Pet Lovers Story Board -Silky Terrier

2014-11-30T08:13:00.001-08:00

Dogs are wonderful animals to be with. I am amaze because their love and companionship is forever till death do us apart. My Sparky may have departed from me for more than a year now, but because of his wonderful and loyal attitude towards me. I still have that little piece of him in my heart from time to time.

These are wonderful animals that will help us in times of stress. I can feel their presence and therepeutic power to relief stress. If you haven't experience owning a dog before, and would like to try one then I will encourage you to do so.
But keep in mind you will need to be responsible for caring and keeping them well, but I felt the rewards will always out weigh the work in keeping them.
The only sad time is when they have to leave us maybe after 10 to 15 years. Well you maybe lucky like some of my friends who
Still have their dogs after 20 years.

Pictures of us. Hope you like it.

2008-07-29T11:10:00.000-07:00

2008-07-29T11:08:00.000-07:00

2008-07-29T11:03:00.000-07:00

Tips on using the leash on your dog.

2008-07-27T01:12:00.000-07:00

The leash is the link between you and your dog. Your Dog can feel the vibrations you send through the leash. A tight leash is one reason why dogs will show aggression or dominating behavior because to the dog a tight leash means to be tense.

The tension message felt through the leash causes your dog to fight against the leash by pulling, straining and struggling which develop dominating and aggressive behavior. The tension tells the dog that you are fearful or nervous of something. Since dogs can smell fear pheromones and probably sense or smell nervousness in people, this can cause the dog to react aggressively as a means of scaring off the cause of your fear or nervousness. The cause may even be something you or your dog does not even see.

If you generally have nervousness toward a situation, the dog may react toward it aggressively. If you have an aggressive dog and you fear or are nervous toward the dog, the dog will sense this and could react aggressively toward this emotion. Fear and nervousness from the owner and other people is a big factor to cause aggression while the dog is being held by a tight leash.

What you need to do is let there be slack in the leash and when your dog gets to the end of the leash, jerk the leash in a quick snap or yank while commanding, "No!". Then quickly bring the leash back into the slack position each time your dog pulls and this will teach her to not pull at you.
You may have to repeat this quickly until he or she stops the pulling. This way you won't have to have your dog at the heel position all the time, if your dog knows the heel.

Dog Training - 4 Leash Walking Tips

2008-06-26T20:14:00.000-07:00

Dog Training - 4 Leash Walking Tips
By Eric Letendre

Did you know that one of the biggest problems for dog owners is leash walking? Every week I get a call from someone complaining about the way their dog pulls.

It can actually be dangerous for you to walk your dog if he is a really bad puller. I've seen people dragged down and hurt by how hard their dog pulls.

I'm going to share with you here some valuable tips on leash walking. Here they are:

Tip #1: Never try to walk a dog that has been cooped up all day.

If your dog has been lying around waiting for you, let him burn off some of his energy before you take him for a walk. Throw a ball, play tug-o-war, or do something to calm him down before the walk.

Tip #2: Use a gentle leader.

One of the best collars on the market is the gentle leader head collar. It works by controlling your dog's head. When you control the head you can control the body, much the same as a horse bridle is used. They really are great collars.

Tip #3: Teach him where you want him to be.

Your dog does not know that he is supposed to be walking on your side. Spend some time using a lure. Put a little piece of food in your left hand and hold it close to your dog's nose. Have him follow the lure; reward him every five or six feet. As he gets better, go for longer and longer periods.

Tip #4: Don't let your dog's opposition reflex kick in.

When you apply pressure, your dog will resist with counter-pressure. If you pull back on the leash, he will resist and pull harder...opposition reflex.

The secret to leash walking is always keeping the leash loose. Don't allow the leash to become tight.

Eric Letendre the author of The Amazing Dog Training Man invites you to visit http://www.amazingdogtrainingman.com for leading edge dog training tips, instructional video clips and articles that will help you train and understand your dog. You can also get free dog training updates with a free Smart Dog Newsletter subscription, available at http://www.amazingdogtrainingman.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Letendre
http://EzineArticles.com/?Dog-Training---4-Leash-Walking-Tips&id=1090101

Tips on how to control a barking dog.

2008-06-26T10:19:00.000-07:00

Controlling a Barking Dog
By Bob Foster

Most people want their dogs to alert them to anything unusual happening. In two scientific studies of dog owners, about one-third reported their dogs barked excessively. In order to control a barking dog we first must understand why they bark.

Dogs use many different sounds to communicate. It starts very early in life. Young puppies make mewing sounds when they are searching for food or warmth. As they get older they make five main sounds: howls, growls, grunts, whines and barks. These sounds are used for a different reason.

Howls are used as a means of long range communication in many different circumstances. Howling is generally associated with wolves, but dogs also howl. Wolves ofter howl to signify territorial boundaries, find other pack members, coordinate activities such as hunting or attract other wolves for mating. Dogs may howl as a reaction to certain sounds such as sirens.

