Dog getting clicker training. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
If you are looking to train your dog you might consider using the 'clicker training' method, which has recently become popular amongst dog trainers all over the country. In this method, the trainer has to make use of a clicker, a tiny plastic box with a metal button which makes a distinctive click sound once the button has been pressed. The training method is simple and is in many ways parallel to the positive training method.
Here is what you have to do. Decide on a certain behavior which you want to teach or reinforce your dog to do. A number of behaviors/actions come naturally to the dog like sitting, eating, standing, barking etc. and these need just to be reinforced so that your dog knows when you want him to do what. Various other actions like acting dead, shaking hands, rolling over etc. do not come naturally to the dog and need to be taught. Clicker training can be used to do both.
Clicker training works according to the basic principles of operant conditioning, by associating the sound of the clicker with a food item which the dog particularly likes. Now all you have to do is use the clicker to command the dog to do something, the dog, given that he associates the sound of the clicker with the food, immediately obliges and the training is complete.
Let us take an example to illustrate the method better, suppose you want to teach your dog to sit, you put a cookie on your dog's nose playfully and then move it upwards, the dog will obviously follow the movement of the biscuit with its nose and will then naturally rest its posterior on the floor, thereby putting himself in a sitting position. Now time your clicking to be so accurate as to occur right as the dog seats himself, now give him the biscuit and praise him.
Continue doing this for some time until the dog begins to associate the clicking with the food until the click makes him sit without you luring him with treats. Now teach him another behavior, but remember to attach the clicking cue only once the animal himself offers you the behavior otherwise the clicking will not be connected to anything in the dog's head and he will be confused regarding what it means.
Your dog is one smart little animal and it's time you gave him due credit for that. A number of trainers have been known to use negative reinforcement techniques alongside the clicker method but this simply doesn't work because punishment at all times creates a number of unwanted behavior even if it serves the primary purpose of teaching the dog to not do something temporarily.
Any kind of training is a strenuous and rigorous process and needs time and patience. Although clicker training method has a high success rate it might not work for certain types of dogs, if you see that it's not working for your pet you would be well advised to use some other technique to teach it tricks.
Muscular atrophy of thigh of a crossed shepherd dog with two-year-old hip dysplasia. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
What is Hip Dysplasia?
The hip joint consists of a “ball” on the femoral bone, and a “socket” on the hip bone.
Canine hip dysplasia simply defined is when a dog’s hips do not develop normally and the ball does not fit snugly into the socket.
What Causes Hip Dysplasia?
While there is no “conclusive proof” of the cause of hip dysplasia, there are 2 general schools of thought about its cause – 1) genetic or 2) environmental
These two differing viewpoints often place the dog breeders at odds with the dog owners, causing each to blame the other for the problem.
Genetic: The puppy is born with the problem
Environmental: The puppy is too heavy resulting in excessive growth and/or over or under exercising a puppy during its growth phase resulting in developmental problems.
The most common theory is that hip dysplasia is indeed genetic. Most breeders have their breeding dogs’ hips rated by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (Penn-HIP), or various other international orthopedic groups.
We could discuss the merits of both theories, but it doesn’t change the facts. If your dog has hip dysplasia, you need to deal with it. You may be deciding what to do next, or you may have already decided, and want to know what to expect.
When Does a Dog Get Hip Dysplasia?
If you subscribe to the theory that it is genetic, they are born with it. Dogs that have severe hip dysplasia often begin to have problems as puppies. Sometimes, the hip dysplasia does not cause pain for the dog, so they do not show signs of it until they develop arthritis in their hip joints. Some dogs that are not as severe can live out their entire lives with few if any symptoms.
What are the Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia?
There are a number of symptoms of hip dysplasia. Some dog owners only say that their dog didn’t walk right. Others will say they saw no symptoms at all, or just that their dog began to limp. Following is a list of common symptoms, of which your dog may have a couple and not have hip dysplasia.
Bunny Hopping: The dog tends to use both hind legs together, rather than one at a time. This occurs when the dog is running, or going upstairs.
Side Sit: Also called lazy sit, slouch or frog sit. When the dog sits, its legs are not positioned bent and close to the body. They can be loose and off to one side, or one or both legs may be straight out in front.
