Pet Advice and Pet News

How To Decorate with Your Dogs in Mind
by Kimberly Helgeson Sams

1. Primer and Paint!
Choose paint that is easy to clean and non-toxic (in case of chewing.) I advise darker colors that won’t show the mud easily if your dog likes to get mud-spattered on stormy days. Of course if your dog has light colored fur and sheds frequently, a lighter more neutral color might be more practical. Be sure and use a drop cloth to protect your carpet unless you are planning on tearing it out and replacing it immediately. If you are covering up paneling with paint, always mud and tape first! It is virtually impossible to mask otherwise! Make sure the paint is completely dry and fumes totally aired out before allowing your pet back in the room. I would go as far as suggesting a pet sitter for a weekend paint job or any other large home improvement project.
2. Carpeting.
Does your worn out old carpet need replacing? Choose a complimentary color with the same ideas in mind as above. Indoor/Outdoor carpet is a great option for dog owners. Do your research. There are companies that actually cater to dog owners now using fabrics and materials that are sturdy and easy to clean without compromising aesthetics.

3. Flooring.
Sturdy tiles or hardwood floors work best. Linoleum is just too tempting to chew on and falls apart easily.

4. Furniture.
It depends on your dogs. Do they like to chew? Rattan is probably a poor choice. I recommend pet friendly slipcovers! Your furniture stays protected and when they get dirty or hairy, just pull them off and wash them! So easy! Plus slipcovers are trendy right now and come in a variety of colors and styles to suit your tastes. They are easy to switch out later if you change your mind. Far less expensive then buying a whole new couch and chairs!

5. Window Treatments.
Again choose sturdy, easy to wash materials in colors that compliment your walls and floor.

6. Lighting.
I advise lighting that is off the floor, as in sconces, lamps on tables or stands (with cords carefully tucked away or hidden in some fashion), and or hung from the ceiling. Floor lamps get knocked over easily, especially if you have large dogs, and the cords are right within reach to chew on.

7. Art.
I naturally advocate dog-themed art. Choose a style you love. There are many talented artists out there whose work represents a large variety of styles. From off-the-wall to photographic realism, there is something out there for you. Giclee prints are very “in” right now. Choose mats and frames that go along with the scheme you have going if possible. Sometimes an eclectic mix is rather cool and can be pulled off very well. Trust your instincts and have fun with it! Remember, you are the designer, and you are the one who has to live with it, so choose colors and art that you will love and enjoy. There are no set rules to design, no matter what anyone will tell you! I personally choose art that is bold in color, vintage or retro in style, and a little on the whimsical side.

8. Not a D-I-Y type?
You can always hire professionals for any of these jobs. I would shop around for people who cater to pet owners if at all possible.

About the Author
Professional artist Kimberly Helgeson Sams has been marketing her own work since 1989. Dogs are her favorite subject matter. She has nearly 20 years experience raising and showing Shetland Sheepdogs. For more information about this inovative artist visit her websites at Studio Stage Dragon and Designer Dog Style


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How to Correctly Socialize Your New Puppy
by Geoffrey A. English

Properly socializing your puppy is all about exposure.

Dog ownership can sometimes be related to experiences that we have as humans. For instance, when a child is going to the dentist, to school, a zoo, or any other environment for the first time, or meeting someone new, there can be apprehension and discomfort; even fear, as a result of experiencing these new events. However, we do not shelter our children from these events: we encourage them to interact with the world, and we encourage the world to interact with our children. This is known as socialization, and is a vital part of healthy functioning in any social hierarchy- including in the world of dogs.

Numerous studies have shown repeatedly that there is a peak period for socialization in puppies, typically from three to twelve weeks of age. Although socialization is a lifelong necessity, it is during this important time that a majority of the behaviors your dog displays in social situations will be determined. So how do you socialize your puppy? You take them everywhere with you, and you introduce them to as many different sights, sounds, smells, and other creatures that you possibly can.

Even the first few days with a new puppy are about socialization. They will be investigating their new home, getting to know you, and coming to understand their role in your family hierarchy. During this time, and over the next several weeks, slowly expose your puppy to everything in and around your home. Run household machinery like the dishwasher, vacuum cleaner, a hair dryer, or a generator. Introduce your puppy to your other pets and family members. While experiencing these things, try not to focus on your pup too much. Act as you normally would when around these people or pieces of equipment. Be certain to give lavish praise when the encounter is over and your puppy acted favorably.

Take your puppy for frequent walks, both on a leash and off, depending on the safety of your environment. Brush your puppy on a regular basis, and handle his feet, tail, ears and lips. Expose him to a crate or kennel, and encourage him to sleep or simply relax in it.

Bring your puppy out into the world. Take him for regular car rides, and expose him to the radio, to the beep of a horn, and to the sound of wind rushing in through an open window. Your pup should be exposed to a farm, and be introduced to various farm animals. City parks, walking trails, dog parks and beaches are all great places to expose your dog to a wide variety of stimuli. You should beware, however, to keep your puppy away from strange dogs, or dogs that appear wounded or ill. Remember that your puppy's immune system is still quite young, and that not everyone vaccinates their dogs.

Socialization with your puppy should never be rushed or forced. In addition, you should be mindful that you are rewarding the right behavior, and correcting undesired behavior. Your pup should never be soothed when it is acting unfavorable. Soothing is a form of praise, and therefore there are situations where you can actually be "praising" your dog for being neurotic, fearful or aggressive.

Like humans, dogs go through different psychological phases as they grow older. Their personalities change, and the way they respond to their environment can change. This is why it is important to continue your dog's socialization for its entire life. Besides, that's what your puppy wants anyway- to go with you and experience everything you do!

About the Author
Geoffrey A. English is the Founder of GundogsOnline.com, the internet's premiere online magazine dedicated to gun dogs. Their site has a large selection of shock collars from brands such as; Tri-tronics and SportDOG.


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Four Types of Feline Allergies
by D Swain

Much like people, cats can suffer from allergies too. There are four types of feline allergies. They include flea, inhalant, food, and contact. Let's take a look at these four different types.
Flea

Most cats don't have much of a reaction to a flea bite. However, some cats can have a severe allergic reaction to just one bite. The intense itching will prompt your cat to chew or severely scratch himself. This can cause the hair in the area too fall out. Your cat can also develop open sores which may open him up to a bacterial infection. It is important to practice very good flea control if your cat is allergic to flea bites.

Contact

Some cats also suffer from contact feline allergies. Various materials around your home can cause an allergic reaction. Common items bedding and flea collars. This type of allergy is easy to treat, as you simply have to keep your cat away from the offending material.

Food

Some felines develop an allergy to certain ingredients in their food. Most cats develop this type of allergy after consuming the food over a long period of time. Common ingredients include eggs, wheat, corn, chicken, milk, and beef. If your cat develops a food allergy, he may suffer respiratory problems, digestive problems, or severe itching. You will have to keep an eye on what foods your cat eats. In some cases, your cat may have to take medications such as steroids or antihistamines.

Inhalant

One of the last types of feline allergies is the inhalant variety. This is the most common form. Cats can be allergic to dust mites, mildew, mold, or pollen. If your cat is allergic to pollen, he may experience flare-ups at certain times of the year, just like people. Cats that are allergic to mold, mildew, or dust mites may experience reactions throughout the year. Some cats are treated using hypoallergenic shampoo, while others undergo desensitization.

About the Author
Feline allergies can be very troublesome for your cat. However, there are many other diseases and conditions that may affect your cat in the future such as feline hypothyroidism. So, stop by cat-illnesses.com to learn about more of these other conditions like feline asthma.

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Can You Really Be a Dog's Best Friend? A Top 10 List
by Jay Gaulard

I think that's a valid question, and I don't ask it lightly. The short answer is yes. The long answer may be no, and let me tell you why.
I think I'll start things off with a short story. It's interesting and I think it will shed some light on what I am thinking.

Way back in 1999, I was attending graduate school at Binghamton University. I lived on the third floor of an old house in a very small apartment. The house was in a rather congested part of town, so all of the residents could get a very clear picture of what was happening in the neighborhood around them. From my apartment, I had a pretty good vantage point of a few backyards that were close by.

As you could imagine, while attending graduate school, I was required to study for a good portion of the day and night. There was no way to get around it and much of it had to be done in my apartment. In order to have a good studying session, I needed quiet. Thinking back, I should have moved into a more sparse part of town.

The day after I moved in, I remember looking out the window into the backyard across the street. There were two dogs lying down on a dirt area. They were tethered together by the same dog leash, a piece of one tied to the other. Their heads were about a foot apart and they had no where to go. Every time someone passed on the sidewalk, they would stand up and run to the chain link fence, barking. This went on day after day. Eventually, someone from the neighborhood called the ASPCA and had the dogs removed. The owners were charged with having the dogs outside without shelter and a few other things.

This brings me to the point of this piece. Why do people bring dogs into their homes, when they clearly don't have the means to properly care for them?

I'm sure we have all seen it a thousand times; the messiest house on the road with three viscous dogs chained to a stump in the front yard, the college students who thought it would be fun to get a "house" puppy, the overworked parents who thought it would be a good idea to get their young children an active puppy to play with.

What's the common theme that runs across all three examples above? Bad choices. I think the mistakes many people make are 1) they don't understand that owning a dog is a huge responsibility and 2) dogs can lead miserable lives, if not taken care of properly.

Here is a (hopefully helpful) list of reminders that you should consider before bringing a dog into your family:

1. Dogs bark. If you like your neighbors and want them to continue liking you, be sure to consider this when choosing the breed of dog you get.

2. Dogs eat. If you have trouble paying your own grocery bill, think about the extra expense of a big bag of dog food once a month.

3. Dogs need to go to the doctor. If you are having trouble paying for your own health care, think about what you are going to do the day your dog needs to have an operation.

4. Dogs need to relieve themselves. If you like to snuggle under your warm covers at 5AM in the middle January, think about the feeling you will have when your new dog starts barking to go outside at that time.

5. Dogs need to play. If you work late and no one is home, who will be there to take the dog outside to burn off all the energy they have?

6. Dogs need love. Are you ready to spend at least two hours a day with your dog?

7. Dogs need space. Do you have the room for a dog that may become hyper when it gets excited?

8. Dogs are not welcome in many rental units. Do you rent? Be aware that by having a dog, you are limiting yourselves to about 10% of available units for rent.

9. Dogs require patience. Take a good look at yourself. Have you ever lost your temper? Many dogs may do things that will upset you.

