Taking Care of a Three-Legged Cat

A basic litter box and a bag of litter (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ever dreamt of becoming a pet owner? How about taking care of a three-legged cat? If you are serious about caring for a feline companion, you have to be ready for any comeuppance. 

Being a caregiver to a normal cat is also not as easy as you think it is. Responsibility comes with hard work, practice, learning and applying all those to the way you do things. But with a three-legged cat, everything must be done with extra cautiousness and care.

If you know your pet's peeves, you might as well double the effort of avoiding such if you are taking care of a three-legged cat.

The Pet's Peeves

More than the purring or meowing, you should be able to identify the body language of your cat to its mood. You must take note of the mood changes. What seems to be simple to you may already be a sign of something worse. So be in the know. And don't be the last to find out.

What are the things that may upset your feline friend? By taking extra care with such pet peeves, you will make your cat's life happier and more comfortable.

The Litter Box

Cats have very good eyesight. But they have a better sense of smell. And they don't like anything that stinks. So watch out for those litter boxes. If you don't keep them maintained, your pet may opt for the laundry basket that smells a lot better.

You cat can smell 14 times better than you do. So you really need to do an extra effort on the cleaning part. Because what may be good for you may still smell foul for your pet. Sounds like a lot? Just think of it this way. You will be doing your home a great favor. You will be doing your share to make the place smells nice and clean for your furry companion.

The Horror Medicine

Cats don't like the taste of most of their meds. But as their owner, you know that you can't do without it. So you have to find ways that your cat will be able to take the medicines without causing you too much trouble.

They particularly don't like those in tablet and capsule forms. Such meds can stay in their esophagus for five minutes or longer that may cause more serious trouble. So take this task seriously. Ask your vet for suggestions on how to do so.

The Food

Watch out when you give your cats their food. Make sure that they don't eat spoiled food. It will cause you a lot of trouble because your cats are sensitive to such.

Petting Styles

You have to take note of your petting styles. Being too aggressive or too playful may irritate your cats. You have to treat them with care. And you have to know what tricks they like so that you can give them exactly that.

Jealousy Attack

If you will be introducing a new pet or a new member to the household, you have to integrate them slowly even with your cat. Cats tend to be jealous when they are being given less attention than what they were usually getting.

Taking care of a three-legged cat is easy. You just have to know what to do and what to avoid in order to have a harmonious relationship with your feline friend.

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House Breaking Your GOLDEN RETRIEVER

A male Golden Retriever named Tucker. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

To properly train housebreak your Golden Retriever, you must stick to a routine regarding your crate, and ensure that he doesn’t spend additional time outside of his crate.  When he is outside of his crate, you should watch him at all times.  If you don’t keep an eye on him when he is outside of the crate and he has an accident inside the house, you can’t blame no one but yourself as you didn’t correct him the second it happened.

To help your dog learn the right way to relieve himself, you should always praise him when he goes to the right location.  You can crate him at night, then take him out when he wakes up in the morning and show him the correct spot.  Give him some time, then praise himself once he starts to go.  If you avoid accidents, you should be able to train your Golden without any problems.  Once accidents begin to happen though, it can be extremely hard to break the pattern.

When you housebreak your dog, you should never give him any freedom.  Getting it right is a lot of work for him, and chances are he’d rather be doing something else.  If you are tolerant of him and allow him to make mistakes, you’ll find yourself needing to be a lot more stern to break him of the bad habits that you have tolerated and allowed.  If you start when your Golden is young and enforce the rules, he’ll be a happy member of your family in no time at all.

When you housebreak, you should use confinement as much as possible.  Confinement basically means that until you have housebroken your Golden Retriever, he isn’t allowed to freely move around the house.  You should always keep a watchful eye on him and make sure that if he’s outside the crate - you know where he is at all times and what he is doing.

If you happen to take your eyes off of him even for a second, he could easily relieve himself on the floor.  Once he starts to go on the floor, it can be really hard to break him of this habit.  The smell will be there, and he will smell it the next time he is in that area.  Each time he smells it, he will instantly go to the bathroom in that same area.  The best way to prevent this from happening is to watch him at all times and ensure that he only goes in the area you have for him.

