In any decision that you do in life, you must think hard about it in order to arrive at the best choice as much as possible. In the end, it is also you who will suffer or who will benefit from anything that will arise from that. Pet adoption considerations must also be at the top of your mind if you want to venture into this situation.
Why would you want to adopt?
Your reasons can be as simple as you want to gain a companion. The pets of your choice will depend on your lifestyle. You don’t want to get an animal that will require a lot from you physically if you cannot really afford the time to give it to them. You can just settle for a tamer one like a fish, rabbit or parrot that will serve as a companion white they really don’t ask you for too much attention. It will be enough for you to give them their basic necessities like shelter, warmth and food.
You may also want to acquire a pet because you merely want to make a difference and help in this good cause. You may have a soft spot for animals especially for those that have been left in shelters or have been cared for by charitable institutions. This is a good omen and can lead you towards a brighter future in caring for pets. Just make sure that you are ready for the responsibilities that will be required from you when you opt to trek this route.
Do not give pets as presents.
This is a must. The reason for this is very obvious. The recipient of the gift may not be ready to owe up to the responsibilities that your gift comes with. What do you think will happen to the animal when they are handed to an unwilling owner? You may have your own reasons why you give the pets as gifts. You may think that you’ve already assessed the recipient based on the facts that you know about them. But for sure, there are certain spots that you do not know about them. The pets may end up in shelters or may also be given out to others. The worst thing that could happen is for the pet to be ignored and may cause its health to diminish.
What are the other considerations?
Owning pets will give you lots of joy. But these are animals. You cannot teach them to tidy up by themselves. So expect the unexpected. Prepare yourself to clean up your pet’s mess that may be distributed even on your favorite parts of your house. You can teach your pets tricks and share with them some manners. But you must not expect them to follow what you are saying all the time. They may be intelligent but you are superior than they are. You cannot expect them to do the right things all the time. You may be surprised to see eaten foods or chewed papers or shoes at times.
If you are not prepared for such situation, what are you going to do? The most probable thing is that you will vent your anger at your pet. You may want to decide to get lost of them the instant they did what seems to be inexplicable. These pet adoption considerations can help you open your eyes and mind if you can be trusted to be a responsible pet owner.
These days, Persian cats are among the most popular breeds of cat. Well known for their gentle and sweet personalities and their long hair, Persian cats have very attractive features. They are great companions for virtually anyone, and not very demanding. Unlike other breeds, such as the Siamese breed, Persian breeds need very little attention.
Although white is the color normally associated with Persian cats, they actually come in a variety of other colors as well. During competitions, they are divided into seven color divisions – solid, silver and gold, tabby, shaded and smoke, particolor, bicolor, and Himalayan. No matter what color of Persian cat it may be, they are best noticed during competitions by their long and flowing coats.
Persian cats should always be kept inside of the house, to protect their coat. If they travel outside, they can easily damage their coat. They will also need to be brushed daily with a metal comb, or their coat can become tangled, which will lead to hairballs. You’ll need to bathe your Persian cat on a regular basis as well, to help protect his coat. Bathing works best when the cat is young, as it will get him used to it. Bathing should never be overlooked, as it will keep your cats coat looking clean and healthy. Although some breeds can maintain their coats on their own, Persians can’t. Their fur is long and dense and you’ll need to groom them daily to ensure their coat stays healthy.
The Persian breed is gentle and sweet, getting along great with everyone – including kids. They have a pleasant voice that is always good to hear. Using their voice and their eyes, they can communicate very well with their owners. They are very playful, yet they don’t require a lot of attention. They love attention, however, and love being admired. Unlike other cats, they don’t climb and jump much at all. They aren’t destructive either; they just love being admired and lying around. A majority of the time, Persian cats love to bask in the sun and show others just how beautiful they truly are.
Although most breeds can be kept indoors or outside, Persian cats should always be kept inside and never allowed to go outside of the house. Keeping them inside with protect their coats and also keep diseases and common parasites away from them as well. You won’t have to worry about cars or dogs either if you keep your pet inside.
To ensure that your Persian pet stays healthy, you should always take him to the vet on an annual basis. If cared for properly, such as grooming, shots, and checkups, Persian cats can live as long as 20 years. One thing you’ll need to be aware of that’s common with Persians is their eyes. Their eyes are very big and can sometimes be too much for the cat to clean. This is a common health problem with the breed and should be checked on a regular basis to ensure that it doesn’t get out of control.