Growling may occur in a variety of activities. It is used to threaten, warn, in defense, in aggression, and to show dominance. But growling can also occur in play as well. Looking at the dogs posture we should be able to tell the difference. Growls during aggression are usually often accompanied by a stare or snarl, and the growling dog often remains still. Play growls often occur in a combination with a happy tail a play bow to signal a willingness to play. They are generally moving and jumping to entice play.Grunts are the equivalent of a contented sigh in people. They are often heard when dogs are greeting each other or people.

Whines or whimpers are modes of communication. Dogs may whine when they greet each other, as a show of submissiveness, are frustrated, in pain, to obtain attention or sometimes in defense. Dogs generally whine more than wolves, probably because they use it more as an attention getter and are often rewarded for it. The first sound you may hear from a new puppy is a whine at night when he finds himself alone. We often are guilty of reinforcing this whining by giving the puppy the attention he wants.

Barking is another form of communication that seems to be more common in dogs than other canine species. This also may be the result of our encouragement. Certain breeds have been bred to bark as part of their watchdog or herding duties. Barking is used to alert or warn others or to defend a territory. It is also used to seek attention, or identify oneself to another dog and as a response to boredom, excitement, being startled, lonely, anxious, or teased.

A dog may be man's best friend, but continuous excessive barking can test that friendship. Many towns have disturbance ordinances against loud and prolonged noise. There are several remedies available to control this problem. Surgical remedies are not only expensive but permanently eliminates a dog's natural ability to bark. A bark collar is your answer to stop excessive barking.

Bark collars come in a couple of groups. One senses both sound and vibration, and only a combination of sound and vibration will trigger an electronic correction. This technology prevents the collar being activated by other noises or another dogs bark. Another choice would be spray control anti-bark collars. These operate from a battery in the receiver collar, and when the dog barks a burst on all-natural citrus spray is emitted. Dogs find this spray bothersome to their highly developed sense of smell, but while not harmful, it is a sufficient deterrent to excessive barking.

Bob Foster is the owner of Bob's Pet Supply. We carry hundreds of dog and cat items from dog doors, electric dog fencing, wireless dog fences, dog gates, replacement collars, dog shock collars, doggie doors, dog toys, dog grooming supplies, bark control collars, underground fences, dog ramps, and dog containment systems. Please visit our website at http://www.bobspetsupply.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bob_Foster

10 simple reminders on caring for your dog.

2008-03-30T23:55:00.000-07:00

Your dog gives you a lifetime of unconditional love, loyalty, friendship, and fun. It is only reasonable that you provide her with proper food, water, regular veterinary care, a safe home and environment, exercise, companionship, and etc. . Here are 10 reminders for you to look into, and you most certainly be guaranteed to develop a rewarding relationship with your lifetime companion.

Outfit your dog with a collar and ID tag that includes your proper name, address, and telephone number. No matter how careful you are, there's a chance your companion may become lost—an ID tag greatly increases the chance that your pet will be returned home safely.
Follow local laws for licensing your dog and vaccinating him for rabies. Check with your local shelter, for information regarding legal requirements, where to obtain tags, and where to have your pet vaccinated.
Always put your dog on a lease when going outing. Even a dog with a valid license, rabies tag, and ID tag should not be allowed to roam outside of your home freely. It is best for you, your community, and your dog to keep your pet under control at all times.
Give your dog a proper home. A fenced yard with a doghouse is a bonus, especially for large and active dogs; however, dogs should never be left outside alone or for extended periods of time. Dogs need and crave companionship and should spend most of their time inside with their family.
Take your dog to the veterinarian for regular check-ups. If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter or a pet-owning friend for a referral.
Spay or neuter your dog. Dogs who have this routine surgery tend to live longer, be healthier, and have fewer behavior problems (e.g., biting, running away). By spaying and neutering your dog, you are also doing your part to reduce the problem of pet overpopulation.
Give your Fido a nutritionally balanced diet, including constant access to fresh water. Ask your veterinarian for advice on what and how often to feed your pet.
Enroll your dog in a training class. Positive training will allow you to control your companion's behavior safely and humanely, and the experience offers a terrific opportunity to enhance the bond you share with your dog.
Get a proper trainer to train your dog.
Give your dog enough exercise to keep him physically fit (but not exhausted). Playing with your dog, and taking him for walks will probably do the trick, but if you have questions about the level of exercise appropriate for your dog, consult your veterinarian.
Be loyal and patient with your faithful companion. Make sure the expectations you have of your dog are reasonable and remember that the vast majority of behavior problems can be solved. If you are struggling with your pet's behavior, contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter for advice.

2008-03-21T00:49:00.000-07:00

Dog food

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Dog food is plant or animal material intended for consumption by dogs or other canines. Special dog foods given as a reward, and not as a staple, are known as dog treats.

Some people make their own dog food or feed their dogs meals made from ingredients purchased in grocery or health-food stores; many others rely on commercially manufactured dog food.

There are many different recommendations on what diet is best for dogs. Some people argue that dogs have thrived off of leftovers and scraps from their human owners for thousands of years and that commercial dog foods (which have only been available for the past century) contain poor-quality meats, additives, and other ingredients dogs should not ingest, or that commercial dog food is not nutritionally sufficient for their dogs.

