How to Train a WIREHAIRED POINTING GRIFFON

Wirehaired pointing griffon  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Are you trying to find out how to train a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon? You've come to the right place!

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, a gun dog, is a breed heavily favoured by huntsmen. Its ruggedness in retrieving and tracking game fowls make it an ideal companion even in rough terrain and weather. Icy waters or thick under brushes, a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is never daunted. This is why this breed is often referred as the '4-wheel drive of hunting dogs'.

Griffons, or Griffs as some may call it, are developed in Europe by Dutch breeder. He did it by mixing German Griffons with French and German Pointers, Spaniels, Barbets and a Setter. It resulted in a breed ideal for hunting and as a house pet as well.

Griffons are medium-sized dogs. They have muscular limbs and long legs, obviously, built for running and agility. Their thick brows, beards and moustaches give them their distinctive handsome looks. Griffs, also, have rounded feet with webbed toes ideal for swimming.

They sport wiry coats that will continue to develop until they reach the mature age of three years old. To let new hair grow, they will need occasional trimming because they are a naturally low-shedding type of breeds. Coat texture may vary depending on their type of food and coat care methods. They come in a variety of colours, including steel grey with brown, white, or chestnut.

Temperament and Training of Wirehaired Pointing Griffons

Griffons are people-oriented dogs. They are highly intelligent and surprisingly very cooperative. When not in the field, they are less excitable as compared to other sporting breeds. Therefore, they are comfortable companions at home.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon should be socialized extensively when young. This will greatly help their development toward adulthood. And owners must always take the role of a pack leader so the Griffon won't have dominance problems. As naturally dominant dogs, they will try to challenge their masters for the alpha position. If they succeed, they can be very stubborn and it will be difficult for you to manage them.

Although naturally mild-mannered when inside the house, Griffons still need daily exercise to exhaust their stored energy. When they seem overly energetic even at home, it only means that they lack the physical stimulation they direly need. They can be easily bored if not exercised regularly.

On the field, Griffons shine the brightest. They are never finicky about the terrain and weather conditions. They are courageous and persistent trackers. They are excellent swimmers and love to play in the water. Agility training is a very enjoyable activity for Wirehaired Pointing Griffons.

But it is not only in field work that Griffons thrive. They are also suitable for show ring because of their delightful obedience and superior intelligence. They are extremely eager to please and very friendly to either humans or animals. When owning Wirehaired Pointing Griffons, it is imperative to keep them physically and mentally fit. Giving them a job is absolutely beneficial for them. Griffons, however, are not suitable for apartment living. They need wide spaces, like backyards.

If your household has spacious yards for the Griffons and you exercise them well enough, they are easily the most affectionate, and good-natured dogs to be around.

By Ty Brown - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Information Regarding the TONKINESE CAT

Tonkinese kitten Odin (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A shorthair feline breed, Tonkinese is believed by some to have been imported alongside Siamese from the Orient in the nineteenth century. Others maintain that it is an artificially created breed. In either case, the modern origin of Tonkinese was in the twentieth century when it was produced through the crossing of Siamese with Burmese cats. Since then the cat has gone through various stages of development and is now recognized by most cat fancies around the world. To many, it is still very much a Siamese that resembles the traditional Meezer cat of a few decades back. Tonkinese is the only feline breed whose modern roots can be traced to Canada.

A combination of Siamese elegance and Burmese muscularity, the Tonkinese is a medium sized cat. It is sleek and strong and weighs in the range of eight to ten pounds for healthy adults. Body shape is that of the classical Siamese of old with a modified triangular head and almond-shaped eyes that range in colour from blue to green and golden. They are the only purebreds to have aqua coloured eyes. Fur is short and dense and occurs in mink, solid or pointed patterns. Coat colours include blue, silver, grey, platinum and chocolate. The overall appearance of the Tonkinese is that of a slightly rounded, charming cat.

