Overview of Washington State's Dog Bite Laws - Part #2

Author: Christopher Davis

Liability Imposed Against the Dog's "Owner"

Washington's dog bite statute only imposes liability against the "owner" of the dog. So occasionally a dispute arises about who actually owns the dog. For instance, if the person who harbors and takes care of the dog is not the true legal owner of the animal, can this person still be liable for the injuries inflicted by the dog? The answer is usually yes. Although the dog bite statute refers to liability of the dog "owner," there are court decisions that broadly define the owner to include one who possesses and/or cares for the dog.

In one case that occurred back in 1988, the dog was purchased and "owned" by a young woman. But the woman kept her dog at her grandmother's home. The grandmother resided with and cared for the dog during a three-year period before the dog bit and injured another person. The question was whether the grandmother could be held liable for the injuries when she was not necessarily the true owner of the dog. A Washington State court answered yes. The grandmother's conduct of harboring and caring for the dog over a three-year period was sufficient conduct to make her an "owner" of the dog for purposes of imposing liability under the statute. The court seemed to focus on the fact that the grandmother acted like the owner of the dog over a long period of time. Perhaps this case sends the message that if you act like the dog's owner, or if you hold yourself out to others as the owner of the dog, you may be responsible for any injuries or damages that dog inflicts upon others.

Furthermore, there may be various local regulations and ordinances that also broadly define the owner of a dog. In King County a dog owner is broadly defined as "any person having an interest in or right of possession to the animal, or any person having control, custody, or possession of an animal...or by reason of the animal being seen residing consistently at a location, to an extent such that the person could be presumed to be the owner." This definition is broad enough to include any person who harbors or keeps the dog for a period of time that is sufficient to cause one to believe that the person may be the true or legal owner, even if that person is not.

The question may arise: what period of time is sufficient to cause one to believe that one who harbors the dog is the true or legal owner of that dog? This is a factual question that may need to be resolved by a jury. Certainly, the longer a person acts like the dog's owner, or engages in conduct similar to the owner, means the greater likelihood that this person may also be legally responsible for the dog's dangerous or vicious propensities toward other human beings.

Although the dog's "owner" may be defined quite broadly, there are certain limitations that exist. For instance, the question has been raised whether a landlord can be considered an "owner" of the dog for purposes of subjecting the landlord to liability under the dog bite statute. Washington courts have clearly stated no. A landlord will usually not be considered the dog's owner just based on that person's status as a landlord. Thus, if the dog owner is a renter or if the dog attack occurred on property that was being leased, the victim cannot rely on the dog bite statute to attempt to impose liability on the person who either owns or controls the property, unless that person also shares the responsibility of keeping, feeding and harboring the dog - tasks usually performed by the dog's true owner.

About the Author:

Christopher M. Davis is a Seattle attorney focusing on personal injury cases. He is also known as a animal attack and dog bite lawyer and has written the book 'When The Dog Bites' as a legal resource for dog bite victims. For more information about Washington State dog bite law visit: http://www.injurytriallawyer.com/practice_areas/dog-bites-animal-attacks.cfm

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Dog Training Tips for the New Dog Owner

Author: Andrew Bicknell
Let's face it, for many people training their dog is a struggle that sooner or later leads them to just give up and let their dog do whatever he pleases. Then they ask themselves why they have such a disobedient dog. More experienced dog owners know that dog training is something that is always going on. Whenever they are with their dog they are always training him. Going for walks, playing in the park, even just relaxing around the house are all opportunities to teach. Dogs by nature are curious creatures who get easily bored. If there is not a proper outlet for this boredom they will find something to do. And to a dog who doesn't know the difference chewing up a shoe or digging holes in the yard is neither good nor bad. It's just something to do. The more a dog learns to please himself and do whatever he wants the less control his owner will have. A disobedient dog does not just happen; by ignoring, mistreating or being lackadaisical about training him he will learn all sorts of bad behaviors all by himself. Dogs love to please their owners but without feedback they have no idea if they are doing right or wrong. Everything is the same to them. This is why it is important to praise a dog when they are being obedient. Positive reinforcement is one of the most powerful dog training tools a dog owner can use. Many people do not realize the amount of work needed to train some of the more amazing dogs they see on TV or here about in news reports. Police dogs, seeing eye dogs, military dogs can take a good year of intense training to get them to the point where they can even start working in that capacity. And their training never stops. Dogs do not come trained and they will not learn simply because they inhabit the same space as their owners. Dogs have no inborn sense of right and wrong; everything is the same to them, unless they are taught. Dog training is all about teaching a dog good behavior. Repetition is the name of the game when it comes to having an obedient dog. Combined with praise for a job well done a dog will soon learn what its boundaries are and who is actually in charge. The first thing every dog should learn is their name. This is what gets their attention and simply saying it should stop them dead in their tracks from whatever they are doing. From there on a dogs training should be a daily routine; housetraining, sitting, staying, not barking or jumping up on people, these are things that will make life with a dog easier and much more enjoyable.About the Author:

For more dog training tips and tricks visit the website Worfdog.com by clicking here.

