Archive for June, 2010
Pet Insurance – Lower The Cost Of Veterinarian Visits With
Posted by: | CommentsPet Insurance - Lower The Cost Of Veterinarian Visits With Pet Insurance
Bringing home a new puppy is the equivalent to adding a new member to your family, literally. With this new edition comes lots of love and excitement, as well as new responsibilities, especially in his first few weeks at the house. These responsibilities include feeding him well and providing the pup with necessary supplies such as a crate, blanket, toys, etc. Most importantly, you need to make sure that he is healthy and will stay that way throughout his life.
Finding The Right Vet
A very important requirement that many new pet owners tend to overlook is finding the right veterinarian for their pets. Taking your puppy to the vet right away, preferably within the first two days of bringing him home, is a must. This is to ensure that he is in perfect health and that he is getting all of the preventive caring needed, like vaccinations and regular routine exams.
Your family and friends may be able to recommend you to a nearby vet clinic. You may also do your own research by calling several clinics and setting up an appointment to see the place and find out first hand if it is the right one for you and your pet.
Veterinarian Expenses
For many pet owners, finding the right vet is not the problem, but rather the costs of veterinary care. Visits to the vet can be pricey, even with minor cases such as getting his yearly vaccination or a routine checkup. In addition, an illness or severe injury can occur at any time, and many dog owners end up having to pay a lot of out-of-pocket expenses to the vet clinic. This is why it is highly recommended that you get pet insurance as soon as possible.
Having pet insurance is the best way to ensure that your puppy is getting the best health care possible. Pet insurance is a practical way to lessen the cost of veterinary expenses, whether it is related to routine care, accidents, or injuries. Pet insurance also covers the cost of minor surgeries, major surgeries, treatments for illnesses and diseases, and other medical procedures such as neutering or spaying.
Finding the right, affordable pet insurance is as easy as picking up the yellow pages or searching online. Most pet insurance plans offer a monthly premium that is less than what you typically pay for your cable bill.
A 7-Step Housetraining Guide For Your Puppy (Part 2)
Posted by: | CommentsHousetraining your puppy is about to get real easy, so long as you are following these seven simple steps to success. That means that you have already purchased the right dog crate, perhaps a baby gate in the process, and have picked out the perfect potty spot (preferably in your back yard).
Step Three: Make Scents
Your puppy's sense of smell is far better than yours. The canine snout has about 220 million cells designed specifically to detect scents, while we humans have only about 5 million such cells. Adding to that incredible scent-detecting capability is the moisture in and on your puppy's nose, which lets it collect large numbers of scent molecules that together amplify what it's already smelling.
Still, another scent-detection enhancement is your puppy's olfactory center (the area of the brain that identifies scents) and nasal membrane, both of which are larger than the corresponding areas in human beings. All of those physiological differences mean that your puppy can detect lots of scents that you cannot.
So what does your puppy's super sniffing mean for your efforts to housetrain it? Quite simply, you can use the scent of a previous bathroom break to show your puppy where you want it to take its next one. The next time your puppy pees, wipe its bottom with a paper towel or soft cloth, and save it.
At the next bathroom break, take the cloth and your puppy to the outdoor potty spot, and place the cloth on the spot. In all likelihood, your puppy will sniff the cloth intently, then re-anoint it. Repeat this process a few times, and soon your puppy will do its business on the potty spot without the cloth or any other prompting from you.
Step Four: Make A Schedule
Now that you've shown your puppy where you want it to do the doo, you need to show it when you want it to. For a while, though, the timing of its trips to the outdoor potty isn't completely up to you. That's because a puppy can't hold its water - or the other stuff - for very long. In fact, puppies younger than 4 months of age may need 12 to 14 bathroom breaks each day.
The best way to keep track of all those bathroom breaks is to establish pre-determined times when you'll feed your puppy, play with it, take it out and put it in the crate for a nap. Such a schedule not only gives you some predictability during the housetraining process, but your puppy will also become housetrained more quickly. That's because if you take it out to eliminate at the same times every day, its body will become accustomed to the schedule, and it'll be conditioned to do its business when you want it to.
Some Terrier Dogs That You Might Find Interesting
Posted by: | CommentsThe personality of a lively child put into dog- this might be a good way of describing the general personality of terriers. But as it appears, that still would not justify their temperaments.
