Posts Tagged ‘Animals’

German Shepherd Breeders: Where To Find Them

Tuesday, November 18th, 2008
by Jan Ryan

The German Shepherd dog has a relatively short history though it is a well-loved and well-worked dog today. The breed began in Germany in 1899 and was registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1911. By World War I, over 48,000 German Shepherds were enlisted in the German army. Though the breed is part of the herding group, the German Shepherd dog has many other talents and can be trained in a variety of fields.

German Shepherds are native to Germany. The first of the breed was a sheep-herding dog. This dog, given the name Horand von Grafath, became the first German Shepherd registered in the German Shepherd Dog Club of Germany in 1899. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1911. German Shepherd breeders are common in North America due to the high demand not only for purebred German Shepherds, but for Shepherds with specific training. A German Shepherd breeder may specialize in training this breed for the visually impaired, for the police, and for use in tracking and protection. The Germans have a special training program for Shepherds to become “Schutzhunds,” or protection dogs.

German Shepherds are easier to train than many other breeds because of their inherent courage, physical and mental strength, work ethic, intelligence, loyalty and hardiness. German Shepherd dogs are well suited to any job that allows them to protect and serve. There is no better protector than a German Shepherd.

Purebred German Shepherds have specific characteristics. They should also have registration papers or some form of pedigree, preferably from the American Kennel Club. Because German Shepherds are trained in various tasks and graduate from training programs, their lineage should reflect the rankings and accomplishments of their parents. The German Shepherd breeder should have his or her own kennel, and dogs should receive daily contact, grooming, socializing and training.

A reputable German Shepherd breeder will provide not only registration papers and certification of ancestry (preferably AKC certified) but also medical records showing evidence of health and immunization. These documents are necessary to determine whether you are getting a purebred, healthy German Shepherd.

Now that you know what to look for in a German Shepherd and a German Shepherd breeder, you are ready to find the perfect German Shepherd. There is an alternative to buying a purebred puppy from a breeder. Reputable breeders are usually affiliated with or run rescue centers. A German Shepherd rescue center houses Shepherds that have been abused, abandoned or neglected.

German Shepherd rescue centers save Shepherds from abusive, neglectful or uncaring environments. There are bad breeders who try to sell fake dogs and there are even worse breeders who sell purebred, but often unhealthy, dogs out of puppy mills. Puppy mills are kennels where dogs are housed in small cages, constantly bred and provided with little to no socialization.

It also gives the Shepherd a second chance at a good life. Consider a rescued German Shepherd when making your purchase. Rescue center staff can also refer you to reputable breeders if they do not have kennels for this purpose.

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The Personality of Golden Retrievers

Tuesday, November 18th, 2008
by Carol Matthews

There’s a very popular YouTube video featuring a Golden Retriever that’s made a big hit all over the world. The video was taken during the relatively new sport of canine freestyle dancing. The dog danced John Travolta’s part very convincingly to the song “You’re The One That I Want” with the owner, dressed as Olivia Newton-John. This shows you what a Golden Retriever ? show quality or pet quality ? is capable of.

But Golden Retrievers are not born wonder dogs. They need time, effort and lots of praise in order to fully blossom into the great dogs they can be. You also need a good sense of humor and a willingness to let the house get a bit messy. You need to learn as much Golden Retriever information as you possibly can before, during and after you bring your dog home. The best places to get Golden Retrievers with great personalities are from breeders and Golden Retriever rescue centers. Never get a dog from a pet store.

These dogs were bred to be highly active, running miles through the rain in order to retrieve killed game for his master. Although the main job of a Golden Retriever has changed, the attitude is still the same. These dogs need to be busy. They need regular exercise and to be in the middle of family life or they will find something to occupy their time ? which can mean they might do things you don’t want them to do.

It has been said they have more of a doggy odor than other breeds. They also were bred to be Retrievers (hence the name), which means they have a compulsion to pick things up in their mouths and carry them to your home. This can mean they find a big dead rat and carry in into your living room, fully expecting to be showered with praise.

Golden Retrievers also like to dig, play in water and bring interesting objects they find into the house. That is because they were bred to bring game to their masters. Try to take the decomposing dead mouse as a compliment.

You can also help sweeten a Golden Retriever’s naturally sweet disposition by getting your dog spayed or neutered. This helps reduce your dog’s chances of getting in fights, wandering off to find a mate or getting cancers of the reproductive organs. Golden Retrievers also become more interested in paying attention to you instead of their hormones. Still, even a mature Golden Retriever usually does not make a good guard dog, as they want to make friends with everyone.

