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Dogs And Kids

Dogs and kids can live together harmoniously, if the situation is properly understood and carefully handled.Friendships between dogs and kids are both wonderful and character building for the children.

Most dog bites inflicted on kids are by the family pet, or a neighbours dog. It is not that the dog is aggressive, it is just that Mums and Dads do not understand that children, and particularly babies, act very differently to adults, and it is this unusual behaviour that upsets the dogs.

My own children were brought up with German Shepherds, supposedly well know as aggressive dogs. The dogs were fairly anti-social to strangers but to the family they were totally trust worthy. I like to think that it was because I taught the kids to behave properly around and towards the dogs.

When dogs and kids are living together it is the kids that need to be taught to treat all dogs with the greatest respect, and to understand that dogs are not toys. As soon as babies are crawling they need to be told to be kind to the family dog. Puppies are never too young to learn, neither are babies. If you have just acquired a new puppy do not let it chew you or play nip, good training for when it is a fully grown dog.

Dogs protect all things that they care about, whether that be the house, their diner, the car, their bed, kids have to understand to leave dogs alone at certain times or certain places. Some dogs are, by nature, herding dogs, so these may chase a child if it runs away. This could excite the dog to attack.

Some dogs would get defensive if they are cornered or have some one standing over them. Kids should be taught to not scream, cuddle the dog tightly or pinch them. It should be remembered that as a dog gets older it could become less tolerant, so the family dog that has always been so good with the kids suddenly nips a child. Old dog get deaf so cannot hear a child approaching, so may nip out of surprise. It is not the dog’s fault!

Kids need to be told to never approach a strange dog, without asking permission. If the dog is out without it’s owner leave it alone.

To always approach in a steady quiet manor.

No teasing, yelling, hugging, pinching, pulling or chasing.

Always leave mothers with young alone.

Never try to stop a dogfight!

If you are approached by a strange dog, stand still; let the dog sniff you, no wriggling fingers, put them in your pocket if you have one.

Do not stare at the dog, and never run away.

If the dog is barking or growling, slowly walk away, keeping the dog in view.

Be sure your kids understand the difference between your own dog and a strange dog.

It is wise to never leave a baby or very young children alone together, no matter how well you think you know the dog.

This all sounds a little forbidding but dogs and kids really can have lots of fun together.

posted by amplai @ 10:26 PM 0 Comments

Pet Grooming is Important

My dog Tyke is a Border Collie. Border Collies have a "double coat" consisting of an outer or "guard" coat and an undercoat. Although they should only be given a bath when needed, it's necessary to have them groomed regularly to keep their coat shiny, smooth and healthy, especially during their winter and summer shedding periods. And yes, as Tyke has two coats, I need two different rakes to groom him!

I like grooming Tyke, not only because spending that extra quality time together strengthens my bond with him, but also because I may discover developing health problems like a tumor sooner rather than later.

Regular grooming is alas often overlooked as an important and necessary aspect of pet ownership that should not be ignored.

You may decide that it's better to take your pet to a professional who is sure to do it right. A professional groomer will be sensitive to you and your pet's needs; they are interested in gaining you and your pet's trust. But because pet grooming is so important, it's vital that you teach your dog to tolerate it as soon as you take her home so the experience can remain safe and stress free for her.

On the other hand, you may want to start a grooming business yourself. Pet grooming is an alternative pet business opportunity that is widely popular today, as more and more pet owners spend a lot of money to pamper their pets. Dog grooming experience can be gained through apprenticeship, therefore it is wise to spend at least one year gaining experience from a well respected groomer. Anyone interested in becoming a pet groomer should do online research to find out the right steps to take.

Apparently, a new trend that is highly likely to make you successful is opting for door-to-door, mobile pet grooming. Mobile grooming will succeed anywhere pet grooming is needed: you can install all the equipment that you need inside a van, and you simply drive to people's homes. They don't need to spend the time or do the effort to drive back and forth, and you don't need to pay the rent for an office. A perfect win-win situation.

