An Overview of the Costs of PET ADOPTION

Photo by Woody H1

You can know the costs of pet adoption before you commit to it. The easiest option may be to open your PC and connect to the World Wide Web. You must remember that your choice of animals will depend a lot on the lifestyle that you are leading. Adoption centres can help you with the process of finding the right one for you. They are also concerned about the well-being of the animals after they have left the centre. So as much as possible, they want the right pets to land on the right hands

Does it already sound like a dating game wherein people are being matched according to their traits and preferences? Well, that is very much true. As the pet owner, you must also make sure that when you already acquired the animal, you must do everything in your capacity to look out for its well-being. Now it is already sounding more like parenting, right? But this shouldn’t scare you. Pets bring lots of joy for those who are open to accepting them with loving arms.

But before your thoughts go as far as the many advantages of being a pet owner, you must first be informed about the costs that it would take for you to find the right pet.

1. In calculating the annual costs of owning a pet through adoption, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals suggests that the following items must be included: food, treats, toys, required licensing if any, medical treatment and vaccinations. They have come up with the following figures for the pets listed below.

• Fish will cost about $20. The aquarium’s prices differ from $20 to $200 and even higher depending on the quality and the features.

• The prices of dogs will differ depending on the size and breed. A medium built may cost about $600 while a large built can be up to $800. 

• Rabbits are easy to deal with. But the costs for this type can be up to $700.

• Cats may be within the range of $500 to $600.

• The prices of birds will also depend on the size and type. A small one can cost about $100 to $150.

After you have acquired these pets, it is your responsibility to provide for their shelter, fun and training if you want. You may want to purchase cages for your pets, training bundles and dog crates. The costs for these can range from $80 to $500.

2. You must also be prepared for unexpected conditions such as accidents and sudden medical problems. You must save up for your pets as well for you to be able to afford the treatments in such conditions.

3. To give you a detailed sample of the costs of adopting a pet, here’s one example where you can base your decisions from. As stated previously, the annual costs that you may incur from owning a cat can reach from $500 to $600. And why is that? Here is the breakdown. The cost of adopting an adult cat is $60. The prices vary from location and the breed of the feline that you choose. If you will buy cats from pet stores, the prices may range from $150 up to $1000. The cats from the centre have been neutered ($30 up to $80) or spayed ($45 to $90). The vaccinations for its first year can be about $150 to $300. Cats must also undergo FeLV or Feline Aids and FELV or Feline Leukemia testing that can be about $50 to $80 per test.

But the costs of pet adoption must not discourage you from being a pet owner. The joys your pets will add to your life will make it all worthwhile.

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Learn About MILITARY DOG Adoption

Photo: Wikimedia

Military dogs are no ordinary dogs; they are not the regular dog breeds that one is used to at any given moment. They usually are highly trained dogs that are used in combat. Their functions vary from carrying equipment to the first-line attack; some are even used as spies as they can detect the enemy from afar without causing any suspicion. These traits make the military dog adoption a very suitable companion for military personnel nut when their time comes to be laid off service what next for them?

As initially mentioned the military that we know is some protocol and order and in this case, once the dogs are done with their service, there is some protocol to be followed in the case of adoption of these dogs. They are put up for these programs within the force and if none is interested in these dogs then they usually are put up for these services to other government institutes and if by any chance there are still some dogs left then they are set up for adoption to the ex-servicemen as they have the skill of handling them and finally the general public may take up the last dogs.

Before a military dog is put up for this, a number of factors are considered before its released to the public. One of the main factors in place is the level of aggression on the dog. Highly aggressive dogs are rarely placed for these services because in many cases they cause more harm than good to the general public. In many instances, they are waylaid as they usually are not suitable for the general public.

The level of dependency also determines the release of a dog for adoption. The highly dependent dogs are more likely to be killed or remain in service as they may be trouble for the handlers. The very skilled dogs are also highly dependent as they need constant commands from the owners and the other injured dogs also need constant supervision.

The breed of the dog also highly determines at what age and level they will be put up for adoption, in some cases some dogs are put up for earlier in this program than others due to their expected lifespan. The breed and species dictate how the dog fairs on with life as after a certain period of living it becomes more of a burden than an advantage.

Some combat dogs are adopted at a very early in their life. Not because they do not suite the job but because of their intelligence. They portrayed a high level of intelligence and in most cases, they are put aside for adoption solely for breeding purposes as this line of genes should be passed on to the future generations.

