Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Training Your GERMAN SHEPHERD Dog

God's Picasso
German Shepherd Dog - Photo   by Bad Apple Photography 
The German Shepherd Dog truly is a wonderful animal and not only do they make good working dogs, they also make superb family pets. They are however very different from other pet breeds and need to be handled and trained with a different approach to say your average labrador or poodle for instance.

The GSD is a large, strong athletic dog, which needs a lot of mental stimulation and exercise but a well-trained shepherd can learn to do almost anything. These dogs positively thrive on challenging activities and they are so willing to serve their master and please. As a working dog used by most police forces, the very look of a GSD is usually enough to act as a deterrent but when called into action there are few dogs that can match the German Shepherd as an all-rounder.

If you are considering becoming an owner of a GSD then you need to consider the commitment to training in order that you have happy, well behaved German Shepherd dog that you can take out safely in public.

If you haven't previously owned one of these dogs then please do not take on a youngster lightly. Being involved in GSD rescue I have lost count of the number of young dogs I have had to re-home because owners bought them without doing a bit of research first.

As youngsters, they can be very boisterous and can easily knock over children or elderly relatives, especially if you do not discourage the dog from jumping up when excited. A bored GSD can be very destructive and if left alone will trash your house and contents with ease using their big teeth and claws. Unfortunately, these dogs don't really mature until they are about 3 years old so you are in for the long haul to get through the puppy and adolescent stage

The German Shepherd needs to be well socialized from an early age and needs plenty of exposure to people and other dogs so that they do not develop aggressive tendencies as they mature.

Joining a dog training class from an early age is a good idea and most clubs will accept dogs into the puppy classes from about 4 months onwards. This should be good fun for your puppy and allows him to play and to socialize but it also serves the purpose of teaching him or her what is acceptable and what is not. This will prove invaluable grounding for your German Shepherd training.  

When choosing a dog training class do check out a few first as not all classes make German Shepherds welcome and if any club asks that you muzzle your dog, please give it a miss and move on and find another club. No reputable dog training class would require a dog to be muzzled. If your dog is aggressive towards other dogs there are better ways of controlling the dog safely such as by using a Canny Collar which is a simple effective head collar similar to those used on horses.


The earlier you start training and socialization the better as GSD's often develop a tendency to be aggressive towards other dogs and also towards strangers and they can become very protective towards their owners and property.  

Another important part of training your German shepherd is to get him used to be groomed because they shed copious amounts of hair and although they only molt once a year, it lasts for 365 days. So be prepared for dog hair all over your house, your clothes, in your food and buy yourself a very good vacuum cleaner.

Training your German Shepherd should be very much part of everyday life and it should be fun to stick with it because it really will be worth it in the end.




Monday, October 23, 2017

Fact Sheet: GREATER SWISS MOUNTAIN DOG

(Original title: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: Facts You Must Know Before Adopting Greater Swiss Mountain Dog)

Beauty from the Swiss Alps
Photo by Randy Son Of Robert
 
Breed Description

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large, muscular and sturdy breed. Also known as Grosser Schweitzer Sennenhund, this breed is the largest of the long-established Swiss Sennenhunds, which are dogs that involve four regional breeds. This breed weighs typically between 110-140 pounds for males, and 90-120 pounds for females, and stands around 26.3-29.3 inches for males, and 24.6-27.8 inches tall for females, both at the withers.

Coat

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a distinctive tri-color pattern. They have solid black legs, head, ears, and body, with tan or rust-colored calves and cheeks, white chest, toes, muzzle, and tail tip. Their outer coat is very dense, and their undercoats should never be seen.

Activity

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog loves being involved in various sports. They are a very diligent breed, and desires long walks and herding, with pack hikes, particularly pulling. This breed prefers cold climates and has a great desire to play and run off leash whenever possible. Avoid vigorously exercising them as puppies as they will need all their energy to build strong joints and bones.

Temperament

Sociable, active, yet dignified and calm, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a breed that loves to belong to a family. These dogs are loyal and fiercely protective, making them great watchdogs. This breed is appropriate to a simple family life but does require a great deal of space to exercise in. Determined yet stubborn, these dogs do best with owners that have some experience with handling dogs. Generally an intelligent and quick learner, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog makes a loving and loyal family pet that offers a lifetime devotion to those whom he loves.

