Pets

About twelve years ago I went to a dog grooming expo in San Bernardino California. At the time I had been grooming for a few years and thought I knew lots. I remember watching the scissoring competition. One of the entries later became a team member of Groom USA. The whole experience humbled me and helped me strive to be better at my art.

Then one of the judges for the competition gave a lecture on grooming the Cocker Spaniel. At first I was only mildly interested. She began her lecture with “Most people don’t really understand the Cocker Spaniel”. She went on to say that Cocker Spaniels were “sensitive dogs”. A Cocker was a dog who’s feelings were hurt easily. While she was giving this lecture she had her own Cocker Spaniel on the grooming table, let us call her, Buffy. The woman began demonstrating how to groom Buffy. I still was not ready to buy into this whole “sensitive” thing. That was because before the lecture, Buffy was being walked through the crowd up to the lecturing platform. Two different audience members tried to pet Buffy as she walked to the front. Buffy let out a yelp, a snap and a little tinkle each time.

While this woman groomed Buffy, I noticed that the dog stood very proudly, cooperating at every step of the grooming. When the woman would start to turn Buffy around the dog would immediately turn around for her. Then Buffy would be quietly praised by her owner and she would stand straighter and more proud. This is where I started to think that maybe this woman had something with her whole “sensitive” thing.

Well wouldn’t you know it…first dog scheduled on Monday was a Cocker Spaniel. We referred to her as “the brat”. The honest truth was that if a dog came in with an attitude I would just groom them. I Didn’t take their attitudes personally, just did my job to the best of my ability. The “good” dogs got the pats, the praise and the added attention.

On this Monday I decided to groom her differently. Whenever she did any small thing well, I praised her. If she waited a second before she growled at me for picking up her foot I would tell her how brave she was. Slowly I noticed a change in her that day. Although she was still a brat she seemed to want to be good. Her patients with me seemed a little longer. When I finished grooming her I actually saw her tail wiggle. I told her how good she had been and how brave she was, it wiggled even more. I realized that there was a “good” dog in there and it was too sensitive to trust just yet.

That day changed my whole outlook in regards to my work. I realized that positive reinforcement was my best grooming tool. From then on, no matter how busy my shop was I tried to give each dog a little added attention. After a time I was amazed at how many dogs that would normally wear muzzles during the grooming would later graduate to never having to wear them. I began getting more and more dogs that were being referred to me because no other dog grooming shop in the area would groom them. Although not all of the dogs got over their little quirks, many of them became more trusting and more cooperative. Praise and patience are the keys to cooperation.

Dogs are similar to people. If you give them a chance, let them relax, and try not to initially judge and label them, you are sometimes surprised at what you learn.

No matter what type of fish you have, whether it’s an anemone, coral or crustacean…they will fall into one of three types of feeder.

Carnivores. These types of feeders eat other fish. They are all either predators or scavengers. Predators like to hunt for their food, so they may be uninterested in what you’re feeding them, if they want to hunt instead. Once a predator has eaten, it may not feel the urge to eat again for a few days. Scavengers are more opportunistic, and usually prefer to eat the leftovers left by predators.

Herbivores. These types of feeders eat many marine plants and algae. To find their food, they spend their days moving around and grazing, picking up food whenever they can find it.

Omnivores. These types of fish are a mixture of the two above. They like to eat a combination of corals, crustaceans, invertebrates and also plants and algae.

It’s important to remember that when you put food in your tank, many of your fish will ignore it for a while first. Because they aren’t “fed” when they are in the ocean, they just aren’t accustomed to being served food. Some of your fish will eventually learn that you are giving them food, but many others won’t.

Herbivores and omnivores tend to adapt to being tank-fed quicker than other types of feeders. However, some breeds, Angels comes to mind, are used to finding their food on the ocean floor rather than free floating, so it will take a little long for them to understand.

How often should you feed your fish?

It’s a good idea to stick to feeding your fish just once a day, and to feed them no more than they can eat in one minute. To some people this may seem like not enough, but if your fish aren’t hurrying to eat up the food within a minute, they simply aren’t hungry enough to need feeding.

As a dog owner you can enjoy many benefits, from the entertainment value of having a lively and alert little pet around the home to the companionship of having a loving and reliable dog at your side. However, for many people dog ownership doesn’t seem possible, simply because of allergies that can cause terrible discomfort for the potential dog owner.

Many people suffer from allergies to cats and dogs for various reasons, but if you are an allergy sufferer and feel that you are missing out on the joys of dog ownership, all is not lost. There are a number of dog breeds that are ideal for those that suffer from dog related allergies, and will prove to be loving, loveable, and entertaining pets.

Why do people suffer from allergies to dogs?

People that are allergic to many dog breeds are actually allergic to the dander that is produced. Dander is the dry flakes of skin from the dog that can become airborne, and is known to contribute towards allergic reactions, causing symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, and respiratory problems.