10. Dogs need to be licensed. What are the rules of your area when it comes to dog ownership?

The above list is not meant to be depressing. It's meant to give you a realistic view of what you can expect after you bring that cute, cuddly little puppy into your home. I have owned many dogs and I write from experience.

A good friend of mine owns two rather large dogs that he adopted from a friend during his senior year of college. They are both about five years old now. He loves the dogs, but feels he may have made a mistake. He may not have been ready for them. I remember asking him how he feels about owning the dogs, to which he replied, "Yeah, that was pretty much the biggest mistake I ever made."

Now, let's discuss the brighter side of things. If you have looked over the above list and think you might be ready to give a dog a new home, good for you. Just be sure to look for that dog in the right places. There are many dogs in shelters across this country that are just waiting for someone like you to walk through the door. Do the right thing and adopt. You'll be glad you did.

About the Author
This article was written by Jay Gaulard on behalf of http://www.petclassifieds.us, a popular pet classifieds website.



Best Male and Female Dog Names
by Boris Tomson

After searching long and hard, you've finally found the perfect dog. So what's next?... Finding the perfect dog name of course!The First Time at http://blackdognames.blogspot.com Considering that over the course of your puppies lifetime his name will be used over 30,000 times, and that 1 in 5 new dog owners want to change their dogs name in the first year, choosing the right puppy name should be given as much care and thought as you showed when finding your pooch in the first place.Below I've listed 10 dog naming tips taken from my website to be mindful of when looking for the right name, they are...
Find your Blackdog names.

1. Avoid names that sound like common commands such as Go, Stay, Sit, etc. This might cause confusion for your puppy when trying to train it.

2. Be mindful that your dog might outgrow it's name. The name Buttercup might be appropriate for a cute puppy, but not when it becomes a full grown Great Dane!

3. Choose a name with one or two syllables. Dogs not only learn it quicker, but it makes them easier to train as well.

4. Watch out for trendy names that might cause embarrassment once the trend is passed. Do you want people to realize from your dog's name that you were once a big fan of Disco?

5. If you've adopted an older dog, it's best to keep her current name so that it doesn't become confused. If for some reason you must change it, consider a name that sounds similar or rhymes.

6. Beware of the common trend to name dogs after people. Though doing so is not a bad thing in itself, if you name your pup after a friend or family member, they might take offense. Although you might think naming your dog Sally after your favorite Aunt is an honor, Aunt Sally might not. Also, be kind to your dog and name her after someone you like.

7. Does the dog name rhyme with something negative? Or maybe with the name of a family member or friend? Once discovered, you might be one of those 1 in 5 people who want to change their dogs name!

8. Stay away from potentially embarrassing names. The name "Pee Wee" might be funny at first, but as the joke gets old, how will you feel in a year or so when you have to call "Pee Wee" home at night?

9. Pick a name that matches your dogs own unique appearance or personality. The name Electra might be a good name for an energetic pooch, but not for one that like's to sleep all day.

10. Ask your dog what he thinks! Since it's going to be his name, you might want to narrow your search down to your own 5 favorite names, then try them out on your dog. You'd be surprised how well he responds to some, yet yawns at others. Keeping in mind the above tips when searching for dog names will not only ensure a long, happy friendship with your dog, but also help to avoid a mid-life name change.

When Boris tomson isn't busy running around after his own dogs, he's busy searching for more unique, cool and funny dog names for http://blackdognames.blogspot.com where dog names as well as other helpful dog related topics can be found. Find your Blackdog names.

About the Author
Boris Tomson is an Internet Marketer and website developer. He publishes a blog called Strategic Online Business and Marketing Tactics on a weekly basis at http://www.onlinesfortune.com . He also built a website with Video, Articles and Diagrams for people interested in Authority Site Building - recommends The Authority Site Center - http://work-at-home-teens.blogspot.com

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Avoiding Fruits That Are Dangerous to Your Pet
by CS Swarens

Although fruit is good for humans, there are fruits you should avoid feeding to your pet. While you may think that feeding fruit to your pet is a healthy choice, it can actually do more harm to your pet than good. Here are a few of the fruits you should avoid feeding your beloved pet.
Apples, Cherries, Plums, Peaches and Apricots

Apples, cherries, plums, peaches and apricots are all great additions to a balanced human diet, but each of these types of fruit can be quite dangerous to your pet. In fact, if your pet eats a large amount of any of these fruit, it can be toxic to its body. It is not just the fruit that is toxic, however, as the seeds, stems and leaves are also dangerous to your furry friend. This is because all of these parts of the fruit and its plant contain a type of cyanide. If your pet ingests any of these fruit, you should contact your veterinarian right away. Signs of poisoning from these fruits include:

• Apprehension • Breathing Difficulty • Dilated Pupils • Hyperventilation • Shock

Avocados

Avocados can be used to make a tasty dip that humans enjoy, but resist the temptation to share this treat with your pet. Not only is the fruit potentially fatal to your pet, so is the bark, leaves and seeds. If your pet has ingested avocados, signs to look for include:

• Breathing Difficulty • Enlarged Abdomen • Fluid Accumulation in the Chest • Fluid Accumulation in the Abdomen • Fluid Accumulation in a Sac Around the Heart

No one is certain how much of the fruit and / or its plant parts needs to be ingested before these signs develop. Therefore, it is important to avoid feeding any part of the avocado plant to your pet.

Grapes and Raisins

Eating grapes and raisins can be fatal to dogs. In fact, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center has reported 10 confirmed canine deaths resulting from eating grapes or raisins. The amount of grapes or raisins consumed ranged from just 9 ounces to 2 pounds. In addition, many dogs eating grapes or raisins have suffered from kidney failure, which requires aggressive treatment to save the animal's life. Experts are uncertain as to why raisins and grapes have this effect on dogs and are uncertain of how much it takes to have harmful effects. Therefore, if your dog eats any amount of raisins, you should contact your veterinarian right away so treatment may begin as soon as possible.

When feeding your pet foods other than dog food, be extremely careful about the foods you choose to feed. While most foods may seem perfectly harmless - or possibly even healthy for your pet - it is possible that you could make your pet quite ill without realizing it.

About the Author
CS Swarens is the president of Find a Pet Online. 800 998-7065

For additional information on dogs, cats, birds, horses, and exotic pets visit the internet's pet resource including pet classifieds at http://www.findapetonline.com

Research over 430 pet breeds at http://www.findapetonline.com/breeds.html

Choose Pet Portraits or Dog Portraits as Gifts
by Jana L. Ames

When most people think of dog portraits, what comes to mind is usually basic information that's not particularly interesting or beneficial. There's a lot more to dog portraits than just the basics.

Most of this information comes straight from the dog portrait pros. Careful reading to the end virtually guarantees that you'll know what they know.

If you know someone who loves their pets, the best dog lover gift you can ever give them is a pet portrait. Here are a few reasons why.

Lasts a Lifetime

A dog portrait is something that your friend or family member can hold onto forever. Most gifts just end up in the closet or on the yard sale table, but this is something that can be displayed and cherished forever, regardless of where he or she lives.

Plus, the sad reality is that no matter how much we love our animals, they will eventually leave us. Photographs may be nice to have, but being able to display a beautiful pet portrait of their best friend truly is the best dog gift you could ever give someone.

Elegant and Fun

Even for people who normally are very fastidious about their home decor, you won't have to worry about giving them a gift like this. You can select different types of frames, you can actually help create a finished product that will match the elegance or the playfulness of their existing home.

Few people will be able to complain when they see their beloved dog or cat captured in oil on a canvas, so they can display it proudly for everyone who visits to see.

A Great Choice for Someone who has Everything

You certainly won't find anything like this dog portrait at your local mall. This dog lover gift is going to be unique. You won't have to keep the receipt or worry that it won't fit right. Anyone who loves their pet is going to love having him or her captured in all of their most adorable moments as if they were truly works of art.

This article's coverage of the information is as complete as it can be today. You should always leave open the possibility that future research could uncover new facts.

About the Author
http://www.anythingpaintedoncanvas.com


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To Run, Or Not To Run: That Is The Question
By Horst Hoefinger - Dogster.com

If you’ve ever thought of combining your love of dogs and running there’s a few things to keep in mind before hitting the road.

My Dog’s Ears Have Dandruff-like Flakes
By Ann Lockley

QUESTION:

Here’s one for you-I’ve already been to the vet and alternative vet and my “Meadow” still has her problem. The insides of her ears flake like large pieces of dandruff. I do not use harsh ear cleaning lotion and her shampoo is very gentle. She seems healthy in all other regards. She does NOT have ear infections. Her alternative care vet loaded her up on enzymes and probiotics and her coat looks glorious now, but she still has the ear flakes, like a bad sunburn. She is a toy Havanese and has had this problem ever since she had a c-section and a puppy 2 years ago. She did not have it before then.

ANSWER:

What an odd problem. Have you had her tested for allergies? Have you tried hypoallergenic food? Has your vet done any skin scrapings to see if there are any little crawling friends hanging around? If its not allergies or bugs, talk to your vet about any immuno-suppressive issues she may have as they can cause odd skin problems like you mentioned. Treating her symptoms should give her relief until the cause is discovered. Try rubbing them with aloe, vitamin E cream or even a bit of mineral oil to keep the dryness to a minimum.

How to Prevent Garbage Can Diving
By Ann Lockley

QUESTION:

I have a 10 yr. old Jack Russell that likes to get in the bathroom trash cans. It all started with my daughters pads that she would go for when disposed of. She will usually chew on the wasted toilet tissue, and leave a mess. What can I do to discourage this behavior.
Karen

ANSWER:

Hi Karen,

The easiest answer may be just to make it impossible for your Jack to misbehave. Buy garbage cans with secure lids. I have assisted in too many surgeries removing bits of ‘feminine protection’, floss, toothbrushes and even a disposable razor from dog bellies to ever leave a bathroom garbage can without some sort of secure lid.

However, I do have to share with you one ‘what not to do’ story with you. I bought a garbage can at Ikea a couple of years ago that had the retro swinging V-shaped opening often seen in public buildings. You push the garbage in through one side and the opposite side of the V tips up and away from the can and vice versa - know the ones I am talking about? Well, when my dog went to stick her head in, she got stuck. Then to add to her misery, the top then came off the bucket and she proceeded to run around the house with the lid wedged onto her head. Needless to say, I don’t advocate this kind of training method one bit but I do have to admit it worked better then anything I could have come up with. Not only was the garbage can ‘evil’ in her eyes, but the whole room became one to be wary of and she would only enter it if I was in there to protect her.

Save yourself a headache and a big surgery bill - garbage can with lid and have your daughter empty it frequently during that time of the month so that there is no added incentive for your Jack to tackle the can.

