Posts from — June 2009

At this time of year we’re all longing for our summer vacations, and a good percentage of us are expecting to take the family pooch along for the ride. Statistics show that 45% of the US population have taken their canine companion on at least one holiday trip.

Although having Fido with you can be a lot of fun, it can also be stressful and frustrating if you’re not properly prepared. Here’s a list of the things you need to consider and plan for BEFORE you hit the highway.

Is Fido car-friendly?

If you’ve never taken your little furball for more than two blocks to the veterinary clinic you’ve really no idea how he’ll behave on a 10 hour journey. It’s always a good idea to do a few ‘test runs’ in the weeks leading up to your big excursion.

You can start with 10 minute drives and work up to an hour or more, that way Fido will become accustomed to the motion and noise of the car gradually which reduces his stress level – and THAT reduces yours!

Make sure you have proper restraints in place for both his safety and yours. Small dogs can travel in certain types of safety seats/baskets which are held in place by the car’s seatbelt. Medium sized and larger dogs are best in a properly fitting safety harness, these are available at most big pet stores.

If you use a dog crate and Fido is comfortable in it, that’s a very safe mode of transport. It also has the added advantage of being a familiar, comfortable home away from home for your little four-legged companion.

Even dogs who are not usually prone to motion sickness can succumb on long journeys, especially when the car is full of excitement about the upcoming vacation. Always take along plenty of paper towels, wet wipes and bottled water for clean ups. And don’t give your furry friend a big meal on the morning of your trip, water is fine but don’t let him overdo it. If you’re taking a blanket or towel for your pooch to lie on definitely take a spare just in case the first one has to go in a trash can somewhere along the route!

Don’t forget any important supplies

Fido won’t understand why he’s eating in a different kitchen and sleeping in a different bedroom so to help him feel at home don’t forget to take along some of his favorite and familiar possessions.

His bowls, special toys, and his blanket or bed are all very important – so is his leash (in fact that’s so important take along a spare for good measure). Another important point is to be sure that all his shots are up-to-date and that he has a good, visible ID tag and his Rabies tag firmly attached to his collar. A micro-chip or tattoo is even better than an ID tag.

Also remember to take along a reasonable supply of his usual food as depending on where you’re vacationing, there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to buy the same brand. If you do have to change his diet while away, be sure to start mixing the new food with the regular one in order to make the change-over gradual. An upset tummy in a hotel room is never pretty!

Investigation

No, you don’t need to go out and hire a Private Investigator but do take some time to do your research before you leave home. Try to find out as much as you can about the area and attractions you will be visiting. Look for info. on dog friendly accommodations, beaches, parks etc.

Never leave booking your hotel or resort until the last minute. Spending the night in the car with Fido on your lap is not a great start to any vacation!
Also look at the route you’ll be taking and have a rough idea of how far you want to drive between stops (2 – 3 hours max. is about right for your furry friend). Try to avoid popular rest areas where a lot of dogs will be relieving themselves, you can’t always be sure other dog owners are as careful as you are about health issues.

If you follow these guidelines you’re dog-friendly vacation will be off to a great start. All you’ll have to worry about then is remembering to pack your own stuff.

Visit the-puppy-dog-place.com the-puppy-dog-place.com for lots more tips and information on traveling with your dog. You’ll also find tons of free advice on all aspects of puppies and puppy care.

What is the most valuable tool for bird watching? That’s simple, a bird feeder. Just as the name implies, a bird feeder is a device that is placed outdoors for the purpose of dispensing food to birds. This type of product is usually installed for the purpose of bird watching, which is a very popular hobby. The ultimate success of a bird feeder is determined by it’s placement, the types of seeds provided and the design of the feeder itself.

To begin with, a bird feeder must be large enough to accommodate the nearby species. Birds need to be able to get to the seeds easily if they are to continue to use the bird feeder. In addition, the feeder should be placed somewhere convenient and easily accessible for both the birds and for bird watching. Most bird feeders are located in a tree that birds are known to frequent. In some instances, individuals may also opt for hanging a bird feeder on their porch, which will allow for a real close up view for bird watching enthusiasts.