Many of the dogs that are ex-military still have not fully lived their expected lifespan as they were intended to thus putting them up for adoption gives them a second chance to life and by nature the loyal nature of these dogs makes them very suitable partners as they are used to following commands as one should only know what triggers their reactions.

An adoption is an option that almost all dogs in the forces should be given since they all get that new start away from their norms of life. As a result, they also help in saving the lives of many.

About the Author: Daphne Bowen Learn more about the retired military dog adoption process and get more information about the Mine & Explosive Detection Angel Paws organization at http://www.mddeddangelsrescue.com now.

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What Are Common Signs of DOGS with Hypoallergenic Problems?

Photo: Wikimedia

Dogs that have allergies show many signs including watery eyes, coughing and sneezing, excessive scratching and biting, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and moodiness. When your dog is suffering from allergies, you may notice one or more of these symptoms. Learning what causes these allergies is the first step toward treating your dog and preventing further attacks. 

Many allergies that dogs suffer from are caused by insects such as fleas and ticks, or by parasites. When you bring your dog home from a breeder or from a shelter or pet store, schedule an appointment with a vet as soon as possible. Make sure the dog has all of its shots and that is has been dewormed. This will prevent parasites from causing an allergic reaction in your dog. While you may have to do this more than once during their lifetime, getting rid of the parasites will help your dog’s temperament and keep them healthy. 

If you noticed small red bites on your dog or if the dog has been scratching the same area until bald spots appear, then they may have fleas, ticks, or mites. This allergic reaction is caused by insect saliva. If your dog has open wounds, you should wait until the wounds heal before spraying or bathing them with medicine that kills the insects and their eggs. Take your dog to the vet if this is the first occurrence. The vet may be able to prescribe an ingestible pill that will protect them from future infestation. You may also want to keep your dog indoors during flea and tick season. 

When your dog vomits more than once a week or has diarrhea for more than one or two days, they may have an allergy to dog food. Switching to another brand or feeding the dog softer food may solve this problem. You should take the dog to the vet anyway so that they can make sure the dog is healthy. Extreme diarrhea will lead to dehydration, so make sure you have plenty of water for your dog to drink.  

If your dog’s mood changes suddenly or you notice that they are not as playful as they once were, then you should take the dog to the vet. If the dog has eaten something it shouldn’t or if it is suffering from allergies, it will not want to play as much as it used to. Finding out the cause of their allergy may be difficult because, much like human beings, your dog may be allergic to more than one thing. 

Research your dog’s breed to see if there are specific items it could be allergic to and see if they are present in your home. Monitor your dog to see how it behaves and what it is eating. Sometimes eating too much grass can cause an allergy attack. Once you find the causes of the allergy, take the steps necessary to reduce the dog’s exposure what is causing the allergy as much as possible.  

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Who Says You Can't Teach An OLD DOG New Tricks?

Photo: Pixabay

To quote the rock band Chicago, they say it's a hard habit to break.  Perpetually stereotyping employment, marriage, and singularity: Age is but a hindrance but not for long. With approximately 15 minutes of training daily for 2 weeks straight, according to The Animal Planet, even the most stubborn dogs will give in.  These enduring canines will sit, roll over, and do whatever your heart desires. All you need is a strong sense of consistency and a mouthful of patience under your sleeve.

In order to make this a quick fix, the trainers (or owners) should develop a positive attitude.  To feel frustrated and angry will not help at all. As a matter of fact, pets somehow feel how their owners experience; and that would not speed up the progress for even a bit.  As for the owner's side, unreasonable expectations should not be made for their pets. Unlike children sent to school for a 12-year formal education to get the basics, it is quite irrational to invest an uptight 12-week course for your dog to acquire the desired behavior, and earn the respect and discipline needed. Remember: all relationships require a bit of work.

It also involves recognizing the dog's previous training, then deciding on what certain applicable and viable changes are needed for a greater effect. You highlight the dog after a day's work with plenty of rewards such as treats, and verbal praises such as patting him on the head for doing a good job. Take it nice and easy, as not to shock and confuse the pet. It is necessary to change the behavior in small steps rather than a complete change all at one time.

However, there is a difference. One has to put in mind that training an older dog is remembering that this dog has, most expected, to having been trained once. This means that it has an established thinking as to what acceptable behaviors are, and what behaviors are most not welcomed. It takes a great deal of endurance to train an older dog and should be at the very least regular to receive the best outcome.

