CANINE DIABETES; is Your Dog at Risk?

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The classic early warning signs of diabetes were all present when I brought my canine companion of twelve years into the Veterinarian's clinic. Muffy was lethargic, unsteady on her feet, drinking large amounts of water, and experiencing incontinence for the first time in her life. I knew something was seriously wrong.

After blood work and a physical examination, the veterinarian said that Muffy had developed type-two canine diabetes. After a brief discussion, we decided to try and regulate her blood sugar level with diet modification and insulin twice daily. 

At first, it was rough going. Weekly checkups revealed Muffy's sugar levels continued to bounce from one extreme to the other. Determined not give up, I monitored her urine samples at home for sugar content and adjusted insulin injections as necessary. Gradually, we began to see improvement.

After just a few months Muffy was once again her frisky self. You would never know by watching her race about that she had a serious health problem. A special diet, proper amounts of insulin and regular exercise have worked together with Muffy's routine veterinary care to turn the tide. As a result, I can look forward to many more happy years with my little dog.

Wyoming veterinarian Mary Flitner, who recently moved her practice to New Mexico, received her D.V.M. degree at Colorado State University and an award for excellence in large animal surgery in 1997. Flitner states that diabetes in dogs and cats is more common than most people realize. According to Flitner, a pet's chance of developing diabetes will increase with age. 

"This is especially true in overweight, less active dogs."

Besides weight and age, diet is another significant factor. Dogs given table scraps without discrimination are, particularly at risk. The importance of diet cannot be overemphasized, warns Flitner. 

"A high fiber diet, low in fat and sugar, is vital. And an annual checkup by a qualified professional is also an important part of proper pet care, as early detection of health complications increase successful management of the problem and helps prolong the quality of life for that pet." 

Flitner notes many pet owners mistakenly feel caring for a diabetic pet would be too difficult for them, an assumption that complicates the decision making the process at a critical time. 

"A diagnosis of diabetes in a family pet is hard enough to handle without misconceptions compounding the problem," said Flitner thoughtfully.

For instance, a pet owner might opt to euthanize a pet diagnosed with diabetes because they feel incapable of managing the problem. However, with proper instruction and guidance, that same pet owner could gain the confidence necessary to properly follow the care plan developed by the veterinarian, and enjoy many more quality years together with their pet. 

"People need to know by regulating their pet's diabetes, that pet can still live to their full potential," said Flitner, acknowledging most caregivers consider their pet an important part the family and struggle to make right health care decisions for them. 

Flitner notes grocery store quality pet foods are not good choices for diabetic pets because of added fillers and sugars used to improve the taste. 

"Some grocery store brands of cat food actually have trace elements of antifreeze in them, because cats are attracted to it. These type foods often have a high content of sodium, which is also unhealthy for the pet.

"A healthy well-balanced diet is important for any pet, but especially for those diagnosed with diabetes." 

Early warning signs that might indicate diabetes in your pet include: an unusually high consumption of water, increase in appetite, incontinence, lethargy, extreme changes in eyes (i.e. cataracts), lack of coordination, and vomiting. Caregivers who note such changes in their dog should promptly call a qualified professional because examination by a veterinarian is important and necessary for proper diagnosis. 

Flitner also acknowledges the temptation to remove the water bowl from the pet's reach if incontinence is a problem. 

"But, this is not the correct thing to do," instructs Flitner. 

In the case of diabetic canines, drinking large amounts of water is the dog's attempt to flush glucose out of the kidneys which have spilled over from the blood. If the glucose doesn't get flushed out, serious damage to the kidneys and other organs can develop. 

The best preventative measures against serious health problems in the family pet remain simple and practical: regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy diet. Exercise is also very important. Among other benefits, exercise helps increase the body's effective use of insulin

© Lori S. Anton

Savvy Pet Editor

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BELGIAN LAEKENOIS - The Rare Belgian Sheepdog

Righel, a nine months old Belgian shepherd Laekenois.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This medium-sized breed weighs between 50-65 pounds and reaches between 22" to 26" in height. Their name is pronounced LAK-in-wah. The Belgian Laekenois is the rarest of four Belgian Sheepdogs. Bred to herd sheep, this breed remains a working breed today. 

The AKC recognizes three of the Belgian Sheepdogs but does not recognize the Belgian Laekenois. Their color ranges from red to fawn and mahogany to gray. They may or may not have a dark masking on their face. Their harsh, rough, wiry coat is over 2" in length and gives them an unkempt or tousled appearance. Their coat is waterproofed and they should not be bathed on a regular basis. They only require minimal grooming and should never be clipped too closely.

This energetic, protective and intelligent breed is more of a working dog than a family companion. The Belgian Laekenois loves to work and is happiest when they have a job to do. They are excellent farm dogs, herding dogs and watchdogs. They can also make a good family pet for active families. The Belgian Laekenois has an abundance of energy and loves to be on the go. They are not meant to be indoors all day and are happiest when they have plenty of room to run and play. Early socialization is a must for other pets, dogs and children. Early training is also recommended. They have a herding instinct and will herd family and pets alike. 

