Archive for January, 2008
Jan
31
Posted under
Uncategorized Careers with Horses
By: Ron Petracek
If you are anything like Robert Botine Cunningham-Graham, Scottish horseman, writer, and adventurers, then you know that there is no heaven without horses. If you eat, sleep, and breathe horses, then why not parlay all your time and effort into a career in the horse industry? Can you imagine a better way to spend your days?
Surveys done over the last several years show that there are 7 million horses in the United States today. And according to American Horse Council figures, the horse industry supports more than 1.4 million full-time jobs. There are a variety of careers in the horse industry, from hands-on jobs like large-animal veterinarian to jobs that support the industry, like feed and supplement distributor. There are jobs in breeding, showing, health, education, product manufacturing, research, recreation, and service industries to name just a few that come to mind. And one of these areas is most likely just right for you!
So, how do you find a job in the horse industry that is right for you? Well, before you start randomly sending out resumes to every horse-related employer you know of, you need to spend some time considering the type of career you want. In many cases, you’ll have to come up with a plan that will lead you to that career. As wonderful as it is that you want to be a large animal veterinary technician, no one is going to hire you without the right credentials. In other words, like most worthwhile pursuits in life, you are going to have to spend a little time and effort to reach your goals.
So, are you ready? Answer these few simple questions and you’ll be on your way to finding an equine career that is right for you:
* What do I want out of a horse career? Do you want daily contact with horses, or are you interested in working in a supporting field without daily contact? There are pros and cons to both. A supporting role may offer you a higher income, regular hours, more job stability, and better benefits, but a hands-on career gives you flexibility and the ability to work around your favorite animals every day. What is more important to you? Think very seriously about your own interests, abilities, and personality. It won’t hurt to spend a few minutes writing down why you want to work with horses.
* What experience and education do I currently have? There is no teacher like experience, but is it more important than education in the horse industry? That depends on the job. For those seeking skilled hands-on positions like trainers, barn managers, and riding instructors, the more time you’ve spent around horses the better. Other choices, such as equine vet, writer, public relations expert, or lawyer require a college education and additional training.
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Do you have the time and money to spare, and are you willing to do so?
* What income do I need? Most people work in the horse industry because their love of horses supercedes their love of money. Many hands-on jobs provide minimal pay and benefits just for the pleasure of being around horses. Salaries improve with higher-level hands on jobs, and support jobs often pay the most and offer the best benefits. Before you make a commitment to a career, know how much money you need to live. Then do some research to find out if your career can realistically support you.
* Where should I enter the industry in order to have a good chance of meeting my goal? Whatever career track you are pursuing, enter the industry in a job that you can handle with your present skills and experience. Getting in over your head may not only prevent you from advancing, it is dangerous! Once you’ve figured out your entry level, you can work your way up as you gain experience.
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1405.shtml
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Jan
30
Posted under
Uncategorized What Color Is A Horse?
By: Jennifer Allbright
What color is a horse? The words for a horse?s coat color have very specific meanings.
A bay horse has a body coat that is a shade of brown with black legs, mane, and tail. Within the bay group, there are blood bays which is a more dark reddish shade of brown and bright bays which can look a golden brown. There are also black bays, which might appear to most people as a black horse. Truly black horses are a more rare color.
Most horses that you might think look black are black bays, which is a very dark brown. You will see lighter colored hair between the hind legs and tummy area and around the muzzle. This makes them black bays instead of black horses. People also call this seal brown.
A chestnut horse has a coat that is a shade of red, while the legs, mane, and tail may be lighter or darker than the body, or the same color, but never black. A chestnut horse can be any shade of red, reddish-brown, or orangey-red. A very dark brownish red with no black on the legs, mane, or tail is known as liver chestnut. It is a more rare color. Sorrel is another word for a light chestnut color.
Grey horses have black skin with white or gray hair. A grey horse might look white, but if its skin is dark, it is a grey. Grey horses are born a dark color, such as black or brown, and their coat grows lighter as they grow older. There are light grey, dapple grey, flea-bitten grey, and steel grey variations in coloring. A white horse must have pink skin, which is more rare than grey horses.
Dun horses have a sandy yellow to reddish brown coat.
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Dun horses always have a dark stripe down the middle of their back along their back bone, known as a dorsal stripe.
Sometimes the dorsal stripe continues down the horse’s tail and through the mane. Many dun colored horses also have face masking, which makes the horse’s nose and sometimes the rest of the face a darker color than the horse’s body.
A buckskin horse has a sandy yellow or tan color with black legs, mane, and tails. Buckskins are similar looking to duns, except that buckskins do not have a dorsal stripe or other primitive markings that are seen in duns.
Palomino horses have gold-colored coat with a white or light cream colored mane and tail. A palomino coat can range from a light off-white shade to a deep shade of gold.
Roan horses have white hairs mixed with a body color to produce blue roan, which is roan mixed with black, red roan, which is roan and bay, and strawberry or rose roan, which roan and chestnut.
There are other white body markings and spots that can affect the horse color to be a Paint or an Appaloosa, which also have breed registries just for them. (We’ll save those topics for another article.)