When you compare Persians to other breeds, you’ll notice that the Persians are among the easiest to keep. You don’t have to worry about things like jumping or climbing, as Persians don’t like to do either. All you’ll need to do is feed your cat and groom him or him on a daily basis. Even though grooming can be quite a bit of work in the long run – it’s well worth it when you have a healthy beautiful Persian cat.
My Springer Spaniel has gotten a little more resistant to the come command when she knows it means "Get in the kennel." At night, she goes in between nine and ten. And like clockwork, she wakes me up at 2:00 am. I am sure I have started a bad habit, but I am afraid the neighbors are being disturbed. She still digs once or twice a week during the day. It's like she goes into a panic after 4 to 5 hours in the kennel.
Thanks,
Dick
Dear Dick:
1. Go to her and make her come when you call her if you do not see that she moves to respond within 1/2 a second of your command. But I personally like to use a specific command such as, "Get in the kennel." If she doesn't immediately move towards the kennel, I will go and get her and walk her in the kennel. If you wait to see if she's going to respond, then she will wait to see if you're going to make her. (That is until the behavior has become a conditioned response.)
When you say kennel, you mean a crate-- for at night, right? If not, then this is where she should be sleeping at night. Put her in the crate and then give her a cookie. This will reinforce that going into the crate is a positive thing.
2. For the outside kennel, buy some hardware mesh or chicken wire and put it under the entire kennel run and then put about an inch of dirt on top of that. Dogs don't like digging and clawing against this type of material.
3. Increase her exercise regimen. Buy yourself a bike and take her for a 2 mile run each day. It's good for you, too... and it will work wonders in reducing your dog's boredom.
Beagle barking is commonly agreed to be a popular behavioural problem in this breed of dog. Beagles are intelligent dogs with an instinct for hunting. However, their barking can drive owners and their neighbours up the wall. If this is true for you and your beagle, now is the time to put a stop to the issue.
When attempting to stop beagle barking, it is essential to first consider the reasons why your beagle may be barking. If you do not do this, you are unlikely to be able to stop beagle barking. There may be a number of reasons for your dog's barking. Your beagle's barking may be attributed to a common reason. The bark of a beagle is a form of communication. Consider why your beagle may be barking and consider the surroundings that they are in when they begin to bark. Beagles are relatively small in size yet they possess a great deal of energy. All dogs need regular exercise and if they remain indoors or cooped up in a pen for the majority of the day, they will be keen to get outdoors to expend at least some of their energy. If a puppy is unable to expend their energy, they will suffer from boredom and loneliness. When they are allowed out or do come into contact with humans, they are likely to become highly excitable. This will often lead to barking.
When you take the time to consider how to stop beagles barking, you are taking the first step to improving your beagle's barking. Take the time to consider and learn more about your dog's needs. Furthermore, you should ensure that your dog is aware of your own needs. Do not hesitate to let your beagle know when its behaviour is inappropriate or unacceptable. However, it is inadvisable to react negatively to stop beagle barking. Never throw objects at your dog to stop beagle barking. Taking your dog to a professional trainer will increase your understanding of your puppy. Furthermore, you will be provided with effective beagle training tips.
Beagles are intelligent dogs and this can often be seen as a drawback - it may or may not work in your favour. Use your beagle's intelligence to your advantage by using beagle puppy training tips. While beagles offer many beneficial characteristics, stop beagle barking training can take time, patience and effort. Once you have learned how to stop beagle barking, your faithful friend will be the perfect dog.
A small to medium sized dog, the beagle weighs between 20-28 lbs and is 12" to 16" in height. Sometimes referred to as the English Beagle, this breed is energetic, friendly and loyal both as a family companion and hunting dog.
Coat colors accepted by the AKC are orange and white, lemon and white, red and white or tri-colored. Black, white and tan tri-colored coats are the most common. Their medium-length coat is smooth, hard and close. It requires minimal brushing and only needs to be washed occasionally.
Friendly, loyal, loving and playful are all qualities that make them excellent family pets. Homes with other dogs, pets, and children can all welcome the Beagle as part of the family. They require minimal socialization and actually enjoy the companionship of other pets and their family. A very energetic breed, the beagle needs a home that will give them plenty of play time, exercise, and regular walks. When outside they should be in a fenced in yard and a leash should be used for walks as they have a tendency to explore and follow scents. They make good watchdogs as they will let you know if someone is at the door by barking, but they are naturally friendly with strangers, so don't expect them to be good guard dogs.
Originating in England, this scent hound was bred for hunting rabbits and quails. They would often hunt in packs or pairs, but can also hunt well alone as well. They have an excellent sense of smell which makes them good at tracking and as narcotics dogs. Today they are mainly seen as companion dogs in the United States, but they are also used as hunting dogs.