These dogs came from the British Isles where they were first oriented to hunting fox, rat, otter and the likes over and under the ground. And as its name suggests, "terrier" came from the word "terra" which means, "earth."
While terriers may be identified through their prominent physical characteristics, they are still divided into various breeds that separate one kind from another.
The following are the subgroups of the terrier breed:
Show Terriers- These are basically bred as small dogs and are used for show rings.
Bull and Terrier Types- these came from breeding between bull dogs and terriers. Only in the last quarter of 1800's did the breeders separate a number of bull dogs from terrier types for distinction.
Hunting and Working Terriers- The breed that was primarily bred for hunting.
Toy Terriers- These are the smaller versions of terriers, which are basically categorized into the companion breed.
To help you understand the various natures of terrier dogs, we have prepared some dog profiles here, please read on.
Airedale Terrier- This is known to be the largest dog in the Terrier breed. Standing an average of Ƿ inches from the shoulder, this dog shows off both beauty and elegance that make them fit for both dog obedience trials and show rings.
A cross-breed between Otterhound and Black and Tan Terrier, Airedale possess good skill in scent and superb swimming prowess.
Australian Terrier- Probably one of the dog types that have gotten to so many out-crossings with other dog breeds. A cross breed between the forerunner of Dandie Dinmont and rough coated terrier is said to have been migrated into England. The offspring of which was taken to Australia. With the scarcity of dog breeds in this land, many dogs had been crossbred into it which later resulted to a small type having the characteristics of terriers while being a good watchdog and ratter. It stands 10 to 11 inches with a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.
Border Terrier- A True-blue working terrier, this dog is marked by its medium built while proving to work far better than what its appearance may give. Border Terriers are agile and alert while having the capacity to fit into narrow gaps especially during hunting.
Aside from its being affectionate and good adaptation to training, Border terriers can also make good family pets.
Bull Terrier- Originally bred for dog fighting and bull baiting, this dog is known to have been well-accustomed to courage and good resistance to pain. However, when the bloody dog fights were banned in England during the 1800's, most breeders turned to breeding milder dogs.
Bull Terriers came from these fighting dogs combined with Dalmatian and English Terrier to produce all-white specie. This new breed though is very much reserved from starting fights which gave them the nickname "White Cavalier."
There are of course a variety of other terrier species. Initially, you might find them interesting enough to catch your attention but a closer look would lead you to further knowing them. Who knows, you might find your ideal type of dog in this breed.
For The Welsh Springer Spaniel Fans
Posted by: | CommentsThe Welsh Springer Spaniel has never caught the fancy of the American Sportsman. On the scale of general popularity, the American Kennel Club ranks the Welsh dog at #120 on the list of recognized breeds.
Sportsmen have a wide selection of bird dog companions, whether they prefer pointers, retrievers, or the spaniel breeds. The pointers outnumber the other specialty breeds in this country. Though the Welsh Springer Spaniel's prowess as a field dog may be obscured by the specialized abilities of other sporting breeds, indications are that he was the first spaniel ever to be used in front of a sportsman's gun.
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is somewhat larger than the more popular Cocker Spaniel, and a shade smaller than the English Springer Spaniel. Our "new friend" is a native of Wales, and is very much in evidence there today. It was his cousin, however, the English Springer Spaniel, that rose to prominence as a bird dog in the United States.
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a dedicated worker, with no terrain or brush condition considered too difficult. He wears a coat that enables him to withstand both extremes of temperature. So adaptable is he as a working dog that he is also used in his native country as a herd dog for sheep, and for driving cattle. Of the very ancient origin, the Welsh Springer Spaniel breed has been preserved in Wales purely for working purposes.
The one factor that has made the English Springer more popular than the Welsh Springer is the independent nature of the Welsh dog. He has a charming personality and is quite active.
It is said, however, that his independent nature dictates that his training be started when he is quite young; otherwise, he is not considered as easily trained as his English counterpart. If training is started at an early age, he learns his lessons well and retains what he learns.
For centuries though, Welsh sportsmen have been most satisfied with their native dog. Perhaps they know something we don't - and simply aren't willing to share. It should be remembered that the Germans kept their Weimaraner under wraps for years before that breed's prowess became known to the rest of the world.