Overview

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a powerful, keen, and handsome breed that was originally developed to be a watchdog, pull carts, and herd cattle. They love having jobs to do and are competent in conformation, obedience, and agility competitions.

Care

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog requires brushing weekly, with extra care should be given during shedding season. Bathing should only be done when necessary for this breed. But due to their large size, owners may find this a difficult task. They can be taken to a professional groomer.

Training

Training the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog requires a very consistent and firm yet gentle method at a very young age. Due to their dominance, these dogs should be shown that the handlers are higher in the order than them. Training can be quite a challenge due to the delayed maturity of this breed and may remain as puppies for 2-3 years.


Socialization should be done and is imperative for the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Their natural instinct to protect and guard makes them suspicious toward strangers and new situations if not socialized properly.

Character

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is friendly, intelligent, eager to work, protective, and reliable. They are composed and watchful, with highly recognized obedience and sociability. They thrive on human companionship.



Sunday, October 22, 2017

ROTTWEILER - Dogs of the World


ROTTWEILER - Dogs of the World - Photo: Pixabay



Saturday, October 21, 2017

DOG TRAINING Secrets

English: Galomy Oak's Aurora del Mango - servi...
Galomy Oak's Aurora del Mango - service dog in training (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Every dog and every dog owner has his or her own unique dog training challenges.  Each breed of dog has a different temperament as does each individual dog.  And dog owners are no different.  Despite the differences, there are some basic things in common for training all dogs.

No matter why you have a dog, he should at least have some very elementary dog training.  No one wants a dog who isn't housebroken, who runs away or into the street, who won't sit, come or stay when you want him to.  Both you and your dog will be happier with a little common ground on obedience training.

One of the first things to take into account when dog training is that dogs are programmed for a world of leaders and followers.  You have to be the leader in your relationship.  Signs of a leader are absolute consistency.  Know what you want your dog to do and keep that constant from day to day and training session to training session.   Don't shout.  That is a sign that you have lost control.  And keep your dogs' attention focused on you during the entire training session.

Attention is the second important thing to keep in mind for dog training and one of the hardest to maintain.  It has been said that ninety percent of dog training is getting and keeping his attention. Dogs are very much like small children and have short attention spans.  Keep training sessions short - 20 minutes is fine, or even a couple of 10-minute sessions.  Work with your dog in a quiet environment that is free of distractions.  Talk to your dog in a quiet voice.  Use his name and explain what you want him to do.  He may understand no more than, "Blah blah blah, Toby", but your voice will keep him focused in your direction.

Experts have found that positive dog training is more effective than a system of rewards and punishment.  A dog who looks forward to training sessions as fun and full of rewards is a dog who will learn faster and better.  Reward accomplishments with treats or words of praise or pats.  As your dog learns new skills, you can reward him for each step along the way.  If he doesn't respond the way you want, rethink what you are asking him to do and how you are asking him to do it.  What worked as a dog training method for one dog may not work as well for the next.  Your dog may need to review some more basic dog training lessons before going on to new lessons. Rather than punishment, a stern NO, blocking a movement with your hands, or withholding rewards when he doesn't perform, and remaining consistent are the best ways to encourage your dog to exhibit the behavior you want.  Remember that it is in his nature (as well as yours) to want to test limits and see how much he can get away with.  Consistency in dog training and rewards are what get positive results, not punishments.



Dogs are very much like us.  They want to follow a leader they respect.  And dog training is just like school.  They like to do things that are fun and make them feel good, where they get rewards for accomplishing what is asked of them.  And they want the same thing their owners want, a happy and safe relationship with the ones they are love.  A little dog obedience training will go a long way in making this happen.



Friday, October 20, 2017

Health Concerns in SIBERIAN HUSKY

Scarlet the Siberian Husky Enjoying the Denver Blizzard of 2006.
Siberian Husky - Photo   by    Jeffrey Beall 
Siberian huskies are basically healthy dogs who usually live from twelve to fifteen years, but, like all breeds, they do have some health problems. Some dogs carry genes for eye or hip problems.

The most common kinds of health problems in Siberian Huskies have to do with their eyes. Cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens, which can diminish the amount of light entering the eye. Juvenile cataracts can be seen by the age of two. Fortunately, most cases are not severe enough to cause blindness, but that is a possibility.