A breed with such a friendly, loving nature is perfect for just about any family dynamic. Because of their high energy level and need for regular exercise, they work best with active families or those that have a yard where they can have plenty of time to roam and run. If you are looking for an affectionate breed that enjoys family companionship and loves to play, then the Beagle is the perfect dog for you.
The Bearded Collie is a medium-sized dog that weighs between 40-58 pounds. They are 20" to 22" in height. Their abundant hair gives the impression that they are larger than they actually are. They have a happy, friendly nature and are not watchdogs in any way as they are friendly with all that they meet.
Recognized by the AKC, the acceptable coat colors for the Bearded Collie are black, grey, tan, brown or fawn with some white markings. When they are puppies, they may or may not have white markings. As they mature, their coat color either fades or changes. The most common colors are black with white or gray with white. Their long, harsh, straight and shaggy outer coat and short, soft, thick undercoat require a daily brushing to prevent tangles. Their nickname is "beardie" because of the long, shaggy hair under their chin.
This energetic, loving, happy-go-lucky breed makes an excellent family pet. They are people dogs and love to be with their family. They are wonderful for homes with children and other dogs and can do well with other non-canine pets provided they have early socialization. They are enthusiastic, outgoing, and lively and require plenty of exercises and play time. They need a yard to run and roam. Having toys on hand is a good idea if you are going to be gone for an extended period of time. Early training is recommended because they have a stubborn tendency at times. They are easy to train.
Dating back over 500 years, the Bearded Collie originated in Scotland. They are considered to be descendants of the Polish sheepdog. They were bred to herd sheep and cattle, thus explaining their collie name which means herding dog in Scotland. They have also been used for tracking. They are still used as sheep herding dogs in some areas.
Friendly to family and strangers alike, the Bearded Collie will greet all he meets with enthusiasm. Because they require regular outdoor exercise and play, they are best with active families who will give them the activity that they need. Homes with other dogs and children can feel confident in adding a Bearded Collie to their family.
Anytime your cat backs himself up to a door or other object in your house, lifts his tail, and releases urine – you have a problem. This problem is known as spraying and is very common with cats kept indoors. Even though it is a very annoying problem, it’s a problem that can be solved.
Contrary to what many think, spraying isn’t a litter box problem, but rather a problem with marking. Cat urine that is sprayed contains pheromones, which is a substance that cats and other animals use for communicating. Pheromones are much like fingerprints with humans, as they are used to identify the cat to other animals.
When a cat sprays something, he is simply marking his territory through his urine. The spraying is simply the cat’s way of letting others know that the territory is his. Even though it may make you mad and annoy you, getting angry with your cat will solve nothing. If you raise your voice or show anger towards your cat, it can very well result in more spraying.
Cats that are in heat are easily attracted to the odor of urine. For cats in heat, spraying is more or less an invitation for love. Often times cats that spray while in heat results in a litter of kittens that are born in just a few short months. Keep in mind that cats not only spray during the heat, as some will also spray during encounters with other cats, or when they are feeling stressed.
Although spraying is a way of communicating for cats, the smell for people is horrible. The good thing here is that most cats will do a majority of their spraying outdoors. If you have an indoor cat that never goes outside, spraying can indeed be a problem. If you’ve noticed spraying in your home, you should take action and do something about it immediately.
The most effective and also the easiest way to stop spraying is to have your cat either neutered or spayed, which of course depends on the sex. Most male cats that have been neutered will stop spraying the same day they have the surgery. If you don’t want to get your cat neutered or spayed, you should look into other options. If you hope to one day breed your cat, you certainly don’t want to have him neutered or spayed.
The best thing to do in this situation is to talk to your veterinarian. He will be able to give you advice and possibly even solve the problem without having surgery. There may be a medical problem present that is causing the problem, which your vet can identify. You should always do something about spraying the moment it starts – simply because cat urine stinks and it can leave
Dogs with injuries for illnesses that affect their mobility use this rear support harness. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Pets suffering from limitations in general mobility, require supportive devices to improve strain and to eliminate restrictions. A rear harness for dogs has been designed to assist animals that are unable to lift the hind legs because of hip and limb problems that can result from trauma and an increase in age. It is proving most helpful for both owners and their pets affected by debilitation in the joints.
A rear harness is an effective option for pets as it best supports the occurrence of weakness and limited mobility in the hips and hind legs. A large number of dogs can be supported with such mechanisms that will protect against further degradation of the joints, soft tissues, and nerves. For pets that are limited by acute injuries or chronic conditions, it requires corrective methods that are not harsh and will improve daily mobility.