Less vocal than their Siamese ancestors, Tonkinese are still quite talkative. They are not hesitant to expressive themselves and often carry out prolonged 'conversations' with their humans. Since they have also inherited the somewhat laid-back nature of the Burmese, they are not overly demanding.

Temperamentally Tonkinese is near perfect. They have got the best personality attributes from their oriental ancestors. They are both cuddling lap cats and are also very active and intelligent individuals who love to play and have fun with all family members.

By Omer Ashraf The author is a blogger about cats and an expert on Tonkinese cat. Article Source: EzineArticles

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Glucosamine in a DOGS´S DIET

This is Shuskey the Samoyed that lives in sport 2000 in Villeneuve. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As you stand in the store pondering the plethora of varieties of dog food for your dog's diet, your mind can truly become overwhelmed.  The numerous ingredients in dog food simply complicate things even further.  Who really knows what all of those ingredients really mean?  You see glucosamine on some of the dog food labels.  That sounds a bit familiar.  Haven't you heard of glucosamine in the news?  What exactly is glucosamine and why should it be in your dog's diet?

You have probably heard of glucosamine in the news.  Glucosamine has been beneficial to joint health in humans.  Research has also shown that glucosamine in a dog's diet can be beneficial to your pet's Health.

Glucosamine is a dietary supplement.  Glucosamine has been shown to encourage good joint health.  This supplement helps to maintain good joint cartilage.  Glucosamine is one of the key building blocks to produce joint lubricants.  The joint lubricant helps to keep the joints moving and functioning with ease.  Glucosamine in your dog's diet will ensure your pet's joints work at their peak performance levels for years to come.

How does glucosamine work to help your dog's joints?  Glucosamine hydrates and lubricates your pet's joints.  The added hydration and lubrication will help to prevent arthritis in your dog.  For this reason, glucosamine is a good supplement to your dog's diet.  Pet owners of large breed

Dogs that are predisposed to having joint and hip problems should especially consider adding glucosamine to their dog's diet.

Shellfish is a good source of glucosamine.  Another way to get glucosamine involves a unique process of fermenting corn.  This method to produce glucosamine creates a vegetable-based glucosamine.

Glucosamine is typically safe as part of a healthy and balanced diet.  Your dog's diet should include glucosamine to encourage joint health.  Your pet will not suffer from side effects or interactions with medications when glucosamine is part of your dog's diet.

Today, many high-quality dog foods, manufactured by reputable companies, have already added glucosamine to their food products.  Animal nutrition reports have discovered the benefits of glucosamine in your dog's diet and dog food producers have quickly responded.  If you find that your dog's diet does not contain glucosamine, or you feel your pet could benefit from additional supplementation in the diet, you should have no problem locating glucosamine supplements for your pet.

Glucosamine supplements come in numerous forms.  You can even give your dog a treat specially designed to supplement your dog's diet with glucosamine.  The tasty treat eliminates the trouble of dosing your dog with pills.

Of course, it is always best to talk to your veterinarian about any changes to your dog's diet.  He or she can give you advice about what supplements should be added to your dog's diet and in what quantity.  Ask your vet about the advantages of glucosamine.

As you consider your dog's diet and the ingredients, consider your dog's health.  Glucosamine is often added to high-quality dog food.  Talk to your vet to determine if additional glucosamine supplements would be beneficial in your dog's diet.  Protect your dog's joints by monitoring the amount of glucosamine in your dog's diet.

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SAVANNAH CAT - What Generation Is Right For You?

Photo by will.wade

Are you wondering what generation of Savannah cat is right for you?

F1 Savannah Cats

F1 Savannah range in size from 12 to 26 pounds. F1 Savannahs can be anywhere from 50% to 82% or more wild blood. The higher the percentage, the higher the chance of wild tenancies. They need a larger litter box such as a tub. Dislike being held. Much like a serval, they chose one person to bond with. They get along great with other animals but they dislike being held. Will play fetch, give headbutts and walk on a leash with training.