So next time you see a brown or black horse, look carefully - What color is the horse?
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1218.shtml
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Jan
29
Posted under
Uncategorized Basics of The Martingale Dog Collar
By: Irene Cook Rodriguez
We really love our dogs. This means that we spend time shopping for them and doing things that we feel will improve their health and well being. We seek advice and read books, visit other owners, make regular trips to our veterinarians? offices and so forth.
As a result of much contact with other owners of sight hounds and dog trainers, we have learned about Martingale collars. These are fantastic collars that are designed for dogs who may easily back out of their collars. Sight hounds have heads more slender than their necks, so they have no problems slipping regular flat buckle collars.
So what is a Martingale collar? It is a collar composed of two loops, usually made from fabric or webbing. There is a large loop connected to a small loop. In the ?relaxed? position, the resulting circle slips easily over the dog?s head. The larger loop is adjusted so that when a leash is attached to the small loop and pulled, the small loop tightens up, but does not choke the dog. The hardware connecting the small loop to the large one should not pull completely together if the collar has been properly fit.
Because a properly adjusted Martingale dog collar does not choke or cut off the air-flow for the dog, these collars are also referred to as limited-choke collars or humane-choke collars.
The Martingale collar is an excellent collar that helps keep pets under control and gives gentle guidance. We use them when we are taking obedience classes with our greyhounds. They are gentle on the neck and offer gentle corrections that do not hurt the dogs in any way. A Martingale collar is a great training collar for the easy dog.
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No problem. With the Martingale collar, we switch to a clean collar and wash the dirty one. We use quick links to allow us to change the dogs? tags to the new collars quickly and easily.
Because Martingale collars are fabric or webbing, it is possible to change the look for the season. Your dog may be in dazzling spring colors or classic plaids or tweeds. Each holiday offers a wonderful opportunity to jazz up the collar collection. Yes, it is possible for a dog to have a drawer full of collars suitable for different occasions from formal wear to soft blue denim for a day in the yard.
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1233.shtml
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Jan
28
Posted under
Uncategorized Bathing Your Cat
By: Ron X. King
Anyone who decides to bathe their cat, must be prepared for a long afternoon. Most cats do hate getting wet and they’ll probably be very clear about letting you know that they don’t like what you’re doing. So think it through ahead of time. Get everything you need lined up and be prepared to remain patient, kind and good humored in the face of your cat’s wrath.
Before you begin bathing your cat, you will need to gather a few supplies. At the minimum, you will need two absorbent terry cloth towels, a pet safe shampoo, a pet safe conditioner, a sponge, and a sprayer attachment for your sink or tub. If you don’t have a sprayer attachment, you should have a pitcher or large cup that you can use to scoop clean water over your cat’s body. Ideally, you should also have a non-skid mat to help your cat feel more secure.
If you decide to bathe your cat in the tub, you may have a harder time holding on to him if he becomes frightened. However, it is usually easier to keep him contained if he escapes in a bathroom than in the kitchen.
Place your non-skid mat in the bottom of the sink or tub. Add two to three inches of warm water and gently place your cat in the tub. Talk to him quietly and reassure him. He will most likely settle down within a few seconds. Once he is calm, begin to wet him down. If the sprayer attachment scares him too badly, you may have to pour water over him using your pitcher or cup, instead. Do not pour water on his head. You will clean his face later.
Once your cat is wet enough to shampoo, apply the shampoo with your hand, massaging your cat’s fur and talking kindly and calmly to him while you do. Rinsing the shampoo is probably the most difficult part of the bath. It’s important you do it thoroughly even if your cat objects, because the residue from the shampoo will irritate his skin.
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This step is actually optional if the cat has short hair. However, conditioner will not hurt a short haired cat, so, if he is not too upset, you may still want to use it.
Once your cat’s body is clean, dampen your sponge and use it to carefully wipe down his face. Pay close attention to the area under his eyes.
The drying stage is the easiest. Wrap your cat in a towel and rub him down. Change towels when the first one is wet. Get your cat as dry as possible. If you have a long-cat, some people suggest a hair dryer, but most cats are afraid of the sound. Use your judgment. If you do use a dryer be careful that it doesn’t get too hot for his skin. Tell your kitty he smells wonderful and is going to look so beautiful now that he’s clean.
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1358.shtml
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Jan
28
Posted under
Uncategorized How Do Dogs Get Hookworms
By Nat Williams
Dogs are prone to be parasite central at times. They are the primary host for heartworms, a parasite that infects cats and even humans. Fleas and ticks adore them and they are a breeding ground for hookworms it seems. Dogs can easily get hookworms and they aren t as immediately detrimental to your pet s health as other types of parasites, but it is important to spot and eradicate hookworms as soon as possible or your dog could end up suffering and costing you a great deal of money in vet bills in the long run.
What are Hookworms?