Research shows that the DNA that causes cataracts might reside in a recessive gene. That is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it is good that the gene is recessive so that dogs who carry it do not get cataracts. On the other hand, it makes breeding Siberian huskies riskier because it is not always clear which dogs are carriers. More research needs to be done to develop a test that would recognize the gene for cataracts in carriers.

Progressive retinal atrophy is another genetically transmitted disease of the eye. It affects the rear part of the eye where light forms a picture after going through the lens and center of the eye. It affects mainly male dogs, being inherited in a sex chromosome, the X. Females have two X chromosomes and can be carriers without the disorder if only one X chromosome is defective. When a mother dog with one defective X has puppies half her male puppies will have the defect, which can lead to blindness by the age of 5 months.

Corneal dystrophy is a mild disorder of the eye, which does not affect vision. It affects the transparent covering of the outer part of the eye. Fat deposits in the cornea can cause a slight cloudiness, sometimes forming a circle, which is not harmful. It can be seen with any eye color.

Hip dysplasia is another genetic disorder that can affect Siberian huskies, but it is fortunately rare, believed to be present in only about 2 percent of the dogs. It is caused by a combination of genes, making it difficult to breed out of the population, since normal healthy breeding pairs can produce a certain number of puppies with hip dysplasia. The disorder affects the acetabulum, or top, of the femur, or thighbone, where it fits into the hipbone. When there is a poor fit arthritis, or inflammation of the joint, can take place, and the joint can be worn away. It can make walking, running or climbing stairs painful and can result in constipation.




A concentrated effort is being made to evaluate Siberian Huskies for defects and to keep them from breeding. The Siberian Husky Ophthalmic Registration (SHOR) keeps track of dogs who have had veterinary examinations each year to make sure that they have no eye defects. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) performs the same function for hip dysplasia.

Before buying a Siberian Husky it is a good idea to check and see whether both parents have OFA and SHOR registrations and clean bills of health Before buying a Siberian husky ask to see the OFA and SHOR registrations of both parents. That will not guarantee to get a healthy dog, but it will decrease your risk of getting a puppy with eye or hip problems. Enjoy your new best friend.

    Camille Goldin, talks about different health concerns in a Siberian Husky dog. She writes for TrainPetDog.com, a website that gives information on Dogs .
    Articles Source: GoArticles


Thursday, October 19, 2017

LABRADOR RETRIEVER History: Labs' Name and Color Origin

Journée à Grimentz (VS) - Switzerland - Août 2006
Photo  by   Lomyx 
The breed of Labrador retriever distinctively stood up from almost 300 different canine varieties with its multi-tasking ability. Labs are considered to be one of the most useful dog breeds that can be assigned to different tasks, including hunting, herding and retrieve. Added to these, Labrador retrievers are also good home dogs. Wherein, opposite to their dynamic abilities used in hunting and retrieving, Labrador Retrievers found to be very affectionate and loving pets to their masters.

The versatility of Labrador retrievers made them very popular all over the United States, but originally, these dog breed came from the province of Labrador, on the Northeastern coast of Canada. By the name Labrador, we can assume that Labs are called after the province where they came from, but according to some theory, Labrador is a Spanish term for "farm worker", well this may also be sensible since Labs are commonly used as farm helpers during the early centuries. 

In addition, Labrador during the early days was also called as cani di castro laboreiro, or dogs of the Portuguese fisherman. Labs were referred with this name because aside from being farm helpers, they were also used as water dogs by fishermen. Labradors during those years were tasked to pull nets out of the water, swim messages from one boat to another, retrieve people who fell overboard and signal the fishermen and other boats with their barks. Furthermore, Labrador Retrievers during the eighteenth century were also believed to be descendants of the Pyrenean mountain dogs from the Labrador-Newfoundland area, specifically, Labs were believed to descend from the breed of St. John's Dogs or the Lesser Newfoundland dogs.

How did the name of this dog breed become popular as "Labrador"? The name Labrador was first coined by the Earl of Malmesbury in 1887. After that, Richard Wolters wrote a book entitled "Labrador Retriever", telling about how the Brits grouped together the territory of Labrador in the Northwest of Newfoundland, then from this, it was speculated that the dogs referred to as Labradors were the breed coming from the Newfoundland area.