Sway Walk: Also called a loose walk. When the dog is walking, the back end sways back and forth because the hips are loose.
Unusual Laying Position: Legs are straight out and off to the side when the dog is laying on its stomach or legs are straight out behind the dog. (All dogs lay with their legs behind them on occasion, many dogs with hip dysplasia lay like this all the time.)
Limping: The dog may favor one hind leg or the other, and may alternate legs that it is favoring.
Quiet Puppy: Puppies who are already in pain from hip dysplasia tend to be very good puppies. They do not roughhouse the way that normal puppies do. They also tend to sleep for a long time after playing or going for a walk. Some owners describe their puppy with hip dysplasia as the best puppy they’ve ever had.
Dog Doesn’t Jump: Not only do they not jump on you, but they also seem to pull themselves up by their front end onto furniture as opposed to jumping up.
Underdeveloped Hind Quarters and Overdeveloped Chest: This is caused by the failure to use the hind legs normally and jump. The dog also may actually be shifting weight forward.
Diagnosing Hip Dysplasia
The only way to diagnose hip dysplasia is with x-rays. However, I must note here that you should treat the dog and not the x-rays. Some dogs with seemingly mild hip dysplasia are in a lot of pain, while other dogs with apparent severe hip dysplasia do not display symptoms.
What Can Be Done for My Dog?
If you have had x-rays taken of your dog’s hips at your regular vet, you may have been referred to an orthopedic surgeon. The surgeon is going to recommend various surgical options for your dog. I am going to give you a very brief overview of these surgeries. You will need to discuss your dog’s options with the surgeon. They will provide the details of each surgical option. Some people are able to treat their dog with nutritional supplements and avoid surgery. Ultimately, it will be your decision to determine the best treatment for your dog.
Surgical Options:
Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS) - This surgery is performed on puppies under 20 weeks of age, generally when the puppy is neutered or spayed. It shows great promise as a preventive measure, by altering the pelvic growth. This surgery has a short recovery period but is generally done before a puppy can be diagnosed. However, once you’ve lived with hip dysplasia, it may prove to be worthwhile for a puppy considered at risk for developing hip dysplasia.
Dorsal Acetabular Rim (DAR) – This surgery consists of bone grafts being taken from other areas of the pelvis to build up the rim on the hip socket (cup). The idea is for the femoral head to have a deeper socket to fit into. It's relatively new, so there is some question as to how a dog will do into old age - there aren't many older dogs that have had it done.
Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO) - This surgery involves cutting the bone around the hip socket and repositioning the socket for a better fit with the femoral head. The bones are plated back together so they heal in the correct alignment. This surgery is performed on young dogs before they have finished growing.
Total Hip Replacement (THR) – This surgery consists of replacing the hip joint similar to a human hip replacement. A new cup is usually attached to the hip bone, and the femoral head is cut off the leg bone and an implant is inserted into the leg bone. This surgery is done on more mature dogs that have finished growing. Due to the size of the implants, this surgery is done on larger dogs. Previously, all artificial hip components were cemented in place. More recently, cementless hip replacements are being performed.
Femoral Head & Neck Ostectomy (FHO) – This surgery consists of removing the femoral head of the leg bone to eliminate the pain of hip dysplasia. The dog’s body will then develop scar tissue to create an artificial hip joint. Long considered only appropriate for smaller dogs or as a salvage operation for a failed THR, it has become increasingly popular for larger dogs.
Non-Surgical or Conservative Management Option
Many people choose to have surgery performed on their dog only as a last resort. Some are able to manage their dog’s hip dysplasia with supplements, acupuncture, chiropractic care, exercise, and weight management. Sometimes, the puppy will show signs of pain from hip dysplasia, and once it is done growing and the muscles are fully developed, they seem to “go into remission”, developing signs of hip problems again as the dog ages. Surgical options are still available to you if the conservative path is unsuccessful.
When you are leaving a pet with someone else for some time, you can be better sure of the animal getting the care they need when you leave instructions. There may be routines that the creature has, certain foods to eat and so on. The same can be said about cat sitting. It is important to leave adequate directions so that the individual can take care of the beloved critter while you are away, no matter how long you are gone for. There are various types of things that you may need to have done to ensure the cat's health and safety.