The Belgian Laekenois originated in Belgium. It is one of four Belgian Sheepdogs. They are often recognized as distinct breeds, but in some countries, they are actually all considered to be one breed. Originally bred to watch over linen bleaching fields, they were later used to watch over sheep. They are now used for herding and as guard dogs.

Work, work and more work is the Belgian Laekenois' motto. They love to have a job to do and are not a lazy breed by any means. To have a happy Belgian Laekenois, they need a family that will recognize their energy level and work instinct and makes sure that both those needs are met. If you are a family that likes to relax inside all the time, then the Belgian Laekenois is probably not for you.

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FLEAS - A Common Resident In Every House

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

They are one of the greatest bloodsucking parasites which can cause a lot of damage. These different types of fleas live by sucking blood from mammals and birds. Some of the very common fleas are the cat flea, dog flea, human flea, northern rat flea and oriental rat flea. You may suffer from an allergic reaction and may also get transmitted with severe diseases due to these fleas. Because of the warm, humid and readily available environment in your home, these fleas easily survive without much hindrance.

They procreate in huge numbers which makes them next to - indestructible. Many times these fleas just become a nuisance other than anything else. Their small fish like structure goes unnoticed which makes it difficult to detect. Presence of pets in your house is another reason for fleas to attack humans. Having a spick and span environment keeps them off from your mattresses. The growth rate is so high that it becomes next to impossible to end the reign of terror. Some of the common effects fleabites have on us is a loss of hair, severe allergic reaction - rashes, itchy skin and severe diseases.

Home Remedies for Fleas

Keep your house clean by regular vacuuming as well as cleaning and bathing your pets to avoid any circulation of these parasites.

One of the most natural repellents which we have come across to fight fleas is the eucalyptus leaves. Somehow the smell is a major turn off for them.

You can use borax, which works great against the fleas. Spread it across your house; let it sit for some days and later vacuum your house to remove those fleas.

Spreading cedar chips along with your fence line or in your room can keep the fleas at bay. You can also have a tansy plant outside your dogs' pen to keep the fleas away.

Make garlic an important part of pets’ food. Mix it, crush it, mince it, powder it and use it in any form to keep the pest away from the pets.

Adding yeast pills to your dog's diet also gets rid of the fleas. These yeast pills can be easily found in any of the medical stores.

Try diatomaceous earth, is one of the most natural ways to get rid of fleas. It can be used be in your house, around the house and on your dog.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

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How To Obtain Organic Gourmet DOG TREATS

Photo   by Christian Haugen 

Certain animals are kept by lots of people as pets due to various reasons. Most commonly, the companionship which can be offered to such by these certain animals is wanted, especially when lonely or sad moments are experienced. For this matter, these pets have to be taken good care of and their basic necessities provided to them.

They need to provide them with shelter, clean water, and, most importantly, their food. Dog owners may like to give organic gourmet dog treats to their pets. There are a couple of things which these owners should take into consideration when they will purchase these foods for such pets.

To start, he could be requesting for some referrals from some groups of individuals. Such individuals may include his relatives, his friends, or his coworkers. These persons could be referring to a brand which he may be giving to his canine. The purchaser must be writing down the brand name of this commodity and also the certain source where he might be getting this product from. He might also need to really be conducting research about the brand which each individual refers to him.

The ingredients utilized by the manufacturers to get these commodities created are needed to be known by the persons. Different available ingredients can certainly be used by these manufacturers. However, some ingredients could also cause allergic reactions from the canines. The effects of some ingredients to the animals needed to get known by these owners.

They should locate the sources or the establishments where they can purchase these commodities. Primarily, they can get these foods from various pet shops that they can find in almost any region. They need to ensure that they will only choose those sources which hold positive reputations. This way, they would have assurances that they will receive good quality foods.

He might also be turning to the Internet in looking for such source. Nowadays, most establishments are already creating and managing their own web pages where customers could easily be contacting them when doing various different business transactions. If a person decides to be ordering his product online, he needs to receive his own order within an acceptable amount of time.

These buyers also need to consider the prices of the foods which they might buy. These prices may vary since there is competition present in this industry. The sellers typically set different criteria to establish these rates. The purchasers must choose the brands which will fall within the budgets that they will apportion for their purchases.

The expiry dates of the commodities must also be looked at. If products that already reached their expiry dates are obtained, certain consequences would be suffered from by dogs. Food poisoning or even other dangerous situations may be experienced by these animals. The expiry dates are usually found on the package labels.

At times, a canine might not be liking the food which its owner places in front of it. It could only be wasting the food which the owner will be giving to it. In this case, the individual must consistently be training the animal of consuming such a commodity. This way, he would not be wasting both the product and his money.

About the Author: Kathrine Franks

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The Major Advantages Of DOG BOARDING

The former Black Springs Hotel, now used as dog boarding kennels (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Having a pup or dog can be difficult when you live alone and have to go to a lot of business related travels and trips. You cannot just leave him or her alone, of course, that is why you should consider some options when doing it. One option you have is a boarding facility because you are definitely sure of the services they are giving you.

