Pets

It seems as if I’ve always had dogs around; in my work as a pet portrait artist, under my feet or occupying my favourite chair at home. And also in memories stretching way back into the mists of time, by which, for the curious and the literal, I mean the sixties.

The first dog I can remember as a toddler was called Bonzo (yes, well, I told you it was a long time ago and I think it was probably quite a fashionable name at the time). He was a mutt, no doubt about it; brown, white and orange, and I used to sleep on the stairs with him. Then came Jock, named after my father, who didn’t live with us at the time. He had a rough coat, and I suppose was part terrier (no, not my dad, please concentrate).

Later, when I had my own dogs, there was Snooky, who was a collie with a terrier head, then Gub-Gub with the beautiful tail, named after Dr. Doolittle’s pig because I liked the name. She was actually a Welsh Collie, fast and slim, and nothing like a pig.

Then there was a Labrador cross, also called Snooky. My wife was for calling her Lib-Lab but I vetoed that. Keep politics out of the kennel, I say. And finally there came Snooky’s favourite daughter Bugle (loudest in the litter) and little scruffy Pebbles, who was really my wife’s dog. The last two are still with us. So you can see that I know about dogs, or so I thought before we acquired Patch.

Patch is a Border Collie. He is not aggressive; in fact he is very lovable and quite gentle with our other two dogs, as long as they know who’s the boss and as long as they do as they’re telt, and fast, like. Ken? (Well, he is a Scot!). I have to admit that Patch is a puzzle. If he doesn’t want to do a thing, he won’t. It’s as simple as that. He can’t be tricked, flattered or scolded into doing something, because he’s not that easily impressed.

But there are ways to manage him. If you want him to follow you; walk away. You know, like the Horse Whisperer. It’s not because he doesn’t relate; he really loves us and he is obedient in his own way. He will sit, go down, give either paw and ‘talk’. He just doesn’t see the point of doing something he doesn’t want to, all right?

He has plenty of the legendary energy and intelligence of the finest sheepdog in the world. I usually take a tennis racquet and ball on our walks in the woods to try, in my optimistic way, to tire him out. We live in a hilly, and fairly wild part of the Highlands, and I only have to say to him, “Patch, that way”, or even just point, and he’ll be there, waiting for the ball, whether it’s up the brae or across a burn.

And yet, for all his intelligence and boldness, he is sensitive and easily frightened. At the first hint of a raised or angry voice (it wouldn’t be mine, you understand), he goes to pieces and hides…

Yes, our boy is difficult at times, but always fascinating, and I don’t have to tell you that we love him to bits.

He was a gash and faithful tyke

As ever lap a sheugh or dyke;

His honest, sonsie, baws’nt face

Aye gat him friends in ilka place.

His breast was white, his towsie back

Weel clad wi’ coat o’ glossy black,

His gaucie tail wi’ upward curl

Hung o’er his hurdies wi’ a swirl.

The Twa Dogs

Robert Burns

Gash = wise sheugh = ditch sonsie = cute bawsn’t = striped like a badger towsie = shaggy gaucie = large hurdies = hips

Six months ago my Patch died, and I have to learn to get along without him. I now have a Border Collie pup crossed with Something Else. He has none of the nervousness of Patch. He is a friend to all the world. And yet…and yet…If he doesn’t want to do something…

We do not forget, but we move on.

James Donaldson Collins

Is Fido acting sad rather than happy and excited, even after arriving at your vacation destination? Maybe he’s really homesick!

His humans packed familiar, favorite things for their vacation fun, but did they give any thought to what their family pet wants and needs for a good time, too?

This suggested packing list for Fido is just the ticket.

1. Bedding such as towels or blankets for the car or crate that Fido has curled up on for a few days – Familiar smells are comforting.

2. Favorite food and water bowls – This will encourage a normal eating routine. Just as people often have problems with a foreign diet, the same thing can happen to your pet. This isn’t the time to try the free sample from the pet store.

3. A few bottles of water from your home faucet – This makes the transition to a new taste more gradual and acceptable.

4. Toys that Fido plays with most – But, it’s okay to introduce your canine companion to a new sport, like chasing a frisbee on the beach.