Hookworms are small, worm-like parasites that live inside dogs and feed off of them - similar to a heartworm. The fact that hookworms and heartworms are parasites that live inside dogs is essentially where the similarity ends, because they do not look the same and they live in entirely different parts of the dog s body. Hookworms get their name from the small hook-like feature on their head that they use to dig into the wall of a dog s intestinal tract - it helps to keep them there. They draw blood from the walls of the intestines and have been known to cause severe anemic problems in young dogs. In most cases hookworms are a puppy problem, but they can develop in adult dogs as well.
How do Dogs Get Hookworms?
Hookworms can be passed to dogs through a couple of methods. The primary causes of hookworms for dogs are through the mother s milk when nursing, through the top layer of their skin, through the mouth and even through the placenta before the puppy was born. It is a rather natural thing that many puppies go through and for veterinarians, deworming young dogs is a standard practice and is advisable for all newborn puppies whether they are known to be infected or not. The younger the dog is the more prone to hookworm-related anemia they are, so it is imperative to get them treated as soon as possible.
The Trouble with Hookworms
Anemia is the primary problem that puppies go through as a result of hookworm infection. This is because the hookworms attach themselves on the dog s intestinal walls and draw as much blood as they can, procreate and suck more blood. If you were losing that much blood, you would be infected too! One female hookworm can lay thousands upon thousands of eggs daily, so the problem of hookworms is virtually unimaginable to halt or contain without professional or medical assistance. Sometimes, when a large number of eggs are present it is possible to spot the infection through an examination of a puppies feces, but not all the time.
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Mostly an oral medication is all that is needed to cure the problem, but a follow up treatment a few weeks later to kill any remnants that may have hatched. Your veterinarian may even have a dewormer that tastes great, so your dog will lap it up like a treat. This is one of the simplest pet related problems to treat and it is relatively common and if detected early, hookworms can be a thing of the past.
Natalie Williams is the founder of WormsInMyPet.com. Visit her site for more free tips on eliminating worms and preventing worms in your dog.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nat_Williams
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Do-Dogs-Get-Hookworms&id=921056
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Jan
27
Posted under
Uncategorized Havanese Dogs Are Fun To Own
By: Fiona A Kelly
The Havanese dog is a breed that came back from a crisis in the last century to become a popular family pet today. This dog is especially popular in the United States, with some breeders still charging up to $1000 for a pup, despite the fact that the Havanese dog is becoming more readily available today. The reason for their popularity is mainly in their personality: Havanese are fiercely loyal, eternally playful and consistently cute entertainers. This makes them a good choice as a family pet for many families, including those with children and other animals in the house. These dogs are also quite brave, despite their small size, and can make excellent watch dogs. One of the best things about this breed is the fact that they never seem to lose their zest for life that they have as puppies. You will rarely see a grumpy adult Havanese dog, but you are likely to see one that is always ready to play.
Intelligent, submissive and eager to please his master. These characteristics are typical in the Havanese breed, which makes it easy t train most of the time. However, housebreaking a Havanese can be a more challenging process than with other types of breeds. Most breeders and Havanese owners will advise someone purchasing a Havanese puppy to allow plenty of time and patience to complete the housebreaking routine. One reason is because Havanese pups do not always leash train well, meaning they may not complete their “business” when enjoying a walk with you. If you are having a hard time getting your Havanese pup housebroken, one method that has worked with some Havanese owners is the use of a litter box that is designed for use with toy dog breeds. Do not ever use regular cat litter in your dog?s box, since he could eat it and get sick. Instead, you can use a hard, cylindrical paper pellet that will actually attract your dog to his box. It is also important to make sure that you spend plenty of time with your puppy, since a lonely dog can easily turn into a chewing dog.
If you are looking for a new pet for your family, and you are hoping for a dog that will be easy to train and fun to own, a Havanese puppy might be the right choice for you.
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He is generally a pup that will always be ready to play with your family, and never lacking in energy. Often Havanese are natural performers and your pup may entertain you frequently with his antics. He will be loyal and loveable, and despite his small size, he may make a fairly effective watchdog. Most Havanese tend to be fearless, and even fierce when the situation calls for it. If you are thinking that a Havanese puppy might be the right dog for you, there are plenty of Havanese breeders available who can offer you one of these pups in good health and with good breeding. To find a breeder, you can search online or ask friends or your veterinarian for recommendations. It is also a wise idea to continue to research the breed, so that you can learn everything possible about the Havanese dog.
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1453.shtml
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Jan
27
Posted under
Uncategorized Stop Your Dog Barking With A Shock Collar
By Ken Charles
Shock Collars for Dogs: Humane or Cruel?
There is a huge range of training collars for dogs and a vociferous debate among owners and trainers as to whether these collars are humane and effective or whether they are cruel and counterproductive.
Different types of collar are used for different purposes. The two main uses are for distance control, when the dog is out of the trainer s immediate reach and is not on a leash and the second aim is to control excessive barking.
The distance training collar enables the trainer to administer a shock to the dog, by using a handheld transmitter which causes an electric pulse in the collar. This distracts the dog from whatever undesirable behavior it is currently doing and lets the trainer get his attention.
Critics of these collars maintain that they are inhumane and hurt the animal, partly because it is difficult to know how severe the pain is. This can disorientate the dog, so that it doesn t associate the shock with the desired effect. Such confusion is obviously counterproductive.