The type of bird that you wish to attract will ultimately determine the type of food that you supply in the bird feeder. For example, while most food is made in the form of seeds, hummingbirds prefer liquid nourishment. This is a very important distinction as bird feeders are created for bird watching and, without the proper food, there may not be any birds to watch.

Many people around the world enjoy bird watching and some even record their experiences on video. Some individuals use webcams, while others use a regular camcorder to capture their birds on film. Photographers often enjoy bird watching for fun and profit. As birds get close enough to enjoy the food in their feeder, photos can be snapped in hopes of capturing their beauty. With all of the bird food in your yard, don’t be surprised if you happen to catch a squirrel in your photographs. These little critters love bird food and are often drawn to areas where it is readily available. The best way to remedy this problem is to put a separate squirrel feeder outside to deter squirrels from snatching all of the bird food as it falls to the ground.

A bird feeder is easy to find at any retail or online store, but the many choices available may make the decision a difficult one. Ultimately, the size of the feeder and it’s design will be the most important consideration. The next thing to consider will be your bird watching budget because, as we all know, cost plays a large role in every purchasing decision that we make.

To get more facts about bird-watching-guide.info bird watching, check out our website at bird-watching-guide.info bird-watching-guide.info for lots of free bird watching information and reviews.

Everyone is surely going to get excited when trying to adopt a Shih Tzu. Truly a man’s best friend, you can rely on your pet Shih Tzu in giving you company, cuddling up together and some can even guard your house. You need to review your personal lifestyle and needs when adopting a Shih Tzu. It is a major decision whether or not you would choose to have a puppy or an adult as a pet. Before deciding on which Shih Tzu to adopt, here is some useful information that might help you decide.

On Shih Tzu Puppies

* Bringing up a puppy is an advantage because this means that you would guide its growth and well being. You would have the chance to raise it up according to what you want. This means you can ensure that it is properly nurtured with the right dog food, ensure that necessary dog shots are given and prevent heartworm at this early stage. Having your Shih Tzu puppy personally trained is also a plus since you can teach him exactly what you want.

* You should adopt a puppy when it is at least 10 weeks old. Puppies need a lot of time to be cared for by their mothers. This is a crucial stage for them. They somehow gain a psychological advantage for both Shih Tzu puppy and for the mother dog as well.

* A puppy can easily adjust to new surroundings as compared to an adult dog. Although most Shih Tzu puppies may cause minimal to major damage to your personal stuff while they are in the stage of teething. They need to be housebroken and house training needs a lot of time, effort and patience from the owner.

* There is no assurance of what a puppy would look like when it gets old. Also, his temperament might change when he grows up.

* Most pet owners love how Shih Tzu puppies can be entertaining. They are very cute and adorable pets that is a hit for both children and grown ups. Shih Tzu puppies can be easily regarded as one of the family.

On adult Shih Tzu

* You would have less of a fuss taking care of an adult Shih Tzu. They already have this established behavior that you can easily adopt too. By being with the Shih Tzu more often, you would have more or less an idea of what its temperament is.

* You need to get as much information that you can when adopting an adult Shih Tzu. Take note of its habits and mood swings. You can acquire information from the previous owners of the dog. Some adult Shih Tzu may have some behavior issues. It is important to take note of them.

* It may take some time and effort for an adult Shih Tzu to be completely comfortable with a new owner.

* Take note that you need to introduce an adult Shih Tzu to your children and other household members. This would help the dog be familiar with them and helps them refrain from biting or barking thinking that they maybe strangers.

* Adult Shih Tzu may not need your full attention unlike Shih Tzu puppies need and would require lesser trips to the veterinary.

* For a fully grown Shih Tzu physique and behavior is basically not a variable anymore. What you see is basically what you get.

* Most adult Shih Tzu is housebroken already so they would cause lesser damage to your belongings and don’t wake up at night like most Shih Tzu puppies do. Usually, they have grown out of the impulse of chewing things.

* An older Shih Tzu can easily adapt to other pets, like other dogs or cats, if you have a group of them at your household.

