Posts from — November 2007

Owning a puppy is a big responsibility and nearly on par with looking after a baby! One of the worst things is having a puppy that eliminates all over your lovely home, well with these 6 easy quick tips you can start paper training puppy as soon as possible, the earlier the better!

1) Get some old newspapers and cover a large area with them, this is where your puppy has to learn to eliminate.

2) As soon as you see signs “and there usually are!” that your puppy wants to eliminate, usually by sniffing the floor and circling round, pick your puppy up and place it on the newspaper while giving the command you want to use, example “Go Potty!”

3) Once your puppy starts to go on the paper then let your puppy into the rest of the house, all the while watching for the telltale signs that it wants to eliminate, as soon as it shows signs scoop your puppy up and place he or she on the paper and giving it the command to eliminate.

4) When your dog is consistently eliminating on the newspaper start to take some pieces away until eventually it only has one or two pieces of newspaper left to wee on.

5) Start moving the newspaper closer to the back door each day, if you have any accidents just quickly clean up with warm water and vinegar so as to remove any scent left by your puppy.

6) Eventually you will be able to pick your puppy up when it wants to eliminate on the paper and put it outside while still giving the command to go potty and in no time at all your puppy will bark or whimper when it wants to go potty.

So there you have 6 quick and easy tips on paper training puppy and also having a nice clean and fresh smelling home. It is not as difficult as you might think and as long as your patient and consistent then it should take no time at all for your puppy to be potty trained.

For more puppy or dog tips and tricks,and also how to solve problem puppy or dog behavior go here squidoo.com/puppytip/ squidoo.com/puppytip Now! Have your puppy or dog trained the way you want he or she to behave!

The origin and history of the Collie dog breed is not entirely known, but we do know that the Collie originated in Scotland and flourished in England since the 1800s. Before this time, however, the breed has an ancestry that spans thousands of years as the Collie’s ancestors had been used to shepherd sheep and cows for many centuries prior in both the Highlands of Scotland and throughout early England. The etymology of the word Collie stems from the word black in Anglo-Saxon. Thus, we can speculate the breed was originally much darker than today’s sable and white Collie dog breed.

The Collie breed consists of both the rough and smooth Collie, and this division has been evident in the 1800s as well. However, it is apparent that at one point the rough Collie was much smaller and less refined than today’s much larger dog It is probable that the smooth Collie has descended more from the mastiff group. The rough Collie was short, somewhere around 14 inches or so at the shoulders with a broader head, and black or black and white. Regardless of these differences, the dogs that came to be the Collie were always used to herd and guard the flocks and herds of their caretakers.

Collie Dog Breed History
Although the Collie and its ancestors had been used for several centuries as a working dog herding sheep and cows, it was in England in the 1800s that the dog became popular as a pet and show dog rather than just a working dog breed. Queen Victoria took an interest in Collies and the rest of the country soon followed suit. It was also at this time that the dog became larger and more refined.

At this point, Collie breeders began to standardize the breed and keep written pedigree records. Collies were shown in dog shows in England as early as 1860 and made its way to the United states by 1880. By about 1886, the the Collie dog breed was fully standardized and remains roughly the same today. It was in this same year the the Collie Club of America was formed and around this same time became one of the first parent breeds of the American Kennel Club.

To read the remaining article, please go to: largedogbreedz.com/large-dog-breed-directory/collie/collie-dog-origin-and-history.html

For more information regarding the largedogbreedz.com/large-dog-breeds/collie/ Collie dog breed and other largedogbreedz.com large dog breeds alike, please visit us at largedogbreedz.com.

Some may think that winter is the only time of year that weather can be dangerous for dogs. However, the fact is that hyperthermia can kill just as easily as hypothermia can. The ancient Egyptians believed that during the hottest days of summer, dogs were possessed by evil spirits that made them foam at the mouth and search madly for water. Today we know that they were just overheating and dehydrated. Dogs don’t sweat like we do; they expel heat through panting. This panting does cause them to lose water, though, which makes summer a deadly time for many dogs.