Commercial dog food

Most store-bought pet food comes in either dry form, also known as kibble, or wet canned form. Dry food contains 6-10% moisture by volume, as compared to up to 78% in canned food. Semi-moist food have a moisture content of 25-35%. Pet owners often prefer dry food due to the convenience and price. Besides usually being significantly cheaper, dry pet food can also be left out for the animal to eat at will over the course of several days; whereas, canned food spoils or becomes unappetizing after several hours. On the other hand, canned food has a longer shelf life than most dry food

Dry dog food

The average dry food is the least expensive, per pound, when compared to its canned (wet) or semi-moist counterparts. It can be beneficial in the prevention of tartar buildup, as well as being less likely to spoil quickly than an open can.

Manufacturing process

Pellets of dry dog food, called kibble, are primarily produced by one of two methods: extrusion and baking. During the extrusion process, cut dough or a mixture of raw materials is fed into an expander, while pressurized steam or hot water is added. When removed from the high pressure that results, the pellets puff like popcorn. The resultant kibble is allowed to dry, then sprayed with vitamins, fats and oils, or any other ingredients that are not heat-tolerant.

If extruded kibble is exposed to air for too long or not properly stored, the fats and oils added after cooking can become rancid, and vitamins and minerals in the food may be destroyed by heat during storage or shipping.

Wet dog food

Wet, or canned, dog food is significantly higher in moisture than dry or semi-moist food Because the food is sterilized after being canned (sometimes it is also cooked in the can), it is often easier to ensure the sterility of wet food. A given wet food will often be higher in protein or fat when compared to a similar kibble on a dry matter basis (a measure which ignores moisture). However, because water accounts for so much of the food, the canned food will generally be lower in protein and fat in terms of actual content.

Many commercial dog foods are made from materials considered unusable or undesirable^[These may include:

Meat by-products or digests (which is rumored to include euthanized animals, although any verifiable evidence has yet to surface.)
Meat-and-bone meals
Grain by-products
Horse meat

Less expensive dog foods generally include less meat, and more animal by-products and grain fillers. Proponents of a natural diet criticize the use of such ingredients, and point out that regulations allow for packaging that might lead a consumer to believe that they are buying a natural food when, in reality, the food might be comprised mostly of ingredients such as those listed above Several pet food brands do not contain any of these ingredients. Many pet stores stock well-known brands that are free of by-products, and run at around the same price as some grocery store brands.^{[dubious – discuss]} More expensive dog foods may be made of ingredients suitable for organic products or free-range meats.

Special varieties

There are dog foods specially formulated for dogs allergic to common ingredients such as chicken, wheat, or corn. These foods usually contain "novel proteins" and substitute uncommon starches for the usual grains. Meats used in allergy formulas can range from the mundane, such as lamb, beef or whitefish, to the unusual, such as venison or duck. Carbohydrates in allergy formulas are usually a less common grain, such as rice or barley, but such ingredients as potato and quinoa are sometimes used. Allergies are more likely to develop with consistent exposure to a protein (i.e. prolonged feeding of the same food).

It should be noted that the commercial approach to allergies in dogs is not the same as the veterinary approach. Prescription diets, purchased from a veterinarian, will often contain common ingredients that have been hydrolyzed to prevent them from triggering an immune response.

Some foods are designed for dogs with maladies such as urinary tract infections, and some are tailored to the dietary needs of especially young or aging dogs. There are also vegetarian dog foods for owners who do not want their dogs to consume meat products, as well as for dogs who have experienced allergic reactions to animal-based dog foods.

Raw dog food

Supporters of raw feeding believe that the natural diet of an animal in the wild is its most ideal diet and try to mimic a similar diet for their domestic companion. They are commonly opposed to commercial pet foods, which they consider poor substitutes for raw feed. Opponents believe that the risk of foodborne illnesses posed by the handling and feeding of raw meats would outweigh the purported benefits and that no scientific studies have been done to support the numerous beneficial claims.

Labeling

In the United States, dog foods labeled as "complete and balanced" must meet standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) either by meeting a nutrient profile or by passing a feeding trial. The Dog Food Nutrient Profiles were last updated in 1995 by the AAFCO's Canine Nutrition Expert Subcommittee. The updated profiles replaced the previous recommendations set by the National Research Council(NRC).

Critics argue that due to the limitations of the trial and the gaps in knowledge within animal nutrition science, the term "complete and balanced" are inaccurate and even deceptive. An AAFCO panel expert has stated that "although the AAFCO profiles are better than nothing, they provide false securities.

Certain manufacturers label their products with terms such as premium, ultra premium, natural and holistic. Such terms currently have no legal definitions. There are also varieties of dog food labeled as "human-grade food". Although no official definition of such term exists, the assumption is that other brands use foods that would not pass US Food and Drug Administration inspection according to the Pure Food and Drug Act or the Meat Inspection Act.

Recalls

Main article: 2007 pet food recalls

The 2007 pet food recalls involved the massive recall of many brands of cat and dog foods beginning in March 2007. The recalls came in response to reports of renal failure in pets consuming mostly wet pet foods made with wheat gluten from a single Chinese company, beginning in February 2007. After more than three weeks of complaints from consumers, the recall began voluntarily with the Canadian company Menu Foods on March 16, 2007, when a company test showed sickness and death in some of the test animals. Soon after, there were numerous media reports of animal deaths as a result of kidney failure, and several other companies who received the contaminated wheat gluten also voluntarily recalled dozens of pet food brands.