To housebreak your Golden Retriever, you should also allow him a way outside.  Normally, a doggy door is the best way to do this, as your puppy can go outside and relieve himself when the time comes, without disturbing you.  You should also use puppy pads or a litter box inside as well so that he always has somewhere to relieve himself.  During times when he can’t make it outside, he needs somewhere else that he can go.

Housebreaking your Golden Retriever can take you some time, although it will be well worth it once your Golden is properly trained.  He’ll be an essential member of your family, and not use the bathroom anywhere he takes a notion.  He will only relieve himself outside or in an area that you have trained him. Golden Retriever’s need interaction with people, and if you are going to keep them inside - you’ll need to ensure that they have been properly housebroken.

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Common Meanings Of CAT BEHAVIOR

A lot of people think that cats work on their own agenda, not paying much attention to their owner – provided they have clean litter, food, and water.  Cats can behave in odd manners at times, which can easily confuse their owners and make it really hard to determine what the cat wants.  As much as cat behavior can be confusing, there are some ways that you can solve common cat behavior mysteries.

A common behavior that almost all cats do is push their heads into any type of object that will allow them to do it.  You’ve probably seen your cat do this before, probably against table legs, TV stands, or another object.  This can be noticed more when you have other people who own animals or those with allergies over at your house.  When a cat notices this, he will rub his head against the person.  In doing so, he will put a touch of saliva on the individual.  In a cat’s mind, he owns what he puts his saliva on.

By putting his saliva on something, that object or person will have a familiar scent.  Although this can be very annoying, you have to understand that other people in your home are seen as odd or weird to your cat.  When a cat does this, he is simply trying to make the visitor belong.  When he brushes up against them and puts his saliva on them, he is trying to put his scent on them – which in his mind will mean that they belong in his territory.

Even though marking someone or something with saliva is beneficial to the cat, saliva is one of the most common forms of pet allergies.  When someone wipes the saliva off of them, the scent will be gone and the cat will go back and attempt to do it again.  Even though it may appear that cats target those with allergies, cats are actually just trying to make the visitor belong at the house.  If the guest simply cannot take the saliva, allow the cat to rub himself on their pants leg a few times.  Normally, this is all takes for a cat to leave the person alone.

Those of you who an indoor cat should expect the cat to spend quite a bit of time lying near windows.  During this time, you may hear your cat make very strange noises or weird movements.  You shouldn’t fear though, as he is simply acting out his hunting instincts.  Whether it’s another cat or object outside moving about, the cat will see it and simply go into his native hunting instinct.

As most already know, cats love to play.  They love to play with, especially with toys.  They will pounce on things on occasion, which should always be expected.  If you try to prevent this type of behavior, your cat will take a very negative approach and you’ll end up with a lot of broken things in your home.  You can always play with your cat using a string, as he will love to chase the string around the room. 

The longer you own your cat, the more odd behavior you’ll see him exhibit.  Cats behave in strange ways, although they always have a reason for behaving the way they do.  If you can understand why your cat behaves like he does, you’ll have no problems keeping him healthy and happy.  If you simply pay attention to your cat and the way he behaves at times – you’ll be able to understand him better than ever before.

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Fact Sheet: BRUSSELS GRIFFON

(BRUSSELS GRIFFON Dog Breed Profile)

Brussels Griffon weights
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Description:
There are actually three types of Brussels Griffon: 

Belgian Griffon
Brussels Griffon
Petit Griffon. 

All are considered to be toy dogs with a shoulder height of 7 to 8 inches and a weight of 6 to 12 pounds. The stop of the dog is very pronounced and the muzzle is short. The tail of the Griffon is usually docked and the ears can either be clipped or left natural. The coat of this dog comes in two varieties, smooth and rough. The rough coated Griffon has a wiry, longish coat with distinctive facial hair. The coat of the smooth is short and glossy. The Griffon will generally live to be 12 to 15 years old. This dog is also known as the Petit Brabancon and the Griffon Bruxellois.