It’s important to keep your dog cool this summer, so be sure to take the proper precautions. Most importantly, have plenty of clean, cool water where they can easily get it. Keep them indoors during the hottest time of day (11am-4pm) or at least make sure they have plenty of shade. Those most susceptible to hyperthermia are short-nose dogs, puppies and older dogs. Also, be sure to never exercise your dog during the heat of the day.

If your dog has to be outside, try a cooling pack against his/her belly. They’ll appreciate how good it feels and you won’t have to worry about them overheating.

Grant Carroll proud father of four dogs and co-owner of littlepamperedpets.com littlepamperedpets.com with littlepamperedpets.com Dog Clothes and Dog Clothing

Visit Elizabeth Austin Wholesale for elizabethaustinwholesale.com Wholesale Dog Clothing and Wholesale Pet Products

Preparing home made dog food is actually easier than you might think. While you may not realize it, many of the ingredients used in dog food are the same ingredients found in the food that people eat. What goes in to preparing home made dog food? Here’s a simple outline:

Ground meat and ground turkey are two basic meats that can be the core of what you feed your dog. Ground meat and ground turkey are easily bought at any grocery store. Choose what’s best for your budget and what’s best for your dog. The turkey is usually easier for your dog to digest. But you may want to mix it up a little so that your dog doesn’t get bored with the same old food all the time.

What other ingredients should you add? Well, it’s much like cooking for a person. Green vegetables are always a good option. You can add raw vegetables in with the raw meat or you can add cooked vegetables in after you have cooked the meat. You may already know what vegetables your dog likes based on what you find left in his bowl or based on what your dog takes from around the house.

Other ingredients can include just about anything. Rice is a popular filler, which is fine for your dog to eat. You may also consider cubed bread or even some ground up vitamins.

Whatever you choose to include in your home made dog food, you will know that you will soon have a healthier dog. Take some time to experiment. Learn what your dog likes. Try out new recipes and play with the recipes you already know. Home made dog food is better for your dog, can save you some money, and may also provide you with some extra time to bond with your pooch!

Mike Thomas provides free dog food recipes and other tips to keep your dog healthy dog.mikelikesit.com/ on his website.

Stop by and dog.mikelikesit.com/ sign up for his free newsletter and you will receive free recipes and other tips to keep your dog happy and healthy dog.

Try not to take your new puppy to the vet the very first day you bring him home. Allow your new toy puppy to get acquainted with its new family, home and surroundings. Do take your toy puppy to the vet within 48 to 72 hours and begin to establish a rapport between the vet and your new puppy.

You will want to make sure you’ve purchased a healthy puppy. If your vet finds disease or a defect the breeder was not aware of your health guarantee may warrant a return of the puppy for a full refund or exchange within a certain amount of time.

It is important to spend time with your new toy puppy during the first week in his new home. Exercise will be important. Make sure you are also having fun and building a bond of trust. Play games together. Puppies love to run after toys you toss and bring them back to you. The more your new toy puppy focuses on you, the easier it will be to train him later.

Have a collar and leash ready to put on your new toy puppy for times you take him out. Toy dogs can be accidentally injured or killed by children or adults who might drop them, or step on them. Provide adequate supervision for the toy puppy at all times.

Expose your toy puppy to all the normal day-to-day noises in your household such as television, radio, the telephone ringing. Introduce your toy puppy to the rest of canine household. You want your new toy puppy to be accepted as a new family member. Do not bring your toy puppy inside to invade your other dog’s turf until they have been properly introduced on neutral ground (belonging to neither of them at the moment). If you have more than one other canine to introduce to the new member, introduce them all one on one, to each of the others one at a time. Just as you would give lots of attention to your first-born when brining home a new baby, be sure to give lots of praise to your other dogs when in the presence of a new puppy. Pat the dog. Pat the puppy.