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Yorkie Barking: 5 Ways to Stop Yorkies That Bark Alot

Author: Luke Blaise

Yorkies seem to bark a lot more than other dogs. Whether they do this for social reasons, protection, or to get attention, we don't know. What we do know is that we love these little dogs, but after a while the barking can become annoying and also can lead to problems with neighbors. Here are 5 tips to keep your Yorkie from barking




1. Set firm boundaries about when you will and won't give your dog attention. Dogs love schedules and when you make one and stick too it your dog will know what to expect attention and not to. It is important that you stick to this schedule if you have any hope that your stop barking plan will work.




2. More exercise is always a good idea. Many dogs bark because they have too much excessive energy. Talk your dog for a walk or play with them. If a dog has been resting all day and when they see or hear something interesting they have lots of nervous energy to get rid of. Take your dog for a walk in the mornings, afternoon or evenings. Also play with your dog more to get them tired out. If you know of a situation where your dog regularly barks, then try to tire them out with exercise first.




3. Make sure your Yorkie is aware that there are negative consequences when they do bark. This could be in the form of no treats, being ignored by you, or no toys. Do not use physical punishment. Hitting your dog will only lead to more problems.




4. Any good dog trainer will tell you that the best way to change a dog's behavior is with positive reinforcement. So when your dog does not bark when it normally did, you have to reward them for a job well done. This could be in the form of a treat or positive attention. Over time the old behavior of barking will gradually disappear and you will have a quieter Yorkie.




5. As a last resort you could try citronella collars. This is a dog collar that sprays a small amount of citronella when the dog barks. Dogs do not like this smell so it is a good deterrent. This collar works very well and is much more humane than shock collars. The main problem with these is that at the beginning you have to refill the citronella very often due to the large amount of barking. But over time you will not have to do this as often because the amount of barking will decrease and stop.




If you have trouble with your Yorkie barking too much, realize that you are not alone. Yorkies are the number two most popular dog breed in the United States According to the American Kennel Club, so you can only imagine how many other people are having the same problem.




Yorkies love to bark, but as you can see there are numerous ways to try and change their behavior. It is always easier to change their behavior when they are young, but even older Yorkies can have their behavior modified.

About the Author:
Learn more here about Yorkie Care. To learn more about breeding Yorkies visit: How To Breed Yorkies

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Give Special Attention to the Diet of Your Sick Pet Dog

Author: Kelly Marshall

When the body temperature of the dog rises above normal, the dog requires extra energy to cope with the illness. As you would know, the diet of the dog plays a very important role in the regulation of its health. The diet of the dog should be regulated accordingly.



If the diet of the dog is not improved, the extra energy requirement of the dog shall be met by the utilization of the reserves of the body. To prevent such a scenario, make changes to the diet of the dog immediately upon the discovery of the fact that the dog is ill.



The change in the diet can be calculated by estimating the additional calorie requirement of the sick dog. The general rule is that for every degree of temperature above normal, the dog should be given three calories per pound of body weight.



If the temperature is 1 unit above normal and the body weight of the dog is 25 pounds, the normal diet of the dog should be supplemented to provide for 75 calories of extra energy. The easiest way to enhance the calories supplied to the dog is to add corn oil to the diet.



A single tea- spoon of corn oil provides 45 calories of energy. Further, corn oil enhances the taste of the food and will also help the dog eat more despite its poor appetite due to the illness.



Fevers of prolonged duration result in a loss of body protein as well as energy consumption. The protein being lost can be replaced by adding three ounces of cottage cheese or one hard-boiled egg to every pound of canned food or every tour ounces of dry food.



A body of a sick dog not only requires extra energy to cope with the illness but also extra protein to restore the body protein lost due to the illness. The best way to replace protein is to add:



• 3 ounces of cottage cheese, or

• one hard boiled egg to

• every pound of canned food or

• every four ounces of dry food.



No changes need to be made to the diet on account of the illness except for the additions mentioned above. The supplements should begin as the illness begins and ends only when the fever subsides. Begin the protein supplement if the fever persists for more than 3 days.



If the fever is caused by an infection, the vet usually prescribes a course of antibiotics to cure the illness. The prescription of antibiotics for the dog will also lead to changes in the diet.



Humans are more vulnerable to bacteria as compared to other living beings including dogs. In fact, many beneficial bacteria living in the intestine of the dog produce essential vitamins like Vitamin B- complex. This vitamin is very important for the health of the dog



Antibiotic therapy, as the name suggests, destroys the bacterium causing the illness in the dog. However, the therapy will also result in the removal of many beneficial bacteria residing in the dog. This deficiency may lead to a fall in the production of vitamins.



