms that are likely to be noticed by the dog owner are a lack of energy and a loss of appetite. As a result, dogs infected with the parvo virus will soon show clear symptoms of dehydration and malnutrition. As the virus spreads, the dog parbo symptoms are characterized by high fever, severe diarrhea, quite often bloody, vomiting, lethargy and severe dehydration. If your dog, but especially your new puppy, begins exhibiting any of these symptoms, see a veterinarian right away. Because even though the dog parvo virus can also infect adult dogs, it is more often found in small puppies because of their low immune system. Parvovirus requires swift action to help an infected dog survive as when parvo is involved, every hour counts.
The severity of the disease depends upon the age of the dog, presence of maternal antibody, size of the virus dose and the breed of the infected dog. Though many dogs become highly ill due to this viral disease, breeds like Doberman Pinschers and Pit Bull Terriers may reveal clinical symptoms to a very severe degree.
According to conventional veterinarians, there is no known cure for the dog parvo. Conventional treatment is, therefore, mostly supportive and consists of maintaining the dog's body fluids, balancing electrolyte levels and maintaining body temperature. But even if a dog survives the initial bout of dog parvo, there is still a high risk of collapsing during the recovery period. You should get your dog immunized to protect them in case they come into contact with dogs that have the illness. Most veterinarians recommend that young puppies to be vaccinated every 3 to 4 weeks beginning when the pup is 6 weeks of age and continuing until it is 20 weeks old.
The dog parvo virus is most common in places where dogs congregate, such as parks, animal shelters or even at dog shows. Dogs may take in the virus from sniffing or consuming contaminated fecal matter, from cleansing himself, or from consuming food off the ground or flooring. That is why dogs that spend their time confined to a house or a yard and are not in contact with other dogs have much less chance of exposure to the canine parvo virus. You must also be aware of the fact that the dog parvo virus may be even brought home to your dog on shoes and even automobile tires. If you allow your dog to live outside, then remember to alter drinking water on a regular basis because there is a chance that the water can contain parvo virus (carried by birds on their feets or feathers or in their feces).CPV is very resistant and can remain in feces-contaminated ground for five months or more if conditions are favorable.Be aware of the fact that the dog parvo symptoms resemble other diseases (like poisoning or worms) and are often misdiagnosed. The only way to know if a dog has the Parvo virus is through a positive diagnostic test.
About the author:
For more information, visit http://dog-parvo.blogspot.com, a website dedicated to inform pet owners about Dog Parvo. The website contains articles on symptoms, treatments and prevention. Article Source: http://www.free-articles-zone.com/
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Hunting With A Dog
Hunting along with a dog is a rather controversial sport these days and there are some dogs better at it than other, some dogs are better “at” a specific type of hunting than others, that is why hunting with a dog is a popular sport among hunting enthusiasts. There aren’t any specific groups registered in the American Kennel Club ( AKC ) for hunting alone other than the hounds which are known to have an ancestral background in their lineage in the hunting domain.These traits vary from dog to dog: some have a very developed scenting ability while others have very good stamina and so on.
Some of the most famous hounds would be the: Beagle, Norwegian Elkhound, American Foxhound, Black And Tan Coonhound and others as well. The widely known AKC Sporting Group is a rather large group of hunting dogs for those hunters that enjoy hunting along with a dog in a woody or watery environment.
Some of the dogs that belong to this group would be the: American Water Spaniel, Golden Retriever, English Cocker Spaniel, German Shorthaired Pointer and others as well.
Moving on to the interesting part, the exciting aspect about the above mentioned dogs ( and the rest of them, of course ) is that each breed has its own natural behavior. Hunting along with one of these dogs will surely improve your hunting efficiency but choosing the most appropriate type of dog is crucial as some dogs excel at fox hunting for example while other are best to be used for squirrel hunting. The terriers were originally developed for hunting small games and killing vermin and if you plan on hunting squirrels for example, a working terrier is the best way to do it. The hunting dogs are most recommended for any type of hunting as they will prove their efficiency if properly trained.
The main disadvantage regarding hunting dogs is that the training procedure is rather complex and might not show up the expected results when hunting for the first time with the dog. Regarding the aspect of training a hunting dog, it is also a matter of time because training a dog properly for hunting purposes can take up to one year and in some cases you will have only one chance to do it because some mistakes are irreversible. An example of an irreversible mistake would be the lack of early socialization. We recommend that you do a little bit of research before choosing your hunting dog ( keeping in mind the type of game you are going to use the dog at ), start the training from an early age and things should go smoothly.