The harness is available for a wide variety of breeds that includes maximum support for the hips and the rear legs. Canines can be assisted with the appropriate methods that prevent further difficulties, helps dogs move to relieve themselves, and may include short walks because of the additional support. The mechanism is available to relieve the physical stress that affects the health of joints and tissues.
These types of supports can be bought to securely fit the body size of the canines for increased comfort and protection. These aids must fit snugly around the abdominal area and ensure that all types of lifting motions are performed in a smooth and effective manner. Where pets have to be lifted to move around, it is imperative that the technique applied is safe and gentle on sensitive joints and tissues.
The harnesses have been designed to help pets with issues in mobility that may result from degeneration or acute injuries. It must be raised gently and slowly to assist the animal and to prevent against a fearful response when placing the mechanism around the lower body. It is important to ensure that the correct measurements are taken that will provide snug solutions and not slip off the rear.
The supportive device can best support the health needs of pets and incorporates soft padding for a comfortable feel. The strapping that secures the harness should not interfere with regular movement and must not become entangled in the hair of the animal. The necessary comfort must be provided for healthy canines that will prove most secure and safe for daily use with the affected canine.
The harnesses have been created with additional padding and a strap that keeps the private areas protected. It is simple to slip the item over the rear legs of the dog and to move upwards towards the hips to provide a snug and secure fit. Such support mechanisms can be used for daily walks and general mobility around the house.
Pets affected by sudden injury or chronic ailments can benefit from rear harnesses. The items have been designed to provide maximum comfort according to the size and physical needs of a dog limited in mobility. With the application of a healthy approach, it can deliver maximum joint support and relieve discomfort.
About the Author: Francis Riggs
A rear harness for dogs gives them better mobility. To know more about this great product, don't hesitate to check out the related page at http://gingerlead.com.
West Highland White Terrier puppy (Taegan) laying on the couch (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Puppies are eager and willing to do the right thing. They love your happy face and the squealy noises you make when they have done something great. They will do ANYthing to please you because of the loving rewards they get from being a Good Dog. They just cannot get enough of your praises and cuddles.
Moving towards "What a good dog!" from "Bad Puppy!" is based on one thing. Your puppy does not know the English language, and the faster he learns it, the better for all because the minute he knows what you want he will DO it. Make it faster and easier for him to learn by keeping these tips in mind:
1. Be consistent in the words you choose to teach him commands. If you say, "Wanna go potty?" in the morning, and "Have to go out?" two hours later, and "Wanna go pee?" two hours later, etc., then that is THREE phrases you have asked him to learn in one day instead of only one. Decide which words to use, and make sure everyone in your family uses the same ones.
2. Use his name in the command if you want action, do NOT use it if you want him restricted from an action. This is very important. Hearing his own name makes a puppy leap into action by his very nature. When you want your puppy to come, say, "Puppy, Come!" [insert his name instead of the word Puppy, of course] When you want him to lie down, simply say, "Down".
3. Do not confuse your puppy with the same words for different commands. If you are teaching him basic obedience, the word "Down" means LIE down, usually followed by "Stay." If you don't want him on the couch, do not say "Down", say, "Off." This word can be used to keep him from jumping up into your lap, onto the couch, chair or bed because it is the ACTION of jumping up you are trying to restrict. Saying "Down" when he jumps onto the couch will just make him lie down on the couch! See the difference?
3. Do not ever hit your puppy, you don't need to. The worst punishment he ever needs to learn a lesson is your sad frown and walking away from him. One or two minutes is the limit though, do not overdo this. After a minute of ignoring him, give a command he knows well and praises, praise, praise, with a big smile.
These three tips, used with gentleness and consistency, will teach your puppy all the words he needs to know to be a happy and obedient companion in a matter of days.
A pit bull terrier named "Wiki" smiling
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
As a loving and caring Pit Bull owner, you will undoubtedly spend a lot of your time in training your dog. You will probably do some crate training, obedience training, maybe even agility training. But, one of the most enjoyable things you can do for your Pit Bull is leash training.
He may not think very highly of it at first, but once he has the hang of it, your outside time with him will be much more enjoyable for you both. Leash training is also an important step in training your Pit Bull for shows if that is your ultimate goal.
Most experts recommend that you begin leash training your Pit Bull when he is around six or seven weeks old. Usually, at this age, he will have a better attention span and will be up for walks with you.