Although there is no dog breed that is going to be totally free from dander there are certain breeds that produce far less dander than others, which means fewer allergic symptoms for the owner.

Small dog breeds for allergy sufferers

Bichon Frise: This is a cute, alert looking, small dog with a beautiful curly coat and lively expression. The curly coat of this breed means that there is less shedding, and this makes the breed suitable for those suffering from mild allergies.

Chinese Crested: This is a unique looking small dog with smooth skin and a crest of hair on its head. Because of its lack of bodily hair, this breed has nothing to shed, and this makes it ideal for allergy sufferers.

Maltese: The cute, small, and lively Maltese is a dog that boasts a beautiful, glamorous white coat. Although you need to groom this breed regularly, the Maltese does not shed a great deal and does not produce much dander.

Toy Poodle: The beautiful Toy Poodle is another breed that will need regular grooming to help make the most of its gorgeous coat, but produces little dander and does not shed much, making this a suitable breed for allergy sufferers.

Miniature Schnauzer: Another breed that sheds little and produces little dander, the Miniature Schnauzer is a lively and loveable small dog that should suit those that suffer from pet allergies.

Why these dogs are suitable for allergy sufferers

As you will see from the descriptions, all of the small dog breeds listed above are ones that do not shed much hair, and produce far less dander than many other dog breeds. Most people that suffer from pet allergies are actually reacting to the effects of the hair or dander and not to the animal itself, which is why these dog breeds could prove ideal for people that are allergic to dogs.

You know that summer is hot. You also know when you need to get out of the sun and cool down. Listening to your own body is easy, but your four-legged friends can’t talk to you. It’s your job to protect them from the heat - and all of the consequences of summer - by providing everything that they need to stay cool.

When temperatures climb and your pets are panting the afternoons away, follow these tips to keep them safe and happy even on the hottest of days.

-If possible, let your animals come inside during the worst heat every day. Early afternoon is the hottest time of day for any living thing: letting your cats or dogs soak up some air conditioning for a few hours every day will keep them cool and stop your worrying.

-Make sure that your pets have access to shady spots at all times. Trees are the best sources of protection from the sun. If that isn’t possible, make sure that your pet can get under a covered area, such as a patio or porch.

-Keep the pet’s water supply cool and fresh. The water will heat up as the day passes, so either change the dish often or invest in an auto-watering system. Many models attach to your outdoor water faucet: as your pet depletes the water supply, the system adds more without overflowing or making a mess.

-Never leave your animal in a car, even for just a few minutes. The temperature inside the vehicle quickly rises to the point where any living thing inside will either die or become very, very sick. Even if you park in the shade and leave the windows down an inch or two, you’re still putting your beloved pet at risk. You should leave your dog at home where he can stay in the shade or inside and have plenty of access to fresh, cool water.

-Don’t expect your pets to be playful or overly active on hot days. They don’t need to overexert themselves any more than you do. Like humans, pets can suffer from heat exhaustion or heat strokes.

-Some pets love to swim. Provide these animals with a kid’s wading pool so that they can cool off whenever they get too hot. You can also take your dog with you on trips to the lake or other body of water. If he loves to swim, the cool water will be great. The time he gets to spend with his human masters only makes the experience better for everybody.

-You might be tempted to shave off all of your pet’s hair, but this is not a good idea. The hair protects your animal’s skin from the sun. The hair also helps channel cool air to your pet’s skin, which helps him stay cooler. Instead of buzzing everything, trim the hair to a shorter length. A professional groomer can do this inexpensively and properly.

-If your pet seems sick or otherwise abnormal, call your veterinarian immediately. If your cat or dog is dehydrated or is suffering from heat exhaustion, he’ll need quick treatment to get well again.

Copyright © 2006, Ian White http://www.pet-sitters.biz

Dogs can be surprisingly finicky about the size, shape, or feel of toys that they’ll play with. If your dog doesn’t want to play with the soft plush toy you gave him, try a rubber or ball toy. Be patient you’ll find the toy type your pet loves to play with right here at Dog.com!

Below we’ve summarized the different kinds of toys available at Dog.com.

Kong toys

Great jaw and mouth exercise for dogs that like to chew; keeps them occupied for hours; fun for fetch or non-interactive play; great for aggressive chewers because they are so durable. Kongs are hollow so you can put treats inside of them for extra fun.

Interactive toys

These toys offer various motions, sounds, textures, and materials to keep your dog interested for hours. The different shapes make it easy for your dog to pick up, carry and toss. Great for dogs of all ages. Petstages are a great looking example of interactive toys.

Plush toys

Loveable, huggable plush buddies! Extra fluffy, floppy characters your pet will enjoy playing with, chasing after and snuggling up to. Toys often have a squeaker making them even more fun. Booda Bellies are soft, plush, and totally adorable.