Certain options must be put in mind when you deal with this situation. First is selecting the best dog boarding to offer the required services that you need to make him feel great. Consider the best boarding facilities that can take good care of the animal. Be sure to select the best to get the correct outcome that is wanted.

When choosing it, you should be sure that the animal will not be alone. Know that other dogs are present to be with your furry friend and it will surely entertain him. It can certainly help the dog be entertained and not to feel alone in the place. This can also aid you in being confident given the situation. The staff is there as well to watch after him or her especially if he is a first-timer.

Right handling of those animals and taking good care of them are the main responsibilities of the staff. Certain benefits will be experienced by the owner when he decides to let the dog be there. However, you should be aware of the possible problems when you select a boarding facility.

Know the overall background of the service provider first before you decide to do it. Their facilities must function well given the type of place. It is also advantageous because of the choices you have. Various selections must be made to aid decide carefully. Choose the best by knowing their background and an overall number of years in the business.

Realize the basic advantages that you can have when you choose the best facility to answer all your needs. There are several choices to be made that is why you have to choose the correct one. Select properly to have the expected outcome and be sure that it is the type of outcome that you like to have.

All facilities have to be operated carefully by the staff. They need to be a dog lover to work well. Common standards should be fulfilled to fully ensure that the right care will be provided well. You may also ask for major recommendations from those people who have tried doing it. Asking your peers for help can be done indeed.

Ask those highly reliable veterinarians to help you in making the right decision. You must come up with the list of great options in mind. Having it can indeed help you when deciding which one is the most trusted provider. Be very careful when you do it. You need to finalize everything and choose the correct one.

Always set the appointment well to meet with the service provider. When he visits a facility, he needs to ask those related questions regarding the services. The details must be considered to have the right output.

Author: Kathrine Franks

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POMERANIAN - Dogs of the World

Pomeranian - Dogs of the World

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History of the POMERANIAN

Photo  by thepeachpeddler 

Pomeranian is a big name for a big dog.  As huge as thirty pounds,  the Pomeranian has been said to be very similar to the wolf Spitz in weight, hide and hair.  This is not surprising since the Pomeranian originated from the bloodline of the Spitz dogs.  The Spitz ’s are from Ireland and Lapland and were sled dogs.

The dog took its name from Pomerania which is located near the area that surrounds the Southern coast of the Baltic Sea. Pomerania has now become Germany and Poland. The dog was not given the name Pomerania because it was born there but more than likely it was in Pomerania that it had been breed to Smaller proportions. In its original (larger) form, the Pomeranian herded sheep and their gigantic form was even noticed in Britain in the mid-nineteenth century.

The Pomeranian had been established in the Kennel club in 1870. Queen Victoria of England had a Pomeranian. Her adored pet was named ''Marco'' which Queen Victoria brought back with her From Florence, Italy. Queen Victoria was highly regarded and loved by her people, as a result, Pomeranian’s became more in demand. What is also interesting is that the Queen preferred smaller Pomeranian’s to the larger breed. So, the populace started to want the smaller dogs also.

In about 1892, the dog was revealed in the United States in what was known as the miscellaneous class. However, it was in New York in 1900, that the Pomeranian started to be classified regularly.

The American Pomeranian Club has its initial specialty show in 1911. Now Pomeranian’s are smaller in size, but back then the original American champions were more substantial in bone. The Pomeranian’s had huge ears and was under six pounds. 

However, the dogs had a type and excellent coat texture. Today, the Pomeranian have gentle temperaments, with energetic spirits, and are well-built animals. They also have a wealth of hair, unlike in the past. 

The Pomeranian is a very comical type of dog. Its comics will keep you laughing over and over again. I think these dogs have a 6th sense when it comes to this. They do just sweet spontaneous gestures you can’t help put a smile on your face. Pomeranians don’t run they hop but with a very graceful style. They are cheerful and happy most of the time. They will make a child a very happy camper and a wonderful family pet.

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

Photo: Pixabay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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A good DOG FENCE Makes For Better Neighbors

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Believe it or not, not everyone likes your family pet.  By keeping your pet in an identified space with a good quality dog fence, Fido can remain as a good neighbor.  I know, I know, it's almost impossible to imagine that anyone who knows Fido doesn't immediately fall in love with her.  She might just be ok with the neighbors but the things she does in their yard make for some unhappy relationships.  This is just one of the main reasons why every pet owner has an obligation to control their pets traveling range with pet fencing.  

The problem, of course, is the about relieving themselves in someone else's yard,  Yes, your pet may be friendly and would like to visit the neighbors but the fact is, many people do not share your love affair with your pet.  They don't want the bother of picking up after an animal that's not theirs nor having their yards soiled with urine "hot spots" and doggie piles.  Dogs, although usually very friendly also can be destructive of plants and landscaping, making many breeds poor neighbors.

That's not to say that your dog isn't a nice animal.  Dogs are typically social and enjoy the interaction with a variety of people.  This play interaction, however, is not without consequences.  Things get broken, chewed on an otherwise "enjoyed" by your pet no matter if they belong to you or the neighbor.  Having to face an angry neighbor because your dog destroyed his prize-winning rose bush garden isn't something to be desired.

