This 40 pound cat is a contender for the world heaviest cat alive.  He has some major health problems but is being cared for by a Animal shelter in Port washington New York.  This is a remarkable story.  He has been placed on a special diet for obese cats, in the hopes of letting this chubby cat exersize on his own. 

At 40 pounds, Garfield is newest fat cat on Internet

"Now, there's a new contender for Fattest Living Cat, and his name is Garfield. The nearly 40-pound kitty arrived at the North Shore Animal League in Port Washington, NY, last week after a local shelter was unable to handle his hefty medical problems.msnbc.com (blog)"
http://animaltracks.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/06/05/12068881-at-40-pounds-garfield-is-newest-fat-cat-on-internet%3Flite

Pictures of Garfield the 40 Pound Cat

 Garfield is getting the best care availible and will always have our attention.  Its great to know that such great people will take care of him and help him back into shape.  
 

I think most pet owners have had to climb out of bed way to early in the morning as a result of thier pet.  My dog is always up at 6 am and if so much as move my hand she will pounce on me.  There are many ways to change this habbit.  The one that worked for me was to set my alarm 5 min later each week, not getting out of bed till it goes off.  After some weeks your dog will be trained to wake you by the alarm and not your rolling over in bed.

sleeping pup

Here is a great article on Keeping your dog from waking you to early.

Ask the Trainer | Just ten more minutes … please

“By Carla Brown My boyfriend and I just moved in together and his 5-year-old dog Milton consistently wakes us up at 6 am This is way too early for me! Can I teach him how to sleep in? At this rate, out relationship won’t last because I’m always grouchy …”

http://www.sierrasun.com/article/20120605/COMMUNITY/120609968/1066%26ParentProfile%3D1051

So, If your dog is waking you up to early, you should have some great dog training tips to help your dog wake you up at your schedule instead of his.

California Dog Burned by Explosives Reunited With Owner – ABC …

www.dogsblogsite.com5/25/12

California Dog Burned by Explosives Reunited With Owner ABC News (blog) Dexter, a spaniel long-haired chihuahua mix who was severely injured by explosives that were strapped to his body and detonated, was reunited …

Our forum for this article can be found here

3 typical forms of dog aggression behavior are usually fear aggression, position, or dominance aggression; as well as territorial aggression.

In this article, we will take a look at numerous things which can cause dog aggression.

Given that dealing with an aggressive dog could have results that could be severe or perhaps lethal bite, make sure you use extreme caution any time aggression is noticeable.

Likewise, a stray or unfamiliar dog, need to be very carefully watched; especially, if it shows any of these signs of aggression.

Warning signs of an aggressive dog consist of snapping, snarling, growling, showing its teeth, hackles standing, raising its tail, tail between its legs in the crouched position, and also lunging.

Reasons of dog aggression

Aggressive dog

Dog aggression may be caused by several factors such as abuse, allergies, intolerance, upbringing, family genes, health issues, and neglect; along with very poor nutrition.

Some dogs, such as the German Shepherd and Rottweiler, possess protecting instincts which could result in mislaid aggression.

Listed below are several factors that cause dog aggression:

Competitive aggression – Dogs which are living together within your same household could show aggressive behavior towards each other in an effort to become the “pack leader.”

Fear and anxiety aggression – Whenever a dog feels their lives at risk, is going to growl, snap, and even attack.

Eating aggression – Feeding time is a crucial occasion to the dog and disturbing its food could trigger your dog into protecting its food.

In food aggression, your dog – specifically the pack leader – will probably react aggressively by growling or biting when a human or another dog or pet moves close to its food, or perhaps disrupts its feeding time.

Food aggression could also be shown while the owner is feeding their dog – the dog leaps up for the food as it’s getting prepared or maybe will nip your hand while the meals is getting put on the floor.

Frustration aggression – Dog aggression can be an indication of a frustrated dog.

One example, a high energy dog which is alone in a tiny backyard and never permitted to burn up its extra energy can show aggressive behaviors after a while.

Physical exercise – such as long walks – will help higher energy dogs relieve energy and send them back into a calmer state.

Maternal aggression – This kind of aggression is especially apparent following a female dog that has given birth and safeguards her puppies or nest when nursing.

Medical aggression – Hormone changes, medications, or even a medical condition including cancer, a brain tumor, or thyroid gland malfunction could cause aggression in dogs.

Nervous aggression – Your dog that doesn’t have proper socialization with dogs, people, and the world, could get terrified and turn aggressive.

Owner defense – Owner defense aggression takes place when the dog’s owner is attacked by an unfamiliar person or even an intruder and the dog attempts to help or save its owner.

Aggressive behavior could also be shown when someone physically comes between the dog and owner.