By the end of March, veterinary organizations reported more than 100 pet deaths amongst nearly 500 cases of kidney failure, with one online database self-reporting as many as 3,600 deaths as of April 11. As of April 8, Menu Foods has confirmed only about 16 deaths. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration refuses to estimate the amount of sick or dead because there is no centralized government records database of animal sickness or death in the United States as there are with humans (such as the Centers for Disease Control). As a result, many sources speculate that the actual number of affected pets may never be known and experts are concerned that the actual death toll could potentially reach into the thousands.

Overall, several major companies have recalled more than 100 brands of pet foods, with most of the recalled product coming from Menu Foods. Although there are several theories of the source of the agent causing sickness in affected animals, with extensive government and private testing and forensic research, to date, no definitive cause has been isolated. As of April 10, the most likely cause, according to the FDA, though not yet proven, is indicated by the presence of melamine in wheat gluten in the affected foods. The Chinese company behind the contaminated wheat gluten has initially denied any involvement in the contamination, but is cooperating with Chinese and American investigators.

In the United States, there has been extensive media coverage of the recall. There has been widespread public outrage and calls for government regulation of pet foods, which had previously been self-regulated by pet food manufacturers. The United States Senate held an oversight hearing on the matter by April 12. The economic impact on the pet food market has been extensive, with Menu Foods losing roughly $30 Million alone from the recall. The events have caused distrust of most processed pet foods in some consumers.

Past recalls

In 1995 there was a dog food recall when the Nature’s Recipe company pulled thousands of tons of dog food off the shelf after consumers complained that their dogs were vomiting and losing their appetite. Nature’s Recipe’s loss amounted to $20 million. The problem was a fungus that produced vomitoxin (or “mycotoxin,” a toxic substance produced by mold) contaminating the wheat.

In 1999, another fungal toxin triggered the recall of dry dog food made by Doane Pet Care at one of its plants, including Ol’ Roy (Wal-Mart’s brand) and 53 other brands. This time, the toxin killed 25 dogs.^[6]

A 2005 consumer alert was released for contaminated Diamond pet foods for dogs and cats. Over 100 canine deaths and at least one feline fatality have been linked to Diamond pet foods contaminated by the potentially deadly toxin Aflatoxin, according to Cornell University veterinarians.^[7]

Understanding your dog's body language.

2008-03-10T11:19:00.000-07:00

You can determine how your dog is feeling by it's body language-facial expression, body position, tail movements, ears, eyes, and mouth expressions all signals his moods. I feel that we need to know what our dog thinks before we can have an enjoyable relationship.

Unfamiliar Dogs.

All dogs have subtle differences in behavior and manners. It is quite difficult to read the body language of a foreign dog.

As a rule of thumb, always be cautious around unfamiliar foreign dogs. More importantly, children must be closely supervised, with the dog owner around, if they are to interact with foreign dog.

How your dog respond to your body language?

As you are learning all about your dog's body language also consider the signals you are giving to your dogs unintentionally by your own body language.

Example: Your direct eye contact can be taken as a threat from your dog. He may be frightened
when you eyeball him or he may react with aggression towards you.

Bending over your dog may also mean a threatening gestures to him.

You should try to stand straight when when your dog is besides you. Squat down and allow him approach you.

Signs of Stress from your dog.

The feelings of stress, will often bring along a furrow brow, so similar to humans when they are stressed.

A stressed dog may also position his ears out to the sides, with wide open mouth, panting heavily or yawning. You may also see the whites of the eyes.

Always take caution when approaching such a dog.

Signs Of Fear.

A fearful dog usually show his fear by making himself as small as possible towards you. He moves his weight over his back legs and often holds his tail low, between his back legs. For some instances he may even lie down.

A dog experiencing this feelings of fear will often avoids eye to eye contact and lays his ears back on his head.
Take caution and care with this fearful dog.

Signs of Aggression.

An aggressive or threatened dog usually tries to makes himself as large as possible to his opponent. He transfer his weight over to the front legs and leans forward. The hair running from his neck to his back, may also rises to give him an appearance of being larger than he is.

His ears may also point forward and fix a stern or hard stare at the opponent he is feeling aggressive towards. He may also hold his tail upright wagging it rapidly.

If a dog shows such signs, avoid looking him in the eye and walk quietly away from him.

Signs of a Relaxed Dog.

A relaxed dog often shows his feelings by holding his ears in a relaxed, half-back position at the same time allowing his mouth to hang open.

A relaxed dog usually holds his tail at the same height or lower than his spine. He will show his friendliness by wagging his tail slowly and gently below his back.

Important message:

Not all tail wagging are equal, because if a dog is wagging his tail stiffly above his back, this may mean aggression.

An interesting article by the Humane Society of Santa Clara Valley.

2008-02-25T10:12:00.000-08:00

After reading this article, I thought it would be interesting
to share it with you. I, myself have four dogs in my household,
(2-males and 2-females). It is truly a challenge and if you do not
have the time, don't do it.