For example, you call the dog to come to you, he ignores you, so you zap him. He may well associate the pain with being called, so every time you call him you provoke a nervous or aggressive reaction, depending on the dog s temperament.
If the dog has a naturally aggressive nature he may attack you, because he sees you as the source of his discomfort and the fear that you are hostile to him. If the dog has a nervous disposition and doesn t realise why he is being punished, this will only make him worse.
That s the case for the prosecution. For the defence, there are many loving dog owners who say that these collars are a valuable last resort, which enables them to control a dog which would otherwise have to be put down. They cite cases, where a normally obedient dog has one undesirable trait which cannot be controlled, such as chasing cars or bikes, or worrying farm animals.
If they can instantly stop this bad behavior, even from a distance, then this can save the dog s life.
Another huge area of the market for control collars is aimed at stopping or controlling excessive barking. These products are different from the distance control collars, because they are not activated by the owner but by the dog itself.
There are broadly three categories of anti-barking collar: those that emit a spray, that the dog finds objectionable: those that emit a high-pitched noise, which humans can t hear: and those that administer a static shock, similar to the distance collars described above.
These collars are often worn by the dog when the owner is not present, for instance to stop a dog from barking while the owner is out at work. This situation can cause its own set of problems. If the dog is exposed to this unpleasant or painful stimulus for hours at an end, what state will he be in when you get home?
If you have the time, the patience and the knowledge, then by far the best solution is to train your dog to bark at appropriate times and to get him to “Speak and be “Quiet” on command. You can access expert advice from several expert dog trainers, who have courses available online. More details in the links below.
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1) Citronella Spray Collar: This works by spraying a mist of citronella in front of the dog s nose. Citronella is a colorless or light yellow liquid with a distinctive smell of wood or grass, which dogs find offensive but people quite like it. The spray is triggered when the dog barks.
Citronella is not quite as innocuous as the manufacturers may infer. The MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for this product states: “Used as an insect repellent : Physical data - Appearance: colourless or light yellow liquid with characteristic odour of wood or grass : Flammable : Toxicology - May be harmful if ingested in quantity. May act as a skin or eye irritant”.
2) Sonic Control Collar: This is an electronic collar which emits a high-pitched sound, when triggered by the barking. The sound is above the frequency audible to human ears but the dog finds it annoying and is discouraged from barking. These devices usually have a control to adjust the sensitivity.
3) Electric Shock Collar: Not normally described by the manufacturer or the retailer in these terms but that is what it does. This would appear to be the least popular of the three products, precisely because it causes the dog some degree of pain and it is difficult for the owner to appreciate how severe that pain is.
Get it right and you ll have friendly neighbors, peaceful nights and a happy dog!
Compare the Best Dog Trainers online.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ken_Charles
http://EzineArticles.com/?Stop-Your-Dog-Barking-With-A-Shock-Collar&id=938407
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Jan
26
Posted under
Uncategorized Shih Tzu Â? The Hotly Contested Question Of Shih Tzu Size Part I
By: Connie Limon
Throughout the entire period of Shih Tzu development in the United States no other topic about the Shih Tzu has been more hotly contested than Shih Tzu size. When the standard was established it was hoped all Shih Tzu fanciers would settle down and breed exactly to that standard. It has never been the case. Controversy over Shih Tzu size still rages. These differences of opinion cannot be dismissed as being ?the smaller sizes are only rejects or Shih Tzu puppies born with excessive health problems.? This is just not true at all to account for the smaller size Shih Tzu puppies that have always been in existence. The statements of breeders who have these small sizes obtained them through ?faulty and irresponsible breeding, or instances of in-breeding and line-breeding of relatives is also ?false.? The truth to any breeding can be traced on the pedigrees to prove the smaller Shih Tzu was not the result of in-breeding and line-breeding with close relatives. These smaller size Shih Tzu have been in existence since the Chinese Imperial Palace days. There are several documented Shih Tzu history facts to prove that this is the most probable reason for the smaller Shih Tzu, so many people commonly ?nickname? the Imperial Shih Tzu or the Teacup Shih Tzu. The size of a Shih Tzu does not dictate the health of that Shih Tzu. Health problems exist in all sizes of the Shih Tzu, and not the direct result of producing a smaller size Shih Tzu.
One fact that remains is that the breed is in the Toy Group. The Shih Tzu should therefore be ?Toy? in size.
In the Shih Tzu breed?s early days in the United States, there were several reasons for the controversy over size in addition to personal preferences. None of these reasons have been documented as being ?a small size Shih Tzu has more health problems,? or?.a small size Shih Tzu is produced by excessive irresponsible in-breeding and line-breeding of close relatives.
During the years between 1967 and 1972 when the Shih Tzu was striving for recognition there was many arguments and much material of correspondence produced regarding their size, and exactly what size should the Shih Tzu be. There had been strong evidence of cross-breeding of Shih Tzu to Lhasa Apso to achieve a desired size once the standard was established.