5. A doggie life jacket – If you’re going to be around water, even in a boat, this one item could literally be a life saver.

6. A travel bed or crate mat – This may be easier to transport and may fit in your vehicle better than your dog’s regular bed. Have Fido nap on this rather than his regular bed for several days before the trip, and don’t forget to put a favorite blanket or towel on top that is packed in your vehicle along with the choice of travel bed.

Travel Safety Tips for Fido:

When making a stop, always put a leash or harness on Fido before you open the car door. Strange surroundings and sounds could cause him to panic and possibly run away – or worse run into traffic.

Dogs love to hang their head out of a car window. Wonder why they do this? Maybe they like the breeze blowing through their fur or just enjoy the scenery. Bottom line – this can be hazardous to your dog’s health. Bugs and other road debris can cause eye damage. There are special glasses and goggles for dogs that can help prevent this, assuming Fido is willing to take on the life of a movie star. There’s also the possibility that Fido will see a cute doggie or other attraction that will cause him to jump from a moving vehicle.

There are pet seats with harnesses available that not only secure your best friend, but elevate him so he can easily see out of the window. This may help diminish the urge to have his head hanging out the window and can help if Fido tends to get car sick. It’s a toss up whether to have the barf inside the car or covering the outside with an undesirable new paint job. Not feeding Fido before the trip and giving him ice chips rather than water can help to calm that queasy feeling.

Dramamine can help, but be sure to check with your Vet for the proper dosage for your dog. They may recommend something that would be more effective.

No matter what the outside temperature is, never leave your pet in the car – or your kids either. Plan stops where Fido will be a welcome visitor.

Don’t put Fido in the back of a pick up truck. He’s subject to the elements, and it’s even easier for him to make a break for it or be injured in a fall.

Many more hotels and vacation locations, such as campgrounds and rental houses, are now accepting pets. Be sure to check with them well ahead of time with regard to deposits and damage fees. Also, be sure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date and be sure to take proof with you.

If traveling by air, the best airlines generally have written rules for pet travel. These guidelines are evidence that the airline has given a good deal of thought to the safe transport of animals. Small pets often can be crated and taken on board the plane with you. Larger animals must stay in the cargo area. No matter what airline carrier you use, there are important guidelines to consider.

Try to book a non-stop flight and take temperatures into consideration. During the summer, fly at night when it’s often cooler. In the winter, fly during the day when it’s warmer. Certain short-nosed dogs, such as pugs, cannot breathe well in airplane cargo areas, so avoid flying with these particular breeds.

Sometimes you just have to use common sense to make sure Fido arrives at his vacation spot as relaxed and ready to play as you are.

Fido will thank you for taking him on vacation with you as opposed to boarding him at a kennel. You’ll feel better, too, knowing that he’s in your loving care.

Plus, he’ll be so excited to have all of the items on his very own packing list!

Most people see a big dog and think that they need a large living space. Well, for the most part they would be correct, but some dogs, like the Great Dane, are just as happy with a small space as with a large one. Ironically, most large dogs have a lower activity level, while smaller dogs require a much greater level of activity. Giant breed dogs usually require two good long walks a day. Small breed dogs generally require more intensive free play as well as a few walks daily.

This gentle giant loves to lie around and only requires at a minimum a good long walk once a day. Once house trained, this breed will let you know when its time for her walk. The Great Dane does not bark much and only becomes aggressive when the circumstances require it. Larger urban areas are no problem for the Great Dane as it loves everyone and needs to be around people. Dignified, kind, and affectionate, it is playful and patient with children. However, because of her giant size and head strong nature, she should be socialized and obedience trained at an early age and always kept on leash. The Dane can even adapt to being left on her own during the day as long as she gets a walk and lots of companionship in the morning and evening.

Like the cartoon dog Marmaduke, this breed is a lovable family pet; loyal to the bone, affectionate, responsible and dependable.

As an apartment dog, she will need a few things to make her and you happy:

1. A space of her own. Whether a corner in your bedroom or a space in the hallway, you will need to provide at least a little spot for him to call his own.