Take care and thank you for letting me reminisce about my poor nervous little pit bull losing the battle with the garbage can.

Are Mushrooms Dangerous for Dogs?
By Ann Lockley

Question:
Do mushrooms kill dogs?

ANSWER:

There is such a thing as mushroom toxicity and yes, some species of mushrooms are even lethal same as for humans. Symptoms are similar to most types of poisonings – vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, restlessness and inability to get comfortable, lethargy. More severe symptoms can include either change in heart rate and blood pressure, a change in respiration and an overall depression. The toxic mushrooms cause liver damage with the severity depending on the amount ingested.

If your dog swallows any type of mushrooms other then what you bought at the grocery store, it is best to induce vomiting as soon as possible just to be on the safe side. If the vet is not open or if you are too far from a vet clinic, hydrogen peroxide taken orally induces vomiting. Give your dog an ounce or so at a time until they vomit.

Thankfully, most dogs will not eat mushrooms but if yours is one of the odd ones that enjoys a fungus once in a while, keep a sharp eye on him when you are out for a walk and dissuade him from snacking by throwing a ball or calling him to you for a treat. Bribery is better then vomiting.

Click here to visit Ann Lockley's 'Good Dog Blog' at Dogster.com and ask her your pet question.


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Your Useful Guide When Choosing Horse Tack Supplies
by Mike Selvon

Taking care of a horse is not as easy as one may think. Your horse's health, shelter, food and horse tack supplies are all very important things to consider, with regard to the care of these giant animals. Tack supplies include bridles, crops, brushes, horse shoes, saddles, and a whole lot more, and because there are so many types and brands of tack supplies available today, choosing the right ones can get confusing. Here is a guide on how to choose the right supplies for your pet.
Bridles are one of the most essential horse tack items that you, as a rider, should have. These are used to communicate with your pet. Normally, the most common is the dressage bridle that can fit over the head of the horse and onto his mouth. The reins go back to the rider who uses them to command and control the animal. Horse bridles vary in quality and price, and by standard these bridles should be made of high-quality leather.

Avoid buying poor quality leather as they will crack easily and wear over time, which is not ideal, especially during harsh weather. Check the reins and the cheek-pieces and make sure they are reinforced. The buckles should also be made from stainless steel to avoid rusting. When buying horse bridles, the best advice is to visit a reputable manufacturer that will provide you with some sort of warranty on the product, so you can return them should they not function effectively.

It is generally accepted that horse tack supplies are quite expensive, and saddles are no exception. There are three types of saddles, namely the Western saddles, the English saddles and the side-saddles. When you are looking at these tack supplies, make sure to choose one that is made of pure leather, regardless of what type the saddle is.

Suede and synthetic leather are also good options because they are very lightweight and easy to maintain. When you shop for a saddle, it may be best to have a professional pet-care expert with you to help you with your investment.

Another essential in the genre of horse tack supplies are its boots, which will protect the legs of your pet. In choosing the right horse boots, make sure to go for those that are sturdy, well-constructed and comfortable. When chosen properly, these boots can last up to several years.

If you own such an animal, and horsemanship is important to you, then it is paramount to provide them with their basic needs. The right horse saddles, boots, or bridles are but some of the most important things you need for your horse.

About the Author
A free gift awaits you at our portal site, where you can enrich your knowledge further about horse tack supplies. Your comment is much appreciated at our horse tack and equipment blog.

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Cat Training Tips From the Experts
By Paul Kramer

Involving children in playtime with the family pet will help to create a strong bond between them and teaches them to see the cat as a friend. Show your child games that she can play with the cat, such as swatting a ping pong ball back and forth or chasing a piece of string.

Allow her to learn by example by letting her see you play with the cat. Always supervise young children when they are playing with pets to make sure that they do not accidentally play too roughly or hurt them.

So, what are a few of the training tips?

Here are a few cat training tips to make training successful:

- Keep training session's fun. Never scold or hit your cat.

- Use your cat's name often when praising him.

- Practice twice a day for five to ten minutes at the same time every day.

- Practice in a quiet place that is free from distractions.

- Let your cat learn one trick completely before building on it or teaching something new.

- Click the clicker immediately after your cat does what you want him to do.

- Practice training when your cat is alert and hungry.

- Always end training sessions on a positive note and with a treat.

Having a well adjusted and happy cat can make all the difference when sharing your life and home with him. Spending daily quality time with him is important, and understanding his thoughts, moods, and behaviors is a great way to establish a loving bond between you.

Animal behaviorists believe that the more time you spend interacting with your feline friend, the closer your relationship will be and the more communication you will establish. This will increase trust between you and your cat will become more affectionate toward you.

To learn more about the different types of Pet Training Tips for your dogs, cats, horse, etc., and how to get discount and cheap pet medications, make sure to visit http://www.callpetmeds.com where you will find everything on getting quality yet affordable pet medications as well as tips on how to take care of your pets like the experts.

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



Treats That Can Kill Pets
by CS Swarens

There are many tasty treats that humans enjoy on a regular basis, despite the fact that some of them are not particularly good for them. While you may be aware of the adverse affects that these foods have on humans, you may not realize just how devastating they can be to your pets. In fact, in many cases, foods that are simply unhealthy for humans can be downright dangerous to pets. Here is a look at just a few of them.
Alcohol

Alcohol is potentially lethal to humans, and the same is true when it comes to pets. Since pets are smaller than humans, they are more easily affected by alcohol. As such, even consuming small amounts of alcohol can be quite dangerous to pets. So, you should never purposely provide your pet with alcoholic beverages and you should take certain steps to make certain your pet cannot get into your alcohol. Some signs of alcohol ingestion in pets include:

• Loss of equilibrium • Changes in behavior • Depression • Excitement • Increased amounts of urination • Decreased respiratory rate • Cardiac arrest • Death

Chocolate and Coffee

Chocolate may be a tasty treat that you enjoy, but it can be very dangerous to your pet. Just as with humans, the high fat content can be harmful to your pet. But, the dangers of chocolate stretch beyond being fattening, the caffeine and theobromine found in chocolate are particularly dangerous to dogs when consumed in high amounts, as they are both nervous system stimulants. The amount of caffeine and theobromine in chocolate can vary quite a bit depending upon the time of chocolate. White chocolate generally has the lowest concentration of these stimulants, while cacao beans and baking chocolate tend to have the most.

Symptoms that your pet has consumed chocolate include:

• Vomiting • Diarrhea • Restlessness • Hyperactivity • Muscle twitching • Increased urination • Excessive panting • Increased heart rate • Increased blood pressure • Seizure

Since coffee also contains a high amount of caffeine, it can also be very dangerous to your pet and result in the same symptoms as those associated with consuming chocolate. So, be certain to keep your coffee grounds and beans away from your pet.

Artificial Sweetener

The artificial sweetener xylitol may help humans enjoy tasty treats without the potential negative side effects associated with eating sugar, but it can be quite dangerous for your pet to consume. Xylitol is found in many sugar-free products, including candy and gum. If a dog eats a significant amount of these products, it can experience a number of different reactions that can be quite severe. These include:

• Drop in blood sugar • Weakness • Lethargy • Loss of coordination • Collapse • Seizure

These symptoms can appear just 30 minutes after ingestion and may last for several hours.

If your pet has consumed any of these products or is showing any of these signs of ingestion, it is important to contact your veterinarian right away. The sooner your vet examines your pet, the better your pet's chances of recovery will be.

About the Author
CS Swarens is the president of Find a Pet Online. 800 998-7065

For additional information on dogs, cats, birds, horses, and exotic pets visit the internet's pet resource including pet classifieds at http://www.findapetonline.com

Research over 430 pet breeds at http://www.findapetonline.com/breeds.html

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Becoming the Leader of the Pack: How to Feed Your Dog With Authority
by James Hodges

If you have read my other articles, you understand that you have to be the Leader of the Pack. This should take place by structured obedience training, by real life dog training and by everyday real life living.
One of the many ways to show your dog that you are his leader occurs when you feed him everyday. With many families, feeding their dogs is an act of servitude.

I bet many of you didn't realize that, did you?

Why not let the act of feeding your dog help change the way your dog looks at you? Here is what I do with my dogs and what I recommend to my Winston-Salem dog training clients.

1. Always run your hands through the dog food. I like for my scent to be all over his food. Why? In the wild, the Leader of the Pack is always the first to eat. By putting your scent on his food, we are teaching our dog that we are the leader. Our dog will eat only after we have finished with it.

2. I don't just put the food down for him to eat. I will hold it and make him do some form of obedience for it before he eats. This can be sitting, laying down or just standing their being calm. Many dogs are so excited to eat and devour their food, it becomes a frantic process. I purposely slow down the event. I am showing my dog I am in the lead position. By doing this, you are also giving your dog mental stimulation in this process by making him relax and be patient. This is a mental exercise which is just as important as physical exercise for a well rounded dog.

3. I also make sure I praise him for good behavior and I make sure I always win. I never give in without getting the respect the Leader of the Pack deserves. If you do give in, you are just showing your dog you are not his leader, that you are pretending to be. Nothing good can happen in this situation.

You have to be consistent with all aspects of training in the obedience setting and in real life. If you do this, you and your dog will explore a totally new relationship together. You as his leader. Your dog as willing follower. Believe it or not, you dog will be much happier with this relationship.

That's all we need to discuss right now! If you have a food aggressive dog you must contact a dog training professional before you attempt this; but, this should be a relatively safe event as long as you are not trying to remove his food while eating.

Note: Jim Hodges is a certified master dog trainer training dogs in Winston Salem, NC. He also trains dogs from other areas of the country via his North Carolina Residency Dog Training Program. The information he shares is from his many years of training and observing/studying dog behavior.

About the Author
Do you want to become the Leader of your Pack? You can find more information on how to lead your dog at Winston-Salem Dog Training. Jim also contributes to Contain-A-Pet at Pet Containment System Contain-A-pet is the leader in combining dog training and behavior with pet containment systems.


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MEMA Urges Pet Owners to Prepare for Gustav
WJTV

PEARL – The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency asks residents who own pets and livestock to have disaster plans in place for their animals as Gustav approaches.

“If you evacuate, take your pets with you,” said MEMA Director Mike Womack. “It is the best way to protect them during and after a disaster. Animals left behind in a disaster can easily be injured, lost or killed.”

Pets are not allowed in most public shelters. Plan in advance for shelter alternatives that will work for both you and your pets. During a disaster, make sure your pet wears its collar with its rabies tag and identification at all times.