All things considered, hunting along with a dog has its advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage of using a dog is that if the dog was properly trained from an early age, the chances of catching more animals is higher as this dogs will do some of the work for you. The main disadvantage would be that the entire training process takes some time and every dog is different in its own way so there is no such thing as a standard training procedure applicable for all breeds.
Summary: Hunting with a dog can be a very exciting and entertaining experience but training a dog for hunting takes a lot of time and practice in order to do it properly.
About Author: Razvan Marian Jr. is the owner of www.huntingdogsreviews.com where you can find useful but also interesting facts about hunting dogs.
Some of the most famous hounds would be the: Beagle, Norwegian Elkhound, American Foxhound, Black And Tan Coonhound and others as well. The widely known AKC Sporting Group is a rather large group of hunting dogs for those hunters that enjoy hunting along with a dog in a woody or watery environment.
Some of the dogs that belong to this group would be the: American Water Spaniel, Golden Retriever, English Cocker Spaniel, German Shorthaired Pointer and others as well.
Moving on to the interesting part, the exciting aspect about the above mentioned dogs ( and the rest of them, of course ) is that each breed has its own natural behavior. Hunting along with one of these dogs will surely improve your hunting efficiency but choosing the most appropriate type of dog is crucial as some dogs excel at fox hunting for example while other are best to be used for squirrel hunting. The terriers were originally developed for hunting small games and killing vermin and if you plan on hunting squirrels for example, a working terrier is the best way to do it. The hunting dogs are most recommended for any type of hunting as they will prove their efficiency if properly trained.
The main disadvantage regarding hunting dogs is that the training procedure is rather complex and might not show up the expected results when hunting for the first time with the dog. Regarding the aspect of training a hunting dog, it is also a matter of time because training a dog properly for hunting purposes can take up to one year and in some cases you will have only one chance to do it because some mistakes are irreversible. An example of an irreversible mistake would be the lack of early socialization. We recommend that you do a little bit of research before choosing your hunting dog ( keeping in mind the type of game you are going to use the dog at ), start the training from an early age and things should go smoothly.
All things considered, hunting along with a dog has its advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage of using a dog is that if the dog was properly trained from an early age, the chances of catching more animals is higher as this dogs will do some of the work for you. The main disadvantage would be that the entire training process takes some time and every dog is different in its own way so there is no such thing as a standard training procedure applicable for all breeds.
Summary: Hunting with a dog can be a very exciting and entertaining experience but training a dog for hunting takes a lot of time and practice in order to do it properly.
About Author: Razvan Marian Jr. is the owner of www.huntingdogsreviews.com where you can find useful but also interesting facts about hunting dogs.
6 Different Dog breeds you don't know
Everybody has heard of the basset hound or the beagle. This type of dogs has proved to have many qualities or has been advertised a lot. The influence plays also an important role:if one of my friends. to whom I compete has just bought a pitbull, I should definitely bring about a Tossain. How about the Polish Owczarek Nizinny? i know nothing about it so this shouldn't be my choice. There are many breeds of dogs left on this planet which prove to have more qualities, yet, are unpopular. This article will present you some of these breeds.
The affenpinscher
This is the smallest dog in the breed which also presented us the schnauzers. The affenpinscher is thought to be the most suitable for a family pet as it is very intelligent, easy to train of a good demeanor. They have a dark fur and have always shown affection to human beings.
The anatolian Shepherd
This dog breed is of a medium size and has proved to be very courageous. This breed is very powerful and loyal and it is used in U.S.A especially for military and hunting purposes.
The basenji
The dogs from this breed are medium sized muscular dogs and are also named the Africa Barkless Dogs. What is funny is that they ever bark because they don't want to do so as researches have shown they are not mute.They are extremely known in Africa for their hunting skills.They are not suitable as family pets but their aversion to humans can be diminished if they are handled properly from an early age.
The Bouvier des Flandres
This small and steady dog breed is somewhat similar to the terrier one . Their fur is generally in dark shades and they have proved to be very calm. At the beginning they were bred as herders in France but nowadays they are used for police and military purposes, as well as guidance for blind persons.