The Welsh spaniel makes a terrific guard dog when properly trained, yet has an even disposition and temperament, compatible for close association with children. He is adaptable to countryside living, but is equally adaptable to city-type apartment dwelling.
He has a minimum of excess hair on his ears and legs. He can get himself caked up with mud and grime during a day of hunting in the field, and simply shake it off, exposing his gleaming white and red coat. He takes to water enthusiastically, whether retrieving fowl, or just taking a refreshing dip.
My family is adopting a puppy this November. (Thnksgvng wknd, so that we can devote most of our time to help the puppy adjust)
In our family we have two parents, one who is at home for most of the day. There is a teenage daughter, who can help with the new addition, and a 10 year old boy who is autistic.
Since he is autistic, we need a dog that is tolerant and very good with kids. He is afraid of dogs who would chase him and bark at him. If they are gentle and docile, he will grow to love them and play with them gently.
We prefer it be easy to train, with minimal grooming requirements because we have carpeting. We do not mind a little shedding, but we dont want it to be taken to get prof. groomed.
Our house has a big, fenced, yard, and we can devote 1 hour plus a day to just playing and excersising with the dog. We of course consider time for taking it out to do its "buisness" and time to feed it, take it to the vet, etc.
What breed would be best for us?
THIS WOULD NOT FIT IN THE QUESTION DETAILS =)
Any helpful tips for first time owners would be greatly appreciated. (Training and housebreaking, specifically.)
We are a responsible family who has done our homework and researched about training our dog and what we will need for it.
All its toys, puppy food, crate, bed, etc. will be stationed in the house prior to the puppy's arrival.
We feel it's a very good idea to ask questions from experienced owners, who can tell us things books and articles can't.
*I UNDERSTAND this is a long and tedious question. Thanks for all the help and answers =)*
OTHER:
No other pets in the house, besides a fish, which should not be a problem.
Dog should be okay with strangers, as our family is a big one and there is lots of company that comes in and out.
Mixed Breeds: Why Your Dog Is One Of A Kind
Posted by: | CommentsMixed Breeds: Why Your Dog Is One Of A Kind
It seems like everyone's first dog was a mutt. Hard to describe, but easy to love, the mixed breed dog has held a favored spot in the hearts of children and adults alike for as long as he's been in existence.
Unlike the purebred, the dog of mixed origin boasts no pedigree and holds no place in the ranks of kennel club history, but in every dog lover's past, the mixed breed dog played an important part.
Many owners of mixed breeds refer to them as "just mutts," a "Heinz 57 Variety," or, as I call my dog, "a Domestic Shorthaired Black-Tailed Wiggler." Still others try to pinpoint what they think their dog's heritage might be; for example, Shepherd-Collie mix or Cocker-Poodle cross.
But whether a dog's sire was the next door neighbor's pooch or a handsome rogue of a traveling salesman, no one can convince the owner of a mixed breed that his dog is any less valuable than the show dog with generations of champions highlighting his pedigree.
Are Mixed Breeds Equally As Healthy & Smart As Purebred Dogs?
That the mixed breed pup is healthier or more intelligent than his purebred cousin is, of course, highly debatable. Generally he suffers as frequently and as debilitatingly the ills common to all dogs.
However, there is a certain validity to the claim of health in mixed breed animals. This truth lies in the fact that when breeds mix and create crossbred and mixed breed offspring, extreme factors such as the pug noses, long, narrow heads and bulging eyes of many breeds are modified, producing pups that no longer suffer the hardships caused by these extreme characteristics.
One Of A Kind
The owner of a dog of uncertain ancestry need keep only one factor in mind when challenged by those who favor the purebred exclusively:
If your Afghan dies and you want to replace it, you can easily find an Afghan that looks nearly identical to yours. And when your Shih-Tzu passes on, there are always more where that one came from. But your mixed breed dog is one of a kind. No one owns or can produce a dog quite like yours. We think that makes him a rather special and valuable animal.
And just as there is no limit to the variety you can find in mixed breeds, there is also no limit to the number of places where you might be able to locate your new pup or dog: animal shelters, S.P.C.A.s, pet shops, next-door-neighbors, or the lady dog who deposits a pup on your doorstep are all likely sources.