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Many confused people bred small Lhasa Apso to undersized or small Shih Tzu to try to get what they wanted. This did not become a trend and was not considered the ideal way to create the correct size Shih Tzu according to the set standard now in place.
There are also times in history of the Shih Tzu when using other breeds was necessary. Establishing the Shih Tzu is of a very long history, of which many different people were involved, with many different ideas of what the Shih Tzu should look like. On the question of size, there are definite historical facts to account for the smaller sizes in which none are stated to be: ?If a small size Shih Tzu is produced, it is ONLY the runt of that litter, and will be full of health problems, or a sickly Shih Tzu.? Neither do the historical facts about size of the Shih Tzu document the smaller Shih Tzu were a result of irresponsible in-breeding and line-breeding of close relatives.
According to a well known Shih Tzu fancier of our Shih Tzu history, Colonel Burkhardt, the imperial Shih Tzu (meaning those Shih Tzu bred in the Chinese Imperial Palace by the Empress Dowager) were occasionally interbred with the Pekingese ?to reduce the size.? This particular Shih Tzu fancier, Colonel Burkhardt, wrote from first hand experience of Peking Palace life not long after the 1912 revolution. (please see Part II of Shih Tzu ? The Hotly Contested Question Of Size).
This article is FREE to publish with resource box.
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1315.shtml
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Jan
26
Posted under
Uncategorized Natural Pet Care
By Barry Mcgee
You ve probably heard the saying “just do what comes naturally.” Of all the things that should come naturally to us, caring for animals should be among the top ten. Humans have been keeping pets for thousands of years, and “back in the day,” people undoubtedly applied the same instinct-driven care to their pets as they applied to themselves. That is, pet owners of ages past observed the habits and lifestyles of their pets wild counterparts and tried to mimic that in caring for their domesticated creatures. In an age of pill-popping and fast food, instinctive care, both for ourselves and our pets, seems to have fallen grievously by the wayside. Discover the benefits of a back-to-nature approach to caring for your pet with the following information on natural pet care.
Natural pet care is all about living in harmony with and supporting the natural functions of your pet s physical and emotional workings. Rather than forcing modern technologies and conveniences onto an animal that is essentially only one or two steps away from living in the wild, those who practice natural pet care attempt to replicate the diet, interaction, environment, and health care your animal would seek out instinctively. This is not to say that you shouldn t take your pet to the veterinarian or that you should force your dog or cat to hunt for their own food! It s simply saying that you should take every opportunity to allow your pet s natural history to guide your pet care decisions.
For instance, when it comes to your pet s diet, are you feeding them what is the most convenient food, or are you taking their natural diet into consideration? In the wild, a dog would not be eating factory-made kibble day in and day out. Dogs are omnivores by nature, and your dog would be enjoying a variety of meats and vegetables. You can replicate this by replacing your dog s kibble diet with meats, vegetables, and natural supplements like herbs and vitamins. For fish, a natural diet might consist of live brine shrimp, blood worms, and vegetables such as zucchini. A pet nutritionist will be able to help you design an appropriate natural diet for your pet, no matter what kind of animal you have.
When socializing with your pet, try to treat them as another same-species animal might. For horses, you can tell a horse you re its friend by gently blowing into its nostrils by way of greeting. If the horse whuffles back, you know you ve just been accepted into its “herd.” Before you decide to pick up your frog and cuddle it, consider the fact that other frogs probably don t cuddle one another in nature. In fact, the only time a frog might be picked up in the wild is if it s about to be eaten! When it comes to behavior issues, never ever strike a pet. Animals in the wild do not typically slap one another around. Try to reprimand your pet as its mother or dominant pack member might reprimand it-with a sharp growl, a pinch to the scruff of the neck, or by simply appearing disgusted with the action and walking away. An animal behaviorist will be able to tell you more about natural discipline. There are also many excellent books on the subject.
As natural human health care becomes increasingly popular, so does natural pet health care. More and more owners are seeking alternative medical routes to healing and preventing illness and injury in their best friends by relying on acupuncture, massage, homeopathic therapy, and herbal medicine.
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It seems odd that something natural should require any sort of great effort on our parts, but it is for that very reason that natural pet care isn t for everyone. In this day and age, doing anything the natural way requires discipline and commitment to the cause. Start small-use a natural flea repellent in place of your normal go-to chemical treatment. Prepare a few meals a week for your pet rather than relying on pre-packaged food. Offer your arthritic dog a comforting massage instead of relying on daily pain killers. After a while, natural pet care may very well just live up to its name and come to you naturally!
About The Author: Barry S. Mcgee is a pet enthusiast. His site at: http://www.squidoo.com/petcareonline provides advice and information on all aspects of pet care for all types of pets including dogs, cats, ferrets and others and makes it easier for pet owners to choose the best solution for their companion s care.
For answers to all your pet care questions, please visit: http://www.squidoo.com/petcareonline
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barry_Mcgee
http://EzineArticles.com/?Natural-Pet-Care&id=882491
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Jan
24
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Uncategorized The Yorkshire Terrier: A Dainty And Very Popular Toy Dog
By: Connie Limon
The Dainty little Yorkshire terrier ranks high in the top ten of American?s favorite toy dogs. It might be a bit difficult to find a more intelligent, bright and generally attractive little guy in the doggie world. The Yorkshire terrier well deserves its rank among the American pet owners.