The central Asian Ovtcharka
The Central Asian Ovtcharka includes only large and muscular dogs. They appear to be very loyal and fearless dogs with strong protective instincts which makes them being used as watchdogs. As any other large dog they have their ears and tail cut from an early age.
The Polish Owczarek Nizinny
This dog is of a medium size muscular dog with a long fur which covers its eyes. It can be used as a family pet, being very loyal, yet they shouldn't be left alone because they are notorious for the 'disasters' they cause in this situation.
All in all what we do know is that many dog breeds are not so famous but they prove to have some qualities which cannot be surpassed. They may be great hunters or family pets; the idea is that we should pay much attention to them as they are really fantastic.
For great information about dog breeders, dog breeds, dog books, dogs for sale, stud dogs, dog names, dog rescue, dogs wanted and missing dogs just visit us at http://www.Doggies.ca
About The Author
Doggies.ca Admin
Everybody has heard of the basset hound or the beagle. This type of dogs has proved to have many qualities or has been advertised a lot.
5 Shocking Facts About Commercial Dog Food
After publishing an article online about my dog Joe and his battle with Canine Liver Disease, I was inundated with e-mails from dog owners worldwide whose pets were suffering from diseases of the heart, kidneys and various chronic digestive problems.
In many cases, after simply changing their pets diet I was fascinated to note there were major marked improvements in the health of their dogs across a wide range of canine diseases.After many hours of research I made a series of shocking discoveries about the commercial dog food that many people feed their much-loved pet……here is just a sample of the information that I was amazed to find
· Meat or Poultry by-products are very common in wet pet foods. The better brands of pet food, such as many “super-premium,” “natural,” and “organic” varieties, do not use by-products. On the label, you’ll see one or more named meats among the first few ingredients, such as “turkey” or “lamb.” These meats are still mainly leftover scraps; in the case of poultry, bones are allowed, so “chicken” consists mainly of backs and frames—the spine and ribs, minus their expensive breast meat. The small amount of meat left on the bones is the meat in the pet food. Even with this less-attractive source, pet food marketers are very tricky when talking about meat
· So-called “4D” animals (dead, dying, diseased, disabled) were only recently banned for human consumption and are still legitimate ingredients for pet food.
· Contrary to the myth propagated by pet food companies, dry food is not good for teeth. Given that the vast majority of pets eat dry food, yet the most common health problem in pets is dental disease, this should be obvious. Humans do not floss with crackers, and dry food does not clean the teeth.
· A claim that a named meat (chicken, lamb, etc.) is the #1 ingredient is generally seen for dry food. Ingredients are listed on the label by weight, and raw chicken weighs a lot, since contains a lot of water. If you look further down the list, you’re likely to see ingredients such as chicken or poultry by-product meal, meat-and-bone meal, corn gluten meal, soybean meal, or other high-protein meal. Meals have had the fat and water removed, and basically consist of a dry, lightweight protein powder.
It doesn’t take much raw chicken to weigh more than a great big pile of this powder, so in reality the food is based on the protein meal, with very little “chicken” to be found. This has become a very popular marketing gimmick, even in premium and “health food” type brands·
Feeding recommendations or instructions on the packaging are sometimes inflated so that the consumer will end up feeding — and purchasing — more food. One of the most common health problems in pets, obesity, may also be related to high-carb, high-calorie dry foods. Both dogs and cats respond to low-carb wet food diets. Overweight pets are more prone to arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes.To find out more about what YOUR dog is REALLY eating and what YOU can do about it please visit:www.moredogfoodfacts.com
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Warning: Don't Let Your Child be a Dog Bite Victim-use These Helpful Tips
There are many factors which can increase the chance of your or your child being a victim of a dog bite or dog attack.Owners of dogs, teenagers, grandparents, babysitters, caregivers of all types and especially parents of young children, must keep in mind all of the factors that can result in or lead to aggressive and harmful behavior in dogs.
Of course, the greater the number of these factors which are present will increase the likelihood that a damaging or injurious bite or attack can occur.
For example: If a canine is continuously kept on a leash or chain, then there is a much increased chance that such a dog will be aggressive and/or lack proper "people skills."Not surprisingly, male dogs are more likely to exhibit aggressive tendencies and account for a higher percentage of bites and attacks on children and adults.