But do keep in mind that although the owner is the master, the dog still is an individual, as in it has its own personality; so a little give-and-take affiliation will not hurt. The key is to enjoy the whole teaching-an-old-dog-new-tricks activity, as you build a better relationship with him. That is the sole purpose of dog obedience training.

What you give is what you get; therefore being the educator, you are responsible for the way your pet responds. Dogs are social creatures and are among of the most loyal. If you have a senior dog around who needs a bit of a push, do not fret; all you need is give your little furry friend some feisty motivation.  Who ever said, you can't teach old dogs new tricks?

That saying is meant to be taken more literally to humans, for we've got a lot of habits that are harder to break.

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BEST DOGS for Families with Kids

Choosing the right dog for your family with kids need some research if you are new to the dog owner. Families with kids need to pay attention to certain dog qualities such as temperament, size, and energy level before adopting or buying a dog.

Kids like to play with dogs. Sometimes they forget to respect dog's cue to back off. You need a dog that won't mind if his hair or tail gets pulled. Size is another important consideration. This is for the safety of children as well as for dog. There are dog breeds that are very good with children but too big; especially with small children who may be accidentally stepped on or knocked over.

Some dog breeds that are good with children have high energy or activity levels than others. If dogs don't receive the exercise they physically require, they are more likely to develop behavior problems such as excessive chewing or barking. Select a dog breed that loves children but requires less exercise if your family is not so active.

Here are some breeds that work well with kids:

Beagle: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 40 to 59 lbs. Beagles do shed. if you or a family member suffer from allergies, it is worth looking into other breeds that do well with kids.

Bassett Hound: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 50 to 65 lbs. Gets along well with other dogs and pets. Minimal exercise needed.

Cairn Terrier: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 13 to 25 lbs. Minimal shedding.

Cocker Spaniel: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 13 to 30 lbs. Regular exercise may be needed.

Dachshund: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 16 to 32 lbs. Minimal exercise needed. They are medium shedders and require modest exercise. Housebreaking can be difficult.

Golden Retriever: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 65 to 75 lbs. Easy to train. Get along well with other dogs and pets. Daily exercise needed. Loves to play with balls and other toys, so exercise is fairly easy.

Labrador Retriever: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 60 to 75 lbs. Minimal grooming required. Requires daily exercise.

Pug: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 14 to 18 lbs. Sheds copious amounts, usually seasonally.

While there is no guarantee a certain type of dog will get along well with children, there is a wide range of dog breeds (many more than mentioned here) that are known for being excellent family dogs. Always remember, before adopting or purchasing your next puppy, please do your homework.

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BANDAGING Your Dog

A Dog Wearing an Inflatable Elizabethan Collar
 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Having a dog is a big responsibility. Some even compare taking care of a dog to that of a baby. The only advantage of having dogs compared to having babies is that they won’t grow older and turn into stressful teenagers. Because dogs are like babies they sometimes also end up in harmful situations. They would sometimes get themselves trapped in a tight place or get hit by something that will injure one of their limbs. When that happens, we should learn how to bandage our dogs to prevent further damage. Here are some basic ways of how to bandage your injured dog.

1. When your pet has a bandage, it should always be clean and dry. So it’s pretty important to make sure your pet stays inside most of the time when it has a bandage. To prevent the bandage from getting wet when the pet goes to pee or poop, a trash bag or plastic covering should cover the bandaged leg. You may use empty bread bags. When your pet has wet or dirtied up the bandage, it would require changing. Make sure to check the bandage twice a day to see if it is clean and dry. Check also for foul odors or discharge and if there is any, call your veterinarian immediately.

2. After bringing home your pet from the veterinarian make sure that the bandage is still in place. Your pet might have been irritated by it and has chewed or tried to scratch it off. Look closely at the position and the location of the bandage when you do check. Look at the toes of the pet, the bandage might have slipped up making the toes stick out. Also look at the size, if the bandage has become loose. This should be taken into account when a dog has been bandaged in the abdomen or leg area. This is because one end will be bigger than the other and eventually become narrower. When the bandage telescopes down the limb of the dog it may bunch up and abrade the limb. When that happens, the bandage should be changed as well.