There's also the issue of community security.  This is especially true if your dog is a larger breed.  Having a large dog escape the security of their yard could be seen as negligence on your part.  Communities are becoming increasingly upset at pet owners who allow their animals free run of a neighborhood.  Heaven forbid if your dog, while free, attacks someone or another animal.  This is especially serious if the other dog or pet was on a leash.

The saying is that a good fence makes for good neighbors.  A good dog fence also makes for a happy and healthy environment for your pet.  By securing your dog using secure fencing, your best friend also has the security of knowing where his yard boundaries are located.  There is no need to "guard" anything beyond the fence lines so your pet is more inclined to stay in his yard to better "watch" his property.  Overall, electronic dog fencing is a good investment no matter what type of dog you may have as a pet.

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Foods to cure KIDNEY DISEASE in DOGS and CATS

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Kidney disease is something that no cat or dog owner would want their pet to suffer from. It is known as CIN- canine kidney failure in dogs and CRF- chronic renal failure in cats. It is more common in aging pets as compared to others. Though chronic renal failure occurs more in cats this problems has also been seen in dogs. 

Reasons are quite obvious, which is the usage of highly poisonous commercially packed pet food. Consumption of external toxins through these foods results in kidney failure. Besides the number of conventional medications and treatments, it is important that you pay special attention to your pet’s diet. 

It is recommended to give a low- sodium, low- phosphorous and low-protein diet to your dog or cat suffering from kidney failure. Studies have suggested that if you feed a diet which is low in phosphorous then it may help in slowing the development of kidney failure, as it reduces the mineral deposits in kidneys. However, low protein diets are somehow controversial as they generate less nitrogenous wastes whose high levels may result in vomiting and nausea. 

Though, diet for every dog or cat having a kidney disease must be customized to their particular requirements as specified by the diseases' stage along with urinalysis and blood tests results. For a lot of animals, a homemade high-quality protein diet would be healthier than a low- protein one. Dry food should be avoided for pets with this disease, especially cats considering the importance of hydration they need. 

Omega 3 fatty acids nutritional supplements from marine fish oil have proved to decrease this disease’s progression. Vitamin E with omega 3 oils are also recommended as they work synergistically. Vitamin C and B- complex will help refill the lost vitamins because of the failure of the kidneys for recycling and retaining these nutrients in their body. Before using any of these days, it is suggested to consult a veterinarian and be safe with medications.

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The Key To DOG OBEDIENCE

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

For most people, dog obedience training is a difficult process. Well, it could be if you don't know the proper way to do it. Take note that it can also be stressful on the part of your dog and therefore the speed of his learning process will totally depend on how you execute the training.

Dog Obedience Training Defined

The human-dog relationship is something that needs to be enhanced. You should have a healthy relationship in the household so that both of you will feel secure. This training covers a lot of techniques and among them are positive reinforcement, clicker training, dog whispering, collar and leash, marker training, reward training, and a lot of others. Whether you plan to do it yourself or hire a professional, the main goals should be achieved.

The main goals that have to be attained during the training include a clear line of communication between you and your pet, strengthen your ties, and spend more quality time with each other. Most behavioral problems such as digging, chewing, excessive barking, jumping up, and many others are likewise resolved through proper training.

The training itself is composed of boundaries or rules which aim to educate your dog to become a responsible member of your household and be in control of his behavior. Basically, he will not be solely confined at home. There will be times when he will be taken out for a walk and it will not help if he will be unruly. Like human beings, dogs should be taught good manners. He should know how to properly behave in certain situations, at any given place, and at any given time.

The Benefits of Obedience Training

Training the dog to be obedient is one prime way to enjoy the company of your dog and one that will surely benefit you in the years to come. Here are a couple of advantages that you will definitely be happy about.

The training will make life simple for your dog. It means his confusions will be eliminated and he will be more aware of his good and bad behavior.

It is a rewarding experience. During the training, your dog will have fun learning. If you will do it by yourself, it is likewise your best chance to spend quality time with him.

A trained dog is a confident and happy dog. He is then a pleasurable creature to have around.

The dog will have more freedom. A trained dog can be left alone unsupervised because you are confident he will not be causing nuisance in your place.

A dog that has gone through obedience training is safer. He will not threaten other people and animals around him.

You will be able to respect your dog just like a true family member and companion.

Overall, the dog obedience training process may take time and it requires you to be really patient at all times. So always be consistent and don't fall short of rewards and praises as well as punishments whenever necessary.

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Cost effective homemade PET FOOD

Pupcakes (dog-food cupcakes)  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In the middle of rising and fall in the economy, most of the people plan to cut on costs and pay more attention to saving money. For their furry friend, they have to fulfill many of its needs and in the present scenario of busy life; everybody finds it convenient to prefer ready to made pet food for their pets. The expenses that come with this convenience are quite difficult to be borne by many of you out there! 