Rewarding though it is, catering to personable, caring people who desire this service, keep in mind that pet grooming is very physical work and requires patience and a strong desire to learn.

Always remember though, running a pet grooming business successfully is about building trust between you and the pet as well as its owner: that can only happen if you care about pets as much as you care about people.

posted by amplai @ 2:33 AM 0 Comments

Dog Health Problems

If you're the proud owner of a dog health problems are no stranger to your household. They need not only be of the doggy variety either. By the very fact of owning a dog you open up your home to be bombarded by a myriad of different little health problems. Some of them might not be so bad, but for the most part if you have a dog health problems will also abound. You just can't stop that.

It's as natural as breathing, and although you might take steps to prevent this, there's really only so much that you can do, and so much germs and bacteria that you can fight. And for the most part you would be successful but there will still be unseen germs lingering around biding their time until they can strike. You might not even realize this, and you might not even realize when they do strike at you but rest assured that it will happen.

And that's not all, if you have a dog health problems of the canine variety will also abound as your dog will also get sick from time to time and you will need to take care of him as well. The best way is to start as you mean to go on, and getting the right shots for your dog as soon you get him, and giving him a thorough check-up at the same time is always good. You can't stop there however and will need to keep up the shots and the check-ups on a regular basis. Your vet can tell you how often you will need to bring in your dog. And your vet can also tell you what you need to do to keep your dog healthy.

Brushing his coat daily is a good way to get a silky and shiny coat. If your dog's coat starts to lose its luster then you know there's something wrong with your dog health problems shouldn't be left alone too long without treatment. You should make an appointment with the vet as soon as possible to see about proper treatment.

Then there's always doggy biscuits that are like toothbrushes and will keep your dog's mouth clean and fresh. Regular bathing will also help to ward off whatever dog health problems that may occur otherwise. Feeding him a balanced diet will be the best way to keep him healthy. Don't give your dog any of the junk food that's so bad for you, and definitely stay away from the chocolates, they're toxic to your dog health problems will abound if you ignore this.

If you own a dog health problems will arise, you can't get away from that fact, but there are a few things that you can do to avert mishaps. As long as you realize there's nothing you can do to completely eradicate the germs and bacteria that are sure to abound, and take action accordingly, you and your dog should get along like a house on fire.

posted by amplai @ 7:22 PM 0 Comments

Bringing A New Pup Home

So you got a little cutie puppy in your hand. He looks so cute with his little sweet nose and playful eyes. So what next? Naturally, you'll take the little one home...Wait for a second. It may not be as easy as it seems. Being a pet lover, you have many pets at home as well, and this one is a new pet and not the only one!

In that case it is you who is responsible to build comfort between your pets. They after all have to coexist peacefully under one roof. If you are concerned as to how your other pets would take to their new companion, your concerns are valid because different animals react differently to the presence of an additional pet. So the introduction can be a lot more tricky than the Hello-I-am-Alice kind of very human introductions.

Ensure that you give an entire day to the animal to warm up to its surrounding and to get accustomed to the presence of other pet(s). When you bring it home make sure that you keep him company. Don't leave him home alone. That could make him very, very uncomfortable.

Now, if you have a cat at home, you need to be extra careful. Not too much, just a little prudence would do. On the first few times when the puppy and cat come face to face, make sure that the puppy is on lease so that you could pull him clear of the cat in case he reacts unpredictably. Cats are normally very territorial and tend to assert their territorial rights. The puppy must be made to understand early that he is not supposed to intrude into the cat's personal space, neither should he meddle with cats things. They'll eventually grow friendly, but if they do not contact your vet as soon as you can.

If there is another dog at home, the lease rule remains so that no uncalled for harm is done. If there are many dogs at home, ensure that the puppy gets to know each of them separately and there is no collective introduction. The little one should not be taken to the big dog, for in that case the big one will be meeting the young one in his territory, which could be rather menancing the newcomer.