Even though owner defense aggression is suitable any time the owner’s basic safety is endangered, occasionally it is unacceptable behavior.

Your dog that growls at a spouse that leans in the direction of his better half to kiss her, as an example, is definitely behaving inappropriately in this situation.

Pain aggression – Aggressive behavior might occur from an injury or condition or when a dog is endangered along with pain.  Periodontal disease, for instance, can cause aggressiveness. Therefore, it is vital that you learn the best way to brush your dog’s teeth.

Playful aggression – Rough play which becomes out of hand could lead to biting.

Possession aggression – This particular aggression can be seen whenever a dog refuses to give up toys, beds, sleeping areas, or any other objects.

This is an extremely volatile and dangerous problem that’s generally characterized by growling and occasionally biting, if an attempt is made to get the thing in the dog’s possession.

This aggression behavior could even apply any time somebody gets too close to someone else that is close to the dog.

Status aggression – This sort of aggressive behavior is usually known as dominance aggression. With status aggression, your dog views itself to be the “pack leader” and can think it’s needed to assert its dominant position, especially if another dog is challenging its authority.

Territorial aggression – Dogs could be territorial, especially in your house, backyard, crate, in the vehicle, possibly the back of your truck.

With these types of situations, your dog could become aggressive and bite or nip even though it knows you and wouldn’t do this under different situations.

Find Expert Advice So that you can

Stop Your Dog’s Aggression

Being a dog owner, you’ll want to be looking for any kind of indications of aggression in your dog – along with its causes – and take instant corrective actions, such as dog behavior training, before it is a significant – and unsafe – issue.

If your dog has demonstrated aggressive behavioral hints, feel free to use the following tips in order to avoid an attack:

•           Do not scream or run away.

•           Keep both hands at your sides, remain still, avoiding eye contact.

•           Let your dog to lose interest in you.

•           Slowly back away from your dog, while watching his actions.

•           If your dog lunges toward you, throw an object his way.

•           If you are knocked to the floor, curl in to the fetal position, place your hands over your ears, and remain still. Attempt to react as little as possible.

When your dog is displaying indications of aggression, a good thing which you could do to stop him from biting or attacking would be to socialize him. Locate a trainer that works well with aggressive dogs so that you can gradually condition the dog to accept new dogs and unknown people.

Spaying and neutering dogs will help greatly in reducing dog aggression also.  Dealing with aggression right away can help protect you and your family as well as house guests.  Ignoring a problem will end up in trouble for you and probably force the dog to be put down.

With summer already here its a great time to read this article and make sure your pets are all set for the heat.  There are some great tips on protecting animals from the heat as well as what not to do.

Pet Care Information for the Summer Season by Pet Care 360

www.petcare360.org5/10/12

Human beings and animals equally feel the brunt of summer heat and taking care of oneself as well as their favoured companions requires no more t.

Adopting a animal can be one of the most rewarding things a person can do.  As well as giving the animal a second chance at life you can gain a long time friend.  This is a great look at adopting family pets over buying them.  Adoption is a great thing and is something we believe in stongly here at petsnparents

Comparison Between Buying and Adopting a Dog | Paws Patrol …

www.pawspatrol.org5/21/12

Thinking regarding adding any new pet into your family, have you contemplated traveling to any local shelter or pet adoption company? Many reasons exist for … Paws Patrol – Dog Care Information. Dog caring tips for you …

We always try to bring you the best in pet care information.

War Dogs Deserve Honor – and Homes – on Memorial Day

“By The Dog Training Secret SEATTLE, May 23, 2012 — /PRNewswire/ — As we pay tribute to our fallen heroes on Memorial Day, let’s not forget to honor the war dogs who fought for our country – and who need a home after serving abroad.”
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/05/23/4510760/war-dogs-deserve-honor-and-homes.html

Military dogs have always been a huge help to our soldiers and they some times come up for adoption.  This is a great article and is fitting to consider adopting a military dog at a time when they should be honored.

For information on adopting a service dog there are no costs involved and you could save a war hero!

The first and most important training your puppy will need is housebreaking.  Consistently taking him out and waiting is crucial for this to work.  If you do not follow through in this, you will be cleaning up a lot of messes and end up disappointed in your dog.  Keep in mind any dog can be potty trained so it your fault if he fails.

Here are the steps to housebreaking your dog:

potty training a puppy

1.  8-10 weeks is the best time to start potty training a puppy.

2.  Many people use the kennel or crate training method for puppies.  This is probably not the best option for mature dogs.  Kennel training is highly effective and if right will get you and your dog the results you are looking for.  At 8-10 weeks your dog can only be in the kennel for 2-3 hours at a time due to his small bladder and need for attention.