As with family members, there are sometimes routines or habits that you form with your pets. You might feed them at a certain time of day or a particular kind of food. You may let the animals go outside in some cases as well. If you have a cat and you want to go away from Sacramento, CA for a while, it is important that you share this information with the caretaker.
To do this, you can tell them when you have a discussion with them but you may also want to write down these details. In this manner, they can have something to refer back to if they need to. You can also experience a little peace of mind knowing they have the directions with them.
There may be specific points to include on the list of instructions. The food that should be given to the pet is one aspect. Perhaps there are certain times and amounts that the nourishment needs to be given. In some cases, simply placing the food in an accessible area may be enough.
In the case the furry friend has to take medications, the caretaker should know how to administer it. You may want to show the individual how to do this and how much to administer. You are urged to let the person know and to write down the dosage amount and frequency. This should be done for each medication if there is more than one.
It is advised that there is always fresh water put out for the pet. The liquid should be placed in an area that the creature is used to and that is easily accessible. The water needs to be changed on a daily basis to ensure that it is clean. This is one direction that you may want to have listed.
If there are any areas of the home that are easy for such animals to squeeze into and get stuck, you should mention this and have these areas barred off. This can be done before you leave but ensure that the individual knows about this. It can also be discussed concerning keeping the doors shut properly so that the pet doesn't get out when it's not supposed to.
When you are leaving your furry friend, you want to be sure that the person taking care of them knows exactly what to do. For this reason, it can be a good idea to give them verbal and written instructions. Such directions may include when to feed the animal if there are any medications to administer, where to place fresh water and more. There are numerous points that may be included on such a list.
9-week-old German Shepherd puppy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
There are fewer things in life more irresistible than a German Shepherd puppy. But you should never bring one home on impulse. This needs to be a careful decision. Bringing a German Shepherd puppy home is the same as bringing a human child home (except German Shepherds mature faster and are more loyal). Although German Shepherd puppies are a big responsibility, they are priceless in their friendship.
German Shepherds, on average, will cost about three thousand dollars a year in food, grooming supplies and vet care. This is far less than your car, but still, something to keep in mind. Because of how fast they grow, German Shepherd puppies need their diets to be closely regulated to avoid many potential health problems. They will also need positive reinforcement from day one. Never train a German Shepherd puppy by force. Most dog bites are from dogs that are scared, not dogs that are attacking.
Never buy a German Shepherd puppy from a pet store or from an Internet site that will ship a pup to you without asking you any questions beyond, "Check or charge?" These puppies will be from puppy mills. They will not only be sickly, but they will have missed a major learning period for basic training and will be harder to train and more uncontrollable. The best German Shepherd puppies are from breeders, from animal shelters or from German Shepherd rescues. One of the times German Shepherds are most abandoned is when they are six months old and past the cute stage.
Encourage the German Shepherd puppy to lie down and sleep to lessen the shock of a car ride. Go to the vet within 24 hours of bringing the puppy home, even if the puppy has passed a vet's inspection at a shelter. When you get the German Shepherd puppy home, take it where you want it to relieve itself. Praise the puppy highly when they go in the right place. Keep using that place for toilet training and use verbal commands.
Small puppies have small bladders. They will need to go outside to try and toilet every two hours until they are about six months old when they can start holding their bladders for seven hours. When a German Shepherd puppy has an accident, it is not trying to be bad. They often can't hold it. German Shepherd puppies usually walk in circles sniffing when they need to go. However, once they learn, it's learned.
This might sound like a lot, and it is, but it can be done if you are committed to raising a German Shepherd puppy. You will find training easier by giving your puppy a German Shepherd name that easily attracts the puppy's attention. Don't have it sound too similar to commands they hear all the time like "Stay" or "Heel". German Shepherd puppies are smart enough to respond to name changes. Don't use their registered name - it's too long and won't grab their attention.
Welsh terrier dogs were originally bred as hunting dogs. However, this native breed of Wales soon rose to become show dogs. Breeders attempted to outdo each other by developing the Welsh terrier dogs' wiry coats and coloration. People often take a Welsh terrier dog as a pet because it is one of the most mild-mannered of terriers.
You might think that this characteristic would make it one of the more boring terriers. In fact, even the most die-hard terrier fan can have fun with this breed. This is because of the fact that Welsh terrier dogs love to play. This makes the Welsh terrier dog a great companion.