A little bit of growling and sniffing is natural but snapping and biting are not. So, if they indulge in any such unacceptable behaviour, they must be disciplined. Make sure that your current dog does not feel left out on the account of the new pet. So, make sure that your affection towards him increases.

Seniority must be maintained in eating and playing. So, when it is time to eat, the new one should eat separately and its food should be served only after the older ones. The new toys must also first go to the senior pets.

They'll gradually grow into good companions and you'll have a nice little happy family of friendly pets.

posted by amplai @ 5:10 PM 0 Comments

Dog Pet Bed - Your Dog Needs A Pet Bed

Why is it important to give your favorite four-legged friend a place of his own? Your dog’s bed will benefit your dog’s sleep, comfort, and health for years to come. Many pet owners think that a dog bed is an optional item. However, having a pet bed is an essential item. Dogs spend a good part of every day sound asleep. The comfort and health of your dog depends on a quality sleep. There are many benefits for you and your dog.

Security

Dogs can feel anxious especially when their owner is away. Providing your pet with a special place to call his own will give him a sense of security. It also provides a private area for your dog. Your dog will love the fact that he has a place that is just for him, and in return he might be less likely to curl up on your furniture or bed.

Health

Just like humans, dogs appreciate comfort also. Older dogs as well as younger dogs can start to suffer from joint pain, arthritis and hip problems. Lack of quality sleep can also cause an unwillingness to go for walks and exercise. Make sure to buy the right size dog bed for your best friend. Big dogs need large dog beds! A dog bed’s soft, comfortable cushions feel just as great on a dog’s joints as a mattress or body pillow provides comfort and support for humans. A typical dog bed elevates the animal above the hard ground, supports essential joints and provides a degree of warmth. You might also want to look at orthopedic dog beds.

Warmth

Dogs will benefit from the extra layers of warmth and insulation off the bare floor especially during the night and cold winter months. Dog pillow beds or dog bed mats also provide essential support from a hard cold floor. Although dogs will sleep on a floor, it is often uncomfortable for them. Consider how you would feel sleeping on the cold floor with nothing but a blanket. This is usually the reason that they sneak onto the furniture the minute you leave the house and because it smells like you. Most dogs will sleep at the foot or side of their owner’s bed, on a favorite blanket or cushion placed in a warm part of the room away from drafts.

Position

Should your dog be allowed to sleep in your bed, with you? Probably not, where your dog sleeps is important to their emotional and physical health, as well as to your family’s. Some animal behaviorists say letting your dog sleep with you is a bad idea and sometimes upset the chain of command because the dog may get delusions of grandeur and dominance problems can arise. A dog bed lets your dog know where he is sleeping. You might consider and your dog may enjoy, several dog beds in other rooms where the family comes together.

Protection

A dog bed will provide protection for your furniture. When your dog is sleeping on your furniture, it affects the appearance and condition of your furniture, and as we mentioned earlier it affects your dog’s joints where he jumps up and down off high furniture. Not to mention bothersome pet hair on the furniture. For this reason, you’ll definitely want a cover that be removed from the mattress, and that is 100% machine washable. It should also be durable enough to deal with sharp claws, and stain resistant.

In conclusion, your dog will be spending an awful lot of time in his or her bed, so it’s important that you select the right one. So remember, when buying a pet bed for your dog, you need to take numerous things into consideration: your dog’s breed, dog’s age (puppy, adult, senior), dog’s size, dog’s health and where you plan on using the bed. Buying the right kind of bed and maintaining it properly can go a long way to your dog’s health and happiness, and maybe even your own.

by : Jennifer Pezzilllo

posted by amplai @ 1:23 AM 0 Comments

Pet Store One-Stop-Shop

Pets are the most beautiful gift. Many of us are found of pets and like to have at least a single pet in our house. Pet brings out your tender and loving site. Now every breed of pets is available at your near Pet Store.