F2 Savannah cats

F2 Savannahs range from 16 to 25 pounds. F2 get along great with other animals. Bond closely with their owners. They love to be pet. Most F2s out of a proper breeding program have about the same size of an F1. F2 Savannahs will have less wild tendencies. Will play fetch, give headbutts and walk on a leash with training.

F3 Savannah cats

F3 Savannahs will enjoy the whole family. They get along great with other animals. Most love being scratched, although some don't care for long periods of being in a lap. Wild tendencies such as spray do not occur often at this level, remembering to fix your cat is the main factor behind those behaviors. Will play fetch, give headbutts and walk on a leash with training. F3 Savannahs are similar in behavior to an F2 Savannah cat Savannah but are very reliable with children.

F4 - F8 Savannah cats

F4 - F7 Savannahs enjoy they whole family, they are friendly and very hand on. They still retain the wonderful traits of the Savannah breed such as loving water, chirping, walking on a leash and playing fetch but without the wild tenancies. It may surprise you how large a Savannah will be at this generation! If you have smaller children these generations are the most recommended for your family. Will play fetch, give headbutts and walk on a leash with training.

My option as a breeder who owns every generation is that F3 Savannah cat makes the best pet the majority of people. F3 are easy to manage. Not too big and not too small. Once they get older they still love their family with all their fuzzy hearts. They are smart, quick to learn and if from the right breeding just as gorgeous as higher generations. If you are on a strict low budget then I suggest an F5 or lower since they will be lower in price but still spotted with the Savannah cat quirks such as fetching with that lovable dog like personality.

If you're stuck between figuring out the differences between a Bengal cat, Chausie and. The biggest differences from other breeds are Savannah cats are energetic, normally being up all day long. They love to play, talk to you, follow you around. A Savannah cats build is very sleek and elegant.

My husband gets a real kick out of the cats fetching their toys ready for play or when they sit straight up and hold an object to study it like a raccoon. But most of all he never knew that a cat of any breed could be so loyal. Every cat he ever meets was "stuck up" or "catty" but Savannah cats are so well rounded. I hoped this helps you find your perfect feline.

By Maria M Dsouza - Article Source: EzineArticles

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'Sit Up' Buddy: TRAINING Your Dog To Sit Like You

A sitting dog in Madrid (Spain) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The trick of “sitting up” is easily taught to small dogs, but should try not be included in a big dog’s education, as it is difficult for them to preserve their balance.

The training of sitting up is one of the first tricks to teach and forms the groundwork for many other dog tricks. To train a dog to sit up, prepare some treats as a reward, and set your dog on his haunches in a corner, so that he cannot fall either backward or sideways and has very little or no space to lose balance.

Keep him from pitching forward by holding one hand under his chin and with the other hand hold the treat above his nose and keep repeating distinctly and deliberately say, “sit up.” Do not make him sit up too long at any one time, but repeat the lesson frequently and reward him often with plentiful of praise and treats.

During his first lesson he will require considerable assistance from your hand to prevent him from pitching forward, but as he gets control of the balancing muscles and understands what you want, he will depend less and less upon your hand to keep him in position and you can gradually render him less assistance until you will only have to keep one hand in position two or three inches from his neck or chin, so as to be ready to prevent him pitching forward; later on you can withdraw this hand entirely and simply hold the treat just above the level of his head.

By constant practice he will sit up well after you set him up; then he should be set up against the wall, so as to afford him a support for his back only, and after he has been well schooled at this and can keep his position easily, practice him against chair legs, cushions or other objects that afford him less and less assistance, until finally he learns to preserve his balance and sits up without anything to lean against.

During all these lessons the words “sit up” have been impressed upon his mind by frequent repetition, and now comes the final lesson to teach him to sit up as soon as he hears the words, and the chances are, if he has been diligently drilled, it will be necessary only to call him out in the room, show him a treat, hold it up a suitable distance from the floor, say “sit up” and he will do so, when he should be given the treat while still in position.