Adopting a Shih Tzu is not an easy task and choosing which one to adopt can be a little tricky too. Everyone loves sweet looking Shih Tzu puppies, but not everyone can stand up to the tiresome house training. Though most would appreciate the bonding shared with them.

Adult Shih Tzu need no great amount of guidance but can still turn out to be a lovable pet. Whichever you think is the right pet for you, just keep in mind that taking care of them requires a lot of time and effort. In return, they would always keep you company and has ready smile with an excited wag of tail waiting for you everyday.

Author: Connie Limon. I raise Shih Tzu puppies from top champion bloodlines in many different colors of blues, reds, chocolates, blacks. We have the small AKC standards, imperials and teacups, and reasonable prices. We offer you educational material, dog bows and dog clothes. Visit us online at: stainglassshihtzus.com and sign up for our FREE newsletter to receive valuable discounts.

This article is FREE to publish with resource box.

Author: Connie Limon. I raise Shih Tzu puppies from top champion bloodlines in many different colors of blues, reds, chocolates, blacks. We have the small AKC standards, imperials and teacups, and reasonable prices. We offer you educational material, dog bows and dog clothes. Visit us online at: stainglassshihtzus.com stainglassshihtzus.com and sign up for our FREE newsletter to receive valuable discounts.

Training your dog will help him to be a more obedient animal. It will also help him to be a better pet. The time that you spend investing in this training will reward you for many years. Your pet will be closer to you and will respect you even more. And, it doesn’t take away for his or her personality. But, what is does is sets the rules, the boundaries which help an animal to feel secure.

Your pet is communicating with you. They want attention and will do whatever it takes to get it. Believe it or not, you may actually be unconsciously telling your dog to behave badly if you do not provide them with the attention that they are in need of. If you yell at your pet for doing something wrong, for example, having an accident on the rug, you are providing attention to it and therefore, they may keep doing it to get that attention. You are excited which makes them excited. Instead, try ignoring your pet when they do something wrong like this.

On the flip side, then, positive reinforcement works well on many pets. Reward your dog for good behavior. What can you do? Things like giving them a treat or just verbally praising them works well. Or, take some time to pay extra attention to them. This does several things for your pet. The pet will realize that good behavior, whatever it is, will get them this type of reward. And, it will help to promote you as the leader. You need to remain the leader of the pack, even if your dog tries to challenge this. For those who need to learn this, and even those animals that are less assertive, obedience training can be quite beneficial. When the dog uses his or her instincts to follow a leader, the pet will feel more secure and behave properly as well.

Positive reinforcement type training can work in a number of different ways. For example, the capture reward process where the pet is rewarded when the good behavior is displayed is commonly used to gently coax the animal into giving you the desired reaction. The professionals will likely tell you that it is best to use several senses for training. The use of verbal communication and the use of hand signals are necessary. Things like sit, come, go, stay are all verbal signals. You need a release signal as well which will inform the animal that she has done a good job. You would give the release signal and then her reward right afterwards. This links the signal with the fact that the animal has done something good.

Now, who is going to teach your pet and how will they do it? First of all, you can do most of the training yourself. You can tap into the resources that you find at the library and bookstores on training the dog in how to type books. You can get quite a bit of the information you need to do it right on the web as well. If you do want to find additional help, seek that of a professional in your area. You can find them through pet supply chains or your local humane societies. Classes can be a great way to help your dog to socialize and to educate yourself. You can find local personal trainers for your dog as well. These individuals will come to you and work with your animal in a custom way to give them the support that they need.

best-pet-health.info Best Pet Health Information is a resource which will help you find infomation, hints and tips to keeping your dog happy and healthy. best-pet-health.info best-pet-health.info. dognewscenter.com Dog News Center publishes news and articles about dogs and puppies.

This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and live links are included intact.

You have just got a new dog, and you would like to train it on your own. However, maybe you haven’t trained a dog before or have had problems in the past training other dogs, so you ask for advice on training equipment or aids. Something that may be suggested to you is that you use an electronic dog collar.