Are you planning to have pet in your house then first step is to find the best pet store in your city. Make sure that you have entered the right store, because not all pet stores can give you the service, guidance and support you need.

Before buying just see to that store should be very clean, odor-free and spacious facility. You will find many of pet stores are overcrowd, never buy from such overcrowd pet store they may carry some diseases.

We always want to buy pet that were raised in a healthy, hygienic and roomy facility to make sure that they do not carry any diseases. Many pet stores are one-stop-shop where you can buy everything, from pet food to and other pet products.

Pet store should be consumer-oriented so that you can get return policy on supplies, and provide a good 'warranty' on pets. Many of working pet owners is not able to spend more time to pet because of their busy schedule, these considerations are very important.

It is good to buy pet from your near by area where you live, or is at least on the way from where you work place. So that in case if any pet emergency is there you can take your pet for treatment.

The pet stores assure you veterinary care whenever possible. It’s very easy to buy pet but raising it in your house as part of your family is very difficult. Be sure that all other in our family treat pet as family member. Today only visit your nearest pet store to choose a pet for yourself.

posted by amplai @ 7:15 PM 0 Comments

How Do I Become a Professional Pet Groomer?

As the demand for Professional Dog Groomers increases, there are more and more people looking for information on how to become a Professional Pet Groomer. This article is designed to give you some options on how you may wish to proceed in getting your pet grooming education.

We'll start with the most detailed choice: a professional grooming school. An example of such a school would be the Academy of Dog Grooming Arts in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Their program includes seminars, workshops, and 500 hours of hands-on grooming. You will be awarded a Diploma or Certificate of Achievement based on your proficiency. While this is an excellent choice for education, the obvious problem associated with this option is that most people are not in a position to be able to drop everything to attend school. Many do not have the extra money for tuition as well.

The second option we'll look at is an apprenticeship or on-the-job-training. This is an excellent way to get both training and hands-on experience, provided you find a reputable professional groomer that will pass on good grooming techniques and habits. The drawbacks for this choice can be lack of a diploma or certification upon completion of your apprenticeship, and the usually low pay while you are in training. However, this may be a viable option for many.

The third option we'll look at is long distance learning. There are correspondence courses like the one offered at jklgrooming.com. You actually earn a certificate upon completion of the course, and have one-on-one assistance as well. The obvious challenge for this form of grooming education is a lack of hands-on experience. Of course, you can come up with some creative methods for getting some practical experience like working part-time for a groomer and practicing on your own pets as well as those belonging to friends and family. Some more opportunities for dog grooming experience would be volunteering to clean up and groom the animals at your local shelter and putting up flyers in your neighborhood volunteering your grooming services in exchange for the practice it would provide.

The last option we'll explore will be self teaching: learning from books and experimentation. This is obviously the least desirable method, but for those with really limited time and resources, this may be their only option. You can increase the effectiveness of this type of education by using the same opportunities for hands-on experience listed under long distance learning. You could also attend an occasional seminar as well. You can usually get information on local seminars from the professional groomer you're working with or other professional grooming services in your area. But here again, there will be no diploma or certification upon completion of your education/training.

While there are sure to be other methods of acquiring the education you need to become a professional pet groomer, these are the only four we're covering in this article. Of course, you can combine two or more of these options to fit your own unique situation. The object of this article was just to give you some ideas on how you may wish to proceed in getting your pet grooming education.

posted by amplai @ 5:22 PM 0 Comments

10 Steps to Finding the Perfect Dog Sitter

The flights are reserved, the bags packed and the kids are finally ready! But just as you're rushing out the door, you run into Fido with those big, sad puppy eyes. Oh NO, what about Fido?

When planning vacation and holiday getaways, our pets are often a forgotten, last-minute detail.