For more information on kennel training please see this Kennel Training Article

3.  A dog will not naturally eliminate in the area where he sleeps, which is why this method is so effective.  Just remember 2-3 hours as a youngster, then immediately let them out of the kennel and lead them to the spot you would like him to relieve himself.  If it is a positive run, reward him.  Repetition again!

4.  If you use the same routine and same door, he will be accustomed to it and will eventually scratch or bark when he needs to go out.  There are also dog bells that he can ring when he wants to be let out.

5.  If you try to get on a schedule early on your dog will soon understand that he needs to hold it till you take him out, then he gets praise and maybe a treat.  I always started my dogs on 2 hours during the day, 3 hours in the night time hours.

6.  While your dog is in the house watch for signs he may need to relive himself, such as sniffing or walking in circles. If these signs are noticed, get him to his spot immediately.  In the event you catch him in the act, tell him no in a bold voice and take him to his spot.  Do Not put his nose in it or spank him.  Also if you don’t catch him doing the crime, do nothing.  Clean it up and continue with your plan, If you punish him for something you didn’t catch him doing he will not understand why you are mad.

7.  Choose a command word when he is in his spot and ready to relieve himself.  For my dog I used “go potty” and said that a few time each visit to her bathroom spot.  The idea is that though repetition hearing those key words they again will know what you are looking for and do their business.

8.  Dogs have accidents, just like children.  If you maintain a good schedule you dog will learn quickly.  In the event he is not learning, roll up a newspaper tightly make a firm tube with it.  Next beat yourself over the head, and then start your plan over.  It is up to you to teach your dog so you probably failed or didn’t follow through.

9. You need to follow the schedule your dog need to be successful in the first month or 2, as he learns bladder control and you training plan you can make his schedule fit your schedule.  As they age they can hold it much longer.  Housebreaking a puppy is a little work upfront, but will pay off for the life of your dog.

Our Dog training forum is here: crate training forum

According to Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), in the year 2007 Californians spent about $500 for their pet’s medical care a year. This would probably indicate the cost pet owners might spend on their pets in order to give the greatest medical care possible. Nevertheless, you will find emergency circumstances, for instance surgery or bone fracture which may call for to be able to spend up to $3000. Pet insurance coverage would probably be available in order to aid you with the costs.

Many pet owners feel that insurance for your pet is costly. Which is usually the reason why they will not have insurance coverage for their beloved pets. Even so, pet owners do not realize that in situations of medical emergencies, such as accidents causing fractures or diagnosis of cancer, those who have no insurance coverage would probably pay out much more, compared to obtaining an insurance policy.

There are low-cost pet insurance policiesthat will still offer great insurance coverage for your household pets. Keep in mind the basic suggestions about ways you

pet insurance

can get pet insurance coverage, which will be equally beneficial for the family pet, as well as your pocket book.

• Try to find special discounts. There are generally pet insurance companies that would offer you special discounts for multiple pets. There can also be a few companies who may have discounts accessible to members of a certain organization, or maybe your pet went through training. You just need to inquire if they’re featuring any type of special discounts.

• You’ll have to make a price comparison to find the most cost-efficient pet insurance. Get a minimum of 3 offers along with similar quotes from different companies. You can compare these prices to get a general idea what amount you will end up paying. Make sure to get the quote based on your preference.

• Pet insurance companies would likely sell a far more expensive insurance policy. If you speak with a certain company regarding their particular insurance policy, they might attempt to offer you a different and more high-priced one. Stick with what you really want as well as what you need to have. Make certain you will be staying with the policy, of which you will be ready to pay for.

If you believe that you have found a low-cost pet insurance, you still need to understand its coverage. Regrettably, there are a few pet insurance companies that would offer low-priced insurance simply because they are only going to cover a medical condition for your 1st year of your claim. Following years would likely not be covered. Therefore if your family pet is ill with diabetes, you would need to make certain that they will recover within a year, since the following year will no longer be covered by your insurance plan.

One more thing that you will have to be aware of is the policy excess. Policy excess is the amount of money that you would need to pay at any time you claim coverage for a particular circumstance. There are pet insurance companies who would offer a low-priced program; nevertheless, in the end you’ll have to spend a higher amount of money with excess policy. This means you’re still spending a large sum of money.

When you have found a low-cost family pet insurance company and would like to purchase a policy for your family pet, read the fine print very carefully. This is to prevent any kind of problems in the future. You may even check with your veterinarian to get a recommendation and also any thoughts and opinions regarding this type of insurance for your pet.

While looking for a family pet insurance company, people often try to find something which is usually more affordable. Even so, it really is more valuable to consider an insurance that will provide you a much better value of your money. At the end of the day, you want to offer the family pet the very best medical or emergency care, and insurance for your pet allows you to have accessibility to these types of choices.