When we trace the origins of this famous toy dog we will have to go back to the days when he was a broken-haired terrier killing rats around and about his home. There are different opinions about how he first got to Yorkshire and Lancashire. Some say he was by Paisley weavers. Others say the broken-haired terriers known sixty years ago or more in the West of Yorkshire at Bradford and Huddersfield were the ancestors of our present breed. These were bright little guys weighing from to 10 to 20 pounds. They had black-and-tans, with long rough hair and strong jaws which they used in their occupation of rat killing and of which they did become famous. Even today it is reported they retain their rat killing instincts. In looking at some of our Yorkshire Terriers of today it is quite hard to believe they could actually kill a rat. Even so, it is said, some do, maybe not the very tiny versions. Some are no bigger than rat themselves. Looks like the rat could put up quite a battle against some of the smaller Yorkies of today. That might be an interesting site to see from behind closed doors of course.
The coat of the Yorkshire terrier has been improved over the years of breeding and his size gradually reduced. Colors also have improved. He is a most beautiful toy dog with long silken tresses of hair, a bright tiny face and small eye. The Yorkshire terrier is always on the watch for a fun time and makes a delightful pet and companion. It is said of Yorkshire Terrier fanciers that a good Yorkshire does not the meaning of the word ?fear,? and it is not uncommon to see one of these small creatures tackle an enemy four times his size, thus, retaining many of its ancestors sporting instincts. Many are still great ?ratters,? even the daintiest of specimens. Some are reported to have been badly bitten but still continue without the least bit of loss of courage.
Yorkshire Terriers are unusually healthy little dogs easily reared and not very difficult to get into nice coat. The grooming of a Yorkshire is a very important matter and much of his general appearance depends upon how well this is done. The hair should be divided from the nose to the tip of the tail in an even parting, and be brushed straight down on each side.
Is a Yorkshire terrier Right for You?
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How About a Yorkshire Terrier?
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Getting to Know the Yorkshire Terrier
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Is The Yorkshire Terrier The Right Type Of Dog For You?
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Are You Ready to Breed Your Yorkshire Terrier?
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The eyes of a Yorkshire terrier should be small and expressive.
In regard to breeding the Yorkshire terrier, as with any toy breed, do not use the smallest of specimens. Rather choose a typical, well-bred and sound-colored matron capable of growing plenty of hair. A matron about 8 pounds is probably the best choice. Of peculiar note is that the Yorkshire terrier puppies are usually born black with short hair. As they grow the color of their hair changes.
The general appearance of a Yorkshire terrier should be a long-coated dog with the coat hanging quite straight and evenly down each side. The part extends from the nose to the end of the tail. The Yorkie should be very compact and neat. Hair should not be wavy. The hair of a Yorkshire terrier should be long, straight, and glossy like silk. Among the colors are beautiful bright steel blues, extending from the back of the head to the root of the tail. The tail should have plenty of hair on it cut to a medium length.
Because of their small size the Yorkie dwells very well in small spaces such as apartments and make very good companions for adults and the elderly.
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http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1295.shtml
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Jan
24
Posted under
Uncategorized A New Pet Food For A New Year
By Lori Matthews
As the holiday approaches, you start to think about the mistakes that you have made over the last year and what you would like to change in the New Year. New Year s resolutions allow us to put into perspective what it is that we actually want to achieve with our lives in the following year.
If you are a pet owner then one thing that you might like to do, is to make a New Year s resolution that involves your pet. This resolution should be that will make them even healthier and happier than they are today and there is no better way than to start with their diet.
Improving Your Pets Diet
Whether you own a cat or a dog, what you feed them has a direct effect on their health and well being. Many owners do not think about this when they look out for a type of food to feed their pet. In fact, many owners do not realize the difference between the various brands of dog and cat food. To them all dog and cat food is the same and it is all equally as good for their pet as the next brand. However, that is sadly not the case.
If you were to look into the ingredients that actually go into cheap pet food, you would soon realize just how bad for your pet it actually is. It is not just food either pet treats can also be extremely bad for them. The effects that it can have on your pet can be devastating. So wouldn t it be kinder to pay a little bit extra for a type of food that will improve your pet s health?
Premium dog and cat food is designed with your pet in mind. Providing them with only the finest ingredients, premium pet food helps to keep your pet looking and feeling healthier. Generally meat is the main ingredient in healthy dog food, along with vegetables and anti-oxidants too. You can spot poor quality pet food by looking to see if it contains any artificial colorings and flavorings as well as BHA and BHT.
Generally poor quality dog food can cause your pet to become obese. This is not a laughing matter as obesity in our pets can cause:
- Heart and Respiratory Disease
- Joint Problems
- Diabetes
- Liver Disease
As you can see from the above list, you pet could be seriously ill if you do allow them to become obese.