Before you go out and purchase an electronic dog collar, you ought to know what they are and how they work. There are several different kinds of electronic dog collars, and they are used for two main purposes:

1. Controlling barking

2. Containment of a dog

Most dogs bark to a greater or lesser extent. However, how much they bark depends on what kind of breed they are. It is a fact that some dog breeds were specifically designed to be quieter than others. Whilst it is true breeds that were originally bred to guard or keep watch tend to be the dog breeds with a tendency to bark, although this is not an absolute rule.

These dog breeds include: Terriers, Schnauzers, Poodles, Pekinese, Chihuahua, Sheep Dogs, Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Dachshund, Irish Setters, and Pugs. Owners may find that some types of dog breeds are less likely to bark. These include Bloodhounds, Golden Retrievers, Newfoundlands, Rottweilers, Boxers, Malamutes, Saint Bernard, Bulldogs, or Afghans. When considering traits such as barking, new owners often fail to consider both training and dog breed when selecting a dog.

So, dog owners who do want too much barking, or who are worried about the neighbours might consider purchasing an electronic dog collar.

The main purpose of the electronic dog collar is to stop a dog from barking. There are two main ways this is achieved:

Firstly, sensors in the dog collar can tell when the dog is barking, and each time that the dog barks, the electronic dog collar emits an ultrasonic noise that dogs can hear but not humans, thus making them stop barking.

The second version of this collar works in a slightly different way, when your dog barks, a spray of citronella, which is both painless and harmless, is released and surprises your dog. The element of surprise is enough to interrupt the dog in mid bark. In a short time, most dogs learns to keep quiet while wearing the collar.

It is generally accepted that there is no traumatising sensation, or unwanted side effects on the dog or his sense of smell. If you want your dog to express himself as before (to guard the house, when you’re staying away or at night, etc) all you have to do is remove the collar.

Another type of electronic dog collar which I would not recommend requires owners to have an electronic fence installed in their garden. Although there are packages that allow you to do this yourself, it can get complicated, so unless you have experience doing that, hire a professional to install it.

Electronic fences are invisible fences that restrain a dog from leaving the property. They have the benefit of being invisible for those people that don’t like the look of fences. When a dog wears an electronic dog collar and goes too close to the outside parameters of the electronic fence, the dog is met by an electric shock.

There are two ways that electronic dog collars are operated, either on their own, or by a remote that is directed at the collar by the owner. These kinds of collars may seem to have been useful in training dogs, but as they involve electric shocks being emitted I do NOT believe they should be used by responsible owners. Although the electric shock they receive is not large, there are still alternatives to teaching a dog not to do something, such as distracting with a noise, such as shaking or dropping an empty plastic bottle half filled with stones.

In summary you should enjoy building a relationship with your dog through training and avoid anything like electric fences that may harm them or make your pet wary or nervous.

Terry King runs

* Canine heartworm infection occurs all across the United States. Heartworm infection has been found in pet and wild dogs in all 50 states, each of which have there own areas where the disease is an ongoing problem (these are known as “endemic” areas).

* All dogs regardless of their age, sex, or habitat are susceptible to heartworm infection. The highest infection rates (up to 45%) in dogs not maintained on heartworm preventive are seen within 150 miles of the Atlantic coast from Texas to New Jersey and along the Mississippi River and its major tributaries. Other areas of the United States have lower incidence rates (5% or less) of canine heartworm disease, though even in those states some local regions have environmental, mosquito, and dog population factors that allow a higher incidence of heartworm infection.

* Badly affected regions have heartworm infections diagnosed in dogs as young as 1 year, with most areas diagnosing infections primarily between the ages of 3 and 8 years of age.

* The infection rate in male dogs is as much as 4 times that of female dogs and dogs housed outdoors are 4 to 5 times more likely to be infected than indoor dogs.

* Although there are differences in frequency of infection for various groups of dogs, all dogs in endemic regions should be considered at risk and placed on surveillance/prevention s.

Introduction

Heartworm was once considered a parasite common in southern climates, it is now recognized as a major, global pest affecting dogs, foxes, wolves and coyotes.