In your disaster supply kit, include all important pet documents a back up leash, collar and ID tag. Also include a crate, pet carrier, litter box if appropriate, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach in your kit to provide for your pet’s sanitation needs.

“Evacuating with pets during an emergency takes extra time and planning,” Womack said. “If an evacuation is recommended, leave early. Don’t wait for a mandatory evacuation order.”

If you own smaller animals and pets, the following actions are recommended:
Your pets should be wearing up-to-date identification at all times and be micro chipped.
Because most evacuation shelters, unless designated as “Pet Friendly Shelters,” do not accept pets (except for service animals), you must plan ahead to insure that your family and pets will have a safe place to stay.
Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets. Ask if a no-pet policy is waived during a disaster.
Ask if friends and relatives who live outside your immediate area could shelter your pets.
Make a list of board facilities and veterinary offices clear of the evacuation zone that might be able to shelter animals in emergencies. Include 24-hour telephone numbers.
Have a properly sized carrier for each animal – carriers should be large enough for the animal to stand and turn around.
Have an animal’s own food – stressed animals may experience intestinal problems, but using the same food will help reduce the trouble.
Have copies of pet vaccinations, medical records and prescriptions – it may be difficult to get a prescription filled by a veterinarian in another area.

-MORE-

For large animals such as horses and livestock:
Reinforce your barn with hurricane straps.
Install a hand pump and obtain enough large containers to water your animals for at least a week.
Secure or remove anything that could become flying debris: make a habit of securing propane tanks, trailers and other large objects.
If you must leave your animals, prepare halters for horses that include your name and phone numbers and/or spray paint your phone numbers on the animals.
Know where you can take horses and/or livestock during an evacuation. Agricultural centers that can board large animals are available in most counties. The MBAH Web site has a link to a map of all agri-centers in the state.
Make arrangements in advance to have your horse contained in an approved trailer in case of an emergency or evacuation. If you do not have enough trailers for your animals, have several people on alert to help secure more trailers.
Place information about tests, veterinary papers, identification photos, medical history, allergies and emergency phone numbers in a water resistant envelope.

If you own a farm, make a farm disaster supply kit so you will have supplies on hand in the event of a disaster. Place the kit in a central location and let everyone know. Check the contents regularly to ensure fresh and complete supplies.

The kit should contain:
Basic first aid kit.
Suppliers for temporary identification of all animals such as plastic neckbands and markers.
Tools and supplies needed for sanitation.
Stored feed, water and buckets.
Current list of all animals, including their location and records of vaccinations and feedings.

The Mississippi Board of Animal Health has a section of its Web site dedicated to disaster issues that includes a listing of pet-friendly hotels at www.mbah.state.ms.us.

Kitty Carries Away Clothing
Steve Dale • Tribune Media Services

Q: Our busy, happy kitty carries various pieces of our clothing around the house. This usually occurs at night. The next morning, we find our clothes all around the house. Why is she doing this? -- J.C., Napoleon, MI

Answer
A: "Dirty clothes smell like family members, which may give comfort to your kitty, particularly if she doesn't have access to family members overnight," says veterinary behaviorist Dr. Katherine Houpt at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY. "If she's also picking up clean clothes, and she's vocalizing as she's carrying them around the clothes, this could be predatory behavior. It certainly can't hurt to focus the predatory behavior on an interactive toy (fishing pole-type toy with feathers) before bedtime. This may also serve to tire your kitten so she's not up very late at night. If you periodically give your cat attention for the behavior, this could be an attention seeking. Of course, if you pick up all the clothes before bedtime, you solve the problem. A kitten may motivate good housekeeping."

Steve Dale welcomes questions/comments from readers. Although he can't answer all of them individually, he'll answer those of general interest in his column. Write to Steve at Tribune Media Services, 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, NY 14207. Send e-mail to PETWORLD@AOL.com. Include your name, city and state.

San Diego Officer Pleads No Contest in Police Dog's Death
L.A. Unleashed

A veteran San Diego police officer pleaded no contest today to a misdemeanor charge of animal neglect.

Officer Paul Hubka, a 22-year veteran of the department, was ordered to pay a $411 fine and $4,941 in restitution for the death of his police dog.

The dog, a 5-year-old Belgian Malinois, died of heat stroke after being left in the back of Hubka’s police car on a day when temperatures exceeded 100 degrees. Hubka was also ordered to perform 100 hours of community service and will serve three years’ probation.

It's the latest in a two-month long court battle in the case.

As criminal charges were pending, San Diego City Atty. Michael Aguirre refused to approve a $50,000 payment to Hubka, as part of Hubka's share in a settlement of a lawsuit filed by three officers alleging that they deserve extra pay for their duties as canine officers.

Aguirre then filed a civil complaint in Superior Court seeking damages from Officer Paul Hubka, whose police dog died of heat stroke while left in Hubka's squad car.Aguirre wants Hubka to pay the cost of acquiring and training a replacement for his dog. He said the cost exceeds $25,000.

After the death of the dog, named Forrest, Hubka was transferred out of the canine patrol, where he had served most of his career.

He said that leaving the dog in the back of his car was a mistake. He had returned home after an overnight shift and had left the dog in the car.

With 45 dogs for patrol and weapons and drug duties, the San Diego Police Department boasts the largest K-9 unit of any department in the country.

-- Tony Perry

Music to Soothe Your Savage Beast
SF Tails of the City

I enjoy the company of my iTunes while I write and have often wondered if The Doone likes music. While she appears to have her favorites (The Beach Boys, The Police, Aimee Mann and The Beatles) and her not-so-favorites (opera and anything by Elliot Smith), it's difficult to tell if certain songs truly move her one way or the other.

Who better to consult with on this question than L.A.-based Laurel Canyon Animal Company? They are the the only record label that makes music about, for and with animals — including dogs, cats, birds, gorillas, and dolphins. Founders, graphic designer and composer Skip Haynes and composer and producer Dana Walden, created "Ugly Dogs Need More Love" and "Songs to Make Dogs Happy" specifically for canines and their fans. "We're interested in all animals," says Hayes, "but our hearts are closest to dogs."

He and Walden even tapped the talents of intuitive animal communicator Dr. Kim Ogden (a.k.a. Dr. Kim) for the making of "Songs to Make Dogs Happy," the first qualitatively and quantitatively researched musical CD for man's best friend. (There is also a Spanish version.) According to Hayes, Dr. Kim organized "canine focus groups" selected from more than 250 dogs nationwide to "test" the music and help shape the final compositions and lyrics.

"You would think it would be easy to figure out what dogs like, but it took us six months to get there," says Hayes. As a result of the focus groups, he and Walden learned that the dogs loved up-tempo beats — sambas tested extremely high, as did polkas. And not surprisingly, when it came to subject matter, food (the wet stuff in particular) was at the top of the list. They also discovered that dogs weren't crazy about piano and most classical music and hated the word "no," which Hayes struck from the lyrics completely. ("Dogs just shut down when they hear this," he says.) "Rimshots" were also avoided (apparently, dogs from bad neighborhoods thought they sounded too much like gun fire).

A former skeptic of anything in the psychic realm, Hayes says he "got so pumped" from working with Dr. Kim that he wrote five songs in two days. But when they were tested, only one passed muster. "Dr. Kim told me the others were too complicated and that the dogs wouldn't understand them," he says. If dogs like over-the-top happy and simplistic, that's exactly what they got. For example, there is only one lyric in "You're a Good Dog." "It's the most cheerful album I've ever made in my life," Hayes admits.

The music is ultimately designed for people to listen to with their pooches because, as Hayes is quick to point out, "animals don't have credit cards." He says the idea is to encourage more quality hanging-out time, as well as to help ease separation anxiety and calm animals while traveling in the car. The CDs are also used by shelters and rescue organizations to comfort homeless canines and by veterinarians to help speed recovery.

Hayes says he has been interviewed more than 200 times on the radio and every time they play "Squeaky Deaky" the phone lines go bizerk. (There is also a Spanish version.) "Sometimes I can't believe I wrote this song," he says. "People tell me they can't get it out of their heads. This is what every songwriter wants to hear." In fact, for some it's so sticky it can be a little maddening. One listener commented, "If I hear that song one more time I'll commit suicide." After a few test trials with my friend's beagle Trudi, I found myself in this later category. And I wasn't able to elicit much of a response (either positive or negative) to "Squeaky" or "Good Dog," the albums top two hits. (Granted, Trudi is nearly 12 and suffers from Lyme Disease, but I was still a little disappointed.)

For fun, feel free to try out a few music samples on your dogs and see what happens.

Hayes and Walden are currently working on a album for cats, which he says is proving challenging. "It's hard to put a bunch of cats in one room for focus groups," he says. According to Dr. Kim, cats like music even more than their canine counterparts, but they don't like to talk about it.

Do your pets have musical preferences? (And even more importantly, did they love "Squeaky Deaky"?) What's their favorite tune and how do they let you know?

Posted By: Amelia Glynn (Email) Aug 28 at 11:30 AM

Party Animals: A Fete for Your Pet?
SF Tails of the City

When Lorna Doone turned the ripe-old age of six this past spring, we celebrated with a low-key romp through Buena Vista Park with her "boyfriend" Cuba and a selection of her favorite treats from Osso & Co, which she refused to share and gobbled down in a few Jaws-like bites. At the close of her "special day" The Doone appeared happy and content as she officially settled into her "40s."

A few weeks later I received a fancy party invitation in the mail accompanied by a tinge of guilt. It was for Harold, a friend's Lab-Beagle mix, who was turning three. Really? A birthday party for a dog? A part of me (albeit a very small part) started to worry that The Doone was now harboring some deep-seated resentment over the fact that I have yet to throw her a big b-day bash.

After a Google search for "pet birthday parties" (which turned up a staggering 3,820,000 results) and a few spontaneous "man-on-the-street" interviews, I learned that Harold is not alone. Pooch parties and feline fetes are growing in popularity across the country — not least of all here in the pet-pampering Bay Area. According to a 2005 Pew Research Center Survey, 85 percent of dog owners consider their dogs members of the family, so why not throw them a woof-day party?

SF Chronicle staff writer Chris Cadelago recently described a typical celebration at Bella & Daisy's, a dog boutique on Union Street:

"After their guardians serenaded the four-leggers with the song 'Happy Birthday,' the canines enjoyed cake made from wheat flour, oats, peanut butter and filtered water. Then the hosts opened their party favors and gifts: large packages full of chew toys, treats and blue pajamas."
These parties cost $200 and include cake, supplies, activities and party favors. The shop also offers gift registries on items ranging from $4 to several hundred dollars.