2. A very soft bed or large cushion to lie on or she�ll be up on the furniture like no tomorrow.

3. A raised dish.

4. And for those colder climates a coat or cape to keep warm on those long daily walks.

As long as you provide a little space in your home, get some obedience training and provide the exercise this breed needs, then the Great Dane makes an excellent apartment dog. Loyal and brave, she will guard your property. Relatively bark free, gentle and affectionate, she will win over the neighbours. Have an apartment but want a big dog, then get yourself the gentle giant, get a Great Dane!

Stop your dog from chewing things such as shoes, slippers, pant legs, furniture legs and more or allow it to put you in a state of depression. For god sakes it even wants to chew on your hands and feet.

Is this normal, will the dog ever grow out of it? It is normal if you allow it to happen. He may grow out of it but not before he can create some real damage. Actually he does not grow out of it. You probably keep after it until it finally does quit. Not before some great damage has been done.

You may even be contributing to his chewing by things you are doing with him. You may have good intentions but the road to hell has been paved with good intentions. I am not saying your dog is a creature from hell like some might be thinking. Maybe even yourself. No your dog is just being a dog without proper training.

I myself have seen dogs chew the stuffing out of a brand new sofa, chew up good shoes and do a job on the legs of a wooden table and chair set. Holy Christmas there must be something that can be done with a creature like that. Visitors come in, only to swear not to go back because their hands are sore from the dog continuously biting them.

The dog does not know any better. It thinks it is playing, socializing, so to speak. You need to take control of your household and set the dog straight. You must do it before you have no friends not to mention footwear and furniture.

There is a right way to do it and a wrong way to do it. You do not want to end up hating the dog or having it hate you. Dog trainers can be quite expensive but there is an alternative. You can be taught how to deal with your dog.

So get on the ball and take control of your life. Get your friends back and save the furniture. Stop that dog from chewing things up. There is help out there, it is just up to you to get it.

Flowering landscape trees are the crown jewels of the yard. Perhaps no other plants, individually, can have as great an impact on how a yard looks in spring. Browse the articles to which I’ve linked below for information on particular varieties of flowering landscape trees. Pictures are included.

Crape Myrtles: Landscape Trees of the South

A popular choice in flowering landscape trees for Southerners, crape myrtles have a long blooming period (mid-summer to fall). The blooming clusters of these flowering landscape trees come in pink, white, red and lavender. The clusters appear on the tips of new wood. Northerners can sometimes get away with treating these flowering landscape trees as perennials that die back in winter but come back in spring.

Trees

Not all specimens with a weeping habit are flowering landscape trees, but this article looks at several weeping varieties that do bloom, headed by four types of cherry.

Saucer Magnolias

The size and shape of the blooms are what suggested the common name for these flowering landscape trees. Want a specimen with a brilliant bloom as big as a saucer? Access information on these beauties here.

Rose of Sharon

Although some people think of it as a landscape “tree” (because it gets tall and can be pruned so as to have a single trunk), rose of sharon is, in fact, a flowering shrub. The fact that it blooms relatively late — and for a long time — makes it a valuable plant for those looking to distribute their yard’s color display throughout the growing season.

Top 10 List of Flowering Landscape Trees and Shrubs for Spring |

This article features information on ten flowering landscape trees and shrubs that brighten our spring seasons. Included are redbud, callery pear and crabapple.

Hawthorn: Late-Blooming Landscape Trees

This article offers information on Washington hawthorn trees, which are perhaps most valued for the time at which they bloom (late spring to early summer). Many of the popular flowering specimens bloom earlier in the spring, and while their blossoms are pleasant sights for eyes sore from winter’s barrenness, they desert us too quickly!

We’ve all encountered them at some point, ill-mannered Shih Tzu. We’ve even seen their owners yelling at them, tugging at their leashes trying to make them behave. What is sad is that you can’t blame the Shih Tzu for the owner’s irresponsibility.

This type of behavior could have been avoided with obedience training. Obedience training is a platform for the Shih Tzu and the owner to learn how to effectively communicate with one another.