History:
The first artistically rendered appearance of the Brussels Griffon is in the painting 'The Arnolfini Wedding' by Jan Van Eyck. This masterpiece was created in 1435 and shows the Griffon looking confidently out of the painting. The Griffon was used as a ratter in stables in its native Belgium and it is thought that the original dog was crossed with the Affenpinscher, the Pug, and the King Charles Spaniel to arrive at the dog with which we are familiar today.

Temperament:
The Brussels Griffon makes an excellent companion dog and is cheerful and confident. It loves to cuddle up with its favorite person and will expect plenty of attention. This small dog sometimes needs to be reminded of its size when trying to dominate dogs much larger than it is. The Brussels Griffon tends to bond strongly with one person and should be considered a one person dog. As such, it is probably not a suitable dog for homes with children, especially small ones. However, the Brussels Griffon does get along well with other household pets.

Health Issues:
As with all short-faced breeds, the Brussels Griffon can suffer from breathing problems. It should also be kept as cool as possible when the weather is hot. This breed can also have problems with their eyes, such as cataracts. The Griffon often experiences trouble with whelping and caesarian sections are often called for.

Grooming:
Although the smooth coated Brussels Griffon does not need more than a weekly brushing to keep the coat in good condition, the rough-coated dog will need rather intensive grooming. The dog should be brushed every day to keep mats and tangles from forming. Some people prefer to clip the rough coat shorter for ease of care. It is sometimes necessary to trim the hair on the hindquarters for sanitary reasons.

Living Conditions:
As the Brussels Griffon is exclusively a companion dog, it belongs in the house or apartment with the human with whom it has bonded. It is quite active and playful indoors and will get much of its exercise in this fashion. The Brussels will appreciate a walk every day, however, and should be given the opportunity to stretch its legs. This dog is unable to live outside and as it can suffer from heat stroke easily, should be kept out of the sun during hot weather.

By Scott Allan Lipe For more information on different Dog Breeds, Dog Training and Teacup Puppies for sale including Yorkies, Chihuahuas, and Morkies please visit our websites below. Brussels Griffon Puppies - Puppies or Dogs [http://www.puppies-or-dogs.com] Article Source: EzineArticles

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Understanding Your CAT´S 5 SENSES

Are you a cat owner who is curious about your cat and how they function on a daily basis?  Of course, you cat likely cannot comfortably survive without the food and shelter you provide him or her with, but you may be curious about their senses.  Do you ever find yourself wondering how well your pet can see or what their tastes are like?  If so, please continue reading on.

As for your cat’s hearing, have you ever heard that your cat’s ears are similar to a satellite dish?  There are many pet owner and veterinarians who make this comparison.  What does this mean?  It means that your cat does have a relatively good sense of hearing.  You may notice your cat turn their head and move their ears when you start talking or when they hear a noise outside.  This provides cats with the ability to hunt mice and other small, quite rodents.

As for your cat’s sense of touch, all pets are just like humans.  They have a fine sense of touch.  Whether you touch your cat’s whiskers, her paws, or her tail, it is a movement that she can notice right away.  The most sensitive part of your cat’s body is their whiskers.  As a cat owner, you should already know how important a full set of whiskers are to a cat.  Your cat’s paws are also a sensitive area of their body.

As for your cat’s sight, he or she has good vision.  It has been claimed that cats see at 1/5th the intensity of humans.  Although cats cannot see perfectly in the dark, they are still able to make out distinctive shapes and movements.  Cats are also able to see movement quicker than humans are.  A movement that may appear as nothing to us, is a movement that a cat can notice.  However, during daylight, humans do have a better sense of sight.

Depending on your cat and his or her eating habits, you may assume that cats have a sensitive sense of taste.  After all, many cat owners report their pets as being picky eaters.  Although it may appear as if your cat is a picky eater, they logically aren’t, at least for taste reasons.  In fact, cats are more likely to pick and choose their food based on smell, rather than taste.

Speaking of smell, this is the most heightened out of the five senses for your cat.  Cats have a much better sense of smell than humans do.  In fact, did you know that cats have about 200 million cells in and on their noses that are odor sensitive?  They do.  This is much more than us, humans, have.  In addition to using smell as a way to decide which food to eat, cats can also use smell to determine if an environment is safe to enter.  Smelling is also a method of communication for felines.  It has been said that cats can smell odors that humans can’t even detect.