Although not as high-energy as other breeds, this dog still is a terrier, which means that it still does contain some high levels of energy. Because of this, it is advised that they are given proper exercise regularly. Another good advice to follow is to properly socialize the dog at an early age. This would help the dog be friendlier towards humans and would help the dog to develop a good tolerance for other animals. It is generally friendly around children, provided that the children do not provoke or pester it too much.
The Welsh terrier dog can be trained using different methods. What you need to keep in mind when training a Welsh terrier dog is that you can be firm but gentle. The Welsh terrier dog can be taught to perform a variety of tricks. This breed actually can do very well in flyball tricks or tricks that involve catching flying things such as a Frisbee.
You should brush a Welsh terrier dog’s hair at least once a week in order to remove dead or loose hair. This would help prevent unnecessary shedding inside the house. Although regular bathing is not really required, it is advisable that you wipe off dust and dirt from your dog regularly using a damp washcloth.
Because of its high energy level, it is advisable that a Welsh terrier dog is kept in a fenced in yard. This will give the dog enough space to play catch. However, if you take it out regularly to give it exercise, a Welsh terrier dog can do without the yard.
One thing that always gets people’s attention is the Welsh terrier dog’s excellent ability to jump. Because of this ability, it is sure to provide a lot of amusement to people. The main reason that it can jump and hop like it does is its long legs. It is because of these legs that a Welsh terrier dog can perform various tricks that other dog breeds are unable to do.
Why do you need to know all these things about Welsh terrier dogs? First of all, understanding these facts will help you discover the best way to take care of a Welsh terrier dog. Understanding these facts will also allow you to decide whether a Welsh terrier dog will make the best pet for you.
By learning all you can about Welsh terrier dogs, you get the knowledge necessary to provide the needs of your pet. This means that you will be able to develop a good, caring relationship with your pet.
Of course, learning all that you can about Welsh terrier dogs is not really easy. But you need to remember that life sometimes requires sacrifices to be made.
Taking care of a kitten would never be a one-sided thing. You have a lot of aspects to consider since it is not a non-living object in the first place. You ought to be able to provide for its needs and that is how you would be able to say to yourself that you have done quite a fair job in here.
For starters, you would have to know the things that they are allowed to eat. Do not rely on the World Wide Web alone with this information about ragdoll kittens North Carolina. It would be best if you can talk to an owner of a pet store since this person is the most knowledgeable one in this side.
Groom your pet based on what people have taught you. Be reminded that you will really have to conduct the right thing in here. If not, then the usual stinky smell will stay with your feline and that can certainly catch the attention of other people. So, exert more effort in here even if it will take you an hour to completely clean this creature.
You must take your time providing them with good oral health. Be reminded that their mouths must be clear of any food particles that can cause them to choke when not attended to. When that unfortunate event occurs, then you only have yourself to blame since you have failed in doing your job as of the moment.
Look for the cat litter which has all of the features you need. Never forget, you cannot just let this animal litter anywhere. You have a home and reputation to protect and your visitors should have no complaints of the smell whenever they come to your home. That is how they will learn to accept that you are a cat lover.
Play with them when they are in the mood. Remember that this relationship has to work in both ways. So, you really have to be more affectionate than ever. Show to your cats that they have a purpose in your life since that is how they would be encouraged to live for a very long time.
Allow them to go outside from time to time. As you can see, balance really has to be present in here. If you would keep them in your house all the time, then they would have a hard time adjusting to the presence of other. When that happens, then that would be another problem on your list.
Buy some equipment that would be useful for their day to day living. That includes a board where they can scratch their heart away. With this kind of set up, they are not going to be irritated frequently unlike before.
Overall, settle to be a perfect pet owner in North Carolina. Yes, it is going to be hard but then, you have to be strong and wise enough to conquer this challenge. If not, then nothing will occur to you and you shall remain lonely for the rest of your life.
A "Vairette" Maltese at the Championship Dog Show, in Birmingham. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Many people are pet owners. In fact, a lot of pet owners have dogs. These animals are considered close companions to humans. There are numerous breeds that are available in the modern day, including those listed in the toy group. Maltese dogs are a small breed that is considered a toy breed.