Can you conduct obedience training on your own? This is a question that has long been debated by the experts. One school of thought is that it would be better if a professional does the training, while others feel the owner can do it if they feel competent. The truth is that a combination of trainer and owner is probably the most effective.

Find an obedience school in your area. You will probably be told that they recommend a series of lessons that include both the Shih Tzu AND the owner. Sometimes the classes can be arranged where trainer comes to your home. Some trainers feel that training where the surroundings are familiar is helpful where some prefer their own location.

However, whether the obedience training is done at home, by a professional trainer, or in an obedience school, there are things that must be considered when incorporating this kind of training. Here is a list of the things that should be taken into account.

1. Fun

Obedience training does not necessarily mean that strict rules should be imposed. This is because the Shih Tzu is not aware of the reasons why he should be trained. Therefore, for him to respond to the commands, the training must be done in such a way that the Shih Tzu sees the activity as something that is fun.

The Shih Tzu should be praised when he exhibits proper behavior. Some trainers also recommend treats and some do not. That should be discussed with your trainer.

2. Consistency

During the course of obedience training, it is very important to have consistency in the training. For example, if a Shih Tzu was allowed to sit on the rug the other day and when the Shih Tzu tried to sit on the rug today, he was scolded. Things like this should not be taken for granted. It is extremely important to teach the Shih Tzu what he should and should not do and stick to it. Confusion will only make the matters worst.

3. Obedience training instructor/trainer

When people choose to enroll their Shih Tzu in an obedience class, it is important to analyze the trainer before the owner leaves his Shih Tzu. The character and personality of the trainer is extremely important. They should be professional enough to know how to handle the Shih Tzu�s behavior and how to train them properly. Again, you might want to find a trainer that works with both you AND your Shih Tzu.

4. Referrals

It is best not to try new and unfamiliar obedience training schools. This could be really risky both for you and for your Shih Tzu. It would be better if Shih Tzu owners will ask for some referrals from their veterinarians, Shih Tzu dog breeders, or other people who can give their honest opinions.

5. Charges

Not all obedience training schools are created equal. They vary depending on the kind of services they offer. It is best to consider their fees and what services they offer at that rate. This is one area where you don’t want to scrimp so cheapest isn’t always the best. Also, make certain you are dealing with a trainer that will work with both you AND your Shih Tzu.

6. Methods used in the training

It is highly recommended that Shih Tzu owners ask about the methods being used in the training. Make sure the terms are spelled out clearly. Shop for the best training you can find for the money. Don’t make a decision quickly. If you don’t feel comfortable with one individual, by all means keep looking.

There is some Shih Tzu that just seems to follow directions with little or no effort with never a session of profession training. Unfortunately, these examples are few and far between.

Invest in obedience training and you can look at a long and healthy relationship with a loving companion. With obedience training, Shih Tzu will surely be on their way to happier and more enjoyable stay with their masters and the people around them.

Author: Connie Limon. I raise Shih Tzu puppies from top champion bloodlines in many different colors of blues, reds, chocolates, blacks. We have the small AKC standards, imperials and teacups at reasonable prices. We offer you educational material, dog bows and dog clothes. Visit us online at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com and sign up for our FREE newsletter.

This article is FREE to publish with resource box.

Step 2 of 10 to earning a Canine Good Citizen title for your dog is the following:

“Sitting Politely for Petting. Goal: Evaluator pets dog. Dog must show no shyness or resentment.”

If you did the training I suggested in Step 1, this one ought to be a breeze for you and your dog. To briefly recap, you want to first work with someone you know that can help by ignoring the dog if he jumps up or barks, growls, or hides behind you. By not looking at the dog and ignoring what he is doing, the other person is showing that unwanted behavior is not acceptable.

Once the dog obeys your “sit” command, then, the other person can speak to the dog, even pet him if the dog stays seated. Once the sit is broken, though, the helper needs to return to the ignoring stance.