Latex, Rubber, & Vinyl toys

Chuck em, tug em, or let your faithful friend do the shaking. These toys are economical, and wear better than most other dog toys. Planet Dog Orbee Balls have recently been rated as the Top Dog Product of the Year by numerous dog magazines and the “world’s best dog ball” by industry experts! Try one for yourself…

Frisbee Style toys

Great for dogs who love to fetch; good for the pooch who desires your attention; relieve boredom; or just wants to let off some steam. Flexible Frisbees are sure to do the trick as well as Booda’s Soft Bite Floppy Disk.

Rope toys

Great toys. They can be tugged and lugged all over the back yard. Plus they clean your pals teeth! Also great for fetching. Try our Original Booda Bone they are 100% cotton and machine washable.

Ball toys

Entertaining! Holds up to even the roughest canine friend! Toss-N-Tug Dog Balls or our Practically Indestructible Ball are ideal for super active dogs who love to play with balls!

The Bearded Collie is a medium sized dog that weighs between 40-58 pounds. They are 20″ to 22″ in height. Their abundant hair gives the impression that they are larger than they actually are. They have a happy, friendly nature and are not watch dogs in any way as they are friendly with all that they meet.

Recognized by the AKC, the acceptable coat colors for the Bearded Collie are black, grey, tan, brown or fawn with some white markings. When they are puppies, they may or may not have white markings. As they mature, their coat color either fades or changes. The most common colors are black with white or gray with white. Their long, harsh, straight and shaggy outer coat and short, soft, thick undercoat requires a daily brushing to prevent tangles. Their nickname is “beardie” because of the long, shaggy hair under their chin.

This energetic, loving, happy-go-lucky breed makes an excellent family pet. They are people dogs and love to be with their family. They are wonderful for homes with children and other dogs and can do well with other non-canine pets provided they have early socialization. They are enthusiastic, outgoing, and lively and require plenty of exercise and play time. They need a yard to run and roam. Having toys on hand is a good idea if you are going to be gone for an extended period of time. Early training is recommended because they have a stubborn tendency at times. They are easy to train.

Dating back over 500 years, the Bearded Collie originated in Scotland. They are considered to be descendents of the Polish sheepdog. They were bred to heard sheep and cattle, thus explaining their collie name which means herding dog in Scotland. They have also been used for tracking. They are still used as sheep herding dogs in some areas.

Friendly to family and strangers alike, the Bearded Collie will greet all he meets with enthusiasm. Because they require regular outdoor exercise and play, they are best with active families who will give them the activity that they need. Homes with other dogs and children can feel confident in adding a Bearded Collie to their family.

You don’t need to spend a fortune to keep your pet entertained. Your dog or puppy will love these dollar saving ideas.

Buy your Peanut Butter in plastic jars instead of glass jars. When you have finished, your dog will have hours of fun cleaning the last smears out of the old jar. Glass jars can potentially break and injure your dog or chip teeth, whereas plastic jars are less risky. Make sure your dog can’t get his head or jaw stuck inside the jar, and always supervise. This is a good toy for when you’re watching a DVD and can’t occupy puppy.

Put food in old toilet rolls or cereal boxes and fold the ends shut. Your dog will have great fun figuring out how to get the food out! He can either destroy the box or tube, or make a hole and shake the food out.

Old plastic (PET) soft drink bottles can also be used as a food dispensing toy. Put some kibble in and leave the lid off. Your dog will have hours of fun batting at the bottle or shaking it with his mouth to get the food out.

Filling empty plastic (PET) soft drink bottles with rice or dried peas can also be fun for dogs who don’t mind making a bit of noise. If your dog or puppy has been known to destroy plastic bottles, they are better given as toys only when you can supervise.

10″ lengths of garden hose make great chew toys, so long as you are able to teach your dog the difference between the cut-off garden hose and the real garden hose you water your lawn with.

Old catalogues and junk mail will keep a young puppy entertained, shredding and destroying as puppies like to do. Just be careful not to give your pet catalogues that have staples in them. Make it obvious that it’s ok to destroy things you give puppy to destroy, but if you catch puppy stealing your newspaper or mail, clap your hands loudly and redirect puppy onto something ‘legal’ to destroy outside.

I hope you and your dog have fun with these free dog toy ideas!

When many of us think of Aspirin, we think of a very common medication that is found in a lot of homes; almost everyone has heard of Aspirin, and many of us have had to take it on occasions, for pain or some other complaint.

It is a commonly found household medication that many people take as they please for minor aches and pains. However, vets tell us that this is not a safe solution for your cat. Although cats can be safely treated with Aspirin under veterinary supervision, it is not recommended to ever give your cat Aspirin without prior approval from your veterinarian.