The only necessity to perfection is to practice him several times a day until he will sit up at the word and without being shown a reward; that can be given him after he has obeyed.

You have now a foundation for many other tricks. He can be taught to beg by moving your hand up and down just in front of his paws, which he will move in unison with yours. He can also be taught to salute by bringing one paw up to the side of his head, or to hold a wooden pipe in his mouth, or to wear a cap on his head or other articles of wearing apparel.

In teaching a dog to submit to being dressed up, do not attempt to get him to wear too many things at once; try him at first with a cap and after he becomes accustomed to that you can put on a coat and gradually accustom him to the other clothing articles.

Enjoy teaching your dog the “sit up” trick and most importantly have fun along the way!

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Cat Skin Care DANDRUFF

Photo: Pxhere

Cat dandruff is common among diabetic cats. A study shows that happens in 1 in 200 cats have what is known as diabetes mellitus (DM) and if you want your pet to get better, here are some things you can do.

The cause of this problem is associated with poor nutrition. So, instead of buying one of those generic brands of cat food, maybe you should change it and go for one of those that are of good quality even if it may cost a little more.

You can also give food supplements that contain fish oil which has proven to correct the dandruff problem.  This may also come from canned tuna since it is rich in Omega 43 fatty acids that will improve their hair in about a week.

The symptoms that will tell you if your cat has a skin care problem like dandruff includes an increase in their appetite, excessive thirst or urination, dehydration, depression, muscle wasting, lethargy, weight loss and an unkempt hair coat that is a direct result of poor grooming.  It gets worse when the cat displays weak rear legs.

Aside from a cat being diabetic, other risk factors include certain steroid injections, neutering and old age. The cold weather could be another cause since it dries the cat’s skin. If your hunch is correct, you can fix this problem by buying a topical and oral treatment that is designed to treat dry skin.

Aside from dandruff, owners should also worry about allergies as this also causes skin problems among cats. This may come from cleaners, pollen, food and other sources and since it is hard to pinpoint the exact cause, owners are advised to use only natural care products in cleaning the home.

The cat should also be confined indoors to prevent them from roaming outside. Studies have shown that sunburn kills the top layer of their skin causing it to dry and flake off. Repeated sunburn may result to skin cancer so if you decide to let them go out, this should be done before 10 in the morning and after 4 in the afternoon.

During the winter, the cat should not be allowed to sleep near the fireplace as this also dries out their skin quickly. To keep them warm during the cold months, you should invest in a good humidifier.

The cat may also be infested with fleas and ticks. You can check the cat’s skin routinely to pull them out and use powder to flush the rest out. The hair should also be combed so this does not happen again.

If the cat’s skin care problem continues, it is best to bring it directly to the vet as over the counter medications and parasite treatments which you have tried are not good enough to do the trick. Some of the symptoms associated with dandruff could be something else like a skin disorder and one of them is Cheyletiella which requires the help of a professional.

Cat skin care problems like dandruff must be taken cared off immediately before it gets worse.  Proper hygiene, diet, and grooming are the best ways to keep it away and if household remedies don’t work, you better get help so the exact cause can be determined and the proper treatment can be given.

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ABYSSINIAN CAT Kitten - Kittens of the World

Abyssinian Cat Kitten - Kittens of the World

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The LEONBERGER: Large Lion Dog

Leonberger (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Leonberger is a breed which comes from the city of Leonberg near the foothills of the Black Forest of Germany. The Mayor of Leonberg, Heir Heinrich Essig, developed this dog for one reason only, he wanted to breed a dog that would resemble the lion depicted on the crest of his town. He accomplished this by breeding a Saint Bernard to a Newfoundland, then breeding the offspring to a Pyrenean Mountain dog, in 1907. He thus produced what the rest of the dog world considered a "crossbreed". 