Heartworm was discovered nearly a century ago in dogs, and was discovered in cats in the 1920’s. Since then scientists have devised diagnostic tests, preventives and treatments, but the disease still spreads.

When you are are visiting your local vet, you may notice posters which show the infested heart loaded with long fine spaghetti like worms, this is too remind pet owners not to gamble that their dog or cat will never be bitten by an infected mosquito. Heartworm prevention is simple with regular dosing with preventive medication. If the pet has heartworm infestation this is dangerous; untreated dogs die and treated dogs go through weeks of discomfort while the worms are killed and expelled from their bodies. Testing

Heartworms can be detected by blood test. X-rays can also detect the changes in the heart and lungs caused by the presence of adult heartworms in these organs.

Prevention

Preventive doses come in oral and topical versions, products like Heartguard, Interceptor, heartworm treatment and ProHeart are given monthly. Revolution is a new preventive applied topically. Some of these drugs also kill other parasitic worms, and Revolution also acts against fleas, ticks, and mites.

Many veterinarians including the team at Vetstop recommend a year-round heartworm prevention to guard against the occasional infected mosquito flying about in even relatively mild winters. The old saying applies; “Prevention is better than cure”.

Copyright 2006 Paul Nelson

Paul Nelson writes articles for Pet Lovers, see more at our site below.
vetstop.com vetstop.com

Magnetic dog doors are designed especially for dogs wearing magnetic keys on their collar. It helps to keep strays and other animals out of the house. The doors provide an extra security by allowing entry of dogs wearing magnetic collar keys only.

Magnetic dog doors reduce common behavior problems such as destructive chewing, clawing furniture, and excessive barking. The dogs simply wear a magnet attached to their collars, and it is then identified by a sensitive, fast reacting electromagnetic circuit. A 4-way locking system is used to control the dog’s movements into and out of your house. The door latch will automatically close after the pet has entered the system. The depth can be increased by using an optional tunnel extension.

Magnetic dog doors come in a variety of colors including white, grey, and brown. The important features are, they are secure, long lasting, safe, and easy for pets to use. Due to the longer nose length of dogs, the dog magnets are larger and more powerful. There are many sizes and models of magnetic dog doors. Most models come with a template and an instruction manual. Each package includes wood-fitting cat door, screws, screw caps, pet training guide, and 2 magnetic collar attachments.

Magnetic dog doors are manufactured from tough, easy to clean thermoplastic or other materials. For strength and long wear, some of them have nylon lock security system. It has self lining frames and PVC seal profile for wood installation. The doors are weather resistant, environmentally friendly, and rigid; and have self closing magnetic flap and lockable interior barrier. It is very easy to install with household tools, using the given stainless steel screws. Most magnetic dog doors are suitable for fitting into doors, walls or glass.

e-DogDoors.com Dog Doors provides detailed information on Dog Doors, Electronic Dog Doors, Patio Dog Doors, Screen Dog Doors and more. Dog Doors is affiliated with e-DogCrates.com Soft Dog Crates.

The Canary Dog history includes the now extinct native dog of the Canary Islands, the Bardino Majero, crossed with imported English Mastiffs. It is interesting to note that the Islands were not named for the little yellow singing bird known as the Canary, but rather for the fierce fighting dogs bred on the Islands: From the Latin “cane” or “canis” dog came the “Island of the Dogs”. Another name for this massive mastiff type of dog is the Perro De Presa Canario. At one time dog fighting was a common and popular form of entertainment in Europe and the British Isles and several breeds were developed especially for their fighting ability and endurance. Some of the necessary attributes of fighting dogs were: tough skin, (often with folds or heavy neck dewlaps) strong jaws and punishing power and strength. The Canary Dog was developed as one of the fighting dogs exclusively and was used for that purpose in the early years of its development. When the sport was outlawed on the Islands, this breed very nearly became extinct by the 1960s. The fanciers of the breed took notice and made serious efforts to perpetuate the breed. Today it is enjoying some popularity as a guarding dog. In the United States this dog is not registered with the American Kennel Club.