To start saving money on their food, the best way is preparing meals for them at home. If you calculate the amount that you spend on your pet’s daily meals, you will be amazed to see that how much money it is taking from your pocket. Commercial pet food providing dry dog food, wet food, calcium and mineral/ vitamin supplements plus the hideous health hazards that come along with these is far more expensive than a home-cooked meal. 

Cooking for your bowwow buddy has countless benefits that include lesser additives and preservatives, more assorted and potentially superior ingredients along with your buddy’s interest in food.

The technique is simple. While shopping for the meals of your family, shop for your dog from the same store. It saves your time too. Like human beings, pets also require the six basic elements comprising of fats, water, protein, mineral, vitamins and carbohydrates. It is very easy to fix their meal by keeping into consideration the balance of these food items. 

Since there nutrient requirements are a little high or different and they are used to the market food, so incorporating some quantity of dog food supplements would also serve the purpose. Further, making high-quality pet food from a variety of recipes is the best way to save on money and at the same time providing high-end food to your pet for maintaining its health.

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Things to Consider When Choosing a Career in DOG TRAINING

Psychiatric Service Dog In Training (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Some people choose a career in dog training simply because it is a popular choice, however, there are those who are really passionate about canines that their life's direction has led them towards loving dogs even more.

Do you fall in the category of people who pursue a career in dog training just because someone said it is a good thing or you have fallen so in love with dogs that you are left with no option but to fall even deeper?

Back to basic principles…

Dog training is more than a love for dogs; it also requires knowledge and skills in handling and disciplining them and knowing the basics of their behaviors. Dog trainers usually have a long history of experience with dogs and interaction with many dog owners and handlers and their pets.

What is your "dog division"?

There are two types of careers in the dog world- the pet service training and the dog training. Both have relatively high demands in the market but there are a lot more opportunities in pet dog training than service training.

The pet dog training usually involves dogs that function merely as pets and as companions for outdoor activities, therefore, the usual training involved are obedience training, agility training, potty training and training to eliminate unwanted behaviors like barking and biting.

Service training, on the other hand, involves specified training on services required by people with disabilities and those undergoing therapy. Another division of service dogs are involved in chasing criminals, drug and bomb sniffing, search and rescue dogs and hunting dogs.

These are highly intensive training and require the handler to get sufficient preparation to lead the dog in employing its specialized functions.

Understanding canine psychology

What do you really know about dogs- their thinking, their behaviors and their reaction to stimulus? Training adheres to conditioning the thinking of the dog to make specific responses. You should also know well the fundamentals of associative conditioning.

What about dog training education?

 A dog training career requires that you have basic skills in dog training and handling. There are no degrees in dog training yet for there are no colleges and universities offering such. However, there are dog "academies" or "schools" that could provide basic training. However, the best dog trainers are often self-taught and have a natural inclination to dog handling.

Some have apprenticed with excellent dog trainers while others simply have the knack in training dogs. There are also a number of dog training organizations that could supplement the latest information on dog training.

Comparison of working attitude with people and dogs

Dog training involves training the handlers of the dogs as well. Therefore if you are pursuing a career in this field, it is very important that you have good people skills and that you can tolerate all types of people.

There are impatient owners who expect fast learning from their dogs without taking advice openly while there are those who relatively open to suggestions. You need to cater to both types of dog handlers and everyone in between. In short, a career in dog training is not only limited to dog training but also an experience of people training as well.

Miscellaneous

Dog training is not limited to "training" alone; there are also certain aspects that you should be knowledgeable of like maintenance of proper dog hygiene, nutrition and grooming.

You should also have good knowledge of dog competitions, accessories and training aids. You should also be able to distinguish different dog breeds and their fundamental differences.

You don’t have to be a guru in dog training to be an excellent trainer; you only have to develop certain skills necessary in handling dogs and their trainers and to have sufficient knowledge on theories and the capacity to put them into practical application.

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TICKS – A Very Serious Threat to Your DOGS HEALTH

Adult deer tick, Ixodes scapularis. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ticks are not insects like fleas, but arachnids like mites, spiders, and scorpions. A tick has a one-piece body, harpoon-like barbs around its mouth to attach to a host for feeding, crablike legs and a sticky secretion to help hold itself to the host. The United States has about 200 tick species whose habitats include woods, beach grass, lawns, forests, and even in some urban areas.

They have a four-stage life cycle, egg, larvae, nymphs, and adult. Depending on its species, a tick may take less than a year or up to several years to go through its four-stage life cycle. Adult females of some species lay about 100 eggs at a time. Others lay 3,000 to 6,000 eggs per batch.

Ticks can carry various infectious organisms that can transmit diseases to cats and dogs as well as humans. The four primary diseases and their symptoms are:

- Babesiosis – lethargy, loss of appetite, weakness, pale gums

- Ehrlichiosis – high fever, muscle aches

- Lyme disease – lameness, swollen joints, fever, poor appetite, fatigue, vomiting

- Tick paralysis in dogs – gradual paralysis and poor coordination 

Of the four diseases, Lyme disease is the worst, as it can also infect humans. Studies indicate that dogs are 50 percent more susceptible to this disease than humans. Lyme disease is transmitted through the bite of the deer tick, also called the black-legged tick. Symptoms in humans include fatigue, chills and fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, and a red circular skin rash. In June 1992 the USDA licensed a vaccine to prevent Lyme disease in dogs. There is no vaccine for cats yet.