However, the good looks and personality of the dog won over the hearts of many and it soon became popular not only in Germany but throughout Europe. The dog has the webfoot typical of the Newfoundland and the burly good humor of both the Newf and the Saint, while the Pyrenean Mountain dog contributed some herding and guarding instinct. The Leonberger very nearly became extinct during the World Wars. Great Britain and the United States imported dogs of the German strain and continued to breed this distinctly different dog. It has since become registered by all of the European Kennel clubs. Registry in the American Kennel Club has begun with the first step being recognition by the F.S.S. (Foundation Stud Service) of the A.K.C.

The Leonberger is a fairly healthy dog, the only consideration being that there may be a tendency to hip and elbow dysplasia. The United States Leonberger club recognizes that this is a breed that should be x-rayed before breeding and most of the breeders involved with this unique dog work hard at making sure that their puppies are sold on contracts to spay or neuter a pet dog.

The Leonberger indeed has the appearance of a lion to a certain extent. It is a large dog, weighing in at 80 to 150 pounds. The face has a distinguished looking black mask and the hairs of the body often have a black tip to the ends. The color is fawn to light golden to deep red. The coat is double in nature with a dense undercoat, however, it is a coat which does lie close to the body and should not be groomed to the appearance of a "stand-off" coat such as the Chow chow. The tail is long, extending to the top of the hock and is carried at "half mast" when moving. The breed sports a mane around the neck and the top of the back, although it is not as outstanding as the mane of an actual lion.

Truly the character of this dog is rather like that of a lion, being regal and somewhat aloof in nature, preferring his family "pack" to all others but accepting of strangers when properly introduced. He is gentle and congenial but makes a good watchdog, with a deep and resounding bark to warn of intruders. Strong enough to pull a cart and with the swimming characteristic of the Newfoundland, this is a versatile and enjoyable dog that brings faithfulness and a true working dog's sense of loyalty to his people.

By Michael Russell - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Fact Sheet: BERGER PICARD

Berger Picard - Photo  by Lil Shepherd 

Breed group: Herding

Weight: Male: 60-70; Female: 50-60 lbs

Height: Male: 23.5-25.5; Female: 21.5-23.5 inches

Overview

The Berger Picard is perhaps the oldest of all the French shepherd dogs. This breed arrived in Picardy in AD 800. These dogs have been named after the Picardie region in north-eastern part of France. Some experts believe this breed is connected to the more popular Briard and Beauceron. Other believe they share their origin with the Dutch and Belgian Shepherd dogs. The Berger Picard appeared at the initial French dog show in 1863, but the breed's appearance did not lead to popularity as a show dog. After the two World Wars, this breed was almost extinct and is still very rare. There about 3000 of these dogs in France, and about 350 in Germany.

Temperament

It is advised that you should have some previous dog ownership experience before getting one of these dogs. The Berger Picard has a very sensitive and self-assured nature. You will find that these dogs are also extremely loyal and calm. They get along well with children, dogs, and other animals - especially if they have been raised with them. The Berger Picard is a very diligent, lively and alert dog. The Berger Picard will however not do well if they are cut off or uncared for - and this might lead to destructive behavior. This breed will do very well guardian of their families, livestock and their territories.

Care

The coat of the Berger Picard should only be combed or brushed two times a month, especially when they are shedding during spring and autumn. The fur of these dogs should not be washed or trimmed. It can be cleaned off when dirty. This is a very light shedding breed, and they also have no doggie smell.

Training

This breed is extremely intelligent, and also very quick to learn. The Berger Picard breed will need to be socialized and trained in obedience from very early on. These dogs also have a very stubborn streak, and can also be very temperamental. It is advised that their training sessions are short and diverse to avoid boredom. This is a breed that will not respond positively to cruel or unkind training methods. Training should be done in a patient, fair and firm manner.