Aspirin has a very long half-life in cats—meaning that it is present in the body in its active form for a long time–much longer than in humans or dogs. Cats are also much smaller than humans; therefore, a safe dose for us can be very dangerous for a cat.

Aspirin is readily absorbed from the intestines in cats and may cause damage to the intestinal lining. This can lead to ulcers and bleeding into the intestinal tract. Signs of Aspirin toxicity include vomiting, weakness, fever, and eventual coma and death. To make sure your can does not accidentally consume Aspirin, we need to make sure medications are not in easy reach or access—for instance, don’t leave a few pills just lying around—cats are known to be curious. If, however, your cat ingests Aspirin and you notice any of the signs, notify your veterinarian immediately! If treated within a few hours of ingestion, most cats will have a good chance of recovering. Treatment will usually consist of IV fluids, and giving charcoal to your cat to bind the excess drug. The veterinarian may also need to give the cat something so that she vomits to clear her stomach of excess Aspirin.

To prevent a possible toxicity in your cat, never give any medications of any kind without previous instructions from your vet. If you are in doubt about whether a certain drug is safe for your cat, call your vet and ask about this. Pet owners should never just assume that a drug that is safe for you will be safe for your cat! Pet owners should check with their vets for further information on their pets’ general health; many of the important points above were obtained from vet professionals who are used to seeing many different kinds of pets and providing information to assist pet owners. To continue to read more articles and tidbits of information on pet health and pet care, go to www.soulcast.com/limoore.

The sad facts are, each and every year people just throw their dogs away like last seasons fashions. We see hundreds of thousands of dogs arrive at animal rescue shelters, because their owners are no longer able or prepared to take the necessary steps to take care of them.

Statistics say that approximately 25 percent are unwanted presents, another 25 percent have behavioral problems and the rest are given up for domestic or other reasons.

Here’s the top 10 reasons why pooches end up in the dog house.

1. The breed was that year’s MUST HAVE accessory, a little bit of Paris Hilton syndrome or the 101 Dalmatians fad.

2. I just couldn’t resist him in the shop window, so little, cute and fluffy - but he didn’t stay that way for long.

3. Due to lack of training, the dog became aggressive, destructive and totally uncontrollable.

4. Dog was purchased on impulse. Buy first think later, usually being pressured by children then realising the level of COMMITMENT required.

5. The dog was left alone for long periods consequently barking and upsetting the neighbours and becoming aggressive, destructive and uncontrollable.

6. Old age and no longer being able to physically cope with the demands of dog ownership.

7. Let’s face it owning a dog is not cheap nowadays - feeding, veterinary treatments, worming, boarding cost when your on holidays can really stretch the purse strings.

8. Separations of couples and no one wants the dog.

9. When young families have a new arrival and the responsibility and expense become too much.

10. Owners move to a new apartment with a no pet rule.

In all fairness there are valid reasons that people have when having to part with their dogs but the trend that seems to be shining through is that people have to realise when purchasing a dog is a responsibility thats on going. Its not like buying lip gloss, if you don’t like it you can change it or throw it away. Remember dogs can make great companions and life time friends and like any friend you should take good care of them.

All the best from the family at Phoopups and keep those tails wagging.

You and your new pup have had a wonderful day, and as far as you’re concerned everything is perfect – then bed time hits.

The first few nights you have your new puppy can be an experience like nothing you’ve encountered before. Here’s some general tips that may help smooth the transition from sleeping with its littermates to sleeping on its own.

Pups should have a warm place to sleep. Never just leave them outside of a night time, instead use the laundry, or outside garden shed etc. Any place that is enclosed and can provide shelter, at least until the dog is older.

Cover the floor with newspaper, this will not only help clean up any over night accidents but will also help when it comes to toilet training. If you’ve used a blanket during the day for your pup to sleep on, put that on the floor as well, using the command of bed during the day will also help when it comes to training and going to bed of a night time. When it comes to going to bed at night, if you have an old jumper or other piece of clothing that carries your scent, place that on the blanket as well.

Make sure your pup has plenty of water, a few puppy biscuits and some chew toys. This will help to keep your pup amused during the long hours of the night.

Having a radio, or other low volume noise playing in the background can also be helpful, anything to give your puppy the impression that he is not alone.

Never go in and smack your puppy because he is crying, he’s lonely. Not only is he missing his littermates, but now he’s also missing you. If you do need to go in and try and settle him down, don’t make it a play time - it can encourage bad habits. Go in and settle him then leave him alone again.

When morning eventually comes (and sometimes it can seem like an extraordinarily long night) go in and praise him and take him outside(or other assigned area) to do his business.

These are just some general tips that may prove helpful. Just remember that puppies will learn what’s right and wrong fairly quickly so always praise them when they do the right thing. It won’t be long before you’re once again having a peaceful nights sleep.