Even though it was not exactly determined where the name Labrador came from, many writings about these pliant and hardworking dogs were found. Some of them contained information about the dog's distinctive characteristics, including its color varieties. Labrador Retrievers were originally noted to have yellow and chocolate colored coats. These coats were described to have great water resistance, explaining why Labs were then used as water dogs. Their coats can repel water and it can stand to water's cold temperature for longer hours.

You might be wondering where the black colored Labrador came from? In 1807, the ship Canton was wrecked during its travel going to Poole, England. The ship carried two St. John dogs for the Earl of Malmesbury's Labrador Kennel; one was black and the other was chocolate in color. These dogs were believed to be the breed where the black Labrador came from, but because of the recessive genes, yellow and chocolate Labradors often came out from the dog's offspring.



Not all information about Labs was noted to be spectacular and positive. It was also noted that Labrador Retrievers almost became extinct like the St. John dogs, which is now no longer in existence in Newfoundland because of the sheep raising program of the Newfoundland governor in 1780. St. John dogs were banned from the land to avoid any threat for the sheep. Fortunately for the Labs, some dog lovers like the 6th Duke of Buccleuch took the effort to save their kind. The duke was able to import new breeds of St. John dogs during 1933 and then started to raise the breed again.

Looking through the history of Labrador Retrievers, we can assume that generally, the dog's name came from the breed in the Newfoundland area and within all of its color varieties, chocolate is the color that mainly appears from the Labrador breed. Today chocolate and black Labradors are the most sought after color for this breed. Of course, it still depends on your preference whether to opt for a black, chocolate or yellow Labrador retriever.


    Author: Ana Mae Teodosio - Article Source: GoArticles     


Wednesday, October 18, 2017

CANINE ARTHRITIS

English: A Labrador Retriever standing with hi...
A Labrador Retriever standing with hind legs closes together to compensate 
for weak hips caused by an altered gait from hip dysplasia. 
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Is your dog a little less enthusiastic about his daily walks?  Is he reluctant to get up or lie down?  Do his joints click as he walks?  If so, there’s a chance your buddy is suffering from canine arthritis.

Just as with humans, arthritis in dogs can be one of a variety of types, but the most common is osteoarthritis.

What is Osteoarthritis and what causes it?

Cartilage in joints acts as a buffer between bones. Sometimes, that cartilage degrades and deteriorates, reducing the buffer between bones, sometimes to the point where there is direct bone-to-bone contact, which is extremely painful for the dog.

There is no single cause of arthritis.  Genetics and breeding have made certain breeds more susceptible to hip dysplasia, which often leads to arthritis.  Obesity in dogs can also contribute to arthritic conditions.  Sometimes young dogs can suffer from arthritis if their bones don’t develop correctly.  An injury to a limb can also result in arthritis later in life.

Symptoms

If your dog displays some of the following symptoms, you should consult a veterinarian regarding the possibility of canine arthritis:

·    Inactivity
·    Favoring of one limb
·    Reluctance to get up or lie down
·    Clicking of joints
·    Visible pain when walking
·    Swelling of Joints
·    Whimpering/Crying
·    Reluctance to climb stairs
·    Stiffness after getting up

Treatment

There is no cure for canine arthritis.  Generally, treatment is dedicated to reducing the inflammation, and managing the pain.  You and your veterinarian should decide whether prescribed drugs are warranted.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin have shown good results in reducing the inflammation, and therefore the pain, in the joints in many dogs.  Commercial supplements providing this combination include Cosequin and Arthogen, among others. They are available without a prescription.

Changing the animal’s diet might also help.  For overweight dogs, a “light” product may be in order.  Some pet owners may prefer to go the all-natural route, while others might consider dog food that contains Glucosamine and Chondroitin.

Alternative treatments, such as acupuncture and chiropractic have also had positive results for some arthritic canines.

What Can I Do to Make my Arthritic Dog More Comfortable?

If your dog shows signs of arthritis in his neck or shoulders, raise his food and water bowl by using a stand or “dog diner”.

When the weather is cold or damp, keep your buddy cozy and warm.



Apply moist heat to arthritic joints, in the form of a hot towel, or a towel-wrapped hot water bottle. Never use a heating pad, as it could lead to accidental burning.