This is a dog with a powerful appearance. The head should be nearly as wide as the dog, appearing quite square in profile. The jaw is strong and the muzzle deep. The ears are always cropped. The dog should appear slightly high in the rear with the withers being lower than the croup. The color can be fawn or brindle of varying shades and some white. The Canary Dog has thick skin, especially to protect his body from dog bites, strong and heavy boned, he should have a powerful appearance and a massive head with a large jaw. The entire appearance should present a somewhat forbidding picture. The dog should be 21 to 25 inches and carry a weight of 100 to 115 pounds. The short coat is easy to groom. Brushing down with a brush and wiping off with a damp toweling usually all that is necessary. This dog sheds of course and the hairs can be stiff and somewhat coarse.

The Canary Dog is not for the timid owner. No member of the family which owns a Canary Dog should be uncomfortable around dogs. this is a breed that requires a dominant owner. He presents a fearful picture and can be a dog that shows aggression to humans. Their appearance alone is a deterrent to strangers. The Canary dog is an excellent watch dog but needs to be in homes who establish strong rules and are knowledgeable about obedience. Once the boundaries of dominance are established, the Canary Dog is extremely loyal and showing great affection to his own family and allows no interlopers to come into his territory without permission, whether they be humans or other animals.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to dog-guides.com/ Dogs

The Domestic Long Hair is the same breed of cat as the Domestic Short Hair, but with longer fur. It is descended from cats that were brought to America aboard ships to hunt rats and was selectively bred in America into today’s Domestic Long Hair. The name Domestic Long Hair is given to cats whose parentage is in question; otherwise, it is referred to as an American Long Hair and only American Long Hairs can be show cats.

This long haired cat does require regular grooming if it does not like to groom itself and must be bathed every one to two weeks as part of the grooming process. For this reason, and many others, Domestic Long Hair cats do not make good outdoor cats – their coats are prone to matting which, if not attended to properly, can lead to infections.

Domestic Long Hair coats can come in a wide range of colors and patterns – there is no standard or predictability in color. This breed of cat also has almost as many different personalities so it is relatively easy to find a suitable cat for any environment and family. There is no average weight for this breed, but Domestic Long Hairs tend to be a medium sized cat. On average, they will live for twelve to twenty years.

Domestic Long Hairs are a hearty breed of cat (as part of their ‘working cat’ heritage) and do not have any specific medical problems or concerns, but they can be prone to obesity so it is important to monitor their diet.

There is a website that has great information on the Domestic Long Hair and most other breeds of cats. It has details that pertain to a cat breeds health, grooming, living conditions, best food choices and more, the website is called: Dog And Cat Facts, and can be found at this url =>

What is Live Rock?

Live Rock is not in itself live, the description comes from the abundance of live organisms which is imported along with the rock the rock is basically coral skeletons and other calcareous material which settles on the sea bed and is then collected for use in marine aquariums.

Most of the life on the rock is microscopic marine life, aerobic and anaerobic nitrifying bacteria which forms a excellent base and kick-starts the home aquarium, taking over as the main filtration for the tank, most people run a live rock system in conjunction with a algae-based sump system, a skimmer and a sand bed, and no external filters are needed as the rock acts as a filter if enough live rock is used.

The abundance of reef creatures, good and bad, which is imported on the rock, becomes the main focus of interest to the hobbyist, worms, crabs, dusters and live coral can survive the journey and add excitement, where onlookers are confused at the owner on hands and knees looking at a chunk of rock instead of the television.

Live rock is sold as ‘cured’ or ‘uncured’, when the rock is imported some life on the rock dies in transit; some rock can sit around for days at point of collection until exported. When it arrives at it’s destination a three or four week process happens where the rock is initially cleaned of any obvious problems, placed in tanks where it is heavily skimmed and goes through the ‘cycle’, where a nitrite spike happens as the natural bacteria build up until there is enough to cope with any waste, at this point the nitrite drops over a day or two, at this point the rock is ‘cured’.

Short overnight deliveries, if kept warm and damp, does not make the rock go into another cycle and can be safely placed into an existing aquarium where the life can blossom.

Nigel Edmunds is owner of live-rock.co.uk live-rock.co.uk