3. If the dog is bandaged up in the leg make sure it isn’t too tight. Observe how the toes will appear at the bottom of the bandage at least twice a day. This is done to check for sweating, swelling, or pain. Check for skin chaffing, redness, discharge or swelling before and after the bandage has been applied.

4. To prevent the pet from chewing the bandage because of the bothersome experience it gives, put an Elizabethan collar. If you have observed that the pet is chewing or scratching it excessively, ask the vet if there might be problems.

These are the times that you should already be taking the pet back to the veterinarian:

• Swelling above or below the bandage

• Chewing the bandage

• Bandage becomes wet

• Bleeding or discharge above, below or through

• Scheduled bandage changes

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Some Guidance For DOG Owners And Buyers

Shepador Chewer (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A dog is a great pet. Dogs are beloved pets virtually everywhere for good reason. They're active, loving and loving. They are going to stick by your side. Because of this, you should be a good friend to your dog and supply them with everything they require. These are some paths to do that.

Look into subsidized medicare for your dog if money is tight. Many local communities, along with groups like the SPCA offer discounted services that have proven invaluable to dog owners. Look into getting your dog spayed or fixed and immunized for a tiny part of vet costs at a sponsored event likely close-by to you. Just contact the SPCA or an animal shelter in your city.

Treatment

When taking your senior dog to the vet for an annual visit, make certain to request senior blood work. A blood panel can help your vet to spot any dog worms treatment, heart or vascular concerns. If caught early, treatment is often minimally invasive and less dear. This is a great way to keep your pet healthy for several years to come.

When you're canine training, use the method of positive beefing up. Rewards and praise work better and quicker than violence and predominance. Treating your dog humanely when training is what is handiest and what will be best for him. Always treat your dog with kindness during training so you will see a miles better result.

Puppy dog

If your puppy or dog is continually gnawing up your furniture, invest in some chew-toys. Scatter them around the floor, particularly around the legs of the settee and end-tables. Be positive about your offers to play with the chewies with your dog to urge frequent use. This should finally deter him from chomping your furniture.

If you are in the marketplace for a new puppy, make sure you will have sufficient time to devote to his coaching. On average, you want to take a puppy dog outside to do his business eight times each day and that can take a lot away from your list. Coaching takes more tenaciousness and time than most people realize.

Care

Owning a dog is a sizeable monetary commitment. You have to pay for top of the range food, regular vet care, and various supplies. This will cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of greenbacks every year. Emergency vet care is awfully costly, in a number of cases thousands of bucks so you might like to consider buying pet healthcare insurance.

Take care to keep your dog cool while traveling during the summer by car. Even with your air-conditioning on, the dog may become over-heated in his pet carrier. A straightforward and inexpensive countermeasure is freezing one or two-gallon jugs of water and placing them near him where he'll curl up and cool down.

Always remember that you are accountable for the welfare of your dog. This info will help you take great care of your pet. It's vital to provide your dog with a good environment and take excellent care of it so it lives a long contented life.

About the Author: Edna Torres My name is Edna Torres I've been helping folks defeat their skin conditions through natural cures for over ten years.

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5 Great Tips On Building A DOG HOUSE

A wooden doghouse. This dog is Dash outside of his doghouse during U.S. President Benjamin Harrison's tenure.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Over 50% of the population allows their dog to stay indoors and sleep on the couch or in their owner’s bed. For those of you who are interested in building a dog house for your beloved pet here are some simple rules to follow when considering what type of shelter you want to provide.

1. You should begin your dog house building process by making sure the house is big enough to accommodate your animal’s potential adult size. Humans enjoy having about 2 feet of air above us in a room in order to live without feeling claustrophobic. Your dog will probably also enjoy having that much room. The comfort zone for both humans and dogs is about 1/3 of their standing height. To figure out how much room the dog will need to get out a tape measure and measure your dog. Measure him standing straight up, sitting on his haunches and above all measure the full dimension of the dog when he is the most comfortable, relaxed and stretched out the position he can get into. Your dog should be able to look out the front entrance while both standing up and sitting. So the dog will not have to significantly lover his front shoulders or scrape his belly make sure that entrance is high enough. Stand over the dog and measure the width of the widest point of the animal’s shoulders.