Before you bring
a second dog into
your home

So you’re thinking about adding another dog to your
family.
Congratulations and our sympathy at the same
time. A second dog can add an extra special family
member and yet at the same time provide many
headaches.
Our goal here at the Humane Society of Santa
Clara Valley is to place each dog in a PERMANENT
and loving home.
In order for us to reach this objective,
we need your help. You can support us in this aim by
being fully prepared for a second dog and what it may
do to your family. Please truthfully ask yourself the
following questions:

Ask yourself before you get
that second dog:

1. Do you have additional funds (money) to pay
for a second set of yearly vaccinations, food, toys,
crates, licenses, and training classes? The average
yearly cost of adding a second dog into your household
is about $350.

2. Do you have spare time right now that you can
willingly fill with cleaning the yard, grooming a
second animal, training a second dog, feeding and
exercising a second dog? You can count on spending
about an additional five hours per week with your dogs
when you add that second dog to your household.

3. Do you have additional funds to pay for damage
your second dog may cause to your house or yard?
(Or that your first dog, or heaven forbid, both dogs may
do to your household?) Adding a new dog can cause
your old dog to misbehave. Then you may have two
destructive dogs.

4. Are you ready to deal with some canine rivalry?
Dogs have a natural pecking order, one dog must be
dominant, and the other submissive. Dominant dogs
eat first, get petted first, go through doorways first, are
able to hog all the toys and bones, get the leash put on
first, and get the choice sleeping spot. To avoid any
aggression you need to treat the dominant dog as the
“TOP DOG” even if you think it is not fair. Your old
dog may be the submissive member in the pack. Are
you ready to treat him as such? (Dogs do not view the
world in terms of fairness or equality. If you try to treat
your dog “pack” fairly you may undermine the dominant
dog’s position and cause him to become even more
aggressive toward the submissive dog because he feels
his position is threatened.)

5. Is your current dog friendly to most other dogs
and people? The chances of finding a second dog to
get along with your dog who may be a bully is quite
slim. However, training your current dog can make him
more accepting of other dogs. So if you really want a
second dog, attend a training class with your current dog
first. If your current dog is not friendly toward people,
your new dog may learn to be shy as well. Do you really
want two fearful dogs in your house then?

6. Does your old dog have any behavior problems
such as excessive barking, destruction, aggression
or fearfulness? Dogs mimic and learn from each
other. So if you are getting a new dog in the hopes your
old dog will not bark as much, you may end up with
TWO barking dogs instead of none like you planned.
Or vice versa! The new dog may teach your old dog
that barking, digging, getting into the garbage, stealing
your underwear, or chewing is awfully fun! A dog who
already has behavior problems is not cured by getting
him a playmate. In fact, in many cases they become
worse. You need to work with your current dog to
resolve his behavior problems first, before you can
successfully add a second dog to your family.

7. Have you recently had a change in your family
such as marriage, divorce, job change, death, a new
baby, new room-mate, or moved to a new residence?
These are all very high stresses that can cause you and
your dog to react negatively to the addition of a new
friend. It is better to wait until all major changes in your
life are settled and your household is once again serene.

8. Do you really like your dog the way he/she is
now? Adding a second dog to your household WILL
change your dog in many ways. Are you ready to accept
that? If you really like a dog that is people-friendly, then
do not get another dog. Dogs, given the opportunity
will bond to each other, rather than you. Think of it this
way, if your dog is spending more time with his new
buddy (let’s say at least 12 hours a day), who do you
think he is going to be more attached to? The one he
spends the most time with of course! Certainly not you,
if you only spend eight hours at home and your dog
spends six of those hours outside with his new buddy.
scoring your answers
If you have answered truthfully to all the questions above
and have come up with even one “NO” on questions 1
through 5, then this is a bad time for you to add a second
family member to your household. Wait until you can
answer questions 1 through 5 with a resounding “YES”
before looking for that special addition. If you answered
“YES” to questions 6 or 7, then you need to think very
long and hard about adding a second dog to your
household as it may have disastrous effects on your entire
family “pack”.
Question 8 was added just to help you understand that
your dog will change with the addition of another dog in
your household. Some people report their old dogs are
happier and more playful with another dog around, but
more often, people report that their old dog seems
unhappy and unsure about things.
Did you answer all questions 1-5 with a “YES” and
questions 6-7 with a “NO”? Then you are in a good
position to adopt a second dog into your household! It
will take some extra work, patience and understanding
on your part to learn to live with two dogs, but your new
dog and hopefully your current dog, will thank you for
it!
If you have any questions about adding a second dog to
your family, please call the Humane Society of Santa
Clara Valley’s free Animal Behavior Helpline at (408)
727-3383, extension 753

A good sharing

2008-02-18T11:29:00.000-08:00

This is what bad spelling looks like.

This is what sorry looks like.

This is what sad looks like.

and this is what intimacy looks like.

Nutrition or Not.

2008-02-12T10:28:00.000-08:00

I know that, there are many views, varying from different canine experts on this area. I won't attempt to prove who has got the best approach, but I will give my own opinion in this.