When you first start walking with your Pit Bull puppy, you may want to allow the puppy some freedom at first, so that he can explore his area and play. The training at this time will be teaching your Pit Bull puppy to stay with you during your walk and come when you call him. By letting the puppy explore, and then calling his name, he will learn that you want him to come back to you. It is important to praise and reward your Pit Bull puppy when he does come when you call him. Some trainers will use treats to get the puppy to follow them at first. Due to his short attention span, you shouldn’t expect this to work for long. You should give the puppy a treat, and let him go play, then try again a little later. By using treats and rewards, and being patient, your Pit Bull puppy will catch on fairly quickly.
When your Pit Bull puppy has mastered the walk without a leash and coming to you when you call him, you can probably begin training him on a lead. Most veterinarians will recommend starting with a nylon collar before trying a choker collar. Most of the time, the choker collar isn’t needed, unless you have a very strong willed Pit Bull.
Usually, the best place to start leash training is your own backyard. The Pit Bull puppy is probably already very familiar with this area now so he will be less focused on exploring, and more on training. You also don’t have to worry about other animals on the scene, as you would at a park or local walking track.
Again, when you have the collar on and are ready to begin, bend down and offer a treat to get your Pit Bull puppy to come to you. After successfully doing this a few times, start to walk a little with the puppy on the leash. If your Pit Bull puppy follows you, praise him and give him a treat. In the event he doesn’t follow, which often is the case the first time around, start all over again. Once he starts to follow you without resistance, try walking a little bit further each time. Your Pit Bull puppy will soon learn to be lead, without him even noticing he is doing something he may not want to do.
Continue working with your Pit Bull often, as any training should be ongoing. The more training and practice your Pit Bull gets, the more accustomed to the leash he will become.
A Dog Wearing an Inflatable Elizabethan Collar
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Having a dog is a big responsibility. Some even compare taking care of a dog to that of a baby. The only advantage of having dogs compared to having babies is that they won’t grow older and turn into stressful teenagers. Because dogs are like babies they sometimes also end up in harmful situations. They would sometimes get themselves trapped in a tight place or get hit by something that will injure one of their limbs. When that happens, we should learn how to bandage our dogs to prevent further damage. Here are some basic ways of how to bandage your injured dog.
1. When your pet has a bandage, it should always be clean and dry. So it’s pretty important to make sure your pet stays inside most of the time when it has a bandage. To prevent the bandage from getting wet when the pet goes to pee or poop, a trash bag or plastic covering should cover the bandaged leg. You may use empty bread bags. When your pet has wet or dirtied up the bandage, it would require changing. Make sure to check the bandage twice a day to see if it is clean and dry. Check also for foul odors or discharge and if there is any, call your veterinarian immediately.
2. After bringing home your pet from the veterinarian make sure that the bandage is still in place. Your pet might have been irritated by it and has chewed or tried to scratch it off. Look closely at the position and the location of the bandage when you do check. Look at the toes of the pet, the bandage might have slipped up making the toes stick out. Also look at the size, if the bandage has become loose. This should be taken into account when a dog has been bandaged in the abdomen or leg area. This is because one end will be bigger than the other and eventually become narrower. When the bandage telescopes down the limb of the dog it may bunch up and abrade the limb. When that happens, the bandage should be changed as well.
3. If the dog is bandaged up in the leg make sure it isn’t too tight. Observe how the toes will appear at the bottom of the bandage at least twice a day. This is done to check for sweating, swelling, or pain. Check for skin chaffing, redness, discharge or swelling before and after the bandage has been applied.
4. To prevent the pet from chewing the bandage because of the bothersome experience it gives, put an Elizabethan collar. If you have observed that the pet is chewing or scratching it excessively, ask the vet if there might be problems.
These are the times that you should already be taking the pet back to the veterinarian:
People from all walks of life like Persian cats and wish to have one as a pet. Most Persian cats have thick coats of fur and are nice to cuddle with. If you wish to find that perfect little one that you can love and adore, then the best place to go to would be a Persian Breeder or a Persian Cattery.
Persian Breeders are people and businesses that breed and raise Persian cats for a living. These people usually breed with the best and most healthy Persian cats. They dedicate their time and effort to raising beautiful, healthy Persian cats that are registered with CFA or similar associations. As with any type of business -- for Persian Breeding is a business -- you will find both reputable and deceitful Breeders. Those of a reputable standard will be able to show you proof of where the cats came from, parents of kittens and the necessary documentation for their cats. If you find yourself conversing with someone less reputable or outright deceitful then it is best to contact your local authorities.
The difference between a Persian Breeder and a Persian Cattery is that a Persian Cattery breeds and raises their Persian cats for their own benefit as much as for the customer seeking a Persian kitten. There are many reputable catteries and they also have many different goals. Some Persian Catteries breed their cats for the main purpose of having the perfect show cats. Many Persian catteries do not breed their cats for the purpose of providing pets for families but rather for the purpose of having the best and most beautiful show cats.
