You should never keep a betta fish in a small tank. Smaller tanks are harder to control. When it comes to betta fish, you need to keep in mind of the temperature, hardness, and ammonia levels. As for the temperature it should be somewhere between 75-85*F. The pH levels should stay between 6.8-7.4 and the hardness can go up to 20 dGH.

The water is extremely important to all types of fish, but betta fish can be sensitive. You should check on the water every day and the tank should be cleaned every couple of days. Betta fish are very sensitive to the ammonia levels also. You get ammonia build up especially from new tanks. If you clean your new tank with harsh cleaners, make sure that you rinse the tank out several times, because even a trace of the cleaner will harm your betta.

When it comes to the tank size, you should never go with anything less than three gallons. You will need a bigger tank for the more fish that you add. However, you should watch what kind of fish that you add to a betta tank. Betta fish are known as being semi-aggressive and should be put into a tank with the appropriate fish.

You should also know that a betta tank should never have more than one male. By adding more than one male, you are just asking for a fight. Males are very territorial, but sometimes even the females can become aggressive if bothered. If you have more than one male, make sure that the two are separated with a barrier. When mixing your fish, you should not have fin-nipping fish. They will go after the betta’s long-flowing fins. Also, you will need to make sure that certain community fish are not placed in the tank, because the tank may become disrupted.

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For those living in San Diego, it is best to know some of best dog obedience clubs around the area, in order to help train and discipline dogs.

John’s Natural Dog Training Company

John’s Natural Dog Training Company was launched in 1991 to address the needs of dog lovers across the San Diego area and who wanted to have an accessible obedience school. The organization also serves as a club for pet lovers and is led by the father and wife team of John and Bonnie Rubin. The Rubins first formed Natural Pet Systems Inc in 1995 and this now serves as the organization’s parent company. Mr Rubin’s experience in dog training has spanned for over 20 years.

John’s Natural Dog Training Company is a certified company that focuses on the fundamentals of pet obedience. There are no fancy tricks and gimmicks here, as the company believes that the traditional dog training techniques remain the best practices.

Unlike other so-called certified dog trainers, John’s Natural Dog Training Company is more than a club and does not depend on the written curriculum developed by other members of pet associations. The group highly regards the services it offers for the San Diego crowd and believes that it is one of the best dog training organizations in the State of California, given its 20 year experience in the industry.

The San Diego Labrador Retriever Club

The San Diego Labrador Retriever Club was established in February 1996 and its founding members were dog breeders in the San Diego County area that realized a need to organize a regional club. The club’s roster of members has sharply grown over the last seven years and it has already held its first ever Annual Specialty Show in November 2001.

The San Diego Labrador Retriever Club became sanctioned by the American Kennel Club in November 2000. The SDLRC aims to promote the importance of obedience and right training among dogs, especially Labrador Retrievers, and disseminating information about the wonderful breed and how to properly take care of them.

The SDLRC follows a Code of Conduct that is followed by its members and also serves as a guide to other dog owners, in order to properly take care of the breed.

The SDLRC primarily serves to promote and encourage the quality of breeding given to purebred Labrador Retrievers, to teach Labradors and push for their participation in different dog related activities.

The SDLRC hosts several educational events and seminars, which touch on movement, structure and breeding. Special events are normally attended by some of the most highly respected dog obedience experts in the US, where they discuss topics such as hereditary canine eye problems, current vaccination protocols, acupuncture, orthopedic and cardiac diseases and legal issues.

The SDLRC runs an educational booth at the annual San Diego Del Mar Fair and also holds Matches and ‘Fun Days’ for Labrador breeders. Other special events include clinics for eyes, heart, elbow and hip and Canine Good Citizenship tests.

Kelly Jezek is a successful Webmaster and publisher of dogtrainingessentials.com. She provides more helpful information about the

It is important to train your dog with the goal to teach them limitations, thus making them more relaxed around humans. On the internet there are so many hundreds of dog training programs and as many professional dog trainers. However, it is hard to tell which are professional and which give real value to training your dog.

The best way to find a good trainer is to ask your friends and family if they know a good dog trainer. Once you have found a trainer, ask them what method of training they teach and how long they have been instructing. There are tons of training methods for dogs that do not apply to the times of today. Ask the trainer what method they use, why they use it, and what the benefits of it are. No question is stupid because you are thinking of your dogs best interest.

Whether you train your dog yourself or find a professional, teaching your dog commands and socializing it is important. Areas to cover in training include:

1. Learning the sit command. Normally this is the first thing that new dog owners teach their puppies and dogs.

2. Interacting with other dogs. Helping your dog socialize with other dogs is great at dog parks and also in a dog training class.

3. Socializing to strangers. Dogs love humans and getting them acquainted with more humans makes it easier to interact with strangers.