As you have already know that millions and millions of dollars are being spent by top pet food companies to create nutritionally balance and complete products. So adding supplements to a basic food diet is not necessary, as some will suggest.

Raising your dog on home prepared meals is alright, if it is supervised by a nutritionist.

I believed, that giving your dog an occasional treat or nutritious snack will do no harm. Commercially prepared diets may be lacking in certain vitamins and roughage. To improve, you can give your dog daily some raw apples, carrots and some crunchy dog biscuits.

However, I will not suggest any table scraps because they are usually high in fats, causing loose stools. Proper snaking on fruits, vegetables, and roughage, will promote proper digestion. At times, I give my dogs pro-biotics, to assist good digestion. Try to start your dog young, to form good eating habits.

Crunchy food, carrots, apples, and veal bones, will help in cleaning up his teeth, scraping off tartar, along the surface of the tooth.

Caution: Be very careul when selecting a bone, as this may cause constipation, and death because if a splinter from the bone is ingested, it can penertrate internal organs and do much damage.

Nylon bones and rawhide is a safe bet.

Ear "INSPECTION!"

2008-02-06T09:40:00.000-08:00

I cannot emphasize enough on this topic because, I am guilty of laziness and negligence leading to my companion having to visit the Vet. It is alright, if it happens once in a while, but if otherwise then please readjust.

The ears should be routinely inspected. Look out for bugs, burrs, dirt and scratching.

Symptoms of ear problem:

# Constant shaking of the head
# Rubbing the ears with the paws.
# Rubbing the ears with paws while lying sideways on the ground.
# Excessive earwax.
# Redness or swelling.
# Foul ordor coming from the ears.

If you encounter these problem, then please take Fido to the Vet. You do not have the skills to treat him.

However, there are some things you could to avoid these problems, and the success rate will be dependent on your patience and action.

Use a torch, a small one wll do and look into his ear to lookout for dirt and abnormal ear wax. You can routinely swap the outer area of the ear, the layer that is easily reach with a cotton ball which you can purchase from the pet shop, which are already dampened with an ear cleaning liquid, or water. If not then use any cotton ball and moist it with warm water.

Never probe deep inside the ear canal as this can bring great pain, and you can easily damage this sensitive organ.

If cleanliness is a continual problem, then I suggest you ask your Vet for some ointments for cleaning the outer ears. If you are buying one from the pet shop, avoid any oily compound, which may be sticky and pick up more dirt and that will compound the problem.

Most Vet, will give you instructions to do the cleaning at home if your dog have a chronc ear problem.

One of the most common ear problems are simple abrasions, and your Vet, will tell you what to apply. Otitis, (cause by bacteria or mites) the inflammation of the ear, can be treated by your Vet. If your dog shows signs of sensitivity, when you touches its ears, then he could be harboring a ear infection, and would require the attention of the Veterinarian.

Deafness can be the tragic results of untreated or incorrect treatment of ear infection.

Some Dog Recipes for training time.

2008-02-03T12:34:00.000-08:00

Hello, my friends! I apologize for not being consistent in updating for the past months. I will not let that happen again, unless it is an emergency.

I will tell you why, even though you are not interested. I am involve with a dog shelter now, just helping out, because there are just too many poor strays, and there is just not enough food to go around.

I may set up a website to ask for donation or dog food for the helpless animals. Hope for your kindness.

That is that and tonight, I would like to give you a few recipes on treats, to save some pennies, just kidding.

!st recipe

How to stuff your Kong(TM)

Place suitable size dog biscuit, to cover bottom hole.
Put peanut butter next.
Next add some dog food mixing it with cut pieces of apples, carrots, rock melons, and cheese.
Finally plug the top hole with dog biscuit, and you will be delighted to see some of the adorable, and sweetest action your canine friend take while trying to get at the food.

2nd recipe

How to prepare a delicious liver treat?

1. Take a generous amount of liver and slice it to about 1 1/2 to 2 cm, as you wish.
2. Use cold water in a pot, and place the cut livers inside.
3. Cook the liver till boiling temperature, while stirring it occasionally.
4. Once boiling, you can turn down the heat and simmer until it is cooked thoroughly.
5. Next drain the water from the liver and place them on a greased baking sheet.
6. You can now sprinkle as much as you please, with garlic powder and give it more flavor
with a little bit of powdered cheese. Remember only a little.
7. Finally, place the baking sheet and baked at 300 degrees Farenheit for about 30 minutes.

Hope you enjoy yourself, Cheers

Dogs Insurance-Insure Fido or Not?

2008-01-23T01:10:00.000-08:00

I remember last year on December, the vet drop a bomb at my sister, when he told her that her beloved pet terrier, cancer treatment will cost her at least Australian dollars a whooping 12,000.00. Although my sister decided to go thru with it, but it did cause her to consider whether or not to save her dog's life?

With vet bills and the cost of medication spiraling now may be the time to get our dogs insured. Do we want to kick ourselves when something devastating happens because we haven't planned ahead financially? Sometimes I ask myself, when I spent a lot of money on fancy leashes and things, why don't I put away a small amount in case my dogs falls sick?