If your dog is outside regularly, ask the veterinarian about the Lyme disease vaccine. Watch for the symptoms mentioned earlier, and if you suspect a tick-borne disease get your dog to the vet immediately. With early diagnosis, antibiotics generally work. If possible, dogs should be kept out of tick-infested areas. In areas where ticks are prevalent, yards, where dogs exercise, should be treated with appropriate chemicals to kill adult and immature ticks.

Dogs should be examined frequently for the presence of ticks on their bodies. Ticks prefer sheltered locations, such as inside the ears and between the toes of the host, but a heavily infested dog may have ticks anywhere on its body. When a tick is found it should be removed immediately. The proper way to remove a tick is to use fine-point tweezers, grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull gently, if the ticks mouth parts remain embedded in the animal's skin, you should try to remove them as you would a splinter. Alcohol or other disinfectants should be used on the bite site, the tweezers, and your hands if you do not wear gloves.

The tick can and will survive after they are removed from the host. You should flush the tick down the toilet or drown them in a small container of alcohol. You should never squeeze a tick as it will release toxins that may contain any of the diseases discussed earlier. Hundreds of pesticides and repellants are available to control ticks on dogs and cats. Products range from oral medications that are available only from your veterinarian to collars, sprays, dips, shampoos, powders, and spot-on. 

The chemicals Chlorpyrifos and Amitraz are used in several types of products and are very effective against ticks. Amitraz should not be used on dogs that are sickly, pregnant, or nursing. However, no matter what type of medication you use, always check with your veterinarian first.

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Types of HYPOALLERGENIC SPORTING DOGS

Brown Standard Poodle
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Even though many breeds are no longer used just for sporting or hunting, these dogs have become popular favorites among those who need a hypoallergenic dog that has an easy temperament. Sporting dogs are considered intelligent, playful, and obey their owners when given commands.

Hypoallergenic sporting dogs include Poodles, Australian Terriers, and Kerry Blue Terriers. Each of these dogs has been used to hunt small and large game and also to hunt for rodents and other pesky animals that carried disease. Now, these animals are kept in the home as pets. While still playful and easy going, these dogs are now treated more like friends that as sporting partners.

Each of these breeds has a short coat that is more like human hair because it is soft and thin. Unlike other breeds, these dogs do not shed as often and when they do, it is usually not noticeable. People who want to own a medium-sized dog will appreciate any of the breeds mentioned above. Grooming is an essential part of their care as is brushing their coats once or twice a week to prevent matting.

The Poodle comes in a few different varieties that are all hypoallergenic. Poodles have been used sporting dogs, show dogs, and lap dogs for those who wanted a breed that would sit still on command. The Poodle is a friendly dog that does not make a lot of noise. They are very active and enjoy getting their exercise. People who want are thinking about buying a Poodle should conduct more research to see if this is the dog they truly want. Even though the Poodle can live for many years, they may suffer some health problems as they age.

The Australian Terrier was once used to catch mice and rats, but today it is kept at home because of its pleasant disposition and its long hair that does not shed. You can choose to cut the hair closer to the body if you choose.  For those looking for a smaller dog, the Australian Terrier is a good choice. These dogs are considered companion dogs, meaning that they enjoy the company of people.

Kerry Blue Terrier (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a relative of the Australian Terrier, but is much larger and has a more pronounced head and chest. Their head is almost square shaped. Their cost is soft and curly. It will not shed and needs to be groomed often to prevent matting. While the dogs are actually gray or black in color, a blue sheen can be found on their coat. This is where they got their name.

Kerry Blue Terriers need daily exercise that can range from long walks to running in the park with other dogs. If you have a backyard, you can let the dog run around and it will tire itself out. People who live in larger homes should consider buying a hypoallergenic dog like this one.

Even though these dogs are no longer used primarily as sporting dogs, this does not mean the dogs prefer to sit around all day long. Exercise is very important for dogs like these because they have been used for generations for sporting parties and long hunts in the woods.

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CATS And PILLS - Tablets.

Русский: Кошка (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Nearly everything alive becomes ill at some stage in its life, and pets are no exception. I have been very fortunate in that my two cats have been very healthy for most of their lives. Recently the oldest cat becomes ill and had to go to the vet. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with a form of cancer. The treatment options were pills or radiation 'therapy'. The radiation therapy was very expensive so that left the pills. Pills are fine for humans, but if you have ever tried to administer pills to your cat then you would know some of the problems I have had.

I usually feed my cats on a dry 'all in one' biscuit diet. This diet and a supplement of fresh food have kept them very healthy for over 14years. But now I need to add pills to her diet every twelve hours. So what do I feed her that will hide the pill well enough for her to eat it without complaining? Well after some experimentation I came to the conclusion that hiding a whole pill was not the answer. Not the answer at all. Whole pills are located and removed from the food with amazing accuracy. The simple answer is to crush the pills before adding them to the food.