2. Remember to raise the doghouse several inches from the ground to allow air and water to flow underneath. To dissuade pests from invading the dog house and taking your dog's health into consideration remember how important ventilation is. Put in a few nickel-sized holes in the walls under the eaves. Install a wind block inside the house so the dog can use the heat of its own body to warm up the area if it is really cold or windy outside. Consider adding a partial wall which will allow your dog to escape the bad weather. Your animal can choose to just sleep in the entry room or go around the inner archway maze wall into the inner sanctum. Your beloved pet would probably love having a pillow or some sort of bedding to sleep on.

3. To avoid rain coming into the doghouse make the floor just a bit slanted toward the doorway and build the roof a little bit slanted, as well. Make sure the house is well insulated but you should not paint the inside.

4. In the United States, most storms come from the south and west so make sure the dog house faces a different direction. Most dog house plans suggest that the dog house door faces east. The cold air will not be able to whip through the entryway then.

5. It is suggested that you put hinges on the roof of the dog house. This makes it easier for you to clean out your dog’s home. You should clean the dog’s house as often as you give your dog a bath.

If your dog lives outside then he deserves to have a comfortable place to sleep and get out of harsh weather. Hopefully, these easy tips on building a dog house will help you get started.

15 Free Dog House Plans

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AUSTRALIAN TERRIERS Make Loyal Pets

The Australian Terrier is one of the smallest of the terrier dog group. It was originally bred in Australia around 1885 as a working dog to guard mines and to tend sheep. The Australian Terrier is a healthy and hardy breed. They are long-living to 15 years or more and free of any major hereditary defects.

They have a rough-textured straight coat 2in. to 3in. long with colorings ranging from silver- or blue-black through to tan with a distinctive soft-haired topknot on their head.

The Australian Terrier is tough and cheeky and stands 9in to 11in high. However, like many other terrier breeds, in its own mind, it is a much larger dog and is quite fearless. It is energetic and loyal and will display great affection to its family. It is confident and curious, has keen hearing and eyesight and therefore makes a useful watchdog. Because it likes to please its master is can be more easily trained than some other terriers.

Unlike many other terrier breeds, the Australian Terrier does not usually display aggression towards other dogs although they may chase small animals outside the home. They can occasionally display wariness towards strangers although they are not excessively suspicious. They travel well and can be somewhat easier to train than other terrier types although their training needs to be strict; their self-assured nature can make them want to follow their own ideas rather than yours!

Australian terriers make good apartment dogs. They are adaptable and will remain active indoors but will require outdoor exercise and, like all terriers, need to be walked on a leash due to their tendency to chase other animals.

The Australian Terrier sheds little or no hair and will not require clipping except perhaps around the eyes and ears when blunt-nosed scissors should be used. Regular brushing is recommended. This will stimulate natural oil secretion from the skin which will help to develop a high gloss to the coat. Clip the toenails regularly. Australian Terriers do not require washing more than once a month. More frequent washing will tend to make their tough coat go lank.

Your Australian Terrier will consider himself to be a part of your family and will be a loyal and loving companion.

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Why Your DOG Barks

Photo by  Mr.TinDC 

Dogs bark because we humans want our dogs to bark. For years our domestication process and selective breeding have allowed our dogs to develop their barking abilities. Wolves don't bark. Barking was further developed in dogs in order to scare intruders or to help the master out (i.e. on farms to assist in gathering the sheep). 

Most dogs simply bark to communicate, to get attention, or simply to show their excitement. Training and lifestyle are important factors in teaching the dog how to communicate with its master. If you reward your dog for barking, he will continue to do so.  The best thing is to figure out what your dog is trying to tell you and go from there.

If you have a dog that barks excessively, try to figure out what he is trying to tell you.  If it is out of a need for attention, the way to break the cycle is to wait for him to be quiet and then give him the attention he needs.  By acknowledging the barking, you reinforce it.  Waiting until he quiets will teach him that he gets attention when he is not barking.

Some dogs are extremely territorial.  They will bark at not only a person approaching but someone they see walking across the street or on the next block.  The best way to stop this is to distract him when he starts to bark.  Catch his attention with a treat or by playing.  Every time the bark cycle is broken, it sends the message that quiet will get the most reward.

Taking the time to discover what your dog is communicating will result in less stress for both you and him.  He will get much-needed attention and you will get quiet.  It’s a situation you both win.

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How To Care For A FRENCH BULLDOG - Frenchie

Caring for a French Bulldog, or “Frenchie” as they have been nicknamed, can be a fun and rewarding experience as long as you take the time, and put a little effort into it. These dogs are great companions, are very loving and loyal, and completely rely upon you, as their owner, to take care of them.