Golden Retrievers are prone to some health conditions, so you should be prepared for such a possibility. They are often prone to eye problems, hip dysplasia, heart conditions and itchy skin problems. However, a Golden Retriever will usually not be so terrified of going to the vet like other dogs.

Golden Retrievers tend to even like their vets and do not stress out as much as other breeds at the thought of going to the vet’s or a groomer. They also are very good about taking pills, because they love food. Just slip the pill in food.

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Yorkshire Terrier 101: Yorkies For Sale

Tuesday, November 11th, 2008
by Susan Bailey

You can’t get much cuter than Yorkshire Terrier puppies. When they are only eight weeks old, they are a heart-stopping blend of elegance and scruffiness. Since the breed is so small and their exercise needs are practically nothing, you can find Yorkies for sale in pet stores, classifieds, dog magazines and Internet ads. And they are one of the dogs toted about by skinny celebrity stars, making them very fashionable.

They are very small to begin with, don’t need a lot of exercise and are quite portable. Twenty years ago, they didn’t crack the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) top ten most popular purebred dogs in America. In 2006, Yorkshire Terriers came in at number two.

This popularity has been both a blessing and a curse for Yorkshire Terrier puppies. Although this has caused a demand from legitimate, responsible Yorkie breeders, it also has created a lot of Yorkies for sale from questionable sources.

Yorkshire Terrier puppies are one of the most favored “products” from puppy mills, which blight America, because of their small size and high price. The puppy mills supply all pet stores that offer Yorkies for sale.

Although technically animal shelters and dog rescue places don’t have Yorkies for sale, they do require anyone adopting a dog to pay an adoption fee. So, in the minds of some people, that means they have Yorkies for sale.

The adoption fee is a few hundred dollars, usually less for an adult. The adoption fee not only helps keep the animal rescue center going, it discourages people who would adopt Yorkies for cruel purposes like medical research or as training bait for dog fighting.

Technically, Yorkshire terrier rescue groups do not offer Yorkies for sale, but they do not offer Yorkies for free. They want to be sure the Yorkies wind up in a good home and not sold to a medical research lab or shoved back into the already overloaded animal shelter system.

There are also rescue places just for Yorkshire Terriers. Those you can find on the Internet, from your vet, from your local animal shelter or from going to dog shows. From these sources, Yorkshire Terrier puppy care matters more than money.

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What You Need To Know About Rottweiler Puppies

Tuesday, November 11th, 2008
by Sharon Davies

Once you have decided you want to add a Rottweiler puppy to your household then you need to find a healthy and happy Rottweiler puppy. For first-time owners either of a dog or just of a Rottweiler there are a few general tips that can help you find the right dog for your household. The first important tip is to choose the puppy out of the litter that approaches you or at the very least doesn’t shy away if you approach them.

You never want to select a puppy that is fearful or aggressive. The puppy should be friendly and allow you to hold and handle them. Next you want to make sure you meet the parents of the puppy. You want to observe the behavior of the parents before you adopt any puppy, as they should be friendly and easy to touch and handle. If the parents manage to adjust well then there is a high chance that the puppy you adopt will do the same with proper training.

When it comes to the Rottweiler puppy you want to carefully examine their back legs. Since Rottweilers are in general large dogs they can have problems with their back hips, which are costly to fix. In order to reduce the chance of having a dog that will develop these problems you should avoid a Rottweiler puppy that has hips that are grossly turned out and for the most part face forward. Also make sure the puppy’s parents don’t have a history of hip disorders since some of these conditions can be hereditary.

When you examine your Rottweiler puppy you want to pay special attention to the back legs. Since Rottweilers are large breed dogs they can have problems with their back hips that are very costly to fix. To reduce the risk of getting a dog with these problems you should avoid choosing a Rottweiler puppy that has grossly turned out hips and rather one that has hips facing forward. You will also want to make sure the puppy’s parents don’t have a history of hip disorders since some of these conditions can be hereditary.

When looking for a Rottweiler puppy it is very important to ask questions and you should never be afraid to ask even the most difficult questions. An important question to ask is how many times the mother has had puppies. For Rottweiler’s the general rule is that a female should only have three litters in her lifetime in order to have the best breeding results.

It is also important that the mother be given adequate time to recover after having a litter before she is bred again. If a female Rottweiler is over bred then there can be some problems with a puppy’s health and behavior.

It can be difficult to ask questions, but just keep in mind that a good breeder is eager to answer any questions you have and wants to be helpful. Often you won’t even have to ask some questions with the best breeders since they will give you all the general facts and let you assess the traits of the parents.

Good breeders don’t push you and want to make sure you raise your puppy properly. So don’t be afraid to voice any questions you have including those about the health history of the parents.