Now that you know how your cat’s five main senses are, you may be able to better understand the behavior that your cat displays and the habits that they develop.  With that said, also be sure to use your best judgment.  If your cat is refusing to eat their food, it may be something more serious than them just not liking the smell of their cat food.  If your cat appears to lose or have problems with the above-mentioned senses, you should consider scheduling an appointment with your veterinarian.

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Could A Homemade Diet Be Best for Your DOG?

Pupcakes (dog-food cupcakes) from Sprinkles Cupcakes, Beverly Hills (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A good formula for a homemade diet is one-half cereal, rice, or kibbles, and one-half meat, including its natural fat, with green or yellow vegetables, added from time to time. Since they can be made to measure for each individual dog, these combinations would be ideal if they weren't to much bother. Aside from taking more time and trouble than the other methods, a homemade diet requires a sound knowledge of canine nutrition.

Table scraps are definitely insufficient for modern pets who we want to thrive, not merely survive. They are often the direct cause of obesity and various allied skin disorders too. Dogs with unusually big appetites or with a tendency to obesity will keep their figures if you cut down on the starch and increase the vegetables, to the proportion of one meat, one-fourth kibbles, and one-fourth vegetables. Older dogs may need reduced protein to spare their kidneys the task of nitrogen elimination. 

Build your dogs meals around the foods that are highly recommended for dogs:

Beef: (ground or chopped for puppies in chunks for adult dogs, raw or cooked. Dogs prefer their meat a little tough, and they need the fat found in cheaper cuts).

Lamb and mutton
Chicken
Horse Meat
Beef Hearts and Kidneys
Beef Liver (no more than once a week, as too much or too often causes loose stools.
Eggs, hard-boiled or scrambled (The yolk may be given raw, but not the white, which in its raw state destroys biotin, a useful vitamin in the dogs intestine).
Rice, whole wheat, barley, oats, buckwheat
While wheat biscuits or toast
Carrots (cooked or raw, grated and mixed with his meal, or whole for chewing)
String Beans, spinach (chopped or mashed)
Cottage Cheese (excellent for weaning puppies)
Unfermented natural cheese, such as Swiss and Edam Apples and Pears

On the other hand, certain foods should be considered taboo:

White commercial bread
Cabbage (which causes flatulence and is difficult to digest)
Potatoes (hard to digest and not very nourishing)
Starchy Vegetables, such as dried beans
Spicy dishes and sauces
Uncooked egg white
Processed cheese
Pork (unless it is lean, well cooked, and served infrequently)
Raw fish
Delicatessen meats
Unboned chicken, rabbit and fish
Cake and candy
Alcoholic beverages
Chocolate of any kind

Whichever method you choose for feeding your dog, it is best to stick to it. Once he has become accustomed to a certain diet, he will be upset by any sudden change. The upset is apt to take the form of constipation if you change from prepared products to fresh ones and diarrhea in the opposite case. If a change is needed, make it gradual by mixing the old with the new until his body adapts to the change.

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Retirement: Health for your AGING CAT

Cat nodding off; male, neutered, at least 18 years of age (died in 2008)
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Age is just a number, right? A Human who is 60 years old may act like a young adult, while another human the same age may at like he or she is on a deathbed. Cats are the same way! Your pet may act like a kitten for many years or maybe gray and achy quite young. Specific breed, environment, and genetics play a role, but in general, a well-cared for house cat usually lives to be at least 15 years old. Some cats live to be well over 30.

There are things you can do, however, to provide your cat with the chance for the longest life possible. For example, have your cat spayed or neutered. Statistics show that fixed cats live longer because this causes the cat to stay closer to home and be exposed to few dangerous situations and disease. Good nutrition is also important. Make sure that you are buying cat food that is appropriate for your cat's age.