French Bulldog - Photo by Llima

The first step in caring for your French Bulldog is to get a collar for them, with tags that include your name and phone number. License them and have them registered with the local Human Society. Everyday animals get lost and end up in the local pound. If your dog does happen to escape, a tag that leads back to the owner is almost a guarantee that the family will be reunited with their pet within a short period of time.

If you are not planning on breeding your dog, then have them spayed or neutered when they reach the appropriate age. The world is being flooded with abandoned dogs, even French Bulldogs, so take the precaution of fixing your animal so that no unwanted surprises may arise in the future. People from all over the world claim that dogs such as these should never be spayed or neutered because of their value, but if you are purchasing the animal as a pet and have no plans to have puppies, then take them to the vet and have the deed done.

Feed your puppy with high quality dog food. Avoid the cheap generic brands because they have additives in them, such as ground up feathers that can harm the health of your dog. Feed them one full bowl a day, or two small bowls per day. It is important to not over feed your puppy, which will make them overweight and unhealthy.

Exercise your puppy on a regular basis. The healthier your bulldog is, the longer they will live, and the happier they will be. Set some time aside everyday to go for a walk in the park, or in the mountains, or even around the block a couple of times. The location of the walk is not near as important as actually doing the walk.

The personal hygiene of your puppy is also a mandatory aspect of caring for your Frenchie. Since this breed drools throughout the day, use a warm wash cloth and clean the entire face and neck area, making sure to get into all of the folds and creases. Bathe them in warm water on a regular basis, using only shampoo designed for dogs. Once every couple of months, have the teeth cleaned, and make regular veterinary visits to ensure that their health, and their shots, are up to date and at a safe level.

Caring for your French Bulldog puppy may seem to be a time consuming venture, but it is well worth it. Having a healthy, happy, lovable dog at your side is one of the greatest pleasures of life.

Searching for french bulldog? Then don’t look further. Visit Puppymatch4you.com, you will find the best French Bulldog puppies for sale by French Bulldog breeders online.

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Some Facts about the BOSTON "Bull" TERRIER Dog

The Boston terrier is a well-muscled and compact breed. This is not really surprising since the Boston terrier was first bred by people who wanted to use them in dog fights. Now some people may read all sorts of implications from such a violent past. Some people might think that the Boston terrier dog would make a bad pet because of its aggressive nature. However, you should know that as a pet, the Boston terrier can actually be pretty mild mannered. 

Boston Terrier - Photo by marada 

The temperament of the Boston terrier can be described as enthusiastic as it often loves to play. Most people comment that the Boston terrier actually has a great sense of humor. Another characteristic that people find delightful with this breed is the fact that they are intelligent and are very much easily trained. This fact is also enhanced by the dog's natural curiosity and love for learning. 

Of course, people who own pets know the importance of training. Having a well-behaved pet increases the enjoyment for you both. Having a well-behaved pet means that you can have more fun with that pet. 

One thing that owners have noticed with a Boston terrier is the fact that it can be very sensitive to the tone of a person's voice. This may be described as a sort of emotion detector. Because of this sensitivity to the tone, a Boston terrier will be able to respond to how you are feeling when you are talking. This means, however, that you need to take care when training your dog. You need to make sure that anger and frustration do not find their way into your voice. 

They also make excellent watchdogs as they do not bark indiscriminately. This means that you won't wake up in the middle of the night because your Boston terrier saw a butterfly. There are some cases, though, when a Boston terrier will not bark at all. 

Regarding the living conditions, Boston terriers can do well enough without a yard as long as they get regular exercise. This means that they are suitable for apartment living. However, you should also know that they are very sensitive to the extremes of weather. This means that you should keep it in a place that's neither too hot nor too cold. 

Unlike other terrier breeds, the Boston terrier is an average shedder. This means that you should be wary of keeping it indoors as it can shed fur over your floor. We all know how much of a fiasco that can be.

Bostons have a variety of common health problems. They easily get overheated when they are pushed too hard. As said before, they can also be sensitive to extreme weather and any weather that's too hot or too cold can leave them with breathing difficulties. Skin tumors and heart tumors are very common with this breed. So you need to bring the dog to a vet regularly. 