Origin and name for the breed are said to come from the Mediterranean nation known as Malta. Still, the name might refer to a defunct town in Sicily known as Melita or an island called Mijet. People who want this type of dog should learn as much as they can about this animal. This is important for ensuring that the animals are properly cared for and maintain their happiness and health.
This is considered an ancient breed that has existed for hundreds of years. Originally known as Canis Mellitaeus, this breed has been called by many names over the years. The origin for the name known today is unknown, although it is thought to have come about in the 1960s. It was officially settled on calling this animal Maltese during the 19th century by the Kennel Club.
This breed is known for having rounded skulls with a finger dome. They have black, button noses and brown eyes. Their drops ears might have long hair and there is a dark skin coloring called the halo that gives this breed an expressive appearance. When these dogs are not in sunlight frequently enough, their noses may turn pink or light brown. This is known as winter nose and typically goes back to black when sun exposure has been increased.
They are expected to have silky and long coats without any undercoats. While some of these animals may have curly coats, this is recognized as a fault and is not common. It is expected that the animals will have a white coat with some ivory color on the ears. In some instances, pure white coats with some yellowing or lemon marks is ok.
This breed does not shed, which is why it considered a good option for people with allergies. Some might prefer coat short. The common cut for these animals is referred to as puppy cut, which includes shaving or trimming the whole body to one short length. Adults range in size from three to 10 pounds and most are seven to 12 inches tall.
These are bred to be companions. They are extremely playful, lively and cuddly. Even as they grow older, their demeanor is expected to remain the same. Some of these dogs could be snappish with small kids and should be watched when playing. Although socializing them while they are puppies can help with reducing this problem. Sometimes these dogs suffer from separation anxiety and need to be close with their owners or other humans.
In general, these are recognized as hypoallergenic. They should be cleaned on a regular basis to ensure that they do not have stained coats. People should research to find out what is involved with owning these animals, including their care.
Just like giving the best education for your children, taking your pet dogs to obedience training is also needed as they start to reach adulthood. Perhaps you are thinking to enroll them in an obedience class so they will become obedient in your home and even if you are taking them for a walk.
However, indulging them to a school right away is not a good option and you might end up paying so much but fail to receive the best service from them. Thus, it is always important to research, choose a qualified instructor and good school for your pet.
But keep in mind that not all animals are prepared enough to benefit from either a group class and some will benefit from a private training class. Thus, looking for a good trainer and understanding the type of service your dog needs is an important thing to know to gain success. Choosing the best dog obedience classes San Antonio can be a frustrating process. But with proper research, everything will go smoothly.
Dog training is also an unregulated industry. For this reason, a lot of people can easily print their business cards and even market themselves as a professional trainer, psychologist or a behaviorist even they don't obtain proper education and experience. Therefore, it is important to the take time to find a good and qualified trainer.
If you have a pet at home, look for a school which concentrates in socialization and behavior problem preventions. In this stage, the lesson will teach them to interact, socialize and prevent potential behavioral problems. Find a class that teaches them to build good exercises and skills.
Basically, not all dogs are suitable for group sessions. There are some who easily learn from a private lesson and some can handle group sessions. Dogs with aggressive and destructive behaviors should be handled by an instructor in a private class. Canines with behavioral and even physical illnesses are also some reasons to find a private session.
When you evaluate a professional to work with various behavioral problems, you must be selective all the time. Be sure to interview the trainer and ask for some references for a specific behavioral problem. If your canine has separation anxiety or aggression, then ask for possible references from clients who have trained their dogs on same issues.
Being a first-time dog owner is not easy at all. You need to be specific to the needs of your furry friend. There are some that find it very hard to learn the basic commands such as sit and come. A reliable class in San Antonio will also teach you to command effectively and for the dog to follow you.
This is an information that you should check right away because the trainer does not have those factors, you still have time to find other options. Once you got a reliable recommendation, make sure that they can handle dogs of all ages and everything from the basics to the advanced teaching.
If you have a puppy that is still too young for these classes, obedience class would not be a good option, but it does not mean that you will keep on waiting for training. This is because there are private trainers who are more willing to teach your puppies.
Buying a cat is a big decision. Do you have time to look after her? Is your home or apartment suitable for a pussycat? Are there any health issues you need to think about, and are your family members ready for a new addition to the family? Find out from someone who has plenty of experience.