Canine Cancer Treatment: Find The Best Caner Center In The
Posted by: | CommentsCanine Cancer Treatment: Find The Best Caner Center In The World
If your dog has been diagnosed with cancer, consider contacting one of the largest and distinguished cancer treatment centers in the world - the Angel Care Cancer Center, with their main hospital located in Carlsbad, California.
In the field of veterinary oncology, this cancer center offers capabilities in diagnostic and therapeutic areas that, in many ways, are superior to that of many the finest human cancer centers in the world.
The Latest Canine Cancer-Fighting Evidence
A recent client education booklet that the Angel Care Center released states that there is much evidence to suggest that supplementing your dog with omega 3 fatty acids (n3 series), particularly DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which is a long-chain fatty acid that may provide the following benefits for the canine cancer patient:
1) Can help inhibit the growth and development of tumors.
2) Can reduce the amount of toxicity during chemotherapy and radiation treatments while at the same time increasing the efficacy of these therapies.
The education booklet continues to say that the best source of DHA for the purpose of fighting cancer is best when it comes from algae instead of fish. The reason is that today's waters have contaminated the fish with heavy metals (especially mercury) and organophosphates (pesticide chemicals).
Where To Find Algae-Based DHA
If you would like to start supplementing your dog or cat with DHA that comes from Algae, you can start by shopping at most natural health food pharmacies.
Small pets are instructed to receive approximately 200 mg once each day. Medium-sized pets should get the same dosage, but at twice daily. Larger breed of dogs should get 200 mg three times daily. And for those super-large breeds, 200 mg four times each day is necessary.
Ply-MVA: Another Amazing Cancer-Fighting Supplement
Studies also conducted by the Angel Care Cancer Center took into account the amazing results from using Poly-MVA, which is a liquid dietary supplement. It was invented in 1991 by Dr. Merrill Garnett. MVA is a proprietary combination of amino acids, vitamins and minerals.
Not only does Dr. Merrill's formula increase cellular energy and enhance the quality of life for the pet undergoing cancer treatments, it also helps facilitate the animal's recovery by taking advantage of cancer cell dysfunction.
There have been nearly 1,000 canine and feline patients tested with Poly-MVA over the past several years, and nearly all of them enjoyed a better quality of life, especially those that combined DHA together with the Poly-MVA formula.
The Poodle
Posted by: | CommentsOne of the most active and intelligent of all dog breeds, known as the Poodle, is a well-proportioned animal that carries himself proud and confident. As it struts its stuff down a busy sidewalk with its owner, the Poodle has about him an air of distinction and dignity.
Some people refer to the Poodle as a "clown from France." Others describe it as a gun-dog from Germany. Or is it a Truffle hunter from England? How about a water-dog from Russia? Pin-pointing the origin of the Poodle is like trying to stuff a spring breeze into a closet!
Clearing Up The Confusion, Maybe...
When our research investigates on Russia as the breed's place of origin, we're hard-pressed to explain how a painting of a Poodle happens to appear in a 1490 oil by Bernardine Pinturiccio. And a painting by Albert Durer (1471 - 1528) shows a dog of this breed clipped in the fashion of the day. Another Poodle appeared in a painting by Franz Snyder in 1595.
Just about the time we're ready to throw up our hands and go with the "big bang" theory, we discover illustrations of the Poodle which were carved on Roman tombs and other monuments about A.D. 40.
France Is Not The Original Home Of The Poodle
The only thing that can be said with certainty, and some will even dispute this, is that the Poodle did not originate in France. The common name French Poodle, therefore, is a misnomer.
Some historians claim that Poodle was introduced from Germany into Russia, then from Russia to France. Others claim Russia introduced the Poodle to Germany, and German troops brought the Poodle into France. So flip a coin - pick your country - then sit back, relax, and enjoy what has unmistakably become the most popular dog in the world.
No breed can be considered more intelligent. No other breed is more quick and willing to learn. In fact, the first dog in the recorded history of obedience degrees to receive all titles was a Poodle. It was a Poodle who performed before an audience of ȫ,000 baseball fans in Yankee Stadium.
Not Just For Good Looks
Although classified as a non-sporting breed, the original Poodle was a top sporting dog. He was known for his ability to swim, and it was precisely because of this that the Poodle became known as the "water dog" in Germany and the "duck dog" in France.