(Note: The pill should be added to a small quantity of food - half a normal service or less, and that small quantity should be given to your pet BEFORE the rest of the meal. This helps to ensure your cat is hungry enough to eat the entire pill. Once the pill food is eaten you can give them the rest of the meal.)

Pills are usually quite easy to crush into powder, I use two spoons, one small teaspoon as the crusher, and a larger desert spoon to hold the pill. Place the pill into the larger spoon and using the edge of the small spoon as a blunt knife, carefully break the pill into smaller chunks. Now use the small teaspoon to gently crush the chunks into powder. In less than two minutes you should be ready to sprinkle the powdered pill onto a small serve of food. Crushing the pill gets much easier once you have done two or three.

This is how I prepare chicken or fish for my cat at pill time :

Chicken: Cooked (cold)

Cooked chicken is a favorite food of my cats so it is a good pill food for them. To make the most reliable pill hiding food from cold chicken is really quite easy. First of all, you need to prepare the pill by crushing it into a powder as described above. Then you need a small serve of chicken that you can break up into smallish pieces - use your fingers, it gives the best results. Once you have broken up the chicken add a small quantity of water to the serving plate and roll the chicken in the water until it is wet all over. Now drain the excess water from the plate - too much water will leave the pill on the plate and not on the food where it needs to be.

The next step is optional, but it makes a big difference for my pets. The next step is to place the food in a microwave oven. All you want to do is VERY GENTLY warm up the food, I use about 6 SECONDS on high. What you are looking for is to remove the coldness of the food - which activates the SMELL of the food. Do not make the food hot! ( The heat could damage the pill that you are trying to feed them, and not many cats will eat hot food anyway.) Now that you have a very gently warmed serve of food it is time to add the pill. Just sprinkle the crushed pill over the wet, warm chicken and serve it up!

Note: Always add the Pill LAST!

Fish: Raw

If you want to use raw fish as a pill serving food then it pays to make sure that the cat in question likes the fish that you are going to use. ( Cats are fussy!) I have two cats, one eats fish at every opportunity, and the other will walk right past it and ask for something else...

So get a small piece of fish to test the cat with, and assuming that the fish is accepted it is easy to prepare. I use a pair of kitchen scissors to cut the fish into small pieces. A sharp knife is ok but the skin on fish is very tough, so for safety and ease of preparation I use scissors. Once you have the fish cut up all you need to do is sprinkle the powdered pill over the fish and serve it up. Raw fish is usually wet and quite smelly, so it doesn't require water to be added or the microwave to warm it up.

Fish: Cooked (cold)

To prepare a cooked cold fish you basically follow the steps outlined for cooked chicken. Prepare the pill, get a small bit of cooked fish and cut or break it up into small pieces. Make it wet, drain off the excess water and zap it in the microwave for a few seconds - do not make the food hot! Add the crushed pill to the warm wet fish and serve it up.

Note: Always add the Pill LAST!

The purpose of warming up the food is to make it smellier. Most food has a much stronger scent or smells when it is at room temperature than it does straight from the fridge.

If you need a small quantity of fresh raw fish it can usually be purchased from your local take away food shop. If you want to use cooked fish from a takeaway shop bear in mind that the batter or breadcrumbs should be removed before it is served to the cat. (Well, it should be removed if your cat won't eat the fish with it still on there...) Also, remember to cool the fish down to about room temperature before you add the pill - otherwise the heat may damage the pill.

Never microwave any pill - it could damage the active ingredients or even make them toxic to your pet.

For those that are interested, my cats' name is "Eff-Gee" ( "F"+"G" ) and she can tell the time as well if not better than I can. Every 12 hours (+ or - 30mins) she is asking me for her pill food :-)

My other cat - that doesn't like fish, is called "Sox". He doesn't really like chicken either. Actually, he prefers the biscuits over most other foods - unless it is meat with chili on it. He is a nice cat :-)

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BOXER DOGS: Ten Things You May Not Know About Them

Boxer (dog)  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Legend says when God was fashioning different breeds of dog out of clay, he came to his final task and decided to create the most beautiful dog ever and call it a ‘Boxer’.   But this new breed of dog was vain and rushed to see himself in the mirror before the clay was properly set and bumped headlong into his own reflection.  That accounts for the flat nose characteristic of the Boxer, and also proves that God really did accomplish his design for the world’s most beautiful dog!  Here are another ten things you may not already know about Boxer dogs.

The Boxer Dog Who Cheated Death and Became a Television Star Instead

In 1985, a white boxer dog called Bomber was snatched from a vet’s surgery by an animal nurse and later appeared in the UK television series, Oliver Twist.  It appears the dog’s previous owners, Tony and Elaine Chapell, decided to put the dog to sleep when they learned he didn’t quite fit new Kennel Club standards for his breed!  In filming, he was made to look flea-bitten, dirty and covered in sores.  Bomber even had a dressing room all to himself and was congratulated on giving a superb performance.  Well done Bomber, and shame on those who gave up on him!