When the older dog or dogs show a caring, gentle reaction to the new toy puppy, praise them for their good behavior. Don’t let anyone feel left out at anytime. You want to create one big happy family. Let them spend time together in the beginning under your close supervision.

Depending on the season you bring your new toy puppy home, have on hand all his special clothes. For example, if it is spring or summer, have lightweight, cotton t shirts, shirts or dresses. If it is cold weather have coats hats, sweaters and fleece t shirts readily available for inside and outside. Dressing your toy puppy can help create a healthy bond between you and your new toy puppy. Consider having several stylish collars, leashes and accessories.

Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. Buy Designer dog clothes especially for the toy breeds, coats, sweater and fleece t shirts in a variety of colors and styles at: littleguysdogclothesshop.com littleguysdogclothesshop.com

Cat health symptoms of kidney problems can lead to serious health issues for a cat. Chronic kidney failure happens to older cats more than it does to younger cats. Cats develop kidney problems gradually over time and usually do not show any signs until it becomes serious. With proper check ups and blood tests veterinarians can find problems before they become more serious.

Causes of Chronic Kidney Failure
Once a cat has chronic kidney failure, they will need special care and treatment. Kidney failure is irreversible and can lead to other health problems. Kidney failure is caused by many different reasons including trauma, bacterial infections, medications, toxins and cancer along with fungal infections and autoimmune disease. Kidney failure may also be due to hereditary or congenital abnormalities.

Some Cat Health Symptoms of Kidney Failure
One sign the cat has a medical problem is inability to urinate. The chronic kidney failure problem may be caused by kidney stones, urethral obstruction or bladder stones. If this symptom occurs, seek immediate medical attention before the problem becomes fatal to the cat. Kidney failure shows no early signs, but as it progresses, sign start to appear.

Another symptom of kidney failure is increased thirst. Because the cat is drinking more water, the urine does not bring along all the toxins in the kidneys, which remains in the kidneys and results in kidney failure. Other cat health symptoms of kidney failure are poor appetite, depression and lack of energy.

aboutcathealth.org/cat/ Cat health symptoms of kidney failure are diagnosed by blood tests and urinalysis. The BUN levels of a cat with kidney failure will be higher than a cat in perfect health. The Creatinine levels will also be higher than normal, which leads to the diagnosis of kidney failure in the cat.

Treating Chronic Kidney Failure
Treatment of kidney failure in cats requires kidney transplant or dialysis. By the time kidney failure is diagnosed the cat may already have so much damage to the kidney that any type of treatment would not benefit the cat and a decision to euthanize the cat before any more suffering occurs would have to be discussed.

Because every owner wants their cat to live a healthy and happy life kidney transplants have become more popular in cats and has allowed them to live a good life. If a kidney transplant does not happen, other methods of treatment may help the cat such as dialysis, which in most cases does work as it filters the kidneys and eliminates the toxins. This procedure requires weekly visits to a veterinary clinic for treatments, which requires a few hours of treatment.

If the cat has kidney failure a low protein diet helps maintain lower BUN levels, which helps with the metabolic system, but not the renal problems. Proper diets and proper fluid intake requires dedication on the owner’s part. If the cat has a kidney transplant, hospitalization and further medications will be required for a successful kidney transplant that functions properly.

You can also find more info on aboutcathealth.org/cat/Cat_Care_Articles/ cat care and aboutcathealth.org/cat/Cat_Care_Articles/Adopting_Cat_From_Shelter.php adopting cat from shelter. Aboutcathealth.org is a comprehensive resource to find more information about cat health.

One of the best ways to keep your pet safe and secure is with a dog kennel. With a kennel, you do not have to secure your dog with chains or keep him locked inside the house. Let your pet enjoy the outdoors in a confined space big enough for him to move about. This way, you keep him from running free, potentially endangering himself or others.

A kennel also allows your dog to exercise a little. Unlike in a cage where all he can do is sit, your dog can walk or even run about in a kennel. This space will condition and relax him. It also lets him familiarize himself with his surroundings. So the next time you take him out for a walk, he should not be too excited by moving objects, which may spur him to run after them.