As your cat ages, certain medical conditions may cause you to make special considerations for your cat. Examples include reduced tolerance to extreme temperatures, decreased sensory perception, susceptibility to infection, arthritis and joint stiffness, digestion problems, liver and kidney problems, weaker bones, cancer, muscle weakness, slow reaction, memory loss, high blood pressure, and irritability. As you can see, aging cats have many of the same problems as aging humans!

Along with a good diet, promote healthy amounts to exercise in your cat. You can do this by allowing your cat to go outside and by playing with your cat every day. Toys and environmental pieces, like scratching posts, are great for encouraging your cat to exercise. Remember, cats may spend a lot of the day sleeping, which is fine. If you are overly concerned, talk to your vet about your cat's sleeping habits.

Preventative health care is, of course, important. Make sure that your cat has regular checkups with the vet to make sure everything is in check. You should also brush your cat's teeth daily and have your cat groomed regularly to prevent skin diseases. As cats age, most grow to love grooming. Monitor your cat for diet changes, changing sleep habits, and unsafe water consumption. The key to graceful aging in a cat is an owner who is well involved in his or her life. Make sure that you provide advanced care for your cat as he or she grows, and your pet should be a part of your life for a very long time.

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AUSTRALIAN TERRIER - Puppies of the World

Australien Terrier - Puppies of the World

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How To Master DOG OBEDIENCE

Photo: Pixabay

Dogs are no doubt man's best friends. They are definitely fun to be with and make great companions. Sometimes, they are even considered as part of the family. It certainly feels great to be walking with a dog around either just within the neighborhood or along the beach. But if you happen to have a dog as worse as Marley, the dog in the movie "Marley and Me", perhaps you're more stressed than the usual because of your dog's naughtiness. But why live up with a dog like Marley if you can turn your pet into a well-trained dog? The solution –master dog obedience. Here are some steps on how to do it:

First, be considerate. You have to remember that a dog is an animal, so unlike humans, it has a shorter attention span. You may be able to get its attention now, but a couple of minutes or so it will go back to what it finds interesting. So, try to put yourself into its situation and imagine how frustrating it could be to undergo a dog obedience class instead of doing more fun activities. Take note that most animals are trained easily when given treats before the training. So, before you enroll your pet in a dog obedience class, prepare some really good treats as rewards. 

Next, be consistent. It is not good to give your pet so many instructions at the same time or worse, give up on teaching it a trick just because it is not able to get it at first. Try to be very consistent in such a way that you will start with the easiest command first like the "sit" command before going for more difficult ones. Once it learned the "sit" command, proceed to others like the "stay" or "come" command.

When giving instructions, make sure that you repeat them from time to time until your dog realizes and understands what you are trying to communicate. Again, do not give too many instructions at once for this will confuse your pet more. Take your time. Now, once your pet learned the trick that you've been teaching, give a reward or treat and make sure that you review the trick before jumping into another.

And lastly, of course, be the boss. It is important that your pet recognizes you as its leader; otherwise, you'll end up having a dog that is as hardheaded as Marley. Once your pet recognizes you as the boss, it will be easier for you to make it follow your commands. However, you have to remember that being the boss does not necessarily mean that you have to be harsh to your dog whenever it fails to follow your instructions. Be gentle as possible because this is the most effective way to gain dog obedience.

Mastering dog obedience is not as difficult as you think, right? With all these steps in mind, you are off to a successful dog obedience training. Remember: be considerate, be consistent, and be the boss.

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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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CLUMBER SPANIEL DOG Breed Description and History

Clumber Spaniel - Photo: Wikimedia

Description: The Clumber Spaniel is low to the ground with heavy bones and short legs. The head is large and broad, with a deep muzzle, combined with a heavy brow. The nose is large and comes in various shades of brown. The teeth meet in a scissor bite. The eyes are amber in colour and deep-set. The chest is wide and deep, with the front legs being straight.

The Clumber Spaniel ears are triangular in shape, set low and hang downwards. The neck is muscular and heavy, and the fur is feathered at the throat. The tail is docked, in countries that permit this, and is feathered. The coat is dense, flat and straight, being soft to the touch. This coat is mainly white, with orange or lemon markings. Their weight is 55 to 85 pounds and their height is 41 to 51 inches. Their life expectancy is ten to twelve years.