Utilize ramps instead of stairs when possible.

Maintain a reasonable activity level. Exercise and mild activity will help stop joints from deteriorating further.

Conclusion

The sad fact is, that once a dog develops arthritis, he will suffer with it for the rest of his life, and all that can be done for him is to make him as comfortable as possible by maintaining a reasonable activity level, feeding the proper diet, and/or treating with over-the-counter medications, prescribed drugs, or holistic remedies. And a lot of love.



Tuesday, October 17, 2017

BASSET HOUND - Dogs of the World

Basset Hound - Dogs of the World



Monday, October 16, 2017

Hefty DOGS

Unfortunately, more and more canines are becoming overweight. Obese pets live shorter lives and generally acquire other related health issues. What is it possible to do if your puppy is putting on the weight?

The very first thing to do is take a good look at the way you interact together with dog.

Do you feed the dog family table leftovers? Does your dog get between mealtime treats? Does your dog have chips with you if you are watching television?

overweight dog profile
These items can easily be eliminated. Only feed the dog at his dinner times. He does not require all those additional calories. You don't have to be terrible, but you will have to reduce the number of snacks he receives every day.

Look at just how much dinner you will be providing him and read your dog food label carefully. You may be over feeding the family dog. Nearly all puppy foods list on the content label exactly how much food a pet ought to be given on a daily basis. Make certain that you're following these instructions. Numerous owners find out that they have switched companies and did not take the trouble to go through the content label and discover that the canine is actually receiving an excessive amount of food.

Do you have to give your canine a goody to make him obey? If you do, you might want to spend some time re-training your four-legged friend. Most dogs love to delight their masters, and often will perform for encouragement by itself. Keep the puppy guessing. Ask him to complete a trick but only reward him every second time. Give the animal a lot of compliments and pets as soon as your puppy does respond accurately. Continue on doing this and slowly get rid of the need for a food incentive.

Additionally you need to look into the amount of physical exercise your four-legged friend is actually receiving on a daily basis. Leaving the animal outside in the backyard just isn't adequate. Very few family pets will workout themselves. They may be outdoors but they are probably not really burning calories from fat. You must get out and have fun with the dog or take him for a walk around the block.

When the weather conditions or even your situation won't allow for a lot of walks you'll want to consider additional workout choices. Retain the services of a walker, find ways to get the dog lively inside your home, but get your pet moving.

As a responsible dog owner see what and how your puppy eats and your friend will live a a lot longer and much healthier life.



Sunday, October 15, 2017

BLACK LABRADOR Puppy - Puppies of the World


BLACK LABRADOR Puppy -  Puppies of the World - Photo: Wikimedia



Saturday, October 14, 2017

BASSET HOUNDS - The Skinny on These Chubby Dogs

Leroy - Basset Hound A (39)
Basset Hound - Photo  by Justin Beckley 
The Basset Hounds we all know and love today have bloodlines that descend from England in the middle-to-late 19th century. However, the Basset breed actually got its start (best as anyone who has delved into it can ascertain) much earlier, and in France, of all places. This was in the 16th century. Now, I know what you're thinking... how can such a magnificent and flawless dog breed as the glorious Basset Hound has had its origins in France? I have to confess that it does makes things a bit more complicated for me emotionally, since I detest that snooty, has-been nation (kidding, sort of), BUT...

My love for Bassets wins out every time!
The AKC officially deemed Bassets 'worthy' in 1885 by recognizing them. I guess they didn't realize that Basset Hounds are all BORN perfect and, thus, are beyond such trifles as being "recognized" by the almighty AKC (oooh!). But I've learned to forgive such human errors.

You may be wondering why French folks would concoct such a funny-looking dog breed. The answer is pretty boring, actually (as are most things French...ok, enough!). Nobles of that time liked to hunt. A lot. But the French countryside featured a lot of dense brush and thickets. The hunters' prey (deer, rabbits, etc.) routinely escaped into nearby cover. Hunters didn't like being stymied by mere animals.
Enter Monsieur Basset Hound (say it like this: Misssssssure Bass-ay Ound). Developing a dog breed that could smell and hear just about anything from one side of the nation to the other, and who would fearlessly bound into the thickest of brush, became essential. Being low to the ground made them more efficient hunting machines.