Kinds of Kennels

Kennels are box-like shelters made of metal screens and posts. Some are made of bronze, aluminum or steel wires. They are strong enough to withstand the pressure dogs may exert on them and stable enough so they will not topple over.

They are semi-permanent fixtures that you can put in your yard. Pet shops usually carry standard-sized kennels, but you can also have one custom-made for your pet. While a custom-made one may cost you a little more, you can have a unit more suitable to your dog’s size and needs/

Kennels come in single, double, triple or quad varieties. Dog breeders opt to have several kennels made to accommodate their stock. Although you may find multi-level units or kennels stacked on top of another, always choose the one-level kind. It will be easier to clean and will prove more sanitary and hygienic for your dog.

In choosing the right kennel, consider the safety and the convenience features of the unit. There must be no exposed wires that may injure your dog. It must be large enough for him to be able to walk about or even stand on its hind legs.

e-DogKennels.com Dog Kennels provides detailed information on Dog Kennels, Dog Kennel Plans, How To Build A Dog Kennel, Portable Dog Kennels and more. Dog Kennels is affiliated with z-DogTraining.com Dog Agility Training.

One of the less well known breeds, especially in the United States, the Affenpinscher was originally a larger size. Today the standard calls for a dog no taller than 9 to 10 inches, putting this breed close to the size of the smallest dog, the Chihuahua. The Affenpinscher if one of the many off shoots of the Griffons. It is the smallest of the Griffon types and the Brussels Griffon runs a close second. The Affenpinscher has a distinctive “Monkey” appearance to its face and the word in German, it’s country of origin, means “monkey-like terrier”.

In the year 2000, the American Kennel Club first registered this breed as a member of the Toy Group. The Affenpinscher can be of any color, salt and pepper or black being the most common. It is theorized that the Dutch Pug, the Miniature Schnauzer and the German Pinscher all had a part in the genetic makeup of the little dog. It has the typical rough wiry coat of the Griffons and a whiskery appearance to the face. The eyes and nostrils in combination with a bracocyphalic structure lend a definite monkey resemblance to the head. The ears if cropped are short and erect, if un-cropped they blend into the hair and are difficult to see, lending even more to the monkey appearance. The mature Affenpinscher has a cape of wiry hair around the neck and chest which blends into the back coat at the withers area.

Since this is a toy dog, it is important to remember that the bones are small and delicate while growing, so he must be protected from jumping off of high places and children should be warned to be gentle. Other than those precautions, there is little “extra” care that needs to be done, for the Affenpinscher is a relatively healthy little dog. As usual with breeds that have a lot of facial hair, it is important to keep the eyes clean and make sure that the hair is not folded over into the eyelids or interfering with its sight.

The dog in France is called the “Diablotin Moustachu” or mustached little devil. This is an apt description of the appearance and attitude of the little “Affie”. The little dog is a great mouse catcher and generally a favorite household pet. Temperamentally it is a non -argumentative dog, getting along well with other breeds if they do not threaten him, but if threatened he can be absolutely fearless and reckless, believing that he is as big as they are. He is typically very affectionate and loyal with all people. He is not known for being a great watchdog, being of a gentle nature. As can be gathered from the French nick-name, the little dog is boisterous and inquisitive and can get itself into a lot of trouble, having a somewhat devil may care attitude. However he is quick to learn and accepting of training, willing to do anything for a treat or for praise. At the present he is mostly shown in Conformation but recently devotees of the breed have begun to enter him in the Obedience ring and Agility trials.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to dog-guides.com/ Dogs

Surprisingly, the Yorkshire Terrier, known for its fine “furnishings” and silky long coat, began it’s history as a scrappy rat catcher. Its most likely antecedents are a mixture of various Scottish and Welsh terriers, including the Skye terrier, the Clydesdale terrier and even perhaps the Dandie Dinmont.