Notwithstanding the previous fact, dominant, poorly trained and socialized or fearful female dogs will, and often do, bite children and their caregivers.If there are two or more dogs in a yard without the dog owner present, then there is a significantly higher chance of encountering or experiencing dog bites or dangerous do behavior.
The greater number of dogs that are present equals a much higher risk for attacks, bites, or maulings , which are associated with pack behavior.
Non-neutered or un-spayed dogs typically demonstrate higher levels of aggressive behavior.
Some additional evidence shows that the number of dog attacks and bites goes up during the warmer months of the Summer due the higher volume of people outside and in the presence of a greater number of dogs.
Disturbingly, the single, most common cause of deadly dog bites and seriously harmful canine attacks is the owner of the dog, who does not properly train, supervise or care for their animal.
As a father of two young children and a lawyer who handles injury claims associated with dog bites/attacks, I want to do everything I can to keep my kids safe and avoid them being hurt by a dog.
As a fellow parent, sibling, aunt/uncle, or friend, I know that you also want to keep all the children in your lives safe from dangerous dog behavior.
To help us all achieve this very important goal, I have compiled the following list of things that all children should be taught about dogs:
-Don't chase or tease dogs.
-Wait to be introduced to the dog by the dog's adult owner.
-Ask the dog owner's permission to pet their dog first, before trying to pet the dog.
-Wait for a dog owner's permission to pet the dog and then teach your child to let the dog sniff the child's hand first, before petting the dog.
-Pet the animal gently after the dog sniffs his/her hand.
-Never pet a dog while it is eating or sleeping.
-Never approach a dog that has puppies or is nursing puppies.
Learn the items on this list and then teach the children in your life these valuable tips and hopefully you and your children will avoid be another victim.
-Never pet a dog while it is playing with a toy.
-Never try to take a dog's toy away from the dog.
-Don't play rough with dogs.
-If your child is outside and a stray dog approaches, then teach your child to not run away, but to try backing away slowly. The dog will always be able to run faster than the child and could chase your child and attack.
Put these tips into action and keep yourself and your children safe around dogs.
Don't wait.
You never know when a dangerous situation will present itself.
Of course, the greater the number of these factors which are present will increase the likelihood that a damaging or injurious bite or attack can occur.
For example: If a canine is continuously kept on a leash or chain, then there is a much increased chance that such a dog will be aggressive and/or lack proper "people skills."Not surprisingly, male dogs are more likely to exhibit aggressive tendencies and account for a higher percentage of bites and attacks on children and adults.
Notwithstanding the previous fact, dominant, poorly trained and socialized or fearful female dogs will, and often do, bite children and their caregivers.If there are two or more dogs in a yard without the dog owner present, then there is a significantly higher chance of encountering or experiencing dog bites or dangerous do behavior.
The greater number of dogs that are present equals a much higher risk for attacks, bites, or maulings , which are associated with pack behavior.
Non-neutered or un-spayed dogs typically demonstrate higher levels of aggressive behavior.
Some additional evidence shows that the number of dog attacks and bites goes up during the warmer months of the Summer due the higher volume of people outside and in the presence of a greater number of dogs.
Disturbingly, the single, most common cause of deadly dog bites and seriously harmful canine attacks is the owner of the dog, who does not properly train, supervise or care for their animal.
As a father of two young children and a lawyer who handles injury claims associated with dog bites/attacks, I want to do everything I can to keep my kids safe and avoid them being hurt by a dog.
As a fellow parent, sibling, aunt/uncle, or friend, I know that you also want to keep all the children in your lives safe from dangerous dog behavior.
To help us all achieve this very important goal, I have compiled the following list of things that all children should be taught about dogs:
-Don't chase or tease dogs.
-Wait to be introduced to the dog by the dog's adult owner.
-Ask the dog owner's permission to pet their dog first, before trying to pet the dog.
-Wait for a dog owner's permission to pet the dog and then teach your child to let the dog sniff the child's hand first, before petting the dog.
-Pet the animal gently after the dog sniffs his/her hand.
-Never pet a dog while it is eating or sleeping.
-Never approach a dog that has puppies or is nursing puppies.
Learn the items on this list and then teach the children in your life these valuable tips and hopefully you and your children will avoid be another victim.