Add water-soluble vitamins to the diet of the dog to enhance its vitamin intake. Further, add a gram of brewer's yeast per ten pounds of the weight of the dog. This will not only restore Vitamin B- complex in the body but also improve the appetite of the dog.

About the Author:
Authored by Kelly Marshall from Oh My Dog Supplies - the place to go for dog steps in all shapes and sizes

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Dogs Cannot Understand Human Language, Or Can They?

Author: Kelly Marshall

It has been noticed that well trained dogs easily distinguish many different words. Some dog owners swear that their dog understands the meaning of every word they say. While this is not impossible, it certain seems highly improbably that dogs would understand the meaning of human words.



There is a difference between identifying a word with a particular action and understand the meaning of the word. Training involves teaching the dog to react in a particular manner when given a particular command.



Does the dog actually understand the meaning of the words 'sit-stay' or does he comply merely because he has been taught to react in a particular manner when these words are spoken?



A command given over the intercom will not have the same effect as a command given in person. The dog often relies on contextual cues like our body language to understand the command. A faceless and nameless voice giving instructions is not likely to be obeyed.



There is a huge difference in the way we use language as compared to animals. Humans use language not just to fulfill an objective but just because it attracts the attention of another human being.



A baby points to a ball and calls it a ball not just because it wants the ball. It may do so because this helps the baby get the attention of others.



On the other hand, animals, even the language trained chimpanzees, never progress beyond using language to achieve an object.



A chimpanzee which has been taught to create sentences using computer symbols or sign languages focuses on obtaining food, toys and attention using the language. It does not learn to use language as an end in itself. Language always remains the means to an end.



There is no evidence that they identify that the symbols stand for concepts. For them, the symbols are merely means to an end. On the other hand, humans identify the symbols and their underlying concepts and also understand that they are interrelated.



Dogs respond to their name not because they are aware that they have a name. They respond merely because they understand that we humans expect them to react when we utter what we call their 'name'/



However, dogs still have the capacity to surprise us all with their ability to distinguish different words. Russian speech scientists have concluded that dogs are capable of identifying the distinction between 'a' and 'i' even when attempts were made to confuse them.



The funny thing is that dogs do not identify variation of consonants. Use the command 'fly clown' instead of 'lie down' and your dog will obey. However, they are capable of distinguishing between vowels even when they do not utter vowels themselves.



A generic explanation could be the fact that mammalian ears have been in existence for more than tens of millions of years. On the other hand, human speech is a recent development. It is just 100,000 years old. Only humans have the physical and mental equipment to speak.

About the Author:
Provided by Kelly Marshall from Oh My Dog Supplies - the biggest selection of raised dog bowls online

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5 Tips on Housebreaking Your New Puppy

Author: Amy Nutt

Puppies can be a lot of fun, they're cute and cuddly and positively adorable. However, a new puppy can also require a lot of work, particularly if you are keeping it in the house. Housetraining a puppy requires patience and consistency, much like toilet training a toddler does. The end result, a dog that is free to enjoy life as a house pet and one that will let you know when he or she needs to go outside, is well worth the initial effort.



1.Be persistent. Right from the start, you need to make sure you teach your puppy the rules. And the number one rule is not to do his business in the house. Obviously, a new puppy won't really get this at first, so you'll need to be very persistent to reach your goal of having a housebroken puppy. Training your dog to go outside is going to take some time and you'll be cleaning up some messes, so be prepared.



2. If you don't see it, don't punish it. It's going to happen. You'll walk into the room and find a puddle or a nice little pile of doggy doo waiting for you. This is NOT the time to express your displeasure with your puppy. He won't understand since the act has been done and he doesn't know what you're upset about. The only time you should punish your puppy for making a mess indoors (and by punish, I mean scolding and perhaps shutting up in his box) is when you actually see it happen. Act immediately, or the entire thing will have vanished from the puppy's mind and you won't be doing any good at all.



3. Follow a routine. Dog training mostly relies on consistency in order to work. If your puppy knows what to expect, he will be better able to do as you want him to. At first, you'll need to tailor your timing to the puppy. Most puppies need to head outside right after a meal, so make it routine to do that. As your dog gets older, you'll be able to lessen the number of trips outdoors and your dog will learn to hold it or let you know if there is a need to be filled.



4. Keep it contained. You will have less to clean up if you keep your puppy in one area of the house. In fact, one form of puppy training involves using a crate to keep the dog contained. The crate can be placed anywhere in the home. If you decide not to use a crate, though, you can still put the puppy in a specific room, particularly at night. Laundry rooms often work well for this since they are easy to clean and warm. Your puppy will also feel more comfortable in a smaller space at the beginning.



5. No food at night. By making sure that your puppy isn't eating at night, you'll save yourself a lot of hassle. You can remove food and water a couple of hours before bedtime and take the puppy out for a walk before turning in for the night. This will work to prevent too many bathroom trips during the night.