Then, you’ve taken the dog to parks and other places where people are likely to be and asked some of them to help you teach your dog to sit quietly while you either speak briefly to the person, or the person is asked to pet the dog, so long as he will sit still. Explain to them before you permit them to pet the dog that you’re trying to teach the dog to sit quietly for petting and if the dog jumps up, to please refrain from petting him at that time. It is rewarding unwanted behavior. Most people will have no problem with that.

Lastly, you want to teach the dog to be around children’s playgrounds with all the quick-moving little bodies and shouting going on. This will also be useful in another phase of the title work, but for now, you’re looking to find some children that will also listen to you when you ask them to pet your dog and to stop if he gets up from the sit. With children, though, I suggest you ask them to please pet the dog under the chin first.

Actually, that’s an excellent way to approach any dog. Reaching for the head is perceived by the dog as a domination action and might result in problems. Reaching for the chin, however, is the greeting of an equal or subordinate. You’ve seen dogs lick another’s chin, haven’t you? By asking people to first scratch the dog’s chin, then move to the head or back, you slowly let the newcomer dominate your dog rather than starting out that way.

It shouldn’t take long for your dog to calm down enough on meeting people that he can easily pass the second test for the Canine Good Citizen title.

(The information in quotes at the beginning of this article is involved in the CGC test taken from the AKC test scoresheet.)

The head collar has become an increasingly popular dog training tool in the past couple of years. Two of the most well known brands of head collar on the market are the Gentle Leader and the Halti, but there are many other brands that incorporate the basic head collar concept.

Many people find the Gentle Leader easier to fit that the Halti, and in addition the Gentle Leader is designed to fasten around the dog�s neck. The advantage of this design is that even if the dog is somehow able to wriggle out of the muzzle, it is still wearing a collar. This safety feature is very important, especially during training outside or in novel situations. On the other hand, the Halti offers better control of the dog, and for this reason it is often favored when working with very aggressive dogs.

Training a dog with a head collar has a number of advantages over training with a traditional or training collar. For one thing, head collars are often easier to use for beginning dog trainers than are training collars. Head collars are also quite effective at preventing dogs from pulling, or controlling and retraining dogs that tend to pull.

Head collars can also be quite effective at controlling dogs in difficult situations, such as controlling a dog that wants to be with other dogs. Most owners know of some situations in which their dogs are difficult to control, and head collars can be quite effective at controlling these volatile situations.

Head collars can be excellent for controlling dogs that are very strong, or for working with a dog in an area that contains a great many distractions. For instance, head collars are great for when your dog is on an outing, or in an area where there will be other dogs and other distractions.

Even though a head collar can be a great tool, it should not be used as a replacement for effective dog training. A head collar is most effective when it is used in combination with strong and sensible dog training methods, such as reward training and other forms of positive reinforcement.

Disadvantages of head collars

Even though head collars have many advantages, they have some distinct disadvantages as well. For one thing, head collars tend to make many dogs dependent on the equipment, and they quickly learn the difference between their regular collar and the head collar, and adjust their behavior accordingly.

In addition, some dogs, particularly those not accustomed to wearing a head collar, dislike wearing it and paw at it, try to rub it off or pull excessively. If your dog exhibits this behavior, the best strategy is to keep it moving until it learns to accept the collar. A good alternative is to have the dog sit by pulling up on the dog�s head.

Another disadvantage of the head collar is the reaction that many people have to it. Many people think that a head collar is a muzzle, and react to the dog as if it may bite. While this is not necessarily a defect of the head collar, many people do find it troublesome.

In conclusion, training with a head collar is much like training with a training collar or any other equipment. While the head collar can be an important and useful tool, it is important to use it appropriately, follow all package instructions, and to combine its use with solid training methods. The eventual goal of dog training with a head collar should be to have the dog behave as well with a regular collar as it does with the specialized head collar.

SPIRULINA ALGAE, Plant, Algae, or bacteria??

Spirulina is a planktonic blue-green algae found in warm water alkaline volcanic lakes and is rich in raw protein and seven major vitamins: A1, B1, B2, B6, B12 (one of the best natural sources for B12), C and E. It naturally contains beta-carotene, color enhancing pigments, and whole range of minerals. In addition, Spirulina has a 62% amino acid content and contains all essential fatty acids and eight amino acids required for complete nutrition.