-Never pet a dog while it is playing with a toy.
-Never try to take a dog's toy away from the dog.
-Don't play rough with dogs.
-If your child is outside and a stray dog approaches, then teach your child to not run away, but to try backing away slowly. The dog will always be able to run faster than the child and could chase your child and attack.
Put these tips into action and keep yourself and your children safe around dogs.
Don't wait.
You never know when a dangerous situation will present itself.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
German Shepherds - The Family Watch Dog
There's a lot of different breeds of dogs, but among the world's most popular dog breeds there are a few that have been singled out as the most loyal, hard-working and intelligent. German Shepherds have long been valued for these qualities and more.The German Shepherd is a newer breed. It originated in 1899 in Germany and was used for herding sheep.
The breed was created when German ex-military member and veterinary student Max von Stephanitz saw a dog with admirable working qualities. The dog was strong and intelligent, with a superior sense of smell and fierce loyalty.Von Stephanitz purchased the dog and bred it with his own working dogs. Eventually, he created the breed we now know as German Shepherds. Every German Shepherd today can be traced back to von Stephanitz and his breeding efforts.The name of the breed has been a source of several controversies since its inception in 1899.
The original name given to the breed by Max von Stephanitz translated literally to "German Shepherd Dog." In the 1940's, the Kennel Club officially changed the breed's name to Alsation Wolf Dog. The change was due to the fear that the breed would become unpopular because of widespread anti-German sentiments during WW2.Not long after this name change, the general public began to fear that Alsation Wolf Dogs were actually wild and aggressive half wolves. While this was not true, the public's fear was enough to prompt the Kennel Club to change the name again, this time to simply Alsation.Dog lovers in various countries pressured kennel clubs for another name change in 1977.
This time, they asked that the breed revert to its original name. Since then, the official name of the breed has been German Shepherd Dog.The original German Shepherd Dogs were used to herd and protect sheep on working farms in Germany. Since then, German Shepherds have been used in a variety of working capacities. Perhaps most well-known is their use as police and military working dogs. In rural settings, German Shepherds are extremely useful for search and rescue missions. Their keen sense of smell and dedication to pleasing their masters make them diligent workers.In a more urban environment, German Shepherd Dogs are extremely useful for locating drugs, explosives and fleeing suspects.
The strength of the dogs makes them ideal for taking down dangerous or running suspects. They are often used in airports and mail processing facilities to sniff out contraband in luggage and packages.In recent years, some concerns have been raised about the safety of German Shepherd Dogs. There have been some reported cases of the dogs turning violent or attacking people. However, most of these cases are based on anecdotal evidence.
Dogs tend to react aggressively when mistreated or threatened, or when protecting their masters. This has been the cause for many of the so-called German Shepherd 'attacks'.Overall, German Shepherd Dogs are very safe to have around. In fact, they make outstanding guard dogs. They are protective of their owners and will often put themselves in danger to save their masters. They are currently the third most popular dog breed in the United States and enjoy popularity all over the world.In Spain and the Balearic Islands especially, dog lovers appreciate the loyalty and beauty of this regal breed.
According to licensing records, in fact, the German Shepherd Dog is the most popular dog breed in Menorca - the popular holiday island has a reputation of being extremely safe. That reputation is thanks, in part, to these gentle working dogs. They are always on the job, protecting their adoptive families and keeping watch for any signs of trouble such as housebreakers.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Dogs Are Our Best Friends and with Good Reason
Why are there so many dog lovers out there ? Dogs share our lives in a way that most other animals can't, and they're so commonplace that it's easy to take their faithful companionship for granted. The purpose of this article is to remind us of why we love dogs so much, to spare a few minutes and to spare a few words in praise of "man's best friend," the dog. Dogs are friendly and they love human companionship. Whose ego would not be gratified at the sight of a happy dog who can't wait to greet you at the end of a hard day ? Your dog waits for you by the door, face smiling, mouth open and tail wagging, ready to dote on you, his best friend in the world.
Dogs are loyal and, as pack animals, they respond to the presence of a leader - you !