As long as you are consistent and patient with your puppy, you'll find that he is eager to please and will do his best to learn bathroom rules quickly. Dogs really do want to make their humans happy and if heading outside when nature calls is what makes you happy, then you can bet that's what your puppy will try to do.

About the Author:
Dog training can take some time and house training is no exception. When looking for Puppy training in Toronto to not pull on a lead, in-home dog obedience training to improve your relationship between you and your dog.

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Dogs Are Our Companions and Our Friends

Author: Omar Reyes

Dogs are unique animals. They have the ability to immediately become a part of our families. You know this is true, especially if you have had your dog for a long time.



Since prehistoric times, there has been a strong connection between humans and dogs.



Just imagine for a minute, a prehistoric hunter out in the woods, finds a lost wolf cub and brings the cub home and cares for it. Eventually, he and his family may realize that the wolf cub is a great addition to their household. Furthermore, the hunter probably found that the wolf was helpful for a variety of other reasons.



One of the main reasons is because wolves and dogs in general have similar social systems. Their social systems are similar to those in humans. There is a dominant adult male who leads all others in the pack to ensure their survival. If the leader fails to fulfill his duties, a strong female will step in.



Just like in your family, a pack of dogs must work together to survive and to thrive. There are social bonds and loyalty on both sides. Even if a pack of dogs fight, they will always come together when it matters most to ensure that they survive.



Dogs possess a variety of strengths and abilities. They have a strong sense of smell and are incredibly alert. Some of them are efficient hunters.



Of course, the pack of wolves that men in prehistoric times would have encountered would not have been as gentle and kind as our dogs are today. Wolves possessed just the right type of personality that suited the prehistoric people. In the same way, dogs today have traits and personalities that make them suitable to be a part of our families and homes.



By domesticating dogs we made them more and more suitable to living with us. This happens more and more with each passing generation.



This intertwining of dog culture and human culture has become very strong over time. It doesn't matter what kind of dog you have, it is a friend that will stick with you for life. She will offer you unconditional love.

You probably do not depend on your dog for your survival like many groups of people did so many ages ago. However, it is highly likely that your dog has its own role in your life and in your household.



Some of the many roles of working dogs today are..



Herding stock



Detecting drugs



Helping lead the blind



Guarding homes



Search and rescue services



Beyond these important jobs, your dog can develop a special and emotional bond with you and the other members of your family. Your dog will be there to comfort you and play with you. They will pick you up when you are down. They will comfort you when you are scared.



In order for your dog to thrive you must nurture and care for it. You have a friend for life as long as you feed them and provide them with the attention that they need.



Our dogs are more than just pets. They are our friends and our companions.

About the Author:
Get more information about dogs.

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Dog Food Nutrition For Healthy Canines

Author: Lori Matthews

Whether you have a new puppy that is full of energy or you have an older dog that you are trying to keep as healthy and strong as possible, you'll find that one of the most important things that you can do is check out what is going into their dog food. Just like humans, dogs need good, healthy food to thrive, and though they can get by for a long time by eating food that is just so-so for them, you'll be surprised by how much difference good food can make.



Take a look at the ingredients in the dog food that you are currently buying. Just like with human food, the first ingredient is going to be the one that makes up most of the food. When you see corn, or soy or wheat as the first ingredient, this is your first hint that you will need to switch foods. You will also find that if your dog has a weak stomach or has issues with eating or digestion, this may be the cause. There are many dogs that have undiagnosed allergies to the food that they eat, and you may notice a real improvement as soon as the food is switched out.



Protein is very important to canines and should be the first ingredient. Moreover it should be a protein that is from an animal and not grain. It should not be anything "by products." These can be body parts of animals like the neck, head, guts, feet, lungs, and bones.



Believe it or not some pet food manufacturers substitute meat protein by using corn, gluten, and wheat. These ingredients in fact commonly cause allergies in pets. When your dog food contains too many grains your dog is not getting the nutrients that he or she would need to thrive.



Another thing to consider is what preservatives are being used. Try to avoid foods that contain the preservatives BHT, Ethoxyquin, or BHA. These can be harmful to your pet in the long run. Instead, look for dog foods that contain natural sources like vitamins as a preservative.



Just like humans, dogs are what they eat. A good healthy foundation of nutritious food is vital for your young puppy or senior. Dogs also age faster than humans so it is important to feed a healthy and balanced diet to help the immune system ward off free radicals and all that comes with aging.



Something else to keep in mind is the cost of food. Usually when something is more expensive it might be assumed it a better quality of food. This is not always the case. Ingredients are important, where the ingredients come from and how they are formulated to make the brand. If you are beginning to check labels make sure you follow some of the guidelines above.



Healthy treats are just as important. When you start feeding a premium dog food, don't forget about the premium treats. You might also find that your canine may like some veggies as treats!



If you are interested in your dog's health and want to see him thrive, take some time and review the ingredients in the food and treats that he/she is eating.