Next time, consider using a pet sitter. It allows your dog to stay in the comfort of their home and maintain their normal routine. These are things even well-meaning friends or family, and certainly kennels, cannot offer. Also, having a trusted pet sitter in your home can help protect your home from intruders.

But how do you find the perfect pet sitter? Start looking before your next trip and follow these 10 recommendations:

1. Personal Referrals. Ask trusted friends or family members if they can recommend a pet sitter they have used. Word-of-mouth is often the best reference.

2. The Interview. Set up a meeting in your home with each potential pet sitter. Watch how the sitter relates or interacts with your dog. Are they actively involved with the dog or are they distant or restrained around them? Does your dog want the pet sitter's attention? Don't second-guess your dog's reaction (or your own); if they don't seem engaged, move on.

3. Questions, Questions. The kind and volume of questions pet sitters ask will showcase their actual experience in caring for your particular breed of dog. A professional sitter will take notes; you should too. If they don't ask questions, cross them off your list!

4. Affiliations. Judging solely by an organization affiliation (such as PSI Pet Sitters International or NAPPS - National Association of Professional Pet Sitters) is tempting. However, remember these national organizations do not know these individuals or their reputation. Instead, ask for local affiliations and follow-up.

5. Client References. Ask for other client references. These will help you get a clearer idea of what to expect if you hire this person.

6. Bonding & Insurance. Bonding and insurance protects you in the case of damage or theft of your property. However, is does NOT ensure that the pet sitter is reliable, caring or trustworthy.

7. The Dotted Line. Ask for a copy of their contract and carefully review the details later. A contract will protect you and your dog. It will also spell out exactly what you can and cannot expect from the pet sitter. It should also list the appropriate rates for all services offered. Do not hesitate to ask questions!

8. Arrange another visit. Arrange for the pet sitter to spend some alone time with your dog. A walk is a great idea. Monitor your dog's reaction; is he happy and comfortable with the pet sitter? Or does he seem eager to get away from them? This also gives the pet sitter a chance to see if they can appropriately handle your dog (particularly if the dog is a large-breed, strong or very energetic).

9. Listen to your gut! Finally, go with your gut feeling! If it doesn't "feel" right, it's not! Keep looking.

10. Before you leave. Leave detailed instructions (prepared earlier), phone number(s) in the event of an emergency, and your vet's name and number.

Investing your time in advance and following these steps will ensure the best possible pet sitting experience. So the next time you're making those early travel plans, remember to put Fido, and his pet sitter, on your checklist to avoid those big, sad puppy eyes!

posted by amplai @ 2:05 AM 0 Comments

Dog Grooming Tips

Many people overlook the importance of grooming their dog to their overall health and well-being. Grooming is an essential part of caring for your dog, and should be done on a regular basis for the best results. Some of the benefits your pet will reap are increased skin oils resulting in a beautiful, healthy coat, a decrease in skin problems, less shedding around the house and car, and a more obedient pet, just to name a few.

You will need plenty of patience to groom and style your dog if you plan to do it on a regular basis, especially if it does not like this type of treatment. You will need to learn a few tips, ideas, and professional hints on grooming your pet if you ever want your pet to have show quality care by you. A knowledgeable professional pet groomer will be able to give you advice on not just how to groom your dog, but on how to care for your dog as well. You will be pleased to find out that qualified, experienced pet groomers offer seminars for advice and trimming demonstrations for your dog.

It is a good idea to start using environmentally safe and animal friendly (non-toxic) substitutes when grooming your dog. You must groom your dog's whole body including the legs, tail, and underbody if you want to do it right. You must groom certain dogs from the skin outward to truly be effective in taking care of their coat of hair and keeping it healthy. Comb through the unseen healthy hair and remove the shedding hair; this is what most groomers do first before cutting your pet's coat. You must groom some animals all at once, while some other animals have so much hair that it is easier to do a little at a time each day.