Another disorder you should watch out for is a skull defect. If a Boston terrier is badly bred, it often develops a bone defect that prevents the brain from growing. This, naturally, will lead to a retarded dog.

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Fact Sheet: The COCKAPOO

(Original title: The Cockapoo – A Mix of The Poodle and Cocker Spaniel Breeds)

Cockapoo - Photo  by funkblast 

Poodles are a very popular breed to have as a pet and also very popular to breed with other dog breeds. To learn more about the popularity of the poodle see the article on this site at Poodle Popularity.

Although there are not Breeds of Poodles, there are plenty of Poodle mixes. One of the most popular poodle mix is the Cockapoo described in this article.

COCKAPOOS

By mixing the breed of poodle with the breed of Cocker Spaniel, a Cockapoo is created. The Cockapoo is not a dog breed, rather it is a mixed breed and in theory takes all the desirable qualities of their parents. In reality one hopes the mixed breed dog will take the desirable traits of the purebred dog.

From the Cocker Spaniel, the mixed puppy will hopefully take Cocker’s characteristics of being mellow, friendly, having a pleasant personality and a sturdy build. The Poodle bred traits wanted are intelligence, cleverness, and a non-shedding hypoallergenic coat.

THE COAT OF THE POODLE

The poodle’s coat is a major reason the poodle is mixed with other breeds. The poodle’s coat does not shed and is hypoallergenic, meaning the poodle is (in my opinion) the best dog breed to have if you suffer from allergies. Most people will not have an allergic reaction to a poodle.

HEALTH AND GENETIC DISORDERS

By mixing two breeds Cockapoo Puppies become less prone to genetic disorders. Poor breeding, like mating a brother and sister, is a cause of genetic disorders. Breeding with a completely different bloodline from a different breed strengthens the gene pool of the puppies.

When Poodles became a popular dog, this caused a very high demand for poodle puppies. Poodles were generated for money not health. Inbreeding and unhealthy breeding occurred rampantly causing genetic health problems for future generations of these poodles. The same poor breeding was done with Cocker Spaniels as their popularity grew. Known health ailments are associated with each breed due to breeding to meet demand versus breeding to advance the quality of the breed.

It is possible to obtain a healthy purebred. Proper breeding was also done at the time of the breed’s popularity. By researching the bloodline of the parents, and/or having both sire and dam registered with the AKC can insure healthy genetic bloodlines for the purebred puppy.

NO GUARANTEE OF TRAITS

Remember, by mixing the breeds, the traits you like about a breed will not necessarily be passed on to the litter. Combining the best traits of both breeds is the goal. Some of the mixed bred puppies will have the desirable traits, or may have one or two of the desired traits.

It is hoped that by mixing a poodle with a Cocker Spaniel, the cockapoo will have a coat that is non-shedding and hypoallergenic, be very intelligent, be friendly and have a sturdy build. Some cockapoos will have a less shedding coat and will be less likely to cause allergic reactions. Some cockapoos will have a shedding coat and will cause allergenic reactions. The same is true of all the traits.

Cockapoos are not a recognized dog breed. At least not yet. If cockapoos with the desired traits are bred with other cockapoos with the desired traits from a different bloodline, then over time the cockapoo will have predictable traits. For example, all pure bred poodles have a non shedding coat and is hypoallergenic. The pure breed Cocker Spaniel has a shedding coat and will cause allergic reactions. As of now, cockapoos may or may not have a non shedding coat, or a coat that sheds less than the Cocker Spaniel. Researching the breeder of the cockapoo and seeing the parents is the best indication of the traits of a specific cockapoo puppy.

The mix of traits will be in each litter and puppies in the same litter could have different characteristics. One may have a shedding coat and one may have the non-shedding coat. One puppy may be very active and another calmer.

PERSONALITY

Well bred cockapoos are calm, fun, mellow and loving. They are pleasant, have patience and very sweet. Their intelligence helps them be trained and entertaining.

A personality of a dog is mainly dependent on the parents. To predict personality meet the parents and take time to get to know them. There are Cocker Spaniels and Poodles that are skittish, nervous and not friendly, who will pass on these undesirable traits. There are known health issues for each breed who will pass on the genetic tendency for that health problem.

By spending time with the puppy before committing a great deal of heartache can be avoided.

TAKING CARE OF A COCKAPOO

Cockapoo puppies can be taken care of with weekly bathing, brushing and clipping of nails. They can live a healthy and a long life with proper nutrition, medical care and good living conditions.