About the Author:
Lori Matthews studies health, nutrition and wellness. She enjoys writing articles on health for both people and pets. Please click here if you would like more information on healthy dog food

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How to Train a Dog to Fetch

Author: Janet Nusbaum

Having a dog can be a fun and rewarding experience. There are many fun activities you can do with your dog to grow upon the enjoyment that you both have. One of the most popular games to play with a dog is fetch. This simple game of retrieving a ball or some other item can lead to hours of fun. There is one catch to this simple game, you have to train your dog to be able to fetch. Do not worry; this is not as hard as it may seem at first glance. With a little persistence and work on your part, your dog will be playing fetch before you know it.



THE FOUNDATION

Your dog will naturally be drawn to running after a ball that is thrown. This is a natural instinct that you have probably seen many times in your dog. This is one of the most elementary things that your dog needs to be able to do to play fetch. If you have never seen your dog do this, grab a ball and throw it to see if he runs after it. Most dogs will run after the ball, grab it, and then start towards you. The reason that this is not fetching a ball is that they usually stop and start playing with the ball. Once your comfortable with this, you can move onto the training aspect of getting your dog to fetch.



TRAINING

You will need to have two balls to make this training work. It is important that your dog is interested in these balls. There are dogs that will chase any ball that you throw. There are other dogs that are picky in what they chase. Know which group that your dog falls into.



Throw one of the balls and let your dog chase after it. Keep the other ball that you have hidden. It is important that your dog is focused on the ball that you have throw.



As your dog runs toward you, choose a point near you to tell your dog to drop the ball. You will want to give this command in a stern but friendly voice. Make sure that the point that you choose to do this with your dog is close enough to be your dog giving you the ball. Odds are that your dog will not do this on the first try.



If your dog does not drop the ball, take out the second ball. Ignore your dog and start playing with it. Act like the ball that you have is the most interesting thing that you have ever played with. This will cause your dog to drop the ball that he brought to you and want the one that you have.



Throw the second ball so that your dog has to run and get it. Place the first ball into your pocket so that your dog does not see it. Repeat the command to drop when your dog comes to you with the second ball. If your dog does not drop, repeat this process over and over again until your dog brings you and drops the ball on your command. Reward with a treat as your dog is learning and when he completes the task on command. It will take some time for your dog to get comfortable with playing fetch with you. It may even take a few training sessions.




In the end, your dog will enjoy playing fetch with you and be happy that you spent so much time with him.

About the Author:

EPETSTUFF.NET is your on-line destination for domestic Pet Stuff! From fresh articles on pet health, care, training, behavior and breeds, and product listings and reviews about all things domestic pets, http://www.ePetStuff.net is designed by pet lovers for pet lovers.

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A Historical View of Paisley Dalmations

Author: Joe Troyer

For over a century, an intense bond has existed between the British dog buffs and the Dalmatian. Canine experts have knowledge of the breed's presence for durations exceeding the previous two-hundred years. Historically, a theory among such experts has risen, making a claim that the origin of Dalmatians being, in part, a descendant from the early breed of those hounds used for hunting, namely, the Talbot breed. Commonalities between these two variations of dogs are found to be in hunting prowess, traits and type.



Hailing from St. Paul, Minnesota, Dave and Sue MacMillan, who are proud owners of Paisley Dalmatians, exhibited their dog, Paisley Preterit, to the completion of his final round in the spring of 1985. That top honor in confirmation made this dog the fiftieth winner of either being bred or owned at Paisley. During the same spring, another dog of the same breed, Paisley's QindaBritt, received recognition as a Dalmatian, competing in the compliance division, to have been recognized with the thirtieth C.D. degree.



It is possible that at some point within the past two centuries, blood from the linage of Talbot bred hounds saw an infusion into dogs of European breeding. The evolution of such dogs, due to their distinctive look, captured the sights of those traveling from Great Britain. By way of these unique dog's guarding nature and recognized intelligence, tourists from Britain chose to bring such canines to their homeland. Through credible research, there is not a single dispute, in support of the facts, in being that the Dalmatian breed, at large, has been traced back to the ancient periods. Evolutions, within this breed, are expansive.




Classified as a medium-sized breed of dog, Dalmatians, in shoulder height, generally measure from twenty-two to twenty-four inches, with a weight range that usually spans between fifty to sixty-five pounds. Above all, this breed is highly notable in having a readily identifiable coat, which possesses a white base, with distinct spotting. The spots vary in either one of two colors black or a variation of a brown, appropriated classified as liver. When it comes to the color of these spots, either shade is considered in compliance with the standards of Dalmatians, and, upon selection, merely boils down to the fancier's choice.




The original intent behind the breeding of the Dalmatian was for their service as coach dogs, based upon the breed's extensive endurance. By heritage, this breed has a nature towards protecting their owners and possessions.