Selective breeding through the years miniaturized the Yorkie. It is the second smallest dog in the American Kennel Club registry, (the Chihuahua being the smallest). Selective breeding also improved the texture and length of the coat. The Yorkshire Terrier is noted in the show ring today for its silky coat, characteristically of a steel blue color along the back and sides, gradually blending into a beautiful shade of “autumn orange”. The long hair on the top of the skull may be pulled back and fastened with one bow on the back skull or two bows on either side between its ears.

The coat care of the Yorkshire is extensive. The long silky coat does require a daily grooming. Those who do not have the time for such a chore would do well to take this dog to a groomer on a regular basis or else keep the coat trimmed to a manageable level. The length of the coat in an adult reaches the floor. Also, the facial hair around the eyes and the whiskers below the chin and on the moustache can collect a considerable amount of food mess and need regular combing out. Shampooing of the Yorkie is certainly easy, a kitchen sink with a sprayer attachment works well! The shampoo should not be a “human” shampoo, the dog shampoos that are also conditioners work well, and if the shampoo does not have conditioner in it, then extra conditioner should be applied. The coat should be brushed while slightly damp, it is preferable to have a hair dryer gently blowing the coat as you brush, since this helps to “separate” the hairs. Do not brush a “dry” coat, this will break the ends. If the dog has not been bathed, then spray the coat with fine mist as you brush. As with any breed of dog, and most especially a breed that is and “indoor” dog, its toenails also need to be kept trim on a regular basis. Every six to eight weeks is the norm.

The temperament of the Yorkshire is well suited to fashionable pampering. It seems that this little dog truly enjoys being “decked out” and beribboned. Most owners of Yorkies remark that their pet enjoys nothing more than a session of getting “dressed up” in its Sunday best to go out walking. However, a Yorkie who is not groomed from the beginning of its life as a puppy will NOT appreciate the attention of brushing and so on, and these little characters can present many a problem for a groomer who is not ready for a battle. If you have trained the dog to stand on a grooming table you will find that the job is relatively easy, especially if the grooming table is adjusted to your height.

The Yorkshire terrier possesses a loving and loyal temperament, but like most small dogs often has a difficulty with house-breaking. Although it most likely has lost its “ratting” instinct, it has maintained a lively and inquisitive temperament and is extremely well suited as a companion and pet. The lively character however can certainly lead to mischief and a Yorkie who is ignored can get into a lot of it!

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to pet-care-guide.com/ Pet Care

Any person, whether a minor or adult, having been bitten or knocked down by an animal improperly or inadequately leashed or contained can sue for injuries or death caused by a bite or knock-down. You can sue the person who has or was responsible for the animal. For a person to be responsible they need not be the owner of the animal. However, an owner who maintains some control over the animal remains liable even if the animal is partly under the care of others.

You may be entitled to recover damages for past and future and medical expenses, past and future wage loss, past and future pain and suffering, and if it is deemed that conduct is severe enough, punitive damages (punishment damages against the defendant). If the victim dies, his or her survivors are entitled to recover full compensation for their financial losses that resulted from the victim’s death, as well as emotional distress damages. If the survivors can prove that the victim lived for a period of time between the negligent act and death, they can also bring an action for punitive damages.

You can also sue if you were fleeing from an animal, and you reasonably feared for your safety and can prove that the owner or possessor of the dog knew or should have known of the dog’s propensity to attack people walking nearby, and failed to act accordingly.

So if you own an animal with a propensity for biting strangers, make sure it is safely contained fenced, chained, boxed, whatever is necessary to protect you, your animal, and potential plaintiffs. If you are bitten by an animal and it creates a situation where a lawsuit is appropriate, be informed as to the criteria under which you can pursue and obtain damages.

Jason Rigler
” ppicash.com” target=”_blank Settlement Advocate” and consultant for prosperitypartners.com” target=”_blank Prosperity Partners Customer Service Department.