So, now you know why Bassets are funny looking. But isn't the way they look the very reason why you find them adorable and huggable? *NOTE: If you do NOT find them both adorable and huggable, stop reading now. I mean it. Go away.

Basset Hound Characteristics
The name "Basset" is a play on the French word for 'low' - bas. The English, clever devils that they are, combined that word with the English word for how something is positioned - 'set.' Bas-set. Low set Hounds. Cool, huh?

Basset Hounds typically come in combinations of the following colors: brown, black, white, and red. So-called 'tri-colors' are the most common nowadays (brown, black, and white).

Quick! What's the first thing that comes to mind when you visualize a Basset Hound? The long ears, of course! Do you know why they were bred to possess such ridiculously long ears? I do. OK, I'll let you in on it. It was NOT primarily to improve their hearing (the common myth). It was all about picking up the prey's scent.

Imagine if you walked with your head a foot or so off the ground all the time. Now imagine having ears that dang near dragged the ground. Ears flopping back and forth with every step. Besides never getting any dates, you'd also catch a whole lot more of every scent in the vicinity with those tremendous lobes.

For a hunting dog, a finely tuned ability to pick up faint scents equals success for the master. And now you know why Bassets have those trademark ears. You must promise to use this information only for good...never for evil.
The tale continues...

Basset Hound Temperament
When you picture a Basset Hound's daily activities, what do you see? Most people imagine a lazy, sprawling, sleeping and eating machine. And that's pretty much right on target for most Bassets. Every now and then, some mutant Basset will spring forth who actually becomes delusional and thinks he's a Jack Russell Terrier, all wired up and full of pep. But those types are few and very far between, thankfully.

In terms of getting along and playing well with others, Basset Hounds are among the best. It goes back to their breeding, again. They are pack animals by nature, so docility among the pack was an especially advantageous and much sought after characteristic. Yes, individuals will vary, but you have a much better than 50-50 chance at raising a low-key, unassuming pet with this breed. And this includes how he gets along with other pet dogs. Males and females share this trait.

There is a vicious rumor floating around about Bassets being hard to train because they're stubborn and strong-willed. Slanderous! OK, actually, that's true. But nobody's perfect, and I bet you weren't exactly the model child! So stop being so critical, miss or mister high-and-mighty.

Among Basset trainers, you hear this sentence a whole lot: "Bassets are easy to train, as long as you're trying to get them to do what they wanted to do in the first place." That's as close to a truism as you'll find in the dog universe. If you adopt a Basset with the intention of making an obedient little trooper out of him, prepare yourself for years of frustration. Be happy that he's loyal and allows you to feed him and give him lots of toys. Enough said.



Some Basset Tips
First, you have to keep Basset Hounds on a diet pretty much from the time they're grown until they pass away. This is much easier said than done, as any Basset owner will attest. They have faces that just beg to be given treats for any action, including waking up, looking around, yawning, and the other major accomplishments of a typical Basset's day. Resist that urge!

Basset Hounds are naturally heavy, and it's very easy to make it worse if you don't stick to a pretty strict dietary regimen. Obesity in dogs leads to canine diabetes at an alarming rate (just like humans). This breed is particularly susceptible, so be careful. A daily walk is a terrific idea as well.

Staying with the health rant for another minute - clean your Basset's ears often! Their huge size makes them ideal breeding grounds for all kinds of nasty little critters on the insides; and the outsides tend to collect dirt, food from bowls, and water (which turns the dirt and food remnants to a mushy mess). Not exactly hygienic.

Finally, never ever, under any circumstances, let a Basset Hound run around loose outside without a fence that is well maintained. They're specialized hunters - bred to find their way into (and out of) tiny openings. And they're intelligent. That's a potentially lethal combination for your pet, especially if you live near roadways. A Basset believes he has the right to be in the middle of the road if the scent led him there. Vehicles be damned! No need to endure that kind of tragedy. Keep your Basset INSIDE (or at least behind a fence with no possibility of escape).