You know your dog is well-mannered when it will sit still and allow you or a professional to perform regular grooming and maintenance without any fuss. The more often you groom your dog, the better he will be at receiving your attentions and responding to your commands. This will also strengthen the bond between you.

Last but not least, you might want to rethink your choice to get a dog if you are not ready to handle all the responsibility of grooming and feeding one. If you don't have the time or the desire to do it yourself, than its time to call the professionals. Yours dog will love you for it, and you'll feel great about it too.

posted by amplai @ 5:11 PM 0 Comments

Basset Hound - the Facts Every Owner of This Dog Breed Should Know

The Basset Hound originated in sixth century France and is thought to be descended from the St. Hubert Hounds. The Basset Hound (bas means 'low-set' in French) proved useful to hunters, with its slow movement and long ears to stir up scent, they could drive prey out from dense covering and into open fields. The Basset Hound has stamina to keep up with hunters and to track and prey for long periods of time. Basset Hounds are still used for hunting in some areas of the world. The Basset Hound is described as gentle, sociable and stubborn.

Basset Hounds are loyal to their families and good with children and other animals. They prefer to be lap dogs and do not make good guard dogs, as they will greet any stranger who approaches them as a friend. Basset Hounds tend to be strong-willed and independent, making them difficult to train, but with enough consistency this can be overcome. When out for a walk with a Basset Hound, always keep it on a leash as the hunting tendencies may override any and all training.

Though Basset Hounds have a short stature, standing 12 to 15 inches tall, they are not considered small dogs, and will on average weight 50 to 65 pounds when mature. They have short coats that are tri-colored (black, white and tan) or red and white, and require relatively little maintenance. Regular brushing will keep the coat free of dirt and reduce shedding. Baths are necessary only a few times a year, as their coats tend to repel water. A Basset Hound's ears need regular cleaning since their long, floppy ears do not allow air to circulate, increasing the risk of infection and they do tend to slobber more than other dogs.

Basset Hounds need to be exercised frequently and often times have to be encouraged to do so as they are prone to taking naps in the sun. The Basset Hound is prone to some genetic disorders. Von Willebrand's disease is a platelet disorder that results in mild to moderate bleeding and a longer than average bleeding time. Through breeding, the incident of this condition has been reduced in the breed.

Basset Hounds are also prone to glaucoma, gastric torsion and interdigital cysts. Some Basset Hounds are allergic to certain grasses. Without proper exercise, Basset Hounds are prone to obesity, which can cause arthritis, back pains and heart trouble.

There is a website that has great information on Basset Hounds and most other breeds of dogs. It has details that pertain to a dog breeds health, grooming, living conditions, best food choices and more, the website is called: Dog And Cat Facts, and can be found at this url:

http://www.dogandcatfacts.com

posted by amplai @ 1:51 AM 0 Comments

How to Choose the Right Cat Litter

The one thing I notice when I go to cat care forums and that is how many times I should change my cat box. It all depends on how many cats you have and what kind of cat litter you use. . If you have two cats, you will want to change the cat box at least every other day. If you have one cat, I would suggest changing the cat box two times a week.

What type of cat litter should I use? Well, 90% of purchased in the USA are clay based litter. There are two types of clay based cat litter: a fine-textured clumping clay litter and a coarser non-clumping clay litter. However, clay based is not the only kind of cat litter out there. You have littler that is newspaper, wood chips, wheat, corn, and soybeans to name a few. Here are a few questions to ask yourself when you are looking for cat litter.

Does is clump well?

Can you scoop it?

How absorbent is the litter?

Is it easy to keep clean in the litter box?

Does it stick to the bottom of the litter box?

Is it dusty?

Biodegradable?Is it digestible and non-toxic if it eaten?

How much does it cost?Does it have good odor control?

Tips on choosing cat litter for general use:

Easy to clean

Scoopable

Not to dustyDoesn't track

Good odor control

Affordable

posted by amplai @ 7:28 PM 0 Comments