Are you thinking that you would like to purchase a cat? If so, you may want to take a few minutes to find out if you are in fact good cat owner material. Finding out that the beautiful pussycat isn’t for you is something that you don’t want to have to do once you bring him home.
Health First
One of the many reasons that people have to find new homes for their pets is because of allergies. If you haven’t been around cats much, make sure that you take the time to spend a few hours around one. Also, ensure that none of your close family members or friends have the same problem.
Is your lifestyle right for a pet? Cats are less in need of constant attention unlike the dog but they still need to be kept from being lonely and bored. If you work long hours, consider getting two cats so that they can keep each other happy. If you have a bored cat, you will have a bad cat.
Does your cat fit within your home? If you have kids in your home, the litter box will need to be placed in a place the kids can’t get to it but the cats can access it easily. You’ll also need a litter box, food dishes, toys and a scratching post.
What type of cat do you want? Sure a kitten is nice and fluffy and you can instantly fall in love with it. But, kittens need to be trained too. And, a great reason to go with a kitten is the fact that he doesn’t have any bad habits just yet. But, you will likely need to have them altered and de-clawed as well. You’ll need to pay for immunizations too. On the other hand, an older can is a good choice for those who want a cat with less energy and one that is already trained to the litter box. Older cats have had most of their immunizations (will still require boosters though) and they will likely have been altered already.
Where To Buy Him
If you are not worried about the breed of the cat, then the best place to look in the local humane society or the animal rescue in your area. Most cats in these organizations are healthy and sweet kittens and cats. And, since the organizations are overrun with them, you can help to give one a home. If you are looking for something specific, a cat show is a great place to go. Many of those there will bring kittens along for sale. If you can’t find them there, the exhibitors will be able to tell you where you can find them.
Great! You have your cat, now what? Don’t be surprised if it takes some time for the cat to settle into its new home. And, make sure that you do what you can to help it by providing it with all the things it needs. Put all of his items in the same place every day.
If you follow these simple tips you will find it will help your new cat to make himself at home in your home.
Training puppies too early can be difficult. But, if you do not train him early, he will very quickly have the run of the house.
Training puppies are necessary because it saves you trouble later. Most dog owners skip this because we all know that dog training takes some effort. If you could teach a puppy in a month, you would be happy. But training a dog well is a longer task. Just because your dog looks cute as a puppy do not let this deter you from training him early.
In training puppies, there are some do’s and don’ts.
Do
Provide the puppy with consistent access to the toilet area. If you are training your puppy at home take him to his toilet area every 45 minutes or so. If you are not at home make sure you help your puppy make a few ‘mistakes’ as possible, by giving him a puppy friendly environment.
Every time your puppy does something ‘good’, give him a reward. If he eliminates his waste in the toilet area, praise him and give him a treat. He will then recognize that his actions were right and aim for more because of the reward he will get. Make sure your rewards immediately follow the good action.
Feed your puppy just like you feed yourself. If you eat regularly, set aside food for him. It is important to train your puppy the right time to eat. This will prevent him from begging for food from your plates.
Be patient in training your puppies. Relapses will take place, but patience and perseverance are key. Remember your dog wants nothing more than to please you. After he is fully trained and it will be worth the while.
Don’t
Shout at your puppy when he makes mistakes. Especially when dogs are young as this can cause frights that can stay with the dog as it gets older.
When house training your dog, don’t leave water and food out all the time. If he drinks a lot, he will urinate more frequently. You will have to allow for more mistakes to be made.
Always watch the actions of your puppy and reinforce the good behavior many times throughout the day. It is not proper to let him run around as if he owns the house. If he does so, he will carry that attitude until he grows up.
Remembering some of these simple tips can make your puppy a better-trained dog and a more enjoyable pet.
Originally bred in the 19th century by Parson Jack Russell, an avid hunter, selected traits that would assist him in hunting. Working dogs, Jack Russell Terriers were bred to be fearless and feisty to flush out prey from the forest, particular foxes. As a working dog, Jack Russell Terriers tend to have an athletic build and boundless energy. Jack Russell Terriers are very intelligent, but also willful and stubborn, which can make them extremely difficult to train without consistency.