For about USD30.00 a month, you can get your dog insured, and covered also yearly vaccinations, preventative care, and annual checkups. I think that is real cool. Now I know it will help to offset the costs of healthcare and protect my wallet in case something catastrophic happens which I may not have the finances to pay.

According to the ASPCA, the first year of owning a dog can run up to US$1,580.00 inclusive of food, vet bills, a little toys and treats. Vets also agree that the first year of owning a puppy is usually the most expensive, so insurance does make sense here.

What Does It Cost to Get My Puppy Spayed?

2007-12-13T05:40:00.000-08:00

Spaying your lifelong companion may be slightly costlier than you think!
The cost of caring for your pup, including providing veterinary care, should be considered before acquisition. If you are already providing a good home for your puppy, and is on a budget for neutering, call your local animal shelter. They will be happy to provide information on low-cost neutering. The costs of having a litter are often more than the cost of neutering. There could be complications requiring hospitalization or surgery. You will be faced with finding homes or keeping the offspring yourself or placing more animals into your local shelter. The cost of the well-being of not just your companion animal but of future generations should be also considered.

Finally, the cost of spaying should not be more than USD150.00.

Puppy Age-Spayed

2007-12-13T05:01:00.000-08:00

I was asked by some of my friends, the other day my opinion of whether his dog need to be spayed and if so at what age will be appropriate and how much roughly will it cost?

I will try to tackle this this topic in two parts.

As a norm, the right puppy age spayed or to get neutered is when your puppy is about 5-6 months of age. Pretty much right before puppy enters puberty.

However, this age puppy neutered is an industry standard that was started many years ago. Nowadays, many vets will spay or neuter your puppy as early as 6 weeks of age with no after-effects or problems.

As a rule of thumb, the younger the dog, the quicker they will recover from a surgical procedure and younger puppies tend to experience a less painful experience than more mature dogs.

My personal feelings, is spaying can have beneficial benefits on your dog's health and behavior. I have made it a point to spayed all my female canine, companion. In female, spaying before their first heat begins can have a positive effects of getting mammary cancer.

The controversial surrounding the age a dog should be spayed lies mainly in two areas.

1. Spaying the dog earlier when they are younger carry much lesser risk of after
surgery complications. Early age spaying is now being endorse by most of the
associations, ranging from "The American Kennel Club", to "The American Humane
Association", etc.

2. Side effects after nuetering. Medical research have shown that there are no
behavioral side effects after spaying.

How to assist your dogs to live in harmony?

2007-12-04T11:04:00.000-08:00

Keeping a few dogs at the same time can be a daunting tasks without them tearing at each other, especially if they are both the same sexes.

When dogs grow up together in the same household, often their relationship will be decided while they are still young, and relying on their mother. As a dog owner, you should try to understand the early roles of dominance or submission, so that it can help you to integrate your pups into your own household.

Your pups will emulate adult behavior, and adopt roles to avoid being drawn into conflict later on in life with fellow family members. This learning process starts even from play, learning to act dominant or submissive. These characteristics, and and social order would be imperative for the survival of the pack in the wild. You will be able to identify the dominant individual by studying the behavior over a period of time.

Here are some pointers:

1. The dominant pup will seek affection and treats, first.

2. The subordinate pup will avoid all conflicts by allowing the dominate pup to make
it's choice.

3. The dominant pup will stare with his eyes wide open, while standing firm.

4. The submissive pup will show tolerance and lick the face of the dominating
companion, and it may roll over on his belly when challenge. Also notice the
white of the eye, slightly turning colour.

Bonding is usually close, if they grows up together. The social ranking between the pups will have developed before weaning. The dominant pup will be decided within
the litter, eventhough conflicts may arise on occasion. This structure constant.
Finally, this pack instincts will be transferred to humans as well.

News update

2007-11-25T20:02:00.000-08:00

How do I know whether Fido is healthy?

2007-11-21T23:19:00.000-08:00

A healthy dog is bright, dandy and alert. It would be interested in whatever is going on around it, and is very responsive. The coat should be glossy and feel good to the touch. The dog should move easily, vibrantly and look contented.

On the other hand a sick dog would have all the opposites of the above. That is look dull, depressed, and has a drab dry coat. It will probably move slowly, with body hunch and tail down.
Loss of appetite drinking very little or too much are signs of ill health. Dogs normally defecate two or three times a day. The feces should be firm, with no blood or mucus present. Be watchfulin frequency and consistency. This also applies to urination. Male dogs usually lift their legs to urinate, so squatting may indicate arthritis.

Most dogs have cool, wet noses indicating that they are healthy When the moisture on the nose dries and evaporates, it lifts heat from the dog skin When the dog is overheated or unwell, having a high temperature, the nose become warm and dry.

Dogs ears should not smell, and not contain a lot of wax.A dog with a ear problem will hold the affected ear down, shake its head, and scratches at the ear.Dogs can be infected with ear mites, infections, or grass seeds, and all these needs veterinary care

Eyes should be clear and bright, with no cloudiness, redness, and discharge. Excessive blinking, persistent rubbing of the eye, or any discharge form should be taken to a veterinarian for further inspection.

Tips on communication with Fido. (Part 2)

2007-11-16T10:07:00.000-08:00

Understanding your dog and how it communicates will make your relationship strong.