4. Dog Leash walking at your pace. This is important that your dog learns who is the boss by you regulating the speed of the do walks.

5. Learning the stay command: This command is important for your dog to master in different environment obstacles.

There are many benefits to having a well-trained dog. But it doesn’t necessarily mean the dog will not develop behavioral problems down the road. Being around a well-trained dog is a joy and it strengthens the human-animal bond.

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If your Yorkie becomes spoiled enough he or she can and will run the household. This is a breed that can become quite manipulative. However, living with a well-bred Yorkshire terrier can be loads of fun if you can learn to properly train or provide professional training for him or her. The Yorkshire terrier can simply be one of the most delightful pet companions you will ever own.

Before purchasing a Yorkshire terrier, give some thought as to whether or not, this strong little personality can unite with you in harmony. You might want to consider the following factors before purchasing a Yorkshire terrier:

• How much time do you have to devote to a Yorkshire terrier pet companion? Yorkies are little people and they love to spend time with their owners. They can be very miserable if left unattended for hours on end.

• Living with a Yorkshire terrier is almost like having a child, except the Yorkshire terrier remains childlike even in later adult years. In essence the Yorkshire terrier never grows up, and will always require your care and supervision.

• Do you have a fenced yard? For the safety of a Yorkshire terrier, a fenced yard is essential. A Yorkshire terrier may not run away from home, but is more apt to be distracted by the tweeting sound of a bird, and follow that sound right out into the street. Please be sure the fence does not have large holes or gaps as he or she can slip right through. Don’t forget the Yorkie is a terrier and may also just dig right under the fence. Digging is one of the Yorkshire terriers many talents. It is a part of their heritage, not necessarily something bad, just something they are most talented at doing.

• Is this your first small toy dog? If you have always owned larger breeds, you must realize the Yorkshire terrier is going to be much different.

• Yorkshire terriers are generally active and will need exercise and lessons in manners. Are you able to provide these lessons?

• Do you have small children? Usually, the Yorkshire terrier do not fair well with small children. Young kids are not suitable companions for the delicate Yorkie. Older children may be perfect companions, however, if taught to handle the Yorkshire terrier appropriately. The Yorkshire terrier does not tolerate mistreatment from children. This is unlike a Lab or a Golden Retriever, who will allow a small child to ride on his back or pull his ears or tail. A Yorkshire terrier could be severely injured if mishandled, and may become aggressive as well.

• Having time for a dog of any breed does not mean that you cannot work nor have a life otherwise. However, especially with the toy breeds and the Yorkshire terrier, your pet will need quality time just as a child needs quality time.

• A Yorkshire terrier will require at least two feedings a day and needs to be exercised several times a day.

• A Yorkshire terrier will require holding and plenty of affection and attention. You must work with a Yorkshire terrier to have an obedient dog with good manners.

• The small size of a Yorkshire terrier makes him perfect for apartment living, and/or other small quarters, as well as just about any other type of accommodations.

• Yorkshire terriers require a fair amount of daily grooming, as well as regular professional grooming to keep them looking and feeling their best.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

Author: Connie Limon. Visit us at abouttoydogs.com abouttoydogs.com About Toy Dogs is a toy dog breeder and article directory. Purchase a full page ad for $25 per year.

Golden retrievers are obedient and easy-to-train dogs. The puppy has to be taught good manners; it has to get used to a daily routine. You will have to make it known to your puppy where it can and can’t go, whether or not it is allowed to sleep on the sofa or chew your slipper. Do not puzzle the puppy by permitting something one day and forbidding it the next. You can give your puppy a little treat as an incentive and gently reprimand it as a penalty, but never hit your puppy – it will break its spirit.

Toilet training can be started right away. All your energies need to be devoted to it in the first week. You must take the puppy outside as soon as it has had meals or awakens from sleep; puppies usually get a little restless when they have to go. If you like you can use a word association. Puppies can associate words with going to the toilet and this way you can make them go any time you think suitable.

Though the golden retriever has a friendly temperament, a new puppy has to be trained to socialize with people. As soon as it is 8-9 weeks old, you should take it out in your arms or in your car. He will love socializing and you’ll have a friendly little dog that will be the talk of the town.

Twelve weeks is the ideal time when you should start taking your puppy out on walks. It will take a few weeks before your dog learns to be on the leash. But as soon as it does, walks would be something that both you and your dog will look forward to. You shall walk to the park with wind in your face, flower falling on the path and your golden retriever walking by your side, and ‘It will be the beginning of a beautiful friendship’.

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Here are the different aspects to look for when choosing your fish:

Environment: Are the cups clean or are they full of dirty water? Is there a bad smell in the air? It could be from dead fish.