As a hunting and working dog, Jack Russell Terriers do have the hunting instinct in them and have been knowing to consider smaller household pets prey. However, this does not mean that they cannot be good family pets. Jack Russell Terriers are usually very good with children and gentle with them if they understand how to approach dogs. Jack Russell Terriers live 15 years or more. They grow to an average of 10 to 12 inches in height and 14 to 18 pounds in weight. Jack Russell Terriers have several different types of coats of the shorthaired variety (some are smooth, some are not) but all are easy to maintain with regular brushing.
Jack Russell Terriers are suited for all kinds of living but do need to be exercised regularly, at least once a day, due to their seemingly boundless energy. Without regular opportunities to exercise and play, they will become bored and begin to bark at everything and become destructive. If a Jack Russell Terrier must be left alone for an extended period of time without the opportunity to exercise, it is recommended that they are crated until it is possible to let them exercise.
Jack Russell Terriers are fearless and will run off without thinking. A fenced in area is a must for a Jack Russell Terrier, but the fence needs to be deep enough as they are diggers, and tall enough to not jump over. An average sized Jack Russell Terrier can jump five feet quite easily. There are some health concerns with the breed. Some Jack Russell Terriers are prone to dislocation of the kneecaps, inherited eye diseases, deafness, Legg Perthes - a disease of the hip joints, and cataracts. Currently, there is some dispute about the breed and breed standards. The AKC does not officially recognize the Jack Russell Terrier, considered a working dog. It only officially recognizes the Parson Russell Terrier.
In recent years, the vaccination of cats has become more popular. The three most common vaccines give protection against feline infectious enteritis (FIE), feline influenza (cat flu) and feline leukemia (FeLV). An initial course of two injections, the first at nine weeks are usually given, and yearly boosters are recommended thereafter.
FIE causes vomiting and diarrhea, and the cat develops a very high temperature. Before the vaccine was introduced, it killed a great many cats by dehydration due to the bowel symptoms. Cat flu is caused by two viruses: the feline rhinotracheitis (FCV). FVR is the more severe of the two, causing coughing, sneezing, and nasal and eye discharges.
FVC has milder discharges but more gum inflammation and mouth ulcers. Neither FCV nor FVR is usually deadly but the infection can linger on in the form of snuffles, and some cats become symptomless carriers of the disease. When stressed, these cats develop mild symptoms and spread the virus.
FeLV suppresses the activity of the cat's immune system, allowing a wide range of symptoms to develop. It often results in the death of the cat after several months of illness. The virus is spread mainly in the cat's saliva. It is a disease of cats that fight a lot, and of cats in large colonies, who share the same food and water bowls. It should not be a threat in a well-run boarding cattery, where the feeding and grooming utensils are properly cleaned, and the cats do not mix with each other.
A vaccine exists against the chlamydial organism, which can cause not only mild eye and nasal symptoms, but more importantly, infertility and abortion. This vaccine is used mainly in breeding colonies to protect against infertility.
There is a difference of opinion among canine experts as to whether bones should be given to a dog raw, cooked, hard, or soft, and even whether they should be given at all. On one point, however, there is total agreement, never give a dog splintering bones from chicken, pork, fowl, and rabbit, (although chicken bones that have been cooked in a pressure cooker until they are very soft can be quite nourishing and safe).
A marrow bone is the traditional symbol of a treat for a dog, and he obviously appreciates it. It may be too big and hard for small dogs. In fact, large breeds generally handle bones much better than small ones. Bones that are mostly cartilage, such as spinal and shoulder bones of veal, knuckle bones, and soft rib bones, are good chewing material that can be entirely consumed.
The real danger is intestinal compaction, especially in small dogs, if the masticated bone has not been mixed with another residue in the dog's stomach. A small amount should cause no trouble if it is given right after a meal. Chop and steak bones are more dangerous. Careful eaters simply clean off the meat and fat, but greedy gobblers run the risk of internal injury from jagged bone splinters. The same is true of a leg of lamb bone.
What is the best policy to follow with a dog of your own? A teething puppy between four and six months of age should always have a bone, real or imitation, to chew on. You might give an adult dog a suitable bone as an occasional treat - for example, once a week. It will give him enormous pleasure, will help to keep his teeth clean and free from tartar, and will occupy him for several hours. But a nylon bone offers the same advantages without the risk!
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
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.
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.