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Purchasing premium quality treats will help to keep your pet happy and healthy and it will also put your mind at ease, too.
Feeding your pet a healthy, premium grade pet food will really help to keep your pet well. Once you realize exactly what goes into cheaper dog food brands you will soon realize that it is a lot safer to opt for a slightly more expensive food, than it is to risk your pets health with a cheaper alternative.
Lori Matthews studies health, nutrition and wellness. She enjoys writing articles on health for both people and pets. Please visit healthy, premium dog food for more information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lori_Matthews
http://EzineArticles.com/?A-New-Pet-Food-For-A-New-Year&id=879978
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Jan
23
Posted under
Uncategorized What Can You Expect During Shih Tzu Judging Of Individual Gaiting?
By: Connie Limon
After the Shih Tzu show dog judge has completely gone over each Shih Tzu he will ask each handler to gait his Shih Tzu. You will need to pay close attention to the Shih Tzu show dog judge?s instructions as to how he wants this done. There is the ?T? formation and the half triangle. Each judge is different. Some may require the ?T? formation. Another Shih Tzu show dog judge may require the half triangle. Be prepared to pay strict attention to how the judge wants this done. The Shih Tzu show dog judge may request you to repeat a pattern. This is especially true when a Shih Tzu does not show well during the firs trip. The Shih Tzu show dog judge may ask you to repeat the entire exercise or merely just to gait your Shih Tzu ?down and back.?
Finally, when each Shih Tzu has been gaited, the Shih Tzu show dog judge will take a last look at all of the Shih Tzu lined up together. You will want to once again present the left side of your Shih Tzu as the judge weaves in and out of the line to check once more the fronts or rears or other individual points for comparison. Some Shih Tzu may be asked to gait a third time. If there is a tie, the Shih Tzu show dog judge may ask the Shih Tzu to gait side by side to see which Shih Tzu moves the best. You just never know which situation may apply. Be prepared to oblige the judge once a request is given.
What happens when the Shih Tzu show dog makes his decision? The Shih Tzu show dog judge will point to his four placements and those four will set their Shih Tzu up in front of the designated number markers on the side of the ring. You might also be ready to show the numbers on your arm bands for the judge to mark the book accordingly. Anyway, there is an official book the judge must mark accordingly. Now is the time the Shih Tzu show dog judge will present ribbons and trophies. You may then leave the ring. It is not correct to thank the judge for your ribbon or trophy. The Shih Tzu deserved the ribbon or trophy or else the Shih Tzu show dog judge would not have awarded a ribbon or a trophy to your Shih Tzu.
Basics of a Shih Tzu Dog Show
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Shih Tzu Show Dog Judging For Coat Texture And Proper Handling
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Show Dog Judging The Head, Body And Hindquarters
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Shih Tzu Dog Shows
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Shih Tzu ? Types Of Dog Shows
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If you are extra bubbly about the win or the win is very significant, a simple ?I am pleased you liked my Shih Tzu,? is permissible, but still more than is necessary. Your entry fee entitles you to obtain the opinion of an official Shih Tzu show dog judge. You must take their opinion of your Shih Tzu. If you are dissatisfied with the results, do not give them another entry. Always be a good sport and play the game according to the rules. You should never show your dissatisfaction by throwing your ribbon down on the ground regardless of what color the Shih Tzu Show Dog gave you. Just leave the ring quietly and with courtesy.
Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. A professional newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Discounts are offered to subscribers. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com
This article is FREE to publish with resource box.
Article Source:
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Jan
23
Posted under
Uncategorized Dog Training - Recognizing, Preventing, And Handling Dog Aggression Part 3
By Phil Donahoe
Continued from part 2 we continue our dog training examination of the causes dog aggression and what can be done to prevent and fix these dog training problems.
All dogs have different handling thresholds. Some dogs like lots of cuddles, and are perfectly content to be hugged, kissed, and have arms slung over their shoulders (this is the ultimate “I m the boss” gesture to a dog, which is why a lot of them won t tolerate it.) Others - usually the ones not accustomed to a great deal of physical contact from a very young age - aren t comfortable with too much full-body contact and will get nervy and agitated if someone persists in trying to hug them.
Another common cause of handling-induced aggression is a bad grooming experience: nail-clipping and bathing are the two common culprits.
When you clip a dog s nails, it s very easy to “quick” him - that is, cut the blood vessel that runs inside the nail. This is extremely painful to a dog, and is a sure-fire way to cause a long-lasting aversion to those clippers.
Being washed is something that a great many dogs have difficulty dealing with - a lot of owners, when confronted with a wild-eyed, half-washed, upset dog, feel that in order to complete the wash they have to forcibly restrain him. This only adds to the dog s sense of panic, and reinforces his impression of a wash as something to be avoided at all costs - if necessary, to defend himself from it with a display of teeth and hackles.
Can I “retrain” him to enjoy being handled and groomed?
In a word: yes. It s a lot easier if you start from a young age - handle your puppy a lot, get him used to being touched and rubbed all over. Young dogs generally enjoy being handled - it s only older ones who haven t had a lot of physical contact throughout their lives that sometimes find physical affection difficult to accept.