Not suprisingly, the popularity of pet parties has led to a demand for printed announcements. BarkTalk sells dog birthday party invitations, new puppy announcements and dog thank-you cards, all available online for $13.95 to $16.95.

In 2007, Americans spent $39 billion on their pets, according to the "Pet Industry 2008 Strategic Outlook," a consumer-spending report prepared by Dillon Media. BusinessWeek was quick to point out that this is more than the gross domestic product of all but 64 countries in the world!

Do you throw parties for your pets? Are guests expected to bring gifts? Does the stigma attached to spoiling a child get tossed out the window when it comes to our animals? Share your opinions.

Posted By: Amelia Glynn (Email) Aug 26 at 03:30 PM


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My Cat Will Not Eat
by Max Young

If you are reading this, most likely you've become worried about your cat's eating behaviors. Perhaps your cat seems fussy about food, eating little amounts at a time. Or maybe your cat is refusing to eat at all and doesn't seem concerned in much of anything.
It will be easier to work out what is making changes in your cat's eating habits if you're acquainted with its normal eating routine. Are you sure your cat hasn't always acted this way? If so, realize that simple changes in the surroundings can cause anxiety for your pet. Even switching the furniture around can be upsetting to a cat.

If you've recently been away and left the cat at a kennel or had a friend stop in to feed him, this sudden food indifference could be a mild case of depression that will be quickly relieved now that you're back. Be sure to provide some extra attention and tasty treats.

Yummy treats or a taste of your cat's preferred food can be good ways to coax your pet into eating more normally again. This is also a fine way of deciding if he's just turning away what you're serving him because he doesn't like the taste of it.

If you have recently attempted a switch to healthier cat chow, your cat may be showing a taste for his former diet. He may be trying to wear you down in the hopes that you'll return back to what you were giving him previously. If you are trying to feed your cat a diet of low carbohydrate food, he could decline to eat for days. This could cause serious liver troubles, so it is best to try and rectify the situation rapidly.

Additional reasons for not eating could include a problem with your cat's jaw or teeth that's causing pain during meals. Digestive problems, such as stomach irritation or intestinal infections, would also cause pain while eating. If your cat hasn't eaten for a few days, it could mean he has one of these or another inherent health issue. Consult your veterinary surgeon for advice on treatment. Have a look at the following information about cat marking as it may happen when some of the above situations occur.

There are a number of reasons why cats mark:

- Territoriality: the cat is letting other cats know that the marked area is "his" territory - To communicate sexual availability - Out of stress or anxiety - A change of location: some cats will begin to mark when their owners move house - If a new animal or human is introduced to the house - Because of overcrowding (too many other cats in the house) - The cat is receiving less attention than normal - A significant change in lifestyle or routine (for example, the owner gets a full-time job; someone moves out of home; the house is renovated)

About the Author
Max Young is an information researcher whom presents working information to be used for every day experiences. To get the inside word on preventing and dealing with problem behaviors like aggression and dominance in your dog, click now on the following link.

http://www.squidoo.com/my-cat-will-not-eat

PetSmart


How to Train Your Puppy to Respond to Your Name
by Joseph M. Sabol

After you have set a name for your new puppy, teach him to associate it with himself. The goal here is for the dog to know that you will use that name to get his attention. Whatever he is doing, he could be playing or sitting in a corner, but once you call him by that name, he should turn and run towards you.
Teaching your pet puppy to respond accordingly to his name is, in fact, basic in training your dogs with such commands as stay, sit, come, or roll. You will not be able to train your puppy successfully with these if he is not focusing on you. This is exactly why calling or commanding your dogs by their names is important.

In every thing that you want your puppy to do, start the command by his name. Whether it is a call for eating time, or for bathing time, call him by his name. This way you are teaching the puppy to be familiar with the sound of his name. In addition, he also learns to associate his name with a command. After he gets used to this habit, he will run to you every time you call him by his name.

Using rewards is helpful if you want to train your dog effectively in responding to his name. But aside from rewards, you must make sure that you associate his name with good and pleasurable things. Never get his attention with his name to remind him that he chewed your sandals. Situations like this register a bad notion in the dog's mind, believing that every call of his name is a time for being told "back off". Also, do not spank or punish your dog if he does not respond to you right away. It is a step-by-step process, so be patient in teaching your dog to react to his name.

Again, rewards are helpful so always keep treats handy. Since puppies often get distracted by other objects, it is okay to use a leash during your training. This way, you have full control of your puppy and he cannot wander off.

It will also help if you call his name in a happy and relaxed tone. A loud and angry voice may sound threatening to him. Say it joyfully and praise him with words, such as "good boy" or "nice puppy". Training your dog to respond to his name the right way takes time, just be consistent and persistent. Remember to say his name in a happy and gentle manner, reward him for every successful response, and associate his name with happy situations only.

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

About the Author
Joseph M. Sabol is a world class Doberman breeder. Please go to http://petvitamins4u.com or to http://theroadhousedobes.com for further information



Is Your Dog Stubborn Or Dominant? How to Tell the Difference?
By Kevin Salem

It doesn't really matter whether your dog is a puppy or an adult, spoiled or abused, big or tiny. If you don't pay attention to these certain characteristics, your dog could easily become your boss and may get aggressive with you, with other dogs, or toward your loved ones.

You must be able to recognize these signs from the early start before they get worse. If you notice your dog already being very persistent and even a bit dominant, the last thing you need to do is spoil it rotten and let it get away with murder. You basically would be pouring gasoline on fire. Take kids for example, say a kid is already strong, brave and rebellious AND you go out of your way to spoil it to death. You'll definitely have your work cut out for you and might even end up on the Dr. Phil show for losing your sanity!

Here we go.

Does Your Dog:

• Constantly jump up on you, on others and on kids, regardless of how many times you tell him to stop? Do you always find yourself getting physical trying to restrain him, or else he won't settle down right away?

• Refuse to stop barking, whimpering, scratching, throwing a tantrum inside the crate or when he demands to come in or be let out?

• Squeeze through door the door like a flying bullet and push you out of the way? How about crowding you, pushing you out of the way by making you back up and by stepping in your space every time you ask it to obey a command?

• Respond to commands only if you are holding a treat, eating at the table, or have some sort of treats in your hands? This means: "Look lady. You're not worthy of my time. But, if you have something tasty, then I'll think about it." These dogs, especially around distractions, will ignore even your moist treats and STILL won't respond to you. Sometimes the owners make the horrible mistake of giving their dogs the treats regardless of whether they responded or not. So the dog wins either way!

• Demand your attention and rarely stop misbehaving when you tell him to? You'll notice your dog jumping up on you, getting on your lap, nudging at your hands and he won't care whether you are tired, not in the mood to play, or if you are holding a cup of hot coffee. He will jump up on you even when not invited. "Drop whatever you're doing, Mommy. I need to cuddle and love a tummy rub and I need it RIGHT NOW!"that's what your dog is saying to himself.

• Keep on barking back at you when you are trying to stop him from an unacceptable behavior. This could be when you are trying to stop him from begging for food, barking back at you, mouthing, and if you happen to stop him from stealing food off tables. Some dogs get on their hind legs and try to stand up to you to challenge you.

• Rarely obeys the commands that she already KNOWS and ignores you in your day-to-day routines. You most likely find yourself getting louder and louder, and end up forcing your dog into a sit or down position. Sometimes you might find yourself grabbing your dog's collar to make her mind, tugging on her leash, or restraining her the entire time so she doesn't embarrass you even more.

• Play-bite on your hands and wrestle you by pushing down on the leash with his paw or worse, sometimes with both paws. (Boxers are famous for this.)

• Jumps up on you and sometimes throws himself on the ground so you can't make him do anything else against his will. Large breeds and spoiled dogs do this all the time and the owners end up picking them up and carrying them like a baby. (Yeah. Try carrying a Bullmastiff, Great Dane or a Saint Bernard!)

• Holds the leash in his mouth when you are in the middle of training or walking him. In your dog's mind, he is walking you! This might seem cute to you and others, but in reality your dog sees you as the "dog" and he has-YOU--on the leash.

• Resists lying down for you on command. You might see your dog trying to compromise by giving you his paw, sitting, barking and even doing a rollover instead. Some of these dogs turn it in their favor and trick you by showing you their stomach and what even funnier is, most of you end up giving them a belly rub after all. Remember, it's a down command! Not a "let me give you a belly rub" command. You probably didn't know this, but the more your dog lies down for you flat on his tummy, the more he is actually submitting to you and sees you as an authority figure.

Here's an interesting fact about the Down Command: If you tell ten dogs to sit for you, eight out of the ten might do it. But if you ask a group of a hundred dogs to do "a down," you'll be lucky if you can get five out of the hundred to do it. Getting your dog to lie down is a great way to establish leadership without being harsh or abusive. Try doing it WITHOUT a biscuit, holding your fingers as if you have a treat, pointing, bending over or slapping the ground. And good luck!

• Keeps getting frustrated and wraps the leash around you, backs away, nips at your hands and feet, starts to lunge and makes noises as if he's gone mad. All this drama and temper-tantrum so you let him get to other dogs, cats, squirrels, kids on wheels or cars driving by. In a way, your dog's trying anything possible to get his way.

• Humping anything that moves or breathes. This is rarely sexual. Most humping are a sign of dominance. Whether it's a certain family member, your kid, your roommate, a poor stuffed animal, your sofa, or even the poor visitor, your dog is desperately trying to assert his dominance by letting them know that "he" is the one in charge here.

• Leans on your foot when you ask her to sit. This sometimes happens when a dog is scared or nervous. However if you notice your dog often sitting on your foot after the sit command, even without any distractions, sudden noise or any other reason you can think of, you better believe that she is trying to dominate you. It's just like the neighborhood bully who loves to lean on that weakest kid in school.

• Out of the blue, urinates or defecates in an inappropriate place to upset you. You know for a fact that your dog is completely housebroken, has been outside, had access to the doggy door, and is NOT sick. It's been weeks and even months since his last accident. This usually happens when you didn't give your dog the attention he wanted. It could also be more serious issues such as: when you leave town, work longer hours, have a change in your schedule, brought a new pet into your home, have a guest over, date someone new, or start training your dog with a new attitude/new ground rules and your dog is upset and retaliates to get back at you. Yes. Dogs do this more than you'd think.

• Is a bit unpredictable when you grab him by his collar. Some of these dogs do back-flips and you can feel your fingers bending backward as you scream in agony. Trainers have dislocated their fingers and injured their wrists with such dogs. Basically, your dog is fighting you and saying, "NO WAY. I am not going to let you hold me against my will. Let's see if you can still hold on to me when I do my psycho move on you." These dogs may act fine in one moment, but then in the next moment, when you grab them by their collar, they try to bite your hand off. Unless you are dealing with a scared or abused dog, which is very unlikely, your dog should let you grab him by his collar at ANY given time. This shows trust and the fact that he truly "respects" you as a leader.