Dogs are eager to please you in any way they can. When you're feeling blue your dog will remain by your side silently comforting you. When you're happy and excited, your dog will leap about you and share in your joy. Dogs are playful. They love physical activity such as going for walks, fetching sticks, leaping into ponds, and racing wildly to and fro. Dogs will join you for a jog or for a day in the park or even for an exhuberant game of frisbee. Yet dogs can also be soft and cuddly and ready at anytime for a loving pat and a reassuring hug. They're affectionate and they're soothing to stroke, plus most dogs can also remain calm when necessary and be tolerant of small children who don't yet know how to be quiet or to behave gently around animals.
Dogs can be trained so that they can easily cohabitate with us in our human-built dwellings. They can also be trusted to act appropriately around other people and in public. Dogs can learn to save nature's call for outdoor walks, to walk on a leash when on public roads where cars lurk, and to sit and to stay whenever and whereever necessary.
The family dog is as much a part of daily life within a home as is any human household member. Our dogs are always there for us, day and night, sharing in every activity from breakfast time through a cozy evening spent watching TV. They can share both our indoor and many of our local outdoor activities, but that's not all. Dogs also play a big part in family life even when the family isn't at home. They can readily go places with us in cars, everywhere from a romp in the local park to a family vacation. Because they can travel with us, they can be a part of our lives in a way that most other companion animals can't. As dogs can participate in many of our most unusual experiences and outdoor adventures, they become forever associated with many of our most treasured memories.
Dogs, in all of their various shapes and sizes, are also beautiful animals to admire and to look at. From their big beautiful eyes and lovely faces, to their soft, sleek, shiny coats, to the tips of their joyfully wagging tails, dogs are a pleasure to behold. With so many different breeds to choose from, everyone can choose the dog whose appearance most appeals to them, whether large or small, short or long-muzzled, short-haired or long-haired or curly or straight-haired, with a muscular build or a slim build, with an elegant face or a comical face, and in any number of colors.
Each family can adopt the perfect dog to suit their taste and lifestyle by considering factors such as a dog's size and temperment. Does the family have a large fenced yard where a big dog can romp in safety, or a cramped apartment suitable for small dogs only ? Can the family pet care budget support a large dog with a large appetite ? Are there lots of flower beds that might be dug up and ruined by a breed such as a terrier ? Are there children in the house who require an extra gentle dog who'll tolerate the uninformed tail-pulling of a pre-schooler or the roughhousing of a ten year old ?
Does the family have the time available to give a dog all the love, attention, exercise and play that he deserves, or will he be alone all day ? How about two dogs to keep each other company when the human members of the family aren't around ? Perhaps a loveable mutt or two would be the ideal choices ! The local dog shelter is likely to be harboring many abandoned dogs who are sad and lonely and desperately in need of a second chance to find true happiness with a loving family.
Dogs give us the best of themselves: their love, loyalty, unconditional acceptance and affection, playfulness and companionship. In return, we owe them our best and the best care that we can give them, including a healthy, well-balanced diet, constant access to clean water and shelter from the hot sun or extreme cold, regular brushing and other grooming, ongoing veterinary care, plus annual vaccinations. Dogs should also be spayed or neutered, so that they do not contribute to the tragedy of the pet overpopulation problem.
A safe environment is, of course, a must. Indoors, be sure that cleaning products, medications, houseplants and other potential poisons are kept safely out of reach. Upper floor windows need secure grills or screens if they are to be opened. Heavy objects must not be left where they might fall on and injure dogs.
Outdoor yards need secure fences if there are roads with cars nearby. (Please don't chain dogs outside and deny them their freedom of movement.) Antifreeze and other poisons mustn't be allowed to leak where any animals might have access to them and try to drink them.
A leash should be used for walks where traffic poses a threat to safety.
Don't skimp on daily exercise and provide lots of opportunities to run around and play but, if a little dog has short legs, remember to slow down and not force him to overwork his little legs in trying to keep up with your larger stride.
Don't force dogs to hurry past every tree when out for a walk, either. Sometimes dogs just need to sniff, so don't rush them too much. Above all else, dogs deserve gentle handling and an abundance of our time and attention. Love can make a dog's world go round as much as love makes our world go round. When we give our love freely to our dogs, we receive their love in return.
Dogs can truly be man's and woman's and children's best friends, and we should feel honored to be theirs, as well.
Source: Free Articles
Dogs are loyal and, as pack animals, they respond to the presence of a leader - you !