Having the perfect cat is one thing but maintaining that cat's health and beauty is quite another. Persian cats have thick fur and their coats need to be groomed daily -- combed or brushed. You can find many Cat grooming products at your local pet shop. It is best to use a wide-metal tooth comb instead of a brush. If you use a brush, then only do so to 'fluff' the coat and make sure to first remove any mats in the coat. If you groom your cat daily then matting should not be a problem.
You can either bathe your cat yourself or you can go to a professional groomer. You know that your cat needs a bath when they begin to look greasy as the dirt accumulates and matting will increase if you do not bath your cat. If you decide to bathe your Persian cat yourself then you need to first remove all mats with a wide-toothed comb. Do not pull on the hair as you can remove the hair to the root and bald patches will form.
The perfect cat needs the perfect home and you will reap the benefits of having the perfect Persian cats if you show him/her the love and care that all cats deserve. Care for your cat to the best of your abilities and they will love and care for you in return.
By Iftikhar Tirmizi Iftikhar Tirmizi freelances as a niche marketing consultant and marketer that owns and operates roughly 40 blogs and websites touching dozens of niches, including an article directory and Niche Advertising Blog. Tirmizi has been creating health and wellness for his clients since 2007. Recently working on the project of Persian Kittens Article Source: EzineArticles
There is not complete agreement on the origin of this breed. The one theory is that the Appenzell Mountain dog is a native breed that dates back to the Bronze Age, and the other is that is descended from the Molossus and the later brought into Switzerland by the Romans. These dogs are one of the four Swiss Sennenhunds, with the Appenzell Mountain dog being the rarest of the four. These dogs make outstanding herd dogs, seeing that they are without a tire in the mountains. The Appenzell are also very flexible when it comes to pulling carts, and they were used to bring cheese and milk to the merchants in town from the valleys. This is a very hard working breed that loves to work with the herd when it is not guarding its master.
Temperament
The Appenzell Mountain dog has a very high intelligence, and they are also very active. They do well with other animals and people, especially when they have been socialized well from an early age onwards. These dogs can, however, be wary of strangers. This is an active breed that will need a lot of exercises. They will flourish with agility and skill training, but also be a bit noisy and get bored easily. This is definitely not an indoor dog. This dog is a tough dog that has sober habits. The Appenzell Mountain dog will be devoted to the whole family, but will probably bond closely with one member.
Care
This breed has a straight-haired double coat that does not require a lot of care. Dead hears can be removed with a rubber brush from time to time to keep their coats in a good condition.
Training
This breed will do best in a consistent and well-balanced training environment. It is important for this dog to be socialized well with different types of situations, animals, and people. Due to the intelligence of these dogs, they will learn very quickly. These dogs like to be given a task to complete. The Appenzell Mountain dog loves to be outdoors, especially when its trainer is close by. This dog will do very well in skills trials and games of catch. The Appenzell can be very noisy, but they are outgoing dogs that make excellent watchdogs. The Appenzell Mountain dog is a very pleasant and warm dog, but prefers the freedom of wide open spaces and therefore not well suited for indoor living.
Health problems
The Appenzell Mountain dog is a very tough and healthy breed that has no breed-specific conditions worth reporting.
Portuguese Water Dogs have short hair that does not shed and is considered a working dog, meaning that it is a breed that needs to stay busy. This breed is considered a hypoallergenic dog. Traditionally used to assist in fishing expeditions, the Portuguese Water Dog is now kept as a house pet. While this breed is not as common as other breeds, if you want to dog that is hypoallergenic, lively, and enjoys companionship, then this breed may be the one for you.
Since the Portuguese Water Dog is not bred as often as other breeds of hypoallergenic dog, you will have to search for a breeder online, in the newspaper, or by calling breeders in your area until you find one. Generally happy dogs, the PWD needs to stay busy or it will get bored. You should have plenty of toys for it to play with and you may want to consider crate training when you are not at home. This means that the dog will stay in a crate when you go out so it does not destroy your home. When the PWD gets bored or lonely, it will chew on anything it finds.
Crate training should begin right after you bring the dog home. By placing a blanket, toys, and water into the crate, you will make the dog comfortable while you are away. You should not use the crate when punishing the dog or it will not want to go in it when you leave for the day. After training the dog, you will have to keep up the routine. This will give the dog structure and will also salvage your possessions. Keeping the dog in a crate when you are not at home will also reduce allergens.