Make sure you seek the help of an expert in private. These bad habits always get worse as time goes by. Get ready because the next chapter goes more into dominance and aggression tendencies and these dogs will make these dogs seem like pussycats.

Kevin Salem is considered to be one of the brightest minds in the world of dog training and one of the pioneers in his field. It's hard to paint Kevin's image with the same brush as others, as his unique way of thinking, writing, and philosophy truly makes him distinct.

Kevin offers Doggie Boot Camp or House Calls Nationwide. Try his book, hire him in person, or see him put his eyebrow raising skills into action on his award-winning web site: http://www.DogSecrets.com

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

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Ten Steps for Grooming a Dog
by Debbie J Gretsch

Grooming a dog is something that every dog owner has to do. Dogs get dirty just like every one else and they have to be cleaned and kept healthy. Grooming a dog is hard work. You have to do so many things and make sure that you do them right. Here are some easy ways to groom your dog and ten steps for doing it.

First step, put your dog on a leash. Chances are your dog will want to get away, so put him on a different leash. While you are changing his leash, put him in a collar that won't bleed and that is good when it gets wet. You should not put him in his normal collar because if that gets wet and you leave it on him, it will cause sore spots.

Second step, brush your dog's teeth. Use a special toothbrush and toothpaste for dogs. They can't use normal toothpaste because it can be dangerous to them.

Third step, clean your dog's eyes. Dog's get gunk in their eyes, especially the older they get. Get rid of anything on the sides of your dog's eyes. Use a cleaning solution that you buy at a pet store if you need something besides soap and water.

Fourth step, clean your dog's ears. Dog's get wax build ups in their ears just like humans do. Don't use a q-tip but use cotton swabs. A q-tip may go in too far and harm your dog. Use a special cleaning solution that you again get at the pet store. You need to buy the cleaning solutions to help your dog and really clean them.

Fifth step, cut your dog's nails. Dog nails grow fast just like human nails do. You don't want to end up with a dog that has an infection in their nails. Cut just a little bit off. Never cut into the pink part of the nail. Just like your nails, that will hurt a lot.

Sixth step, brush your dog's hair. Get out any knots by starting at the bottom and slowly going to the top. Use a thicker comb and then go over it again with a finer comb to get out any smaller knots the first one missed.

Seventh step, use a rake to get out any really hard knots and go over your dogs hair with it. You want to get out any loose hair or any dirt that is in your dog's coat.

Eighth step, trim your dog's hair. You should probably get him wet and then start cutting. You don't want to try and cut it when his hair is dry and harder to manage. Make sure you only cut off small lengths. Brush your dog's hair again.

Ninth step, give your dog a bath. Use only dog shampoo as human shampoo could really hurt him. Be gentle around his eyes and genitals because they are very sensitive to the shampoo.

Tenth step, give your dog a treat. He deserves it after a hard day of being groomed and made to do things he probably didn't want to do.

About the Author
Debbie Gretsch is a work-at-home writer and mom. She lives in San Diego with two dogs, two cats, two kids and a husband. Her interests are parenting, education, pets and relationships. Get more information regarding dog grooming tips.


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Presidential Dog Names
by Source: White House Pets

From George Washington to George Bush, there has often been a dog--or two, or three, or ten--keeping watch over the First Family and making messes on the White House lawn. Find out which presidents got creative with their dog names (Sweetlips, King Tut), who went with the old standbys (Buddy and Spot), who got patriotic (Liberty), and who was, er, very utilitarian (Him and Her). http://dogtime.com/articles/614?breaks=2743_5726_8167&slug=true&title=presidential-dog-names
George Washington: Drunkard, hound Mopsey, hound Taster, hound Cloe, hound Tipsy, hound Tipler, hound Forester, hound Captain, hound Lady Rover, hound Vulcan, hound Sweetlips, hound Searcher, hound

John Adams: [Continued] Juno, breed unknown Satan, breed unknown

John Tyler: Le Beau, Greyhound

James Buchanan: Lara, Newfoundland

Ulysses Grant: Faithful, Newfoundland

Rutherford Hayes: Hector, German Shepherd Dog Nellie, German Shepherd Dog Duke, spaniel

James Garfield: Veto, breed unknown

Theodore Roosevelt: Pete, Bull Terrier Sailor Boy, Chesapeake Retriever Jack, terrier Skip, mutt Manchu, spaniel

Warren Harding: Laddie Boy, Airedale Terrier Old Boy, English Bulldog

Calvin Coolidge: Peter Pan, terrier Paul Pry (originally Laddie Buck), Airedale Terrier Rob Roy (originally Oshkosh), Collie Calamity Jane, Shetland Sheepdog Tiny Tim, Chow Chow Blackberry, Chow Chow Ruby Rough, Collie Boston Beans, Bulldog King Kole, breed unknown Bessie, Collie Palo Alto, bird dog

Herbert Hoover: King Tut, breed unknown Pat, breed unknown Big Ben, Fox Terrier Sonnie, Fox Terrier Glen, Collie Yukon, American Eskimo Dog Patrick, wolfhoundEaglehurst Gillette, setter Weejie, Elkhound

Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Major, German Shepherd Dog Meggie, Scottish Terrier Winks, Llewellyn Setter (a kind of English Setter) Tiny, Old English Sheepdog President, Great Dane Fa la, Scottish Terrier Manchu, Pekingese [Continued]

Blaze, Mastiff

Harry Truman: Mike, Irish Setter Feller, Cocker Spaniel

Dwight D. Eisenhower: Heidi, Weimaraner

John F Kennedy: Charlie, Welsh Terrier Pushinka (a gift to Caroline Kennedy from Nikita Khrushchev) Shannon, English Cocker Spaniel Wolf, Irish Wolfhound Clipper, German Shepherd Dog Butterfly (Pushinka and Charlie's pup) White Tips (Pushinka and Charlie's pup) Blackie (Pushinka and Charlie's pup) Streaker (Pushinka and Charlie's pup)

Lyndon B. Johnson: Beagle, Beagle Little Beagle, Beagle Him, Beagle Her, Beagle Blanco, Collie Yuki, mutt

Richard Nixon: Checkers, spaniel Vicky, Poodle Pasha, terrier King Timahoe, Irish Setter

Gerald Ford: Liberty, Golden Retriever

Jimmy Carter: Grits, mutt

Ronald Reagan: Lucky, Bouvier des Flandres Rex, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

George H.W. Bush: Millie, English Springer Spaniel Ranger, one of Millie's puppies

Bill Clinton: Buddy, Labrador Retriever

George W. Bush: Barney, Scottish Terrier Spot, English Springer Spaniel and one of Millie's puppies Mss Beazley, Scottish Terrier

About the Author
From George Washington to George Bush, there has often been a dog--or two, or three, or ten--keeping watch over the First Family and making messes on the White House lawn.


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How to Give a Cat a Pill
by Max Young

If you have ever attempted to get a small child to swallow a pill, you know how hard it can be. Cats are no better at accepting pills - they generally will not open their mouths for any price, but different than children, cats can fight back with their claws and teeth. So, before you try getting your cat to swallow a pill, it is significant to know a few things about it.
There are lots of different hints put forth by folks on this matter, but many of them--such as attempting to hold a cat down and forcing him to swallow a pill--usually only result in wasted pills and lots of scratches. Other people might suggest crushing the pill, mixing it with butter or spreadable cheese and then spreading this on your cat's fur. The idea is that your cat will lick it off, but there are more adept ways to give your cat medicinal drug!

Here's the easiest way to get your cat to swallow a pill:

From behind, gently grasp your cat's maxilars joint with your thumb and index finger. It is easiest if you pick up your cat while he's sitting up off the ground someplace. Gently draw your cat's head back, elevating the mouth. Cats do not like this, but they won't oppose it. Implement a small amount of pressure to the jaws with your fingers.

Slip a finger between the cat's front teeth and press down on the bottom jaw. Do not be concerned about being bitten; a cat doesn't have any power when its head is bent back. As the cat's mouth is open, take the pill (which you have had in your free hand the whole time) and put it as far back in the cat's mouth as you can as promptly as you are able to. Try to avoid as much contact with the tongue as possible, so the cat doesn't sample the nasty medicine and spit it out.

Allow the cat's mouth to shut and hold him until he swallows, gently rubbing his neck. Then, let the cat go and keep an eye on him for a couple of seconds. A few cats will make believe to swallow and then spit out the pill when you're not looking. Whenever your cat licks his mouth, it is a good indication that he really swallowed.

Accompany the pill with a delicious treat. That way, your cat will connect the pill ritual with something yummy. Enforcing a feeding schedule will help with all your moments of discomfort with your cat.

If you're free-feeding your cat (leaving food out at all times for him to eat as and when he feels like it), stop doing this. Enforcing a feeding schedule has two main benefits: it increases the reward-value of food treats as training devices, and also introduces a semblance of routine into your cat's life (which, believe it or not, most cats actually prefer.)

About the Author
Max Young is an information researcher whom presents working information to be used for every day experiences. To get the inside word on preventing and dealing with problem behaviors like aggression and dominance in your dog, click now on the following link.

http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-give-a-cat-a-pill

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The Life of a Dog
by Kristin Gabriel

We want our dogs to live as long as possible, but the truth is, certain dog breeds live longer than others. If you are in the market for a new pet, following is some information that could help in this decision making process.
From breed to breed, the age of a dog varies, but the average life span of the North American or European dog is about 12 years of age.8 years. Over the past 100 years there has been an increase in life span thanks to better medical care, and healthier foods.

Larger dogs like the Saint Bernard live shorter lives than smaller dogs because physically, the bodies of larger dogs are more stressed than the bodies of smaller dogs. Dogs that are medium sized can live to be between 11 to 14, while very large breed dogs live only 8 to 12 years. some small dogs can live up to 22 years of age, but the average is from 14 to 22.

The life expectancy of any particular dog is also determined by the stresses in its everyday life - just like humans. of course, this includes physical and psychological stresses, what the dog eats and how well you take care of your dog.

While a Labrador Retriever may live an average of 12.6 years, some people report their Labs having lived much longer. The same thing goes for smaller breeds such as a Lhasa Apso or a Miniature Poodle, whose life expectancy is about 14.8 years of age. Yet there are some poodles that live to be more than 18 years old.