History: The dogs contributed to making this breed were, the Basset hound, St Bernard, and Alpine Spaniel. There is no proof, but it is believed this breed was created in 18th century France by one of the Dukes of Noailles. Threatened by the French Revolution, the Duke transferred his dogs to England, to his closest family, the Duke of Newcastle. Here the breed was in favour of royalty and the name possibly derives from the Duke of Newcastle's estate called Cumber Park.

This is the heaviest of the Spaniel's and is a slow, quiet hunter. This dog is able to work independently or within a pack showing good endurance to do particularly well in dense undergrowth, and they have a fine sense of smell. This breed has been trained to retrieve and track. In 1848, the breed arrived in Canada, and from there made its way to the United States. The Clumber Spaniel was first recognized by the AKC in 1884.

By Scott Allan Lipe  - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Preparing Your DOG For A Walk

Photo   by MarkScottAustinTX 

You are not alone if it feels like your dog is walking you rather than you walking the dog every time you head to the park. If dogs drag their owners along or darts here and there sniffing and exploring, many find going for a walk with them to be an irksome experience. You can train a dog to walk properly to let you be the guide and let your pet have a great time.

Your relationship with your pet is associated with your dog's leash-walking habits and you might be surprised to learn about this. Instead of owners setting the pace and guide the experience, dogs control the walk and have to be dragged away from bushes and trees. During the walk, the dog is unaware of its owner for the most part. Dogs consider the leash to be an impediment which keeps them from going at whatever pace they want and where they want.

An experience that is pleasant for both the dog and the owner is what all of us really want. You don't want to keep untangling yourself from the leash as your dog wanders about, neither do you want to be dragged along. What that said, training your dog how to walk properly while on a leash is required. It's up to us to provide this dog obedience training since they are not born knowing how to do this.

With the number of different dog leash training methods available today, it is important to find a method that truly teaches you how to understand your dog's very specific personality. If both of you can learn to understand each other, it will be a lot easier to adjust to the training. Additionally, spending time playing with your dog is ideal prior to the walk. The main exercise of the day is often found by walking them and if you burn off energy before your training walks then your dog is more apt to follow along. Spending time before walking them by playing fetch or running around in the house makes the dog feel more relaxed and less resistant to training.

Proper dog training is one of the best investments you can make. Not only will you learn how to teach your dog to behave properly, it will improve the bond and relationship between the two of you. Often one of the main reasons why people forgo dog training is that they simply don't have time to attend a class. With work and family obligations it's often difficult to fit in a scheduled dog training class. For these people, it might be best to opt for a DVD training system, such as The Dog's Way.

Spread over five DVDs are 12 lessons with a workbook that follows along with each lesson with reminder cards that you can take on walks and access to a private, students-only website with extra problem-solving tips is what consists of this obedience training systems. All types of basic behavior such as training a dog to sit and stay walk loosely on a leash, coming when called, staying quiet and much more are included in these dog training video lessons.

About the Author: Garrett McMahan Garrett McMahan loves watching a dog show. To get more info on how to train a dog on a leash, or to find other dog training videos such as obedience training DVD online, please check out the TheDogsWay.com website now.

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Vintage Collection - Dogs (9)

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The Definition Of A Crazy CAT Lady

Photo  by Sleeping cat beads 

There are some women who are obsessed with cats for a number of reasons. Some genuinely want to help cats because they are strays and do not have anywhere else to go. Others do it because they are lonely and need company. In both cases, society has coined the term crazy cat lady to describe women who have a large number of cats in a small living space.

There might be one woman who lives in the neighborhood and has been single for a long time. She has never been married and she does not have any children. She has a very special place in her heart for animals of all kinds but is particularly fond of cats. So she decides to have a cat as a pet since she believes in taking care of animals.

This woman is usually single and does not have any responsibilities to others since they live on their own. So they use the opportunity to use the space they have in their home to take care of these cats. The main problem is that their home is usually too small to take care of so many cats.

Every time she sees a stray cat, she takes it home with her. She just could not turn any away or ignore them when she sees them on the street. Her house is small and does not have much room, but she believes quite strongly that she was destined to do this. As a result of her dedication, sixty-five cats do not have to struggle to find food to eat and a place to sleep.