Friday, October 13, 2017

CORNISH REX Cat - Cats of the World

Cornish Rex



Thursday, October 12, 2017

Information Regarding the CORNISH REX CAT

Aja
Cornish Rex - Photo by PJLewis 
Cornish Rex is a feline breed that was first reported in the mid of twentieth century in 'Cornwall' United Kingdom when a very unique looking kitten was seen in a domestic cat litter. This baby was a result of genetic mutation and displayed a singular appearance. It had no outer hair and a different body type than other cats.

The striking appearance aroused interest and breeding of this felid was started in earnest. Earlier efforts were not quite successful and it took some time before healthy cats with consistent attributes were seen regularly in litters. During their development, Cornish Rex cats were outcrossed with Siamese to give them the elegant body form they currently possess. Today they enjoy widespread recognition in most parts of the world.

Cornish Rex cats have a very lithe yet muscular appearance. They may appear somewhat fragile owing to their slender, almost hairless, bodies but are in fact quite hard and strong in their physical make-up. Legs are long and finely built and enable the cat to produce great bursts of speed in no time. Head is small with prominent cheek bones and big ears. Coat is incredibly soft and made up entirely of down hair, or the undercoat. They are curly and smooth and shed very little, leading to fewer allergies for their owners. A number of coat colors and patterns are seen.

Even as they are quite similar to the Devon Rex in appearance, there are certain differences between the two. First is the mutant gene that leads to the characteristic appearance of the Cornish Rex - this differs from the mutated gene of the Devon Rex. Second the Devon Rex has the outer coat of guard hair that Cornish Rex cats lack. Still the Cornish Rex coat is denser. Also the facial appearance is a little different, with the Cornish sporting a distinct Roman nose in contrast to the Devon.

Cornish Rex have one of the best personalities of all feline breeds. They are very active and energetic and continue their playful behavior throughout their lives.



Wednesday, October 11, 2017

SAVANNAH KITTEN - Kittens of the World

SAVANNAH KITTEN - Kittens of the World




Tuesday, October 10, 2017

What Humans Can Do to Help HYPOALLERGENIC DOGS

Tender eyes...
Bichon * Hypoallergenic Dog - Photo  by FlyNutAA 
Human beings are not the only species that can suffer from allergies. Dogs can also have allergic reactions to objects in the home, chemicals, and pollutants in the air, dog food, and their own hair and dander. Finding the source of these allergies can be difficult especially if the dog is allergic to a few things. If you have a dog that suffers from allergies, you may notice that they sneeze when around harmful chemicals, vomit after eating, have skin rashes, patches of fur missing, runny nose and eyes, or they may show signs of fatigue or restlessness.

Noticing these signs is the first step to helping your dog lead a normal, healthy life. You should monitor your dog for a month to see how it reacts to its environment, its food, and its own hair and dander. Since dogs need to keep themselves clean, they may be swallowing allergens that can cause an allergic reaction. The best way to combat a hair and dander allergy is to bathe your dog once a month and brushing the dog once a day.

If your dog has a thick undercoating, it will trap allergens and dander and keep it from falling off the body. After a while, the dander will build up and fall off or be swallowed. If you have allergies, this could be one of the causes. Brushing the undercoating every day will help remove excess hair before it is swallowed or falls on the floor or carpeting. This will reduce your allergy problems as well.

Sometimes chemicals in dog food can lead to food allergies. If your dog vomits at least once a day, then they may be allergic to the food they are eating. Hypoallergenic dog food is available. The food contains fewer chemicals while providing your dog with enough nutrition. Try this dog food to see if it will reduce the vomiting. Wet dog food may also help your dog digest their foods easily. If the vomiting does not stop, you should visit the vet to see if your dog has other health problems.



Dogs that are allergic to cleaning supplies, mold, and shampoo may be more difficult to treat. You can switch to natural cleaning supplies that do not contain bleach and other harmful chemicals. This may help your dog breathe a little better. You can also have your home tested for mold, which could be causing your own allergies, and you can switch dog shampoos and try one for hypoallergenic dogs. You should not wash your dog more than twice a month as you could make the dog’s skin dry and flaky, which is why they are scratching and pulling more often than usual.

Taking care of a dog with allergies is easy once you have identified the problem. Asking a vet for advice is a good idea if you do not know where to begin. They will be able to ask the right questions and help you find the answers so you will be able to administer the proper treatments.