Have you ever tried to add up how old your dog is in "human' years? In reality, the seven years to one human year is a myth, or a dog that is 20 would be 140 years old. Even basing the lifespan on 100 years, a small dog's age would roughly be five years to every human year, so five times 20 would be 100 years. There is no one formula for a dog to human age conversion that has ever been scientifically analyzed.

Typically, a one year old puppy that has reached full growth is usually sexually mature, although it might still need to fill out, just like human teenagers. A two year old dog is equal to about another 3 to 8 years in terms of mental and physical maturity, while each year thereafter is equal to around four or five years in human terms.

As a dog gets on in years, it is critical to take good care of the animal, and make it comfortable as it approaches its last days. You will know when your dog stops eating, its breathing becomes difficult, and other pets begin to snap at it or ignore the animal. The time may have come to plan a pet memorial service and think about taking it to the vet to be put down and out of its pain.

As sad as it may be, when your dog dies, you can help your dog live forever in the hearts of your family by conducting a pet memorial. Purchasing a dog urn, to put cremains in is one way to remember your friend. Pet urns are each as unique as your pet, and can fit nicely into a home, or be used in an ash spreading ceremony.

Remember that your pet will always live long in the memories of you and those who truely loved it.

About the Author
Kristin Gabriel is a professional writer based in Los Angeles, CA who works with Peternity.com, a place where people honor their pets for eternity. Peternity provides custom products including grave markers, pet urns, garden statue pet memorials, pet memorial headstones, pet keepsake memorials, pet portraits, burial boxes, custom engraved glasswork, and other pet memorials. Call 877-PET-PEACE or go to http://www.peternity.com



A Guide to Rabbit Cage
by Pet Rabbit Lovers

You will need a rabbit cage if you intent to keep your pet rabbits indoor. The rabbit cage functions more than just a housing for your pet rabbits. Your pet rabbits should treat the cage as a "retreat" or "safe haven" for your pet rabbits. This is all the more important if you are keeping your pet rabbits indoor and would want to toilet-train them.

A rabbit cage also acts as an educational tool for your pet rabbits. Cage time is not necessary isolation or imprisonment time. Cage time can be training time for your pet rabbits. You pet rabbits can learn a lot of things in a cage that he likes. He can learn about using litter boxes, what may be chew and have a safe space at times when you can't bunny-sit him.

The size of your rabbit cage should be at least 4 times of your rabbit's stretched out length. Your bunny rabbit will grows larger in size as they become adults. Some rabbit breeds are larger than the others and this should be taken into consideration in deciding the size of your rabbit cage. The cage should also be high enough to enable your rabbit to stand upright.

There are plenty of varieties available for the rabbit cage. You can also build your own rabbit cage. If you intend to build your own rabbit cage, consider using welded wire. Wire cages are more durable than wooden cages and therefore can be more economical in the long run. As wire rabbit cages are easier to clean and disinfect, it also reduces the chances of diseases for your pet rabbits.

The door of the rabbit cage should be about large enough to get a litter pan (and rabbit) through easily. A side door is the best choice to allow your pet rabbits to get in and out of the cage on their own. For many rabbits, allowing your pet rabbits to get in or out of the cage on their own can have tremendous positive effect on their temperament!

You can build your own pet rabbit cage with the following materials:

Floor: 1 piece of 36 x 78 in. wire
Top: 1 piece of 30 x 72 in. wire or 1 piece of 48 x 72 in. wire for Quonset design
Sides: 2 pieces of 15 x 72 in. wire
Ends: 2 pieces of 15 x 30 in. wire or 2 pieces of 18 x 30 in. wire for Quonset design
Partition: 1 piece of 18 x 30 in. wire or 1 piece of 21 x 30 in. wire for Quonset design
Doors: 2 pieces of 16 x 18 in. wire or 2 pieces of 18 x 20 in. wire for Quonset design
Miscellaneous: 2 pieces of 72-in. sections of 5/16 in. steel rod for floor and 2 door latches for the conventional design; 3 pieces of No. 12 galvanised wire, 2 pieces of 72-in. sections of 5/16 in. steel rod for floor and 2 door latches for the Quonset design.
Fasteners: 100 small hen-cage clips, 25 large hen-cage clips, 30 no. 101 hog rings, 2 pieces of 24-in. length, No. 9 galvanized wire

Step 1: Lay out the floor by removing a 3 x 3-inch section from each corner of the flooring. Then, bend up a 3-inch section along each side of the floor to prevent young bunnies from falling off the cage. Use hog rings to attach the steel rods to the front and rear edges of the floor.

Step 2: The partition and ends of the quotient cage are shaped using a pattern. Allow a 5/8 inch section of the wires to extend beyond the pattern. Bend these wires around a No. 12 edging wire. Position the ends and partition on the floor and fasten them with small hen-cage clips.

Step 3: Attach the bent-up floorings to the front and back sides of the conventional cages. Fasten sides of the partition and ends. Do not fasten the partition to flooring at the area where the door will be attached.

Step 4: Lay the top of the Quonset cages over the floor, ends, and partition. Fasten to the front and rear of the flooring, using small hen-cage clips spaced every 5 inches. The enter partition shall then be raised and fasten to the top. Repeat for each end section.

Step 5: Cut the door openings in the front side of each cage. Each opening should be 2 inches smaller than the doors in height and width. File all sharp protruding wires. Attach the doors, using large hen-cage clips as hinges. Attach the No. 9 wire around the door openings, using the large-sized clips. Install the door latch to complete the cage.

The cages can be suspended from an overhead support, using six strands of No. 12 galvanized wire. Attach a wire to each corner of the individual cages for proper support.

If you intend to buy your rabbit cage, in addition to the suggestions give above, you may want to buy those with a pull-out tray at the bottom. The pull-out tray is easier to clean and to maintain. If the rabbit cage is on legs, consider adding a ramp to the entrance to make it easier for your rabbits to get in and out of the cage on their own. Avoid using wire ramp though, as your pet rabbit's tiny legs may get caught between the wires.

If there is sufficient height within the rabbit cage, you may add some shelves between the floor of the cage and the top. The shelves may be used for resting, lookout or for exercise for your rabbits.


About the Author
To know more about Rabbit Cage, visit My Pet Rabbits at http://www.mypetrabbits.com

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Pet Carriers: Finding The Best Pet Carriers For You
by Lars Garrett

Believe it or not, selecting and purchasing the best pet carrier these days may be more challenging than people would have assumed. In most cases, this is a good development because the origin of this greater challenge is wider variety in available pet carriers.

It might sound surprising, but the same kind of evolution we see in technology can be applied to individual products of all sorts. Just for example, would you believe in the last five years alone we've experienced tremendous development in the quality and versatility of the pet carriers people utilize to move our dear little friends about?

Pet carriers now exhibit a broad assortment of features available for cats and dogs of many personalities, shapes and sizes. We even have pet carriers for a wider assortment of activities too. For example, people may now choose different and unique pet carriers for backpacking and for traveling on planes.

Quite possibly the most popular, and many may say most "trendy" developments in pet carriers, is the pet carrier tote. Pet carrier totes allow us to transfer smaller pets in a more intimate manner. This usually applies to small cute canines like toy poodles and chihuahuas rather than larger dogs, certainly... and it usually doesn't apply to cats as furry little felines are not as likely to enjoy moving around in large crowds of people.

Yet pet carrier totes empower individuals to move our fine furred pals in tight proximity in a simple, comfortable manner. While some folks are concerned that there is a little bit of exploitation going on here -- treating the animal as a fashion accessory rather than a loved pet, which I certainly don't encourage -- that does not inherently mean the pet carrier tote must be unhealthy or inappropriate.

Just be certain that your favorite little friend is truly comfortable with the pet carrier itself and that he feels comfortable being carried about in public with you. So if you happen to have a shy but sweet little buddy, don't attempt to make her or him be something she or he is not naturally.

These sorts of pet carriers come in all kinds of styles, so make certain you shop around a little so you appreciate what's available to you. Some emphasize style with a touch more splashy color and patterns, while some others emphasize conservative styling.

Since they frequently involve being slung over your shoulder, I strongly suggest you consider your own comfort as well. It might be easier for you to keep your little pal comfortable if you're experiencing less stress from the physical function of moving them with you.

So be sure to consider this as you embark on your pet carrier shopping: keep your pet's comfort in mind, considering both their physical and psychological well being, and always remember how your own ease with the carrier will be vital to your buddy's comfort.


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How Bored is Your Cat?
Posted by PetDish - Atlanta Pets

This country has more than 88 million cats, and they are bored. Many of them are, according to experts. Keeping cats indoors has led them to longer, healthier lives (Birds, squirrels and other critters thank you). But, our kitties aren’t getting enough stimulation.

AJCPets’ own cat behaviorist Ingrid Johnson, who has a line of foraging toys for cats, agrees too. So how about installing cat trees? Hiding treats around the house? This week’s Pet Dish column deals with the topic, with plenty of tips on keeping kitty from becoming a couch potato.

'Exotic' Pets Present Challenges
By Shelby Helton, 17, and Viktoria Kreyden, 13 - IndyStar

Instead of awakening to Spot barking or Frisky purring, Lauren Van Atter hears Fiyero singing a solo at 6 a.m.

Fiyero, named for a character in the musical "Wicked," is her cockatiel.

According to Dr. Angela Lennox, more young people are choosing to own exotic pets than ever before.

"In families where they don't have a lot of time, or they don't have a big yard, lots and lots of families like little pets that you can put into cages," says the Indianapolis exotic animal veterinarian. Among her patients at the Avian & Exotic Animal Clinic of Indianapolis are rabbits, birds, snakes, lizards, potbellied pigs and sometimes a tiger or lion.

"Exotic pets usually have to be fed certain things, and they have to go to the vet more often," says Lauren, who also has a dog. "There are specific procedures you have to follow." But the 13-year-old says owning a cockatiel isn't difficult.

Sara Lennox, Dr. Lennox's youngest daughter, also has a cockatiel. It sits on her shoulder as she cleans its cage each day. The cockatiel, Zeus, gets mad at Sara every time she leaves, she says.

The 11-year-old has learned from experience to be careful. He bit her the first time she tried to pet him. She's had him only a few months.

So what animals are exotic? Anything that's not domesticated, experts explain.

"Exotic animals can do just fine without us, and if left to be, that's where they would be -- in the wild. And you can train an exotic animal to behave, but you can never make them domesticated," says Kriss Griffiths-Holm, a zookeeper in the Encounters section of the Indianapolis Zoo.

She and other experts agree that no family should get an exotic pet without a lot of planning and research, including finding a vet specialist.