On the other hand, some women might take in many cats because they are lonely and need company. They might have been married at one time and are now widowed, and probably have children that are now adults and have moved out. This can cause a person to seek out a way to satisfy the emptiness that they feel and they might do this by having lots of cats.

Due to her need to take care of others, she ends up taking in lots of cats. These women are usually older and live on a pension, so they are not very wealthy, to begin with. Yet, they might have so many cats over a certain amount of time because taking them it helps them feel better about themselves.

As a result, she took in a cat every chance she got. She had so many cats that the neighbors were worried about the living conditions in the house she lived in. Some of them tried to talk to her, but she saw them as threatening to break up her new family, which in her mind is the only family she had at the time.

There might be many other ways to define a woman who takes in so many animals, but the two definitions discussed above are typical. Both of these women have a similar obsession with cats and having them in their home. Some may see this as crazy, but to the ladies, it is simply what they love to do and they will keep on taking in these animals.

About the Author: Tammie Caldwell Read more about The Definition Of A Crazy Cat Lady.

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JAVANESE CAT

Blue Lynx Point Javanese Cats - Adult and Kitten Females (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Javanese is a long and slender breed amongst longhaired cats. The pretty feline is very much similar to the Balinese breed of cats, except for the former's rich array of versatile colors. A spontaneous mutation of the Siamese, Javanese breed is classified to include all those felines that fall out of the blue, chocolate, lilac and seal colors of the Balinese. Hence the name Javanese is used, based on the island Java, next to Bali.

A lithe but muscular cat, Javanese is an athletic and surprisingly heavy animal. It is one of the long-haired felines though it is its rich tail that displays true plush. Body is light in color with markings occurring in the typical points, in colors ranging from red, cream and lynx to tortie and tabby variations. Head is wedge-shaped with proportionately oriented ears and slightly slanted eyes to accommodate the shape of the skull. Body, overall, is long and sleek.

With their single layered coat, Javanese don't require much grooming. Their hair doesn't shed nor matt easily. They are quite talkative and meow regularly as part of their expressive nature, though this attribute is not universal amongst all members of this breed. Interestingly, it has been suggested that the individual personalities vary with the fur colors.

Intelligent and inquisitive, Javanese are quite playful. They require attention and company and sometimes get overweight if not monitored. Affectionate animals, they attach themselves readily to people and thrive amidst them. Active and busy cats, they are often on the lookout for high places to perch and survey their 'territory'. Javanese are fearless felines and their curiosity often leads them into odd places and narrow crevices. Despite this dynamic nature, they have a warm personality and adjust readily to their owner's routine to provide company and affection to their adoring humans.

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

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Helpful Products For BLIND DOGS And Helpful CARE Hints

Australian Shepherd with the microphthalmic eye, from Gypsy's Eye Blind Dog Rescue (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A blind dog can still lead a happy life. There are many products for blind dogs that help them to do just that. It is important that you treat your pet just as you always did. If you treat your canine like he or she is fine, they will adjust. If you treat your canine differently and feel sorry for the dog, the dog will pick up on your sadness and it will be bad for the canine.

One of the best things that you can do for a dog that cannot see, treats it like every other dog. A dog has a very good memory and will often be able to navigate its own home and other areas that he is used to spending time in. Many people who see your pet in its own environment, may not even realize he is unable to see.

No matter how careful you are, there is always the chance that a pet can escape. This is scary for dog and human. A medical tag should be attached to the collar. If anyone stops to help the escape artist, they can see right away that the dog has lost its vision and will need some extra help getting home to you.

A hoop harness is another product that is helpful for any dog who cannot see. The hoop harness consists of a harness with a loop on the front. The loop is held several inches in front of a dogs face. This way instead of your pup walking into walls and other things, the hoop hits the object first. This alerts the animal to walls, and furniture, and prevents possible injury.

The scent of a dog is amazing. They can smell things in the air that humans are clueless about. For this reason, using scented markers can help your pup find dishes, her bed, and another item that she must get to. They work well and they are reusable. They can be easily freshened up each month for continued use.