Color: Bettas are known for their vibrant coloring. Of course, there are variations that are pale or white. More likely, however, the dull color is a sign of stress or poor health.

Behavior: You want an active fish, floating upright, not spending too much time on the bottom. If a fish is motionless it could be sleeping. Don’t tap on the glass as that will stress it out. Be subtle trying to get his attention.

Body: The body should be full and sleek, with no noticeable bumps. If it has white splotches it could have a fungus.

Fins: The fins should be free of wholes or tears, and spread fully instead of clamped together.

Scales: The scales should be flat and smooth. They shouldn’t be loose or peeling.

Gills: Gills should be smooth, not red or stringy.

Eyes: The eyes should be dark and clear. They should not be bulging or sunken.

If something just doesn’t look or feel right, pass on that fish and look at another one. It’s good to trust your instincts. If there are many healthy fish to choose from, then go with personal preference.

You can use these same signs to watch the health of your betta fish after purchase. There are many resources on the web that you can find to increase the health and longevity of your fish. Put “Betta Care” in the search engine to get started. Good luck with your new fish!

This article has been submitted in affiliation with PetLovers.Com/ PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for PetLovers.Com/ Pet Forums.

The best of friends, family, and kennels, cannot offer anything better than the comfort of a pet’s own home. Also, having a trusted pet sitter in your home can help protect your home from intruders.

Follow the 10 recommendations below to help you find the perfect pet sitter. Start looking well in advance of your vacation or holiday.

Personal Referrals. Ask trusted friends or family members if they can recommend a pet sitter they have used.

Set up a meeting in your home with each potential pet sitter. Watch how the sitter relates or interacts with your dog. Are they actively involved with the dog or are they distant or restrained around them? Does your dog want the pet sitter’s attention? If your dog and the person interviewed do not seem to click, keep interviewing until you find a good match.

A reliable and dedicated sitter will take notes for the details of your unique dog routines. They should ask you questions, and be concerned of trying to maintain the same routine as the dog has been use to. If they do not ask questions or take notes from you, keep interviewing.

A professional pet sitter should belong to an organization such as PSI (Pet Sitters International) or NAPPS (National Association of Professional Pet Sitters). However, remember these national organizations do not know these individuals or their reputation. Instead, ask for local affiliations and follow-up.

Ask for other client references. These will help you get a clearer idea of what to expect if you hire this person.

Bonding & Insurance. Bonding and insurance protects you in the case of damage or theft of your property. However, it does NOT ensure that the pet sitter is reliable, caring or trustworthy. These traits can often be determined from their former employers (references).

Ask for a copy of their contract. Carefully review the details. A contract will protect you and your dog. It will also spell out exactly what you can and cannot expect from the pet sitter. It should also list the appropriate rates for all services offered. Do not hesitate to ask questions!

Arrange another visit. Arrange for the pet sitter to spend some alone time with your dog. A walk is a great idea. Monitor your dog’s reaction. Is he happy and comfortable with the pet sitter? Or does he seem eager to get away from them? This also gives the pet sitter a chance to see if they can appropriately handle your dog (particularly if the dog is a large-breed, strong or very energetic).

Finally, go with your gut feeling! If it doesn’t “feel” right, it’s not! Keep looking.

Prepare detailed instructions for your pet sitter. Include your phone numbers of where you can be reached in the event of an emergency. You will also need to give your pet sitter the name and phone number of your vet.

Prepare in advance. Following these steps will ensure the best possible pet sitting experience.

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Author: Connie Limon. Please visit us at: abouttoydogs.com abouttoydogs.com We are an article and resource directory all about toy dogs. Sign up for our FREE newsletter on the site.

Comfortable dog clothing is important not just because it will make your pooch feel better. If a sweater or coat is too hot, your furry friend could overheat and feel sick. At the same time, if your canine is going to be outside with the cold autumn air, the apparel needs to be warm enough if the dog doesn’t have thick fur. A dress might look adorable but not hold in any heat for a shivering little hound. Make sure there are no annoying tags poking your pet’s skin as it can cause irritation and make sure there’s no sign of a rash or other allergic reaction when you first put on the outfit. You never know if there’s something in the fabric your pooch’s skin will react to.

If your hound is going trick-or-treating or just out for a walk with his costume, having a visible getup will make him easier to see for car drivers. This will greatly reduce the odds of him getting hit if he accidentally runs in the road. Some helpful accessories are dog boots, since most are made with a reflective strip and come in many colors to match an outfit.