Health problems

Some of the Berger Picard's suffer from hip dysplasia, but it is not very common as these dogs are not very heavy. Some of the puppies will also get eye infections because of wind and dirt that gets into their eyes. When older than one year, they will not struggle with this anymore. They also suffer from some genetic eye problems such as the PRA and RD.

By John M Williams - Article Source: EzineArticles

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How To Make Your MINI HUSKY'S Homecoming Fun And Stress-Free

Alaskan Klee Kai (mini Husky)  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Adding a new four-legged family member can bring a lot of fun and excitement to it. It can also bring a lot of stress and frustration, especially if a new canine companion is exhibiting unwanted behaviors. Here are some tips that you can use to make sure that the first few days your mini husky spends with your family are as calm, relaxed, and enjoyable as possible.

One thing you need to learn is the breed itself. Many people make the mistake of thinking that because these dogs are smaller than Siberian or Alaskan huskies that they need less care or exercise. This is a mistake. In fact, these diminutive canines need just as much exercise and attention as their full-size counterparts.

The problem with these dogs is that when they do not get regular chances to burn off energy, they can end up becoming hyper and anxious. This can lead to other negative actions and behaviors. You may want to consider choosing a home or apartment where there is access to a fenced yard so that your new pup can roam and burn off steam.

If you find that your new puppy seems anxious or upset, there is a good reason for this. Remember that everything about the dog's world has changed. He or she no longer has littermates around them. They are getting to know you just like you are getting to know them. It can be helpful to have a product such as a pheromone product on hand. This help relax a new dog and may make the transition into your family easier and more stress-free.

You also need to remember that puppies experience everything with their mouths. They will also be teething and this means that they will be apt to chew anything they can get their teeth on. If you want to be successful at training them not to chew, make sure that you have toys that the dog can use to work out their chewing urges on. Then make sure you are watching them and are on hand to quickly correct any unwanted chewing sessions.

Another thing to think about is a crate. This can help keep your new dog from getting into things while you are not around to watch them. You should also choose bowls that the dog can eat or drink out of easily. Grooming tools can help you keep your dog looking its best as well.

If you are considering grooming tools, you may want to speak to a professional before buying anything. You should buy a good quality brush as well as a pair of canine nail clippers. By trimming nails frequently, you will get your dog used to having its feet touched and keep its nails in good form. Brushes can help keep this breed's coat from tangling and it will keep looking its best.

Remember that there will always be an adjustment period when bringing home any new canine companion. By making sure you are prepared for its arrival you can increase the chance that your dog will become comfortable and settle in quickly and easily.

About the Author: Leslie Ball Read more about Ways You Can Make Your New Mini Husky Settle In Quickly And Easily.

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The HIMALAYAN CAT - A Hybrid Breed?

Photo by Joseph.Morris

When you first lay eyes on a Himalayan cat, it is pretty tough not to fall in love with it. After all, how could you not? The short bodies, sweet attitude, and colorful blue eyes all contribute to making a Himalayan an eye-catching breed. Such cats can certainly bring a smile to the eyes of their owners and this is a good thing. One of the odder facets associated with this cat, however, it the confusion surrounding what type of breed it is. Various cat associations even possess different perspectives on the breed.

The American Cat Fancier Association has opted to designate the Himalayan cat as a unique breed all its own. Yet, the members of the International Cat Fancier Association reneged its agreement on this designation sometime in the 1980s. Basically, they reclassified the Himalayan as a variety of the Persian cat. The confusion regarding this breed further expanded when the International Cat Association decided to label the Himalayan as a version of the Siamese cat. Which one of these organizations is correct? Are Himalayans Siamese cats or Persian cats? The truth will depend on your own perspective since all of these cat associations are correct to a degree.

The Himalayan cat was first bred in the 1930s by Dr. Clyde Keller of the Harvard Medical school and a cat breeder by the name of Virginia Cobb. The two decided to breed Persian and Siamese cats together because they wished to develop a new cat breed that had the long hair of a Persian along with the eyes and markings of a Siamese. After several years of tries, they were eventually successful.