There are leashes that are made for vision impaired and disabled dogs. They allow you to lead the dog so that he or she knows where to go. They are unlike traditional leashes in that they are short and not made for taking walks. They are wonderful for helping you to help your pet.

As mentioned, your dog will not likely need help to navigate through their own home. That is unless you rearrange the furnishings. This can be very difficult for a blind dog. It is best to avoid moving your furniture, or the dog's bed and other items.

Help your pet to live a happy and rewarding life by keeping the above suggestions and products in mind. With a few helpful items, the animal will be able to figure out his surroundings. Your dog can still be taken for walks, always on a leash, of course. Your dog will still enjoy playtime with you and cuddle on the couch. Continue to love him just as you always did.

About the Author: Tammie Caldwell You can visit jordycanid.com for more helpful information about Products For Blind Dogs And How You Can Help Them.

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Some History of DESIGNER BREEDS and The Problem

Labradoodle Assistance Dogs
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Although the concept is by no means new; many people are discovering that some of the latest breeds of super dogs are not as great as their breeders would have you believe.

Of the "designer dog club," the 'Labradoodle' is probably the most well known. The 'Labradoodle' was originally bred for sight impaired individuals who had severe reactions to dog’s fur. This new hybrid aimed to combine the intelligence of the Labrador with a non-shedding poodle.  However, you may or may not have a puppy that will be non-shedding.  Labradoodles have been around for over 20 years and are gaining recognition.

But the term 'designer mutts' can be used to describe any number of endless combinations of dogs who have been bred for particular valued qualities. Ever thought about owning a Dorgi? That's a cross between a Corgi and a Dachshund. How about a Puggle? That’s a cross between a Beagle and a Puggle. There are many variations on breeds with poodles now too. This often results in comical names - the Corgi Poo; or the Shih Poo, the variations are endless.

Hypoallergenic, intelligent and some say healthier than average - these dogs are becoming popular throughout the world.

Yet the American Kennel Club refuses to accept these new breeds. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes 153 breeds at present; and says that these dogs don't meet their criteria.

The American Hybrid Club seems to be the answer for the breeders who are rallying to have their new combinations recognized. They argue that in fact, all dog breeds exist as a result of some kind of experimentation with mixing breeds.

There are many inherent dangers associated with mixing breeds that would never have bred naturally. The main problem is that you never really know exactly what you will be getting. Most often you can learn a great deal about a dog by the look and temperament of their parents - but with these dogs, there is no way to tell if you will end up with a mouse-sized dog - or a dog the size of a small donkey.

And it does not just look. You might be unpleasantly surprised to find that your new puppy has the temperament of a hostile dictator, or worse is very aggressive. These are serious faults; especially if you intend to introduce your cute new 'Schnoodle' (a mixture of a Schnauzer and a poodle) to your kids you never know what might happen.

Is that really a chance you want to take?

Also, these new breeds are by no means considered cheap. You could get an equivalent mix at a shelter for free. But some breeders are charging thousands of dollars for dogs they cannot personally guarantee.

They claim these dogs take the best of both breeds. But there is an equal risk that the dog can end up with the worst from breeds. This seems like a staggering chance to take.

In an attempt to create super dog these breeders are using breeding techniques that seem strangely unnatural. Certain Bulldog combinations always require artificial insemination for successful mating to occur. And you can't count on Caesar section.

Many of the crossbreeds are bred for profit. Unscrupulous practices which lead to fashion item dogs will create a host of problems for future generations.

If you have your heart set on a designer dog bear in mind you might end up paying more in vet bills. Your puppy will need a vast array of tests.

There are many well-established variations. Purebred dogs have a proven track record. You can say with greater certainty what your Labrador will look like. You will also have a greater idea of what kinds of health problems to expect in your Dachshund.

You can also find adult crossbreeds in a number of places. Adult dogs are often a good choice for families who have children or who need to be sure of the dog’s temperament. And of course, giving a loving home to a homeless dog is always a good thing.

If you have your heart set on one of the new crossbreeds; try to learn what you can before deciding on the particular dog or cross.

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