The custom of clipping grew out of the fact that the Poodle's heavy coat impeded his progress in water. If left unclipped, the coat became a mass of rope-like cords.
It was because of the Poodle's vitality, dignity, and alertness (not to mention his trainability) that earned him a spot as court jester in the palaces of early kings and queens. In this role, he was usually dressed in outlandish costumes and performed many cunning tricks to amuse the royal guests. From the muddy waters and lakes where he excelled as a sportsman, to the stage where he excelled as a showman in circuses, vaudeville, and nightclubs, the Poodle as well earned his title of top dog.
Regardless of how or where the breed originated, he is undisputedly the most popular breed in America, Canada, Denmark, France (where he was once known as the national dog of France), Sweden, Australia, Germany, and Italy. The miniature-sized Poodle is the most popular in Australia, South Africa, and Great Britain. He's also considered the favorite non-sporting breed in New Zealand.
Most historians agree that the standard sized Poodle came first, from which later evolved the miniature, and from the miniature evolved the popular Toy Poodle. Some noted historians claim that the Toy Poodle didn't come into existence until halfway through the 19th century. However, that theory leaves unexplained how Spain's Goya managed to include a Toy Poodle in one of his 18th century paintings.
Poodle Standard Descriptions
Poodles were originally recognized in only three colors: black, brown, and white. Now however, a much wider range of colors can be seen which include varying shades of cream, apricot, blue, silver, and many more.
There are three recognized sizes:
1. The Standard Poodle
2. The Miniature Poodle
3. The Toy Poodle
It seems rather odd that in this country, a Toy Poodle must be under ten inches to qualify as a Toy, while in England, the limit is eleven inches.
The Poodle is unique in another way, too. Poodles do not shed their coat, which might lead one to believe that reason alone would account for the Poodle popularity, but this is not so!
A Poodle requires more grooming than perhaps any other breed. As his coat grows, mats and tangles appear which are unsightly and bothersome. This condition necessitates frequent grooming and periodic clipping. Although original Poodles were clipped to assist them in their waterworks, Poodle clipping today has evolved into many variations, some which appear rather grotesque.
Poodle Hair Styles
Poodles today can be found sporting the lamb cut, continental clip, saddle clip, English saddle clip, kennel club, Dutch clip, and many more. Although there are many kinds and styles of Poodle clips, only three are accepted by all Poodle clubs, including the Poodle club of America.
The clips that are acceptable in the show ring are the puppy clip (eligible to be worn by puppies under one year of age), the English Saddle, and the continental clip. Of the trims not allowed in the show ring, the kennel (or sporting) clip is the most popular.
Each year there are several hundred thousand Poodle registrations processed by the American Kennel Club. Obviously, the virtues of the Poodle, including his trainability and companionability, far outweigh the troubles of grooming this breed.
Indeed, to most Poodle owners grooming isn't just considered a "problem." It is considered one of the joys of owning a Poodle. Many have learned do-it-yourself clipping and very plainly enjoy pampering their pets.
Accessories for Poodles have become a billion-dollar business, and seldom is a Poodle seen dressed up without a least a pretty ribbon or two. Most Poodles thoroughly enjoy being fussed over and dressed up. They love the applause, and they love the attention. It has been found that a Poodle cannot be reasonably smart or happy without close human companionship.
Unfortunately, as with every other breed that has experienced a quick surge of popularity, the Poodle has suffered greatly in both looks and temperament since hitting the top 10 most popular dog's list.
The damage has been done by the so-called "puppy mills" - breeders who give little or no thought to pedigrees or improvement of the breed, but merely to selling dogs of any inferior quality. Despite this sorry situation, it is still possible to acquire a handsome, intelligent Poodle with a reasonable financial investment and the use of a little common sense.
Raising Your Poodle
With an uncanny knack for taking advantage of weak-willed owners, the Poodle can often dominate the owner/dog relationship. For those whose Poodles are of the "high-strung" variety, obedience training and the application of basic discipline make for a happier relationship.
Very active and generally long-lived, the Poodle serves well as a playmate of the young, companion to the elderly, watchdog, and family pet.
Although considered one of the hardiest of all breeds, it must be said that the Poodle is prone to vertebrate trouble, blocked lacrimal ducts in the eyes, chronic ear infection and even epilepsy.
