Beware Of The Holiday Goodies That Are Not So Great For Your Pet’s Health
September 30, 2009
Beware Of The Holiday Goodies That Are Not So Great For Your Pet’s Health
by: Robin Perdue
The holidays mean plenty of fatty treats for most people. Who can resist … candy, cookies, fudge, egg nog, pumpkin pie, not to mention the home cooked meals and family togetherness? It’s part of the spirit of the season. While we may not be able to resist the urge to overindulge ourselves, we can and should resist the urge to overindulge our pets. Let’s face it, we all sneak a little table treat to our pets every now and then. It’s hard to say no to those wanting eyes. And, the excited look on their little face when they realize they are getting a treat is priceless. But, tread lightly down this path!!
For one, animals have a very short span of contentment. Their contented state lasts long enough for them to swallow the last bite. Then, those wanting eyes are right back in your face, watching your every move expecting hoping guilting If you head down this path, be prepared to deal with it every single time you sit down for dinner.
Should You Sleep With Your Dog?
September 29, 2009
Should You Sleep With Your Dog?
by: Hope Saidel
There’s a moment of truth for every dog owner. It’s the end of the evening and you’re ready to go to bed. Rover is sitting and looking at you with those big brown eyes, head cocked to the side, cuter than any animal has a right to be. Do you let Bowser sleep with you?
There’s no right or wrong answer to this question. The real question is - is letting Fifi sleep in your bed right for you? And truthful answers to a few questions will let you reach the right decision for you and your dog.
First: Pixie is an adorable, 15-pound Mastiff puppy. But will there even be room for both of you in bed when she’s a full-grown, 120 pound dog? Her legs don’t bend the way yours do - picture her, as an adult, taking the space of a five-foot square. Possibly not the best choice for a sleeping companion in your twin bed.
Next: Does Bruiser snore? Or shed? Or drool? Much as you may love him, there are times when he’s been rolling in something that you really may not want on your sheets. And giving a dog a bath every night before bed-time isn’t really a viable evening ritual.
FREE Dog Training Tips: Easy Steps to YOU Leading the Pack part 3
September 28, 2009
FREE Dog Training Tips: Easy Steps to YOU Leading the Pack part 3
by: O’Neal Hendrix
This article is the third in a 3-part series about changing dog behavior using positive dog training methods.
Be a leader, a dog will follow.
From the last two articles, remember King and his dominant dog behavior? King was the leader of his pack — Mom, Dad, 2 kids. King set the rules in the house and didn’t hesitate to enforce them, with growling, snapping, and even biting. I introduced 3 simple dog training steps to help you begin to take the leadership role back from King.
Then there was Queenie and her family (especially Mom), who gently took the leadership position. Queenie learned dog manners and wonderful dog behavior through Mom’s gentle but firm positive dog training methods and her consistency in teaching Queenie house rules. Queenie was eager to learn and to please and received lots of praise and tons of treats. With humans as pack leaders and dogs as pack members (preferably at the bottom of the hierarchy!), the whole household is calm and happy.
Dog Hats
September 27, 2009
Dog Hats
by: Pamela Chao
While Gaston, a seven-year-old pooch was wearing his dog hat striding down the parking lot of the local university with pride, two ladies with astonished voices exclaimed, “Oh my gosh, look at that dog in that hat!” In fact, it wasn’t the first time that he caught the attention and admiration of others.
Do you own a dog hat or ever had your dog wear one? Hats are perhaps one of the most popular accessories that are sold and being used on a daily basis. The reason for wearing a hat varies from culture to culture and person to person. Whether it is for protection, political, social ranking, or fashion usage, headwear has emerged from its history and become a fashion that stays.
World’s Oldest Hat
The history of the hat can be traced back to the hunter-and-gathering era when the hat was used primarily for protection from the extreme weather. According to BBC dated 25 April, 2000, “Woven clothing may date back at least 27,000 years, according to archaeological evidence left by Stone Age hunter-gatherers After discovering the impressions on the clay fragmentsa number of “Venus” figurines found in EuropeMany appeared to be wearing clothing including basket hats and caps, sashes and belts.”
The Truth About Red Nose Pit Bulls
September 26, 2009
The Truth About Red Nose Pit Bulls
by: je Dunn
How do “Red Nose Pit Bulls” differ from other Pit Bulls?
Well, besides having a red nose they don’t.
With the exception of nose color, there is no difference between a red nose pit bull, a blue nose pit bull, or the most common black nose dogs.
A rose is a rose, and a pitbull is a pitbull, unless it has been cross-bred with another breed. The red nose dogs come from the same bloodlines as other pitbulls.
The fuss over red nosed and blue nose pitbulls, has everything to do with marketing, and nothing to to with the rareness or specialty of a pitbull.
Are red nosed pit Bull Dogs worth more?