Portuguese Water Dogs need to be groomed every two months or so. There are two patterns that most groomers follow, the retriever cut and the lion cut. The retriever cut means that the hair is cut evenly on the body. The lion cut leaves that front half of the dog's body covered with hair, while the hair on the hind legs is cut short. You should take the dog to have his hair groomed if you are not comfortable cutting it yourself.
If you are considering buying a PWD, you should be prepared to have constant companionship. These breeds need to be walked and they need to be entertained throughout the day. If you need to travel on vacation or for work, you should board the dog so it will not be lonely. Portuguese Water Dogs typically live between twelve and fifteen years.
Portuguese Water Dogs are easy going and get along with children and most adults. If you are looking for a breed that does not shed and will fit in with your family, then the PWD is the breed for you. While most Portuguese Water Dogs are black, some are white or a mix of both. Their hair is curly or wavy and similar to that of the standard poodle.
A Siberian Husky is a wonderful breed of dog, however, this may not be the right fit for every type of family. A lot of people will be drawn to this breed once they hear all about how intelligent they are, the way that they are wonderful with children and also that they make great exercise partners.
In addition to that, there are a lot of people who are excited to hear that this is a breed that is free of the common dog smell that so many other breeds have. While all of these things can be very beneficial, it is important that you understand the true nature and inner workings of this breed before you make a decision.
If you are a person who is happy, assertive, well-adjusted and active with a great family situation at home, you could be a perfect owner for a Siberian Husky. Despite the shedding that these dogs are subject to, this is a breed that is exceptionally clean. They take a good deal of pride in their coat and will do a lot to keep it clean on their own. Since they do not have a dog odor, they are a good choice for someone who is not a fan of it. Even while they are eating, the husky is a clean dog that will rarely make a mess and keep their dining area really clean.
When it comes to climate, the Siberian Husky just loves colder climates. As a matter of fact, some of them are happiest in the coldest climates. Even if the wind is whipping and snow is falling down, this is a breed that loves everything to do with cold climates. If you live in a warm climate, such as the west or southwest, for example, this may not be the right dog breed for your family and lifestyle.
However, since they have a double coat that is unique in nature, the heat is not going to penetrate as easily so some dogs in this breed are able to adjust gradually. It is simply important to take extra care as well as health precautions when the weather heats up.
While it never means leaving them alone for long stretches, the Siberian Husky is well known for being a fairly independent dog. This breed simply loves human attention and love spending time with their owners. If you are able to devote time and exercise with plenty of love, this could be the right breed for you.
Wayne Booth is the owner of Canine Behavior Specialists, http://www.CanineBehaviorSpecialists.com in Nashville, TN where he helps people train their dogs and solve behavior problems. Wayne has been teaching people how to become Professional Dog Trainers since 1990 and he is the Training Director of the Canine Behavior Specialists Network, http://www.K9-University.com.
German Shepherd Dog from 1915 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The German Shepherd Dog Is Also Known By These Other Names: Alsatian, Deutscher Schaferhund, GSD.
German Shepherd Dog Temperament
The German Shepherd dog is amongst the most intelligent of dogs and its versatility and excellence in performing all manner of activities has secured its eternal position in the hall of fame when it comes to policing duties, search and rescue, military functions such as bomb-sniffing and even as sight-seeing dogs for people who are blind or those with impaired eyesight. The German Shepherd is a quick study and due to their innate high intelligence are very easy to train.
These dogs are active, alert and like many other animals of a high intelligence and active nature, the German Shepherd needs to be constantly challenged and stimulated both physically and mentally to avoid becoming a nuisance. That said, this dog breed makes a great companion and is both brave and loyal. Though some dogs tend to be somewhat aloof and wary by and large this dog breed makes for a great family pet and they generally get on well with children. Occasionally certain dogs may become a tad domineering with children which may manifest in the form of the German Shepherd trying to herd them about; in keeping with its breeding pedigree.
German Shepherd dogs have excellent watchdog ability and are typically wary of both strangers and other dogs. Early socialization is a must if your dog is going to be around other animals. As far as climate tolerance is concerned these dogs adapt fairly well to moderate cold as well as moderate heat, though extremes in either direction don't go down well.
German Shepherd Dog Grooming & Exercise Requirements
The German Shepherd boasts a high energy level and thus this dog breed requires plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Its grooming requirements, however, are not quite as demanding and its coat only requires brushing once or twice a week. The German Shepherd is a moderate to heavy shedder and thus is perhaps not the best choice of dog for allergy sufferers.