Monday, October 9, 2017

CAT Beds

English: Sleeping male cat. A young cat of 1 y...
Sleeping male cat. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Cats and dogs spend a lot of their time sleeping so a comfortable bed is very important.  Cats like to be very comfortable when they are sleeping so getting them a cat bed that will keep them warm is a good ides.  Heated cat beds can be found right here, with a click of your mouse. 

If you are looking for a more traditional cat bed then why not consider a wicker cat bed.  Wicker cat beds are great for cats, they offer needed support, as well as comfort for size.  A window cat bed is also great, and then your cat can lie lazily in the sun in its cat bed looking out the window. Windowsill cat beds take into consideration the cat’s curiosity.

If your cat is definitely a prince or princess then, by all means, a fancy cat bed or a designer cat bed is definitely what your cat needs.  If you have multiple cats then look at getting a cat bunk bed for them to share, or a cat bed tree.  Cats like to be close and share with other cats this will give them the opportunity.

If your cat stays outside most of the time then look at getting your cat an outdoor cat bed or a cheap cat bed that you can replace every few months.  Discount cat beds are also great for this reason.  Don’t forget to consider pet bedding for your cat bed.

It is important to remember that because cats do shed, a washable cat bed is very important to help keep the cat dander and cat hair to a minimum in your house.  Another good ideas it to have two cat beds (even if you only have one cat) this will ensure that you wash your cat bed regularly because you know that there is always a clean one waiting to take its place.

Whatever your style, as well as your cats needs, get the bed that is right.




Sunday, October 8, 2017

Kurilian Bobtail Kitten - Kittens of the World


Kurilian Bobtail Kitten - Kittens of the World - Photo: Wikimedia



Saturday, October 7, 2017

The Importance Of Organic DOG GROOMING

2013 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show: Tibetan Mastiff GCH Sierras'Sasha-Yakone Nanuk
Tibetian Mastiff - Photo   by       http://www.petsadviser.com 
Despite the savings to your schedule and wallet, you may still feel that the hassle of learning grooming instructions outweighs the benefits. Grooming your furry friend takes a lot of time and patience, preparation, and commitment. Without these, you cannot survive to take the responsibilities of an owner.

Just a couple of minutes every day may increase the bond between you and your pet as well as improve its overall health. Also, it is better to consider organic dog grooming in Miami. There are many natural ways of grooming. All dogs can benefit from regular bathing. However, the same with dog food, a lot of shampoos also contain harmful ingredients.

It is vital to choose the safest and effective shampoo products that cannot dry their skin as well as their hair. You should check if there are ingredients mixed in any product such as surfactants, insecticides, artificial fragrances, and foaming. It is better to use herbs like citrus oil and organic compounds. This way, you will be able to protect them from skin irritation.


Apart from bathing, another thing to consider is to keep their ears clean as it can lessen itching and even bacterial and yeast ears infections. Thus, before choosing a product, it is vital to check the label of your shampoo to avoid those products containing harmful chemicals that could irritate them. Try using ear cleaners and washers that only contain organic oils and avoid those products with alcohol.

Dental disease is a common disease of many dogs and other animals. Thus, a regular brushing is helpful to reduce the frequency of cleanings that could only be performed under anesthesia. A product that is put on toothbrush should not contain harmful chemicals. You should also avoid using human dental products as it contains artificial components which are toxic to them.

With just a bit of research, you can easily find high quality organic and natural grooming products that are safe enough and effective. Basically, groomers seem to be getting more expensive as time flies and for owners who need high maintenance for their dogs, they have to drive to the groomer, drive back and pay for the service. It is quite a time consuming and expensive as well.

You only have to consider the things that should be done to save more money and time. You may consider doing it by your own and use organic products. There are some dogs that are not wagging their tails especially if they are traveling far places to their groomers. So, if you would reduce this activity to them and learn the process of proper grooming, then it will also worth your time and effort.



Grooming your pet at home will likely to become a source of bond for both of you. It allows you to spend more time and obedience training with them. Even if you decide to continue using a professional groomer from Miami, FL, you still need to groom them from time to time. Remember, cleanliness means healthiness.

Once you have gathered information about this undertaking, then it would be easier for you to perform it. This way, you can build a relationship with them while maintaining their health. Through this, you will be able to obtain the results you are aiming for.


    About the Author: Leslie Ball