The cat that is now known as the Himalayan maintains the short body and legs of the Persian. It also has the many color points of the Siamese as well their blue eyes. The show quality Himalayans also maintains a flat face and a snub nose of the Persian. However, there are a great many Himalayan owners that do prefer the longer nosed doll faces look on their pets.

If there was one fact that all the owners of the breed would agree upon it would be the fact that Himalayans are high people oriented. They truly do enjoy being with their owners as opposed to being off on their own. Yes, these cats are known for being very playful and even enjoy playing catch. But, they are also known for their love of lap time and being brushed and petted. Actually, brushing these cats is very important because it ensures their long coats remain beautiful.

One thing that separates the Himalayan different from the various other cat breeds is that the Himalayans will not jump all over the house in a hyperactive manner. Himalayan cats have a tendency to be a lot calmer. They enjoy living in households which are equally calm. You could sit down in your home with a Himalayan in residence and be sure that your cat will be jumping on your lap in a relatively quick manner. These are cats that LOVE people and they assume all people will reciprocate the love as well.

Once again, Himalayans make for excellent pets and all owners of these breeds will tell you of such a fact. It does not matter what designation the Cat associations provide for these felines. The Himalayan remains an outstanding breed and a wonderful cat to own.

By Dmitrij Motley - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Skin Disorders in Cats

Eosinophilic granuloma in a cat - Photo: Wikimedia

Most cats are covered with a thick, protective fur. This makes it extremely difficult to tell if a cat has a skin problem before it becomes extreme. It is important to take time on a regular basis to examine your cat’s skin closely for anything that may be wrong.

Run your hand gently over his body and explore the skin for any unusual patches. If you find any, part the fur by brushing it slightly, so that you can see beneath the fur and have a better look at the skin. If you do this often enough and understand your cat’s body, you should be able to spot any irregularity easily. You will learn to know what looks normal and what doesn’t.

Cheyletiellosis is a skin disorder in cats is caused by skin mites and is particularly contagious between cats as well as humans. In cats, the symptoms are itching and it usually results in heavy scaling and flaking of the skin, which is why Cheyletiellosis in cats is often known as “walking dandruff”. This skin condition is usually not deadly and can be easily treated with the right medication once the condition has been diagnosed and confirmed.

Alopecia is a skin disorder in cats that will cause hair loss due to endocrine disturbances, localized infections, or generalized illnesses. The condition can also be a result of stress. The symptoms included bald patches on the skin and can be accompanied by a reddened or inflamed skin. Not a deadly skin disease, and with proper treatment, the fur would most likely grow back. 

While most skin conditions are caused by allergies to food and pesticides bite and can be easily managed and treated, early detection is still important. A few minutes each day could very well prevent days of discomfort later.

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ALASKAN MALAMUTE - The Nordic Sled Dog

Alaskan Malamute "Inu" in Norway. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Alaskan Malamute is a medium-large to large dog that weighs between 70-95 pounds and measures up to 25". They are best known as sled dogs and are used to hard work. They ideal for cold climates or homes that will keep them cool and hydrated in hot summers. The Alaskan Malamute has a thick, coarse outer coat and wooly, dense undercoat. They are dressed for cold weather. If you own an Alaskan Malamute and live in a warmer climate, you need to make sure that they have a place to get out of the sun and plenty of water.

They come in a variety of colors including solid white, shadings of light to medium gray, black, sable, and red. In animals with shadings, parts of legs, feet, the underbody, and part of face markings are predominantly white. The AKC does not recognize any other solid colors than white.