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Bichon Frise Puppy For Sale Tricks Of Dog Sellers

Friday, November 7th, 2008
by Mary Stevenson

The Bichon Frise is one of the most adorable and lovable little dog breeds on the planet today. These sweet little dogs originally hail from France, and their name actually means “lap dog”. Their affectionate nature and high-energy temperament makes them an ideal pet for most families. Their lack of shedding also makes them an ideal pet for any family that deals with allergies, as they are considered to be the only hypoallergenic dog. If your family is looking for a new pet to love, then you certainly can’t go wrong looking for a Bichon Frise puppy for sale.

If you’ve been considering looking for a Bichon Frise puppy for sale then there are a few things that you should know before you actually spend your hard-earned money on a dog. A true Bichon Frise puppy can cost as much as twenty-five hundred dollars, so it is important that you as a potential pet owner are well aware of the needs and care that these adorable little dogs require. The first most important thing to remember, is that the Bichon Frise has a super-high energy level, and needs a family who can gives them the room to run they need.

With so many things that a potential puppy owner needs be aware of, you’d almost think that the popularity of the Bichon Frise would have faltered over the years, but exactly the opposite is true. The Bichon Frise is more popular than ever, and if you’re one of the thousands looking for a Bichon Frise puppy for sale, then you need to educate yourself on the needs and care of this amazing little pup.

If you plan on grooming the dog yourself, then you need to understand that it should be a daily (or at least every other day) process. And if you plan on having them groomed professionally, you should understand that it might become a rather expensive process. A Bichon Frise also requires daily ear cleaning, as they are prone to problems with ear mites.

Another important thing to remember about the Bichon Frise is that their thick, curly coats require almost daily grooming to keep them from becoming matted. If you are planning to do this yourself, then you will mainly need to have a professional show you the proper way to brush, comb, and clip your dog’s fur. If you plan on having a professional dog groomer take care of your dog’s fur, then you may be looking at a rather expensive ordeal.

While they are a great lap dog, they will still need to be allowed to run amok every once in a while, else you may find yourself dealing with a case of the buzzes, a phenomenon where a cooped up Bichon will rapidly spin in circles until they fall over from exhaustion or are physically stopped.

Unlike many small breed dogs, the Bichon Frise has a relatively long lifespan, longer in fact than many of its larger counterparts. On average, the Bichon Frise will live fifteen years or more, making them the perfect pet for families with children. With so many people recognizing that the Bichon Frise makes such an excellent companion, there’s never been a better time to look for a Bichon Frise puppy for sale than now.

Talk to your vet and find a reputable breeder today, and give you family the gift of a pet they can love for years to come.

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Keeping Your Dog Healthy & Happy

Friday, November 7th, 2008
by Joel Silverman

The last thing you want when you bring your new dog home is to add stress to his new environment. Diet is paramount here. If you choose to change his food, please do so slowly. Continue to feed him as usual for the first week then gradually reduce his old food to 50 percent of the old content and add 50 percent of your choice to his diet. If he does well on this, then follow up the next week with a 75/25 percent ratio. Eventually, he will be able to tolerate the new diet with no complications. Check out ingredient labels prior to changing his diet — verify that he is receiving the needed nutrients. If questions arise, contact your veterinarian or breeder for verification. Wet food is an option but keep in mind that dry food does a better job of cleaning his teeth. Consider a mixture if this is what he prefers.

Naturally, your little pal needs fresh water — a lot of it. Change the water frequently in his bowl and take care where you place this resource. Shade is a better option because the sunlight can cause the water to heat up rapidly. As for bowls, stainless is probably the best option because they are super easy to clean and therefore, more sanitary.

Short-haired dog or long-haired dog? They both need grooming. A short-bristle brush will help contain shedding in a short-haired dog but the long-haired guy needs a brush with long bristles. A good approach is to begin with the foot area, using a downward motion with the brush and continue upward several inches at a time until you are satisfied that he has no matting in his undercoat. Shampoo? Nix the baby shampoo! Instead, purchase a quality dog shampoo because his pH is very different from yours.

Dental health should be high on your list of priorities for your little friend. Purchase a soft dog toothbrush, toothpaste and rinse for him. He may have a preference in flavors (just as you do) so don’t hesitate to try something different if he seems to rebel against the taste. Use a vertical motion when brushing and reward him with lots of good love and pets afterwards. This little ritual will soon become a normal part of his life and healthy teeth and gums will be in his future.