German Shepherd Dog Appearance
The body of the German Shepherd dog is typically longer than it is tall and in the modern variant when the animal is standing the body slopes downwards as though the dog is poised to spring off of its hind legs. This was not always the case, the early variant of the German Shepherd dog having a squarer body and less slanting haunches. The tail is usually bushy and hangs with a slight curve.
This dog breed boasts an athletic build and erects ears atop a head with a pointed snout which enhances the alert appearance of the dog. Coat color may vary and includes the following: black, black and tan and sable. From a show dog perspective, white-coated dogs are not allowed although of recent there is a movement for such specimens to be represented in their own sub-category.
This dog breed has a double coat with a thick outer coat comprised of close-lying medium-length hair that may be straight or slightly wavy.
Weight: Males: 75 - 100 pounds
Females: 60 - 80 pounds
Height: Males: 24 - 26 inches
Females: 22 - 24 inches
German Shepherd Dog Health Issues/Life Expectancy
This dog breed on average has a lifespan of 10 - 12 years. Due to rather intense in breeding over the years the German Shepherd dog suffers from a number of genetic disorders which include the following:
German Shepherd dogs are also extremely susceptible to a potentially fatal systemic infection from the fungus Aspergillus.
German Shepherd Dog History
The modern German Shepherd dog is the end result of a concerted effort in the late 19th century to breed the perfect German sheep herding dog. Up until that time, each district boasted its own distinct herding dog. To achieve the perfect herding dog various dog breeds from the north were crossbred with those from the central district ultimately resulting with the forbearer of the modern German Shepherd.
The goal of the German Shepherd dog breeding program was to produce a dog that could watch out for and control straying sheep from the rest of the flock without spooking the entire flock. Thus unlike cattle herding dogs, it was undesirable for the German Shepherd dog to exhibit leg nipping and neither could it control its wards by barking at them because either one of those attributes would more than likely cause the entire flock to panic!
In essence, the German Shepherd dog breeding program had to come up with an extremely intelligent, versatile, swift and independent thinking breed of dog that executed its duties in a precise, swift, calm and steady manner.
Between 1899 and 1901 a specialist breed club was established and was originally headquartered in Stuttgart before moving to Munich and then finally ending up in Berlin. This club was known as Der Verein Fur Schaferhunde (SV for short), and this organization's primary goal and purpose was to oversee the continued positive development of the German Shepherd dog breed.
Within a decade of its breeding, the German Shepherd dog had soon become one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Its rising star in popularity was slightly marred by the occurrence of the two world wars, when it was considered prudent in both Britain and France to refer to the dog breed as either an Alsatian or simple the Shepherd Dog to avoid the inevitable backlash at the time associated with the word German incorporated in the dog breed's name.
All dogs bark, it’s their way to communicate a message. Dog barks for various reasons: to greet, to alert, out of boredom, to attract attention or when they are excited.
Although some barking from is acceptable, too much barking is certainly annoying, especially for your neighbors and eventually leading to complaints. The easiest way to stop a problematic barker is to control his barking while you are at home:
1. Set up a situation where your dog will always bark. For example, you can ask someone to ring your doorbell or knock on your door.
2. When your dog charges to the door and starts to bark loudly, approach your dog, grab his collar and give the command “quiet” – no shouting please, it doesn’t help.
3. If he stops barking, praise and reward. He’s a genius and deserves it.
4. When he continues barking, close his mouth with your hand, wrap your fingers around his muzzle – use both hands if needed, and give the command for him to keep quiet. Praise if he stops.
Most dogs would be able to learn the “quiet” command with repeated training like this. Set up similar situations to "lure" your dog to bark and repeat training whenever possible.
If you happen to own a hard-core persistent barker, use this method:
1. Vinegar-Water solution – mix a proportion of 7/8 water & 1/8 vinegar together. Pour the mixture into a water pistol or what kids call “super soaker” for longer distance shooting.
2. Aim and shoot at his chest whenever he can’t stop barking even on your command. Dogs hate the smell of vinegar and would usually back off and stop barking. He’ll even sneeze a few times. It’s harmless so you need not worry.
3. As always, praise him when he stops barking.
For your information, your dog might still be barking noisily and disrupting your neighborhood when you are not at home. In this case, you’ll need a training equipment known as “bark collars” to help train him.
There are several types of bark collars on the market. Some of these collars send an electric shock to your dog when he barks, some make a high pitch sound or emits a squirt of citronella which is annoying but safe for your dog. Usually, these collars can help you solve a problematic barker.
Personally, I’ll recommend the high pitch sound or citronella collars. They are very effective and more humane dog training tools.