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Here are my top 10 tips to keeping your dog safe:

1. Poison-Proof Your Home. Check your home for possible poisons and toxins that your dog can get into. Common toxins include antifreeze, rat or mouse bait, slug bait, and insecticides. Make sure you keep all drugs and medications out of reach. Even household items can be toxic such as the new “Gorilla Glue.” This glue is activated by water and expands to more than three to four times its volume and can expand to fill the entire area in which it is confined. When it hardens, it is rock hard and a pet is unable to eliminate it. If a pet eats it, it can expand it its stomach causing a life-threatening problem that requires surgery!

2. Plant-Proof Your Home. Plants are an attractive part of home decorating; however, it can be toxic to your dog. Be careful what you bring in and monitor if your pet is getting into it. Ingestion of almost every plant can cause signs of vomiting and/or diarrhea in most pets. Plants that are especially toxic are Easter lilies, which can cause fatal kidney failure.

3. Check Collars, Tags, and Microchip. Check your dog’s neck at least once a week to make sure the collar is not too loose or too tight and it is still there. Pets can lose their collar and in many case their “identification” along with it. This is especially important in pets that are growing or loosing weight. When you check the collar, make sure there is a tag that is easy to read. Tags can fall off. Consider having a microchip placed for permanent identification.

4. Keep Dogs Supervised. The safest approach is leash walks only for dogs! This way you can not only monitor what they are getting into but also watch their urine and bowel movements for abnormalities. The next safest things for dogs are fenced-in yards. Monitor your yard and fence frequently for problems such as loose boards, open trash, and other dangers. Keep your dog inside in extreme cold or hot temperatures.

5. Don’t Let your Dog Ride in an Open Truck Bed. Dogs that are allowed to ride in open bed pick up trucks become frequent victims of trauma. Sudden starts, stops, and turns can toss your pet onto the highway where it can get hit by oncoming traffic. It is estimated that at least 100,000 dogs die this way each year. Leashing your pet in the back does not protect it as many dogs have been strangled when tossed over the side. If you pet needs to ride in back, let him or her ride in a crate safely secured to the cab.

6. Keep Head and Paws Inside. Dogs love to stick their heads out open windows; however the wind, insects and debris in the air can hit your pet. Many pets are taken to emergency hospitals after something hits their eyes or face. Many dogs have also been injured during accidents when a sudden start or stop has thrown pets, causing fatal injuries.

7. Pet-Proof Your Home. Prevent common accidents in your home by pet-proofing! Protect your dog from electrical cords. Remove access to children’s toys, strings or small objects that can be chewed on or swallowed. Gate or fence water bodies like pools, lakes, ponds or canals. Don’t allow pets near automated garage doors. Small dogs can be crushed under reclining chairs and rockers. Keep paper shredders turned completely off or unplugged when not in use as some pets will stick paws in feeder or have hair caught in them, causing very serious injuries.

8. Know What to Do and Who to Call. Find out if your veterinarian performs emergency work after hours and locate your closest emergency hospital. Know the numbers and directions just in case you need it. Call anytime you have a pet concern!

About the Author:
With her PetPlace.com columns, Dog safety expert, Debra Primovic has helped thousands of dog owners protect their petplace.com/dogs.aspx dogs from harm’s way. To keep your best friend living longer, stronger check out PetPlace.com’s 8,000 veterinarian approved articles at: petplace.com petplace.com

The Cockapoo is what is known as a hybrid dog. They have the best qualities of the American Coker Spaniel and the Poodle (usually a minature or toy poodle). This, of course, is assuming these dogs are not bred from defective cockers or poodles.

Cocapoo’s are noted for their wonderful dispositions. These dogs are intelligent, sweet natured, affectionate and friendly. They have a forgiving nature that make them an ideal dog
for children. Their personality is unparalled in their ability to relate to people especially children. Therefore they make great family pets and even get along well with other dogs.

They have low shedding coats with very little dander which is the culprit in allergies people have to dogs. So they make a great choice for these people.

They are eager to please and easily trained.

Cockapoo’s have a lower incidence of gentic defects than their parental breeds. You do need to keep their ears clean because they are prone to ear infections.

They tend to live a long life….18-22 years.

They come in four sizes:

Teacup – under 6 pounds
Toy – under 12 pounds
Miniature – 13-18 pounds
Maxi/Standard – over 19 pounds

A cockapoo has a sturdy appearance. Their eyes are large, round, well spaced with an intelligent expression. Their eyes can be dark brown or hazel. Cars hang fairly close to their head and are feathered. Their tails can be docked or well featured and full coated if long.

The have three different coat types:

Tight curly coat
Medium curl coat
Flat coat

They come in many colors: any solid color, Parti color(solid with white), phaniton (brown, black, silver body with contrasting color on legs), tri-color, merle or roam.

Sandy has a web site on small dog breeds with information on different breeds, dogs good for children and seniors, hypoallergenic dogs, breeders, vets and much more. Visit at small-dogbreeds.com small-dogbreeds.com