Cockapoo puppies have a very good immune system so they are less prone to diseases. They remain healthy with regular physical exercises. The cockapoo needs physical activities and loves to play. At a minimum take them for a daily walk, and have space for them to run and play or take them to a dog park.

COCKAPOOS AND KIDS

The nature of Cockapoo make them ideal for kids. They love to be with children and will be an excellent companion. The personality traits of calmness and patience can make the cockapoo an excellent choice for a child with emotional challenges, such as being withdrawn or autism. The cockapoo can make an excellent therapy dog.

FINDING COCKAPOOS

Cockapoo breeders can become state licensed or register with the American Cockapoo Club as a way to show they are knowledgeable breeders. Cockapoo breeders breed healthy well socialized puppies in a variety of colors and coats. Research the breeder and ask lots of questions until you feel confident about the puppy you are about to buy. Saying a dog is a Cockapoo does not exactly imply purebred Poodles and Cocker Spaniel parents. Many cross breeds of poodles have more than one breed in the bloodline. See if the breeder has a hereditary chart of the parents, called the sire and dam.

It is worth taking the time to examine breeders. Be sure the cockapoo is healthy and pleasant mannered. A well breed cockapoo will be a loving wonderful addition to your home. Take Care.

By Vicki Meltz Discover the potential hazards of commercial dog food, and what you can do to make sure your dog is safe! Article Source: EzineArticles

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Things to Know About a GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG

A sound temperament is a must in a German Shepherd Dog (GSD). By sound, I mean a disposition where one minute you can let a protection trained GSD play alone with your 5-year old child, pull on its ears, pet its head, tug on its tail and NEVER-EVER be in harms way; while the next minute, it should turn into the "terminator" and crush its enemies as soon as it senses an intruder.

German Shepherd - Photo by Lucid Nightmare 

There are three conventional methods of dog training that you can choose from in order to train you German Shepherd Dog (GSD). They are training with treats, training with treats and clickers, and training with praise. All three methods of training will work; however, there is one that stands out from the rest. That is, oral praise. Why? Because you want your dog to listen to your commands even when you don't have any toys, clickers, and/or food. Imagine you dog wanting to jump at your every command simply because it wants your praise and love and not because you are going to bribe it with treats. Once your dog gets used to getting treats for performance, it will cease to perform when you don't have any more treats left. So, treat your GSD with kindness, and train it with praise!

Training a GSD which has not been genetically selected for working ability is that much more difficult than one that has already been selected for that trait. In my opinion, the age-old debate about beauty vs. functionality of the pure-bread GSD dog was settled by the founder of the German Shepherd Dog breed, Captain Max Von Stephanitz, when he said in his book,"...Utility is the true criterion of beauty..." (The German Shepherd Dog in Word and Picture, pg. 163). Many American GSDs today have been selected for beauty rather than functionality in order to win dog shows. In many of these dog shows, obedience and showmanship are separate events and a dogs' working ability is never considered in events where the dogs are required to meet breed standards. Hence, you have the decline of the traits for which the breeds were originated for in the first place. So when you set out to buy your dream GSD, look for temperament, health, and working ability first, and beauty last.

The importance of beauty, however, should not be ignored when it comes to posing your dog for a memorable photograph. Unlike other breeds, GSD's are shown differently in the breed ring. The proper method for posing your GSD for the breed judges is called a "stack". "Stacking" is the method whereby one allows the forequarters of a dog to be shown parallel to one another when looking through the viewfinder of a camera and when one allows the hindquarters of the GSD to be arranged so that the limb facing the camera is placed backward while the limb facing away from the camera is placed forward. Most professional handlers who pose their GSD's for photographers walk them into a "stack" instead of artificially manipulating them into it. If you plan to stack your GSD for a professional snapshot, remember to compose the image in such a way as to depict it from the tip of its nose to the tip of its hindquarters; NO MORE, NO LESS (please visit my web site to view photographs of how a GSD is stacked for the camera).

These topics cover just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to knowing the German Shepherd Dog breed. You can learn more about the GSD by visiting my web site or by getting involved in breed organizations like the German Shepherd Dog Club of America (GSDCA). With a little more reading, you can become familiar with this wonderful breed and all that it has to offer. And then perhaps you can decide whether this is the right breed for you or not.

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DOG Driver

Vintage Collection - Dogs (3)

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