"The vet has to know about the particular animal and know how to deal with it if something comes up," she says.

Adds Lennox, "Since they're more like wildlife, a lot of times exotic animals hide their signs of illness. And sometimes they're just harder to work with. They may bite or struggle or be- come afraid very quickly."

Often, kids visit the zoo to see the animals they wish to own, such as a parrot or monkey. Most animals at the zoo are considered exotic, but that doesn't mean they would make good pets, says Griffiths-Holm.

She and her husband care for a few rescued animals at their Whitestown home. It's expensive and time-consuming -- Griffiths-Holm spends $1,200 on food every month and 15 hours a week cleaning enclosures.

Although parrots might seem like cool pets, they are often picky about who owns them, the zookeeper says. They require a lifelong commitment, because they can live to 100. And parrots' bites sometimes break bones or require stitches.

Getting permission to own most exotic pets is simple. "In Indiana, you can have almost anything you want, except if you are in city limits," Griffiths-Holm says.

State law requires owners of dangerous animals, such as wolves or alligators, to get a permit for each such animal.

"That way, if there is an escape or an attack, officials can go through their records and then say, 'OK, this person owns this animal, let's go see if it's still on their property,' " says Griffiths-Holm.

Choosing an exotic pet for a child depends on the child's age and maturity.

"For smaller kids, turtles, chinchillas and most small, furry animals would be appropriate," Griffiths-Holm says. Responsible teens and adults can take on animals like small snakes or frogs.

Cautions Lennox, "There always has to be adult supervision, 'cause some children just get busy and forget."

She, her husband and three daughters live on a Lebanon farm. They have horses, and have raised a variety of exotic pets, including a bearded dragon lizard, rats, birds and rabbits. For seven years, they've had a pet emu, Mr. E. He's a large wild bird from Australia that is gentle and doesn't fly, but likes to nibble toes, which he thinks are worms.

Lauren suggests other kids consider an exotic pet like hers.

"They are great friends; you can talk to them about anything, and they don't care because they don't understand."

Yet, on April 18, she learned that Fiyero understood more than she realized.

"He was going crazy, flipping off the cage walls," Lauren says. "Sometimes they can have night terrors, so I was just yelling at him to be quiet."

A moment later, an earthquake with a 5.2 magnitude struck.

REPORTERS: William Andrews, 11; Sam Clark, 11; and Alex Williams, 11.

ASSISTANT EDITOR: Peter Akinola, 15.

Pet Owners Being Warned
By Nicole Franks - 610 WTVN

The Capital Area Humane Society says two dogs were shot with cross bows in two different parts of town.

The Capital Area Humane Society is warning pet owners after two dogs were shot and killed with what appears to be a cross bow.

The latest incident happened Friday evening to a 13-year-old German Shepard dog.

Jodi Buckman, the Humane Society's Executive Director says the dog was in a fenced backyard near Sawmill and West Case Road.

The first attack happened a week ago to a Rottweiler mix near Rumsey and Lockbourne Roads.

"We cannot make any assumptions as we continue the investigation as to whether or not these two attacks are related," Buckman said. "Or if they could possibly be related to similar attacks on cats with arrows earlier this year."

A reward is being offered that leads to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator.

To report information people can call the Capital Area Humane Society's cruelty investigations division at 614-777-7387 ext 250.

West Seattle Resident Worries After Her Dog is Poisoned
By Janet I. Tu - Seattle Times staff reporter

A West Seattle woman whose dog was apparently poisoned wonders if someone is deliberately poisoning neighborhood dogs.

Kate Kaemerle had a big scare Thursday evening when she found her dog, Coco, had apparently been poisoned. Now she's wondering if someone is deliberately poisoning dogs in her West Seattle neighborhood.

Kaemerle, a public-relations consultant, was away from her house Thursday evening when her roommate told her Coco was ill. The roommate had been playing Frisbee in the backyard with Coco when Coco went sniffing around the fence, said Kaemerle. About 45 minutes later, the dog apparently started stumbling and shaking.

They immediately went to the vet, who believed Coco possibly ingested slug bait — something Kaemerle doesn't keep, she said. Kaemerle believes Coco was poisoned by something someone threw over the fence.

The vets were able to help the 6-year-old Australian cattle dog, who is now back home and "pretty much back to normal," Kaemerle said.

Seattle Animal Shelter is investigating Kaemerle's case. Before this, the agency hadn't heard anything unusual about pet poisonings in the area, said Ann Graves, enforcement supervisor.

The West Seattle Blog (www.westseattleblog.com) posted Kaemerle's story, and soon several blog commenters who said they live on nearby blocks said their dogs, too, had been poisoned in recent years.

Kaemerle said her mailman told her a man who lives a block away said his dog had been poisoned about a year ago and had died.

"It's horrible it happened to my dog," Kaemerle said. "But now, to me, there's a bigger picture. To me, it's way beyond coincidence."

Earlier this year, Pasado's Safe Haven, a Sultan-based animal-welfare agency, had offered a $5,000 reward for information related to a dog poisoning.

In that case, the owner believed her dog may have ingested rat poison at Westcrest Park in White Center.

Pasado's Safe Haven had received reports of poisoned dog treats in West Seattle's Fauntleroy Park, according to a February Seattle Times report.

Animal Shelter investigators want to hear from people in the neighborhood whose pets have been poisoned in the past. They are asking people to call 206-386-7387.


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How Your Cats Train You to Obey: Simple Cat Body Language
by Jeanette Barron

I have been trained by 5 cats over the past 10 years. They all used the same basic body language method of training. Of course, there are many variations to the method. It all depends on how fast a learner you are and/or on how fast you complied with their requests. These are the 4 basics communications.

Teaching the Human - I Want Food Now
1. Stand or sit close to human, stare at them until they look at you, then lick your lips to indicate that you’re ready for something good to eat.
2. Jump on human and lick their lips.
3. Jump on human and bite their lips.
4. In all cases, follow up by immediately leading them to your preferred eating place.

Telling the Human - It's Time to Wake Up
1. Sit on bed and stare at them until they open their eyes.
2. Sit on human and stare at them until open their eyes.
3. Lick their lips or eyelids until they wake up.
4. Sit on human and give them a few good smacks across face, claws kept in.
5. If none of the above work, carefully insert one claw inside their nostril and press down firmly.
6. In all cases, follow up by immediately leading them to your preferred eating place.

Letting the Human Know - I'm Unhappy with You
1. Refuse to acknowledge them.
2. If they look at you, turn your back on them.
3. If they touch you, get up and move away.
3. Indicate that you are hungry and then refuse your food.
4. Shred something that belongs to them.
5. Beat up their dog, if available.

Telling the Human - I Like You
1. Sit beside them.
2. Curl up on their lap.
3. Rub your head on them.
4. Lift head, look them in the eye, and indicate that you will allow yourself to be kissed.
5. Present them with a mouse, if available.

There are pros and cons to learning what your cat is telling you. On the one hand it makes life simpler when you know what your cat wants. On the other hand, once your cat has you trained in the basics and knows that you are trainable, she will continue with the instruction. You will be in training for life.

About the Author
I live with 5 cats and 2 dogs. Two of the cats belong to me. Both my cats are leash and harness trained. The oldest has been going for walks on a leash for 7 years now and the youngest is still in training. He only gets to walk in the backyard. I have a cat leash training website at:
http://www.catsread2.info
and a blog about cat behaviour, cat tips, anything cats at
http://beautifulfelines.blogspot.com

PetSmart


Choosing a Breed of Dog
By Stanley Pepper

Before making a decision on which breed of dog to choose, do some research on each one of the breeds that you may be considering. This should include, where possible, talking with people who already own a dog of a breed you may choose. It might also include finding out how and why that breed was developed in the first place. This usually provides you with informative and beneficial information, to help you understand the likely nature and behavioural instincts of each of the breeds you are examining. Another source of expert advice is the local Vet.

Points to examine in your research could include:

1) The size of the dog you want;

2) Whether you have the physical strength to safely handle him in all situations that are likely to arise;

3) Things such as the amount of space you have in your yard, and the layout and location of your house or unit or flat;

4) Environmental factors, such as the location of your home. Stop to think about whether you live in a city, or a town, or in a rural setting;

5) The amount of exercise you can give your dog;

6) Your main purpose in wanting a dog in the first place;

7) Other members of your household, such as young children, and elderly or infirm people, who will come into regular contact with your dog;

8) Check to see whether the breed suffers from any serious predilections to inherited medical problems. A Vet would be a good source of expert advice on this matter.

The time and effort you put in at this time will be worthwhile in the long term, and you can be confident that you took every reasonable and responsible step to ensure a happy and rewarding partnership for many years to come.

We wish you every training success and years of enjoyment for both you and your dog.

Read our related article from our webpage: Where To Find Different Dog Breeds

http://www.DogTrainingProducts.biz/FindDifferentBreeds.php

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



Animal Communication - It's Not a Psychic Thing
By Deborah Famelos

Animal communication is a much talked about subject these days (it's about time), and more and more people are curious as to whether they too can "talk to the animals". Society is coming to the intelligent conclusion that life on this planet is much more than we once imagined.

So what is Animal Communication?

This universal language between human and animal, is a non-verbal way of instantaneously connecting through mental images, emotions and thoughts.

To make this more clear, think of the spoken language as a typewriter and universal language as the most powerful computer on the planet.

Unlike the spoken language(which is a lazy shorthand of communication)universal language or what some call intuitive language, allows huge banks of information to come through in a nanosecond.

Is Animal Communication reserved for the "chosen" few?

Definitely not! No waving of arms. No incantations, no speaking in tongues necessary...honestly.
Tuning in to this language may seem intimidating and reserved for gypsy fortune-tellers gazing over a crystal ball, but in fact it is simply the act of honing in your intuition.

Intuition, instinct or gut feeling is something we experience all the time. we may think that we communicate through words but what we are always doing is talking and using are intuition simultaneously.

We have gut feelings all the time. We know if someone is lying to us and we can tell almost instantly if someone can be trusted or not. We also know instantly if someone is a good soul.
We can feel very comfortable the moment we walk into someones home or we can know right away that there is bad energy there.

The dilemma however, is that we have fallen into our lazy shorthand ways of communicating and our instincts tend to sit in the background.

Okay, so if you just need to hone your instincts, how do you begin?

Learning anything new takes education,practice and determination. This is no different. It is a very doable, and honourable thing to learn. Animals are extremely intelligent, wise beyond our understanding and sadly so very misunderstood and underestimated by us.

With the new dawn of respect for our earth and all that it holds, it makes sense to explore all the ways in which we can become more connected.

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