Dogs are eager to please you in any way they can. When you're feeling blue your dog will remain by your side silently comforting you. When you're happy and excited, your dog will leap about you and share in your joy. Dogs are playful. They love physical activity such as going for walks, fetching sticks, leaping into ponds, and racing wildly to and fro. Dogs will join you for a jog or for a day in the park or even for an exhuberant game of frisbee. Yet dogs can also be soft and cuddly and ready at anytime for a loving pat and a reassuring hug. They're affectionate and they're soothing to stroke, plus most dogs can also remain calm when necessary and be tolerant of small children who don't yet know how to be quiet or to behave gently around animals.
Dogs can be trained so that they can easily cohabitate with us in our human-built dwellings. They can also be trusted to act appropriately around other people and in public. Dogs can learn to save nature's call for outdoor walks, to walk on a leash when on public roads where cars lurk, and to sit and to stay whenever and whereever necessary.
The family dog is as much a part of daily life within a home as is any human household member. Our dogs are always there for us, day and night, sharing in every activity from breakfast time through a cozy evening spent watching TV. They can share both our indoor and many of our local outdoor activities, but that's not all. Dogs also play a big part in family life even when the family isn't at home. They can readily go places with us in cars, everywhere from a romp in the local park to a family vacation. Because they can travel with us, they can be a part of our lives in a way that most other companion animals can't. As dogs can participate in many of our most unusual experiences and outdoor adventures, they become forever associated with many of our most treasured memories.
Dogs, in all of their various shapes and sizes, are also beautiful animals to admire and to look at. From their big beautiful eyes and lovely faces, to their soft, sleek, shiny coats, to the tips of their joyfully wagging tails, dogs are a pleasure to behold. With so many different breeds to choose from, everyone can choose the dog whose appearance most appeals to them, whether large or small, short or long-muzzled, short-haired or long-haired or curly or straight-haired, with a muscular build or a slim build, with an elegant face or a comical face, and in any number of colors.
Each family can adopt the perfect dog to suit their taste and lifestyle by considering factors such as a dog's size and temperment. Does the family have a large fenced yard where a big dog can romp in safety, or a cramped apartment suitable for small dogs only ? Can the family pet care budget support a large dog with a large appetite ? Are there lots of flower beds that might be dug up and ruined by a breed such as a terrier ? Are there children in the house who require an extra gentle dog who'll tolerate the uninformed tail-pulling of a pre-schooler or the roughhousing of a ten year old ?
Does the family have the time available to give a dog all the love, attention, exercise and play that he deserves, or will he be alone all day ? How about two dogs to keep each other company when the human members of the family aren't around ? Perhaps a loveable mutt or two would be the ideal choices ! The local dog shelter is likely to be harboring many abandoned dogs who are sad and lonely and desperately in need of a second chance to find true happiness with a loving family.
Dogs give us the best of themselves: their love, loyalty, unconditional acceptance and affection, playfulness and companionship. In return, we owe them our best and the best care that we can give them, including a healthy, well-balanced diet, constant access to clean water and shelter from the hot sun or extreme cold, regular brushing and other grooming, ongoing veterinary care, plus annual vaccinations. Dogs should also be spayed or neutered, so that they do not contribute to the tragedy of the pet overpopulation problem.
A safe environment is, of course, a must. Indoors, be sure that cleaning products, medications, houseplants and other potential poisons are kept safely out of reach. Upper floor windows need secure grills or screens if they are to be opened. Heavy objects must not be left where they might fall on and injure dogs.
Outdoor yards need secure fences if there are roads with cars nearby. (Please don't chain dogs outside and deny them their freedom of movement.) Antifreeze and other poisons mustn't be allowed to leak where any animals might have access to them and try to drink them.
A leash should be used for walks where traffic poses a threat to safety.
Don't skimp on daily exercise and provide lots of opportunities to run around and play but, if a little dog has short legs, remember to slow down and not force him to overwork his little legs in trying to keep up with your larger stride.
Don't force dogs to hurry past every tree when out for a walk, either. Sometimes dogs just need to sniff, so don't rush them too much. Above all else, dogs deserve gentle handling and an abundance of our time and attention. Love can make a dog's world go round as much as love makes our world go round. When we give our love freely to our dogs, we receive their love in return.
Dogs can truly be man's and woman's and children's best friends, and we should feel honored to be theirs, as well.
Source: Free Articles
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
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