Trimming the nails is not an easy task. Some dogs really resist this procedure so you might prefer having your groomer or veterinarian do this job. However, if you choose to tackle this task yourself, note that there is a pink part and a white part to the nail. The pink area contains blood vessels and nerve endings and cutting into this area will be painful. Leave an abundance of white area to verify that you do not injure your baby and leave him with unpleasant memories. If your dog has black nails, just bite the bullet and take him to a groomer.

A veterinarian can be a wonderful doctor and friend that both you and your pal can trust. The very first thing you want to do when bringing your little guy home is to take him to the new doctor to be examined for anything from “kennel cough” to fleas and ticks. If this is your first dog, tell the veterinarian and let him or her know that you welcome input. The vet will undoubtedly be happy to share all kinds of information with you. You will be informed as to when your dog’s vaccinations are due as well as how frequently he needs to be checked. Just as you need your yearly exam, so does your new little guy. Once you have established a loving, trusting relationship with your dog, you will quickly be able to discern if he is feeling slightly off color. That’s a good time to give your veterinarian a call and see if your dog needs to make an appointment. By all means, keep the numbers of the veterinarian and an emergency clinic posted in an obvious place in your home. No matter who may be caring for your baby at any time, the emergency information will be available immediately.

This basic information is something that everyone who owns a dog needs to know. Your dog will realize that he can trust you to care for him and you will earn his respect and love — a beautiful reward in itself.

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Questions To Ask A Labrador Retriever Breeder

Friday, November 7th, 2008
by Brooke Sunderland

You need to ask your prospective Labrador Retriever breeder a lot more questions other than how much they cost. Because Labs are the most popular breed in North America, there are (sadly) many people who breed Labs for quantity rather than quality. With a pre-written list of questions for your Labrador breeder, you can help avoid those breeders that shouldn’t be within a mile of a puppy.

The questions that will tell you the most about any Labrador Retriever breeder will be what kind of contract do you require, when can I visit the kennels and are there any health warrantees. If your potential breeder refuses to let you visit the kennel, say goodbye and move on. They may have something to hide. If your breeder doesn’t do contracts, also move on, because they definitely have something to hide.

You should always be able to visit the kennel or home of the Labrador Retriever breeder you have in mind before putting any money down. Some breeders will have outside kennels – some will not. All good Labrador Retriever breeders will be extremely proud to show off their dogs to you, especially the mother and father of your potential puppy. You are visiting a home, so some places will normally be off limits to visitors.

The kennel or home kennel should not smell putrid or like a garbage truck in summer. The dogs should be healthy, smiling, well behaved and clean. It is okay for Labrador Retrievers to live most of their lives in outdoor covered kennels with runs.

Although there are no certainties in the dog world, you can greatly reduce your chances of getting a raw deal and a sickly puppy by obtaining certain paperwork from the Labrador Retriever breeders.

You need to see the health certificates of both of the puppy’s parents, especially their hip dysplasia scores. If the breeder doesn’t know what you are talking about, say goodbye. Hip dysplasia is the most common ailment among Labs and is carried by genes.

Great Labrador Retriever breeders will give you all the paperwork before you even ask for it. They will also start quizzing you about what you expect in a dog and your store of Labrador Retriever information. Good breeders will always give preference to those with Lab experience.

A good breeder will take a long time to learn your personality and lifestyle requirements before selecting a puppy for you.

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How to Photograph Pets

Sunday, November 2nd, 2008
by SFXsource

You’ve been wanting to take stunning photos of your pet, but have not figured out how to get started. You have stumbled upon this article because you don’t want to end up with plain, boring photos of your pet. Not to worry, these tips will get you taking awesome pet photos.

1. The best lighting for your pet is natural light. Window light is great, or if you can, take your pet outside. Unfortunately flash photography is not that great for pets. The flash may scare them, and it also makes them have red eyes in photographs.

2. Get on the same level as your pet. Bend down or lie on the ground. This not only gives you a different perspective, but you will appear less intimidating. It’s always amusing when pets get close to the lens to investigate, creating a great photo opportunity.

3. Learn about your pet’s idiosyncrasies and personality. When you know more about them, you will have more fun and will find them easier to photograph.

4. Try switching out lenses, using different shutter speeds, or different aperture settings. A wide-angle lens lets you fit more pet into your picture, a macro lens lets you get closer, a fast shutter speeds catches your pet in motion, and a smaller aperture creates a blurred background.

5. Be patient. As your photo shoot progresses, your pet will get more comfortable with you and the camera. If you are anxious and uncomfortable, they too will become anxious and uncomfortable, so remember to relax and be calm.

6. Be ready for the unexpected. Pets are unpredictable and a fantastic shot is always waiting around the corner. Photograph them in their element, with their favorite toy, or enjoying their favorite treat.