On a personal level, Dalmatians exhibit affection, as well as presenting a rather boisterous personality. However, when strangers are present, these dogs will initially convey manners that are more dignified and restrained. Once a Dalmatian becomes familiar with a guest, friend or visitor, he or she will reveal the intimate side of their traits. Addressing traits, the smile of those within the breed will appear in the form of their bearing the front teeth. Where the distinctive color pattern of such dogs originated from is still a mystery.




Dalmatian, as the name dubbed the breed in 1888 by the AKC, is derived from a geographic locale in western Yugoslavia. Information on the Paisley breeding of Dalmatians is most accessible. Should you be researching online sources, search engines, such as DogPile, Google and Yahoo can provide extensive date. A number of well-received articles, blogs, links and videos on the breed exist. For bound or encased reference materials, ranging in a variety of mediums, are available, at affordable pricing, through the online sources of Amazon and Barnes and Nobel, as well as eBay. Upon conducting your searches, implore key phrases and words, which will provide you with a full array of listings to choose from.

About the Author:
Visit My-DogShop.com is the largest provider of dog car seat covers online, go to Dog car seat covers

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Review Of 3 Bird Hunting Dogs

By: Razvan Marian Jr

Beagle – this dog is one of the most well-known scent hounds in the world due to its energy and lovely disposition. The breed was born by mixing the Harrier with other famous hounds in the Great Britain. These animals have been used in packs or alone to hunt not only pheasant but also other birds. The Beagle is a sturdy dog and a squarely-built hardy small hound that has a quite easy-care and sleek short coat. This coat can come in any hound color, take for example the following possibilities: tri-color, black & tan, red & white, orange & white or lemon & white. The Beagle is similar in appearance with the English Foxhound. The dog has a square shaped muzzle that is straight and the skull is broad and a bit rounded. The Beagle hound has wide ears that are pendant and the brown or hazel eyes have an unique pleading expression.

Mountain View Cur – this breed was developed for a long period of time and entire generations of very strict selection and also line breeding, starting with the original Mountain Cur were born. In the present, these dogs are known to be the purebreds but also thoroughbreds of the cur dog world due to the uniformity as an entire breed, a truly remarkable bird hunting breed that is used for almost all bird hunting expeditions in the world. The main reason for this is because the breed is very healthy with no genetic deformities, making them almost perfect. Why they are so good at bird hunting? The answer is quite simple, because they are very fast and agile, that is exactly what you need on a bird hunting adventure. They need a lot of exercise to drain that great amount of stamina as they are a very active breed.

Golden Retriever – this dog was first developed in the British Isles by combining a yellow Flat-Coated Retriever, a rather light-coated Tweed Water Spaniel, a Bloodhound, the Newfoundland and other spaniels, a truly complicated procedure. When the dog saw the daylight it was known as the Golden Flat-Coat and got famous thanks to its bird hunting abilities, making him one of the most popular bird hunting dogs along with the already presented Mountain View Cur. The Golden Retriever is quite a sturdy and extremely beautiful dog with a very well-proportioned body and a lovely gold colored coat. The Retriever’s outer coat is water-repellent and the undercoat is quite dense. The Retriever has a head which is broad with a wide and extremely powerful tapering muzzle. The dog has a scissors bite and a clear frontal stop. The dog has a black nose and his brown with dark rims eyes have a kind and peaceful expression.

We presented only three of the most famous bird hunting dogs in the world but you must know that there are others as well, like the American Water Spaniel, the Border Collie or the English Springer Spaniel, the choice is up to you as the choice of a bird dog greatly depends on the hunting style.


Article Source: http://www.freeforallarticles.com


Razvan Marian Jr. currently manages www.birdhuntinginfo.com which offers a complete guide about bird hunting.

Buddy The Great Dane Rescue Dog

When Buddy lived with his first owner and family he was unfortunately not treated very well. The children were not taught to be considerate and gentle with him. At one time he was pushed down some stairs and his leg was seriously hurt, possibly broken. He was not taken to the veterinarian for treatment and it healed crookedly.

After spending about six months with this family they wanted to get rid of him. They blamed the dog for the bad behavior they had trained him to have. He was either going to be placed in a new home or be euthanized. Good fortune came into the life of Buddy in the person of the guy who adopted him. But oh what a series of trials and tribulations the new owner went through with this maladjusted dog.

Buddy is a Great Dane. If you are going to go through problematic situations with a dog it is much easier to deal with if the dog is small. As the name implies, the Great Dane is not anywhere near being small.

Often referred to as a gentle giant the Great Dane is one of the tallest breeds. In fact they are noted in the Guinness World Records as tallest dog. On the American Kennel Club website it states that the male is required to be 32 inches tall and not less than 30 inches tall. He is well-proportioned to his height with a somewhat square body. He must weigh at least 120 pounds to be qualified as a show dog.