Why do Fido growls at other dogs?

A growl can mean a few things, but it is usually a warning, meaning "Leave me alone" and often indicates anxiety about a certain situation. Here are some of the possibilities.

1 Disciplinary - Pack leaders keep younger dogs under control by looks and growls before they
ever need to nip them.

2 A dog is on a leash will growl at another dog who is not on a leash, for fear of being attack. It is
actually adopting a policy of aggression to scare it's opposing friend away, and this really works
most of the time.

Do you sometimes stop playing with Fido because during the heat and excitement, Fido gave you a growl or two and you thought you have offended him and so you refrain?

A dog growling in play may simply be playful. It is important to differentiate this sort of growl from a more dominant one. If a dog wins a game with his owner that involved growling, it can soon associate growling with winning, that is getting it's own way. This can give rise to complications like when you want to move Fido from your couch and he frightens you with his growling and you finally give way, and he becomes more and more successful in getting his own way. There is a way to help Fido get out of this situation.

Expose Fido gently and repeatedly to the things that is bugging him, or the situation that he is fearful to. Combine these exposure with a good treat (dog snacks) from visitors, and give him
much praise when he doesn't bark. Remember fear aggression may take some time and patience to overcome.

A dog should never be shouted at or hit showing fear aggression. This will worsen the episode. Nor should a dog be ressured, because he may take it as you are praising him for the wrong behavior. Remain calm and relaxed. This will convey itself to the dog.

Tips: Anxiety on your part will only worsen the situation.

Posted by Patrick
Check out my new blog at http://small-puppy-clothing.blogspot.com

Pets lover story board - Breed standard by American Kennel Club

2007-11-12T12:32:00.000-08:00

American Kennel Club - Silky Terrier: "Silky Terrier Breed Standard Toy Group General Appearance The Silky Terrier is a true 'toy terrier'. He is moderately low set, slightly longer than tall, of refined bone structure, but of sufficient substance to suggest the ability to hunt and kill domestic rodents. His coat is silky in texture, parted from the stop to the tail and presents a well groomed but not sculptured appearance. His inquisitive nature and joy of life make him an ideal companion. Size, Proportion, Substance Size - Shoulder height from nine to ten inches. Deviation in either direction is undesirable. Proportion - The body is about one fifth longer than the dog's height at the withers. Substance - Lightly built with strong but rather fine bone. Head The head is strong, wedge-shaped, and moderately long. Expression piercingly keen, eyes small, dark, almond shaped with dark rims. Light eyes are a serious fault. Ears are small, V-shaped, set high and carried erect without any tendency to flare obliquely off the skull. Skull flat, and not too wide between the ears. The skull is slightly longer than the muzzle. Stop shallow. The nose is black. Teeth strong and well aligned, scissors bite. An undershot or overshot bite is a serious fault. Neck, Topline and Body The neck fits gracefully into sloping shoulders. It is medium long, fine, and to s"

News-Pet Lovers Story Board

2007-11-10T07:29:00.000-08:00

Fido, incognito (The Beacon News)
Harry Potter Halloween costume: $32. Flying broomstick: Homemade. The reaction when a dog dressed as a bespectacled young wizard marches down the street: Priceless.

There's a costume for every furry friend (Dothan Eagle)
Sassy’s wardrobe includes pajamas, jackets, at least one jogging outfit and a handmade witch costume that’s almost gotten too small for the toy poodle.

Tips on communication with Fido. (Part 1)

2007-11-06T19:41:00.000-08:00

Being a different species to us, Fido communicates differently. As he can't talk about his problem with you, and have no clue of what you say most of the time. He relies strongly on his expressive behavior, but that is not all. He is especially sensitive to your body language, and intonations.

Body language

By now, you know your Fido can vocalise by his barking, but they tend to communicate more with their facial expressions and body language. Here's a brief guide of their body language.
Happy dog- A restful dog, have relaxed ears back and resting against its head. With half closed eyes, and a partly open mouth that looks relaxed, Fido's tail wags gently or sometimes still.

Bored dog- When Fido lies on the floor and the head tug above its front legs, with tail limp and ears drooping, you can be assure that he is bored.

Fearful - Be warn that a fearful dog can bite anytime, so when a dog adopts a slightly crouched position, with his ears back, head lowered, and it's tail tucked between its hind legs. It's posture is meant to scare you off, but if you don't stop whatever it is you are doing, it will attack you. Before it attacks you, it usually holds his tail out stiffly, raises the hair around his neck and along its back, wrinkles his nose and pulls back the corner of its mouth. It alternately stare intently at you, sometimes barking and lunging and looks away.

Anxious - An anxious Fido cringes, holds his ears back and tucks his tail between his hind legs. It pulls the corners of his mouth back and down, giving it a tense expression, and averts his glaze from the the things he fears. He may tremble and pant in an attempt to relieve its anxiety.

Aggressive - When a dog stands on tip toes, leaning slightly towards you, with its ears erect. His tail held out stiffly. It wrinkles its nose, and with its corner mouth pulled forward, about to bite, he stare directly at you, snarling, barking, and raising its lips to show its fangs.