Spirulina is different from other algae and is similar to bacteria in many ways, occupying a niche between plants and bacteria. Spirulina is similar to cyanobacteria in structure (spiral shape, unlike true plant plankton), which can be toxic. Spirulina Blue- Green algae are recognized by the body (fish in particular) as a bacterium, causing an increase in antibodies, which in turn increases disease resistance. Spirulina is not Chlorella (the blue-green algae harvested from Klamath Lake, Oregon). Chlorella is a green micro-algae and does not have the same anti-viral, anti-cancer and immune stimulating properties of Spirulina. The Chlorella cell wall is made of indigestible cellulose, just like green grass, while the cell wall of Spirulina is made of complexed proteins and sugars.

Spirulina has a soft cell wall made of complex sugars and protein, and is different from most other algae in that it is more easily digested. Spirulina is also high in usable or digestible amino acids (the building blocks of proteins); proteins from cereal and soy are not as digestible by fish as the amino acids found in spirulina. An analogy used at a pet food seminar I attended was this: You can achieve the protein analysis on many pet foods with a used pair of leather shoes, but leather shoes contain little usable proteins.

AQUATIC HEALTH BENEFITS:

Improves Immune Function:

Spirulina is a powerful tonic for the immune system. In scientific studies of mice, hamsters, chickens, turkeys, cats and fish, Spirulina consistently improves immune system function. Scientists find Spirulina not only stimulates the immune system, it actually enhances the animal’s body’s ability to generate new blood cells.

Spirulina aids in building red blood cells and stem cells:

Spirulina is rich in a brilliant blue polypeptide called Phycocyanin. Studies show that Phycocyanin affects the stem cells found in bone marrow. Stem cells are the production factory to both the white blood cells that make up the cellular immune system and red blood cells that oxygenate the body.

Spirulina Anti-Viral and Anti-Cancer abilities:

Calcium-Spirulan is a polymerized sugar molecule unique to Spirulina containing both Sulfur and Calcium (another important element often missing from many aquariums). In studies hamsters treated with this water soluble extract had better recovery rates when infected with what would be a lethal Herpes virus. This works because Calcium-Spirulan does not allow the virus to penetrate the cell membrane to infect the cell. The virus is stuck, unable to replicate. It is eventually eliminated by the body’s natural defenses.

Several studies show Spirulina or its extracts can prevent or inhibit cancers in humans, animals, and fish. Some forms of cancer are the result of damaged cell DNA “out of control”, causing uncontrolled cell growth. Cellular biologists have defined a system of special enzymes called Endonuclease which repair damaged DNA to keep cells alive and healthy. When these enzymes are deactivated by oxidation, radiation or toxins, errors in DNA go un-repaired and, cancer may develop. In vitro studies suggest the unique polysaccharides of Spirulina enhance cell nucleus enzyme activity and DNA repair synthesis. This may be why several scientific studies, observing experimental cancers in animals, report high levels of suppression of several important types of cancer.

Here is the general analysis of pure Spirulina Algae:

Protein: 55%- 70%

Carbohydrates: 15% - 25% (an excellent low ratio for fish)

Fats (lipids): 6% - 8%

Minerals: 6 -13%

Fiber: 8% - 10%

Natural Pigment Enhancers:

Phycocyanin (Blue): 14%

Chlorophyll (Green): 1%

Carotenoids (Orange/ Red): 47%

Important Trace Minerals (many of these are essential for proper electrolyte balance and osmotic function):

Calcium, Iron, Phosphorus, Iodine, Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium, Copper, Manganese, Chromium, Molybdenum, Sodium, Chloride, Potassium, Germanium, Boron.

CONCLUSION;

As this pertains to fish food, you want to make sure you use a spirulina flake such as Spirulina 20 that has at least 10- 20% spirulina to attain all the health benefits. Spirumina is beneficial to all fish including carnivores that will benefit from the spirulina in the digestive tract of the fish they consume.

For my full article about spirulina:

Spirulina Algae; The aquatic health benefits for Tropical, Marine and Goldfish.