The female must be 28 to 32 inches tall with at least 30 inches being preferable. She should be well proportioned with a slightly longer body than her male counterpart. There are six colors that are acceptable in a show quality Great Dane. They are:

* fawn - yellow gold with a blue mask
* brindle - fawn and black with chevron shaped stripes
* blue - pure steel blue
* black - glossy black
* harlequin - white with black patches irregularly placed
* mantle - black and white with a solid black blanket

Dogs similar to Great Danes appear in ancient Egyptian literature as well as that of Greece and Rome. It has been theorized that the breed was developed from the Medieval Boarhound. Others posit development from a line of Mastiffs bred in Germany. The modern Great Danes are about 400 years old as a breed. Their history remains debatable. One expert on the subject, Barbara Stein said, 'The breed originated in Germany, probably from a cross between the English Mastiff and the Irish Wolfhound.'

The debate regarding origin is likely to continue indefinitely.

As for Buddy, he is a brindle measuring 31 inches at the withers and weighing about 95 pounds which is slightly underweight for the male of the species. He is a survivor of neutering as an adult dog and several serious illnesses which required veterinary care. Although most dog aficionados would consider him unsuccessfully socialized, he is very devoted, almost worshipful towards his current owner. Since he cannot understand what expenses and problems he's presented, this exemplifies the fact that a dog loves his human unconditionally.


He's now relatively calm and well behaved although he continues to require muzzling around children. Much of his unacceptable behavior has been alleviated if not eradicated and he has overcome more than any dog should have to deal with. The rescue and rehabilitation of Buddy the Great Dane should be considered a huge success...

Tom Chapman This article is written by the authors of www.petstuffgalore.co.uk Pet products - Pet Supermarket For All Your Pets Needs.

How to Know If Your Dog Has Ear Mites

Ear mites must be one of the most annoying health concerns your pet may acquire. Ear mites are parasites dwelling on your pet’s ear.

Once they’re there, they would thrive on the wax and dirt found in the ears. The moment they reach a certain number, infection would show. And that’s when you observe the abnormal discharges and smell foul odor on your pet’s ear.

Actually, it is almost impossible to tell ear mites apart from all other types of ear infections and parasites. Ear mites are microscopic organisms. Without the right equipment, it is hard to know for sure. The best and surest way to go about the problem is to bring your pet to the vet. However, there are certain things that may indicate that your dog indeed has ear mites and that you could would help alleviate the condition if you use some anti-parasite medications on its ears.

First, check the discharge. Ear mites create a dirty, usually reddish-brown or dark brown discharges or debris on the ears. Try to inspect it closer with a swab of cotton. Be careful though. The discharge is going to have a foul odor. Make sure that you don’t go deep inside the ear as you take a swab.

There will also be black crusts forming on your dog’s ear. Try to see whether the crusts are already clogging the passages to your dog’s ear. If it already does, you really have to take your pet to the vet for proper medication. Your dog’s ear need proper air circulation or else the problem would only aggravate.

The ears of your dog will generally be moist, dark, and warm. Needless to say, it would look far from normal. And your dog would exhibit pain and irritation by scratching its ears a lot or by shaking its head too much. When all of these symptoms appear, you have to do something to eliminate the mites or else they may proceed to damage your dog’s eardrums, which would lead to total loss of hearing.

The usual treatment for ear mites involves flushing the ear with an anti-parasite solution. Normally, vets do this as the procedure inside their clinics as it is a little too tricky for the untrained. Improper flushing may push the mites deeper into the ears. The liquid may also clog the ear canal, causing further damage to the middle ear.

Other form of treatment for ear mites in dogs involves the use of oral antibiotics. Don’t attempt to give your dog any of these without consulting a vet first. Antibiotics are helpful if given correctly. Otherwise, it can do more harm than good to your dog’s health.

You also have to know that ear mites are not necessary concentrated on the ears of your pet. During medication, they may find solace on other parts of the dog’s body like the neck and head. Be sure to treat your pet thoroughly. You don’t want these parasites coming back after some time. You also have to clean your pet’s bedding at all times. Keep it fresh and clean because the mites could be lurking inside them.



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About the Author: Visit DogEarMites.Net for dog ear mites articles and information. Read also the articles on treatment for ear mites in dogs and the main causes of ear mites .

The Problem Of Urticaria In Dogs

Urticaria or Hives is hypersensitivity or an allergic reaction to certain drugs or chemicals or something that the dog may have eaten.It has been known in some cases, even sunlight can lead to urticaria in a dog. While urticaria is not life-threatening, it may affect the throat making breathing difficult. Allergic reactions in dog breeds vary from mild to severe and one of the most severe of all allergic reactions is anaphylaxis. This allergic reaction affects various dog breeds and has life-threatening symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, sudden and drop in the dog’s blood pressure, swelling in larynx leading to obstruction of breath, and heart failure. On the other hand, urticaria leads to fast and furious swelling and redness of the dog’s lips. The allergic reaction also affects the area around the eyes and makes the neck region highly itchy. In some cases, hives can also appear. Typically, extreme cases of urticaria may lead to anaphylaxis.