Practice picking up his paws and touching them with the clipper practice taking him into the bath (or outside, under the faucet - whatever works for you, but warm water is much more pleasant for a dog than a freezing spray of ice-water!), and augment the process throughout with lots of praise and the occasional small treat.
For an older dog that may already have had several unpleasant handling/grooming experiences, things are a little more difficult. You need to undo the damage already caused by those bad experiences, which you can do by taking things very slowly - with an emphasis on keeping your dog calm.
The instant he starts to show signs of stress, stop immediately and let him relax. Try to make the whole thing into a game: give him lots of praise, pats, and treats.
Take things slowly.
Dog Training - Recognizing, Preventing, And Handling Dog Aggression Part 1
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Dog Training - Recognizing, Preventing, And Handling Dog Aggression Part 2
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Dog Training for Aggressive Dogs
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Recognizing, Preventing, And Handling Dog Aggression
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How to Control Cat Aggression
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Dogs show aggression for a reason: they re warning you to back off, or else! If your dog just can t seem to accept being groomed, no matter how much practice you put in, it s best to hand the job over to the professionals.
Your vet will clip his nails for you (make sure you tell him first that he gets aggressive when the clippers come out, so your vet can take the necessary precautions!). As far as washing and brushing goes, the dog-grooming business is a flourishing industry: for a small fee, you can get your dog washed, clipped, brushed, and whatever else you require by experienced professionals (again, make sure you tell them about your dog s reaction to the experience first!)
If you like this article, you will find much more useful dog training information on our website Dog Training Success where you will find useful tips, tricks and an amazing guide that will help you train your four legged friend with immediate results. No matter what your dogs problem there is a solution and this fantastic training guide will show you how to handle each and every situation in detail. Can you afford not to find our more? Click Here Now
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Phil_Donahoe
http://EzineArticles.com/?Dog-Training—Recognizing,-Preventing,-And-Handling-Dog-Aggression-Part-3&id=878419
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Jan
22
Posted under
Uncategorized Why Do Cats Eat Grass?
By: Drew Pilton
Some cat owners make the mistake of preventing their cat from eating grass. There are various reasons for this, one being that they think it makes their cat ill or upsets their stomach. This is an incorrect assumption and in fact the eating of grass followed by regurgitation is a perfectly natural behavior for all cats.
Cats do not possess the ability to separate meat from fur bones or feathers before eating like we do so they have to eat the digestible parts along with the indigestible parts. When the cat has finished digesting what he can the rest has to be removed from the system. To try and pass this through the digestive tract could cause obstruction and severe illness so this is where grass eating comes in.
The habit of eating grass triggers the natural process of regurgitation of indigestible foods including its own fur balls which would otherwise obstruct the system. This can appear to us humans as if the cat is being violently ill but this is not the case and in fact is very beneficial to the cat.
What about other plants and vegetables?
Cats cannot produce the enzymes needed to break down plant matter. Even when pureed or powdered, vegetables simply pass through the digestive tract without leaving any of their nutritional content. This alone is not harmful to your cat, but when undigested plant matter mixes with highly digestible food such as meat, indigestion and other complications may occur. Grass is an exception however; some cats compulsively eat grass when you leave them outdoors. This will cause them to regurgitate the indigestible matter, including raw vegetables.
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Why Does My Pet Eat Grass?
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Keeping Houseplants Safe From Cats
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The Magic of Cat Training Devices
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Dog Health Questions
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This could be dangerous because some house plants and flowers are toxic to cats, so if you have a house cat like a Ragdoll cat for example you should provide a regular supply of potted grass to prevent him looking elsewhere. And most importantly do not punish your cat for regurgitating on to you carpet because he will not know why you are punishing him. Regurgitation is an involuntary action of your cat?s stomach so he could not stop it happening even if he tried. Cleaning up after the occasional regurgitation should be an accepted part of being a loving cat owner as they are only doing what comes naturally.
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_1360.shtml
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Jan
22
Posted under
Uncategorized Dog Training - Digging Behavior And Correction
By Phil Donahoe
When it comes to dog training there are two differing sides of opinion when it comes to dogs and their digging habits. Firstly, many dog trainers think that a dog is a dog, and we should permit him to express his true canine nature by allowing him free reign over the yard and flowerbeds. The other dog training experts feel that a flowerbed is a flowerbed, and no dog should even think about expression his dogginess if such an expression comes at the price of a ruined flowerbed.
Most leading training experts favor the middle ground. Although many dogs do love to dig, and it is healthy for them to be permitted to dig once in a while, there s a difference between allowing your dog to express their inner puppy, and allowing him to run rampant in the backyard. No dog training professional would agree that a dog should have to come at the price of a garden, and vice versa. When if comes to dog training, flowers and dogs can coexist peacefully if you train your dog correctly. If your dog s developed a taste for digging, it will just take a bit of time, and some ingenuity, on your part to resolve the dog training problem satisfactorily.
To start with, if you have yet to adopt a dog and your concern for the fate of your garden is purely hypothetical, consider the breed of dog t