That solely depends on the buyer. If you are considering showing your pitbull the only acceptable nose color in the show ring is “Black”.
Red nose pitbulls often born in litters along with black, buckskin, “fawn to show people” or brindle siblings. When it comes to show dogs there is a strict set of standards the judges abide by.
Simple Strategies To Stop Dog Barking
September 26, 2009
Simple Strategies To Stop Dog Barking
by: Winfred Jennings
Barking is normal for a dog, and a little bit here and there is ok. However a dog barking all day long can be annoying even to the most patient dog lover.
Here are some simple ways to help stop excessive barking:
* Exercise your dog often. Tired dogs spend their time sleeping rather than barking.
* Give your dog some good chew toys. Chewing is a good stress reliever and is a great way to occupy your dog’s time. Your dog will have a hard time barking if his mouth is full.
* Try to mask outdoor noises. This can be as simple as turning on the stereo or TV for your dog. You might even consider investing in a white noise machine.
* Acknowledge your dog’s barking. Sometimes your dog is simply trying to tell you something, and if you acknowledge him, he will often stop barking.
* Teach your dog the “Quiet” command. If your dog keeps on barking after you acknowledge him, say “Quiet” sternly without yelling. If he stops barking, praise him.
Another Kind of Horse Brand: Business Branding in Equine Marketing
September 25, 2009
Another Kind of Horse Brand: Business Branding in Equine Marketing
by: I. M. Andrews
It’s winter time, the breed inspection season has come and gone in North America, and along with it branding season.
Branding season for horses–NOT for horse BUSINESSES.
If you have any business or marketing background, or have done any reading on the subject, you have heard of branding in the business context. Let’s take a look at what that actually is.
Brands on horses and other livestock in the Old West showed ownership. There was some level of claiming recognition for owning a quality animal, but primarily the point was to keep livestock from being stolen. Branding helped to legally retrieve stolen livestock.
In Europe, brands on horses were not an indication of personal ownership, but rather indicated the horses’ affiliations with one of the regional registries.
That idea, which is behind modern-day branding of horses in European-affiliated breeds and some of the other breeds in North America is closer to the concept of business branding. In fact, it IS business branding for the individual horse breed.
So What is Branding Exactly?
Tips on Moving with Pets
September 24, 2009
Tips on Moving with Pets
by: Kyle Thomas Haley
If you’re a pet owner and are planning to move to a new home, remember that moving can be even more stressful for your animals than it is for you. But there are several things you can do to make it easier on your dog or cat.
Start your packing well ahead of time; it’s not only easier on you, but on your pets as well. During the time leading up to your move, try to keep your pets’ eating and exercise schedules as normal as possible. Give them the same amount of attention and affection as you always do.
Things to do before your move:
• Get copies of certificates, medical, and immunization records from your veterinarian.
• Purchase identification tags with your new address.
• If you’re planning to travel by air, schedule your flights early and try to book a direct flight - this will be much easier on your pet. You need to find out what the airline’s regulations are for transporting your pet. You will also need to find out what kind of crate will be necessary to contain your dog or cat.
Tips On Choosing The Best Dog House For Your Pet
September 23, 2009
Tips On Choosing The Best Dog House For Your Pet
by: Nicole Martins
The Humane Society of America recommends dogs live indoors but sometimes it just isn’t possible. Maybe you own a large dog and just don’t have enough space in your home for the newest, furriest member. In this case, a dog house is a must. Here are a few tips on finding a dog house to suit your pet.
The most obvious factor - geographic location
If you live in an area with freezing cold winters and plenty of rain you should consider a heated dog house or at least one that is well insulated and waterproof. If it’s really cold you can add in a heated bed or pad. Make sure you use a heated pad that’s designed for animals and not humans, as the latter can get too hot for a dog. Heated pet beds operate safely at a lower voltage and are usually built to be chew proof. Look for cedar chip stuffing, too, as it repels the fleas. If you are concerned that other dogs or critters from the neighborhood will take advantage of this cozy, warm haven, choose a dog house with a magnetic door that allows only your dog to enter.
Dog Birthday Party Ideas
September 22, 2009
Dog Birthday Party Ideas
by: Shirley Purdy
This is Jake’s own story, as he sees his world!
I can’t remember much about my very young life, but my own story really started at around about 14 weeks, when this very nice couple came to where I was living, looking for a puppy. All I remember is sitting in the corner of the kennel, while four young lady puppies rushed over to say “Hello”. They were very pretty blue merle collie pups and I was just a plain old “black and white” Border collie. I was thinking to myself “No-one will ever want me” and was resigned to a lonely life in my corner. However, to my amazement, I was the puppy they picked up to hold.
“Right”, I thought “I’m going to make the most of this and hope that they take me home with them”, so I snuggled in as tightly as I could and gave them a big wet kiss. That turned out to be a winning move on my part, because that’s when my own story started for real and they took me home with them.