About Urticaria
Urticaria is a reaction that is triggered by certain antibodies made by the immune system of the canine. When these antibodies are released in the system, they make basophils and mast cells (these are inflammatory cells) to release other substances leading to an allergic reaction in the dogs body

Allergic reactions from urticaria can happen in any dog breed profiles, age, or sex. While the impact of urticaria can be life-threatening in dog breeds, it can be treated with much success leading to long-term wellness and health in the animal.

Symptoms of Urticaria
Caused as a hypersensitive reaction to chemicals, drugs, food, and sometime even sunlight, urticaria affects the skin in form of small bumps. Many times, the dog’s hair will stand up from these bumps and they can be itchy. Generally, urticaria develops within 20 minutes of the dog breed being exposed to an allergen!

Though, urticaria isn’t dangerous to life, it tends to disappear, just as rapidly as it appear, by itself. Some things you need to watch out for in case of urticaria include:

F Vomiting
F Diarrhea
F Difficulty breathing
F Staggering/weakness
F Collapse
F Itching
F Hives
F Rapid swelling, redness in the lips, eye and neck areas

Diagnosis and Treatment of Urticaria
There is no standard diagnostic procedure to determine urticaria. However, vets can quickly examine various dog breeds physically to determine the nature of the allergy. Since, urticaria occurs quickly after dog breeds have been exposed to allergens, you must take your pooch to visit a vet who may recommend a prompt physical examination followed by treatment using oral antihistamine like diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Urticaria can be treated successfully with the help of injectable corticosteroids (form of steroids) like prednisolone/ dexamethasone.

Finally, you must remember that various dog breeds develop an allergic reaction soon after being exposed to an allergen, but you may not be able to realize this. And for those severe allergic reactions that are rare in nature, prevention may be questionable. But there is always wome thing out there a vet can give to help it.


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About the Author: If you need further information on dog breeds visit our online resource centre. We also have a great section of dog breed profiles with information on all dog types.

Dog Diarrhea – A Disturbing Time For Your Dog

A rather common health condition, the severity of the illness can vary extensively. You dog will pass liquid-like stool on a frequent basis and the consistency of the faeces can tell a vet about the nature of the problem. Every dog owner prides him/herself because they believe they know everything about dog health. While pet health is a vast subject, knowing about some of the most common conditions that can affect dog health will help you keep your pet healthy and active in the long run. Dog diarrhea is one such condition. Diarrhea in a dog is not really a disease; rather it’s an indication of numerous different diseases that may have plagued your dog.

Mild diarrhea can be treated rather quickly with some precautions and simple treatments. However, some other forms of diarrhea such as acute diarrhea can occur as a result of other dangerous sicknesses like cancer. If your dog health is affected by diarrhea then you must ensure that your dog doesn’t become dehydrated and nutrient levels in the body are restored as quickly as possible.

Dog diarrhea often spells a time of trouble for the canine. Moreover, the several varying reasons of this condition can flummox even the most experienced of vets, while overwhelming any dog owner. A pet health scare, diarrhea and vomiting, usually are pretty harmless and your dog can be nursed back to health within a couple of days. Nevertheless, it’s always in the best interest of your dog to visit a veterinarian just to ensure it’s not serious in nature.

To anyone who has experienced or heard about diarrhea, it conjures an image of water-like stool. Actually, diarrhea is much more than just watery stool. If your pet is passing abnormal stool (stool that is softer than usual) or if he has to strain himself to defecate, or only passes gas, or the stool is soft-formed, or has abnormal color or obnoxious odor, the pet health has been affected by diarrhea.

Our furry friends often eat items that are found lying around or scavenge for food. Dogs are omnivorous animals and eat just about anything whether digestible or not. Such bad eating habits lead to diarrhea. So, it can be safely said that the most common cause of diarrhea is food intolerance or food poisoning, in other words – upset stomach. When a dog eats unfamiliar items that are alien to his normal tastes, his body in an act of rejection pushes the food out of the system in the form of vomit or diarrhea, leaving the pooch terribly sick. In order words, diarrhea is an attempt of the dog’s body to heal itself by removing unwanted or harmful toxins.

Dog owners should understand that diarrhea is a sign of health in their dog and should not be considered a disease. In case of diarrhea, your dog health can be restored by home treatment and doesn’t really call for a visit to the vet. That being said, diarrhea can cause damage to the pet health in case the dog becomes:
F Very Sick
F Lethargic
F Has Bloat Or Abdominal Pain
F Is Feverish (Rectal Temperatures Over 103.5 Degrees F)
F Is Dehydrated
F Vomits Persistently
F Passes A Lot Of Blood During Stool



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About the Author: If you need further information on dog health including dog diarrhea visit our online resource centre. We also have a great section of pet health articles for cats and horses.