Don’t forget to have fun! Your furry friend will be looking like a rock start in no time. If you need more ideas, look online or in magazines.

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Dog Training Tips

Sunday, November 2nd, 2008
by K Fanu Kirsten K Fanu Kirsten F Kirks Fanu

Dogs had always accompanied humans since their existence on the planet. They both used to have a peaceful but distinct coexistence. In the past dogs were used as a bunch of cleanup crew but now the style of decorated dogs has started to prevail as humans have developed more generous behavior with them. The relationship between the two have varied most of the times and was not always for the best.

As our relationships with dogs have changed, so have the methods used to train them. In the past, how to train a dog at home was all about the punishment-based pop-and-jerk methods, which had very little impact. But we saw sense in time and advocate a no corrections, cookie-power approach, based on methods used to train marine mammals.

The issue is that the dog can’t be left alone as he has to stay with you wherever. The fact is that there can’t be a standard method that might work for all the dogs and their owners. This is by far normal as a single method can’t be expected to fit everywhere like cookies cutter approach can work sometimes for dogs but always works for only making cookies.

In general, you are pretty safe to recognize and reward the things you want. And simply ignore or correct things that do not. The main objective is to find a balance, that better working methods you and your dog.

Many people put off training until signs of a behavioral problem arise in their dog. Often, these are not dog problems; in fact, they are people problems. To put it another way, the dog is doing something natural, but it is doing it in an inappropriate manner. People can also have an impact on a dog’s actions; for example, this can be caused by improper rewarding of the wrong behaviors.

It is very necessary to accept the natural behavior of the dog which cannot be denied. Dog can be a great friend till the time his normal needs are fulfilled and he is given enough space for his normal actions. The relation with a dog has to end as the life ends so it should be enjoyed.

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The Shocking Truth About Dog Food You Absolutely Must Know

Friday, October 31st, 2008
by Linda McNaughton

If you are a dog lover, it’s important you understand the dangers of using commercial dog food. With the number of dog food recalls that have happened in the recent future it’s no surprise more and more people are starting to research the food they are putting in their dog’s dish. Much of the dog food you find in the stores has been linked to all sorts of disease and illnesses – obviously you don’t want to put your pup’s health at risk.

These recalls weren’t just small isolated cases – some of them were widespread and affected thousands of households.

With all these recalls it is going to be difficult for the dog food industry to ever regain the trust of thousands of dog owners. Many people lost their pets because of tainted food that made it into their house.

Beyond tainted dog food, the large dog food companies have always been in the practice of providing food for dogs that is not healthy for our pets to begin with. This has always been a problem and still is today. There are hidden dangers in dog food many of us are not aware of.

There has been a big push for us as humans to eat better and feed ourselves wholesome, unprocessed foods so that we can live long and healthy lives. This makes great sense – the food we put in our body is the fuel that gets us through each day.

It’s easy not to think the same way when we are choosing out food for our dog. Many people are so used to just grabbing a bag of food whenever they run out. However, food plays just as important of a role in a dog’s life.

The companies that produce commercial dog food rely on some of the worst possible ingredients when they put together their “formulas”. They look for the cheapest ingredients that just meet the laws in order to make the most money. The health risks are horrendous.

Corn gluten meal is a by-product. This is added to absorb the toxins of the food as it is being cooked and processed. Unforunately dogs don’t digest corn very well. In fact, corn is one of the biggest causes of allergies in dogs. The reason many commercial dog food companies use corn is because it is a very cheap source of protein and is used as filler in the food.

Another disturbing ingredient used in dog food is chicken by-product meal. Where this comes from is sickening – it is made up of chickens feet, intestines, necks etc. Again, it is an inexpensive ingredient that they are trying to claim is a source of protein. However, the protein is useless and this also has the potential to be tainted or toxic.

Soybean meal is also used as a protein source in dog food. The protein is a decent quality, however Soybean is also the number one allergy that dogs suffer from.

We could list several more ingredients, but I’m sure you get the point. The dog food you find in the stores is made up of such low quality ingredients that can put your dog’s health at risk. The companies aren’t looking to include the best ingredients for your pup – they just want to make as much money as they can.

It’s amazing to see how much of a difference feeding your dog the right type of food can make. Your dog will be happier, healthier and even better behaved once you pay attention to their diet.

Does this mean that you can’t ever use store-bought dog food? Of course not, but you absolutely must know what to look for. We included a link at the bottom of this article where you can find more information.

Once you understand the dangers of certain commercial dog food and which ingredients to avoid, it’s incredibly easy to make sure your dog is being fed nothing but the best food possible. Not only will you have the happiest and healthiest dog on the block, but you might just save its life! All the best!

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