Alaskan Malamutes are independent, friendly and loyal. They are more active as puppies and tend to mellow when they get older. They are chewers, diggers, and explorers. If you don't want it played with then put it away. When your Alaskan Malamute is outside, make sure that they can't dig out of the yard or jump over the fence. They are not a good apartment, small home or city dogs. They love to be outside and need plenty of room to play. Because they are extremely playful as puppies, they would be better for older children until they become calmer. They work best with other animals and pets when they are socialized at a young age. They can be aggressive towards other dogs and can consider small animals prey. This is an ideal dog for a family home that allows plenty of outdoor time to play and explore

The breed dates back over 2000 years and is a native of Alaska. They were originally used as sled dogs by the Alaskan Malamute Eskimo tribe. In addition to a companion dog, the Alaskan Malamutes are still used as sled dogs for racing, exploration, and families living in arctic regions.

As hardworking sled dogs, they are important household pets for families living in cold, snow-covered areas and imperative to their way of life. If you are looking for an independent but loving companion, the Alaskan Malamute is a perfect dog for you.

Submitted by: Dakota Dog  Source: www.isnare.com

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ALASKAN HUSKY Puppy - Puppies of the World

Alaskan Husky Puppy - Puppies of the World

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Keeping Your Dog Safe On the Road - DOG CAR SEAT

Photo  by kennethkonica 

Car rides are the favorite of many dogs.  There are some precautions you can take to make sure this activity will be enjoyable for both of you for years to come.

If you have any type of car with a trunk open to the inside of the car or with some other vehicles, you can have your dog ride in the back separated from you by a gate or a net. If you have a regular car, there are special dog seat belts and other types of restraints available. You don’t want your dog flying forward if you must stop quickly.  You also don’t want him trying to climb into the front and distracting you.

Dog owners who drive a pickup truck should not let dogs ride free in the pickup bed. This can create a dangerous situation for the dog and other drivers if your dog falls out or decides to jump out. Dogs that ride without restraints in the pickup bed may go flying if you stop short and suddenly. Tying the dog in the bed is not a good idea either as the dog may still jump or fall out and wind up being choked or dragged along the road The best and safest solution is to have your dog ride in the cab of the truck with you. . 

Never leave your dog in the car with the windows completely up—especially in summer.  The interior of a car can heat up quickly, reaching temperatures in excess of 120 degrees in a very short time.  This could cause heat exhaustion and even death in your dog.  If you are going to have to leave the vehicle and can’t take your dog with you, it is best to leave him at home for this trip. It is better to have him disappointed today than not around tomorrow.

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How A DOG OBEDIENCE School Changed My Life

A German Shepherd Dog being trained to retrieve over a small A-frame (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A few years back I took my dog to an obedience school because it was acting crazy most of the time. After attending a couple of classes I realized that it was not my dog who was acting crazy, it was me.

When you join a dog obedience school you learn how to train your dog to behave appropriately. In the first stages of training puppies, it is very common that their owners take them to a dog obedience school.

The training is usually done in small groups, where in addition to train the dog itself, it also teaches the dog’s owner how to train, scold and praise the dog.

Actually, a professional dog trainer does not really train the dog; he is training the dog’s owner how to do the training. You can, though, send your dog away to a dog training school alone. But you as the owner must still learn skills to reinforce what the dog has learned on the dog school. If you attend a class together with your dog, you and your dog have a much better chance of learning more about each other as a team under professional guidance.

Every person who has to handle the dog should take part in the training to ensure consistent methods and commands. Or else the dog can get very confused.

I felt like quitting a lot of times because it was harder to change my own behavior than changing my dog’s behavior. I had to learn how to praise my dog more than scolding it. I was amazed.

The strange thing is that, because I started to look at myself in a new perspective, it suddenly came very clear to me that; it was not just my relationship to my dog that needed to change. It was my attitude towards other people as well. A huge eye-opener, that was hard to swallow. And when I look back I can truly say that attending that dog obedience school really changed my life. I would not be the person I am today. And that counts both towards dogs as well as people.

If you are in doubt about whether you should attend a class with your dog or not – don’t be.

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