A Boxer Dog With His Own Fan Club

A boxer dog called George was used in media advertisements in the early 1990s and became so well known that he eventually had a fan club all to himself.  George’s strange expressions appeared in ads. for Coleman’s Mustard and eventually, the dog became a household name and even made guest appearances at public functions and schools.

The Boxer Dog With The Longest T-o-n-g-u-e! 

A boxer dog called Brandy featured on Ripley’s Believe It Or Not due to her incredible 17-inch long tongue!  Brandy, from Michigan, USA, was bought from a local breeder in 1995 and her new owner was assured the dog would eventually grow into her l-o-n-g   t-o-n-g-u-e!  She didn’t and on television, she was shown performing antics such as eating from a bowl 13 inches away.  Her owner, John Scheid, says brandy likes sunbathing and even gets tan lines on her tongue, but says the beautiful boxer is fit, happy and healthy, so her unique feature isn’t a problem at all.

Zoe, The Boxer Dog Who Came Back to Life!

Zoe’s owner, Cathy Walker, from Manuden, near Bishop’s Stortford in the UK, has been told by a medium that she is surrounded by all the pets she has lost.  That certainly seems true of Zoe, a tan and white boxer bitch who died several years ago, aged eleven.  The Daily Mail (November 6th, 2001) printed an amazing photograph of the bark of a tree under which Zoe spent her last day, showing what can only be described as the image of a boxer dog in the bark. Cathy tells how she is a great believer in life after death and claims the image of Zoe has strengthened that belief.

The White Boxer Dog Who Received Hate Mail

To anyone who loves dogs in general, and oxer dogs in particular, Solo was as beautiful as any other of her breed.  To her owner, Joyce Lang, she was more than just beautiful, she was a constant friend, a much loved family member.  But not everyone thought the same way and, surprisingly, in 1982, in Burgess Hill in the UK, an anonymous letter arrived addressed to Solo, saying: “I think you are the ugliest dog I have ever seen.”  What sort of human could write such nonsense is beyond most people’s comprehension, and probably the letter was intended mainly to upset Joyce, an objective the hateful writer most definitely achieved.  Letters continued to come saying: “Why don’t you get your master or mistress to take you for a face lift?”.  One even contained a paper bag which the sender said should be placed over Solo’s head!  When local newspapers heard the story the headlines proclaimed that beauty is always in the eye of the beholder and in Joyce’s and other dog lover’s eyes, Solo was beautiful. 

A Little Boy’s Tribute to His Pet Boxer, Lance

This story appeared in The Faithful Friend (Writings About Owning and Loving Pets) and concerned dog owners in the United States who often loaned their pets to the military in World War Two.  Lance, a Boxer, worked with Dogs for Defence which eventually became the noted K09 Corps, and belonged to a family with young children, one a boy who wrote this letter to Dogs for Defence:  ‘My Boxer, Lance, was in the army since last June.  I have not heard anything about him since I received a certificate from the Quartermaster General.  The number on it was 11281.  I love Lance very much and want to know if he is doing anything brave.  Can you please tell me where he is and what kind of a job he does?  Please answer soon because I can’t wait much longer to know what has become of him’.  

Origins of the Boxer Dog

What we know about the origins of most breeds, including the Boxer, is largely owed to early sculptures, painting and drawings.    In the Boxer’s case, a carving of a dog looking much like a boxer can be seen on a tomb in Arnstadt where lies Elizabeth of Hohenstein who died in 1368.  Flemish tapestries from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries show dogs resembling the Boxer engaged in stag- and boar-hunting.  

German Origins

Boxer dogs became very popular in Munich where the breed is thought to have originated.  But the history of the breed has not been without controversy.  In fact the first Boxer Club in the UK was closed because of disagreements over almost everything pertaining to Boxers.  By 1905, however, the most enthusiastic followers of the German Boxer met to develop a standard for the Boxer which would be accepted by all.  The Munich Boxer Club drew up the standard which exists largely unchanged even today.  

Boxer Dogs in America

The first Boxer dog in America was imported in 1903 from Switzerland.  The new owner of the dog was New York Chief Justice of the Court of Appeals, Irving Lehman who imported many other Boxer dogs.  The first Boxer dog registered with the American Kennel Club was in 1904.  The dog was Arnulf Grandenz, bred in America by James Welch of Illinois.

Boxer Dogs in Warring Nations

The boxer dog gained rapid popularity soon after the Second World War ended, ironically more prominently in countries formerly opposed in a war with the Boxer’s most likely native home, Germany.  Listen to what Rowland Johns says in Our Friend The Boxer:  ‘The re-emergence of the Boxer breed has added proof that warring nations do not carry their antagonisms for long into the relations between them and other nations’ dogs.  Both with the Alsatian and the Boxer their popularity derives directly from the contacts made during a state of war.  In those two wars, the adoption of both breeds by members of the British forces provided some personal satisfaction and uplift of the spirit in long periods of exile from home, family, and friends.’

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