Suitable for almost any environment, the Poodle is a joy to train, a pleasure to own, and a loyal friend to its owner. It's easy to see why he has become one of the most popular dogs in the world.
Dog Breeding – Dog Breeding Is Not For Amateurs (Part
Posted by: | CommentsDog Breeding - Dog Breeding Is Not For Amateurs (Part 1)
Are you tempted to start breeding your dogs in the hopes of adding a couple of new puppies to the family and/or making a few extra dollars by selling the other pups? I think everyone who owns a dog has thought about it at some time or another. Unfortunately, there are some downsides to breeding your dogs that you may not feel comfortable with.
Dog breeding is considered to be a "way of life" for those professionals that are passionate about their animals. These people live, eat, and breathe dog breeding. However, the same is not true for 99% of the other people out there that just decided to have puppies for the fun of it or for the possibility of smalltime profits.
Here are a few reasons why you might want to reconsider dog breeding unless you are 100% committed to the process and to the health of the new puppies:
1. Breeding can be a bit expensive. For starters, the costs that you will have to absorb can get a little pricey with veterinarian checkups and care for all of the puppies, which include prevention of heartworms, fleas, and regular worms. In addition, you need to budget enough money to advertise the new puppies once they are born. For most people that are not professional breeders, you may barely make enough money back to cover your investment.
2. Breeding puppies yourself can also be emotionally heartbreaking. This is one downside of breeding that most people do not expect. For example, it is not unusual for the mother to die due to whelping complications. What is even more depressing is that many times one or more puppies from the litter will pass away as well. These kind of circumstances are not something that every family can handle so please keep these possibilities in mind should you begin to breed your dogs.
3. A third downside to breeding your dogs is that the entire process is a huge responsibility. This should be quite obvious with even just the above two examples given in terms of your investment and emotional participation. Once you decide to breed your dogs and bring new life into this world, you are now entirely responsible to ensure that those puppies are given the utmost in high quality attention and health care. Breeding new puppies is not a hobby and therefore you must understand that your time and energy must be devoted to the process 100%.
Behavior Training – How To Change Your Puppy’s Shy, Timid
Posted by: | CommentsBehavior Training - How To Change Your Puppy's Shy, Timid Behavior
Are you the proud owner of an extremely shy puppy? This fear-based behavioral characteristic is very common if you have a toy dog breed. However, it's a known fact that every litter will have a least one shy puppy that will need to be treated a little differently than the rest of the pups.
When these shy puppies grow up they can become extremely needy and look towards their owners for reinforcement in almost every situation they come across. And unfortunately, while this need to "run to mommy or daddy" every time she gets scared, your dog may start to initiate aggression if she is not getting the soothing attention needed. This could be labeled as aggression induced by fear.
Ironically enough, if you constantly caress and soothe your puppy when she demonstrates extreme shyness and becomes frightened, you are only reinforcing the behavior. I realize that it's hard to imagine ignoring your shy and scared puppy when she needs you, but if you would like to change her behavior and help the dog become a bold and social animal, you are going to have to quit letting her know that it is "okay" to be afraid.
Helping Your Shy Puppy Change
If your dog is showing signs of fear and timidness early on, then you will have to be patient when desiring to help her adjust. You must coax the dog along to realizing that you will not be her protector anymore. Behaviors that she is used to doing when getting scared will need to be stopped, such as barking while hiding behind your legs when startled, darting away whenever seeing a normal part of the outside, like a person walking or a bush swaying by the wind, etc.
Here are some tips that you can use to help your puppy become less shy:
1. Explain to your family and friends to ignore your puppy's fear-induced barking or crying whenever they approach. Up to this point your dog has acted out of fear whenever someone approaches and when these people naturally stop the approach, your dog has learned that this behavior works in her favor. However, from now on your dog will start to understand that fear-induced barking will not work anymore so long as your friends and family respect your training wishes.
2. Whenever you are expecting guests to arrive at the house, be sure to keep your puppy secured by a lead. Take her with you as you approach the guests if you can allow the dog to be with you all times. The difference from now on is that when she starts crying, barking, or hiding behind your legs, you will now act in a confident matter and without petting or soothing her. This will help your dog become more brave while teaching her that her old behavior will not work anymore.
Hi! I'm Jamie and this is my site about dogs.
